bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Technological Self-Efficacy Moderates the Relationship between Digital Technology Use and Life Satisfaction among North Korean Migrants in South Korea during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Cross-Sectional Study (Preprint)
Authors: Yoo Gahwan , Jang Sou Hyun
Published: May 2022

BACKGROUND

The use of digital technology is an important component of social inclusion for migrant and refugee populations because it can help them adapt to their host country. However, researchers have yet to empirically examine how digital technology use may affect life satisfaction in migrant populations and how these populations make use of digital technology.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to compare life satisfaction among North Korean migrants and the general population during the COVID-19 pandemic; examine the factors associated with life satisfaction with a focus on changes in digital technology use due to COVID-19; and test the moderating effect of technological self-efficacy on the relationship between changes in digital technology use and life satisfaction.

METHODS

This study analyzed secondary, cross-sectional survey data from the 2020 Digital Divide Survey conducted in South Korea. We included people aged 18 years and older from the North Korean migrants (n=699) and the general population (n=6,520) subsamples of the survey. The relationship between changes in digital technology use and life satisfaction in these two groups was examined using ordinary least squares regression. We also examined the moderating effect between the change in the use of each type of digital technology (five types: social media, life services, information sharing services, civic engagement, and consumption services) and technological self-efficacy.

RESULTS

There were no statistically significant differences in average scores for life satisfaction and technological self-efficacy between North Korean migrants and the general population. Technological self-efficacy had a positive effect on life satisfaction in both North Korean migrants (β=0.248, standard deviation=0.036) and the general population (β=0.283, standard deviation=0.009) when socio-demographic factors were not controlled (p<0.05). The increase in the use of online civic engagement among North Korean migrants during the COVID-19 pandemic (compared with pre-COVID-19 pandemic) had a positive impact on life satisfaction. The increase in the use of online life services and social media in the general population (compared with pre-COVID-19 pandemic) had a negative impact on life satisfaction.

CONCLUSIONS

Policy intervention is necessary to promote technological self-efficacy in North Korean migrants and improve their digital technology use. North Korean migrants should receive periodic and systematic digital technology use training in community-based organizations. The use of digital technology is likely to lead to positive psychosocial adaptation outcomes for North Korean migrants. Considering the potential benefits of TSE for North Korean migrants, as well as what the current information-focused education programs have to offer, added psychological factors are even more critical.
Molecular Identification and Characterization of Plant Growth Promoting Rhizobacteria and their Effect on Seed Germination and Vigour Index of Barley (Hordeum vulgare L.)
Authors: Divyanshu Kumari , Yadav Mukesh , Shukla Vaishali , Kumar Sunil , Tripathi Yashoda Nandan , Upadhyay Ram Sanmukh
Published: May 2022

Plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) are a group of useful bacteria that colonize the plant roots and significantly enhances the plant growth promotion. Keeping this in mind, an investigation was performed for the screening of potent PGPR strains for enhancing seed germination and vigour index of Hordeum vulgare (commonly called barley). Rhizobacterial strains were isolated and screened for various plant growth promoting traits, their effect on seed germination and vigour index of barley plant through pot trial, and resistant ability under various temperature and pH range. Based upon 16S rRNA sequencing data, Pseudomonas punonensis LMT03 (R1), Pseudomonas plecoglossicida R4, Pseudomonas aeruginosa DSM50071 (R2) and Alcaligenes faecalis (DBHU5) isolates were selected and showed positive result for IAA production, Phosphate solubilization, ammonia production, catalase activity, siderophore production and MR-VP test. Barley plants treated with P. punonensis and P. plecoglossicida both showed 94.44% of highest seed germination %, while P. aeruginosa and A. faecalis showed 83.11% and 77.33% respectively in comparison to the control plant shows which 49.99% seed germination only. These respective isolates also showed 2.57, 2.37, 2.0 and 1.69 fold of increase in vigour index as compare to the control plants. The above increase in fold in vigour index and seed germination is much higher as compared to earlier reports. Collectively, the data of current study underpin that addition of these PGPRs to barley rhizosphere appears a promising strategy to enhance root and shoot biomass of this important agriculture crop. To the best of our knowledge this is the first report demonstrating the effect of P. punonensis and P. plecoglossicda on barley crop.
Heartbeat Rate Monitoring System by Pulse Technique
Authors: Pratap Bhanu , Gautam Surabhi , Gupta Naimishi , Gupta Saloni
Published: May 2022

Abstract: It’s a non-contact method to measure someone’s heart rate, as we will calculate it using simple webcam or even phone’s camera. It will ease to care about your health as we are heading towards an age where everyone is concerned about their health and elevated or abnormal heart rate that can be fatal or serious at least so having a machine that measure your heartbeat is rather expensive and our goal is to use our current resources to measure one’s heartrate without additional cost. Keywords: PPG (Photoplethysmogram), HR (Heart rate), BPM (Beats per minute), HB (Heart beat)
A Diagnostic Survey on Methods Used to Predict Land Used for Shifting Cultivation Using Satellite Images
Authors: Pareek Kratee , S A Kumkum , D S Navyashree , C Neha , Rangan R Kasturi
Published: May 2022

