bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Green synthesis of silver nanoparticles using Calotropis gigantea and its characterization using UV-Vis Spectroscopy
Authors: Kemala P , Idroes R , Khairan K , Tallei T E , Ramli M , Efendi R
Published: January 2022

The use of Calotropis gigantea from Ie Seu-Um, Aceh Besar geothermal area for silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) synthesized has been reported. The process of synthesis AgNPs can be carried out with chemical methods, physical methods, and green synthesis methods, but in this study, the process is focused on the green synthesis method using C. gigantea flowers and leaves extract from Ie Seu-Um geothermal area, Aceh Besar. Phytochemical analysis showed that C. gigantea leaves contain alkaloids, steroids, tannins, phenolics, and saponins, while the flowers of C. gigantea contain alkaloids, terpenoids, steroids, flavonoids, tannins, phenolics, and saponins. The reaction of the AgNPs formation was observed by colour change formed. AgNPs-C. gigantea flower extract dan AgNPs-C. gigantea leaves extract showed the reddish-brown and brownish-yellow solution respectively after 48 h incubation in dark condition at room temperature. The result of the reaction characterized using UV-Vis Spectrophotometry showed that the phenomenon of Surface plasmone resonance (SPR) occurs in the mixture of nanoparticles formed. The concentration of AgNO3 as a reagent affected the SPR phenomenon. The result showed that particles formed are the same size and shape.
Total carbon stock in Langsa Urban Forest, Langsa City, Aceh Province
Authors: Arlita T , Yanti L A , Farida A , Umam A H , Anhar A , Maimunah S , Samek J H , Muslih A M
Published: January 2022

The existence of forests as a life support system has provided benefits for human life, especially in the current era where environmental issues regarding climate change and global warming are starting to emerge. The existence of forest areas is called green open space or urban forest. The existence of urban forests is very important for the balance of the microclimate in urban areas. Langsa City Forest is an area with an area of about 10 hectares which functions for the preservation, harmony and balance of urban ecosystems which include environmental, social and cultural elements. Determination of the sample using purposive sampling method with random start. Sampling technique used 12 plots with an area of about 10 hectares, tree biomass calculation using allometric equations. Data obtained from the Langsa City Forest in the calculation of carbon in 12 plots, the plot that has the highest amount of carbon is 6 with a value of 225.74 tC/Ha and the plot that has the amount of carbon with the lowest value is 1 with a value of 16.54 tC/Ha. The average carbon value in Langsa City Forest is 119.07 tC/Ha. There are 5 plots that have the highest average value, namely plots 2, 6, 8, 9, and 10 also 7 plots have below the average value, namely plots 1, 3, 5, 7, 11 and 12. Total carbon plots in the forest Langsa City is 1428.84 tC/Ha with an average carbon in the area of 119.07 tC/Ha and a standard deviation of 65.35 tC/Ha. The information about carbon uptake on vegetation shows that the existence of urban forest is very important for the balance of the microclimate in urban areas of Langsa City.
The Transfer Phenomena of Air Pollutants Emitted from Power Station and Generators in Nasiriyah City and the Effect of Meteorological Parameters on its Dispersion by Using Fixed Box Model
Authors: Hussein Ahmed Alaa , Mahdi Zahraa S. , Kariem Nagam Obaid
Published: January 2022

The study aims to use the fixed box model to calculate the spread of pollutants (CO2, SO2, NOX, particulate) resulting from the burning of fuel used to produce electrical energy in the Nasiriyah city and to know the way they spread in the city through being affected by the wind speed and compare the results calculated from the model with the results measured by the lancom4 device. The results showed that the main pollutants for the air in Nasiriyah was emitted from burning the fuel used for the production of electric power, and the results showed that the concentration of pollutants (CO2, SO2, NOX) was much higher inside the city when compared with the upstream direction of the winds due to its increase with the movement of winds and its entry into the city. Through the application of the fixed box model and when comparing the calculated results through the model with the results measured by the lancom4 device, the error rate was (4 %, 2%, 2%, 5%) for pollutants (CO2, SO2, NOX, particulate) respectively, it was also observed that the highest emission rate of pollutants was result from using heavy fuel (fuel oil) and the lowest emission was from light oil (Dry gas). We noted the spread of pollutants and dilution in the atmosphere increases with the increase in wind speed, excluding for particles mater.
PROPERTIES MEASUREMENT AND APPLICATIONS OF SOME GEOPOLYMERS IN DRY AND WET SAND
Authors: Abdulla Albakaa Emad Hassan , Fakhraldin Mohammed Kadhem
Published: January 2022

The interest in reducing carbon emissions due to the large number of industrial wastes led to the civil engineering sector’s interest in using these products for easy access and for their unique advantages in improving raw materials after mixing them and determining their optimal use ratios. Through experiments and continuous studies, three types of geopolymers were used for this study based on poor sandy soil and mixing it in certain proportions with geopolymers, recording and analysing the results and using it in the practical experiment by using a special model to shed the loads on a square footing and drawing the load - settlement curve that showed the improvement of the sandy soil’s ability to resist shear by increasing the loads and reducing the settlement in the foundations. the laboratory test proved improvement in the shear strength parameters in sandy soil after blending with geopolymers.
Application of GIS to assess the accessibility of urban streets in Baghdad city
Authors: Alkaissi Z A , Ahmed R M , Hussain R Y
Published: January 2022

