bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Extraction of tomato pomace with "green" solvents and evaluation of antioxidant properties
Authors: Vorobyova Viktoria , Skiba Margarita , Trus Inna , Vasyliyev Heorhiy
Published: July 2021

Most conventional organic solvents are toxic and pose high risks to human health. In this context, green solvents, such as deep eutectic solvents (DES), are promising and environmentally friendly. DES exhibit the advantages of ionic liquids and, in addition to being inexpensive, are low- or non-toxic, renewable and often biodegradable. The most important by-product generated from the vegetable industry is the so-called pomace that still contains a large number of bioactive compounds of great interest, such as phenolic compounds which have antioxidation properties. Antioxidant compounds are known as molecules that are able to stabilize, inhibit, deactivate and scavenge free radicals, thus protecting the human body against oxidative damage. In this study, a choline chloride-based deep eutectic solvent was used in ultrasound-assisted extraction of "green" organic compounds from tomato pomace (Lycopersicon esculentum. Mill.). Characterization HPLC-DAD methods were employed and total phenolic (TPC) and total flavonoid compounds (TFC) were assayed. Various experimental techniques including DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging activity were used to characterize the antioxidant activity of the extract. The phenolic content of the extracts was determined by the Folin–Ciocalteu method. The results also indicated the highest antioxidant activities measured in terms of 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging (40%) and 2,2′-azino-bis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline)-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS)(50%), as well as highest total phenolic content (TPC) (11.12 ± 0.02 mg gallic acid equivalent/g fresh weight). For this reason, in the future, the use of eutectic solvents may be the best method for the extraction of organic compounds from tomato pomace.
Investigation of the insulating properties of the Cherkasy deposit clays for the creation of underlying screens of radioactive waste at the ‘Vector’ site
Authors: Shabalin Borys , Lavrynenko Olena , Yaroshenko Kostiantyn
Published: July 2021

The lack of scientifically substantiated requirements, comprehensively developed and approved in a prescribed manner, for the usage of clays as a barrier material poses risks for the safe disposal of radioactive waste in facilities at the ‘Vector’ site for the period of their operation and closure. The bentonite clay from Ukraine’s largest Cherkasy deposit of bentonite and palygorskite clays is considered the most durable as the main component of the insulating (underlying) screens of radioactive waste disposal facilities. The main properties and compositional features of the Cherkasy natural bentonite clay (Dashukovskaya site, layer II) and its variety such as alkaline earth bentonite (activated soda bentonite), which provide isolation of radioactive waste in disposal, are considered. It is shown that the Cherkasy field has good waterproofing and barrier properties, including a high sorption capacity with respect to 90Sr and 137Cs, which is one of the main characteristics that ensure the safe disposal of radioactive waste. The alkaline earth bentonite absorbs 90Sr and 137Cs more efficiently than natural bentonite does. However, 90Sr is sorbed in larger quantities than 137Cs on both types of bentonite. With increasing time of interaction with an aqueous solution, both types demonstrate a redistribution of the mobile (exchangeable) and immobile (non-replaceable) forms of radionuclides. The contribution of the stationary form that does not participate in migration processes also increases. A comprehensive analysis of the bentonite clays of the Cherkasy deposit was carried out, taking into account the significance of recoverable reserves and the potential for improving the technical and economic parameters of clays. Thus, the Cherkasy bentonite clays can be recommended as an additional anti-migration engineering barrier for ground/near-surface facilities for the disposal of radioactive waste. When choosing the type of bentonite clay for use as a barrier in a radioactive waste disposal facility, one could take into account the data published in the article, but the question of applying the bentonite clays of the Cherkasy deposit to ensure the safe disposal of radioactive waste remains to be  further studied.
MEMORABLE TOURISM EXPERIENCES INSPIRED BY THE BEAUTY OF NATURE
Authors: Lončarić Dina , Perišić Prodan Marina , Dlačić Jasmina
Published: July 2021

Purpose – Today's tourists are increasingly looking for an active, healthy and meaningful way to spend their time at a destination. The purpose of this study, therefore, is to determine the key dimensions of memorable tourism experiences (MTEs) that influence tourists' satisfaction with the vacation experience motivated by the beauty of nature and landscape, as well as the impact of satisfaction with vacation experience on behavioural intentions. Design – Using a structured questionnaire on pencil and paper, data were collected from a sample of 334 travellers who were citizens of the Republic of Croatia and whose primary motive for travel was to visit a natural attraction. Methodology/approach – The questionnaire adopted previously validated scales and was used to explore MTEs, satisfaction with the vacation experience and behavioural intentions. The hypotheses were empirically tested using partial least square structural equation modelling. Findings – The results show that not all MTE dimensions influence satisfaction with the vacation experience among tourists whose primary travel motive was the beauty of nature and landscape. Hedonism, refreshment, and involvement as MTE dimensions had a statistically significant influence on satisfaction with the vacation experience. In addition, satisfaction with the vacation experience had a statistically significant influence on several behavioural intentions, with the strongest influence on intention to recommend. Originality of the research – Tourists in nature-based destinations were found to exhibit specific behaviours, as not all MTE dimensions contribute equally to satisfaction with the vacation experience. This study extends the body of knowledge on tourism experience theory by empirically testing its premises on tourists motivated by the beauty of nature and landscape.
SEDIQA: Sound Emitting Document Image Quality Assessment in a Reading Aid for the Visually Impaired
Authors: Courtney Jane
Published: July 2021

