bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prenatal Low-Dose Aspirin Use Associated with Reduced Incidence of Postpartum Hypertension among Women with Preeclampsia
Authors: Christenson Eleanor , Stout Molly J. , Williams Dominique , Verma Amanda K. , Davila-Roman Victor G. , Lindley Kathryn J.
Published: May 2021

Objective Postpartum hypertension (PP-HTN), defined as systolic/diastolic blood pressure (SBP/DBP) ≥140/90, on two occasions at least 4 hours apart after delivery occurs in up to 50% of preeclamptic pregnancies, and is associated with adverse maternal outcomes. Excessive production of antiangiogenic factors (i.e., soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase 1 [sFLT1]) and reduced levels of proangiogenic factors (i.e., placental growth factor [PlGF]) are associated with preeclamptic pregnancies. The aim of this study was to identify clinical risk factors and/or serum biomarkers associated with PP-HTN in preeclampsia.

Study Design Preeclamptic women (n = 82, aged ≥18 years) were prospectively enrolled in an observational study. Serial blood pressures were obtained through the labor course and until 48 hours postpartum, and serum was obtained within 24 hours postpartum. Statistical analysis was performed by using Student's two-tailed t-test and Fisher's exact test.

Results Baseline comorbidities and antihypertensive use were similar among those who developed PP-HTN and those who did not. Among preeclamptic patients, 33% developed PP-HTN; these had significantly more severe preeclampsia features versus no PP-HTN (96 vs. 78%, p = 0.05). PP-HTN was associated with higher re-hospitalization rates (26 vs. 6%, p = 0.01). Among those taking low-dose aspirin (ASA) for preeclampsia prophylaxis (n = 12), PP-HTN was significantly less frequent versus those not taking low-dose ASA (0 vs. 22%, p = 0.007). Low-dose ASA use was associated with significantly lower peripartum sFLT1 levels (4,650 ± 2,335 vs. 7,870 ± 6,282 pg/mL, p = 0.03) and sFLT1/PlGF ratio (397 ± 196 vs. 1,527 ± 2,668, p = 0.03).

Conclusion One-third of women with preeclampsia develop PP-HTN; these patients have more severe preeclampsia and have higher re-hospitalization rates. Prenatal low-dose ASA use was associated with significantly lower incidence of PP-HTN, reduced levels of antiangiogenic factors, and lower 6-week re-hospitalization rates. These findings, if replicated, may have clinical implications on the use of low-dose ASA during pregnancy to reduce incidence of postpartum HTN.

Key Points
Experiments confirm energy transfer enhancement through shear flows
Authors: Johnson-Groh Mara
Published: May 2021

Multipoint in situ measurements and models help researchers understand the details of energy redistribution between low and high confined plasmas.
Epitaxial lift-off technology produces smooth thin-film solar cells
Authors: Yiu Yuen
Published: May 2021

By including a sacrificial layer, researchers developed an improved epitaxial lift-off technique for creating high quality monocrystalline CdTe/MgCdTe thin-films.
Spatial and spectral mode-selection effects in topological lasers with frequency-dependent gain
Authors: Seclì Matteo , Ozawa Tomoki , Capone Massimo , Carusotto Iacopo
Published: May 2021

We develop a semiclassical theory of laser oscillation into a chiral edge state of a topological photonic system endowed with a frequency-dependent gain. As an archetypal model of this physics, we consider a Harper–Hofstadter lattice embedding population-inverted, two-level atoms as a gain material. We show that a suitable design of the spatial distribution of gain and its spectral shape provides flexible mode-selection mechanisms that can stabilize single-mode lasing into an edge state. Implications of our results for recent experiments are outlined.
Higher-order topolectrical semimetal realized via synthetic gauge fields
Authors: Ni Xiang , Alù Andrea
Published: May 2021

Classical bosonic systems may be tailored to support topological order and unidirectional edge transport exploiting gauge fields. Here, we theoretically explore how synthetic gauge fields may be used to induce higher-order topological phases and zero-energy boundary states. We demonstrate these principles in two types of three-dimensional topolectrical circuits with synthetic gauge fields threading through their reduced two-dimensional lattices, leading to a half-quantized quadrupole charge within a region of the momentum space. We theoretically show the emergence of nodal line rings and Weyl points in the bulk dispersion, whose projected surfaces and hinges support surface Fermi arcs and flat hinge Fermi arcs emanating from the nodal line ring and Weyl points, representing the spectral signature of higher-order topological semimetals. These analogs of higher-order semimetals realized in electric circuits using synthetic gauge fields may be extended to various photonic platforms and find applications in photonic crystals, nano-optics, and cold atom research.
The linguistics of reading literature
Authors: Averintseva-Klisch Maria
Published: May 2021

