bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Teaching Skills of Teacher in Increasing Student Learning Interest
Authors: Gultom Sariaman , Hutauruk Ahmad Fakhri , M. Ginting Andres
Published: May 2021

Lack of student interest in learning results in pre-determined learning goals not being achieved. The teacher must work hard to find new breakthroughs so students are interested in learning. In addition to implementing a good work ethic, a teacher must also have skills in teaching as to achieve learning objectives in accordance with curriculum requirements. This research involves qualitative research method. The data analysis techniques used are: data reduction, data presentation and drawing conclusions / verification. The result of the study indicate that a teacher must have several teaching skills, namely: (1) questioning skills, (2) reinforcement skills, (3) variation skills, (4) explaining skills, (5) learning skills opening and closing, (6) small group discussion guiding skills, (7) small classroom management skills, and (8) small group and individual teaching skills.
Development of an Interstate Standard for Testing Procedures for Fruit and Berry Harvesters
Authors:   Rosinformagrotekh, Podolskaya E.E. , Bondarenko E.V ,   Rosinformagrotekh, Belimenko I.S. ,   Rosinformagrotekh
Published: May 2021

Regulations that specify the requirements for fruit and berry harvesters during testing have been determined. The necessity of developing an interstate standard for test methods and software for evaluating these machines in accordance with the new interstate standard is substantiated. The main provisions of the prepared document and uptodate software for accelerated processing and analysis of test results are presented.
Testing methods for the assessment of chemical neurotoxic effects on the developing organisms in pre- and postnatal period
Authors: Rashkivska IO , Nedopytanska NM , Zhminko PG , Kornuta NО , Kolyanchuk YaV
Published: May 2021

Aim of the research. Analysis of approaches to the assessment of neurotoxic effects of chemicals during ontogenesis. The dangerous tendency of the increase in the incidence of pathology of the nervous system in the child and the mother, who during pregnancy was exposed to neurotoxicants, necessitates the protection of the child’s body from such a negative effect of chemicals. One of the possible preventive ways to solve this problem is screening of xenobiotics before their widespread application, as well as identification of their ability to cause neurotoxic effects on the body during its development, and banning substances, neurotoxic effects of which on the development of progeny are proven. Materials and Methods. Detection of adverse effects at the stage of foetal development and then at the beginning of the functioning of a nervous system in the postnatal period requires complex experimental studies in laboratory animals, which are described in the recommendations of OECD guideline 426 (OECD Guideline for Testing of Chemicals; Guideline 426: Developmental Neurotoxicity Study, 2007). The OECD guideline 426 protocol provides for a wide range of methods for assessing sensory, motor, behavioural and cognitive functions. Conclusions. Analysis of data given in publications and methodological approaches to research and evaluation of neurotoxic effects of chemicals on the developing organism showed that to obtain representative results it is important to take into account all factors that may affect the result, select adequate informative tests and comply with all requirements. In Ukraine, international methodological approaches to the study of neurotoxic effects of pesticides on the body at the stage of development in the process of ontogenesis are applied at the L.I. Medved’s Research Center of Preventive Toxicology, Food and Chemical Safety, Ministry of Health, Ukraine (State Enterprise), Kyiv, Ukraine. Key Words: nervous system, neurotoxic effects, OECD guideline 426, neurobehavioral tests.
Clinical Utility of Colonoscopy in Young Patients with Rectal Bleeding in Bangladesh
Authors: Mohsin Mostafa Noor , Jagtap Nitin , Rahman Md Mahbubur , Ali Md Naushad , Mamoon Md Abdullah Al , Ahmed Ershad Uddin , Bhuiyan Tareq Mahmud
Published: May 2021

Background: Rectal bleeding is a very common symptom. Intermittent passage of small amount of bright red blood from rectum is a clinical problem frequently found in patients of all ages. It’s often attributed by the patients to ‘piles’ and indeed haemorrhoids or piles are a common cause of this symptom. However, there are other causes and it is important to know what the possible causes are and how to investigate the symptom further. The type and amount of bleeding as well as the age of the patient are important in the initial assessment of the bleeding. Colonoscopy is the investigation of choice for establishing a diagnosis and treatment. In the current study, we aimed to study clinical utility of colonoscopy in young patients with chronic LGI bleeding.

Material and methods: This prospective observational study was conducted between May 2010 to December 2010 at Department of Gastrointestinal, Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Disorder (GHPD) of BIRDEM General Hospital, Dhaka, Bangladesh including all consecutive patients with age less than 40 years, presenting with per rectal bleeding of duration more than 4 weeks.

Results: A total of 396 colonoscopies were performed in patients with age less that 40 years, of them 103 were enrolled in this study as per inclusion and exclusion criteria. The mean age of study population was 28.19 (SD 10.01, range 3 -40) years with 34 (33%) females. In majority of patients chronic LGI bleed was present for more than 6 months. Of them, 29 (28.2%), 16 (15.5%) and 9 (8.7%) had history of LGI bleed for 7 – 12 months, 13 – 24 months and more than 25 months respectively. Remaining 44 (42.7%) had LGI bleed for 6 months. Intermittent per rectal bleeding was present in 97 (94.2%), remaining 6 patients (5.8%) complained of daily rectal bleeding. Colonoscopy was attempted in 103 patients, with cecal intubation rate of 98.1% (101/103). The diagnostic yield was 91.26% (94/103). Anorectal region was most common site for the lesion (50/94, 53.19%). Six patients (6.38%) had proximal colonic lesions and pan colonic lesions each. Hemorrhoids in isolation (29/94, 30.85%) or in combination of other lesions (16/94, 17.02%) was most common colonoscopic finding.

