bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prevalence of Keratoconus in Refractive Surgery Practice Population in North Macedonia
Authors: Gilevska Fanka , Biscevic Alma , Kostovska Biljana , Osmani Ilir , Suic Smiljka Popovic , Bohac Maja , Patel Sudi
Published: May 2021

Purpose: To determine the prevalence of keratoconus (KC) in relation to ethnicity in N. Macedonia. Methods: This was a cross-sectional, interventional retrospective study. Chart reviews were performed for all new patients attending between January 2016 and January 2020 at the Sistina Ophthalmology Hospital in Skopje. All patients were screened, KC diagnosis and classification was based on the corneal topography. Ethnicity and gender classifications were according to patients’ self-opinions. Results: A total of 2812 patients charts reviewed. The mean age was 31.71 years (SD, ±9.73), 1209 (43%) were male. 2050 (72.9%) declared themselves as Macedonians, 649 (23.1%) Albanians, 76 (2.7%) Turks and 37 (1.3%) in other ethnicities. Differences in age between the ethnic groups was statistically significant (𝑥2=90.225, p<0.001). KC was diagnosed in 343 patients (12.2%), 9 were KC suspects and 6 were pellucid marginal degeneration. KC was more frequent in males (n=246, 71.7% of total) and skewed towards younger patients. Increasing patients’ age decreased the odds of KC diagnosis by 3.7%(95% CI:1.8%-4.4%) per annum. Males were 4 times more likely to be diagnosed with KC (AOR=4.01;95% CI:3.12–5.16). In comparison with Macedonian patients, Turks were more likely to be diagnosed with KC (AOR=4.09;95%CI:2.47–6.78). There was no difference between Macedonians and Albanians (p=0.08). Conclusion: The prevalence of KC at a refractive surgery practice in N.Macedonia is much higher compared with general population and similar to the prevalence in Middle East Asia. Nationwide screening programs are needed to diagnose the disease earlier.
Simple Recycling of Biowaste Eggshells to Various Calcium Phosphates for Specific Industries
Authors: Laohavisuti Nongnuch , Boonchom Banjong , Seesanong Somkiat , Chaiseeda Kittichai , Boonmee Wimonmat
Published: May 2021

Egg consumption is very high throughout the world and with it comes enormous amount of waste eggshells. To reduce and utilize these wastes, eggshell wastes were simply transformed to low- or high-purity calcium carbonate grades by washing, crushing, and drying to use as raw materials for producing highly valuable calcium phosphate products. Low-purity calcium carbonate grade was used to prepare triple superphosphate for using in fertilizer industry, whereas high-purity calcium carbonate grade was used to produce dicalcium phosphate dihydrate, monocalcium phosphate monohydrate, and tricalcium phosphate for using in mineral feed and food additive industries. All calcium phosphate samples obtained by simple, rapid, cheap, and environmentally safe method using eggshells and phosphoric acid were identified and their structural phases and impurities were determined by XRF, XRD and FTIR techniques. The methodologies described here will be useful to manage eggshells by converting them to highly valuable products, which can solve eggshell wastes problem from industries and communities. This finding supports the viewpoint of zero waste operation to produce value-added products for obtaining sustainable development, which may be selected as an alternative way for material recycling and waste management in the future.
Selected ‘Starter Kit’ energy system modelling data for Algeria (#CCG)
Authors: Cannone Carla , Allington Lucy , Pappis Ioannis , Barron Karla Cervantes , Usher Will , Pye Steve , Brown Edward , Howells Mark , Walker Miriam Zachau , Ahsan Aniq , Charbonnier Flora , Halloran Claire , Hirmer Stephanie , Taliotis Constantinos , Sundin Caroline , Sridha Vignesh , Ramos Eunice , Brinkerink Maarten , Deane Paul , Gritsevskyi Andrii , Moura Gustavo , Rouget Arnaud , Wogan David , Barcelona Edito , Rogner Holger
Published: May 2021

Energy system modelling can be used to assess the implications of different scenarios and support improved policymaking. However, access to data is often a barrier to starting energy system modelling in developing countries, thereby causing delays. Therefore, this article provides data that can be used to create a simple zero order energy system model for Algeria, which can act as a starting point for further model development and scenario analysis. The data are collected entirely from publicly available and accessible sources, including the websites and databases of international organizations, journal articles, and existing modelling studies. This means that the dataset can be easily updated based on the latest available information or more detailed and accurate local data. These data were also used to calibrate a simple energy system model using the Open Source Energy Modelling System (OSeMOSYS) and two stylized scenarios (Fossil Future and Least Cost) for 2020–2050. The assumptions used and results of these scenarios are presented in the appendix as an illustrative example of what can be done with these data. This simple model can be adapted and further developed by in-country analysts and academics, providing a platform for future work.
Selected ‘Starter Kit’ energy system modelling data for Benin (#CCG)
Authors: Allington Lucy , Cannone Carla , Pappis Ioannis , Halloran Claire , Hirmer Stephanie , Barron Karla Cervantes , Usher Will , Pye Steve , Brown Edward , Howells Mark , Taliotis Constantinos , Sundin Caroline , Sridha Vignesh , Ramos Eunice , Brinkerink Maarten , Deane Paul , Gritsevskyi Andrii , Moura Gustavo , Rouget Arnaud , Wogan David , Barcelona Edito , Rogner Holger
Published: May 2021

