bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
TM2D genes regulate Notch signaling and neuronal function in Drosophila
Authors: Salazar Jose L. , Yang Sheng-An , Lin Yong Qi , Li-Kroeger David , Marcogliese Paul C. , Deal Samantha L. , Neely G. Gregory , Yamamoto Shinya
Published: December 2021

TM2 domain containing (TM2D) proteins are conserved in metazoans and encoded by three separate genes in each model organism species that has been sequenced. Rare variants inTM2D3are associated with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and its fly orthologalmondexis required for embryonic Notch signaling. However, the functions of this gene family remain elusive. We knocked-out all threeTM2Dgenes (almondex,CG11103/amaretto,CG10795/biscotti) inDrosophilaand found that they share the same maternal-effect neurogenic defect. Triple null animals are not phenotypically worse than single nulls, suggesting these genes function together. Overexpression of the most conserved region of the TM2D proteins acts as a potent inhibitor of Notch signaling at the γ-secretase cleavage step. Lastly, Almondex is detected in the brain and its loss causes shortened lifespan accompanied by progressive motor and electrophysiological defects. The functional links between all threeTM2Dgenes are likely to be evolutionarily conserved, suggesting that this entire gene family may be involved in AD.
Molecular surveillance of resistance to pyrethroids insecticides in Colombian Aedes aegypti populations
Authors: Granada Yurany , Mejía-Jaramillo Ana María , Zuluaga Sara , Triana-Chávez Omar
Published: December 2021

Introduction

In Colombia, organochloride, organophosphate, carbamate, and pyrethroid insecticides are broadly used to controlAedes aegyptipopulations. However, Colombian mosquito populations have shown variability in their susceptibility profiles to these insecticides, with some expressing high resistance levels.

Materials and methods

In this study, we analyzed the susceptibility status of ten Colombian field populations ofAe.aegyptito two pyrethroids; permethrin (type-I pyrethroid) and lambda-cyhalothrin (type-II pyrethroid). In addition, we evaluated if mosquitoes pressured with increasing lambda-cyhalothrin concentrations during some filial generations exhibited altered allelic frequency of thesekdrmutations and the activity levels of some metabolic enzymes.

Results

Mosquitoes from all field populations showed resistance to lambda-cyhalothrin and permethrin. We found that resistance profiles could only be partially explained bykdrmutations and altered enzymatic activities such as esterases and mixed-function oxidases, indicating that other yet unknown mechanisms could be involved. The molecular and biochemical analyses of the most pyrethroid-resistant mosquito population (Acacías) indicated thatkdrmutations and altered metabolic enzyme activity are involved in the resistance phenotype expression.

Conclusions

In this context, we propose genetic surveillance of the mosquito populations to monitor the emergence of resistance as an excellent initiative to improve mosquito-borne disease control measures.
Pastoral subsistence and mounted fighting in the Eastern Tianshan Mountain region: New insights from the Shirenzigou worked bone assemblage
Authors: Li Yue , Zhang Chengrui , Huang Zexian , Liu Huan , Ren Meng , Xi Tongyuan , Ma Jian , Wang Jianxin
Published: December 2021

Situated at a geographic crossroads, the eastern Tianshan Mountain region in northwest China is crucial to understanding various economic, social, and cultural developments on the Eurasian Steppes. One promising way to gain a better knowledge of ancient subsistence economy, craft production, and social change in the eastern Tianshan Mountain region is to study the artifact assemblages from archaeological contexts. Here, we present an analysis of 488 worked animal bones from the large site of Shirenzigou (ca. 1300–1 BCE), to date the largest assemblage of this kind uncovered in the eastern Tianshan Mountain region. We classified these worked bones into six categories, including “ritual objects”, “ornaments”, “tools”, “worked astragali”, “warfare and mobility”, and “indeterminate”. The identification of animal species and skeletal elements indicates that worked bones from Shirenzigou are characterized by a predominance of caprine products, particularly worked astragali, which is consistent with the large proportion of caprine fragments found in animal remains associated with food consumption. This demonstrates the contribution of caprine pastoralism to bone working activities at Shirenzigou. The making of most worked bones does not appear to have required advanced or specialized skills. Considering the absence of dedicated bone working space, alongside the variability in raw material selection and in dimensions of certain types of artifacts, we infer that worked bone production at Shirenzigou was not standardized. In terms of raw material selection and mode of production, Shirenzigou differed from their settled, farming counterparts in the Yellow River valley of northern China. In addition, along with the evidence for violence and horseback riding, the increasing use of bone artifacts associated with warfare and mobility during the late occupation phase of Shirenzigou reflects growing social instability and implies the likely emergence of single mounted horsemen, equipped with light armors, in the region during the late first millennium BCE. Our results provide new insights into animal resource exploitation and changing lifeways of early pastoral societies in the eastern Tianshan Mountain region, expanding our knowledge of the economic, social, and political milieu of late Bronze Age and early Iron Age eastern Eurasia.
Heat transfer analysis of the mixed convective flow of magnetohydrodynamic hybrid nanofluid past a stretching sheet with velocity and thermal slip conditions
Authors: Ramzan Muhammad , Dawar Abdullah , Saeed Anwar , Kumam Poom , Watthayu Wiboonsak , Kumam Wiyada
Published: December 2021

