bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Preliminary observation on the sustainability of white sardine, Escualosa thoracata (Valenciennes, 1847), exploited from the central west coast of India
Authors: Gurjar Udai R. , Takar Suman , Sawant Milind S. , Pawar Ravindra A. , Nirmale Vivek H. , Pawase Anil S. , Chakraborty Sushanta K. , Ramteke Karan K. , Kumawat Tarachand
Published: May 2021

Background

The present study assessed the growth and mortality parameters of the white sardine,Escualosa thoracatawhich is having high local demand. The white sardine gained importance due to its taste, and high demand in domestic markets as compared to the oil sardine necessitated a study on this resource to know the present status of exploitation level along the central west coast of India.

Results

A total of 3026 individuals of different size groups ofE. thoracatawere randomly collected from the Burondi fish landing center of the Ratnagiri district of Maharashtra. The asymptotic length (L∞) and growth coefficient (K) were estimated to be 115 mm and 1.9 year−1, respectively, by ELEFAN-I and 135 mm and 1.2 year−1by the scattergram. The value oft0by von Bertalanffy plot was estimated to be −0.000012 year. The fish attained a length of 65 mm, 94 mm, and 114 mm at the end of 0.5, 1, and 1.5 years of its life, respectively. The instantaneous rate of total mortality (Z), natural mortality (M), and fishing mortality (F) were estimated to be 8.07 year−1, 2.55 year−1, and 5.52 year−1, respectively. The exploitation rate (U) was calculated as 0.65, and the exploitation ratio (E) was 0.68.

Conclusion

The growth, mortality, and other population parameters observed in the present study will help to understand the current stock status, which is pointing toward the over-fishing condition (E˃ 0.50) of the white sardine in the study area. Therefore, the present investigation suggests reducing the fishing pressure onE. thoracataalong the central west coast of India for the sustainability of the resource.
The influence of the extraction method on polyphenols, flavonoids composition and anti-hyperlipidemic properties of papaya leaves (Carica papaya Linn.)
Authors: Abdel-Halim Sally , Ibrahim Magda , Abdel Mohsen Mona , Abou-Setta Lobna , Sleem Amany , El-Missiry Mostafa
Published: May 2021

Background

Papaya (Carica papaya Linn.) is well known for its nutritional as well as medicinal value. Different parts of the plant including leaves have been used as therapeutic remedies for various diseases. The objective of the present study is to determine the impact of different extraction methods; microwave-assisted, ultrasonic-assisted and conventional maceration on extract yield, polyphenols, flavonoids composition and subsequently, the anti-hyperlipidemic potential of papaya leaves (Carica papaya Linn.).

Results

Innovative extraction methods represented in microwave assisted extraction (MAE) and ultrasonic assisted extraction (UAE) have significant impact on the extract yield and total phenolic and flavonoids content than conventional maceration extraction (CME) of the prepared aqueous ethanol extracts. HPLC assay showed the highest content of bioactive polyphenols characterized extract from the MAE (29.99 mg/g), followed by UAE (24.75 mg/g) and the lowest content was that obtained from CME. The aqueous ethanol extract of the leaves obtained by MAE induced significant hypolipidemic activity (P < 0.05) in hyperlipidemic rats particularly, the oral treatment with 200 mg/kg b.wt. which retained the lipid profile to be compatible to the results of rats receiving simvastatin (0.18 mg/kg b.w.).

Conclusion

The results substantiate traditional usage and recommend the potential utilization of Carica papaya leaves for its’ beneficial therapeutic effects.
Synthesis, characterization, and pharmacological evaluation of some metal complexes of quercetin as P-gp inhibitors
Authors: Shastrala Kirankumar , Kalam Sirisha , Damerakonda Kumaraswamy , Sheshagiri Sharvana Bhava Bandaru , Kumar Hitesh , Guda Ramu , Kasula Mamatha , Bedada Satish Kumar
Published: May 2021

Background

Six different metal complexes of quercetin (Cu, Zn, Co, Vd, Mo, Ni) were synthesized, purified, and characterized by their physical and spectral (UV, IR) data. They were evaluated for their P-gp (permeability glycoprotein) inhibitory activity by in vitro everted sac method in rats. The apparent permeability of atorvastatin (P-gp substrate) from everted sac of the rat intestine was determined in control, standard (verapamil), and groups treated with quercetin-metal complexes. The drug contents were analyzed by validated RP-HPLC method using a mixture of acetonitrile and water (60:40 v/v) adjusted to pH 2.8 with phosphate buffer as mobile phase.

Results

In vitro studies revealed that the apparent permeability of atorvastatin (P-gp substrate) across the small intestine is much affected by the treatment with Cu/Co/Ni complexes of quercetin. The mean ± SD and apparent permeability of atorvastatin decreased after pre-treatment with these metal complexes.

Conclusions

The quercetin Cu/Co/Ni complexes could inhibit P-gp and increase the atorvastatin absorption. Hence, they could be considered P-gp inhibitors.
Bacterial isolates and their antibiotic sensitivity pattern of surgical site infections among the surgical ward patients of Asella Referral and Teaching Hospital
Authors: Gebissa Teshome , Bude Bonge , Yasir Mohd , Mekit Shimelis , Noorulla K. M.
Published: May 2021

Background

Surgical site infection (SSI) is the most typical problem for patients who undergo operative procedures. It remains a typical and widespread problem causing morbidity and mortality, partly related to a rise in infections due to antimicrobial-resistant bacterial pathogens. The study was purposed to evaluate the bacterial isolates and their drug susceptibility patterns in patients with postoperative surgical site infection.