For Visually impaired People (VIPs), the ability to convert text to sound can mean a new level of independence or the simple joy of a good book. With significant advances in Optical Character Recognition (OCR) in recent years, a number of reading aids are appearing on the market. These reading aids convert images captured by a camera to text which can then be read aloud. However, all of these reading aids suffer from a key issue – the user must be able to visually target the text and capture an image of sufficient quality for the OCR algorithm to function – no small task for VIPs. In this work, a Sound-Emitting Document Image Quality Assessment metric (SEDIQA) is proposed which allows the user to hear the quality of the text image and automatically captures the best image for OCR accuracy. This work also includes testing of OCR performance against image degradations, to identify the most significant contributors to accuracy reduction. The proposed No-Reference Image Quality Assessor (NR-IQA) is validated alongside established NR-IQAs and this work includes insights into the performance of these NR-IQAs on document images.
Frequency Domain Repercussions of Instantaneous Granger Causality
Authors: Baccalá Luiz Antonio , Sameshima Koichi
Published: July 2021

Using Directed Transfer Function (DTF) and Partial Directed Coherence (PDC) in their information version, this paper extends their theoretical framework to incorporate instantaneous Granger Causality (iGC)’s frequency domain description into a single unified perspective. We show that standard vector autoregressive models allow portraying iGC’s repercussions associated with Granger Connectivity where interactions mediated without delay between time series can be easily detected.
Cell Stress Induces Mislocalization of Transcription Factors with Mitochondrial Enrichment
Authors: Rossi Chiara , Fernàndez Anna , Torres Pascual , Ramirez-Nuñez Omar , Granado-Serrano Ana Belén , Povedano Mònica , Pamplona Reinald , Ferrer Isidro , Portero-Otin Manuel
Published: July 2021

Previous evidence links the formation of extranuclear inclusions of transcription factors, such as ERK, Jun, TDP-43, and REST with oxidative, endoplasmic-reticulum, proteasomal, and osmotic stress. To further characterize its extranuclear location, we performed a high-content screening based on confocal microscopy and automatized image analyses of an epithelial cell culture treated with hydrogen peroxide, thapsigargin, epoxomicin, or sorbitol at different concentrations and times to recreate the stresses mentioned above. We also performed subcellular fractionation of the brain from transgenic mice overexpressing the Q331K mutated TARDBP, and we analyzed REST-regulated mRNAs. The results show that these nuclear proteins exhibit a mitochondrial location, together with significant nuclear/extranuclear ratio changes, in a protein and stress-specific manner. The presence of these proteins in enriched mitochondrial fractions in vivo confirmed the results of image analyses. TDP-43 aggregation was associated with alteration in mRNA levels of REST target genes involved in calcium homeostasis, apoptosis, and metabolism. In conclusion, cell stress increased mitochondrial translocation of nuclear proteins, increasing the chance of proteostasis alterations. Further, TDP-43 aggregation impacts REST target genes, disclosing an exciting interaction between these two transcription factors in neurodegenerative processes.
Detection of Heavy Metals in Water Using Graphene Quantum Dots: An Experimental and Theoretical Study
Authors: Gontrani Lorenzo , Pulci Olivia , Carbone Marilena , Pizzoferrato Roberto , Prosposito Paolo
Published: July 2021

In this work, we investigate by ab initio calculations and optical experiments the sensitiv- ity of graphene quantum dots in their use as devices to measure the presence, and concentration, of heavy metals in water. We demonstrate that the quenching or enhancement in the optical response (absorption, emission) depends on the metallic ion considered. In particular, two test cases of opposite behaviour are considered: Cd 2+ , where we observe an increase in the optical response for increasing concentration, and Pb 2 whose emission spectra are quenched along the concentration rise. We envisage that quantum dots of graphene may be routinely used as cheap detectors to measure the degree of poisoning ions in water
CATALYTIC PROPERTIES OF Ni-V COATING IN THE PROCESS OF HYDROGEN RELEASE
Authors: Rudenko N. , Leshchenko S. , Kovalenko Yu.
Published: July 2021

Solar and hydrogen energy play an important role in providing a variety of industrial facilities with electricity and heat. One of the priorities of modern industry is to increase the production of environmentally friendly energy source – electrochemical synthesis of hydrogen. Modern methods of electrolysis of water do not meet the need for its use, due to the high cost of electrosynthesis of water-alkaline electrolysis, which depends on the material and energy consumption of electrolysis.

The useful energy consumption for the production of energy – hydrogen at the cathode and "unnecessary" costs - for the release of oxygen at the anode, depend on the overvoltage of the respective reactions. Therefore, the most important problem of hydrogen energy is the synthesis of electrode materials with low overvoltage of O2 and H2. Electrode materials with low overvoltage will reduce the specific consumption of electricity in obtaining hydrogen by "classical" electrolysis.

