bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Phytochemical Analysis and Antibacterial Activities of Tamarix dioica Extracts
Authors: Bughio Saddam Hussain
Published: June 2021

The objective of this study was to investigate the impact of phytochemical analysis and the antibacterial activity of extracts of stem, flowers and leaves of Tamarix dioica Roxb. ex Roth. Four solvents namely, diethyl ether, ethyl acetate, methanol and acetone were selected to obtain extracts from different parts of the plant. The organic solvent extracts were investigated for phytochemical analysis and antibacterial activity against two bacterial strains, namely Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. The result of phytochemicals revealed the presence of various constituents, such as phlobatannins, tannins, saponins, alkaloids, phenols, proteins, terpenoids, flavonoids and steroids by using standard procedures. Most of these components were present in methanol and ethyl acetate extract. Therefore, four out of two extracts, such as methanol and ethyl acetate extracts from stems, flowers, and leaves, were used to test their evidence of antibacterial activity. From this, it was observed that the methanol extracts of stem, flowers and leaves of T. dioica were highly effective together with E. coli and S. aureus with a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) value of 500 μg/mL. Considering that the ethyl acetate (EA) extracts from the stem, flowers and leaves of T. dioica were examined to be ineffective against E. coli and S. aureus and MIC values were not observed in two strains of bacteria.
Risk Assessment of Arsenic and Cadmium in Groundwater of Talukas Ghorabari and Mirpur Sakro, Sindh, Pakistan
Authors: Shar Abdul Raheem
Published: June 2021

The current study was carried out for quantitative and risk assessment of cadmium (Cd) and arsenic (As) from Talukas Ghora Bari and Mirpur Sakro. The concentration of Cd was determined using Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy instrument. The As concentration was measured with the help of the Arsenic Kit Method. For analysis of Cd, samples were prepared by the Microwave digestion method, whereas for As analysis, water samples were analyzed directly. The range of Cd content was observed from the studied areas as 1 – 10 μg/L and 1.2 – 11.2 μg/L, respectively. The groundwater water of Talukas Ghorabari and Mirpur Sakro showed the mean Cd content of 5 μg/L and 6.1 μg/L, respectively. The Cd contamination of 56% and 80% was found in Ghorabari and Mirpur Sakro, respectively. The range of As content of 0.00 – 50 μg/L and 10 – 80 μg/L was determined from Ghorabari and Mirpur Sakro, respectively. Hazard Quotient for Cd > 1 was found in 40% of both children and infants in the groundwater of the study area, which may cause non-carcinogenic risk. About 48% of water samples declared HQ values > 1 for adults in the water of Ghorabari. Since 84% of samples showed the HQ values > 1 for children and infants. The HQ values of As for Adults of the Mirpur Sakro were observed in 63.3% samples, whereas for children and infants, HQ values were found in 100% samples. It is therefore strongly recommended that groundwater must be treated before consumption by the people of the area under study.
Determination of Lisinopril in Pure and Tablet form by Using 2-Hydroxynaphthaldehyde as Derivatizing Reagent
Authors: Zounr Zahid Ali
Published: June 2021

An easy, sensitive and accurate spectrophotometric method has been developed for the determination of Lisinopril (LNP) in pure and tablet formulations based on derivatization reaction with 2-hydroxynaphthaldehyde (2HNA). The derivatization reaction was carried out in methanol solvent at pH-5.5 at 95±2C for 15 min. The linear calibration curve was obtained that obeyed the Beer’s law within the concentration range 5-50 μgmL-1 of LNP at 433 nm with a coefficient of determination R²=0.996. The recovery was in the range from 98.25-101.82 with molar absorptivity of drug 9×103 mole-1cm-1. The method was accurate and precise (intra-day variation 0.05-0.97% and inter-day 0.07-1.6%), with limit of detection (LOD) and limit of quantification (LOQ) 0.264 μgmL-1 and 0.8 μgmL-1, respectively. No interferences from the excipients were detected. The method was applied for the rapid analysis of LNP in pharmaceutical products.
Environmental Friendly Production of Amylase from Aspergillus niger EFRL-FC-024 Using Corn Waste as Carbon Source
Authors: Khushk Imrana
Published: June 2021

Amylase is an indispensable and industrially important enzyme that hydrolyzes carbohydrates particularly starch into simple sugars. Amylase enzymes have been isolated from various sources such as microbes, animals and plants. However, microorganisms are highly preferred as compared to plants and animal sources. Amylases of fungal origin are highly stable compared to amylases produced by bacterial species. The aim of this study was to investigate the production of extracellular amylase enzyme from Aspergillus niger EFRL-FC-024 using sugarcane bagasse and corn waste as an energy source under submerge fermentation conditions. Primarily, the fungal strain was grown for 6 days using sugarcane bagasse and corn waste, respectively. Mainly, the growth of a microorganism was also evaluated using different pH, temperature and incubation periods. The results revealed maximum amylase production of 1.64 U/mL when A. niger was cultured for 96 h using corn waste. Moreover, addition of different nitrogen sources showed the highest amylase production when peptone was supplemented as a nitrogen source. Finally, the effect of pH indicated maximal concentration of amylase enzyme at pH 6.0. The present study will highly be beneficial to explore the role of fungal strain A. niger in amylase production at Industrial levels.
Paper Waste Management: Extraction of Fermentable Sugar from Lignocellulosic Waste Paper
Authors: Hayat Asghar
Published: June 2021