Conclusion: Rectal bleeding is a symptom to be considered carefully, since it can be associated with malignancy. Since neoplastic and non-neoplastic disease may coexist, it is controversial as to whether chronic rectal bleeding in the young patients requires colonoscopy as a first line investigation. The optimal approach to young patients is not known. Colonoscopy is a valuable diagnostic tool and can help to establish the source of rectal bleeding in young patients.

Chatt Maa Shi Hosp Med Coll J; Vol.20 (1); January 2021; Page 37-40
Study on Hearing Impairment in Bangladesh
Authors: Chowdhury Mohammad Mahabubul Alam , Tarafder Kamrul Hassan , Datta Pran Gopal , Zaman Mostafa , Akhtar Nasima , Sultana Kawsar
Published: May 2021

Background : Hearing impairment is one of the leading causes of disability in Bangladesh. Since half the cases can be prevented through public awareness, early detection and timely management, planning of public health interventions become necessary. To achieve this, a nationwide level of evidence is required. This survey was conducted with the aim of determining the prevalence of hearing impairment in Bangladesh.

Materials and methods : The study was a cross-sectional one, conducted between January to May 2013, where a multistage, geographically clustered sampling approach was used. A total of 52 primary sampling units were selected, and from each unit households were selected at random followed by random selection of an individual from each household. In total, 5,220 people were targeted out of which data collection could be completed from 4260 individuals. (82%). Following clinical assessment of study subjects, hearing status was assessed by pure tone audiometry and otoacoustic emission test.

Results : The mean age was 32 years among which 58% were females. Among men, there were 29% students, 28% agriculture workers and 14% business men. A major portion of females (63%) were home makers. On clinical examination, 11.5% respondents had impacted ear wax, 6.2% had chronic middle ear infections with eardrum perforation, and 5.3% had otitis media with effusion.On hearing assessment, 34.6% respondents had some form of hearing loss (>25dB in better ear). Conductive hearing loss was found in 12.0%, sensorineural in 4.5% and mixed in 3.8%, where the latter two increased in prevalence with age. Out of the total respondents, 9.6% had disabling hearing loss according to WHO criteria, with a higher prevalence in adults > 60 years(37%). Logistic regression analysis showed age, socioeconomic status, presence of ear wax, chronic suppurative otitis media, otitis media with effusion and otitis externa were significant predictors of disabling hearing loss.

Conclusion : The major causes of conductive hearing loss are chronic suppurative otitis media and otitis media with effusion.

Chatt Maa Shi Hosp Med Coll J; Vol.20 (1); January 2021; Page 72-76
Cak Nun, Maiyah, and Fandom: Participatory Culture Perspective
Authors: Pratama Rony K.
Published: May 2021

The emergence of Maiyah in the midst of the downstream community marked a new format for recitation focusing on horizontal dialectics based on contextual themes. It can be said that Maiyah is a recitation forum that discusses actual themes such as culture, education, social, economy, religion, etc. by basing universal values such as egalitarian, democratic, and mutual respect. Maiyah has been held for about two decades and carried out in dozens of cities in Indonesia (Yogyakarta, Jakarta, Surabaya, Bandung, Semarang and others) and abroad (Hong Kong, Berlin, Philadelphia, Bangkok, Seoul, Amsterdam, Helsinki, London, and others). The communities which consist of a variety of backgrounds, both economic, class, age, and religion, have a strategic role in the discourse formation on what and how Maiyah is formulated. Such a tendency explains their position, if revealed from the fandom's perspective, it strengthens the relationship between Cak Nun and Maiyah. Cak Nun is widely known as a multidimensional human being: writer, intellectual, islamic scholar, and social activist. Cak Nun and Maiyah, therefore, are reciprocal correlates when viewed from the perspective of fandom. The fandom framework that emerged in the past decade and a half extends to the cyberspace. The emergence of new internet-based media requires the fandom movement in cyberspace. This article uses a fandom theory—Henry Jenkins—and particularly cultural participation perspective. Thus it could be answering the question of how stretching fandom is in the practice of Maiyah and how it appears to be related to the character of Cak Nun.
Pejorativna prezimena u Bosni i Hercegovini – Tikvina, Prdavac i Guzina u skupini sebi sličnih
Authors: Šabić Indira
Published: May 2021

Značajan broj bosanskohercegovačkih prezimena u strukturi ima nepromišljeno odabran motiv imenovanja, zbog kojeg antroponim postaje nositelj neobičnog, humorističkog, podrugljivog ili pejorativnog. Kao takav antroponim je stigmatizirajući, pa njegovi nositelji nerijetko imaju osjećaj stida pri predstavljanju, upoznavanju ili bivaju predmetom podsmijeha u neformalnim razgovorima ili u odsustvu. Bilo da su imenodavatelji u trenucima poprezimenjavanja bili duhoviti ili uvredljivi, namjerno ili zlonamjerno, generacijski su u prezimensku mrežu Bosne i Hercegovine i u identitarni esencijalizam jednoga dijela žitelja utisnuti biljeg društvene izopćenosti, iako je funkcija prezimena ovakvoga tipa izgubila na vrijednosti. Kako se od pejorativa više ne tvore prezimena, jer je ta kategorija odavno zatvorena, ovakva specifična prezimena su vrijedna naučnoga proučavanja i korpusnoga pozicioniranja.
L’interpretazione dei testi matematici tra processi cooperativi e modelli logici: il caso dei connettivi
Authors: Ferrari Pier Luigi
Published: May 2021

