bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
BASS. XXV. DR2 Broad-line-based Black Hole Mass Estimates and Biases from Obscuration
Authors: Mejía-Restrepo Julian E. , Trakhtenbrot Benny , Koss Michael J. , Oh Kyuseok , den Brok Jakob , Stern Daniel , Powell Meredith C. , Ricci Federica , Caglar Turgay , Ricci Claudio , Bauer Franz E. , Treister Ezequiel , Harrison Fiona A. , Urry C. M. , Ananna Tonima Tasnim , Asmus Daniel , Assef Roberto J. , Bär Rudolf E. , Bessiere Patricia S. , Burtscher Leonard , Ichikawa Kohei , Kakkad Darshan , Kamraj Nikita , Mushotzky Richard , Privon George C. , Rojas Alejandra F. , Sani Eleonora , Schawinski Kevin , Veilleux Sylvain
Published: July 2022

We present measurements of broad emission lines and virial estimates of supermassive black hole masses (M
BH) for a large sample of ultrahard X-ray-selected active galactic nuclei (AGNs) as part of the second data release of the BAT AGN Spectroscopic Survey (BASS/DR2). Our catalog includes M
BH estimates for a total of 689 AGNs, determined from the Hα, Hβ, Mg ii
λ2798, and/or C iv
λ1549 broad emission lines. The core sample includes a total of 512 AGNs drawn from the 70 month Swift/BAT all-sky catalog. We also provide measurements for 177 additional AGNs that are drawn from deeper Swift/BAT survey data. We study the links between M
BH estimates and line-of-sight obscuration measured from X-ray spectral analysis. We find that broad Hα emission lines in obscured AGNs (

log
(

N

H

/

cm

−
2

)
>
22.0

) are on average a factor of

8.0

−
2.4

+
4.1

weaker relative to ultrahard X-ray emission and about

35

−
12

+
7

% narrower than those in unobscured sources (i.e.,

log
(

N

H

/

cm

−
2

)
<
21.5

). This indicates that the innermost part of the broad-line region is preferentially absorbed. Consequently, current single-epoch M
BH prescriptions result in severely underestimated (>1 dex) masses for Type 1.9 sources (AGNs with broad Hα but no broad Hβ) and/or sources with

log
(

N

H

/

cm

−
2

)
≳
22.0

. We provide simple multiplicative corrections for the observed luminosity and width of the broad Hα component (L[bHα] and FWHM[bHα]) in such sources to account for this effect and to (partially) remedy M
BH estimates for Type 1.9 objects. As a key ingredient of BASS/DR2, our work provides the community with the data needed to further study powerful AGNs in the low-redshift universe.
BASS. XXII. The BASS DR2 AGN Catalog and Data
Authors: Koss Michael J. , Ricci Claudio , Trakhtenbrot Benny , Oh Kyuseok , den Brok Jakob S. , Mejía-Restrepo Julian E. , Stern Daniel , Privon George C. , Treister Ezequiel , Powell Meredith C. , Mushotzky Richard , Bauer Franz E. , Ananna Tonima T. , Baloković Mislav , Bär Rudolf E. , Becker George , Bessiere Patricia , Burtscher Leonard , Caglar Turgay , Congiu Enrico , Evans Phil , Harrison Fiona , Heida Marianne , Ichikawa Kohei , Kamraj Nikita , Lamperti Isabella , Pacucci Fabio , Ricci Federica , Riffel Rogério , Rojas Alejandra F. , Schawinski Kevin , Temple Matthew J. , Urry C. Megan , Veilleux Sylvain , Williams Jonathan
Published: July 2022

We present the active galactic nucleus (AGN) catalog and optical spectroscopy for the second data release of the Swift BAT AGN Spectroscopic Survey (BASS DR2). With this DR2 release we provide 1449 optical spectra, of which 1182 are released for the first time, for the 858 hard-X-ray-selected AGNs in the Swift BAT 70-month sample. The majority of the spectra (801/1449, 55%) are newly obtained from Very Large Telescope (VLT)/X-shooter or Palomar/Doublespec. Many of the spectra have both higher resolution (R > 2500, N ∼ 450) and/or very wide wavelength coverage (3200–10000 Å, N ∼ 600) that are important for a variety of AGN and host galaxy studies. We include newly revised AGN counterparts for the full sample and review important issues for population studies, with 47 AGN redshifts determined for the first time and 790 black hole mass and accretion rate estimates. This release is spectroscopically complete for all AGNs (100%, 858/858), with 99.8% having redshift measurements (857/858) and 96% completion in black hole mass estimates of unbeamed AGNs (722/752). This AGN sample represents a unique census of the brightest hard-X-ray-selected AGNs in the sky, spanning many orders of magnitude in Eddington ratio (L/L
Edd = 10−5–100), black hole mass (M
BH = 105–1010
M
⊙), and AGN bolometric luminosity (L
bol = 1040–1047 erg s−1 ).
BASS. XXI. The Data Release 2 Overview
Authors: Koss Michael J. , Trakhtenbrot Benny , Ricci Claudio , Bauer Franz E. , Treister Ezequiel , Mushotzky Richard , Urry C. Megan , Ananna Tonima T. , Baloković Mislav , den Brok Jakob S. , Cenko S. Bradley , Harrison Fiona , Ichikawa Kohei , Lamperti Isabella , Lein Amy , Mejía-Restrepo Julian E. , Oh Kyuseok , Pacucci Fabio , Pfeifle Ryan W. , Powell Meredith C. , Privon George C. , Ricci Federica , Salvato Mara , Schawinski Kevin , Shimizu Taro , Smith Krista L. , Stern Daniel
Published: July 2022