The utilization of paper on a commercial scale is increasing day by day throughout the world that produces million of tons of paper waste yearly and burdened for landfills. The present study focuses on the exploitation of waste papers (office paper, newspaper and tissue paper) as a cheapest alternative source of energy to extract fermentable sugar by applying chemical and enzymatic pretreatments. The quantification of released sugar was analyzed by spectrophotometer and high performance liquid chromatography refractive index (HPLC-RI) detector. Cellulose (12 FPU/g) and β-glucosidase (12 FPU/g) was found to be effective for the extraction of fermentable sugar from paper waste. The contents of cellulose (C6H10O5)n, hemicellulose (C5H10O5)n and lignin (C9H10O2,C10H12O3,C11H14O4) found in office paper were 40%, 32.5%, 22.5%, in newspaper 46.5%, 30.5% 22.5%, and in tissue paper 62%, 22%, 15.5%, respectively. The percentages of sugar contents assessed in this study were 62% in tissue paper and 46.5% in newspaper and 40% in office papers. Among the three substrates, tissue paper (23.4 mg/mL) released a significant amount of glucose (C6H6O12), whereas newspaper (20.8 mg/mL) and office paper (19.6 mg/mL) released less amount of sugar. This research of acid pre-treatment and enzymatic hydrolysis was an efficient method to improve glucose conversion from lignocellulosic waste. Furthermore, this approach can be proved the first step towards the sustainable production of bioethanol from wastepaper-extracted sugar.
Evolution of situational factors in blended learning systems interfaces during COVID-19: An analytical study
Authors:   College of Computing and Informatics, Saudi Electronic University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Ramzan Muhammad
Published: June 2021

The world has been undergoing tremendous transformation since early 2020 with the occurrence of a global pandemic of COVID-19. While it will take several years of study and research to understand the true effect of this pandemic on society, it is worthy of noting that it has already transformed our methods of leading lives. One of the areas, highly impacted by a pandemic is education. In order to deliver education in a distance learning manner, more and more academic institutions have been acquiring IT systems to deliver education to the students in the confines and safety of their homes. Saudi Electronic University (SEU) has been pioneering the application of online systems for blended learning in not just Saudi Arabia but the whole middle east and north Africa region. The reliance on systems at SEU for maintaining education standards during pandemics has increased. This has provided the opportunity to researchers in various fields of IT and computing to study evolving role of such systems in traditional and blended models of education. Situational Factors (SFs) are key elements that affect the acceptability of systems by stakeholders. This paper describes the outcome of the study that was carried out to identify critical Situational Factors that play a major role in the acceptance or otherwise of systems in the academic sphere during pandemic times. The results have shown that knowledge, communication, and trust are the most important situational factors for blended learning applications. The case studies and findings are presented followed by a brief analysis of results.
Numerical Investigation of Pyrotechnical Initiators and Their Impact in Airbag Inflator Applications: Ballistic Modeling and Functional Analysis
Authors:   Joyson Safety Systems Aschaffenburg, 63743 Germany, Li Peng ,   Technical University of Darmstadt, Institute for Energy and Power Plant Technology, Darmstadt, 64287 Germany, Chang Chi-Yao ,   Joyson Safety Systems Aschaffenburg, 63743 Germany, Sadiki Amsini ,   Technical University of Darmstadt, Institute for Energy and Power Plant Technology, Darmstadt, 64287 Germany,   Technical University of Darmstadt, Reactive Flows and Diagnostics, Darmstadt, 64287 Germany,   Laboratoire de Modélisation Mécanique, Energétique et Matériaux, ISTA-Kinshasa, Ndolo, DR-Congo
Published: June 2021

A numerical model describing the ballistic behavior of a commercially used initiator is presented in this article. This model was built on the principle of conservation of mass and energy in the multi-phase framework incorporated with multi-loaded conditions. After obtaining the information about the grain size distribution in each composite, a fixing factor was proposed based on the surface area ratio of the composites. Thus, the solid propellant burning process based on distributed grain size was described, and the burn rate parameters of the applied pyrotechnic compositions were re-evaluated for different preconditioned temperature levels according to Vieille’s law. The influence of bridge wire and initiator metal cap was further modeled concerning their characteristic properties according to the observed measurements. The validation of the entire initiator model in the closed bomb test showed quantitative agreement with the measured pressure evolution, while the parameter study for evaluating the ballistic sensitivity of each component delivered some insights into the product development process. Furthermore, the configuration of a cold gas inflator was utilized to evaluate the initiator impact for a realistic application, where the shock wave intensity during deployment serves the main function in the inflator design. Incorporated with CFD simulations to capture the shock wave propagation, 0D-3D coupling strategy for initiator ballistics to inflator configuration was realized. Besides, the simulation results reflected the physical conditions in a proper manner. In particular, the parameter study led to a better understanding of interactions between inflator components, which were barely possible to be quantified through the measurements. The proposed initiator model could also be used in combination with other mechanical principles as a component of pyrotechnic devices such as pin-puller, electric line cutters, or airbag inflators. The detailed information gained in describing the physical properties enabled us to assess the existing design quantitatively and to have better control of the product quality.
Automated Probabilistic Analysis and Parametric Modelling of the Seasonal-Diurnal Wind Vector
Authors:   Independent researcher, 20 Beacon Drive, Christchurch, Dorset, UK, Cook Nicholas J
Published: June 2021