Il tema delle competenze logiche richieste per capire la matematica è stato quasi sempre oggetto di controversie sul piano educativo, tra i sostenitori dell’insegnamento della logica come disciplina e quelli che la guardano come una competenza trasversale. Il problema viene spesso sollevato nel corso della scuola secondaria di secondo grado e all’inizio dei corsi universitari. In questo contributo si discutono i processi di interpretazione dei testi matematici in linguaggio verbale, e il potenziale conflitto tra i meccanismi interpretativi propri delle notazioni simboliche della matematica e quelli usuali delle lingue. Viene affrontato in particolare il tema dell’interpretazione dei condizionali, anche attraverso l’esame di due teorie opposte. Vengono poi illustrati alcuni esempi a proposito di altri connettivi proposizionali. La conclusione è che la diversità dei processi interpretativi tra lingua e linguaggi della logica sconsiglia di proporre attività che richiedono l’interpretazione logica di testi verbali al di fuori dei contesti in cui questa sia giustificata.
Un percorso integrato di matematica e italiano in continuità dalla scuola dell’infanzia alla scuola secondaria di primo grado
Authors: Campolucci Lorella , Maori Danila
Published: May 2021

In questo articolo si raccontano alcune esperienze realizzate da un gruppo di docenti di scuola dell’infanzia, primaria e secondaria di primo grado basate su percorsi interdisciplinari di matematica e italiano. Le esperienze riguardano prevalentemente la lettura, la comprensione e la formulazione di problemi; l’uso di narrazioni per raccontare la matematica, introdurre nuovi concetti e far parlare dei concetti appresi; la ludolinguistica applicata alla matematica per un approccio positivo nei confronti dell’errore e per ampliare il lessico e le esperienze comunicative.
Educare alla “matematizzazione e modellizzazione” nella scuola media
Authors: Cantaluppi Lorenzo
Published: May 2021

L’articolo presenta il percorso didattico svolto in una classe di seconda media con lo scopo di indagare lo sviluppo delle convinzioni degli allievi riguardo agli elementi e ai processi efficaci da attuare al fine di una risoluzione ottimale di un problema matematico. L’itinerario si compone di molteplici attività cooperative attraverso le quali trattare in modo puntuale i processi coinvolti nel ciclo della matematizzazione. Gli allievi hanno affrontato tali proposte con motivazione e interesse, apprezzando in particolare la multidisciplinarietà relativa alla comprensione e alla lettura di un testo. I risultati ottenuti mostrano come gli allievi, durante l’attività di risoluzione di un problema matematico, abbiano imparato a spostare il loro focus dal prodotto ai processi: l’attenzione che prima era rivolta unicamente al risultato matematico viene ora ad essere ripartita anche su processi importanti quali la lettura, l’applicazione di algoritmi, la scelta delle operazioni, l’attuazione di strategie metacognitive e la riflessione e l’interpretazione del risultato matematico ottenuto.
FAKTOR-FAKTOR YANG MEMPENGARUHI KAPABILITAS LEMBAGA ADAT MELAYU RIAU DALAM MENDUKUNG PENCAPAIAN VISI PROVINSI RIAU 2020
Authors: Afandi Syed Agung , Afandi Muslim
Published: May 2021

Lembaga Adat Melayu Riau merupakan organisasi kemasyarakatan yang didirikan masyarakat Melayu Riau sebagai respon atas penurunan eksistensi Budaya Melayu di Provinsi Riau. Organisasi ini berdiri sejak tahun 1970 dan menjadi satu-satunya organisasi kemasyarakatan Melayu di Provinsi Riau yang dijadikan mitra Pemerintah Provinsi Riau dalam upaya mencapai visi Riau 2020 melalui Peraturan Daerah Provinsi Riau No.1 Tahun 2012 tentang Lembaga Adat Melayu Riau. Tujuan penelitian ini adalah untuk mengetahui faktor-faktor yang mempengaruhi kapabilitas Lembaga Adat Melayu Riau dalam mencapai visi Riau 2020. Metode yang digunakan adalah metode kualitatif dengan pendekatan deskriptif. Teknik pengumpulan data menggunakan teknik wawancara, observasi dan dokumentasi. Hasil penelitian ini menunjukkan bahwa faktor-faktor yang mempengaruhi kapabilitas Lembaga Adat Melayu Riau dalam menunjang kinerja pemerintah mencapai visi Provinsi Riau 2020 adalah dimilikinya sumber daya finansial dan sumber daya fisik yang seluruhnya berseumber dari Pemerintah Provinsi Riau. Organisasi ini memiliki sumber daya manusia yang belum mampu menunjang kinerja organisasi, tidak terjalainnya kerjasama antara Pemerintah Provinsi Riau dengan Lembaga Adat Melayu Riau yang memiliki roadmap yang jelas, reputasi buruk yang diterima organisasi karena kinerja yang tidak optimal, serta sikap organisasi yang tidak konsisten dalam mencapai tujuannya.
TRANSPORTASI PUBLIK DAN MEDIA SOSIAL: PERSEPSI NETIZEN TERHADAP PELAYANAN BUS TRANS JOGJA 2016-2018
Authors: Al Hayati Karmila Zahrani , Al-Hamdi Ridho
Published: May 2021

