bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bacterial diversity and predicted enzymatic function in a multipurpose surface water system – from wastewater effluent discharges to drinking water production
Authors: Tiwari Ananda , Hokajärvi Anna-Maria , Domingo Jorge Santo , Elk Michael , Jayaprakash Balamuralikrishna , Ryu Hodon , Siponen Sallamaari , Vepsäläinen Asko , Kauppinen Ari , Puurunen Osmo , Artimo Aki , Perkola Noora , Huttula Timo , Miettinen Ilkka T. , Pitkänen Tarja
Published: May 2021

Background

Rivers and lakes are used for multiple purposes such as for drinking water (DW) production, recreation, and as recipients of wastewater from various sources. The deterioration of surface water quality with wastewater is well-known, but less is known about the bacterial community dynamics in the affected surface waters. Understanding the bacterial community characteristics —from the source of contamination, through the watershed to the DW production process—may help safeguard human health and the environment.

Results

The spatial and seasonal dynamics of bacterial communities, their predicted functions, and potential health-related bacterial (PHRB) reads within the Kokemäenjoki River watershed in southwest Finland were analyzed with the 16S rRNA-gene amplicon sequencing method. Water samples were collected from various sampling points of the watershed, from its major pollution sources (sewage influent and effluent, industrial effluent, mine runoff) and different stages of the DW treatment process (pre-treatment, groundwater observation well, DW production well) by using the river water as raw water with an artificial groundwater recharge (AGR).

The beta-diversity analysis revealed that bacterial communities were highly varied among sample groups (R = 0.92, p <  0.001, ANOSIM). The species richness and evenness indices were highest in surface water (Chao1; 920 ± 10) among sample groups and gradually decreased during the DW treatment process (DW production well; Chao1: 320 ± 20). Although the phylum Proteobacteria was omnipresent, its relative abundance was higher in sewage and industrial effluents (66–80%) than in surface water (55%). Phyla Firmicutes and Fusobacteria were only detected in sewage samples. Actinobacteria was more abundant in the surface water (≥13%) than in other groups (≤3%). Acidobacteria was more abundant in the DW treatment process (≥13%) than in others (≤2%). In total, the share of PHRB reads was higher in sewage and surface water than in the DW treatment samples. The seasonal effect in bacterial communities was observed only on surface water samples, with the lowest diversity during summer.

Conclusions

The low bacterial diversity and absence of PHRB read in the DW samples indicate AGR can produce biologically stable and microbiologically safe drinking water. Furthermore, the significantly different bacterial communities at the pollution sources compared to surface water and DW samples highlight the importance of effective wastewater treatment for protecting the environment and human health.
Influence of oviposition-inducing hormone on spawning and mortality in the endangered Panamanian golden frog (Atelopus zeteki)
Authors: Bronson Ellen , Guy Emmet L. , Murphy Kevin J. , Barrett Kevin , Kouba Andrew J. , Poole Vicky , Kouba Carrie K.
Published: May 2021

Background

With Panamanian golden frogs (Atelopus zeteki; PGFs) likely extirpated from the wild, ensuring long-term sustainability of captive populations is crucial in order to conserve this critically endangered species. Unfortunately, PGFs display a unique reproductive behavior involving a prolonged period of amplexus leading to challenges in their successful captive propagation. The Maryland Zoo in Baltimore has observed high levels of mortality during the breeding season and suboptimal reproductive success leading to the use of hormone stimulation to aid in reproduction and health management.

Methods

This project aimed to develop induced ovulation and health management protocols by (1) evaluating different doses of gonadotropin releasing hormone analogue (GnRHa), (2) comparing the efficacy of GnRHa and GnRHa + metoclopramide, (3) determining latency periods and the effects of pulsed hormone sequences; and (4) establish if mortality is impacted by hormone therapy. Female PGFs (n = 174) were given GnRHa either in various concentrations (Experiment 1) or combined with metoclopramide (Experiment 2), and oviposition success, latency, and mortality were measured as binary response variables.

Results

Overall, the use of exogenous hormones significantly decreased mortality when compared to the control data of natural egg-laying females. GnRHa doses of 0.05 μg/g body weight produced similar ovulation rates compared to higher doses, and the addition of metoclopramide did not increase oviposition success compared to GnRHa alone. Lastly, results indicate the majority of female PGFs will release eggs within 48 h following the initial pulse of hormones with a small percentage ovipositing after a second pulse.

Conclusion

Findings from this study will benefit captive management of PGFs by documenting the increased survival of females when given hormone stimulation and defining appropriate GnRHa doses and expected latency to spawning.
Familial dilated cardiomyopathy with RBM20 mutation in an Indian patient: a case report
Authors: Das Soumi , Seth Sandeep
Published: May 2021

Background

Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a disease of the heart muscle characterized by ventricular dilation and a left ventricular ejection fraction of less than 40%. Unlike hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) and arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC), DCM-causing mutations are present in a large number of genes. In the present study, we report a case of the early age of onset of DCM associated with a pathogenic variant in the RBM20 gene in a patient from India.

Case presentation

A 19-year-old Indian male diagnosed with DCM was suggested for heart transplantation. His ECG showed LBBB and echocardiography showed an ejection fraction of 14%. He had a sudden cardiac death. A detailed family history revealed it to be a case of familial DCM. Genetic screening identified the c.1900C>T variant in the RBM20 gene which led to a missense variant of amino acid 634 (p.Arg634Trp).