In this paper, I attempt a bridge between linguistics, in particular text pragmatics, and school reading of literary texts. I propose a linguistic model of these peculiarities of the reading of literary texts, especially poetry, that have been called ‘aesthetic reading’, arguing that a linguistically founded basis is what is lacking for school engagement with (not only literary) texts. In the last years there has been extensive research on the linguistics-literature interface; however, what is surprisingly still missing, is a consistent linguistic model of literary reading. In this paper, I propose such a model and show that ‘aesthetic reading’ involves a distinct reading strategy that can be captured in terms of text-world-models and the differentiation between coherence and text sense displaying. Consciously reading poetry amounts, linguistically seen, to a close reading (i) especially focusing marked expressions, i.e., deviations from phonological, morphological, syntactic, semantic and textpragmatic routines, (ii) maintaining of unsolved ambiguities and thus (iii) generating an array of ‘authorized inferences’ that can be productively used for a principled plurality of interpretations. I specify this proposal and illustrate it with two cases of marked pronominal reference, arguing that my proposal has some important implications that make it particularly suitable for school context.
Using PPP Method in the Process of Online Training and Strengthening EFL Teachers’ Pedagogic Competence
Authors: Wiyanah S , Irawan R , Kurniawan J
Published: May 2021

English at the elementary school level serves as local content by the policies of each school; as a result, it makes the time allocation of English subject reduced and likewise, the teachers’ pedagogical competence. The study aims to describe the process of online training and strengthening in fostering EFL teachers’ pedagogic competence. It used a qualitative descriptive method and involved three teachers from Rejodadi Elementary School, which observation and interview are the research instruments. The results showed that the process of training and strengthening in fostering teachers’ English pedagogic competence used Presentation, Practice, and Production (PPP) method. “Presentation” was applied to explain the materials related to teaching English at an elementary level such as the students’ characteristics, teaching methods, strategies and media, “Practice” was implemented to drill the teachers’ skills about the materials presented, and in “Production”, teachers implemented what they had got from the previous steps by conducting a micro-teaching activity. Therefore, the process of online training and strengthening in fostering EFL teachers’ pedagogic competence used PPP method in achieving its goal.
Improving Students’ Mathematical Self-Regulated Learning with Modified Moore Method
Authors: Saefudin Abdul Aziz , Aviory Koryna , Gunawan
Published: May 2021

The research is aimed to describe the students’ mathematical self-regulated learning who follow the learning by modified Moore method and students who follow direct instruction in Linear Algebra courses. This research is quasi experiment with nonequivalent control group design. The research instrument used questionnaire of mathematical self regulated learning. Data analysis techniques used descriptive statistics and inferential statistics. The result of the research shows that: the students’ mathematical self-regulated learning with modified Moore method is better than the students’ mathematical self-regulated learning with direct instruction. The improvement of the students’ mathematical self-regulated learning with modified Moore method is better than students with direct instruction. Learning using the modified Moore method can be used to develop students’ mathematical self-regulated learning. Therefore, lecturers can use this learning as an alternative in Linear Algebra courses.
Webinar Technology-Based Science Article Writing Training
Authors: Permana Septian Aji , Hartanto Supri , Lia Ayuningrum , Magiman Muhamad Maulana
Published: May 2021

The purpose of this Community Service is to equip doctors in the field of writing scientific articles for promotion. The results of medical research in the form of research in the health environment can be used as a scientific article to be published in national and international journals. The method used in assisting the writing of scientific articles based on health research is by the direct practice of writing articles and their implementation submitted in journals. The method used in this research-based article writing assistance is by the direct practice of writing and its implementation in submitting articles to journals through Webinars. The results of this article writing assistance are felt to be very beneficial for doctors in the Bantul Health Service area, Yogyakarta. Through two days of training, doctors can write health research-based articles. Doctors can also easily be promoted when the articles are published in proceedings or scientific journals. Through this article training, it can increase the motivation of doctors in improving their functional positions and support better doctor interactions, so that the future hope is to improve the performance of doctors.

Scientific Articles, Webinars, National Journals, International Journals
Subsurface Identification of Campus I Universitas PGRI Yogyakarta using The Microtremor Wave Method
Authors: Widyawarman D
Published: May 2021

Thick layers of sediment can cause Prag damage to buildings in the event of an earthquake. The subsurface identification in the Campus I area of Universitas PGRI Yogyakarta needs to be done because of the increase of new multi-story buildings in the PGRI Campus area. The identification analysis uses HVSR (Horizontal to Vertical Spectral Ratio) so that the thickness of the sedimentary layer could show in the study area. The magnitude of the dominant frequency value was measured by the microtremor method somewhere illustrates the type of soil in the study area. Based on the results of data processing, it can show that the Campus I area of PGRI Yogyakarta University is composed of thick sedimentary layers with thicknesses ranging from 26.7 m - 59.3 m. Based on the distribution map, the most adhesive sediment layer is under the area of the Rectorate building and the Faculty of Business building. These results show the similarity to the Special Region of Yogyakarta, which is an area arranged in a basin with fill material in the form of volcanic deposits.
Science-Based Quantum Learning Models In Elementary School
Authors: Ariftian Indah , Madjdi Ahmad Hilal , Murtono
Published: May 2021

