bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Novel reassortant of H9N2 avian influenza viruses isolated from chickens and quails in Egypt
Authors: Elsayed Moataz , Arafa AbdelSatar , Abdelwahab Shahira , Hashish Amro , Youssef Ahmed
Published: August 2021

Background and Aim: Poultry infections with H9N2 avian influenza viruses (AIVs) are endemic in Egypt. This study determined the genetic changes in the sequences of H9N2 AIVs isolated from chicken and quails in Egypt, including determining genetic reassortment and detecting the main genetic changes in hemagglutinin (HA) and neuraminidase (NA) genes.

Materials and Methods: Swab samples were collected from chicken and quails, examined through reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, and AIVs from positive samples were isolated in embryonated chicken eggs. Complete genome sequencing and phylogenetic analyses were conducted for two H9N2 AIV isolates, and sequences of HA and NA gene segments were analyzed in another two isolates.

Results: A novel reassortant virus was identified from a commercial chicken flock (A/chicken/Egypt/374V/2016) and quails from a live bird market (A/quail/Egypt/1253V/2016). The reassortant viruses acquired four genome segments from the classic Egyptian H9N2 viruses (HA, NA, NP, and M) and four segments from Eurasian AIVs (PB2, PB1, PA, and NS). Many genetic changes have been demonstrated in HA and NA genes. The isolated novel reassortant H9N2 virus from quails showed amino acid mutations in the antigenic sites on the globular head of the mature HA monomer matched with the parent Egyptian H9N2 virus.

Conclusion: This work described the genetic characterization of a novel reassortment of the H9N2 virus in Egypt. The emergence of new reassorted AIV viruses and genome variability raises the concern of an influenza pandemic with zoonotic potentials.
Synthesis and Characterization of Nickel(II) Complexes of Nitrogen based Ligands of Type N,N,N′,N′-tetrakis(2-Pyridylmethyl)alkanediamine
Authors: Nareetsile F.M. , Gontse R. , Oyetunji O.A. , Obuseng V.C.
Published: August 2021

Hexadentate ligand of the type N,N,N′,N′-tetrakis(2-pyridylmethyl)alkanediamine (where alkane is butane (L1), hexane (L2) and octane (L3) reacted with Ni(ClO4)2·6H2O (stoichiometry 1:1) in alcoholic solutions yielding mononuclear complexes of the type [Ni(L)](ClO4)2·xH2O. The ligand L1 reacted with Ni(ClO4)2·6H2O in ethanol medium to give a violet powder of [Ni(L1)](ClO4)2·3H2O. The other mononuclear nickel(II) complexes using L2 and L3 were synthesized in methanol solution to give violet powders of [Ni(L2)](ClO4)2·2H2O and [Ni(L3)](ClO4)2·2H2O, respectively. All the three complexes were characterized by IR and elemental analysis. The X-ray crystallographic results for the purple crystals of [Ni(L1)](ClO4)2·3H2O shows the octahedral geometry on the Ni(II) ions together with the tetrahedral perchlorate anions separated from the [Ni(L1)]2+ cation. The crystal structure data show monoclinic space group P 21/c; a = 17.1748(10), b = 9.8273(6), c = 17.8146(10) Å; α = 90º, β = 95.0200(10)º, γ = 90º; V = 2995.2(3) Å3 , Z = 4.
Silver Doped TiO2 Photocatalyst for Disinfection of
E. coli and Microplastic Pollutant Degradation in Water
Authors: Haris M.F. , Didit A.M. , Ibadurrohman M. , Setiadi  , Slamet
Published: August 2021

Present study report the synthesis of Ag/TiO2 catalyst to study its ability to disinfect the pathogenic
microorganisms and degrade into micropollutants in water. The Ag/TiO2 was synthesized by
photoassisted deposition (PAD) method. The ratio of silver dopant varied (1%, 3% and 5%) to the
total weight of the composite. The SEM-EDX, UV-Vis DRS and XRD techniques were used to
characterize and determine the influence of silver dopant on the TiO2 structure. In this study, the
microorganism used was Escherichia coli and the microplastic used was polyethylene. During the
photocatalytic process under ultraviolet light irradiation, a magnetic stirrer was used at 2000 rpm. The
performance of photocatalyst in E. coli disinfection and microplastic degradation improved by the
addition of silver dopant. The 3% silver dopant has optimum performance with 79% of microbial
disinfection within 2 h and 81% microplastic degradation within 4 h.
Synthesis of Zirconia Doped Molybdenum Oxide as Efficient Catalysts for
Ultrasound Assisted Synthesis of Substituted Pyrazoles
Authors: Muftah Amal A. , Waghmode Shobha A. , Gadale Sharda R.
Published: August 2021