Accessibility has an important impact on shaping human activity patterns on all of the spatial scales. This study presented an evaluation of accessibility levels with private to commercial centers for three selected routes in Baghdad city. The study involved more than 45 days transport survey for private vehicles in Baghdad city using Global Positioning System (GPS) probe for recording indicators of traffic performance. Gravity model was used to measure accessibility index as an implementation of GIS-based model by using link geography and the spatial boundary of analysis in order to build route networks at three routes in Baghdad City, Bayaa intersection - Bab Al-Muatham intersection (Route 1), Bayaa intersection - Bab Al-Muatham intersection (Route 2) and 14 Ramadan Street - Bab Al-Muatham intersection (Route 3). It was found that Route 1 has the high accessibility index with 0.67 in compare with Route 2 and 3 (0.58 and 0.59), respectively. The reason that Route 1 had the highest accessibility index due to the high access point and low traffic volume as compared with the other two routes.
Replacement of Flexural and Shear Reinforcement of Double-Column Bridge Bent with CFRP under Combined loadings
Authors: Hamzah Mustafa Kareem
Published: January 2022

The bridge bent is the most critical structural component of short span bridge that highly affected by different types of loadings. The bent failure has been observed due to in plane and out of plane loadings. Strengthening techniques are utilized for existing bridges. However, a replacement technique can be used for the new bridges to avoid bent failure. Moreover, the effect of combined loading on bent performance need to be evaluated. Therefore, this study assessed the performance of bridge bent under in plane, out of plane and combined loadings. Furthermore, replace the traditional flexural and shear steel reinforcement of the columns with CFRP bars. The performance of bent is assessed numerically by finite element analysis. For this purpose, six numerical bent models are developed. The first three models with traditional steel bars and the remaining models with CFRP rebars. The results demonstrated that out of plane loadings has more impact on the bent structural performance than other loading cases. Flexural and shear failures are observed in the columns for models with steel rebars. The failure started from lower side of the column for both in plane and out of plane loadings showing low resistance. The steel rebars yielded in early stage of loading indicating limited stiffness. However, the bent performance has been enhanced by replacing rebars with CFRP. The bent stiffness has slightly improved by replacing with less diameter of CFRP rods and stirrups. In addition, the CFRP bars showed considerable resistance and hardly showed plasticity during apply loading indicating that the CFRP is suitable material to replace steel reinforcement.
Seismic Performance of RC Column Using Fiber Hinge Concept with Time Integration Method
Authors: Hamzah Mustafa Kareem
Published: January 2022

Recent seismic events showed the importance of understanding the structural performance of RC column that can be predicted numerically. The accuracy of column performance depends on type of the analysis and representation of seismic effect. Therefore, in this paper a nonlinear time history analysis has been performed to assess the seismic performance of bridge column using fiber hinge concept with time integration method using sap2000 software. A long bridge RC column is utilized and subjected to seismic excitation. The column has been divided into different size and numbers of fiber to assess the accuracy of the analysis and time consuming to analyze each case of fiber hinges. In addition, this paper used three-time integration methods, Newmark, Hilber-Hughes-Taylor, and Chung & Hulbert to predict the most suitable method to be used in column seismic analysis. The time history displacement and base shear in addition to moment rotation of the column are the most important factors to evaluate the column seismic performance. The analysis results demonstrated that the most suitable time integration method is Hilber-Hughes-Taylor for such type of the analysis since it gives more stable base shear result than other two methods. Furthermore, the results indicated that the accuracy of seismic performance increased by number of fibers incremental. Moreover, the number of steel fibers should be equal to the number of bars with same area and location. The unconfined and confined concrete should be divided into small areas to get accurate prediction of column seismic performance.
Isolation Of Pseudomonas Aeruginosa from Soil and Production of Lipase Enzyme
Authors: Ali A A , Hameed K W , Nadder M I
Published: January 2022

The isolates of Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteria were uncovered in the soil surrounding the roots of palms and public gardens in Baghdad for the production of lipase enzyme. The lipase enzyme has many applications that are included in the textile and food industry, and the manufacture of detergents and medical preparations. Several tests such as temperature change, incubation period, change of lipid sources, nitrogen sources such as peptone and tryptone, and carbon sources such as glucose and lactose were carried out to choose suitable conditions for bacterial growth. The results indicated studying the conditions affecting production, it was noted that the best production was when using the culture medium to which 1% of corn oil was added, pH 7, at a temperature of 37 °C and an incubation period of 24 hours in vibrating incubator at 151 rpm, The soil surrounding the roots of the plant is a good reservoir for the presence of Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteria
Optimization Of Thermal Module Solar Photovoltaic Using CFD-Simulation
Authors: Hamad Hussein M. , Mohammed Soran J. , Jabbar M. F.
Published: January 2022

