bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Artificial Image Objects for Classification of Breast Cancer Biomarkers with Transcriptome Sequencing Data and Convolutional Neural Network Algorithms
Authors: Chen Xiangning , CHEN Daniel G , Zhao Zhongming , Balko Justin M , CHEN Jingchun
Published: February 2021

Background: Transcriptome sequencing has been broadly available in clinical studies. However, it remains a challenge to utilize these data effectively to due to the high dimension of the data and the high correlation of gene expression. Methods: We propose a novel method that transforms RNA sequencing data into artificial image objects (AIOs) and apply convolutional neural network (CNN) algorithm to classify these AIOs. The AIO technique considers each gene as a pixel in digital image, standardizes and rescales gene expression levels into a range suitable for image display. Using the GSE81538 (n = 405) and GSE96058 (n = 3,373) datasets, we create AIOs for the subjects and design CNN models to classify biomarker Ki67 and Nottingham histologic grade (NHG). Results: With 5-fold cross validation, we accomplish a classification accuracy and AUC of 0.797 ± 0.034 and 0.820 ± 0.064 for Ki67 status. For NHG, the weighted average of categorical accuracy is 0.726 ± 0.018, and the weighted average of AUC is 0.848 ± 0.019. With GSE81538 as training data and GSE96058 as testing data, the accuracy and AUC for Ki67 are 0.772 ± 0.014 and 0.820 ± 0.006, and that for NHG are 0.682 ± 0.013 and 0.808 ± 0.003 respectively. These results are comparable to or better than the results reported in the original study. For both Ki67 and NHG, the calls from our models have similar predictive power for survival as the calls from trained pathologists in survival analyses. Comparing the calls from our models and the pathologists, we find that the discordant subjects for Ki67 are a group of patients for whom estrogen receptor, progesterone receptor, PAM50 and NHG could not predict their survival rate, and their responses to chemotherapy and endocrine therapy are also different from the concordant subjects. Conclusions: RNA sequencing data can be transformed into AIOs and be used to classify the status of Ki67 and NHG by CNN algorithm. The AIO method can handle high dimension data with highly correlated variables with no requirement for variable selection, leading to a data-driven, consistent and automation-ready approach to model RNA sequencing data.
Martian Moons Exploration MMX: Sample Return Mission to Phobos Elucidating Formation Processes of Habitable Planets
Authors: Kuramoto Kiyoshi , Kawakatsu Yasuhiro , Fujimoto Masaki , Araya Akito , Barucci Maria Antonietta , Genda Hidenori , Hirata Naru , Ikeda Hitoshi , Imamura Takeshi , Helbert Jörn , Kameda Shingo , Kobayashi Masanori , Kusano Hiroki , Lawrence David J. , Matsumoto Koji , Michel Patrick , Miyamoto Hideaki , Morota Tomokatsu , Nakagawa Hiromu , Nakamura Tomoki , Ogawa Kazunori , Otake Hisashi , Ozaki Masanobu , Russel Sara , Sasaki Sho , Sawada Hirotaka , Senshu Hiroki , Tachibana Shogo , Terada Naoki , Ulamec Stephan , Usui Tomohiro , Wada Koji , Watababe Sei-ichiro , Yokota Shoichiro
Published: February 2021

Martian moons exploration, MMX, is the new sample return mission planned by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) targeting the two Martian moons with a scheduled launch in 2024 and a return to the Earth in 2029. The major scientific objectives of this mission are to determine the origin of Phobos and Deimos, to elucidate the early Solar System evolution in terms of volatile delivery across the snow line to the terrestrial planets having habitable surface environments, and to explore the evolutionary processes of both moons and Mars surface environment. To achieve these objectives, during a stay in circum-Martian space over about 3 years MMX will collect samples from Phobos along with close-up observations of this inner moon and carry out multiple flybys of Deimos to make comparative observations of this outer moon. Simultaneously, successive observations of the Martian atmosphere will also be made by utilizing the advantage of quasi-equatorial spacecraft orbits along the moons’ orbits.
Effect of Predation by Colpoda sp. in Nitrogen Fixation Rate of Two Free-Living Bacteria
Authors: Martínez-Reyes Carlos Manuel , Zaragoza Salvador Rodríguez , Cabirol Nathalie , Alarcón Alejandro , Mendoza-López Ma. Remedios
Published: February 2021

Biological nitrogen fixation (BNF) is limited to several groups of prokaryotes, which can reduce nitrogen through complex endosymbiotic relationships or as free-living nitrogen-fixing bacteria (FLNFB). Predation of FLNFB by protozoa releases reduced nitrogen, enhancing the formation of plant and bacterial biomass as well as nitrogen (N) mineralization within soil microbial communities. We aim to evaluate the predation effect of Colpoda sp. on two FLNFB Azospirillum lipoferum and Stenotrophomonas sp. during their exponential and lag phase. The likelihood of Colpoda sp. to feed on the former species was needed to ensure there is a predation effect. The kinetics of bacterial population growth was determined in the predators’ presence or absence and the effect of predation on the biological fixation of N was evaluated through the reduction of acetylene to ethylene technique. Colpoda sp. showed a non-significant difference in preferences between the two species offered as prey. Consequently, the abundance of A. lipoferum and Stenotrophomonas sp. decreased significantly due to predator’s pressure. However, it had a higher positive effect on the formation of new bacterial biomass on Stenotrophomonas sp.as revealed by the increase of its specific growth rate. Likewise, predation promoted greater nitrogen fixation in A. lipoferum and Stenotrophomonas sp. during the lag phase (0.34 nM and 0.38 nM) than in the exponential phase (0.27 nM and 0.17 nM). We concluded that predation by Colpodasp stimulates the rate of nitrogen fixation of A. lipoferum and Stenotrophomonas sp.
The Wild Emmer Wheat Gene PmG16, Conferring Resistance to Powdery Mildew, is an Orthologue of Pm60 from Triticum Urartu
Authors: Li Yinghui , Wei Zhen-Zhen , Fatiukha Andrii , Jaiwar Samidha , Wang Hanchao , Hasan Samiha , Liu Zhiyong , Sela Hanan , Krugman Tamar , Fahima Tzion
Published: February 2021