Results

The rate of postoperative surgical site infections was studied at Asella Referral and Teaching Hospital and found to be 23.3%. One hundred fifty specimens of pus and surface swabs were collected from the surgical site-infected patients over the period of March 2016 to May 2017, and from that, a total of 147 bacterial pathogens were recovered. The predominant organisms associated with postoperative surgical site infections were Klebsiella species 38 (26%, n=147), Escherichia coli 31 (21%, n=147), Staphylococcus aureus 25 (17%, n=147), and Pseudomonas aeruginosa 18 (12%, n=147).

Conclusion

Higher number of bacterial isolates were recovered. The predominant isolates were Klebsiella species, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The majority of gram-negative bacterial species which were isolated were found to be resistant to the commonly prescribed antimicrobial agents in the study setting. Thus, to achieve effective therapy for wound infections and to reduce/stop the appearance of multidrug-resistant (MDR) pathogens, continuous monitoring is essential with the fair use of antimicrobial agents.
DXA-Based Bone Strain Index: A New Tool to Evaluate Bone Quality in Primary Hyperparathyroidism
Authors: Tabacco Gaia , Naciu Anda M , Messina Carmelo , Sanson Gianfranco , Rinaudo Luca , Cesareo Roberto , Falcone Stefania , Manfrini Silvia , Napoli Nicola , Bilezikian John P , Ulivieri Fabio M , Palermo Andrea
Published: May 2021

Context

Primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) is associated with impaired bone quality and increased fracture risk. Reliable tools for the evaluation of bone quality parameters are not yet clinically available. Bone Strain Index (BSI) is a new metric for bone strength based on Finite Element Analysis from lumbar spine and femoral neck dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) images.

Objective

To assess the lumbar spine (LS), femoral neck (FN), and total hip (TH) BSI in PHPT patients compared with controls and to investigate the association of BSI with vertebral fractures (VFs) in PHPT.

Methods

This case-control study enrolled 50 PHPT patients and 100 age- and sex-matched control subjects from an outpatient clinic. The main outcome measures were LS-BSI, FN-BSI, and TH-BSI.

Results

FN bone mineral density (BMD) and one-third distal radius BMD were lower in the PHPT group than in controls (FN 0.633 ± 0.112 vs 0.666 ± 0.081, P = 0.042; radius 0.566 ± 0.07 vs 0.625 ± 0.06, P < 0.001). PHPT group has significant lower TBS score compared with controls (1.24 ± 0.09 vs 1.30 ± 0.10, P < 0.001). BSI was significantly higher at LS (2.28 ± 0.59 vs 2.02 ± 0.43, P = 0.009), FN (1.72 ± 0.41 vs 1.49 ± 0.35, P = 0.001), and TH (1.51 ± 0.33 vs 1.36 ± 0.25, P = 0.002) in PHPT. LS-BSI showed moderate accuracy for discriminating VFs (AUC 0.667; 95% CI, 0.513-0.820). LS-BSI ≥ 2.2 and was a statistically significant independent predictor of VFs, with an adjusted odds ratio ranging from 5.7 to 15.1.

Conclusion

BSI, a DXA-derived bone quality index, is impaired in PHPT and may help to identify PHPT subjects at high risk of fractures.
A Novel Mouse Model for SNP in Steroid Receptor Co-Activator-1 Reveals Role in Bone Density and Breast Cancer Metastasis
Authors: Watters Rebecca J , Verdelis Kostas , Lucas Peter C , Jiang Shiming , Chen Yuqing , Lu Feiqi , Martin Benjamin M , Lukashova Lyuda , Pecar Geoffrey , Morales-Restrepo Alejandro , Hankins Margaret , Zhu Li , Mittwede Peter , Hartmaier Ryan J , Alexander Peter G , Tseng George C , Weiss Kurt R , Galson Deborah L , Lee Adrian V , Lee Brendan , Oesterreich Steffi
Published: May 2021

The steroid receptor coactivator-1 (SRC-1) is a nuclear receptor co-activator, known to play key roles in both estrogen response in bone and in breast cancer metastases. We previously demonstrated that the P1272S single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP; P1272S; rs1804645) in SRC-1 decreases the activity of estrogen receptor in the presence of selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs) and that it is associated with a decrease in bone mineral density (BMD) after tamoxifen therapy, suggesting it may disrupt the agonist action of tamoxifen. Given such dual roles of SRC-1 in the bone microenvironment and in tumor cell-intrinsic phenotypes, we hypothesized that SRC-1 and a naturally occurring genetic variant, P1272S, may promote breast cancer bone metastases. We developed a syngeneic, knock-in mouse model to study if the SRC-1 SNP is critical for normal bone homeostasis and bone metastasis. Our data surprisingly reveal that the homozygous SRC-1 SNP knock-in increases tamoxifen-induced bone protection after ovariectomy. The presence of the SRC-1 SNP in mammary glands resulted in decreased expression levels of SRC-1 and reduced tumor burden after orthotopic injection of breast cancer cells not bearing the SRC-1 SNP, but increased metastases to the lungs in our syngeneic mouse model. Interestingly, the P1272S SNP identified in a small, exploratory cohort of bone metastases from breast cancer patients was significantly associated with earlier development of bone metastasis. This study demonstrates the importance of the P1272S SNP in both the effect of SERMs on BMD and the development of tumor in the bone.
The Cholesterol Metabolite 27HC Increases Secretion of Extracellular Vesicles Which Promote Breast Cancer Progression
Authors: Baek Amy E , Krawczynska Natalia , Das Gupta Anasuya , Dvoretskiy Svyatoslav Victorovich , You Sixian , Park Jaena , Deng Yu-Heng , Sorrells Janet E , Smith Brandi Patrice , Ma Liqian , Nelson Adam T , McDowell Hannah B , Sprenger Ashabari , Henn Madeline A , Madak-Erdogan Zeynep , Kong Hyunjoon , Boppart Stephen A , Boppart Marni D , Nelson Erik R
Published: May 2021