Di era modern seperti saat ini, transportasi publik sangat dibutuhkan oleh masyarakat terutama di kota-kota besar. Untuk melihat perkembangan transportasi tersebut, perlu kiranya dilakukan penelitian tentang persepsi para netizen tentang baik dan buruknya pelayanan yang diberikan oleh transportasi publik tersebut. Tujuan penelitian ini adalah menggali persepsi para netizen tentang pelayanan bus Trans Jogja antara 2016 dan 2018. Secara metodologis, artikel ini merupakan hasil penelitian kualitatif dengan pendekatan studi kasus. Bus Trans Jogja adalah kasus yang menjadi fokus penelitian ini. Pengumpulan data menggunakan studi pustaka sehingga data yang digunakan berasal dari media sosial dan berita di media online. Ada sembilan indikator yang digunakan sebagai alat ukur analisa: biaya, rute, waktu, keselamatan, fasilitas, segi pelayanan, keperluan, keandalan berkendara, dan tingkat polusi. Penelitian ini menggunakan apliaski online wordclouds dan Netvizz guna memperkuat dan mempertajam proses analisa konten penelitian. Hasil penelitian ini pada akhirnya menunjukkan, bahwa dengan menerapkan sembilan indikator tersebut, mayoritas netizen memiliki perspesi negatif terhadap pelayanan Bus Trans Jogja. Hal ini dibuktikan, bahwa para netizen memberikan persepsi negatif pada enam indikator: rute, waktu, keselamatan, segi pelayanan, keandalan, tingkat polusi. Sementara itu, hanya ada tiga indikator yang mendapatkan perspesi positif: biaya, fasilitas, dan keperluan.
AKUNTABILITAS PENGGUNAAN KEUANGAN DESA
Authors: Budianto Rahmat , Febrina Rury
Published: May 2021

Penelitian ini mengkaji dan menganalisis laporan pertanggungjawaban penggunaan keuangan desa di Desa Alam Panjang Kecamatan Rumbio Jaya Kabupaten Kampar. Dalam penggunaan keuangan desa dituntut adanya akuntabilitas laporan pertanggungjawaban sebagai wujud dari tata kelola pemerintahan yang baik, berdasarkan Peraturan Presiden Nomor 29 Tahun 2014 tentang Sistem Akuntabilitas Kinerja Instansi Pemerintah, agar tata kelola pemerintahan itu berjalan dengan baik, efektif dan efisien. Teknik pengumpulan data pada penelitian ini menggunakan pengamatan atau observasi lapangan, wawancara dan dokumentasi. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa pemerintah Desa Alam Panjang telah dengan baik menyampaikan laporan keuangan desa secara akuntabilitas, baik secara vertikal (kepada bupati) maupun secara horizontal (kepada masyarakat) yang disampaikan melalui berbagai forum kemasyarakatan. Namun walaupun laporan pertanggungjawabannya sudah mengikuti regulasi/peraturan yang sudah ada, juga diperlukan monitoring dan evaluasi dalam penggunaan keuangan desa tersebut, agar keuangan desa tersebut bisa bermamfaat bagi pembangunan desa dan meningkatkan kesejahteraan masyarakat.
Synthesis of Monodisperse Spherical Nanocrystals
Authors: Myers T.G. , Cregan Vincent , Bacsa Revathi , Schwarzwälder Marc Calvo , Fernández-Pendás Mario , Florio Brendan , Marquina Antonio , Moyles Iain , Ponsa Helena Ribera , Rusconi Simone , Serna Susana
Published: May 2021

Nanoparticles, small units of matter with dimensions in the range1-100 nm, exhibit many advantageous size-dependent magnetic, electrical, chemical and optical properties, which are not observed at the micro scale or bulk. These properties are extremely sensitive to particle size, and thus the ability to produce monodisperse particles is critical. Due to its ease of use and flexibility, precipitation of nanoparticles from solution is one of the most widely used synthesis methods. The main disadvantage of this method is that the relationship between particle growth and system conditions is not fully understood. In practice, the optimal reaction conditions are usually ascertained empirically or intuitively. In this report we consider several different applied mathematical techniques to explain nanoparticle growth via the precipitation method. In particular, we describe the impact of size focussing and defocussing (or Ostwald ripening) on the evolution of the nanoparticle size distribution.
Optimizing the performance of a conical ceramic membrane
Authors: Constantinou Achilleas , Cracco Martina , Danieli Federico , Gonzalez Raquel , Griffiths Ian , Groves Danny , Kalogirou Anna , Kiradjiev Kristian , Mavroyiakoumou Christiana , Printsypar Galina , Savva Nikos
Published: May 2021

Smart Separations Limited (SSL) is a UK-based start-up who have developed a ceramic membrane with micron-sized conical pores distinct to the cylindrical pores typically used for filtration. This new technology has the potential to be highly beneficial to many applications. However to realize its potential, a comprehensive analysis of the performance and efficiency of the membrane is vital. We use mathematical modelling to explore and quantify the behaviour and performance of the membrane and its link to the underlying pore structure. We derive a reduced model based on the slenderness of the membrane pores that allows us to predict the flux through the membrane, the optimal pore shape that maximizes the amount of contaminant that is trapped. The outcomes of this work provide a first step to providing the key modelling insight that will allow SSL to take this new technology to market.
Protein Arginine Methyltransferase 5 Promotes Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma Proliferation and Metastasis via LKB1/AMPK/mTOR Signaling Pathway
Authors: Chen Yu-ru , Li Hua-ni , Zhang Lian-jun , Zhang Chong , He Jin-guang
Published: May 2021

Background: Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is the eighth most common cancer in the world. Protein arginine methyltransferase 5 (PRMT5), an enzyme that catalyzes symmetric and asymmetric methylation on arginine residues of histone and non-histone proteins, is overexpressed in many cancers. However, whether or not PRMT5 participates in the regulation of ESCC remains largely unclear.

