bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Obtaining a Fibrous Polymeric Material from a Mixture of Polyvinylidene Fluoride and Polystyrene by Capillary-free Electrospinning for a Sealed Lead-Acid Accumulator Separator
Authors:   Saratov State University, Izbasarova Aniia A. , Burashnikova Marina M. ,   Saratov State University
Published: February 2021

The paper considers the most significant properties of moulding solutions based on a mixture of polyvinylidene fluoride and polystyrene for the process of capillary-free electrospinning nonwoven materials. It has been shown that the material obtained from the mixed solution of polyvinylidene fluoride and polystyrene in the ratio of components 0.75 : 0.25 is the largest porous, the diameter of the fibers is in the widest range from 0.14 to 2.8 µm, and branching of the fibers is observed. The use of an absorptive glass matrix separator and this material improved the oxygen cycle efficiency.
Mechanisms of COVID-19 Entry into the Cell: Potential Therapeutic Approaches based on Virus Entry Inhibition in COVID-19 Patients with Underlying Diseases
Authors: Musavi Hadis , Abazari Omid , Safaee Mohamad Sadegh , Variji Atena , Koohshekan Bahare , KalakiJouybari Fatemeh , Barartabar Zeinab , Hakemi Pejman , Mahjoub Soleiman
Published: February 2021

The Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) virus spread from Wuhan, China, in 2019 and is spreading rapidly around the world. COVID-19 victims are almost associated with cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, and other underlying diseases. Concerning the high prevalence of these disorders, widespread mortality threatens global society, and its fatality rate may increase with increasing COVID-19 prevalence in countries with older populations. Therefore, evaluating patients' clinical status with severe COVID-19 infection and their medical history can help manage treatment. Currently, one of the considered treatments is angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) inhibition. This study investigated virus entry mechanisms through membrane receptors, their role in the pathogenesis of COVID-19 and underlying diseases, and treatment methods based on the viral entrance inhibition. According to existing studies, inhibition of ACE2 can increase oxidative stress, inflammation, fibrosis and ultimately exacerbate underlying diseases such as cardiovascular disease, kidney disease, diabetes, and hypertension in individuals with COVID-19. The ACE2 inhibition is not suitable for patients with COVID-19 with underlying diseases, but it seems that the recombinant ACE2 solution is more appropriate for inhibiting the virus in these patients if hypotension would be monitored.
Identification of Common and Novel Major Crab Allergens in Scylla tranquebarica and the Allergen Stability in Untreated and Vinegar-treated Crab
Authors: Jasim Hasan Ali , Misnan Rosmilah , Mohamad Yadzir Zailatul Hani , Abdullah Noormalin , Bakhtiar Faizal , Arip Masita , Ateshan Haidr Msahir , Keong Poh Bun
Published: February 2021

Crab allergy is reported as a serious form of food allergy in many countries. This study was aimed to identify the major allergens of the local mud crab, Scylla tranquebarica (S. tranquebarica), and subsequently, determine the effect of vinegar treatments on the crab allergens. Crab muscles were treated with synthetic and natural vinegar. Crab proteins were then extracted from the untreated and vinegar-treated crabs. All extracts were then fractionated by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE), and analyzed by immunoblotting; using sera from crab-allergic patients. The crab proteins were then further fractionated by two-dimensional electrophoresis (2-DE) and analyzed by mass spectrometry (MS). The untreated crab had 38 protein bands, while that was only a few bands between 18 to 73 kDa for the vinegar-treated crabs. Immunoblotting of untreated crab revealed 20 IgE-binding bands, whereas the vinegar-treated crabs could only retain a few IgE-binding bands. Five major allergens were identified with molecular weightsof38, 42, 49, 63, and 73 kDa in the untreated crab. In contrast, the vinegar-treated crabs had only a few major allergens with molecular weights of 38, 42, and 73 kDa. MS identified the 43 and 49 kDa as arginine kinase, while the 38, 63, and 73 kDa were identified as tropomyosin, actin, and hemocyanin, respectively. In conclusion, we found three common major allergens for S. tranquebarica including tropomyosin, arginine kinase, and actin, and one novel allergen known as hemocyanin. All the major allergens could retain minimal allergenic capability in vinegar-treated crabs, suggesting that vinegar treatments might be useful to reduce crab allergenicity. These data would assist the clinicians in the management of crab-allergic patients worldwide.
Expression Pattern of MicroRNA-21 during the Liver Ischemia/Reperfusion
Authors: Salah Alireza , Karimi Mohammad Hossein , Sajedianfard Javad , Nazifi Saeed , Yaghobi Ramin
Published: February 2021

Ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury in cadaveric liver transplantation is not avoidable. Liver I/R injury is an important phenomenon in hepatic damage. MicroRNA-21 (miR-21) plays an important role in I/R injury. The present study aimed to determine the expression pattern of miR-21 in liver I/R injury/recovery and its correlation with the immunologic transmission signals pathways in several days post-reperfusion. In an animal model for I/R in the liver, 40 male Balb/c mice were divided into 3 groups. The animals were monitored for 3 and 24 hours, and also for 4, 7, 14, and 28 days postreperfusion. Liver tissue damage was assessed by histopathology. The plasma alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) levels were measured with enzymatic assays. MiR-21, programmed cell death 4 (PDCD4) mRNA, T-cell-restricted intracellular antigen 1 (TIA1) mRNA, and fas ligand (FASL) mRNA expression levels were measured; using reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) at different times after the reperfusion in liver tissue and blood. Histopathology and plasma ALT, AST, ALP, and TAC levels confirmed liver damage induced by I/R injury. MiR-21 increased by twofold in the liver tissue and on the inflammatory phase after 24 hours of reperfusion; it then continued to decrease up to day 7 post-reperfusion. Afterward, it continued to rise slightly up to day 14 post-reperfusion. This trend was in parallel with the recovery of the liver damage. MiR-21 expression level in the liver and blood is a predictor of the extent of I/R injury.
Leukemia Inhibitory Factor Suppresses NKG2D mRNA Expression and Presentation on Human Natural Killer Cells
Authors: Abdoli Zahra , Assarehzadegan Mohammad-Ali , Pipelzadeh Mohammad Hassan , Iranparast Sara , Dashti Gerdabi Nader , Parsanahad Mehdi , Khodadadi Ali
Published: February 2021

Leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) is a multi-functional cytokine secreted from cells such as lymphocytes and hepatocytes. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of LIF on natural killer group 2 member D (NKG2D) receptors' expression and presentation on natural killer (NK) cells. For this purpose, peripheral blood mononuclear cells taken from 4 young male healthy blood donors were isolated and the effect of LIF (25 ng/mL) after 12, 24, and 48 hours of incubation, on NKG2D receptors expression and presentation was investigated using flow cytometry and real-time-polymerase chain reaction (PCR). All of the steps of the experiment were performed in duplicate. After periods of 12, 24, and 48 hours, LIF reduced both the expression and presentation of the NKG2D receptor on NK cells. The results suggest that this cytokine has a direct modulating activity on the body’s immune response through suppression of NKG2D receptor expression and presentation on NK cells.
Relationship between Bacillus Calmette Guerin Vaccination Policy and Coronavirus Disease-2019 (COVID-19) Incidence
Authors: Alyasin Soheila , Kanannejad Zahra , Esmaeilzadeh Hossein , Nabavizadeh Hesamedin , Ghatee Mohammad Amin , Amin Reza
Published: February 2021

Bacillus Calmette Guerin (BCG) was designed for protecting children against tuberculosis. Also, it can protect against other infectious diseases through the induction of trained immunity. Due to its heterologous protective effects, the BCG vaccine has been proposed as a treatment option for coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19). Epidemiological studies have found that countries without BCG vaccination policy have experienced higher mortality rates related to COVID-19 infection than those with BCG vaccination policy. However, there are some confounding factors such as age, population intensity, immigration, the pandemic phase, and data accuracy that may affect these results. Therefore, this hypothesis should be evaluated by clinical trial studies. Large-scale clinical trials are in progress to investigate if the BCG vaccine could be used as a useful tool for protection against COVID-19 infection.
Higher Circulating Concentration of Interleukin-38 in Patients with Knee Osteoarthritis: Its Association with Disease Severity
Authors: Abassifard Mitra , Khorramdelazad Hossein , Rezaee Shayan , Jafarzadeh Abdollah
Published: February 2021

Evidence showed that chronic inflammatory and immunopathological responses play a pivotal role in the development of osteoarthritis (OA). Interleukin-38 (IL-38) as a novel antiinflammatory cytokine with influential modulatory properties on both innate and adaptive immune responses can be involved in the pathogenesis of OA. Therefore, this study aimed to measure the serum level of IL-38 in OA patients to clarify the positive or negative association with disease and its severity. Blood specimens were collected from two groups including 23 newly-diagnosed OA patients and 22 healthy sex and age-matched subjects as a control group. Serum IL-38 quantities were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Significantly higher IL-38 levels were detected in OA patients in comparison with the healthy group (265.78±41.27 pg/mL vs 44.23±6.04 pg/mL, p=0.0001). The IL-38 concentration in OA patients with Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) scores>40 and in OA patients with visual analog scale (VAS) scores>5 were higher than those with WOMAC scores<40, and VAS scores<5 (p=0.026 and p=0.035, respectively). The IL-38 levels in OA patients with body mass index (BMI)<25 were also significantly higher than in patients with BMI>25 (p=0.05). According to our findings, WOMAC, VAS, and BMI indices may influence the IL-38 serum levels in OA patients and it may be elevated in OA patients to modulate inflammatory responses in a compensatory manner. The patients with OA, especially those with more severe disease express higher serum amounts of IL-38. Accordingly, IL-38 may be considered as a valuable marker for OA.
Sociological and Historical Discourse of the Nation: Method and Structure
Authors: Alaverdyan Artem L. , Maltsev Konstantin G.
Published: February 2021