Energy system modelling can be used to assess the implications of different scenarios and support improved policymaking. However, access to data is often a barrier to starting energy system modelling in developing countries, thereby causing delays. Therefore, this article provides data that can be used to create a simple zero order energy system model for Benin, which can act as a starting point for further model development and scenario analysis. The data are collected entirely from publicly available and accessible sources, including the websites and databases of international organizations, journal articles, and existing modelling studies. This means that the dataset can be easily updated based on the latest available information or more detailed and accurate local data. These data were also used to calibrate a simple energy system model using the Open Source Energy Modelling System (OSeMOSYS) and two stylized scenarios (Fossil Future and Least Cost) for 2020–2050. The assumptions used and results of these scenarios are presented in the appendix as an illustrative example of what can be done with these data. This simple model can be adapted and further developed by in-country analysts and academics, providing a platform for future work.
Carbonized wood with ordered channels decorated by NiCo2O4 for lightweight and high-performance microwave absorber
Authors: Qin Guangyu , Huang X.X. , Yan Xu , He Yunfei , Liu Yuhao , Xia Long , Zhong Bo
Published: May 2021

Wood-derived carbon has a 3D porous framework composed of through channels along the growth direction, which is a suitable matrix for preparing electromagnetic wave (EMW) absorbing materials with low-cost, light-weight, environmentally friendly and excellent MA performance. Herein, the carbonized wood decorated by short cone-like NiCo2O4 (CW@NiCo2O4) with highly ordered straightway channels architecture were successfully manufactured through a facile calcination procedure. Finite Element Analysis (FEA) simulation is carried out to detect the interaction between the prepared material and EMW when the ordered channels are arranged in different directions. Simultaneously, the microwave absorption properties of all samples are investigated in terms of complex permittivity and permeability. The horizontal arrangement of the through channels of CW@NiCo2O4 (H-CW@NiCo2O4) exhibits a strong reflection loss value of -64.0 dB at 10.72 GHz with a thickness of 3.62 mm and a low filling ratio of 26wt% (with the density of 0.98g·cm− 3), and the effective absorption bandwidth (EAB) is 8.08 GHz (9.92-18.0 GHz) at the thickness of 3.2 mm. The extremely advantageous structure of H-CW@NiCo2O4 is the key to achieving excellent MA property, which enables multiple EMW loss mechanisms to be effectively realized. What’s more, the introduction of NiCo2O4 increases the values of \({\epsilon }^{\text{'}}\) and \({\epsilon }^{\text{'}\text{'}}\), resulting in enhanced dielectric loss. This research provides a low-cost, sustainable and environmentally friendly strategy for using carbonized wood to fabricate microwave absorbers with strong attenuation capabilities and lightweight.
Selected ‘Starter Kit’ energy system modelling data for Gambia (#CCG)
Authors: Allington Lucy , Cannone Carla , Pappis Ioannis , Barron Karla Cervantes , Usher Will , Pye Steve , Brown Edward , Howells Mark , Taliotis Constantinos , Sundin Caroline , Sridha Vignesh , Ramos Eunice , Brinkerink Maarten , Deane Paul , Gritsevskyi Andrii , Moura Gustavo , Rouget Arnaud , Wogan David , Barcelona Edito , Rogner Holger , Hirmer Stephanie
Published: May 2021

Energy system modelling can be used to assess the implications of different scenarios and support improved policymaking. However, access to data is often a barrier to starting energy system modelling in developing countries, thereby causing delays. Therefore, this article provides data that can be used to create a simple zero order energy system model for Gambia, which can act as a starting point for further model development and scenario analysis. The data are collected entirely from publicly available and accessible sources, including the websites and databases of international organizations, journal articles, and existing modelling studies. This means that the dataset can be easily updated based on the latest available information or more detailed and accurate local data. These data were also used to calibrate a simple energy system model using the Open Source Energy Modelling System (OSeMOSYS) and two stylized scenarios (Fossil Future and Least Cost) for 2020–2050. The assumptions used and results of these scenarios are presented in the appendix as an illustrative example of what can be done with these data. This simple model can be adapted and further developed by in-country analysts and academics, providing a platform for future work.
Selected ‘Starter Kit’ energy system modelling data for Zimbabwe (#CCG)
Authors: Cannone Carla , Allington Lucy , Pappis Ioannis , Barron Karla Cervantes , Usher Will , Pye Steve , Brown Edward , Howells Mark , Taliotis Constantinos , Sundin Caroline , Sridha Vignesh , Ramos Eunice , Brinkerink Maarten , Deane Paul , Gritsevskyi Andrii , Moura Gustavo , Rouget Arnaud , Wogan David , Barcelona Edito , Rogner Holger , Cronin Jen , Hirmer Stephanie
Published: May 2021