Cholesterol has been implicated in the clinical progression of breast cancer, a disease that continues to be the most commonly diagnosed cancer in women. Previous work has identified the cholesterol metabolite 27-hydroxycholesterol (27HC) as a major mediator of the effects of cholesterol on breast tumor growth and progression. 27HC can act as an estrogen receptor (ER) modulator to promote the growth of ERα+ tumors, and as a liver X receptor (LXR) ligand in myeloid immune cells to establish an immune-suppressive program. In fact, the metastatic properties of 27HC require the presence of myeloid cells with neutrophils (polymorphonuclear neutrophils; PMNs) being essential for the increase in lung metastasis in murine models. In an effort to further elucidate the mechanisms by which 27HC alters breast cancer progression, we made the striking finding that 27HC promoted the secretion of extracellular vesicles (EVs), a diverse assortment of membrane bound particles that includes exosomes. The resulting EVs had a size distribution that was skewed slightly larger than EVs generated by treating cells with vehicle. The increase in EV secretion and size was consistent across 3 different subtypes: primary murine PMNs, RAW264.7 monocytic cells, and 4T1 murine mammary cancer cells. Label-free analysis of 27HC-EVs indicated that they had a different metabolite composition to those from vehicle-treated cells. Importantly, 27HC-EVs from primary PMNs promoted tumor growth and metastasis in 2 different syngeneic models, demonstrating the potential role of 27HC-induced EVs in the progression of breast cancer. EVs from PMNs were taken up by cancer cells, macrophages, and PMNs, but not T cells. Since EVs did not alter proliferation of cancer cells, it is likely that their protumor effects are mediated through interactions with myeloid cells. Interestingly, RNA-seq analysis of tumors from 27HC-EV-treated mice do not display significantly altered transcriptomes, suggesting that the effects of 27HC-EVs occur early on in tumor establishment and growth. Future work will be required to elucidate the mechanisms by which 27HC increases EV secretion, and how these EVs promote breast cancer progression. Collectively, however, our data indicate that EV secretion and content can be regulated by a cholesterol metabolite, which may have detrimental effects in terms of disease progression, important findings given the prevalence of both breast cancer and hypercholesterolemia.
An RNAi Screening of Clinically Relevant Transcription Factors Regulating Human Adipogenesis and Adipocyte Metabolism
Authors: Björk Christel , Subramanian Narmadha , Liu Jianping , Acosta Juan Ramon , Tavira Beatriz , Eriksson Anders B , Arner Peter , Laurencikiene Jurga
Published: May 2021

Context

Healthy hyperplasic (many but smaller fat cells) white adipose tissue (WAT) expansion is mediated by recruitment, proliferation and/or differentiation of new fat cells. This process (adipogenesis) is controlled by transcriptional programs that have been mostly identified in rodents.

Objective

A systemic investigation of adipogenic human transcription factors (TFs) that are relevant for metabolic conditions has not been revealed previously.

Methods

TFs regulated in WAT by obesity, adipose morphology, cancer cachexia, and insulin resistance were selected from microarrays. Their role in differentiation of human adipose tissue-derived stem cells (hASC) was investigated by RNA interference (RNAi) screen. Lipid accumulation, cell number, and lipolysis were measured for all screened factors (148 TFs). RNA (RNAseq), protein (Western blot) expression, insulin, and catecholamine responsiveness were examined in hASC following siRNA treatment of selected target TFs.

Results

Analysis of TFs regulated by metabolic conditions in human WAT revealed that many of them belong to adipogenesis-regulating pathways. The RNAi screen identified 39 genes that affected fat cell differentiation in vitro, where 11 genes were novel. Of the latter JARID2 stood out as being necessary for formation of healthy fat cell metabolic phenotype by regulating expression of multiple fat cell phenotype-specific genes.

Conclusion

This comprehensive RNAi screening in hASC suggests that a large proportion of WAT TFs that are impacted by metabolic conditions might be important for hyperplastic adipose tissue expansion. The screen also identified JARID2 as a novel TF essential for the development of functional adipocytes.
Insulin Infusion Is Linked to Increased NPPC Expression in Muscle and Plasma C-type Natriuretic Peptide in Male Dogs
Authors: Gregory Justin M , Kraft Guillaume , Farmer Ben , Smith Marta S , LaNeve David C , Williams Phillip E , Tomasek Kelsey , Su Yan Ru , Wilson Christopher S , Thompson Mark D , Cherrington Alan D , Coate Katie C
Published: May 2021

