bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Occupational Health Hazards among Workers at Government Garment Factory in-Al Najaf City
Authors: Ali Sadoon Almusawy  , Murtadha K. Adea Aljebory
Published: December 2021

Descriptive design cross-sectional study was conducted in assess the occupational health hazards amongworkers in Al-Najaf in garment factory and its association with socio-demographic characteristics ofworkers in the province of Najaf during period from December 23th 2020 to February 9 the 2021. 180male and female workers were selected through non-probability sampling (purposive sampling) andthe data collected using the questionnaire that was designed earlier from three main parts, first partincluded socio-demographic data characteristic and the second part was included health care facilitiesthat include health services to workers and the three part (health hazards) and that consist of (physicalhazards, chemical hazards, biological hazards, psychological hazards The study found that the overallrisk score was moderate, the higher risk was for psychological risks, and the lowest risk was for safetymeasures and protective equipment, The overall hazard score was found to have a statistically significantrelationship with each job title and work location (P 0.05). Further research, as well as an educationprogram and regulations for the use of safety measures, were strongly recommended.
Measurement of Maximal Oxygen Uptake (VO2Max) as a Cardiorespiratory Physiological Fitness Parameter Using Sensor Technology-Based Device Development
Authors: Anton Komaini  , Wiyonna Gusvominesia  , Syahrial Bakhtiar  , Yendrizal  , Novadri Ayubi
Published: December 2021

Background: This study aims to measure the maximal oxygen uptake (VO2Max) as a cardiorespiratory physiological fitness parameter using the development of a sensor technology-based tool.Methods: This study uses a research and development design (Research And Development). Validation is carried out by competent experts. In this study, the researchers asked for validation from three experts, namely IT (electronics) experts, test and measurement experts and Sports Physiology experts (maximum oxygen volume). A total of 19 male and 11 female adults participated in this study. The usage trial was carried out using the expert validity method with an assessment using a questionnaire, test and retest. The data analysis technique used is r-correlationResult: Based on expert validation tests, the reliability, practicality, and effectiveness of the development of test instruments based on sensor technology can be used to measure VO2Max and provide accurate and effective results.Conclusion:The development of a test instrument based on sensor technology can provide accurate and effective results for measuring maximal oxygen uptake (VO2Max) as a cardiorespiratory physiological fitness parameter. This tool provides advances for monitoring VO2Max routinely in daily life, especially for carrying out training programs for athletes without the need for trained personnel and special equipment and expensive costs.
Prevalence of Musculoskeletal Disorder in Wrist and Fingers amomg Amateur Piano Players in Vellore
Authors: Ashish Mathew A  , S.F.Mariyam Farzana
Published: December 2021

Background: Now a days the number of students studying piano in tertiary institution is being increasing. The piano player is similar to athletic activity to play the notes accurately. Posture plays a vital role in piano playing. Musicians are prone to injuries due to the nature of musical practice, inappropriate body postures and potentially harmful playing techniques. Majority of amateur players are prone to injuries, the main objective of the study was to find out the prevalence of musculoskeletal discomfort among piano players in three different wrist styles in piano playing. Methodology: A total 150 samples of age 8 to 15 years of both gender from Kingsway music academy. who use to play piano minimum 30 mins with minimum 6 months of learning experience were recruited for the study, initially their level of pain and discomfort in hand and wrist was measured using Cornell hand discomfort questionnaire Conclusion: The statistical analysis shows that there is pain in fourth and fifth finger in all wrist position and also weight playing method has significant pain among three wrist position .This also study concludes that correct positioning during piano playing can minimize the playing related musculoskeletal disorder.
Konsistensi Representasi dalam Menyelesaikan Kasus Jarak Tempuh
Authors: Romansyah Teddy Amin , Taqwa Muhammad Reyza Arief
Published: December 2021

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk melihat pemahaman konsep dan konsistensi mahasiswa dalam menggunakan konsep saat menyelesaikan soal fisika pada topik jarak benda dengan penyajian dalam format multi representasi. Penelitian ini merupakan penelitian deskriptif kuantitatif. Penelitian dilakukan pada 138 mahasiswa sarjana fisika tahun pertama di Universitas Negeri Malang. Instrumen penelitian terdiri dari 24 soal pilihan ganda. Soal dibuat dalam empat format representasi yakni (1) representasi matematis, (2) representasi tabel, (3) representasi grafik, dan (4) representasi visual (diagram gerak). Artikel ini membahas kemampuan mahasiswa dalam menentukan jarak tempuh. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa pemahaman konsep jarak tempuh objek masih rendah yang ditunjukkan dengan nilai rata-rata mahasiswa hanya 26,63 dan 97 (70,29%) mahasiswa tidak konsisten dalam menyelesaikan soal. Dari keempat format representasi, mahasiswa mengalami paling banyak kesulitan ketika menyelesaikan soal dalam format representasi matematis dan representasi grafik.
Penanggulan Krisis Air Bersih Dengan Membuat Perpipaan Di Desa Bogori Kalimantan Barat
Authors: Riti Yosefina , Putri Puryundari
Published: December 2021

