bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Synthesis and Biodegradation Test of a New Polyether Polyurethane Foam Produced from PEG 400, L-Lysine Ethyl Ester Diisocyanate (L-LDI) and Bis-hydroxymethyl Furan (BHMF)
Authors: Olivito Fabrizio , Jagdale Pravin , Oza Goldie
Published: August 2023

In this paper we produced a bio-based polyether-polyurethane foam PU1 through the prepolymer method. The prepolymer was obtained by the reaction of PEG 400 with L-Lysine ethyl ester diisocyanate (L-LDI). The freshly prepared prepolymer was extended with 2,5-bis(hydroxymethyl)furan (BHMF) to produce the final polyurethane. The renewable chemical BHMF was produced through the chemical reduction of HMF by sodium borohydride. HMF was produced by a previously reported procedure from fructose using choline chloride and ytterbium triflate. To evaluate the degradation rate of the foam PU1, we tested the chemical stability by soaking it in a 10% sodium hydroxide solution. The weight loss was only 12% after 30 days. After that, we proved that enzymatic hydrolysis after 30 days using cholesterol esterase was more favoured than hydrolysis with NaOH, with a weight loss of 24%, probably due to the hydrophobic character of the PU1 and a better adhesion of the enzyme on the surface with respect to water. BHMF was proved to be of crucial importance for the enzymatic degradation assay at 37 °C in phosphate buffer solution, because it represents the breaking point inside the polyurethane chain. Soil burial degradation test was monitored for three months to evaluate whether the joint activity of sunlight, climate changes and microorganisms, including bacteria and fungi, could further increase the biodegradation. The unexpected weight loss after soil burial degradation test was 45% after three months. This paper highlights the potential of using sustainable resources to produce new biodegradable materials.
A Metalloproteinase Cocktail from the Venom of Protobothrops flavoviridis Cleaves Amyloid Beta Peptides at the α-Cleavage Site
Authors: Futai Eugene , Kawasaki Hajime , Sato Shinichi , Daoudi Khadija , Hidaka Masafumi , Tomita Taisuke , Ogawa Tomohisa
Published: August 2023

A disintegrin and metalloproteinase (ADAM) family proteins are a major class of membrane-anchored multidomain proteinases that are responsible for the shedding of cell surface protein ectodomains, including amyloid precursor protein (APP). Human ADAM 9, 10, and 17 proteolyze APPs and produce non-amyloid-genic p3 peptides, instead of neurotoxic amyloid-β peptides (Aβs; Aβ40 and Aβ42), which form fibrils and accumulate in the brain of patients with Alzheimer’s disease (AD). The ADAM family is closely related to snake venom metalloproteinases (SVMPs), which are derived from ancestral ADAMs but act as soluble proteinases. To test the therapeutic potential of SVMPs, we purified SVMPs from Protobothrops flavoviridis venom using metal ion affinity and pooled into a cocktail. Thus, 9 out of 11 SVMPs in the P. flavoviridis genome were identified in the cocktail. SVMPs inhibited Aβ secretion when added to human cell culture medium without affecting APP proteolysis. SVMPs degraded synthetic Aβ40 and Aβ42 peptides at the same cleavage site (α-site of APP) as ADAM9, 10, and 17. SVMPs did not degrade Aβ fibrils but interfered with their formation, assessed using thioflavin-T. Thus, SVMPs have therapeutic potential for AD as an Aβ-degrading protease, and the finding adds to the discovery of bioactive peptides from venoms as novel therapeutics.
Okadaic Acid Detection through a Rapid and Sensitive Amplified Luminescent Proximity Homogeneous Assay
Authors: Qin Yuan , Li Jiayu , Kuang Jiani , Shen Sicheng , Zhou Xiumei , Zhao Xueqin , Huang Biao , Han Bingnan
Published: August 2023

Okadaic acid (OA), a marine biotoxin produced by microalgae, poses a significant threat to mariculture, seafood safety, and human health. The establishment of a novel, highly sensitive detection method for OA would have significant practical and scientific implications. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to develop an innovative approach for OA detection. A competitive amplified luminescent proximity homogeneous assay (AlphaLISA) was developed using the principle of specific antigen–antibody binding based on the energy transfer between chemiluminescent microspheres. The method was non-washable, sensitive, and rapid, which could detect 2 × 10−2–200 ng/mL of OA within 15 min, and the detection limit was 4.55 × 10−3 ng/mL. The average intra- and inter-assay coefficients of variation were 2.54% and 6.26%, respectively. Detection of the actual sample results exhibited a good correlation with high-performance liquid chromatography. In conclusion, a simple, rapid, sensitive, and accurate AlphaLISA method was established for detecting OA and is expected to significantly contribute to marine biotoxin research.
Treatment of Cutaneous Leishmaniasis with Sodium Stibogluconate and Allopurinol in a Routine Setting in Ethiopia: Clinical and Patient-Reported Outcomes and Operational Challenges
Authors: van Henten Saskia , Bialfew Fentaw , Hassen Seid , Tilahun Feleke , van Griensven Johan , Abdela Seid Getahun
Published: August 2023

Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is common in Ethiopia, but the national guideline does not offer specific treatment recommendations. Consequently, different treatment regimens are used in the country, without quality evidence. In Boru Meda Hospital, sodium stibogluconate (SSG) is routinely used in combination with allopurinol for systemic CL treatment, although evidence on its effectiveness is limited. An observational cohort study was carried out to document clinical treatment outcomes in patients receiving SSG/allopurinol at the end of each 28-day treatment cycle and after 180 days. Patient-reported outcomes were assessed by asking patients to rate lesion severity, and by the dermatological life quality index. A total of 104 patients were included. After one treatment cycle, only four patients were clinically cured, although patient-reported outcomes significantly improved. The majority (88) of patients were appointed for a second treatment cycle, of whom only 37 (42%) attended. Among the 36 patients who came for final outcome assessment, 50% were cured. Follow-up and treatment were severely affected by conflict; drug stock-outs and insufficient ward capacity for treatment were additional challenges. The treatment outcomes of SSG/allopurinol were relatively poor, and most patients required more than one cycle of treatment. Shortages of drugs and beds indicate the existing gaps in providing CL treatment in Ethiopia.
Contingent Valuation Machine Learning (CVML): A Novel Method for Estimating Citizens’ Willingness to Pay for a Safer and Cleaner Environment
Authors: Khuc Van Quy , Tran Duc Trung
Published: August 2023

This paper introduces an advanced method that integrates contingent valuation and machine learning (CVML) to estimate residents’ demand for reducing or mitigating environmental pollution and climate change. To be precise, CVML is an innovative hybrid machine learning model, and it can leverage a limited amount of survey data for prediction and data enrichment purposes. The model comprises two interconnected modules: Module I, an unsupervised learning algorithm, and Module II, a supervised learning algorithm. Module I is responsible for grouping the data into groups based on common characteristics, thereby grouping the corresponding dependent variable, whereas Module II is in charge of demonstrating the ability to predict and the capacity to appropriately assign new samples to their respective categories based on input attributes. Taking a survey on the topic of air pollution in Hanoi in 2019 as an example, we found that CVML can predict households’ willingness to pay for polluted air mitigation at a high degree of accuracy (i.e., 98%). We found that CVML can help users reduce costs or save resources because it makes use of secondary data that are available on many open data sources. These findings suggest that CVML is a sound and practical method that could be widely applied in a wide range of fields, particularly in environmental economics and sustainability science. In practice, CVML could be used to support decision-makers in improving the financial resources to maintain and/or further support many environmental programs in years to come.
Hepatitis A Virus and Hepatitis E Virus as Food- and Waterborne Pathogens—Transmission Routes and Methods for Detection in Food
Authors: Nemes Katalin , Persson Sofia , Simonsson Magnus
Published: August 2023

Foodborne viruses are an important threat to food safety and public health. Globally, there are approximately 5 million cases of acute viral hepatitis due to hepatitis A virus (HAV) and hepatitis E virus (HEV) every year. HAV is responsible for numerous food-related viral outbreaks worldwide, while HEV is an emerging pathogen with a global health burden. The reported HEV cases in Europe have increased tenfold in the last 20 years due to its zoonotic transmission through the consumption of infected meat or meat products. HEV is considered the most common cause of acute viral hepatitis worldwide currently. This review focuses on the latest findings on the foodborne transmission routes of HAV and HEV and the methods for their detection in different food matrices.
Possible Association between Genetic Diversity of Hepatitis B Virus and Its Effect on the Detection Rate of Hepatitis B Virus DNA in the Placenta and Fetus
Authors: Sirilert Sirinart , Khamrin Pattara , Kumthip Kattareeya , Malasao Rungnapa , Maneekarn Niwat , Tongsong Theera
Published: August 2023

Background: The prevalence of HBV infection and HBV genotypes varies from country to country, and the role of HBV genotypes in the presence of HBV in the placenta and fetus has never been explored. This study was conducted to (1) identify HBV genotypes, and their frequencies, that infected Northern Thai pregnant women; (2) evaluate the association between HBV genotypes and the detection rate of HBV DNA in the placenta and fetus; (3) evaluate the association between specific mutations of the HBV genome and HBV DNA detection in placental tissue; and (4) identify the mutation of the HBV genome that might occur between maternal blood, placenta, and cord blood. Methods: Stored samples of the maternal blood, placental tissue, and cord blood that were collected from 145 HBsAg-positive pregnant Thai women were analyzed to identify HBV DNA. Results: Approximately 25% of infected mothers had fetal HBV DNA detection, including cases with concomitant HBV DNA detection in the placenta (77.3%). A total of 11.7% of cases with placental detection had no HBV DNA detection in the maternal blood, indicating that the placenta could be a site of HBV accumulation. Of the 31 HBV-positive blood samples detected by nested PCR, the detected strains were subgenotype C1 (77.4%), subgenotype B9 (9.7%), and subgenotype C2, B2, B4, and recombinant B4/C2 (3.2% for each). Genotype B had a trend in increased risk of placental HBV DNA detection compared to genotype C, with a relative risk of 1.40 (95% CI: 1.07–1.84). No specific point mutation had a significant effect on HBV DNA detection in placental tissue. Mutation of C454T tended to enhance HBV DNA detection in placental tissue, whereas T400A tended to have a lower detection rate. No mutation was detected in different sample types collected from the same cases. Conclusions: HBV DNA detection in the fetus was identified in approximately 25% of HBV-positive mothers, associated with the presence of HBV in the placenta in most cases. The placenta could possibly be a site of HBV accumulation. Subgenotype C1 was the most common subgenotype, followed by subgenotype B9. HBV genotype B possibly had a higher trend in intrauterine detection than HBV genotype C. Mutation is unlikely to occur during intrauterine exposure.
Non-Invasive Measurement of Hepatic Fibrosis by Transient Elastography: A Narrative Review
Authors: Rinaldi Luca , Giorgione Chiara , Mormone Andrea , Esposito Francesca , Rinaldi Michele , Berretta Massimiliano , Marfella Raffaele , Romano Ciro
Published: August 2023