The sociological and historical discourse of a nation transforms the usual ideas about the need for a nation as an exclusive form of political unity of a sovereign people: the historical and sociological conditionality of the nation and the randomness of the historically unique constellation of the circumstances of the emergence of the new European nation-state are revealed. The preconditions and foundations of the sociological-historical discourse of the nation are usually not explicated: “liberal metaphysics” (K. Schmitt), the essence of which is defined as an endless discussion of autonomous individuals-subjects, postulates political loyalty to the state, the citizen of which is the individual, as the basis of the nation as a civil society and the choice of national identity based on the free decision of the autonomous citizen-subject; “ethnic groups” and “historical national communities” are regarded as material, the form and meaning of which is determined by the political nation, the formation of which is due to the need for mass mobilization of the militaristic territorial new European state, the democratic form and expanding political and social citizenship. Changing the configuration of these conditions cancels, gradually, but necessary, the reality of the nation, which is now viewed as a remnant (V. Pareto), representing a social danger (nationalism, ethnic terrorism). Sociological and historical discourse of a nation through causal information (M. Weber) claims to reduce the reality of a nation to the socio-historical conditions of its formation and existence, that is, to completely remove the nation and the national as an “irrelevant” (and marginal) form of identification for modern times.
Charity within Professional Environment of Saint Petersburg Germans in the Late 18th - Early 20th Century
Authors: Baranova Irina V.
Published: February 2021

The article studies the system of German professional charitable organizations that existed in the late 18th - early 20th century. Charitable associations related to professional activities are conditionally divided into three categories: 1) shelters for representatives of various professions; 2) societies and mutual aid funds; 3) associations providing various assistance to the poor segments of the city population. We analyse the underlying mechanisms and functions of philanthropic institutions created either by German charitable organizations or private individuals for representatives of certain professions; in some cases we overview their financing as well. The article provides brief look at German immigrant mutual aid funds and principles of their operations. Charitable support was especially necessary for the Germans who had recently arrived in the city and had not yet found and employment, as well to the layers of German population unable to work. By analyzing the means of inter-societal support and external charity efforts it is possible to identify and suggest possible ways to provide social assistance to foreigners who come to St. Petersburg for the purpose of professional employment.
Multi-Physics Simulation of 6/4 Switched Reluctance Motor by Finite Element Method
Authors: Reis Renata R. C. , Kimpara Marcio L. M. , Pinto João O. P. , Fahimi Babak
Published: February 2021

The switched reluctance motor (SRM) performance can be improved by either drive control and/or machine design. However, the drive control may be more complex and expensive depending on the SRM design, whereas a favorable SRM design may result in simpler and cheaper drive control system. In order to evaluate the SRM performance before designing the control/drive system, it is important carrying out a multi-physics simulation of the machine, in such way that if electromagnetics, structural and thermal performance do not cope with the requirements for simpler control/drive system, the SRM can be redesigned until reach a feasible goal. This paper presents a comprehensive simulation analysis of a 6/4 three-phase SRM using the finite element method as evaluation approach for future use in optimization design techniques. First, the main geometrical parameters of the motor were calculated and then static and dynamic simulations were conducted to analyze the motor electromagnetic performance. Afterwards, the natural frequencies and vibration modes were found through modal analysis. Finally, the thermal analysis was accomplished to investigate the internal temperature rise due to the copper losses. The analysis has been performed in ANSYS package, providing an insightful guidance for the near optimum motor designing stage.
Badanie stanu relacji inwestorskich na polskim rynku giełdowym
Authors: Wysocka Katarzyna , Nowak Tomasz
Published: February 2021

Relacje inwestorskie są istotnym narzędziem zarządzania strategicznego w przedsiębiorstwie. Odpowiednia komunikacja między podmiotami występującymi na rynku oraz efektywne ustalanie kwestii finansowo-ekonomicznych między spółkami i inwestorami to główne obszary ich działania. Celem artykułu jest przedstawienie stanu relacji inwestorskich w Polsce. Dokonano przeglądu polskich i anglojęzycznych pozycji literaturowych. Skupiono uwagę na istocie, celach i narzędziach relacji inwestorskich. Najlepsze wyniki na współczesnym rynku kapitałowym osiągają wyłącznie spółki, które angażują się w nowe rozwiązania technologiczne wykorzystywane, np. wideokonferencje, conference call, telekonferencje, Facebook, Twitter. Przeprowadzone badanie ankietowe wśród polskich inwestorów indywidualnych wskazuje jakie preferencje informacyjne i wymagania mają inwestorzy w Polsce. Co więcej, analiza odpowiedzi inwestorów ukazała, iż temat jest ważny i aktualny, lecz w Polsce świadomość o relacjach inwestorskich jest na przeciętnym poziomie. Autorzy wskazali rozwiązania, które mogłyby przyczynić się do zwiększenia zaangażowania polskich spółek giełdowych w komunikację wykorzystując nowe technologie. Autorzy wskazali dostępne na rynku kapitałowym modele IR, a przede wszystkim zarekomendowali współczesny model relacji inwestorskich z konkretnymi propozycjami zmian. Przeprowadzone badanie własne potwierdza, iż spółki zauważają jak ważne są nowe technologie, natomiast nie wdrażają ich do swojej działalności. Z jednej strony chcą się rozwijać i przekazywać otoczeniu biznesowemu transparentne i aktualne informacje, a z drugiej strony przyzwyczaili się do tradycyjnego modelu i nie chcą angażować się w nowinki technologiczne.
Analiza przyczynowości i efekt zarażania na rynku obligacji skarbowych
Authors: Sekuła Paweł
Published: February 2021

