bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Acoustic Velocity Analogy Formulation for Sources in Quiescent Medium
Authors: He JiaHua , Xue Sidan , Liu QiuHong , Yang DangGuo , Wang LiangQuan
Published: April 2022

The prediction of acoustic scattering requires the acoustic velocity evaluation on the scattering surface in order to satisfy the boundary conditions. According to the idea of acoustic analogy, this paper induces a vector wave equation of aeroacoustics by rearranging the conversation equations of mass and momentum with a penetrable surface. Then, an analytical formulation of the acoustic velocity, called formulation V2A, is derived for sources in a quiescent medium by solving the vector wave equation with the free-space Green’s function. The validity of the formulation is confirmed by numerical results for a stationary monopole, a stationary dipole source, and a rotating monopole source in quiescent medium. The result indicates that the predication of formulation V2A is identical to the exact solutions no matter in far-field or near-field.
Orbital Angular Momentum Carried by ShGB Vortex Beam for FSO and its Aberration Effects
Authors: Lazer Nimmy , Teen Y. P. Arul , Rajesh K. B.
Published: April 2022

In this paper, orbital angular momentum (OAM) and distribution of intensity of vortex Sinh-Gaussian beam (ShGB) travelling through an atmosphere with turbulence are detailly studied by applying Fresnel-Kirchhoff diffraction integral equations. When the medium of propagation of an optical beam in the atmosphere, it encounters so many issues. One of the main issues is atmospheric turbulence. A turbulent atmosphere is composed of various types of aberrations. Here, we have undergone a detailed investigation of the effect of various aberrations present in the atmosphere, such as z-tilt aberration, defocus aberration, astigmatism aberration, coma aberration, and spherical aberration under zero, weak, medium, and strong turbulent conditions. Also, it noted its OAM and the distribution of intensity of the vortex ShGB with topological charge p = 1 at different propagation distances (z = 2000m & z = 5000m) under a turbulent atmosphere. Numerical analysis results of each aberration show that all aberrations have some sort of impact on vortex ShGB. But on comparing the results of all aberrations, it is observed that the consequence of tilt aberration is greater than the other four aberrations on vortex ShGB. From the simulation results, it is found that the beam gets converted into a Gaussian nature when the value of turbulence factor is increased from zero turbulent condition to strong turbulent condition. Therefore, the resultant OAM and intensity distribution of vortex ShGB due to the effect of z-tilt aberration contribute a crucial part when compared with the other four aberrations. Also, it is noticed that the beam is least affected by coma aberration. The results also show that as we increase the distance of propagation from 2000m to 5000m, the quality of the beam gets reduced.
Associations of health-related physical fitness with body fat distribution and obesity risk using bioelectrical impedance in Taiwanese adults
Authors: Hung Chang-Tsen , Lin Chi-Fang , Lee Po-Fu , Xu Shu , Kao Hsiao-Fang , Lo Kai-Yang , Su Yan-Jhu , ChangChien Wen-Sheng , Ho Chien-Chang
Published: April 2022

Background: In terms of public health, obesity and being overweight have become major concerns worldwide. Nevertheless, regarding body composition, it is important to have a more precise understanding of fat-to-muscle ratio. Hence, this study aimed to adopt bioelectrical impedance measurements to test body fat percentage (BF%) and to determine the associations of health-related physical fitness with body fat (BF) distribution and BF obesity risk in Taiwanese adults.Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study and reviewed the data derived from Taiwan’s Scientific Physical Fitness Survey. From the database, responses from 17,970 participants aged 23-64 years were collected in this study. Each participant completed a series of health-related physical fitness measurements, including cardiorespiratory fitness (3-min of a progressive knee-up and step [3MPKS] test), muscular fitness (hand grip strength), and flexibility (sit-and-reach test). The BF% of each participant was assessed by using the bioelectrical impedance analysis method. Results: BF% was negatively associated with low performance on the 3MPKS (β = 11.314, p < 0.0001 for men; β = 12.308, p < 0.0001 for women), hand grip strength (β = 2.071, p < 0.0001 for men; β = 0.859, p < 0.0001 for women), and sit-and-reach (β = 0.337, p = 0.008 for women) tests but was positively associated with sit-and-reach (β = -0.394, p = 0.004 for men). The risk of BF obesity for the low performance of 3MPKS (odds ratio [OR] = 26.554, p < 0.0001 for men; OR = 25.808, p < 0.0001 for women), hand grip strength (OR = 1.682, p < 0.0001 for men; OR = 1.234, p < 0.0001 for women), and sit-and-reach (OR = 1.142, p = 0.007 for women) tests was observed.Conclusion: These results suggested that low levels of cardiorespiratory fitness, muscular fitness, and flexibility are associated with an increased risk of BF obesity.
A Virtual Machine Placement Algorithm for Resource Allocation in Network Function Virtualization
Authors: Lima David H. S. , Aquino Andre L. L. , Curado Marilia
Published: April 2022

This work presents a Virtual Machine Placement algorithm to optimize the service allocation process. This problem is one of the most significant challenges in Network Function Virtualization. Our solution uses a buffered ranking strategy where we perform the allocation process considering batches of tasks instead of single tasks. We consider two different literature approaches to compare our solution regarding the time to allocate tasks and the number of resources allocated. To evaluate the proposal, we use scenarios where the requisitions arrive at different times or simultaneously. The first represents a realistic scenario with no knowledge regarding the tasks’ arrival. Meanwhile, the second represents a dense one, i.e., where many tasks arrive together. The evaluations show that our solution obtains better results in both cases, specially when the requisitions arrive simultaneously. Our solution improved the allocation time by around 25% on average and performed a better load distribution among hosts.
Investigation of whether people are willing to pay a premium for living in food swamps: A study of Edmonton, Canada
Authors: Tu Juan , Qiu Feng , Yang Meng
Published: April 2022