A refined and extended version of the Offset Elliptical Normal mixture model has been developed to parameterise the seasonal diurnal wind vector automatically. Automated using R scripts, the method eliminates any potential risk of confirmation bias posed by the manual supervision in the original method. Refinements to the method include the latest algorithms for clustering of Gaussian mixtures, with Bayesian regularisation to set the number of components and to limit the predisposition to overfit. A new extension uses fuzzy logic to evaluate the probability distributions, autocovariances and spectra of the random perturbations around the mean seasonal-diurnal variations for each component of the mixture. These additional parameters allow the predictions of the OEN model to be validated and its automated application demonstrated using the hourly METAR reports of mean wind speeds at Adelaide, South Australia, showing significant improvements over the previously published analysis. The OEN mixture model is directly applicable to a wide range of wind engineering applications where seasonal and diurnal variation is of importance.
Development of Wind IPMSG Based Bipolar DC Microgrids
Authors:   National Tsing Hua University, No. 101, Sec. 2, Guangfu Rd., East Dist., Hsin chu City, Taiwan (R.O.C.), Sun Xiang-Yu , Jhou Ping-Hong ,   National Tsing Hua University, No. 101, Sec. 2, Guangfu Rd., East Dist., Hsin chu City, Taiwan (R.O.C.), Lu Min-Ze ,   National Tsing Hua University, No. 101, Sec. 2, Guangfu Rd., East Dist., Hsin chu City, Taiwan (R.O.C.), Liaw Chang-Ming ,   National Tsing Hua University, No. 101, Sec. 2, Guangfu Rd., East Dist., Hsin chu City, Taiwan (R.O.C.)
Published: June 2021

This paper presents the development of a wind Interior Permanent-Magnet Synchronous Generator (IPMSG) based bipolar DC microgrids along with various switch-mode rectifiers. Firstly, the wind IPMSG is established and adequately controlled to possess satisfactory generating characteristics during different driven speeds and loads. Later, the boost switch-mode rectifier (SMR) based bipolar DC bus is established. Further, three-phase single-switch (3P1SW) boost SMR, three-phase two-switch (3P2SW) three-level boost SMR, and a three-phase three-switch (3P3SW) Vienna SMR are comparatively evaluated. Along with the proposed robust voltage and current controls, a well-regulated microgrid DC-bus voltage is established. Moreover, the voltage balancing control is proposed to minimize the imbalance in the bipolar DC-bus voltage. For the wind IPMSG having Vienna SMR, the commutation angle setting is adjusted to use the reluctance power component effectively.
Influence of Aging, Sterilization, and Composition on the Degradation of Polyurethane Foams
Authors:   Biomedical Engineering, Texas A&M University , College Station, Texas 77843, USA, Briggs Sam T , Monroe Mary Beth B ,   Biomedical and Chemical Engineering, Syracuse University, Syracus, New York 13244, USA, Wierzbicki Mark A ,   Biomedical Engineering, Texas A&M University , College Station, Texas 77843, USA, Hasan Sayyeda Marziya ,   Shape Memory Medical, Inc., Santa Clara, CA 95054, USA, Maitland Duncan J ,   Biomedical Engineering, Texas A&M University , College Station, Texas 77843, USA,   Shape Memory Medical, Inc., Santa Clara, CA 95054, USA
Published: June 2021

Shape memory polymers (SMPs) are highly attractive materials for medical devices. Specifically, SMP foams are currently being used as embolic devices in peripheral and cerebral vascular applications. To ensure the proper function and safety of these materials in their intended applications, it is important to understand how processing treatments, such as aging, sterilization, and foam composition can influence their degradation. Here, SMP foams were treated with industry relevant processing parameters, and the influence on degradation was observed via gravimetric, chemical, and morphological studies. Accelerated thermal aging was shown to have an influence on material degradation rate in real time oxidative studies. Sterilization was performed via Electron beam (E-beam) irradiation at the high and low dosages commonly used in industry and had no significant influence on foam degradation profiles. These findings help inform appropriate treatment of SMP foam embolic devices to ensure their safety and efficacy.
Use of α-Lactalbumin [α-La] from Whey as a Vehicle for Bioactive Compounds in Food Technology and Pharmaceutics: A Review
Authors:   Depto. Ingeniería Bioquímica, Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Mexico City 07738, México, Cuevas-Gómez Andrea P. , Arroyo-Maya Izlia J. ,   Departamento de Procesos y Tecnología, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana-Cuajimalpa, Mexico City 05348, México, Hernández-Sánchez Humberto ,   Depto. Ingeniería Bioquímica, Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Mexico City 07738, México
Published: June 2021