The present study is related to the analytical investigation of the magnetohydrodynamic flow of Ag − MgO/ water hybrid nanoliquid with slip conditions via an extending surface. The thermal radiation and Joule heating effects are incorporated within the existing hybrid nanofluid model. The system of higher-order partial differential equations is converted to the nonlinear system of ordinary differential equations by interpreting the similarity transformations. With the implementation of a strong analytical method called HAM, the solution of resulting higher-order ordinary differential equations is obtained. The results of the skin friction coefficient, Nusselt number, velocity profile, and temperature profile of the hybrid nanofluid for varying different flow parameters are attained in the form of graphs and tables. Some important outcomes showed that the Nusselt number and skin friction are increased with the enhancement in Eckert number, stretching parameter, heat generation parameter and radiation parameter for both slip and no-slip conditions. The thermal profile of the hybrid nanofluid is higher for suction effect but lower for Eckert number, stretching parameter, magnetic field, heat generation and radiation parameter. For both slip and no-slip conditions, the hybrid nanofluid velocity shows an upward trend for both the stretching and mixed convection parameters.
Cardiac assessments of bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) in the Northern Gulf of Mexico following exposure to Deepwater Horizon oil
Authors: Linnehan Barbara K. , Gomez Forrest M. , Huston Sharon M. , Hsu Adonia , Takeshita Ryan , Colegrove Kathleen M. , Harms Craig A. , Barratclough Ashley , Deming Alissa C. , Rowles Teri K. , Musser Whitney B. , Zolman Eric S. , Wells Randall S. , Jensen Eric D. , Schwacke Lori H. , Smith Cynthia R.
Published: December 2021

The Deepwater Horizon (DWH) oil spill profoundly impacted the health of bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) in Barataria Bay, LA (BB). To comprehensively assess the cardiac health of dolphins living within the DWH oil spill footprint, techniques for in-water cardiac evaluation were refined with dolphins cared for by the U.S. Navy Marine Mammal Program in 2018 and applied to free-ranging bottlenose dolphins in BB (n = 34) and Sarasota Bay, Florida (SB) (n = 19), a non-oiled reference population. Cardiac auscultation detected systolic murmurs in the majority of dolphins from both sites (88% BB, 89% SB) and echocardiography showed most of the murmurs were innocent flow murmurs attributed to elevated blood flow velocity [1]. Telemetric six-lead electrocardiography detected arrhythmias in BB dolphins (43%) and SB dolphins (31%), all of which were considered low to moderate risk for adverse cardiac events. Echocardiography showed BB dolphins had thinner left ventricular walls, with significant differences in intraventricular septum thickness at the end of diastole (p = 0.002), and left ventricular posterior wall thickness at the end of diastole (p = 0.033). BB dolphins also had smaller left atrial size (p = 0.004), higher prevalence of tricuspid valve prolapse (p = 0.003), higher prevalence of tricuspid valve thickening (p = 0.033), and higher prevalence of aortic valve thickening (p = 0.008). Two dolphins in BB were diagnosed with pulmonary arterial hypertension based on Doppler echocardiography-derived estimates and supporting echocardiographic findings. Histopathology of dolphins who stranded within the DWH oil spill footprint showed a significantly higher prevalence of myocardial fibrosis (p = 0.003), regardless of age, compared to dolphins outside the oil spill footprint. In conclusion, there were substantial cardiac abnormalities identified in BB dolphins which may be related to DWH oil exposure, however, future work is needed to rule out other hypotheses and further elucidate the connection between oil exposure, pulmonary disease, and the observed cardiac abnormalities.
A comparison of three types of targeted, community-based methods aimed at promoting early detection of new leprosy cases in rural parts of three endemic states in India
Authors: Govindasamy Karthikeyan , John Annamma S. , Lal Vivek , Arif Mohammad , Solomon Raju Moturu , Ghosal Jyoti , Dutta Ambarish
Published: December 2021

Background

India achieved elimination of leprosy nationally in 2005, but since then the number of patients with grade 2 disability at diagnosis increased steadily indicating delay in diagnosis. Therefore, there was a need for public health interventions which can increase case finding in their earlier stage. The objective of this study is to compare the effectiveness of three such community-based interventions; 1) Enhancement of community awareness on leprosy; 2) Education and motivation of “Index” leprosy cases; and 3) Involvement of Non-Formal Health Practitioners (NFHPs) to promote early detection of new cases of leprosy.

Methodology/principal findings

Three community-based interventions were implemented between April 2016 and March 2018, embedded within the National Leprosy Eradication Program (NLEP) of India. Interventions were 1) increasing awareness through involvement of Gram Panchayat (local government) in the community regarding early signs of leprosy (Awareness), 2) providing health education and motivating newly diagnosed leprosy patients to bring suspects from their contacts (Index) and 3) training local non-formal health practitioners (NFHP). Each intervention was implemented in a group of ten blocks (sub-division of district) with an additional ten blocks as control (with no intervention). The main outcomes were number of new cases detected and number of grade 2 disability among them. They were obtained from the routine NLEP information system and compared between these interventions. On an average, there was an addition of 1.98 new cases in Awareness blocks, 1.13 in NFHP blocks and 1.16 cases in Index intervention blocks per month per block after adjusting for changes in control blocks during the same period. In terms of ratio, there was a 61%, 40% and 41% increase in case notification in awareness, Index and NFHP intervention, respectively. Overall, the percentage of grade 2 disability across intervention blocks declined.