Methods: PRMT5 mRNA and protein expression in ESCC tissues and cell lines were examined by RT-PCR, western blotting, and immunohistochemistry assays. Cell proliferation was examined by RT-PCR, western blotting, immunohistochemistry assays, MTT, and EdU assays. Cell apoptosis and cell cycle were examined by RT-PCR, western blotting, immunohistochemistry assays, and flow cytometry. Cell migration and invasion were examined by RT-PCR, western blotting, immunohistochemistry assays, and wound-healing and transwell assays. Tumor volume, tumors, and mouse weight were measured in different groups. Lung tissues with metastatic foci, the number of nodules, and lung/total weight were measured in different groups.

Results: In the present study, the PRMT5 expression level was dramatically upregulated in ESCC clinical tissues as well as ESCC cell lines (ECA109 and KYSE150). Furthermore, knocking down PRMT5 obviously suppressed cell migration, invasion, proliferation, and cell arrest in G1 phase and promoted cell apoptosis in ESCC cells. Meanwhile, downregulating PRMT5 also increased the expression levels of Bax, caspase-3, and caspase-9, while expression levels of Bax-2, MMP-2, MMP-9, and p21 were decreased, which are members of the cyclin-dependent kinase family. Furthermore, knocking down PRMT5 could increase the expression of LKB1 and the phosphorylation (p)-AMPK expression and decrease the p-mTOR level. Additionally, overexpression of LKB1 could reveal anti-tumor effects in ESCC cell lines by inhibiting ESCC cell, migration, invasion, and proliferation and accelerating cell apoptosis. Besides, upregulating LKB1 expression could increase the levels of Bax, caspase-3, and caspase-9 and weaken the levels of Bax-2, MMP-2, and MMP-9. Moreover, knocking down PRMT5 could weaken the tumor growth and lung metastasis in vivo with upregulating the LKB1 expression and the p-AMPK level and downregulating the p-mTOR expression.

Conclusion: PRMT5 may act as a tumor-inducing agent in ESCC by modulating LKB1/AMPK/mTOR pathway signaling.
New Continuous Process for the Production of Lipopeptide Biosurfactants in Foam Overflowing Bioreactor
Authors: Guez Jean-Sébastien , Vassaux Antoine , Larroche Christian , Jacques Philippe , Coutte François
Published: May 2021

In this work, an original culture process in bioreactor named overflowing continuous culture (O-CC) was developed to produce and recover continuously mycosubtilin, a lipopeptide antifungal biosurfactant of major interest. The lipopeptide production was first investigated in shake conical flasks in different culture media [ammonium citrate sucrose (ACS), Difco sporulation medium (DSM), and Landy], followed by a pH condition optimization using 3-(N-morpholino)propanesulfonic acid (MOPS) and 2-(N-morpholino)ethanesulfonic acid (MES) buffered media. A simple theoretical modeling of the biomass evolution combined with an experimental setup was then proposed for O-CC processed in stirred tank reactor at laboratory scale. Seven O-CC experiments were done in modified Landy medium at the optimized pH 6.5 by applying dilution rates comprised between 0.05 and 0.1 h–1. The O-CC allowed the continuous recovery of the mycosubtilin contained in the foam overflowing out of the reactor, achieving a remarkable in situ product removal superior to 99%. The biomass concentration in the overflowing foam was found to be twofold lower than the biomass concentration in the reactor, relating advantageously this process to a continuous one with biomass feedback. To evaluate its performances regarding the type of lipopeptide produced, the O-CC process was tested with strain BBG116, a mycosubtilin constitutive overproducing strain that also produces surfactin, and strain BBG125, its derivative strain obtained by deleting surfactin synthetase operon. At a dilution rate of 0.1 h–1, specific productivity of 1.18 mg of mycosubtilin⋅g–1(DW)⋅h–1 was reached. Compared with other previously described bioprocesses using almost similar culture conditions and strains, the O-CC one allowed an increase of the mycosubtilin production rate by 2.06-fold.
Deciphering Human Leukocyte Antigen Susceptibility Maps From Immunopeptidomics Characterization in Oncology and Infections
Authors: Juanes-Velasco Pablo , Landeira-Viñuela Alicia , Acebes-Fernandez Vanessa , Hernández Ángela-Patricia , Garcia-Vaquero Marina L. , Arias-Hidalgo Carlota , Bareke Halin , Montalvillo Enrique , Gongora Rafael , Fuentes Manuel
Published: May 2021

Genetic variability across the three major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I genes (human leukocyte antigen [HLA] A, B, and C) may affect susceptibility to many diseases such as cancer, auto-immune or infectious diseases. Individual genetic variation may help to explain different immune responses to microorganisms across a population. HLA typing can be fast and inexpensive; however, deciphering peptides loaded on MHC-I and II which are presented to T cells, require the design and development of high-sensitivity methodological approaches and subsequently databases. Hence, these novel strategies and databases could help in the generation of vaccines using these potential immunogenic peptides and in identifying high-risk HLA types to be prioritized for vaccination programs. Herein, the recent developments and approaches, in this field, focusing on the identification of immunogenic peptides have been reviewed and the next steps to promote their translation into biomedical and clinical practice are discussed.
Association of Clinical and Immunological Characteristics With Disease Severity and Outcomes in 211 Patients With COVID-19 in Wuhan, China
Authors: Wang Man , Fan Yongzhen , Chai Yuqiong , Cheng Wenlin , Wang Kun , Cao Jianlei , Hu Xiaorong
Published: May 2021

Background

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has posed a great threat to global public health. There remains an urgent need to address the clinical significance of laboratory finding changes in predicting disease progression in COVID-19 patients. We aimed to analyze the clinical and immunological features of severe and critically severe patients with COVID-19 in comparison with non-severe patients and identify risk factors for disease severity and clinical outcome in COVID-19 patients.