Whey protein is a byproduct of cheese, casein, and Greek yogurt produced in Europe, North America, and Australasia. It is a substantial source of functional proteins and peptides for the worldwide food industry. α-Lactalbumin (α-La) is a globular protein that can be isolated from WPI (whey protein isolates) using techniques such as chromatography/gel filtration, membrane separation, etc. α-La is used in the elaboration of functional foods and is a very good source of peptides with anticancer, antimicrobial, antiviral, antihypertensive, immunomodulating, opioid, mineral-binding, and antioxidant bioactivities. Nanotubes and nanoparticles generated from this protein are utilized as vehicles for the transport of active compounds, and thus, can be used in foods and pharmaceutical industries. The contaminant effects of whey, characteristics of α-La, production technologies, and its applications in nanotechnology are reviewed here.
Virtual Engagement in a Social Media Community of Mothers With Substance Use Disorders: Content Analysis (Preprint)
Authors: Mazel Shayna , Zisman-Ilani Yaara , Hennig Shannon , Garnick Deborah , Nicholson Joanne
Published: June 2021

BACKGROUND

Co-occurring substance use disorder is common among pregnant and parenting women with mental illness, but their engagement with and utilization of relevant services and treatment is low. Social media has the potential to convey benefits and facilitate engagement among this target group.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to explore the reach and engagement of specific social media posts among pregnant women and mothers with substance use disorders.

METHODS

Eighteen posts providing content related to substance use (cannabis, opioids, or alcohol), varying in type of content (informational or experiential) and target (policy-, practice-, or perception-related), were posted in a closed Facebook community page comprising over 33,000 pregnant women and mothers between May 2019 and October 2019.

RESULTS

The overall level of reach of these Facebook posts ranged from 453 to 3045 community members. Engagement levels, measured via the number of likes, comments, or posts shared, varied based on the type of post content (ie, informational or experiential).

CONCLUSIONS

Participation in a virtual community via social media platforms can facilitate engagement among pregnant women and mothers with mental illness by communicating relevant information about substance use, as well as potentially promoting awareness of, access to, and engagement with treatment services.
Association of Habitual Physical Activity With Home Blood Pressure in the Electronic Framingham Heart Study (eFHS): Cross-sectional Study (Preprint)
Authors: Sardana Mayank , Lin Honghuang , Zhang Yuankai , Liu Chunyu , Trinquart Ludovic , Benjamin Emelia J , Manders Emily S , Fusco Kelsey , Kornej Jelena , Hammond Michael M , Spartano Nicole , Pathiravasan Chathurangi H , Kheterpal Vik , Nowak Christopher , Borrelli Belinda , Murabito Joanne M , McManus David D
Published: June 2021

BACKGROUND

When studied in community-based samples, the association of physical activity with blood pressure (BP) remains controversial and is perhaps dependent on the intensity of physical activity. Prior studies have not explored the association of smartwatch-measured physical activity with home BP.

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to study the association of habitual physical activity with home BP.

METHODS

Consenting electronic Framingham Heart Study (eFHS) participants were provided with a study smartwatch (Apple Watch Series 0) and Bluetooth-enabled home BP cuff. Participants were instructed to wear the watch daily and transmit BP values weekly. We measured habitual physical activity as the average daily step count determined by the smartwatch. We estimated the cross-sectional association between physical activity and average home BP using linear mixed effects models adjusting for age, sex, wear time, antihypertensive drug use, and familial structure.

RESULTS

We studied 660 eFHS participants (mean age 53 years, SD 9 years; 387 [58.6%] women; 602 [91.2%] White) who wore the smartwatch 5 or more hours per day for 30 or more days and transmitted three or more BP readings. The mean daily step count was 7595 (SD 2718). The mean home systolic and diastolic BP (mmHg) were 122 (SD 12) and 76 (SD 8). Every 1000 increase in the step count was associated with a 0.49 mmHg lower home systolic BP (P=.004) and 0.36 mmHg lower home diastolic BP (P=.003). The association, however, was attenuated and became statistically nonsignificant with further adjustment for BMI.

CONCLUSIONS

In this community-based sample of adults, higher daily habitual physical activity measured by a smartwatch was associated with a moderate, but statistically significant, reduction in home BP. Differences in BMI among study participants accounted for the majority of the observed association.
A Culturally Sensitive Social Support Intervention for Chinese American Breast Cancer Survivors (Joy Luck Academy): Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial (Preprint)
Authors: Lu Qian , Warmoth Krystal , Chen Lingjun , Wu Christine S , Chu Qiao , Li Yisheng , Gallagher Matthew W , Stanton Annette L , Kagawa Singer Marjorie , Young Lucy , Loh Alice
Published: June 2021

BACKGROUND

Breast cancer is the most prevalent type of cancer among Asian American women. Chinese American immigrant breast cancer survivors face unique challenges because of cultural and socioecological factors. They report emotional distress and the need for social, emotional, and spiritual support. However, culturally and linguistically appropriate information for managing survivorship health care is often unavailable.

OBJECTIVE

To improve the health outcomes for this underserved and understudied population, we developed, designed, and launched a randomized controlled trial to test the health benefits of a culturally sensitive social support intervention (Joy Luck Academy). In this paper, we describe the research protocol.