Energy system modelling can be used to assess the implications of different scenarios and support improved policymaking. However, access to data is often a barrier to starting energy system modelling in developing countries, thereby causing delays. Therefore, this article provides data that can be used to create a simple zero order energy system model for Zimbabwe, which can act as a starting point for further model development and scenario analysis. The data are collected entirely from publicly available and accessible sources, including the websites and databases of international organizations, journal articles, and existing modelling studies. This means that the dataset can be easily updated based on the latest available information or more detailed and accurate local data. These data were also used to calibrate a simple energy system model using the Open Source Energy Modelling System (OSeMOSYS) and three stylized scenarios (Fossil Future, Least Cost and Net Zero by 2050) for 2020–2050. The assumptions used and results of these scenarios are presented in the appendix as an illustrative example of what can be done with these data. This simple model can be adapted and further developed by in-country analysts and academics, providing a platform for future work.
Correlations between IL-6 serum level and olfactory dysfunction severity in COVID-19 patients: a preliminary study.
Authors: Vaira Luigi Angelo , De Vito Andrea , Deiana Giovanna , Pes Chiara , Giovanditto Federica , Fiore Vito , Lechien Jerome R. , Bon Serge-Daniel Le , Saussez Sven , Madeddu Giordano , Babudieri Sergio , Pazzola Antonio , Bandiera Franco , Fois Alessandro Giuseppe , Piana Andrea Fausto , Hopkins Claire , De Riu Giacomo
Published: May 2021

Background: Interleukin 6 (IL-6) is a proinflammatory cytokine that is secreted by cells infected with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and it is widely recognized as a negative prognostic factor. The purpose of this study was to analyze the correlations between the olfactory scores determined by psychophysical tests and the serum levels of IL-6 in patients affected by coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)Methods: Patients underwent psychophysical olfactory assessment with Connecticut Chemosensory Clinical Research Center test and IL-6 plasma level determination within 10 days of the clinical onset of COVID-19. Results: Seventy-four COVID-19 patients were included in this study. COVID-19 staged as mild in 34 patients, moderate in 26 and severe in 14 cases. There were no significant differences in olfactory scores across the different COVID-19 severity groups In the patient series, the median plasma level of IL-6 was 7.7 pg/mL (IQR 3.7 – 18.8). The concentration of IL-6 was found to be significantly correlated with the severity of COVID-19 with a directly proportional relationship. The correlation between IL-6 plasma concentrations and olfactory scores was weak (rs=0.182) and not significant (p=0.12).Conclusions: In COVID-19 patients, psychophysical olfactory scores did not show significant correlations with the plasma levels of a well-recognized negative prognostic factor such as IL-6. This observation casts some shadows on the positive prognostic value of olfactory dysfunctions
Operative Management of Fragility Fractures of the Pelvis – A Systematic Review
Authors: Wilson Daniel , Kelly Joshua , Rickman Mark
Published: May 2021

BackgroundThe incidence of osteoporotic pelvic fractures in elderly patient is rising. This brings an increasing burden on health and social care systems as these injuries often lead to prolonged hospital admissions, loss of independence, morbidity and mortality. Some centres now advocate stabilisation of these injuries to reduce pain, facilitate early mobilisation, decrease hospital stay and restore independence. A systematic review of the literature was planned to establish the evidence for this intervention.MethodsA systematic review was performed according to PRISMA guidelines. A clinical librarian performed a search of the following databases: NHS Evidence, TRIP, the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, MEDLINE and EMBASE. 17 eligible studies were identified with 766 patients. ResultsThe quality of evidence was poor with no good quality randomised trials. The majority of injuries were minimally displaced. Posterior ring injuries were most often stabilised with percutaneous screws which were sometimes augmented with void filler. A variety of techniques were described for stabilisation of the anterior ring although fixation of the anterior ring was frequently not performed.There was consistent evidence from the included studies that operative intervention significantly improved pain. Complications were minimal but there were increased failure rates when a single unaugmented sacroiliac joint screw was used. The limited availability of non-operative comparators made it difficult to draw firm conclusions about the efficacy of surgical over non-surgical management in these patients. ConclusionsOperative management of fragility fractures of the pelvis should be considered for patients failing a brief period of non-operative management, however prospective randomised trials need to be performed to provide improved evidence for this intervention. Surgeons should consider which fixation techniques for fragility fractures of the pelvis are robust enough to allow immediate weightbearing, whilst minimising operative morbidity and post-operative complications.PROSPERO Systematic Review ID: CRD42020171237
The Relationship Between Readiness to Change Pain-Related Exercise Participation and Perceived Work Function: A Cross-Sectional Study of Factory Workers
Authors: Shawcross Paul , Lyons Melinda , Filingeri Victoria
Published: May 2021

Background: Healthy lifestyle behaviours are associated with protection against health disorders and pain. Exercise participation is one such behaviour, associated with improved outcomes in those experiencing pain. Musculoskeletal pain is highly prevalent in the workplace, particularly in factory workers and associated loss of work function is recognised as having a great impact on individuals, society and the economy. A worker’s ‘readiness to change pain behaviour’ is an important factor to consider in achieving a healthy lifestyle behaviour and potentially improved function. This study aimed to examine the relationship between a cohort of factory workers ‘readiness to change pain behaviour’ such as exercise and their ‘perceived work function’.Methods: A cross-sectional study design was used to establish the relationship between ‘readiness to change pain behaviours’ and ‘perceived work function’. The Multidimensional Pain Related Change Questionnaire 2 (MPRCQ2) was used to measure readiness to change various pain behaviours including exercise. The Work Ability Index (WAI) was used to assess ‘perceived work function’. 75 participants were recruited using convenience sampling. Correlation and multiple regression were used for statistical analysis.Results: Mean WAI, MPRCQ2 and MPRCQ2 exercise component were 41.89 (SD 5.28), 4.26 (SD 1.01) and 4.40 (SD 1.69). MPRCQ2 and MPRCQ2 exercise component were not significant predictors of WAI in factory workers (F (2, 72) = 2.17, p > 0.001). There was no significant relationship between MPRCQ2 and WAI (rs = .09, p > .05). However, there was a significant positive relationship between MPRCQ2 exercise component and WAI (rs = .23, p < .05). Conclusions: This study suggests that readiness to change pain-related exercise participation has a positive association with ‘perceived work function’. Further research should explore the causal relationship and consider strength training as a specific type of exercise.
Designing of an Open Innovation Model in Science and Technology Parks
Authors: Bayat Pari , Daraei Mehry , Rahimikia Amin
Published: May 2021

