bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Green Synthesis of Novel GelMA/Carboxymethyl Chitosan Hydrogels and Evaluation of Their Properties for Potential Biomedical Applications
Authors: Razmjooee Kavoos , Arabzadeh Naghmeh , Ahmadi Sara , Ahmady Azin Rashidy , Saber-Samandari Saeed
Published: September 2021

Gelatin methacrylate (GelMA) hydrogels are the most widely used materials in biomedical applications due to their optimal biological properties and tunable physical characteristics. So far, various studies have been done to improve the properties of GelMA by hybridizing it with chitosan. However, the necessity of acidic solvents usage in these procedures challenges their synthesis process. Herein, we develop an innovative green method to synthesize a novel GelMA hydrogel. In this study, carboxymethyl chitosan (CMC) has been used to modify gelatin to obtain photo-cross-linkable GelMA. The hydrogels with different amounts of N, Ń methylene bisacrylamide as a cross-linking agent were prepared by using the photopolymerization technique, and their chemical and physical properties were characterized. The FTIR spectral analysis and NMR analysis confirmed gelatin and CMC chemical modification and demonstrated GelMA/CMC hydrogel synthesis. Various studies for characterization of the GelMA/CMC hydrogels revealed the tunability of their physical and mechanical properties by changing the cross-linking agent concentration. The synthesized hydrogels exhibited a tailor-made porosity, good mechanical strength, high swelling ratio, and high thermal stability. In addition, the results of L929 fibroblast cell viability assays indicated their excellent biocompatibility. These findings introduce these hydrogels as promising, great candidates to use in various shapes and an extended range of medical applications such as tissue engineering scaffolds, delivery systems, and wound dressings.
An In Vitro Model to Assess Early Immune Markers following Co-Exposure of Epithelial Cells to Carbon Black (nano)Particles in the Presence of S. Aureus: Differential Induction of Cytokines.
Authors: Brown Scott M , Evans Stephen J , Burgum Michael J , Harris Llinos G , Jenkins Rowena E , Doak Shareen H , Clift Martin J D , Wilkinson Thomas S
Published: September 2021

Human exposure to carbon black (CB) is inevitable due to its widespread applications in the medical, industrial and consumer sectors. With an ageing population, it is imperative that the effects of (nano)particle exposure in individuals with compromised immunity or infection are considered. Since barrier immunity provides the first line of defence against CB and the human skin and lung pathogen, Staphylococcus aureus, this work focuses on studying the impact of CB exposure upon compromised immunity during infection on human skin and lung epithelial cells in vitro. The principal aim of the work was to develop an epithelial cell model to characterise (co-)exposure to CB and S. aureus. The work used two human epithelial cell lines, HaCaT (skin) and A549 (lung), ELISA technology to assess the (pro-)inflammatory response, aseptic microbiology techniques to grow S. aureus and a Zetasizer, EDX spectroscopy, and both scanning and transmission electron microscopy (SEM and TEM) to characterise the CB under the conditions used in the study. Physicochemical characterisation of CB confirmed its shape, dramatic polydispersity and potential to aggregate. CB significantly inhibited S. aureus growth, but in a biological media dependent manner. CB did not induce cytokines or antimicrobial peptides from skin and lung epithelial cells, when given alone. In contrast, S. aureus induced a robust interleukin (IL)-8 response in both skin and lung epithelial cells. IL-6 and human beta defensin (hβD)-2 could only be detected when cells were stimulated with S. aureus. However, co-exposure to CB (100µg/ml) and S. aureus resulted in significant inhibition of IL-8 (compared to S. aureus only induced levels). Furthermore, the same co-exposure induced significantly more hβD-2 (compared to S. aureus alone). The ability to detect pathogen responses to particle, in addition to epithelial responses to particle and pathogen is an advance on assessing cell responses under ‘healthy’ conditions and supports the need for developing exposure models under stressed or immunosuppressed conditions. This model will be useful for studying mechanisms of exposure in at-risk groups, including factory workers, the elderly and immunocompromised. Advanced models, that better represent human pathophysiology are essential for understanding cellular mechanisms of toxicity in the 21st Century.
Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cell-derived Exosomes Exert Therapeutic Effects by Attenuating Fibrosis and Facilitating Hepatocyte Proliferation via the Anti-pyroptosis Pathway in a Rat Cirrhosis Model
Authors: Zhang Yichi , Nie Xinsheng , Wang Lijuan , Wan Zhuzhi , Jin Hao , Pu Ronghui , Liang Meihui , Chang Yuan , Gao Yang , Zhang Hailong , Jin Shizhu
Published: September 2021

BackgroundLiver cirrhosis, which lacks a specific therapy, induces a substantial economic burden and affects quality of life. Exosomes are nanosized vesicles that are secreted by cells transfer bioactive molecules to regulate metastasis and have attracted immense interest as a therapeutic option for liver cirrhosis. Therefore, in this study, we explored the efficacy and dose of exosomes derived from rat bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (Exos-rBMMSC) in a hepatic cirrhosis rat model. ResultsFour weeks after exosome therapy, NLRP3, GSDMD, cleaved caspase-1, IL-1β and IL-18 expression levels in the 200 μg and 400 μg Exos-rBMMSC groups were significantly decreased compared to those in the liver cirrhosis group (P<0.05). Similar results were observed in the hepatic function assay; serum levels of aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase were decreased, and albumin was increased. The histopathology results showed that 200 μg and 400 μg of Exos-rBMMSC significantly relieved collagen deposition, while 100 μg of Exos-rBMMSC induced no marked improvements compared to those in the liver cirrhosis group. The localization of PKH67-labelled Exos-rBMMSC was verified microscopically, and these particles coexpressed PCNA, NLRP3, GSDMD and Caspase-1. ConclusionsOur findings suggest that Exos-rBMMSC accelerate hepatocyte proliferation and relieve liver fibrosis, which may be a promising therapeutic strategy for liver cirrhosis.
Association Between Retinal Sensitivity and the Presence of Quiescent Choroidal Neovascularization in Pachychoroid Diseases
Authors: Ozawa Rion , Obata Ryo , Azuma Keiko , Nomura Yoko , Murata Hiroshi , Asaoka Ryo , Kitamoto Kohdai , Ueda Kohei , Inoue Tatsuya
Published: September 2021