Abstract: Shifting cultivation and its practice are said to be pernicious and eco-hostile from the standpoint of dependence of tribal people on forest-clad hill slopes. In this farming, the soil bone diseases are also reduced significantly. This is an example of subsistence, extensive, and arable farming. In the rainforest, it is one of the traditional forms of agriculture. The Amazonian Indians mostly do this farming in South America. They use the land for 2 to 3 years before moving to another area. There is a huge part of land which is used for Shifting cultivation for several years. Because of its spread, growing loss of potential green cover and related imbalance in eco-habitat, the Forest Policy, 1952 and the National Commission on Agriculture, 1976 suggested that shifting cultivation be banned, providing the tribal practitioner alternative systems of livelihood support. In this paper we are going to look at different methods and algorithms used to build AI models to predict Land used for Shifting Cultivation. Keywords: Shifting Cultivation, Remote Sensing, LULC, Image Processing, Neural Networks.
Implementation Paper on Network Data Verification Using Machine Learning Classifiers Based on Reduced Feature Dimensions
Authors: Deshmukh Miss. Maithili , Pund Dr. M. A.
Published: May 2022

Abstract: With the rapid development of network-based applications, new risks arise and extra security mechanisms require additional attention to enhance speed and accuracy. Although many new security tools are developed, the rapid rise of malicious activity may be a major problem and therefore the ever-evolving attacks pose serious threats to network security. Network administrators rely heavily on intrusion detection systems to detect such network intrusion activity. a serious approach is machine learning methods for intrusion detection, where we learn models from data to differentiate between abnormal and normal traffic. Although machine learning methods are often used, there are some drawbacks to deep analysis of machine learning algorithms in terms of intrusion detection. during this work, we present a comprehensive analysis of some existing machine learning classifiers within the context of known intrusions into network traffic. Specifically, we analyze classification along different dimensions, that is, feature selection, sensitivity to hyper-parameter selection, and sophistication imbalance problems involved in intrusion detection. We evaluate several classifications using the NSL-KDD dataset and summarize their effectiveness using detailed experimental evaluation. Keywords: IDS, Machine Learning, Classification Algorithms, NSL-KDD Dataset, Network Intrusion Detection, Data Mining, Feature Selection, WEKA, Hyperparameters, Hyperparameter Optimization.
Voice Coding using ML
Authors: Paradkar Chinmay , Singh Aman , Yadav Suneel
Published: May 2022

Abstract: In this digital era there are various digitization is happening like the AI is deploying so fast, various automations are happening and taking place of human and reducing the efforts of human. And all this things are happening because of programmers/developers they are doing a very hard work for the development of technology. As effect of this this work many developers/programmers are facing various physical / mental disorders like stress, carpel tunnel syndrome and more problems. So we are developing a system which will reduce their injuries or problems like this by creating solution i.e. they have to just speak they want code the system will take it and create proper code. In today’s world, many artificial intelligence applications developed using programming languages like Python, R and so on. Each language comes with its own programming structure and syntactical forms. Programmers are broadly classified into three categories namely, novice users, knowledge intermittent and expert one. For novice users, it is always a challenge to write a code without typographic errors though users know theoretical knowledge of Programming language, its structure and syntax as well as logic of program. Therefore, this paper explores use of voice recognition technique in the field of programming, specifically for writing program with Python programming language. In experimental analysis, it found helpful for new Python programmers and provide new learning curve for programmers wherein beginner can experience hassle free program writing. This paper adds new way of creating interest in beginners for judging their coding paradigm understanding and explore one of the area for user experience field for better programming Integrated Development Environment Development (IDE). Keywords: Artificial Intelligence, Learning, User Experience, Voice Recognition. Keywords: Artificial Intelligence, Learning, User Experience, Voice Recognition and Speech Recognition.
Development of an Economical Solar Powered Lawn Mover
Authors: Mohatkar Shubham D. , Singh Sandeep Kumar , Khokale Chetan M. , Singh Anurag Kumar , Vijaywar Sonu D. , Jadhav Tejaswini R. , Giripunje Manish
Published: May 2022

Abstract: Common lawn- knife machines are operated by energy and electrical energy, which are precious, and need high conservation. To keep terrain clean and reduce use of energy a solar powered lawn trimmer has been designed in this exploration work. The purpose of this study is to design and fabricate a solar- powered lawn trimmer which is affordable, easy to operate and environment friendly. The lawn trimmer uses a 12V, 100AH battery to power a12V DC motor of 180W. A solar panel 1 000V system voltage is used tocharge the battery. A solar charge regulator of 20A is used to control the energy into the battery. The machine uses distance metal blade to cut the lawn. It can run for nearly two hours when completely chargedand there's no sun. It's easy to tell if the battery is completely charged or flat. This paper summarizes and reviews technological development for making effective and cost effective lawnknife. Our end is to study the colorful developments in the lawn knife machines and their performance. Current technology generally used for cutting the lawn by the manually handled device From the check weplant that colorful types of lawn knife available in request which are run by means of solar, electric and internal combustion machine. Lawn knives are available in request having some limit to cut lawn at some height. We're trying to make the new innovative conception substantially used in agrarian field. We're going to fabricate the lawn cutting machine for the use of agrarian field, to cut the crops in the field as wellas to cut the lawn. Index Terms: Components
A Review on Study of Performance Assessment of Multistorey Building Subjected to Earthquake Using STAAD Pro
Authors: Thigale Abhishek , Kavalekar Sanil , Deshmukh Divya , Shirsath Kirti , Khade M. N.
Published: May 2022

