bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Students Perceptions in Online Class Learning During the Covid-19 Pandemic
Authors: Surani Dewi , Hamidah Hamidah
Published: November 2020

The article was to determine student perceptions in online learning. This research was conducted by survey method by giving questionnaires to 239 active students of Bina Bangsa University. Quantitative data were analyzed by descriptive statistics and qualitative data from open-ended questions to gain insight into student perceptions. The analysis shows that 80% of students are willing to take part in online learning, 62% of students claim online learning provides benefits, and 32% of students have difficulty understanding the material. In conclusion, the perception of students in online learning is relatively good with several obstacles that require improvement. So it is recommended that online learning should be planned, implemented, and evaluated in order to minimize problems and maximize the achievement of learning objectives An abstract should explain a brief, comprehensive summary of article contents; it allows readers to survey.

Keywords:  Student Perception, Online Learning, Covid-19 Pandemic
Sifax v. Migfo and Limitation Laws in Nigeria: Triumph of Pragmatism over Formalism?
Authors: Olatoye Kareem , Yekini Abubakri
Published: November 2020

The recent pronouncement of the Supreme Court of Nigeria in Sifax & Ors v. Migfo & Anor reveals the desirability of a pragmatic as against a formalistic approach to Nigerian limitation laws. This article critically examines Sifax and seizes the opportunity to flag up the inadequacies in the extant limitation laws in Nigeria. The article argues that a total overhaul of the limitation laws is long overdue as they are not only old-fashioned and ambiguous but also produce undesirable results. It predicts that it is very unlikely that any legislative intervention may be witnessed in the nearest future. Therefore the article suggests that the courts must continue to fill the gaps by a pragmatic interpretation of the laws within the bounds of the general policy objectives of the limitation laws. It advocates comparative judicialism as a useful methodology to achieve this task.
Diligentia quam in suis as a Technique for a Contextual Application of the Full Protection and Security Standard: Considering the Level of Development of Host States in International Investment Law
Authors: Monebhurrun Nitish
Published: November 2020

With international investment law as the background to this study, the present article examines how the full protection and security standard can be construed from the perspective of developing states hosting foreign investments. The research delves into classical public international law to argue that the diligentia quam in suis rule can be used as a means of interpretation to strike a balance between foreign investors’ and developing states’ interests when construing the full protection and security standard. The rule provides that any expected due diligence from the state party is necessarily of a subjective nature. This means that developing host states must deploy their best efforts to offer maximum protection to foreign investors not on an in abstracto basis but as per their local means and capacity. Accordingly, the standard is presented as an adaptable and flexible one which moulds its contours as per the level of development of the host state. Such flexibility does not imply condoning states’ abuse and negligence. The article explains how the diligentia quam in suis rule enables a conciliation between the full protection and security standard and the host state's level of development while rationalising the standard's application to developing nations.
Keeping the Covenant in Cromwellian Scotland
Authors: Brock Michelle D.
Published: November 2020

In 1652 Ayr became a garrison town for the Cromwellian army. The English occupation brought challenges for Ayr's kirk session, ranging from the misbehaviour of local residents to the presence of religiously heterodox soldiers. This article surveys social and spiritual responses to the Cromwellian invasion, asking what these responses reveal about the on-going meanings of and commitments to the covenants. It is argued that the occupation brought to the fore both the fragility and flexibility of the community's covenanter identity, which endured long after the covenanting revolution had ostensibly failed.
paradox of utilitarian recognition of prior learning
Authors: Guimarães Paula , Mikulec Borut
Published: November 2020

In this article, we examine the vertical influence of the European Union (EU) policy on recognition of prior learning (RPL) in one Southern European country (Portugal) and in a Central European one (Slovenia). We stress the influence of the EU policy on adult education (AE) policies and the development of RPL granting professional qualification. Although not widely acknowledged in adult education theoretical discussions, we use the RPL models introduced by Judy Harris to debate the main aims of core official RPL national policy documents from 2000 to 2018 using documentary analysis. Comparative analysis of the two countries is made, and similarities and differences between the RPL provisions are debated. Our findings indicate the relevance of the utilitarian approach to RPL within national policies. Furthermore, these findings allow us to question why employers give little attention to adult learners’ qualification acquired through RPL.
RETRACTED: Oxidized LDL Causes Endothelial Apoptosis by Inhibiting Mitochondrial Fusion and Mitochondria Autophagy
Authors: Zheng Jia , Lu Chengzhi
Published: November 2020

Oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL)-induced endothelial dysfunction is an initial step toward atherosclerosis development. Mitochondria damage correlates with ox-LDL-induced endothelial injury through an undefined mechanism. We explored the role of optic atrophy 1 (Opa1)-related mitochondrial fusion and mitophagy in ox-LDL-treated endothelial cells, focusing on mitochondrial damage and cell apoptosis. Oxidized low-density lipoprotein treatment reduced endothelial cell viability by increasing apoptosis. Endothelial cell proliferation and migration were also impaired by ox-LDL. At the molecular level, mitochondrial dysfunction was induced by ox-LDL, as demonstrated by decreased mitochondrial membrane potential, increased mitochondrial reactive oxygen species production, augmented mitochondrial permeability transition pore openings, and elevated caspase-3/9 activity. Mitophagy and mitochondrial fusion were also impaired by ox-LDL. Opa1 overexpression reversed this effect by increasing endothelial cell viability and decreasing apoptosis. Interestingly, inhibition of mitophagy or mitochondrial fusion through transfection of siRNAs against Atg5 or Mfn2, respectively, abolished the protective effects of Opa1. Our results illustrate the role of Opa1-related mitochondrial fusion and mitophagy in sustaining endothelial cell viability and mitochondrial homeostasis under ox-LDL stress.
Siplizumab, an Anti-CD2 Monoclonal Antibody, Induces a Unique Set of Immune Modulatory Effects Compared to Alemtuzumab and Rabbit Anti-Thymocyte Globulin In Vitro
Authors: Binder Christian , Sellberg Felix , Cvetkovski Filip , Berglund Erik , Berglund David
Published: November 2020