This study was conducted to examine retinal sensitivity (RS) in eyes with pachychoroid diseases and to analyze its association with the presence or absence of quiescent choroidal neovascularization (CNV), that can be protective against retinal dysfunction or atrophy in other macular diseases such as age-related macular degeneration. A total of 12 eyes of 12 patients aged ≥45 years having the characteristic findings of central serous chorioretinopathy but not presenting any exudative changes were included in this study. Choroidal vascular hyper permeability (CVH) was identified by indocyanine green angiography, and the presence or absence of CNV was evaluated by optical coherence tomography angiography. RS at 68 points was examined by microperimetry. The average RS corresponding to within and outside CVH was compared. The association between the difference in RS and the presence or absence of CNV was also analyzed. CNV was detected in six eyes (50%). In eyes without CNV, the RS within CVH was similar compared with that outside CVH. However, in eyes with CNV, the RS within CVH was significantly decreased compared with that outside CVH. Multiple regression analysis revealed the presence of CNV as an independent factor associated with RS. In eyes with pachychoroid diseases, RS decreased within the CVH area under the coexistence of nonexudative CNV.
Total Knee Arthroplasty Outcome for 129 Knees 80 Years and Older in Chinese Population
Authors: Jia Cheng-Qi , Zhao Zhi-Lai , Wu Yu-Jie , Fu Jun , Xu Chi , Chen Ji-Ying , Zhang Xue-Song
Published: September 2021

BackgroundSince China is aging rapidly, it is necessary to evaluate the reliability, durability, and satisfaction of total knee arthroplasty (TKA) among patients over 80 years.MethodsBetween February 2009 and December 2017, 98 patients (129 knees) met the inclusion criteria and were postoperatively followed-up ≥ 3 years. TKAs included 67 unilateral TKAs and 31 bilateral TKAs. The indexes included operative time, intraoperative blood loss, tourniquet time, Knee Society Score (KSS), Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), Range of Motion (ROM), “Forgotten Joint” Scale (FJS), crutches usage and patients’ satisfaction.ResultsKSS clinical and functional scores improved significantly from preoperative mean of 33 and 27 to latest follow-up of 87 and 51, respectively (p <0.05). The VAS decreased significantly from preoperative mean scores of 8 to latest follow-up of 0 (p <0.05). The proportion of patients without crutches at last follow-up was 52%, satisfaction rate was 94% and FJS ≥ 50 was 85%. However, ROM did not improve significantly from preoperative mean 89° to latest follow-up 93° (p >0.05). The preoperative hemoglobin and survival proportions between bilateral and unilateral TKAs were not statistically different (p >0.05).ConclusionTKA was reliable, durable, and satisfied in patients older than 80 years in Chinese population.
Identification of Motile Sperm Domain Containing 1 (MOSPD1) As a Novel Target of the Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling Pathway in Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Horie Chiaki , Zhu Chi , Yamaguchi Kiyoshi , Nakagawa Saya , Takane Kiyoko , Ikenoue Tsuneo , Ohta Yasunori , Tanaka Yukihisa , Aikou Susumu , Tsurita Giichiro , Ahiko Yuka , Shida Dai , Furukawa Yoichi
Published: September 2021

Aberrant activation of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway plays a crucial role in the development and progression of colorectal cancer. Previously, we identified a set of candidate genes that were regulated by this signaling pathway, and we focused on MOSPD1, motile sperm domain containing 1, in this study. Immunohistochemical staining revealed that the expression of MOSPD1 was elevated in tumorous cells of colorectal cancer tissues compared with non-tumorous cells. Using ChIP-seq data and JASPAR database, we searched for the regulatory region(s) in the MOSPD1 gene as a target of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling, and identified a region containing three putative TCF-binding motifs in the 3’-flanking region. Additional analyses using reporter assay and ChIP-qPCR suggested that this region harbors an enhancer activity through an interaction with TCF7L2 and β-catenin. These data have clarified that MOSPD1 is a novel direct target of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling. In addition, the identification of its enhancer region may be helpful for the future studies of precise regulatory mechanisms of MOSPD1.
Agent-based Models for Detecting the Driving Forces of Biomolecular Interactions
Authors: Maestri Stefano , Merelli Emanuela , Pettini Marco
Published: September 2021

Agent-based modelling and simulation have been effectively applied to the study of complex biological systems, especially when composed by a large number of interacting entities. Representing biomolecules as autonomous agents allows this approach to bring out the global behaviour of biochemical processes as resulting from local molecular interactions. In this paper, we leverage the capabilities of the agent paradigm to construct an in silico replica of the glycolytic pathway of baker’s yeasts; the aim is to detect the role that long-range electrodynamic forces might have on the rate of glucose oxidation. Experimental evidences have shown that random encounters and short-range potentials might not be sufficient to explain the high efficiency of biochemical reactions in living cells. However, while the latest in vitro studies are limited by the present-day technology, agent-based simulations provide an in silico support to the outcomes hitherto obtained and shed light on behaviours not yet well understood. Our results reveal to be able to grasp properties hard to uncover through other computational methods, such as the effect of electromagnetic potentials on glycolytic oscillations.
Genome-Wide Investigation of the ZF-HD Gene Family in Two Varieties of Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) and Its Expression Pattern Under Alkaline Stress
Authors: He Kai , Li Chunxin , Zhang ZhenYue , Zhan Lifeng , Cong Chunlong , Zhang DePeng , Cai Hua
Published: September 2021

