bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Investigating social development inequality among steel industry workers in Pakistan: A contribution to social development policies
Authors: Karim Shahid , Xiang Kong , Hameed Abdul
Published: June 2021

Social development of workers has always been a major concern in history. This study, therefore focuses on social development inequalities among steel industry workers in one development zone (Badami Bagh area and along Sheikhupura road of Lahore) of Pakistan. A total of 225 workers were interviewed randomly following the stratified random sampling technique. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) technique was used to construct the socioeconomic score (SES) index. Five categories of socioeconomic index were measured using multinomial logistic regression model. A correlation matrix was calculated for PCA. Results revealed that type/size of industry has negative relation while skill level has positive relation with SES. Job status and transport facility did not reflect a significant impact to SES of workers. Correlation matrix depicted that age, experience and medical treatment have positive relation while formal education, number of dependents and distance to job showed a negative trend in relation with SES.
Molecular ruler of the attachment organelle in Mycoplasma pneumoniae
Authors: Nakane Daisuke , Murata Kohki , Kenri Tsuyoshi , Shibayama Keigo , Nishizaka Takayuki
Published: June 2021

Length control is a fundamental requirement for molecular architecture. Even small wall-less bacteria have specially developed macro-molecular structures to support their survival. Mycoplasma pneumoniae, a human pathogen, forms a polar extension called an attachment organelle, which mediates cell division, cytadherence, and cell movement at host cell surface. This characteristic ultrastructure has a constant size of 250–300 nm, but its design principle remains unclear. In this study, we constructed several mutants by genetic manipulation to increase or decrease coiled-coil regions of HMW2, a major component protein of 200 kDa aligned in parallel along the cell axis. HMW2-engineered mutants produced both long and short attachment organelles, which we quantified by transmission electron microscopy and fluorescent microscopy with nano-meter precision. This simple design of HMW2 acting as a molecular ruler for the attachment organelle should provide an insight into bacterial cellular organization and its function for their parasitic lifestyles.
Almost as good as Soviet cinema: Reception of Italian neorealism in Poland: 1946–56
Authors: Klejsa Konrad , Miller-Klejsa Anna
Published: June 2021

With the onset of the Cold War, the cinema culture in the People’s Republic of Poland underwent rigorous transformation. One of its aspects was the new film import schema: most of the international sources dried up to be replaced, for the most part, by films from the Communist Bloc. However, Italian films constituted an important exception. This article investigates the critical reception of Italian neorealist films in Poland in the first decade after the war, focusing mainly on reviews published in Film, the most relevant Polish magazine dedicated to cinema culture. The first part of the article outlines critical debates on differences and similarities between neorealism and socialist realism. The latter part of the article focuses on the critical reception of Vittorio De Sica’s Ladri di biciclette (Bicycle Thieves) and Miracolo a Milano (Miracle in Milan), as evaluations of the Italian director’s cinema fluctuated during the Stalinist period and after the thaw.
Cinematic adventures: An interview with Liliana Cavani
Authors: Marrone Gaetana
Published: June 2021

In the following interview, which was conducted during the COVID-19 shutdown in December 2020, Liliana Cavani reflects on her cinema and its underlying aesthetics, on current issues such as diversity and gender equality. She reminisces on her formative years and the impact of her anti-fascist grandparents as well as of those open-minded RAI executives who hired her as a freelance professional. She discusses her historical documentaries, her approach to the revolutionary experience of Francis and Clare of Assisi, and her stage production of Eduardo De Filippo’s Filumena Marturano (2016). Of special interest are the director’s comments on the new release of a re-mastered DVD of The Night Porter in England and some critics’ attempts to re-categorize her as a filmmaker obsessed with the corporeality of Eros. She also introduces her new screenplay, written in collaboration with physicist Carlo Rovelli.
Examining the ‘histo-remix’: Public memory, Burkean identification and feminism in the musical Six
Authors: Schrader Valerie Lynn
Published: June 2021

The musical Six has taken the United Kingdom by storm, earning five Olivier nominations in 2019 and crossing the pond, previewing on Broadway in the spring of 2020. Six tells the story of Henry VIII’s six wives in what the musical portrays as their own words, with a twist – the six wives form a girl group performing a concert for their audience. Through a rhetorical analysis of the musical’s script, cast recording, piano/vocal score, and field notes from two performances, I argue that Six creates public memory of Catherine of Aragon, Anne Boleyn, Jane Seymour, Anna of Cleves, Katherine Howard and Catherine Parr, focusing on their individual personalities and accomplishments, rather than simply on their relationship to Henry VIII, as documented history describes them. I suggest that by doing so, Six minimizes the role of place and time in the creation of public memory. Furthermore, I argue that this creation of public memory is intertwined with Burkean identification, as theatregoers find themselves connecting with one or more of the queens as they are portrayed in Six. By combining twenty-first-century language with the stories of sixteenth-century women, Six builds consubstantiality between its characters and its audiences. This article also explores how the final number, Six, reinvents the women’s stories as they might have been if they had lived in the twenty-first century and the impact that this has on public memory. Finally, I suggest that Six is a feminist text, advocating for solidarity and the individually defined empowerment of all women.
La mujer en el Islam. Análisis desde una perspectiva socioeducativa
Authors: Terrón Caro Teresa
Published: June 2021