Background: Extensive studies have examined how unfavorable food environments, especially food swamps (neighborhoods with oversaturated unhealthy food sources), influence people’s dietary behaviors and health. Although excess fast-food consumption may have an adverse effect on health, it also benefits consumers due to its convenience, time-saving, and affordability. Therefore, people’s preference for an unhealthy food environment is not necessarily negative. Understanding how people value or disvalue unhealthy food environment is a prerequisite for developing effective policies to promote good diet habits and improve public health. Thus, the main objective of this research is to investigate people’s willingness to pay (WTP) for living in unhealthy food environments.Methods: To attain our primary objective, we adopt spatial hedonic pricing models to examine the impact of food swamps on housing prices and estimate the corresponding WTP through an empirical analysis in Edmonton, Canada. Three different definitions are used to identify food swamps. Definition 1 considers only the high availability of unhealthy food outlets. Definition 2 adds the condition of a low level of healthy food ratio to define food swamps. Definition 3 further incorporates the criterion of low-income to define food swamps.Results: Our main finding is that people are willing to pay extra to live in a food swamp neighborhood when taking low healthy-to-unhealthy food ratio and low-income level into consideration. Specifically, a household is willing to pay a premium of C$12,309 to reside in a food swamp neighborhood with the constraints of low healthy outlets ratio and low-income level. Conclusions: Our results indicate that overall, there is a net benefit associated with residing close to food swamps. Potential reasons for the positive WTP may include the unaffordability of healthy diets, preference for better tastes, and time-saving of fast-food consumption. These findings can help policymakers evaluate the effectiveness of relevant policies and develop targeted strategies to improve the local food environment.
JAK/STAT3 Pathway Promotes Proliferation of Ovarian Aggregate-derived Stem Cells in vitro
Authors: Saber Maryam , Shekari Faezeh , Mousavi Seyed-Ahmad , Moini Ashraf , Miri Monireh-Sadat , Esfandiari Fereshteh
Published: April 2022

Background
The accurate identification and isolation of ovarian stem cells from mammalian ovaries remain a major challenge because of the lack of specific surface markers and suitable in vitro culture systems. Optimized culture conditions for in vitro expansion of ovarian stem cells would allow for identifying requirements of these stem cells for proliferation and differentiation that would pave the way to uncover role of ovarian stem cells in ovarian pathophysiology. Here, we used three-dimensional (3D) aggregate culture system for enrichment of ovarian stem cells and named them aggregate-derived stem cells (ASCs). We hypothesized that mimicking the ovarian microenvironment in vitro by using an aggregate model of the ovary would provide a suitable niche for the isolation of ovarian stem cells from adult mouse and human ovaries and wanted to find out the main cellular pathway governing the proliferation of these stem cells.
Results
We showed that ovarian aggregates take an example from ovary microenvironment in terms of expression of ovarian markers, hormone secretion and supporting the viability of the cells. We found that aggregates-derived stem cells proliferate in vitro as long-term while remained expression of germline markers. These ovarian stem cells differentiated to oocyte like cells in vitro spontaneously. Transplantation of these stem cells in to chemotherapy mouse ovary could restore ovarian structure. RNA-sequencing analysis revealed that interleukin6 is upregulated pathway in ovarian aggregate-derived stem cells. Our data showed that JAK/Stat3 signaling pathway which is activated downstream of IL6 is critical for ovarian stem cells proliferation.
Conclusions
We developed a platform that is highly reproducible for in vitro propagation of ovarian stem cells. Our study provides a primary insight into cellular pathway governing the proliferation of ovarian stem cells.
Early Change In Platelet Count And MPV Levels Of Patients Who Received Hemodialysis For The First Time: Mogadishu Somalia Experience
Authors: Sarı Öznur , Bashir Ahmed Muhammad
Published: April 2022

IntroductionMean platelet volume (MPV) is a marker used to assess the platelet's size and is also an indicator of platelet reactivity and prothrombic status.ObjectiveIn this study, we aimed to determine the relationship between MPV and biochemical parameters in patients who had received HD for the first time and then in respect of those same patients after their fourth HD.Method151 HD patients were enrolled in this study. Patients were eligible for inclusion if they had received their first HD session during this study protocol. Blood samples for measurement were collected pre-hemodialysis. Most laboratory values, including mean platelet volume (MPV) level and Plt count, were measured before the first HD and after the 4th HD session for each patient.ResultsAmong the patients in our study, the mean age profile of the male patients (n= 103; 68.2%) was found to be higher than that of the female patients (n = 48; 31.8%) (53.62±18.19 vs. 46.17±17.9 years) (p = 0.019).In the patients' laboratory results after the fourth HD session, MPV, MPV/Plt, and Na values had ​​increased to those after the first HD session (p<0.001). When age and gender status were taken into account, the level of weak positive correlation with WBC, neutrophile, and RDW was found, while the weak negative correlation with platelet to lymphocyte ratio (PLR) was found (p<0.001). ConclusionsIn our study, we found that increase in MPV and MPV/PLT levels was significant in the fourth HD session of patients with CKD. It is also debatable that there are findings indicating an increase in platelet reactivity in the first weeks of the onset of HD. This could be an early indicator of the early prevention of cardiovascular diseases.
Topical application of cream containing enriched-schizandrin from Schisandra chinensis fruit exert anti-photoaging efficacy in ultraviolet B- irradicated hairless mice
Authors: Yun Mi-Young , Kim Nam-San , Choi Hwa-Jung
Published: April 2022