Conclusion

The Awareness intervention appears to be more effective in detection of new cases, compared to Index case motivation and sensitization of NFHPs. However, it is important to stress that while selecting strategies to increase early diagnosis it is important to determine, which is the most appropriate for each context or area and must be decided depending on the local context.
A comparison of host response strategies to distinguish bacterial and viral infection
Authors: Ross Melissa , Henao Ricardo , Burke Thomas W. , Ko Emily R. , McClain Micah T. , Ginsburg Geoffrey S. , Woods Christopher W. , Tsalik Ephraim L.
Published: December 2021

Objectives

Compare three host response strategies to distinguish bacterial and viral etiologies of acute respiratory illness (ARI).

Methods

In this observational cohort study, procalcitonin, a 3-protein panel (CRP, IP-10, TRAIL), and a host gene expression mRNA panel were measured in 286 subjects with ARI from four emergency departments. Multinomial logistic regression and leave-one-out cross validation were used to evaluate the protein and mRNA tests.

Results

The mRNA panel performed better than alternative strategies to identify bacterial infection: AUC 0.93 vs. 0.83 for the protein panel and 0.84 for procalcitonin (P<0.02 for each comparison). This corresponded to a sensitivity and specificity of 92% and 83% for the mRNA panel, 81% and 73% for the protein panel, and 68% and 87% for procalcitonin, respectively. A model utilizing all three strategies was the same as mRNA alone. For the diagnosis of viral infection, the AUC was 0.93 for mRNA and 0.84 for the protein panel (p<0.05). This corresponded to a sensitivity and specificity of 89% and 82% for the mRNA panel, and 85% and 62% for the protein panel, respectively.

Conclusions

A gene expression signature was the most accurate host response strategy for classifying subjects with bacterial, viral, or non-infectious ARI.
Diálogos Possíveis com Clarice Lispector
Authors: Rocha Paula Melani , Pessoa do Amaral Muriel Emídio
Published: December 2021

Esta reflexão objetiva reconhecer o trabalho jornalístico de Clarice Lispector na imprensa brasileira, ao longo de quase 40 anos, descontínuos, e sinalar sua contribuição para a conformação do campo e para a historiografia do jornalismo nacional. A atuação de Clarice Lispector é conhecida nacional e internacionalmente, contudo pouco explorada no Jornalismo, sobretudo pelos livros de História da imprensa ou mesmo pelos cursos de graduação. A partir de uma revisão bibliográfica e pesquisa biográfica percorreu-se a trajetória profissional de Clarice e mapeou o seu legado na imprensa intersectando com marcações de um período histórico do jornalismo. As referências copilam obras autorais e estudos em literatura e comunicação. Entre os resultados encontra-se a necessidade de pesquisas com viés feminista para reconhecer uma história do jornalismo inclusiva, com a participação das mulheres.
Leituras do jornalismo impresso no "Ano da Morte de Ricardo Reis" de José Saramago
Authors: Oliveira Martins José Cândido
Published: December 2021

A obra do escritor José Saramago alimenta-se fecundamente do jornalismo, sobretudo da imprensa escrita. Disso é exemplo eloquente o romance O Ano da Morte de Ricardo Reis, em que o protagonista lê quotidiana e obsessivamente a imprensa. Recriando o contexto histórico do Portugal de 1936, a composição romanesca saramaguiana demonstra como até uma imprensa manipulada e possível, por acção controladora da censura e da consequente falta de liberdade, é um espelho ou repositório informativo de uma época, sobretudo no ano crucial da propaganda do regime do Estado Novo, ao celebrar o X aniversário da Revolução de 1926.
„Két út van előttem, melyiken induljak?” Gazdaság- és társadalomtudományi karok Web of Science és Scopus által indexált folyóiratcikkeinek vizsgálata 2016 és 2020 között
Authors: Sasvári Péter , Bakacsi Gyula , Urbanovics Anna
Published: December 2021

A társadalomtudományok hazai oktatói-kutatói teljesítményértékelésében meghatározó szerepet töltenek be az akadémiai bizottságok MTA doktori eljárások habitusvizsgálatához kialakított folyóiratlistái. A nemzetközi felsőoktatási piac felé nyitni szándékozó intézmények rangsorokban elfoglalt helyét ugyanakkor a nemzetközi indexált adatbázisok folyóiratlistái alapján mért kumulált publikációs teljesítményekre alapozva számítják. A tanulmány az MTMT2 adatbázisán azt tárja fel, hogy mekkora különbségek adódnak az egyéni publikációs és idézettségi teljesítmények megítélésében e kétféle lista alapján való értékelésében és az eltérés bemutatásán túl elemzi azok valószínűsíthető követelményeit – mind egyéni, mind intézményi szinten. Végül lehetséges megoldási alternatívákat is megfogalmaz a kialakult helyzet feloldására.
ELDERLY-SPECIFIC REVISIONS OF DRUG PRESCRIBING INFORMATION IN THE POSTMARKETING ENVIRONMENT IN JAPAN
Authors: Asahina Y. , Sugiyama E. , Sugano H. , Uyama Y.
Published: December 2021

