bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Characterization of Shear Strength and Interface Friction of Organic Soil
Authors: Hamed Majid , Sidik Waleed S. , Canakci Hanifi , Celik Fatih , Georgees Romel N.
Published: August 2020

This study was undertaken to investigate some specific problems that limit a safe design and construction of structures on problematic soils. An experimental study was carried out to examine the influence of loading rate and moisture content on shear strength of organic soil. Influece of moisture content on interface friction between organic soil and structural materials was also attempted. A commonly used soil in Iraq was prepared at varying moisture contents of 39%, 57% and 75%. The experimental results showed that the increase in water content will decrease the shear stress and the internal friction angle. An increase of the shearing rate was found to decrease the shear stress and internal friction angle for all percetanges of water contents. Further, direct shear tests were carried out to detect the interface shear stress behavior between organic soil and structural materials. The results revealed that the increase in water content was shown to have significant negetavie effects on the interface internal friction and angle shear strength.
Investigation to some Preliminary Geotechnical Properties of Soft Clay Stabilized by Fly Ash Based Geopolymers
Authors: Abbas Jasim M. , Ibrahim Amer M , Shihab Abdalla M.
Published: August 2020

The civil engineering projects that includes soft clay within its activities has a serious concern of hazards, such hazards can be overcame by treating the existing soils by certain materials which are named as "stabilizers". The common materials that are highly used in this field are ordinary Portland cement, fly ash, lime and rice husk ash, etc. Each one of these stabilizers has its known shortcomings. The alkali activation of any alumina silicate source produces some kind of cost effective primary binding gel which is known as "Geopolymers". This study is devoted to investigate the role of liquid over fly ash ratio to some soil – FA based Geopolymers geotechnical properties. Such ratio is taken as 2.71, 3.167, 3.8 and 4.75 respectively within the experimental program and the investigated geotechnical properties are the specific gravity, liquid and plastic limit, compaction characteristics and California bearing ratio. The tests results showed that the maximum dry density decreased about 42 % at 2.71 liq/FA whereas this the specific gravity decreased 27 % at the same this ratio. In addition, the 3.8 and 4.75 of such limits revealed no plastic behavior due to the high presence of liquid.
Analytical Study of Load-Settlement Behavior of Soil Treated with Stone Columns have Different Sectional Shape
Authors: Al-Obaydi Moataz , Al-Kazzaz Zeena A.
Published: August 2020

Stone columns have been used widely to improve the engineering properties of the weak soil. Most of the previous works considered a circular section for the stone columns. In the present study, finite element analysis has been carried out to investigate the effect of stone columns shape and length on the settlement and bearing capacity of soft soil. Accordingly, three types of cross sectional shape for stone columns have been selected which they are circular, rectangular, and square sections with equivalent area. Various length of columns are adopted with diameter of 0.75m that achieved length to diameter or equivalent diameter ratios (L/d=2, 4, 6, 8, and 10) of columns spacing (S/d=3). The results show that the stone columns has tangible effects on the settlement of the soil while has minor effects on the bearing capacity. The settlement of the treated soil with stone columns have L/d=2, reduces by 18.0, 17.3, and 19.3% for circular, rectangular , and square sections respectively. With increasing length of the columns to L/d=10, further reductions in the settlement obtained of (27.1, 28.1, and 27.0%). Bearing capacity of the soil increased slightly with length of the stone columns. Almost all cross sectional shapes of the columns give bearing capacity about same. The increased in the bearing capacity of the treated soil with stone columns have L/d=2, not exceeded 10% for all sectional types. The average increments in bearing capacity when L/d=10 are 12 and 15% at settlement 50 and 100mm respectively. Insignificant changes in bearing capacity upon increasing length of columns from L/d=2 to 10 of maximum 5%. The plastic zone recedes with the increasing length of the stone columns. Finally, from the results obtained, it can be concluded that the stone columns shape has negligible effects on the settlement and bearing capacity of the soil.
Effect of Adding Sand on Clayey Soil Compressibility
Authors: Al-Badran Yasir M.
Published: August 2020

The effect of adding sand on clayey soil compressibility is investigated in this study. Four different percentage of clay-sand mixtures are used; 100% clay with 0% sand named 100C, 30% clay with 70% sand named 30C-70S, 15% clay with 85% sand named 15C-85S, and 100% sand named 100S. The used clay was obtained from Baghdad city in Iraq and classified as CH soil, while the used sand was taken from the sand quarry in Al-Khider area from Al-Muthana Governorate in Iraq and classified as SW soil. The initial dry unit weight for all mixtures is 18 kN/m3. The results show that the variations of the soil compressibility properties with soil components content changes almost linearly The results show that the preconsolidation stress (Pc) decreases with 19% and 38% and the rebound index (Cr) decreases with 4 and 53% and the compression index (Cc) decreases with 39 and 68% as the sand percentage increases with 70 and 85% respectively. Finally, predicted (fitting) Equations are achieved for the change of the soil compressibility properties with clay content with good agreement.
Numerical Modeling of Square Footing Subjected to Eccentric Loading on Geogrid Reinforced Loose Sand
Authors: Albusoda Bushra S. , Al-Saady Semaa Z.
Published: August 2020