The purpose of this study was to assess insulin-stimulated gene expression in canine skeletal muscle with a particular focus on NPPC, the gene that encodes C-type natriuretic peptide, a key hormonal regulator of cardiometabolic function. Four conscious canines underwent hyperinsulinemic, euglycemic clamp studies. Skeletal muscle biopsy and arterial plasma samples were collected under basal and insulin-stimulated conditions. Bulk RNA sequencing of muscle tissue was performed to identify differentially expressed genes between these 2 steady-state conditions. Our results showed that NPPC was the most highly expressed gene in skeletal muscle in response to insulin infusion, rising 4-fold between basal and insulin-stimulated conditions. In support of our RNA sequencing data, we found that raising the plasma insulin concentration 15-fold above basal elicited a 2-fold (P = 0.0001) increase in arterial plasma concentrations of N-terminal prohormone C-type natriuretic peptide. Our data suggest that insulin may play a role in stimulating secretion of C-type natriuretic peptide by skeletal muscle. In this context, C-type natriuretic peptide may act in a paracrine manner to facilitate muscle–vascular bed crosstalk and potentiate insulin-mediated vasodilation. This could serve to enhance insulin and glucose delivery, particularly in the postprandial absorptive state.
Poems
Authors: Snediker Michael D.
Published: May 2021

This piece includes four poems by Michael D. Snediker: “These Sufferings Are What,” “Hung about the Neck,” “He Borrowed the River,” and “Mercury Series.”
Autistic Disruptions, Trans Temporalities
Authors: Pyne Jake
Published: May 2021

The desire for transgender futures has grown exponentially in recent years, but many of these futures are traps, concealing a demand to assume normative and neoliberal priorities in exchange for citizenship and belonging. This article argues that some of these traps might be undone through autistic disruption. Dwelling with the life writing and memoir of individuals both autistic and trans, it suggests that, by choice or by circumstance, autistic-trans narratives defy the chrononormative mandate of the able-minded future. By claiming autism and gender nonconformity as mutually inclusive, foregrounding alternative sensorealities, and interrupting the incitement to get better, this article argues that cripping trans time through autistic disruption offers what Gossett, Stanley, and Burton call a “trap door”: a route of escape from the normate trans future and a way for autistic life to insist on its own continuation and survivance.
Paintings
Authors: Enke Finn
Published: May 2021

Watercolor and ink help me dwell with the porousness of all morphologies emerging through birth/death, living/nonliving, dis/ability, interbeing, visible and nonvisible embodiments, and the passages of time. In real life, numerous non-trans people have told me that gender transition gives me control over what happens to my body and what people make of it; gives me more freedom than they have to choose what my body/mind does in the world; makes me get younger instead of older. Like me, watercolor has its own opinion and illumination. Like me, it is mortal. When I use ink, as in these black ink paintings, I often close my eyes as I make the lines. The canvas witnesses my nonlinear, non-Cartesian, queer experience of time and space, grief, and love.
The Crip Tarot Card
Authors: Hyunh Matt , Piepzna-Samarasinha Leah Lakshmi , Khúc curated by Mimi
Published: May 2021

The Crip is one of thirty cards in the Asian American Tarot, an original deck of tarot cards I curated as part of my hybrid book arts project on mental health, Open in Emergency (first published in 2016 and then in an expanded second edition in 2019/2020). Each card names an archetype that structures the psychic and material life of Asian Americans, and draws upon knowledge production in Asian American studies and Asian American communities to theorize that archetype’s shape and reach. Each features original art and text, a collaboration between a visual artist and a scholar or literary writer. Each ends with guidance, a gentle directive to the reader for what to do now that they have drawn this card in a tarot reading. The Asian American Tarot is art-meets-scholarship-meets-wellness-practice-equals-magic-for-our-times. The Crip is the twenty-sixth card in the major arcana, and it is here welcoming us all on our disability journeys.
Spatial Debilities
Authors: Puar Jasbir K.
Published: May 2021

This article examines the production of mobility obstacles and restrictions in Palestine, highlighting dimensions of the logistics of border crossings and movement in the West Bank in relation to disability rights frameworks. It argues two things: that the creation of what Celeste Langan calls “mobility disabilities” through corporeal assault as well as infrastructural and bureaucratic means is not only central to the calculus of the occupation but also, importantly, linked logics of debilitation; and that these calibrations of various types of movement render specific stretchings of space and time, what is here called “slow life.”
Optimization of Water Falling Points in Micro Hydro Power Plants
Authors: Hermawan Heru , Sunardi Sunardi
Published: May 2021

Micro Hydro Power Plant (PLTMH) is an alternative source of electrical energy for the community. PLTMH provides many benefits, especially for rural communities throughout Indonesia. When other energy sources start to run low and have a negative impact, water becomes a very important source of energy because it can be used as an energy source. PLTMH is a small-scale power plant that uses hydropower as its driving force such as irrigation channels, rivers, or natural waterfalls by utilizing the waterfall height (head) and the amount of water discharge. In rivers, there is the potential for sufficient water availability throughout the year, reliable discharge, suitable contours, and has been used for MHP. However, this river has decreased the electrical power it produces. Therefore, in this PLTMH river, it is necessary to analyze and recalculate the electric power generated by optimizing the water drop point, using an 8-inch pipe to produce a tangential force of 814.28 N, then using a 3-inch pipe to produce a tangential force of 100, 62 N and using a 2-inch pipe produces a tangential force of 25.37 N.
FREEDOM DOMINATION OF RABINDRANATH TAGORE’S FREEDOM POETRY: A POSTCOLONIAL APPROACH
Authors: Effendie Haris Prasetya
Published: May 2021