Purpose: This study aimed to characterize elderly-specific revisions of prescribing information of a drug based on recent cases observed in postmarketing use in Japan. Methods: We analyzed all revisions of package inserts that were officially registered between the fiscal year (FY) 1998 and FY 2012. They were examined in terms of a description of the drug, therapeutic area for which the drug is targeted, the period between launch and revision, contents of the revisions, and the evidence sources of safety issues. Results: Of a total of 3,440 revisions occurring between FY 1998 and FY 2012, 2.1% were specific to drug use in the elderly. Drugs treating the “cardiovascular system” and a miscellaneous category of “various,” showed a higher frequency of revisions for elderly patients than those for non-elderly patients. Of elderly-specific revisions occurring between FY 2004 and 2012, the majority were triggered by spontaneous reports or regulatory action in other countries, although there were relatively a few examples of serious safety concerns being raised after initial drug approval. Conclusions: It is important that alternative approaches such as pharmacometrics or pharmacoeoidemiology should be more utilized in Japan for the early and better detection and evaluation of drug safety in elderly patients, especially for therapeutic areas that demonstrate increased susceptibility for risk among the elderly, such as drugs related to the cardiovascular system.
DIETARY MILK FAT GLOBULE MEMBRANE WITH SEMIWEEKLY LIGHT EXERCISE IMPROVES CHOICE STEPPING REACTION TIME IN HEALTHY JAPANESE ELDERLY SUBJECTS: A RANDOMIZED DOUBLE BLIND, PLACEBO-CONTROLLED TRIAL
Authors: Ota N. , Soga S. , Shimotoyodome A.
Published: December 2021

This study aimed to demonstrate the beneficial effects of nutritional supplementation with milk fat globule membrane combined with light exercise on agility, which predicts falls in the elderly. Twenty-five healthy volunteers (aged 60-74 years old; male/female = 11/14) were enrolled in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled intervention study. The subjects ingested placebo or milk fat globule membrane (1 g/day) tablets daily for 5 weeks and engaged in a 30-min light exercise program semiweekly. After 5 weeks, agility was evaluated using the choice stepping reaction time. The milk fat globule membrane group had significantly shorter motion start and reaction times compared to the placebo group. The reduction in motion start and reaction times was significantly greater in the milk fat globule membrane compared to the placebo group. In conclusion, this study provides evidence that dietary milk fat globule membrane supplementation improves choice stepping reaction time and agility in the healthy elderly population.
Global citizenship education in Nepal
Authors: Shah Rabi , Brett Peter
Published: December 2021

The article explores how educational policy, curricula, textbooks and teaching have translated thinking about Nepal’s relationship with the rest of the world into global education practice in Nepalese schools in contemporary classrooms. Drawing upon the framework of a policy cycle approach, the article addresses the following research questions: What are the key contemporary messages about global education in Nepal within the ‘macro’ context of policy influence? How is the theme of global education communicated through the content of Nepalese textbooks at the ‘meso’ context of policy text production? What are the perceptions of Nepalese social studies teachers with respect to teaching and learning about global education themes at the ‘micro’ context of practice? Qualitative content analysis of textbooks and documents was conducted, while thematic analysis of interview data was undertaken to understand policy objectives and recommendations related to global citizenship education in Nepal. The findings indicate that educational policies primarily aim to socialise and nurture responsible citizens, while textbooks and teaching processes mostly emphasise the acquisition of knowledge. Some recommendations are made as to how the curriculum, textbooks and pedagogical approaches might be adapted to better support Nepalese young people seeing themselves as global citizens.
PRINSIP KESANTUNAN BERBAHASA DALAM EDITORIAL SURAT KABAR HARIAN TRIBUN PEKANBARU (KAJIAN PRAGMATIK)
Authors: Lestari Sri , Asnawi Asnawi
Published: December 2021

Politeness is something that can show a person's ethics or manners in communication, not only in spoken but also in written language. One of the written communication media is newspapers that are always published with editorials, for example, the Tribun Pekanbaru. This newspaper is the object of this study, with the sample taken in the September 2020 editions. This study focuses on one research question: how are the principles of politeness applied in the editorial of the daily newspaper Tribun Pekanbaru? With a pragmatic approach, this study utilizes Leech’s politeness principles maxims. This is a descriptive study that aims not only to collect data and information, but also to describe, analyze, interpret, and conclude the politeness principles contained in the editorial of the daily newspaper Tribun Pekanbaru. This research is expected to increase the reader's knowledge about pragmatic studies, especially regarding aspects of linguistic politeness. The results of the study showed that from 23 editorials in the September 2020 editions of the Tribun Pekanbaru newspaper, 18 data of either compliance or violations of maxims in the principle of politeness in language.
Efektifitas Permainan Bola dan Rintangan untuk Stimulasi Perkembangan Motorik Kasar Anak Usia 4-6 Tahun
Authors: 'Aziz Hafidh , Ajhuri Kayyis Fithri , Humaida Rifqi
Published: December 2021

This study aims to determine the effectiveness of the combination game between ball and obstacles to stimulate gross motorik development of children aged 4-6 years. This research is quantitative research with a quasi-experimental design using single group pre-test and post-test types. The object of study is children aged 4-6 years at RA Riyadussalihin Moyudan Sleman, and the total population is 41 children who are then taken all as research samples. The data collection method is based on the results of the test observations before being given treatment and the post-test results after being given treatment. Based on the study results, it was found that there was an effect of the application of the combination game of ball and obstacle on the gross motorik development of children aged 4-6 years. As evidenced by the statistical test results, they were 0.001 for the aspect of throwing strength, 0.019 for the accuracy of catching the ball, and 0.000 for the agility aspect of overcoming obstacles. The statistical test results of the three factors are overall smaller than 0.05. It means that there are differences in the pre-test and post-test results. The ball and obstacles game affects children's gross motor development. This research contributes to understanding the effectiveness of ball and obstacle games for stimulating children's gross motor development. It can be a reference for learning programs and fostering children's motor development.
Nilai Dari Profesi Ibu Rumah Tangga dalam J-Dorama: Nigeru Wa Haji Da Ga Yaku Ni Tatsu
Authors: Hidayatullah Arsy Dzikri Izza Arzaqi , Srimulyani Nunuk Endah
Published: December 2021