Excessive ultraviolet (UV) B irradiation induced skin photoaging. The aim of this study was to evaluate the anti-photoaging efficacy of enriched-schizandrin from Schisandra chinensis fruit in UVB-induced hairless mice. The cream containing enriched-schizandrin from S. chinensis fruit manufactured with another cosmetic ingredient. UVB-photoaged hairless mice topically applied with the cream once a day for 5 weeks. Application of the cream showed normal changes of body weight and food efficiency in the UVB-photoaged hairless mice. The cream application also was decreased interleukin (IL)-1β, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 and MMP-9 mRNA expressions and then it inhibited MMP-2 protein expression in UVB-photoaged hairless mice. Furthermore, the cream application inhibited epidermal wrinkle formation and decreased wrinkle depth and it restored to wrinkle thickness and collagen degradation of skin in UVB-photoaged hairless mice. Therefore, the cream could recover photoaging generated by UVB irradiation via downregulation of IL-1β, MMP-2, MMP-9 mRNA expressions and suppression of expression of MMP-2 proteins.
Rheological behavior of oil- silicon dioxide- multi walled carbon nanotube hybrid nanofluid: Experimental study and neural network prediction
Authors: Sepehrnia Mojtaba , Mohammadzadeh Kazem , Rozbahani Masoud Hemmati , Ghiasi Mohammad Javad , Amani Mohammad
Published: April 2022

Hybrid nanofluids have great potential for use in thermal systems due to their improved thermal properties. In this paper, the rheological behavior of oil (5w30)- 10% multi walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT)- 90% silicon dioxide (SiO2) is experimentally examined in the temperature range of 5°C to 65°C. The volume fractions (VFs) are in the range of 0.05 to 1 vol.% and the shear rate (SR) range is 665.5-13330 1/s. Measuring viscosity at different SRs indicated a pseudoplastic rheological behavior of the nanofluids in all VFs and temperatures. Measurement results show that the dynamic viscosity in different volume fractions is reduced when the temperature is increased from 5°C to 65°C. In addition, when the VF is increased from zero to 1%, the dynamic viscosity is augmented between 30.43% and 70.55%. Based on obtained data, a novel three-variable correlation for relative viscosity is proposed which estimates experimental results with a good accuracy. Then, the correlation results are compared to available correlations for hybrid nanofluids in the literature. Finally, a GMDH-type neural network model based on experimental data is developed to predict the relative viscosity of oil (5W30)/SiO2- MWCNT hybrid nanofluids which reveals the predictability of studied hybrid nanofluid using GMDH-type neural network.
First investigation of the effect of strontium oxide on the structure of phosphate glasses using molecular dynamics simulations
Authors: Bouabdalli El Mahdi , Jouad Mohamed El , Hajjaji Abdelowahed , Touhtouh Samira
Published: April 2022

Phosphate glasses are characterized by properties distinguished by comparison with those of others such as borates, silicates, and tellurides that can be used in many fields such as optics, electronics, medicine, environmental protection, etc. On the other hand, these pure phosphate glasses have low chemical durability, which limits their application. The addition of strontium to the glass considerably improves its durability. Using classical molecular dynamics simulations, this work investigated the influence of SrO addition on a glass phosphate structure with a nominal chemical composition of (100- x) P2O5 – x SrO (where x = 0, 5, 10, 15, ... 45 mol %). According to the progressive increase in the SrO content, the density of the simulated glass increased from 2.400 g/cm3 to 2.937 g/cm3, while its molar volume values reduced from 59.143 to 42.449 cm3/mol. The simulated glasses' short-range structure is described, and it agrees well with prior experimental and theoretical research. The increased SrO level in the glass resulted in the depolymerization of the phosphate network, according to simulations. Furthermore, we evaluated the aggregation parameters of the Sr-Sr pair, and it was most intense for the low SrO content, which can lead to the inhomogeneity of the phosphate glass network.
Component content and antioxidant activity of different extracts of cigarette ethanol extract
Authors: LI Wu-na , RAO Gui-wei
Published: April 2022

In this paper, the contents of total flavonoids, total phenols, and antioxidant activity of different extracts of cigarette ethanol extract were studied, and their correlation was to be analyzed. The contents of total flavonoids were determined by Al(NO3)3-NaNO2 colorimetric method, and the contents of total phenols were determined by the Folin-phenol method. 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl(DPPH) method and pyrogallol autoxidation method were used to study the antioxidant activities of each extract. Last, the correlation between antioxidant activities and the contents of each extract was analyzed. The results showed that the contents of total flavonoids (28.34 ± 0.20mg/g, 29.49 ± 0.14mg/g) and total phenols (24.89 ± 0.06mg/g, 24.44 ± 0.08mg/g) in ethyl acetate and n-butanol fractions were the highest. The scavenging rates of DPPH and superoxide anion of ethyl acetate and n-butanol fractions in IC50 were also the best. Correlation analysis showed that there was a positive correlation between the antioxidant activity and its content. Different extracts of cigarette ethanol extract contain total phenols, total flavonoids and antioxidant activity, among which the ethyl acetate extract is the best.
Parasitic Contamination of Soil, Irrigation Water and Rawly Consumed Vegetables in Farmlands of Asmara, Eritrea
Authors: Fessehaye Nahom , Kesete Yafet , Mohommed-Shifa Sara , Adhanom Samuel , Amanuel Danait , Weldu Million , Mengsteab Naemi , Suleiman Omer , Tesfamariam Adiam , Tseggai Ruth
Published: April 2022