Methods

The consecutive records of 211 patients with COVID-19 who were admitted to Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University from December 2019 to February 2020 were retrospectively reviewed.

Results

Of the 211 patients with COVID-19 recruited, 111 patients were classified as non-severe, 59 as severe, and 41 as critically severe cases. The median age was obviously higher in severe and critically severe cases than in non-severe cases. Severe and critically severe patients showed more underlying comorbidities than non-severe patients. Fever was the predominant presenting symptom in COVID-19 patients, and the duration of fever was longer in critically severe patients. Moreover, patients with increased levels of serum aminotransferases and creatinine (CREA) were at a higher risk for severe and critical COVID-19 presentations. The serum levels of IL-6 in severe and critically severe patients were remarkably higher than in non-severe patients. Lymphopenia was more pronounced in severe and critically severe patients compared with non-severe patients. Lymphocyte subset analysis indicated that severe and critically severe patients had significantly decreased count of lymphocyte subpopulations, such as CD4+ T cells, CD8+ T cells and B cells. A multivariate logistic analysis indicated that older age, male sex, the length of hospital stay, body temperature before admission, comorbidities, higher white blood cell (WBC) counts, lower lymphocyte counts, and increased levels of IL-6 were significantly associated with predicting the progression to severe stage of COVID-19.

Conclusion

Older age, male sex, underlying illness, sustained fever status, abnormal liver and renal functions, excessive expression of IL-6, lymphopenia, and selective loss of peripheral lymphocyte subsets were related to disease deterioration and clinical outcome in COVID-19 patients. This study would provide clinicians with valuable information for risk evaluation and effective interventions for COVID-19.
Wildfire-Related Catastrophes: The Need for a Modern International Safety Investigation Procedure
Authors: Vuorio Alpo , Kovanen Petri T. , Budowle Bruce , Sajantila Antti , Palo Jukka U. , Stoop John
Published: May 2021

Despite the increased frequency and scale of wildfire-related catastrophes, there has been little or no effective and coordinated international policy to address their highly negative impact. Possibly a generalized approach to respond to such major events could be modeled on existing international safety investigation policies and agreements that already have proved successful. The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) outlines safety investigations after international fatal aviation accidents. Although this well-established safety investigation protocol cannot be directly applied in acute wildfire-related accidents, it can offer a useful framework for establishing international guidelines to reduce risk of future wildfire catastrophes. The co-operation between safety investigation authorities has been shown to be fruitful especially for those less developed countries that have limited resources and experience related to accident investigations. While primarily an adaptive measure that can set practices to reduce vulnerability and fragility of ecosystems and human societies, the same policies could be seen as a climate change mitigation measure, as wildfires can contribute significantly to global CO2 emissions. Finally, the concept of independent and qualified safety investigations represents the principle of serendipity: disclosing by accident something that has not been foreseen. Feedback from reality compensates assumptions and limitations of feedforward analysis of complex systems that can only reveal their dynamics and performance in reality and over time.
Early vs. Late Onset Cardiac Injury and Mortality in Hospitalized COVID-19 Patients in Wuhan
Authors: Sun Wei , Zhang Yanting , Wu Chun , Wang Shuyuan , Xie Yuji , Zhang Danqing , Yuan Hongliang , Zhang Yongxing , Cui Li , Li Meng , Zhang Yiwei , Li Yuman , Wang Jing , Yang Yali , Lv Qing , Zhang Li , Haines Philip , Wu Wen-Chih , Xie Mingxing
Published: May 2021

Background: Increasing evidence points to cardiac injury (CI) as a common coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) related complication. The characteristics of early CI (occurred within 72 h of admission) and late CI (occurred after 72 h of admission) and its association with mortality in COVID-19 patients is unknown.

Methods: This retrospective study analyzed patients confirmed with COVID-19 in Union Hospital (Wuhan, China) from Jan 29th to Mar 15th, 2020. Clinical outcomes (discharge, or death) were monitored to April 15, 2020, the latest date of follow-up. Demographic, clinical, laboratory, as well as treatment and prognosis were collected and analyzed in patients with early, late CI and without CI.

Results: A total of 196 COVID-19 patients were included for analysis. The median age was 65 years [interquartile range (IQR) 56–73 years], and 112 (57.1%) were male. Of the 196 COVID-19 patients, 49 (25.0%) patients had early and 20 (10.2%) patients had late CI, 56.6% developed Acute-Respiratory-Distress-Syndrome (ARDS) and 43 (21.9%) patients died. Patients with any CI were more likely to have developed ARDS (87.0 vs. 40.2%) and had a higher in-hospital mortality than those without (52.2 vs. 5.5%, P < 0.001). Among CI subtypes, a significantly higher risk of in-hospital death was found in patients with early CI with recurrence [19/49 patients, adjusted odds ratio (OR) = 7.184, 95% CI 1.472–35.071] and patients with late CI (adjusted OR = 5.019, 95% CI 1.125–22.388) compared to patients with early CI but no recurrence.

Conclusions: CI can occur early on or late after, the initial 72 h of admission and is associated with ARDS and an increased risk of in-hospital mortality. Both late CI and recurrent CI after the initial episode were associated with worse outcomes than patients with early CI alone. This study highlights the importance of early examination and periodical monitoring of cardiac biomarkers, especially for patients with early CI or at risk of clinical deterioration.
Sulfonylureas Use Is Not Associated With Increased Infarct Size in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes and ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Shi Fang-Hong , Li Hao , Kong Ling-Cong , Shen Long , Jiang Yi-Hong , Gu Zhi-Chun , Ge Heng
Published: May 2021

Aims: This retrospective study assessed the association between sulfonylureas use and infarct size in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2DM) and ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) by myocardial enzymology indexes and cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging.