To explore green methodology for the synthesis of mixed oxide, its catalytic activity and temperature
stability of series of ZrO2/MoO3 and ZrO2 were prepared by sol-gel method and characterized by
XRD, FT-IR, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), temperature programmed Desorption (TPD),
Raman spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopes (TEM). These mixed oxides were showed
high stability with nanocrystalline nature. Due to highly acidic nature of the catalysts, ultra sound
assisted synthesis of substituted pyrazoles was carried out successfully with high yield. The reaction
was carried out in solvent free medium, which showed green approach and energy saving reaction.
Condensation of dibenzoyl methane and hydrazine to form substituted pyrazoles with 97.7% yield.
The acid strength and acid amount of synthesized catalysts were determined by temperature programmed
desoprtion (TPD), incorporation of zirconia into the molybdenum, network has changed its surface acid
properties due to the Zr2+ and Mo6+ ions. After addition of ZrO2 on MoO3, it showed weak and strong
acid sites.
Pharmacognostic Investigation and Antioxidant Activity of Sphagneticola trilobata
Authors: Singhal Kartik , Majee Chandana , Sharma Vikas
Published: August 2021

Sphagneticola trilobata (L.) or Pruski is a medicinal plant and recognized for the treatment of a
variety of ailments and partially explored for their pharmacological activity. The main objective of
this present study is to find out the pharmacognosy and antioxidant activity of parts of plant S. trilobata
viz. leaves, stem and aerial part. Pharmacognostic investigations for morphological characteristics,
determination of plant content, ash values, extractive values, total tannin, flavonoid, alkaloid and
phenol contents and preliminary phytochemical study. Antioxidant activity of the leaves, stem and
aerial part of the plant and isolated products of S. trilobata, through different methods also included in
present work. The morphology of this plant revealed that the leaves are green in colour with white
coarse hairs and stem are rounded, green or reddish and maybe coarsely hairy. The antioxidant activity
of the methanolic extracts of leaves stem and aerial part of the plant also revealed that the leaves
containing higher antioxidant potential compared to other parts. The result of this study could be
useful in the identification and preparation of monographs of the plant and also useful in findings the
antioxidant potentiality of the plant S. trilobata.
Synthesis and Characterization of Carboxymethylated Locust Bean Gum for
Developing Compression Coated Mucoadhesive Tablets of Cinnarizine
Authors: Giri Pankaj , Singh Inderbir
Published: August 2021

Carboxymethylated locust bean gum (CLBG) was synthesized by carboxymethylation of locust bean
gum (LBG) using monochloroacetic acid followed by characterization involving SEM, XRD and
FTIR techniques. The CLBG exhibited changes in the surface morphology along with relative
amorphous nature as indicated in SEM and XRD analysis, respectively. In SEM images, locust bean
gum (LBG) exhibited irregular particle with smooth surface morphologies whereas CLBG depicted
surface roughness with relatively irregular edges. XRD study indicated relative amorphous nature of
CLBG. The modified gum was employed for developing compression coated tablets of cinnarizine.
The core tablets coated with CLBG exhibited mucoadhesive detachment force of 11.44 ± 2.09 to
16.07 ± 1.88 N compared to 4.10 ± 0.95 to 5.52 ± 1.13 N of locust bean gum coated tablets. The
CLBG depicted better sustained drug release behaviour when compared with the pure gum. In
conclusion CLBG is a suitable polymer candidate for developing mucoadhesive drug delivery systems
with controlled release property.
Properties of Oil Shale Ash Filled Polypropylene Composite Material: Mechanical and Physical Characterization
Authors: Al-Shurafat Alaa , Banat Raid
Published: August 2021

The outcome of oil shale ash (OSA) filler addition on the mechanical, morphological, thermal and water uptake properties of the polypropylene (PP) matrix was investigated. The test specimens were prepared with various ratios of the mixtures that contain OSA and polypropylene in the following weight percentages: 0%, 10%, 20%, 30% and 40% OSA in polymer matrix. Composites specimens were produced by using a co-rotating twin screw extruder and a thermal press machine. The properties of the polymer composite specimens were characterized by using a universal testing machine (WDW-5) and izod impact testing machine (FI-68). The morphology of the composite samples was also characterized by using the scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Impact strength and Young’s modulus of the OSA/PP composite formulations were consistently improved on OSA inclusion. On the other hand, addition of OSA to pure polypropylene had consistently reduced the tensile stress at yield, tensile stress at rupture, tensile strain at yield and tensile strain at break. Adding OSA to polypropylene decreased the maximum flexural stress and flexural strain of maximum force. The observed SEM confirmed that the addition of OSA to pure polypropylene resulted in a significant increase in its agglomerates and filler pullout. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) results confirmed the addition of the OSA to pure polypropylene resulted in a significant decrease in normalized heat of crystallization, normalized enthalpy of melting. Where the degree of the crystallinity (Xc) of polymer composite decreased from 59% to 34% for 0% and 40% OSA addition, respectively. While melting temperature (Tm) of the composite did not change (167 °C) the crystallization temperature (Tc) increased from 116.6 °C to 127.1 ºC for 0% to 40% OSA addition, respectively. Water uptake, however, demonstrated different behaviour. The initial addition of OSA to polypropylene increased the water uptake property up to 4% for the 40% filler addition. The results of this study demonstrated that the OSA could be used as reinforcement material for polypropylene, as long as good mechanical properties and homogeneous morphology obtained.
Comparative Studies of Phytochemicals Analysis and in vitro Antioxidant Properties of Various Solvent Extracts of Sphaeranthus indicus Collected from three Different Climatic Zones of Central India
Authors: Akhand Pooja N. , Sharma Veena , Pathak Anupam K.
Published: August 2021