The BAT AGN Spectroscopic Survey (BASS) is designed to provide a highly complete census of the key physical parameters of the supermassive black holes (SMBHs) that power local active galactic nuclei (AGNs) (z ≲ 0.3), including their bolometric luminosity (L
bol), black hole (BH) mass (M
BH), accretion rates (L
bol/L
Edd), line-of-sight gas obscuration (N
H), and the distinctive properties of their host galaxies (e.g., star formation rates, masses, and gas fractions). We present an overview of the second data release of BASS (DR2), an unprecedented spectroscopic AGN survey in spectral range, resolution, and sensitivity, including 1449 optical (∼3200 Å–1 μm) and 233 near-IR (1–2.5 μm) spectra for the brightest 858 ultrahard X-ray (14–195 keV) selected AGNs across the entire sky and essentially all levels of obscuration. This release provides a highly complete set of key measurements (emission-line measurements and central velocity dispersions), with 99.9% measured redshifts and 98% BH masses estimated (for unbeamed AGNs outside the Galactic plane). The BASS DR2 AGN sample represents a unique census of nearby powerful AGNs, spanning over 5 orders of magnitude in AGN bolometric luminosity (L
bol ∼ 1040–1047 erg s−1), BH mass (M
BH ∼ 105–1010
M
⊙), Eddington ratio (L
bol/L
Edd ≳ 10−5), and obscuration (N
H ∼ 1020–1025 cm−2). The public BASS DR2 sample and measurements can thus be used to answer fundamental questions about SMBH growth and its links to host galaxy evolution and feedback in the local universe, as well as open questions concerning SMBH physics. Here we provide a brief overview of the survey strategy, the key BASS DR2 measurements, data sets and catalogs, and scientific highlights from a series of DR2-based works pursued by the BASS team.
Determinants of Hypertension Proxy in Community, Indonesia
Authors: Sridani Ni Wayan , Palesa Hayati , Sabir Muhammad , Munir Muhammad Ardi , Setyawai Tri , Fauzan Fauzan , Devi Ratna
Published: July 2022

Background: Hypertension is a high-risk health problem and leads to cardiovascular diseases such as heart attack, heart failure, stroke, and kidney disease. This study aimed to determine the proxy determinants of hypertension in the Kawatuna community. Methods: an observational analytic study with a cross-sectional approach, with a population of 2,943 people, and the sample was taken using the Slovin formula; the sample size was 352 respondents by purposive sampling. Bivariate data analysis used the Chi-Square test at a significance level of p = 0.05 and analyzed the relationship between the multivariate determinant variables with logistic regression analysis. Results: the significant variable on the incidence of prehypertension was the genetic variable with p-value = 0.043 and RRR = 2.31. The variables that had a significant relationship with the incidence of hypertension were genetics with a p-value = 0.000 and gender with a p-value = 0.012. Respondents with a family history of hypertension had a greater risk of 5.9 times than those without family hypertension. The male gender had a risk of 3.68 times compared to female respondents. Conclusion: The determinants of hypertension proxy in the Kawatuna community are genetics and gender.
The Experience of Caregivers with First-Episode Psychosis Children at General Hospital of Dumai, Riau Province
Authors: Rajagukguk Sartika , Suryani Suryani , Sutini Titin , Tasijawa Fandro Armando
Published: July 2022

BACKGROUND: Caregivers with first-episode psychosis (FEP) children often encounter problems and challenges. The importance of caregiver role in managing FEP appropriately will influence the life quality of a person with psychosis.

AIM: The study aimed to explore the experience of caregivers who have children with FEP at General Hospital of Dumai.

METHODS: The study was a qualitative study with a phenomenology approach. In-depth interviews were conducted with eight primary caregivers aged 41–58 years with FEP children at General Hospital of Dumai. The interview transcript was analyzed using the Colaizzi method.

RESULTS: Based on the study, five essential themes emerged, for example, caring for FEP is harder than looking after a thousand buffaloes, mixed feelings, believing that the child experiences mystical things, the extended family is a supporter in caring for FEP, and praying and surrender to God.

CONCLUSION: The implications for nursing practice are implementing support group therapy and family psychoeducation programs for reduce the caregiver burden.
Reaching Consensus on Global Health Competencies for Undergraduate Nurses in Indonesia: A Delphi Study
Authors: Yauri Indriani , Mediani Henny Suzana , Sumenge Dionysius
Published: July 2022