Antibodies are commonly used in organ transplant induction therapy and to treat autoimmune disorders. The effects of some biologics on the human immune system remain incompletely characterized and a deeper understanding of their mechanisms of action may provide useful insights for their clinical application. The goal of this study was to contrast the mechanistic properties of siplizumab with Alemtuzumab and rabbit Anti-Thymocyte Globulin (rATG). Mechanistic assay systems investigating antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity, antibody-dependent cell phagocytosis and complement-dependent cytotoxicity were used to characterize siplizumab. Further, functional effects of siplizumab, Alemtuzumab, and rATG were investigated in allogeneic mixed lymphocyte reaction. Changes in T cell activation, T cell proliferation and frequency of naïve T cells, memory T cells and regulatory T cells induced by siplizumab, Alemtuzumab and rATG in allogeneic mixed lymphocyte reaction were assessed via flow cytometry. Siplizumab depleted T cells, decreased T cell activation, inhibited T cell proliferation and enriched naïve and bona fide regulatory T cells. Neither Alemtuzumab nor rATG induced the same combination of functional effects. The results presented in this study should be used for further in vitro and in vivo investigations that guide the clinical use of immune modulatory biologics.
Telmisartan Prevents Alveolar Bone Loss by Decreasing the Expression of Osteoclasts Markers in Hypertensive Rats With Periodontal Disease
Authors: Brito Victor Gustavo Balera , Patrocinio Mariana Sousa , Linjardi Maria Carolina , Barreto Ayná Emanuelli Alves , Frasnelli Sabrina CT , Lara Vanessa , Santos Carlos Ferreira , Oliveira Sandra Helena Penha
Published: November 2020

Periodontal disease (PD) is a prevalent inflammatory disease with the most severe consequence being the loss of the alveolar bone and teeth. We therefore aimed to evaluate the effects of telmisartan (TELM), an angiotensin II type 1 receptor (Agtr1) antagonist, on the PD-induced alveolar bone loss, in Wistar (W) and Spontaneous Hypertensive Rats (SHRs). PD was induced by ligating the lower first molars with silk, and 10 mg/kg TELM was concomitantly administered for 15 days. The hemimandibles were subjected to microtomography, ELISA was used for detecting tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-6), CXCL3, and CCL2, while qRT-PCR was used for analyzing expression of components of renin-angiotensin system (RAS) (Agt, Ace, Agt1r, Agt2r, Ace2, and Masr), and bone markers (Runx2, Osx, Catnb, Alp, Col1a1, Opn, Ocn, Bsp, Bmp2, Trap, Rank, Rankl, CtsK, Mmp-2, Mmp-9, and osteoclast-associated receptor (Oscar)). The SHR + PD group showed greater alveolar bone loss than the W + PD group, what was significantly inhibited by treatment with TELM, especially in the SHR group. Additionally, TELM reduced the production of TNF-α, IL-1β, and CXCL3 in the SHR group. The expression of Agt increased in the groups with PD, while Agtr2 reduced, and TELM reduced the expression of Agtr1 and increased the expression of Agtr2, in W and SHRs. PD did not induce major changes in the expression of bone formation markers, except for the expression of Alp, which decreased in the PD groups. The bone resorption markers expression, Mmp9, Ctsk, and Vtn, was higher in the SHR + PD group, compared to the respective control and W + PD group. However, TELM attenuated these changes and increased the expression of Runx2 and Alp. Our study suggested that TELM has a protective effect on the progression of PD, especially in hypertensive animals, as evaluated by the resorption of the lower alveolar bone. This can be partly explained by the modulation in the expression of Angiotensin II receptors (AT1R and AT2R), reduced production of inflammatory mediators, the reduced expression of resorption markers, and the increased expression of the bone formation markers.
Review of Studies Reporting the Incidence of Acute Type B Aortic Dissection
Authors: Brooks Marcus
Published: November 2020

Aortic dissection (AD) causes more deaths each year in the United Kingdom than road traffic collisions. Yet the incidence of AD is not known. The management of acute type B AD (TBAD) is changing, with the greater use of thoracic aortic stent grafts (TEVAR) in treatment and fewer open surgical procedures performed. The study’s aim is to review the worldwide, English language published, literature on acute TBAD incidence and treatment, to report on its strengths and limitations, and better understand changes in incidence over time and between countries. Thirty-one studies were identified that focus on the epidemiology and treatment of TBAD. Eight of these studies report the incidence of acute TBAD as between of 0.5–6.3 per 100,000 person years. Hospital admissions for aortic dissection are reported to be increasing in six studies and stable in one study. The proportion of patients with TBAD operated on varies between studies (range 13% to 76%). Studies identify patient age (median 51–77 years), gender (range 48%–81% male) and prevalence of cardio-vascular risk factors, specifically hypertension, in the populations studied as independent factors influencing aortic dissection incidence. Treatment of acute TBAD remains largely conservative with analgesia, hypertension control and serial cross-sectional imaging (range 24%–87% TBAD medically treated). The use of TEVAR to treat acute AD is increasing worldwide (range 13%–76% TBAD treated with TEVAR). The incidence of TBAD is under-reported due to out of hospital deaths, variable clinical presentation (miss-diagnosis) and coding errors. Importantly for research, the single International Classification of Diseases (ICD) code for aortic dissection, I17.0, does not distinguish between acute, chronic, type A or type B dissection types. Similarly, the OPCS Classification of Interventions and Procedures version 4 (OPCS-4) codes for TEVAR, L27.4 and L28.4, do not distinguish between acute and chronic AD presentation, unlike the codes for open thoracic aortic replacement. Standardised reporting of aortic dissection type, and the urgency of both the initial presentation (acute or chronic) and treatment (emergency, urgent or planned) in future studies would allow more meaningful comparisons between populations.
GPRS Sensor Node Battery Life Span Prediction Based on Received Signal Quality: Experimental Study
Authors: Habiyaremye Joseph , Zennaro Marco , Mikeka Chomora , Masabo Emmanuel , Kumaran Santhi , Jayavel Kayalvizhi
Published: November 2020

