bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
TD 2674 - Teoria e prática sobre planejamento e orçamento plurianuais
Authors: Mendes Constantino Cronemberger , Abreu Welles Matias de , Souza Thiago Silva e
Published: August 2021

Este estudo trata da ação estatal por meio da análise dos principais instrumentos governamentais relacionados com planejamento e orçamento, tendo como objetivos demonstrar as diferentes características entre os instrumentos planejamento e orçamento sob a perspectiva plurianual, e apresentar possíveis implicações e riscos de se tornarem mecanismos plurianuais substitutos e não complementares, dentro do processo político de decisão pública. O orçamento é um instrumento econômico-político com a estrutura alocativa de recursos públicos e das despesas em setores considerados de interesse público. O planejamento, por sua vez, está intimamente ligado à função distributiva do Estado, aos problemas da identificação da demanda social, da escolha pública e da priorização dos bens públicos. Tanto a função alocativa do orçamento quanto a função distributiva exercida por meio do planejamento estão
integradas ou inter-relacionadas, mas são limitadas às condições fiscais e financeiras do Estado para a manutenção do equilíbrio macroeconômico. Entre as quatro emendas constitucionais em tramitação no Congresso Nacional sobre planejamento e orçamento, apenas uma traz interpretação do orçamento plurianual como substituto do Plano Plurianual (PPA), sob escopo nacional de médio prazo do governo federal. Neste contexto, a possibilidade de retirada da exigência constitucional de o PPA ser lei sem
uma proposição clara que venha a substituí-lo não deixa de criar uma instabilidade institucional sobre o destino do planejamento e orçamento no Brasil. Nesse sentido, este trabalho traz subsídios para estimular o necessário debate junto à sociedade, quanto ao projeto que está à mesa legislativa de, por enquanto, extinguir o PPA e implementar um orçamento plurianual.
Europa Clipper Preparatory Photometry to Constrain Surface Properties
Authors: Dhingra Rajani D. , Buratti Bonnie J. , Seignovert Benoît
Published: August 2021

We infer the surface reflectance properties of Europa using multispectral data sets available from previous missions. We use 21 full-disk images of Europa from Voyager’s Imaging Science System, Galileo’s Solid State Imaging, and New Horizons’ Long Range Reconnaissance Imager at differing observation geometries (10°–128° (phase angle)) to compute disk-integrated surface-scattering properties over various geologic units. The derived empirical photometric models will serve the practical goals of data acquisition, aid in the calculation of instrument integration times, and facilitate quick-look data products for images acquired by Europa Clipper and other future missions to Europa. We use the Minneart and Lommel–Seeliger plus Lambert reflectance models to constrain the photometric parameters of Europa’s surface. We find that the surface albedo parameter, B
0, in the Minneart function gradually decreases with increasing phase angles. We also note that the photometric properties of Europa (geometric albedo at 0.47 μm is 0.72 on the leading side and 0.62 on the trailing side) require a significant “Lambert” term (A < 1) in the Lommel–Seeliger plus Lambert reflectance model. We also observe that the photometric parameters are not highly dependent on the geologic terrain type despite their visibly different albedos.
Role of circulating microRNA-21 and microRNA-215 in the diagnosis of hepatitis C related hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Abdelkhalek Zeinab Sayed , Abdalla Mohamed Shehata , Fathy Mona Mohamed , Elbaz Tamer Mahmoud , Abdelaziz Ashraf Omar , Nabeel Mohamed Mahmoud , Shousha Hend Ibrahim , Kamel Amgad Hamed , Kamel Mai Hamed
Published: August 2021

Introduction: Several micro ribonucleic acids (miRNAs) are deregulated in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Others are linked to clinical pathological features of HCC. The goal of this study was to investigate whether miRNA-21 and miRNA-215 gene expression could be used as a non-invasive diagnostic tool to diagnose HCC.

Methodology: The gene expression of mature miRNA -21 and miRNA -215 in serum was analysed retrospectively using singleplex TaqMan two-step stem-loop quantitative real-time reverse-transcription PCR in 40 patients with HCC, 40 with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) with cirrhosis and 40 apparently healthy controls.

Results: Expression of miRNA -21 was significantly more down regulated in patients with HCC than in those with non-cirrhotic HCV (P = 0.007; odds ratio = 5; 95% confidence interval 1.6–15.4). The receiver operating curve analysis of the ability of miRNA-21 expression to discriminate between HCC and non-cirrhotic HCV revealed an area under the curve of 0.712 with 70% sensitivity and 68% specificity at a cut-off of ≤ 1.4468. Thus, the expression level of miRNA -21 could discriminate HCC from non-cirrhotic HCV. Significant positive correlation was observed between expression levels of microRNA-21 and miRNA -215 (r = 0.783, p < 0.001), but no association was observed between expression level of miR-215 and HCC or chronic HCV (p = 0.474).