In present study, the total phenolic, flavonoid, tannin contents and the antioxidant activity of various solvent extracts of Sphaeranthus indicus collected from three different regions of central India were assessed. Plants extracts were prepared using Soxhlation method, while the total phenols, flavonoids and tannins were measured by the spectrophotometric method. DPPH, metal chelating, nitric oxide, superoxide oxide scavenging activity and FRAP, reducing power, total antioxidant assays were also evaluated. The highest phenolic contents 268.22 GAE equivalent, flavonoids 441.33 QE equivalents and tannin content was 120.32 tannic acid equivalents (mg/g) obtained from ethanolic extracts of sample SIEE-1 compared to other two plants extract. Similarly, the highest flavonoid contents was observed in SIAE-1 aqueous extract and lowest in SIAE-2 and SIAE-3. Extract of SIEE-1 possessed maximum antioxidant potentiality and SIAE-2 shown the least antioxidant activity in all assays. It could be concluded that different agroclimatic conditions have effects on the total phenolics, flavonoids, tannin contents and antioxidant potentiality of S. indicus plant.
CLINICAL AND BIOLOGICAL MARKERS OF SARCOPENIA: WHERE ARE WE?
Authors: STUDENSKI S.
Published: August 2021

Sarcopenia, defined as muscle wasting and weakness with aging, is common and associated with disability (1). Substantial potential exists to prolong active life expectancy and functional independence in older persons through interventions designed to prevent or treat sarcopenia. However, a major barrier to the implementation of trials to prevent and treat sarcopenia is the continued lack of consensus on inclusion and exclusion criteria, baseline assessment tools and end point assessments. For this reason, the work presented here on behalf of the International Working Group on Sarcopenia is another major step forward (2). The authors have consolidated multiple sources of information to summarize the current status of proposed clinical definitions and to identify candidate markers of muscle function, muscle mass and circulating factors that might suggest mechanisms or biological confounders. The authors found strong agreement regarding the key indicators of muscle function, including physical performance measures, muscle strength measures and indicators of functional disability. This strong agreement can potentially serve to guide those involved trial development and regulatory oversight.
BIOMARKERS OF SARCOPENIA IN CLINICAL TRIALS RECOMMENDATIONS FROM THE INTERNATIONAL WORKING GROUP ON SARCOPENIA
Authors: CESARI M. , FIELDING R.A. , PAHOR M. , GOODPASTER B. , HELLERSTEIN M. , ABELLAN VAN KAN G. , ANKER S.D. , RUTKOVE S. , VRIJBLOED J.W. , ISAAC M. , ROLLAND Y. , M’RINI C. , AUBERTIN-LEHEUDRE M. , CEDARBAUM J.M. , ZAMBONI M. , SIEBER C.C. , LAURENT D. , EVANS W.J. , ROUBENOFF R. , MORLEY J.E. , VELLAS B.
Published: August 2021

Sarcopenia, the age-related skeletal muscle decline, is associated with relevant clinical and socioeconomic negative outcomes in older persons. The study of this phenomenon and the development of preventive/therapeutic strategies represent public health priorities. The present document reports the results of a recent meeting of the International Working Group on Sarcopenia (a task force consisting of geriatricians and scientists from academia and industry) held on June 7-8, 2011 in Toulouse (France). The meeting was specifically focused at gaining knowledge on the currently available biomarkers (functional, biological, or imaging-related) that could be utilized in clinical trials of sarcopenia and considered the most reliable and promising to evaluate age-related modifications of skeletal muscle. Specific recommendations about the assessment of aging skeletal muscle in older people and the optimal methodological design of studies on sarcopenia were also discussed and finalized. Although the study of skeletal muscle decline is still in a very preliminary phase, the potential great benefits derived from a better understanding and treatment of this condition should encourage research on sarcopenia. However, the reasonable uncertainties (derived from exploring a novel field and the exponential acceleration of scientific progress) require the adoption of a cautious and comprehensive approach to the subject.
CONCURRENCE OF FRAILTY AND PARKINSON’S DISEASE
Authors: ROLAND K.P. , CORNETT K.M.D. , THEOU O. , JAKOBI J.M. , JONES G.R.
Published: August 2021

Background: Females with Parkinson’s disease (PD) are at greater risk of frailty than males. Little is known about how age and disease-related characteristics influence frailty in females with PD because frailty studies often exclude persons with underlying neurological pathologies. Objective: To determine age and diseaserelated characteristics that best explain physical frailty in community-dwelling females with and without PD. Design & Measurement: Correlation coefficients described relationships between PD-related characteristics and physical frailty phenotype criteria (Cardiovascular Health Study). Regression analysis identified associations between disease-related characteristics and frailty in non-PD and PD females. Setting: Community-dwelling. Participants: Females with mild to moderate PD (n = 17, mean age = 66 ± 8.5 years) and non-PD (n = 18, mean age = 72 ± 13.2 years) participated. Results: Daily carbidopa-levodopa dose best explained frailty in PD females (β = 0.5), whereas in non-PD females, age (β = 0.7) and comorbidity (β = 0.5) were most associated with frailty. Conclusions: Dopaminergic medication explained frailty in PD and not measures of disease progression (i.e. severity, duration). In females without PD age-related accumulation of comorbidities resulted in greater risk of frailty. This indicates dopaminergic management of PD symptoms may better reflect frailty in females with PD than disease severity or duration. These data suggest the influence of underlying frailty should be considered when managing neurological conditions. Understanding how frailty concurrently exists with PD and how these conditions progress within the aging female will facilitate future care management.
The UN Security Council and EU CSDP operations: exploring EU military operations from an outside perspective
Authors: Klocker Cornelia
Published: August 2021