Conclusion

To the best of our knowledge, the variant p.Arg634Trp has been earlier reported in the Western population, but this is the first case of p.Arg634Trp in an Indian patient. The variant has been reported to be pathogenic at an early age of onset; therefore, close clinical follow-up should be done for the family members caring for the variant.
Post hoc analysis of a randomized controlled trial comparing concurrent chemoradiation with cisplatin versus nimotuzumab-cisplatin, focusing on acute oral mucositis
Authors: Noronha Vanita , Patil Vijay M. , Singh Gunjesh Kumar , Joshi Amit , Menon Nandini , Lashkar Sarbani Ghosh , Mathrudev Vijayalakshmi , Satam Kavita Nawale , Prabhash Kumar
Published: May 2021

Background

Acute oral mucositis has been infrequently studied in the patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) receiving once-weekly cisplatin-based chemoradiotherapy (CRT). Hence, this analysis was conducted to explore the various aspects of the same.

Results

The overall incidence of mucositis was 96.9% (n= 508) and of grade 3–5 mucositis was 61.3% (n= 321). The overall incidence of oral mucositis was similar in both the arms (CCRT and NCRT) (pvalue = 0.58) while grade 3–5 mucositis was more common in the NCRT arm (pvalue = 0.01). Out of all factors listed, the presence of nimotuzumab was the only significant risk factor for the development of grade 3 or more oral mucositis (pvalue = 0.01); (OR = 1.64, 95%CI 1.15–2.32). Delays in the treatment delivery were similar in both the arms.

Conclusion

Acute oral mucositis is a common occurrence in locally advanced-HNSCC patients receiving chemoradiotherapy. Nimotuzumab is a significant factor for development of grade 3 and above oral mucositis.
Validity of cardiovascular magnetic resonance in pre- and post-operative evaluation of pulmonary arteries and ventricular functions in pediatric conotruncal anomalies
Authors: Saraya Samira , Ahmad Yousra Mahmoud , Soliman Hazem Hamed , Saraya Mahmoud , Louis Mariam
Published: May 2021

Background

The aim of this work is to evaluate the validity of magnetic resonance (MR) imaging in assessment of pulmonary arteries and ventricular functions with conotruncal anomalies in the pediatric population.

Results

Between March 2018 and December 2019, 42 patients ranging in age from 6 months to 18 years and diagnosed with conotruncal anomalies by echocardiographic examination were submitted for cardiac MRI followed by assessment of their morphological (intra- and extra-cardiac anatomy) and functional parameters. The most common conotruncal anomaly was tetralogy of Fallot which represented 45% of the cases. Cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) compared to echocardiography showed 46% agreement in the assessment of right ventricular volumes and function. There was only 37% agreement between echocardiography and MRI in delineation of MAPCAS.

Conclusion

CMR provides a powerful tool, giving anatomical and physiological information that echocardiography and catheterization alone cannot provide in conotruncal anomalies.
Hypothesizing directional causality between the governance indicators and economic growth: the case of Afghanistan
Authors: Azimi Mohammad Naim , Shafiq Mohammad Musa
Published: May 2021

This paper examines the causal relationship between governance indicators and economic growth in Afghanistan. We use a set of quarterly time series data from 2003Q1 to 2018Q4 to test our hypothesis. Following Toda and Yamamoto’s (J Econom 66(1–2):225–250, 1995.10.1016/0304-4076(94)01616-8) vector autoregressive model and the modified Wald test, our empirical results show a unidirectional causality between the government effectiveness, rule of law, and the economic growth. Our findings exhibit significant causal relationships running from economic growth to the eradication of corruption, the establishment of the rule of law, quality of regulatory measures, government effectiveness, and political stability. More interestingly, we support the significant multidimensional causality hypothesis among the governance indicators. Overall, our findings not only reveal causality between economic growth and governance indicators, but they also show interdependencies among the governance indicators.
Characterization of camptothecin by analytical methods and determination of anticancer potential against prostate cancer
Authors: Galatage Sunil T. , Trivedi Rahul , Bhagwat Durgacharan A.
Published: May 2021

Background

Objective of present research work is to develop and validate cost-effective analytical tool for determination of camptothecin (CPT) and determine its anticancer potential against prostate cancer LNCaP cell lines. Structural elucidation has been performed by mass spectrometry, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, and MTT assay utilized for in vitro cytotoxicity where spectrometric method was used for estimation of camptothecin.

Results

Mass spectra showed peak at 349.2 which matches to standard molecular weight of camptothecin. FTIR and NMR spectra conformed functional moieties and structure of isolated camptothecin which was nearly equal to values mentioned in standard structure of camptothecin. IC50 values of CPT against LNCaP cell lines was found to be 3.561 μg/ml. Lambda max of CPT was found to be at 225 nm and calibration curve found to be linear over the concentration range from 2 to 70 μg/ml of camptothecin. Developed method was found to be linear, accurate, and precise. LOD and LOQ were found to be 0.0524 μg/ml and 0.1614 μg/ml, respectively. Developed method has % relative standard deviation less than one which is reproducible hence % recovery was found to be 99.80%.