Abstract: From the beginning of life on Earth it is evident that natural catastrophes cause a lot of destruction to human life and property. One of the major natural phenomena is the Earthquake. Sudden shaking of ground is a difficult challenge to any structure standing on earth. Due to Improper design of the structure without seismic resistance many buildings have collapsed, and lives have lost during earthquakes. Different shapes & materials of buildings have been used to achieve the strength required to withstand the earthquake. In modern era, lots of seismic force resisting techniques are being used to make a structure/building earthquake resistant. These techniques include introducing Shear walls. to enhance the structure. In this paper, I present a Comparative analysis of earthquake resisting techniques on a multi storey building with the help of different types of Shear walls and using software. The comparison is done between an un-Resisting structure, parallel shear walls, Lshaped shear wall, diagonal bracings, X-shaped bracings & V shaped bracings. The use of shear walls helps to strengthen then structure to make it more Earthquake resistant. The analysis in done on a G+10 building for seismic zone III as per IS 1893:2002 codal provisions. The software that I have used to carry out this analysis is Staad pro v8. It is found out that shear walls contribute largely in reducing the deflection by increasing the strength and stiffness of the building. The results of this project can further be used to enhance the seismic strength of buildings using combination of seismic resistance techniques. Keywords: Storey drift, storey shear, maximum displacement, shear wall, STADD pro.
Renewable Energy based Multimode Electric Vehicle Charging Station: A Review
Authors: Yadnik Shubham , Tiwari Dr. Shruti
Published: May 2022

Abstract: The goal of this work is to understand working of renewable energy based multimode EV charging station that should be suited for fast charging of Electric Vehicle and that must be putting the least amount of overload on the Utility-grid. The charging station is operated in such way that it is either powered by solar PV-array system or utility-grid, to improve grid stability during peak load hours. A DC bus connects the PV-array interfaced with DC-to-DC converter and the Utility-grid interfaced with DC to AC bidirectional converter. The efficiency of the utilized control approach is decided by a smooth transition between solar connected mode and grid connected mode. Although charging station infrastructure can be employed in many ways like it can be made only grid connected or only solar power connected but the coordinated operation of solar power system and grid can be efficient and economic option for implementation of EV charging stations on large scale. This renewable energy based multimode EV charging station can prove to be very much useful for reducing dependency on fossil fuel-based vehicles and promoting use of electric vehicles on large scale with very reasonable per unit cost of charging them. Keywords: Photovoltaic array (PV), Renewable energy, Grid connected EV Charging station, Electric Vehicle, Hybrid EV charging station
My Voice Assistant Using Python
Authors: Kumar Dr. Ranjeet , Faisal Muhammad , Faisal Mohd , Ahmad Owaish
Published: May 2022

Abstract: In the current situation of technology development within the field of augmented reading and voice assistant systems development, many researchers are writing in this regard for the development of new and effective technologies. The voice assistant are software package agents that may interpret human speech & responds via synthesized voices apple siri, microsoft cortana & google assistant are the foremost common voice assistant & embedded in smartphones .Today the technological advancement is increasing day by day. with the assistance of computer system in which we are able to do solely few task however currently artificial intelligence ,machine learning and few a lot of technologies have created computer system so advance that we are able to implement any type of task. In the present paper, The thought of speech technology extremely encompasses 2 technologies: Synthesizer and recognizer. A speech synthesizer takes as input and produces an audio stream as output. A speech recognizer on the opposite hand does opposite. It takes an audio stream as input and thus turns it into text transcription. The voice may be a signal of infinite information. for this reason, we have got created our own virtual personal assistant just for windows using python 3.6 that is ready to right to use on any windows explorer such as windows 7,8,10.we will use python as a programming language as a result of it have a major libraries which is use to implement command. Index Term: Artificial Intelligence, Desktop Assistant, Python, Text to Speech, Virtual Assistant, Voice Recognition.
Drowning Detection System using LRCN Approach
Authors: Chavan Shardul Sanjay , Dhake Sanket Tukaram , Jadhav Shubham Virendra , Mathew rof. Johnson
Published: May 2022