This article aims to study the Performance footing on loose sand soil reinforced with geogrid layers The Load Settlement behavior of the footing under various conditions such as different eccentric value (e), depth of the first geogrid layer (u/B), and vertical spacing between geogrid layers (z/B) was studied. This study presents, the numerical modeling utilizes the finite element package (PLAXIS version 8.2). The soil vertical stress displacement, axial force and footing displacement are discussed by means of a set of finite element results and the validation. The Load carrying decrease with increasing eccentricity values were shown. The optimal spacing between any successive reinforcement layer (z/B) is equivalent to (0.5) for different eccentricity value (e). The PLAXIS output show the failure mechanism developed, and maximum axial force that will be reached in geogrid and footing and the total stress distribution at failure.
Experimental Study on the Modulus of Subgrade Reaction for Sandy Soil Improved by Grouting Materials
Authors: Alafeena Mustafa A. , Aljorany Ala Nasir
Published: August 2020

Many methods have been used for soil improvement at site, one of these methods is grouting. Cement grouted soils consist of particulate soil media and cementation agents. Such soils have been widely used to improve the shear strength and stiffness of weak soils and for preventing of water seepage through soils. The modulus of subgrade reaction may give a good indication about the soil bearing capacity and stiffness. This geotechnical parameter can be measured by using the plate load test. In this study, an experimental work is done to assess the improvement in the stiffness of sandy soils by injection two different cementing agents (cement and colloidal silica). The work includes plate loading tests with two different plate diameters (B= 150 and B= 250 mm). The effects of plate size, depth of the grouted zone (0-B and B-2B) as well as the effect of grouting material type on the performance of the grouted soil are investigated. The results show that the colloidal silica grout is more effective in increasing the modulus of sub grade reaction (ks) than the cement grout. Also, the use of plate with 150 mm diameter gives higher value of (ks) than that of 250 mm diameter. Furthermore, grout injection at depth (from 0 to B) gives a higher value of (ks) than that for deeper grouted zone.
Effect of Reinforcement Width on the Behavior of Buried Pipe in Sandy Soil
Authors: Al-Kalali Hala H.M. , Fattah Mohammed Y. , Zbar Bushra S.
Published: August 2020

This paper deals with the problem of a flexible pipe with internal diameter of 110 mm buried in laboratory soil box facilities for this study. The box is filled with sand reinforced by geogrid layer of different widths to investigate the effect of geogrid width layer on the performance of buried pipe subjected to static load. Two type of reinforcement used (geogrid and geocell). The geogrid location is kept constant at a depth of 0.5d (do is o the pipe o diameter) below the loading plate. The results show that the reduction in crown strain in loose sand, when the geogrid width equals 1B iso13% in comparison with results of tests excluding geogrid, this percent reduces to 11% when the geogrid width equals 2B, while the reduction percent in medium sand becomes 14% and 12% when the geogrid width was B and 2B, respectively and becomes in dense sand 15 % and 11% when the width of geogrid change from B to 2B.
Experimental Study of Flexural Tensile Strength of Sand Concrete Plates Reinforced with Metallic Fibers
Authors: Melais Saloua , Bouali Meriem Fakhreddine
Published: August 2020

This paper presents the findings of an experimental study of sand concrete plates reinforced with metallic fibers (BSFM) mixes with respect to a reference sandcrete without fibers (BST) that establishes a benchmark for the BSFM mixes. The performed tests are based on the characteristics of fresh sandcrete (density, slump) and on the mechanical behavior of slabs in centered flexion. It was concluded that the metallic fibers improves the tensile strength, rigidity and durability characteristic after cracking. These characteristics are at an optimum for a sand concrete reinforced with metal fibers (BSFM) with 30kg of fibers per m3 of sand concrete.
Sudden sensorineural hearing loss: What factors influence the response to therapy?
Authors: Sciancalepore Pasqua Irene , de Robertis Valentina , Sardone Rodolfo , Quaranta Nicola
Published: August 2020

The standard treatment of Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss is based on oral steroids. In addition, intratympanic steroid is currently used in patients who fail to respond to oral treatment. The aim of the present study was to evaluate, in patients affected by SSHL, factors that influence the response to systemic and intratympanic steroid treatment. A retrospective analysis was conducted on 149 patients, all treated with systemic steroids. Moreover, patients not responsive to systemic therapy were treated with intratympanic steroids as salvage therapy. Auditory gain was assessed through the recovery rate at the discharge and after 30 days. Statistical analysis demonstrated that patients with delayed treatment and down-sloping auditory curve presented a poor recovery. Linear and stepwise regression showed that hypertriglyceridemia and hyperglycemia were negative prognostic factors. The prognosis of SSHL is affected by hyperglycemia and hypertriglyceridemia suggesting that a microvascular dysfunction within the cochlea could impair hearing recovery. Intratympanic steroid treatment was used as salvage treatment, however in patients with poor prognostic factors or at risk for side effects, it could be used in association with systemic treatment.
Intraspecific Genetic Variation within and between Improved Cultivars and Landraces of Durum Wheat in Germination and Root Architectural Traits under Saline Conditions
Authors: Odat Nidal
Published: August 2020