This study aims to analyze the need for the development of a scientific-based quantum learning model and the implementation of the development of this learning model in elementary schools. This qualitative decriptive research used observation, interview, and documentation study techniques by using the researcher as the main instrument. The data was analyzed by data reduction, data explanation, data comparisson, and data conclusion steps. The data validity was done through triangulation. The study found that teachers still dominate learning in the classroom and its implementation tends to make students feel bored and bored with learning. There was lack of interaction between students and teachers. Many students do not understand the material and easily forget what they have just learned. Students didn’t know the essence of the subject matter being studied. Students do not have enough opportunities to fully develop their knowledge and skills. One of the learning models that can solve students’s problems in learning is by developing a scientific-based quantum learning model. It consists of learning syntax namely Grow, Experience, Name, Demonstrate, Repeat, Strengthen, Feedback, Conclude and Celebrate.
Improvement of Corrosion Resistance of Tin Coated on Titanium Alloy for Biomedical Application
Authors: Shah A , Fasehah Siti Nurul , Hassan Mas Ayu , Daud R , Che Kob Che Ghani
Published: May 2021

This work aims to study the effect of mechanical treatment technique on titanium coated with PVD for the enhancement of corrosion resistance for the biomedical implant. First, substrates were coated with TiN via PVD then applied the mechanical treatment through ultrasonic vibration. Results show that all coated samples treated with ultrasonic vibration improve the surface of the coated sample and produce a compact coating as compared with a substrate coated without mechanical treatment. The corrosion test evaluated by Potentiodynamic polarization and Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy indicated that all coated samples treated with mechanical treatment showed high corrosion resistance as compared with the untreated sample. It can be concluded that mechanical treatment which is a simple technic can be used as an alternative to improve the corrosion resistance thus reduce the implant and manufacturing cost for biomedical applications.
Science and Technology for Future Education
Authors: Kao Tai-Chien
Published: May 2021

In this article, the five imminent trends of science and technology were proposed. Each presents some of the boundless exciting possibilities for future education. For each trend, the characteristics of the specific new technology and the benefited pedagogy of learning were discussed. The article also introduces the related on-going projects conducted in Taiwan. These projects describe how we prepared for future education in Taiwan.
Deep Learning Algorithms-based Object Detection and Localization Revisited
Authors: Waheed Safa Riyadh , Suaib Norhaida Mohd , Mohd Rahim Mohd Shafry , Mundher Adnan Myasar , Salim A. A.
Published: May 2021

The computer vision (CV) is an emerging area with sundry promises. This communication encompasses the past development, recent trends and future directions of the CV in the context of deep learning (DL) algorithms-based object detections and localizations techniques. To identify the object location inside an image and recognize it by a computer program as fast as the human brain the machine learning and DL techniques have been evolved. However, the main limitations of the machine are related to the prolonged time consumption to handle vast amount of data to perform the same task as the human brain. To overcome these shortcomings, the convolution neural networks (NNs)-based deep NN has been developed, which detects and classifies the object with high precision. To train the deep NNs, massive amount of data (in the form of images and videos) and time is needed, making the computational cost of the CV very high. Thus, transfer learning techniques have been proposed wherein a model trained on one task can be reused on another linked task, thereby producing excellent outcomes. In this spirit, diverse DL-based algorithms have been introduced to detect and classify the object. These algorithms include the region-based convolutional NN (R-CNN), fast R-CNN, Faster R-CNN, mask E-CNN and You Only Look Once. A comparative evaluation among these techniques has been made to reveal their merits and demerits in the CV.
Brain Tumor Classification Using Texture Feature Extraction
Authors: Abbas Heba Kh. , Fatah Nada A. , Mohamad Haidar J. , Alzuky Ali A.
Published: May 2021

Medical imaging methods are necessary for tumor treatment. Image processing increases the accuracy, location, efficiency and recognizes tumor in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for the human brain. There are three MRI image cases studied consist of one image of a healthy human brain, and two with brain cancer cases to extract tumor size, area, dimension, and location. We presented two steps to extract the texture properties from the three image cases. The first step consists of two methods, used to extract statistical image feature, which is a grey level co-occurrence matrix modified method and the proposed grey level Run-length matrix method. The second step consists of two methods applied to the outputs of step-one to extract the full information. These methods are segmentation based on threshold technique and supervised classification technique based on the parallel pipe. Moreover, there are twelve features studied like the image roughness, uniformity or energy, and local homogeneity extracted to show the quality difference between methods. Image histogram presented to show the small difference between the output of the features. The result shows the segmentation based on threshold technique has efficient output with higher accuracy as well as the presented methods.
Incorporating 3D Metal Printing with Artificial Intelligence in Meeting Aerospace Demands
Authors: Syuhada Aneez , Shamsudin M S , Omar M F , Ghoshal S K , Harun S W , Aziz M S
Published: May 2021