METHODS

This randomized controlled trial will enroll Chinese-speaking, stage 0 to 3 breast cancer survivors who have completed treatment within the previous 36 months using a community-based participatory research approach. We will randomly assign 168 participants to the intervention or control group. The intervention arm will attend 7 weekly 3.5-hour peer mentor and educational sessions. The control group will receive the educational information. We will assess health outcomes at baseline, immediately after the Joy Luck Academy, and at 1- and 4-month follow-ups. The primary outcome is quality of life, as measured by the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy scale. Secondary outcomes include depressive symptoms, positive affect, fatigue, and perceived stress. We will also explore how the intervention influences cortisol levels. To identify how and to whom the program is effective, we will measure social and personal resources and theorized mechanisms and perform qualitative interviews with a subsample of participants to enhance the interpretation of quantitative data.

RESULTS

Recruitment began in February 2015, and data collection was completed in February 2019. We expect to complete data management by August 2021 and publish results in 2022.

CONCLUSIONS

If the Joy Luck Academy is demonstrated to be effective, it may be easily disseminated as an intervention for other groups of Asian American immigrant breast cancer survivors. Furthermore, similar programs could be integrated into other diverse communities.

CLINICALTRIAL

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02946697; http://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02946697.

INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT

DERR1-10.2196/30950
Spadework for Establishing Integrative Enhanced Recovery Program after Spine Surgery: Web-based Survey Assessing Korean Medical Doctors’Perspectives (Preprint)
Authors: Kim Jung-Hyun , Seo Byung-Kwan
Published: June 2021

BACKGROUND

Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) is the object of numerous publications within the growing integrative medical domain. However, its value in spine surgery is not as recognized as it is in other surgical domains or in integrative medical fields.

OBJECTIVE

Our aim was to report the opinions of Korean medical doctors regarding integrative enhanced recovery after spine surgery.

METHODS

From December 2020 to January 2021, members of the Korean Medical Association were asked to complete an online questionnaire regarding an integrative enhanced recovery program after spine surgery.

RESULTS

A total of 726 participants responded to the survey. Approximately half of the respondents had more than 10 years of medical experience in the Korean health care system and 58.29% were affiliated with primary Korean medical clinics. The majority of respondents were not aware of the ERAS program (N= 412, 79.08%), but said that patient management would benefit from the establishment of a postoperative medical program that reflected an integrated medical perspective (N=505, 96.92%). Furthermore, according to our results Korean medical professionals believe that Korean medical interventions should play a major role in the pain management and digestive improvement sections of the upcoming postoperative program. Moreover, respondents claimed that Korean medical modalities such as acupuncture, moxibustion, cupping, and herbal decoction should be included in the program and should play a significant role.

CONCLUSIONS

Efforts are necessary to promote postoperative workflow, improve patient management and reduce complications or side effects, particularly those adapted to spinal surgery. Based on our results, a study on the development of a comprehensive postoperative program that reflects the perspectives of patients and conventional medical doctors should be conducted.
A scoping review of the use of log data for evaluating mobile Apps (Preprint)
Authors: van Schalkwyk Ane , Grobbelaar Sara , Vermeulen Euodia
Published: June 2021

BACKGROUND

There is a growing trend in the potential benefits and application of log data for the evaluation of mHealth Apps. However, the process by which insights may be derived from log data remains unstructured, resulting in underutilisation of mHealth data.

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to acquire an understanding of how log data analysis can be used to generate valuable insights in support of realistic evaluations of mobile Apps through a scoping review. This understanding is delineated according to publication trends, associated concepts and characteristics of log data, framework or processes required to develop insights from log data, and how these insights may be utilised towards evaluation of Apps.

METHODS

The PRISMA-ScR guidelines for a scoping review were followed. The Scopus database, the Journal of Medical Internet Research (JMIR), and grey literature (through a Google search) delivered 105 articles of which 33 articles were retained in the sample for analysis and synthesis.

RESULTS

A definition for log data is developed from its characteristics and articulated as: anonymous records of users’ real-time interactions with the application, collected objectively or automatically and often accessed from cloud-based storage. Publications for theoretical and empirical work on log data analysis have increased between 2010 and 2021 (100% and 95% respectively). The research approach is distributed between inductive (43%), deductive (30%), and a hybrid approach (27%). Research methods include mixed-methods (73%) and quantitative only (27%), although mixed-methods dominate since 2018. Only 30% of studies articulated the use of a framework or model to perform the log data analysis. Four main focus areas for log data analysis are identified as usability (40%), engagement (15%), effectiveness (15%), and adherence (15%). An average of one year of log data is used for analysis, with an average of three years from the launch of the App to the analysis. Collected indicators include user events or clicks made, specific features of the App, and timestamps of clicks. The main calculated indicators are features used or not used (24/33), frequency (21/33), and duration (18/33). Reporting the calculated indicators per ‘user or user group’ was the most used reference point.

CONCLUSIONS

Standardised terminology, processes, frameworks, and explicit benchmarks to utilise log data are lacking in literature. Thereby, the need for a conceptual framework that is able to standardise the log analysis of mobile Apps is determined. We provide a summary of concepts towards such a framework.