The prospects of reducing the cathodic and anodic overvoltage, which is a significant part of the voltage at the terminals of the cell, for the development of highly efficient and competitive technologies for hydrogen production by low-temperature electrolysis of an alkaline solution have been theoretically substantiated and experimentally confirmed. To reduce the overvoltage of the cathodic hydrogen evolution, it is proposed to modify the surface of the cathodes. The application of a small amount of electrolytic alloys of metals of the iron family with molybdenum and tungsten on nickel, cobalt, titanium and steel electrodes significantly (by 40–50 %) reduces the overvoltage of cathodic release of hydrogen from alkali solution.

The use of steel electrodes, the surface of which is modified with vanadium and ni-ckel, reduces the voltage drop on the cell during the synthesis of H2 and O2 by 0.2–0.3 V, which creates conditions for reducing energy costs and energy savings.
Gender Bias Communication Among Santris in Pesantren
Authors: Nurhidayah Yayah Yayah , Nurhayati Eti
Published: July 2021

For decades, there has been a biased pattern of communication between genders in society, including among the Al-Ishlah santris (students) in pesantren (Islamic boarding school) in Cirebon - West Java, subject studied by the writers. The communication of male and female santris has unique ways. From the beginning, pesantren offers the different treatment to male and female santris, both in rules, ethics, sanctions, communication, and relationships in general. In addition, the teaching of classic kitabs (books/holy books) still contains a lot of gender biases. This study aims to identify several gender biases and stereotypes in various forms of communication between male and female santris in pesantren. This research used descriptive qualitative methods, data collection techniques using interviews and observations to santris, and data analysis techniques carried out qualitatively in the form of narrative descriptions. The results of the study show there are many gender biases and stereotypes in various forms of communication, such as: communication style, conversation initiatives, intensity of conducting conversation, intensity of interruption, dominance in conversation, intensity of making humor, eye contact, spatial distance, body language, smile, and touch.

Keywords: communication, gender bias, pesantren 
Women and Islamic Financial Literacy
Authors: Amaroh Siti , Istianah Istianah
Published: July 2021

This study aims to understand about Islamic financial literacy of women’s groups. The measurement includes financial goals and concepts, efforts to achieve financial goals, preferences for financial institutions both in product and services, knowledge of Islamic financial literacy, and financial practices. This study used survey method and carried out in 64 female respondents with various professional backgrounds. This research found several findings. The main financial purposes are to fulfill basic need, children’s education costs, and survive. The efforts to achieve financial goals are by working, saving, or reducing expenditure. When respondents have a surplus of money, they choose for saving, pay for the hajj or umrah, or support orphans and the poor. Saving and pension funds will be used to meet requirement in the elderly. Financial security if lack of money or loss of income was by take saving, find a new job, or open a business. Bank is the main choice in carrying out of financial transaction, the pension fund and health insurance. The preferred informal financial institution is social gathering or called as “arisan”. Respondents prefer to choose Islamic financial institutions due to fit with religious values and give an inner peace, however not refuse to choose conventional financial institutions because it is guaranteed by the governance. The knowledge of Islamic finance is quite good (sufficient literate) with a correct answer score at 51% to 75%. While the financial practices that have been carried out are saving, transferring, and paying installments.
Primary Vascularized Bone Graft for the Extruded Scaphoid Proximal Pole
Authors: Tohyama Masahiko , Yamamoto Nobuo , Konishi Sadahiko
Published: July 2021

Case:

A 52-year-old man sustained a radiocarpal dislocation with extrusion of the scaphoid proximal pole, which was completely detached from the soft tissue. To reduce the risk of avascular necrosis (AVN), treatment involved simultaneous anatomic reduction and internal fixation of the fracture and vascularized bone graft (VBG) for the scaphoid proximal pole. At 4 months, magnetic resonance imaging and 36 months of follow-up radiography showed a healed scaphoid and revealed no evidence of AVN in the scaphoid proximal pole.

Conclusion:

If the risk of AVN is high, we recommend considering the combination of internal fixation and VBG for the fresh scaphoid fracture.
Relationship Marketing Activities in Building Customer-Oriented Marketing Services
Authors: Ferguson Carragh Yutiana , Paramita Hendi , Ratnasari Indira
Published: July 2021

The aim of this study is to know how does relationship marketing activities in building customer-oriented marketing services. For this research, relationship marketing is used as it’s main theory, and the tool to conduct this research is through descriptive-qualitative methodology, with two informants from Singapore Intercultural School Bona Vista, first informant Head of Marketing of SIS Group of Schools and second informant Parents Relation Officer and Marketing Manager of Singapore Intercultural School Bona Vista as primary data. The research findings indicate that SIS Bona Vista has done well with their relationship marketing activities in building customer-oriented marketing services through pre sales mainly Digital: Website, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Google Ads, SEO, SEM where then they continue to email greeting such sharing information about the school, sending useful articles and in Traditional, reaching out to communities such Embassies of Korea and Japan. During sales when the target market visited Indonesia, they will book a school tour – “moment of truth” and an after sale an Alumni Group. Internal communication with existing parents it’s an open and flexible communication, through WhatsApp, email, Social Media. Parents and teacher through WhatsApp group. A weekly overall information through “SIS Connect” and internal application named “Academia”.
Marketing Communication in Increasing Room Occupancy at Reddoorsz Hotels During the Covid -19 Pandemic
Authors: Rochmaniah Ainur , Eka Ridwanti Adella , Ulfiyah Asiyatul , Sari Octaviani Rachma , Diah Oktaviana Ayu
Published: July 2021