3D metal printing and aerospace industry is an ideal combination where 3D metal printing offers unmatched advantages over the conventional method in terms of its rapid prototyping, rapid tooling, easy maintenance and repairs. With the provision and implementation of 3D metal printing onto aerospace sector, leading manufacturers are now enjoying great benefits as this exciting technology reduces the lead-time, increases production flexibility as well as cost-effective. However, we are now left with a big question: whether or not this 3D metal printing technology has arrived to its maximum capacity where the system operates with no flaw. Previous studies have shown that 3D metal printing is battling with its consistency, repeatability and traceability due to many independent variables that need to be controlled in a single run. Adoption of Artificial Intelligence onto the 3D metal printing has been viewed to be a promising step and therefore, serves as a cornerstone towards a better development of 3D metal printing technology.
Sensitivity Analyses of Cu/Chitosan and Ag/Chitosan Based SPR Biosensor for Glucose Detection
Authors: Mukhtar Wan Maisarah , Taib Nur Athirah Mohd , Rashid Affa Rozana Abdul
Published: May 2021

This study investigates the sensitivity performance between hybrid thin films of Copper (Cu)/Chitosan and silver (Ag)/Chitosan for glucose biosensing applications. Ag and Cu with refractive indices of n=0.1351+3.9853k and n=0.2388+3.4156k are coated onto the flat surface of hemispherical prism prior 10nm thickness of chitosan (n=1.54+0.015k). The thicknesses of metal are varied between 35nm until 49nm. To generate SPR, a red laser of 633nm p-polarized light is incident onto the Cu/Chitosan and Ag/Chitosan coated prism. Light incident angles are varied from 40° to 60° via the angular interrogation technique. Glucose solution with a concentration of 70mg/dl and 235mg/dl (1.38 RIU and 1.53 RIU, respectively) are flown along with the flow cell during SPR to investigate the sensing ability of the proposed sensors. The relationship between hybrid thin film thicknesses and the value of minimum reflectance shows a polynomial pattern as the thicknesses increased. Based on Q2 analysis, the deployment of Ag/Chitosan results in 18.51% poorer stability performance of Rmin
value than Cu/Chitosan SPR sensor. The Cu/Chitosan SPR sensor at total thicknesses within the range from 46nm to 49nm and from 53nm to 56nm exhibits 67% better potential than Ag/Chitosan due to its sensitivity and selectivity in differentiating dissimilar concentration of glucose with a maximum sensitivity of 6°/RIU. We believe the utilization of Cu/Chitosan as plasmonic sensing material offers a low-cost sensor that easy to handle, cheap, miniaturized and excellent sensitivity.
Fifth order of non-polynomial spline functions to find a second type integral numerical solution linear Volterra with weakly singular kernel
Authors: Hamad Ahmed Sh.
Published: May 2021

In this work, the fifth order non-polynomial spline functions are used to solve linear Volterra integral equations with weakly singular kernel. Numerical example is presented to illustrate the applications of this method and to compare the computed results with other numerical methods. we take integral equation when it has the kernel and it is non-linear. The results are the approximations that depended on Volterra integral equation. Our work calculated the results for the Volterra integral equation, which are approximate that the error is found.
Frequency characterization of dielectric parameters and impedance of irradiated diabetic blood using He-Ne laser and non-diabetic human blood samples
Authors: Gemanam Sylvester J. , Suardi Nursakinah , Ikyo Barnabas A. , Oluwafemi Samson Damilola
Published: May 2021

The research study elucidates the dielectric parameters of both diabetic and nondiabetic human blood relatives to frequency which are paramount for blood study and functional therapeutic mechanisms using He-Ne laser irradiation. In the work, the Agilent 4294A impedance analyser within frequency range 40 Hz – 30 MHz and designed cuvette cells with two electrodes each were used for the analysis of 48 human blood samples (24 diabetic blood of glucose level 9.28 mmol/L and 24 non-diabetic blood) collected through venepuncture. Irradiations were done with 532 nm wavelength He-Ne laser of power output of 60 mW for 5, 10, 15 and 20 minutes’ durations. The studied dielectric parameters (dielectric constant, dielectric loss and electric conductivity) demonstrated significantly high values in the control diabetic blood with low impedance level compared to the control non-diabetic blood which demonstrated higher impedance level. The irradiated diabetic blood shows reduced values of the dielectric parameters after irradiation exposure durations of 5 and 10 minutes with significant increase in impedance level. While the dielectric parameters significantly increased when exposed diabetic blood for 15 and 20 minutes became crenated therefore abruptly experienced a dropped in the impedance level. The observed significant variation in dielectric parameters and impedance levels of both blood could be recognised as the result of cellular morphology and the physiological conditions of erythrocytes membranes and other constituents which characterizes its electric response. The irradiated diabetic blood demonstrates positive biostimulation effects due to the enhance stimulation ability of the He-Ne laser irradiation as a safe and effective therapeutic modality for diabetes mellitus.
The Application of the Seismic Method in Site Properties Assessment
Authors: Alsamarraie Mundher Mohammed
Published: May 2021