Photovoltaic panels can directly generate electricity by converting solar energy, but the panels temperature reduce the efficiency of photovoltaic cells. The photovoltaic thermal PVT system technology is used to improve the electrical performance. In this study, the daily and monthly global solar radiation on a horizontal surface for Iraq have been measured and presented then used with PVT water system. ANSYS software is used to simulate the water temperature differences behavior and measure the surface temperature of PVT model using the collected irradiation with the mass flow rate at 0.01 and 0.02 kg per second. The CFID results were validated with previous studies and observed a good agreement. The simulation tests apply a constant input temperature to the PVT system in all the yearly weather conditions in order to enhance the surface temperature. The results observe the PVT thermal efficiency behavior and show the maximum enhancement which is reached to 61% with the mass flowrate 0.03 kg per second and constant low input temperature.
Bioclimatic and sustainable features on vernacular architecture in Ternate
Authors: Rahim M
Published: January 2022

This study aims to identify the response of the vernacular building to climate and sustainability by literature study and field observations. The results show that the vernacular building in Ternate Island develops based on the characteristics of the region. The typology of building differs in each tribe following the natural condition and local culture, it has a line of equality in the building philosophy as an embodiment of the human body: feet (foundation), body (wall and room), and head (roof). Vernacular architecture in Ternate contains bioclimatic and sustainable features and can be developed to the new building concept; the basic concept is the combination of spiritual/cultural harmony, human harmony, environmental harmony, and harmony with green technology/innovation for comfort and protection of the disasters by bioclimatic architecture design strategy. This study provides insight and inspiration for sustainability in the future especially in the context of archipelago areas.
Interphase distribution of a number of polybasic carboxylic acids in aqueous two-phase systems based on polyethylene glycol-1500
Authors: Solov’eva S V , Solov’ev V O , Zinov’eva I V
Published: January 2022

In this work, we studied the interphase distribution of a number of polybasic carboxylic acids, in particular, malic, succinic, glutaric, citric, ascorbic and tartaric in two-phase aqueous systems polyethylene glycol-1500 (PEG-1500) - sodium sulfate - water and PEG-1500 - ammonium sulfate - water. Using the spectrophotometric method of analysis, quantitative characteristics (interfacial distribution and degree of recovery) of the extraction of carboxylic acids were determined. In conclusion, it was found that the considered two-phase aqueous systems are promising in the process of extraction of polybasic carboxylic acids. In particular, the system polyethylene glycol 1500 - sodium sulfate - water has effective extraction properties for succinic malic and ascorbic acids. On the other hand, depending on the composition of the extraction systems, the quantitative characteristics for citric, glutaric and tartaric acids practically do not differ.
The interphase distribution of light REE Ce(III) and La(III) in system based on PEG-1500 – NaNO3 – H2O with the quaternary ammonium base addition
Authors: Levina A V , Fedorov A Ya , Fedorova M I
Published: January 2022

The problem of e-waste processing and recovery of valuable metals from such waste for the second use is attracting more and more scientists’ attention. Liquid extraction as one of hydrometallurgy steps is a traditional method for the metal recovery. However, application of solvent extraction is not meet the green chemistry principles due to organic solvents. Aqueous two-phase systems based on water-soluble polymers are promising alternative for hazardous organic solvents. In this work the dependencies of Ce(III) and La(III) distribution coefficients from process time and the initial quaternary ammonium base concentration have been achieved. Also, based on the Ce(III) and La(III) extraction isotherms it has been shown that the metals initial concentrations are highly affects the distribution coefficients of studied metals. The possibility of aqueous two-phase system application as a solvent for quaternary ammonium salt for light REE (Ce(III) and La(III)) extraction from water solution has been shown.
Thiophene extraction in PEG - hexan - water based systems
Authors: Solov‘ev’ V O , Solov’eva S V , Milevsky N A
Published: January 2022

The effect of individual and multicomponent additives of sodium chloride, iron chloride, sodium nitrate and 1-methyl-2-pyrrolidone on the interfacial distribution of thiophene in the systems polyethylene glycol 1500 (PEG-1500) - hexane - water and polyethylene glycol 8000 (PEG-8000) - hexane - water has been studied in this investigation. It was found that in most cases, the introduction of a small amount of individual and joint additives increases the extraction of thiophene from the organic phase to the aqueous.
Analysis of rock mass behavior with Empirical and Numerical method for the construction of diversion tunnel, Laos
Authors: Mboussa D J W , Sun S
Published: January 2022

Tunneling construction in the mountain area is a challenge for engineers and geotechnicians because of instability due to the presence of discontinuities. The objective of this paper is the modeling of surrounding rock masses for the stability of the diversion tunnel to predict the behavior of rock masses during the excavation process for the Nam Phoun hydropower station project in Laos. Field investigation and laboratories test was realized; Empirical methods as Rock mass designation and Geological Strength Index were performed, rock masses were classified in three categories (RM-1, RM-2, and RM-3); in situ stresses were obtained from existing equations, numerical modeling was performed by the 2D plane strain finite element code Phase2 developed by Rocscience, using Generalized Hoek-Brown criterion for each type of rock masses. The results of numerical modeling show the strength zones of stresses and deformations around the tunnel and predict the instabilities around the tunnel during excavations processes. Thus, for all rock’s masses, it will be necessary to consider an analysis for the supports design before the excavation’s process. The findings of this study allow a clearer understanding of the importance to assess a predictive analysis of slope stability during the feasibility phase of a project by engineers to have an idea of instabilities and its significant in preventing the impact on the cost of the project.
Development of Concrete Damage Classification in Beam-Column Joint based on Ultrasonic Pulse Velocity
Authors: Dermawan A S , Dewi S M , Wisnumurti  , Wibowo A
Published: January 2022