Background:Zinc finger homeodomain (ZHD) protein is a plant-specific transcription factor and a potential regulator of phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase (PEPCase)-coding genes, and it also participates in plant growth regulation and abiotic stress responses. To study the function of MsZF-HD genes in the alkaline stress response, this paper assessed biological information and performed transcriptome analyses of the MsZF-HD gene family by using the genomes of two different varieties of alfalfa (XinJiangDa Ye and Zhongmu No. 1). Results:In total, 49 and 11 MsZF-HD genes were identified in these varieties, respectively, including the alleles of XinJiangDa Ye. According to their phylogenetic relationships, the 60 MsZF-HD genes were divided into 5 ZHD subfamilies and 1 MIF subfamily. A total of 88.3% of MsZF-HD genes do not contain introns and are unevenly distributed among the 6 chromosomes of alfalfa. A collinearity analysis indicated that 26 genes of XinJiangDa Ye have no orthologous genes in Zhongmu No. 1, although these genes (such as ZHD-X1–2, ZHD-X3–2 and ZHD-X4–2) have homologous genes in Arabidopsis thaliana, Medicago truncatula and Glycine max. Through RNA-seq and qRT–PCR verification, it was found that MsZF-HD genes are downregulated to participate in the alkaline stress response. Conclusion:The results of this study may lay the foundation for the cloning and functional study of MsZF-HD genes and provide a theoretical basis for revealing the difference between XinJiangDa Ye and Zhongmu No. 1 at the genome level.
Associated factors for celiac disease, and utility of tissue transglutaminase antibody tests for diagnosis: a matched case-control study
Authors: Alawi Eman Jafar Al , Yenugadhati Nagarajkumar , Javad Sundas , Jahdli Hamdan Al , Badri Motasim
Published: September 2021

Background Prevalence of Celiac disease (CD) increased worldwide in recent decades. Approximately 53% of the 33.4 million Saudi population are genetically susceptible and 1.5% develop CD. This underscores the importance of identification of factors associated with CD and the diagnostic accuracy of CD screening tests. Methods In this case-control study records of patients managed between January 2016 and July 2019 at Gastroenterology Department, King Abdul-Aziz Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia were reviewed. CD cases with confirmed intestinal biopsy were matched (1:1) by age with biopsy negative controls free of CD. Area under the curve (AUC) for anti-tissue transglutaminase IgA (TTG-IgA) and IgG (TTG-IgG) CD diagnostic tests were calculated and compared. Results The study included 270 cases and 270 controls. Sex distribution was similar in both groups. In a stepwise conditional logistic regression analysis, factors significantly associated with CD were family history (odds ratio (OR)=7.76, 95% confidence interval (CI): 2.26-26.63, P=0.001), Helicobacter pylori infection (OR=1.72, 95% CI: 1.10-2.71, P=0.018), diabetes mellitus (OR=3.37, 95% CI: 1.68-6.74, P=0.001), hypothyroidism (OR=2.46, 95% CI: 1.15-5.28, P=0.02) and respiratory infections (OR=4.89,95% CI 2.26-10.56, P<0.001). AUC for TTG-IgA test was 0.934 and for TTG-IgG was 0.787, P<0.001. The optimal cut-off for TTG-IgA was >=12.7 U/ml, with 89% sensitivity and 86% specificity, and for TTG-IgG was >=3.5 U/ml, with 70% sensitivity and 77% specificity.Conclusion The findings of this study can inform strategies for CD screening and prevention. Public awareness campaigns for CD are urgently needed, particularly, for high-risk groups.
Sinking land intensifies sea-level rise: a global InSAR analysis of coastal cities
Authors: Tay Cheryl , Lindsey Eric , Chin Shi Tong , McCaughey Jamie , Bekaert David , Nguyen Michele , Hua Hook , Manipon Gerald , Karim Mohammed , Horton Benjamin , Hill Emma
Published: September 2021

Coastal land is being lost worldwide at an alarming rate due to relative sea-level rise (RSLR) resulting from vertical land motion (VLM). This problem is understudied at a global scale, due to high spatial variability and difficulties reconciling VLM between regions. Here we provide self-consistent, high spatial resolution VLM observations derived from Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar for the 51 largest coastal cities, representing 22% of the global urban population. We show that peak subsidence rates are faster than current global mean sea-level rise rates and VLM contributions to RSLR are greater than IPCC projections in 90% and 53% of the cities respectively. Localized VLM worsens RSLR impacts on land and population in 73-75% of the cities, with Chittagong (Bangladesh), Yangon (Myanmar) and Jakarta (Indonesia) at greatest risk. With this dataset, accurate projections and comparisons of RSLR effects accounting for VLM are now possible for urban areas at a global scale.
ENSO influence on Bay of Bengal cyclogenesis confined to low latitudes
Authors: Ravindran Ajayamohan , Roose Shinto , Ray Pallav , Mohan Reshmi , Mohanakumar Keshavapillai
Published: September 2021