BACKGROUND: Trends in the era of globalization show an increasing need for nurses to have the Global Health Competencies (GHC) so as to enable them to address global health problems particularly in the pandemic Covid-19. However, evidence-based information about relevance and feasibility of these competencies for undergraduate nursing students in Indonesia is very limited. AIM: This study aims to achieve consensus among experts on global health competencies for Indonesian undergraduate nursing students. METHODS: Using the 2-rounds Delphi method in a sequential mixed-method design, a total of 35 nursing experts voluntarily participated in the study. Six experts participated in the first round, and 29 others were in the second round, hence the collection of Quantitative and qualitative data. The Item Content Validation Index (I-CVI) = 0.78 and Scale Content Validation Index (S-CVI) = 0.9 were used to determine the level of agreement among the experts. RESULTS: At the end of round 2, an agreement was reached on the 9 GHC domains. However, from the original 44 competencies there were 5 competencies that was excluded in the first round and 3 competencies in the second round. These results were supported by the most frequent comments from the experts that these competencies were lacking in clarity, suitability and irrelevant to undergraduate nurses’ competencies. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, this study has resulted in an agreement among experts regarding global health competencies for undergraduate nursing students in Indonesia. It is predicted that the findings of this study can contribute to the development of global health competencies in the nursing profession. Having these competencies will enable nurses to participate in overcoming global health problems. Validation of the new GHC by larger groups of nursing educators and graduate users is required. Keywords: Delphi, global health competencies, Indonesia, nurses.
Morphological characteristics and phylogenetic evidence reveal two new species of Acremonium (Hypocreales, Sordariomycetes)
Authors: Li Xin , Zhang Zhi-Yuan , Ren Yu-Lian , Chen Wan-Hao , Liang Jian-Dong , Pan Ji-Mei , Huang Jian-Zhong , Liang Zong-Qi , Han Yan-Feng
Published: July 2022

Using chicken feathers as bait, Acremonium globosisporumsp. nov. and Acremonium curvumsp. nov. were collected from the soil of Yuncheng East Garden Wildlife Zoo and Zhengzhou Zoo in China. They were identified by combining the morphological characteristics and the two-locus DNA sequence (LSU and ITS) analyses. In the phylogenetic tree, both new species clustered into separate subclades, respectively. They were different from their allied species in their morphology. The description, illustrations, and phylogenetic tree of the two new species were provided.
Evaluation of the use of CRISPR loci for discrimination of Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica serovar Enteritidis strains recovered in Canada and comparison with other subtyping methods
Authors: Nadin-Davis Susan , Pope Louise , Devenish John , Allain Ray , Ogunremi Dele
Published: July 2022

Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica serovar Enteritidis remains one of the most important foodborne pathogens worldwide. To minimise its public health impact when outbreaks of the disease occur, timely investigation to identify and recall the contaminated food source is necessary. Central to this approach is the need for rapid and accurate identification of the bacterial subtype epidemiologically linked to the outbreak. While traditional methods of S. Enteritidis subtyping, such as pulsed field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) and phage typing (PT), have played an important role, the clonal nature of this organism has spurred efforts to improve subtyping resolution and timeliness through molecular based approaches. This study uses a cohort of 92 samples, recovered from a variety of sources, to compare these two traditional methods for S. Enteritidis subtyping with recently developed molecular techniques. These latter methods include the characterisation of two clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) loci, either in isolation or together with sequence analysis of virulence genes such as fimH. For comparison, another molecular technique developed in this laboratory involved the scoring of 60 informative single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) distributed throughout the genome. Based on both the number of subtypes identified and Simpson's index of diversity, the CRISPR method was the least discriminatory and not significantly improved with the inclusion of fimH gene sequencing. While PT analysis identified the most subtypes, the SNP-PCR process generated the greatest index of diversity value. Combining methods consistently improved the number of subtypes identified, with the SNP/CRISPR typing scheme generating a level of diversity comparable with that of PT/PFGE. While these molecular methods, when combined, may have significant utility in real-world situations, this study suggests that CRISPR analysis alone lacks the discriminatory capability required to support investigations of foodborne disease outbreaks.
Fuzzy Logic Inference-Based Automated Water Irrigation System
Authors: Patel Usha , Oza Parita Rajiv , Revdiwala Riya , Haveliwala Utsav Mukeshchandra , Agrawal Smita , Kathiria Preeti
Published: July 2022

To fulfill the food interest of consistently expanding populace of our planet, it is important to do essential in the field of agribusiness. Traditional techniques for water systems like trench, wells, and precipitation are tedious and occasional. With the help of an automated water irrigation system the water, energy, and time can be moderated. This paper presents fuzzy rule logic inference-based automated water system framework. The soil moisture, weather forecast, crop status, and water-tank level are taken as input parameters. Soil moisture and water tank level can be recorded by utilizing sensors. The fuzzy logic-based system uses eighty-one rules to identify the amount of time to irrigate the fields. The emphasis is to solve agricultural problems by employing symbolic logic and to develop a system using computer science and mathematical logic. The use of such an automated system will decline costs, water prerequisite, and give power streamlining, with expanded proficiency.
OMIEEPB
Authors: Nasurulla I.  , Kaniezhil R.
Published: July 2022

Wireless Sensor Network is made up by full of nodes and base stations. It is used in many real time applications to observe the physical or environmental constraints. The main goal (intention) of the routing protocols is to shrink the consumption of nodes energy and expand the nodes life time. Among many routing protocols, PEGASIS provides efficient performance. EEPB has a long chain linking problem and that is rectified by IEEPB, high density node and heavy load to leader in IEEPB are overcome by MIEEPB. In existing model, the sink needs to visit every chain leader's location to get the data consumes more energy and time. To overcome this issue, OMIEEPB protocol is proposed to identify centroid of nearest possible chains through K-means clustering algorithm. Then the mobile sink will get the data from nearest possible leaders without travelling to each chain. If the chain count is more than 12, then another mobile needs to be employed for sharing the load of the existing sink. The proposed model will comparatively reduce the time of each round and energy of the mobile sink spend.
Participation in Software Development
Authors: Harvey Francis , Moldovan Aura , Losang Eric , Leibert Tim , Turchenko Maria , Simon Nicola , Bender Rowenia
Published: July 2022