The concreted conditions assessment of the systems is an essential aspect of security assessment programs. In situ measurements of Ultrasonic Pulse Velocity (UPV) may be indicative of the level of damage in the original concrete. UPV influenced by the specific characteristics of the mixture. In situ UPV measurements can be indicative of the level of damage in the original concrete. The research purpose is the damage classification, UPV test interpretation (strength, density, elasticity modulus, Concrete Quality Designation (CQD)), and determines the level of structural damage visually so that more accurate inspection results. The research result showed that the plastic hinge was more damaged than other parts of the beam-column joints. The UPV test obtained density 0.84-1.03 g/cm3, CQD 10% -20%, static elastic modulus 7.68-8.39 Gpa according to [3],[4] including very poor and visually is included in category IV spalling off of covering concrete (crack width > 2mm). The use of UPV as supporting assessment for classification, repair, and maintenance of structures. If density, CQD, and elastic modulus of defining very poor classification, the structure that needs immediate repair. The use of UPV is faster, without damaging parts of the structure, and also induces damage to the core specimens as a result of the coring process, making it faster and more economical.
The properties of preplaced aggregate concrete technology contain the industrial waste-material and the various shapes and sizes of coarse aggregate
Authors: Chairunnisa N , Ruzhanah H , Hairida  , Daniel L.S
Published: January 2022

The success of preplaced aggregate concrete technology depends on two main factors which are potential grout and coarse aggregate. This research was conducted experimentally to determine the effect of using two different fly ash sources as an alternative for the partial replacement of cement and several size and shapes of coarse aggregate on the compressive and tensile strength of PAC specimens. This involved the use of seven concrete mixes with a low water-cement ratio of 0.4 and cement to sand ratio of 1:0.75 to produce standard cylinder specimens of concrete containing rounded and crush aggregate. Moreover, fly ash was added at a dosage of 5% and 10% of cement weight while three shapes and sizes of a rounded and crushed aggregate at 20 mm, 30 mm, and a mixture of the two were also applied. The results showed the compressive strength of specimens with different sizes or a mix of rounded aggregate in PAC exhibited a similar performance with 30 mm of crushed coarse aggregate. Furthermore, the specimen with a higher content of calcium fly ash demonstrated a more rapid strength at an early age of seven days than those with lower content. Therefore, the partial replacement of cement with industrial waste material in the form of fly ash in preplaced aggregate concrete has the ability to save up to 10% of cement and also produce certain environmental benefits.
Development and testing of a light dimming control using arduino uno
Authors: Waluyo  , Hadiatna F , Widura A , Setiana P
Published: January 2022

Increasing population and human needs have an impact on increasing the need for electrical energy. One of them is for lighting needs. Therefore, it is necessary to save the lighting system so that energy consumption is minimum and the need for lighting is optimal, by controlling light dimming. This paper presents an implementation and testing of a dimming light control using an Arduino Uno microcontroller. The circuit used a 12-volt power supply, as a voltage source, to increase to 42 volts, to meet a lamp voltage, through a dc-dc converter. After obtaining the maximum voltage, a MOSFET cut off the voltage according to the desired light or performance level. The duty cycle was directly proportional to the output voltage, using a PWM coding to get the necessary light intensity. Some testing was conducted, including the measurement point shifting to the side. The testing results show that PMW and LDR decreased as the duty cycle increased. Nevertheless, both decreasing are different, the PWM decreased linearly with a gradient of -2.55 and the LDR decreased hyperbolically. While, the illuminance, current, and power rose as the duty cycle increased. The illuminance increased, tent to be saturated, as the power increased. However, the illuminance was reduced as the PWM and LDR increased. The illuminance decreased slightly as the measurement points shifted to the side.
Design of Prototype Information System for Tracking & Tracing Fish Distribution Based on Mobile Agent
Authors: Ardiansyah Rizka , Pusadan Yazdi , Rombe Elimawaty , Mubaraq Rahmat , Hadi Suryadi , Indrajaya Aristo , Iskandar
Published: January 2022

The National Fish Logistics System or often called SLIN is an Indonesian Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries program that aims to maintain the stability of the production and marketing systems and control the disparity in national fish prices. Central Sulawesi is the Province that becomes the main corridor of this program. The inefficient distribution monitoring process generally causes several problems in the field of fisheries distribution management that still often occur today by the regional Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries. It indicates that SLIN is not yet running optimally. This study purpose a prototype design of fish distribution tracking based on a mobile agent that can use to help consumers to track distribution channels and get information about the origin of the fish to be purchased. The data will further process for monitoring fish distribution in a real-time manner by the regional Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries. A proper monitoring mechanism will undoubtedly help the government in making policies and conducting supervision to make the SLIN implementation successful in Central Sulawesi. By the research, we found that the proposed method can gather data from every level fish distribution agent then processed the data to inform about distribution line and the origin of the fish for the consumer. The proposed solution framework could be implemented and nearly fit with current implementation criteria. The framework later can be a base framework for developing a more advanced information system for SLIN in Central Sulawesi Region.
Artificial intelligence in mobile communication: A Survey
Authors: Mao Yingchi , Pranolo Andri , Hernandez Leonel , Wibawa Aji Prasetya , Nuryana Zalik
Published: January 2022