Conclusions: MiRNA-21 may be a useful, non-invasive tool for diagnosing HCC. Non-cirrhotic HCV patients have five times the risk of developing HCC when the miRNA -21 level ≤ 1.4468.
Molecular typing and antifungal susceptibility study of Aspergillus spp. in intensive care unit (ICU) patients in Indonesia
Authors: Rozaliyani Anna , Sedono Rudyanto , Sjam Ridhawati , Tugiran Mulyati , Adawiyah Robiatul , Setianingrum Findra , Jusuf Anwar , Sungkar Saleha , Hagen Ferry , Meis Jacques F , Wahyuningsih Retno
Published: August 2021

Introduction: Aspergillus exhibits a wide variation of susceptibility against antifungals according to genetic and environmental factors. Identification to the species level is necessary for appropriate treatment. Our objective was to determine the Aspergillus species involved in invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (IPA) among ICU patients in Jakarta, Indonesia.

Methodology: The incidence of IPA in ICU patients at six hospitals in Jakarta from October 2012 – January 2015 was investigated. It involved a collection of endotracheal aspirates (ETA), nasal swabs and environmental samples around the hospitals, phenotypic screening, molecular characterization, and antifungal susceptibility testing.

Results: Of the 405 patients investigated, 31 patients (7.7%) were diagnosed with putative IPA, from whom 45 Aspergillus isolates were collected. Aspergillus isolates were identified from pulmonary secretions in 24 patients, from nasal swabs in 7 patients and from both pulmonary secretions and nasal swabs in 7 patients. The phenotypic method showed 33 isolates of Aspergillus flavus (73.4%), nine Aspergillus fumigatus (20%), two Aspergillus niger (4.4%), and one Aspergillus nidulans (2.2%) isolate. Molecular identification showed 27 isolates of A. flavus (60.0%), eight isolates of A. fumigatus (17.8%), two isolates of A. niger (4.4%) and one isolate of A. nidulans (2.2%), while seven isolates (15.6%) were cryptic species or mixed isolates.

Conclusions: Susceptibility testing showed all isolates were susceptible to amphotericin B, azoles and micafungin. Aspergillus flavus was the main causative organism in IPA cases in Jakarta, followed by A. fumigatus.
Determinants of quality in home-based management of malaria by community health volunteers in rural Kenya
Authors: Marita Enock Oburi , Gichuki Richard , Watulo Elda , Thiam Sylla , Karanja Sarah
Published: August 2021

Introduction: Kenya adopted the World Health Organization’s recommendation of community case management of malaria (CCMM) in 2012. Trained community health volunteers (CHVs) provide CCMM but information on quality of services is limited. This study aimed to establish determinants of quality of service of CCMM conducted by CHVs.

Methodology: A cross-sectional survey was conducted in November 2016 in Bungoma County, Kenya. Data were collected through observing CHVs perform routine CCMM and through interviews of CHVs using structured questionnaires. A ≥ 75% score was considered as quality provision. Descriptive statistics were performed to describe basic characteristics of the study, followed by Chi-Square test and binary logistic regression to examine the differences and associations between the categorical variables.

Results: A total of 147 CHVs participated; 62% of CHVs offered quality services. There was a direct association between quality of services and stock-outs of artemether-lumefantrine (AL), stock-outs of malaria rapid diagnostic tests (RDT) and support supervision. CHVs who were supervised during the year preceding the assessment were four times more likely to perform better than those not supervised (uOR 4.2, 95% CI: 1.38-12.85). CHVs with reliable supplies of AL and RDT kits performed three times better than those who experienced stock outs (uOR = 3.2, 95% CI: 1.03-10.03 and 3.3, 95% CI: 1.63-6.59 respectively). Biosafety and documentation were the most poorly performed.

Conclusions: The majority of CHVs offered quality CCMM services despite safety gaps. Safety, continuous supplies of RDT, AL and supervision are essential for quality performance by CHV in delivering CCMM.
Retail chicken meats as potential sources of Clostridioides difficile in Al-Jouf, Saudi Arabia
Authors: Taha Attia Ahmed Elsayed
Published: August 2021

Introduction: Presence of Clostridioides difficile in stool of food birds and animals is a risk for contamination of their meats to become potential sources of human infection. The main virulence factors of C. difficile are its resistance to antibiotics, production of toxins and spores. As far as I know, this is the first study to evaluate C. difficile prevalence in chicken meats, its toxigenic activities and antibiotics sensitivity patterns in Al-Jouf, Saudi Arabia.

Methodology: Totally, 250 raw chicken meat samples were examined. Standard microbiological and biochemical procedures were used for C. difficile isolation and identification. The suspected colonies were tested by L-proline and C. difficile test kits then confirmed by Vitek 2 compact system. Xpect C. difficile toxin A/B test was used to detect A/B toxins production. Antibiotics susceptibility patterns were detected by Epsilon tests.

Results: C. difficile was isolated from 11/250 (4.40%) chicken meat samples; 5/65 (7.69%) legs, 3/65 (4.61%) thighs, 2/60 (3.33%) wings and 1/60 (1.67%) breasts (p = 0.4). All isolates were non-toxigenic. Although all isolates were vancomycin sensitive, some isolates were intermediate/resistant to metronidazole, tetracycline, clindamycin or moxifloxacin antibiotics with variable degrees.