Participatory planning holds important lessons for improving local government capabilities and responsiveness, but overall procedural regulations and statutory frameworks make its relevance for participatory IT development often just a matter of compliance. Developing analytical visualisations to support local government faces significant challenges because of the complexity and uncertainty about long-term benefits. We designed the process and local government staff understood their participation in an organised process. After each segment and the programming implementation, a new version of the software integrates improvements for participants.The participation process involved staff from ultimately 18 local governments. Participation became a verb describing the process that informed the directions to which we took up local government input.
Requirements Formulation Neglect as a Major Cause of Poor Data Quality in Information Systems
Authors: Moon Jenghyearn , Liu Kecheng
Published: July 2022

This is a report on how much lack or neglect of requirements formulation affects data quality in information systems. The issue of data quality in information systems is centred around their conceptual data models as they capture all the data perspectives that the systems manage. Investigations on case studies in a way of triangulation were attempted to find out that there are over 30% (near 40%) of unnecessary data replication or redundancy when elicitation of requirements is poor, which is serious enough to impel the success or failure of information systems.
Environmental Challenges of a Brazilian Basic Health Unit in Managing Sharp Waste Produced by Diabetics in Domestic Use
Authors: Aquino Simone , Cavalcante Cristiane das Graças Dias , Zajac Maria Antonietta Leitão , Lopes Evandro Luiz
Published: July 2022

The goal of this study was to analyze the management and reverse logistics of sharp wastes, such as needle syringes and lancets, from domestic use by insulin-dependent diabetics, which were attended by the Brazilian Unified Health System. This is an exploratory case study, carried out by from data collected from 233 insulin-dependent diabetics and interviews with a health professional from October 2014 to September 2015. It was estimated that, in one year, 68% of insulin users received standard biosafety boxes below the necessary quantity for the disposal of needles syringes and lancets. Around 1,300 kg of sharp wastes were generated and only 1831 boxes were distributed, showing a deficit in the reverse logistic system and indicating that sharp residues were incorrectly disposed of in residential garbage. It is necessary a new Brazilian model to distribute the standard biosafety boxes to diabetics to guarantee the correct environmental disposal of sharp wastes
The Study of the Impact of Iron and Sulfur Containing Additives on the Strength Properties of Sulfur Containing Binders
Authors: Sokolova Yulia A. , Akulova Marina , Isakulov Baizak , Sokolova Alla G. , Isakulov Abilkhair
Published: July 2022

In the present paper, there were considered the issues of developing optimal compositions and the study of the impact of sulfur addition on strength properties of sulfur containing binders for building materials. The purpose of the research is the development of scientific principles of physical and chemical mechanics for detoxification of wastes produced by oil-processing and metallurgical industries while obtaining sulfur containing binders with enhanced adhesive and strength properties altered by the directed mechanochemical effects. While carrying out the scientific research, there have been used standard measurement methods and the methods of analysis of physical and mechanical properties of sulfur containing binding compositions obtained by the contemporary methods of analysis and testing equipment. As the result of the research, new binding substances with improved adhesive properties have been obtained and sulfur containing structural materials with the complex of enhanced physical and mechanical properties have been developed on their basis.
Possibility of the Use of Ground Glass Break in the Production of Aerated Concrete
Authors: Samchenko Svetlana V. , Zaitseva A.A.
Published: July 2022

The possibility of using breakage of technical glass in conjunction with liquid glass to obtain aerated concrete by low-power technology is considered. The necessary strength is provided by finely ground unsorted breakage of technical glass with a specific surface area of 450, 500 and 550 m2/kg. The compressive strength of aerated concrete samples is 0.08; 0.25 and 1.8 MPa, and the bending strength is 0.04; 0.08 and 0.33 MPa, accordingly. The optimum is grinding to a specific surface area of 500-550 m2/kg, a finer grinding is irrational, because it does not lead to a significant increase in the surface of the particles. It is shown that the use of only finely ground cullet in the composition of aerated concrete is not effective, since the density of the samples increases with a significant decrease in strength due to the fragility of the interpore partitions. At the same time, thermal conductivity increases and the operating temperature range decreases to 400 °C, due to an increase in the fusibility of the material. It is necessary to reinforce the resulting partitions for the formation of a dense and durable structure. For this, it is proposed to use crushed cullet with particle size modulus 0.945. It has been experimentally established that the ratio between finely ground and crushed cullet should be in the range of 1.97 - 2.24. This ratio of components provides the necessary strength for aerated concrete based on liquid glass and unsorted broken technical glass. With an average density of aerated concrete in a dry state of 150 - 320 kg/m3, the compressive strength is might be up to 2.0 MPa and the bending strength is might be up to 0.38 MPa. The aerated concrete obtained in this work had a thermal conductivity coefficient of 0.05 – 0.09 W/(m°C), with an operating temperature range of-60 ... + 800 °C.
Forecast of the Durability of Shore Structures Made of Reinforced Concrete
Authors: Fedosov Sergey Viktorovich , Bulgakov Boris I. , Krasilnikov I.V. , Hung Ngo Xuan , Lam Tang Van
Published: July 2022