Background
About one third of the world population are infected with intestinal parasites. Eating raw vegetables is customary in many parts of the world including Eritrea posing a great risk for transmission of pathogens. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and risks of parasitic contamination in raw vegetables, soil and irrigation water samples.
Methods and materials:
A cross-sectional study was carried out on different types of 336 vegetable samples (lettuce, carrot, cabbage and arugula), 60 soil and water samples each using sedimentation technique. Simultaneously, socio demographic and farmer practice data of 60 farmers were collected using structured questionnaire. The obtained data were entered and analysed using SPSS version 20.
Result
The magnitude of contamination of vegetable, soil and water samples was 144(42.9%), 21(35%) and 30(50%) respectively. Lettuce was the most contaminated sample (51.2%) and arugula (50.9%), carrot (42.7%) and cabbage (34.1%). The most prevalent parasites detected was S. stercolaris 30.6% followed by A. lumbricoides (11.8%) and hookworm (11.8%). The main findings also include the statistically significant difference in rate of contamination observed among various farmlands, vegetable types, and farmer practices. Also, significant association were observed between vegetable contamination and source of irrigation water (p-value = 0.02) and area of collection (p-value < 0.001).
Conclusion
This study conclusively reveals the high burden of vegetable, soil and water contamination and the impact of wastewater irrigation system as major risk factor in transmission of intestinal parasitosis among farmers and communities in Asmara.
Assessment and appliction ofWhole-herd-Sampling, qPCR-based-Testing, and Precision-Removal method in Eliminating ASFv in Four Large Swine Herds in China
Authors: Yan Zhichun Jason , Li Xiaowen , Wu Weisheng , Li Peng , Li Junxian , Gao Wenchao , Yu Jincheng , Fan Mingyu , Kang Lixiang , Wang Yunzhou , Yuan Guiqiang , Yu Qiannan , Ren Jing , Yan Zhong , Zhu Liqiang , Li Jintao , Zhang Xiaoyang , Shao Zhenwen , Liu Qingyuan , Zheng Weiwei , Fan Shiran , Huang Yakuan , Chen Jing , Deen John
Published: April 2022

Background Since the first report of ASFV in China in 2018, conventional whole herd depopulation method to control ASF has proved unwieldly because of high production intensity and complex trade network. To provide an alternative to conventional methods, we evaluated the feasibility of implementating an extensive sampling method and qPCR tests to determine the status of ASFV in herds, with a rapid response to identified outbreaks. Case presentations By assessing and applying these methods without whole herd depopulation, we successfully controlled ASF and eliminated the virus from 4 large swine herds. The time to negative herd was 19, 28, 14, and 1 days in farms 1-4 respectively. Retention rates of pigs of farm 1 to farm 4 was 69.7% , 65%, 99.4% and 99.72% respectively.Conclusions We anticipated that this innovative method would replace the conventional stamping out one and greatly facilitate the control and eradication of ASFV in China and worldwide.
IMPLEMENTASI MANAJEMEN HATI SEBAGAI UPAYA PENINGKATAN SUMBER DAYA MANUSIA DI MAYANGKARA GROUP
Authors: Bariroh Muflihatul
Published: April 2022

Penelitian ini berupaya memaparkan salah satu strategi dalam peningkatan manajemen sumber daya manusia di Mayangkara Group yakni praktik manajemen hati. Jenis penelitian ini adalah kualitatif dengan menggunakan studi pendekatan studi kasus.  Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa terdapat beberapa program kegiatan yang wajib diikuti oleh seluruh karyawan sebagai wujud dari implementasi manjamen hati. Manajemen hati merupakan suatu upaya pengelolaan hati untuk seluruh karyawan yang bertujuan untuk membentuk karaktek SDM yang berbudaya dan bernilai ketuhanan. Hati yang terkelola secara baik, akan terlahir SDM berkualitas yang menjadikan bekerja sebagai prioritas beribadah dan tidak hanya untuk mencari profit semata. SDM yang memiliki kualitas hati yang baik, maka segala apa yang menjadi kewajiban karyawan akan menjadi suatu pekerjaan yang menyenangkan, tanpa paksaan dan tentunya bernilai ibadah.
ANALISIS TRANSAKSI SYARIAH DI PASAR SYARIAH KAMPAR RIAU
Authors: Waldelmi Idel , Putri Dwika Lodia
Published: April 2022