Although the effect of salinity on plants is well established, yet evaluating genetic variation in yield-related traits under salinity stress remains useful. This study was conducted to investigate the genetic variation within and between two subgroups of durum wheat in Jordan, i.e., cultivars and landraces, in germination and root architectural traits at three salinity concentrations (50, 100 and 150 mM NaCl). The results indicate that salinity significantly impacted most traits investigated. A multivariate discriminant analysis (DA) revealed large variations (~85%) between genotypes, with significant ranking in maximum root length, total root length, seminal root length, coleoptile length, germination percentage, and total and seminal root number over the three salinities. Within the cultivar subgroup, salinity significantly influenced the germination percentage and most root traits of durum genotypes, with variable magnitudes depending on NaCl concentration and within-variety intraspecific genetic variation (ANOVAs; p < 0.05). However, within the landrace subgroup, only a salinity of 150 mM NaCl significantly affected the studied traits, and the effect of salinity on germination percentage was highly genotype dependent. Additionally, the durum genotypes in the landrace subgroup were more affected by salinity and showed more genetic variation than those in the cultivar subgroup.
KESALAHAN PRODUKSI KALIMAT PADA LOMBA DEBAT KONSTITUSI MAHASISWA TAHUN 2018
Authors: Dwi Utari  , Nur Aini Puspitasari
Published: August 2020

This research aims to describe sentence production errors especially pause and tongue slips in the 2018 Student Constitutional Debate Competition. The benefits of research for the researcher are to deepen knowledge about language, especially errors in the production of sentences, and for the reader to give knowledge to the public about the study of psycholinguistics in producing a sentence and broaden the insight into language about sentence production. Descriptive qualitative method was used in this study. This research used source data of 2018 Student Constitutional Debate Competition semifinal one and final one video. In this study the tapping technique was used for the data collection technique. Based on the results of data management and analysis, the sentence production errors contained in the 2018 Student Constitution Debate Contest video are (1) Breathing pause, (2) Doubt pause, (3) Malaproprism, (4) Transposition tongue slip, (5) Anticipation tongue slip, (6) Perseveration tongue slip.

Abstrak

Tujuan penelitian ini adalah untuk mendeskripsikan kesalahan produksi kalimat terutama senyapan dan kilir lidah pada Lomba Debat Konstitusi Mahasiswa Tahun 2018. Manfaat penelitian bagi peneliti adalah untuk memperdalam pengetahuan mengenai bahasa khususnya kesalahan produksi kalimat dan bagi pembaca yaitu untuk memberi pengetahuan kepada masyarakat tentang kajian Psikolinguistik dalam memproduksi suatu kalimat serta memperluas wawasan kebahasaan mengenai produksi kalimat. Dalam penelitian digunakan metode berupa desktiptif kualitatif. Penelitian menggunakan sumber data berupa video Lomba Debat Konstitusi Mahasiswa tahun 2018 babak semifinal satu dan final satu. Penelitian menggunakan teknik pengumpulan data berupa teknik sadap catat. Berdasarkan hasil pengelolaan dan analisis data, kesalahan produksi kalimat yang terdapat dalam video Lomba Debat Konstitusi Mahasiswa Tahun 2018 yaitu (1) Senyapan pernapasan, (2) Senyapan keraguan, (3) Kilir lidah malaproprisme, (4) Kilir lidah transposisi, (5) Kilir lidah antisipasi, (6) Kilir lidah perseverasi.

Kata Kunci:  Kesalahan Produksi Kalimat, Debat, Kilir Lidah, Senyapan
Influences of tax sanctions, taxpayers awareness and social norms on motivation to meet tax obligation
Authors: Heryanto Dendy , Mursalim Mursalim , Lannai Darwis
Published: August 2020

This research is done with the aim to analyze tax sanctions, taxpayers awareness and social norms to meet tax obligation in the KPP Pratama South Makassar. The Research methods used in this study are descriptive analysis double regression analysis with a total sample of 79 respondence. The result showed tax sanction, taxpayers awareness and social norms were positive and significant for the taxpayer’s motivation to fulfill its tax obligation at KPP Pratama South Makassar
Dimension of Taxpayer Perception Regarding Tax Evation Actions
Authors: Amin Asbi , Mispa Sitti
Published: August 2020

This study aims to examine the effect of the taxation system, the possibility of fraud, justice and tax sanctions being detected on tax evasion actions in the Makassar South Tax Office. Data collection in this study used a questionnaire instrument by taking as many as 100 corporate taxpayers with incidental sample techniques. The analytical method used is multiple linear regression with the help of SPSS tools. The results of this study indicate that the taxation system, the possibility of detecting fraud, justice and tax sanctions has a negative and significant effect on tax evasion actions in the Makassar South Tax Office
Community Development Training with Eco-print Training Wukirsari Village,
Sleman District, Indonesia
Authors: Mardiana Tri , Warsiki A.Y.N. , Heriningsih Sucahyo
Published: August 2020