Transient elastography by FibroScan® (Echosens, Paris, France) is a non-invasive method that can provide a reliable measurement of liver fibrosis through the evaluation of liver stiffness. Despite its limitations and risks, liver biopsy has thus far been the only procedure able to provide data to quantify fibrosis. Scientific evidence and clinical practice have made it possible to use FibroScan® in the diagnostic work-up of several liver diseases to monitor patients’ long-term treatment response and for complication prevention. For these reasons, this procedure is widely used in clinical practice and is still being investigated for further applications. The aim of this narrative review is to provide a comprehensive overview of the main applications of transient elastography in the current clinical practice.
Efficacy, Pharmacokinetics, and Toxicity Profiles of a Broad Anti-SARS-CoV-2 Neutralizing Antibody
Authors: Godínez-Palma Silvia , González-González Edith , Ramírez-Villedas Frida , Garzón-Guzmán Circe , Vallejo-Castillo Luis , Carballo-Uicab Gregorio , Marcelín-Jiménez Gabriel , Batista Dany , Pérez-Tapia Sonia M. , Almagro Juan C.
Published: August 2023

We recently reported the isolation and characterization of an anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibody, called IgG-A7, that protects transgenic mice expressing the human angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (hACE-2) from an infection with SARS-CoV-2 Wuhan. We show here that IgG-A7 protected 100% of the transgenic mice infected with Delta (B.1.617.2) and Omicron (B.1.1.529) at doses of 0.5 and 5 mg/kg, respectively. In addition, we studied the pharmacokinetic (PK) profile and toxicology (Tox) of IgG-A7 in CD-1 mice at single doses of 100 and 200 mg/kg. The PK parameters at these high doses were proportional to the doses, with serum half-life of ~10.5 days. IgG-A7 was well tolerated with no signs of toxicity in urine and blood samples, nor in histopathology analyses. Tissue cross-reactivity (TCR) with a panel of mouse and human tissues showed no evidence of IgG-A7 interaction with the tissues of these species, supporting the PK/Tox results and suggesting that, while IgG-A7 has a broad efficacy profile, it is not toxic in humans. Thus, the information generated in the CD-1 mice as a PK/Tox model complemented with the mouse and human TCR, could be of relevance as an alternative to Non-Human Primates (NHPs) in rapidly emerging viral diseases and/or quickly evolving viruses such as SARS-CoV-2.
Genetic Engineering and Biosynthesis Technology: Keys to Unlocking the Chains of Phage Therapy
Authors: Lv Sixuan , Wang Yuhan , Jiang Kaixin , Guo Xinge , Zhang Jing , Zhou Fang , Li Qiming , Jiang Yuan , Yang Changyong , Teng Tieshan
Published: August 2023

Phages possess the ability to selectively eliminate pathogenic bacteria by recognizing bacterial surface receptors. Since their discovery, phages have been recognized for their potent bactericidal properties, making them a promising alternative to antibiotics in the context of rising antibiotic resistance. However, the rapid emergence of phage-resistant strains (generally involving temperature phage) and the limited host range of most phage strains have hindered their antibacterial efficacy, impeding their full potential. In recent years, advancements in genetic engineering and biosynthesis technology have facilitated the precise engineering of phages, thereby unleashing their potential as a novel source of antibacterial agents. In this review, we present a comprehensive overview of the diverse strategies employed for phage genetic engineering, as well as discuss their benefits and drawbacks in terms of bactericidal effect.
Survival of Bacteriophage T4 in Quasi-Pure Ionic Solutions
Authors: Hara Seiko , Koike Isao
Published: August 2023

The preservative qualities of individual ionic compounds impacting the infectivity of T4 virions were elucidated. T4 virions were immersed in quasi-pure ionic solutions prior to the adsorption process, and the plaque forming unit (pfu) values of these were measured following the conventional method. In neutral ionic solutions, the minimum and the optimum concentrations of preservative qualities corresponded with the results obtained from the multi-ionic media/buffers. In acid and alkali solutions, phages show tolerances at a pH range of 5–11 in multi-ionic media/buffers. T4 virions show no tolerance in quasi-pure acid, neutral, and weak alkaline conditions. The preservative quality of T4 virions increased in over 10−1 mM OH− solution, equivalent to a pH value over 10, which corresponds to the pKa of the deprotonation of the DNA bases G and T. Infectivity was lost below 10−1 mM OH− and higher than 10 mM OH−. These results imply that maintaining infectivity of a virion may need the flexibility of the intra-capsid DNA by deprotonation.
Parental Acceptance, Parental Hesitancy, and Uptake of Seasonal Influenza Vaccination among Children Aged 6–59 Months: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Chan Paul Shing-fong , Fang Yuan , Kawuki Joseph , Chen Siyu , Liang Xue , Mo Phoenix Kit-han , Wang Zixin
Published: August 2023