This article examines European Union (EU) military operations from the perspective of the United Nations (UN) Security Council and UN collective security. The EU has supported UN peacekeeping missions through its own military operations within the Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP), based on the authorisation of these operations by the UN Security Council. However, the EU’s military operation on the Mediterranean Sea, Operation Sophia, was established in 2015 without such prior UN Security Council authorisation. Although the UN Security Council authorised the operation subsequently, it was received in a less positive light than previous operations and was criticised not only for the way in which it was established, but also for its performance. The article argues that this break with prior practice does not indicate a new direction being taken by the EU as it has retreated from this approach and established a new military operation in the Mediterranean (Operation Irini), again firmly in line with a mandate issued by the UN Security Council in 2020. The assessment of EU military operations can be complex as there might be other EU agencies involved in the process such as Frontex, and their role in future operations, in particular in the field of migration, should be monitored. Yet this internal complexity does not alter their evaluation under international law. As soon as EU military operations are conducted on the territory of a third State, the EU needs to secure either a UN Security Council authorisation or State consent. Looking at this process from the perspective of the UN Security Council sheds light on the complexity of EU military operations and their position within UN collective security.
MAHATHIR MOHAMMAD'S POLITICAL COMMUNICATIONS IN POLITICAL DYNAMICS IN MALAYSIA
Authors: Daulay Hamdan , As'adi Mohamad Hasan
Published: August 2021

The political turmoil in Malaysia following the resignation of Mahathir Mohammad (February 2020), and the success of Muhyiddin Yassin in the position of Prime Minister, made the political atmosphere even more dynamic. There are those who think that Malaysian politics currently shows a serious problem with the fierce battle between political figures. There have even been various accusations that say there is treason that justifies any means to achieve the goal. Muhyiddin Yassin, who is Mahathir's representative in the Malaysian Indigenous United Party (PPBM), was accused of treason. Likewise, Azmin Ali who was deputy chairman of the People's Justice Party (PKR) was accused of treason by Anwar Ibrahim, so that Azmin was fired from the PKR. Mahathir Mohammad is a senior Malaysian political figure with long experience in politics. The political communication that Mahthir has built is very intelligent with his success as a UMNO figure and the Prime Minister of Malaysia for more than 20 years. As a doctor, since the age of 25, he has been active in politics through the UMNO party. Mahathir understands that politics is very dynamic and political figures must be able to adapt to the existing political dynamics. It was this political dynamic that made Mahathir leave UMNO when he saw the many deviations committed by his figures. Mahathir then formed a new party, Partai Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (PPBM) which succeeded in ending UMNO's domination in the 2018 elections. Mahathir's political communications were truly tested when he succeeded in becoming the second prime minister of Malaysia at the age of 92 years. The political message delivered by Mahathir was able to convince the Malaysian people about the direction of national development. His long and successful experience in politics made him known as the father of modernization in Malaysia. However, in the end, he was removed by Muhyiddin Yassin (his own friend) from the seat of Prime Minister at the age of 94. Because actually in politics there are no friends and enemies who are eternal, it is political interests themselves that are eternal.
Discussion Facilitation Strategies and Design Skill Development: Examining the Relationship
Authors: Koehler Adrie , Ertmer Peg , Newby Tim
Published: August 2021

Case-based instruction (CBI) provides a way to vicariously engage preservice teachers in their future teaching realities. However, little research has considered how different discussion facilitation strategies relate to the development of preservice teachers’ instructional design (ID) skills. We used an embedded mixed methods case study research design to compare differences in how preservice teachers approached the ID process when engaged in one of two strategies: discussions guided by pre-constructed prompts and a facilitator and discussions guided by pre-constructed prompts only. Findings revealed that preservice teachers who participated in discussions guided by a facilitator analyzed case problems more deeply, as they identified more sources of inspiration to guide their design choices; considered learner, environmental, and content characteristics more often; and reported spending more time understanding case problems. While most preservice teachers believed they could apply what they learned from participating in CBI to their future profession, preservice teachers receiving prompts only were more positive about the discussion aspect of CBI.
Contents
Authors: Werner Marta
Published: August 2021

Contents for 14.1
Take this Work Global
Authors: Cornelius (39–49) Ian
Published: August 2021

Paul Eggert’s The Work and the Reader in Literary Studies: Scholarly Editing and Book History elaborates a general program for the study of literature centered on the question, “What is the thing read?” Concepts of document, text, and work are parsed with care, generating many valuable insights and clarifications, but there is need for more thinking about the linguistic medium of literature. To textual studies, bibliography, and book history — the trio of foundational disciplines advocated by Eggert — one should add philology, or the study of literary language.
Is There a Printer’s Copy of Gian Giorgio Trissino’s Sophonisba?
Authors: Perotti (106–23) Diego
Published: August 2021