Wild emmer wheat (WEW), the tetraploid progenitor of durum and bread wheat, is a valuable genetic resource for resistance to powdery mildew fungal disease caused by Blumeria graminis f. sp. tritici (Bgt). PmG16 gene, derived from WEW, confers high resistance to most tested Bgt isolates. We mapped PmG16 to a 1.4 cM interval between the flanking markers uhw386 and uhw390 on Chromosome 7AL. Based on gene annotation of WEW reference genome Zavitan_V1, 34 predicted genes were identified within the ~3.48 Mb target region. Six genes were annotated as associated with disease resistance, of which TRIDC7AG077150.1 was found to be highly similar to Pm60, previously cloned from Triticum urartu and residing in the same syntenic region. A functional molecular marker (FMM) for Pm60 (M-Pm60-S1) co-segregated with PmG16, suggesting that WEW PmG16 is probably an orthologue of Pm60 from Triticum urartu (designated here as TdPm60). Sequence alignment identified only eight SNPs that differentiate between TdPm60 and TuPm60. Furthermore, our results suggest that other WEW powdery mildew resistance genes MlIW172 and MlIW72, that also mapped to the same region of Chromosome 7AL, might be identical or allelic to TdPm60. Screening of 230 WEW accessions with Pm60 specific markers, 58 resistant accessions were identified from Southern Levant harboring the TdPm60 allele, while all the susceptible accessions showed no PCR amplifications. Deployment of TdPm60 is clearly more advantageous over TuPm60 since it can be rapidly introgressed by classical breeding approaches into bread wheat genetic background.
Does Institutional Quality Strengthen the Globalization-growth Nexus? A Cross Country Analysis
Authors: Ali Shahid , Ahmad Naved
Published: February 2021

In this study, we examine the role of institutional development in the globalization growth nexus. We have used the System GMM technique for a sample of 124 countries from 1996 to 2019. We found that countries with improved quality of institutions get more benefited from economic globalization. Hence, policy complementarities are the pre-requisites for the relationship between economic globalization and growth. Through analysis of the marginal effect, we found a minimum threshold level of institutional quality. This study also performs sensitivity analysis by comparing the results of the different econometric techniques. Consequently, we have run hundreds of regressions with various growth models to get the most stable and robust model.
Model-based evaluation of the contribution of partial denitrification (PD) on the one-stage autotrophic nitrogen removal process
Authors: Zhang Chi , Yu Lianze , Zhang Miao , Wu Jun
Published: February 2021

The nitrate produced by the one-stage partial nitritation-anammox (PN/A) process can be removed through partial denitrification (PD) by adding carbon source. In this study, a 1D multi-population biofilm model was developed to evaluate the contribution of partial denitrification on the one-stage autotrophic nitrogen removal process at influent NH4+ = 100 mg N/L. The dynamic simulation that was carried out to investigate the effect of nitrite-oxidizing bacteria (NOB) revealed that PD contributed to the reactor to obtain total nitrogen removal efficiency (TNR) of above 90% and the effluent nitrate was significantly decreased with the absence of NOB. However, PD decreased TNR of the one-stage PN/A process with the presence of NOB. Increased influent chemical oxygen demand (COD) widened the dissolved oxygen (DO) range required for high TNR whether NOB were present or not. The steady-state simulation results showed that NOB were always absent in the granules at high DO and COD levels and the optimum DO > 0.5 mg/L when influent COD was over 50 mg/L. Besides, higher influent COD/NH4+ (C/N) and larger granule diameter (diameter > 1600 µm) were contributed to widening the range of DO required for high TNR. The nitrogen removal contribution of anammox bacteria (AMX) was significantly higher than denitrification in the reactor.
Circadian Misalignment Leads to Changes in Cortisol Rhythms, Blood Biochemical Variables and Serum miRNA Profiles
Authors: Huang Guo-Bin , Ma Huan , Gan Xi-Hui , Li Si-Lin , Ma Xiao-Hong , Chen Si-Yu , Yang Hui-Ying , Zhou Tuo-Yang , Zhang Liang , Tian Zhi-Qiang , Wang Xin , Liao Zhen , Zhu Xin-Hai , Jiang Hong-Mei , Shao Yong-Cong , Yang Ye-Bing , Guo Jin-Hu
Published: February 2021