In this paper, we elaborate on artificial intelligence (AI) techniques used to improve the performance of mobile communication. This article describes brief AI approaches in mobile communication, several classics AI techniques, and the current AI approaches in wireless communication. The techniques contain fuzzy logic, neural networks, reinforcement learning, and AI techniques implemented on mobile communication. Some keys or terms challenges between AI and future mobile communication, not only 5G generation issues but also how the sixth generation (6G) of mobile networks will be driven to give stable networks and service types on huge mobile devices and data.
The effects of surface roughness on the flow in multiple connected fractures
Authors: Aghajannezhad Pouria , Sellier Mathieu
Published: January 2022

We present a novel computationally efficient approach for investigating the effect of surface roughness on the fluid flow in small discrete fracture networks at low Reynolds number. The effect of parallel and series fracture arrangements on the flow rate and hydraulic resistance was studied numerically by patching Hele-Shaw (HS) cells to represent the network. In this analysis, the impact of surface roughness was studied in different arrangements of the network. For this aim, four models with different sequences of fracture connections were studied. The validity of the models was assessed by comparing the results with solutions of the full Navier–Stokes equations (NSE). The approximate hydraulic resistance and flow rate calculated by the HS method were found to be in good agreement with the NSE (less than 7% deviation). Results suggest a quadratic relationship between the network hydraulic resistance and the joint roughness coefficient (JRC). Notably, an increase in surface roughness caused a growth in hydraulic resistance and a fall in flow rate. Further insight was provided by drawing an analogy between resistors in electrical circuits and fractures in networks.
General practice to enhance bast fiber composite properties for state of art applications – A Review
Authors: Krishnasamy Prabu , Rajamurugan G , Muralidharan B , Krishnaiah Ravi
Published: January 2022

Composite materials are revolutionizing to realize the demanding needs of aeronautical, automobile, construction, chemical, and biomedical applications. The natural fiber composite is chosen as one of the best choices among composites due to its sustainable goods like eco-friendly nature, better properties and Greenhouse gas (GHG) balance. Furthermore, the bast fiber composites are identified as promising industrial composites based on the availability, strength-to-weight ratio, manufacturing ease, and economics for commercialization. However, product quality and production volume significantly influence commercial adoption of the bast fiber composites. Especially the product quality primarily suffers due to climatic conditions, damage while harvesting, extraction method, retting issues, and extraction location. Consequently, this review aims to provide an overview of the bast fibers & their composites, properties enhancement techniques, overall mechanical behaviours and thermal stability with suitable applications.
Hybrid quantum-classical convolutional neural network model for COVID-19 prediction using chest X-ray images
Authors: Houssein Essam H , Abohashima Zainab , Elhoseny Mohamed , Mohamed Waleed M
Published: January 2022

Despite the great efforts to find an effective way for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) prediction, the virus nature and mutation represent a critical challenge to diagnose the covered cases. However, developing a model to predict COVID-19 via chest X-ray images with accurate performance is necessary to help in early diagnosis. In this paper, a hybrid quantum-classical convolutional neural network (HQ-CNN) model using random quantum circuits as a base to detect COVID-19 patients with chest X-ray images is presented. A collection of 5445 chest X-ray images, including 1350 COVID-19, 1350 normal, 1345 viral pneumonia, and 1400 bacterial pneumonia images, were used to evaluate the HQ-CNN. The proposed HQ-CNN model has achieved higher performance with an accuracy of 98.6% and a recall of 99% on the first experiment (COVID-19 and normal cases). Besides, it obtained an accuracy of 98.2% and a recall of 99.5% on the second experiment (COVID-19 and viral pneumonia cases). Also, it obtained 98% and 98.8% for accuracy and recall, respectively, on the third dataset (COVID-19 and bacterial pneumonia cases). Lastly, it achieved accuracy and recall of 88.2% and 88.6%, respectively, on the multiclass dataset cases. Moreover, the HQ-CNN model is assessed with the statistical analysis (i.e. Cohen’s Kappa and Matthew correlation coefficients). The experimental results revealed that the proposed HQ-CNN model is able to predict the positive COVID-19 cases.
Marstonian Authorship: The Poems, Plays, and Masque
Authors: Cheney Patrick
Published: January 2022

This essay challenges the critical practice of focusing on Marston as principally a playwright. To do so, the essay recalls the mainframe of authorship during the 1590s and early 1600s, when a new breed of author emerges: the poet-playwright. The key figures are Marlowe, Shakespeare, and Jonson. Within this literary circuit, we may place Marston, who redefines the poet-playwright’s authorship as a strange liberty at once satiric and sublime. Marston’s literary career begins with two printed poems: Pygmalion’s Image and Certain Satires and The Scourge of Villainy (1598). After the 1599 Bishops’ Ban, Marston turns to theatre, producing 11 plays. Yet Marston does not simply turn from poems to plays. In 1601, he produces Jack Drum’s Entertainment and four poems for Love’s Martyr. Moreover, in the masque-form of The Entertainment of Alice, Marston combines the poetic and the dramatic. More notably, inside the fictions of his plays, he uses a dual-genre authorship as a structuring device. Hence, in The Malcontent he divides the plot between two poet-playwright figures, Malevole and Mendoza, who compete for what Marston seeks: authorial ‘liberty’ in a national space that Spenser had romanticized as ‘Elizium’. Thus, it is a mistake both to under-privilege Marston’s poems and to assume that he left poetry behind after the Bishops’ Ban. Rather, Marston’s authorship is salient for transposing a distinctive Elysian brand of sublime satire from the poems to the plays and for scripting their generic interpenetration as a new form of English freedom.
Quality care in ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction
Authors: Liu En-Shao , Hung Cheng Chung , Chiang Cheng-Hung , Tsai Yi-Ching , Fu Yun-Ju , Ko Yu-Lin , Wang Chia-Lin , Lai Wei-Yi , Tsai Fu-Ting , Kuo Feng-You , Huang Wei-Chun
Published: January 2022