This community empowerment aims to explore the natural potential of the
village of Wukirsari, Sleman Regency, as well as develop the villages
creative economy through ecoprint training, as a vehicle for the villages
creative economy based on leaf potential. The training method using various
references and empowering the community to make ecoprints was followed by 15
mothers who were representatives of the joint business group. The results of
this community empowerment produce village potential namely leaves, and
training approaches by studying the conditions and rural life of, with, and
by village communities. The concept of the ecoprint training approach
emphasizes community involvement in all activities. The community is
involved in the planners and implementers of the ecoprint training program
and not just as an audience in ecoprint making training. The results of the
ecoprint training are expected to increase the creative economy that has the
potential to be developed by villagers, as a form of participation in
building village businesses, and to be able to provide welfare for the
residents of their village
Perspective on “Corrosion and Passivity of Ti-13% Nb-13% Zr in Comparison to Other Biomedical Implant Alloys,” S.Y. Yu, J.R. Scully, Corrosion 53, 12 (1997): p. 965-976
Authors: Virtanen Sannakaisa
Published: August 2020

Abstract: Corrosion of biomedical implants is a risk for safe applications of metals for healing in the body. Therefore, for implants that are designed to be permanent (in contrast to biodegradable implants), highly corrosion resistant metals and alloys are used—most notably titanium and its alloys. This perspective discusses a paper that reported on the corrosion behavior of a number of Ti-based implant alloys, from a viewpoint of materials science and a detailed mechanistic understanding of passivity.
REGISTRATION OF MMS LiDAR POINTS AND PANORAMIC IMAGE SEQUENCE USING RELATIVE ORIENTATION MODEL
Authors: Zhu N. , Yang B. , Jia Y.
Published: August 2020

Abstract. We propose using the relative orientation model (ROM) of panoramic to register the MMS LiDAR points and panoramic image sequence, which has the wide applicability. The feature points, extracted and matched from panoramic image pairs, are used to solve the relative position and attitude parameters in the ROM, then, combining the absolute position and attitude parameters of the initial panoramic image, the MMS LiDAR points and panoramic image sequence are registered. First, we propose the position/attitude ROM (PA-ROM) and attitude ROM (A-ROM) of panoramic images respectively, which are apply to the position/attitude parameters both unknown and only the attitude parameters unknown. Second, we automatically extract and match feature points from panoramic image pairs using the SURF algorithm, as these mismatching points will affect the registration accuracy, the RANSAC algorithm and ROM were used to choose the best matching points automatically. Finally, we select the feature points manually from MMS LiDAR points and panoramic image sequence as the checkpoints, and then compare the registration accuracy of continuous/discontinuous panoramic image pairs. The results show that MMS LiDAR points and panoramic image sequence are registered accurately based on ROM (7.36 and 3.75 pixels in dataset I and II), what's more, our registration method just tackle the image pairs (uninvolved LiDAR points), so it is suitable for more road scenes.
A SINGLE-PASS AIRBORNE INTERFEROMETRIC CALIBRATION METHOD RESEARCH FOR DEM MAPPING
Authors: Lu L. J. , Huang G. M.
Published: August 2020

Abstract. This paper presents a novel single-pass airborne interferometric calibration method with a limited Number GCPs for InSAR digital elevation model (DEM) mapping. The proposed method is based on a rigorous three-dimensional model for a single-pass airborne InSAR system. The corrected InSAR parameters of baseline length, baseline inclination, near slant range, and Doppler centroid frequency, as well as phase offset, can be jointly solved via a unified optimization procedure in terms of the constructed three-dimensional geometric model using a limited number ground control points (GCPs). The proposed method is evaluated on real data of the CASMSAR system in X-band, the final DEMs generated by the calibration processing achieve a high accuracy level (1–3 m standard deviation), even in the presence of only 3–5 GCPs.
VALIDATION OF LIDAR CALIBRATION USING A LIDAR SIMULATOR
Authors: Lee G. , Cheon J. , Lee I.
Published: August 2020

Abstract. LIDAR is being widely used for mapping and modelling because it accurately scans and acquires 3D geometric information of the surrounding environment. In order to improve the accuracy of the LIDAR measurement, it is necessary to precisely estimate the intrinsic parameters as well as extrinsic parameters and eliminate the systematic errors. Many studies are conducted to eliminate these errors caused by the intrinsic parameters of LIDAR. However, when the result of intrinsic calibration is verified using actual LIDAR data, there is a problem that other error factors cannot be excluded. Therefore, in this study, the LIDAR intrinsic calibration is verified by using a LIDAR simulator that simulates the mechanism of the actual LIDAR. When constructing a LIDAR simulator, the systematic error is inserted according to the intrinsic parameter model of LIDAR. And according to the method of scanning with LIDAR, it is divided into upright scanning and tilted scanning, and the error included LIDAR simulation data is generated. After that, the intrinsic parameters are estimated by applying the plane-based intrinsic calibration. Since values of the intrinsic parameters are known, they are compared with the estimated parameters, and the results of estimate are analyzed according to the scanning method.
An Assessment on the Impact of Training and Development on Employees’ Performance in the Namibian Defence Force at Okahandja
Authors: Zemburuka Ingrid , Dangarembizi Fanuel
Published: August 2020