Background: Circadian clock plays a critical role in synchronizing the inner molecular, metabolic and physiological processes to the environmental cues which cycle with a period of 24 h. Misalignment in the circadian rhythms leads to decrease in adaptation, performance and increased risk of associated disorders. The non-24-h schedules and shift schedules are commonly used in maritime operations, both of which could result in disturbance in circadian rhythms. The comprehensive effects of these schedules remain to be further elucidated.Methods: In this study, we firstly conducted an experiment in which the volunteers followed a 3-d rotary schedule with consecutive shift in sleep time (rotatory schedule), and analyzed the changes in salivary cortisol rhythms and blood variables. Next we conducted another experiment in which the volunteers followed an 8 h on and 4 h off schedule (non-24-h schedule) to compare the changes in blood/serum variables. Furthermore, the plasma miRNAs from the volunteers following the rotatory schedule were subject for miRNA sequencing. Results: The rotatory schedule led to elevated levels of serum cortisol during the early stage, and the phase became delayed during the early and stages. The results show both of the schedules caused comprehensive changes in blood/serum biochemical variable, and consistently, the increase in phosphate levels. In addition, a subset of serum miRNAs targeting genes involved in circadian rhythms, sleep homeostasis and multiple important physiological processes or pathways were identified in the experiment with rotatory schedule.Conclusions: This study revealed an increased stress during the rotatory schedule. Circadian misalignment caused by either non-24-h or rotatory schedule lead to extensive changes in blood/serum variables. As to the rotatory schedule, altered expression of serum miRNAs may account for the consequences of circadian misalignment. These findings would help understand the deleterious effects of shift schedules and optimize to enhance performance and welfare of the personnel working with similar schedules.
Gibberellin and spermidine synergistically regulate polyamine metabolism during Rhododendron flower development
Authors: Xu Qian , Li Huaxiong , Liu Shiliang , Huang Wenpei , Xian Xiaolin , Li Qing , Long Yue , Chen Rui , Sun Zechen , Pan Yuanzhi
Published: February 2021

Polyamines (PAs) are involved in various plants developmental processes, especially in flowering. Their significant influence has been established, but the exact mechanisms by which PAs modulate flowering are not yet understood. To understand the PA metabolism during flowering/senescence in Rhododendron simsii ‘Zichendian’ plants, exogenous gibberellin (GA3, 0-2400 mg L− 1) and spermidine (Spd, 0–1 mM) were applied separately or in combination during the early stage of flower bud formation. The application of GA3 alone advanced the initial flowering by promoting the free Put (F) fraction and decreasing the Spd/Put ratio at the squaring stage, whereas Spd alone delayed the initial flowering by increasing the soluble conjugated (C) form, insoluble bound Put (B) fraction and Spd/Put ratio. When GA3 plus Spd was applied, the initial flowering advanced by 2 days. Furthermore, endogenous PA levels as well as the C and B fractions of PAs and key enzymes (diamine oxidase, PA oxidase, arginine decarboxylase, ornithine decarboxylase and S-adenosylmethionine decarboxylase) of PA metabolism increased, while the Spd/Spm ratio decreased by GA3 and Spd applications during flowering, resulting in delayed flower senescence. In addition, the structural equation model (SEM) showed that Spd directly participated in PA metabolism, while GA3 regulated flowering by modulating PA metabolism via Spd (c.f. 0.27). Taken together, our study provides comprehensive evidence regarding the clear relationships between GA3, Spd and flowering time, supporting the positive effect of PA metabolism on delaying flower senescence, and helps to provide a thorough understanding of the PA interconversions, biosynthesis and catabolism during flowering and senescence.
Cellulose Based Cation-Exchange Fiber as Filtration Material for the Rapid Removal of Methylene Blue from Wastewater
Authors: Shao Xinyi , Wang Jian , Liu Zetan , Hu Na , Liu Min , Duan Chao , Zhang Ruimin , Quan Cailin
Published: February 2021

The development of eco-friendly adsorbent with perfect solid/liquid separation performance is of great practical importance for the efficient purification of dye-containing wastewater. Herein, cellulose based cation-exchange fibrous bio-adsorbent (CEF) was successfully obtained via an industrialized cellulose etherification process. The fiber morphology can be maintained with the average degree substitution (DS) of CEF as about 0.19. The CEF showed high efficiency adsorption for methylene blue (MB): achieving 82% of equilibrium uptake (447.69 mg·g-1) within 5 min. Especially, the non-woven porous filter material, formed by CEFs and glass fibers, showed the praisable solid/liquid separation characteristics, fast water filtration rate (≈ 6.3 m3·m-2·h-1) and high removal rate (≈ 99.2%) when it was used to adsorb MB (150 ppm) from wastewater. In addition, CEFs filter material can be regenerated via a simple method. This study demonstrates that green natural fiber materials are promising for the economical and efficient purification of dye-containing wastewater.
Histone H3K27me3 Demethylase act as Key Regulator of Stem Cell Markers in Matrix Detached Cancer Cells
Authors: Razeeth Mohammed , Zamzami Mazin , Choudhry Hani , Ahmed Firoz , Ateeq Bushra , Khan Mohammad Imran
Published: February 2021