This systematic review and meta-analysis summarises the literature on parental acceptance, parental hesitancy, uptake, and the associated factors of seasonal influenza vaccination (SIV) among children aged 6–59 months. Studies were sourced from the following platforms: PubMed, Web of Science, MEDLINE, and EMBASE databases. A random-effects model was used to evaluate the prevalence and 95% confidence intervals (CI) of parental acceptance, parental hesitancy, and SIV uptake in the last flu season and lifetime among children. A total of 36 studies were included for analysis. The overall prevalence was 64% for parental acceptance (95% CI: 51–75%), 34% for parental hesitancy (95% CI: 22–48%), 41% for SIV uptake in the last flu season (95% CI: 33–50%), and 46% for SIV uptake in a lifetime (95% CI: 20–74%). Associated factors of parental acceptance/hesitancy and uptake included the age of the children or parents, parental education level, household income level, ethnicity, and other modifiable factors, including perceived benefits, perceived barriers, perceived severity, perceived susceptibility, and cues to action related to SIV. Meta-regression analyses revealed regional differences in parental acceptance (Americas: 79% vs. Asia: 60%). The results provided implications informing us of the development of intervention programs targeting parents to improve SIV coverage among young children.
Multivariate Statistical Analysis and Geospatial Mapping for Assessing Groundwater Quality in West El Minia District, Egypt
Authors: Ismail Esam , Snousy Moustafa Gamal , Alexakis Dimitrios E. , Gamvroula Dimitra E. , Howard Guy , El Sayed Esam , Ahmed Mohamed S. , Ali Ahmed , Abdelhalim Ahmed
Published: August 2023

The primary goal of this study is to analyze the hydrogeochemical properties and assess the groundwater quality for drinking, domestic, and irrigation purposes in West El Minia, Egypt. Major components were determined in 49 groundwater samples to evaluate water quality in the study area. Principal component analysis (PCA), hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA), geostatistics, and spatial mapping were used to identify the chemical components and processes that influence groundwater quality and highlight areas of health risks. According to the TDS values, about 22% of the groundwater samples are suitable for drinking. Due to the elevated values of hardness in the examined water, none of the water samples are suitable for use in a household. The majority of groundwater samples are acceptable for irrigation based on the sodium adsorption ratio (SAR), residual sodium carbonate (RSC), Kelley ratio (KR), magnesium hazard (MH), and permeability index, and some can be adequately treated. The study indicated that different groundwater characteristics (such as TDS, Na+, K+, HCO3−, Cl−, and SO42−) do not comply with WHO requirements in some regions, which may pose a threat to human health.
Rain Pattern Deeply Reshaped Total Phosphorus Load Pattern in Watershed: A Case Study from Northern China
Authors: Ding Han , Ren Qiuru , Wang Chengcheng , Chen Haitao , Wang Yuqiu , Li Zeli
Published: August 2023

Excessive phosphorus in aquatic systems poses a threat to ecosystem stability and human health. Precipitation has a profound influence on the phosphorus biogeochemical process; however, it has been inadequately considered at the watershed scale. In this study, the Bayesian latent variable regression model was utilized to quantify the impact of rainfall on the concentration of total phosphorus using daily monitoring data from 2019 to 2021. The results revealed a piecewise linear relationship between total phosphorus concentration and precipitation. It was further inferred that the breakpoint (The total rainfall during a single rainfall event equal to 39.4 ± 0.45 mm) represented the tipping point for the transformation of the primary river runoff generation mechanism. Subsequently, the excess phosphorus load caused by rainfall events was estimated in the Shahe basin by combining the regional nutrient management approach with the results of the Bayesian latent variable regression model. The results indicated that rainfall events were one of the most significant sources of TP loads from 2006 to 2017, accounting for 28.2% of the total. Non-artificial land, including farmland, forests, and grasslands, serves as the primary source of the excess phosphorus load resulting from rainfall events. This study provides insights into how to quantify the phosphorus load resulting from rainfall events at the basin scale, which is valuable for phosphorus management. Environmental managers should prioritize the regulation of phosphorus in non-artificial land moving forward. Implementing hierarchical management based on calibrated curve numbers and soil phosphorus content could prove to be an efficient approach for regulating phosphorus in the watershed.
Microplastic Particles’ Effects on Aquatic Organisms and Their Role as Transporters of Organic Pollutants
Authors: Aguirre-Martínez Gabriela , Carrizo Maria Virginia , Zenteno-Devaud Lisette
Published: August 2023

Microplastic (MP) contamination is considered a growing problem in terms of its production and observed impacts on aquatic organisms. In this study, we investigated the adverse effects that could occur from pure polyethylene (PE) MPs and PE contaminated with phenanthrene (Phe) and chlorpyrifos (CPF) in D. magna and podocopid ostracods. The organisms were exposed to different sizes (1–5, 27–32, 45–53, and 212–250 μm) and concentrations of MPs (0, 16, 160, 1600, 16,000 particles/mL) using a static and dynamic model of exposition. The results indicate that both daphnia and ostracods can ingest MPs, and the effect observed in most cases is directly proportional to the concentration of MPs. Exposure to pure MP did not affect the organisms. However, at 21 days, they induced a significant decrease (p < 0.05) in neonatal daphnia compared to the control. MP + CPF negatively affected the crustaceans when concentration, and exposure time were increased and when the size of the MPs was decreased. Neonatal daphnia were the most sensitive compared to juveniles and adults. MP + Phe caused mortality when increasing the concentration of MPs and in D. magna juveniles with increasing size, while in ostracods, mortality increased with decreasing particle size. The effect of the MPs in crustaceans would depend on the concentration, exposure time, size of the organisms, and size of the MPs. It is also shown that the toxicity of PE increases when these particles are associated with a contaminant, which would indicate its role as a transporter of organic contaminants.
Detecting Annual and Seasonal Hydrological Change Using Marginal Distributions of Daily Flows
Authors: Blagojević Borislava , Mihailović Vladislava , Bogojević Aleksandar , Plavšić Jasna
Published: August 2023