The main purpose of this research is to design and test an open innovation model in science and technology parks through a mixed exploratory approach. The data collection tool in the qualitative section is a semi-structured interview with 15 experts in the field of science and technology parks. Purposive sampling was used until theoretical saturation is achieved. The grounded theory was used to coding the interviews. As a result of open, axial, and selective coding in MAXQDA, 1551 free codes, 202 concepts, 73 sub-codes, and 21 main codes extracted. These codes categorized in six themes of casual conditions, central factors, strategies, contextual conditions, confounding, and outcomes. Initial questionnaire was administrated among 516 experts and managers of science and technology parks in Tehran province and affiliated companies. Confirmatory factor analyses showed high model fit with CFI equal to 0.93 and high internal consistency for the total score equal to 0.98. The results of this study showed that the proposed model of open innovation in science and technology parks in Iran has a good fit.
Individual and community-level determinants of overweight and obesity among urban men: Further analysis of Ethiopian demographic and health survey
Authors: Tekalegn Yohannes , Engida Zinash Teferu , Sahiledengle Biniyam , Rogers Heather L. , Seyoum Kenbon , Woldeyohannes Demelash , Legese Birhan , Ayele Tadesse Awoke
Published: May 2021

Objective: Overweight and obesity have become a serious public health problem in both developed and developing countries particularly in urban areas. However, there are limited studies conducted to identify the risk factors of overweight and obesity in Ethiopia. Therefore, this study aimed to assess individual and community level determinants of overweight and obesity among urban men in Ethiopia. Methods: This study used the 2016 Ethiopian Demographic and Health Survey data (EDHS). A total of 2259 weighted sample of urban men age 15-59 years were included in this analysis. A multilevel logistic regression model was conducted to assess the determinants of overweight and obesity among the study participants. Results: Men aged 30-44 years old (AOR=3.1, 95% CI: 2.3-4.11) , 45-59 years old (AOR=4.8, 95% CI: 3.4-6.9), married (AOR=1.7, 95% CI: 1.3-2.2), secondary education (AOR=2.7, 95% CI: 1.6-4.7), higher education (AOR= 3.6, 95% CI: 2.1-6.2) and watching television at least once a week (AOR= 1.7, 95% CI: 1.1-2.7), men from high rich communities (AOR= 2.4, 95% CI: 1.5-3.7) and residents of the three metropolises (Addis Ababa, Harari, Diredawa) were more likely to be overweight or obese (AOR=1.8, 95% CI: 1.1-2.9). However, currently unemployed men were less likely to be overweight or obese (AOR=0.5, 95% CI: 0.3-0.7). Conclusion: Being older age, married, unemployed, higher educational status, higher frequency of watching television, being residents the three metropolises (Addis Ababa, Harari, and Diredawa) and being from high rich communities were found to be predictors of overweight and obesity. Therefore, it is essential to design strategies and programs to reduce or prevent overweight and obesity with special focus on the identified risk factors.
Urban-rural differential in Hypertension and Diabetes among Elderly in India: A study of prevalence, factors, and treatment-seeking
Authors: Chauhan Shekhar , Patel Ratna , Gupte Samriddhi S , Kumar Shubham
Published: May 2021

Objectives: The study estimates the prevalence of hypertension and diabetes among older adults and bring forth the urban-rural differentials in the said morbidities. The treatment-seeking approach of older adults is also looked at with regard to hypertension and diabetes.Methods: The data for this study come from the Longitudinal Ageing Study in India (LASI) conducted in 2017-18. Bivariate analyses were used to understand the rural-urban gap in hypertension and diabetes with socioeconomic and demographic parameters. Further, logistic regression was used to check the likelihood of hypertension and diabetes with socioeconomic and demographic variables. Finally, a non-linear decomposition technique, Fairlie’s decomposition technique was applied to check the difference in the probability of hypertension and diabetes between rural and urban by estimating contributions of a group (rural-urban) differences.Results: Study noted a higher prevalence of hypertension and diabetes among elderly residing in urban areas than their counterparts. Prevalence of hypertension and diabetes was higher among those aged 70+, elderly females, less educated, and non-poor. Education status alone accounts for more than four-fifths (88.62%) and more than half (52.02%) of the inequality in the prevalence of urban-rural hypertension and diabetes, respectively. Elderly with higher education were 2.88 times (OR=2.88; C.I.= 1.40-5.90) more likely to sought treatment for hypertension than uneducated older people in urban areasConclusion: Since treatment-seeking is relatively low among elderly in poor households, practices must be identified for a poverty-stricken elderly population to overcome the financial barriers that may prevent the elderly from seeking and complying with treatment.
Correlation of Tumour Subtype With Long-term Outcome in Small Breast Carcinomas: A Swedish Population-based Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Rask Gunilla , Nazemroaya Anoosheh , Jansson Malin , Wadsten Charlotta , Nilsson Greger , Blomqvist Carl , Holmberg Lars , Wärnberg Fredrik , Sund Malin
Published: May 2021