War and Independence were made by all types of imperialism movement plot. A widely place  which contained natural resources, and people as the tribe was victimised to create the movement. Postcolonialism tells the wealth as freed to the motherland. The motherland or kingdom of great nationalism was called and a major attend to the nationalism day to pay the national bitter history with prayer. Kingdom of human life is wealth because the years moment has been calling human to study about political relation, nationalism relation, nationalism knowledge. Case of war and how the wealth is always in upper domination are how the poetry as a literary work to reflect the soul of cultural hope and denotation in the poetry line. Wealthy is a most appropriate statue to know the social life. The nationalism knowledge is freed because the structure of greatness what human must to study is education to speak about wealth after wealthy. Descent aspect was ordered to the identity of nation, but no less to join the political descent to  restart the freedom to some nation. The wisdom from any discipline to grow and refresh the freedom identity about nature and humanity. India has the nasionalism history as Indonesia when Rabindranath Tagore also talks about how the country speak about all the day long nationally wealth in his poetry to next their life. The research was a qualitative research to apply the Postcolonialism theory.
Satanism as Reflected in Alan Walker’s Selected Song Lyrics
Authors: Insani Ina , Budiwati Tri Rina
Published: May 2021

This research aims to identify and describe the discourse structures and analyze the representation of Satanism found in the lyrics of the selected songs of Alan Walker. The researcher used the Critical Discourse Analysis approach by Teun van Dijk to determine Satanism in these songs. Three elements are used in this analysis, namely the discourse structure, social cognition, and social context. This research found that there are elements of discourse structure, whether explaining the micro-structure, superstructure, or macro-structure, always address Satanism’s idea. The social cognition aspect found that the social condition influences Satanism's notion in the Alan Walker songs in Norway, where Alan Walker lives open to Satanism. It can be seen from the analysis of model and memory. The analysis of model in Alan Walker's song can be influenced by the social conditions around him. The analysis of memory shows how his personal experience affects the songs he produces. The last aspect in this research is the social context which analyse the power and access to know the idea of Satanism in the songs. The analysis of power found that Satanism has a strong dominance in Norway, as seen from several works such as books, films, and music with the theme of Satanism. Then, the analysis of access found that the satanic people managed to control several media in Norway.
Investigation of the Relationship between Psychological Resilience, Patience and Happiness Levels of Physical Education Teachers
Authors: Ulukan Hasan , Ulukan Mahmut
Published: May 2021

The research aims were to examine the relationship among psychological resilience, patience, and happiness levels of physical education teachers employing in İzmir, Afyonkarahisar, and Muğla provinces in the Aegean Region and was to explain whether psychological resilience and patience levels predict happiness. The research was a descriptive study in the relational scanning model. The study participants consisted of 336 PE teachers, 182 (54.2%) were males, and 154 (45.8%) were females.. The data were obtained using the Brief Resilience Scale (BRS), Patience Scale and Oxford Happiness Questionnaire. In the analysis of data were used SPSS 25 statistical program. The analysis of the data descriptive statistics, correlation, and statistical regression methods were used. As a result of the research, it was determined that the psychological resilience, patience, and happiness levels were at medium levels according to the average score the PE teachers got from the scales. It was found that there is a moderate positive relationship between PE teachers' psychological resilience, patience, and happiness levels, and psychological resilience and patience levels are a significant predictor of happiness.
Haze removal with channel-wise scattering coefficient awareness based on grey pixels
Authors: Zhang Xian-Shi , Yang Kai-fu , Li Yong-Jie
Published: May 2021

Before being captured by observers, the information carried by light may be attenuated by the transmission medium. According to the atmospheric scattering model, this attenuation is wavelength-dependent and increases with distance. However, most existing haze removal methods ignore this wavelength dependency and therefore cannot handle well the color distortions caused by it. To solve this problem, we propose a scattering coefficient awareness method based on the image formation model. The proposed method first makes an initial transmission estimation by the dark channel prior and then calculates the scattering coefficient ratios based on the initial transmission map and the grey pixels in the image. After that, fine transmission maps in RGB channels are calculated from these ratios and compensated for in sky areas. A global correction is also applied to eliminate the color bias induced by the light source before the final output. Qualitatively and quantitatively compared on synthetic and real images against state-of-the-art methods, the proposed method provides better results for the scenes with either white fog or colorized haze.
Transmissive mid-infrared achromatic bifocal metalens with polarization sensitivity
Authors: Li Xueshen , Chen Shouqian , Wang Di , Shi Xiaotian , Fan Zhigang
Published: May 2021

Metasurfaces have shown great potential in versatile areas such as vortex-beam generators, metalenses, holograms and so on. However, chromatic error hinders metasurfaces, especially metalenses, from wider applications. In this paper, we demonstrate a novel design for a transmissive mid-infrared achromatic bifocal metalens with polarization sensitivity. The compensation phase is used to eliminate the chromatic aberration. Simulation results show that, over a continuous waveband from 3.9 to 4.6µm, the focal length only changes by 2.26% with an average focusing efficiency of about 18%. This work can push the practical application of mid-infrared metasurfaces.
Potential antimicrobial properties of the Ulva lactuca extract against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus-infected wounds: A review
Authors: Ardita Nadya Fianny , Mithasari Lenny , Untoro Daris , Salasia Siti Isrina Oktavia
Published: May 2021