Unpaid work and gender equality are interrelated in the realm of gender studies. One of them is a gender sociology study regarding the position of housewives in the private sphere to do domestic work and carework as mushou roudou because they are considered to have no commodity value. The position of housewives becomes invisible because they do not get more attention from the community. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to describe the professional value of housewives through the analysis of Drama Nigeru wa Haji da ga Yaku ni Tatsu. The theory used in the analysis is the theory of mushou roudou vs. yuushou roudou to see the actual commodity value of domestic work and carework done by housewives when it is converted into yuusho roudou. The results of the analysis show that the domestic work and carework that housewives do actually have a commodity value like yuushou roudou with the discovery of several methods of calculating the compensation that housewives are entitled to receive.
Citra Lansia dalam Film ‘An’ (Selai Kacang Merah) dan ‘Oke Roujin!’ (Golden Orchestra)
Authors: Febriyani Lili
Published: December 2021

People who have entered the final phase of life or elderly people, are often labeled with negative stereotypes regarding physical, psychological, and sociological changes. Various descriptions of the self-image of the elderly appear in various texts. This article discusses the image of the elderly in two Japanese films, entitled An (Sweet Bean) and Oke Rojin! (Golden Orchestra). By using Activity Theory, Successful Aging, and Loneliness, the research tries to analyze the image of the elderly that is constructed individually and in groups using the Content Analysis method. From the results of a thorough analysis of the components in the film, it can be concluded that the positive image of the elderly is constructed by looking for gaps of excellence from the shortcomings they have, and the positive image does not eliminate the depiction of the negative image. The elderly from both films try to make good use of old age, leaving the works in different ways, namely Tokue Yoshii with his red bean butter and the elderly orchestra with their first music and concerts.
College Student’s Comprehension on Te Iru Aspects
Authors: Tasman Annisa Qamara , Rahayu Nana , Budiani Dini
Published: December 2021

This research is a study that discusses the college student’s comprehension on te iru aspect using 7 indicators of comprehension include interpreting, exemplifying, classifying, summarizing, inferring, comparing, and explaining. This researsch is focused on the progressive aspect, habituative aspect, and resultative aspect. The purpose of this study is to describe students' comprehension of te iru aspects. The method used in this study is qualitative descriptive. Data was obtained from interviews with 8 Japanese college students. The results showed that student’s comprehension of all three aspects of te iru is not perfect. The highest order of comprehension on te iru aspects starts from progressive, habituative, and resultative aspect.
Keberadaan Kelompok Minoritas: Mitos Homogenitas Bangsa Jepang
Authors: Widiandari Arsi
Published: December 2021

The focus of this research is to discus the existence of minority groups in Japan. The existence of this minority community breaks the understanding of the Japanese nation which consists of a homogeneous society. This study uses the library method, by taking data from various literatures such as scientific articles, reference books and official reports issued by the Japanese Government through official website. This study found that existence of minority community in Japan for example Zainichi Korea, Burakumin groups, Ainu and a number of migrant worker is proof that Japan is not a homogeneous society but is a multicultural society. This paper is expected to complement the research that has been done previously related to the identity of the Japanese nation.
Proses Fermentasi pada Produksi Bioetanol Dedak Padi dengan Hidrolisis Enzimatis
Authors: Falaah Miftakhu , Kusumayanti Heny
Published: December 2021

Meningkatnya harga bahan bakar dan menurunnya cadangan bahan bakar fosil memaksa untuk mencari sumber-sumber energi yang murah sebagai biofuel, seperti bioetanol dapat mengurangi efek negatif dari penggunaan bahan bakar fosil yang tidak terbarukan. Bioetanol dapat terbuat dari biomassa yang mengandung gula, pati dan selulosa. Dedak padi merupakan hasil samping dari penggilingan padi dan menyumbang ±11% dari berat padi. Dalam hal ini dedak padi karbohidrat yang cukup tinggi untuk diolah menjadi bioetanol. Sementara untuk meningkatkan kadar etanol, proses terpenting dalam produksi bioetanol adalah proses fermentasi. Tujuan dari penelitian ini yaitu pengoptimalan proses fermentasi meliputi pH dan waktu pada pembuatan bioetanol dari ekstrak dedak padi dengan penambahan urea dan NPK sebagai sumber nutrisi untuk pertumbuhan saccharomycess cerevisiae. Penelitian ini menggunakan dedak padi yang dihidrolisis, kemudian difermentasi menggunakan saccharomycess cerevisiae dengan penambahan nutrisi urea dan NPK, dan di distilasi untuk dimurnikan. Pengoptimalan pH dan waktu pada proses fermentasi serta penambahan nutrisi urea dan NPK diharapkan mampu meningkatkan kadar bioetanol yang dihasilkan. Hasil data dihitung dengan menggunakan metode perhitungan faktorial desain untuk mengetahui variabel paling berpengaruh.  Rising fuel prices and declining fossil fuel reserves force to find cheap energy sources as biofuels, such as bioethanol can reduce the negative impact of using non-renewable fossil fuels. Bioethanol can be produced from biomass containing sugar, starch and cellulose. Rice bran is a by product of rice milling and accounts for ±11% of the weight of rice. In this case the carbohydrate rice bran is high enough so that it can be processed into bioethanol. Meanwhile, to increase ethanol content the most important process in manufacture of bioethanol is fermentation process. The purpose of this study is to optimize the fermentation process including pH and time in manufacture of bioethanol from rice bran extract with addition of urea and NPK as a source of nutrients for growth saccharomycess cerevisiae. This study used rice bran which was hydrolyzed, then fermented using saccharomycess cerevisiae with addition of urea and NPK nutrients, and then distilled to be purified. Optimizing pH and time in the fermentation process as well as adding urea and NPK nutrients are expected to increase levels of bioethanol produced. The results of the data are calculated using the design factorial calculation method to determine the most influential variable.
Ekokrytyczne studium nad adaptacją filmową powieści Znachor w reż. Michała Waszyńskiego (1937)
Authors: Kaźmierczak Marek
Published: December 2021