Methods: Patients presenting STEMI between July 2013 and August 2019 were included in a retrospective database at our institution. Antidiabetic agents used before STEMI were recorded. Patients with maximum recorded troponin I (max cTNI) and creatine phosphokinase isoenzyme (CK-MB) within the first 72 h of chest pain onset were selected. Infarct size was quantified by CMR imaging, and cardiovascular outcomes were also obtained at 30 days and 6 months follow-up. Multivariable regression models explored potential risk factors associated with infarct size and clinical outcomes.

Results: A total of 254 T2DM and STEMI patients were included, with 101 sulfonylurea users and 153 non-users. Sulfonylureas users were not associated with higher max cTnI and max CK-MB compared to non-users. Among 65 CMR patients, no significant differences in infarct size were detected between sulfonylureas users and non-users. Whereas, the incidence of microvascular obstruction (MVO) was higher in patients receiving sulfonylureas than those taking non-sulfonylureas (88.0 vs. 62.5%, p = 0.023). No higher cardiovascular events of sulfonylureas users vs. non-users were observed, except for heart failure events (24.0 vs. 2.5% at 30 days, p = 0.011; 28.0 vs. 2.5% at 6 months, p = 0.004). Multivariable regression analyses verified that sulfonylureas users increased the risks of MVO.

Conclusions: Sulfonylureas use did not associate with larger infarct size in patients with T2DM and STEMI. A potentially higher incidence of MVO in sulfonylurea users was found. Notably, since most patients presented after a relatively long period of ischemia and glibenclamide was not used by the included patients in this observational study, the results of this study should not be extrapolated to clinical settings with short periods of ischemia or to patients using glibenclamide.
Development and Validation of a Risk Score for Predicting Post-acute Myocardial Infarction Infection in Patients Undergoing Percutaneous Coronary Intervention: Study Protocol for an Observational Study
Authors: Liu Yuanhui , Wang Litao , Lin Yaowang , Chen Wei , Xu Zhengrong , Chen Pengyuan , Dai Yining , Zeng Lihuan , Fan Hualin , Xue Ling , Chen Jiyan , Tan Ning , Duan Chongyang , He Pengcheng
Published: May 2021

Background: Post-acute myocardial infarction (post-AMI) infection is an infrequent but important and serious complication in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) treated with percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Predicting its occurrence is essential for future prevention. However, little is known about the prediction of post-AMI infection in such patients to date. This study aims to develop and validate a new risk score based on risk factors for early prediction of infection in STEMI patients undergoing PCI.

Methods: This prospective, multi-center and observational study assesses the predictive value of risk score for post-AMI infection among a cohort of patients hospitalized due to STEMI. The STEMI patients undergoing PCI enrolled between January 1st 2010 and May 31st 2016 were served as a development cohort while those enrolled from June 1st 2016 to May 31st 2018 were served as validation cohort. The primary endpoint was post-AMI infection during hospitalization, defined as infection requiring antibiotics (reflecting the clinical influence of infection compatible with the necessity for additional treatment), and all-cause death and major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) including all-cause death, recurrent myocardial infarction, target vessel revascularization, and stroke were considered as secondary endpoints. The risk score model based on risk factors was established using stepwise logistic regression, and will be validated in other centers and external patients with non-ST-elevation acute coronary syndrome (NSTE-ACS).

Results: This study will provide evidence on prognostic property, reliability of scoring, comparative performance, and suitability of the novel model for screening purpose in order to be recommended for clinical practice.

Discussion: Our study is designed to develop and validate a clinical risk score for predicting infection in participants with STEMI who have undergone PCI. This simple tool may therefore improve evaluation of post-AMI infection and enhance future researches into the best practices to prevent or reduce infection in such patients.

Clinical Trial Registration:www.chictr.org.cn, identifier: ChiCTR1900028278.
A Numerical Study of the Critical Threshold for Landslide Dam Formation Considering Landslide and River Dynamics
Authors: Liu Wei , Hu Yu-xiang , He Si-ming , Zhou Jia-wen , Chen Kun-Ting
Published: May 2021

Landslide dam formation can be influenced by the erosive capacity of river flow and the dynamic characteristics of the landslide. When the deposition rate of a landslide that reaches a river is higher than the erosion rate of river flow, the landslide can form a dam by blocking the channel. Hence, in this paper, a dimensionless discharge threshold for landslide dam formation considering landslide and river dynamics is established and studied numerically. A two-layer depth-averaged model coupled with an erosion term is presented to simulate river and landslide movements and their interactions. Several numerical cases are simulated to study the influence of landslide and river dynamics on the critical threshold for dam formation by considering some key factors, such as landslide velocity and the angle between the river and landslide transport directions. Through the simulations, three types of landslide intrusion into river can be reflected: a dam forms quickly, a dam forms or does not form close to a critical state, and no dam forms. The results show that these factors together affect the process of dam formation if the difference between the landslide and river discharges is relatively small. All results are helpful to further clarify the formation of such dams for natural hazard prevention under future climate change conditions.
Multi-Parametric Field Experiment Links Explosive Activity and Persistent Degassing at Stromboli
Authors: Thivet Simon , Harris Andrew J. L. , Gurioli Lucia , Bani Philipson , Barnie Talfan , Bombrun Maxime , Marchetti Emanuele
Published: May 2021