This study discusses the analysis of Islamic transactions in the Islamic market ulul albab siak hulu kampar Riau. According to Athoillah and Waldelmi, I, the dimensions of buying and selling / sharia transactions for customers can be seen in the existence of goods, prices, honesty / trustworthiness, buying and selling systems and Aqad. This study uses a survey method on ulul albab sharia market customers, using questionnaires, discussions, interviews and analyzed with descriptive techniques, the results obtained from research that the implementation of sharia transactions conducted in the ulul albab sharia market in the assessment is quite appropriate. Using five dimensions and proven to be the highest dimension in the payment system done in cash, which means that almost all transactions carried out in the Islamic market by market customers are preferred with cash payments while the lowest dimensions are in the buying and selling system in the Islamic market where between ulul albab sharia market with an ordinary (conventional) market is the same in terms of carrying out buying and selling transactions Keywords: Sharia customers, traders and buying and selling systems
BENEFIT SHARING DALAM PRAKTIK JOINT VENTURE (Analisis Kritis Perspektif Syariah)
Authors: Hanifuddin Iza , Hanifuddin Iza
Published: April 2022

Kajian ilmiah tentang bagi hasil dalam konteks profit sharing, loss and profit sharing, dan revenue sharing atas kerjasama bisnis sudah cukup memadahi. Hal yang jarang diketahui publik ialah benefit sharing. Hal yang sering dilupakan dalam pembagian keuntungan bersama dalam usaha joint venture ialah bahwa aset bersama juga terdapat potensi keuntungan berupa manfaat. Biasanya, manfaat tidak diperhitungkan sebagai hasil karena ia tidak nampak, apalagi wujud aset perusahaan tetap ada. Pemanfaatan berizin atas aset usaha bersama dalam joint venture seringkali disalahkaprahkan untuk kepentingan pribadi melalui berbagai cara pemanfaatan, misalnya dikelola dalam bentuk sewa, bisnis online, jual beli jaringan, pemanfaatan lahan perusahaan, dan sebagainya. Mestinya, setiap hasil keuntungan atas manfaat yang dikelola sedemikian ini dikembalikan ke perusahaan bersama yang akan dibagi untuk bersama pula. Praktiknya, hal ini seringkali diabaikan begitu saja karena dianggap sebagai suatu hal yang biasa. Oleh karena itu, benefit sharing bisa dijadikan alat kontrol pengelolaan manfaat semisal ini. Kajian ini ditulis dengan pendekatan fenomena benefit sharing perusahaan joint venture dengan analisis perspektif syariah
Niobium speciation in minerals revealed byL2,3-edges XANES spectroscopy
Authors: Bollaert Quentin , Chassé Mathieu , Elnaggar Hebatalla , Juhin Amélie , Courtin Alexandra , Galoisy Laurence , Quantin Cécile , Retegan Marius , Vantelon Delphine , Calas Georges
Published: April 2022

The systematic mineralogy of niobium (Nb) is complex, with more than one hundred species dominated by multicomponent oxides of similar chemistry. The determination of Nb speciation in solids (i.e., the distribution between the phases and the crystal-chemical environment of Nb) is thus a challenge in geological contexts. Here, we present the first Nb L2,3-edges X-ray absorption near-edge structure (XANES) measurements on various Nb minerals and synthetic oxides with geological relevance. The interpretation of Nb L2,3-edges XANES spectra in the light of crystal-field theory shows the sensitivity of spectra to local site symmetry and electronic environment around Nb atoms. Crystal-field multiplet simulations give estimates of the 10Dq crystal-field parameter values for Nb5+, which range from 2.8 to 3.9 eV depending on Nb coordination and Nb—O distances. Rather than a 10Dq vs. R–5 relationship (where R represents the average Nb-O bond distance) expected in a point-charge model, we find a R–3 dependence with the crystal-field splitting for reference materials with octahedrally coordinated Nb. Complementary ligand-field multiplet simulations provide evidence of charge transfer between Nb and O. The contribution of the ionic and covalent characters to the Nb-O bonds is equivalent, unlike more ionic 3d metal–O bonds. This systematic characterization of the L2,3-edges XANES spectral properties of Nb provides information on the mechanisms by which Nb5+ substitutes for Fe3+, Ti4+, or Ce4+ in oxides common in geological contexts. Whereas the substitution of Nb5+ for Ce4+ does not modify the local structure of the cation site in cerianite, the substitution of Nb5+ for Ti4+ in rutile and anatase results in an increase of the cation-ligand distance and a decrease in the symmetry of the cation site. Conversely, the substitution of Nb5+ for Fe3+ in hematite and goethite results in a smaller cation site distortion. Our study demonstrates the usefulness of L2,3-edges XANES spectroscopy to determine Nb speciation in minerals to understand the processes of enrichment of this critical metal.
OBTENÇÃO DE AMINAS PRIMÁRIAS A PARTIR DA REDUÇÃO DE NITROCOMPOSTOS AROMÁTICOS VIA PROTOCOLOS DE REAÇÕES SUSTENTÁVEIS EM MEIO AQUOSO
Authors: Bernardes Breno , Costa Thamires , Silva Letícia , Pinto Ligia , Facchinetti Victor , Souza Marcus , Vasconcelos Thatyana
Published: April 2022

SYNTHESIS OF PRIMARY AMINES FROM THE REDUCTION OF AROMATIC NITRO COMPOUNDS THROUGH SUSTAINABLE REACTION PROTOCOLS IN AQUEOUS MEDIUM. Aromatic amines are important intermediates in the industry to produce a wide array of products, and the reduction of aromatic nitro compounds is the main methodology for their preparation. Considering this fact, the objective of this review is to describe the development of sustainable methodologies for the reduction of aromatic nitro compounds for their respective amines from 2017 to 2020. Thus, throughout the text, the reaction conditions and the various reagents, solvents and catalysts used in the synthesis of aromatic amines are presented, along with the main advantages of the methodologies described.
Assessment of accessibility and hydraulic performance of the water distribution system of Ejere Town
Authors: Tufa Girma , Abate Brook
Published: April 2022