Artykuł analizuje relacje między wybranymi rynkami obligacji skarbowych w Europie. Badanie koncentruje się na dwóch okresach: od stycznia 2006 r. do grudnia 2018 r. i od stycznia 2010 r. do grudnia 2013 r. W przypadku pierwszego okresu zastosowano dwuwymiarowy model autoregresji wektorowej z danymi tygodniowymi. Wyniki empiryczne wskazały na dwukierunkowe relacje między rynkami rozwiniętymi i jednokierunkową przyczynowość w przypadku Grecji i Europy Środkowej. Badania nad drugim okresem, dotyczące kryzysu finansów publicznych Grecji, miały na celu przeanalizowanie tzw. efektu zarażania na rynku obligacji skarbowych, a ich wyniki potwierdziły występowanie efektu zarażania w przypadku państw o niskim ratingu kredytowym.
Sensitivity of the Art Market to Price Volatility
Authors: Borowski Krzysztof
Published: February 2021

The purpose of the article: The art market becomes very popular among investors, when there is strong turbulence on the stock market. In times of calm, the art market is used by investors to diversify risk and build more efficient investment portfolios according to the Markovitz’s theory. The aim of this paper is to: (i) present the peculiarity of investment on the art market, represented by art market indexes in comparison to traditional investments in other financial market segments (money market, equity indexes and commodity market), (ii) to verify the hypothesis of normality of the distribution of rates of return of the analyzed art market indices as well as (iii) to analyze calendar effects occurrence on the art market.Methodology: Comparison of rates of return on the stock, bond, commodity and money markets with rates on the art market in four different time intervals. For each of the analyzed periods, an income-risk map was presented, taking into account the spectrum of financial instruments, including six art indexes: Old Masters, 19th Century, Modern art, Post War art, Contemporary art and Global art. The hypothesis of normality of the distribution of rates of return of the art market indices for four analyzed periods was verified with the use of Jarque-Bera test.Results of the research: Comparison of rates of return on the stock market and art market leads to the conclusion that their relationship depends on the period chosen. For two of the analyzed periods, the rates of return on the stock market were higher than on the art market, but for others periods, the opposite. The distribution of quarterly rates of return resulted to be a normal distribution for almost all of analyzed indices and time periods. Calendar effects were observed in the case of four analyzed indexes.
Health Capital and its Relationship to Economic Growth
Authors: Zarzycki Daniel , Malaczewski Maciej
Published: February 2021

The purpose of the article/hypothesis: The purpose of this paper is to attempt to justify the thesis that the health potential of human and society has an impact on economic well-being, contributing to the economic growth of countries, and thus their enrichment.Methodology: In order to examine the significance and strength of the impact of health capital on productivity on a macroeconomic scale, an econometric model of economic growth was used and six estimations were made in which the impact of subsequent components of this capital was examined.Results of the research: It turned out that 4 out of 6 introduced variables of health capital significantly influenced economic growth, and their direction is consistent with the economic theory. This implies necessity for further studies.
Proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy as an alternative method for quantitative assessment of mineral bone density
Authors: Ivantsova A. S. , Menshchikov P. E. , Polyakova U. A. , Manzhurtsev A. V. , Ublinskiy M. V. , Akhadov T. A. , Kupriyanov D. A. , Semenova N. A.
Published: February 2021

Aims: 1) To evaluate an association between the fat fraction (FF) and bone mineral density (BMD) measured by localized proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H-MRS) and quantitative computed tomography (QCT) densitometry, respectively, in healthy vertebrae of children after a compression fracture; 2) To compare the FF and BMD values with the severity of the compression vertebrae fractures.Materials and methods: Twenty (20) patients (aged 11.1±2.1 years) with a trauma-induced compression vertebral fractures participated in the study. The BMD of L3, L4 vertebrae (mg/cm3) was measured in by QCT (Philips Brilliance 16). FF in the same area was measured from 1H-MR-spectra (STEAM, echo time (TE)=12.8 ms, repetition time (TR)=3000 ms, voxel size=20×15×10 mm) using Philips Achieva TX 3.0T MRI scanner.Results: Correlation analysis revealed a  significant inverse linear correlation (r=-0.55, p=0.0004) between FF and BMD of L3 и L4 vertebrae. In addition, in the patients with severe compression vertebral fracture (more than 2 fractured vertebrae) there was a  significant increase in FF values and a  BMD decrease, compared to the values in the patients with mild fractures (1–2 fractured vertebrae).Conclusion: The correlation suggests that the increase of FF in the bone marrow and the decrease of BMD in children go in parallel. Therefore, 1H-MRS could be an alternative to QCT and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. The absence of radiation load allows for recommendation to use 1Н-MRS for screening and follow-up, as well as for the control of BMD.
Exploring key competencies sought to potentialize tactical behavior in soccer players.
Authors: Hallé Petiot Gregory , Silva Davi , Ometto Lucas
Published: February 2021