Conclusions

FTIR, NMR, and mass spectrometry results conforms isolated compound was camptothecin; cytotoxicity study proves it has strong potential in treatment of prostate carcinoma as competent alternative to chemotherapy in the form of herbal medicine and the developed UV method proves to be valid, sensitive, and applicable for rapid, accurate, precise, and economical determination of camptothecin.
In vitro antioxidant and ex vivo anti-cataract activity of ethanolic extract of Cineraria maritima: a traditional plant from Nilgiri hills
Authors: Durgapal Sumit , Juyal Vijay , Verma Anurag
Published: May 2021

Background

Cineraria maritima has a long history of use in the treatment of cataract and other eye-related problems in the homeopathic system of medicines. High oxidative stress is one of the major underlying causes of cataract which results in the precipitation of natural protein present in the lenses with aging. This research has been carried out to determine the anti-cataract activity of C. maritima by performing various antioxidant techniques such as 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl, nitric oxide, hydrogen peroxide, and studies in oxidative stress–induced ex vivo cataract model.

Results

Results of the study conducted in the ethanolic extract of aerial parts (leaves and stems) of C. maritima revealed the presence of various phytoconstituents such as alkaloids, phenols, flavonoids, etc. Total phenol and total flavonoid content was found to be 6.31 ± 0.06 % w/w and 2.14 ± 0.09% w/w respectively, which revealed that the plant contains a good amount of these compounds and hence possesses good antioxidant activity. Furthermore, IC50 values obtained from all the methods gave strong evidence regarding the antioxidant potential of this plant. Anti-cataract activity was also investigated using goat eye lenses and promising results were obtained which speak voluminously about its anti-cataract potential and support its well-prescribed use.

Conclusion

Results obtained with this study clearly supported the significant antioxidant potential and anti-cataract activity of this plant. Further, this plant demands great attention for the development of suitable novel dosage forms for the effective treatment of cataract.
The proclivity of free-ranging indigenous village chickens for night-time roosting in trees
Authors: Desta Takele Taye
Published: May 2021

Background

Roosting in trees exhibits the instinct and widespread practice of the night enclosure system in indigenous village chickens (IVCs) of the tropics. This work reviews the predisposition of IVCs for night-time roosting in trees and summarizes the pros and cons of this natural behavior. It is largely focused on personal insights which were then refined further by informal discussions. Besides, literature was consulted to recapitulate the accidental observational study.

Main topics

Night-time roosting in trees although in most instances is performed by a small proportion of farmers, is a widely practiced night enclosure system in the tropics. Roosting in trees eliminates the labor and the cost needed to construct night enclosures. It reduces contact with soiled bedding materials and droppings, parasites, and pathogens, consequently, it improves the health status and welfare of the family flock. It enables IVCs to express their inbuilt behavior and to evade predators. It carries the legacy of the ancient chicken rearing system and it is eco-friendly practice. However, in the absence of protective structures such as fences, it exposes IVCs to nocturnal predators and theft. However, this can be circumvented using guarding dogs. Birds might be also affected by adverse weather, although they are thought to be resilient to such environmental changes.

Conclusions

The sustainability, economic feasibility, and welfare of IVCs roosting in a tree need to be assessed to make it a justifiable practice. This piece of work likely elicits research questions to conduct an in-depth study on the existing systems of using trees as night-time roosting sites for IVCs.
The image of perfectionism in youth with diverse structure and intensity of anorexia readiness
Authors: Świerczyńska Justyna
Published: May 2021

Cel pracy

Celem badań jest poszukiwanie podobieństw i różnic w wymiarach perfekcjonizmu, postrzeganych przez osoby badane o różnej strukturze gotowości anorektycznej i wyodrębnionych na podstawie analizy skupień.

Metoda

W ramach realizowanego projektu badawczego zastosowano następujące narzędzia badawcze: Kwestionariusza do Badania Indywidualnego Stosunku do Jedzenia B. Ziółkowskiej (2001) oraz Wielowymiarowego Kwestionariusza do Badania Perfekcjonizmu FMPS autorstwa Frosta i in. (1990) w tłumaczeniu i opracowaniu S. Tucholskiej.

Wyniki

W opracowaniu wyników badań empirycznych analiza skupień według metody k - średnich pozwoliła na wyodrębnienie 3 skupień (grupa przystosowana, grupa egocentryczna i grupa anorektyczna). Wyodrębnione skupienia różnią się nasileniem cech stanowiących gotowość anorektyczną. Analiza testem Post hoc Tukey’a wykazała, że na poziomie wymiarów perfekcjonizmu nie istnieją statystyczne różnice między 2 a 3 skupieniem. Na poziomie pełnych wymiarów wykazała, że skupienie 2 i 3 uzyskują wyższe średnie we wszystkich wymiarach perfekcjonizmu niż skupienie 1.

Wnioski

Reasumując wyniki przedstawione w niniejszej pracy można wskazać, iż: (1) wyodrębniono trzy grupy: przystosowana, egocentryczna i anorektyczna; (2) najwyższe wyniki we wszystkich wymiarach uzyskała grupa anorektyczna; (3) wyodrębnione grupy nie różnią się strukturą perfekcjonizmu; (4) profil wyników średnich dotyczących wymiarów perfekcjonizmu we wszystkich trzech wyodrębnionych grupach jest bardzo podobny.
Numerical Investigation of a Globe Control Valve and Estimating its Loss Coefficient at Different Opening States
Authors: Rezaey Saber
Published: May 2021