This paper considers the basic methods of physical-mathematical modeling that are used to describe the processes of non-stationary mass transfer of "free calcium hydroxide" in concrete structures placed in a liquid environment with a defined flow rate. The boundary value problem of "free calcium hydroxide" mass conductivity in dimensionless variables is obtained. To demonstrate the possibilities of the obtained solution, we will carry out a numerical experiment: in which the fluctuation in the field of dimensionless concentrations by the different values of the Fourier number, in accordance with the theory of similarity, will be considered as an indicator of the process time. The study indicated the results of calculating the concentration distributions "free calcium hydroxide" over the dimensionless thickness of the concrete structure at Fourier numbers 0.01; 0.1; 0.2; 0.5 and 1. The study also provides an example of determining the time of reaching the coastal structure surface critical concentration "of free calcium hydroxide" leading to the beginning of high-basic cement concrete. Analysis of the solution also makes it possible to determine the duration of the service life of a reinforced concrete structure, which is determined by the processes occurring at the interface: in concrete - mass conductivity (k), and in the liquid phase - mass transfer (β).
Influence of Nature of Pigments and Dyes on Coloring Properties of Polymeric Superconcentrates
Authors: Blyznyuk Oleksandr , Vasilchenko Alexey , Danilin Olexandr , Darmofal Eleonora
Published: July 2022

The article considers methods of manufacturing non-toxic films of a given color that meet technological requirements. The problem of reducing the shrinkage of the colored polymer in the casting mould during cooling and maintaining its technical characteristics is experimentally solved. To this end, the influence of the nature of pigments on the degree of polymer coloring is studied, and ways to improve the quality of color are investigated. The object of the study was selected pigment concentrate based on high pressure polyethylene brand 15803-003. The pigment has chosen technical carbon grades N220, P803. Surfactants were modifying additives. Tests of samples to determine the light fastness of dye, migration resistance, the number of agglomerates of pigments, toughness and strength, physical and mechanical properties showed that the most effective additive to improve the coloring properties of soot pigment brand N220 and improve the appearance of finished products introduced into the superconcentrate calcium stearate, which at the stage of mixing in the extruder acts as a surfactant and prevents the adhesion of the pigment and the formation of agglomerates in the polymer melt.
Electrospun SiO2- Containing Poly(Vinylidene Fluoride) Nanofiber Membranes as Lithium-Ion Battery Separators: Effect of SiO2 Content on Performance
Authors: Widiyandari Hendri , Ilham Berlian Muhammad , Putra Oki Ade , Suryana Risa
Published: July 2022

A separator is one of the main components of lithium-ion batteries. It separates the cathode and anode while allowing the exchange of ions, and reduces the risk of a short circuit that can cause battery failure. In this study, membranes consisting of electrospun, SiO2-containing, poly(vinylidene fluoride) nanofibers were synthesized for use as separators in lithium-ion batteries. Moreover, this study investigated the effect of the volume of colloidal SiO2 (1, 2, and 3 mL) in the precursor (a PVDF/SiO2 solution containing 10 mL of PVDF solution) on the properties of an associated nanofiber membrane and its performance in a coin cell battery. It was found that the porosity, mechanical strength, and thermal resistance of PVDF/SiO2 nanofiber membranes increase with the increasing volume of colloidal SiO2 in the precursor. The PVDF/SiO2 precursor containing 3 mL SiO2 produces an optimal membrane separator with a porosity of 67%, thermal shrinkage ratio of 1.3%, and elongation at break of 24%. These results show that PVDF/SiO2 separators have higher porosity rates than pp and PE membrane separators. Furthermore, the corresponding coin cell battery achieves the highest charge and discharge capacities, i.e., 2.36 and 1.36 mAh/g, respectively.
Evaluation of Pozzolanic Activity of Mineral Additives for Hydraulic Concrete
Authors: Larsen Oksana , Samchenko Svetlana V. , Bakhrakh Anton , Polozov Artyom
Published: July 2022

High the quality and reliability of hydraulic engineering construction is the basis of civil engineering technology. The use of mineral additives in hydraulic concrete decreases heat dissipation, contribute to a reduced adiabatic rise in the temperature of concrete, improve its performance characteristics and increase durability. Application of such materials will reduce binder consumption without the decrease of concrete properties and mostly even impoving the properties of mortar and concrete. An indirect method of pozzolanic activity evaluation of low-calcium fly ash, volcanic slag, volcanic tuff and waste basalt powder was applied in the study. The investigation shows that volcanic slag is additive with the least volume increase at age of 30 days and it has high pozzolanic properties. The results show that it can be used as base pozzolanic additive for economically and technologically effective hydraulic concrete, superior to non-additive concrete. Use of pozzolanic additives will positively affect the environment due to Portland cement use decrease and the utilization of waste dumps, decrease cost of concrete and a more rational use of natural resources and sustainable development.
Relevance and Efficiency of Using Nanosized Particles in Structuring Cement Pastes
Authors: Kozlova Irina V. , Samchenko Svetlana V. , Zemskova Olga V. , Dudareva Marina O.
Published: July 2022