Conclusions: C. difficile might contaminate retail chicken meats. Although low level of contamination by non-toxigenic strains was detected, chicken meats should be investigated as C. difficile infection sources for humans especially elders, immune-compromised and long terms wide spectrum antibiotics-used persons. Decreased sensitivity of C. difficile to antibiotics is emerging.
Knowledge, attitudes, and practices for the use of seasonal influenza vaccination, healthcare workers, Costa Rica
Authors: Madewell Zachary , Chacón-Fuentes Rafael , Badilla-Vargas Xiomara , Ramirez Catalina , Ortiz Maria-Renee , Alvis-Estrada Juan-Pablo , Jara Jorge
Published: August 2021

Introduction: Annual seasonal influenza vaccination in healthcare workers prevents nosocomial transmission to patients, coworkers, and visitors, and reduces absenteeism. This study aimed to describe knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of seasonal influenza vaccine among public healthcare workers attending patients in Costa Rica.

Methodology: We conducted a cross-sectional survey of healthcare personnel attending patients in public hospitals in 2017–2018. Frequency distributions of demographics, vaccination KAP, sources of information, clinical manifestations and reasons for non-vaccination were reported. Logistic regression was used to analyze associations between exposures of interest (demographics, sources of information, knowledge, attitudes towards vaccination) and self-reported influenza vaccination.

Results: We surveyed 747 healthcare workers in 2017–2018. Of 706 participants who knew their vaccination status, 55.7% were vaccinated for seasonal influenza. Only 20.7% of participants knew the influenza vaccine was an inactivated virus, and 94.6% believed the vaccine causes flu-like symptoms. Factors associated with current influenza vaccination were vaccination in previous year (aOR: 8.13; 95% CI: 5.65–11.71) and believed influenza vaccination may be harmful (aOR: 0.62; 95% CI: 0.44–0.89). Reasons for non-vaccination included fear of adverse effects and access limitations.

Conclusions: Suboptimal influenza vaccination among healthcare workers may be attributed to misconceptions about the vaccine and limited engagement strategies focusing on healthcare workers. Appropriate interventions are needed to increase healthcare worker vaccination rates and improve their knowledge and beneficence, which would improve patient safety in hospitals.
The cicada genus Tugelana Distant, 1912 (Hemiptera, Cicadidae): phylogenetic position and conservation status
Authors: Villet Martin H. , Edwards Shelley
Published: August 2021

The cicada genus Tugelana Distant, 1912 is monotypic and endemic to south-eastern Africa. Material was not available for a recent molecular phylogeny of its tribe, so its precise phylogenetic placement is unestablished. Consequently, a 627 bp sequence of the cytochrome oxidase gene was obtained and its candidate relatives identified as several species of Platypleura Amyot & Audinet-Serville, 1843 using the BOLD Identification System and NCBI Genbank’s BLAST. Bayesian inference analyses indicated that the type species, the Maputaland Orangewing Cicada Tugelana butleri Distant, 1912, is closely related to the Dune Koko Orangewing Cicada Platypleura zuluensis Villet, 1989, which has a geographical distribution that is parapatric with T. butleri and which has aberrant genitalia for a member of Platypleura. This pair of species is placed fairly deep within the African clade of Platypleura. We therefore formally recognized Platypleura Amyot & Audinet-Serville, 1843 as a senior synonym of Tugelana Distant, 1912, syn. nov., and assign T. butleri Distant, 1912 to Platypleura as Platypleura butleri (Distant 1912), comb. nov. The species occurs on the wooded grasslands of the Maputaland coastal plateau east of Lebombo Mountains and south of Maputo Bay. Its Extent of Occurrence is about 6360 km2, which would qualify it as Vulnerable under the IUCN’s classification criteria for conservation status.
Two new toxic yellow Inocybe species from China: morphological characteristics, phylogenetic analyses and toxin detection
Authors: Li Sai Nan , Xu Fei , Jiang Ming , Liu Feng , Wu Fang , Zhang Ping , Fan Yu Guang , Chen Zuo Hong
Published: August 2021

Some species of Inocybes. str. caused neurotoxic poisoning after consumption around the world. However, there are a large number of species in this genus that have not been studied for their toxicity or toxin content. In this study, we report two new toxic yellow Inocybes. str. species from China based on morphological characteristics, phylogenetic analyses and toxin detection. Among the two species, Inocybe squarrosolutea is reported as a newly recorded species of China. We also describe a new species, I. squarrosofulva, which is morphologically similar to I. squarrosolutea. The new species is characterized by its ochraceous squarrose pileus, distinctly annulate cortina on the stipe, nodulose basidiospores and thick-walled pleurocystidia. Muscarine in the fruitbodies was detected by UPLC–MS/MS, the content in I. squarrosolutea and I. squarrosofulva were 136.4 ± 25.4 to 1683.0 ± 313 mg/kg dry weight and 31.2 ± 5.8 to 101.8 ± 18.9 mg/kg dry weight, respectively.
On the random wave equation within the mean square context
Authors: Calatayud Julia , Cortés Juan Carlos , Jornet Marc
Published: August 2021