One of the most important components of fluid transmission systems is a control valve located in the pipelines of oil, gas, etc. The primary purpose of this valve is to control the rate of fluid flow passing through it under pressure changes and the most important issue is to investigate the flow’s characteristics in order to achieve a proper geometry to control the flow rate and pressure as desired. The valves used in pipelines add to the overall head loss of the system. Therefore, valves with proper geometry can reduce these minor losses and finally decrease total energy losses. In this paper, a globe control valve is modeled and then numerically investigated to extract its functional relation, which relates pressure ratio to inlet Reynolds number, and estimate its loss coefficient at the valve’s different opening states which have not been addressed completely before and can be beneficial for the selection and usage of globe valves under certain conditions. According to the results, it is found that pressure ratio and loss coefficient are functions of inlet velocity and the valve’s opening state’s percentage, which are directly related to the valve’s geometry. When the valve opens, the rate of change in pressure ratio and loss coefficient are very sharp. Gradually, this rate decreases and the results tend to the final value at the valve’s fully opened state.
Transient Dynamic Response of a Semi-infinite Elastic Permeable Solid with Cylindrical Hole Subject to Laser Pulse Heating Under Different Theories of Generalized Thermoelasticity
Authors: Paul K. , Mukhopadhyay B.
Published: May 2021

Our current work is related to the study of vibrations induced by laser beams on the behalf of distinct theories of magneto-thermo-elastic diffusion problem in a semi-infinitely long, conducting isotropic elastic solid with cylindrical hole in a uniform magnetic field acting on the surface of the cylindrical hole of the solid in the direction of the axis of the cylindrical hole. The temporal scheme of laser beam is considered as non-Gaussian and is acted on the surface of the cylindrical hole. The problem is solved with the help of Laplace transform domain and finally illustrated graphically.

Note: This article will be very useful in material science specially, in powder metallurgy during sintering, hot pressing, wire and rods annealing are examined from a unified physical point of view, in different branches of engineering physics like plasma physics, nuclear physics, geophysics and related topics and also in oil industry (Lyashenko and Hryhorova (2014), Long and Heng-Wei (2018), Fryxell and Aitken (1969), Nowinski (1978), Legros et al. (1998), Galliero et al. (2019) etc.).
Against social work values: their origins, nature and problems
Authors: Harris John
Published: May 2021

‘Social work values’ are a feature of contemporary English social work and social work education that, over time, have become so established that they are now accepted with little questioning. This lack of reflection about social work values is probed, beginning with a historical excavation to reveal the background to their emergence from the social democratic welfare state, via critical and radical perspectives, and the process that led to their official embrace. After completing the historical excavation, the enduring influence of their historical origins is noted, their nature is interrogated and the problems they pose are explored.
De/gendering violence and racialising blame in Swedish child welfare: what has childhood got to do with it?
Authors: Knezevic Zlatana , Eriksson Maria , Heikkilä Mia
Published: May 2021

This article is a critical interrogation of how gender and power figure in Swedish child welfare policy and the discourses on violence in intimate relationships vis-à-vis children exposed to violence. Drawing on feminist violence research, critical childhood studies, and intersectional perspectives, we identify a differentiation with racialised undertones in the understanding of violence as a social problem when related to children’s exposure. While predominately gender-neutral discourses of social heredity and epidemiology run through the material for the seemingly ‘universal’ child, forms of violence ascribed to the presumed cultural Others link to gender, structural power and sexuality. The article concludes that gendered articulations of violence are restricted yet pivotal if children’s exposure is to be linked to issues of inequality and power. However, when gendering interlinks with racialisation, problematic differentiations of violence, childhoods and children are produced.
Metalens mounted on a resonant tunneling diode for collimated and directed terahertz waves
Authors: Suzuki Takehito , Endo Kota , Kim Jaeyoung , Tsuruda Kazuisao , Sekiya Masashi
Published: May 2021

Refraction in materials is a fundamental phenomenon in optics and is a factor in the manipulation of light, such as wavefront shaping and beam control. However, conventional optical lenses incorporated in numerous optical sources are made of naturally occurring materials, and material properties predetermine the lens performance. For the development of terahertz flat optics, we experimentally demonstrate a gradient-refractive-index (GRIN) collimating metalens made of our original reflectionless metasurface with an extremely high refractive index, above 10 at 0.312 THz. The planar collimating metalens converts wide-angle radiation from a resonant tunneling diode (RTD) to a collimated plane wave and enhances the directivity of a single RTD 4.2 times. We also demonstrate directional angle control of terahertz waves by moving the metalens in parallel with the incoming wave. The metalens can be simply integrated with a variety of terahertz continuous-wave (CW) sources for 6G (beyond 5G) wireless communications and imaging in future advanced applications. Flat optics based on high refractive index metasurfaces rather than naturally occurring materials can offer an accessible platform for optical devices with unprecedented functionalities.
Data mining and decision support systems for efficient dairy production
Authors: Balhara Sunesh , Singh Rishi Pal , Ruhil A. P.
Published: May 2021

Gainful livestock farming requires selective breeding of animals with certain heritable desirable traits which gives profitability in terms of farm produce. Modern dairy animals are selected for traits which directly or indirectly contribute to high milk production. The concept of "feed conversion efficiency" in terms of milk production is now vigorously taken up by researchers and farm managers for recognizing and breeding efficient milk-producing animals. The whole concept of economic farming thus requires identification of "elite" animals, meeting above criteria as base population for the farm enterprise. Farmers and animal traders have been selecting best animals based on certain physical characters, which were also accepted by the breeding scientists as phenotypes. Data mining allows uncovering of hidden patterns in the data for better understanding of data relationship for developing suitable models for further improvements. Along with artificial intelligence techniques, data mining has opened new avenues for achieving high resource utilization efficiency and sustainable profitability in livestock production systems. The present review discusses and summarizes various data mining techniques and decision support systems for scientific dairy farming.
Anthelmintic effect of Indigofera tinctoria L on Haemonchus contortus obtained from sheep in Indonesia
Authors: Muda Iskandar , Prastowo Joko , Nurcahyo Wisnu , Sarmin Sarmin
Published: May 2021

Background and Aim: Hemonchosis has resulted in huge economic losses for sheep farmers worldwide. Secondary metabolite compounds from Indigofera tinctoria L. can be used as anthelmintics. This study aimed to evaluate the in vitro and in vivo effects of I. tinctoria L. aqueous extract (IAE) as an anthelmintic against adult Haemonchus contortus isolated from sheep.