Purpose: To investigate if molecular subtype is associated with outcome in stage 1 breast cancer (BC).Method: Tissue samples from 445 women with node-negative BC £15 mm, treated in 1986-2004, were classified into surrogate molecular subtypes (Luminal A-like, Luminal B-like, Her2-positive, and triple negative breast cancer (TNBC)). Information on treatment, recurrences and survival were gathered from medical records. Results: Tumour subtype was not associated with overall survival (OS). Luminal B-like and TNBC were associated with higher incidence of distant metastasis at 20 years. Luminal B-like and TNBC patients also had worse breast cancer specific survival (BCSS), although not statistically significant. Her2-positive BC was not associated with poor outcome despite no patient receiving Her2-targeted therapy.Conclusions: Stage 1 TNBC or Luminal B-like tumours behave more aggressively. Women with Her2+/ER+ tumours do not have an increased risk of distant metastasis or death, absent targeted treatment.
Solvent-free Rice Husk Mediated Efficient Approach for Synthesis of Novel Imidazoles and their In vitro Bio evaluation
Authors: Sangwan Suman , Singh Rajvir , Gulati Susheel , Rana Suprita , Punia Jyoti , Malik Kamla
Published: May 2021

Abstract
An efficient and facile route for the synthesis of substituted imidazoles (10a-10g) has been developed by reacting substituted aldehydes (1–7), benzil (8) and ammonium acetate (9) in presence of solid supported acid catalyst viz. Rice Husk Ash.SO3H (RHA.SO3H) at room temperature. The purity of compounds was confirmed by melting point and thin layer chromatography. After the completion of reaction the crude product was recrystallized with ethylacetate to give pure samples (10a-10g) in good yield. All synthesized compounds (10a-10g) were characterized by 1HNMR and FTIR spectral techniques. The solid acid catalyst has been characterized by SEM, TEM and X-ray diffraction method. All synthesized compounds were tested in vitro herbicidal activity against Raphanus sativus L. seeds. The compounds (10a-10g) were also screened for their antifungal activity against Rhizoctonia solani and Aspergillus niger by poisoned food technique method. From bio evaluation data, it was found that compounds 10c and 10a were most active against Raphanus sativus L. seeds. Compound 4-(4,5-diphenyl-1H-imidazol-2-yl)phenol (10g) was found most active against R. solani fungus at highest concentration. Compound 2-(4,5-diphenyl-1H-imidazol-2-yl)phenol (10f) has shown maximum percentage inhibition i.e. 71.89 against A. niger at 200 µg/mL concentration.
Onchocerca lupi in imported dogs in the UK: implications for animal and public health
Authors: McGarry John , Carrozza Rossella , Bradley Claire , Latrofa Maria , Makepeace Benjamin , Otranto Domenico
Published: May 2021

The zoonotic nematode Onchocerca lupi is reported in two dogs in the UK, re-homed from Europe. One dog developed an ocular nodule seven years after arrival from Spain, whereas the other dog, originally from Romania, developed recurring nodular lesions in both eyes. In this dog, parasitism was particularly invasive and resulted in unilateral enucleation. Increasingly, former stray dogs of unknown infection status are entering the UK, raising veterinary and medical concerns.
D-MT Prompts the Anti-Tumor Effect of Oxaliplatin by Inhibiting IDO Expression in A Mouse Model of Colon Cancer
Authors: Zhang Yongxi , Li Yang , Liu Zhiang , Jiao Yang , Guo Jing , Ren Weiwei , Li Ruipeng , Zhu Gaozan , Li Jie , Li Minjie , Li Xinyi , Wang Shenggen , Zhao Tiesuo , Dang Chengxue
Published: May 2021

Colon cancer is one of the most common malignant tumors in the digestive system. Although oxaliplatin, a chemotherapy drug, has been clinically used to treat colon cancer, its therapeutic effect is unsatisfactory. It has been proved that indoleamine dioxygenase 2,3 (IDO), an immune checkpoint, is a result of tolerance to chemotherapy. Herein, an IDO inhibitor, D-MT, was combined with oxaliplatin to treat colon cancer in mice. T cell infiltration in tumor tissues, the ratios of immune cells in the spleens, and the tumor growth and survival of the mice were detected and recorded. The results showed that the combination of oxaliplatin and D-MT significantly inhibited tumor growth and prolonged the survival of tumor-bearing mice. More importantly, the combination treatment increased the ratios of CD4+ T, CD8+ T and NK cells from the spleen in tumor-bearing mice, and prompted T cell infiltration in tumor tissues. This study provided a new therapeutic strategy for colon cancer treatment in the clinic, especially for patients with oxaliplatin resistance.
Teachers’ Perception toward the Challenges in Online English Teaching during Covid-19 Pandemic
Authors: Hermansyah Hermansyah , Aridah Aridah
Published: May 2021