Abstract: This project provides the insights of a real-time video surveillance system capable of automatically detecting drowning incidents in a swimming pool. Drowning is the 3rd reason for the highest unintentional deaths, and that’s why it is necessary to create trustable security mechanisms. Currently, most of the swimming pool's security mechanisms include CCTV surveillance and lifeguards to help in drowning situations. But this method is not enough for huge swimming pools like in amusement parks. Nowadays, some of the security systems are using AI for drowning detection using cameras situated underwater at a fixed location and also by using floating boards having a camera mounted on the bottom side so that underwater view can be captured. But the main problems in these systems arise when the pool is crowded and vision of cameras is blocked by people. In this project, rather than using underwater cameras, we are using cameras situated on top of the swimming pool to get an upper view of the swimming pool so that entire swimming pool will be under surveillance all time. Keywords: Computer vision, Convolutional neural network, Convlstm2D, LRCN, UCF50, OpenCV.
Comparison of Risk of Diseases and Humanitarian Help of Areas after Bombing and Shelling in Yemen and Karabakh Autonomous Region Armenia
Authors: Al Trad A. , Vselichova M. , Farkas M. , Hupkova I. , Nociar A. , Mackova Z.
Published: May 2022

Several Yemenese towns had been shelled and bombed in the Karabakh Region in 2000-2001 by neighboring states. Bombing and/or natural disasters due to earthquakes and floods have been related to outbreaks of waterborne diseases due to destruction of water pipelines and damaging wells for individual water supply. We compare 2 Regions: 1 in tropical; the other in a mild climate afflicted by similar war intervention-shelling and bombing from neighboring countries, Yemen and Karabakh Arzach Autonomous Region of Armenia in 2020.
Review on Vietnamese Refugees, Resettlement and Mental Health: From Pulau Bidong, a Malaysian Experience
Authors: Subramaniam S- , Rajoo M.
Published: May 2022

War regardless of where it occurs, causes widespread devastation for everyone on the planet. Civilians who are directly affected by war are subjected to unspeakable atrocities. They cross national borders in search of safety. The total number of refugees in the world reached 26.4 million in 2020 and now with the Russia-Ukraine conflict, the number is escalating. As of May 2021 the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) in Malaysia has registered 179,570 refugees and asylum seekers. With the growing number of refugees around the world, the prevalence of their mental health disorders is significant for public health. These people are among the most vulnerable people on the planet. The purpose of this review is to look at the short and long term psychological impact on refugees, in particular the Vietnamese refugees who once fled their country for safety in Malaysia and then resettled in other countries. From the review, recommendations for handling the growing number of refugees worldwide in the hope of reducing the impact their psychological problem in future. #SayNoToWar
Research on Government Regulation of Social Credit System — From the Perspective of Business Ethics
Authors: Li Zhi-qiang
Published: May 2022

Institution system is an important part of modern social governance. Government, market and social relations within the system, as well as the corresponding institutional arrangements, can be said to be the top priority. Corporate social responsibility is an outstanding case that embodies the relationship and institutional arrangement of the three in practice.

Government regulation of social credit system is a good example to analysis it. The research on government regulation of social credit system itself is put forward from the perspective of government, so in the field of government regulation of social credit system, should enterprises play a role? Especially in the era of big data, a large number of data are provided by private enterprises. Without these data, it is difficult to complete the construction of big data system. If enterprises should play their role, what’s the contribution of the government? Academic and industrial circles have been expressing their own opinions on these issues.

Therefore, this paper attempts to build a game model among government, enterprise and society to solve the following problems: how to solve the relationship problem among government, enterprise and society? How to build the corresponding system? What’s the corresponding government regulation of China’s social credit system go from the perspective of business ethics?

Through the game model analysis, the author finds that shareholders can reduce the threat of CEO replacement and collude with the management staff members to make the cake (including the interests of stakeholders) smaller. But on the basis of the loss of stakeholders’ rights and interests, shareholders’ wealth is increasing, which also explains why more and more senior executives are trying to form collusion with stakeholders in the campaign against antitakeover and loose audit system. Shareholders’ rights and interests and stakeholders’ rights and interests present a seesaw phenomenon. The response of the stakeholders and shareholders to a better corporate governance model is consistent. That is to say, the increase of shareholders’ income is not necessarily based on the loss of stakeholders. The game model also shows that the protection of formal laws and regulations is the main factor to increase the benefits of stakeholders. Through the case of the social credit system, we will conclude that the formal laws and regulations cannot fully ensure the increase of stakeholders’ income, but also need to strengthen the transformation of institutional advantages into governance advantages, and strengthen the law enforcement. It will finally promote the further improvement of social credit system.
Imbalances of Interests of Subjects of Economic Security at the Macro- and Meso-levels
Authors: Zatevakhina A. V.
Published: May 2022

The aim of the study was to consider from a managerial point of view the imbalances of interests of stakeholders within the regional space, aimed at identifying the interests of individual groups, as well as determining their impact on business development and strategic assets of the region. The research hypothesis is that the presence of conflict zones seriously affects the state of economic security and presupposes the adjustment of the existing strategic vector of the region’s economic development. Research methods — analysis of scientific literature and regulatory legal acts, synthesis. The results consist in proposing a conceptual model for managing the balance of interests in the system of ensuring economic security. It has been proved that a scientifically grounded system of interaction between subjects of the regional economy, taking into account the principles of harmonizing their interaction and the optimal combination of regional interests, will ensure the economic security of the region within the framework of the trajectory of socio-economic development of the region for a long period. Conclusions: when coordinating the interests of all economic entities, eliminating tense conflict zones, and implementing measures to neutralize threats to regional economic security, a significant amount of organizational and intellectual resources will be released, which were used in the struggle to realize their own interests by any means. With their targeted use, the vital interests of the region and municipalities will be more reliably protected, regional financial stability will be preserved, and external protection from the destabilizing effects of the external environment will be formed.
Why Those Living In a Glass House Like To Throw Stones So Much
Authors: Editorial Article
Published: May 2022