Materials and Methods: Ten active adult worms were placed in each Petri dish containing 25 mL of IAE, each having a different concentration of IAE (at concentrations 100, 120, 140, 160, 180, 200, and 220 mg/mL). Each experiment was repeated. The positive control used 1% albendazole, and the negative control used 0.62% saline water. The number of immobile worms and the time of mortality were recorded after 2, 4, 6, and 8 h. The dead worms were subsequently tested using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. In the in vivo study, 15 sheep with an average fecal egg count (FEC) of 1000 eggs per gram were treated with IAE for 9 days: Group A (negative control, saline water 0.62%), Group B (21 mg/mL), Group C (41 mg/mL), Group D (62 mg/mL), and Group E (positive control, albendazole 100 mg/mL). Measurements of the body weight, FEC reduction test, and hematology testing were performed on days 0, 7, and 14. SEM was performed using worms found from the abomasum of slaughtered sheep.

Results: The leaves of I. tinctoria L. contained a number of secondary metabolites, including total tannins, saponins, flavonoids, and alkaloids. The most effective concentration that killed the adult H. contortus worms was 220 mg/mL (93.33% mortality) after 8 h of treatment. The electrophoresis results showed that the protein band at a dose of 22% was less than that of the control. The highest FECR value of the treatment group on the 14th day after treatment was at a dose of 62 mg/mL. The highest weight gain as well as the highest increased hemoglobin (Hb), packed cell volume (PCV), and total erythrocyte count (TEC) values on the 14th day after treatment were at a dose of 41 mg/mL. The SEM results showed that IAE treatment caused the worms' anterior parts to become wrinkled with thick creases and cuticle abrasion (in vitro) and the anterior part to shrink along with the presence of aggregates in the worm cuticle (in vivo).

Conclusion: The aqueous extract of I. tinctoria contains tannins, saponins, flavonoids, and alkaloids and has an anthelmintic effect with decreased FEC, increased weight gain, Hb, PCV, and TEC, causing damage to the worms' body and reducing the protein profile of adult H. contortus worms.
INVISIBLE PLAYGROUND: KONSTRUKSI HUBUNGAN RUANG-PERGERAKAN-KEJADIAN
Authors: Ardianta Defry Agatha , Yatmo Yandi Andri
Published: May 2021

Tulisan ini menginvestigasi terciptanya ruang bermain tak kasat mata dan bagaimana elemen pada ruang tak kasat mata tersebut terkonstruksi. Secara khusus tulisan ini membahas hubungan ruang-pergerakan-kejadian berlandaskan teori yang dikemukakan oleh Bernard Tschumi. Melalui observasi dan analisis terhadap aktivitas anak-anak di kampung Keputran Pasar Surabaya, studi difokuskan terhadap area ruang sirkulasi kampung kota yang selama ini multi fungsi: selain sebagai jalur penghubung namun juga sebagai ruang sosial masyarakat. Analisis dilakukan terhadap pembentukan ruang bermain yang kemudian mengungkapkan kehadiran ruang tak kasat mata. Tulisan ini kemudian menempatkan elemen-elemen konstruksi ruang tak kasat mata tersebut dalam hubungan ruang-pergerakan-kejadian.
TÜRKİYE’DE TURİZM SEKTÖRÜNDE SENDİKAL ÖRGÜTLENME
Authors: ÖZTÜRK Şenol
Published: May 2021

Türkiye sendikal hareketinin kazanımlarında önemli bir paya sahip olan turizm sektörü-konaklama ve yemek içme hizmetleri işkolu sendikacılığı, 1980’li yıllarla birlikte yaşanan ekonomik ve sektörel dönüşümün sonucunda zayıflamaya başlamıştır. Bu süreçte sektörün sahip olduğu kronik istihdam sorunları daha da kötüleşmiştir. Sendikal örgütlenmenin görece daha güçlü olduğu yıllarda toplu pazarlık süreçleri ile çalışma şartları işçi lehine düzenlenebilirken, son yıllarda sendikalaşmanın dramatik biçimde zayıflaması bu sorunların şiddetinin artmasına yol açmış aynı zamanda kuralsızlaşan piyasa ortamında çözümünü de çok daha zor bir hale sokmuştur. Yetersiz sendikalaşmanın istihdam sorunlarını artırması, buna karşılık çalışma şartlarındaki olumsuzluğun sendikalaşmayı zayıflatması şeklinde karşılıklı etkileşim sendikal örgütlenmenin geliştirilmesi için bir kısır döngü oluşturmaktadır. Bununla birlikte yasal korumadan mahrum şekilde sömürü şartlarında istihdam edilen işgücünün korunmasındaki rolü nedeniyle sendikal örgütlenmenin tüm işçiler için ulaşılabilir bir hak olarak sağlanması zorunluluktur. Bu nedenle sosyal hak sağlayıcı taraf olarak devletin bu konuda gerekli tedbirleri alması ve sektörde işçi ve işveren arasındaki denge sağlayıcı rolünün gereğini yerine getirmesi gerekmektedir.
Real-world assessment of Fluorecare SARS-CoV-2 Spike Protein Test Kit
Authors: Salvagno Gian Luca , Gianfilippi Gianluca , Pighi Laura , De Nitto Simone , Henry Brandon M. , Lippi Giuseppe
Published: May 2021