Changes in the hydrological regime are widely investigated using a variety of approaches. In this study, we assess changes in annual and seasonal flow characteristics based on a probabilistic representation of the seasonal runoff regime at the daily time scale. The probabilistic seasonal runoff pattern is constructed by determining quantiles from marginal distributions of daily flows for each day within the year. By applying Fourier transformation on the statistics of the daily flow partial series, we obtain smooth periodical functions of distribution parameters over the year and consequently of the quantiles. The main findings are based on the comparison of the dry, average, and wet hydrologic condition zones as defined by the daily flow quantiles of selected probabilities. This analysis was conducted for ten catchments in Serbia by considering changes between two 30-year nonoverlapping periods, 1961–1990 and 1991–2020. It was found that the relative change in runoff volume is the most pronounced in the extreme dry condition zone in the winter season (−33% to 34%). The annual time shift is the largest in the dry and average condition zones, ranging from −11 to 12 days. The applied methodology is not only applicable to the detection of hydrologic change, but could also be used in operational hydrology and extreme flow studies via drought indices such as the Standardized Streamflow Index.
Ascertainment of Hydropower Potential Sites Using Location Search Algorithm in Hunza River Basin, Pakistan
Authors: Butt Asim Qayyum , Shangguan Donghui , Waseem Muhammad , Haq Faraz ul , Ding Yongjian , Mukhtar Muhammad Ahsan , Afzal Muhammad , Muhammad Ali
Published: August 2023

The recent energy shortfall in Pakistan has prompted the need for the development of hydropower projects to cope with the energy and monetary crisis. Hydropower in the northern areas is available yet has not been explored too much. Focusing on the sustainable development goal (SDG) “Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy”, thirteen proposed sites were selected from upstream to downstream of the Hunza River for analysis. The head on all the proposed sites was determined by taking the elevation difference between the proposed turbine and the intake at all sites. The discharge on all proposed ungauged sites was determined using ArcGIS for watershed delineation and the area ratio method along with Soil Conservation Service–Curve Number (SCS-CN) by using gauged data of Hunza River provided by Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA) Pakistan at Daniyor bridge Gilgit, Shimshal and the Passo tributaries of Hunza River. The Location Search Algorithm (LSA) approach used a multi-criteria decision-making tool (MDM) to make a decision matrix considering the location and constraint criteria and then normalizing the decision matrix using benefit and cost criteria, the relative weights were assigned to all criteria using a rank sum weighted method and the sites were ranked on the basis of the final score. The results revealed that Hunza River has a significant hydropower potential and based on the final score in the LSA approach, proposed site 13, site 4 and site 9 were concluded as the most promising sites among proposed alternatives. The proposed methodology could be an encouraging step for decision makers for future hydropower development in Pakistan.
Shrinkage Characteristics and Microstructure Evolution of Yili Loess under Different Wetting and Drying Cycles
Authors: Abduhell Aynur , Zhang Zizhao , Cheng Wenyu , Zhang Yanyang
Published: August 2023

The loess in Yili Valley is prone to landslides in the rainy season. We studied the influence law of shrinkage and the microstructure of the loess in Yili Valley under different wetting and drying cycles. Considering the climatic conditions and sampling depth of the study area, shrinkage tests were carried out under six kinds of dry and wet cycling paths. The fracture changes and shrinkage characteristics of the loess under different dry–wet cycling times were analyzed, and the deformation characteristics of the loess during the process of water-loss shrinkage under the dry–wet cycling conditions were discussed. The results show that (1) there is an exponential relationship between the number of dry and wet cycles and the final shrinkage rate. The influence of dry and wet cycles on the final shrinkage rate is significant in the early stage. (2) With the increase in the number of dry and wet cycles, the decline in the final shrinkage rate decreases, and the final shrinkage rate and shrinkage coefficient of soil also show a decreasing trend, while the soil sample area first increases and then gradually decreases, and the surface shrinkage cracking is gradually stable. The surface porosity tends to increase. (3) Under the action of repeated wet expansion and dry contraction, irregular cracks are produced inside the soil body, which leads to the increase in soil permeability, reduces the strength of the soil body, reflects the phenomenon of strength deterioration, and thus indicates the stability of loess slopes. The research results of this paper can provide an important parameter basis for the prevention and control of loess landslide geological disasters in Yili Valley.
Novel Double Mode Dual-Stator Wound Rotor Synchronous Machine for Variable Speed Applications
Authors: Hussain Asif , Arif Arsalan , Bukhari Syed Sabir Hussain , Baig Zafar , Yazdan Tanveer , Shoaib Muhammad
Published: August 2023