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Government Classification of Residential Real Estate. Managerial Approach
Authors: Likhtin A. A. , Muftakhova A. N.
Published: May 2022

The classification of residential real estate occupied by the citizens of the country has been raised more than once both by the scientific community and by the state. Based on the managerial approach, the article reveals the main methods of differentiation of places of residence and class of housing, used by government department at the federal and regional levels. On the example of the modern megapolis — St. Petersburg — the dynamics of the development of the housing sector, its important social character is shown. Based on historical, sociological and normative methods, the material on specific cases illustrates the heterogeneity of people living in various types of modern housing. It is concluded that it is necessary to take into account the entire system of factors that determine the classification of residential real estate in order to more accurately predict the development of social processes in the housing sector, and effective public administration at the regional level.
Left Ventricle Unloading in Veno-Arterial Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation: A Literature Review
Authors: Wang Song , Liu Min , Xu Hongyang
Published: May 2022

Veno-Arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (V-A ECMO) is an
effective circulatory aid device, which has been increasingly used in
extracorporeal life mechanical support for rescuing shock caused by
various causes. However, it is generally agreed that V-A ECMO has
significantly increased the left ventricular afterload of the supported
heart during operation, resulting in limited aortic valve opening,
increased intracardiac pressure, and A series of adverse outcomes of
left ventricular dilation. If not duly assessment and intervention
enough, the recovery of cardiac function is delayed. Based on the
hemodynamic characteristics of V-A ECMO, we review the whole spectrum of
Left ventricle unloading (LVU) combined with V-A ECMO reported to date.
The species richness pattern and additive diversity partitioning of mosses along a tropical elevational gradient in Hainan Island, China
Authors: Fu Liqin , Zhang Xuewen , Jiang Yunpeng , Gao De , Xu Peng , Zhang Lina , Zhao Jiancheng
Published: May 2022

Understanding the species richness pattern along elevational gradients
and its driving mechanisms is critical for biodiversity conservation. We
examined the elevational patterns of species richness and evaluated the
effects of spatial and environmental factors for all mosses, acrocarpous
mosses, and pleurocarpous mosses, respectively, predicted a priori by
alternative hypotheses, including mid-domain effect (MDE), habitat
complexity, energy, and environment. We assessed the contribution of
elevation toward explaining the heterogeneity among sampling sites for
each group. Last, we compared the occurrence probability and
proportional use of community type along the elevational gradient
between acrocarpous mosses and pleurocarpous mosses. We observed
negatively skewed (hump-shaped) distribution pattern of species richness
along the elevational gradient for each group. The habitat complexity
and the MDE hypothesis were supported for the patterns of all mosses and
acrocarpous mosses; whereas the habitat complexity and the environment
hypothesis were supported for the pattern of pleurocarpous mosses. For
many low-lying sampling sites with sunny and dry conditions, extinction
and dispersal limitation are the primary processes producing low species
richness pattern, which decreases the overall average diversity for each
group. The variations of the occurrence probability and proportional use
of community type along the elevational gradient between acrocarpous
mosses and pleurocarpous mosses explain the contributions of elevation
toward the heterogeneity among sampling sites for all mosses. Higher
sensitiveness to environmental changes could contribute to a larger
increase of species diversity from unfavorable to optimal environment
conditions, enlarging elevation effect on explaining the heterogeneity
among sampling sites for pleurocarpous mosses.
A fatal case of repeated ventricular fibrillation following torsade de pointes, due to multiple administrations of metoclopramide
Authors: Watanabe Yusuke , Nakamura Itaru , Takebayashi Yasuyuki , Watanabe Hidehiro
Published: May 2022

Although metoclopramide has many adverse effects, Torsade de pointes
(TdP) is rare. We describe a fatal case of repeated ventricular
fibrillation following TdP, due to multiple administrations of
metoclopramide. Multiple administrations of metoclopramide over a short
time to a patient with risk factors of TdP should be reconsidered.
“Case Report: A wise exception to guideline of endocarditis”
Authors: alizadehasl azin , Khalilipur Ehsan , hosseini saeid , ahmadi somaye , abdi amir , Ravanparsa Reza
Published: May 2022

High embolization risk is an early surgery indication in Infective
endocarditis patients. current guidelines acknowledge delaying surgery
for 1 to 2 weeks if ischemic stroke occur. Nevertheless, it could be
conducted if required. We report a case of endocarditis with high
embolization risk complicated by ischemic stroke and septic emboli.
Surgical Treatment of Invasive Pulmonary Fungal Infections in Immunocompromised Pediatric Patients: Aspergillus spp and other emerging fungi
Authors: Lopez-Fernandez Sergio , Molino José Andrés , Soler-Palacín Pere , Mendoza-Palomar Natalia , Oficialdegui Maria Luz Uria , López Manuel , Burrieza Gabriela Guillén
Published: May 2022