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and government policy to carry out online learning or study from home in Balikpapan, Indonesia, this study aims to describe the teachers’ perception of the challenges in the implementation of online learning in teaching English subjects in the learning process and the recommendation to overcome the problems. This research is a qualitative descriptive study. Three English teachers volunteered to participate in this research through invitation at SMK Nusantara Balikpapan. The research data collected through in-depth interviews, which were analyzed descriptively by using interactive techniques. The Thematic analysis is done by collecting data, reducing data, presenting data, and drawing conclusions. The results of the data analysis show that three English teachers were not too familiar with online learning at first, so they still have many obstacles in the teaching process by using online applications or platforms. There are several obstacles, such as using applications or platforms as media, teachers' knowledge, time schedule, teacher and students’ motivation, and plagiarism. To run online learning, these obstacles should be overcome.
Adjectives in Destination Promotion Texts
Authors: Thu Dinh Quoc Anh
Published: May 2021

As tourism texts act as an important source of information for prospective tourists, this paper looks into the use of adjectives in English tourism texts by analyzing a small, specialized corpus of texts promoting destinations. The self-compiled corpus had its data taken from the official tourism website of Vietnam. Using TermoStat Web 3.0 (Drouin, 2003) and Antconc (Anthony, 2011) to identify adjectives in the corpus, the study seeks to explore adjectival usage in a discourse which is known for its hyperbolic language and offers a better understanding of ways adjectives help create persuasive texts. Results revealed a high percentage of adjectives in the analyzed texts. Besides, the extensive use and high selectivity of adjectives in the corpus help paint a complete picture of the destinations being described, hence connect those places with the reader. Notably, compound adjectives were found to be widely utilized for compact but detailed expressions. The findings are beneficial to instructors and learners of English for tourism and English writing as well as translation training and practice.
Personal Pronouns in American Presidential Political Discourse
Authors: Romadlani Muhammad Masqotul Imam
Published: May 2021

This research examines first-person personal pronouns which arise in political speeches given by Obama in his victory as American President in 2008 and 2012. Employing qualitative and quantitative methods, this research explores the occurrences of first personal pronouns to reveal the forms and its discourse function through political speeches. Abstracting from 458 personal pronouns found in Obama’s speeches, 272 pronouns are identified as first personal pronouns. The findings of the first personal pronouns employed in Obama speeches illustrated that Obama produced pronoun we and its variants, 183 times, and pronoun I and its variants, 89 times. Obama exploited singular personal pronoun to convey personally his deep appreciation and gratefulness, personal experiences, personal professional experiences, his personal argumentative opinions, hopes, and his commitment as well. The use of inclusive we and its variants indicate Obama’s desire to shares responsibility and construct nationalistic spirit, togetherness, equality, publicly assertion about the political situation, and any challenges they probably face in the future. Additionally, by employing exclusive we, Obama asserts his political plans, commitment, political experiences during the election, and serious concern of reconciliation.
ANALEMMA AND THE BEGINNING OF MAGHRIB PRAYER ALTERATION (Correlation Of Analemma’s Position Towards The Beginning Of Maghrib Prayer According To Ephemeris Calculation)
Authors: Ni'am M. Ihtirozun , Suraya Khabib
Published: May 2021

Analemmaa is a change of sun’s position which is inconstant when it is observed in certain time and place during a year period. If the change is served as a diagram, it will shape like ‘eight’ number. The beginning of maghrib prayer during a year period is dyanmic at certain time, and it will change due to alteration of sunset.  Therefore, this research aimed to understand the correlation between analemma and the alteration of maghrib prayer schedule. The research uses field research method, which collecting the average of observation data of Sun’s position at the certain time and place during a year period by employing qualitative method. The research found that the alteration of the beginning of maghrib prayer is caused by the analemma’s phenomenon. When the gap between the result of analema’s time observed with maghrib schedule is increased, so the beginning of maghrib prayer is delayed. Yet, when the gap between the result of analema’s time observed with maghrib schedule is decreased, so the beginning of maghrib prayer is sooner.
Comparative study of acid mine drainage using different neutralization methods
Authors: Huang Zhong-sheng , Yang Tian-zu
Published: May 2021

Two-stage acid mine drainage (AMD) neutralization residue yield is 2.57 t/t acid equivalent using limestone and lime, 15.74% less than the 3.05 t/t acid equivalent yield from single-stage lime neutralization residue. XRD results shows that the main residue component generated by two-stage neutralization is CaSO4•0.5H2O, with a molecular weight 15.70% lower than the CaSO4•2H2O generated in single-stage neutralization. The differing amount of gypsum crystallization water from the different neutralization processes is the main cause of the different residue yields. While the actual removal rate and pH of Fe3+ are consistent with the theory, those for Zn2+, Cu2+ and Al3+ are inconsistent with the theoretical values, the error rate increasing with increasing pH. Co-precipitation with and adsorption by Fe(OH)3, mainly generated during neutralization, are the main reasons for the difference. The cost of two-stage neutralization is 16.60% less than that of single-stage neutralization when the initial reaction pH is 3.4, but the unit cost begins to increase if the initial reaction pH is raised above 3.4. When the initial pH is 4.0, the cost of two-stage neutralization exceeds that of single-stage neutralization by 4.07%.
Water management in ancient Alexandria, Egypt. Comparison with Constantinople hydraulic system
Authors: Spanoudi S. , Golfinopoulos A. , Kalavrouziotis I.
Published: May 2021