The relevance of the use of nanosized particles in the structuring of cement pastes is due to the ability at the micro level to control the processes occurring during the hardening of cement. And it also provides the ability to purposefully control the composition of hydrated neoplasms. Plasticizer-stabilized aqueous suspensions of nanosized particles of non-hydraulically active materials in a cement matrix cause forced crystallization of hydrated neoplasms from a supersaturated liquid phase. And they act as seeds introduced from the outside, on the surface of which neoplasms are concentrated, that subsequently combine into conglomerates that make up the structure of a cement stone. The formation of the structure of the cement matrix occurs without the formation of large the portlandite fields, which are typical for no additive portland cement. The structure of a cement stone with nanosized particles is represented by poorly crystallized flaky calcium hydrosilicates. It was found that the degree of hydration of cements with suspensions of nanoparticles is 15-18% higher. The efficiency of using nanosized particles in structuring cement pastes is giving the cement paste mobility in the initial period of hydration and the possibility of plasticizing it without blocking the surface of cement particles with surfactants. On the other hand, it makes it possible to obtain dense and durable structures of a cement matrix with improved physical and mechanical characteristics. The porosity of cements with suspensions is lower on 15 - 20%, and after 28 days of hardening it is lower on 20 - 35% than that of non-additive cement. And the strength of the samples after 24 hours increased 1.5 - 1.8 times (from 19.5 to 27 - 34 MPa), at the brand age by 15 - 24% (from 64 to 75 - 80 MPa)
The amazing genetic complexity of anucleated platelets
Authors: Bury Loredana , Gresele Paolo
Published: July 2022

Not available
Evaluation of the factors contributing to success of pelvic floor muscle training in stress urinary incontinence
Authors: Hidayah Gita Nurul , Hakim Surahman , Moegni Fernandi , Ibrahim Nurhadi , Santoso Budi Iman , Djusad Suskhan , Priyatini Tyas , Meutia Alfa Putri
Published: July 2022

Pelvic Floor Muscle Training (PFMT) is an effective, non-invasive, and cost-effective treatment for Stress Urinary Incontinence (SUI). However, its success rate varies. We evaluated the factors predicting success in PFMT, such as age, initial urinary leakage, initial pelvic floor muscle contraction strength, urethral hypermobility, and myostatin level. A nested case-control study was conducted at Dr. Cipto Mangunkusumo hospital between February and October 2021. We evaluated demographic characteristics, UDI-6 and IIQ-7 questionnaire scores, physical exam, pad weight test, urethral hypermobility ultrasound, perineometry, myostatin level, and we instructed the subjects in PFMT according to a guidebook. After 12 weeks of PFMT, we evaluated therapy success, defined as less than 3g on the pad weight test. The study involved 58 women: 5 subjects dropped out, 47 subjects reached treatment success, and 6 subjects did not reach treatment success. Following bivariate analysis, we found that initial pad weight was the only variable that was significantly associated with treatment success (p=0.001, 95% CI: 1.02 – 2.25). The PFMT success rate was 88.68%, and initial urine leakage lower than 6.5g predicts PMFT success with 80.9% sensitivity and 83.3% specificity (p=0.001, 95% CI1.02–2.25).
Residents as teachers: The concept, rationale and challenges
Authors: Al Fahim Maha , Saleh Abdulkarim
Published: July 2022

Majority of the physicians including residents who teach had received no formal training in teaching. Consequently, they utilize skills obtained from their own experiences when they teach. Numerous reasons and benefits for providing residents with formal teaching training have been suggested. Accrediting and certifying bodies have recognized the importance of residents as teachers, conferring priority to residents teaching ability. Residents should receive formal instruction that is tailored to both their specialty and need. As teaching can be learned and refined over time, it needs to be reinforced with review sessions designed according to needs, experience and years of training. Effective resident educators will ultimately mature to competent physicians. Such physicians who can educate both their patients, their families, and improve patients' care. In this article, we reflect on the current status in conventional settings, new and emerging practices in fostering an educational role for residents and explore the various modules of such practices and the potential for introducing these practices into newer regions.
First line anlotinib plus liposomal doxorubicin for locally advanced or metastatic soft tissue sarcoma
Authors: Sun Xin , Zhang Ranxin , Xu Jie , Xie Lu , Guo Wei
Published: July 2022

Objective:

To examine the efficacy and safety of anlotinib as first- line therapy to treat locally advanced or metastatic soft-tissue sarcoma.

Methods:

This is a single-arm trial. Treatment-naïve patients (≥14 years) with locally advanced or metastatic soft tissue sarcoma were eligible. Each treatment cycle lasted for 3 weeks, and included liposomal doxorubicin (40-50 mg/m2) on day 1 and anlotinib (12 mg) on days 8-21. Starting from the 9th cycle, treatment consisted of only anlotinib. Treatment continued until disease progression or intolerable toxicities. The primary efficacy end point was progression-free survival (PFS).

Results:

Eight patients were enrolled between July 25, 2019 and January 8, 2020. The median number of treatment cycles was 5.5. Within 5.9 months median follow-up, PFS events occurred in 4 (4/8, 50%) patients. The median PFS was 11.3 months and the 6-month PFS rate was 56%. No patients attained complete response and 2 patients (fibrosarcoma, 1 patient and undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma, 1 patient) achieved partial response. Three patients (fibrosarcoma, 2 patients and synovial sarcoma, 1 patient) had stable disease. The objective response rate was 25% (2/8) for the study population, and the disease control rate was 75% (6/8). No new safety concerns emerged.