This paper deals with the random wave equation on a bounded domain with Dirichlet boundary conditions. Randomness arises from the velocity wave, which is a positive random variable, and the two initial conditions, which are regular stochastic processes. The aleatory nature of the inputs is mainly justified from data errors when modeling the motion of a vibrating string. Uncertainty is propagated from these inputs to the output, so that the solution becomes a smooth random field. We focus on the mean square contextualization of the problem. Existence and uniqueness of the exact series solution, based upon the classical method of separation of variables, are rigorously established. Exact series for the mean and the variance of the solution process are obtained, which converge at polynomial rate. Some numerical examples illustrate these facts.
Bayesian topological signal processing
Authors: Oballe Christopher , Cherne Alan , Boothe Dave , Kerick Scott , Franaszczuk Piotr J. , Maroulas Vasileios
Published: August 2021

Topological data analysis encompasses a broad set of techniques that investigate the shape of data. One of the predominant tools in topological data analysis is persistent homology, which is used to create topological summaries of data called persistence diagrams. Persistent homology offers a novel method for signal analysis. Herein, we aid interpretation of the sublevel set persistence diagrams of signals by 1) showing the effect of frequency and instantaneous amplitude on the persistence diagrams for a family of deterministic signals, and 2) providing a general equation for the probability density of persistence diagrams of random signals via a pushforward measure. We also provide a topologically-motivated, efficiently computable statistical descriptor analogous to the power spectral density for signals based on a generalized Bayesian framework for persistence diagrams. This Bayesian descriptor is shown to be competitive with power spectral densities and continuous wavelet transforms at distinguishing signals with different dynamics in a classification problem with autoregressive signals.
A parametric approach of partial eigenstructure assignment for high-order linear systems via proportional plus derivative state feedback
Authors: Gu Da-Ke ,   School of Automation Engineering, Northeast Electric Power University, Jilin 132012, China, Wang Rui-Yuan , Liu Yin-Dong
Published: August 2021

In this paper, a partial eigenstructure assignment problem for the high-order linear time-invariant (LTI) systems via proportional plus derivative (PD) state feedback is considered. By partitioning the open-loop system into two parts (the altered part and the unchanged part) and utilizing the solutions to the high-order generalized Sylvester equation (HGSE), complete parametric expressions of the feedback gain matrices of the closed-loop system are established. Meanwhile, a group of arbitrary parameters representing the degrees of freedom of the proposed method is provided and optimized to satisfy the stability of the system and robustness criteria. Finally, a numerical example and a three-axis dynamic flight motion simulator system example with the simulation results are offered to illustrate the effectiveness and superiority of the proposed method.
New Chebyshev type inequalities via a general family of fractional integral operators with a modified Mittag-Leffler kernel
Authors: Srivastava Hari M. ,   Department of Mathematics and Statistics, University of Victoria, Victoria, British Columbia V8W 3R4, Canada, Kashuri Artion , Mohammed Pshtiwan Othman , Alsharif Abdullah M. , Guirao Juan L. G. ,   Department of Medical Research, China Medical University Hospital, China Medical University, Taichung 40402, Taiwan,   Department of Mathematics and Informatics, Azerbaijan University, 71 Jeyhun Hajibeyli Street, AZ1007 Baku, Azerbaijan,   Section of Mathematics, International Telematic University Uninettuno, I-$ 00186 $ Rome, Italy,   Department of Mathematics, Faculty of Technical Science, University "Ismail Qemali", 9400 Vlora, Albania,   Department of Mathematics, College of Education, University of Sulaimani, Sulaimani, Kurdistan Region, Iraq,   Department of Mathematics and Statistics, College of Science, Taif University, P. O. Box 11099, Taif 21944, Saudi Arabia,   Departamento de Matemática Aplicada y Estadística, Universidad Politécnica de Cartagena, Campus de la Muralla, 30203 Cartagena, Murcia, Spain,   Nonlinear Analysis and Applied Mathematics (NAAM)-Research Group, Department of Mathematics, Faculty of Science, King Abdulaziz University, P.O. Box 80203, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
Published: August 2021

The main goal of this article is first to introduce a new generalization of the fractional integral operators with a certain modified Mittag-Leffler kernel and then investigate the Chebyshev inequality via this general family of fractional integral operators. We improve our results and we investigate the Chebyshev inequality for more than two functions. We also derive some inequalities of this type for functions whose derivatives are bounded above and bounded below. In addition, we establish an estimate for the Chebyshev functional by using the new fractional integral operators. Finally, we find similar inequalities for some specialized fractional integrals keeping some of the earlier results in view.
The Impact of Accelerated Digital Transformation on Educational Institutions
Authors: Pedro Francisco Xavier , Teixeira Adriano Canabarro
Published: August 2021