The study focused on assessing the impact of training and development on employee performance in the Namibia Defence Force (NDF) at Okahandja. Since its inception, the NDF has been providing continuous training and development programs to pursue the organizational mission & vision. Sadly, for the past two (2) years when the organization started facing financial challenges; it suspended most of its training activities both internal and external. This, in turn, has affected employees’ performance who should be continuously trained during peacetime to upgrade their skills, knowledge, and competencies needed to perform their duties professionally. The study employed descriptive research design to draw a sample of 100 employees from a population of 500 employees. Correlation analysis was used to establish relationship between training, development, and employee’s performance. The study found out that there was positive relationship between training and development with employee’s and NDF performance. It also revealed that employee’s performance increased the way the NDF staffs works with other government agencies across the country. Therefore, the NDF should seek to prioritize their training and development (T&D) programmes based on the training budget and avoid random cost cutting.
Identidade e Apego à locais com risco de desastres socioambientais: um estudo sobre as “Aguas de Março”
Authors: Montoro Simone Wachter Muller , Castilho Weinert Luciana Vieira
Published: August 2020

Eventos desastrosos, principalmente relacionados às mudanças climáticas, são destaques nas literaturas e noticiários. Em 2011, o litoral paranaense foi acometido por um grande volume de chuva, ocasionando um desastre socioambiental de amplas proporções, evento que ficou conhecido como “Águas de Março” e causou perdas significativas para os moradores das áreas atingidas. Frente a essa temática, esta pesquisa teve como objetivo investigar a identidade e o apego ao lugar de pessoas residentes em áreas afetadas no município de Guaratuba e através desse resultado, compreender como as pessoas se relacionam com esse ambiente vulnerável. De caráter qualitativo, o trabalho de campo foi dividido em três fases: coleta de dados, pré-análise das entrevistas e análise de conteúdo. Como resultado, percebe-se que as influências relacionadas às necessidades satisfeitas com o local são determinantes nos processos de identificação e apego com o lugar. Também, compreende-se que a ocorrência de uma situação de desastre não modificou a relação que os moradores têm com seu ambiente, pois eles não vinculam o evento como um fator negativo para sua permanência no local.
Utility of stone volume estimated by software algorithm in predicting success of medical expulsive therapy
Authors: Jain Rajat , Maskal Sara , Milk Jason , Kahn Leonard , Fedrigon III Donald , Sivalingam Sri
Published: August 2020

Introduction: We sought to assess the accuracy of using stone volume (SV) estimated with a software algorithm as a predictor for stone passage in a trial of medical expulsive therapy (MET).

Methods: We identified patients with ureteral stones discharged from the ER on MET. Patients with infection, non-ureteral stones, or needing immediate surgical intervention were excluded. For each stone, longest dimension (LD) was recorded and SV was estimated by a computed tomography (CT)-based region growing (RG) algorithm and standard ellipsoid formula (EF). Stone passage within 30 days was assessed via electronic chart and followup phone call.

Results: Fifty-one patients were included for analysis (53±16.7 years, 24% female). The mean LD was 4.85±2.02 mm. The mean SV was similar by EF and RG (0.051±0.057cm3 vs. 0.049± 0.052 cm3; p=0.28). Thirty-three (65%) patients passed their stone, while 18 (35%) did not. The mean LD for passed stones vs. failed passage was 4.1±1.7 mm vs. 6.2±1.8 mm (p=0.0002); the mean EF volume was 0.028±0.035 cm3 vs. 0.093±0.066 cm3 (p=0.00007); and the mean volume by RG was 0.028±0.027cm3 vs. 0.088±0.063 cm3 (p=0.00005).

Conclusions: The clinical utility of using SV estimated by software algorithm as a predictor for success of MET has not previously been examined. We demonstrate that spontaneously passed stones had a significantly smaller volume than those requiring intervention. Further prospective studies are needed to validate these findings and establish volume thresholds for probability of stone passage.
Diatoms in the Holocene sediments of the Tersky Сoast of the White Sea in connection with the history of its development in the postglacial time
Authors: Agafonova Elizaveta , Polyakova Yelena , Romanenko Fedor
Published: August 2020

This paper demonstrates the results of diatom analysis of the Holocene sediments from the southeastern part of the Tersky Coast of the White Sea. The main subject of the study is the diatom assemblages’ concentration and composition, as well as the ratio of the main diatom ecological groups in sediments. The study sites were located on the Tersky Coast from the village Chavanga to the right coast of the Varzuga River, at heights from 17 to 52 m. Our reconstruction of the Tersky Coast of the White Sea development is based on diatom study of Holocene sediments from three cores. Age was determined according to radiocarbon dating. In this work, the author determines the features of environmental development, starting from the first half of the early Holocene, clarified the age of the main transgressive stages - Folas, Tapes, Trivia and the absolute heights of their marine sediments. According to the changes in concentration and composition  of the main ecological groups of diatoms, the author records the significant trends in the water temperature changes in coastal reservoirs and hydrobiological conditions in the Holocene, such as short-term decrease in the temperatures of the end of Boreal and the first half of Atlantic time, the Holocene hydrobiological optimum, and changes in temperatures of the Subboreal and Subatlantic time.
Silencing of the ARK5 gene reverses the drug resistance of multidrug-resistant SGC7901/DDP gastric cancer cells
Authors: Wan Hongtao , Liu Xiaowei , Chen Yanglin , Tang Ren , Yi Bo , Liu Dan
Published: August 2020