Powieść Tadeusza Dołęgi-Mostowicza, a także jej dwie filmowe adaptacje (pierwsza – Michała Waszyńskiego z 1937 roku, a druga z 1981 roku w reż. Jerzego Hoffmana) są tekstami kultury popularnej, dlatego intrygujące poznawczo jest wydobycie nieoczywistych, bez wątpienia nie tylko uwarunkowanych estetycznie, relacji między środowiskiem naturalnym i człowiekiem. Autor artykułu analizuje i interpretuje film w reżyserii Michała Waszyńskiego. Podejście ekokrytyczne pozwala w ciekawym kontekście ujrzeć napięcie między fikcją filmową oraz rzeczywistością, a także między tzw. Polską nowoczesną i tradycyjną.
Hermeneutyka zachwytu
Authors: Dziel Paweł
Published: December 2021

W artykule omówiono książkę Adriana Glenia Andrzej Stasiuk. Istnienie, która odwołuje się do tradycji hermeneutycznej w badaniach literackich. Perspektywę, z której Gleń analizuje prozę Stasiuka, w dużym stopniu wyznaczają problemy podjęte przez Martina Heideggera, a także postulaty „krytyki identyfikującej się” przedstawiciela szkoły genewskiej Georges’a Pouleta. Praca ukazuje szerszy kontekst zagadnień dotyczących autobiografizmu, polemizując z zaproponowaną przez Glenia interpretacją „bez biograficznych natręctw”. Omówione zostały również trudności metodologiczne związane z uprawianiem krytyki literackiej pod wpływem fascynacji analizowaną twórczością. Autor szczególnie wyeksponował te praktyki literaturoznawcze, które eksplorują kategorię doświadczenia.
Chrząstowska i stereotypy, czyli o reformie kształcenia literackiego, programach i podręcznikach
Authors: Wysłouch Seweryna
Published: December 2021

Artykuł przedstawia trudną drogę naukową Bożeny Chrząstowskiej (1929-2020) i jej bojową naturę w zwalczaniu szkolnych stereotypów. Chrząstowska walczyła o rangę dzieła literackiego i rolę literaturoznawczej interpretacji w szkole. Dzieło widziała w kontekście całego procesu dydaktycznego, którego celem jest przygotowanie ucznia do uczestnictwa w kulturze. Wymaga to według Niej reformy kształcenia literackiego (rezygnacji z historii literatury na rzecz interpretacji), zmiany koncepcji programów nauczania i nowej formuły podręczników szkolnych.
Podatek dochodowy od osób fizycznych jako źródło dochodów miast wojewódzkich – kontrowersje wokół zasad podziału
Authors: Wyszkowska Dorota , Wyszkowski Adam
Published: December 2021

W literaturze przedmiotu od lat toczy się dyskusja na temat zasadności przyznawania jednostkom samorządu terytorialnego (JST) udziałów w podatkach centralnych jako źródła dochodu i zaliczania ich do dochodów własnych tych jednostek. Mimo że władze samorządowe są zwolennikami tego typu źródeł dochodów, dostrzegają problem w zasadach ich podziału. W przypadku polskiego podatku dochodowego od osób fizycznych (PIT) środki przyznawane są jednostkom według miejsca zamieszkania podatników, co sprawia, że wiele osób korzystających z lokalnych dóbr i usług publicznych jednej jednostki, płaci podatek dochodowy przydzielany innej jednostce. Dotyczy to zwłaszcza dużych miast. W artykule scharakteryzowano udział w PIT jako źródło dochodów gmin w Polsce oraz oszacowano wielkość środków, jakie tracą gminy na skutek przyjętego sposobu podziału tych dochodów pomiędzy jednostkami. Podmiotem badań były miasta wojewódzkie, a ich zakres czasowy obejmował lata 2016 i 2011. Dane wykorzystane do oszacowania wielkości utraconych potencjalnych dochodów miast pochodzą z zasobów Głównego Urzędu Statystycznego oraz Ministerstwa Finansów. Dokonane szacunki potwierdzają, że utracone potencjalne dochody z analizowanego źródła miałyby dość istotne znaczenie fiskalne dla miast wojewódzkich. Stanowiłyby one nieco ponad 3% dochodów własnych i blisko 8% dochodów z tytułu udziału w PIT.
Mechanical properties of polymeric biomaterials: Modified ePTFE using gamma irradiation
Authors: Mohd Radzali Nur Ain , Mohd Hidzir Norsyahidah , Abdul Rahman Irman , Mokhtar Abdul Khaliq
Published: December 2021