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), currently a major problem in hospitals worldwide, is one of the most common causes of nosocomial disease through surgical wound infection. MRSA-infected wounds have very low recovery rates and have become more problematic as some antibiotics are not effective against MRSA. Several antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory agents of green algae (Ulva lactuca) in the form of alkaloids, triterpenoids, steroids, saponins, and flavonoids have the potential to accelerate the wound healing process following MRSA wound infection. Various active compounds contained in the U. lactuca extract are thought to have multiple antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that can overcome the MRSA antimicrobial resistance and accelerate tissue growth in the wound healing process. This review aims to describe the potential of Ulva lactuca extract against MRSA-infected wound healing.
Deteksi Dini Mahasiswa Drop Out Menggunakan C5.0
Authors: Aesyi Ulfi Saidata , Lahitani Alfirna Rizqi , Diwangkara Taufaldisatya Wijatama , Kurniawan Riyanto Tri
Published: May 2021

The decline in the number of active students also occurred at the Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology, Universitas Jenderal Achmad Yani. This greatly affects the profile of study program graduates. So it is necessary to have a system that is able to detect students who are threatened with dropping out early. In this study, the attributes chosen were the student's GPA and the percentage of attendance . This attribute is used to classify students who are predicted to drop out. The research data uses student data from the Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology, Universitas Jenderal Achmad Yani. This study uses the C5.0 algorithm to build a decision tree to assist data classification. The decision tree that was built with 304 data as training data resulted a C5.0 decision tree which had an error rate of 5%. The accuracy results obtained from the 76 test data is 93%.
Perbandingan Algoritma Klasifikasi Sentimen Twitter Terhadap Insiden Kebocoran Data Tokopedia
Authors: Wibowo Nadhif Ikbar , Maulana Tri Andika , Muhammad Hamzah , Rakhmawati Nur Aini
Published: May 2021

Public responses, posted on Twitter reacting to the Tokopedia data leak incident, were used as a data set to compare the performance of three different classifiers, trained using supervised learning modeling, to classify sentiment on the text. All tweets were classified into either positive, negative, or neutral classes. This study compares the performance of Random Forest, Support-Vector Machine, and Logistic Regression classifier. Data was scraped automatically and used to evaluate several models; the SVM-based model has the highest f1-score 0.503583. SVM is the best performing classifier.
Segmentasi Pelanggan Berdasarkan Perilaku Penggunaan Kartu Kredit Menggunakan Metode K-Means Clustering
Authors: Alhamdani Fatimah Defina Setiti , Dianti Ananda Ayu , Azhar Yufis
Published: May 2021

Credit card is one of the payment media owned by banks in conducting transactions. Credit card issuers provide benefits for banks with interest that must be paid. Credit card issuers also provide losses to banks that have agreed to pay not to pay their credit card bills. To request a loan from the bank, a cluster model is needed. This study, proposing a segmentation system in research using credit cards to determine marketing strategies using the K-Means Clustering method and conducting experiments using the 4 methods namely K-Means, Agglomerative Clustering, GMM, and DBSCAN. Clustering is done using 9000 active credit card user data at banks that have 18 characteristic features. The results of cluster quality accuracy obtained by using the K-Means method are 0.207014 with the number of clusters 3. Based on the results obtained by considering 4 of these methods, the best method for this case is K-Means.
Prediksi Barang Keluar TB. Wijaya Bangunan Menggunakan Algoritma KNN Regression dengan RStudio
Authors: Suparman Natcha Kwintarini , Dermawan Budi Arif , Padilah Tesa Nur
Published: May 2021

TB. Wijaya Bangunan is a business entity that has weaknesses in managing inventories. This study aims to help TB. Wijaya Bangunan in managing inventory based on existing data reduce the difference between the number of incoming goods and the number of outgoing goods. The methods used are data collection, data preparation, data selection, preprocessing, data transformation, distance calculation, calculation of predictions, evaluation, and display of prediction results using a Shiny framework. This study uses the Time Series KNN Regression algorithm to predict the number of outgoing goods based on time series data with existing data. The most predicted results came out in the 9th week period as much as 22.40%. Based on the process that has been done, it can be concluded that the evaluation value of Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) is at least 3.55, which means it has the best predictive accuracy results.
What Europe and the US could learn from the Covid Crisis
Authors: Aiginger Karl
Published: May 2021

The European Economy is underperforming in the Covid Crisis, as it did in the Financial Crisis. If economic strength is measured by growth of GDP, Europe’s recovery in 2021 will be two percentage points below the loss in 2020, while the US will enjoy a net gain of 2 percentage points in these two crisis years. To the benefit of Europe, the paper finds that fatal causalities relative to population due to Covid were lower in Europe, and we therefore conclude that Europe chose a different tradeoff between economic and health goals. We report differences in fiscal and monetary response, but also in structural policy, governance and the political process in the two regions. Decisions in the US, once a problem has been recognized as important, are quicker; more resources can be shifted, even if the public debt is already very high. Finally, we screen performance for sustainability and life expectancy, which shows advantages for Europe that could be extended in the recovery programs.
School Readiness of Supplemental Fed Preschoolers in Maguindanao
Authors: Dalgan Norma , Camua Amour , Camua Amour , Abellar Melda , Daglok Sittie Rahema , Tabulong Analie
Published: May 2021