CLINICALTRIAL

NA
Development of Library Components for Floating Point Processor
Authors:   Department of Electronics, M.G.P.G. College, Gorakhpur (India), SHARMA SUBHASH KUMAR , DUBEY SHRI PRAKASH ,   Department of Physics , M.G.P.G. College, Gorakhpur (India), MISHRA ANIL KUMAR ,   Department of Physics , M.G.P.G. College, Gorakhpur (India)
Published: June 2021

This paper deals with development of an n-bit binary to decimal conversion, decimal to n bit binary conversion and decimal to IEEE-754 conversion for floating point arithmetic logic unit (FPALU) using VHDL. Normally most of the industries now a days are using either 4-bit conversion of ALU or 8-bit conversions of ALU, so we have generalized this, thus we need not to worry about the bit size of conversion of ALU. It has solved all the problems of 4-bit, 8-bit, 16-bit conversions of ALU’s and so on. Hence, we have utilized VHSIC Hardware Description Language and Xilinx in accomplishing this task of development of conversions processes of ALU
Presentación
Authors: Durán Álvarez Juan Carlos , De la Torre S. Rocío
Published: June 2021

Este número especial de Mundo Nano. Revista Interdisciplinaria en Nanociencias y Nanotecnología presenta artículos de revisión bibliográfica que tratan de establecer el estado del conocimiento sobre el desarrollo de materiales nanométricos para la detección del SARS-CoV-2 en muestras fisiológicas, la inactivación del agente infeccioso en diferentes superficies y el desarrollo de vacunas sobre la plataforma del ARN mensajero. El objetivo es que, a partir de esta línea base, los académicos y los estudiantes de posgrado interesados en el tema puedan trazar líneas de investigación ad hoc que abonen a la solución de la crisis sanitaria y al retorno seguro a las actividades productivas en México, como en América Latina y el Caribe en tanto países de residencia del grueso de lectores de Mundo Nano.
ECOLOGICAL-ARCHITECTURAL ENGINEERING OF RESORTS
Authors:   Moscow State University of Civil Engineering, Mayasova Catherine , Prokopova Anastasia
Published: June 2021

The article considers the problem of organizing places of mass recreation in megalopolises - resorts. A number of general principles of ecological and architectural arrangement of these objects hare proposed. The systemic organization of resorts within walking distance improves the social climate and health of the population.
INTERACTION OF KARST AND SLIDESLAND PROCESSES ON THE EXAMPLE OF THE TERRITORY OF THE CITY OF MOSCOW
Authors:   Moscow State University of Civil Engineering, Orlova N. A.
Published: June 2021

The paper considers the structure of the roof relief of carboniferous deposits in the areas of Vorobyovy Gory, Kolomenskoye, Moskvorechye-Saburovo, Khoroshevo-1, located in the city of Moscow. Irregularities in the form of local outliers, depressions, craters, presumably of karst origin, which can affect the formation of landslides in the overlying dispersed rocks, were found at all sites. In the surface of the roof of the kelloway of oxford is marked an ancient tributary in the territory of the Sparrow Hills.
GEO-ENVIRONMENTAL FEATURES OF HYDROCARBON FIELD DEVELOPMENT IN THE BLACK SEA-CASPIAN REGION
Authors:   Sergo Ordzhonikidze Russian State University for Geological Prospecting, Akhmadiev A.K. , Ekzaryan V.N.
Published: June 2021

The paper notes that the hydrocarbon potential of the Black Sea-Caspian region is not exhausted, and therefore the development of its resources is intensifying. The exploitation of oil and gas fields is closely associated with negative consequences for theenvironment. Therefore, the geo-environmental features of the area must be studied and taken into consideration. In relation to the Black Sea-Caspian region the authors have identified and described such features as: the diversity of geopolitical, regional-geological, geographical conditions; the factor of stability of the geological environment; oil pollution of the marine environment and the organization of monitoring of oil pollution.
RESEARCH OF HAZARDOUS NATURAL AND TECHNOLOGICAL PROCESSES IN URBAN NATURAL COMPLEXES
Authors:   Moscow State University of Civil Engineering, Smetanin I.A.
Published: June 2021

The natural complex of Moscow, which includes the totality of all spatially isolated woodlands, protected areas, forests, water protection zones, historical and cultural monuments, and green spaces, makes up about 35 percent of the city's territory (without the Troitsky and Novomoskovsky administrative districts-TaNAD). The technogenic load of the surrounding megalopolis can provoke or strengthen the development of various types of dangerous exodynamic processes on the territory of natural complexes (landslides, gully erosion, the formation of sinkholes, etc.). This creates both an immediate threat to the lives of the population, and causes the risk of destruction of buildings and structures located near them. To prevent such events, it is necessary to develop a forecast of dangerous exodynamic processes and measures to eliminate their causes in a timely manner. This problem can be solved only on the basis of a series of consistently conducted studies.
MODELING OF WASTEWATER TREATMENT
Authors:   Moscow State University of Civil Engineering, Chirikanova Yu.S.
Published: June 2021

The paper deals with the problem of mathematical modeling of biological wastewater treatment. The peculiarity of the biological treatment system is that a block with activated sludge, called an aeration tank, is used for water purification. To describe the process of biological wastewater treatment in aeration tanksa mathematical model developed in the GPS-X software package is proposed.
ARCHITECTURAL AND PLANNING FEATURES OF SKI COMPLEXES IN THE DMITROVSKY DISTRICT OF MOSCOW REGION WITH THE USE OF ARTIFICIAL RELIEF
Authors:   Moscow State University of Civil Engineering, Gaynova A.S.
Published: June 2021