INTRODUCTION: Invasive Pulmonary Fungal Infections (IPFI) represent a
diagnostic and therapeutic challenge. The exact role of surgery is not
well defined. This study aims to analyze our experience with surgical
treatment of IPFI in immunocompromised pediatric patients and,
secondarily, to compare the IPFI caused by Aspergillus spp. with other
fungal infections. METHODS: retrospective review (2000-2019) of patients
with IPFI surgically treated at our pediatric institution. Statistical
analysis was used to compare data between Aspergillus spp. and
non-Aspergillus IPFI. RESULTS: twenty-five patients (64% females)
underwent 29 surgical lung resections. Median age at surgery was 7.19
years (1.63-19.14). The most frequent underlying condition (64%) was
acute leukemia. Surgical indications included persistence or worsening
of symptoms and pathological image findings (52%) or asymptomatic
suspicious lesions in patients scheduled for intensive cytotoxic
treatments or HSCT (48%). All patients underwent atypical lung
resections, except one lobectomy. Aspergillus spp. was the most
frequently isolated pathogen (68%). Follow up was 4.07 years
(0.07-18.07). Surgery-related mortality was 0% but 4 patients died in
the 100 days following surgery (2 due to disseminated fungal infection);
the remaining 21 didn’t show signs of IPFI recurrence. Non-specific
consolidations on CT scan were more frequent in non-Aspergillus IPFI
(p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: surgical treatment of IPFI should be
considered as part of the treatment in selected pediatric
immunocompromised patients, and it may have both diagnostic and
therapeutic advantages over non-surgical management. When there is
clinical suspicion of IPFI but CT scan shows unspecific alterations, the
possibility of a non-Aspergillus IPFI should be considered.
Protecting many small patches will maximize biodiversity conservation for most taxa: the SS > SL principle
Authors: Riva Federico , Fahrig Lenore
Published: May 2022

The principle that a single large patch has higher value for
biodiversity than several small patches of the same total area (SL
> SS) is widely applied in conservation. We show this
principle is incorrect, and that biodiversity conservation requires
placing more emphasis on protection of large numbers of small patches
(SS > SL). Analyzing 76 metacommunities (4401 species, 1190
patches) we demonstrate that, at equal habitat area, species richness
accumulates more rapidly in large numbers of small patches twice as
often as in few large patches (45.2% vs 19.9% of cases). This pattern
is clear for plants, birds, mammals, and invertebrates, but reversed for
herptiles. We therefore propose a new principle: for a given area,
protecting the largest possible number of patches will maximize
biodiversity for most taxa. Our findings indicate large untapped
potential for biodiversity conservation worldwide, highlighting the need
for a paradigm shift in conservation policy.
Design of capacitor-less LDO regulator with NLRSCR based high robustness ESD protection circuit using dynamic feedback loop for low-voltage applications
Authors: Kwon Sang wook , koo yong seo
Published: May 2022

The capacitor-less low dropout voltage regulator applied to mobile
devices increases the power consumption due to the continuously exposed
peak voltage. The dynamic feedback loop for the LDO regulator proposed
in this study can provide a function to stably control the peak voltage
regardless of the change in the load current. The performance of chip
layout maintains an output voltage of 3V with a battery input voltage of
3.3-4.5V and a load current of 350mA. The peak voltage was maintained
the undershoot voltage of 30mV and the overshoot of 33mV regardless of
the change in the load current. In addition, circuit damage due to ESD
(Electro Static Discharge) may occur frequently due to the increase of
applications using low voltage along with miniaturization and
integration of IC. This is an important factor affecting the overall
reliability related to the productivity and stability. As a result, it
was confirmed that the proposed LDO regulator secures high reliability
at low voltage by applying the ESD protection circuit of the NLRSCR
structure.
Association Between Diabetes and Gray Matter Atrophy Patterns in a General Older Japanese Population: The Hisayama Study
Authors: Hirabayashi Naoki , Hata Jun , Furuta Yoshihiko , Ohara Tomoyuki , Shibata Mao , Hirakawa Yoichiro , Yamashita Fumio , Yoshihara Kazufumi , Kitazono Takanari , Sudo Nobuyuki , Ninomiya Toshiharu
Published: May 2022

OBJECTIVE:
To
examine the association between diabetes mellitus and gray matter atrophy
patterns in a general older Japanese population.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: In
2012, a total of 1,189 community-dwelling Japanese aged ≥65 years underwent
brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans. Regional gray matter volumes (GMV)
and intracranial volume (ICV) were measured by applying voxel-based morphometry
(VBM) methods. The associations of diabetes and related parameters with the
regional GMV/ICV were examined using an ANCOVA. The regional gray matter
atrophy patterns in the subjects with diabetes or elevated fasting plasma
glucose (FPG) or 2-hour postload glucose (2hPG) levels were investigated using
VBM.