Program pengabdian kepada masyarakat ini dilakukan di Desa Bogori, Kecamatan Serawai, Kabupaten Sintang, Propinsi Kalimantan Barat. Desa Bogori memiliki sungai-sungai yang banyak namun airnya kotor. Sungai-sungai tersebut tidak bisa dimanfaatkan sebagai sumber air minum maupun sebagai sumber air bersih lainnya. Selain itu, Desa Bogori merupakan daerah pedalaman yang tidak dapat dijangkau oleh PDAM sehingga mengandalkan sumber mata air bersih yaitu mata air Ansar yang jarak tempuh dari pusat desa ± 10 km dengan rute jalan tanah yang melewati beberapa bukit. sejak 2010 Pemerintah Desa sudah membuat perpipaan dari sumber mata air dan di distribusikan ke setiap dusun, namun sejak tahun 2012 keran-keran air tersebut sudah tidak berfungsi lagi karena pipa rusak dan tidak adanya anggaran dana untuk proses pemeliharaan fasilitas air bersih.  Oleh karena itu solusi yang ditawarkan atas masalah ini yaitu pengadaan dan pendistribusian air bersih dengan membuat proposal pendanaan serta pemasangan pipa paralon yang baru dari sumber mata air Ansar yang dilakukan oleh masyarakat secara gotong royong.
How influential are COVID–19 data points? A fresh look at an estimated small scale DSGE model for the Philippines
Authors: Dacuycuy Lawrence
Published: December 2021

Shocks emanating from the global pandemic continue to reshape the macroeconomic landscape—dimming national growth prospects, prolonging widespread financial distress among households, firms, and governments and heightening uncertainty. Using a small-scale New Keynesian Dynamic Stochastic General Equilibrium (DSGE) model for the Philippines, we examine the model’s sensitivity to COVID-19 datapoints or extreme observations. Relative to estimates during the base period (2002Q1 to 2019Q4), the inclusion of extreme datapoints worsens the model’s log data density progressively, from the consideration of the first quarter of 2020 to the full sample – an indication that shock propagation mechanisms associated with COVID–19 and other natural disasters should be integrated into the model. Even with the inclusion of said extreme observations, however, the model’s parameters are identified, provided identification schemes are evaluated at posterior median estimates. Judging from the sets of parameter estimates relative to the base sample, the effects of extreme observations are found to be non–uniform, especially the size of the shocks. But there are other parameters, notably those that are embedded in the Taylor rule, which are relatively as stable as some household related parameters. These results imply that the size of standard errors for demand, supply, and monetary policy shocks adjust to partially capture the impact of extreme datapoints.
Targeting ‘highly vulnerable’ households during strict lockdowns
Authors: Ducanes Geoffrey , Daway-Ducanes Sarah Lynne , Tan Edita
Published: December 2021

In this brief article, we attempt to quantify the number of households in the country which are ‘highly vulnerable’ to hunger and poverty due to sudden and highly restrictive lockdowns, such as the enhanced community quarantine, and other social distancing measures, as well as estimate the budget that will be needed to address their vulnerability. ‘Highly vulnerable’ households are defined in this study as those unlikely to have incomes during strict lockdown periods because of the employment characteristics of their employed members and which likely have little or no savings to tide them over. Using nationally-representative household data, we define a job loss index to identify the employment characteristics that are most sensitive to the lockdown measures, and given these employment characteristics, identify the ‘highly vulnerable’ households. Depending on the pre-lockdown income threshold eligibility used, we estimate the number of ‘highly vulnerable’ households in the country at anywhere from 7.4 million to 11.3 million. At ₱5,000 per ‘highly vulnerable’ household, the estimated costs amount to ₱36.9 billion to ₱56.5 billion, again depending on the income threshold used. We also propose a way for the government to operationalize the process of identifying and helping ‘highly vulnerable’ households.
COVID-19, job loss, and underemployment: who is affected?
Authors: Epetia Ma. Christina
Published: December 2021

This paper seeks to examine the short-term adverse effects of the labor market disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic on employment by estimating and comparing the probability of job loss, underemployment, and employment gain in January, April, and July 2020. Using data from the Philippine Labor Force Survey, we find that the workers who were most vulnerable to job loss and underemployment amid the COVID-19 pandemic are male, less educated, and those working in sectors that are either with limited operational capacity or not allowed to open at all. On a positive note, the results also suggest that males and less-educated individuals are more likely to gain employment after being jobless in the previous quarter. A policy recommendation is to establish an institutionalized social insurance program, such as an unemployment insurance facility, to protect a wider range of workers from the negative shocks to the labor market.
Life in the times of the COVID-19 pandemic: the experiences and responses of households in Guimaras and Miagao, Iloilo
Authors: Eluriaga Louie Marie , Zeller Lylve Maliz , Gange Gay Margarett , Ferrer Alice
Published: December 2021