This essay examines the manuscript Additional 26873 housed in the British Library. After clarifying its physical features, it then explores various hypotheses as to its origins and its intended use. Finally, the essay collates the codex with Gian Giorgio Trissino’s first edition of the Sophonisba in order to establish the tragedy’s different drafts and the role of the manuscript in the scholarly edition’s plan.
Of Epicene Particles and Other Misleading Tricks
Authors: Rossi (189–207) María Julia
Published: August 2021

“Carta perdida en un cajón” [Letter lost in a drawer] is a paradigmatic example of simultaneous ambiguities at work in Silvina Ocampo’s fiction (1903–1993). In this short story published in 1959, pronouns and shifters, as well as endings that mark gender cooperate to erase certainties and make the reader actively seek clues to understand the exchange the short story sets up. By scrutinizing its manuscript, I examine Ocampo’s writing and revision strategies and elaborate on some of her creative processes in her search for ambiguity. Through five key compositional moves I have identified in her manuscripts, my essay focuses on how Ocampo revises and ramps up the writerly effect of gender ambiguity that allowed the construction of queer identities in her fiction. I argue that the insertion of epicene particles and insults — which are less common in Spanish than gendered ones — , added at later stages of revision, demonstrate the intentional pursuit of a reading marked by confusion around the depiction of a non-normative desire. Genetic criticism allows us to reveal the painstaking process by which queer desire nudges its way into expression.
A Trip Through the Mind Jail
Authors: Vidales Martínez (208–29) Santiago
Published: August 2021

This essay attends to the poetry of Chicanx activist raúlrsalinas (1934–2008), specifically his most transgressive and innovative works which appear in A Trip Through the Mind Jail y Otras Excursions. I approach Salinas’s poetic works as textual events following Joseph Grigely’s reflections in Textualterity: Art, Theory and Textual Criticism where he conceives of texts as works in motion that frame the work of art as polytextual and comprised of multiple iterations.
Masthead
Authors: Werner Marta
Published: August 2021

Masthead
Pollen morphology of the native Rutaceae species from Argentina
Authors: Garralla Silvina S. , Mautino Lilia R.
Published: August 2021

The pollen morphology of 13 native taxa of the Rutaceae from Argentina was studied under optical and scanning electron microscopy to provide new data that would allow delimiting these taxa. The species considered were Balfourodendron riedelianum, Esenbeckia densiflora, E. febrifuga, E grandiflora, Helietta apiculata, Pilocarpus pennatifolius, Zanthoxylum caribaeum, Z. coco, Z. fagara, Z. petiolare, Z. rhoifolium, Z. riedelianum and Zanthoxylum rigidum ssp. hasslerianum. The general morphological characteristics of the pollen grain of these species are: radiosymmetric, isopolar; small, medium or large size; 3-colporate or 4-colporate; colpus with costa colpi; semitectate (reticulate, striate reticulate or striate). Sculpture, shape and size are the main characters that allow differentiating the studied taxa. Morphological characters among the species are discussed and a species key is presented.
Three Dimensional Analysis of Pile-raft Foundations on Clay, Menteng-Jakarta
Authors: Jogiadinata Evelyn , Rahardjo Paulus Pramono , Lim Aswin
Published: August 2021

Piled-raft foundation is a combination of pile foundation and raft foundation. Bearing capacity of piled-raft foundation yielded from contribution of both pile capacity and raft capacity. Most of the time, design of pile foundation is assumed that all load is solely carried by pile and the capacity of raft is ignored. In this study, three-dimensional finite element analysis was applied to analyze the load percentage that can be carried by raft. A case study, which is located in Central Jakarta, Indonesia, was modeled to investigate this issue. This project was instrumented with two pressure cells where the data were used to verified the model and the load distribution. The analysis results showed good agreement with the measurement data, where the load carried by the raft is around 33-42%.
The Use of Ground Motion Parameters to identify the Liquefaction during a Strong Earthquake in Northern Thailand
Authors: Mase Lindung Zalbuin
Published: August 2021

This paper presents a ground response analysis to simulate the liquefaction phenomenon during the 2011 Tarlay Earthquake in northern Thailand. The site investigation data and geophysical measurements on 7 sites in northern Thailand were collected. The multi-springs element model was implemented in finite element ground response analysis. Several parameters, such as peak ground acceleration, peak ground velocity, amplification factor, excess pore pressure ratio, were observed. Furthermore, the correlation from the ground motion parameters was generated to estimate liquefaction potential, which was represented by excess pore pressure ratio. The result showed that the excess pore pressure ratio was relatively well correlated with several ground parameters, such as amplification factor, velocity-acceleration ratio, and factor of safety against liquefaction. The results could be also used for the engineering practice in predicting liquefaction potential in Northern Thailand.
Trajectory Stress and Angle Values Correlation to Deep Beams Dimensional Ratio
Authors: Adi Putra Kukuh Cahya , Priastiwi Yulita Arni , Sukamta Sukamta
Published: August 2021