The Covid -19 pandemic has significantly decreased the occupancy of the RedDoorz Syariah Buduran Sidoarjo Hotel rooms. The objective is to describe the marketing communication strategy used by the RedDoorz Syariah Buduran Hotel in increasing room occupancy. The study used a qualitative research method at the RedDoorz Buduran Hotel in March-August 2020. The information in this study was the hotel manager which was equipped with 3 people and 5 hotel visitors, with a purposive sampling technique which the criteria of hotel managers dan service staff. Observation data observation techniques, open interviews, and documentation. The results show that the RedDoorz Syariah Buduran hotel has carried out digital advertising through social media such as media (Instagram, website and Twitter) and TV advertising (youtube), sales promotion through the distribution of discount vouchers to visitors and holding local scale events, as well as conducting communication through the public relations division by inviting the surrounding community at the hotel anniversary event. The marketing communication strategies that are carried out are integrated with each other, so as to increase the number of visitors during a pandemic.
Pengaruh Pemberian Kalium terhadap Pertumbuhan Beberapa Varietas Kelapa Genjah di Pembibitan pada Kondisi Kekeringan
Authors: Manambangtua Alfred P. , Runtunuwu Semuel D. , Wanget Sesilia A.
Published: July 2021

Kelapa merupakan tanaman serba guna, kelapa genjah sesuai dijadikan sebagai kelapa muda segar dan lebih  potensial disadap  niranya. Indonesia memiliki kondisi iklim yang unik, menyebabkan kekeringan. Kelapa genjah rentan terhadap kekurangan air, sehingga perlu dilakukan upaya mengatispiasi kekeringan. Salah satu upaya dalam menghadapi kekeringan dengan pemberian unsur kalium. Tujuan penelitian adalah mengetahui pengaruh dosis pemberian pupuk kalium terhadap respon pertumbuhan beberapa varietas kelapa genjah di pembibitan dalam menghadapi kekeringan. Penelitian dilaksanakan di Rumah Kaca Balai Penelitian Tanaman Palma (Balit Palma) di Mapanget, Sulawesi Utara. Penelitian dilaksanakan bulan Mei sampai November 2020. Menggunakan Rancangan Acak Lengkap (RAL) Faktorial yang terdiri dari dua faktor. Faktor pertama adalah  4 varietas kelapa genjah. Faktor kedua adalah  5 perlakuan dosis pupuk KCl. Hasil penelitian diperoleh pemberian dosis pupuk kalium 110 g KCl menunjukan kecenderungan lebih baik pada parameter pertambahan tinggi tanaman pada 1 dan 2 bulan kekeringan. Dosis pupuk kalium 165 g KCl (P3) menunjukan kecenderungan lebih baik pada parameter pertambahan diameter batang pada 2 bulan kekeringan dan volume akar. Perlakuan kalium tidak berpengaruh nyata pada pertambahan diameter batang pada 1 bulan kekeringan, penambahan jumlah daun pada 1 dan 2 bulan kekeringan, kandungan klorofil, berat kering tajuk, dan berat kering akar. Pada perlakuan Varietas kelapa genjah tidak terdapat perbedaan yang nyata antara varietas pada semua parameter pengamatan dan hanya berbeda nyata pada kandungan klorofil. 
Kajian Penunasan Berat Pelepah terhadap Kuantitas dan Kualitas Bunga Jantan Kelapa Sawit serta Ketertarikan Elaeidobius kamerunicus FAUST
Authors: Prasetyo Agus Eko , Supena Nanang , Susanto Agus
Published: July 2021

Praktek penunasan berat pelepah kelapa sawit bertujuan untuk menghasilkan bunga jantan sehingga kebutuhan polen dan kumbang Elaeidobius kamerunicus dapat terpenuhi sehingga penyerbukan alami dapat menjamin pembentukan fruit set tandan yang normal. Penunasan berat dilakukan mulai tanaman umur 2 tahun dengan perlakuan penunasan hingga menyisakan hanya satu lingkar pelepah muda (8 pelepah/tanaman) dan sisa 2 lingkar pelepah muda (16 pelepah/tanaman) setiap bulan. Sebagai kontrol digunakan tanaman dengan penunasan normal yakni menyisakan 48-56 pelepah/tanaman. Hasil pengamatan selama 48 bulan menunjukkan bahwa terjadi peningkatan jumlah bunga jantan pada kedua perlakuan penunasan berat, jumlah produksi bunga jantan pada penunasan berat dengan menyisakan 8 pelepah/tanaman. Namun ukuran bunga jantan yang terbentuk lebih kecil (menurun sebesar 30,15-51,11%) bila dibandingkan dengan kontrol sehingga jumlah polen yang dihasilkan juga lebih sedikit dengan penurunan sebanyak 28,59-38,28%. Bahkan viabilitas polen kelapa sawit pada perlakuan penunasan berat juga berkurang 12,58-15,51%. Penurunan kualitas bunga jantan ini diikuti dengan penurunan jumlah kunjungan kumbang E. kamerunicus sebesar 22,63-31,01% dan penurunan jumlah kemunculan kumbang baru dari tandan bunga jantan lewat mekar sebanyak 40,89-49,40%. Kualitas bunga jantan pada kedua perlakuan penunasan berat tidak berbeda. Aplikasi penunasan berat pelepah kelapa sawit berdampak pada peningkatan kuantitas bunga jantan tetapi memiliki kualitas yang menurun bahkan kurang menarik bagi E. kamerunicus untuk berkembang biak.
From Bricks and Mortar to Bits and Bytes: Examining the Changing State of Reference Services at the University of Toronto Libraries During COVID-19
Authors: Gerbig Madeline , Holmes Kathryn , Lu Mai , Tang Helen
Published: July 2021