This study aims to analyze the impact of accelerated digital transformation on educational institutions. The research combines bibliometric literature review, preferred reporting items for systematic and meta-analyses (PRISMA), and empirical approach to collect extensive sample data GII (global innovation index) of 50 countries' technology intensity input-output. Furthermore, the research uses multiple linear regression analysis to test the proposed hypotheses. Digital transformation impacts positively on educational institutions. However, each technological input pillar behaves differently. This study derives managerial strategies and policies from an educational institution.
Higher Education in the Post-COVID Era
Authors: Kokatnur Priyanka Amrut , Agarwal Srishti , Dixit Aparna Sameer
Published: August 2021

With the changing time, the innovative technologies and communication systems have given a new vision to the education sector. The growing number of young people has brought attention to the higher education system to build a new form of learning. The new perspectives towards education systems have brought a blend of virtual as well as traditional modes of learning, known as “blended learning.” The purpose of this chapter is to understand the impact of COVID-19 on teaching learning practices of higher education institutes (HEI) and to understand the influence of a blended learning approach on attitude and behavioral aspects of the learners and teaching professionals.
Adaptive Content Planning and Delivery With Assessment Methodology Using Swarm Intelligence on Cloud Computing
Authors: S. Koushik , Patil Annapurna P.
Published: August 2021

University education has been using traditional approaches to impart knowledge. Advancements in technology create a need to change the teaching-learning process's direction to keep up with the current technology pace. Students and teachers should update their skill sets to suit the current needs of technology. Content and syllabus delivery should be planned and delivered to create a more adaptive, self-paced, and personalized learning experience. Evaluation of tests and assignments requires an intelligent system that uses technologies like swarm intelligence and artificial intelligence. Research carried out in this field helps mold the curriculum as per the student's requirements. Swarm intelligence, combined with cloud computing, enables adaptive content planning and delivery. Swarm intelligence techniques and algorithms help design personalized content and delivery. In contrast, cloud infrastructure provides the required computing capability and storage to perform academic tasks on a standard application platform for students and teachers with a cost-effective solution.
Public Pedagogy Approach Towards Online Language Instruction
Authors: Arslan Sezen
Published: August 2021

Thanks to the widespread use of social media among individuals, the new site for the public pedagogy can be based on 'fandom', which is strongly related to fan-related practices on websites, forums, pages, and channels. These venues are based on shared interests and enjoyment and are visited by thousands of people every day. Inspired by increasing popularity, fandom has been used in academic education for the last decade. In line with this, there is also a growing research interest in the use of fandom in foreign/second language teaching; however, this should be within a purposeful way to enrich the opportunities for online learning. Therefore, this chapter sets out to provide practical implications about the operationalization of fandom in online language instruction to promote interaction among learners, which is quite necessary, particularly in the time of school closures due to the pandemic.
Social Skills and Online Learning
Authors: Kriemadis Athanasios , Spiliotopoulos Dimitris , Vassilakis Costas , Kapnisi Dimitra
Published: August 2021

The concept of online teaching and learning is widely adopted by universities due to the pandemic of COVID-19, which forced them to shift from blending learning (including both direct and remote education) to exclusive online education. Technology has provided a multitude of tools, which can prove very useful in the hands of people who want to serve such a great purpose as education. During the days of the pandemic, where people are isolated, virtual community and virtual learning technology brings people together to experience a sense of educational community in the virtual world. This chapter introduces the reader to the importance for social skill training of the learning communities during times that online learning is the sole type of education, exploring methodologies, tools, and practices that can be used to counterbalance the deficiencies introduced by distance learning methods regarding social skill development.
Effects of Recycled Aggregate Replacement Rate on Compression Mechanical Behavior of Concrete Based on Base Force Element Method
Authors: Ying Li Ping , Peng Yi Jiang
Published: August 2021

A meso-analysis method which is derived from the base force element method (BFEM) was proposed for recycled aggregate concrete (RAC). A simple algorithm was used to generate the convex recycled concrete aggregate (RCA) model. Uniaxial compression numerical simulations were carried out on the numerical specimens with different replacement rates of RCA. The model predictions were in a good agreement with the test results. The proposed method is very promising. It can totally predict the full stress-strain curve of RAC, as well as the failure process and failure mode, including strain softening and strain localization.
Influence Study of the Plastic Deformation Mode on the Micro-Indentation Mechanical Properties for the Pure Molybdenum
Authors: Li Jiang , Feng Peng Fa , Li Fu Guo , Li Qing Hua , Duan Lin Lin
Published: August 2021

Four different plastic deformation modes of pure molybdenum in powder metallurgy were studied, including single tensile, single torsion, tensile-torsion and compressive-torsion. Then the influence of these four plastic deformation modes on the micro-mechanical properties of pure molybdenum in powder metallurgy was studied by the micro-indentation method. The results show that the accumulated strain before deformation instability or fracture of the studied material caused by different plastic deformation modes is different, while showing a regular variation. And the mean indentation hardness along the radial direction of the sample also change regularly, which results in different strengthening effects on the molybdenum material itself. The damage inside the deformed material will cause the apparent modulus of elasticity measured by micro-indentation to decrease significantly.
Engineering Modified Mesoporous Silica Catalysts through Porosity and Surface Acidity Control for Selective Production of DME
Authors: Viscardi Rosanna , Barbarossa Vincenzo , Maggi Raimondo , Pancrazzi Francesco
Published: August 2021