BACKGROUND: Soccer is part of the team sports games category and is characterized by the cooperation and opposition interactions between players in the same space of play and time. Thus, players must adequately decide what action to perform despite the unpredictable, random, and varying nature of the environment of play.
AIM: This paper explores tactical competencies that can be appreciated in the way players play and their functioning.
METHOD: The argumentation is structured over a review of sixty articles in five languages, selected from the results in an online university library with topic-related keywords. The selected papers were analyzed to identify the most frequently reported concepts related to (i) tactics and action in the play; (ii) decision-making and associated cognitive mechanisms and skills; and (iii) the teaching-learning-training process.
RESULTS: The results of this review sum the three following competencies: tactical intelligence, creativity, and co-adaptability. We argue that these competencies can be built through the play's practice and that coaches should seek to use them to the advantage of player’s development. Small-sided and conditioned games reflect a compatible opportunity to nurture the competencies as long as they are configured to solicit the competencies in an environment that promotes them.
CONCLUSION: Tactical intelligence, creativity, and co-adaptability can be appreciated in the tactical behavior shown by performing players. For the same reason, those also should constitute more of the player’s development curriculum, therefore leading to players who have a competitive advantage.
Understanding sport skills through the theories of visual perception: Contrasting cognitive and ecological approaches
Authors: Rodrigues Sérgio Tosi , Gotardi Gisele C. , Polastri Paula Favaro
Published: February 2021

BACKGROUND: Understanding sport skills through the theories of visual perception brings the debate to the level of basic and applied components of science, characterizing contributions from the most relevant approaches in the field of Motor Behavior, the indirect and the direct paradigms.
AIM AND FINDINGS: The first section of this article emphasizes theoretical assumptions of visual perception arising from indirect and direct approaches; the notion of relative utility of these perspectives in explaining vision is discussed, which includes analysis of the goals of explanation, prediction, and simplicity. The second section is devoted to demonstrate critical insufficiencies of indirect perspective. The third and final section focuses on the ecological dynamics account applied to sports, with emphasis on elements of decision-making and motor control. Ecological dynamics is shown as an interesting alternative to understand sport skills, accounting for involved complexities of perception, decision-making, and action.
Editorial: Cognitivist and ecological approaches to sports skills acquisition, development and assessment
Authors: Aquino Rodrigo , Machado João Cláudio , Praça Gibson Moreira , Clemente Filipe Manuel , Palucci Vieira Luiz Henrique
Published: February 2021

This editorial presented four articles published in special edition of Brazilian Journal of Motor Behavior titled Cognitivist and ecological approaches to sports skills acquisition, development and assessment.
Resistance training for children and adolescents: adaptations, risks and guidelines
Authors: Ruas Cassio V. , Brown Lee E. , Pinto Ronei S.
Published: February 2021

Resistance training (RT) has been shown in the past years to be an important tool that can benefit children and adolescents in health, wellness and sports fields. The benefits of resistance training for youth are evident in that they often use strength in their daily movements and activities. Thus, the goals of this review are to examine topics related to muscular, physiological and bone adaptations, the benefits, and risks involved in youth RT to guide professionals in develop RT programs involving different modes and exercises for this population. This review was based on 35 studies by accessing the databases: PubMed, Portal Periódico Capes and Google Scholar. These articles included discrepancies on some of the specific RT topics but demonstrated agreement on the majority of benefits regarding RT in children and adolescents when correct supervision and risk conditions are assessed. Future studies assessing RT in children and adolescents with greater volumes and intensities, and using new assessment techniques can provide new knowledge of further benefits regarding this

practice.
The Effect of Environmental Factor, Population and Age of Duck on Egg Production
Authors: Ismoyowati Ismoyowati , Suswoyo Imam , Rosidi Rosidi , Mugiyono Sigit , Hidayat Nu’man
Published: February 2021

Duck is one of the commodities that contribute to the national livestock production and Central Java is home to the fourth biggest duck population after West Java, South Sulawesi and East Java. The 2019 egg production in Central Java was 36.174 tons or 11.3% of the total egg production nationwide. Accordingly, it is important to investigate the effect of environmental factor, total number and age of ducks on egg production in Central Java. Specifically, this study aimed to observe the effect of region on egg production and feed conversion ratio (FCR) and the total livestock (chicken), age (month), stocking density (ducks/m2), internal housing temperature (oC), and humidity (%) on Hen day production/HDP. A survey engaging purposive random sampling was conducted on the population of duck farming in Central Java especially Tegal, Pemalang and Brebes districts. The data were subjected to General Linear Model (GLM) and a regression-correlation analysis using an SPSS program. The result showed that region significantly  affected hen day production (HDP) but did not affect FCR. Housing temperature affected HDP by 14.9% and the higher the temperature, the lower the HDP. Duck age affected HDP by 11.7%, and the older the ducks the lower the egg production. Duck population, stocking density and humidity did not significantly affect egg production. Conclusively, duck egg production (HDP) is significantly affected by temperature inside the housing and the duck age.
Nitrogen Metabolism and Microbial Protein Synthesis by Local Sheep Fed Diet Containing Hibiscus Leave Meal (HLM) with Different Direct-Fed Microbials (DFM) Supplementation
Authors: Amelia Putri Nasution Risda , Rahayu Sri , Bata Muhamad
Published: February 2021