The low-latitudinal cyclones (LLCs, originating between 5°N-10°N) constitute ~40% of tropical cyclones (TCs) formed in the Bay of Bengal (BoB). We1 investigate the interannual variability of post-monsoonal (October to December) BoB LLCs and their teleconnection with El Ni ̃no Southern Oscillation (ENSO) and Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD). It is found that the years with the fewer number of BoB LLCs are associated with anomalous equatorial easterlies that are largely connected with the El Ni ̃no and positive IOD. Likewise, equatorial westerly phases, often associated with the La Ni ̃na and negative IOD years, favour the LLC formation by providing the initial spin-up required for cyclogenesis. This teleconnection between ENSO and BoB TC frequency is confined in the low-latitudinal region with little influence for cyclogenesis north of 10°N during ENSO and IOD except during negative IOD. These results may help extend the lead time and improve the seasonal prediction of BoB TCs.
Resolving the conundrum of equilibrium solubility of smectites
Authors: Aja Stephen U.
Published: September 2021

Smectites are common clay minerals in surface and near surface terrestrial environments and have recently been shown to be ubiquitous on Mars. Because these minerals are products of water-rock interaction, the thermodynamics of their interaction with fluids constitutes a vital part of resolving the utility of smectite mineralizations as petrogenetic and paleoenvironmental indicators on both Mars and Earth’s near surface environments. Smectites, and other clay minerals of comparable compositional complexity, have been purported to be disequilibrium solids whose complexity derives from steep chemical gradients in their environments of formation rather than from crystal-chemical constraints. Solubility investigations of several natural smectites wherein none exhibited the predicted inverse correlation between pH-⅓pAl and pSi(OH)4 were adduced by May et al. (1986) as empirical proof of the disequilibrium solid concept, and hence they asserted unequivocally that “it is obviously impossible to obtain valid ion activity quotients for smectite solubilities in these systems.” However, the unattainability of equilibrium smectite solubility in those experimental systems was probably an artifact of the extremely high fluid-to-solid ratios employed therein. In subsequent experimental studies using significantly lower fluid-to-solid ratios, smectite-fluid interactions (Kittrick and Peryea 1989; Gaboreau et al. 2020), and chlorite-fluid interactions (Aja and Dyar 2002) yielded solubility data amenable to laws of chemical thermodynamics and thus invalidated the disequilibrium solid model. Therefore, the notion of smectite metastability and/or instability anchored on the disequilibrium solid model is false and warrants a more constrained definition of smectite metastability.
“LaborHistórico” um espaço para a publicação e para a divulgação de fontes primárias
Authors: Marcotulio Leonardo Lennertz , Dores Marcus
Published: September 2021

A LaborHistórico – publicação dos Programas de Pós-graduação em Letras Vernáculas (PPGLEV) e Letras Neolatinas (PPGLEN), da Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Brasil – é um jovem periódico que, desde 2015, vem publicando trabalhos diversos nos quais são colocados em foco fontes escritas e o labor dos pesquisadores com esses materiais. A partir do volume 5 da revista, dada a importância das fontes documentais para as pesquisas das áreas de Filologia, Linguística Histórica, Literatura, História e outras áreas relacionadas, nós editores resolvemos criar uma seção específica para a publicação e para a divulgação de fontes primárias. A proposta deste trabalho é, portanto, apresentar a seção “Fontes primárias” da LaborHistórico e compartilhar alguns trabalhos publicados.
Portal de Periódicos da UFMG
Authors: Oliveira Carla Cristina Vieira de , Oliveira Bruno Fernandes de Magalhães de
Published: September 2021

O Portal de Periódicos UFMG foi criado em 2015 como fruto de uma política que previa, além da criação do próprio Portal, mais sete ações com o objetivo de padronizar os recursos tecnológicos, oferecer apoio técnico às equipes editoriais, capacitá-las, bem como aumentar a visibilidades das publicações da instituição. O presente estudo visa registrar o caminho, os obstáculos e as conquistas referentes à estruturação e à institucionalização do Portal. Trata-se de uma pesquisa de natureza histórica que apresenta a Política de Periódicos Científicos da instituição, os critérios de entrada e permanência e a estrutura física e técnica atual de atuação. Acredita-se que o relato de experiência possa servir como guia para outras instituições..
Marketing e Engajamento Científico no Instagram da Revista AtoZ - novas práticas em informação e conhecimento
Authors: Grieger Jenifer Daiane , Freitas Maria do Carmo Duarte , Neves Maria Carolina Bianchi de Avis
Published: September 2021

A revista AtoZ – novas práticas em informação e conhecimento se propõe a contribuir, oportunizar e dar visibilidade aos jovens pesquisadores que, normalmente, encontram dificuldades em publicar seus primeiros artigos científicos. Como chegar a este público por meio das mídias sociais? Pergunta que mobilizou a ideia deste artigo que apresenta um relato de experiência sobre as ações de marketing científico no Instagram. A revista AtoZ em fluxo contínuo do curso de Pós-Graduação em Gestão da Informação, da Universidade Federal do Paraná. O plano de marketing da revista tem três estratégias de destaques: crescimento da visibilidade da pesquisa, criação de conteúdo jovial e interação com engajamento dos distintos perfis da revista. Descreve as ações realizadas no Instagram durante o mês de junho de 2021 e analisa das métricas fornecidas pela própria plataforma no período mencionado. Conclui que há um considerável crescimento no sucesso das publicações e na interação, aplicando as táticas do plano de marketing.
Desdobramentos editoriais do índice h como critério avaliativo
Authors: Alves Ricardo Lenard
Published: September 2021