For several years, the multidrug resistance (MDR) of gastric cancer cells has been a thorny issue worldwide regarding the chemotherapy process and needs to be solved. Here, we report that the ARK5 gene could promote the multidrug resistance of gastric cancer cells in vitro and in vivo. In this study, LV-ARK5-RNAi lentivirus was used to transfect the parental cell line SGC7901 and MDR cell line SGC7901/DDP to construct a stable model of ARK5 interference. Subsequently, the cells were treated with four chemotherapeutic drugs, cisplatin (DDP), adriamycin (ADR), 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) and docetaxel (DR) and were subjected to the CCK8, colony formation, adriamycin accumulation and retention, cell apoptosis and other assays. The study found that, in vitro, the expression of ARK5 in MDR gastric cancer cells was significantly higher than that in parental cells. Additionally, when treated with different chemotherapeutic drugs, compared with parental cells, MDR cells also had a higher cell survival rate, higher colony formation number, higher drug pump rate, and lower cell apoptosis rate. Additionally, in xenograft mouse models, MDR cells with high ARK5 expression showed higher resistance to chemotherapeutic drugs than parental cells. Overall, this study revealed that silencing the ARK5 gene can effectively reverse the drug resistance of MDR gastric cancer cells to chemotherapeutic drugs, providing insights into the mechanism of this process related to its inhibition of the active pump-out ability of MDR cells.
First Detection of Mycobacterium sp. in Wastewater in Abidjan (Yopougon) Cote d’Ivoire
Authors: Sabine Vakou N’dri , Julien Coulibaly-Kalpy , Nina Amon Lydie , Nicolas Bernaud , Mireille Dosso , Joseph Djaman Allico
Published: August 2020

Non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) are ubiquitous in the environment and worldwide, under certain environmental conditions, they could be responsible for skin diseases or pulmonary lesions. In Ivory Coast, Buruli ulcers endemic country, very little information concerning the epidemiology of NTM in Cote d'Ivoire is known, this ignorance has led to an underestimation of its prevalence in the environment.

Aims: The objective of this study was to characterize strains of environmental mycobacteria in wastewater located in urban areas in Abidjan (Yopougon) Côte d'Ivoire.

Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted at Yopougon (Selmer). This site is considered to be Buruli ulcer non-endemic zone according to the national program on fight against Buruli ulcer in Côte d’Ivoire. However, all biological aspect of this work was carried out at the Pastor Institute of Côte d’Ivoire.

Methodology: Wastewater samples were collected at the surfaces at Yopougon using the technique described by Britton and Gresson. In the laboratory, these collected samples were treated according to the method described by Stinear et al. and Kankya et al. consisting of decontamination, neutralization followed by culture.

Classification of species was done according to the method described by Runyon and collaborators. Biochemical identification of mycobacteria was done according to the method described by Metchock.

Results: A total of 32 samples were collected, 8 water samples at each sampling site. After decontamination and culture, specimens grew on Lowenstein-Jensen medium after 7 days (at 37°C and 32°C) and revealed small, smooth, nonpigmented colonies. Smears confirmed the presence of variably acid-fast organisms. Biochemical traits of the isolates revealed, colony grown on Middlebrook agar 7H11 (at 37°C and 32°C); catalase (+); agar (+) (at 37°C and 32°C ); citrate  (-); mannitol  (-).

Conclusion: This work is one of the first study focusing on Mycobacteria in wastewater in Abidjan. The isolation of Mycobacterium sp., an environmental pathogenic organism, supports the hypothesis of possible colonization of urban wastewater by pathogenic mycobacteria. Further studies are needed to verify the involvement of this specie in mycobacterial infections in Côte d'Ivoire.
A new nonlinear extended state observer design for output tracking of uncertain nonlinear systems
Authors: Zhao Zhi‐Liang , Ma Pengjuan , Chen Sen
Published: August 2020

In this article, we develop a new nonlinear extended state observer (ESO) for output tracking of a class of uncertain nonlinear affine systems. Instead of using the linear functions of the error, the nonlinear functions of the properly magnified error are used in the proposed ESO. Compared with the linear ESO, the new ESO allows more accurate estimation and smaller peaking value. We also design an output‐feedback controller based on the proposed nonlinear ESO. The convergence of the new ESO is proved without assuming the boundedness of the system state. It is also proved that under the proposed output‐feedback controller, the system output is capable to track the given reference signal despite a large scope of nonlinear uncertainties. Simulation results illustrate the effectiveness of the new ESO with improved performance.
Thermodynamic analysis of the phase equilibrium of the polystyrene‐poly(vinyl methyl ether) system
Authors: Nikulova Uliana V. , Chalykh Anatoly E.
Published: August 2020

The phase diagrams of polystyrene (PS)‐poly(vinyl methyl ether) (PVME) system obtained via optical interferometry in the study of polymer interdiffusion are presented. The influence of molecular weight of the PS on the position of the binodal curve dome and the critical point is shown. Paired interaction parameters and their temperature dependences are calculated in the framework of Flory‐Huggins theory both for the present experimental diagrams and for the ones, previously obtained by different authors. It is shown that the generalized temperature dependence of the Flory‐Huggins parameter can be used to model phase equilibrium in a wide range of temperatures and compositions. For the first time for PS‐PVME system, the generalized phase state diagram characterized by both lower and upper critical solution temperatures is calculated and constructed.
Enhanced biodiversity and abundance of benthic invertebrate macrofauna in a New Zealand marine reserve
Authors: Mello H. Lee , Smith Abigail M. , Wood Anna C. L. , Tidey Emily J.
Published: August 2020

No‐take marine reserves are an important management tool in the conservation and restoration of marine habitats around the world. They are intended to provide spatial refugia for exploited species and to protect sensitive habitat and biodiversity hot spots.