The interaction of Hibiscus Leaf Meal (HLM) and Direct-Fed Microbials (DFM) supplementation on nitrogen metabolism and rumen microbial synthesis by local sheep was investigated. Thirty six male local sheep aged ±2 years, weight 28.01±2.61 kg were fed concentrate (3% of body weight) supplemented with HLM twice a day, amoniated rice-straw (ARS) supplemented with DFM were given ad-libitum were assigned randomly to nine treatment in an experiment of 3×3 factorial design. The first factor (P) was DFM were supplemented in ARS (P0=without DFM, P1=DFMAMS, and P2=DFMRK). Second factor (W) was the level of HLM supplementation in concentrate (W0=0%, W1=0.24% and W2=0.48% of DM consentrate. The study measured variables including nitrogen digestibility (ND), nitrogen retention (NR), microbial protein synthesis (MPS), and Efficiency of microbial protein synthesis (EMPS). There were significant interaction between DFM and HLM suplementation on MPS and EMPS. However, the interaction of ND and NR was non-existent. Based on polynomial graph, the most efficient MPS was achieved on combination between DFMRK and 0.23% HLM about 8.70 gN/day. Despite the absence of interaction (P>0.05) between DFM supplementation and HLM on KN and RN, DFM supplementation significantly affected (P<0.01) Nitrogen metabolism (ND and NR). The treatment without DFM supplementation resulted the highest nitrogen metabolism (ND and NR). This study concludes that HLM without DFM suplementation positively impacted N Metabolism. Combination between 0.23% HLM and DFMRK resulted the most efficient Microbial Protein Synthesis.
A Comparison of Placental Alpha Microglobuliun-1 Rapid Immunoassay and Standard Clinical Method For Diagnosis of Premature Rupture of Membranes
Authors: Adebara Idowu O , Ifarinola Damilola , Adewara Olumide , Adeniyi Adebayo , Oni Ayobami O. , Alayode Gabriel , Busari Olusegun , Fasakin Kolawole
Published: February 2021

Background/Objective: Premature rupture of membranes (PROM) poses significant risk to the wellbeing of a pregnant woman and her fetus; the risk is more when not appropriately diagnosed and managed. The search for accuracy and increased specificity in diagnosis of PROM is an on-going process. The purpose of this study was to determine the accuracy of placental alpha microglobulin-1 (AmniSure ROM
Mitigating Gender and Maternal and Child Health Injustices through Faith Community-Led Initiatives
Authors: Nwakamma Ikenna J. , Erinmwinhe Amber , Ajogwu Arinzechukwu , Udoh Aniekan , Ada-Ogoh Anne
Published: February 2021

Background and Objective: Congregational Health Empowerment and Social Safety Advocates (CHESSAdvocates) initiative, a project aimed at mitigating maternal and child health (MCH) and gender injustices in religiously pluralistic societies, was implemented in two Northern Nigerian states of Benue and Kaduna between September 2018 and July 2019. The objective of this study was to assess the effectiveness, sustainability and factors of success in the CHESS-Advocates model as a faith community approach to mitigating gender and MCH injustices in Northern Nigeria.

Methods: Data were from desk review of monthly project reports which were documented monthly all through the 10-month project life, and qualitative assessment conducted in July 2019 at the end of project. The assessments involved focus group discussions, key informant interviews, and in-depth interviews conducted in four randomly selected communities in each of the project states. The variables of interest were sustainability, effectiveness of initiative, and the factors that contributed to the success of the program.

Results: The CHESS-Advocate model was effective in the mobilization of community response that improved uptake and acceptance of antenatal care (ANC), immunization, and uptake of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) testing services. The model was cost-effective and able to instigate change in harmful practices, particularly in highly religious communities. The model showed promise of sustainability and identified some factors that led to its success in the different communities.

Conclusion and Global Health Implications: The CHESS advocates model showed promises of efficacy in engaging faith communities as important actors in promoting MCH practices and mitigating gender injustices particularly in rural and underserved communities. Like other faith based models, the CHESS-Advocates model provided opportunities in faith congregations for building sustainable development in health and social justice. The model helped to improve MCH seeking behavior, influenced change in harmful gender norms and in community response against gender based violence in rural communities.

Key words: MCH • Gender justice • HIV • CHESS-Advocates • Faith • Northern Nigeria • Nigeria

 

Copyright © 2019 Nwakamma et al. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Com - mons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
The move to micro-credentials exposes the deficiencies of existing credentials
Authors: Boud David , Jorre de St Jorre Trina
Published: February 2021

The rush to short courses and use of micro-credentials prompted by responses to the pandemic has greatly accelerated a trend already underway. However, few studies have examined the impact of short courses or micro-credentials on skills or employment outcomes, and this hasty move draws attention to major problems in the ways in which higher education credentials - macro and micro -are designed and assessed.
Axial Compression Capacity of Concrete Columns Reinforced with Corrosion-Resistant Metallic Reinforcement
Authors: Wright John , Pantelides Chris
Published: February 2021