Nowadays with the evolution of Internet of Things (IoT), building a network of sensors for measuring data from remote locations requires a good plan considering a lot of parameters including power consumption. A Lot of communication technologies such as WIFI, Bluetooth, Zigbee, Lora, Sigfox, and GSM/GPRS are being used based on the application and this application will have some requirements such as communication range, power consumption, and detail about data to be transmitted. In some places, especially the hilly area like Rwanda and where GSM connectivity is already covered, GSM/GPRS may be the best choice for IoT applications. Energy consumption is a big challenge in sensor nodes which are specially supplied by batteries as the lifetime of the node and network depends on the state of charge of the battery. In this paper, we are focusing on static sensor nodes communicating using the GPRS protocol. We acquired current consumption for the sensor node in different locations with their corresponding received signal quality and we tried to experimentally find a mathematical data-driven model for estimating the GSM/GPRS sensor node battery lifetime using the received signal strength indicator (RSSI). This research outcome will help to predict GPRS sensor node life, replacement intervals, and dynamic handover which will in turn provide uninterrupted data service. This model can be deployed in various remote WSN and IoT based applications like forests, volcano, etc. Our research has shown convincing results like when there is a reduction of −30 dBm in RSSI, the current consumption of the radio unit of the node will double.
Larch Bark as a Formaldehyde Scavenger in Thermal Insulation Panels
Authors: Barbu Marius Cătălin , Lohninger Yasmin , Hofmann Simon , Kain Günther , Petutschnigg Alexander , Tudor Eugenia Mariana
Published: November 2020

The aim of this study is to investigate the formaldehyde content and emissions of bark-based insulation panels bonded with three types of adhesives: urea formaldehyde, melamine urea-formaldehyde, and tannin-based adhesives. These panels were produced at two levels of density—300 and 500 kg/m3—and a thickness of 20 mm, and the influence of the adhesive amount and type on the formaldehyde emissions and content was measured. Other mechanical and physical properties such as modulus of rupture, modulus of elasticity, internal bond, and dimensional stability were also scrutinized. With one exception, all the panels belonged to the super E0 classification for free formaldehyde content (perforator value ≤1.5 mg/100 g oven dry mass of panels). The measurements using the desiccator method for formaldehyde emissions assigned all the testing specimens in the F **** category for low-emission panels according to the Japanese International Standards.
Processing Optimization for Metal Injection Molding of Orthodontic Braces Considering Powder Concentration Distribution of Feedstock
Authors: Lin Chao-Ming , Wu Jhih-Jyun , Tan Chung-Ming
Published: November 2020

Metal injection molding (MIM) utilizes a compound consisting of metal powder particles and a binding agent as the feedstock material. The present study combines MIM mold flow simulations with the Taguchi method to clarify the individual and combined effects of the main MIM process parameters on the metal powder concentration distribution in the final sintered product. The results show that the molding process should be performed using a short filling time, a high melt temperature, a low packing pressure, a low mold temperature, and a small gate size. Given these process settings, the powder concentration uniformity and phase separation effect are significantly improved; giving rise to a better aesthetic appearance of the final sintered product and an enhanced mechanical strength.
Behaviour of Capillary Barrier Covers Subjected to Rainfall with Different Patterns
Authors: Li Ning , Jiang Haohong , Li Xinzhen
Published: November 2020

The behaviour of capillary barrier covers (CBCs) subjected to rainfall has been extensively studied by many researchers. However, the patterns of rainfall are seldom considered in previous studies, and therefore, the behaviour of CBCs subjected to rainfall with different patterns is still unknown. To this end, this study aims to investigate the effect of rainfall patterns on the behaviour and performance of CBCs, and identify the rainfall pattern, under which the performance of the CBC is the worst. Using a newly developed soil column test apparatus, a series of laboratory soil column experiments were conducted. The results indicated that when rainfall duration is short, the patterns of rainfall only affect the volume water content (VWC) and pore water pressure (PWP) significantly at the upper part of the column; when rainfall duration is long, the patterns of rainfall can significantly affect the VWC and PWP throughout the whole column. The percolation and breakthrough time of the CBC were also influenced by rainfall patterns; the advanced rainfall pattern produced the largest percolation, and resulted in the shortest time for CBCs to break through, whereas the delayed rainfall pattern generated the least percolation and resulted in the longest time for CBCs to break through. Based on the percolation and breakthrough time, it seems that the advanced pattern is the worst-case scenario for the CBCs subjected to rainfall. The obtained results not only imply the necessity of rainfall patterns to be involved in the study of the CBCs subjected to rainfall but they also can be helpful for the practical design of the CBCs.
A GIS Multi-Criteria Analysis Tool for a Low-Cost, Preliminary Evaluation of Wetland Effectiveness for Nutrient Buffering at Watershed Scale: The Case Study of Grand River, Ontario, Canada
Authors: Alamanos Angelos , Papaioannou George
Published: November 2020