SNI 2847-2019 defines a deep beam as a structural component that is loaded on one side and supported on the opposite face, allowing compressive components such as struts to form between the loads and supports. It is also stated that the ratio of the net span of the beam to the height of the beam must match the standards (l/h) 4. The goal of this investigation is to determine the value of the stress’s correlation and the trajectory angle to the ratio of the l/beam h's with a span of 4 meters when subjected to a point load of P = 2,000 kN. In the analysis procedure, SAP v.14 is being used to determine the value of stresses and trajectory angles of variations l/h. The results obtained from this study is ratio of l / h of deep beam affects the magnitude of the stress and the angle of the trajectory. Increasingly the width of the beam has no significant effect on the resulting trajectory angle.
Creep Behavior of Open Web Truss Joist Made of LVL Sengon
Authors: Basuki Achmad , Awaludin Ali , Suhendro Bambang , Siswosukarto Suprapto
Published: August 2021

Laminated Veneer Lumber (LVL) Sengon is classified as one of the engineering products having a significant increase of both physical and mechanical properties compared with Sengon solid wood. Considering its short planting years and sustainable production, Sengon wood is very potential to be used as construction materials of low-rise houses to support the housing needs in Indonesia. Creep behaviour of LVL Sengon material is one of the mechanical properties that needs to be considered. This article evaluated value of creep factor of the open web truss joist (OWTJ) LVL Sengon test and compared this experimental creep factor with the numerical results developed by FE model taking into account the viscoelastic parameters of authors' previous study. The viscoelastic parameters were based on a 217-day creep test of compression and tension parallel to the grain of LVL Sengon at 20 % of stress level that were further modeled using Prony series creep model having n equals to 3. The reduction in the modulus of elasticity over time resulted in creep deflection and creep factor values at 217 days of testing results and FE numerical analysis of the OWTJ LVL Sengon ranging from 1.50–1.54; while the predicted creep factor at 25 years of service life is 1.57 or greater than the creep factor value provided in SNI 7973: 2013 of 1.5.
A Note on The Design of Seawall for Tsunami Disaster Mitigation
Authors: Triatmadja Radianta , Warniyati Warniyati
Published: August 2021

Many coastal structures or structures in coastal areas were destroyed by a tsunami attack. Such destructions were due primarily to the fact that such structures were not designed to withstand a tsunami. Those which were designed to withstand tsunami force may also have been destroyed due to some damaging factors which were not included in the design. The damage of the coastal structures is one of the important factors that have caused casualties. Especially, when the destroyed structures were originally aimed to mitigate the area against tsunami, they may cause higher fatalities. Examples of such structures are sea walls in many parts of Japan which were destroyed by the 2011 tsunami. This paper discusses the important factors relevant to the damage of seawall as tsunami mitigation structure such as impact force due to tsunami front, hydrostatic force, and hydrodynamic force, debris force and scour due tsunami. The study was carried out based on literature about the damages of seawall as tsunami protection structures and laboratory experiment reports. The destructions to the structures were divided into three classifications namely instantaneous direct destruction due to impact and drag forces, slowly direct destruction due to drag force, and slowly indirect destruction due to scour. Finally, important aspects to be considered in the design of seawall as tsunamis protection were proposed.
Reservoir sedimentation regime analysis: case study of Kedungombo reservoir and Sermo reservoir
Authors: Fitriana Indri Rahmandhani , Legono Djoko , Waluyadi Heriantono
Published: August 2021

The Kedungombo and the Sermo Reservoirs have problems in fulfilling basic services because of sedimentation. Sedimentation that occurs in each of the reservoirs would form a specific reservoir sedimentation pattern that is supposed to be similar because the hydrology and physiography conditions of the reservoir's catchment area are similar. This study aims to determine the dynamics of sedimentation patterns that occur in the dead storage for reviewing the characteristics/sedimentation regime of the two reservoirs. The analysis was carried out by processing bathymetrical data which were processed into a digital terrain model (DTM) using ArcGIS. Furthermore, the storage volume, sedimentation volume, storage percentage, and specific reservoir sedimentation rate are calculated. The results showed that the two reservoirs showed an increase in sedimentation volume each year so that the reservoir characteristic curve shifted from the plan graph. The dead storage capacity of Kedungombo Reservoir is 100% in 1989 to 43% in 2016 and 100% of Sermo Reservoir in 1997 to 58% in 2011. The specific reservoir sedimentation rate, i.e. 0.0031 and 0.0042 million m3/year/km2 for the Kedungombo Reservoir (between 1989 and 2016) and the Sermo Reservoir (between 1997 and 2011) respectively, indicating that the two reservoirs are in the same regime
Efficient regeneration protocol for callus and shoot induction from recalcitrant Phaseolus vulgaris L. explants under optimum growth conditions
Authors: Besra Alfred , Basak Jolly
Published: August 2021