Axial compression performance of concrete columns reinforced with 2304 solid stainless bars and spirals, carbon steel bars and spirals, and 316L stainless steel clad bars is examined after the columns are exposed to severe corrosion. Two groups of columns were investigated: a control group, and a group submerged in a 5.0% by weight chloride solution subjected to accelerated corrosion. A relatively high impressed current density of 8.5 μA/mm2 was used and after 60 days of accelerated corrosion the columns were tested to failure under axial compression. In terms of mass loss per unit of corrosion energy, columns reinforced with stainless steel spirals and either solid stainless or stainless clad vertical bars were 197% more corrosion resistant than carbon steel. Bars made with 2304 solid stainless steel and 316L stainless clad materials developed localized pitting corrosion that led to degradation of the concrete cover and a larger drop in axial compression than carbon steel reinforced columns. However, the carbon steel reinforced columns reached lower failure displacements and a corroded carbon steel reinforced column was the only column to experience sudden failure prior to reaching its theoretical maximum axial compression capacity. Axial compression capacity of the columns in both the control and corroded conditions was modeled using concrete confinement models that produced good agreement with the experimental results.
Structural, Optical, Magnetic, Photocatalytic Activity and Related Biological Effects of CoFe2O4 Ferrite Nanoparticles
Authors: Yalcin B. , Ozcelik S. , Icin K. , Senturk K. , Ozcelik B. , Arda Lutfi
Published: February 2021

The synthesis of magnetic nano-size spinel ferrites has become an important area of research, due to their several potential applications. In this work, CoFe2O4 nanoparticles were synthesized by the co-precipitation method. Structural, magnetic and photocatalytic properties of cobalt ferrites were analyzed based on their chemical composition considering their biological properties. Structural and morphological properties were investigated by X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD) and SEM respectively. Lattice parameters and cell volumes were calculated from XRD data. SEM images revealed uniform surface morphology and spherical shape of nanoparticles. Magnetization measurements were measured by using Lake Shore 7304 model Vibrating Sample Magnetometer. In hemolytic activity tests, formation of a precipitate with a characteristic black color provided an explicit evidence to the formation of heme-iron complexes. Undesirable hemolytic effect of CoFe2O4 nanoparticles on human erythrocytes at both concentrations was attributed to the comparatively high amount of reactive oxygen species formed by CoFe2O4 nanoparticles. The theoretical concentration Co (theory) obtained by second-order model (0.82 mg/L) fit with the experimental value of Co (experimental) (0.95 mg/L) well in photocatalytic activity tests.
Chaotification in an internal-resonance-based electromagnetic vibration energy harvester
Authors: Zhang Jingyu , Li Xuefeng , Li Renfu
Published: February 2021

This paper explores a 2:1 internal resonance of a bistable vibration energy harvester (BVEH) to enhance the harvesting performance. Two linear natural frequencies are tuned to meet the nearly commensurate ratio, i.e., 1:2. Thus, the 2:1 internal resonance could be activated when the first mode is directly excited under the same vibration frequency as the first linear natural frequency. The amplitude-frequency responses under small vibration amplitudes are obtained through the multi-scale method. The analytic results reveal the double-jumping characteristics, which could expand the bandwidth of the BVEH. Among them, an intriguing “flower pattern” amplitude-frequency curve is observed. Besides, the frequency spectrums are introduced to demonstrate the mode coupling and energy exchange between the first two modes. With small vibration amplitude, only intra-well responses could be obtained, and the energy exchange between modes obeys strict commensurate relation, i.e., 2:1. However, it does not obey the 2:1 ratio when the inter-well responses are activated, and the energy transfers to several low-frequency modes which results in a chaotic inter-well response. Afterward, the bifurcation diagrams and basin-of-attraction maps are explored by the numerical method to develop insights into the nonlinear responses of the BVEH. The results quantitatively prove the enhancement of the inter-well responses by internal resonance, and the chaotic inter-well response dominates the nonlinear behaviors.
Evidence of Reproductive Disturbance in Astyanax Lacustris (Teleostei: Characiformes) From the Doce River After the Collapse of the Fundão Dam in Mariana, Brazil
Authors: Merçon Julia , Cabral Dandara Silva , Teixeira Bárbara Chisté , Pereira Tatiana Miura , Bona Alliny , Valadares Catharina , Nascimento Silvia , Gomes Levy Carvalho
Published: February 2021

On November 5th, 2015, the Fundão Dam collapsed dumping more than 50 million/m3 of iron ore tailings, enriched with metals, into the Doce River channel. The objective of this study was to evaluate the reproductive biology and histological damage in Astyanax lacustris exposed to the metals from the dam collapse. The study was carried out at Doce River, in Espírito Santo State, Brazil. Monthly samplings were carried out for a year. Astyanax lacustris had multiple spawning: females reproductive peak was in September, October, November, and December; and males between September, October, January, and February. There was a latency in the formation of gonads. For male gonads, it was necessary a 6 cm growth for it to increase from 30% to 50% and 4 cm for female gonads to increase from 40% to 50%. There is a positive correlation between gonad’s concentration of Al and Fe and the rate of histological damage in females. Male gonads had a high rate of immature cells invading the cell lumen (47.36%) and female gonads showed higher frequency of atresia (39.64%). Fish exposed to the contaminated water showed high gonad histological damage. The observed changes can directly influence the organism development and reproduction in the long run, thus affecting A. lacustris population present in the region.
Impact of COVID-19 on Malaria Elimination: Juxtaposing Indoor Residual Spraying and Mobile Phones in Buhera Rural District, Zimbabwe
Authors: Mbunge Elliot , Millham Richard , Sibiya Maureen Nokuthula , Takavarasha Sam
Published: February 2021