One significant concern of Ontario’s water quality management is the reduction in nutrient export. Decision makers have considered nature-based solutions, such as wetlands, depending on their cost-effectiveness for nutrient filtering. All wetland ecosystems interact with the surrounding environment; however, their performances are not always known, which prevents a fair comparison with other treatment alternatives. This study presents a methodological approach for mapping areas that can potentially support effective (or ineffective) wetlands for nutrient buffering. The Grand River watershed, Ontario was selected to demonstrate the methodology. Geographic Information Systems (GIS) are combined with multi-criteria analysis (MCA) to evaluate wetland effectiveness under geomorphological, climatological, hydrological, and land use factors. The selected factor maps (criteria) are normalized, and then used as inputs in an analytical hierarchy process (AHP) and weighted by experts based on how these factors affect wetlands’ performance. The promising areas’ spatial distributions are the output, which is compared with previous studies’ mappings of nutrient concentrations in the watershed. The proposed tool provides a low-cost preliminary estimation that informs policymakers if wetland solutions could achieve the desired environmental goals. This methodological approach supports Canadian wetland conservation efforts and enables a more complete decision-making process.
An Ensemble Flow Forecast Method Based on Autoregressive Model and Hydrological Uncertainty Processer
Authors: Yang Xin , Zhou Jianzhong , Fang Wei , Wang Yurong
Published: November 2020

In the process of hydrological forecasting, there are uncertainties in data input, model parameters, and model structure, which cause a deterministic forecasting to fail to provide useful risk information to decision-makers. Therefore, the study of ensemble forecasting and the analysis of hydrological uncertainty are of great significance to guide the actual operation of reservoirs in the flood season. This study proposed a Bayesian ensemble forecast method, comprising of a Gaussian mixture model (GMM), a hydrological uncertainty processer (HUP), and an Autoregressive (AR) model. First, the GMM is selected as the marginal distribution function to estimate the uncertainty of observed and modelled data. Next, the AR model is used to correct the forecast rainfall data. Then, a modified HUP is used to deal with the uncertainty of hydrological model structure and rainfall input data. In the end, the ensemble flow forecast results are composed of the expected values of the posterior distribution obtained by HUP under different rainfall conditions. Taking the Three Gorges Reservoir (TGR) as a case study, the ensemble flow prediction in the forecast period is calculated by using the above method. Results show that the method proposed in this paper can improve the accuracy of runoff forecasts and reduce the uncertainty of the hydrological forecast.
Evaluation of Lime-Treated Lateritic Soil for Reservoir Shoreline Stabilization
Authors: Vilhena Ricardo Moreira , Mascarenha Márcia Maria dos Anjos , Angelim Renato Resende , Simões Tomás da Rosa , Oliveira Renato Batista de , Luz Marta Pereira da
Published: November 2020

Sedimentation is one of the major problems addressed by reservoir management, and requires extensive effort to control it. This paper aims to evaluate the efficiency of the soil–lime stabilization technique for reservoir shores. The treatment consisted of spraying hydrated lime in slurry form over the surface of a lateritic clay sample with 1, 2, and 4% lime solution and curing times of 1, 7, 28, and 56 days with air-drying and moist-room storage. In addition, a single test with less than 1% lime solution by weight percentage was carried out. The post-cured specimens were mapped with SEM and X-ray analyses. A wave flume test was performed in samples subjected to diverse conditions of lime content, type, and curing time. The results showed that the present technique produces a Ca-rich crust by carbonation rather than stabilizing it and that the lime content and type of curing generate improvements in soil loss reduction, but the curing time does not. The technique gave relative protection against water level variation and wave impacts, but it is necessary to consider a frequent application of lime on the lateritic soil.
Clinical usefulness of ventilator associated events in predicting ventilator associated pneumonia
Authors: Havaldar Amarja Ashok , Rajgopalan Natarajan , Gupta Vipin , PH Manjunath
Published: November 2020

Background-Ventilator associated pneumonia (VAP) is the most common nosocomial infection in intensive care unit (ICU) patients. Traditionally clinical pulmonary infection score (CPIS) has been used in the diagnosis of VAP. There is no firm agreement among critical care and infectious disease specialists regarding the diagnosis of VAP. The aim of this study was to study the association between these new conditions and VAP and whether if any of these precedes the diagnosis of VAP by CPIS.

Materials and Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted from January 2014 to 31st March 2014 (IEC ref 2014/226A). Inclusion criteria of our study were patients requiring invasive mechanical ventilation for > 2 calendar days. Ventilator associated conditon(VAC) and infection related ventilator associated condition (IVAC) were diagnosed based on CDC criteria.

Results -Consecutive hundred patients were screened for the study. Thirteen patients were excluded. Out of eighty-seven patients, fifteen developed VAC, out of whom thirteen developed IVAC and seven patients developed VAP as per CPIS. Diagnosis of VAC preceded diagnosis of VAP in three patients. No temporal relationship was noted in four patients

Conclusions- This study has shown significant association between VAC, IVAC and CPIS criteria for VAP. From our study, there is a suggestion of VAC preceding the diagnosis of VAP by CPIS criteria. However, this needs further validation from the future studies with a larger number of patients.
Role of hospital supportive services in COVID-19
Authors: Sodhi Jitender , Satpathy Sidhartha , Arora Pankaj
Published: November 2020

Hospital Supportive Services complement the clinical services in any setting. They have a crucial role in mitigation of infection and delivery of safe care to the patients. The spectrum of hospital supportive services encompasses linen & laundry, dietary, Central Sterile Supply Department (CSSD), transport hospital stores, mortuary and engineering services. Each of these services has a significant role to help abort the ‘chain of transmission’ of COVID-19 infection across various patient care areas in the hospital, while providing them supportive services. The overall patient satisfaction greatly depends on the quality of hospital supportive services rendered to him during his stay. These Services usually work at the back end but their contribution in the overall care of a patient is no where less than that of the clinical services.
CHORAL GENRE AND STYLE IN THE CONTEXT OF THE MODERN ART STUDIES
Authors: Dzivaltivskyi Maksym
Published: November 2020