La diversidad de realidades existentes respecto a la situación de la mujer en el mundo árabe hace que debamos abordar el tema con cierta cautela. En el presente artículo exponemos una revisión bibliográfica sobre mujer e Islam con el objeto de comprender los principales debates que se han ido presentando en la literatura científica desde una perspectiva socioeducativa y el análisis que de ellos se extrae. Para la localización y selección de los artículos científicos que serán analizados en este estudio, nos hemos valido, fundamentalmente, de cinco bases de datos: Dialnet, ISOC, Francis, Education Research Complete y Eric. A pesar de la diversidad de prismas con los que se analiza el tema, una de las ideas que aparece de forma reiterada en diversos textos es la importancia que el Islam ha tenido para mejorar la situación de las mujeres en las sociedades árabes. Bien distinto es la interpretación fundamentalista que en muchas regiones del mundo árabo-musulmán se ha hecho de la ley islámica, reduciendo a la mujer a un segundo plano.
The impact of lamb diets containing either barley or corn on growth performance and carcass quality
Authors: Ata M. , Obeidat Belal S.
Published: June 2021

Background and Aim: Grains, such as barley (BAR) and corn (CORN), are major energy sources for small ruminants. This study aimed to assess the impact of feeding either BAR or CORN-based diets on growth performance and carcass characteristics.

Materials and Methods: Awassi male lambs, average body weight of 20.4±0.49 kg, were chosen randomly. Lambs were acclimated for 10 days and assigned to one of two diets (1) BAR and (2) CORN. Feeding continued for 70 days with 60 days of data collection. Daily intake was recorded. Measurements of body weight were taken starting from day 1 then once per week throughout the study period. On day 40, six lambs were randomly chosen from each group and placed in metabolism cages to assess digestibility and N balance. Lambs were slaughtered on the last day of the study to evaluate carcass characteristics and meat quality.

Results: Neutral and acid detergent fiber and ether extract intake were greater (p≤0.05) for lambs fed the BAR diets. Nitrogen loss in feces tended to be greater (p=0.09) for the CORN diet. Eye muscle depth (mm) tended to be greater (p=0.07) for the BAR diet. Nutrient digestibility, daily weight gain, carcass characteristics, and meat quality were not different (p≥0.1) between diets.

Conclusion: The results herein demonstrate that feeding BAR grain improved nutrient intake efficiency and consistency and did not affect weight gain and carcass traits. BAR-based diets might be a useful alternative to CORN for feeding growing lambs.
Tessituras das paisagens mineiras no programa Filme em Minas: desafios para o turismo cinematográfico
Authors: Gomes Christianne Luce , Campos João Lucas de Almeida , Pereira Joyce Kimarce do Carmo
Published: June 2021

A sinergia entre o turismo e o setor audiovisual é o foco de estudos sobre o “turismo cinematográfico”. Além dos materiais publicitários convencionais, filmes de ficção ou documentários também podem contribuir para divulgar os locais retratados. Isso se deve, sobretudo, às paisagens representadas nas telas: elas constituem um atrativo turístico que influencia a imagem do destino. Nesse contexto, este artigo objetiva compreender de que maneira as paisagens mineiras foram retratadas em filmes apoiados pelo “Programa Filme em Minas”, visando a identificar o seu potencial para estimular o turismo cinematográfico no Estado. A metodologia desta investigação qualitativa contou com pesquisa bibliográfica e análise de conteúdo de dez filmes selecionados por critérios previamente estabelecidos. Os resultados evidenciaram que esses filmes difundem paisagens naturais e urbanas, incluindo áreas rurais, municípios interioranos e cidades históricas. As montanhas, um ícone de Minas Gerais, tiveram destaque em quase todos os filmes. Similarmente, Belo Horizonte foi realçada em seis produções, evidenciando tanto os pontos turísticos mais convencionais da capital mineira, como regiões periféricas da cidade, locais geralmente negligenciados pelo turismo. Concluindo, apesar das obras audiovisuais analisadas não terem compromisso com o fomento do turismo, detêm potencial para promover o turismo em Minas Gerais por meio das paisagens escolhidas, favorecendo a sinergia turismo/audiovisual. A pesquisa que originou este artigo foi apoiada pelo Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico [310932/2017-3], e pela Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de Minas Gerais/FAPEMIG [PPM-00599-18].
Cicloturismo como promotor do desenvolvimento de áreas rurais: Possibilidades na região do Baixo Parnaíba Maranhense
Authors: Sousa Rodrigo Olavo Costa , Carvalho Karoliny Diniz
Published: June 2021

Uma das modalidades inseridas no âmbito do turismo no espaço rural consiste nos passeios de bicicleta, segmento que permite aos visitantes um modo mais estreito e particular de vivenciar o espaço e que alia recreação, lazer e educação ambiental, gerando práticas de hospitalidade ao longo dos percursos. O presente artigo aborda o cicloturismo como elemento da oferta de turismo rural no território do Baixo Parnaíba Maranhense. Como objetivos específicos, a pesquisa volta-se para compreender a dinâmica do turismo rural, identificar os sentidos e significados do cicloturismo, e verificar como ocorre a prática do cicloturismo no Baixo Parnaíba, seus aspectos favoráveis e limitantes, com vistas a problematizar a viabilidade ou não desta prática como produto turístico potencial. Trata-se de uma pesquisa orientada pelos condicionantes da investigação qualitativa, possuindo um caráter exploratório e descritivo. Na construção do referencial teórico, valeu-se das contribuições de Tulik (2003), Rodrigues (2001) e Kageyama (2008) sobre a dinâmica do turismo rural; as análises acerca do cicloturismo foram realizadas a partir dos estudos de Han et al. (2017), Cavallari (2012) Lima (2015), Carvalho et al. (2013); a relação entre cicloturismo e desenvolvimento local foi tecida a partir dos estudos de Buarque (2002), Vázquez Barquero (2001) e Duarte (2008). Na pesquisa de campo, fez-se uso da técnica de observação direta e sistemática (Cervo, 2007), realizada por meio do acompanhamento de grupos de ciclistas nos roteiros de cicloturismo local. Evidenciou-se práticas de hospitalidade e de acolhimento e a abertura de pequenos negócios de alimentação ao longo das rotas desenvolvidas, sinalizando para o empreendedorismo comunitário, no entanto, a pesquisa aponta para algumas fragilidades, como a ausência de políticas públicas sistemáticas, a fim de organizar e estruturar a oferta de turismo rural, consoante às expectativas e demandas comunitárias.
Intermitências na gestão pública em turismo: Um estudo sobre o patrimônio cultural edificado de Blumenau e políticas públicas voltadas ao turismo
Authors: Moser Giancarlo , Carvalho Verônica Maria de
Published: June 2021