RESULTS: Diabetic
subjects had significantly lower mean values of GMV/ICV in the frontal lobe,
temporal lobe, insula, deep gray matter structures, and cerebellum than
non-diabetic subjects after adjusting for potential confounders. A longer
duration of diabetes was also significantly associated with lower mean values
of GMV/ICV in these brain regions. The multivariable-adjusted mean values of
the temporal, insular, and deep GMV/ICV decreased significantly with elevating
2hPG levels, whereas higher FPG levels were not significantly associated with GMV/ICV
of any brain regions. In the VBM analysis, diabetes was associated with gray
matter atrophy in the bilateral superior temporal gyri, right middle temporal
gyrus, left inferior temporal gyrus, right middle frontal gyrus, bilateral
thalami, right caudate, and right cerebellum.

CONCLUSIONS:
The
present study suggests that a longer duration of diabetes and elevated 2hPG
levels are significant risk factors for gray matter atrophy in various brain
regions.
Indirect and Direct Effects of SARS-CoV-2 on Human Pancreatic Islets
Authors: Nasr Moufida Ben , D’Addio Francesca , Montefusco Laura , Usuelli Vera , Loretelli Cristian , Rossi Antonio , Pastore Ida , Abdelsalam Ahmed , Maestroni Anna , Dell’Acqua Marco , Ippolito Elio , Assi Emma , Seelam Andy Joe , Fiorina Roberta Maria , Chebat Enrica , Morpurgo Paola , Lunati Maria Elena , Bolla Andrea Mario , Abdi Reza , Bonventre Joseph V. , Rusconi Stefano , Riva Agostino , Corradi Domenico , Santus Pierachille , Clark Pamela , Nebuloni Manuela , Baldi Gabriella , Finzi Giovanna , Folli Franco , Zuccotti Gian Vincenzo , Galli Massimo , Herold Kevan C. , Fiorina Paolo
Published: May 2022

Recent studies have shown that SARS-CoV-2 infection may induce metabolic distress, leading to hyperglycemia in patients affected by COVID-19. We investigated the potential indirect and direct effects of SARS-CoV-2 on human pancreatic islets in 10 patients who became hyperglycemic after COVID-19. While there was no evidence of peripheral anti-islet autoimmunity, the serum of these patients displayed toxicity on human pancreatic islets, which can be abrogated by the use of anti-IL1b, anti-IL-6 and anti-TNF-a, cytokines known to be highly upregulated during COVID-19. Interestingly, the receptors of those aforementioned cytokines were highly expressed on human pancreatic islets. An increase in peripheral unmethylated INS DNA, a marker of cell death, was evident in several patients with COVID-19. Pathology of the pancreas from deceased hyperglycemic patients who had COVID-19, revealed mild lymphocytic infiltration of pancreatic islets and pancreatic lymph nodes. Moreover, SARS-CoV-2-specific viral RNA, along with the presence of several immature insulin granules or proinsulin, were detected in post-mortem pancreatic tissues, suggestive of β-cell altered proinsulin processing, as well as β-cell degeneration and hyperstimulation. These data demonstrate that SARS-CoV-2 may negatively affect human pancreatic islets function and survival by creating inflammatory conditions and possibly with a direct tropism, which may in turn lead to metabolic abnormalities observed in patients with COVID-19. 
Differentiating Associations of Glycemic Traits with Atherosclerotic and Thrombotic Outcomes: Mendelian Randomization Investigation
Authors: Yuan Shuai , Mason Amy M. , Burgess Stephen , Larsson Susanna C.
Published: May 2022

 We conducted a Mendelian randomization analysis to differentiate associations of four glycemic indicators with a broad range of atherosclerotic and thrombotic diseases. Independent genetic variants associated with fasting glucose (FG), 2-h glucose after an oral glucose challenge (2hGlu), fasting insulin (FI), and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) at the genome-wide significance threshold were used as instrumental variables. Summary-level data for 12 atherosclerotic and 4 thrombotic outcomes were obtained from large genetic consortia and the FinnGen and UK Biobank studies. Higher genetically-predicted glycemic traits were consistently associated with an increased risk of coronary atherosclerosis related diseases and symptoms. Genetically-predicted glycemic traits except HbA1c showed positive associations with peripheral artery disease risk. Genetically-predicted FI levels were positively associated with risk of ischemic stroke and chronic kidney disease. Genetically-predicted FG and 2hGlu were positively associated with the risk of large artery stroke. Genetically-predicted 2hGlu levels showed positive associations with the risk of small vessel stroke. Higher levels of genetically-predicted glycemic traits were not associated with increased risk of thrombotic outcomes. Most associations for genetically-predicted levels of 2hGlu and FI remained after adjusting for other glycemic traits. Increased glycemic status appears to increase risks of coronary and peripheral artery atherosclerosis, but not thrombosis.  
Effect of Humidity on Corrugated Fiberboard Bidirectional Property
Authors:   Packaging Department, Christian Brothers University, 650 East Parkway South, Memphis, TN 38104, USA, Ayesh T. , Pounds P. ,   Packaging Department, Christian Brothers University, 650 East Parkway South, Memphis, TN 38104, USA, Zavala G. ,   Packaging Department, Christian Brothers University, 650 East Parkway South, Memphis, TN 38104, USA, Podesta T. ,   Packaging Department, Christian Brothers University, 650 East Parkway South, Memphis, TN 38104, USA, Malasri S. ,   Packaging Department, Christian Brothers University, 650 East Parkway South, Memphis, TN 38104, USA
Published: May 2022

