bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Local Dynamics of Collaboration for Maternal, Newborn and Child Health: A Social Network Analysis of Healthcare Providers and Their Managers in Gert Sibande District, South Africa
Authors: Mukinda Fidele Kanyimbu , Van Belle Sara , Schneider Helen
Published: September 2021

Background: Accountability for maternal, newborn and child health (MNCH) is a collaborative endeavour and documenting collaboration dynamics may be key to understanding variations in the performance of MNCH services. This study explored the dynamics of collaboration among frontline health professionals participating in two MNCH coordination structures in a rural South African district. It examined the role and position of actors, the nature of their relationships, and the overall structure of the collaborative network in two sub-districts. Methods: Cross-sectional survey using a social network analysis (SNA) methodology of 42 district and sub district actors involved in MNCH coordination structures. Different domains of collaboration (eg, communication, professional support, innovation) were surveyed at key interfaces (district-sub-district, across service delivery levels, and within teams). Results: The overall network structure reflected a predominantly hierarchical mode of clustering of organisational relationships around hospitals and their referring primary healthcare (PHC) facilities. Clusters were linked through (and dependent on) a combination of district MNCH programme and line managers, identified as central connectors or boundary spanners. Overall network density remained low suggesting potential for strengthening collaborative relationships. Within cluster collaborative patterns (inter-professional and across levels) varied, highlighting the significance of small units in district functioning. Conclusion: SNA provides a mechanism to uncover the nature of relationships and key actors in collaborative dynamics which could point to system strengths and weaknesses. It offers insights on the level of fragmentation within and across small units, and the need to strengthen cohesion and improve collaborative relationships, and ultimately, the delivery of health services.
The COVID-19 System Shock Framework: Capturing Health System Innovation During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Hodgins Michael , van Leeuwen Dee , Braithwaite Jeffrey , Hanefeld Johanna , Wolfe Ingrid , Lau Christine , Dickins Emma , McSweeney Joeanne , McCaskill Mary , Lingam Raghu
Published: September 2021

Background: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has resulted in over 2 million deaths globally. The experience in Australia presents an opportunity to study contrasting responses to the COVID-19 health system shock. We adapted the Hanefeld et al framework for health systems shocks to create the COVID-19 System Shock Framework (CSSF). This framework enabled us to assess innovations and changes created through COVID-19 at the Sydney Children’s Hospitals Network (SCHN), the largest provider of children’s health services in the Southern hemisphere. Methods: We used ethnographic methods, guided by the CSSF, to map innovations and initiatives implemented across SCHN during the pandemic. An embedded field researcher shadowed members of the emergency operations centre (EOC) for nine months. We also reviewed clinic and policy documents pertinent to SCHN’s response to COVID-19 and conducted interviews and focus groups with stakeholders, including clinical directors, project managers, frontline clinicians, and other personnel involved in implementing innovations across SCHN. Results: The CSSF captured SCHN’s complex response to the pandemic. Responses included a COVID-19 assessment clinic, inpatient and infectious disease management services, redeploying and managing a workforce working from home, cohesive communication initiatives, and remote delivery of care, all enabled by a dedicated COVID-19 fund. The health system values that shaped SCHN’s response to the pandemic included principles of equity of healthcare delivery, holistic and integrated models of care, and supporting workforce wellbeing. SCHN’s resilience was enabled by innovation fostered through a non-hierarchical governance structure and responsiveness to emerging challenges balanced with a singular vision. Conclusion: Using the CSSF, we found that SCHN’s ability to innovate was key to ensuring its resilience during the pandemic.
Effect of Health Shocks on Poverty Status in South Korea: Exploring the Mechanism of Medical Impoverishment
Authors: Kim Chang-O
Published: September 2021

Background: South Korea has the highest out-of-pocket burden for medical expenses among the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) member countries and has no formal sickness benefit system, along with United States and Switzerland, greatly increasing the risk of poverty due to a sudden illness. Methods: We identify the causal effect of health shocks on poverty status and explore the mechanisms of medical impoverishment by analyzing longitudinal data from 13 670 households that participated in the representative Korean Welfare Panel Study (KOWEPS) from 2007 to 2016. In this study, we define a health shock as a case in which no household members were hospitalized in the previous year, but together they had more than 30 days of hospitalization in this year. The propensity score matching method was combined with a mediation analysis in this work. Results: The proportion of households in absolute poverty increased by 4.6–8.0 percentage points among households that experienced a health shock compared with matched controls. The selection effects due to health shock were estimated to be 5.6–8.2 percentage points. On average, a sudden hospitalization reduces annual non-medical expenditures and equivalized disposable income by just over 3.2 million KRW (2500 USD) and 1.2 million KRW (1000 USD), respectively. Health shock induces impoverishment after one year through both the medical expense and work capacity pathways, which explain 12.8% and 12.8% of the total effect, respectively. However, when we decompose the mediation effect of a health shock on poverty status after two years, we find that a health shock leads to poverty mainly through labor force nonparticipation (9.9%). Conclusion: Income stabilizing scheme to protect households that experience a health shock should be introduced as a policy alternative to confront the issue of medical impoverishment.
Synthesis of Formaldehyde Free Amino Resin to Produce Green Eco-Labelled Leather with Improved Retanning Properties
Authors: Ashraf Muhammad Naveed , Khan Shahzad Maqsood , Munir Shahid , Saleem Rashid
Published: September 2021