Metastasis of cancer cells requires detachment from matrix (Extra Cellular Matrix) to seed cancer cells in a distant organ. Hypoxia is prevalent in matrix detached cancer cells, are bound for metastasis. Studies have established hypoxia as chromatin modifier, as it transcriptionally controls expression of various histone demethylases (KDMs), therefore we hypothesized that hypoxia can modulate the expression of KDMs in matrix detached cancer cells. Results from our study showed that in hypoxic matrix detached cancer cells of different origins, expression and activity of KDM6B (a H3K27me3 histone demethylase) was consistently increased. Simultaneously, we found increased expression of cancer stem cells (CSCs) markers in hypoxic matrix detached cancer cells. Targeting KDM6B by using a specific inhibitor reduces the expression of CSCs markers namely SOX-2, SOX-9 and CD44 in matrix detached cancer cells. We found that KDM6B occupies the promoter region of both SOX-2 and CD44 and thereby regulate their expression. Surprisingly, we also noticed that in a feedback loop HIF1α was transcriptionally regulated by KDM6B in matrix detached cancer cells. Lastly, we observed a significant positive association between KDM6B and HIF1α in various cancer types. Overall, we found, that matrix detachment induces hypoxia, modulates epigenome to promote KDM6B activity to positively regulate expression of SOX2, CD44 and HIF1α in matrix detached conditions. We believe that KDM6B can be developed as a therapeutic target for elimination of matrix detached cancer cells, bound for metastatic events.
Bibliometric analysis of document flow on academic social networks in Web of Science
Authors: Busygina Tatyana , Yuklyaevskaya Anna
Published: February 2021

Analysis of a document array on academic social networks (ASNs) in Web of Science for the period from 2005 to 2020 was carried out with use of analytical services data of the WoS and CiteSpace (the program for visualization of patterns and trends in scientific literature). The following parameters of the array were analyzed: publication dynamics; document types structure; countries, organizations and authors leading in the number of publications; thematic categories to which documents of the array are assigned; publications (journals, monographs) in which the documents of the array are published; most cited publications. An increase in the number of publications on the ASNs in WoS was established since 2005. The largest number of ASNs studies is conducted in the USA (University of Pittsburgh), UK (Wolverhampton University, Manchester University), China, Spain (University of Granada), Germany (Max Planck Society for Scientific Research), Canada, India and the Netherlands (Leiden University). The ASNs were studied in the main thematic areas: Computer Science, Computer Science and Librarianship, Mechanical Engineering, Engineering and Technology. Four out of the first ten highly cited publications, are devoted to altmetrics. Using the CiteSpace, it was shown that when ASNs started rise, their organizational structure was beeing studed. Later, altmetrics used in the ASNs became the main subjects of ASNs research. The keywords occurrence revealed that the most frequent terms are “altmetrics”, “impact”, “citation”. As part of the document flow, also identified publications in which the ASNs are used as a source of bibliographic data for systematic or meta-analysis (in medicine predominantly), or as a platform for experimental data discussion.
Enhanced removal of Cr(III), Mn(II), Cd(II), Pb(II) and Cu(II) from aqueous solution by N-functionalized ordered silica
Authors: Kobylinska Natalia , Kessler Vadim , Seisenbaeva Gulaim , Dudarko Oksana
Published: February 2021

Chelating and ion-exchange N-functionalized mesoporous silicas (SBA-15) as selective adsorbents for removal of heavy metals were synthesized using template method. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, TEM analysis, N2 adsorption/desorption isotherms and titration analysis conﬁrmed successful functionalisation of the tri-sodium salt of N-(triethoxysilylpropyl)ethylenediaminetriacetic acid (EDTA), protonated primary amine (NH3+Cl-) and its combinations onto the mesoporous silica (SBA-EDTA/NH2). The obtained materials featured beneﬁcial properties of mesoporous silica SBA-15 with its high surface area and were successfully fictionalized with N-containing groups. The synthesized series of silicas were investigated for removal of Cr(III), Mn(III), Pb(II), Cd(II) and Cu(II) from model water solutions. The adsorption of target ions increased with the increase pH and its concentration in solution. The adsorption equilibrium data were well ﬁtted to Langmuir isotherm model and maximum monolayer adsorption capacities for cations Pb(II), Cd(II), Cr(III) and Mn(II) were 185.6 mg g-1, 111.2 mg g-1, 57.7 mg g-1 and 49.4 mg g-1, respectively. The chelating interaction was considered as the main adsorption mechanism for metal ions (Cr(III), Mn(II), Pb(II), Cd(II), and Cu(II)). The adsorption capacities of SBA-EDTA and SBA-EDTA/NH2 samples toward studied metal ions were consistent with the Lewis ‘hard and soft acids and bases’ theory. The metal removal efficiency of adsorbents was near 96-92 % during three regeneration cycles. All these results indicated that the produced N-functionalized silica were promising for applications in environmental and analytical separation ﬁelds.
COVID-19 outbreak and control in Kenya- Insights from a mathematical model
Authors: Mbogo Rachel Waema , Orwa Titus Okello
Published: February 2021

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic reached Kenya in March 2020 with the initial cases reported in the capital city Nairobi and in the coastal area Mombasa. As reported by the World Health Organization, the outbreak of COVID-19 has spread across the world, killed many, collapsed economies and changed the way people live since it was first reported in Wuhan, China, in the end of 2019. As of May 25,2020 It had led to over 100,000 confirmed cases in Africa with over 3000 deaths. The trend poses a huge threat to global public health. Understanding the early transmission dynamics of the infection and evaluating the effectiveness of control measures is crucial for assessing the potential for sustained transmission to occur in new areas.We employed a SEIHCRD mathematical transmission model with reported Kenyan data on cases of COVID-19 to estimate how transmission varies over time. The model is concise in structure, and successfully captures the course of the COVID-19 outbreak, and thus sheds light on understanding the trends of the outbreak. The next generation matrix approach was adopted to calculate the basic reproduction number (R0) from the model to assess the factors driving the infection . The results from the model analysis shows that non-pharmaceutical interventions over a relatively long period is needed to effectively get rid of the COVID-19 epidemic otherwise the rate of infection will continue to increase despite the increased rate of recovery.
Chronic ethanol vapor exposure potentiates cardiovascular responses to acute stress in male but not in female rats
Authors: Bianchi Paula Cristina , de-Souza Lucas Gomes , Costa-Ferreira Willian , Palombo Paola , de Oliveira Paulo E. Carneiro , Engi Sheila A. , Leão Rodrigo M. , Planeta Cleopatra S. , Crestani Carlos C. , Cruz Fabio C.
Published: February 2021