In this study, the effect of humidity on the ECT and Burst strengths of corrugated fiberboard was investigated using a conditioning temperature of 90F combined with relative humidity, RH, of 30%, 50%, 65%, and 80%. The primary focus of the study was on the bidirectional property of corrugated fiberboard in terms of the ratio of the ECT strength in the weak direction (perpendicular to the flute direction) to the strong direction (parallel to the flute direction). The ratio is not constant, but increases at the rate of 0.0017 per % RH per the following equation: ECT Ratio (Weak/Strong) = 0.0017(RH) + 0.4719.
Evaluation of the Suitability of Tigernut Milk and Tigernut-Cow Composite Milks for Yoghurt Production
Authors: Onyimba I. A. , Chomini M. S. , Job M. O. , Njoku A. I. , Onoja J. A. , Isaac D. C. , Isaac I. C. , Ngene A. C.
Published: May 2022

The cost of animal milk used in yoghurt production in Nigeria has continued to rise, making the price of yoghurt to become prohibitive. This study investigated the suitability of tiger nut milk for yoghurt production. Five milk formulations prepared from tiger nut milk and cow milk were used to produce yoghurts. pH and titratable acidity (TA) of the milks and yoghurts were determined. The yoghurts were assessed for total plate count (TPC), total fungal count (TFC), fat content and sensory properties. Sensory properties were evaluated by a 10-man taste-panel using a 5-point hedonic scale. pH values of the yoghurts ranged from 3.94 – 4.68. TA values ranged from 0.56 – 0.64. TPC of the yoghurts ranged from 1.0 x 102 – 1.3 x 103 cfu/ml while TFC ranged from 0.1 x 101 – 0.3 x 101. The microbial counts of the yoghurt samples were within acceptable safety limits. The yoghurts were generally acceptable to the panelists. There were significant (P < .05) differences in the sensory scores for appearance, taste, texture, and overall acceptability. Tiger nut-cow milk (75:25) yoghurt had the highest appearance and taste scores while tiger nut milk (100) yoghurt had the highest texture and overall acceptability scores. Tiger nut milk (100) yoghurt was the most preferred yoghurt with an overall acceptability score of 4.8±0.42 followed by tiger nut-cow milk (75:25) yoghurt. Yoghurts analysed had fairly high fat contents. The study showed that tiger nut milk and tiger nut-cow milk composites could be used as alternatives to cow milk for yoghurt production.
The Significance of Culture and Regulations on Alcohol Abuse Among Youths in Rombo District Council
Authors: Massawe Agnes E. , Ruheza Sosthenes , Msambila Amos A.
Published: May 2022

This study aimed at documenting the influence of culture and regulations on youths’ alcohol abuse in Rombo District. Questionnaires, Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) and Key-informant interviews were used for data collection. Quantitative and qualitative data were analysed by Statistical Product for Social Solutions (SPSS) version 20 and thematic analysis respectively. The study revealed that culture influence alcohol abuse among youths, and most of youths learn to consume alcohol from their parents. Study further found that there are a lot of unregistered drinking places making it difficulties for enforcement of bylaws. The study findings depict that in most cases there was less bylaws enforcement with police mainly focus on fines. The study concludes that alcohol abuse among youths in Rombo District is attributed by cultural perceptions on alcohol as a status and prestige, less by law enforcement and easily availability of alcohol in the study area. The study recommends that family heads should discourage alcohol consumption; through being role models, the government should make sure that all alcohol selling points are registered, enforcement of by laws on alcohol consumption and community is provided with education on the negative effects of excessive alcohol consumption.
Development of The Electronics Industry of Thai Nguyen Province, Vietnam: Achievements and Limitations
Authors: Ha Nguyen Thi Thu , Long Nguyen Tien , Trang Trinh Thi Thu
Published: May 2022

The electronics industry is a physical manufacturing industry playing a key role in the economy and has a strong impact on other industries. This study focuses on assessing the status and proposing solutions to develop the electronics industry in Thai Nguyen province. Research results show that at present, the electronics industry of Thai Nguyen province does not have a large number of enterprises but has the largest number of employees in the group of industries in the province; In addition, the net production and business revenue of this industry has a high growth rate. However, policies and support services for enterprises to invest and develop the electronics industry are still limited and lacked of strong linkage. Base on analyzing the current situation, the study proposes a number of recommendations to promote the development of the electronics industry in Thai Nguyen province: (1) Focusing on attracting investment, developing the production and supply network for the SEVT electronic complex; (2) Developing the human resource; (3) Focusing on infrastructure development; (4) Strengthening the environmental protection; (5) Promoting linkages in the electronics industry.