This paper assesses the experience and responses to the COVID-19 pandemic of households in the province of Guimaras and the municipality of Miagao to gain insights and lessons that can be applied during similar disruptions in the future. Survey data using a questionnaire were collected in July to early August 2020 from 580 households in Guimaras and 401 households in Miagao using convenience sampling. As a health threat, COVID-19 caused many households to feel unsafe and worried. The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the economic vulnerability of households to disruptions affecting their livelihood and income sources. The effects on loss of livelihood and income sources were worse with lower-income households whose income status and the ability to meet basic needs were worse than the pre-pandemic period. The paper recommends several approaches and interventions to improve household resilience and to be better prepared for similar challenges and threats in the future.
Vulneración de derechos humanos de líderes sociales y defensores de derechos humanos en Colombia, 2015-2019
Authors: Melo Balcázar Samuel
Published: December 2021

Se analizó comparativamente la vulneración de los derechos humanos (DDHH) a los líderes sociales y defensores en el territorio colombiano entre los años 2015 y 2019. Para ello, se utilizaron los métodos estadístico e historiográfico para realizar un análisis de datos agregados y una revisión documental, teniendo como fuentes distintas organizaciones sociales y algunas instituciones estatales. De esta manera, se problematizó la conceptualización de las categorías de líder social y defensor de DDHH para comparar las diferencias entre las definiciones propuestas por el Estado y las organizaciones no estatales. Se cuantificaron las vulneraciones como amenaza, asesinato, atentados, detenciones arbitrarias, judicializaciones, desapariciones, uso arbitrario del sistema penal y hurto de información para ver la magnitud de la problemática en el periodo de estudio. Finalmente se concluyó que el Estado no ha mitigado la vulneración de derechos humanos a defensores de estos y a líderes sociales, con lo que la problemática se agudiza en los territorios, lo que profundiza las carencias en aspectos sociales y las desigualdades que presenta el país.
A Lopsided Outer Solar System?
Authors: Zderic Alexander , Tiongco Maria , Collier Angela , Wernke Heather , Generozov Aleksey , Madigan Ann-Marie
Published: December 2021

Axisymmetric disks of eccentric orbits in near-Keplerian potentials are unstable and undergo exponential growth in inclination. Recently, Zderic et al. showed that an idealized disk then saturates to a lopsided mode. Here we show, using N-body simulations, that this apsidal clustering also occurs in a primordial Scattered Disk in the outer solar system, which includes the orbit-averaged gravitational influence of the giant planets. We explain the dynamics using Lynden-Bell's mechanism for bar formation in galaxies. We also show surface density and line-of-sight velocity plots at different times during the instability, highlighting the formation of concentric circles and spiral arms in velocity space.
The fingernail clams (Bivalvia: Veneroida: Sphaeriidae) of Morocco: Diversity, distribution and conservation status
Authors: Rassam Hanane , Ghamizi Mohamed , Benaissa Hassan , Clewing Catharina , Albrecht Christian
Published: December 2021

In Morocco, many uncertainties surround the current diversity and distribution of the bivalve family Sphaeriidae. Such information, including taxonomy and conservation status, are vital for further studies to improve the knowledge of this family in Morocco and represents the first step towards the development of a national conservation plan for all freshwater bivalves.

Between 2016 and 2019, several investigations were carried out to assess the diversity and distribution of Sphaeriidae in the different basins of Morocco, covering different types of habitat (lakes, springs, rivers and small ponds). The identification of specimens and their morpho-ecological features was based on morphological and morphometric analyses. The data on the general distribution of the collected species allowed the evaluation of their conservation status as well.

The shell morphology and morphometric analyses revealed the existence of five species belonging to the genus Pisidium [P. casertanum (Poli, 1791), P. (cf.) personatum Malm, 1855, P. subtruncatum Malm, 1855, P. amnicum (O. F. Müller, 1774) and Pisidium sp.] and one species to the genus of Musculium [M. lacustre (O. F. Müller, 1774)]. Sphaeriidae were found in all Moroccan basins, except Bouregreg and Sakia El Hamra-Oued Eddahab Basins. The results showed that Sebou Basin was the species richest with the occurrence of the five species, while Loukkos and Sous-Massa Basins had the lowest-species richness with one species only. The conservation status of sphaeriids in Morocco was evaluated for the first time and resulted in P. (cf.) personatum and P. subtruncatum being proposed as Least Concern and Vulnerable, respectively, while the status of Regionally Extinct is suggested for both species P. amnicum and M. lacustre.

First evaluation of the diversity and species richness of the family Sphaeriidae in Morocco with an assignment of an updated conservation status of the recorded species.
Effect of synthesis conditions and composition on structural and phase states and electrical properties of nanogranular (FeCoZr)x (PZT)100-x films (30 ≤ x ≤ 85 at.%)
Authors: Fedotova Julia A.
Published: December 2021

Granular films containing Fe50Co50Zr10 alloy nanoparticles inside Pb0,81Sr0,04(Na0,5Bi0,5)0,15(Zr0,575Ti0,425)O3 (PZT) ferroelectric matrix possess a combination of functional magnetic and electrical properties which can be efficiently controlled by means of external electric or magnetic fields. The formation of the required granular structure in PZT matrix is only possible if synthesis is carried out in an oxygen-containing atmosphere leading to substantial oxidation of metallic nanoparticles. Thus an important task is to study the oxidation degree of metallic nanoparticles depending on synthesis conditions and the effect of forming phases on the electrical properties of the films.