Before the pandemic, the University of Toronto was predominantly an in-person experience. The closure of physical libraries and shift to remote learning required library staff and users to adapt to new modes of supporting teaching, learning, and research. A survey was conducted about reference service delivery, staffing models, resources and tools, which asked the respondents to describe reference services at their libraries before and during the pandemic. The objectives of this survey were to capture the state of reference services at the University of Toronto Libraries (UTL), and to compare data about reference practices during the pre-pandemic and pandemic periods with the goal of identifying challenges and opportunities for the future of reference services at UTL. 70% of libraries surveyed used reference desks for reference services pre-pandemic, and during the pandemic, 75% of libraries used virtual reference appointments by video conferencing. The survey results show that reference service staffing and service hours in most surveyed libraries were reduced during the pandemic. Many respondents reported that while they offered fewer reference service hours during the pandemic, they continued to provide assistance outside of scheduled hours. Online tools and platforms that were already familiar to librarians remained popular during the pandemic, allowing service providers to quickly adapt to the virtual environment and ensure seamless service continuity. While the rapid transition in services at the University of Toronto was not without its challenges, it has also offered many new opportunities for re-envisioning reference services at the University of Toronto Libraries.
Aproximación al costo de oportunidad de los cuidadores menores de edad en México
Authors: Gutiérrez-Robledo Luis Miguel , Jácome-Maldonado Luis David , González-Rivero Cynthia Beatriz , Lozano-Juárez Luis Raymundo , García-Peña Carmen
Published: July 2021

Objetivo. Calcular el costo en que incurre la sociedad por contar con menores de edad que no estudian y que son cuidadores de adultos mayores con dependencia. Material y métodos. Se utilizó el Estudio Nacional de Salud y Envejecimiento en México (Enasem) 2015 para calcular el número de cuidadores menores de edad que no estudian. Se consultó la Encuesta Nacional de Ingresos y Gastos de los Hogares (ENIGH) 2018 para estimar diferencias salariales entre poblaciones con escolaridad de primaria y prepara­toria terminada en edad laboral. Dichas diferencias fueron convertidas a valor presente, agregadas y multiplicadas por el número de cuidadores menores de edad. Resultados. El costo anual total de contar con cuidadores menores de edad que abandonan los estudios asciende a 1 112 179 210 pesos. Conclusiones. El tema de los cuidadores menores de edad no ha recibido la atención requerida de la bibliografía especializada y aún existe una gran brecha de investigación al respecto.
Increasing thrombolysis rate in acute ischemic stroke using a mobile instant messaging application: experience from a developing country
Authors: Cordero-Pérez Adolfo C , Botello-Hernández Edgar , González-Aquines Alejandro , Sanchez-Teran Helda , Infante-Valenzuela Adrián , Escobar-Valdivia Emmanuel , Cantú-García Diego A , Castillo-Torres Sergio , Soto-Rincón Carlos , Garcia-Valadez Erick A , Góngora-Rivera Fernando
Published: July 2021

Not available.
La inmersión en agua como alivio del dolor durante el trabajo de parto
Authors: Herrera-Gómez Antonio
Published: July 2021

No disponible.
Novel Bayesian Additive Regression Tree methodology for flood susceptibility modeling
Authors: Janizadeh Saeid , Vafakhah Mehdi , Kapelan Zoran , Dinan Naghmeh Mobarghaee
Published: July 2021

Identifying areas prone to flooding is a key step in flood hazard management. The purpose of this study is to develop and present a novel flood susceptibility model based on Bayesian Additive Regression Tree (BART) methodology. The predictive performance of new model is assessed via comparison with the Naïve Bayes (NB) and Random Forest (RF) based methods that were previously published in the literature. All models were tested on a real case study based in the Kan watershed in Iran. The following fifteen climatic and geo-environmental variables were used as inputs into all flood susceptibility models: altitude, aspect, slope, plan curvature, profile curvature, drainage density, distance from river distance from road, stream power index (SPI), topographic wetness index (TPI), topographic position index (TPI), curve number (CN), land use, lithology and rainfall. Based on the existing flood field survey and other information available for the analyzed area, a total of 118 flood locations were identified as potentially prone to flooding. The data available were divided into two groups with 70% used for training and 30% for validation of all models. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve parameters were used to evaluate the predictive accuracy of the new and existing models. Based on the area under curve (AUC) the new BART (86%) model outperformed the NB (80%) and RF (85%) models. Regarding the importance of input variables, the results obtained showed that the altitude and distance from the river are the most important variables for assessing flooding susceptibility.
Awareness of Pubertal Body Changes Among Primary School Children Aged 10-14 in Eastern Uganda; Challenges and Opportunities
Authors: Bunoti Sarah , Tumwesigye Nazarius Mbona , Atuyambe Lynn
Published: July 2021