Over the past decades, the treatment of ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) has been redefined with the incorporation of evidence from multiple clinical trials. Recommendations from guidelines are updated regularly to reduce morbidity and mortality. However, heterogeneous care systems, physician perspectives, and patient behavior still lead to a disparity between evidence and clinical practice. The quality of care has been established and become an integral part of modern healthcare in order to increase the likelihood of desired health outcomes and adhere to professional knowledge. For patients with STEMI, measuring the quality of care is a multifactorial and multidimensional process that cannot be estimated solely based on patients’ clinical outcomes. The care of STEMI is similar to the concept of “the chain of survival” that emphasizes the importance of seamless integration of five links: early recognition and diagnosis, timely reperfusion, evidence-based medications, control of cholesterol, and cardiac rehabilitation. Serial quality indicators, reflecting the full spectrum of care, have become a widely used tool for assessing performance. Comprehension of every aspect of quality assessment and indicators might be too demanding for a physician. However, it is worthwhile to understand the concepts involved in quality improvement since every physician wants to provide better care for their patients. This article reviews a fundamental approach to quality care in STEMI.
Geographic Variation in HIV Testing Among Transgender and Nonbinary Adults in the United States
Authors: Tordoff Diana M. , Zangeneh Sahar , Khosropour Christine M. , Glick Sara N. , McClelland Raymond Scott , Dimitrov Dobromir , Reisner Sari , Duerr Ann
Published: January 2022

Background:

Transgender and nonbinary (TNB) populations are disproportionately affected by HIV and few local health departments or HIV surveillance systems collect/report data on TNB identities. Our objective was to estimate the prevalence of HIV testing among TNB adults by US county and state, with a focus on the Ending the HIV Epidemic (EHE) geographies.

Methods:

We applied a Bayesian hierarchical spatial small area estimation model to data from the 2015 US Transgender Survey, a large national cross-sectional Internet-based survey. We estimated the county- and state-level proportion of TNB adults who ever tested or tested for HIV in the last year by gender identity, race/ethnicity, and age.

Results:

Our analysis included 26,100 TNB participants with valid zip codes who resided in 1688 counties (54% of all 3141 counties that cover 92% of the US population). The median county-level proportion of TNB adults who ever tested for HIV was 44% (range 10%–80%) and who tested in the last year was 17% (range 4%–44%). Within most counties, testing was highest among transgender women, black respondents, and people aged ≥25 years. HIV testing was lowest among nonbinary people and young adults aged <25 years. The proportion of TNB adults who tested within the last year was very low in most EHE counties and in all 7 rural states.

Conclusions:

HIV testing among TNB adults is likely below national recommendations in the majority of EHE geographies. Geographic variation in HIV testing patterns among TNB adults indicates that testing strategies need to be tailored to local settings.
99mTc-MDP Bone Scintigraphy and SPECT/CT of Extensive Subcutaneous Calcification in the Setting of Cosmetic-Induced Lipogranulomatosis
Authors: Viragh Karoly , Khoshchehreh Mahdi , Zung Thomas , Ni Chiayi
Published: January 2022

A 56-year-old woman with history of cosmetic buttock augmentation via mineral oil injection 20+ years ago presented with extensive abdominopelvic skin induration and hypercalcemia. The 99mTc-MDP bone scintigraphy performed for hypercalcemia revealed marked heterogeneous radiotracer activity partially obscuring the skeleton. Subsequent SPECT/CT demonstrated that the radiotracer activity was associated with exclusively subcutaneous calcification, the extent of which far exceeded the originally augmented gluteal regions. After extensive workup including tissue biopsy, the final diagnosis was subcutaneous calcification and hypercalcemia secondary to cosmetic injection–related sclerosing lipogranulomatosis, which is a very rare complication of cosmetic augmentation.
18F-FDG PET/CT in Bilateral Breasts Metastasis From Ovarian Carcinoma
Authors: Karanth Suman S. , Malik Dharmender , Khanna Gaurav , Sen Ishita B. , Manda Divya , Raina Vinod
Published: January 2022

Ovarian carcinomas generally metastasize within the peritoneal cavity due to exfoliation of malignant cells from primary tumor. Metastasis to the breasts is an unusual event and may mimic primary neoplastic disease. Usually, breast metastasis presents as a single isolated, well-circumscribed soft tissue lesion, and serous papillary carcinoma is the most common type of ovarian tumor that can metastasize to the breast. Concurrent bilateral breast metastasis is rare event. We present a follow-up case of metastatic carcinoma ovary, demonstrating FDG-avid soft tissue density masses in the bilateral breast parenchyma along with bilateral axillary lymphadenopathy, biopsy of which revealed metastatic deposits from carcinoma ovary.
FDG PET/CT Demonstrated Epstein-Barr Virus–Associated Leiomyosarcoma in a Pediatric Patient With Wiskott-Aldrich Syndrome
Authors: Li Cuicui , Yang Xu , Lu Xia , Wang Wei , Yang Jigang
Published: January 2022