Quando se trata de Políticas Públicas em Turismo, pode-se evidenciar a necessidade de trabalhos coordenados, a fim de integrar estratégias e esforços, levando-se em consideração todo o potencial do destino, incluindo sobremaneira o patrimônio cultural, histórico e edificado da localidade. Sendo assim, o presente trabalho busca contribuir nas discussões que visam a compreender melhor as relações entre Patrimônio Cultural e/ou servir como base para que o município de Blumenau, objeto empírico dessa investigação, procure ter um olhar com mais acuidade para o seu patrimônio edificado e sua possível promoção para o Turismo. O objetivo deste estudo é avaliar, sobre o prisma histórico, se o município de Blumenau (SC) desenvolve políticas públicas voltadas ao turismo, considerando seu patrimônio cultural edificado. Trata-se de uma pesquisa do tipo qualitativa e exploratória, com procedimentos de pesquisa bibliográfica, documental, de campo, aportado no método de estudo de caso. Os resultados indicaram que, mesmo com a criação de vários órgãos, conselhos e autarquias para atuarem no propósito patrimonial, não há uma convergência de ações e uma continuidade que possibilite um corpus unificado para a oferta do Patrimônio Edificado para o Turismo de Blumenau de uma maneira mais conectada e assertiva.
Netnografia: Um panorama da sua aplicabilidade nas pesquisas em turismo
Authors: Ruiz Thays Cristina Domareski , Akel Gisah Moreira , Domareski Viviane Heineck
Published: June 2021

A netnografia é reconhecida como uma ferramenta de pesquisa útil para coletar e analisar informações on-line de consumidores e clientes. O objetivo deste artigo é traçar um panorama bibliométrico sobre os estudos de turismo que aplicam a netnografia. A metodologia foi uma análise bibliométrica, qualitativa, utilizando o software de análise VOSviewer para verificação de autorias, citações, principais revistas e distribuição geográfica. Os resultados demonstram que o crescimento de estudos e artigos que aplicam esta metodologia frente ao campo de investigações do turismo é cada vez maior, apresentando contribuições significativas em relação ao comportamento e experiência do turista e consumidor.
Reliability of photo-optical measurements of log stack gross volume
Authors: Berendt Ferréol , Wolfgramm Felix , Cremer Tobias
Published: June 2021

In terms of assessing economic impact, one of the most important elements in the wood supply chain is the measurement of round wood. Besides the one-by-one measurement of logs, logs are often measured when stacked at the forest road. The gross stacked volume includes the volume of the wood, bark and airspace and is widely used for industrial wood assortments. The increasing international attention given to photo-optical measurement systems for portable devices is due to their simplicity of use and efficiency. The aim of this study was to compare the gross volumes of hardwood log stacks measured using one widespread photo-optical app with two manual section-wise volume estimations of log stacks based on the German framework agreement for timber trade (RVR). The manual volume estimations were done starting from the left (RVR) and right (RVR) sides of the log stacks. The results showed an average deviation of the photo-optical gross volume estimation in comparison to the manual estimation of â2.09% (RVR) and â3.66% (RVR) while the deviation between RVR and RVR was +2.54%. However, the log stack gross volume had a highly significant effect on the deviation and better accuracy with smaller deviation were reached for larger log stacks. Moreover, results indicated that the gross volume estimations of higher quality log stacks were closer for the three analyzed methods compared to estimations of poor-quality log stacks.leftrightleftrightleftright
Ketepatan waktu pembayaran simpan pinjam guna meningkatkan pengembangan koperasi unit desa
Authors: Nurlitaputri Prastika , Isharijadi Isharijadi , Yusdita Elana Era
Published: June 2021

This study aims to analyze (1) the causes of inaccurate loan payments (2) the handling of inaccurate savings and loan payments (3) solutions for the development of the SMW Village Unit Cooperative. The data were collected by means of observations, interviews, and documentation. Then, they were analysed using descriptive analysis with a qualitative approach. The informants of this study were the cooperative employees in relation whith the cooperative savings and loan process. The results showed that the inaccurate loan repayments were due to economic factors (illness, celebration, disaster experienced by members, other unexpected needs) and delayed harvest periods (crop failure). The handling of inaccurate savings and loan payments done by the KUD SMW were taken by conducting field surveys, giving warnings, and taking personal approaches. Next is that the solution to developing the KUD SMW is carried out by means of business expansion and business intensification. The SMW KUD should do a more maximal analysis of the 5C principle so that they can clearly identify the borrower's ability to pay their future obligations, and it is better to strengthen the development of business intensification prior to business extentification so that bad credit does not burden new business units.
Pengaruh E-Service Quality, Kualitas Informasi dan Perceived Value terhadap Loyalitas Pelanggan melalui Kepuasan Pelanggan Grabbike
Authors: Vicramaditya Punang Biru
Published: June 2021