Formaldehyde has many applications in the chemical industry including synthesis of amino resins which are used in leather processing. After application in leather, these resins are hydrolyzed under certain conditions to release free formaldehyde which has high environmental concerns due to its proven carcinogenic effects. The objective of this work is to develop a formaldehyde free melamine-based resin to produce green leather with improved retanning properties and thermal stability. The optimum melamine resin was synthesized by condensing melamine with glyoxal instead of formaldehyde. Further, the water solubility and improved thermal stability of synthesized melamine resins were achieved by introduction of sulfanilic acid in resin structure. Synthesized resin was used in leather retanning in comparison with commercially available melamine resin as a control. Both leathers were tested for mechanical properties, organoleptic properties, grain surface and fiber structure analysis. Comparative free formaldehyde content was measured in resultant leathers. Effluents of retanning baths were comparatively analyzed. Optimum resin was also characterized by thermo gravimetric analysis and FTIR. The results of this study showed that the experimental resin has imparted significant improvement in mechanical and organoleptic properties of leather as compared to the control resin. Analysis of free formaldehyde content confirmed the absence of free formaldehyde in leather treated with optimum resin while 141 mg/kg formaldehyde was detected in leather treated with control resin. Free formaldehyde was also absent in effluent of experimental resin while 305 mg/kg formaldehyde was detected in effluent of control resin. Moreover, percentage efficiency in COD, TDS and TSS load of effluent was observed as 9.62, 7.2 and 6.31 respectively.  Resultant leather was free from formaldehyde making it safe for human along with reduction in pollution load of tannery.
Eco-friendly Leather Dyeing using Ultrasound Technique
Authors: Mia Md. Abu Sayid , Ashraf Refat E , Nurnabi Mohammad , Alam Md. Zahnagir
Published: September 2021

In this study, leather was dyed using ultrasound and conventional methods to investigate the influence of ultrasound on leather dyeing. Ultrasound is more effective than mechanical agitation in enhancing leather dyeing. Effects of various process parameters, such as, dyeing temperature, dyeing time and doses of dye on dyeing of leather in presence of ultrasound were investigated. Dyed leathers were characterized with scanning electron microscopy (SEM), photomicrographic analysis, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), etc. It was observed that percentage exhaustion of dye, dye uptake, dye penetration and diffusion coefficient were increased significantly in presence of ultrasound compared to those of dyeing in absence of ultrasound. Moreover, physical properties of the dyed leathers were also investigated. Color rub fastness, perspiration, tensile strength, etc. of dyed leather in presence of ultrasound were higher than that of without ultrasound. SEM analyses of the surface and cross section of the dyed leather showed that fiber structure was not affected by ultrasound. Photomicrographic analysis of cross-section of the dyed leather also showed a deeper penetration of dye in presence of ultrasound. Consequently, dye content in the spent liquor was decreased resulting in a lower environmental pollution.
Nonionic Short-Chain Fluorinated Surfactants in the Fatliquoring of Chrome-Tanned Goat Skin
Authors: Shen Yichao , Jin Yong , Lai Shuangquan , Shi Liangjie , Zhou Yutang , Zhou Rong
Published: September 2021

Surfactants as essential auxiliaries are used in almost all chemical processes in leather production. In this work, a series of nonionic short-chain fluorinated surfactants (Fn-Fn, where n = 2, 4, or 6) were successfully prepared and used as fatliquoring auxiliaries in the fatliquoring process of chrome-tanned goat skin. The chemical structure of these nonionic short-chain fluorinated surfactants was characterized by FTIR and the molecular weight was determined by GPC. The surface tension measurement results revealed that these three fluorinated surfactants showed excellent surface activities. The effect of type and dosage of Fn-Fn as well as fatliquoring temperature on fatliquoring properties of chrome-tanned goat skin were estimated by the softness and physical mechanical properties characteristic of resultant leather. The results revealed that the leather treated with 1 wt% F4-F4 at the fatliquoring temperature of 40oC showed the best overall performance, whose softness and physical mechanical properties were improved significantly. Moreover, the collagen fiber morphology and waterproof performance of leather treated with Fn-Fn were also investigated which showed that the addition of Fn-Fn in the fatliquoring process could promote the loosening of collagen fibers while effectively enhancing the water repellency of the leather surface. Therefore, such types of nonionic short-chain fluorinated surfactants are promising to be as desired fatliquoring auxiliaries in the leather industry.
ANALISIS PELAYANAN DAN HARGA TERHADAP KEPUASAN PELANGGAN PERUSAHAAN DAERAH AIR MINUM
Authors: Suganda Erik Irawan
Published: September 2021