Callus is the most significant morphogenic response obtained in plant tissue culture studies. It can be used for micropropagation or to create transgenic lines. Phaseolus vulgaris L. (common bean) is one of the economically important crops with a great nutritional value. However, very little effort has been made to regenerate callus from P. vulgaris explants. Six explants were used namely root tip, leaves, plumule, radicle, cotyledon and embryo to develop a callus from P. vulgaris. The minimum days for callus induction was 10 days in plumule, radicle and embryo explants, while the maximum was 15 days in cotyledon explants with the callus induction percentage of 75%. The largest callus was found to be 2.77 gm in weight and 2.5 cm in diameter in MS medium. Medium with different concentrations of plant growth regulators (PGRs) showed different growth pattern in callus induction. Culture medium with 1.50 mg/l of BAP, 0.50 mg/l of 2, 4-D and 0.10 mg/l of NAA showed the best result in callus induction. Higher concentration of BAP (2.00 mg/l), along with 0.25 mg/l of 2, 4-D was ideal for shoot regeneration and maturation. Shoot induction medium along with 2.00 mg/l of NAA concentrations were found to be best for rooting. It was found that plumule and radicle favor callus induction, however, they are also potent for shoot and root induction. Knowledge gained in this study will be useful in developing a standard protocol for plant regeneration from P. vulgaris explants and will also be useful in creating transgenic line of P. vulgaris.
The “changing actor” and the transformation of landscapes
Authors: Lefebvre Olivier
Published: August 2021

A landscape is defined as a place which is remarkable because of one of these criteria (or several): esthetics, harmony with a habitus (quality of life), and environment. Also, groups support projects concerning this place. There is a “logical duel” to decide how to format the landscape. The paper focuses on the play of actors, in this context. There are a few theories in social sciences to describe the “changing actor” (how an actor changes his mind). In particular, we refer to the notions from the Latour’s sociology of networks, selection, translation, and role of actants. There is a “pressure” on landscapes to transform them in accordance with the needs of the Global Monopoly (defined as a model which is imitated worldwide). But it occurs that the outcome of a “logical duel” is not the formatting of a landscape in accordance with the pressure. It is explained by the “changing actor” and the success of some translation.
Concept of and approaches toward a developmental prevention of radicalization: Promising strategies to keep young people away from political, religious, and other forms of extremism
Authors: Beelmann Andreas
Published: August 2021

Radicalization and violent extremism in young people are growing problems in almost every society around the globe. This article starts by briefly summarizing the result of several comprehensive reviews on the prevention of radicalization and violent extremism. Based on a new social-developmental model of radicalization, it then introduces the concept of developmental prevention and presents a review of prevention principles, approaches, and programs derived from a developmental perspective within four different fields of proximal radicalization processes. These include (1) identity problems; (2) prejudice and negative intergroup attitudes; (3) extremist narratives, beliefs, and ideologies; and (4) antisocial development. Overall, several approaches and programs reveal promising effect sizes for a developmentally founded prevention of radicalization. However, more sound evaluations are needed to further promote this field.
The role of kisspeptin and MKRN3 in the diagnosis of central precocious puberty in girls
Authors: Li Mei , Chen Yanfei , Liao Binrong , Tang Jing , Zhong Jingzi , Lan Dan
Published: August 2021

Objective

To evaluate the characteristics and significance of serum kisspeptin and makorin ring finger protein 3 (MKRN3) levels for the diagnosis of central precocious puberty (CPP) in girls.

Method

Thirty four individuals with CPP, 17 individuals with premature thelarche (PT), and 28 age-matched prepubertal girls as normal control (NC) were recruited in this case–control study. Physical measurements included BMI and tests for breast, bone, and sexual characteristics. Biochemical measurements included serum LH, FSH, estradiol, insulin-like growth factor-1, MKRN3, and kisspeptin. Blood samples were taken from individuals with CPP and PT before the gonadotrophin-releasing hormone stimulation test and at 30, 60, 90, and 120 min after injection with triptorelin.

Results

Serum kisspeptin levels were higher in the CPP group when compared to the NC group (P = 0.020), while serum MKRN3 levels were lower in the two groups (P = 0.028). There were no significant differences between the CPP and PT groups as well as the PT and NC groups (all, P > 0.05). The cut-off value of serum kisspeptin differentiating patients with CPP from those without CPP was 0.40 nmol/L, with 82.4% sensitivity and 57.1% specificity, while the cut-off value of serum MKRN3 was 0.33 pmol/L, with 79.4% sensitivity and 53.6% specificity. The area under the curves (AUCs) of both kisspeptin and MKRN3 for differentiating those girls with CPP from PT were less than 0.5.

Conclusions

Serum levels of kisspeptin and MKRN3 may play an auxiliary role in predicting CPP. However, the two measurements were not able to differentiate girls with CPP from PT and prepubertal control. This study emphasizes the need to search for markers to simplify the accurate diagnosis of CPP in girls.
The Prevalence of Alcohol-Impaired Driving in Edmonton, Alberta: 1991 – 2009
Authors: Nurullah Abu Sadat
Published: August 2021