Evaluating the mechanical properties of expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) is essential to measure its resistance to permanent deformation from an applied force. These mechanical ePTFE properties must be comparable to the properties of real tissue. Various hydrophilic comonomers 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA), N-isopropylacrylamide (NIPAAM), and N-vinylcaprolactam were used individually for copolymerization with acrylic acid (AA) to be grafted onto ePTFE using the gamma irradiation-induced grafting method. After surface modification, the hydrophobic and mechanical properties of ePTFE were altered. The water uptake and contact angle measurement showed that the modified ePTFE was less hydrophobic (∼500%, θ < 90°) than the unmodified ePTFE (0%, θ = 140°). Moreover, the mechanical properties of ePTFE changed after the modification process due to the polymer grafted onto the ePTFE surface. The data from mechanical tests, such as Young’s modulus (74–121 MPa), ultimate tensile strength (5–9 MPa), and elongation at break (56–121%), obtained for the sample AA-co-HEMA and AA-co-NIPAAM remain within the ranges and are considered desirable for use as a biomaterial. The mechanical strength correlates well with the percentage of the grafting yield after the modification process and is dependent on the parameters used, such as irradiation dose and type of comonomer.
Enhancing the success of new dams implantation under semi-arid climate, based on a multicriteria analysis approach: Case of Marrakech region (Central Morocco)
Authors: El Ghazali Fatima Ezzahra , Laftouhi Nour-Eddine , Fekri Ahmed , Randazzo Giovanni , Benkirane Myriam
Published: December 2021

Water management has become one of the major interests in arid and semi-arid regions. Scientists have suggested different criteria and methodologies for the identification of suitable dam sites. According to our literature review, we have used two major methodologies for the selection of suitable dam site location: geographic information system and remote sensing (GIS/RS) and multicriteria analysis (MCA) integrated with GIS/RS. The most common criteria used for the selection of suitable dam sites were slope, rainfall, land use land cover, soil type, lithology, lineament density, and hydrographic typology. All the factors were superimposed to prepare the synthesis map of water-harvesting structures, each thematic layer’s weight was determined, and storage water potential indices were calculated using water accumulation conditions. According to the water-harvesting location map, where the spatial distribution of the excellent (5%), very good (9%), and good (17%) aptitude classes is established in the northeast and central parts of the westward zone, the average located in the center of the zone. Study and weak are located south of the map; the area of moderate (25%) to poor (44%) suitability is situated in the south and southwest zone. The MCA was validated using an existing dam across the study area, where the MCA provides for the dam located in the good and moderate zones. The approach adopted in this study can be applied for any other location globally to identify potential dam-construction sites. From the point of view of the literature of multicriteria analyses of water recovery, areas unsuitable for surface water harvesting and dam projects are suitable for groundwater recharge.
Improved management of placenta accreta spectrum disorders: experience from a single institution
Authors: Sylvester-Armstrong Kendra , Reeder Callie , Patrick Kathryn , Genc Mehmet R.
Published: December 2021

Objectives

To assess the applicability of a standardized multidisciplinary protocol for managing placenta accreta spectrum (PAS) disorders and its impact on the outcomes.

Methods

We compared patients with PAS manage by a standardized multidisciplinary protocol (T2) to historic controls managed on a case-by-case basis by individual physicians between (T1). The primary outcome is composite maternal morbidity. Secondary outcomes were the rates of surgical complications, estimated blood loss, number of blood products transfused, intensive care unit admissions, ventilator use, and birth weight. Multivariate logistic analysis was used to identify independent predictors of composite maternal morbidity.

Results

During T1 and T2, we managed 39 and 36 patients with confirmed PAS, respectively. During T2, the protocol could be implemented in 21 cases (58%). Compared to T1, patients managed during T2 had 70% less composite maternal morbidity (95% CI: 0.11–0.82) and lower blood loss (median, 2,000 vs. 1,100 mL, p=0.008). Also, they were 68% less likely to require transfusion of blood products (95% CI: 0.12–0.81; p=0.01), including fewer units of packed red blood cells (median, 2 vs. 0, p=0.02). Management following the protocol was the only independent factor associated with lower composite maternal morbidity (OR: 0.22; 95% CI: 0.05–0.95; p=0.04). Selected maternal and neonatal outcomes were not different among 12 and 15 patients with suspected but unconfirmed PAS disorders managed during T1 and T2, respectively.

Conclusions

Most patients can be managed under a standardized multidisciplinary protocol for PAS disorders, leading to improved outcomes.
Comparison of cardiac morphology and function in small for gestational age fetuses and fetuses with late-onset fetal growth retardation
Authors: Turgut Ezgi , Özdemir Halis , Turan Gökçe , Bayram Merih , Karcaaltincaba Deniz
Published: December 2021

Objectives

To compare cardiac structural and functional findings of fetuses with fetal growth restriction (FGR) and small for gestational age (SGA).

Methods

In this prospective cohort study, patients were classified into three groups using Delphi procedure according to fetal weight, umbilical, uterine artery Doppler and cerebroplacental ratio. Fetal cardiac ultrasonographic morphology and Doppler examination was performed to all pregnant women at 36 weeks of gestation.