This study aims to determine the effect of e-service quality, information quality and perceived value on GrabBike customer loyalty through customer satisfaction. The number of respondents used in this study was 154 respondents, all respondents were users of the GrabBike service on the Grab application issued by the company PT Grab Indonesia. The instrument used in this study was a questionnaire instrument. The data from filling out the questionnaire were then analyzed using the Partial Least Square (PLS) analysis technique with the help of the SmartPLs program.Based on the results of this study, it was found that e-service quality and perceived value had a positive and significant effect on customer satisfaction and customer loyalty, while information quality had a positive and significant effect on customer satisfaction but not positive and significant on customer loyalty. The results of the indirect effect test show that e-service quality, information quality and perceived value have a positive and significant effect on customer loyalty through customer satisfaction.Keywords: e-service quality, information quality, perceived value, Partial Least Square
PERBANDINGAN HASIL INVESTIGASI BARANG BUKTI DIGITAL PADA APLIKASI FACEBOOK DAN INSTAGRAM DENGAN METODE NIST
Authors: Rahmansyah Rizqi
Published: June 2021

Kemajuan teknologi sudah sangat berkembang pada masa ini, salah satunya adalah dibidang media penyebaran informasi. Media penyebaran informasi yang berkembang ini salah satunya ditandai dengan hadirnya sosial media yang sering diakses masyarakat. Sosial media yang sering diakses masyarakat diantara-Nya adalah Facebook dan Instagram karena kedua sosial media tersebut mudah untuk diakses hanya dengan sebuah ponsel pintar. Informasi yang beredar melalui sosial media tidak selamanya benar, ada kalanya informasi yang tersebar pada sosial media merupakan berita palsu atau hoaks. Dikarenakan banyaknya kasus penyebaran berita palsu atau hoaks ini melalui sosial media yang bisa diakses oleh masyarakat via smartphone mereka maka diperlukan ilmu Mobile Forensic untuk kepentingan investigasi barang bukti digital dari pelaku penyebar hoaks yang telah dihapus baik berupa unggahan gambar ataupun teks pesan. Dalam melakukan penelitian ini metode yang akan digunakan adalah sebuah metode yang dikeluarkan oleh NIST (National Institute of Standards and Technology) dimana tahapan-tahapan dari metode itu terdiri dari Collection, Examination, Analysis, Reporting. Hasil penelitian ini menunjukkan bahwa dengan bantuan aplikasi Magnet Axiom Process dan Magnet Axiom Examine proses forensik pada ponsel bisa dilakukan dengan mudah selain itu hasil perhitungan perbandingan persentase barang bukti digital yang didapatkan menunjukkan aplikasi Instagram mendapatkan barang bukti sebesar 75% sedangkan Facebook hanya sebesar 37,5% dari 12 barang bukti yang ingin didapatkan. ni menunjukkan bahwa barang bukti yang didapatkan oleh aplikasi Instagram jauh lebih banyak dibandingkan Facebook. Selain itu waktu dilakukannya proses forensik setelah kejadian penghapusan mempengaruhi hasil dari barang bukti digital yang didapatkan.
Percutaneous Coronary Intervention for Chronic Total Occlusion in Single Coronary Arteries
Authors: Choi Jah Yeon , Rha Seung-Woon , Choi Byoung Geol , Choi Se Yeon , Byun Jae Kyeong , Jang Won Young , Kim Woohyeun , Na Jin Oh , Choi Cheol Ung , Kim Eung Ju , Park Chang Gyu , Seo Hong Seog
Published: June 2021

We retrospectively compared the results of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and optimal medical therapy (OMT) for chronic total occlusion (CTO) in single coronary arteries to determine whether outcomes depend on the artery involved.

From January 2004 through November 2015, a total of 731 patients were treated at our center for CTO in the left anterior descending coronary artery (LAD) (234 patients, 32%), left circumflex coronary artery (LCx) (184, 25.2%), or right coronary artery (RCA) (313, 42.8%). We further classified patients by treatment (PCI or OMT) and compared the cumulative incidence of major adverse cardiac events (MACE) and the composite of total death or myocardial infarction, as well as change in left ventricular ejection fraction from baseline.

The 5-year cumulative incidence of MACE was similar between the treatment groups regardless of target vessel. The 5-year cumulative incidence of the composite of total death or myocardial infarction was significantly lower after PCI than after OMT or failed PCI in the LCx (2.6% vs 11.5%; P=0.020; log-rank) and RCA (5.8% vs 17.2%; P=0.002) groups, but not in the LAD group. Cox proportional hazards regression analysis indicated that PCI independently predicted a lower incidence of the composite of total death or myocardial infarction in the LCx group (hazard ratio [HR]=0.184; 95% CI, 0.0035–0.972; P=0.046) and the RCA group (HR=0.316; 95% CI, 0.119–0.839; P=0.021).