In this article contains a comparative analysis of ski resorts in the Dmitrovsky district of Mosccow region. There are considered the most famous resorts like the L.Tyagachev ski complex and the Sorochany resort, where various methods of relief modification like ground raising and building a special structure are used. A variant of the development of the L.Tyagachev ski complex with a roller ski track is proposed. The material contains conclusions and a list of used literature.
METHODS OF GEODETIC MONITORING OF ESTABLISHED BUILDINGS AND STRUCTURES
Authors:   Moscow State University of Civil Engineering, Ekimovskaya V.A.
Published: June 2021

The process of geodetic monitoring improves every year, this is mainly due to the development of science, new inventions appear that increase the accuracy of instruments many times compared to previous versions of measuring instruments. The article discusses the main as well as modern monitoring methods, considers the positive and negative aspects of the methods.
CITIES AS A SOURCE OF DEVELOPMENT OF TECHNOGENESIS AND TRANSFORMATION OF NATURAL LANDSCAPES
Authors:   VladimirState University named after Alexander and Nicolay Stoletovs, Karlovich I. A. , Chukanov A. K.
Published: June 2021

The paper examines the role of the city as a source of environmental transformation, shows the impact of human activity in the process of urban development on the components of nature, considers the main sources of soil, water and air pollution in urban ecosystems, and also raises the problem of changes and pollution of landscapes.
SOME GEO-ECOLOGICAL AND GEOTECHNICAL ASPECTS IN CONSTRUCTION OF THE UNDERGROUND METRO IN VIETNAM
Authors:   Moscow State University of Civil Engineering, Le Trung Hieu
Published: June 2021

In Vietnam, traffic in big cities is becoming extremely relevant and complex. Every year, the state spends thousands of billions of VND on repairing and improving the road system, as well as on taking measures to reduce traffic congestion: measures to ban vehicles, reduce vehicle traffic, restrict the entry of foreign vehicles into the city, restrict motorcycle traffic, ban cars an hour peak, temporary deviation, construction of flyovers at intersections, etc.
Corporate governance and information openness in Russian NGOs
Authors:   HSE University, Moscow, Russian Federation, Malakhov Dmitry , Yakobson Lev ,   HSE University, Moscow, Russian Federation
Published: June 2021

According to the NGO theory, the main comparative advantage of these organizations is the high level of trust, provided primarily by the peculiarities of corporate governance and information openness. In Russia, these features of NGOs are still relatively weak, but they are gradually being mastered by the non‐profit sector. Based on the data of an all‐Russian representative survey of 1001 NGOs, using the exogenous differences in the requirements of the legislation for the organization of corporate governance in different legal forms of NGOs, it is shown that if an NGO at the time of creation has a board of trustees and/or a supervisory board, then it has a statically significant positive effect on the information openness. This result seems to be important in the context of the development of the non‐profit sector in Russia.
The impact of family influence and supervisory boards on the basis of executive compensation: Evidence from Germany
Authors: Ulrich Patrick , Rieg Robert
Published: June 2021

In the international literature, there exists a lively discussion about the fundamentals of different executive compensation models. Executive compensation is relevant not only from the point of view of corporate management but also from the point of view of corporate governance and here potential information asymmetries and corporate misconduct. Internal or external metrics, in particular, are used as the basis for compensation. In family businesses, which per se are less likely to offer variable compensation to their executives, it is assumed that internal rather than external metrics are more likely to be used as the basis for compensation. This paper tests this thesis on the basis of an empirical survey of 113 German companies. The empirical study shows clear differences in the use of internal and external metrics as a basis for executive compensation — a fact that has so far not been addressed in other empirical studies.
Students’ interest in Arabic language learning: the roles of teacher
Authors: Juryatina Juryatina , Amrin Amrin
Published: June 2021

Arabic language education is a compulsory subject in Madrasah (Primary education level) under the auspices of the Ministry of Religious affairs. The students’ interest in Arabic language learning in Madrasah Aliyah Nurul Haq Rite Indonesia was very low. This is due to the students’ dislike of Arabic that demands the students to think, memorize, and be proficient in speaking as well as other skills. The current learning activities are non-varied and teacher-centered learning models. This study aims to determine the role of teachers in increasing students’ interest in Arabic learning. This study used a qualitative approach with field studies. Data collection techniques were interview, observation, and documentation. The data analysis techniques were in the form of data reduction, data display, and conclusion drawing. The results of this study on the roles of teachers indicate that; (1) the teacher provides motivation and guidance for every Monday ceremony and Imtaq activities on Friday, (2) the teacher only uses textbooks without semester learning plans and other learning tools, (3) the teacher uses non-varied methods ( such as the lecture and discussion method), (4) the teacher provides an assessment of learning outcomes, (5) the teacher provides evaluation or tests, (6) the teacher gives praise to students, and (7) the teacher punishes students who do not do assignments. The results of this study contribute as practical insights for teachers, especially Arabic teachers in maximizing their roles to increase interest in learning Arabic in schools.
Collodion Baby in a Sudanese patient
Authors: Dafallah Mumen Abdalazim , Ragab Esraa Ahmed
Published: June 2021

The aim of my clinical image is to recall this rare dermatological
condition and to highlight instructions to follow in treatment and
proper management of the complications that can arise.
Life in the desert: habitat spatial complexity, gene flow, and functional connectivity in Ivesia webberi
Authors: Borokini Israel , Klingler Kelly , Peacock Mary
Published: June 2021