Tujuan penelitian ini adalah untuk mengetahui pelayanan dan harga serta dampaknya terhadap kepuasan pelanggan Perusahaan Daerah Air Minum (PDAM) Cabang Parung Panjang Kabupaten Bogor. Populasi penelitian adalah pelanggan pada instansi tersebut sejumlah 12.524 orang dengan jumlah sampel sebanyak 100 orang yang dihitung menggunakan rumus Slovin. Pengumpulan data variabel yang diteliti menggunakan kuesioner dengan skala rating. Teknik analisis data menggunakan statistik deskriptif inferensial. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan: (1) Terdapat pengaruh positif dan signifikan pelayanan  terhadap kepuasan pelanggan, (2) Terdapat pengaruh positif dan signifikan harga  terhadap kepuasan pelanggan, dan (3) Terdapat pengaruh positif dan signifikan pelayanan dan harga  secara bersama-sama terhadap kepuasan pelanggan
THE TRANSLATION OF AL-’ISTICĀRAH AL-TAMTHīLIYYAH IN THE ’AḤADīTH OF RASULULLAH S.A.W
Authors: Abdul Rahman Mohamad Syukri , Seman Haji Mohammad
Published: September 2021

The translation is a process of copying information contained in the source text into the recipient's source as description, interpretation, and explanation. The field of translation has undergone a drastic process of modernization in line with the development of science and technology. Studies related to the translation of hadith are still insufficient. Furthermore, the development of language is constantly changing according to current changes and society's need for hadith which is becoming more prominent due to the increasing religious awareness. In addition, the position of the hadith of the Prophet SAW, which is jawamic al-kalim has a special and distinctive language feature that requires expertise in the translation of its meaning. This study will attempt to analyze the translation of al-’Isticārah al-Tamthīliyyah in some selected hadiths from the book Riyāḍ al- Ṣāliḥīn by using the method of textual study. Among the purpose of the analysis is to take a closer look at the translation methodology of al-’Isticārah al-Tamthīliyyah used by the translator of the book Riyāḍ al- Ṣāliḥīn published by JAKIM. The findings of this study can be concluded that the translator translates the content of the hadiths studied based on the text outwardly without emphasizing the metaphorical aspect of al-’Isticārah al-Tamthīliyyah and the purpose of the parable is made. It can be categorized as a literal translation. In this case, the author believes that the translation of al-’Isticārah al-Tamthīliyyah of the source language to the target language, especially Arabic to Malay necessary to explain the meaning of the balaghah to explain the purpose of the parable is made so that the readers of the translation be able to understand the implied meaning clearly. The explanation can be used as a footnote on each relevant translation. In addition, the translator's understanding of the elements of metaphor in the original culture is an important factor in producing a quality translation. It is hoped that the findings of this study will contribute to the development of hadith translation in Malaysia and help readers of the translation of the book Riyāḍ al-Ṣāliḥīn in understanding the meaning of hadith clearly.
THE ROLE OF ZAKAT IN MALAYSIA IN DEALING WITH THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC
Authors: Mohd Noor Muhammad Hanif , Abdull Rahim Muhammad Aiman , Wan Ibrisam Fikry Wan Abdul Rahman , Hehsan Aminudin
Published: September 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic that struck, shocks the whole world, regardless of race or religion. The effects of a pandemic can be felt from a health, social and economic point of view. The impact clearly affects the growth of the world economy, especially in Malaysia. Despite the pandemic, we can see the assistance extended by the people of the world, especially the community in Malaysia to help those effected and affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Zakat institutions in Malaysia have also not missed out on their duty to help asnaf who need special assistance during this pandemic. So, in this study, the researcher will study in more depth the assistance provided and the channels used to help the zakat asnaf affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition, this study also aims to determine the impact of assistance given to asnaf on the country's economic growth during the pandemic. The methodology used is content analysis from studies on zakat and, data from zakat institutions. The results of the study showed a positive effect on the economy of the recipients with the assistance received by the asnaf from the zakat institution.
Examination of Participatory Approach in Urban Renewal (Ur); Example in Isparta-Karaağaç District
Authors: CESUR DURMAZ Büşra , GÜL Atila
Published: September 2021

Urban landscape and quality of life are particularly affected by factors such as intensive population growth, technological activities and spatial growth. In this context, urban renewal projects have become important in order to make urban areas more liveable. However, when urban renewal works are carried out, problems arise such as the disregarding of users' demands and their opinions, construction on a parcel scale rather than a whole, the not adoption of environment-friendly functional approaches. The aim of this study is; to draw attention to the effects that urban renewal projects have on people; to see how the local people behave towards urban renewal in the Isparta Karaağaç neighbourhood; to reveal demand and expectations from urban renewal projects and to provide the formation of a participatory approach. Therefore the data obtained as a result of the 300 questionnaire study with shareholders were evaluated by pair-wise comparison using the Person Chi-Square method in the SPSS program. In the direction of the resulting data, a participatory approach strategy plan was composed in urban renewal (UR) projects. In the conclusion and suggestions section, the social dimension in UR studies was examined and solution offers for the problems were developed.
Difficulties Preventing Turkish Officers from Working on Cruise Ships and Suggestions for Solution
Authors: KOLÇAK İlterişhan Çağrı , SOLMAZ Murat Selçuk
Published: September 2021