Please Pass the Bread” (PPtB) feeding program is an international program that aims to reduce the number of malnurished children in the province of Maguindanao. Thus, this study sought to determine the School Readiness of Supplementally Fed Preschoolers in Maguindanao. Specifically, the study determined the significant improvement of the preschoolers’ scores after the intervention (“Please Pass the Bread” (PPtB) feeding program). The pretest-posttest design of research was used, with the School Readiness Year-end Assessment Checklist (SReYA). The Checklist was the main tool for data gathering. The mean and percentage counts were used to describe the pretest and posttest score of the preschoolers. The t-test was used to determine the significant difference between the pupils’ pretest and posttest scores. The t-value was set at 0.05 levels of significance. Findings show that there is a significant difference in gain between the control and experiment group. This implies that the scores of the pupils improved significant after the exposure to the Please Pass the Bread” (PPtB) feeding program intervention. This mean that “Please Pass the Bread” (PPtB) feeding program intervention really helped improved the pupils’ school readiness.Thus, it is concluded that the “Please Pass the Bread” (PPtB) feeding program intervention significantly improves the readiness of the preschooler children in Maguindanao.
THE IMPACT OF CONCEPT MAPPING IN TEACHING SCIENCE IN MAGUINDANAO
Authors: Dalgan Norma , Camua Amour , Abellar Melda , Tabulong Analie , Unsi Alibai
Published: May 2021

Concept mapping is a teaching strategy that helps students to organize information and facts for knowledge representation. It can be used to help students understand science subject matters and concepts. The study sougth to determine the impact of the concept mapping in teaching science among Grade 12 students in Maguindanao. Specifically, this study aims to determine the students scores in a test before and after the introduction of concept mapping strategy. Likewise, the study determined the significant improvement of the students’ scores after the concept mapping strategy in instruction. The single group pretest-posttest design was used with a detailed lesson plan. The multiple choice type of test and consists of 25 items with lesson plan was the main tool for data gathering The mean, frequencey and percentage counts were used to describe the pretest and posttest scores of the students. The t-test was used to determine the significant difference between the students’ pretest and posttest scores. The t-value was set at 0.05 levels of significance.

Findings from the study showed that there were significantly improve the scores of the pretest and posttest of the Grade 12 students in Maguindanao. This implies that the scores of the Grade 12 students improved significantly after the exposure of the concetp mapping strategy. This mean that use concetp mapping strategy increased the students’ scores.
Public Infrastructure Procurement Practice and Challenges in the Bamenda Municipality, North West Region Cameroon
Authors: Ngong Hycinth Ndze , Fombe Lawrence F. , Achankeng Eric , Fombe Georgewill M.
Published: May 2021

Public infrastructures play a significant role in poverty reduction, human development and spatial interaction of the population. The practices of stakeholders in the procurement system in Bamenda are a controversy in the contemporary socio-political discourse. Through these practices, public infrastructures are provided to and for the population. This paper seeks to uncover the myriad of challenges involved in the procurement practices in Bamenda. The study made use of both qualitative and quantitative data, obtained using secondary and primary sources from documentary exploration and extensive field work. Secondary sources included books, annual reports and archives of Divisional and Regional Delegations, Inspectorates of Education, Regional Institute of Statistics and Public Contracts Regulatory Agency, North West amongst others. Primary data was obtained over three months of extensive field investigations through questionnaires interviews and focus group discussions. A GPS was utilized to obtain geographic coordinates of publicly procured infrastructures, particularly health, educational and road infrastructures. Results reveal that there is complexity in the way procurement is undertaken for socio-economic benefits to the population. Procurement principles are ineffectively applied, leading to inefficient execution of contracts. Late payment of contract funds amongst others is a cause of inefficient execution and lateness in the delivery of procurement output in the domains of health, roads and educational infrastructures. The study recommends project owners to release contract funds earlier than usual and contractors who enhance poor execution of projects and uncivil road users who facilitate road degradation or cause damages to projects be severely sanctioned. The Law No. 73/7 of 7 December 1973 on the preferential claim of the treasury to safeguard public funds by Municipal and Regional Councils should be effectively implemented.
The Social Roots of Health Inequity in Tunisia: A Preliminary Study on the Social Determinants of Health Inequity
Authors: KOTTI Ahmed Bilel , CHERIF Aicha , ELLOUMI Ali
Published: May 2021

Addressing the Social Determinants of Health is critical if we truly want to achieve health equity. The World Health Organization’s Commission on the Social Determinants of Health (2008) recognized the need to broaden the understanding of these determinants among the general public to facilitate change in communities and improve the overall health status. Using the data from the Tunisian Health Examination Survey (2016), this quantitative preliminary study explored the state of social inequity in health among the Tunisian population using a quantitative statistical analysis that shed light on the relations between the SDHs (Age – gender – SES – Geographical location – Area of residence – and Educational attainment) and the self-rated health status. This preliminary study explored the current state of health equity in Tunisia through exploring the hidden patterns of social identity formation and power relation inside society. This preliminary study also pointed out certain aspects of health inequity in Tunisia as well as the social factors and determinants contributing to the status-quo. The findings of this preliminary study could be the basis of an ambitious academic work that will explore the intersection between SDHs and their impact on health outcomes in Tunisia that will be an asset in the process of implementing health equity policies in the future.
Evolution Of Tokaili Settlement Process In Central Sulawesi, Indonesia
Authors: Siradjuddin Zaenal
Published: May 2021