The relationship between the structural and phase state and electrical properties of granular FeCoZr)x (PZT)100-x films (30 ≤ x ≤ 85 at.%) synthesized in an oxygen-containing atmosphere at the oxygen pressure PO in a range of (2.4–5.0) · 10–3 Pa has been studied using X-ray diffraction, EXAFS and four-probe electrical resistivity measurement.

Integrated comparative analysis of the structural and phase composition and local atomic order in (FeCoZr)x (PZT)100-x films has for the first time shown the fundamental role of oxygen pressure PO during synthesis on nanoparticle oxidation and phase composition. We show that the oxygen pressure being within PO = 3.2 · 10–3 Pa an increase in x leads to a transition from nanoparticles of Fe(Co,Zr)O complex oxides to a superposition of complex oxides and a-FeCo(Zr,O) ferromagnetic nanoparticles (or their agglomerations). At higher oxygen pressures РО = 5.0 · 10–3 Pa the nanoparticles undergo complete oxidation with the formation of the (FexCo1-x)1-δO complex oxide having a Wurtzite structure.

The forming structural and phase composition allows one to explain the observed temperature dependences of the electrical resistivity of granular films. These dependences are distinguished by a negative temperature coefficient of electrical resistivity over the whole range of film compositions at a high oxygen pressure (РО = 5.0 · 10–3 Pa) and a transition to a positive temperature coefficient of electrical resistivity at a lower oxygen pressure (РО = 3.2 · 10–3 Pa) in the synthesis atmosphere and x > 69 at.% in the films. The transition from a negative to a positive temperature coefficient of electrical resistivity which suggests the presence of a metallic contribution to the conductivity is in full agreement with the X-ray diffraction and EXAFS data indicating the persistence of unoxidized a-FeCo(Zr,O) ferromagnetic nanoparticles or their agglomerations.
A fantastic new species of secretive forest frog discovered from forest fragments near Andasibe, Madagascar
Authors: Hutter Carl R. , Andriampenomanana Zo F. , Andrianasolo Ginah Tsiorisoa , Cobb Kerry A. , Razafindraibe Jary H. , Abraham Robin K. , Lambert Shea M.
Published: December 2021

We describe a fantastic new species of forest frog (Mantellidae: Gephyromantis: subgenus: Laurentomantis) from moderately high elevations in the vicinity of Andasibe, Madagascar. This region has been surveyed extensively and has a remarkably high anuran diversity with many undocumented species still being discovered. Surprisingly, by exploring areas around Andasibe that lacked biodiversity surveys, we discovered a spectacular and clearly morphologically distinct species, previously unknown to science, Gephyromantis marokorokosp. nov., documented for the first time in 2015. The new species is well characterised by a very rugose and granular dorsum, dark brown skin with bright red mottling, sparse light orange to white spots on the ventre, vibrant red eyes and femoral glands present only in males that consist of eight medium-sized granules. Bioacoustically, the new species has a quiet advertisement call that differs from related species by having a moderate call duration, 2–4 strongly pulsed notes and a slow note repetition rate. Furthermore, it has substantial differentiation in mitochondrial DNA, with pairwise distances of 7–9% to all other related species in sequences of the mitochondrial 16S rRNA marker. Additional evidence is given through a combined four mitochondrial markers and four nuclear exons concatenated species tree, strongly supporting G. striatus as the sister species of the new species in both analyses. The discovery of this new species highlights the need for continued inventory work in high elevation rainforests of Madagascar, even in relatively well-studied regions.
The Advantages and Disadvantages of Prokinetics
Authors: Seo Jeongkuk , Jung Kee Wook
Published: December 2021

Prokinetics are medications that enhance gastrointestinal contractility; they improve the symptoms of patients with delayed gastrointestinal motility. Prokinetics have conventionally been used to stimulate gastrointestinal propulsion and to treat symptoms correlated with motility problems, including gastroparesis and constipation. 5-Hydroxytryptamine receptor 4 (5-HT4) agonists, such as cisapride, very effectively increased human gastrointestinal tract motility. However, cisapride sometimes induced serious tachyarrhythmia; the drug was thus withdrawn from the market. Thereafter, many prokinetics have been developed to treat delayed gastrointestinal motility. However, some exhibit serious side-effects. Recently, a new, highly selective serotonin receptor agonist, prucalopride, has been introduced; there is as yet no evidence of serious cardiac side- effects. The drug has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration to treat chronic constipation. Thus, recently introduced, highly selective agents appear to show promise as treatments for gastrointestinal dysmotility; there seem to be no serious side-effects.
Bien-être scolaire et satisfaction de vie des collégiens en France et au Vietnam au temps de la Covid-19
Authors: Florin Agnès , Mercier Cendrine , Thanh Ngo Hué , Hang Bui Thi Thuy , Zanna Omar
Published: December 2021