O conhecimento qualitativamente aprofundado como bem público e de fácil acesso é o pano de fundo de todos aqueles engajados com a ciência aberta. A consolidação do índice h como critério avaliativo fundamental exige que os editores equilibrem as novas exigências de visibilidade com a rotina editorial. Neste sentido, seguindo as orientações do estado da arte, esta pesquisa avaliou procedimentos de impulsionamento de citações. Percebeu-se que quanto mais um periódico fosse orientado pela ciência aberta maior seria a possibilidade de elevar o número de citações recebidas.
Implantação do repositório institucional do Instituto Federal do Amapá:
Authors: Cardoso Suzana , Ferreira Ruan Gabriel Araújo , Silva Romaro Antonio
Published: September 2021

Este artigo aborda a relevância do acesso aberto à informação científica por meio do repositório institucional. Tem como objetivo relatar a experiência com a implantação do repositório institucional do IFAP, a partir da descrição das etapas de planejamento, implementação e funcionamento. Tem como metodologia a descritiva, do tipo relato de experiência. Descreve que o processo iniciou com o planejamento em agosto de 2019 e que no momento se encontra na fase de funcionamento. Conclui-se que após o povoamento das publicações, o repositório será cadastrado em diretórios regional, nacional e internacional a fim de dar visibilidade aos resultados de pesquisa da instituição.
Theory of Reasoned Action dan Literasi Teknologi terhadap Adaptasi Perubahan Teknologi
Authors: Setiawan Amelia , Djajadikerta Hamfri , Haryanto Haryanto , Wirawan Samuel
Published: September 2021

One of the company's goals is business continuity. Companies can maintain their survival if supported by human resources who are also ready to follow the demands of changes in their environment. The COVID-19 pandemic is bringing very significant changes in human life today. This study aims to identify the influence of employee profiles and attitudes, subjective norms and information technology literacy on the willingness to adapt to the necessity of using information technology, especially during this pandemic time. This study uses the Theory of Reasoned Action approach as a theoretical basis, electronic questionnaires as a data collection method, and structural equation modeling to observe causal relationships between variables. The results of this study found that the model in this study had met the criteria for the model-fit test, and the only variable affecting employee attitudes was age. Subjective norm variables and information technology literacy have affected employees' intentions to adapt to information technology. The results of this study can be used by companies to design training programs that aim to improve information technology literacy and skills, especially for older employees.
Desain Business Intelligence untuk Manajemen Rumah Sakit
Authors: Miranda Eka , Firmansyah Firmansyah , Emerald Davies Ezra
Published: September 2021

Organizational management, as well as hospital management, could not work precisely without defining the performance indicators to control all business process. This situation encourages the need for information and data analysis availability. BI includes applications, infrastructure, tools and practices that enable organizations to access and analyze data and information to improve and optimize the decisions and organization performance. BI has the potential to improve the quality, efficiency and effectiveness of hospital health services as well. The objective of this study was to design business intelligence prototype for the hospital. BI design was carried out with a Business Intelligence Roadmap approach which has 6 main stages, namely: (1) Justification, (2) Planning, (3) Business Analysis, (4) Design, (5) Construction and (6) Deployment. Data were collected from hospital activities includes registration, Electronic Medical Record (EMR) in the Imaging, Laboratory, Pharmacy, Operating Theater and Medical Check-Up departments activities. Designing BI was preceded by identifying technical and non-technical needs, then continued by designing BI itself. BI roadmap approach was used for this propose. Technical requirements for designing BI include hardware and software infrastructure readiness, while non-technical requirements include Business Analysis which consists of Project Requirements Definition, Data Analysis, Application Prototyping and Metadata repository Analysis. Designing BI itself includes: Designing a multidimensional database and designing ETL. The user interfaces for  BI was shown in the Performance Dashboard, which allows organizations to track all aspects of their daily business activities and performance.
Klasifikasi Citra Histopatologi Kanker Payudara menggunakan Data Resampling Random dan Residual Network
Authors: Setiawan Wahyudi
Published: September 2021

Data imbalance between classes is one of the problems on image classification. The data in each class is not equal and has a relatively large difference generated in less than optimal classification results. Ideally, the data in each class is equal or have a slight difference. This article discusses the classification of the histopathology breast cancer image. The data consist of  8 classes with unbalanced data. The method for balancing the data in each class uses random resampling which is applied to training data only. The data used from BreakHist with magnifications of 40x, 100x, 200x, and 400x . The classification uses Residual Network (ResNet) 18 and 50. The best results are obtained on images with a magnification of 400x. Classification results using ResNet18 has an average accuracy of 79.82%, an average precision of 71.39%, and an average recall of 82.37%. Meanwhile using ResNet50 showed an average accuracy of 81.67%, average precision of 78.41%, and an average recall of 82.91%.
Conjectures on hidden Onsager algebra symmetries in interacting quantum lattice models
Authors: Miao Yuan
Published: September 2021

We conjecture the existence of hidden Onsager algebra symmetries in two interacting quantum integrable lattice models, i.e. spin-1/2 XXZ model and spin-1 Zamolodchikov-Fateev model at arbitrary root of unity values of the anisotropy. The conjectures relate the Onsager generators to the conserved charges obtained from semi-cyclic transfer matrices. The conjectures are motivated by two examples which are spin-1/2 XX model and spin-1 U(1)-invariant clock model. A novel construction of the semi-cyclic transfer matrices of spin-1 Zamolodchikov-Fateev model at arbitrary root of unity values of the anisotropy is carried out via the transfer matrix fusion procedure.
PREVALENCE OF SCHOOL VIOLENCE IN GOVERNMENT AND PRIVATE SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN CHANDIGARH
Authors:   Department of Community Education & Disability Studies, Professor, Panjab University, 160014, Chandigarh, India., Sharma Anuradha , a Surbhi ,   Department of Community Education & Disability Studies, Research Scholar, Panjab University, 160014, Chandigarh, India.
Published: September 2021