The cruise industry has experienced remarkable growth over the past two decades as can be seen from increasing numbers of passengers and cruise ships. Investments in the industry can show that continuous growth is expected for the future. It can be considered that the growing industry would create more employment opportunities for officers. On the other hand, although the number of Turkish officers has been increasing in recent years, it can be observed that Turkish officers almost never work on cruise ships. Aim of this study is to investigate the difficulties that prevent Turkish officers from working on cruise ships and to propose solutions to overcome these difficulties. In the study, literature and legal regulations were examined and a survey was conducted to obtain data on the employment procedures of companies. As a result of the study, various factors were identified in the fields of education, language and manning, which made it difficult for Turkish officers to work on cruise ships at national and international levels. Suggestions were made at the level of individuals, educational institutions, and governments to overcome these difficulties.
SECRECY CODING IN THE INTEGRATED NETWORKENHANCED TELEMETRY (iNET)
Authors: Shoushtari Morteza , Harrison Willie
Published: September 2021

This paper considers security in eavesdropping attacks over wireless communication links in aeronautical telemetry systems. Here, we propose a secure coding technique for the integrated Network Enhanced Telemetry (iNET) communications system that can be coupled with modern encryption schemes. We consider a wiretap scenario where there are two telemetry links between a test article (TA) and a legitimate receiver, or ground station (GS). We show how these two links can be used to transmit both encrypted and unencrypted data streams while keeping both streams secure.
Partial-Structure-Oriented Work-Energy Theorem Based Characteristic Mode Theory for Yagi-Uda Array Antennas
Authors: Lian Renzun , Xia Mingyao , Guo Xingyue
Published: September 2021

Partial-structure-oriented work-energy theorem (WET) governing the work-energy transformation process of Yagi-Uda array antennas is derived. Driving power as the source to sustain a steady work-energy transformation is introduced. Employing WET and driving power, the essential difference between the working mechanisms of scattering objects and Yagi-Uda array antennas is revealed. The difference exposes that the conventional characteristic mode theory (CMT) for scattering objects cannot be directly applied to Yagi-Uda array antennas. Under WET framework, this paper proposes a generalized CMT for Yagi-Uda antennas. By orthogonalizing driving power operator (DPO), the WET-based CMT can construct a set of energy-decoupled characteristic modes (CMs) for an objective Yagi-Uda antenna, and then can provide an effective modal analysis for the Yagi-Uda antenna. In addition, a uniform interpretation for the physical meaning of the characteristic values / modal significances (MSs) of metallic, material, and metal-material composite Yagi-Uda antennas is also obtained by employing the WET-based modal decomposition and the field-current interaction expression of driving power.
Aclaramiento de lactato como predictor de mortalidad en pacientes con choque
Authors: Méndez Mejía Mahobeny Natalia
Published: September 2021

La sepsis es una de las principales causas de muerte en las unidades de cuidados intensivos pediátricos. El tratamiento en los pacientes con diagnóstico de choque séptico es dirigido a alcanzar metas tempranas en los estadíos primarios de la presentación de la enfermedad. Se realizó revisión y lectura de material científico. El aclaramiento de lactato a las 24 horas después de iniciada la terapia de reanimación demuestra ser el mejor predictor de mortalidad a corto plazo en los pacientes que presentan choque séptico. La hiperlactatemia diagnosticada al ingreso a las unidades de terapia intensiva también se relaciona con mayor frecuencia de lesión renal aguda, mayor tiempo de ventilación mecánica, necesidad de dosis más altas de aminas vasoactivas y aumento de la estancia hospitalaria. Las concentraciones de lactato venoso se consideran un biomarcador de mayor utilidad que los valores de lactato arterial para predecir mortalidad en estos pacientes. Se concluye que los niveles de lactato superiores a tres milimoles/litro y un aclaramiento de lactato menor al 10% posterior a la terapia de reanimación inicial se encuentra asociado con un aumento de la mortalidad.
Some features of hematological parameters and production of cytokines regulating inflammation in allergic rhinitis
Authors: Iraklionova Natalia S. , Belan Eleonora B.
Published: September 2021

BACKGROUND: Allergic rhinitis is a common IgE-mediated disease. Multiple mechanisms are involved in the regulation of IgE synthesis, and cytokines produced by immune cells play an important role in this process. In addition, the study of the features of immunological reactivity in seasonal allergic rhinitis is of interest both for getting new data about the pathogenesis of the disease and optimization of the treatment.
AIMS: This study aimed to determine the cytokine status and hematological parameters in patients with seasonal allergic rhinitis outside the exacerbation period.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study included 43 adult patients with seasonal allergic rhinitis (remission stage) and compared them with 47 healthy individuals. Patients with perennial symptoms and/or sensitization to perennial allergens were excluded. Complete blood cell count and serum interleukin (IL)-4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, IL-18, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), total immunoglobulin (Ig) E, and eosinophil cationic protein levels were measured.
RESULTS: The remission stage in patients with seasonal allergic rhinitis is characterized by higher serum levels of total IgE and IL-8 compared with the healthy group. The normal serum total IgE level of patients with seasonal allergic rhinitis in remission is associated with activation of the monocytemacrophage link (increased serum levels of MCP-1, IL-6, IL-8, and absolute and relative numbers of monocytes). Increased serum total IgE level is associated with the predominant signs of the Th2 phenotype of the immune response (increased serum levels of IL-4 and IL-5).
CONCLUSIONS: The immune reactivity of patients with natural remission of seasonal allergic rhinitis is characterized by Th2 phenotype features if the serum level of IgE is increased and features of activation of monocytemacrophage system if the level of IgE is normal.
Instructional Resources and Effective Pedagogy of Financial Accounting in Secondary Schools, Lagos, Nigeria
Authors: Alao Olusegun Ezekiel , Ukpong Mary John
Published: September 2021