Background: Ethanol use is related to a wide variety of negative health outcomes, including cardiovascular diseases. Stress is also involved in numerous pathologies such as cardiovascular diseases and psychiatric disorders. Sexual dimorphism is an important factor affecting cardiovascular response and has been proposed as a potential risk factor for sex-specific health problems in humans. Here, we evaluated the effect of prolonged ethanol vapor inhalation on arterial pressure, heart rate and tail skin temperature responses to acute restraint stress, investigating differences between male and female rats. Methods: We exposed male and female Long-Evans rats to ethanol vapor for 14 hours, followed by ethanol withdrawal for 10 hours, for 30 consecutive days, or to room air (control groups). The animals underwent surgical implantation of a cannula into the femoral artery for assessment of arterial pressure and heart rate values. The tail skin temperature was measured as an indirect measurement of sympathetic vasomotor response. Results: Chronic ethanol vapor inhalation reduced basal heart rate in both female and male rats. Sex-related difference was observed in the decrease of tail cutaneous temperature evoked by stress, but not in the pressor and tachycardiac responses. Furthermore, prolonged ethanol inhalation enhanced the blood pressure and heart rate increase caused by acute restraint stress in male, but not in female rats. However, no effect of chronic ethanol vapor was observed in the tail cutaneous temperature response to restraint in either sex. Conclusion: Chronic ethanol vapor exposure increased the cardiovascular reactivity to stress in male, but not in female rats.
New locality of Lepidium Cartilagineum in the Hortobágy Region (East Hungary)
Authors: Schmotzer András
Published: February 2021

A new locality of the halophyte Lepidium cartilagineum (J. C. Mayer) Thell. (Brassicaceae) was recorded at the eastern margin of the Hortobágy region, at Nagyhegyes. Despite the fact that the species is not rare in saline steppes in Hungary, it occurs exclusively on solonchak soils. The soil of the one previously documented location at Hortobágy region is not typical solonetz, with transitional solonchak characteristics. The locality found at ‘Sirály-rét’ (Elep, Nagyhegyes) is in a typical alkaline grassland, where the species grows in Puccinellietum limosae and transitional Camphorosmetum annuae communities. This contribution also includes 14 phytocoenological relevés taken at the locality and a comparison of the two, so far documented locations in the region. The author takes the position that this occurrence is to be regarded as native, mostly based on the habitat specifications (such as developed berm formations), vegetation structure and species composition. The continuity of the grassland patch is also proved by available historical maps and aerial photographs.
Water, sanitation, and hygiene for schistosomiasis prevention: a qualitative analysis of experiences of stakeholders in rural KwaZulu-Natal
Authors: Mulopo Chanelle , Chimbari Moses J.
Published: February 2021

uMkhanyakude District in KwaZulu-Natal province is one of the districts in the six provinces in South Africa where schistosomiasis is endemic. While it is well established that schistosomiasis is a public health problem in the district and that efforts to prevent and control the disease have been made, very little has been done to involve stakeholders in the implementation of water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) strategies for schistosomiasis control. Hence, this study sought to document current WASH practices and explore how engaging diverse stakeholders can contribute to the prevention and control of schistosomiasis. Qualitative data were collected through eight key informant interviews with community leaders, nurses, community caregivers, and pre-school teachers; and four focus group discussions with community members during the dry season. The study adopted a grounded theory approach. Data were analyzed using the six steps of thematic analysis. Findings show that the key players in the promotion of water, sanitation, and hygiene were not clearly defined. Although effective implementation, promotion, and adoption of WASH can be fully achieved with the involvement of various stakeholders, we found that there was a limited collaboration among WASH stakeholders.
Analysis of extreme rainfall in Oti River Basin (West Africa)
Authors: Klassou Komi S. , Komi Kossi
Published: February 2021

Understanding how extreme rainfall is changing locally is a useful step in the implementation of efficient adaptation strategies to negative impacts of climate change. This study aims to analyze extreme rainfall over the middle Oti River Basin. Ten moderate extreme precipitation indices as well as heavy rainfall of higher return periods (25, 50, 75, and 100 years) were calculated using observed daily data from 1921 to 2018. In addition, Mann–Kendall and Sen's slope tests were used for trend analysis. The results showed decreasing trends in most of the heavy rainfall indices while the dry spell index exhibited a rising trend in a large portion of the study area. The occurrence of heavy rainfall of higher return periods has slightly decreased in a large part of the study area. Also, analysis of the annual maximum rainfall revealed that the generalized extreme value is the most appropriate three-parameter frequency distribution for predicting extreme rainfall in the Oti River Basin. The novelty of this study lies in the combination of both descriptive indices and extreme value theory in the analysis of extreme rainfall in a data-scarce river basin. The results are useful for water resources management in this area.
Irrigation water quality and its impact on the physicochemical and microbiological contamination of vegetables produced from market gardening: a case of the Vea Irrigation Dam, U.E.R., Ghana
Authors: Douti Nang Biyogue , Amuah Ebenezer Ebo Yahans , Abanyie Samuel Kojo , Amanin-Ennin Prince
Published: February 2021