Object. The purpose of this article is to systematize art schools in relation to the definitions of choral genre and choral style. Methods. Traditional research methods: comparative analysis of scientific and musicological literature, analytical, historical, retrospective have been used. Results. Choral performance, as a part of the professional musical art, has evolved with the general principles of the development of the professional art in general. For many centuries certain norms have been developed in the choral performance practice. They corresponded to aesthetic ideas about the vocal sound quality. Approaches to the performance manner have been improved, the basic principles of professional training of choral singers have been approved. Of course, each national choral school has its own features in the performance style which reflects the temperament of the people, their character, traditions and other qualities. These subtle nuances that characterize the performance style are primarily associated with the peculiarities of the language of different peoples, its phonetics. For example, stable vocal traditions have been developed in the musical cultures of Italy, France, Germany, Bulgaria, Hungary, Poland, Ukraine, Russia and other countries. However, in the XXth century, the trend towards eclecticism, the synthesis of cultural traditions, their interaction were so strong that the features which previously sharply distinguished one national school from another largely smoothed out. Therefore, the basic principles of vocal skills, which are to develop proper singing breathing, sound production, sound production and other vocal techniques, remain common to any choir. Conclusions. The great artistic possibilities of a unique musical “instrument” – a choir have been in the center of composers’ attention for several centuries. In addition, the great variety of forms of the professional choral performance has made it one of the most common types of musical art.
Clinical Characteristics and Outcomes of 905 COVID-19 Patients Admitted to Imam Khomeini Hospital Complex in the Capital City of Tehran, Iran
Authors: Allameh Seyed Farshad , Nemati Saeed , Ghalehtaki Reza , Mohammadnejad Esmaeil , Aghili Seyed Mojtaba , Khajavirad Nasim , Beigmohammadi Mohammad-Taghi , Salehi Mohammadreza , Mirfazaelian Hadi , Edalatifard Maryam , Kazemizadeh Hossein , Dehghan Manshadi Seyed Ali , Hasannezhad Maliheh , Amoozadeh Laya , Radnia Masoud , Khatami Seyedeh Rana , Nahvijou Azin , Seyyedsalehi Monireh Sadat , Rashidian Laleh , Ayoobi Yazdi Niloofar , Nasiri Toosi Mohsen , Sadeghniiat-Haghighi Khosro , Jafarian Ali , Yunesian Masud , Zendehdel Kazem
Published: November 2020

Background: We studied the clinical characteristics and outcomes of 905 hospitalized coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients admitted to Imam Khomeini Hospital Complex (IKHC), Tehran, Iran. Methods: COVID-19 patients were recruited based on clinical symptoms and patterns of computed tomography (CT) imaging between February 20 and March 19. All patients were tested for the presence of COVID-19 RNA. The Poisson regression model estimated the incidence rate ratio (IRR) for different parameters. Results: The average age (± standard deviation) was 56.9 (±15.7) years and 61.77% were male. The most common symptoms were fever (93.59%), dry cough (79.78%), and dyspnea (75.69%). Only 43.76% of patients were positive for the RT-PCR COVID-19 test. Prevalence of lymphopenia was 42.9% and more than 90% had elevated lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) or C-reactive protein (CRP). About 11% were severe cases, and 13.7% died in the hospital. The median length of stay (LOS) was 3 days. We found higher risks of mortality in patients who were older than 70 years (IRR = 11.77, 95% CI 3.63–38.18), underwent mechanical ventilation (IRR = 7.36, 95% CI 5.06–10.7), were admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) (IRR = 5.47, 95% CI 4.00–8.38), tested positive on the COVID-19 test (IRR = 2.80, 95% CI 1.64–3.55), and reported a history of comorbidity (IRR = 1.76, 95% CI 1.07–2.89) compared to their corresponding reference groups. Hydroxychloroquine therapy was not associated with mortality in our study. Conclusion: Older age, experiencing a severe form of the disease, and having a comorbidity were the most important prognostic factors for COVID-19 infection. Larger studies are needed to perform further subgroup analyses and verify high-risk groups.
Acute Cardiac Injury in COVID-19: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Vakhshoori Mehrbod , Heidarpour Maryam , Shafie Davood , Taheri Marzieh , Rezaei Nima , Sarrafzadegan Nizal
Published: November 2020

Background: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has been widespread since late December 2019, with several symptoms related to the upper and lower respiratory system. However, its cardiac manifestations are less frequently studied. We aimed to analyze the available COVID-19 data on acute cardiac injury, using troponin and brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) levels. Methods: We performed a systematic review on Medline/PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar databases until March 25, 2020. Relevant records reporting the incidence of acute cardiac injury as well as troponin and BNP levels were collected from published peer-reviewed articles with further analysis according to the clinical status of the patients (severe, non-severe, and death). Results: Eleven records of 1394 individuals were included. The mean age of patients with acute cardiac injury was 56.6 ± 33.4 years (males: 54.3%). The incidence of acute cardiac injury was 15% (95% CI: 11, 20%). Further analysis revealed that dead or severe patients had significantly higher percentages of myocardial injury, compared to non-severe ones (peer-reviewed: 44%, 95% CI: 16, 74% vs. 24%, 95% CI: 15, 34% vs. 5%, 95% CI: 1, 12%, respectively). Mean total troponin was 10.23 pg/mL (95% CI: 5.98, 14.47), while 13% (95% CI: 8%, 18%) of patients had elevated levels. Mean BNP was 216.74 pg/mL (95% CI: 3.27, 430.20). Conclusion: Acute cardiac injury in COVID-19 patients is more frequent than what was expected at the beginning of the outbreak. Meanwhile, further studies are needed to investigate the utility of cardiac biomarkers as diagnostic and prognostic tools for long-term cardiac complications of this infection.
TiO2 Katkılı Çevre Dostu Dielektrik Sıvının Elektro Erozyon Delik Delme Performanslarının Araştırılması
Authors: ERDEM Oğuz , KILIÇ Süleyman
Published: November 2020