Habitat protection, by itself, is not sufficient to conserve
range-restricted species with disjunct populations. Indeed, it becomes
critical to characterize gene flow among the populations and factors
that influence functional connectivity in order to design effective
conservation programs for such species. In this study, we genotyped 314
individuals of Ivesia webberi, a United States federally threatened
Great Basin Desert perennial forb using six microsatellite loci, to
estimate genetic diversity and population genetic structure, as well as
rates and direction of gene flow among 16 extant I. webberi populations.
We assessed the effects of Euclidean distance, landscape features, and
ecological dissimilarity on the genetic structure of the sampled
populations, while also testing for a relationship between I. webberi
genetic diversity and diversity in the vegetative communities. The
results show low levels of genetic diversity overall (He = 0.200–0.441;
Ho = 0.192–0.605) and high genetic differentiation among populations.
Genetic diversity was structured along a geographic gradient, congruent
with patterns of isolation by distance. Populations near the species’
range core have relatively high genetic diversity, supporting a
central-marginal pattern, while peripheral populations have lower
genetic diversity, significantly higher genetic distances, higher
relatedness, and evidence of genetic bottlenecks. Genotype cluster
admixture results support a predominant west to east gene flow pattern
for populations near the species’ range center, as well as smaller
genotype clusters with a narrow north to south distribution and little
admixture, suggesting that dispersal direction and distance vary on the
landscape. Pairwise genetic distance strongly correlates with actual
evapotranspiration and precipitation, indicating a role for isolation by
environment, which the observed phenological mismatches among the
populations also support. The significant correlation between pairwise
genetic distance and dissimilarity in the soil seed bank suggest that
annual regeneration of the floristic communities contributes to the
maintenance of genetic diversity in I. webberi.
A rare case of pancytopenia in a child with cystic fibrosis: Can copper cure it all?
Authors: Seblani Maggie , McColley Susanna , Gong Shawn , Bass Lee , Badawy Sherif
Published: June 2021

Nutritional deficiencies such as iron, vitamin B12 and folate are
recognized as etiologies for several cytopenias; although copper’s role
in multiple metabolic enzymes is well-established, copper deficiency is
often overlooked as a contributing entity. Frequently diagnosis is
delayed, patients may undergo bone marrow investigations with findings
overlapping a myelodysplastic process, which can lead to further testing
and treatment considerations including hematopoietic stem cell
transplant referral. We present a case of a young boy with cystic
fibrosis with biliary dysplasia corrected with hepato-portoenterostomy
and distal intestinal obstruction syndrome resulting in jejunal
resection, with severe anemia and thrombocytopenia requiring transfusion
support. Initial evaluation had been unremarkable, ongoing pancytopenia
prompted bone marrow studies, which revealed vacuolated granulocytic and
erythroid precursors and ring sideroblasts, suggestive of copper
deficiency. Serum copper and ceruloplasmin were consistent with severe
deficiency, attributed to insufficient absorption intestinal resection,
chronic parenteral nutrition and prior zinc supplementation. Following
enteral copper supplementation, anemia, leukopenia and thrombocytopenia
significantly improved, however upon cessation, counts again worsened
and has since been maintained on daily copper supplementation without
further transfusion needs. Our experience exemplifies the importance of
early consideration for copper deficiency in children with cytopenias,
especially within context of intestinal malabsorption or inadequate
nutritional intake which often occurs in children with cystic fibrosis.
Genomic and Experimental Investigations of Auriscalpium and Strobilurus Fungi Reveal New Insights into Pinecone Decomposition
Authors: Wang Panmeng , Xu Jianping , Wu Gang , Liu Tiezhi , Yang Zhu L.
Published: June 2021

Saprophytic fungi play vital roles in nutrient cycling and ecosystem
dynamics. However, our understanding of how saprophytic fungi interact
with each other to decompose organic matter is very limited. Here, we
conducted field surveys of pinecone-colonizing/decomposing mushrooms,
investigated the chemical compositions of decomposing pinecones, and
analyzed seven new genomes of three pairs of mushrooms in the genera
Auriscalpium and Strobilurus with substrate specificities. Each pair of
mushrooms successively colonizes the pinecones of a different pine
species: A. orientale-S. luchuensis on Pinus yunnanensis, A. vulgare-S.
stephanocystis on Pinus sylvestris, and A. microsporum-S.
pachcystidiatus/S. orientalis on Pinus armandii. Our analyses revealed
evidence for both competition and cooperation between Auriscalpium and
Strobilurus fungi during pinecone decomposition. Their successive
colonization of the two fungi groups with complementary profiles of
carbohydrate-active enzymes enabled efficient decomposition and
utilization of pinecones. The Auriscalpium fungi are highly effective at
utilizing the recalcitrant primary organic carbons such as lignin and
hemicellulose in freshly fallen pinecones. The decomposition by
Auriscalpium fungi enabled the successive colonization by Strobilurus
fungi which can produce an arsenal of secondary metabolites such as
strobilurins to inhibit other fungi and have abundant
carbohydrate-active enzymes for effective utilization of the remaining
organic compounds in pinecones.