The rationale for this study was to assess the physicochemical and bacteriological qualities of the Vea irrigation water and resultant effects on the quality of fresh vegetables produced in the area and associated implications for consumers’ health. A total of 45 water samples were collected from the reservoir and canals. Also, 16 vegetable samples comprising four samples each of tomatoes, carrots, spring onions, and cabbages were collected from four farms with installed irrigation systems fed by the Vea Dam. The irrigation water samples were analyzed for total coliform (TC) and fecal coliform (FC), Escherichia coli, pH, and turbidity, while the samples of vegetables were analyzed for TC and FC, and E. coli. The results showed that except for pH, the bacterial loads and turbidity of the sampled vegetables and irrigation water were above the standards of the WHO and the International Commission on Microbiological Specifications for Food. Comparatively, the samples of cabbage recorded the highest levels of microbial contamination. The study suggests that the water should be treated before being used for irrigation; consumers should ensure that vegetables are properly washed and cooked/treated before consumption; and periodic monitoring and assessment should be done to ensure that the adverse effects of these activities are forestalled.
Treated municipal wastewater to fulfil crop water footprints and irrigation demand – a review
Authors: Biswas Amit , Mailapalli Damodhara Rao , Raghuwanshi Narendra Singh
Published: February 2021

Direct application of raw municipal wastewater for irrigation purposes may create many undesirable harmful consequences. Therefore, treated effluent through different technologies is generally preferred for reuse especially in water-scarce regions. In the present study, the performances of some treatment technologies like constructed wetland (CW), waste stabilisation pond (WSP), membrane bioreactor (MBR), vermi-biofiltration (VBF) and land treatment methods for removal of chemical and biological impurities from municipal wastewater were reviewed. The study revealed that the treated water quality varied depending on the hydraulic retention time under different treatment methods. The reservoir should be considered an integral part of the wastewater treatment system and not merely an operative ponding volume for irrigation. The comparatively advanced MBR technique showed better performance for removal of BOD, COD, fecal coliforms, Escherichia coli and other biological impurities than the traditional approach. Some techniques like land treatment methods and VBF were found to be equally attractive in developed as well as developing nations. The future projections of global green and blue water scarcities indicate treated water to be a valuable alternative water resource to fulfil required crop water footprints as well as irrigation demands.
Gestão de Segurança e Saúde do Trabalhador em espaços confinados: fluxograma das medidas necessárias para trabalho em espaço confinado (EC).
Authors: Silva Bruno , Braga Enilson
Published: February 2021

Com a evolução dos tempos, a globalização e a aplicação das novas tecnologias aos métodos de trabalho, tornaram as empresas mais produtivas e competitivas para atender aos consumidores que se tornam cada vez mais exigentes. Dentre as exigências temos a necessidade da empresa trabalhar de forma a valorizar e zelar pela saúde e segurança de seus trabalhadores minimizando os acidentes. Como o trabalho em EC expõe o trabalhador a condições incompatíveis à vida e os acidentes de trabalhos causam frequentemente acidentes fatais a NR 33 foi editada com a intenção de estabelecer diretrizes para que este trabalho se realizasse de forma a zelar pela segurança dos trabalhadores. No presente trabalho apresentamos o trabalho em EC, os riscos que os mesmos apresentam comumente e as determinações que a NR estabelece e, com toda essa informação, elaboramos um fluxograma para a gestão de segurança e saúde do trabalhador que exerce suas funções em um EC que, orientará o gestor em todas as etapas e mantém o trabalhador ciente de todas as etapas a serem respeitadas para a sua segurança o tornando mais um fiscal do processo.
Gerenciamento Do Descarte De Resíduos Químicos Radiológicos: Revisão Literatura
Authors: Teixeira Alberigi Vitória , Vieira Da Silva Júnior Irineu , Reinalda Barreto de Rangel Moreira Cavalcanti Irenilda
Published: February 2021

O gerenciamento de resíduos e sua destinação final correta vêm crescendo como uma forma eficaz de minimizar os impactos ambientais negativos que determinadas atividades industriais e de saúde provocam ao meio ambiente e a saúde humana. Diversas áreas da saúde utilizam exames radiológicos para melhor visualização de imagens de pacientes, onde este exame utiliza determinadas substâncias em seu processo que são consideradas tóxicas. Desta forma, há a necessidade de um gerenciamento do processo radiológico, desde a entrada dos produtos utilizados até o descarte dos resíduos gerados, sendo eles resíduos químicos e radiológicos. Foi realizada uma revisão bibliográfica nas revistas acadêmicas e foram consultadas as legislações pertinentes ao Conselho Nacional do Meio Ambiente (CONAMA) e a Agência Nacional de Vigilância Sanitária (ANVISA). Tendo em vista que poucos profissionais da área radiológica tem conhecimento das legislações pertinentes ao correto descarte de resíduos provenientes do processo de radiografia e é imprescindível que haja a conscientização dos mesmos para colaborarem com soluções sustentáveis para o meio ambiente. Uma solução seria o uso da radiografia digital que não utiliza soluções químicas no processamento radiográfico e, portanto, não geram efluentes.