Objectives

Since commercial SARS-CoV-2 (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2) antigen rapid detection tests (Ag-RDTs) display broad diagnostic efficiency, this study aimed to evaluate the clinical performance of Fluorecare SARS-CoV-2 Spike Protein Test Kit in a real-life scenario.

Methods

The study population consisted of a series of patients undergoing SARS-Cov-2 diagnostic testing at Pederzoli Hospital of Peschiera del Garda (Verona, Italy). A nasopharyngeal swab was collected upon hospital admission and assayed with molecular (Altona Diagnostics RealStar® SARSCoV-2 RT-PCR Kit) and antigen (Fluorecare SARS-CoV-2 Spike Protein Test Kit) tests.

Results

The study population consisted of 354 patients (mean age, 47 ± 20 years; 195 women, 55.1%), 223 (65.8%) positive at molecular testing. A significant correlation was found between Fluorecare SARS-CoV-2 Spike Protein Test Kit and Altona (both S and E genes: r=−0.75; p<0.001). The cumulative area under the curve in all nasopharyngeal samples was 0.68. At ≥1.0 S/CO manufacturer’s cut-off, the sensitivity, specificity, negative and positive predictive values were 27.5, 99.2, 41.5 and 98.5%, respectively. Considerable improvement of sensitivity was observed as Ct values decreased, becoming 66.7% in samples with mean Ct values <30, 90.5% in those with mean Ct values <25, up to 100% in those with mean Ct values <20.

Conclusions

The modest sensitivity and negative predictive value of Fluorecare SARS-CoV-2 Spike Protein Test Kit makes unadvisable to use this assay as surrogate of molecular testing for definitively diagnosing SARS-CoV-2 infection, though its suitable sensitivity at high viral load could make it a reliable screening test for patients with higher infective potential.
Image retrieval of MRI brain tumour images based on SVM and FCM approaches
Authors: Bansal Sonia , Mehan Vineet
Published: May 2021

Objectives

The key test in Content-Based Medical Image Retrieval (CBMIR) frameworks for MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) pictures is the semantic hole between the low-level visual data caught by the MRI machine and the elevated level data seen by the human evaluator.

Methods

The conventional component extraction strategies centre just on low-level or significant level highlights and utilize some handmade highlights to diminish this hole. It is important to plan an element extraction structure to diminish this hole without utilizing handmade highlights by encoding/consolidating low-level and elevated level highlights. The Fleecy gathering is another packing technique, which is applied in plan depiction here and SVM (Support Vector Machine) is applied. Remembering the predefinition of bunching amount and enlistment cross-section is until now a significant theme, a new predefinition advance is extended in this paper, in like manner, and another CBMIR procedure is suggested and endorsed. It is essential to design a part extraction framework to diminish this opening without using painstakingly gathered features by encoding/joining low-level and critical level features.

Results

SVM and FCM (Fuzzy C Means) are applied to the power structures. Consequently, the incorporate vector contains all the objectives of the image. Recuperation of the image relies upon the detachment among request and database pictures called closeness measure.

Conclusions

Tests are performed on the 200 Image Database. Finally, exploratory results are evaluated by the audit and precision.
Circ_0013359 facilitates the tumorigenicity of melanoma by regulating miR-136-5p/RAB9A axis
Authors: Zhang Qi , Feng Yingfa , Feng Jiangang , Zhang Jinming , Huang Lili
Published: May 2021

Background

Circular RNAs play crucial roles in tumor occurrence and progression. This research aimed to explore the role and potential mechanism of hsa_circ_0013359 (circ_0013359) in melanoma.

Methods

The levels of circ_0013359, microRNA-136-5p (miR-136-5p), and member RAS oncogene family (RAB9A) in melanoma tissues and cells were detected using quantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction or western blot. Cell proliferation, apoptosis, cell cycle, cell migration, and invasion were evaluated by 3-(4,5-dimethyl-2-thiazolyl)-2,5-diphenyl-2-H-tetrazolium bromide assay, colony formation assay, flow cytometry, and transwell assay. Glycolysis was determined by detecting glucose consumption, lactate production, and extracellular acidification rate. The levels of hexokinase 2 and lactate dehydrogenase A were examined by western blot. The targeting relationship between miR-136-5p and circ_0013359 or RAB9A was confirmed by dual-luciferase reporter assay. Xenograft experiments were used to analyze tumor growth in vivo.

Results

Circ_0013359 and RAB9A levels were increased, while the miR-136-5p level was reduced in melanoma tissues and cells. Circ_0013359 knockdown inhibited proliferation, migration, invasion, and glycolysis and promoted apoptosis and cycle arrest in A875 and SK-MEL-1 cells. Circ_0013359 sponged miR-136-5p to regulate melanoma progression. In addition, miR-136-5p suppressed melanoma progression by targeting RAB9A. Besides, circ_0013359 silencing inhibited tumor growth in vivo.