Indonesia has a variety of (ethnic) cultures spread throughout Indonesia, one of which is in Central Sulawesi (ToKaili). The evolutionary process that is the object of observation is in the ToKaili community, which focuses on seTeori sosiologis klasik menjadikan sosiologis sebagai teori dasar. Di antara hipotesis yang muncul berkaitan dengan idealisme, materialisme dan sistem ekonomi, nilai lebih, dan dinamika perubahan sosial mempengaruhi teori perubahan sosial dari bentuk-bentuk rasionalisme yang dimiliki. Kelompok-kelompok yang dibentuk berdasarkan kepentingan tertentu, menunjukkan konfigurasi kelas (berbasis ekonomi), status (berdasarkan kondisi dan kepentingan sosial), partai (berdasarkan kepentingan politik). Dalam berpikir, rasionalitas, terdapat empat pandangan berbeda tentang model yang ada di antara orang-orang. Di antara keberadaan rasionalitas yang dapat menderita sendirian tetapi juga dapat menjadi rujukan bagi perilaku orang dalam kehidupan mereka (Doyle Paul Johnson, 1986) 9ttlement development. The evolution method does not just happen but has a long process to achieve the ideal form of housing and housing. This study aims to uncover what is behind the phenomenon of home / personal life in ToKaili from traditional architecture. his research uses a qualitative method with a phenomenological approach. This analysis found several development periods ranging from nomadic settlements to permanent settlements, and its development at that time the solution became an ideal settlement.
Factors Influencing The Adoption And Use Of Mobile Money In Cameroon: Case Of Mobile Money Operators And Users In Buea
Authors: Wantchami Nengieh Lizzie , Ngange Kingsley Lyonga , Senge Hallepie Barbara , Oscar Lingongo , Ebude Akame
Published: May 2021

Mobile Money is an innovation that has transformed e-business in the Cameroonian context. This study examines the factors that enhance the adoption and use of mobile money in Buea, capital of the South West Region of Cameroon. The theoretical framework used is the diffusion of innovation. The qualitative approach is adopted, with 10 mobile money operators and 10 mobile money users interviewed using a structured interview protocol. Results show that participants prefer adopting and using mobile services because they are easy to use, convenient, readily accessible, and have less charges compared to the traditional banking system. Telecommunications companies should therefore, continue to consider less charges and bonuses as a strategy to increase penetration and adoption of mobile money services. Likewise, the instructions and language essential to effect Mobile Money operations like internet and airtime purchase should remain simple.
La classe inversée en mode virtuel : portrait d’une formule gagnante
Authors: Tardif Suzie , Maryline Rivard
Published: May 2021

Cet article présente une initiative pédagogique mise en place lors de la pandémie de COVID-19 par une enseignante en mathématiques du cégep de Saint-Félicien (Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean). Adepte de la classe inversée, elle a décidé d’exploiter ce dispositif pédagogique en mode entièrement virtuel. Elle considère avoir réussi à maintenir la motivation de ses étudiants en créant, entre autres, des capsules vidéo interactives et des activités d’apprentissage à réaliser à la suite de leur visionnement. Dans cet article, la mise en œuvre et les retombées perçues par l’enseignante de cette expérience seront notamment décrites.
La formation J'enseigne à distance : un levier pour le développement de la compétence numérique (niveaux préscolaire /primaire)
Authors: Pelletier Marie-Andrée , Nadeau-Tremblay Sophie , Bissonnette Steve , Beaudoin Josée , Richard Mario
Published: May 2021

Dans le contexte de la pandémie de la COVID-19, le système d’éducation québécois est mis à l’épreuve. Les enseignantes à l’éducation préscolaire et au primaire doivent adapter leurs pratiques pour soutenir les apprentissages de leurs élèves à distance alors que beaucoup sont peu outillées pour le faire. Le développement de la formation J’enseigne à distance par l’Université TÉLUQ a permis à des acteurs des milieux de pratique et universitaire de réunir leurs expertises et de réfléchir ensemble aux pratiques favorables à l’enseignement virtuel en contexte de pandémie. Des retombées quant à la compétence numérique ont émergé de ce partenariat.
Pratiques enseignantes Enseigner les soins infirmiers en temps de pandémie
Authors: Godue-Couture Camille , Harvey Guylaine
Published: May 2021

La pandémie de la COVID-19 a forcé l’adaptation rapide des pratiques enseignantes et plusieurs changements ont été apportés durant l’année 2020 afin de s’assurer qu’un enseignement de qualité soit fourni à tous les étudiants, tout en respectant les restrictions mises en vigueur par le gouvernement du Québec. Cet article présente conséquemment les adaptations et modifications effectuées en raison de la pandémie par Guylaine Harvey et ses collègues du département de soins infirmiers au cégep de Saint-Félicien durant les sessions d’hiver et d’automne 2020.
Pratiques enseignantes Enseigner l'éducation physique en temps de pandémie
Authors: Godue-Couture Camille , Tremblay Johanne
Published: May 2021

Cet article présente les changements apportés aux pratiques enseignantes de Johanne Tremblay, enseignante d’éducation physique et coordonnatrice départementale au cégep de Saint-Félicien, lors de la pandémie de la COVID-19. L’article fait état des différentes adaptations qu’elle a réalisées durant les sessions d’hiver et d’automne 2020. Il met en valeur le rôle et l’apport des principaux acteurs de son milieu, de même que l’importance de la collaboration durant cette période de grand bouleversement.