Palavras-Chave: resíduos; raios-x; sustentabilidade.
Comparison Between the Effects of Bupivacaine and Levobupivacaine for Spinal Anesthesia on QT Dispersion
Authors: Pehlivan Veli F. , Akçay Murat , İkeda Özlem C. , Göğüş Nermin
Published: February 2021

Background:

Bupivacaine and Levobupivacaine are frequently used local anesthetic
drugs in spinal anesthesia practice. Both agents have arrhythmic effects on the heart. However,
there is no clear information about which agent is more arrhythmogenic.

Objective:

The aim of this article is to investigate the effects of bupivacaine and its S (-)-enantiomer,
levobupivacaine, on cardiac arrhythmias in patients.

Methods:

The study included 40 patients scheduled for inguinal hernia surgery. Patients were randomly
divided into the following two groups using a sealed envelope method: Group I, the bupivacaine
group (n = 20); and Group II, the levobupivacaine group (n = 20). The QT values were taken
preoperatively and during the 10th of the spinal block, the 10th of the surgical incision, and the 10th
postoperative minute. Additionally, systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP),
mean arterial pressure (MAP), oxygen saturation (SO2), and heart rate (HR) values, in addition to
motor block (Bromage scale) levels and durations, were recorded for each patient.

Results:

HR values measured at 10 min after spinal block were significantly higher than the baseline
values in the levobupivacaine group (p %#60; 0.05). The corrected QT interval (QTc) values increased
significantly at 10 minutes after spinal block and at 10 min postoperatively in the bupivacaine
group (p %#60; 0.05). QTd and QTcd measurements were taken at the 10th minute of spinal anesthesia,
the 10th minute of the incision, and the 10th minute postoperatively. When compared to the levobupivacaine
group, a statistically significant increase was found in the bupivacaine group (p %#60;0.05).

Conclusion:

Levobupivacaine allows greater hemodynamic stability, while bupivacaine affects
QTc and QTd measurement times more. As such, we believe that levobupivacaine may be a better
alternative to bupivacaine during clinical practice, particularly in patients with cardiac problems.
Endocrine-Disrupting Compounds in Fish Physiology, with Emphasis on
their Effects on the Arginine Vasotocin/Isotocin System
Authors: Kalamarz-Kubiak Hanna
Published: February 2021

Background and Objectives:

The purposes of this review are to promote better use of
existing knowledge of marine pollutants, especially endocrine-disrupting compounds (EDCs), and
to draw attention to the slow progression of the research on the influence of those compounds on
arginine vasotocin/isotocin system (AVT/IT) in fish. EDCs are leading to the degradation of fish
habitats, reducing their spawning potential and possibly their population parameters (e.g. growth,
maturation), by preventing fish from breeding and rebuilding their populations. Therefore, searching
for new welfare indicators such as AVT and IT and developing research procedures mimicking
environmental conditions using a versatile fish model is extremely important.

Discussion:

Fish species such as zebrafish (Danio rerio) and round goby (Neogobius melanostomus)
can be recommended as very suitable models for studying estrogenic EDCs on the AVT/IT
system and other hormones involved in the neuroendocrine regulation of physiological processes in
fish.

Conclusion:

These studies would not only improve our understanding of the effects of EDCs on
vertebrates but could also help safeguard the well-being of aquatic and terrestrial organisms from
the harmful effects of these compounds.
Импульсные характеристики кремниевых фотоэлектрических преобразователей, облученных низкоэнергетическими протонами
Authors: Богатов Н.М. , Григорьян Л.Р. , Коваленко А.И. , Коваленко М.С. , Лунин Л.С.
Published: February 2021

The effect of irradiation with low-energy protons on the pulse characteristics of silicon photovoltaic structures is investigated. For measurements, bipolar rectangular voltage pulses with a constant amplitude of 10 mV and a frequency of 200 kHz and 1 MHz were used. It is shown that irradiation with protons with an energy of 180 keV and a dose of 10^15 cm^-2 creates a region with a high concentration of radiation defects in the SCR of the n^+ -p transition. Such elements can be used to create high-speed photodiodes with an operating modulation frequency of 18 MHz.
Оптоакустический генератор ультразвука на основе структуры с таммовским плазмоном и органическим активным слоем
Authors: Гиршова Е.И. , Микитчук Е.П. , Белоновский А.В. , Морозов К.М. , Иванов К.А.
Published: February 2021

Currently, a new class of ultrasound generators is being actively developed, based on the conversion of optical energy of laser radiation into ultrasonic mechanical vibrations. It was shown theoretically that an efficient optoacoustic generator can be realized using a structure with a Tamm plasmon as an active medium. This article discusses the improvement of such an optoacoustic generator by adding a layer of organic material (polydimethylsiloxane), which has an extremely high coefficient of thermal expansion. Modeling of the properties of the structure was carried out, which showed that the use of polydimethylsiloxane as an additional layer of the structure of an optoacoustic transducer is expedient at frequencies up to 50 MHz. It was also shown that the addition of an organic layer leads to an increase in the efficiency of optoacoustic conversion by 4 orders of magnitude.
Микрополосковые фильтры с широкими полосами пропускания
Authors: Беляев Б.А. , Ходенков С.А. , Говорун И.В. , Сержантов А.М.
Published: February 2021