The collection, evaluation and listing of all available data related to the supply, collection and disposal of water is a project of combining and recording all the data for infrastructure projects and their structure within the urban structure of Alexandria and the wider region, as it was discovered and studied to this day. The paper is a description of the most important storage structures for the waters of the Nile River and the rain. Composing data from previous descriptions, archaeological excavations and random discoveries during construction work created a database. This database currently has 144 tanks of 1 to 4 levels, from 6 m3 to 2,500 m3. In particular, they have identified 27 tanks on 1 level, 50 tanks on 2 levels, 49 tanks on 3 levels, 9 tanks on 4 levels and 9 tanks whose exact morphology is unknown to us. The examples of reservoir technologies and management practices given in this work may be of some importance to the sustainability of water resources for the present and the future. Reservoirs have been used to store both rainwater and spring and river water to meet the needs of seasonal variations. The tanks range from simple to large underground structures. Then, a comparison is made with the water management systems in the wider Mediterranean region and especially in Istanbul, where there is such infrastructure.
Relationship between Disease Activity and Calcium Levels with Bone Mineral Density in Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients
Authors: Megawanto Nur Handy , Suryana Bagus Putu Putra , Rosandi Rulli
Published: May 2021

Background: Arthritis rheumatoid (AR) is a chronic inflammatory disease that mainly affects the joints. Decreased bone mass and osteoporosis are its complications. Several factors such as dietary calcium, disease activity, physical activity, vitamin D levels, steroids can affect bone mineral density values. Aim: The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between disease activity, calcium levels and bone mineral densitometry in patients with arthritis rheumatoid. Methods: 23 AR patients based on the 2010 ACR criteria including the inclusion criteria with a cross sectional study approach that had bone mineral densitometry (BMD) data for the last 1 year. Blood samples were also taken to check the total calcium level, the characteristics of the baseline data were collected, and the disease activity was examined using the DAS 28 LED. The relationship between these factors and the bone mass density was analyzed using the Spearman test. The analysis result was considered significant if p <0.05. Results: The results showed that the basic characteristics of the subjects were 45,87 years old, body mass index 24,51 kg / m2, duration of illness 3,96 years, steroid dose 3,48 mg, disease activity 4.35 (moderate disease activity), anti CCP 333,87 U / ml, rheumatoid factor (RF) 10,18 IU / ml, methotrexate 12,17 mg, leflunomide 20 mg. There was no significant relationship between serum calcium levels and disease activity with BMD. However, there was a significant relationship between age and BMI with BMD in the femur neck (p = 0,043), lumbar 3 (p = 0,017) and lumbar 4 (p = 0,048). Conclusion: There is no relationship between disease activity and calcium levels with bone mass density values in AR patients except for age and BMI.
Shorter All-oral Bedaquiline-containing MDR-TB Regimen : The Backgrounds & Implementations
Authors: Winoto Eden Suryoiman , Candradikusuma Didi
Published: May 2021

The continuing spread of Multidrug-Resistant Tuberculosis (MDR-TB), which is defined as TB that shows resistance to both isoniazid and rifampicin, become one of the most urgent and difficult challenges in TB control. In Indonesia, the estimated total DR-TB case incidence of 24,000 or 8.8/100,000 population (2.4% of total new TB patients). The first-ever MDR-TB treatment guideline published by WHO required a long duration (up to 20â€“24 months) and contained toxic second-line drugs with less effective & unfavorable outcomes. About ten years ago, a short regimen lasting nine instead of 20 months, called â€œBangladesh regimenâ€, revolutionized MDR-TB treatment. The advent of rapid molecular diagnostic tests, discoveries of new and repurposed drugs, promising results based on trials and meta-analysis had prompted WHO to update its guidelines. Notably, drugs such as bedaquiline and clofazimine are now strongly recommended for the treatment of MDR-TB. At the same time, older injectables drugs have been downgraded due to poor effectiveness and side-effect profiles. In 2019, based on the programmatic data from the shorter all-oral bedaquiline-containing regimen implemented routinely in South Africa, WHO revised its recommendations on the use of a standardized shorter regimen. Based on the analysis, WHO affirmed its conditional recommendation for the shorter all-oral bedaquiline-containing MDR -TB regimen to be offered as a treatment option to MDR -TB patients who satisfy the eligibility criteria. The implementation of this all-oral shorter regimen is expected to improve the programmatic management of the MDR-TB worldwide.
Valbijl of vangnet? Natuurmonumenten, de adel en de verwerving van landgoederen en buitenplaatsen, 1905-1980
Authors: Purmer Michiel
Published: May 2021

Natuurmonumenten, a Dutch NGO for nature conservation, currently owns a wide variety of landed estates and country houses, formerly owned by nobles. The precarious economic position of the nobility after World War I, forced many to dispose of their costly ancestral estate in the course of the twentieth century. In this article, I explore the relationship between Natuurmonumenten and the nobility by looking at the acquisition history of the properties acquired by Natuurmonumenten. I particularly focus on two case studies, the estates of Hackfort and Eerde, which, after decades of negotiation and discussion, both became property of Natuurmonumenten in the early 1980s. These and other cases clearly demonstrate the vital importance of the board members’ personal networks for the acquisition of landed property. Nobles and nature conservationists – many of the board members of Natuurmonumenten were of noble birth themselves – both wanted to preserve landed estates. This mutual desire is still reflected in the management and preservation of estates and country houses owned by Natuurmonumenten today.
Student E-Learning Satisfaction During The Covid-19 Pandemic in Bali, Indonesia
Authors: Suryani Ni Kadek , Sugianingrat Ida Ayu Putu Widani
Published: May 2021