The artery involved does not appear to affect clinical outcomes of successful PCI for single-vessel CTO. Further investigation in a randomized clinical trial is warranted.
Theoretical Efficiency and Practicality of the Solar Trough Collector / Tikrit-Iraq
Authors: Mahmood Yaseen. H. , Khalid Adnan M. , Baqi Abdulsalam S.
Published: June 2021

An experimental and theoretical study was conducted to attain solar collectors’ thermal efficiency. Testing was done during May of 2019 on a solar collector’s surface at the Physics Department of the University of Tikrit. The absorbent tubes used had a length of 1.5 m, were painted black, made of copper, had an outer diameter of 0.03 m, internal diameter of 0.028 m, and a tank capacity of 40L. By entering these specifications along with those of the solar collector, the theoretical thermal efficiency was calculated. The findings showed that practical efficiency curves and useful thermal energy absorbed by the water contained goes down when using copper tubing. The results also illustrated that useful thermal energy and thermal efficiency increases along with increasing the mass flow rate of water.
Analyse environnementale de la planification provinciale et territoriale aux fins des programmes de vaccination contre la COVID-19 au Canada
Authors: MacDonald Shannon , Sell Hannah , Wilson Sarah , Meyer Samantha , Gagneur Arnaud , Assi Ali , Sadarangani Manish
Published: June 2021

Contexte : Les services de santé publique du Canada sont actuellement confrontés à la tâche difficile de planifier et de mettre en œuvre des programmes de vaccination contre la maladie à coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19). Objectif : Recueillir et synthétiser les informations concernant la planification du programme de vaccination contre la COVID-19 dans chaque province et territoire du Canada, y compris les considérations logistiques, les groupes prioritaires et la surveillance de l’innocuité et de l’efficacité du vaccin. Méthodes : Les responsables provinciaux et territoriaux de la santé publique ont été interrogés par téléconférence au cours de la phase initiale de planification des programmes de vaccination contre la COVID-19 (août à octobre 2020) afin de recueillir des informations sur les sujets suivants : facteurs uniques pour la vaccination contre la COVID-19, intention d’adopter les recommandations du Comité consultatif national de l’immunisation (CCNI), groupes prioritaires pour les premières phases de la vaccination et surveillance de l’innocuité et de l’efficacité du vaccin. Les données ont été regroupées en fonction des réponses communes et une analyse descriptive a été réalisée. Résultats : Dix-huit entretiens ont eu lieu avec 25 participants de 11 des 13 provinces et territoires. Les facteurs uniques de la vaccination contre la COVID-19 comprenaient la hiérarchisation des groupes pour les premières phases de la vaccination (n = 7), la perception des vaccins par le public (n = 6) et des critères d’éligibilité divergents (n = 5). Presque toutes les provinces et territoires (n = 10) ont déclaré s’appuyer sur les recommandations du CCNI. Les résidents des établissements de soins de longue durée (n = 10) et les travailleurs de la santé (n = 10) ont été le plus souvent prioritaires pour les premières phases de la vaccination, suivis des personnes souffrant de maladies chroniques (n = 9) et des personnes âgées (n = 8). La plupart des provinces et territoires (n = 9) prévoient une surveillance systématique des effets indésirables pour évaluer l’innocuité des vaccins. L’évaluation de l’efficacité devait se faire au sein des services de santé publique (n = 3), par des chercheurs (n = 3) ou sur la base de directives nationales (n = 4). Conclusion : La planification des programmes de vaccination contre la COVID-19 dans les provinces et territoires présente certaines similitudes et est largement conforme aux directives du CCNI, avec quelques divergences. Des recherches supplémentaires sont nécessaires pour évaluer les programmes de vaccination contre la COVID-19 une fois qu’ils auront été mis en œuvre.
Intrinsic scaling method for doubly nonlinear parabolic equations and its application
Authors: Misawa Masashi , Nakamura Kenta
Published: June 2021

In this article, we consider a fast diffusive type doubly nonlinear parabolic equation, called 𝑝-Sobolev type flows, and devise a new intrinsic scaling method to transform the prototype doubly nonlinear equation to the 𝑝-Sobolev type flows.
As an application, we show the global existence and regularity for the 𝑝-Sobolev type flows with large data.
Does the Strength of Incentives Matter for Elected Officials? A Look at Tax Collectors
Authors: Bagchi Sutirtha
Published: June 2021

In Pennsylvania local property taxes are collected by elected officials, known as tax collectors, whose compensation varies widely in both structure and level across municipalities. This paper analyses the existence of a pay-performance relationship for these officials. Using data on the percentage of property taxes that are actually collected at the municipal level, the paper finds that as the compensation tax collectors receive goes up, they collect more in taxes. This relationship is however true only for collectors who are compensated on a commission basis and not for collectors compensated on the basis of a flat salary.
Acute and repeated dose 60-day oral toxicity assessment of chemically characterized Berberis hispanica Boiss. and Reut in Wistar rats
Authors: El Fakir Loubna , Bourhia Mohammed , Salamatullah Ahmad Mohammad , Alzahrani Abdulhakeem , Ullah Riaz , Ezzeldin Essam , Mostafa Gamal A. , Bari Ahmed , Alaoui Tajelmolk , Gmouh Said , Benbacer Laila , Zaid Abdelhamid
Published: June 2021