This paper offers a novel dual-mode double stator wound rotor synchronous machine for variable speed applications. The proposed motor integrates the benefits of both the traditional wound rotor synchronous machine (WRSM) and brushless wound rotor synchronous machine (BL-WRSM). A constant torque can be attained in the maximum torque per ampere region by operating the proposed machine as a traditional WRSM in Mode I, and a constant power can be attained in the field-weakening region by operating it as a BL-WRSM in Mode II. Moreover, due to the dual-stator structure, the proposed machine exhibits improved performance in terms of high torque density as compared to the existing single stator BL-WRSM. By using a special stator winding arrangement to achieve the sub-harmonic component of the stator magnetomotive force, the brushless operation of the proposed machine is achieved. The additional sub-harmonic component induces a voltage in the harmonic winding placed on the rotor, which is then rectified and provided a DC current to field winding for brushless excitation. In order to validate the effectiveness of the proposed machine, a two-dimensional finite element analysis (FEA) is carried out.
Effect of Production Parameters on Impact Energy of Ti-6Al-4V samples Produced by Additive Manufacturing
Authors: Dezső Gergely , Szigeti Ferenc
Published: August 2023

Powder bed melting is an important additive manufacturing process. The process variants are gaining more and more space in the industry: especially in the industry that produces products made of special alloys with additive manufacturing. Selective laser melting is one variant of powder bed fusion processes. In this paper experimental study on impact energy of test specimens made from Ti-6Al-4V alloy, manufactured by selective laser melting is presented. Parameter setup of experiments are defined by design of experiment method, and an empirical formula is fitted to measured data. It is pointed out that impact energy is highly sensitive to manufacturing parameters studied here, and strong interactions are also observed. A formula is derived for costrained optimization on isoenergetic surfaces. Results can be applied for control of an important material property, impact strength of parts manufactured by selective laser melting.
Fabrication of In-situ Syntactic Aluminium Foam-Filled Steel Tubes
Authors: Pados Gábor , Kemény Alexandra , Szovák Benedek , Károly Dóra , Orbulov Imre Norbert
Published: August 2023

In all areas of industry, when choosing a material, compromises must be made since there is no material with all the properties that are preferential for any use. In the automotive sector, lighter and less dense materials can provide a considerable advantage, for example, lower fuel consumption due to weight reduction. Specialists dealing with materials science within metal foams have been trying to exploit the low density, high specific strength and high energy absorption capacity of metal foams in as many ways as possible for a long time. This research describes the one-step production method of syntactic metal foams with an aluminum matrix infiltrated into a thin-walled steel tube, intended to create functional structures with a strong adhesive bond and metal foam filling in a feasible way.
Berlim Reconquistada
Authors: Fiori Arantes Otília Beatriz
Published: August 2023

O presente ensaio, na verdade mais uma crônica, que poderia também se intitular Berlim ano 2000, é o resultado de uma revisão bibliográfica e uma verificação in loco em torno das transformações urbanas berlinenses após a Queda do Muro, observadas e documentadas em viagem da Autora a Berlim em 2000, ao mesmo tempo recuando e comparando às inciativas do IBA (Internationale Bauausstellung Berlin) dos anos 80 – também visitadas por ela no ano de 1990, quando o processo de reunificação se iniciava. Ou seja, um projeto da Alemanha de criar uma metrópole ímpar, uma capital não apenas local mas mundial, que se apresentasse enfim ao mundo como um grande centro empresarial e cultural, cuja arquitetura de ponta a faria brilhar na forma de uma Cultural Global City. Inclusive estabelecendo, seja pelas inúmeras atividades culturais (tradicionais ou alternativas), seja pela variedade física, funcional e social, um contraste nítido com o resto do Ocidente: a Cultura (alemã) versus a Civilização (liberal, burguesa, filistina etc.). O grande trunfo desta renascença da capital reconquistada seria a tão decantada Mischung, cujo coração, ou símbolo máximo, segundo a Autora, foi a reconstrução da Potsdamer Platz, na sua variedade arquitetônica, de funções e, pretensamente, humana, com seus espaços culturais e de recreação junto a residências e escritórios (onde estariam representadas algumas das maiores empresas alemãs, Sony, Daimler-Benz e Brown-Bovery) – uma verdadeira plaque tournante no coração das duas Berlins.  Ao mesmo tempo o texto acompanha as diferentes mudanças que vão ocorrendo tanto no antigo Mitte, como nos diferentes bairros de Berlim Leste e Oeste (em nome de uma diversidade nem tão visível assim...), retrocedendo sua análise crítica aos esforços, sempre pautados pela ideologia da “mistura”, como os da Bauhaus, ao criar,  desde os anos 20, as Siedlungs - em substituição às Mietkasernen do início de século -, e aos conjuntos habitacionais da RDA.
Passados 20 anos, muitos dados ou prognósticos podem ter se alterado, mas o essencial das tendências que então já se desenhavam, apesar das boas intenções que pudessem nortear mais esta estratégia de pôr em funcionamento uma grande máquina de crescimento – no caso, azeitada pela cultura –, certamente ainda podem ser consideradas atuais. De qualquer modo, acreditamos ser um documento importante para as discussões de Otilia Arantes sobre os Planos Estratégicos, adotados pela corrida grandes cidades em disputa por supremacia global, e certamente não só no plano das imagens.
Palavras-chave: Berlim, Berlim Leste, Berlim Oeste, Berliner Ensemble, Brown-Bovery, Bundestag, Capital Cultural Mundial, Chancelaria, Cine Imax, Daimler-Benz, Filarmônica de Berlim, Global City, Grésillon, Hans Kollhoff, Hans Scharoun, Höfe, IBA, Kreutberg, Leipziger Platz, Microcidade-evento, Mietkasernen, Mischung, Mistura, Mitte, Muro de Berlim, Norman Foster, Prinzlauer Berg, Potsdamer Platz, Renzo Piano, Richard Rogers, Sony Center, Staatsoper, Stefan Krätke.
Automated Digital Counseling Program (ODYSSEE-Kidney Health): A Pilot Study on Health-Related Quality of Life
Authors: Wong Julia V. , Yang Grace J. , Auguste Bourne L. , Ong Stephanie W. , Logan Alexander G. , Chan Christopher T. , Nolan Robert P.
Published: August 2023

Key Points

Feasibility of implementing an automated, scalable, digital self-care program for patients with CKD was established.