BackgroundGlobally, malaria remains one of the leading health problems decimating population in Africa with an estimated 228 million cases of malaria and 405 000 deaths occurred worldwide in 2018. In Zimbabwe, like other sub-Saharan countries, is fighting both elusive malaria and COVID-19 that continues to overwhelm the already overburdened healthcare system. Zimbabwean rural healthcare centres including Buhera district experience dire impact of malaria and COVID-19 pandemic. Therefore, the study presents the impact of COVID-19 on malaria control measures and reflects on indoor residual spraying (IRS) activities pre and post the outbreak of COVID-19 while introspecting milestones and challenges encountered when executing IRS activities; and opportunities to integrate mobile technologies into malaria elimination.MethodsA retrospective study of malaria cases and IRS reports was carried out. Malaria cases per each health centre from 2015-2020 were collected from DHIS in Buhera rural district.ResultsThe study shows that the overall IRS acceptance rate in 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2019 was 100%, 58.5%, 66.6%, 52.8% and 83.3%, respectively. The absolute rooms sprayed in 2017 are 2.55% above those sprayed in 2016 but are 8.46% below those sprayed in 2015. The coverage failed to reach impact levels in most of the wards due but not lack of resources, limited to inadequate community sensitization, and competing programmes which were running concurrently with IRS. Also, the study revealed that malaria confirmed cases increased tremendously in 2020 as compared to the previous years, particularly from 2015-2019 because of delayed IRS coverage, COVID-19 restrictions, heavy rains, differed and inconsistent social and behaviour change communication, lack of community engagement, delayed procurement of equipment and lack of funding among others. ConclusionsThe study revealed that moving from malaria prevention to elimination is possible in low malaria incidence areas in Buhera rural district. However, new challenges including cyclones and COVID-19, disrupts of movements of medical equipment, delayed IRS activities, social and behaviour change communication and IEC campaigns and mandatory national lockdowns. It is therefore imperative to integrate mobile phones into malaria control strategies during COVID-19 pandemic to strengthen awareness campaigns while maintaining COVID-19 regulations.
Reuse of Treated Wastewater in the Manufacture of Concrete: Major Challenge of Environmental Preservation
Authors: Bouaich Fatima Zahra , Maherzi Walid , Elhajjaji Fadoua , Abriak Nor-Edine , Zarzour Mahfoud Ben , Taleb Mustapha , Rais Zakia
Published: February 2021

This work concerns the reuse of treated wastewater from Er-Rachidia wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) in the mixing of ordinary B25 concrete, in order to reduce the overexploitation of groundwater, avoid its discharge into watercourses and reduce the risk of environmental pollution due to its mineral and organic matter load. In this respect, Tree types of mixing water were used in this study: Drinking Water (DW), Groundwater (GW) and Treated Wastewater (TW). The results recorded for each type of mixing water, in the fresh and hardened state of concretes, are then compared with the requirements of the standards. The obtained results show that the treated wastewater does not have any adverse effect upon the quality of the concrete; it has shown an improvement of the mechanical resistance from the first stage, a similar density, setting time and porosity and a slight decrease of the workability compared with the control concrete. A One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) at the 5% significance level indicated no significant difference between concrete samples produced and cured with treated wastewater and control samples at ages 7, 14, 28 and 90 days. Throughout this study the substitution of drinking water by treated wastewater will help to minimize the need for its use. Additionally, it saves drinking water for consumption and makes wastewater treatment plants more economically attractive, together with other similar goals for sustainable development.
Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy Versus Intensity-Modulated Radiotherapy For Hepatocellular Carcinoma With Portal Vein Tumor Thrombosis
Authors: Li Liqing , Zhou Ying , Huang Yong , Liang Ping , Liang Shixiong , Su Tingshi
Published: February 2021

Background: It is unclear whether robotic stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) is superior to intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) in advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). This study aimed to compare the long-term outcomes of SBRT with those of IMRT in HCCs with portal vein tumor thrombosis (PVTT). Methods: We retrospectively evaluated 287 HCC patients with PVTT who underwent radiotherapy between January 2000 and January 2017. Of them, 154 and 133 patients were treated with IMRT and SBRT, respectively. Overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS), intrahepatic control (IC), and local control (LC) were evaluated in univariable and propensity-score matched analyses. Results: After matching, 102 well-paired patients were selected. There was no significant difference in the 6-, 12-, 24-, and 60-month cumulative OS (73.5, 42.9, 23.6, 7.6% vs. 72.4, 45.1, 29.8, 13.2%, P=0.151), PFS (53.9, 29.3, 21.8, 7.5% vs. 54.5, 19.3, 12.0, 9.6%, P=0.744) , IC (61.4, 45.7, 39.0, 26.8% vs. 75.1, 45.8, 35.9, 28.7%, P=0.144), and LC (85.2, 56.5, 52.1, 47.4% vs. 87.4, 65.2, 62.1, 62.1%, P=0.191) between the IMRT and SBRT groups. A biologically effective dose assumed at an a/b ratio of 10 (BED10) of ≥100 Gy was the optimal cutoff for predicting the OS, PFS, IC, and LC in the patients who received SBRT. Conclusions: When high-precision tracking technology is available, SBRT appears to be a safe and more time-efficient treatment, achieving comparable OS, PFS, IC and LC to IMRT for local advanced HCC with PVTT. A BED10≥100 Gy is recommended if tolerated by normal tissue.