Violence in schools is a pervasive problem and one that requires greater attention from educators, policy makers, and researchers. The present study aimed at finding the rate of prevalence of different types of violence such as student to student, teachers to the student, and student to teachers in government and private schools. For this data was collected from the students of government and private schools of Chandigarh. It was found that the rate of school violence was high in both government and private schools. The details of various forms of violence have been given in this paper. In the end, a few recommendations have been suggested to prevent it.
AN EVALUATION OF READING KNOWLEDGE AND LINGUISTIC READING SKILLS ACHIEVEMENT OF GRADE1 LEARNERS IN SIX SCHOOLS OF MILENGE DISTRICT OF LUAPULA PROVINCE ZAMBIA
Authors:   Zambian Open University, Lusaka, Zambia., Chitondo Lufeyo
Published: September 2021

The purpose of the study was to evaluate the Reading knowledge and linguistic Reading skills achievement of Grade 1 learners in three schools that are close to the District Administrative centre and three schools that are far from the District Administrative centre. The study employed a mixed method paradigm of an embedded method and descriptive survey design that used purposive and simple random sampling to select 6 Head teachers, 6 teachers, 6 SICs, 2 Education standards officers and 80 learners. Data was obtained from respondents by means of interviews, questionnaires and classroom observation schedules. Frequency, percentages, tables, graphs and pie-charts were used to analyze the quantitative and qualitative data obtained. Data was then analyzed by use of the Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) computer package. The findings revealed significant differences in that learners achievement of Reading knowledge and linguistic Reading skills between the two sets of schools. Findings showed differences in learners attendance of lessons and teachers absence in classrooms, poor state of infrastructure, multiple sessions, poor pedagogical practices, absence of adequate and appropriate teaching and learning materials in reading, limited number of textbooks, lack of improvisation, inadequate internal and external monitoring, irregular CPD meetings, poor teaching methods and techniques, inadequate assessment and poor record keeping.
INVESTIGATION OF SIGNAL THRESHOLDING EFFECTS ON THE ACCURACY OF SOUND SOURCE LOCALIZATION
Authors:   Department of Electronic Systems, Faculty of Electronics, Vilnius Gediminas Technical University., Sakavicius Saulius
Published: September 2021

In this article theoretical analysis of the signal thresholding effects on the accuracy of cross-correlation based sound source direction of arrival estimation was presented. The aim of the investigation was to determine the theoretical limits and challenges of the accuracy of the localization of a speaker within an acoustic enclosure by cross-correlation of two microphone signals and to offer means to increase the accuracy of sound source direction of arrival estimation via selection of audio frames based on the time lag estimation realiability measure. For the investigation, audio material from an openly accessible database was used. Presented are the methods for obtaining various features of the microphone signal frames, signal amplitude to minimum error amplitude calculation and experimentation with threshold-based audio frame selection.
Business performance assessment of small and medium-sized enterprises: Evidence from the Czech Republic
Authors: Stehel Vojtech , Horak Jakub , Krulicky Tomas
Published: September 2021

Business performance assessment is one of the basic tasks of management. Business performance can be assessed using a number of methods. The basic ones include financial analysis, Balanced Scorecard or Economic Value Added (EVA). The paper is focused on SME business performance assessment based on Economic Value Added, calculated using the INFA build-up model. According to this method, companies were divided into four categories. The first category included companies with a positive EVA value. The second category included companies with negative EVA, but with the economic result above the risk-free rate. The third category included companies with a positive economic result above the risk-free rate. The fourth category included companies with a negative economic result. The model did not include companies with negative equity. The input represented 15 predictors based on their financial statements. The data were normalized and all extreme values, likely caused by a data rewriting error, were removed. Company performance is visualized by comparing Principal Component Analysis and Kohonen neural networks. Compared to similar research, the methods are compared using the data that analyzes the performance of companies. Both methods made it possible to visualize the given task. With regard to the purpose of facilitating the interpretation of the results, for the given case, the use of PC seems to be more appropriate.
AcknowledgmentThis study has been supported by the Technology Agency of the Czech Republic under project No TL01000349.
FORMAÇÃO DE AZEÓTROPOS DO PONTO DE VISTA DA TERMODINÂMICA DE SOLVATAÇÃO
Authors: Pliego Josefredo
Published: September 2021

FORMATION OF AZEOTROPES FROM THE STANDPOINT OF SOLVATION THERMODYNAMICS. The formation of azeotropes is related to the deviation of the ideality of liquid mixtures. This deviation is expressed by the activity coefficient of each component. However, the physical origin of this behavior is not well quantified in terms of molecular interactions. In this work, a regular solution model was used, relating the β parameter to the solvation free energy of pure liquids in themselves and in the other component. A mathematical expression was derived that indicates when an azeotrope is formed. This equation shows that the greater the difference in vapour pressure between components, the greater the solvation difference of each liquid in itself and in the other component is needed to form the azeotrope. A set of 10 mixtures were randomly chosen and investigated as a test, and the equation worked in all cases.
Efficiencies of indigenous South African plant biofilters for urban stormwater runoff water quality improvement with a focus on nutrients and metals
Authors: Jacklin D. M. , Brink I. C. , Jacobs S. M.
Published: September 2021