Visually unattainable magmatic processes in volcanic conduits, such as degassing, are closely linked to eruptive styles at the surface, but their roles are not completely identified and understood. To gain insights, a multi-parametric experiment at Stromboli volcano (Aeolian Islands, Italy) was installed in July 2016 focusing on the normal explosive activity and persistent degassing. During this experiment, gas-dominated (type 0) and particle-loaded (type 1) explosions, already defined by other studies, were clearly identified. A FLIR thermal camera, an Ultra-Violet SO₂ camera and a scanning Differential Optical Absorption Spectroscopy were deployed to record pyroclast and SO2 masses emitted during individual explosions, as well as persistent SO₂ fluxes, respectively. An ASHER instrument was also deployed in order to collect ash fallouts and to measure the grain size distribution of the samples. SO2 measurements confirm that persistent degassing was far greater than that emitted during the explosions. Further, we found that the data could be characterized by two periods. In the first period (25–27 July), activity was mainly characterized by type 0 explosions, characterized by high velocity jets. Pyroclast mass fluxes were relatively low (280 kg/event on average), while persistent SO2 fluxes were high (274 t/d on average). In the second period (29–30 July), activity was mainly characterized by type 1 explosions, characterized by low velocity jets. Pyroclast mass fluxes were almost ten times higher (2,400 kg/event on average), while persistent gas fluxes were significantly lower (82 t/d on average). Ash characterization also indicates that type 0 explosions fragments were characterized by a larger proportion of non-juvenile material compared to type 1 explosions fragments. This week-long field experiment suggests that, at least within short time periods, Stromboli’s type 1 explosions can be associated with low levels of degassing and the mass of particles accompanying such explosive events depends on the volume of a degassed magma cap sitting at the head of the magma column. This could make the classic particle-loaded explosions of Stromboli an aside from the true eruptive state of the volcano. Instead, gas-dominated explosions can be associated with high levels of degassing and are indicative of a highly charged (with gas) system. We thus suggest that relatively deep magmatic processes, such as persistent degassing and slug formation can rapidly influence the superficial behavior of the eruptive conduit, modulating the presence or absence of degassed magma at the explosion/fragmentation level.
Hints on the Late Miocene Evolution of the Tonale-Adamello-Brenta Region (Alps, Italy) Based on Allochtonous Sediments From Raponzolo Cave
Authors: Sauro Francesco , Fellin Maria Giuditta , Columbu Andrea , Häuselmann Philipp , Borsato Andrea , Carbone Cristina , De Waele Jo
Published: May 2021

Raponzolo is a paleo-phreatic cave explored in 2011 in the Brenta Dolomites (Trentino, Italy), at the remarkable altitude of 2,560 m a.s.l. Differently to all other caves of the area, it hosts well-cemented fine to medium sands of granitic-metamorphic composition. The composition suggests a sediment source from the Adamello and Tonale Unit, separated from the Brenta by one of the most important tectonic lineaments of the Alps (Giudicarie Line). The fine-sand sediment was sampled to determine burial time and thus a minimum age of the cave. Cosmogenic isotopes (26Al and 10Be) in quartz grains allowed to estimate a minimum burial age of 5.25 Ma based on the mean sediment transport time at the surface and infer original altitude of the catchment area. Detrital apatite fission-track (AFT) and U-Pb dating on zircons provide information on the source, both from a regional and altitude (exhumation) perspective. Two populations of detrital AFT ages center at 17 (−2.3 + 2.6) Ma and 23 (−3.3 + 3.9) Ma, whereas the main detrital zircon U-Pb age populations are younger than 40 Ma. These correspond to intrusive and metamorphic sources nowadays outcropping exclusively above 2,200–2,300 m a.s.l. in Northern Adamello and Tonale. The results point to a late Miocene erosion and infilling of the cave by allochtonous sediments, with important implications on the timing of cave speleogenesis, as well as the paleogeographical connection, tectonic evolution and uplift of different structural units of the Alps. The roundness and the well sorted size of the quartz grains suggest a fluvial or aeolian origin, possibly recycled by glacial activity related to cold events reported in high latitude areas of the world at 5.75 and 5.51 Ma. These glacial phases have never been documented before in the Alps. This information confirms that the valleys dividing these geological units were not yet deeply entrenched during the onset of the Messinian Salinity Crisis (5.6–5.5 Ma), allowing an efficient transport of sediments across major tectonic lineaments of the Alps. This study shows the potential of cave sediments to provide information not only on the age of speleogenesis but also on the paleogeography of a wide area of the Alps during the late Miocene.
Research on Short-Circuit Current Calculation Method of Doubly-Fed Wind Turbines Considering Rotor Dynamic Process
Authors: Yin Jun
Published: May 2021

With the enlarging scale of doubly-fed induction generators (DFIGs) connected to power systems, it is important to analyze the influence of a short-circuit current to system relay protection. Due to the correct evaluation of the protection operation characteristics, the DFIG short-circuit current needs to be calculated accurately. But the current research on the short-circuit current of DFIG is based on the following assumption: the rotor excitation current is zero after the rotor crowbar is put, and the influence of its dynamic process is ignored. This will bring errors to the calculation results. This paper takes into account the influence of rotor current dynamics by studying the mechanism of the potential transient change of DFIG. The stator rotor flux linkage of DFIG in the event of a three-phase short-circuit is accurately calculated, and an improved RMS calculation method of doubly-fed wind turbine short circuit current is proposed. A physical experiment platform with an actual controller of a doubly-fed fan is established, based on RTDS. It can be seen from the experiment that the short-circuit current calculation method proposed in this paper is more accurate than those methods that ignore the rotor dynamic process. This study lays a foundation for further study of the influence of DFIG on the protection operation characteristics.