DME has been received the attention as a renewable energy due to its thermal efficiencies equivalent to diesel fuel, lower NOx emission, near-zero smoke and non-toxic. DME can be obtained by methanol dehydration over solid acid catalysts or directly from syngas over bifunctional catalysts. The catalytic dehydration of methanol to DME has been widely studied in the literature over pure or modified γ -aluminas (γ-Al2O3) and zeolites. Mesoporous silica has obtained much consideration due to its well-defined structural order, high surface area, and tunable pore diameter. In this work, sulfonic acid and aluminium modified mesoporous silica were synthesized and tested as catalysts for production of dimethyl ether from methanol. The modified silicas were studied utilizing XRD, N2 physisorption, pyridine adsorption, and scanning electronic microscopy. The effects of reaction temperature and water deactivation on the methanol selectivity and conversion to dimethyl ether were investigated. Sulfonic acid modified mesoporous silica showed higher selectivity and stability of DME than that of aluminosilicate. The grafting of mesoporous silica with sulfonic groups displayed much more enhanced hydrothermal stability than Al-MCM-41 and γ-Al2O3.
Improved Coating Adhesion on Polymers with Novel Laser Machining Pre-Treatment
Authors: Yang Zhen Di , Goode Chris
Published: August 2021

Electroplating on polymer substrates, which provides polymers with enhanced mechanical properties, extended component lifetimes, and offers a decorative appearance, is environmentally unsustainable. Laser machining, a green process developed at Cirrus Materials Science Ltd, generates an array of pores on various polymer surfaces, which replaces the chemical etch process, and provides strong adhesion for metal coatings to polymer substrates. Laser machining is also applicable to a wide range of engineered or industrial polymer substrates and is adaptable to complex shapes and 3D printed parts. This paper discussed the process of laser machining of polymer substrates including the properties of metal layers on such machined surfaces; and demonstrated laser machining as a promising substitute for conventional chemical etching to prepare various engineering polymer substrates for adhesive coatings.
Comparative Studies on VS2 Bilayer and VS2/Graphene Heterostructure as the Anodes of Li Ion Battery
Authors: Dong Rui Zhi
Published: August 2021

Due to the development of various mobile electronic devices, such as electric vehicles, rechargeable ion batteries are becoming more and more important. However, the current commercial lithium-ion batteries have obvious defects, including poor safety from Li dendrite and flammable electrolyte, quick capacity loss and low charging and discharging rate. It is very important to find a better two-dimensional material as the anode of the battery to recover the disadvantages. In this paper, first principles calculations are used to explore the performances of VS2 bilayer and VS2 / graphene heterostructure as the anodes of Li ion batteries. Based on the calculation of the valences, binding energy, intercalation voltage, charge transfer and diffusion barrier of Li, it is found that the latter can be used as a better anode material from the perspective of insertion voltage and binding energy. At the same time, the former one is better in terms of diffusion barrier. Our study provides a comprehensive understanding on VS2 based 2D anodes.
A Survey of Finding Trends in Data Mining Techniques for Social Media Analysis
Authors: Nanayakkara A. C. , Kumara B. T. G. S. , Rathnayaka R. M. K. T.
Published: August 2021

Social media have become very popular in the last few decades. Users rely on social network sites like Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, and LinkedIn for both information and entertainment needs. Social media analytics with data mining technology could be an analysis axis centered on extracting trends, patterns, and rules from the social media pool, to serve the people and organizations to have optimum choices concerning many disciplines. The traditional media analytical techniques appear obsolete and inadequate to gratify this immense array of unstructured social media knowledge characterized by three key problems namely; size, noise, and dynamism, predominantly shifting from the batch scale to the streaming one. The objective of this study is to investigate the data mining techniques that were used by social media networks during the years 2010 and 2020. The effort is a systematic review of content analysis in studies within the field of social media analytics that was published in principal databases. 125 articles were reviewed in this paper. Content analysis was implemented based on their approach, tools utilized, language, the dataset used, country, year, and nature of the experiment. The review discovered that 22 data mining techniques were employed with social media data while frequently used in Artificial Neural Network (ANN), Bayesian networks (BN) and Support Vector Machine (SVM), K-means Clustering, and Neuro-Fuzzy Logic Approach. The study has focused to assist the involved analyzers and educators to capture the research trends and problems associated with the Social media analytics process with future research initiatives.
Professional development and ESL teacher quality: An empirical study
Authors: Abeywickrama K. R. W. K.
Published: August 2021