Bu çalışmada işparçası olarak AISI4140 çeliği, elektrot olarak 2 mm dış çapa sahip ortası tek delik bakır tüp, dielektrik sıvı olarak ise yüksek parlama noktasına ve düşük viskoziteye sahip Eurolub EDM ER100 çevreci tip elektro erozyon sıvısı kullanılmıştır. ER100 içerisine farklı derişim oranlarında (katkısız, 5 g/l ve 10 g/l) katılan TiO2 tozunun hassas (M1), orta (M2) ve kaba (M3) işleme koşullarında elektro erozyon ile işleme (EEİ) çıktı performansları (işparçası işleme hızı (İİH), elektrot aşınma hızı (EAH), bağıl aşınma (BA) ve ortalama yüzey pürüzlülüğü (Ra)) üzerine etkileri araştırılmıştır. Dielektrik sıvıya 5 g/l TiO2 tozu katkısı sayesinde her üç işleme tipinde İİH değeri açısından ortalama %30,48’lik bir artış elde edilmiştir. Yine, dielektrik sıvıya 10 g/l TiO2 tozu katkısıyla her üç işleme tipinde ortalama %57,03’lük bir işleme hızı artışı sağlanmıştır. Elektrotu döndürmek İİH değerleri üzerinde M1 işleme tipinde ortalama %99,5 artış sağlarken, M2 işleme tipinde ortalama %13,75 ve M3 işleme tipinde ortalama %9,38 oranlarında artışlara olanak sağlamıştır. TiO2 tozu katkısıyla hem sabit hem de döner elektrotla yapılan deneylerde, M1 ve M2 işleme tiplerinde elektrot aşınması azalırken sadece M3 işleme tipinde litreye 10 gram TiO2 tozu katkılı dielektrikte elektrot aşınmasının arttığı sonucuna varılmıştır. BA değerlerinin tıpkı EAH değerleri gibi özellikler sergilediği tespit edilmiştir. Dielektrik sıvıya 5 g/l TiO2 tozu katkısı Ra değerlerini M1 için %5,27, M2 için %8 ve M3 için %2,95 oranlarında azaltmıştır. Yine, 10 g/l TiO2 tozu katkısı Ra değerlerini M1 için %8,15, M2 için %15,07 ve M3 için %6,21 oranlarında azalttığı tespit edilmiştir.
Sediment Mikrobiyal Yakıt Hücrelerinde Bakır ve Grafit Katot Elektrotların Kullanımı
Authors: AK Namık , ORHAN Ayhan , ERENSOY Ahmet , ÇEK Nurettin
Published: November 2020

Mikrobiyal yakıt hücresi, elektrik enerjisinin mikroorganizmalar tarafından katalize edilen organik maddeler yoluyla üretildiği biyo-elektrokimyasal cihazlardır. Organik madde içeriği yüksek olan malzemelerden biri sedimenttir. Mikrobiyal yakıt hücrelerinde, organik malzeme kaynağı olarak sediment kullanılarak sediment esaslı mikrobiyal yakıt hücreleri imal edildi. Sediment esaslı mikrobiyal yakıt hücrelerinin sorunlarından biri olan düşük güç yoğunluğunu artırmak için yeni elektrotlar araştırılmaktadır. Bu çalışmada, aynı ortamdan alınan aynı özelliklere sahip sediment malzeme, eşit miktarlarda, aynı özelliklere sahip iki ayrı plastik kutuya yerleştirildi. Kutuların birine grafit anot ve grafit katot elektrotlar yerleştirildi ve G-G MYH olarak adlandırıldı. Diğer kutuya grafit anot ve bakır katot elektrotlar yerleştirildi ve G-Cu MYH olarak adlandırıldı. Burada amaç, grafit ile bakır katot elektrotların farklarını tespit etmek ve sediment esaslı mikrobiyal yakıt hücrelerinin güç yoğunluğunu arttırmaktır. Deneylerin sonucuna göre, G-Cu MYH ve G-G MYH’nin sağladıkları en yüksek güç yoğunlukları sırasıyla, 455.5 mW/m2 ve 143 mW/m2 olarak ölçüldü. Sediment esaslı mikrobiyal yakıt hücreleri için grafit katot malzemesi yerine bakır katot malzemesinin kullanımının daha doğru bir strateji olduğu anlaşılmıştır.
Determinante del desempeño en lectura en Uruguay: un análisis multinivel a partir de TERCE
Authors: Silveira Aberastury Adrián
Published: November 2020

El objetivo de este trabajo es identificar los factores que influyen en el desempeño de los estudiantes al final de la escuela primaria en Uruguay. Los datos del Tercer Estudio Regional Comparativo y Explicativo (TERCE) de la UNESCO se utilizaron para identificar los factores asociados con el rendimiento escolar en lectura. Las relaciones entre los indicadores contextuales y el desempeño de los estudiantes se analizaron a través de modelos jerárquicos lineales que consideran los efectos de las características de las escuelas, los maestros, los estudiantes y sus familias en el dominio de la lectura. El análisis confirma la importancia de los factores a nivel del estudiante asociados con características tales como género, antecedentes familiares, expectativas educativas de los padres y repetición. Los factores institucionales representaron una parte menor de la varianza total explicada. La capacidad de las escuelas uruguayas para influir en el aprendizaje es considerablemente limitada, incluso después de tener en cuenta la composición de la escuela y sus efectos contextuales.
PENAMBANGAN DATA PENGUNJUNG HOTEL MENGGUNAKAN MODEL SNOWFLAKE UNTUK MENDUKUNG KEBIJAKAN PEMERINTAH BANGKA BELITUNG DIBIDANG PARIWISATA
Authors: Yurindra Yurindra , Romadiana Parlia , Sarwindah Sarwindah
Published: November 2020