Berberis hispanica Boiss. & Reut (B. hispanica) belongs to the family Berberidaceae, which is currently used in traditional medicines. This article aimed to study the phytochemical composition and acute and subacute toxicity of B. hispanica extract in rats. The phytochemical composition of B. hispanica extract was characterized using GC-MS. The acute toxicity was investigated in vivo via the oral administration of single doses including 400, 800, 1,000, 1,200, and 1,400 mg/kg for 14 days. The subchronic toxicity was studied through oral administration of 400 mg/kg for 60 days. The findings of the phytochemical analysis of B. hispanica extract showed the presence of various phytochemical compounds. Acute toxicity results revealed serious clinical symptoms and mortalities in rats treated with 800 mg/kg up to a maximum of 1,400 mg/kg. With acute toxicity, subchronic toxicity results showed also serious signs of toxicity including biochemical and histological alterations in animals treated with 1,400 mg/kg. B. hispanica extract revealed to be toxic in rats orally treated under both subacute (>400 mg/kg) and subchronic toxicity conditions (400 mg/kg). The outcome of this study serves the society as it provides toxicological evidence of B. hispanica used in alternative medicines
Consumption of Ashtanga Ghrita (clarified cow butter added with herb extracts) improves cognitive dysfunction induced by scopolamine in rats via regulation of acetylcholinesterase activity and oxidative stress
Authors: Sharma Vineet , Firdaus Zeba , Rai Himanshu , Nayak Prasanta Kumar , Singh Tryambak Deo , Gautam Dev Nath Singh
Published: June 2021

Objectives

Ashtanga Ghrita (AG), an Indian traditional formulation, has been used to promote neuropharmacological activities. AG is made up of clarified cow butter (ghee) and eight different herbs.

Methods

To test whether scopolamine (SCP)-induced dementia and brain oxidative stress can be counteracted by AG, rats were separated into five groups (n=6/group): group one control, group two SCP (1 mg/kg b.w., i.p.) treated and group three to five were co-treated with different doses of AG (1.25, 2.5 and 5 g/kg b.w., orally) and SCP. After the treatment regimen, behavioral (Y-maze test) and brain biochemical changes were measured in all groups.

Results

Microbial load and heavy metals were found within permissible limits. Results from attenuated total reflection Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy demonstrated the complexation/interaction of herbal phytoconstituents with the functional groups of Ghrita. Preliminary phytochemical analysis of AG exhibited the occurrence of flavonoids, phenolics, glycosides, steroids, triterpenes, tannins, and amino acids. Findings of the experimental study exhibited that AG significantly protected the rats from SCP-induced behavioral dysfunction and brain biochemical alterations.

Conclusions

This study demonstrates that AG protects the brain from SCP-induced dementia by promoting brain antioxidant activity and thus could be a promising drug for the treatment of neurodegenerative disease.
Extraction of road boundary from MLS data using laser scanner ground trajectory
Authors: Sui Lichun , Zhu Jianfeng , Zhong Mianqing , Wang Xue , Kang Junmei
Published: June 2021

Various means of extracting road boundary from mobile laser scanning data based on vehicle trajectories have been investigated. Independent of positioning and navigation data, this study estimated the scanner ground track from the spatial distribution of the point cloud as an indicator of road location. We defined a typical edge block consisting of multiple continuous upward fluctuating points by abrupt changes in elevation, upward slope, and road horizontal slope. Subsequently, such edge blocks were searched for on both sides of the estimated track. A pseudo-mileage spacing map was constructed to reflect the variation in spacing between the track and edge blocks over distance, within which road boundary points were detected using a simple linear tracking model. Experimental results demonstrate that the ground trajectory of the extracted scanner forms a smooth and continuous string just on the road; this can serve as the basis for defining edge block and road boundary tracking algorithms. The defined edge block has been experimentally verified as highly accurate and strongly noise resistant, while the boundary tracking algorithm is simple, fast, and independent of the road boundary model used. The correct detection rate of the road boundary in two experimental data is more than 99.2%.
Impact of high-intensity ultrasound on the physicochemical and functional properties of a protein isolate from passion fruit (Passiflora edulis) seeds
Authors: Espinosa-Murillo Natalia del Carmen , Ulloa José Armando , Urías-Silvas Judith Esmeralda , Rosas-Ulloa Petra , Ramírez-Ramírez José Carmen , Gutiérrez-Leyva Ranferi , Ulloa-Rangel Blanca Estela
Published: June 2021

A protein isolate from passion fruit seeds (PFSPI) obtained by alkaline extraction and isoelectric precipitation was treated with sonication for 15 and 30 min at 40 kHz to evaluate its impact on the physicochemical and functional properties. The PFSPI had a purity of 96.21% protein, with albumins being the main fraction (75.66%). Ultrasound increased the bulk density (ρ) of PFSPI by 13.3% and the formation a more porous structure by a greater separation between particles. Protein solubility of PFSPI in the range of pH 2–12 sonicated for 15 and 30 min, increased on average 5.21 and 9.86%, respectively, in comparison with the control. PFSPI foaming properties were influenced by pH and sonication time, achieving up to 577%, while the minimum gelling concentration was reduced from 4 to 2% at pH 7. Therefore, sonication treatment improved some functional properties of PFSPI for its potential use as a food ingredient.
Clinical significance of serum gonadotropin and androgen levels among Egyptian overweight/obese pubertal girls
Authors: El-Masry Sahar A. , Mahmoud Rehab A. , Ahmed Hanaa H. , Al-Tohamy Muhammad , Abdel Latif Hend M. , Afify Mahmoud A.S.
Published: June 2021

Objectives

Evaluate the association between overweight/obesity with serum gonadotropin and androgen levels in Egyptian pubertal girls.

Methods

A case-control study carried out in “Obesity Clinic” of “Diabetes, Endocrine and Metabolism Pediatric Unit (DEMPU)”, Pediatric Hospital, Cairo University. It included 40 overweight and obese girls and 40 age-matching normal weight (control) ones, aged 12–18 years. Anthropometric assessment (weight, height and hip and waist circumferences) was done, and waist/hip and BMI were calculated. Laboratory investigations: lipid profile, serum gonadotropin (LH, FSH), androgen (free and total testosterone), estradiol, insulin, and FBG were quantified, while insulin resistance (IR) was calculated.