Water is necessary for human health, economic success, and happiness, as well as other developmental goals such as proper diet, gender equality, education, and poverty reduction. Drinking water is a common problem in Ejere Town. The primary goal of this study was to investigate the accessibility of the town's drinking water distribution system. To achieve this research goal, the hydraulic performance of the town's water distribution system and the level of customer satisfaction were assessed. 374 sampled households were randomly chosen from a total of 13,380 to measure the degree of customer satisfaction with the town's water supply services, and the hydraulic performance of the town's water distribution system was analyzed using the WaterGEMS software. Of the 374 customers surveyed for the study, 85 (22.7%) were satisfied and 289 (77.3%) were dissatisfied, implying that the satisfaction levels were below average. The WaterGEMS hydraulic model was calibrated (R2 = 0.94) using measured data from nine randomly chosen nodes. According to the model results, a great amount of the velocity and pressure in the water distribution system was below the minimum recommended limits. These minimum pressures and velocity levels indicate that there is not enough water pressure in the distribution network to reach all parts of Ejere Town. Finally, it was concluded that there was insufficient access to drinking water in the town.
Modelling annual maximum daily rainfall with the STORAGE (STOchastic RAinfall GEnerator) model
Authors: Petroselli Andrea , De Luca Davide Luciano , Młyński Dariusz , Wałęga Andrzej
Published: April 2022

In this work, the capability of STORAGE (STOchastic RAinfall GEnerator) model for generating long and continuous rainfall series for the upper Vistula basin (southern Poland) is tested. Specifically, in the selected area, only parameters of depth–duration–frequency curves are known for sub-daily rainfall heights (which are usually estimated in an indirect way by using Lambor's equations from daily data), while continuous daily series with a sufficient sample size are available. Attention is focused on modelling the sample frequency distributions of daily annual maximum rainfall. The obtained results are promising for further elaborations, concerning the use of STORAGE synthetic continuous rainfall data as input for a continuous rainfall-runoff approach, to be preferred with respect to classical event-based modelling.
Hybrid modelling of water resource recovery facilities: status and opportunities
Authors: Schneider Mariane Yvonne , Quaghebeur Ward , Borzooei Sina , Froemelt Andreas , Li Feiyi , Saagi Ramesh , Wade Matthew J. , Zhu Jun-Jie , Torfs Elena
Published: April 2022

Mathematical modelling is an indispensable tool to support water resource recovery facility (WRRF) operators and engineers with the ambition of creating a truly circular economy and assuring a sustainable future. Despite the successful application of mechanistic models in the water sector, they show some important limitations and do not fully profit from the increasing digitalisation of systems and processes. Recent advances in data-driven methods have provided options for harnessing the power of Industry 4.0, but they are often limited by the lack of interpretability and extrapolation capabilities. Hybrid modelling (HM) combines these two modelling paradigms and aims to leverage both the rapidly increasing volumes of data collected, as well as the continued pursuit of greater process understanding. Despite the potential of HM in a sector that is undergoing a significant digital and cultural transformation, the application of hybrid models remains vague. This article presents an overview of HM methodologies applied to WRRFs and aims to stimulate the wider adoption and development of HM. We also highlight challenges and research needs for HM design and architecture, good modelling practice, data assurance, and software compatibility. HM is a paradigm for WRRF modelling to transition towards a more resource-efficient, resilient, and sustainable future.
Methods of PARP-1 Determination and its Importance in Living
Organisms
Authors: Zielińska Zuzanna , Ołdak Łukasz , Gorodkiewicz Ewa
Published: April 2022

PARP-1 is one of the 18 PARP enzymes that are involved in important processes at the
cellular level. The most important tasks of PARP-1 are to detect and repair DNA damage and to
prevent processes of apoptosis. By finding and using new strategies for marking and detecting the
activity of this protein, it is possible to identify more and more tasks in which it participates. In
pathological states, PARP-1 activity increases significantly. Since the 1980s, scientists have been
searching for and discussing substances that may inhibit PARP-1 activity and disrupt DNA damage
response pathways. In this way, unwanted cells could be destroyed. The paper presents a short
description of the methods used in the determination of PARP-1 by various research groups. A
critical approach to each of them was also made by pointing to the advantages and disadvantages of
the described analytical methods. The literature review contains information on methods useful for
PARP-1 determination, such as SPR, QCM, CL and FL, DPV, SDS-PAGE with MS, MALDI MS,
Western Blot, ELISA and ATR-FTIR spectroscopy. It also includes analysis of the results of
research on inhibitors that may be effective in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer and other
diseases.
Multimodal Medical Image Fusion Based on Intuitionistic Fuzzy Sets and
Weighted Activity Measure in NSST Domain
Authors: Kamarthi Vanitha , Satyanarayana Donthi , Ninjappa Giri Prasad Mahendra
Published: April 2022

Background:

In the extraction of information from multimodality images, anatomical and functional image fusion became an effective tool in the applications of clinical imaging.

Objective:

A new approach to fuse anatomical and functional images that use the combination of activity measure and intuitionistic fuzzy sets in the NSST domain is presented.