Background

Globally, programs that educate young people about pubertal body changes are vital. In some communities, teaching sexual education in schools has been the subject of debate. This is probably why access to sexual and reproductive health information and resources is still a challenge to children aged 10–14 years.
Methods

We conducted a qualitative study design among school children aged 10–14 years. Data were collected from 19 focus group discussions (FGDs) in 16 primary schools purposively selected from Eastern Uganda. Data were transcribed, coded and thematically analysed.
Results

We established that girls in rural schools were aware of their body changes than those from urban schools. Boys in urban schools were knowledgeable of pubertal body changes than those from rural schools. We further found that girls experienced pubertal-related challenges amongst themselves and boys including lack of shavers, pain while shaving, rape, bad boy-girl relationships, unwanted early pregnancies, limited funds to buy pads, menstrual pain, etc. Boys too indicated that they experienced similar challenges and these included lack of shavers, pain during and after shaving, changes in height, raping of girls, bad boy-girl relationships, peer pressure, HIV and other STIs, limited infrastructure, voice changes, bad body odour etc. Girls and boys endeavoured to overcome pubertal-related challenges by utilising advise from teachers, parents and friends.
Conclusion

Boys and girls who were knowledgeable about puberty body changes possessed opportunities that enable them to cope with pubertal-related challenges.
The Trade-off between Bank Concentration and Competition on Financial Stability within the East African Community
Authors: Nyangu Moses Nzuki , Marwa Nyankomo , Fanta Ashenafi , Minja Elinami
Published: July 2021

This paper examines bank concentration, competition, and financial stability nexus across five emerging countries (Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda & Burundi) within the East African Community (EAC). The methodological approach applied provides a critical and original contribution to the existing literature by testing the various theories explaining the relationships between bank concentration, competition, and stability. A two-step system Generalised Methods of Moments (GMM), is employed on a sample of 149 banks with 1,805 annual observations over the period 2001–2018. The findings reveal that high concentration and low competition lead to more financial stability and less probability of bank default risk. In addition, a non-linear relationship between competition and stability is not observed, revealing that greater competition undermines bank stability and makes banks more vulnerable to default risk. The findings thus lend to support the concentration-stability hypothesis that greater market power leads to more bank stability even after controlling for bank-specific, industry, and macroeconomic variables. The findings provide a significant policy contribution on the trade-off between bank concentration and competition, and the evaluation of financial stability.
Elevated CO2 Alleviates the Effects of Drought on Wheat - Aphid Interaction
Authors: Xie Haicui , Shi Fengyu , Li Jingshi , Yu miaomai , Fan Jia , Wu Shengyong , Xu Haiyun
Published: July 2021

Due to rising concentration of atmospheric CO2, climate change is predicted to intensify episodes of drought, however, our understanding of how combined environmental conditions will influence crop-insect interactions is limited. The direct effects of elevated CO2 and drought stress on wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) nutritional quality, insect resistance and their indirect effects on the grain aphid (Sitobion avenae) performance are reported here. Elevated CO2 was able to alleviate low water content in wheat caused by drought stress. Both elevated CO2 and drought promoted soluble sugar accumulation in wheat. However, elevated CO2 decreased and drought increased the amino acid content in wheat. Elevated CO2 induced the down-regulation of jasmonic acid (JA) -dependent defense, but up-regulated the salicylic acid-dependent defense. Drought enhanced abscisic acid accumulation that promoted the JA-dependent defense in wheat. Aphid-induced phytohormone resistance in wheat was not influenced by elevated CO2 and drought. The negative effects of drought on the performance of the aphid population was offset by positive effect of elevated CO2. In conclusion, elevated CO2 can alleviate the effects of drought stress on wheat nutritional quality and resistance, which results in unchanged damage to wheat from aphid populations under future elevated CO2 and drier conditions.
Climate Change and More Disturbed Land-Use Types will Further the Invasion of a Non-Native Annual Grass, Ventenata Dubia
Authors: Adhikari Arjun , Mangold Jane , Rew Lisa J.
Published: July 2021

Many land uses are highly prone to invasion of new non-native plant species under changing climate. Identification of suitable habitat for invasive weeds and their projected infestation extent across different land use cover types under a changing climate is crucial for the broad management goals of prevention, detection, and rapid response. In this study, we adopted an ensemble approach of species distribution models to project potential habitat of the invasive annual grass, Ventenata dubia, along the road corridor of Gallatin county, Montana, USA, under current and future climates. The model prediction of V. dubia habitat was excellent. The climate predictors most correlated with V. dubia occurrence were precipitation, potential evapo-transpiration, relative humidity, vapor pressure deficit, and solar radiation for months during the growing season, and fall germination. The model projected 1,945 and 7,374 km2 under RCP4.5, and 2,306 and 11,050 km2 for road corridors and Gallatin county, respectively. We found that the projected increases in V. dubia infestations were highest for road corridors (239% under RCP4.5 and 302% under RCP8.5) compared to that of Gallatin County (127% under RCP4.5 and 241% under RCP8.5). Among the land class types, the model projected greatest expansion of V. dubia cover across agriculture land with 425% and 484% and grassland with 278% and 442% increase under RCP4.5 and RCP8.5, respectively. We conclude that V. dubia with a short history of invasion is expanding at an alarming rate challenging the status quo and requires greater investment in detection and monitoring to prevent further expansion.
Deletion of TRIB3 Disrupts the Tumor Progression Induced by Integrin αvβ3 in Lung Cancer
Authors: Zhou Wen , Ma Junjun , Meng Lifeng , Liu Dabei , Chen Jun
Published: July 2021