En contexte de pandémie de Covid-19 et de premier confinement au printemps 2020, un questionnaire en ligne auto-administré, portant sur le bien-être subjectif et la satisfaction de vie (SWLS), a été renseigné par des collégiens revenus dans leur établissement ou restés à la maison pour suivre les enseignements à distance. L’enquête a été réalisée en France et au Vietnam, deux pays de culture différente et touchés différemment par la pandémie. Les données recueillies auprès des collégiens (416 en France et 274 au Vietnam) confirment des résultats de travaux menés sur le bien-être des élèves avant la pandémie et mettent en évidence des différences significatives, liées aux variables âge, sexe, établissement, niveau scolaire, contexte familial et activité professionnelle des parents.
Relations entre bilinguisme, performances scolaires et fonctions exécutives chez des enfants libanais de 8-10 ans
Authors: al-Naboulsi Darine , Vilette Bruno
Published: December 2021

De nombreux travaux mettent en avant les effets positifs du bilinguisme dans les domaines langagier, culturel, identitaire, psychologique, ainsi qu’au niveau des FE (Bijeljac-Babic, 2017). Toutefois, certains auteurs remettent en cause l’existence de ces effets (Paap et al. , 2015). Cet article vise à clarifier les effets de l’apprentissage d’une langue seconde sur les fonctions exécutives et les performances académiques auprès d’enfants libanais. Une batterie d’épreuves évaluant le fonctionnement exécutif et les habiletés mathématiques et de lecture a été administrée à des élèves monolingues et bilingues âgés entre 8 et 10 ans et scolarisés au Liban. Les résultats confirment les relations positives attendues entre le bilinguisme, la flexibilité et l’inhibition, ainsi qu’avec les performances en lecture et en mathématique. Par contre, aucune relation n’est retrouvée entre le bilinguisme et l’impulsivité cognitive. Enfin, l’accès lexical chez les bilingues s’avère moins rapide et moins précis que chez les monolingues. En regard des résultats observés, deux nouvelles pistes de recherche sont proposées en lien avec les compétences académiques et les interventions.
Pourquoi l’élection présidentielle ?
Authors: Roussellier Nicolas
Published: December 2021

L’élection présidentielle occupe une position centrale sur la scène politique française. Le principe d’une élection au suffrage universel semble un garant démocratique. Pourtant, il n’en a pas toujours été ainsi dans le passé. Les guerres et les crises changent la donne en promouvant des figures stables et fortes. Dans le contexte actuel, la question est de nouveau posée : l’élection du Président se télescope avec des attentes de démocratie plus directe. Il faut donc réinventer la fonction présidentielle.
Bibliomedia, une actrice majeure de la mutualisation et de la mise en réseau des bibliothèques publiques suisses
Authors: Voisard Laurent , Baetcke Franziska , Cerny Céline , Benzi Charlotte
Published: December 2021

Fondée en 1920, la Fondation Bibliomedia est présente dans les trois principales régions linguistiques de Suisse. La richesse de ses offres et la diversification de ses activités en font une actrice majeure pour les bibliothèques publiques et scolaires de Suisse, mais aussi pour les écoles, les crèches et garderies, hôpitaux ou prisons. Très réactive, Bibliomedia sait anticiper les changements et mutations profondes des bibliothèques tout en maintenant un socle de prestations de base.
Cricket flour in a traditional beverage (chucula): emotions and perceptions of Colombian consumers
Authors: Sotelo-Díaz L.I. , Ramírez B. , García-Segovia P. , Igual M. , Martínez-Monzó J. , Filomena-Ambrosio A.
Published: December 2021

Incorporating sustainable raw materials into food has been a challenge in two correlated stages. Firstly, on the design and development of a product. Secondly, on how consumers accept it. This study aimed to evaluate the level of sensory acceptance and the emotional response of the addition of cricket flour (CR) to dried mixtures of different granulometry and solubility ofchucula, which is a traditional hot beverage in Colombia. In addition, this chucula was assessed on granulometric distribution, solubility, water activity, and colour characteristics. The characteristics of chucula elaborated from commercial cereal and legumes flours with the addition of CR (ChFCr) were significantly different (P<0.05) with a higher value to the particle size of 150 μm. The addition of CR 4.6% w/w in the dried mixtures ofchucula increases aw and decreases solubility. However, there are no significant differences in water absorption and colour. Thechucula elaborated by the traditional method (ChTM) had an acceptance close to thechucula reference commercial product (75%), with a greater purchase intention. The addition of CR reduces the purchase intention by 8%. However, 74% of the panellists liked thechucula elaborated by the traditional method with CR (ChTMCr), which as a hot beverage, has a milky brown appearance, a cocoa smell, and a sweet and nutty flavour. Traditionalchucula generated different emotions: traditional, joyful, warm, good-natured, pleased, energetic,and nostalgic. In comparison, the emotions related to thechucula with CR were adventurous, aggressive, enthusiastic. However, the neophobia results for these products were significantly different (P<0.05), being higher for the group of consumers older than 45 years, the values found to be less than 2.5 are indicators of an opportunity to incorporate CR in traditional products, as it is, in this case, a beverage.
Effects of aflatoxin B1 and monensin interaction on liver and intestine of poultry – influence of a biological additive (Pichia kudriavzevii RC001)
Authors: Magnoli A.P. , Poloni V. , Cristofolini L.A. , Merkis C.I. , Escobar F.M. , Torres C.V. , Chiacchiera S.M. , Cavaglieri L.
Published: December 2021