Methods:

First, the high and low-frequency sub-images of source images are obtained by utilizing NSST decomposition, which represents them in multi-scale and multi-directions. Next, the high-fre-quency sub-images are applied to intuitionistic fuzzy sets, in which the fused coefficients are selected using an activity measure called fuzzy entropy.

Results:

The multiplication of weighted local energy and weighted sum modified Laplacian is used as an activity measure to fuse the low-frequency sub-images. At last, the reconstruction of the final fused image is done by applying the inverse NSST on the above-fused coefficients.

Conclusion:

The efficacy of the proposed fuzzy-based method is verifiable by five different modali-ties of anatomical and functional images. Both subjective and objective calculations showed better results than existing methods.
The Sustainability of the Impact of Pharmacists’ Educational Programs on
the Adherence to the Recommendations of Preoperative Antibiotic
Prophylaxis Guidelines
Authors: Mehrpooya Maryam , Rangchian Maryam , Shah-Ebrahimi Tina
Published: April 2022

Introduction:

This study was designed to evaluate the sustainability of the impact of
educational programs provided by pharmacists on the appropriateness of surgical antibiotic
prophylaxis and cost-savings in a short time and a long time after the intervention.

Methods and Materials:

This prospective educational interventional study was conducted in a tertiary
referral hospital for surgery in the West of Iran from September 2018 to October 2019. The
study was designed in three phases: pre-intervention phase, short term after the intervention, and
six months after the intervention. Within a one month course, several educational sessions regarding
the appropriate preoperative antibiotic prophylaxis based on the recommendations of the American
Society of Health-System Pharmacists guideline (ASHPs) were provided by a clinical pharmacist
in an interactive manner for the surgeons. The appropriateness of antibiotic prophylaxis regarding
the necessity for surgical antibiotic prophylaxis use (indication), the choice of antibiotic,
the timing of antibiotic administration, the route of administration, the dose of antibiotics, and the
total duration of antibiotic prophylaxis were evaluated and compared before and after the educational
intervention. Additionally, medication-related costs, non-medication-related costs, antibiotic
prophylaxis-related costs, and total costs of care were also assessed before and after the educational
intervention.

Results:

Our survey showed that total adherence to the guideline recommendations among surgeons
in our center was relatively low, and in 71.8% of procedures, at least in one of the quality
indicators, non-adherence to the guideline recommendations was observed. After the educational
intervention, a significant improvement in the rationality of antibiotic prophylaxis, in terms of not
administrating antibiotic prophylaxis in procedures without indication, appropriate timing of administration,
appropriate antibiotic dose, and appropriate duration of antibiotic prophylaxis, especially
in the short time after the intervention was observed that ultimately reduced the medication,
non-medication, antibiotic prophylaxis related, and total therapeutic costs.

Conclusions:

Our survey showed that educational interventions provided by pharmacists in an interactive
manner could improve guideline recommendations’ adherence among surgeons, particularly
in a short time. Thus, continuous education still should be considered an essential element of
a multifaceted intervention for improving guideline adherence.
Safety Issues of Nanomaterials for Dermal Pharmaceutical Products
Authors: Lotfipour Farzaneh , Shahi Shahriar , Khezri Khadijeh , Salatin Sara , Dizaj Solmaz Maleki
Published: April 2022

Nanomaterials (NMs) have favorable application in the medicine area, specifically in
regard to the carrying of pharmaceutical ingredients to provide targeted drug delivery systems. The
skin is an excellent route for the delivery of pharmaceutical nano-transporters for skin-related applications.
The physicochemical properties of nanomaterials such as size, hydrophobicity, loading
capacity, charge and weight are vital for a skin penetrating system. Many nanocarriers such as
polymeric nanoparticles, inorganic nanomaterials and, lipid nanostructures have been utilized for
dermal delivery of active ingredients and others such as carbon nanotubes and fullerenes require
more examination for future application in the skin-related area. Some negative side effects and
nano-cytotoxicity of nanomaterials require special attention while investigating different nanomaterials
for medicinal applications. Then, in the current review, we had a view on the safety issues
of nanomaterials for dermal pharmaceutical products.
Agent-based Localization using Mobile Sink in Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Bennur Vidya S. , Sutagundar Ashok V. , Bhajantri Lokesh B.
Published: April 2022

Aims:

This paper presents agent-based localization using the mobile sink in wireless sensor
networks. This proposed scheme is less expensive than GPS. It has a longer lifetime and is more
energy-efficient. The mobile sink has a large and easily replenishable energy reserve and is movable
within the sensor network's deployment area.

Objectives:

In this work, a mobile sink is proposed that traverses inside the network's boundary and
gathers information at a low energy cost.

Methods:

The use of a mobile sink in localization introduces a new way to reduce energy consumption
in WSNs. The location of a mobile sink beacon signal is known to all the sensor nodes and is also
communicated periodically to all the sensor nodes. The distance measurements of the three beacon
signals broadcasted by the mobile sink moving in a predetermined path and time slot are considered in
this scheme, which uses the trilateration method to compute the position of the node. For isolated
nodes, location estimation is performed for non-GPS equipped nodes to derive from the network their
locations by using the reference node beacon signals and performing multilateration. For nodes that
receive only one beacon signal from the sink, position estimation is performed by considering the reference
node beacon signal by iterative multilateration technique.

Results:

In this scheme, reference nodes are those nodes that are localized by the sink, and no GPS is
included. The proposed algorithm is simulated using C language, and some of the performance parameters
used for the evaluation of the scheme are localization time, localization error, data gathering
time, and communication overhead.