Students’ poor Financial Accounting performance in senior secondary schools is worrisome and induces youths to engage in several social vices. An attempt to curb the menace and improve students’ performance led this study to assess the instructional resources and effective pedagogy of Financial Accounting in secondary schools in Lagos State, Nigeria. Adopting the descriptive survey research design, the population of the study comprised 2,492 senior secondary schools 1 and 2 students and 10 teachers of Financial Accounting under Education District IV in Lagos State, Nigeria. 300 students and all the 10 teachers eventually emerged as samples using Checkmarket Sample Size Calculator at 5% margin and 95% confidence level. The data were collected using a structured questionnaire that obtained Cronbach’s Alpha=0.90, and analysed using descriptive analysis and t-test at α=0.05 level of significance. The results showed that the teachers of Financial Accounting were not using activity-based pedagogical strategies. Most of the instructional materials necessary for the effective pedagogy of Financial Accounting were inadequate and malfunctioning. Therefore, Financial Accounting teachers are strongly encouraged to apply innovative and experiential learning strategies in teaching and learning. Furthermore, adequate infrastructure and modern equipment in the schools will create better learning opportunities for students.
Clinical Observation of Electro-acupuncture Combined with Early Rehabilitation Training to Treat Hypertensive Cerebral Hemorrhage In Basal Ganglia
Authors: Wei Wei , Qin Tu , Yafen Wang , Lang Zeng , Liao Man
Published: September 2021

In this study, we investigated the clinical efficacy and poor prognosis of patients with limb disorders after the operation of hypertensive cerebral hemorrhage, using the treatment of removing blood stasis and Shengxin acupuncture combined with early rehabilitation training using a
randomized trial. A total of 100 patients with the hypertensive intracerebral hemorrhage who underwent surgery in our hospital from May 2019 to May 2021 were selected and divided into control group were treated with early rehabilitation training, and the intervention group was treated with
acupuncture for removing blood stasis and promoting new acupuncture based on the control group. We observed that there was no significant difference in the evaluation of limb function recovery between the two groups of patients (P>0.05). After the intervention, the modified Ashworth
score, FMA score, and B1 index of the two groups were significantly different in the ADL scores and the scores of families and friends support were remarkably improved. The clinical treatment efficiency of the intervention group was 94.00%, significantly higher than that of the control group
of 80.00%, and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05). The study demonstrated that the rehabilitation training combined with removing blood stasis and Shengxin acupuncture is significantly better than rehabilitation training alone to improve postoperative limb dysfunction,
daily life and quality of life and is a clinical treatment for hypertension.
Physiological and metabolic alterations in basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) varieties under distinct soil water levels
Authors:   Federal University of Viçosa, Castro Larissa Santos , Hurtado Daniel Andres Villegas ,   Federal University of Viçosa, Silva Adriene Aparecida ,   Federal University of Viçosa, Nobre Danubia Aparecida Costa ,   Federal University of Jequitinhonha and Mucuri Valleys, Silva Geraldo Humberto ,   Federal University of Viçosa, Macedo Willian Rodrigues ,   Federal University of Viçosa
Published: September 2021

Basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) is a medicinal species used in several areas, such as food, medicines and cosmetics, and the understanding of its physiological behavior under environmental conditions is of paramount importance for the improvement of cultivation methods. The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of different water availability under physiological, biochemical and metabolic characteristics, in three distinct genotypes: 'Alfavaca basilicão', 'Gennaro de menta' and 'Grecco à palla', during two different phenological stages (vegetative and reproductive). It was found that the water deficit promotes physiological changes to tolerate water stress, and the studied genotypes have different routes to achieve this physiological tolerance, which culminates in a distinct accumulation of metabolites in plants, and can be considered interesting if the final product is the production of essential oils.
Preparation of Low-Density Polyethylene Composite with Copper Nanoparticles
Authors: Kostrichenko A. B. , Ye Ko Kyaw
Published: September 2021

In this work, devoted to the preparation and study of the properties of copper-containing nanocomposites based on linear low density polyethylene, it is shown that the composition of the resulting nanocomposite is not complicated by phase transformations during its synthesis. Varying the concentration of copper (II) formate (1.2÷50.8 wt%) makes it possible to control the size of the formed nanoparticles (10.2±2.0÷ 21.3±1,5 nm). It has been shown that the presence of Cu nanoparticles in a polymer matrix leads to a decrease in its degree of crystallinity - the value decreases from 42% for polyethylene to 37% for 3Cu / LLDPE, which is due to the restriction of the free movement of polymer chain segments by metal nanoparticles and, accordingly, the formation of a less ordered crystal structure.
Apresentação
Authors: Simas Monica , Martini Elisabeth
Published: September 2021

Apresentação à Convergência Lusíada 45.
The Interplay between Internal and External Identity Work when Institutional Change Threatens the Collective Identity: The Case of a Wholesaler Faced with the Rise of Central Purchasing
Authors: Michel Sophie , Ben-Slimane Karim
Published: September 2021