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) and monensin (MONS) interaction on the liver and intestinal histological changes in poultry, and the influence ofPichia kudriavzevii RC001. One-day-old commercial line (Ross 308) broilers (n=120) were individually weighed and randomly assigned to 8 treatments (15 broilers/treatment, 5 broilers per cage and 3 replicates/treatment). The experimental diets were: Group 1: basal diet (BD); Group 2: BD + MONS (50 mg/kg); Group 3: BD +P. kudriavzevii RC001 (1 g/kg); Group 4: BD + AFB1 (100 μg/kg); Group 5: BD + MONS +P. kudriavzevii RC001; Group 6: BD + AFB1 +P. kudriavzevii RC001; Group 7: BD + AFB1 + MONS +P. kudriavzevii RC001; Group 8: BD + AFB1 + MONS. When MONS was added, the typical AFB1 macroscopic and microscopic alterations were intensified. TheP. kudriavzevii RC001 cytotoxicity and genotoxicity assays with Vero cells and with broiler chicken’s erythrocytes, demonstrated thatP. kudriavzevii RC001 neither were non-cytotoxic nor genotoxic. When MONS was added in the presence ofP. kudriavzevii RC001, the toxic effect of AFB1 on liver was not prevented. WhenP. kudriavzevii was present alone, the same prevention of the pathological damage was observed in the intestine of poultry fed with AFB1. The smallest apparent absorption area was obtained when AFB1 and MONS were added in the feed (P<0.05). AFB1 and MONS interaction demonstrated important toxic effects. AlthoughP. kudriavzevii was effective in ameliorating the adverse effects of AFB1 alone on liver pathology and gut morphology, it was not able to diminish the toxic effects of AFB1 in presence of MONS. It suggests thatP. kudriavzevii could be used as feed additive or counteracting the toxic effects of AFB1 in poultry production in the absence of MONS.
Juliano y el consulado: política y representación
Authors: García Ruiz María Pilar
Published: December 2021

Este artículo se centra en el estudio pormenorizado de la magistratura consular en los escritos y la actividad política del emperador Juliano (331-363 d. C.). El consulado fue probablemente la única institución romana considerada digna de reconocimiento por parte del gobernante filo-helénico. En el Panegírico en honor a la emperatriz Eusebia, Juliano reflexiona sobre la excelencia del consulado republicano como forma de gobierno que acabó con los excesos de la tiranía, cuestión de la que Claudio Mamertino y Libanio se hacen eco en los discursos consulares que le dirigieron. Siendo Augusto, Juliano se inspira en las antiguas ceremonias consulares para desterrar los símbolos de la monarquía constantiniana y promueve el valor simbólico del consulado para animar a las tropas en marcha hacia Persia.
Predimensionamiento gráfico multicriterio en el plano de secciones metálicas bisimétricas
Authors: Jorquera-Lucerga Juan José , García-Guerrero Juan Manuel
Published: December 2021

Se presenta y detalla un método original de predimensionamiento en el plano de secciones metálicas simétricas basado en primer lugar en un tratamiento simplificado de la geometría de la sección. Esto posibilita que cualquier criterio de predimensionamiento que necesite el proyectista, basado en la normativa y su propia experiencia, pueda ser representado gráficamente. Esta doble aproximación lleva a un predimensionamiento muy intuitivo, que identifica claramente los criterios que condicionan las dimensiones de la sección y minimiza eficazmente el peso propio de la sección transversal. El método resulta especialmente eficaz cuando se han de verificar simultáneamente varios criterios, como los relacionados con la rigidez de la sección, limitación de tensiones o rotura. Se acompaña de dos ejemplos ilustrativos y recomendaciones sobre el diseño. Además, se destaca la importancia de un adecuado criterio estructural en las primeras etapas del proyecto.
Effects of Adult Biomass and Environmental Conditions on Bigheaded Carp Reproductive Output
Authors: Weber Michael J. , Matthews Aaron , Pierce Clay L.
Published: December 2021

Bighead Carp Hypothalmichthys nobilis and Silver Carp Hypothalmichthys moltrix (hereafter collectively referred to as Bigheaded Carp) have spread throughout the majority of the Mississippi River since the 1970s. The current northern invasion edge of Bigheaded Carp in the Upper Mississippi River (UMR) spans between Pools 14 and 20 because of limited passage at Lock and Dam (LD) 19. Mechanisms limiting adult Bigheaded Carp abundance above LD19 are unknown but may be due in part to lack of reproductive success influenced by adult abundance and environmental factors. Our objective was to investigate how relative adult biomass and river temperature and discharge affect maximum annual Bigheaded Carp larval production in the UMR using a Ricker stock-recruitment model. Adult Bigheaded Carp relative biomass (kg/h) was estimated annually with boat electrofishing and larvae were collected every 10 d between May and August 2014–2017 in Pools 14–20 in the UMR. Adult relative biomass ranged from 0.0 to 880.9 kg/h, whereas maximum annual larval densities ranged from 0.0 to 2,869.4 larvae/m3. After accounting for variability among pools and years, the most supported linear Ricker stock-recruitment model indicated the number of recruits per spawner decreased with increasing adult relative biomass and increased with mean discharge. Our results highlight the importance of adult biomass and river discharge conditions for reproduction of Bigheaded Carp along leading edges of invasion. Management strategies that aim to maintain low adult abundance where reproduction is not yet occurring could help limit population increases via reproduction, whereas reducing high adult biomass (e.g., commercial harvest, barriers) may result in greater Bigheaded Carp reproductive output in the UMR.
Two for One: Conservation of Aquatic Ecosystems With Buffers Protects Terrestrial Ecosystems
Authors: Denryter Kristin , Brown Patrick W.
Published: December 2021