Pengolahan data pengunjung hotel pada saat ini dirasa semakin dibutuhkanuntuk pengolahan informasi wisatawan, terutama bila itu akan digunakan sebagai informasi untuk membuat kebijakan bagi Pemerintah daerah yang ingin memajukan sektor pariwisata di daerahnya. Pemerintah daerah harus mampu menentukan kebijakan strategis dan taktis dalam mengangkat tujuan dari sektor pariwisata yang dimaksud.Yang jadi masalah adalah bahwa tidak semua pemerintah daerah memiliki dan menyadari pentingnya data pengunjung hotel sebagai informasi penunjang  bagi kemajuan sektor pariwisata didaerahnya. Untuk itu dirasa perlu membuat dan menetukan indikator berdasarkan data pengujung yang dibutuhkan sebagai alat penambangan data yang dapat digunakan sebagai basisdata bagi pemerintah daerah dalam melakukan analisis terhadap pengunjung hotel. Indikator data pengunjung tersebut antara lain terkait dengan : nama pengunjung, agama, pekerjaan, tujuan menginap, asal pengunjung, kisaranumur, tatacara pembayaran, lama menginap ,tipe jenis kamar apa yang umumnya mereka pesan. Data dari indikator tersebut akan menjadi sebuah informasi penting bagi Pemerintah daerah Bangka belitung untuk menentukan kebijakan dalam melakukan percepatan peningkatan wisatawan di wilayah kepulauan Bangka belitung. Penambangan data dari indikator yang dimaksud menggunakan model Snowflake dalam datamining, sehingga mampu memperkecil ruang penyimpanan dan data yang ada mudah di update . Metode penelitian menggunakan penelitian terapan karena hasil dari penelitian diharapkan akan langsung dapat digunakan untuk keperluan praktis yaitu pengembangan kebijakan dibidang pariwisata, disamping itu penelitian terapan memungkinkan untuk melakukan modifikasi indikator dari hotel dan dinas terkait untuk menemukan beberapa indikator baru maupun kombinasi dari beberapa indikator tersebut.

 

Kata kunci — snowflake,datawarehouse, pariwisata, perhotelan, datamining
Penerapan Metode Marcov Chains untuk Memprediksi Hasil Panen Kelapa Sawit dan Karet di Kabupaten Rokan Hulu
Authors: . Basorudin
Published: November 2020

Penerapan Metode Marcov Chains hanya memprediksi tanaman hasil panen Kelapa Sawit dan Karet yang ada di kabupaten rokan hulu. Tahapan metode penelitian menggunakan Marcov Chains ini adalah membuat matriks awal kejadian yang diambil dari berapa kali panen dalam satu bulan, menjumlahkan tiap matriks kejadian, perbandingan jumlah matriks total kejadian, matriks hasil kejadian, mengalikan state kejadian dengan matriks kejadian, persentase proiritas kejadian. Adapun tujuan dari penelitian ini untuk menentukan hasil panen kelapa sawit dan karet pada bulan juli dan agustus tahun 2020 dengan menggunakan metode Marcov Chains. Pada penelitian ini diperoleh hasil akhir prediksi pada bulan juli dan agustus yaitu untuk bulan Juli 2020 pada tanaman kelapa sawit sebesar 37,5 % dan tanaman karet sebesar 62,5 %, pada bulan tersebut untuk kelapa sawit diprediksi akan mengalami kenaikan, sedangkan untuk karet diprediksi akan mengalami penurunan jumlah panen, sebesar 4,1%. Sedangkan untuk bulan Agustus 2020 kelapa sawit diprediksi 69,8% dan Karet sebesar 130%, dapat disimpulkan bahwa pada bulan agustus panen kelapa sawit dan karet keduanya diprediksi akan mengalami kenaikan secara signifikan.
Media Baru dalam Konstruksi Jurnalis Media Cetak
Authors: Nugu Maria Widiyanti , Manafe Yermia Djefri , Swan Maria V. D. P.
Published: November 2020

Hadirnya media baru sebagai salah satu manifestasi dari kemajuan ilmu pengetahuan dan teknologi telah mengubah model komunikasi massa yang umumnya dilakukan media massa dari one to many menjadi many to many, di mana siapa pun kini bisa menjadi pembuat informasi dan melalui media baru menyebarluaskannya. Kondisi ini kemudian mengaburkan fungsi institusi pers sekaligus menimbulkan pertanyaan, apakah media massa telah terpinggirkan. Namun juga, kehadiran media baru ini secara bersamaan membantu institusi media dalam memperluas jangkauannya. Penelitian ini bermaksud untuk mencari tahu bagaimana para jurnalis media cetak sebagai media konvensional memaknai dan mengalami media baru dalam keseharian mereka sebagai jurnalis dihadapkan dengan kehadiran media baru. Melalui metode studi fenomenologi dan teori fenomenologi Alfred Schutz, hasil dari penelitian ini adalah para jurnalis memaknai media baru sebagai sumber informasi awal, tantangan yang memacu kerja, mitra yang saling melengkapi dan media informasi dan hiburan. Sementara pengalaman para jurnalis di antaranya adalah dituntut bekerja cepat serta menghasilkan laporan yang mendalam, mencari informasi melalui media sosial tanpa meninggalkan agenda liputan dan menggunakan media sosial untuk menyebarluaskan berita, mengedukasi dan partisipasi kolektif.
Dạy & Học số 24 - Thích ứng
Authors: Hoang Anh-Duc , Anh Duong Phu Viet , Hiep Pham Hung , Thuy Ta Ngoc , Nguyen Linh-Chi , Nguyen Chi Yen , Doan Phuong-Thuc , Anh Dao Quynh , Le Nhat Hoa  , Le Anh Quach  , Diep Nguyen Ngoc
Published: November 2020