Similar to the broad use of the seismic methods to identify the layers of soil and the distance strike the bedrock, initial site properties require geophysical techniques to assess them. This research was carried out to investigate the properties of the subsurface composition of a backyard area in Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Johor campus, guided by the principles of this process. The Evaluation of seismic data analyzed using ZondST2D computer software by calculating the first arriving time of the propagated seismic wave throughout soil layers to obtain a subsurface prototype. The examined subsurface profile was composed of four layers displaying the weathering grade level of scales between 600 m/s to 4000 m/s depending on Malaysia’s rock mass categorization. Weathering concentrations were observed to be declining at higher depth, with increased density of the material and reduced seismic velocity dampness. It was found that only for shallow subsurface compositions which is far from interference and noise, can the analysis of seismic refraction be conducted progressively.
Physical, Structural, and Raman Spectroscopic Traits of Neodymium-Doped Lead Oxyfluoride Zinc Phosphate Glass
Authors: Isa N Y M , Sazali E S , Hisam R , Ghoshal S K , Zain S K M , Juma’in N H , Yaacob S N S , Mahraz Z A S , Harun A N , Noor F M , Sahar M R , Samah K A , Aziz M S , Salim A A , Awang A
Published: May 2021

Nd3+ with composition of (60 - x) P2O5 - 10ZnO - 30PbF2 - (x) Nd2O3 where (0.0 ≤ x ≤ 2.0 mol %) was prepared using a melt-quenching approach to the development of transparent glasses. These glasses have been confirmed to be an amorphous structure through XRD analysis. The glass density, molar volume and ionic packing density were obtained in the range of 3.978-4.157 g cm−3, 41.949 - 41.073 cm3 mol−1 and 0.614-0.624, respectively. Using Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) and Raman Spectroscopy, the chemical functional groups and biomolecules of samples were characterised. The FTIR spectra revealed six main bands assigned to P-O, P-O-P, P=O, (PO3)2- and hydroxyl groups (O-H), while Raman shift detected five symmetric and asymmetric bands attributed to P-O-P bonds in Q1 units, (PO4)3- bonds in Q0 units, (PO3)2- bonds in Q1 units, (PO2)− bonds in Q2 units and P=O bonds in Q3 units. It is believed that the proposed oxyfluoride glasses may be useful and suitable applicant to lasing materials and sensors sensitivity.
Profiling pH and Moisture Content of Stingless Bee Honey in Closed and Opened Cerumen Honey Pots
Authors: Mohammed Hassan K N A , Raja Ibrahim R K , Maisarah D , Zakaria Z , Ihsan N , Fauziah T A
Published: May 2021

The aim of this study is to profile the pH and moisture content of stingless bee honey in closed and opened cerumen honey pots from a single hive of stingless bee. The evaluation was conducted in February and September 2020. Portable pH meter and refractometer were used to measure on-field data of honey pH and moisture content. On-field data measurement revealed that the average pH for closed pots was 3.43 while 3.62 for opened pots. Honey measured in September was found to have higher of moisture content with mean value of 32% compared to honey measured in February with 25%. High moisture content is a worrisome problem because it will accelerate quality deterioration of stingless bee honey which mostly contributed by fermentation process. Low pH value also influences the consumer preference as the taste of honey will be more sour. So, this study suggests that wetter season in September could give rise to the moisture content of honey due to higher humidity of surrounding contrarily from dry season in February and could affect the quality of stingless bee honey.
Simulation Analysis on the Simultaneous Deployment of Brillouin Gain and Loss in Coded Brillouin Optical Time Domain Analysis (BOTDA) Fiber Sensor
Authors: Zan M S D , Elgaud M M , Zainuddin A R , Kadhim A S , Mokhtar M H H , Arsad N , Bakar A A A.
Published: May 2021

We report in this paper the simulation analysis on the simultaneous deployment of Brillouin gain and Brillouin loss in the Golay coded phase-shift pulse Brillouin optical time domain analysis (PSP-BOTDA) fiber optic sensor for improving the sensing distance and at the same time obtaining high spatial resolution measurement. In this technique, the Golay coded pump pulse is alternately frequency modulated for the purpose of generating Stokes and Anti-Stokes scattering. The technique also modulates the coded pump with the return-to-zero (RZ) formats. Simulation analysis has revealed that the simultaneous use of Brillouin gain- and loss and the pulse coding technique in the PSP-BOTDA has improved the dynamic sensing range and the signal-to-noise improvement ratio (SNIR) of the sensor. By performing simulation over 500 m of fiber, we have also successfully demonstrated 10-cm of high spatial resolution measurement with the use of 1ns of coded pulse duration.
The Efficiency of DBD Cold Plasma Pen Treatment on the Oyster Mushroom Bacterial Decontamination
Authors: Agun L , Sabirin S , Ahmad N , Zakaria Z , Redzuan N , Raja Ibrahim R K
Published: May 2021