We evaluated how three widths of buffer zones on greater than or equal to 100-ha wetlands (240, 300, and 390 m) and rivers (10, 20, and 30 m) would help meet watershed conservation goals in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, USA, and whether doing so also would protect each of the predominant types of terrestrial natural communities across the landscape. The use of buffer zones (even the narrowest widths assessed) around wetlands and riparian zones met or exceeded conservation targets in 75% of watersheds and greater than or equal to 85% of subwatersheds evaluated. Wetlands and riparian zones with buffers captured each of the predominant types of terrestrial natural community in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, but not proportionately to their availability across the entire landscape. Our work demonstrates that a landscape-conservation approach focused on wetlands and riparian zones with buffers can conserve terrestrial, wetland, and riparian ecosystems across Michigan's Upper Peninsula and may also be applicable in other areas where mapping of wetlands and rivers occurs.
Evaluation of Diagnostic Performance of Machine Learning Algorithms to Classify the Fetal Heart Rate Baseline From Cardiotocograph
Authors: Das Sahana , Obaidullah Sk Md , Roy Kaushik , Saha Chanchal Kumar
Published: December 2021

Cardiotocography (CTG) is the widely used cost-effective, non-invasive technique to monitor the fetal heart and mother’s uterine contraction pressure to assess the wellbeing of the fetus. The most important parameters of fetal heart is the baseline upon which the other parameters viz. acceleration, deceleration and variability depend. Accurate classification of the baseline into either normal, bradycardia or tachycardia is thus important to assess the fetal-health. Since visual estimation has its limitations, the authors use various Machine Learning Algorithms to classify the baseline. 110 CTG traces from CTU-UHB dataset, were divided into three subsets using stratified sampling to ensure that the sample is the accurate depiction of the population. The results were analyzed using various statistical methods and compared with the visual estimation by three obstetricians. FURIA provided greatest accuracy of 98.11%. From the analysis of Bland-Altman Plot FURIA was also found to have best agreement with physicians’ estimation.
Competence Assessment and Development for Managing Human Capital in the IT Sector
Authors: Chouhan Vikram Singh
Published: December 2021

With ever-increasing demand for software professionals, time has come for the information technology (IT) industry to unearth competencies required for software professionals. The majority of IT companies have been employing outsourcing software projects to inexpensive hubs in developing nations. Therefore expectations from highly skilled software professionals are rising. The purpose of the study is to recognize the technical competence levels associated with software professionals in a range of profiles which are found in India's major IT organizations. There are three basic objectives of the present study. The first objective is to conduct a literature survey of description of the software engineers in IT domain. The second objective is to quantify the competency levels of the software engineers in IT sector. Finally, the third objective is to conduct a survey-based empirical study on software engineers. The professional occupation is set up through seven successive profiles.
Scrum Team Competencies in Information Technology Professionals in the Global Software Development Environment
Authors: Hidayati Anita , Budiardjo Eko K. , Purwandari Betty
Published: December 2021

The Product Owner and Scrum Master are members of the Scrum Team, which play an essential role in Global Software Development. They must have some competencies that can overcome challenges in the global environment. This study aims to develop the competencies of these two roles and explore issues of global competencies. Researchers conducted a literature study to produce a list of competencies and in-depth interviews to explore the issues. Data processing uses content analysis and descriptive statistics. The author compiled questionnaires and generated three issues, then held a Focus Group Discussion for validation. Without reducing the nature of scrum, the consensus of experts had approved 31 competencies for the product owner while 34 for the scrum master. This research enriches scrum.org and has a global impact on improving Scrum and Global Software Development human capital and IT professionals.
Achieving Conformance to Document Standards
Authors: Fischer Thomas , Lundell Björn , Gamalielsson Jonas
Published: December 2021

In the context of long-term archival of digital assets, file formats that are standardized and designed for longevity such as PDF/A are preferred. However, due to the complexity of and ambiguities in PDF standards, it is far from trivial to either create standard-conformant files or check the conformance of any given file. This study investigates the challenges when checking real-world PDF files from public sector organizations meant for long-term archival for PDF/A conformance. Results show that only a small set of PDF files claims to conform to the PDF/A-1b specification variant and even fewer files pass conformance checks by various conformance checking tools. Challenges for conformance checking tools include both ambiguities in the standards’ technical specifications and limitations in the implementation.
A multisite dataset of near-surface soil temperature, active-layer thickness, and soil and vegetation conditions measured in northwestern Canada, 2016-2017
Authors: Zhang Y , Touzi R , Feng W , Hong G , Lantz T C , Kokelj S V
Published: December 2021