Quý độc giả thân mến,Dịch COVID-19 vẫn đang ảnh hưởng sâu, rộng đến thực trạng học và dạy ở nhiều nơi trên thế giới. Chúng ta đã dần thân thuộc hơn với thuật ngữ “bình thường mới", nhưng cũng khó lòng mà có được mô tả chân thực về những “bình thường mới” ấy. Dạy&Học số 24 với chủ đề ‘Thích ứng' xin góp đôi chút suy tư cùng quý vị về những điều “bình thường mới".“Những tuần học trực tuyến trước mắt: hãy linh hoạt và quên đi sự cầu toàn" - đây là lời nhắn nhủ yếu cho các quốc gia đang phải tạm đóng cửa hệ thống trường học, nhất là đối với những quốc gia đang bỡ ngỡ với các chuyển đổi số trong giáo dục. Việc xây dựng quan điểm phù hợp của nhà trường và phụ huynh đối với việc học tập trong giai đoạn này, sẽ là sự hỗ trợ có ý nghĩa thiết thực với học sinh. Bên cạnh đó, quý vị có thể tham khảo “Cách thức thực tế giúp học sinh tự điều chỉnh cảm xúc và sắp xếp thứ tự công việc ưu tiên” và “Bốn chiến lược kích thích động lực nội tại của học sinh”.Bên cạnh những suy tư về giáo dục trong mùa dịch, hãy cùng chuẩn bị cho những sự cải tổ mà bất cứ ai cũng đều có thể đem lại.Trong tuần qua, các thảo luận trên mạng xã hội và một số báo điện tử xoay quanh câu chuyện trường chuyên lớp chọn đã thu hút nhiều sự chú ý. Vậy, bất kể trong trạng thái “bình thường" hay “bình thường mới", liệu “Tất cả chúng ta đều có thể trở nên thông minh hơn trong mọi lĩnh vực?”. Dạy&Học số 24 xin mời quý vị cùng tham khảo “4 giai đoạn phát triển nhận thức - Nền tảng và các khái niệm chính trong lý thuyết của Piaget”, và cùng suy ngẫm về “Bốn câu hỏi đối với việc đào tạo chuyên ở nước ta”.Hy vọng rằng Dạy&Học số 24 sẽ đem lại khoảng thời gian bổ ích cho Quý vị.Trân trọng,Ban Biên tập Lộn Xộn
PENGENTASAN KEMISKINAN MELALUI SOCIALPRENEUR
Authors: Bin-Tahir Saidna Zulfiqar
Published: November 2020

During the Covid-19 pandemic, the community's economic life declined and caused gaps in society, significantly increasing unemployment caused by layoffs. Entrepreneurship is one strategy or activity to empower the community to reduce rural poverty by a gender approach. It was namely empowering women by using the PKH mothers, to build an entrepreneurial spirit as a way of allowing by making washing soap, traditional snacks, and convection business. This service was carried out by fostering eight mothers in China, Bone Regency, who received PKH assistance. This activity starts with motivation, introduction to entrepreneurship, market needs, product design, branding, and product marketing based on information technology. This activity's output gives the spirit of entrepreneurship, provides the family with additional income, and produces washing soap, traditional snacks, and convection businesses that are marketed offline and online.
KEUNGGULAN SEKOLAH YANG DIKELOLA SECARA EFEKTIF
Authors: Fitri Idatul
Published: November 2020

The effective school assessment model is one of the instruments that is expected to be used by education managers to determine the level of success of each school. The results of the assessment can then be taken into consideration for efforts to improve schools. Schools that have a good, transparent and accountable management system, and are able to empower every important component of the school, both internally and externally, in order to achieve the vision and mission goals of the school effectively and efficiently. The concept of an effective school is a school that is able to optimize all the inputs and processes for the achievement of educational output, namely school achievement, especially student achievement marked by having all the abilities in the form of competencies required in learning. The characteristics of an effective school are: 1) the leadership of the principal is strong. 2) high expectations of student achievement, 3) emphasizing basic skills, and 4) orderliness and controlled atmosphere. Effective school leadership by the principal because the principal is a figure (key person) in realizing the vision, mission, and goals of the school, which is an effective and efficient school
John Buckley and John O’Flynn (eds), Ceol Phádraig: Music at St Patrick’s College Drumcondra 1875–2016 (2019)
Authors: McCarthy Marie
Published: November 2020

A review of John Buckley and John O’Flynn (eds), Ceol Phádraig: Music at St Patrick’s College Drumcondra 1875–2016 (Dublin: Carysfort Press, & Oxford, UK: Peter Lang, 2019). ISBN 978-1-78997-579-6
FAKTOR YANG BERHUBUNGAN DENGAN KEJADIAN HIPERTENSI DI WILAYAH KERJA PUSKESMAS BARA-BARAYYA KOTA MAKASSAR
Authors: Nildawati  , Muh. Fajar Pahrir  , Nur Rahma N
Published: November 2020

The aim of this study was to determine the factors associated of hypertension in the working area of ​​Puskesmas Bara-barayya, Makassar in 2019. The type of this research is a quantitative study with an observational analytic and  approach to case control research design. The sample consisted of 50 people, 25 case groups and 25 control groups with the sampling method is simple random sampling and purposive sampling. Data analysis used chi square test with significance level α = 0.05. The results showed that there was a relationship between dietary patterns (p value = 0.002, OR = 6.729) with the incidence of hypertension, and there was no significant relationship between sports habits (p = 0.136), alcohol consumption (p = 0.480), smoking behavior (p = 0.074), stress level (p = 0.312), sleep patterns (p = 0.440), and genetic (p = 0.152) with the incidence of hypertension. Puskesmas staff are expected to intervene in community eating patterns in the Bara-Baraya Puskesmas work area.