Cold plasma provided bacterial inactivation role in food industry. In this study, the cold plasma play a crucial inactivation role when effectively reduces the bacteria colonies on oyster mushroom surface. By development of the dielectric barrier discharge-cold plasma pen (DBD-CPP) system, the mushroom surface was exposed to the cold plasma discharge with variable of exposure treatment time (0 min, 0.5 min, 1 min, 3 min and 5 min) with ~6 kV of power voltage and 5 SLM of atmospheric gas pressure flow rate. In order to identify the reduction of the microbial growth, isolation technique will be carry out by excising the mushroom sample into a suspension and serial dilution follows by identification of its colony morphologies and characteristics. Results screening shows increments of exposure treatment times up to 3 min shows none growth of bacteria colonies. This because the bacteria cell wall was disrupt and destruction by the plasma bombardment. Thus, this study able to extend the lifetime of the mushroom and produce a free microbial fresh mushroom by decontaminate the bacteria on the mushroom surface
Sinterability of Calcium Phosphate Through Rapid Sintering
Authors: Natasha A N , Ramesh S , Tan C Y , Bang L T
Published: May 2021

Development of dense nanostructured hydroxyapatite (HA) with the major concern to enhance densification while limiting its grain growth has received great demand. This is due to inherent brittleness and lower mechanical strength of HA ceramic. A promising way to obtain this could be a fabrication of nanostructured HA materials through rapid sintering process. In this work, eggshell derived hydroxyapatite powder has been prepared via solid state route and its sinterability was investigated through microwave sintering (1000-1250 °C). The phase stability, microstructural evolution, relative density and hardness of the microwave sintered HA were reflected. The results indicate that the rapid sintering regime has been successfully employed with pure HA phase stability remained up to 1200°C and the relative density and hardness increase with increase in sintering temperature. On top of that, the result also showed good correlation of grain size and mechanical properties of HA and supported that microwave sintering did not promote extensive grain growth of HA.
A Survey on Brain Tumor Diagnosis and Edema Detection Based on Machine Learning
Authors: Neamah K , Mohamed F , Adnan M M , Thajeel S A
Published: May 2021

Early brain tumor diagnosis has a significant role in reducing the risk of disease, as well as led to get better treatment results. Usually, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) images are evaluated manually through visual inspection, which is difficult, time-consuming and often erroneous;this process is performed by radiologists or clinical experts, and its accuracy depends on their experience. Recently, computer-aided diagnosis (CAD) becomes very essential to overcome these limitations. This paper provides a comprehensive assessment of the existing techniques and methodologies for automated detection of brain tumor coupled with oedema detection methods utilisation, with an emphasis on machine learning models. Moreover, this paper provides an analysis of the integrated procedure that pertains to the retrieval of brain pictures by identifying particular data sets in the procedure to recognise the stipulated attributes.
Highly porous nanocomposite of NiMoS4 nanosheets and reduced graphene oxide for energy storage application
Authors: Van Hoa Nguyen , Dat Pham Anh , Ngoc Le Tran , Minh Nguyen Cong , Van Tang Nguyen , Thi Nga Dao , Ngoc Tran Quang
Published: May 2021

This study presents a high porous nanocomposite composed of reduced graphene oxide and NiMoS4 (RGO/NiMoS4) for supercapacitor electrode materials. The different morphologies of NiMoS4 growth on RGO sheets were obtained via a facile one-step microwave-assisted method. The obtained material comprised NiMoS4 nanoneedles of several nanometers in diameter, which are well attached to the surface of RGO nanosheets. The RGO/NiMoS4 nanocomposite had a mesoporous structure, high specific surface area, and high electric conductivity. These excellent characteristics yield a fast electron and ion transport, and a large number of electroactive sites. The RGO/NiMoS4 composite delivered a specific capacitance of 1273 F g−1 at a current density of 1.0 A g−1, high-rate capability of 71.3% retention from 1 to 6.5 A g−1. Besides, an asymmetric supercapacitor device had a capacitance of 80 F g−1 at a current density of 1.0 A g−1 and an energy density of 82.5 Wh kg−1 at a power density of 1000 W kg−1 with an operating voltage of 1.6 V. Thus, the current RGO/NiMoS4 nanocomposite has a great potential for energy storage application.
Motor cortex modulation and reward in children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder
Authors: Detrick Jordan A , Zink Caroline , Rosch Keri Shiels , Horn Paul S , Huddleston David A , Crocetti Deana , Wu Steve W , Pedapati Ernest V , Wassermann Eric M , Mostofsky Stewart H , Gilbert Donald L
Published: May 2021