Despite strong evidence that marine reserves enhance overall biodiversity, it is not clear that this effect extends to all taxonomic groups. Most marine reserves are designed to protect large mobile fauna. Their effect on small sessile benthic invertebrates is unclear, yet these organisms provide critical ecosystem functions.

Three hundred and seventy‐eight images and associated faunal descriptions were compared from 2007 and 2018 in Ulva Island/Te Wharawhara Marine Reserve, Stewart Island/Rakiura, New Zealand (46.9°S, 168.1°E, 0–25 m depth, established 2004), to discern the effect of non‐extractive marine protection on a soft‐sediment temperate benthic community.

Qualitative habitat types observed in the 2018 images were similar to those described in 2007. There was a significant positive effect of protection on benthic invertebrate abundance between 2007 and 2018 across Paterson Inlet/Whaka a Te Wera. Additionally, there were significantly more benthic invertebrates within reserve sites compared with sites outside the reserve in 2018.

Based on these positive effects, it can be concluded that Ulva Island/Te Wharawhara Marine Reserve has facilitated an increase in the biodiversity of the benthic invertebrate community of Paterson Inlet/Whaka a Te Wera, Stewart Island/Rakiura.

Interestingly, heavily calcified biogenic reefs were present within Paterson Inlet/Whaka a Te Wera, but not within the reserve itself. The re‐evaluation of marine reserve boundaries could result in more comprehensive and representative management of the rich marine environment around Stewart Island/Rakiura.
Parasites of Percophis brasiliensis (Percophidae) benefited from fishery regulations: Indicators of success for marine protected areas?
Authors: Braicovich Paola E. , Irigoitia Manuel M. , Bovcon Nelson D. , Timi Juan T.
Published: August 2020

Fishing is the greatest source of anthropogenic impact on global marine resources and the ecosystems supporting them. The decline of many fish stocks has led to the need to apply control and protection measures to promote the recovery of these resources.

In the Argentine Sea, a multispecies coastal fishery in the El Rincón region has displayed signs of overexploitation since the beginning of the century. Consequently, temporal and spatial protection measures were implemented in 2004.

In previous studies, an independent stock of Percophis brasiliensis in El Rincón was identified based on the parasite communities of fish caught in 2005. However, no subsequent studies using parasite communities have been performed since the protective fishery closure measures were applied.

To evaluate parasites as indicators of temporal change in the El Rincón stock of P. brasiliensis after the implementation of these protection measures, a sample from 2018 was compared with that from the previous study, as well as with three other samples. Two of the latter (Argentine Common Fishing Zone and San Matías Gulf) corresponded to previously identified independent stocks in the Argentine biogeographical province and the third was a new sample from the Magellanic Province in southern Patagonian waters.

The structure and composition of parasite assemblages of the El Rincón stock of P. brasiliensis differed significantly in 2018, after several years of protective measures. The increased loads observed in several parasite species constitute a promising signal of successful ecosystem recovery. A discrete stock in the Magellanic Province was also identified, providing insights into the population structure of P. brasiliensis along its distributional range, with applications for the sustainable management of this resource.
Rates of re-excision and conversion to mastectomy after breast-conserving surgery with or without oncoplastic surgery: a nationwide population-based study
Authors: Heeg E , Jensen M B , Hölmich L R , Bodilsen A , Tollenaar R A E M , Lænkholm A V , Offersen B V , Ejlertsen B , Mureau M A M , Christiansen P M
Published: August 2020

Background

There is no consensus regarding the impact of oncoplastic surgery (OPS) on rates of re-excision and conversion to mastectomy following breast-conserving surgery (BCS). Here these two outcomes after BCS and OPS were compared in a nationwide population-based setting.

Methods

In Denmark, all OPS is registered and categorized into volume displacement, volume reduction or volume replacement. Patients who underwent BCS or OPS between 2012 and 2018 were selected from the Danish Breast Cancer Group database. Multivariable analyses were performed to adjust for confounders, and propensity score matching to limit potential confounding by indication bias.

Results

A total of 13 185 patients (72·5 per cent) underwent BCS and 5003 (27·5 per cent) OPS. Volume displacement was used in 4171 patients (83·4 per cent), volume reduction in 679 (13·6 per cent) and volume replacement in 153 (3·1 per cent). Re-excision rates were 15·6 and 14·1 per cent after BCS and OPS respectively. After adjusting for confounders, patients were less likely to have a re-excision following OPS than BCS (odds ratio (OR) 0·80, 95 per cent c.i. 0·72 to 0·88), specifically after volume displacement and reduction. The rate of conversion to mastectomy was similar after OPS and BCS (3·2 versus 3·7 per cent; P = 0·105), but with a lower risk in adjusted analysis (OR 0·69, 0·58 to 0·84), specifically after volume displacement and reduction procedures. Findings were similar after propensity score matching.