An organization’s identity, as defined by its members, must be aligned with its collective identity prescribed by institutions. This alignment is broken when an institutional change threatens the collective identity and jeopardizes the existence of a group of organizations. They then undertake to carry out identity work, both internal and external, in order to establish a new alignment. Based on a single case study, this research article explores the interplay between the two forms of identity work: internal and external. The findings of this study reveal that introspective internal identity work feeds the work to repair the collective identity with traditional values that have been rediscovered thanks to a reflexive examination of self by the organization. By internal extrospection identity work, the external identity repair work is fed with new values that the organization internalizes and enacts in its practices. Based on these findings, this article puts forward new theoretical propositions, as well as a model of the interplay between internal and external identity work that aims to realign the organization’s identity with that of the collective.
Preliminary Investigation of The Potential of Coconut Sugar Production Using Dwarf Varieties
Authors: Novarianto Hengky , Tulalo Meity A. , Mawardi Sukmawati
Published: September 2021

Coconut sugar is one of the high economic value products. The production of coconut sugar In Indonesia is about 300,000 tonnes/year. During the last few years, the supply of raw materials for the coconut sugar product has diminished due to stagnant production caused by the lack of coconut climbers collecting coconut sap. The scarcity of labor is caused by several factors, especially young tappers who are less interested in climbing tall coconut palms. To solve this problem, it is necessary to evaluate the potency of dwarf coconuts, with short trunk and fast fruiting.  The objective of this study was the evaluation and selection of Dwarf coconut varieties that have high yield potential as a producer of sap and coconut sugar.  The research was conducted in North Sulawesi Province by evaluating 9 Dwarf coconut varieties. The results of research on the production of coconut sap and sugar from 9 Dwarf coconut varieties with different plant ages, gave mixed results among coconut varieties. The length of tapping sap varied between 31.42 - 43.21 days/bunch, the volume of sap varied between 1.1 - 3.3 liters/tree/day, the pH of sap ranged between 6.49 - 7.86 and the Brix value varied between 14.01 - 17.64. The most important traits such as the sap yield and sugar production also varied from 14.54 to 18.95% among varieties, and between 0.16 to 0.42 kg/tree/day respectively. The Dwarf coconut varieties with the highest potential yield of sap and sugar are the Waingapu Red Dwarf (WRD), Salak Green Dwarf (SGD), and Nias Yellow Dwarf (NYD), with the potential sugar yield of 2.09 tons, 1.64 tons, and 1.56 tons/month/ha respectively. It is hoped that these Dwarf coconut varieties would be attractive for young tapers and could be introduced to farmers in several Provinces for tapping purposes for the production of coconut sugar.
Disseminated tuberculosis in a pregnant HIV negative woman with 12 weeks of pregnancy obtained through in vitro fertilization
Authors:   Spitalul Clinic de Boli Infecţioase şi Tropicale „Dr. V. Babeş“, Bucureşti, România, Cristea Cristiana ,   Universitatea de Medicină şi Farmacie „Carol Davila“, Bucureşti, România, Popescu Cornel ,   Spitalul Clinic de Boli Infecţioase şi Tropicale „Dr. V. Babeş“, Bucureşti, România,   Universitatea de Medicină şi Farmacie „Carol Davila“, Bucureşti, România, Voicu Mihaela ,   Universitatea de Medicină şi Farmacie „Carol Davila“, Bucureşti, România, Mereuţă Stela ,   Universitatea de Medicină şi Farmacie „Carol Davila“, Bucureşti, România, Nica Maria ,   Spitalul Clinic de Boli Infecţioase şi Tropicale „Dr. V. Babeş“, Bucureşti, România,   Universitatea de Medicină şi Farmacie „Carol Davila“, Bucureşti, România, Oprea Cristiana ,   Spitalul Clinic de Boli Infecţioase şi Tropicale „Dr. V. Babeş“, Bucureşti, România,   Universitatea de Medicină şi Farmacie „Carol Davila“, Bucureşti, România, Ceauşu Emanoil ,   Spitalul Clinic de Boli Infecţioase şi Tropicale „Dr. V. Babeş“, Bucureşti, România,   Universitatea de Medicină şi Farmacie „Carol Davila“, Bucureşti, România
Published: September 2021

Information on the outcome of extrapulmonary tuberculosis in pregnant women is limited. We present particular clinical and outcome aspects in a pregnant HIV negative woman (with pregnancy after in vitro fertilization) with tuberculosis at multiple extrapulmonary sites. In addition, we will describe the paradoxical reaction with appearance of cerebral tuberculomas after 7 months of antituberculous therapy initiation, most probably in the context of a immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (IRIS).
The role of the supervisor in student research
Authors: Berg Henriëtte van den , Naude Luzelle , Petrus Theodore
Published: September 2021

The Faculty of Humanities held a research webinar on 30 July 2021 covering the role of the supervisor in student research.