Background: Integrin αvβ3 have been proposed as crucial determinant for tumor sustained progression and a molecular marker for the estimation of tumor angiogenesis.Our study presented that integrin αvβ3 could efficiently promote the lung cancer proliferation and stem-like phenotypes. And this process is in a tribbles homolog 3 (TRIB3) dependent manner. Result: Mechanistically, integrin αvβ3 could mediate the activation of FAK/AKT pro-survival signaling pathway. Meanwhile, activated TRIB3 interacted with AKT to up-regulated FOXO1 and SOX2 expression, resulting in the sustained tumor progression in lung cancer. Our further analysis revealed that TRIB3 was significantly up-regulated in lung tumor tissues and correlated with the poor outcome in clinic, indicating the potential application of TRIB3 in diagnostic and prognostic estimation for patients with lung cancer.Conclusion:Our study showed here for the first time that integrin αvβ3 promote lung cancer development by activating the FAK/AKT/SOX2 in a TRIB3 dependent signaling pathway, and interrupt TRIB3/AKT interaction significantly improved the outcome of chemotherapy in tumor baring mice, representing a promising therapeutic strategy in lung cancer.
Emergency Peripartum Hysterectomy In Mendefera Hospital-Case Control Study
Authors: Sereke Dawit , Hailemelcot Habte , Gebremeskel Ogbaselassie , Andemaraim Zeccarais
Published: July 2021

Background

Emergency peripartum hysterectomy is a life-saving procedure which involves the surgical removal of uterus and is usually performed for uncontrollable maternal haemorrhage when all other conservative management has failed. The aim of this study was to determine the incidence, indication, risk factors and perinatal/maternal outcome related to EPH performed in Mendefera Regional Referral Hospital
Methods

Case-control study was carried out in women, who underwent EPH over a period of almost 8 years. Controls were women, who had spontaneous vaginal delivery or were delivered by Caesarean section, without EPH. The findings were analyzed using Stata 14.
Results

During the study period, there were a total of 15,527 deliveries and 31 cases of emergency peripartum hysterectomies, giving an incidence of 2 per1000 deliveries. The mean age, parity, and hospital stay of the cases was 31.5, 4.0 and 5.5 respectively. The main indications for the procedure were uterine atony (38.7%) and uterine rupture (25.8%). Factors showing a significant association with EPH were: being 40 + years of age (OR 10.6; 95%CI 1.5–76.1), being grand multiparous (OR 8.0; 95%CI 2.1–30.4) and CS on the index pregnancy (OR 16.6; 95%CI 7.80-35.95). Subtotal hysterectomy was performed in majority (74%) of cases. The case fatality rate and stillbirth rate was 13% and 34.4% respectively.
Conclusion

The incidence of EPH in our institution is very high and fetal outcome was poor. The commonest indication for EPH was severe hemorrhages most notably caused by uterine atony or uterine rupture, which are largely preventable.
Body Image, Life Satisfaction and Associated Factors Among Swedish Women with Breast Cancer After Mastectomy
Authors: Phoosuwan Nitikorn , Lundberg Pranee C.
Published: July 2021

Background Women having undergone mastectomy due to breast cancer have experiences which are very much individual and contextual. In order to facilitate efforts to understand the women and improve their quality of life, the aim of this study was to investigate body image, life satisfaction and associated factors among Swedish women with breast cancer after mastectomy.Methods After mastectomy, four hundred and eighty-one Swedish women with breast cancer were enrolled in a descriptive cross-sectional study. Each participant completed a questionnaire comprising socio-demographic characteristics, sources of information, body image and life satisfaction. Multiple linear regression analyses were used to estimate relationships between socio-demographic characteristics, information support, sources of information, treatment variables, and outcome variables such as body image and life satisfaction.Results Body image was associated with all dimensions of life satisfaction. Lower age, underlying disease, chemotherapy and breast reconstruction increased body image dissatisfaction, while treatment options were factors associated with life satisfaction. Sources of information was a factor that increased life satisfaction in the dimensions of physical symptoms, sickness impact and quality of close friend relationship.Conclusion The findings highlight that some socio-demographic characteristics, treatment options and sources of information were associated with body image dissatisfaction and life dissatisfaction among the women with breast cancer after mastectomy. This can increase healthcare professionals’ understanding of women with breast cancer after treatment. They should provide effective information, focus attention on the women’s needs, and prepare intervention programs that make the women cope with their life situations during follow-up care.
Knowledge on Place of Delivery and Postnatal Care Among Reproductive Women in Urban Ghana: A Qualitative Thematic Synthesis
Authors: Akowuah Jones Asafo , Ama Opuni Antwiwaa , Addai Rita , Sarpong Dina
Published: July 2021