Conclusion

Depletion of circ_0013359 hindered melanoma progression by regulating miR-136-5p/RAB9A axis.
Mechanisms of circular RNA circ_0066147 on pancreatic cancer progression
Authors: Zhang Jie , Zhang Zhang
Published: May 2021

Background

The purpose of the study was to explore the precise parts of circ_0066147 (circular RNA [circRNA] scm-like with four mbt domains 1, circSFMBT1) in pancreatic cancer (PC) progression.

Methods

Ribonuclease R assay was used to confirm the stability of circ_0066147. circ_0066147, miR-326 and E2F transcription factor 2 (E2F2) expression levels was detected by quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction or Western blot. Cell proliferation, apoptosis, migration and invasion abilities were assessed by the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl-2H-tetrazolium bromide, flow cytometry, wound-healing and transwell assays, respectively. Targeted relationships among circ_0066147, miR-326 and E2F2 were verified by the dual-luciferase reporter or RNA pull-down assay.

Results

circ_0066147 expression was upregulated in PC tissues and cells. circ_0066147 knockdown inhibited PC cell proliferation, migration, invasion and enhanced apoptosis in vitro, as well as weakened tumor growth in vivo. Mechanistically, circ_0066147 directly targeted miR-326 and circ_0066147 modulated E2F2 expression by miR-326. miR-326 mediated the regulation of circ_0066147 in PC cell behaviors in vitro. Furthermore, E2F2 was a functional target of miR-326 in modulating PC cell behaviors in vitro.

Conclusion

circ_0066147 regulated PC malignant progression in part depending on the miR-326/E2F2 axis, illuminating circ_0066147 was a potential prognostic marker and therapeutic target for PC management.
A review on acoustic field-driven micromixers
Authors: Ghorbani Kharaji Zahra , Bayareh Morteza , Kalantar Vali
Published: May 2021

A review on acoustic field-driven micromixers is given. This is supplemented by the governing equations, governing non-dimensional parameters, numerical simulation approaches, and fabrication techniques. Acoustically induced vibration is a kind of external energy input employed in active micromixers to improve the mixing performance. An air bubble energized by an acoustic field acts as an external energy source and induces friction forces at the interface between an air bubble and liquid, leading to the formation of circulatory flows. The current review (with 200 references) evaluates different characteristics of microfluidic devices working based on acoustic field shaking.
Multilingualism among the elderly Chinese in Singapore: an oral account
Authors: Nah Vanessa Ellen Mei Yin , Cavallaro Francesco , Panović Ivan , Ng Bee Chin
Published: May 2021

This study aims to qualitatively document the histories of Singapore’s Chinese multilingual elderly. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with seven Chinese Singaporeans aged 75 years and above on how and why they acquired the languages they speak and their attitudes towards these linguistic varieties, of which many are declining in usage. Five participants were multilingual and spoke three or more languages fluently; two spoke only two languages and were included for a balanced and holistic perspective. Common themes from the interviews were identified and discussed. One key finding was that communicative necessity and practicality naturally fuelled language learning. Outside of the home, multilingual individuals acquired varieties from conversing with friends, relatives and customers, or as an educational requirement. Language was tied to ethnic belonging, but, generally, pride to speak a linguistic variety was linked to its functional value, not its associated ethnic identity. Unhappiness was expressed at the waning of the Chinese vernaculars and Baba Malay in Singapore today. Such language loss was seen as a sombre, but unavoidable consequence of Singapore’s globalisation and modernisation.
Preventing SARS-CoV-2 transmission in the emergency department by implementing a separate pathway for patients with respiratory conditions
Authors: Alqahtani Fulwah , Alanazi Marzouqah , Alassaf Wajdan , Aleanizy Fadilah Sfouq , Aljahany Muna , Joseph Mercy , AlRaye Mohammad
Published: May 2021

Objectives

This study aimed to describe the development and implementation of a separated pathway to check and treat patients with a suspected/confirmed coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in the emergency department (ED) at King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz University Hospital in Riyadh.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective, descriptive longitudinal study from March to July 2020 by analyzing data of all confirmed cases of COVID-19 among ED visitors and healthcare workers in King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz University Hospital.

Results

During the study period, a total of 1,182 swab samples were collected for testing for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), of which 285 (24.1%) tested positive. Of the 285 cases of confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection, 18 were healthcare workers and 267 were patients. As a result of using the respiratory pathway for COVID-19 patients, the hospital managed to limit transmission of SARS-CoV-2 not only between patients but also between patients and healthcare workers, while also containing the pandemic. There were no cases of nosocomial SARS-CoV-2 infection recorded among the patients who visited the ED or the flu clinic. All confirmed cases were community acquired and patients were cared for under constrained measures.