Results

Hypogonadotropins (FSH and LH) and hyperandrogenaemia (total and free testosterone) were significantly prominent among obese girls. Correlation between gonadotropin, androgen and all of the studied variables, for the three studied groups (obese, overweight and control) revealed constant relations. Gonadotropin and androgens showed opposing correlations. Gonadotropin had significant negative correlations with the anthropometric parameters of obesity (BMI, waist, and W/H ratio), insulin, insulin resistance and lipid profile (triglycerides, total cholesterol and LDL), whereas androgens had significant positive ones. In addition, gonadotropin showed significant positive correlations with estradiol and HDL, while androgens showed significant negative ones.

Conclusions

Overweight/obesity had no effect on the correlations between gonadotropin and androgen on one side, with the anthropometric measurements and laboratory investigations on the other one. Alterations in androgen levels occur at earlier ages than gonadotropin, among both overweight and obese girls.
Can we improve our ability to interpret category II fetal heart rate tracings using additional clinical parameters?
Authors: Yagur Yael , Weitzner Omer , Biron-Shental Tal , Hornik-Lurie Tzipi , Bookstein Peretz Shiran , Tzur Yehuda , Shechter Maor Gil
Published: June 2021

Objectives

This study examined predictive factors, in addition to Category II Fetal Herat Rate (FHR) monitoring that might imply fetal acidosis and risk of asphyxia.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study compared three groups of patients with Category II FHR monitoring indicating need for imminent delivery. Groups were divided based on fetal cord blood pH: pH≤7.0, 7.0<pH<7.2 and pH≥7.2. Demographics, medical history, delivery data and early neonatal outcomes were reviewed.

Results

The cohort included 417 women. Nine (2.2%) had cord pH≤7.0, 105 (25.2%) pH 7.0 to 7.2 and 303 (72.6%) ad pH≥7.2. Background characteristics, pregnancy follow-up and intrauterine fetal evaluation prior to delivery were similar in all groups. As expected, more patients in the low pH group had cesarean section (55.6%), than vaginal delivery or vacuum extraction (p=0.02). Five-minute Apgar scores were similar in all groups.

Conclusions

This retrospective study did not detect a specific parameter that could help predict the prognosis of fetal acidosis and risk of asphyxia. As we only included patients with a Category II tracing that was worrisome enough to lead to imminent delivery, it is reasonable to believe that this is due to patient selection, meaning that when the Category II FHR results in decision for prompt delivery, there is no added value in additional clinical characteristics. The evaluation should be expanded to all patients with Category II tracing for better interpretation tools for Category II FHR monitors, as well as a larger study population.
Probing electron transport in plasmonic molecular junctions with two-photon luminescence spectroscopy
Authors: Zhang Qiang , Liu Danjun , Ren Qun , Panoiu Nicolae C. , Lin Li , Ye Jian , Huang Yang , Liu Shao-Ding , Leung Chi Wah , Lei Dangyuan
Published: June 2021

Plasmonic core–molecule–shell (CMS) nanojunctions provide a versatile platform for studying electron transport through conductive molecules under light excitation. In general, the impact of electron transport on the near-field response of CMS nanojunctions is more prominent than on the far-field property. In this work, we use two-photon luminescence (TPL) spectroscopy to probe the effect of electron transport on the plasmonic properties of gold CMS nanojunctions. Theoretical calculations show that the TPL response of such nanojunctions is closely related to the near-field enhancement inside the metal regions, and can be strongly affected by the electron transport through the embedded molecules. TPL excitation spectroscopy results for three CMS nanojunctions (0.7, 0.9 and 1.5 nm junction widths) reveal no perceivable contribution from their low-energy plasmon modes. This observation can be well explained by a quantum-corrected model, assuming significant conductance for the molecular layers and thus efficient charge transport through the junctions. Furthermore, we explore the charge transport mechanism by investigating the junction width dependent TPL intensity under a given excitation wavelength. Our study contributes to the field of molecular electronic plasmonics through opening up a new avenue for studying quantum charge transport in molecular junctions by non-linear optical spectroscopy.
Chemical and morphological characterization and pulping of Casuarina equisetifolia
Authors: Sarkar Akash Mamon , Jahan M Sarwar , Nayeem Jannatun , Arafat Kazi M Yasin , Rahman M Mostafizur , Popy Razia Sultana , Shofiul Islam Molla Jamal AHM , Quaiyyum M. Abdul
Published: June 2021

Bangladesh is very much successful in coastal afforestation programmes, which protects from frequent cyclones. Casuarina equisetifolia has showed a climate resilient and promising species. No study has been done on industrial application of C. equisetifolia in Bangladesh. In this study, C. equisetifolia was characterized in terms of chemical, morphological and anatomical properties. It is characterized with higher α-cellulose, similar hemicelluloses and lignin as compared to other hardwood species grown in Bangladesh. The C. equisetifolia lignin contained mainly of syringyl unit followed by guaiacyl unit. The fiber of C. equisetifolia was shorter in length with very thick cell wall and narrow lumen, consequently the wood density and runkel ratio were very high (2.89). The C. equisetifolia was also fractionated by formic acid (FA) at atmospheric pressure to pulp, dissolved lignin and hemicelluloses. Pulp yield was 50 % with kappa number of 40 at the conditions of 3 h treatment with 90 % FA followed by 2 h peroxyformic acid treatment. But in the kraft process, C. equisetifolia produced pulp yield of 44 % with kappa number 17. Both pulps showed good bleachability. The papermaking properties were in acceptable range. Finally, it can be said that C. equisetifolia is promising species for pulping.
A return to the past? The Spanish as the First Foreign Language policy in Trinidad and Tobago
Authors: Hoyte-West Antony
Published: June 2021