In South Africa, urban activities contribute high levels of pollution to rivers and groundwater via stormwater runoff. In reducing urban stormwater loads of engineered plant biofiltration, an effective and self-sustaining component of green infrastructure is a treatment option. The country's extensive natural biodiversity offers untapped potential of indigenous species' use in plant biofilters. This paper presents the findings of a plant biofilter column experiment, which investigated the performance of nine indigenous plant species under varied urban stormwater pollutant load strengths. Average significant loads of dissolved Cd (>98%), Cu (>84%), Pb (>99%) and Zn (>95%), as well as NH3-N (>93%), were removed by the plant biofilters, whereas the removal of -N (−37 to 79%) and -P (−81 to 63%) was more variable. Biofilters equipped with indigenous plant species were on average at least 11% more efficient than unvegetated soil in the removal of urban nutrient and metal pollutants. Over time, planted biofilters improved nutrient and metal removal efficiencies. The results support the inclusion of indigenous plants in biofilters within urban stormwater green infrastructure initiatives. Further research to inform plant biofilter design practicalities and assess plant biofilter performance in the field is warranted.
Evaluation of polyvinylpyrrolidone as draw solute for desalination forward osmosis systems
Authors: Nguyen Quang Trung , Hoang Minh Tao , Trinh Tuan Hung , Nguyen Ngoc Tung , Le Truong Giang
Published: September 2021

In this study, polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) was evaluated as a potential draw solute for desalination forward osmosis (FO) systems. The effect of various draw solute and draw solution parameters on the efficiency of FO operation was investigated, including PVP molecular weight, PVP concentration in solution, and the salinity of feed solution. Experiment results showed that at draw solution initial concentration of 200 g/L and feed solution initial salinity up to 15 g/L, the PVP-based draw solution can offer water flux up to 14.23 LMH in FO mode with raw material cost only at 0.61 USD/m3. PVP K17 was proven to be an effective draw solute for FO systems, providing good water flux and low reverse draw solute flux; while also being relatively non-toxic, non-corrosive, cheap and widely available compared to other types of novel draw solutes.
Optimal operation of single and multi-reservoir systems via hybrid shuffled grey wolf optimization algorithm (SGWO)
Authors: Masoumi Fariborz , Masoumzadeh Sina , Zafari Negin , Emami-Skardi Mohammad Javad
Published: September 2021

Reservoir operation is a key issue in the water resources system. In this paper, the Shuffled Grey Wolf Optimizer (SGWO), a hybrid optimization algorithm inspired by Shuffled Complex Evolution (SCE-UA) and Gray Wolf Optimizer (GWO) algorithms, is introduced. The main modification in the proposed algorithm is how it divides and shuffles the population to enhance the information exchange among the individuals. The performance of the SGWO algorithm is compared to famous evolutionary algorithms such as Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) and Genetic Algorithm (GA) in solving mathematical benchmark functions and multiple types of reservoir operation optimization problems with different scales. Two hypothetical 4 and 10-reservoir system, and the Dez dam in Iran as a single reservoir system were selected as the case study in this research. The capability of the algorithms was compared in terms of accuracy of derived optimum objective function values, convergence speed, and stability of answers in different implementations. The results showed that the SGWO can reach considerably better results (0.3% to 26% better than the closest rival algorithms) using significantly lower number of function evaluations. It also showed the lowest standard deviation among other algorithms for all problems, which indicated the high reliability of this algorithm.
"Querido diário...” A construção do conhecimento histórico por meio dos quadrinhos de Anne Frank
Authors: Mozini Subtil Bruna , Lúcia Luiz Miriã
Published: September 2021

O presente artigo analisa as possibilidades de construção do saber histórico por meio das histórias em quadrinhos, especificamente O diário de Anne Frank em Quadrinhos, adaptado por Mirella Spinelli (FRANK, 2017). Com base no aporte teórico produzido a partir das noções de consciência histórica, de Jörn Rüsen (2011), e de literacia e empatia histórica, de Peter Lee (2016, 2003), a pesquisa explora a adaptação literária, construindo uma proposta de ensino com o objetivo de favorecer a elaboração do conhecimento histórico pelos estudantes; além disso, mobiliza o aparato teórico-metodológico de Marc Bloch (2001) e Jörn Rüsen (2011). A análise da graphic novel como recurso didático evidenciou: a) a importância dos usos de diferentes fontes históricas em sala de aula; e b) as múltiplas possibilidades de percursos de aprendizagem dos estudantes, por meio de uma nova maneira de compreender e pensar a História, de modo específico, por meio das histórias em quadrinhos.
Beş Faktör Kişilik Özelliklerinin Çatışma Yönetme Stratejilerine Etkisi
Authors: Turhan Özge , Tiftik Canan
Published: September 2021