A broader awareness of ESL teachers’ conceptions for engaging in PD is vital for them to gain productive outcomes from prevailing Professional Development (PD) opportunities. The qualitative case study reported here investigated the implications of PD initiatives to heighten ESL teachers’ quality in their professional practice. The study used semi-structured interviews to gather data from ten in-service ESL teachers of a government university in Sri Lanka and, Thematic Analysis for recognizing, arranging and interpreting data. The results demonstrated four key implications of PD that empowered teachers to enhance the quality in their practice: (a) refinement of teachers’ character and behaviour (b) sustaining teachers’ currency of knowledge in terms of qualifications, content and overall knowledge and experience, thereby growing into quality practitioners with certificates and credentials, (c) enriching teachers’ quality of delivery via improved skills and expertise, and (d) maintaining teachers’ professional standards. These out-comes could be achieved through both independent and sponsored PD activities regulated by democratic and managerialist principles respectively. The study has valuable implications for PD providers and policy makers, and points to the need of considering them in designing, delivering and framing PD activities in ESL in order to achieve optimum learner outcomes via meaningful PD initiatives.
Socio-economic Factors Affecting Monthly Household Expenditure on Tuition for Advanced Level Students in Embilipitiya Educational Zone in Sri Lanka
Authors: Thilakasingha A. S. , Fernando M. A. C. S. S.
Published: August 2021

School education as well as university education (up to undergraduate level) is mostly government-owned and free in Sri Lanka. However, the General Certificate of Education Advanced Level (G.C.E A/L) Examination has become a huge challenge for students as this is the only eligibility criterion for university entrance which is extremely competitive. Consequently, parents increasingly spend on getting private tuition for their children. This study investigates the socio-economic factors affecting monthly household expenditure on A/L students’ tuition. A stratified random sample of 200 out of 1160 students who sat for the A/L examination in 2019 in each subject stream: Arts, Biological Science, Commerce, Physical Science, and Technology in Embilipitiya educational zone of Rathnapura district in Sri Lanka was selected for the study. Based on the current literature and the Sri Lankan context related to the area of research, 11 factors were identified as the potential determinants of monthly tuition expenditure of Advanced Level students. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire. The multiple linear regression analysis performed in the study revealed that household income, total tuition hours, type of class, and subject stream are the major factors determining the monthly expenditure on private tuition classes. The finalized regression model including the above factors explains more than 71% of the variation in monthly tuition expenditure. Furthermore, the highest and the lowest median monthly tuition expenditures were observed for the students from Physical Science and Arts streams respectively. The findings of this research provide important insights to educators and policymakers while extending the limited current knowledge on private tuition in Sri Lanka.
Adapting to Online Learning in Higher Education System during the Covid-19 Pandemic: A Case Study of Universities in Sri Lanka
Authors: Haththotuwa P. M. P. S. , Rupasinghe R. A. H. M.
Published: August 2021

With the prevailing COVID-19 pandemic, university education is almost entirely done through the online system, since traditional education cannot be continued. Hence, it has become very important to find the best models and learning platforms for online teaching and the problems students are facing in this process. And also checking the possibilities and students' perspectives on moving to an online system are important. Therefore, there is a need to research and find out whether these objectives are being met. The data were collected through an online survey and which covered the public and private universities in Sri Lanka, and the conclusion is based on the more than 900 responses received from undergraduates. The study discovered that university students most commonly use smartphones and laptops for online education and are connected to the Internet through smartphones via hotspots. The University Learning Management System (LMS) and Zoom also became popular learning platforms among them for conducting online lectures. The study also discovered that a high percentage of students liked to use these types of online learning in the future after the commencement of the university via the university LMS and Learn-Zoom free versions. But, the problem with access to the Internet due to the lack of internet coverage in certain areas is the main challenge they are faced with. However, the research advises that it is time to resolve the issues realized by the above findings for the benefit of future online learning and to carry out such educational activities without interruption.
Efficacy of Roflumilast in Bronchiectasis Patients with Frequent Exacerbations: A Double-Blinded, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Pilot Clinical Trial
Authors: Juthong Siwasak , Panyarath Pattaraporn
Published: August 2021

Background: Bronchiectasis patients with neutrophilic airway inflammation develop symptoms of chronic cough, sputum production, and recurrent exacerbations. Roflumilast has anti-inflammatory actions via decreased neutrophilic airway inflammation. The effectiveness of roflumilast to reduce bronchiectasis exacerbation has never been evaluated.Methods: We conducted a double-blinded, randomized, placebo-controlled trial. Our primary objective was to assess the effect of roflumilast compared with that of a placebo in reducing exacerbation rates in bronchiectasis patients. The secondary objectives were the changes in forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) and St. George’s Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ). Bronchiectasis patients older than 18 years who had had two exacerbations during the previous 12 months were randomly assigned to receive either 500 μg of either roflumilast or a placebo once daily for 6 months in a 1:1 ratio.Results: Forty bronchiectasis patients who had experienced exacerbations were screened. Thirty patients completed the study after 6 months of treatment: roflumilast group (n=15) and placebo group (n=15). The rates of exacerbations were 0.57 and 0.59 per patient in the roflumilast and placebo groups, respectively. Prebronchodilator FEV1 increased by 0.07 L from baseline in the roflumilast group and decreased by 0.015 L in the placebo group, but the difference was not significant. No significant differences were observed in the change of SGRQ scores between the roflumilast and placebo groups. Roflumilast had significant side effects, including loss of appetite and headache.Conclusion: Roflumilast did not significantly affect the rate of exacerbations or quality of life. However, FEV1 tended to improve more in the roflumilast group than in the placebo group.
Post tuberculosis radiological sequelae in patients treated for pulmonary and pleural tuberculosis at a tertiary center in Pakistan
Authors: Zubair Syed Muhammad , Ali Mariyam Gohar , Irfan Muhammad
Published: August 2021