Background

Place of birth delivery continues to be a canker to maternal healthcare despite the introduction of interventions and policies aimed to promote maternal health. Otutcomes on the choice of place of delivery has not been captured using rigorous qualitative approaches, which are empirically proven. This study investigated the accounts of mothers who have delivered in the last five years either home, assisted by TBAs or health facilities backed by care providers during labour and delivery and to evaluate the reasons for choice of delivery in urban Ghana.
Methods

Using an in-depth interview and two focus groups conducted with women of reproductive age (15–49) who had delivered in the past five years in the study area. The study investigated women's opinions, perceptions and experiences of care in terms of factors that influenced place of delivery, satisfaction with services and whether they would recommend services to neighbours.
Results

2 out of 16 mothers delivered home assisted TBA’s by despite the introduction of the free maternal delivery in addition to other available interventions such as focused ANC aimed at improving maternal healthcare.
Conclusion

The findings suggest that enabling factors to healthcare delivery are key to women's expectations, which in turn build up satisfaction. Service improvements, which address aspects of care, are likely to have an impact on health seeking behaviour and utilisation. Findings recommend that the Municipal health directorate adopt more user-friendly approaches and interventions to attract mothers who use home delivery and retain those who deliver in facilities.
Assessment of Left Ventricular Diastolic Function in Children with HIV/AIDS Attending a Tertiary Health Facility in Enugu, Nigeria: A Doppler Echocardiographic Study.
Authors: Arodiwe Ijeoma O. , Eke Christopher B.
Published: July 2021

Objective:To determine the prevalence and factors associated with left ventricular diastolic dysfunction (LVDD) in children aged between 18 months and 14 years with HIV/AIDS. Method: echocardiography was performed on 90 children with HIV/AIDS and their age and gender matched healthy controls. Results: Forty three (47.8%) of the HIV/AIDS patients had LVDD.This was more pronounced in the AIDS group with all (100%) affected, compared to HIV+carriers (36.5%) and controls (2.2%), p = 0.03. The E/A ratio increased from 1.90±0.56 m/s in the carrier group to 2.09±0.46m/s in AIDS group, p=0.01. Left ventricular isovolumic relaxation time increased from 79.40 ± 20.12m/s (HIV carrier group) to 110.40 ± 10.12m/s (AIDS group), p=0.04, and deceleration time (DT) increased from 184.66 ± 76.27 m/s (HIV carrier group) to 230.66±36.27 (AIDS group), p=0.02. A restrictive filling pattern was the most described in both groups. Positive correlation was found between body surface area and LVDD. Stepwise linear regression analysis showed this to be the predictor of LVDD. In the HIV group, total white cell count correlated negatively with LVDD, while in the AIDS group, age correlated positively with LVDD (r = -0.459, p = 0.024 and r = 0.874, p = 0.023 respectively). Conclusion:There is a high prevalence of LVDD in children with HIV and AIDS. Need exists to integrate routine cardiovascular assessment using echocardiography, particularly in those with AIDS as part of their standard case management for early identification and appropriate interventions to save lives.
Nickel-catalyzed oxidative fluoroalkylation of aryl halides via paired electrolysis
Authors: Wang Yi , Zou Zhenlei , Li Heyin , Huang Mengjun , Ni Shengyang , Zhang Weigang , Pan Yi
Published: July 2021

The paired electrolysis triggers multiple oxidative and reductive processes to occur simultaneously, which ensures the steady transformation of the intermediates to the desired coupling products. However, fluoroalkyl radicals have not been harnessed for metal-catalyzed cross-coupling with aryl halides under electrochemical conditions. This work describes a general strategy for rapid access to various fluoromethyl and difluoromethyl aromatics by paired electrolysis. The contradiction between anodic oxidation of fluoroalkyl sulfinates and cathodic reduction of low-valent nickel catalysts can be well addressed under mild cell conditions, allowing for direct introduction of fluorinated functionalities into aromatic systems.
Impact of One-Rod Levonorgestrel Implant on Blood Chemistry Profile
Authors: Gunardi Eka R. , Surya Raymond , Syafitri Inayah , Pasidri Yogi
Published: July 2021

Objective: The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of one-rod levonorgestrel implant on the blood chemistry profile which include random blood glucose (RBG), hemoglobin (Hb), alanine transferase (ALT), aspartate transferase (AST), and lipid profile such as total cholesterol, High-density lipoprotein (HDL), Low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and triglycerideMethods: This prospective cohort study was conducted at Raden Saleh Clinic, Jakarta from 2010 to 2012. The implants were inserted subdermally in 30 patients. The subjects were evaluated for 6 months and the blood chemistry profile was followed up to 2 years. Bivariate analysis using t-test or Wilcoxon signed rank test was performed for all variables. The p <0.05 was considered as a significant value. Results: The level of Hb, RBG, AST, and lipid profile was different significantly before and after 6-months one-rod implant insertion (p<0.05). However, in 24 months, all of parameters were still on normal limit and not different clinically. Conclusion: One-rod levonorgestrel implant insertion shows minimal effect to all blood chemistry profiles.