This study explores the changes in alcohol-impaired driving among a representative sample of Edmontonians from 1991 to 2009. Based on self-report data from the annual Alberta Surveys of 1991, 1992, 1997, and 2009, this study also traces the shift in the impact of standard demographic factors on alcohol-impaired driving in Edmonton, Alberta. Findings show that self-reported alcohol-impaired driving has decreased substantially over the years (10.6% in 1991, 8.4% in 1992, 7.2% in 1997, and 3.7% in 2009). However, there have been little changes in designated driving. In addition, there have been a shift in age-related impaired driving, i.e., people aged 55-65+ report impaired driving more in 2009 (4.8%) compared to 1991 (2.0%) and 1992 (2.2%); while individuals aged 18-34 and 35-54 report impaired driving less in 2009 (4.8% and 2.6%, respectively) compared to 1991 (12.7% and 13.0%, respectively). Logistic regression analyses indicate that gender is a significant predictor of alcohol-impaired driving in 1991 (OR = 3.29, 95% CI = 1.52–7.16), but not in 2009. However, the interaction between age and gender is not significant. The policy implications of the findings are discussed.   Cette étude porte sur les changements dans la conduite affaiblie par l’alcool chez un échantillon représentatif de résidents d’Edmonton entre 1991 et 2009. Fondée sur des déclarations fournies par les automobilistes à l’occasion d’enquêtes annuelles menées en Alberta en 1991, 1992, 1997 et 2009, l’étude décrit aussi des fluctuations dans la portée de facteurs démographiques standard sur la conduite avec facultés affaiblies par l’alcool à Edmonton (Alberta). Les conclusions démontrent une diminution considérable des déclarations de conduite avec facultés affaiblies par l’alcool sur plusieurs années (10,6% en 1991, 8,4% en 1992, 7,2% en 1997, et 3,7% en 2009). Néanmoins, peu de changements ont été observés dans le recours aux conducteurs désignés. En outre, la fréquence de la conduite avec facultés affaiblies a connu des variations dans les différents groupes d’âge. Par exemple, les personnes âgées de 55 ans et plus ont plus souvent déclaré avoir conduit avec des facultés affaiblies en 2009 (4,8%) qu’en 1991 (2,0%) et en 1992 (2,2%), tandis que les personnes âgées de 18 à 34 ans et de 35 à 54 ans ont déclaré moins souvent avoir conduit avec les facultés affaiblies en 2009 (4,8% et 2,6%, respectivement) qu’en 1991 (12,7% et 13,0%, respectivement). Des analyses de régression logistique indiquent que le sexe a été une importante variable explicative de la conduits avec facultés affaiblies en 1991 (OR = 3,29, 95% CI = 1,52–7.16), ce qui n’a pas été le cas en 2009. Malgré cela, l’interaction entre l’âge et le sexe n’est pas significative. L’étude comprend une analyse des répercussions de ses conclusions sur certaines politiques.
Introduction
Authors: Carrington Peter
Published: August 2021

Introduction
C, B, R, or N: The Influence of Related Industry on Terrorists' Choice in Unconventional Weapons
Authors: Tishler Nicole Alexandra
Published: August 2021

This study explores which factors, given that a terrorist has crossed the threshold into using chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) over conventional weapons, will determine the likelihood that he/she chooses to use C, B, R, or N weapons. Relying primarily on data from the incident-based Monterey WMD Database, it employs multinomial logit regression with C, B, R, or N as a categorical dependent variable: a first within the relevant econometric literature. Fundamentally, the study tests the widely-held—although empirically unsubstantiated—technological deterministic assumption that the more readily CBRN technology, materials, and knowledge are accessible to terrorists, the more likely terrorists will be to use unconventional weapons of the corresponding kind: a relationship hypothesized to be stronger for serious attack perpetrators than for hoaxers. Next, the study tests the notion of a continuum of proliferation potential, hypothesizing that as states’ regulatory capacity increases, biological terrorism will be most likely and nuclear terrorism will be least likely. Finally, the study assesses variables that have previously been proven as significant determinants of CBRN over conventional terrorism, to provide the groundwork for future evaluation of the extent to which terrorists may be induced to pursue C, B, R, or N over conventional weapons.Cette étude explore les facteurs, en supposant qu'un terroriste ait franchi le seuil des armes traditionnelles en utilisant des armes non traditionnelles comme les armes chimiques, biologiques, radiologiques et nucléaires (CBRN), qui détermineront la possibilité qu'il/elle choisisse d'utiliser les armes C, B, R ou N. En s'appuyant sur des données primaires de labase de données Monterey WMD, elle se sert d'une régression logit multinomial avec C, B,R ou N comme une variante dépendante catégorique : il s'agit d'une première pour la documentation pertinente économétrique. Principalement, l'étude vérifie la supposition très répandue - même si elle n'est pas empiriquement corroborée - comme quoi plus latechnologie CBRN, les matériaux et les connaissances sont accessibles aux terroristes, plus les terroristes seront portés à se servir d'armes non traditionnelles pour la situation quis'apprête : une relation censée être plus solide pour des auteurs d'agressions plus dangereuses que pour les charlatans. Ensuite, l'étude vérifie la notion d'une continuité de prolifération éventuelle, en supposant qu'avec l'augmentation de la capacité deréglementation de l'État, le terrorisme biologique serait le plus probable, alors que le terrorisme nucléaire serait le moins probable. Enfin, l'étude évalue les variantes qui ont déjà été prouvées comme déterminant de façon importante les CBRN plutôt que le terrorisme traditionnel, pour fournir un travail préparatoire pour de futures évaluations de l'étendue avec laquelle les terroristes pourraient être incités à se servir d'armes C, B, Rou N plutôt que des armes traditionnelles.
Prison Writing
Authors: Authors Various
Published: August 2021

This component of the issue showcases the personal writing of four federally-incarcerated women in Canada, highlighting their personal experiences of prison life.Cette section met en valeur l'écriture personnelle de quatre femmes incarcérés au Canada, en soulignant leurs expériences personnelles de la vie carcérale.