Conclusions

Implementing infection control measures and restricting those with respiratory symptoms to the ED pathway prevented nosocomial spread of SARS-CoV-2 infection in the ED.
Experimental and numerical investigation of cutting forces during turning of cylindrical AISI 4340 steel specimens
Authors: İynen Oğur , Ekşi Abdul Kadir , Özdemir Mustafa , Akyıldız Hamza Kemal
Published: May 2021

Cutting forces play a significant role in machining because they directly affect the mechanics of machining, the energy requirements, and the tool stability required. In this study, the cutting forces occurring during the turning of AISI 4340 material with 30 Rockwell C hardness scale have been analyzed both experimentally and numerically. Many types of research have been conducted via 2-D simulation using the finite element analysis method. In other words, in most studies, the workpiece was modeled as a flat specimen. Therefore, this paper presents a real 3-D turning simulation model using cylindrical specimens. The cutting forces were measured using a Kistler 9129AA model piezoelectric dynamometer. The ABAQUS/Explicit finite element method was used, and a model by Johnson and Cook was assigned as a material model in the numerical analysis. A new PVD AlTiN coated carbide insert was incorporated to prevent wear. Experimental results obtained from cutting tests were compared with numerical results to establish the accuracy of the FEM. It was observed that experimental and numerical results overlapped each other. Thus, this method can be used directly in the industry to reduce high processing costs.
Effect of TIG welding parameters in joining grade 2 pure titanium
Authors: Sönmez Murat , Topuz Polat
Published: May 2021

Grade 2, the most widely used pure titanium in the industry, has high corrosion resistance, excellent ductility, good weldability and is easily machinable. If titanium is exposed to temperatures above 500 °C due to moisture or hydrocarbons in the air, it is susceptible to taking up oxygen, nitrogen, carbon and hydrogen. This can cause cracks, especially after welding. Therefore, protection of the welding zone from external factors is of great importance during welding. For these reasons, TIG welding is the most widely used method for titanium welding. In this study, Grade 2 pure titanium plates are joined by TIG welding at three (40 A, 60 A and 80 A) current values under the same conditions. For the welding process, 2 wt.-% cerium addition Tungsten tip and high purity (99.99 vol.-%) argon was used as a shielding gas. After a visual inspection of the welded samples, microstructure inspections, macrostructure inspections, hardness measurements, bending tests and tensile tests were performed in accordance with the standards. As a result of the investigations, it was determined that the most suitable current value for the joining of Grade 2 titanium by TIG welding was 60 A.
Precipitated phase in the β phase of IN783 alloy
Authors: Liu Junjian , Zhao Qiang , Tao Siyou , Wang Jiaqing , Wu Yue , Du Xiaodong
Published: May 2021

In Inconel 783 alloy, there are mainly two kinds of strengthening phases of β and γ’. In addition, it is found that there are other precipitated phases in the alloy’s β phase. By means of multiple testing methods, the types and functions of the precipitated phase in the β phase were determined. The results showed that the precipitated phases from β phase were nanoscale Nb and Ti carbides and a large number of white needle-like Laves phases. The former, due to its small size, which can improve the grain boundary slip resistance of the alloy, thus improves the shaping of the material. While the latter, due to its sharp shape and due to its large amount, destroys the original structure of the β phase and greatly reduces the room temperature plasticity of the alloy.
Notch (stress concentration) factor estimation of a cylinder under internal pressure using different approaches
Authors: Atalay Osman , Toktas Ihsan
Published: May 2021

Today, fluid transportation via pipes can be found in many sectors. Therefore, safe fluid transportation possesses critical importance. While working, transportation pipes are exposed to unwanted loads that culminate in stresses which cause deformation on the part geometry especially in sharp corners, holes or sudden cross-section change areas considered as notched. The notch effect parameter is considered in the mechanical design formulas. This study is interested in the notch factor that is estimated for a cylinder which undergoes an inner pressure. Some users can use false numerical values due to misreading or lack of attention. Because of this reason, graphs were converted to the numerical value by using computer software. In this study, Peterson’s chart was accepted as scientifically valid. Stress concentration factors were obtained by using four other approaches. These are regression, analytical, artificial neural network and finite element analysis. Among these models, high accuracy values were given by the artificial neural network model.
Effect of fiber orientation angle on patch repaired composite plates
Authors: Kaman Mete Onur , Cetisli Fatih
Published: May 2021

Stress intensity factors numerically investigated the Mode I loading of composite plates with an edge crack and repaired with a patch on a single side. The effect of the fiber orientation angle for both composite plate and the patch were analyzed with regard to crack length, adhesive properties, and plate thickness. The stress intensity factors were calculated by using the quarter point element that can be applied to 3D crack problems of homogeneous anisotropic materials.It was observed in this study that the fiber orientation angle affects the stress intensity factors significantly.
Comparison of the arithmetic optimization algorithm, the slime mold optimization algorithm, the marine predators algorithm, the salp swarm algorithm for real-world engineering applications
Authors: Gürses Dildar , Bureerat Sujin , Sait Sadiq M. , Yıldız Ali Rıza
Published: May 2021

This paper focuses on a comparision of recent algorithms such as the arithmetic optimization algorithm, the slime mold optimization algorithm, the marine predators algorithm, and the salp swarm algorithm. The slime mold algorithm (SMA) is a recent optimization algorithm. In order to strengthen its exploitation and exploration abilities, in this paper, a new hybrid slime mold algorithm-simulated annealing algorithm (HSMA-SA) has been applied to structural engineering design problems. As a result of the rules and practices that have become mandatory for fuel emissions by international organizations and governments, there is increasing interest in the design of vehicles with minimized fuel emissions. Many scientific studies have been conducted on the use of metaheuristic methods for the optimum design of vehicle components, especially for reducing vehicle weight. With the inspiration obtained from the above-mentioned methods, the HSMA-SA has been studied to solve the shape optimization of a design case to prove how the HSMA-SA can be used to solve shape optimization problems. The HSMA-SA provides better results as an arithmetic optimization algorithm than the slime mold optimization algorithm, the marine predators algorithm, and the salp swarm algorithm.