Results

Seventy three patients were included in the study. There were one (6.7%) patient in the control group, 2 (13.3%) in the SGA group and 12 (80%) in the FGR group who needed neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) and NICU requirement was significantly higher in FGR fetuses (p<0.001). Left spherical index was found to be lower only among FGR fetuses (p=0.046). Left ventricular wall thickness was decreased and the right/left ventricular wall ratio was increased in FGR fetuses (p=0.006, p<0.001). Tricuspid/mitral valve ratio and mitral annular plane systolic excursion value was lower in FGR fetuses (p=0.034, p=0.024 respectively). Also, myocardial performance index was remarkably higher in FGR group (p=0.002).

Conclusions

We detected cardiac morphological changes in cases of both SGA and FGR—more pronounced in the FGR cases. Findings related to morphological changes on the left side in FGR cases were considered secondary to volume increase in FGR cases as an indicator of a brain-protective effect. In the FGR group, both systolic and diastolic dysfunctions were detected in the left heart.
Instrumental Comparative Tort Law
Authors: Perry Ronen
Published: December 2021

This article examines the possible uses of comparative tort law in practice and theory. It takes the view that comparative law is always a means, never an end in itself, explains how it can be utilized by judges, legislatures, and legal scholars, and puts forward important caveats and qualifications. Part 2 demonstrates the traditional role of comparative law in interpreting and implementing shared or similar tort doctrines and in providing ideas for domestic tort law gap-filling and reform. It highlights the challenges that such utilization might present. Part 3 maintains that comparative research is the cornerstone of unification endeavors. Starting with coordinated projects, Part 3 argues that unification is in itself an instrument (making comparative law a second-order instrument) and that it cannot be pursued without taking into account some concerns about its desirability and practicability. Part 3 then discusses uncoordinated unification processes, whereby lawmakers in one jurisdiction identify a “global consensus” and decide to join it, and elaborates on the normative and positive components of these strategies. Part 4 acknowledges that comparative analysis usually uncovers trans-jurisdictional diversity and argues that such findings can underlie normative and positive theories of tort law. A comparison can offer a systematic taxonomy of possible legal solutions to a particular problem, enabling scholars to critically evaluate and compare the alternatives from their preferred theoretical perspective. Moreover, any hypothesis about the impact of cultural, economic, political, technological, and other conditions and changes on the law can be substantiated or refuted through comparative analyses that seek out legal differences (or similarities) among systems with different (or similar) underlying backgrounds. Through this analysis, the article aims to reignite and enrich the debate and inspire tort-law makers and scholars to integrate comparative research into their work.
Dynamic mechanical behavior of composite materials reinforced by graphene and huntite minerals
Authors: Atilla Dilek , Gören Binnur
Published: December 2021

The aim of this study is to investigate the dynamic mechanical properties of composite materials reinforced by mineral experimentally. Graphene and huntite minerals were added to epoxy resin at different weight ratios (wt.-%) as 0.5 weight percent, 1 weight percent and 3 weight percent, to examine the effect of mineral types and percentages on the resulting dynamic mechanical properties. In addition, the effect of non-layered huntite unlike graphene, with a nano-sized grain structure, was investigated. Thus, glass transition temperature (Tg), storage modulus (E’), loss modulus (E”) and damping ratio (tan δ) values were determined and compared. Moreover, a tensile test was performed in order to explain the relation between stress and strain. It was seen that adding different minerals caused different results according to types and proportions. In general, adding minerals to the pure resin increased the storage modulus and loss modulus, whereas the damping ratio (tan δ) decreased compared to the pure resin.
Effect of friction time on tensile strength and metallurgical properties of friction welded dissimilar aluminum alloy joints
Authors: Bakkiyaraj M. , Lakshminarayanan A. K. , Yuvaraj S. , Nagarajan P. K.
Published: December 2021

Dissimilar (AA6061 & AA7075-T6) friction welded aluminum joints were taken into the investigation to correlate the influences of friction time on tensile and metallurgical properties. The dissimilar metals were welded by varying the friction time from 2 s to 6 s with the following constant parameters: a rotating speed of 1200 rpm, friction pressure of 35 MPa, upset pressure of 35 MPa, and upset time of 3 s. The higher friction time during joint fabrication needs to be selected to attain good metallurgical bonding between rubbing surfaces. The highest tensile strength of 228 MPa was attained when the friction time was given as 4 s. Furthermore, the increase in friction time widened the width and reduced the hardness of the heat affected zone on the AA6061 side where joint failure occurred. Finally, the metallurgical features of the dissimilar specimens were characterized using optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and X-ray diffraction. Other details related to the characterization and results of the testing were recounted.
Computer simulation of boronizing kinetics for a TB2 alloy
Authors: Boumaali Brahim , Abdellah Zahra Nait , Keddam Mourad
Published: December 2021

The boron diffusion at the surface of a TB2 alloy was simulated via two mathematical models relying on the numerical resolutions of the system of differential algebraic equations (DAE) for the integral method and ordinary differential equations for the mean diffusion coefficient (MDC) method. Both approaches allowed us to compute the boron diffusion coefficients in TiB2 and TiB for a maximum boron content of 31.10 wt.-% in TiB2 at 1223, 1273, 1323 and 1373 K. The boron activation energies in TiB2 and TiB were evaluated and compared with the data published in the literature. Finally, an experimental validation of both models was made through a comparison of the thicknesses of the experimental layers with the predicted values. Consequently, the simulated thicknesses were in line with the experimental values.