Abstract: The Covid-19 has led to comprehensive changes in the education sector. Physical distancing requirements have seen education programs in Denpasar city, Bali province, Indonesia move online. During the Covid-19 pandemic from February-May) 2020, this study was conducted to determine student e-learning satisfaction and e-learning system success. Student satisfaction was measured by e-learning attitude, e-learning quality, and e-learning flexibility. The research was conducted at two private universities in Bali, Indonesia and involved 257 respondents. Respondents were student actively engaged in e-learning during Covid-19. The results found a significant positive relationship between student e-learning attitude and e-learning quality on student e-learning satisfaction, and also student e-learning satisfaction on e-learning system success; however, the influence of e-Learning flexibility on student e-learning satisfaction was not significant. Universities can improve e-learning results by considering the technical limitation students face for e-learning and improving the flexibility of access to online teachers.Keywords: e-learning attitude, e-learning quality, e-learning  flexibility, student e learning satisfaction, e-learning system successKepuasan Siswa Mengikuti E-Learning Selama Pandemi Covid-19 di IndonesiaAbstrak:Terjadinya pandemi Covid-19 mengakibatkan berbagai perubahan terjadi di seluruh dunia, termasuk di sektor pendidikan. Penerapan jarak fisik menyebabkan program pembelajaran dilakukan secara online, termasuk pada program pendidikan di kota Denpasar, Provinsi Bali, Indonesia. Penelitian ini dilakukan selama pandemi Covid-19 (Feb-Mei) 2020, bertujuan untuk mengetahui kepuasan mahasiswa mengikuti program e-Learning dan keberhasilan program e-Learning selama pandemi Covid-19. Pengukuran kepuasan mahasiswa dilakukan melalui variabel sikap mahasiswa, kualitas e-learning, dan fleksibilitas e-learning. Lokasi penelitian dilakukan di dua Universitas swasta di Bali, Indonesia, dengan populasi 718 dan 257 sampel yang diambil menggunakan formula Slovin. Responden adalah mahasiswa aktif yang mengikuti e-learning selama Covid-19. Data dianalisis menggunakan program SmartPLS 3,0. Hasil menemukan bahwa tiga hipotesis diterima dan satu hipotesis ditolak dari empat hipotesis yang diusulkan. Universitas diharapkan untuk memperhatikan waktu dan tempat pelaksanaan yang nyaman bagi mahasiswa dalam mengikuti pembelajaran e-learning demi meningkatkan kepuasan mereka terhadap program e-learning.Kata kunci: sikap e-learning, kualitas e-learning, fleksibilitas e-learning, kepuasan e-learning siswa, keberhasilan sistem e-learning
Пучки аномально ускоренных электронов, эмитируемые плазмой вакуумного разряда с лазерным поджигом
Authors: Романов И.В. , Паперный В.Л. , Кологривов А.А. , Коробкин Ю.В. , Рупасов А.А.
Published: May 2021

It is shown experimentally that a low-power pinch vacuum discharge with laser ignition
can emit a beam of abnormally accelerated electrons with maximum energies per unit
charge, almost an order of magnitude higher than the voltage across the discharge gap. It is established that the intensity of the X-ray radiation generated by the action of the beam on the target significantly
decreases with increasing laser pulse energy. Maximum energy of X-ray quanta
is inversely proportional to the mass of the cathode material ablated by laser radiation when the discharge is ignited. Possible mechanisms of the electron beam generation process are discussed.
Respuesta reproductiva, metabólica y cambios corporales en ovejas alimentadas con dos niveles de energía
Authors: Rodríguez-Magadán Héctor Maximino , Hernández-Bautista Jorge , Cadena-Villegas Said , Salinas-Rios Teodulo , Silva-Rodríguez Edmundo Atxayacatl , Torres-Aguilar Honorio , Sosa-Montes Eliseo
Published: May 2021

Objetivo. Evaluar la respuesta reproductiva, estado metabólico y cambios corporales en ovejas Dorper y Katahdin suplementadas con dos niveles de energía previo al empadre. Materiales y métodos. Se utilizaron 14 hembras Katahdin y 13 Dorper distribuidas en 2 tratamientos a las cuales se les sincronizó el celo. Catorce días previo a la sincronización de estros, las ovejas se distribuyeron en 2 tratamientos de acuerdo con el nivel de energía en la dieta, T1:2.0 y T2:2.5 Mcal kg-1 de EM. La alimentación abarcó 14 días de adaptación y 14 de alimentación con dieta integral. Al inicio y al final del estudio se midió el espesor de grasa dorsal, área del ojo de la costilla, peso corporal y concentraciones de glucosa e insulina. Se midieron los principales parámetros reproductivos como respuesta a estro, porcentaje de gestación y prolificidad. Se realizaron análisis de varianza y pruebas de ji cuadrada para determinar el efecto del nivel de energía y el genotipo. Resultados. El genotipo y el nivel de energía no afectaron ninguna de las variables medidas, aunque se encontró que con ambos niveles de energía existió un incremento en las concentraciones de glucosa, así como una ganancia en peso, grasa corporal y área del ojo de la costilla. Conclusiones. Debido a que no existió diferencia en los parámetros reproductivos y cambios corporales en ovejas al alimentarlas con los dos niveles de energía, es mejor la alimentación con 2.0 Mcal kg-1 de EM, ya que reduce costos de alimentación.