New microstrip designs of bandpass filters based on a low-pass filter was developed. Several or all the sections of high-impedance microstrip lines of the designed filters were connected to the ground by stubs. The filters have high frequency-selective properties, and their fractional bandwidths are in the range of 30 % –150 %. An experimental sample of a filter with a 2 GHz central frequency of the passband and 70% fractional bandwidth was made on an alumina substrate 1 mm thick. The filter has a substrate area of 46 × 21 mm2. Good agreement of the measured frequency response of the filter with the characteristics calculated by the numerical electrodynamic analysis of its 3D model was shown.
Examining an Integrative Cognitive Model of Predicting Health App Use: Longitudinal Observational Study
Authors: Kim Kwanho , Lee Chul-Joo
Published: February 2021

Background

Specifying the determinants of using health apps has been an important research topic for health scholars as health apps have proliferated during the past decade. Socioeconomic status (SES) has been revealed as a significant determinant of using health apps, but the cognitive mechanisms underlying the relationship between SES and health app use are unknown.

Objective

This study aims to examine the cognitive mechanisms underlying the relationships between SES and use of health apps, applying the integrative model of behavioral prediction (IM). The model hypothesizes the indirect influences of SES on intentions to use health apps, which in turn predict actual use of health apps. The relationships between SES and intentions to use health apps were assumed to be mediated by proximal variables (attitudes, perceived behavioral control [PBC], injunctive norms, and descriptive norms).

Methods

We conducted path analyses using data from a two-wave opt-in panel survey of Korean adults who knew about health apps. The number of respondents was 605 at baseline and 440 at follow-up. We compared our model with two alternative theoretical models based on modified IM to further clarify the roles of determinants of health app use.

Results

Attitudes (β=.220, P<.001), PBC (β=.461, P<.001), and injunctive norms (β=.186, P<.001) were positively associated with intentions to use health apps, which, in turn, were positively related to actual use of health apps (β=.106, P=.03). Income was positively associated with intentions to use health apps, and this relationship was mediated by attitudes (B=0.012, 95% CI 0.001-0.023) and PBC (B=0.026, 95% CI 0.004-0.048). Education was positively associated with descriptive norms (β=.078, P=.03), but descriptive norms were not significantly related to intentions to use health apps. We also found that PBC interacted with attitudes (B=0.043, SE 0.022, P=.046) and jointly influenced intentions to use health apps, whereas the results did not support direct influences of education, income, and PBC on health app use.

Conclusions

We found that PBC over using health apps may be the most important factor in predicting health app use. This suggests the necessity of designing and promoting health apps in a user-friendly way. Our findings also imply that socioeconomic inequalities in using health apps may be reduced by increasing positive attitudes toward, and boosting PBC over, health app use among individuals with low income.
PENYUSUNAN LAPORAN KEUANGAN BERBASIS TEKNOLOGI INFORMASI PAUD CITA SAKINAH
Authors: Sari Novi Primita , Fuddin Muhammad Khoirul
Published: February 2021

The success of the family as the first provider of educational assistance to children is very important, bearing in mind everything for the first time that is learned by children through family assistance. Today because of the times, many choose to work as a mother, so children are accepted to care for and are entrusted to relatives and others. Based on this phenomenon, there are many places where children gather with additional educational patterns that have a curriculum with various facilities and prices. One of them is the Cita Sakinah Child Care Park under the auspices of PDM Malang Regency. Exactly after the KH mosque. Ahmad Dahlan established for 4 years the management held a discussion with PCA and PCM and also members of the association made the decision to open a place for integrated early childhood education (PAUD) Cita Sakinah. The purpose of the establishment and opening of this PAUD is to make the symbols of honor from an early age, form the character of the child's independence and make the child behave and have principles based on Islam and Kemuhammadiyahan. Because it has only continued for 1 year PAUD in this system manages its finances is still very traditional by taking notes, so that through this community-based service program, assistance will be made in the preparation and preparation of integrated financial reports.
Leading indicators of sovereign debt and currency crises: Comparative analysis of 2001 and 2018 shocks in Argentina
Authors:   Faculty of Economic Sciences, Gruszczyński Marcin ,   University of Warsaw, Poland, Majczak Paweł ,   Faculty of Economic Sciences; University of Warsaw, Poland
Published: February 2021

Aim/purpose – This paper investigates the accuracy of leading indicators in the case of the 2001 sovereign default crisis and the 2018 currency turmoil in Argentina.Design/methodology/approach – In this paper, we conducted early warning signals analysis based on a-priori selected variables. For each of the macroeconomic variables, we computed yearly changes and selected the threshold to minimise the noise-to-signal ratio, i.e. the ratio of percentage of false signals in ‘normal’ times to percentage of good signals in a two-year period preceding each of the crises.Findings – The predictive power of indicators differs significantly in various crisis epi-sodes. For the 2001 crisis, the decline in value of bank deposits was the best leading indicator based on the noise-to-signal ratio. For the 2018 currency crisis, the lowest noise-to-signal ratio was observed for the lending-deposit rate ratio.Research implications/limitations – The survey is limited mostly by the data availabil-ity and their quality.Originality/value/contribution – This paper gives a complex review of the major early warning indicators in the context of the most recent history of Argentina’s economy. It applies a set of classical leading indicators to two modern cases of financial crises. The paper proposes an original ‘knocking the window’ approach to the presentation of tradi-tional warning concepts in the context of current economic events.