Conclusions:

Anlotinib plus liposomal doxorubicin demonstrated antitumor activities in previously untreated locally advanced or metastatic soft tissue sarcomas. Due to the small sample size, further investigations with a larger population should be undertaken to confirm the study findings.
Biopharmaceuticals for prevention of COVID-19
Authors: Farjami Afsaneh , Montazersaheb Soheila , Soofiyani Saiedeh Razi , Akbarzadehlaleh Parvin , Salatin Sara
Published: July 2022

The COVID-19 epidemic caused by SARS-CoV-2 virus has turned into a worldwide pandemic. Therefore, health officials all around the world have strived for developing efficient preventive and treatment methods to deal with this global crisis. Amongst them, monoclonal antibodies, anti-TNFs, and convalescent plasma appear to be effective against this disease. In addition, clinical trials are currently being conducted for viral targeting vaccines. This review summarizes major advances using biopharmaceuticals in the treatment and prevention strategies against COVID-19 that have occurred in the global medicinal system from its introduction until March 2022.
Effectiveness of Thermal Screening for COVID-19
Authors: Rajiva Colonel , Singh Pardall Maninder Pal , Kandukuri Venkata A. , Bobdey Saurabh
Published: July 2022

Introduction:

Fever is a common symptom in most infections, and its rapid identification forms a major component of screening efforts. Such screening has been carried out by several countries during the SARS outbreak in 2003 and during the influenza A (H1N1) 2009 pandemic.

Materials and Methods:

Infrared scanner-based non-contact (IRSBNC) thermometer was used to measure the forehead skin temperature. A conventional mercury thermometer was used to measure the core body temperature. Verbal informed consent was obtained from all the study subjects. Data collection was unlinked and anonymous, thereby maintaining privacy and confidentiality. A large sample size of 414 study subjects was taken. Data so collected were subject to appropriate statistical tests. The same data were utilized to run a simulation-based Susceptible Exposed Infected and Recovered (SEIR) model regarding the percentage of infectors likely to escape thermal screening and its epidemiological impact using MATLAB software.

Results:

The mean forehead skin temperature of the study subjects as measured by an IRSBNC thermometer was 96.79°F. The mean oral temperature of the study subjects as measured by a conventional mercury thermometer was 97.33°F. The difference between the two means was statistically significant with a t-value of 8.16 (P < 0.01). The forehead skin temperature as measured by an IRSBNC thermometer and oral temperature as measured by a conventional mercury thermometer showed a poor correlation coefficient of 0.11. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value (NPV) of IRSBNC thermometer work out to 0.5384, 0.7087, 0.1102, and 0.9581, respectively. The false positive rate is 0.2912; and the false negative rate is 0.0309. The values of sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, NPV, false positive rate, and false negative rate of IRSBNC thermometer estimated using standard statistical tests are not much different from the results obtained by the simulation-based model.

Conclusion:

Based on the previous literature available and on the findings of the present study, which have been further validated by running a simulation-based model, the workers recommend that not too much reliance be placed on thermal screening by the IRSBNC thermometer. IRSBNC thermometers are of limited utility in thermal screening for Covid-19.
Ramadan fasting in health and disease (2019): A narrative review
Authors: Ali Khawla , Abdulla Sara , Badi Amal , Hafidh Khadija , Beshyah Salem
Published: July 2022

Introduction: Literature on the health aspects of Ramadan fasting (RF) is widespread in many journals, making it less readily available to those interested in the subject. Materials and Methods: This is a narrative, nonsystematic review of international literature from two major online databases (viz., Scopus and PubMed) in 1 year (2019). The search term “RF” was used, and relevant literature was narrated in a concise thematic account excluding diabetes. Results: The publications spanned the fundamental, clinical, ethical, professional, cultural, and advocacy facets of the subject. The publications crossed the conventional disciplinary lines and geographical locations and appeared in journals with different access systems. The content is presented under relevant themes depending on the available literature. Basic coverage included changes in physiology, nutrition, and metabolism during Ramadan. Clinical aspects such as the impact of RF on kidney function, pregnancy outcome, fetal life, structure and function of eyes, and athletes' well-being received comparatively prominent coverage by researchers in 2019. Gut, liver, skin, skeleton, and blood were also covered. Other workers focused on documenting the perception, attitudes, and practices of both patients and health-care professionals during Ramadan. Conclusions: The health aspects of RF received sustained academic interest with a wide spectrum in 2019. We provided a scoping overview to help researchers and clinicians catch up quickly with the state-of-the-art today.
Mental health of health-care workers during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Mogassabi Walaa , Mogassabi Waqar , Saliba Maram , Emam Rana , Ibrahim Wanis
Published: July 2022

Besides its effects on physical health, the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has resulted in adverse consequences on mental health of health-care workers. Several factors such as safety concerns and fear of infecting self or family members, social isolation measures, strict infection control procedures, lack of protective measures, exhaustion due to increased duration of working, and seeing patients die or colleagues infected can contribute to the development of mental health problems in health-care workers during the current COVID-19 pandemic. Some health-care staff including nurses, advanced practice providers, frontline health-care workers, and health-care workers who have children are more vulnerable to these mental health problems. Prevention of infection and staff burnout in health-care workers, provision of a timely mental health care, and social support are among the most important measures to provide a mental health care for health-care workers during the current COVID-19 pandemic.
Comparison between high- and low-risk diabetic patients who fast Ramadan: A prospective cohort study
Authors: Elbarsha Abdulwahab , Elhemri Maisoon , Elmehdawi Rafik
Published: July 2022