Presentations were made by Dr Henriëtte van den Berg, Prof Luzelle Naudé from Psychology, and Prof Theodore Petrus from Anthropology.
Resolved Dwarf Galaxy Searches within ∼5 Mpc with the Vera Rubin Observatory and Subaru Hyper Suprime-Cam*
Authors: Mutlu-Pakdil Burçin , Sand David J. , Crnojević Denija , Drlica-Wagner Alex , Caldwell Nelson , Guhathakurta Puragra , Seth Anil C. , Simon Joshua D. , Strader Jay , Toloba Elisa
Published: September 2021

We present a preview of the faint dwarf galaxy discoveries that will be possible with the Vera C. Rubin Observatory and Subaru Hyper Suprime-Cam in the next decade. In this work, we combine deep ground-based images from the Panoramic Imaging Survey of Centaurus and Sculptor and extensive image simulations to investigate the recovery of faint, resolved dwarf galaxies in the Local Volume with a matched-filter technique. We adopt three fiducial distances (1.5, 3.5, and 5 Mpc) and quantitatively evaluate the effects on dwarf detection of varied stellar backgrounds, ellipticity, and Milky Way foreground contamination and extinction. We show that our matched-filter method is powerful for identifying both compact and extended systems, and near-future surveys will be able to probe at least ∼4.5 mag below the tip of the red giant branch (TRGB) for a distance of up to 1.5 Mpc and ∼2 mag below the TRGB at 5 Mpc. This will push the discovery frontier for resolved dwarf galaxies to fainter magnitudes, lower surface brightnesses, and larger distances. Our simulations show the secure census of dwarf galaxies down to M

V
≈ −5, −7, and −8 will soon be within reach, out to 1.5, 3.5, and 5 Mpc, respectively, allowing us to quantify the statistical fluctuations in satellite abundances around hosts and parse environmental effects as a function of host properties.
Advective Accretion onto a Nonspherical Accretor in White Dwarf and Neutron Star Binaries: A New Scenario of Shock Formation
Authors: Datta Sudeb Ranjan , Dhang Prasun , Mishra Bhupendra
Published: September 2021

Numerous studies on hydrodynamics of the Keplerian as well as the sub-Keplerian accretion disk around a compact object (e.g., white dwarf (WD), neutron star (NS), or a black hole) have attempted to explain the observed UV, soft, and hard X-ray spectra. Although, when the compact object (e.g., a WD or an NS) has a finite surface, its rapid rotation, the stellar magnetic field could cause deformation of the spherical symmetry. Earlier studies on the Keplerian disk showed that a deviation from the spherical symmetry of the compact object could affect the observed light curve and spectra at high frequencies. Here, we have explored the effect of the nonspherical nature of a compact object on the hydrodynamics of an optically thin, geometrically thick sub-Keplerian advective flow. We find that due to the nonspherical shape of the central accretor, there is a possibility to trigger Rankine–Hugoniot shock in the sub-Keplerian advective flow close to the accretor without considering any general relativistic effect or presence of the hard surface of the star. Our results are more relevant for accretion onto a WD as hardly any general relativistic effect will come into the picture. We propose that some observational features, e.g., high significance of fitting the spectra with multi-temperature plasma models rather than single-temperature models, and variable efficiency of X-ray emission (X-ray luminosity in comparison with the optical and UV luminosity of the disk) in nonmagnetic cataclysmic variables can be explained by the presence of a shock in the sub-Keplerian advective flow.
A New Set of Chisels for Galactic Archeology: Sc, V, and Zn as Taggers of Accreted Globular Clusters*
Authors: Minelli A. , Mucciarelli A. , Massari D. , Bellazzini M. , Romano D. , Ferraro F. R.
Published: September 2021

Chemical tagging is a powerful tool to reveal the origin of stars and globular clusters (GCs), especially when dynamics alone cannot provide robust answers. So far, mostly α-elements and neutron capture elements have been used to distinguish stars born in the Milky Way (MW) from those born in external environments such as that of dwarf galaxies. Here, instead, we use iron-peak element abundances to investigate the origin of a sample of metal-rich GCs. By homogeneously analyzing high-resolution UVES spectra of giant stars belonging to four metal-rich GCs (namely NGC 5927, NGC 6388, NGC 6441, and NGC 6496), we find that while the α-elements Si and Ca have similar abundance ratios for all four GCs, and Ti and neutron capture elements (La, Ba, and Eu) only show a marginal discrepancy, a stark difference is found when considering the abundances of some iron-peak elements (Sc, V, and Zn). In particular, NGC 6388 and NGC 6441 have abundance ratios for these iron-peak elements significantly lower (by ∼0.5 dex) than those measured in NGC 5927 and NGC 6496, which are clearly identified as born in situ MW clusters through an analysis of their orbital properties. These measurements indicate that the environment in which these clusters formed is different, and they provide robust evidence supporting an accreted origin from the same progenitor for NGC 6388 and NGC 6441.
Investigating the Accuracy of Virial Cluster Masses: King Model Simulations
Authors: Kopti Anton M. , Ybarra Jason E.
Published: September 2021