The primary outcome of improvement in health-related quality of life improved with the ODYSSEE-Kidney Health program.

A dose relationship was shown between program engagement tertile and improvement in 4-month outcomes.

Background

In-person counseling programs promote self-care behavior and health-related quality of life (HRQoL). ODYSSEE-Kidney Health (prOmoting health with DigitallY based counSeling for Self-care bEhavior and quality of lifE; ODYSSEE-KH) is an automated, scalable, digital counseling program for patients with CKD. This open-label, single-arm pilot study tested the efficacy potential of the ODYSSEE-KH program to improve HRQoL in patients with CKD.

Methods

Adults with categories G3b to 5d CKD were recruited from nephrology clinics in Toronto, Canada. Patients (N=29) received access to the ODYSSEE-KH program in conjunction with usual care. Generalized linear models and pairwise comparisons of mean change scores were conducted to assess the primary outcome: Mental Component Score (MCS) of the Kidney Disease Quality of Life–Short Form instrument. Secondary outcomes included the MCS Mental Health Scale, 36-Item Kidney Disease Quality of Life–Short Form, Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale, Patient Health Questionnaire for depression, Enhancing Recovery in Coronary Heart Disease Social Support Instrument, and 3-Item Revised University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) Loneliness Scale.

Results

The mean age of the patients was 53.5 years (SD=18.3); 35% were women; 56% were White; 93% had completed ≥postsecondary education; patients came from the Multi-Care Kidney Clinic (n=9), Home Peritoneal Dialysis Unit (n=12), and Home Hemodialysis Unit (n=8); and 24 participants completed the 4-month end-of-study questionnaires. Outcomes were assessed according to tertiles of program log-on minutes: median (range)=67 (62–108), 212 (119–355), and 500 (359–1573) minutes, respectively. Patients in the highest tertile of engagement showed significant improvements on the MCS versus the moderate tertile group (P = 0.01). Significant dose-response associations were observed for the MCS Mental Health Scale (P < 0.05), KDQoL Burden on Kidney Disease (P < 0.01), KDQoL Effect of Kidney Disease on Everyday Life (P < 0.01), aggregated KDQoL Summary Scale (P < 0.05), Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale (P < 0.01), Patient Health Questionnaire for Depression (P < 0.05), Enhancing Recovery in Coronary Heart Disease Social Support Instrument (P < 0.01), and 3-Item Revised UCLA Loneliness Scale (P < 0.01).

Conclusion

The ODYSSEE-KH program demonstrated feasibility as an automated, scalable, digital self-care program for patients with CKD. There is evidence of its efficacy potential to improve HRQoL. Further evaluation with a larger sample is warranted.
The Dynamics of Access to ICT and Technology Practices of Secondary School Teachers
Authors: Kennedy Ian , Cronjé Johannes
Published: August 2023

The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the importance of access to Information and Communication Technology (ICT) for effective teaching and learning. Access to ICT is a complex and dynamic phenomenon that significantly impacts teachers' technology practices. There is a need for more extensive studies to explore the dynamics of access and teacher technology practices in various contexts. This study explored the influence of access on the technology practices of secondary school teachers in the Western Cape, South Africa. A qualitative online survey was used to explore the lived experiences of teachers during the COVID-19 pandemic. A diverse sample, in terms of gender, age, years of experience of teachers, and socio-economic status of schools, of 22 teachers voluntarily participated in the study. Van Dijk's cumulative model of access to ICT provided a useful lens to explore how and when the dimensions of access supported or hindered teachers' appropriation of ICT. This study found that most respondents were primarily exposed to traditional face-to-face teaching before March 2020. The suspension of in-school teaching, however, caused a dramatic shift in the way teachers interacted with technology, learning materials and learners. Three dimensions of digital inequality, associated with physical access, manifested in South Africa, namely the Virtual Classroom, WhatsApp, and Radio-Television groups. Most participants in this study returned to traditional teaching practices with increased use of technology when schools reopened again. The findings of this study suggest that access to technology is not a linear progression of successive stages that by default culminates in usage. This paper proposes a more holistic contextualised approach to access to create enabling environments for the use of ICT and empower teachers to use ICT in their teaching practices.
COSINE SIMILARITY FOR ESSAY ANSWER DETECTION
Authors: Setiawan Laurensius Rendi , Nasien Dewi
Published: August 2023