Quantifying and understanding spatial variation in permafrost conditions at the landscape-scale is important for land use planning and assessing the impacts of permafrost thaw. This report documents detailed field data observed at 110 sites in two areas in
northwestern Canada from 2016 to 2017. One area is a northern boreal landscape near Inuvik and the other is a tundra landscape near Tuktoyaktuk. The observations include near-surface soil temperatures (Tnss) at 107 sites, and active-layer thickness, soil and vegetation conditions at 110 sites. The
data set includes the original Tnss records, the calculated daily, monthly, and annual averages of Tnss, soil and vegetation conditions at these sites, and photographs taken in the field. This data set will be useful for understanding the spatial heterogeneity of permafrost and validating modelling
and mapping products.
Ethical Guidelines and Regulations in Conducting Clinical Research in Children
Authors: Chukwuneke Felix N. , Ezenwugo Anthony C.
Published: December 2021

Conducting clinical research in children poses significant challenges with regard to several ethical issues, such as informed consent and protection from harm. Notwithstanding, children need to participate in research to address health issues that affect them but such research aims must be balanced with the safety and well-being of the participants. While being attentive to mitigating risks and providing the right support, researchers can ensure that children feel respected and can participate safely. The informed consent of parents or legal guardians should be obtained, preferably in writing, stating all the features of the research that may affect their willingness to allow the child to participate. Because of their vulnerabilities and the need to be protected from the risks associated with any kind of research, there has been increased global concern toward the involvement of children in research practice. As a general principle, although parents or guardians may be asked to consent on behalf of a child, depending on the child's cognitive ability and the nature of the research, a refusal of assent or consent to participate should always over-rule the parent's or guardian's consent. To ensure proper ethical conduct of research in children, Institutional Review Boards (IRBs) or Research Ethics Committees (REC) will be required to provide ongoing monitoring of pediatric research, especially in the vulnerable population, since there may be a tendency for undue inducement or coercion, which could make parents/guardians consent to their children participating in a research and that exposes them to substantial risk. Similarly, it will be important to assess whether the approval of pediatric research, especially nonbeneficial research, should require a super majority, rather than the simple majority of IRB members required under current international regulation. This article provides an insight into the ethical guidelines and principles in conducting clinical research in children.
Clinical profile and outcomes of COVID-19 positive patients -A cross sectional study
Authors: Karthaka Christina , Baliga Sulakshana S. , Walvekar Padmaja R.
Published: December 2021

Background:

Globally 220 countries and territories are affected and cases of COVID-19 have increased by 8% resulting in 3.6 million new cases. The most common symptoms include fever, cough, loss of taste or smell, headache and mortality rate was uncertain. The objective of this study is to know the clinical profile and outcomes of COVID-19 positive patients.

Methodology:

A Cross-Sectional Study was conducted for 2 months (October–December 2020) among 727 COVID 19 positive patients residing in the field practice area of 4 health centers. Details regarding medical history, exposure history, underlying co-morbidities, symptoms, signs clinical features and outcomes (i.e, cured, mortality, and length of stay) were obtained.

Results:

The mean age of participants was 41 ± 17 years, 59.28% were males, 40.71% were females. A significant association was found between age, family history of disease, co-morbid disease, medication history, smoking habit, alcohol consumption, type of symptoms, isolation type, treatment given with outcomes (P < 0.05). Subjects with previous history of medication (HR, 2.749; 95% CI 1.0774–7.015), and those who had symptoms (HR, 3.6446; 95% CI1.0280–12.921) were associated with increased risk of death as compared to others.

Conclusion:

COVID-19 positive was found in 56% of patients, they were less severe and improved with medication and deaths were found in 3.85% of patients. Fever was noted in only 15.72% of patients, gastrointestinal symptoms in 1.22% and respiratory symptoms in 14.74% of patients. Participants with older age were significantly associated with complications and those with co-morbidities were significantly associated with death on multinominal logistic analysis.
COVID-19 and subsequent lockdown
Authors: Sharma Sarita K. , Ukey Ujwala U. , Rathod Pragati G. , Ughade Suresh
Published: December 2021

Context:

COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent lockdown have led to adverse psychological outcomes in general population. Stress is mounting at an unbelievable pace and one gender is taking the brunt more than the other. While it’s easy to understand the predicaments of working women and how stressful they are during the lockdown, what escapes the notice is the condition of homemaker women who face a lot of challenges as their workload has increased due to lack of house help. Hence the study was conducted to assess anxiety and stress related to problems arising out of COVID-19 and the subsequent lockdown among Indian women.

Methods and Material:

Cross-sectional study was carried out among women across India using snowball sampling technique. Data was collected by a semi-structured online questionnaire based on GAD-7 and PSS scales. It was done using STATA 10.1 and Spearman’s correlation coefficient, Kendall’s Tau, etc., were applied.

Results:

Majority of study participants mentioned either improvement or no change in their personal relations. Anxiety was present in 55.97% and moderate stress in 90.53% of the female participants. Mean GAD and PSS scores were 5.91 and 21.91 respectively. Anxiety and stress were found to be significantly related to getting help in the household work and occupational status. Watching movies and trying different recipes were the main destressors.

Conclusions:

More than half of the women are having anxiety and almost all have some form of stress due to COVID-19 pandemic and the subsequent lockdown.