Conclusion:

The proposed work is compared to the centralized algorithm and the proposed work has
been found to outperform the existing networks.
Second Wave of Covid-19 with Seasonal Influenza (Flu) in Uttar Pradesh,
Northern India: A Cohort Study
Authors: Rais Nadeem , Ved Akash , Ahmad Rizwan , Parveen Kehkashan , Prakash Om , Bari Darakhshan Gazala , Ahmad Khursheed , Farman Muhammad , Alam Naze
Published: April 2022

Background:

Coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) is caused by a novel coronavirus
(SARS-CoV-2) infection, while influenza viruses cause the flu. SARS-CoV-2 and influenza
virus co-infection seems to be a real and serious concern.

Objective:

This study aims to evaluate the clinical features, laboratory investigations, computed
tomography scans, and interventions of Covid-19 patients during seasonal influenza.

Methods:

This was a multi-center prospective cohort study that collected data from hospitals,
clinics, and laboratories on measurements, treatments, and outcomes from Covid-19 patients
admitted to temporary Covid-19 care centers.

Results:

A total of 480 individuals (female, 231 [48.12%]; male, 249 [51.88%]) were recruited
from March 31st to May 14th, 2021 at five hospitals/clinics in Uttar Pradesh, North India. The
patients were divided into six groups based on their age (65+ years [25.41% of cases] being the
most affected age) and five groups based on their conditions (asymptomatic 65 [13.54%], mild
94 [19.58%], moderate 206 [42.91%], severe 84 [17.50%] and critical 31 [6.45%]). Patients’
outcomes were documented as death (19 [3.95%]), recovery (421 [87.71%]) and undertreatment
(40 [8.34%]).

Conclusions:

The most common clinical symptoms reported were fever, sore throat, and
dyspnea. The severity was linked to hypoxemia, lymphocytopenia, thrombocytopenia, elevated
erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), and high blood urea nitrogen (BUN). The vast majority
of patients were given symptomatic treatment. Any onset of fever should be suspected and
examined for the viral strain to distinguish between Covid-19 and the seasonal flu.
Chemical Characterization, Antioxidant and Antibacterial Activity of
Essential Oil of Cymbopogon winterianus Jowitt (Citronella) from Western
Nepal
Authors: Shrestha Dipesh , Sharma Prabha , Pandey Anisha , Dhakal Kamal , Baral Ram Prasad , Adhikari Achyut
Published: April 2022

Background:

Essential oils (EOs) are a mixture of volatile compounds of plant origin, which
possess substantial biological activities such as antioxidant, antimicrobial, and antifungal activity.

Objective:

This study aimed to determine the chemical composition, antioxidant, and antibacterial
activity of essential oil isolated from Cymbopogon winterianus Jowitt.

Methods::

The hydro-distillation method was used for the isolation of essential oil. The chemical
composition of the isolated essential oil was analyzed using the gas chromatography/mass spectrometry
(GC-MS) technique. Antioxidant activity was determined using a 2,2-diphenyl-1-
picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging assay, and the IC50 value was calculated. The welldiffusion
method was applied for the antibacterial activity, and the zone of inhibition (ZOI) was
measured.

Results:

The essential oil from Cymbopogon winterianus Jowitt was isolated with a 0.5% yield. Gas
Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry(GC-MS) analysis reported 19 different compounds, out of
which, Geraniol (28.87%), Citronellal (11.85%), Citronellol (10.88%), Geranial (9.19%), trans-
Geranyl acetate (9.11%), and Neral (8.02%) were found to be the major constituents. The essential
oil was a promising antioxidant with an IC50 value of 0.458±0.39μg/mL compared to the standard
Quercetin of 1.187±0.22μg/mL. In addition, the isolated essential oil revealed antibacterial activity
against Staphylococcus aureus (ZOI=13.2mm), Bacillus subtilis (ZOI=9.9mm), and Enterococcus
faecalis (ZOI=8.4mm).

Conclusions:

The essential oil isolated from Cymbopogon winterianus Jowitt exhibits antioxidant
and antibacterial activity, implying that it could find use in modern medicine.
Komunikasi Ibu Bekerja dalam Membangun Kelekatan dengan Anak
Authors:   Universitas Brawijaya, Rakhmawati Fariza Yuniar
Published: April 2022

Working mothers are at risk of lack of attachment to their children. Positive communication between working mothers and their children may facilitate the development of strong attachments and relationships. Previous research shows that only a small percentage of working mothers are satisfied with the childcare activities performed under demanding work environments and limited time with their children. Therefore, this study aims to examine mother-child communication performed by working mothers. The research was conducted by collecting in-depth interview data with a semi-structured scale on six mothers working in various fields of work. Research results showed working mothers compensated for absenteeism by attempting to cultivate empathy and listening to children, as well as engaging in intensive conversations and activities with children in daily life. Working mothers strive to make their time by being present, listening to, and understanding their children's concerns. Empathy helps mothers to consider the children's point of view and emotions, making it easier to apprehend the children's behavior. Working mothers' everyday encounters with their children become ritual messages that help them form relationships. On the other hand, job exhaustion sometimes leads mothers to be emotionally abusive to their children, resulting in neglect, abrasive communication, and even physical violence. The limitation of this study is that it focuses on the form of communication between mothers working with children, without intention ignoring the role of fathers in childcare.