Treating tuberculosis (TB) is not the end of the disease because of the wide spectrum of post TB sequelae associated with the disease. There is insufficient data on post TB radiological sequelae. The aim of this study is to evaluate the post TB radiological sequelae on chest x-rays in patients who had completed the treatment for pulmonary and pleural TB at a tertiary care hospital of a high TB burden country. This is a retrospective cross-sectional study conducted on patients treated for pulmonary and pleural TB. Adult patients (18 years or above) with a clinical or microbiological diagnosis of pulmonary or pleural TB were included. Patients were classified on the basis of site of TB into pulmonary and pleural TB. Post-treatment radiological sequelae on chest x-ray were evaluated and divided into three main types i.e. fibrosis, bronchiectasis and pleural thickening. During the study period a total of 321 patients were included with a mean age of 44(SD±19) years. Only 17.13% (n=55) patients had normal chest x-rays at the end of treatment and 82.87% (n=266) patients had post-TB radiological sequelae with fibrosis being the most common followed by pleural thickening. The post TB radiological sequelae were high in patients who had diabetes mellitus (78.94%), AFB smear-positive (90.19%), AFB culture-positive (89.84%), Xpert MTB/Rif positive (88.40%) and with drug-resistant TB (100%). As a clinician, one should be aware of all the post TB sequelae so that early diagnosis and management can be facilitated.
The Italian Society for Rheumatology clinical practice guidelines for the diagnosis and management of fibromyalgia. Best practices based on current scientific evidence
Authors: Ariani A. , Bazzichi L. , Sarzi-Puttini P. , Salaffi F. , Manara M. , Prevete I. , Bortoluzzi A. , Carrara G. , Scirè C.A. , Ughi N. , Parisi S.
Published: August 2021

Fibromyalgia or fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) is defined as a central sensitization syndrome characterized by the dysfunction of neurocircuits detecting, transmitting and processing nociceptive stimuli; the prevalent manifestation is musculoskeletal pain. In addition to pain, there are multiple accompanying symptoms, in common with other algo-dysfunctional syndromes, which are reflected in a broad spectrum of somatic, neurocognitive and neuro-vegetative manifestations. An evidence-based approach is essential in FMS management, in order to improve patient health and to reduce its social burden. Since in the last ten years new international guidelines for clinical practice (Clinical Practice Guidelines or CPGs) concerning FMS diagnosis and pharmacological/ non-pharmacological management have been published, the Italian Society of Rheumatology (SIR) has decided to adapt them to the Italian national setting. The framework of the Guidelines International Network Adaptation Working Group was adopted to identify, appraise (AGREE II), synthesize, and customize the most recent CPGs on FMS to the needs of the Italian healthcare context. A working group of rheumatologists from SIR epidemiology unit and FMS experts identified relevant clinical questions to guide the systematic review of the literature. The target audience of these CPGs included physicians and healthcare professionals who manage FMS. The adapted recommendations were finally assessed by an external multidisciplinary panel. From the systematic search in databases (Pubmed/Medline, Embase) and grey literature, 6 CPGs were selected and appraised by two independent raters. The combination of the scientific evidence underlying the original CPGs with expert opinion lead to the development of 17 recommendations. The quality of evidence for each recommendation was reported and their potential impact on clinical practice was assessed. These SIR recommendations are expected to be a valuable aid in the diagnosis and treatment of FMS, as they will contribute to disseminate the best practice on the basis of the current scientific evidence.
Metastatic Smooth Muscle Tumor of Uncertain Malignant Potential after Laparoscopic Presuming Myomectomy
Authors: Tossamartvorakul Marisa , Mendoza Marie Christine Valerie R. , Huang Kuan-Gen , Chang Shu-Han
Published: August 2021

A 38-year-old para-2 female underwent laparoscopic myomectomy with uncontained morcellation. Three years later, she complained of epigastric pain. An intraperitoneal 3 cm mass beneath the umbilicus was showed on computed tomography (CT) scan. With the impression of gastrointestinal stromal tumor, she underwent open laparotomy at the general surgery department. A tumor was excised. Pathological examination showed that the tumor was consistent with a smooth muscle tumor of uncertain malignant potential smooth muscle tumors of uncertain malignant (STUMP). Six years postlaparoscopic myomectomy, during a regular follow-up, three parauterine masses were found on ultrasonography and CT scan. She underwent laparoscopic surgery for hysterectomy, bilateral salpingectomy, and excision of the masses. The masses were again diagnosed as STUMP. This case presents a recurrence of a rare type of smooth muscle tumor after uncontained morcellation. If myomas are to be removed with morcellation, it should only be used appropriately with a compatible containment system, and the risk of occult malignancy should be counseled.