Stars form in clusters within giant molecular clouds. Spectroscopic observations can reveal radial velocities from which virial masses can be estimated. The question we are investigating is how accurate these estimates are with respect to the number of stars observed. We simulated virialized clusters with King model distributions and from these clusters we simulated mock observations. From these observations cluster sizes and virial masses are estimated, and empirical distribution functions are constructed. A confidence interval table is produced considering the number of objects observed and the ratio of velocity dispersion to observational uncertainty.
LUCI: A Python Package for SITELLE Spectral Analysis
Authors: Rhea Carter , Hlavacek-Larrondo Julie , Rousseau-Nepton Laurie , Vigneron Benjamin , Guité Louis-Simon
Published: September 2021

High-resolution optical integral field units (IFUs) are rapidly expanding our knowledge of extragalactic emission nebulae in galaxies and galaxy clusters. By studying the spectra of these objects—which include classic H ii regions, supernova remnants, planetary nebulae, and cluster filaments—we are able to constrain their kinematics (velocity and velocity dispersion). In conjunction with additional tools, such as the BPT diagram, we can further classify emission regions based on strong emission-line flux ratios. LUCI is a simple-to-use python module intended to facilitate the rapid analysis of IFU spectra. LUCI does this by integrating well-developed pre-existing python tools such as astropy and scipy with new machine learning tools for spectral analysis. Furthermore, LUCI provides several easy-to-use tools to access and fit SITELLE data cubes.
Radiographic Progression of Structural Joint Damage Over 5 Years of Baricitinib Treatment in Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis: Results From RA-BEYOND
Authors: van der Heijde Désirée , Kartman Cynthia E. , Xie Li , Beattie Scott , Schlichting Douglas , Mo Daojun , Durez Patrick , Tanaka Yoshiya , Fleischmann Roy
Published: September 2021

Objective

To evaluate the effect of baricitinib on inhibiting radiographic progression of structural joint damage over 5 years in patients with active rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Methods

Patients completed 1 of 3 phase III baricitinib trials (ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT01711359, NCT01710358, or NCT01721057) and entered the long-term extension RA-BEYOND (NCT01885078), in which patients received once-daily 4 mg or 2 mg baricitinib. Across these trials, patients initially receiving methotrexate (MTX) or adalimumab (ADA) switched to baricitinib 4 mg at Week 52. Patients initially receiving placebo (PBO) switched to baricitinib 4 mg at Week 24. Radiographs were scored at baseline and Years 2, 3, 4, and 5. Change from baseline in van der Heijde modified total Sharp score (ΔmTSS) was computed.

Results

Overall, 2125 of 2573 (82.6%) randomized patients entered RA-BEYOND; 1837 of 2125 (86.4%) entered this analysis. From Years 3 to 5, higher proportions of disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD)-naïve patients on initial baricitinib (monotherapy or with MTX) had no progression vs initial MTX (ΔmTSS ≤ 0 at Year 5: 59.6% baricitinib 4 mg; 66.2% baricitinib 4 mg + MTX; 40.7% MTX). Higher proportions of patients with inadequate response (IR) to MTX on initial baricitinib or ADA vs PBO had no progression (ΔmTSS ≤ 0 at Year 5: 54.8% baricitinib 4 mg; 55.0% ADA; 50.3% PBO). Higher proportions of patients with conventional synthetic DMARD-IR on initial baricitinib 4 mg had less progression vs initial PBO or baricitinib 2 mg (ΔmTSS ≤ 0 at Year 5: 66.7% baricitinib 4 mg; 58.2% baricitinib 2 mg; 60.0% PBO).

Conclusion

Oral baricitinib maintained lower levels of radiographic progression than initial conventional synthetic DMARD or PBO through 5 years in patients with active RA.
Foreword – special issue Mycotoxins in Latin America
Authors: Chulze Sofia Noemi , Torres Adriana Mabel , Torres Olga , Mallmann Carlos
Published: September 2021

Latin America with its considerable North-South extent is subject to climate that varies from tropical, subtropical and warm temperate to temperate. Different agricultural products are produced in the area including cereals, oilseeds, beans, fruits and nuts together with animal production including cattle for beef and milk, pigs, poultry and fish. The heterogeneity of agriculture in Latin America is reflected in the diversity of the region’s farm structures. While agriculture in the Southern Cone is dominated by large, commercial and export-oriented farms, particularly in Argentina and Brazil, besides increasingly in other countries like Uruguay, much of the rest of the region is characterised by smallholder and family agriculture. The contamination of agricultural products with mycotoxins has impact both human and animal health, as well as the economy due to losses related to rejections of agricultural products and by-products during trade. The economic burden related to the consumption of mycotoxins by animals is especially important, causing productivity losses up to the death of animals. The relevant mycotoxins are fumonisins, deoxynivalenol (DON) and zearalenone (ZEN) in cereals and cereal-based products, aflatoxins in cereals, oily seeds and nuts, aflatoxin M1 in milk and dairy products as well as ochratoxin A (OTA) in coffee, grapes and raisins. Co-occurrence of mycotoxins has also been observed mainly with aflatoxins and fumonisins in different Latin American countries (Torreset al., 2015). Advances on legislation in different countries including Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Mexico and Uruguay have been done to establish maximum limits for mycotoxins including aflatoxins, DON, ZEN, OTA, patulin and ergot alkaloids (ANVISA, 2011/2017; CAA, 2019/2021, Norma Oficial Mexicana, N.-243-S., 2010/2010; Reglamento Sanitario de los Alimentos, 2013).