Situated close to the coast of Venezuela, the small twin-island nation of Trinidad & Tobago is geographically South American, but culturally Caribbean. Despite colonisation by various European powers, years of British rule and the ensuing dominance of English have meant that the country’s rich ethnic and cultural heritage is currently not paralleled by equivalent linguistic diversity. Building on the country’s natural position as a bridge between the English and Spanish-speaking worlds, the government launched the Spanish as the First Foreign Language (SAFFL) policy in 2005, with the aim to enhance trade links with Latin America through increased use of Spanish in the education system, civil service, and wider society. After outlining the historical and sociocultural background underpinning the SAFFL policy, this study examines the initiative’s implementation and surveys its impact, seeking to evaluate the policy’s effectiveness as a whole.
Stakeholders and Invasive Asian Carp in the Great Lakes
Authors: Orr Shannon
Published: June 2021

Asian carp were introduced in the 1970s as an environmentally friendly alternative to chemicals for cleaning aquaculture ponds. The carp escaped from their ponds and entered the Mississippi River system, leaving behind a path of destruction. Now, they are just a few miles away from the Great Lakes where they pose a threat to the billion-dollar fishing industry. One of the challenges in dealing with the problem is the diverse array of stakeholders involved who all have very different perspectives, concerns, and ideas about this policy problem. This case study demonstrates the challenges of stakeholder management in public policy and gives readers an analytical framework for thinking about stakeholder interests.
Home-Schooling in David Makes Man
Authors: Sanders Sasha J. , Woodruffe Anjuliet G.
Published: June 2021

This essay explores the logic of capitalism that shapes the experiences of a precarious Black Miami teen in the OWN television series David Makes Man. Analyzing seven episodes of the first season, we develop the concept of home-schooling to describe hustlin’ as a capitalist logic operating within Florida public housing and meritocracy as a capitalist logic celebrated at an elite magnet school to reveal imaginative possibilities of survival in Miami. In this essay, we engage the circuit of culture to interrogate issues of racialized-class in the television series and within a broader social context.
Convective heat transfer and fluid flow characteristics in fin and oval-tube heat exchanger
Authors: Abdoune Yamina , Djamel Sahel , Redouane Benzeguir , Karima Alem
Published: June 2021

The forced convective heat transfer behavior of a turbulent air flow, steady and Newtonian over a fin and oval-tube heat exchanger has been examined numerically. Where, the effect of the tube tilt angle (α) on the heat transfer coefficient and the friction factor was tested. The inclination angle of the oval-tubes going from 0° (Baseline case) to 90° with a step of 10°. The fluid flows and heat transfer characteristics are presented for Reynolds numbers ranging from 3.000 to 12.000. All investigations are carried out with the help of the CFD ANSYS Fluent. Heat transfer coefficient results in the term of the Nusselt number are validated with the available experimental data and a maximum deviation of 9 % is observed. Reasonable agreement is found. The obtained results show that the tube's inclination angle of 20° is the best design which signiﬁcantly removes the hot spots behind the tubes, thus giving an increase in the heat transfer coefficient of 13 % compared to the baseline case. In addition, useful correlations are developed to predict Nusselt number and friction factor in the fin and oval-tube heat exchanger.
Novel use of the Monte-Carlo methods to visualize singularity configurations in serial manipulators
Authors: Aboelnasr Mohamed , Bahaa Hussein M , Mokhiamar Ossama
Published: June 2021

This paper analyses the problem of the kinematic singularity of 6 DOF serial robots by extending the use of Monte-Carlo numerical methods to visualize singularity configurations. To achieve this goal, first, forward kinematics and D-H parameters have been derived for the manipulator. Second, the derived equations are used to generate and visualize a workspace that gives a good intuition of the motion shape of the manipulator. Third, the Jacobian matrix is computed using graphical methods, aiming to locate positions that cause singularity. Finally, the data obtained are processed in order to visualize the singularity and to design a trajectory free of singularity. MATLAB robotics toolbox, Symbolic toolbox, and curve fitting toolbox are the MATLAB toolboxes used in the calculations. The results of the surface and contour plots of the determinate of the Jacobian matrix behavior lead to design a manipulator’s trajectory free of singularity and show the parameters that affect the manipulator’s singularity and its behavior in the workspace.
Effects of reverse cold rolling on the microstructure, texture and mechanical properties of AA1100 aluminium alloys
Authors: Rivero Oswaldo , Pico Diego , Castruita Laura G , García-Pastor Francisco , Unfried Jimy
Published: June 2021

In this work the microstructure, texture and mechanical properties during different stages of reverse cold rolling (RCR) process on aluminium alloy AA1100-H14 were analysed.  Microstructure was observed using optical and electron scanning microscopy. Texture was analysed using X-ray diffraction (macrotexture) and electron back-scattering diffraction (microtexture) techniques. Tensile test and microhardness measurements were carried out. Results showed that a high deformation using RCR was obtained in samples of annealed state leading to maximum values of tensile strength and hardness, along with a reduction of ductility. Intensity of -fibres decreased producing unstable textures {112} <110> while microstructure exhibited refinement of grain, with enlarged morphology.