A 7-year-old boy with Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome underwent FDG PET/CT to evaluate hepatic lesions revealed by an ultrasound. The images demonstrated multiple hypermetabolic lesions in the liver, lung, and lymph nodes. Biopsy of liver and lymph nodes demonstrated Epstein-Barr virus–associated leiomyosarcoma.
Incidental Uptake of 18F-Fluciclovine by Type AB Thymoma
Authors: Somnay Vishal , Dalal Ishani
Published: January 2022

Biochemical recurrence of prostate cancer, detected by a rising PSA, may reflect intraprostatic or extraprostatic recurrence. 18F-Fluciclovine (Axumin), a synthetic amino acid substrate in tumor metabolism, has frequently been used for to localize recurrent prostate cancers. We present a 71-year-old man with biochemical recurrence of prostate cancer but no convincing imaging findings on 18F-fluciclovine PET/CT. Of note, however, was an incidental uptake within the anterior mediastinum, which was found on biopsy to be a type AB thymoma. With this, we stress that awareness of false-positive uptake patterns is crucial for accurate diagnosis of recurrent prostate cancer.
Brain 18F-FDG PET in Cowden Syndrome
Authors: Grangeret Justine , Frismand Solene , Muller Marie , Renaud Mathilde , Verger Antoine
Published: January 2022

Cowden disease is associated with neurodevelopmental abnormalities such as macrocephaly, autism spectrum disorder, and developmental delay. Our understanding of neuroimaging anomalies in patients with PTEN mutations is limited to anatomical MRI abnormalities including white matter abnormalities, meningiomas, arteriovenous malformations, and cortical dysplasia. Our current communication extends the neurological Cowden syndrome phenotype by using brain 18F-FDG PET/CT imaging as a useful complementary approach to MRI to explore movement disorders and neuropsychiatric syndromes in a patient with Cowden disease. Brain 18F-FDG PET/CT showed diffuse hypometabolism of the prefrontal mesial and dorsolateral areas including supplementary motor areas, the pons extended to the cerebellum.
Utility of the Repeat and Point Test for Subtyping Patients With Primary Progressive Aphasia
Authors: Seckin Mustafa , Ricard Ingrid , Raiser Theresa , Heitkamp Nari , Ebert Anne , Prix Catharina , Levin Johannes , Diehl-Schmid Janine , Riedl Lina , Roßmeier Carola , Hoen Nora , Schroeter Matthias L. , Marschhauser Anke , Obrig Hellmuth , Benke Thomas , Kornhuber Johannes , Fliessbach Klaus , Schneider Anja , Wiltfang Jens , Jahn Holger , Fassbender Klaus , Prudlo Johannes , Lauer Martin , Duning Thomas , Wilke Carlo , Synofzik Matthis , Anderl-Straub Sarah , Semler Elisa , Lombardi Jolina , Landwehrmeyer Bernard , Ludolph Albert , Otto Markus ,   German FTLD consortium, Danek Adrian
Published: January 2022

Background:

Primary progressive aphasia (PPA) may present with three distinct clinical sybtypes: semantic variant PPA (svPPA), nonfluent/agrammatic variant PPA (nfvPPA), and logopenic variant PPA (lvPPA).

Objective:

The aim was to examine the utility of the German version of the Repeat and Point (R&P) Test for subtyping patients with PPA.

Method:

During the R&P Test, the examiner reads out aloud a noun and the participants are asked to repeat the word and subsequently point to the corresponding picture. Data from 204 patients (68 svPPA, 85 nfvPPA, and 51 lvPPA) and 33 healthy controls were analyzed.

Results:

Controls completed both tasks with >90% accuracy. Patients with svPPA had high scores in repetition (mean=9.2±1.32) but low scores in pointing (mean=6±2.52). In contrast, patients with nfvPPA and lvPPA performed comparably in both tasks with lower scores in repetition (mean=7.4±2.7 for nfvPPA and 8.2±2.34 for lvPPA) but higher scores in pointing (mean=8.9±1.41 for nfvPPA and 8.6±1.62 for lvPPA). The R&P Test had high accuracy discriminating svPPA from nfvPPA (83% accuracy) and lvPPA (79% accuracy). However, there was low accuracy discriminating nfvPPA from lvPPA (<60%).

Conclusion:

The R&P Test helps to differentiate svPPA from 2 nonsemantic variants (nfvPPA and lvPPA). However, additional tests are required for the differentiation of nfvPPA and lvPPA.
Granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) antibodies treatment for COVID-19 patients: a meta-analysis
Authors: Guan Jin-Tao , Wang Wei-Jie , Xi Anran , Jin Du , Mou Xiao-Yue , Xu Zheng-Hao
Published: January 2022

Objective

We performed a meta-analysis in order to determine safety of granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) antibodies on COVID-19.