Objectives: The aim of this study is to compare the low-risk patients with the high- and very high-risk patients who choose to fast during Ramadan regarding the rates of breakfasting, hypoglycemia, hyperglycemia, hospitalization, and death. Patients and Methods: This is an observational, analytic, 1-month prospective, cohort study that involved patients with diabetes mellitus who choose to fast during the month of Ramadan in the Muslim year 1437. The patients were divided into two cohorts: Cohort 1 (high-risk) consisted of 83 patients who were categorized as high/very high-risk according to the International Diabetes Federation–Diabetes and Ramadan International Alliance guidelines on diabetes and Ramadan and Cohort 2 (low-risk) consisted of 65 patients categorized as moderate/low risk. Results: The overall of whole month fasting rate was 88% (100% in the low-risk group and 79% in the high-risk group, P = 0.000), and the rate of hypoglycemia was 12% (20.9% in the high-risk group vs. 0% in the low-risk group, P = 0.002). The rate of severe hyperglycemia was 7.7% (13.5% in the high-risk group vs. 0% in the low-risk group, P = 0.14). Conclusions: Patients in the high-risk category were significantly more likely to breakfasting during Ramadan than those in the low-risk category. Hypoglycemia was significantly higher in the high-risk group. The rates of severe hyperglycemia, hospitalization, and presumed mortality were not significantly higher in the high-risk group.
Demographic characteristics and clinical manifestations of systemic sclerosis in Benghazi, Libya
Authors: Elbraky Fathi , Amailaf Imhamed , Alsaeiti Khaled
Published: July 2022

Background: Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a rare, heterogeneous autoimmune disease characterized by skin fibrosis, vasculopathy, and internal organ involvement. This study aims to determine the frequency of clinical manifestations of SSc among Libyan patients in Benghazi. Patients and Methods: Thirty patients (28 females) attended the Rheumatology Clinic at Benghazi Medical Center between January 2016 and December 2019. They were diagnosed to have SSc according to American College of Rheumatology/European League Against Rheumatism 2013 revised classification criteria and were classified into diffuse cutaneous systemic sclerosis (dcSSc) and localized systemic sclerosis (lcSSc) disease subsets. Results: We reviewed the data of the 30 patients, including 28 (93.3%) females and 2 (6.7%) males (female: male ratio 14:1); the mean age at diagnosis was 40.5 ± 21.5 years (17–62 years). Twenty-four (80%) patients were diagnosed as dcSSc, whereas 6 (20%) were diagnosed as lcSSc. On diagnosis, patients with dcSSc were comparatively younger than those with lcSSc. The frequency of musculoskeletal manifestations and organ involvement was more frequent among patients with dcSSc (P = 0.001). All the thirty patients had rheumatoid factor and anti-nuclear antibody positivity. Anti-Scl-70 was only positive in the dcSSC subset in all patients of dcSSc only, whereas anti-centromere Ab was positive in all patients of lcSSc only. Conclusions: This is the first study to assess the clinical manifestations of SSc in the Libyan population. Our disease cohort showed similarity to what was published in other cohorts with regard to the age at the time of diagnosis, gender, and autoimmune profile.
Clinical presentations of Sjogren's syndrome in Benghazi, Libya
Authors: Ahmed Abdelnasir , Ibkhatra Salem , Elbraki Fathi , Ehsouna Hamdi , Alsaeiti Khaled
Published: July 2022

Background: We aimed to characterize the clinical presentation of primary and secondary Sjögren's syndrome (SS) among patients in Benghazi, Libya. Patients and Methods: Sixty consecutive patients (55 females and 5 males) diagnosed with SS according to 2016 European–American consensus criteria were studied. Patients with chronic hepatitis C virus, human immunodeficiency virus infection, and previous lymphoproliferative processes were excluded. Results: The mean age at the time of diagnosis was 41.9 ± 9.9 years (25–56 years). Seventeen patients (28.3%) had primary SS (pSS). At diagnosis, commonly reported symptoms included dry mouth (52; 86.7%), dry eyes (55; 91.7%), dental caries (25; 41.7%), and oral candidiasis (20; 33.3%). Schirmer's test was positive in seven patients (11.7%). The most common extraglandular manifestations were arthralgia and arthritis (49; 81.7%), Raynaud's phenomenon (23; 38.3%), and interstitial lung disease (9; 15%). Both pSS and secondary SS (sSS) were associated with lymphocytosis. Abnormal thyroid disease was reported in 14 (23.3%). sSS was mostly associated with rheumatoid arthritis 28 (46.7%), followed by systemic lupus erythematosus 11 (18.3%). Fifty-three patients (88.3%) had positive rheumatoid factor (RF) and 18 patients (30%) had positive antinuclear antibodies (ANAs). RF was strongly associated with sSS and Sicca symptoms with P = 0.004 and 0.001, respectively, while ANA positivity was strongly associated with pSS and extraglandular manifestations (P = 0.001 and P = 0.003, respectively). Conclusions: This is the first series of SS from Libya. It should help understanding the characteristics and associations that should help understand the global picture.