Conclusion

A modest decrease in re-excision rate and less frequent conversion to mastectomy were observed after OPS compared with BCS.
During and after COVID‐19, anxiety and depression will increase: Study
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: August 2020

Based on prior research on isolation and loneliness, children and adolescents are more likely to have high rates of depression, and, probably, anxiety, even after the enforced isolation resulting from the COVID‐19 pandemic ends, according to a study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. The longer enforced isolation continues, the greater the possibility of an increase in these disorders. The message to clinicians is that preventive and early intervention services should be offered where possible now, and that they should be prepared for these increases in the future.
Lymphocytic interstitial pneumonia with tiny cysts of peribronchovascular distribution on CT
Authors: Hanafiah Mohammad , Johari Bushra , Abdul Kadir Roqiah Fatmawati , Bakar Nor Salmah , Baharuddin Hazlyna
Published: August 2020

Cysts are a common finding of lymphocytic interstitial pneumonia (LIP) on imaging. Usually, they are limited in number and size. Tiny and numerous cysts of peribronchovascular distribution are less typical but a recognized appearance in LIP.
A duplex qPCR assay for human erythropoietin (EPO) transgene to control gene doping in horses
Authors: Cheung Hiu Wing , Wong Kin‐Sing , Lin Venus Y.C. , Wan Terence S.M. , Ho Emmie N.M.
Published: August 2020

The misuse of genetic manipulation technology to enhance athletic performance is termed gene doping which is prohibited in human sports, horseracing, and equestrian sports. Although many qPCR assays have been developed, most assays employ genomic DNA (gDNA) from humans, non‐human primates, and mice as a background and they may not be applicable for testing horse samples. This study aimed to develop a qPCR assay for the detection of human erythropoietin (hEPO) transgene in horse blood cells where the viral vectors used in gene therapy can reside for months. For the detection of hEPO transgene, the performance of three sets of primers and a hydrolysis probe for hEPO were compared. One set showed adequate specificity, sensitivity, amplification efficiency, and a dynamic range of detection in the presence of horse gDNA. The assay was duplexed with the detection of horse tubulin α 4A (TUBA4A) gene as an endogenous internal control in order to prevent false‐negative results due to poor recovery and storage of extracted DNA and/or qPCR experimental variation. For the extraction of hEPO‐plasmid, the QIAGEN Gentra Puregene blood kit was shown to recover the majority (62%) of hEPO‐plasmid from spiked horse blood cells. The specificity and limit of detection (LOD) of the duplex qPCR assay were determined in accordance with MIQE guidelines. These findings supported the application of this duplex qPCR assay to the detection of hEPO transgene in horse blood cells.
The brief (seven‐item) eating disorder examination‐questionnaire: Evaluation of a non‐nested version in men and women
Authors: Jenkins Paul E. , Davey Emily
Published: August 2020

Objective

Several recent studies have examined the psychometric properties of brief measures of eating disorder attitudes based on the Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire (EDE‐Q). A seven‐item version (the EDE‐Q7) has been proposed but, as yet, has only been investigated by looking at the items when presented as part of the longer EDE‐Q (i.e., as a nested version). The current study presented the EDE‐Q7 as a standalone instrument and examined factor structure fit and measurement invariance across male and female genders.

Methods

University students (244 women; 155 men; 1 did not identify with either gender) completed questionnaires as part of two independent studies. All individuals completed the EDE‐Q7 and measures of eating disorder behaviors. In a mixed‐gender subsample (n = 286), measures of depression and eating disorder‐specific quality of life were also included. Confirmatory factor analysis of the EDE‐Q7 was conducted on males and females independently, in addition to estimates of internal consistency reliability and validity. Measurement invariance was assessed through multigroup confirmatory factor analysis.

Results

The EDE‐Q7 demonstrated good internal consistency and findings supported measurement invariance by gender. In a mixed‐gender subsample, the measure showed positive associations with depression and both eating disorder behaviors and eating disorder‐specific quality of life.

Discussion

The present study adds to the literature supporting the psychometric properties of the EDE‐Q7, extending this to use of the questionnaire as a standalone instrument. Measurement invariance suggests that the measure may be appropriate for college‐age men and women, although future studies should establish psychometric properties more fully.
Pericardial waffle for effusive‐constrictive pericarditis
Authors: Kiamanesh Omid , Luk Adriana , Nesbitt Gillian C. , Badiwala Mitesh , Mak Susanna
Published: August 2020

We present the case of a 55‐year‐old female marathon runner who presented with progressive exercise intolerance and was diagnosed with effusive‐constrictive pericarditis. Stereotypical findings of this challenging diagnosis are shown by transthoracic echocardiographic and right heart catheterization. We treated the patient with a parietal pericardiectomy and pericardial waffle procedure to relieve a thick and constrictive epicardium.