Methods

We searched from the Cochrane Library, PubMed, Embase, biorxiv and medrxiv databases beginning in the COVID-19 outbreak on December 1, 2019 until August 29, 2021. The primary outcomes included death, the incidence of invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV), ventilation requirement, and secondary infection.

Results

6 eligible literature involving 1501 COVID-19 patients were recruited, and they were divided into experimental group (n = 736) and control group (n = 765). Using a random-effect model, we found that the GM-CSF antibodies treatment was associated with a 3.8-26.9% decline of the risk of mortality[odd’s ratio (OR) = 0.06, 95% confidence interval (CI): -0.11, -0.01, p =0.02], a 5.3-28.7% reduction of incidence of IMV [OR = 0.51, 95% CI: 0.28, 0.95, p =0.03], and a 23.3-50.0% enhancement of ventilation improvement [OR = 11.70, 95% CI: 1.99, 68.68, p=0.006]. There were no statistically significant differences in the association between two groups in second infection.

Conclusion

Severe COVID-19 patients may benefit from GM-CSF antibodies.
A Novel Scoring System for Early Assessment of the Risk of the COVID-19-associated Mortality in Hospitalized Patients: COVID-19 BURDEN
Authors: Amirzadehfard Fatemeh , Imanieh Mohammad Hossein , Zoghi Sina , Sehatpour Faezeh , Jafari Peyman , Hassanipour Hamidreza , Feili Maryam , Mollaie Maryam , Bostanian Pardis , Mehrabi Samrad , Dashtianeh Reyhaneh , Feili Afrooz
Published: January 2022

Background

Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) presentation resembles common flu or can be more severe; it can result in hospitalization with significant morbidity and/or mortality. We made an attempt to develop a predictive model and a scoring system to improve the diagnostic efficiency for COVID-19 mortality via analysis of clinical features and laboratory data on admission.

Methods

We retrospectively enrolled 480 consecutive adult patients, aged 21-95, who were admitted to Faghihi Teaching Hospital. Clinical and laboratory features were extracted from the medical records and analyzed using multiple logistic regression analysis.

Results

A novel mortality risk score (COVID-19 BURDEN) was calculated, incorporating risk factors from this cohort. CRP (> 73.1 mg/L), O2 saturation variation (greater than 90%, 84-90%, and less than 84%), increased PT (>16.2s), diastolic blood pressure (≤75 mmHg), BUN (>23 mg/dL), and raised LDH (>731 U/L) are the features comprising the scoring system. The patients are triaged to the groups of low- (score <4) and high-risk (score ≥ 4) groups. The area under the curve, sensitivity, and specificity for predicting non-response to medical therapy with scores of ≥ 4 were 0.831, 78.12%, and 70.95%, respectively.

Conclusion

Using this scoring system in COVID-19 patients, the severity of the disease will be determined in the early stages of the disease, which will help to reduce hospital care costs and improve its quality and outcome.
The effects of opportunity motivation and environmental contingencies on market growth strategies of African early-stage entrepreneurs
Authors: Qiu Tianjiao
Published: January 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine how early-stage entrepreneurs' opportunity motivation impacts their choice of market growth strategies as well as the contingent roles of institutional environments and product market conditions in Africa.

Design/methodology/approach

The study employs hierarchical linear modeling to test multilevel models with nested data empirically.

Findings

The findings show that African early-stage entrepreneurs who are opportunity-driven and from countries with strong institutional environments have a higher tendency to adopt market exploration strategies. African early-stage entrepreneurs from countries with strong product market conditions have a higher tendency to adopt market penetration strategies. Further interaction tests show that both contingency conditions, namely institutional environments and product market conditions, moderate the effects of opportunity motivation on market growth strategies of African early-stage entrepreneurs.

Practical implications

The study shows that policymakers in Africa need to develop flexible, supportive market-related policies based on entrepreneurs' growth paths, institutional environments and product market conditions.

Originality/value

The study is the first to explore multilevel influences on early-stage entrepreneurs' market growth strategies in Africa. It sheds new insights on the entrepreneurial marketing process of early-stage entrepreneurs in Africa.
Agri-food entrepreneurship. Harvesting, growing and reseeding the orchard through a bibliometric study
Authors: Petrolo Damiano , Fakhar Manesh Mohammad , Pellegrini Massimiliano Matteo , Flamini Giulia
Published: January 2022

Purpose

Scholarly literature on entrepreneurial activities in the agri-food sector has flourished over the years in several different ways. This study uses the metaphor of an orchard to describe how this stream of literature has evolved from its initial “seeds” to the rich and diversified “fruits” of current debate. It is now time to harvest and catalogue these “fruits”. This study aims to map out and systematise the current stock of knowledge on agri-food entrepreneurship, so as to identify gaps and thus “plant” new seeds for the future of the “orchard”.

Design/methodology/approach

To identify thematic clusters, this study used a bibliometric analysis coupled with a systematic literature review performed over a dataset of 108 peer-reviewed articles.

Findings

The results revealed six thematic clusters related to agri-food entrepreneurship: ecosystems, formal and informal institutions; contextual entrepreneurial practices; community and stakeholders’ engagement; barriers and opportunities; entrepreneurial orientation; and sustainable entrepreneurship. After investigating each of them, this study created a framework to highlight future avenues through which the topic could be further developed.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is the first of its kind to systematise, analyse and critically interpret the literature concerned with agri-food entrepreneurship.