Bu çalışmayı gerçekleştirmenin temel amacı, kişilik özellikleri ile çatışma yönetme stratejileri arasındaki etkileşimi incelemektir. Çalışmanın değişkenleri arasındaki etkileşime yönelik gerçekleştirilen anketin örneklem grubunu beyaz ve mavi yakalılar oluşturmaktadır. Anket farklı iş kollarında İstanbul ilinde faaliyette bulunan işyerinde uygulanmıştır. 412 gönüllü vasıtasıyla elde edilen verilerin 36 âdeti uç veri içerdiğinden örnekleme dâhil edilmemiştir. Analizler 376 geçerli anket üzerinden gerçekleştirilmiştir. Gerçekleştirilen analizler sonucu; Çatışma yönetme stratejileri üzerinde kişiliğin açıklayıcı etkisi olduğu tespit edilmiştir. Çatışma yönetme stratejilerinden bütünleşme alt boyutu ile beş faktör kişilik değişkeninin alt boyutlarının etkisinin açıklama yüzdeleri incelendiğinde etkili başka faktörlerinde var olduğu kanıtlanmaktadır. Ancak açıklama yüzdesi bakımından en fazla sorumluluk alt boyutunun etkili olduğu yorumu yapılmaktadır. Bu etkileşimde nevrotizm alt boyutunun etkisinin saptanamadığı görülmektedir. Ödün verme alt boyutunun etkisinin % 35.9 olduğu saptanmıştır. Bu etkileşimde dışadönüklüğün etkisinin saptanmadığı tespit edilmiştir. Bu etkileşimde açıklama gücü en yüksek alt boyutun sorumluluk olduğu saptanmıştır. Hükmetme alt boyutunun etkisinin %90.5 olduğu saptanmıştır. Nevrotizm alt boyutu hariç kişiliğin her bir alt boyutunun etkileşimde açıklama gücü olduğu saptanmıştır. En etkili olan kişilik özelliğinin sorumluluk ve deneyime açıklık olduğu tespit edilmiştir. Bulgulara göre çatışma yönetme stratejilerinden kaçınma alt boyutundaki % 63.7’lik değişimin bağımsız değişkene bağlı olduğu saptanmıştır. β değerleri incelendiğinde çatışma yönetme stratejilerinde etki gücü olan alt boyutların uyumluluk dışında kalan herbir alt boyut olduğu ancak sorumluluk ve nevrotizm alt boyutlarının yüzdeleri incelendiğinde açıklama gücünün en yüksek alt boyutlar olduğu yorumu yapılabilmektedir. Bulgulara göre çatışma yönetme stratejilerinden uzlaşma alt boyutundaki % 59.6’lık değişimin bağımsız değişkene bağlı olduğu saptanmıştır. Verilere göre regresyon modeli sorumluluk ve deneyime açıklık alt boyutu hariç istatistiksel olarak anlamlı olduğu tespit edilmiştir. Korelasyon analizi sonuçları; Her iki değişkenin arasında anlamlı ilişki olduğunu göstermiştir. Beş faktör kişilik değişkeninin alt boyutlarının her birinin birbirleriyle ilişkisi incelendiğinde; Nevrotiklik alt boyutu dışında her boyut birbiriyle pozitif korelasyon gösterdiği saptanmıştır. Çatışma yönetme stratejilerinin alt boyutlarının birbirleriyle ilişkisi incelendiğinde de her boyut birbiriyle pozitif korelasyon gösterdiği tespit edilmiştir.
Phytochemical Profiling, Anti-inflammatory, Antioxidant and Antimicrobial
Effects of Seven IndianMorinda Species
Authors: Singh Bharat , Sahu Pooran , Sharma Ram
Published: September 2021

Background:

The fruits, leaves and roots of Morinda species are used in the treatment
of inflammations, cancers, diabetes, psychiatric disorders, bacterial and viral infections. However,
no study has been conducted on chemical profiling, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antimicrobial
potentials of leaves of seven Indian Morinda species.

Aim:

The study aimed to investigate the anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antimicrobial effects
of methanol extract of seven Indian Morinda species.

Material and Methods:

The total contents of iridoids, flavonoids, anthraquinone glycosides, triterpenoids,
lignans and coumarins from methanol extract of each species were determined by using
different established protocols. The anti-inflammatory activity of methanol extracts of each species
was evaluated using carrageenan and CFA-induced arthritis in male Wistar albino rats. In vivo, antioxidant
activity was determined by estimating the levels of superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione
and malondialdehyde in liver and kidney homogenates of male Wistar rats. The antimicrobial
activity of methanol extracts of all seven species was determined by using the microdilution
method against selected microbes.

Results:

Different values of total contents of iridoids, flavonoids, anthraquinone glycosides, triterpenoids,
lignans, and coumarins were achieved from methanol extract of leaf of M. umbellata, M.
jasminoides, M. reticulata, M. parvifolia and M. persicaefolia. The potent anti-inflammatory effect
was demonstrated (carrageenan-induced paw oedema model) by methanol extract of leaves of M.
umbellata at 50 mg/kg dose. Similarly, M. umbellata methanol extract showed maximum antiarthritic
effect against CFA-induced arthritis on the 17th day (p.o.). Maximum SOD levels in liver
and kidney homogenates were increased by the methanol extract of M. persicaefolia. The catalase
concentration was enhanced by the methanol extract of M. jasminoides. GSH level was raised
by the methanol extract of leaves of M. umbellata, but M. royoc reduced the levels of MDA in treated
animals. The methanol extract of M. parvifolia leaves displayed maximum antibacterial activity
against K. pneumoniae. M. persicaefolia methanol extract showed the strongest antifungal activity
against P. chrysogenum.

Conclusion:

The methanol extract of leaves of M. jasminoides, M. reticulata, M. parvifolia, M. umbellata
and M. persicaefoli showed promising anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antimicrobial effects
on the studied experimental models.
Polyphenols: A Comprehensive Review of their Nutritional Properties
Authors: Ebrahimi Peyman , Lante Anna
Published: September 2021

Polyphenols are the most prominent natural antioxidants found numerously in nature. They are secondary metabolites recognized for having high health benefits for consumers, even if the exploitation of these remarkable natural compounds is still a challenge. Moreover, there is a dilemma over the nutritional value of polyphenols. Hence, this paper seeks to review the classification, sources, anti-browning effect, antioxidant activity, nutritional property and anti-disease effect of polyphenols for better understanding the issues which need to be addressed in the valorization of these natural compounds.