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, the most prevalent developmental disorder in childhood, is a biologically heterogenous condition characterized by impaired attention and impulse control as well as motoric hyperactivity and anomalous motor skill development. Neuropsychological testing often demonstrates impairments in motivation and reward-related decision making in attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, believed to indicate dysfunction of the dopamine reward pathway. Development of reliable, non-invasive, easily obtained and quantitative biomarkers correlating with the presence and severity of clinical symptoms and impaired domains of function could aid in identifying meaningful attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder subgroups and targeting appropriate treatments. To this end, 55 (37 male) 8–12-year-old children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and 50 (32 male) age-matched, typically-developing controls were enrolled in a transcranial magnetic stimulation protocol—used previously to quantify cortical disinhibition in both attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and Parkinson’s Disease—with a child-friendly reward motivation task. The primary outcomes were reward task-induced changes in short interval cortical inhibition and up-modulation of motor evoked potential amplitudes, evaluated using mixed model, repeated measure regression. Our results show that both reward cues and reward receipt reduce short-interval cortical inhibition, and that baseline differences by diagnosis (less inhibition in attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder) were no longer present when reward was cued or received. Similarly, both reward cues and reward receipt up-modulated motor evoked potential amplitudes, but, differentiating the two groups, this Task-Related-Up-Modulation was decreased in children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Furthermore, more severe hyperactive/impulsive symptoms correlated significantly with less up-modulation with success in obtaining reward. These results suggest that in children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, short interval cortical inhibition may reflect baseline deficiencies as well as processes that normalize performance under rewarded conditions. Task-Related-Up-Modulation may reflect general hypo-responsiveness in attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder to both reward cue and, especially in more hyperactive/impulsive children, to successful reward receipt. These findings support transcranial magnetic stimulation evoked cortical inhibition and task-induced excitability as biomarkers of clinically relevant domains of dysfunction in childhood attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder.
Semblance and Separation: Comparing the Law of Unjust Enrichment in Hong Kong and England
Authors: Lee Arthur R , Yeung Joshua
Published: May 2021

This article provides a comparative overview of the current law of unjust enrichment in Hong Kong, examining how this body of law developed and diverged from its original English roots. Unjust enrichment law in Hong Kong largely mirrors that in England, retaining its nature as a subsidiary cause of action and the four-stage framework for unjust enrichment: (i) enrichment of the defendant; (ii) at the expense of the claimant; (iii) unjust factor; and (iv) defences. Most of the elements of the four-stage framework also follow the English approach, apart from defences to unjust enrichment. In this regard, the legal position in Hong Kong differs from that of England in several ways. The ‘wrongdoer’ and ‘bad faith’ bars to the change of position defence are interpreted far more broadly in Hong Kong. This divergence is unfortunately problematic, as it involves a misreading of previous English jurisprudence, leads to harsh results, and significantly limits the ability of the change of position defence to support the development of the law of restitution. The illegality defence in Hong Kong also differs by following the previous ‘reliance principle’ in Tinsley v Milligan, rather than the ‘range of factors’ approach in Patel v Mirza, especially due to the uncertainty engineered by the latter approach.
Social mobility by parent education and childhood overweight and obesity: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Lin Lizi , Yang-Huang Junwen , Wang Haijun , Santos Susana , van Grieken Amy , Raat Hein
Published: May 2021

Background

The association of social mobility, measured by parent education and childhood overweight and obesity (OWOB) has been scarcely reported on. This study evaluated the associations between social mobility measured by parent education and childhood OWOB at child age 6 and 10 years.

Methods

We analyzed data of 4030 children and parents participating in the Generation R study. We used generalized linear models controlling for potential confounders to determine if social mobility (upward mobility, static-low and static-high based on the change of parent education) was associated with age- and sex-specific standard deviation scores of body mass index (BMI-SDS) or OWOB (the cut-offs of International Obesity Task Force).

Results

Mean BMI-SDS of the children was 0.23 ± 0.89 and 0.26 ± 1.03 at child age 6 and 10 years, respectively; the prevalence of OWOB increased from 15.2 to 17.4%. Compared with children from mothers in the upward mobility group, children from mothers in the static-high group had lower BMI-SDS and lower odds of OWOB at both ages (all P < 0.001). Compared with children from fathers in the upward mobility group, children from fathers in static-low group had higher BMI-SDS and higher odds of OWOB at both ages (all P < 0.05).

Conclusions

Our study contributes to the literature by showing that the behaviors of parents’ obtaining a higher level of education after the child was born may be beneficial to attenuate the odds of the child developing overweight in late childhood.
Differential effects of the immunosuppressive calcineurin inhibitors cyclosporine-A and tacrolimus on ovulation in a murine model
Authors: Zakerkish F , Soriano M J , Novella-Mestre E , Brännström M , Díaz-García C
Published: May 2021

STUDY QUESTION

Do therapeutic levels of cyclosporine-A and tacrolimus affect ovulation in a rat gonadotrophin-induced ovulation model?

SUMMARY ANSWER

Cyclosporine-A, but not tacrolimus, decreases ovulation rate when administered for 5 days before induced ovulation.

WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY

The mainstays of immunosuppression in solid organ transplantation, to prevent rejection, are the calcineurin inhibitors cyclosporine-A or tacrolimus. These drugs could potentially affect fertility in transplanted patients. Since ovulation is an inflammation-like process with pivotal roles for several immune cells and modulators, it is possible that the calcineurin inhibitors, with broad effects on the immune system, could interfere with this sensitive, biological process.

STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION

Experimental design at university-based animal facilities. A total of 45 immature Sprague–Dawley rats were used. The study was carried out over 3 months.

PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS

Immature Sprague–Dawley rats (n = 45) were randomly assigned to receive equivalent doses of tacrolimus (0.5 mg/kg/day; TAC), cyclosporine-A (10 mg/kg/day; CyA) or vehicle (Control). Ovarian hyperstimulation was induced with 10 IU of equine chorionic gonadotrophin, and ovulation was triggered with 10 IU of hCG. Oocytes were retrieved from the oviducts and ovulation rates were calculated. Various subpopulations of white blood cells were counted in peripheral blood and ovarian tissue samples.

MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE

Animals in the CyA group showed a lower ovulation rate when compared to the TAC and Control groups (CyA: mean 9 oocytes (range 0–22); TAC: 21 oocytes (8–41); Control: 22 oocytes (6–39); P = 0.03). Regarding counts of the white blood cell subpopulations and resident neutrophils in the ovary, no significant differences were observed between the groups.

LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION

Although the ovulation process is highly conserved within species, the differences between rodents and humans may limit the external translatability of the study.

WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS

These findings suggest that tacrolimus should be the preferred calcineurin inhibitor of choice in transplanted patients who are aiming for pregnancy.

STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S)

Swedish Research Council and ALF of Sahlgrenska Academy, Sweden. Rio Hortega Grant from the Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Spain (CM09/00063). There are no conflicts of interest.
Transthoracic aorto-axillary extra-anatomical bypass for difficult subclavian artery revascularization: a multicenter patency study
Authors: Laurin Charles , Chu Michael W A , Appoo Jehangir J , Dagenais François ,   the Canadian Thoracic Aortic Collaborative (CTAC)
Published: May 2021

In situ revascularization of the subclavian artery can be challenging in the context of emergency situations, a large aortic aneurysm with a posteriorly displaced left subclavian artery, a complex redo procedure or in the presence of an aberrant subclavian artery. A transthoracic aorto-axillary extra-anatomical bypass is a low risk alternative to in situ revascularization or carotid to subclavian bypass. We herein describe the surgical steps during a single-stage surgery complex aortic arch surgery. We report a 95.3% graft patency for 77 consecutive transthoracic aorto-axillary extra-anatomical bypass performed to 66 patients at the mean follow-up of 2.9 ± 2.4 years. We encountered 3 early (before 180 days postop) graft failures and no late graft failure. Graft failure had no clinical significance.
Liver stiffness change with HCV cure in HIV-infected patients on non-nucleoside analogues
Authors: Gonzalez-Serna A. , Corma-Gomez A. , Tellez F. , García-Martin S. , Rivero-Juarez A. , Frias M. , Vera-Méndez F. J. , De los Santos I. , Merino D. , Morano L. , Imaz A. , Galera C. , Serrano M. , Macias J. , Pineda J. A.
Published: May 2021

Background

Liver stiffness (LS) at sustained viral response (SVR) is strongly associated with a lower incidence of subsequent hepatic events. HIV NNRTIs may have a beneficial impact on fibrogenesis.

Objectives

Our aim was to analyse the influence of NNRTI-based therapy on the change in LS from starting direct-acting antiviral (DAA) therapy to achieving SVR in HIV/HCV-coinfected patients.

Methods

Three hundred and thirteen HIV/HCV-coinfected patients who fulfilled the following criteria were included: (i) had achieved SVR with an IFN-free, DAA-including regimen; (ii) LS ≥9.5 kPa before therapy; (iii) LS measurement available at SVR; (iv) seronegative for HBsAg; and (v) ART containing 2 NRTIs plus either 1 NNRTI or 1 integrase inhibitor (INI) or 1–2 NRTIs plus 1 PI. LS changes were assessed.

Results

Seventy-four patients received NNRTI-based combinations [53 (71.6%) rilpivirine and 16 (21.6%) efavirenz] and 239 patients received other regimens. At baseline, the median (IQR) LS was 16.7 kPa (11.8–25.6) in the NNRTI group and 17.3 kPa (11.9–27.4) in the non-NNRTI group (P = 0.278). The median (IQR) percentage of LS decrease from baseline to SVR was 35.2% (18.2%–52.3%) for NNRTI-based therapy and 29.5% (10%–45.9%) for PI- or INI-based therapy (P = 0.018). In multivariate analysis, adjusted for sex, age, HCV genotype, NRTI backbone and propensity score for HIV therapy, NNRTI-based regimen use was associated with a higher LS decrease [β = 11.088 (95% CI = 1.67–20.51); P = 0.021].

Conclusions

Treatment with NNRTI plus 2 NRTI combinations is associated with a higher LS decline than other ART combinations in HIV/HCV-coinfected patients receiving DAA-based therapy.
Optimizing gender-affirming medical care through anatomical inventories, clinical decision support, and population health management in electronic health record systems
Authors: Grasso Chris , Goldhammer Hilary , Thompson Julie , Keuroghlian Alex S
Published: May 2021

Recent advances in electronic health records and health information technology are providing new opportunities to improve the quality of care for transgender and gender diverse people, a population that experiences significant health disparities. This article recommends changes to electronic health record systems that have the potential to optimize gender-affirming care. Specifically, we discuss the importance of creating an anatomical inventory form that captures organ diversity, and of developing clinical decision support tools and population health management systems that consider each patient’s gender identity, sex assigned at birth, and anatomy.