Saint Mary Senior High School is the one of the famous private schools in Pekanbaru. examination in Saint Mary Senior High School has used a smartphone for multiple choice questions, while in essay questions the pen-and-paper is still used (manual). The number of examination scripts received from students is a problem for a teacher to see the similarity of students' answers with the answer key. At present, there is no system that can assist in checking answers. This study began with the selection stage, which is done by the interview process and filling out the questionnaire. Then proceed with an analysis of this case is used to look for possible development needs of the system. Then the programming language used is PHP and uses MySql database. Web-Based Essay Answer Detection Application Using Cosine Similarity Method in Saint Mary Senior High School. With the application of the essay answer detection application in Saint Mary Senior High School, it is hoped that it will be easier for the teacher to conduct the exam. Besides, it is expected that the application of a computerized system and the use of a database can accelerate the processing of student ranking grades effectively and efficiently.
Capital Structure and Profitability of LQ45 Index in Indonesia : Pecking Order Theory Approach
Authors: Wijaya Evelyn , Asyik Nur Fadjrih , Fadrul Fadrul
Published: August 2023

Capital structure and profitability are part of company's financial system. Capital structure leads to company funding by utilizing long-term debt, preferred stock, and shareholder capital, while profitability refers to company's ability to generate profits. This study aims to analyze the effect of tangibility, growth, and company size on capital structure and profitability on LQ45 index.  Sampling was carried out by purposive sampling technique and obtained 38 companies. Smart PLS program was utilized to assist research data analysis process. Results indicated that reliability, growth and company size had a significant effect on capital structure but they did not have a significant effect on profitability. Additionally, capital structure had a significant negative effect on profitability. The research results support pecking order theory which believes that the lower the company's debt, the higher the company's profitability.
The Influence of Price to Book Value on Capital Structure and Profitability of Health and Pharmaceutical Companies in Indonesia
Authors: Suyono Suyono , Sudarno Sudarno , Suhardjo Suhardjo , Sari Yunia , Purnama Intan
Published: August 2023

This study aims to know and analyze the influence of price to book value on capital structure and profitability of health and pharmaceutical companies in Indonesia during the period 2012-2019. The population in this study was 12 companies at health and pharmaceutical sub-sector companies in Indonesia during the period 2012-2019. The sampling technique was done using the purposive sampling method. Based on the sample criteria, there were 8 companies that matched the sample criteria. The data analysis techniques used in this study were descriptive analysis and analysis of Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) with AMOS 21. The results showed (1) PBV variable had a positive and significant influence on capital structure of health and pharmaceutical companies in Indonesia during the period 2012-2019. (2) PBV variable had no significant influence on profitability of health and pharmaceutical companies in Indonesia during the period 2012-2019. (3) Capital structure variable had no significant influence on profitability of health and pharmaceutical companies in Indonesia during the period 2012-2019.
Effects of Long Term Debt to Total Assets, Short Term Debt to Total Assets, Total Asset Turnover, and Inventory Turnover on Profitability of Manufacturing Companies in Consumer Goods Subsector Listed on IDX
Authors: Chandra Stefani , Juliawati Cindy
Published: August 2023

This research aims to determine the effects of solvability and activity on profitability of manufacturing companies in consumer goods subsector in Indonesia. The dependent variable used was ROA, while the independent variables included, LTDTA, STDTA, TATO and ITO. The population consisted of 53 manufacturing companies in consumer goods subsector listed on Indonesia Stock Exchange. Samples were selected using purposive sampling. Out of 53 companies, 2 companies have been delisted from 2014 to 2018, 14 new companies were listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange after 2014 and 1 companies have not published financial reports. Hence, the samples used in this research were only 36 companies. The method used was linear regression. The result showed that LTDTA has a significant negative effect on ROA, on the contrary STDTA, TATO and ITO do not have significant effect on ROA.
ANALYSIS OF THEORY OF PLANNED BEHAVIOR (TPB) IN REALIZING THE HUMAN RESOURCES ENTREPRENEURSHIP (CASE STUDY ON MANAGEMENT STUDENTS OF STIE PELITA INDONESIA)
Authors: Purwati Astri Ayu , Angelina Angelina
Published: August 2023

Increasing number of population and limited employment causes a problem in Indonesia, namely unemployment. This has become the spotlight in various countries, as is the case with Indonesia. The aim of this research is for investigation the factors which have influence students’ interest at entrepreneurship. The models use planned behavior theory. Sampling was done by probability sampling technique with the simple random sampling. Data collection is carried out by distributing questionnaires which are directly distributed to respondents. This research involves 100 students from STIE Pelita Indonesia. This research used regression with t- test and analysis model SPSS 19 computer program. The results show that attitude, subjective norms, and perceived behavior control have influence and significant to intention entrepreneurship (at students of Pelita Indonesia).
LEADERSHIP, ORGANIZATIONAL COMMITMENT, WORK DISCIPLINE, AND EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE AT PUBLIC HEALTH OFFICE OF PEKANBARU CITY
Authors: Mairia Mairia , Komardi Dadi , Panjaitan Harry Patuan
Published: August 2023

This study to determine and analyze the influence of leadership on organizational commitment and work discipline or employee performance in public health office of Pekanbaru City. This research was carried out at the public health office of Pekanbaru City with a sample of 99 people. The sampling technique in this study was saturated sampel by the census method. Data collection using a questionnaire. The data analysis technique used descriptive analysis and analysis hypothesis using the structural equation model (AMOS) and SPSS. The data analysis technique used descriptive analysis and hypothesis analysis using the structural equation model (AMOS) and SPSS. The test results show that there is an influence of leadership on organizational commitment, there is an influence of leadership on work discipline, there is no influence of leadership on employee performance, there is no influence of organizational commitment on work discipline, there is no influence of leadership on employee performance, and there is no influence of work discipline on employee performance.