bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
EXPLORING THE POTENTIAL OF TRAFFIC INDEX DATA TO ANALYZE ESSENTIAL TRAFFIC IMPACT IN DEVELOPING CITIES
Authors: Moyo T. , Kibangou A. , Musakwa W.
Published: August 2020

Abstract. In developing countries, metropolitan cities, due to their economic activities, attract an increasing amount of commuters on a daily basis. This has led to major freeways and roads experiencing high levels of congestion and consequently high pollution levels. In 2020, due to a global pandemic of an outbreak of Corona Virus (COVID-19), the national government declared a national shutdown with only essential traffic being allowed to operate. Given the scenario of the national lock-down this allows for the statistical analysis of the impact of essential traffic on the overall transportation system. Consequently the aim of the paper was to assess the congestion and CO2 emission impact of essential traffic for the City of Johannesburg. Using an exploratory approach, we monitored and collected traffic congestion data from the Tomtom traffic index for the metropolitan city of Johannesburg, South Africa. We develop a relationship between congestion and pollution to visualise the daily variations in pollution and congestion levels. We demonstrate this by comparing variations in congestion levels in two epochs, viz the period without movement restrictions and the period whereby movement is restricted. The results reveal essential traffic on the congestion index to be below 22 percent for both weekends and weekdays. A scenario common only during weekends in 2019. Whilst for the emission index, CO2 levels are approximately less than 45 percent throughout the week. The paper concludes the investment into mining and analysing traffic data has a significantly role for future mobility planning in both the developed and developing world and, more generally, improving the quality of commuting trips in the city.
THE KEY ROLE OF GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION IN EXPOSOMICS: THE EXAMPLE OF THE H2020 PULSE PROJECT
Authors: Pala D. , Annovazzi-Lodi L. , Bellazzi R. , Fiscante N. , Franzini M. , Larizza C. , Pogliaghi A. , Raso L. , Rocca M. T. , Sapio F. , Casella V.
Published: August 2020

Abstract. Exposomics is a novel concept that indicates the combination of all the external factors we are exposed to throughout our entire life, as the environment we live in, our lifestyle and behavior are able to have a notable influence on our health. The quantity and typology of environmental factors we are exposed to are clearly dependent on the geographical location of each individual, e.g. some areas are more polluted that others and even the social characteristics of a certain place can have an effect on the way we behave, exposing us to different levels of risk of developing certain diseases or exacerbating existing ones. In this context, the PULSE project, briefly described in this paper, is building an advanced system to identify the effect of a complex set of environmental and social exposures in the big cities, that represent the most complicated environment from this point of view, and mitigate health risk related to common diseases such as asthma, type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. This system is composed by several parts, most of which apply advanced spatial analytics and geographic information-based tools to estimate health risk in a precise way, providing both citizens and public health officers with tools to monitor it. This paper summarizes the work performed in the project using these analytics, and quickly describes some of the tools in which geographic information has been applied in the most innovative way.
POTENTIAL OF GEOLOCATED CROWDSOURCED IMAGE POSTS IN PREDICTING AN EARLY ESTIMATE OF THE PATTERNS OF STRUCTURAL DAMAGE FOLLOWING A HURRICANE
Authors: Spasenovic K. , Carrion D. , Migliaccio F.
Published: August 2020

Abstract. During a disaster, the activity of the crowd represents a very valuable source of the on-the-ground conditions shared by the affected citizens. The approach, presented in the paper, explores the relationship between the spatial distribution of crowdsourced image posts and damaged buildings in order to understand the potential of modelling the spatial distribution of damaged buildings based on geolocated images. The posts related to the hurricane Michael that happened in the United States in October 2018, showing the building damage of Panama City, have been collected by NAPSG Foundation and GISCorps volunteers. The building damage assessment, based on the analysis of high-resolution post-event imagery, has been performed by FEMA. Exploring the two available independent point datasets, the spatial pattern of each individual dataset has been analysed and furthermore the spatial relationship between them has been explored. A set of spatial statistics has been performed with R software. For this purpose, the distance-based methods have been used, that consider the mutual position of points to describe the patterns. The results shown the spatial relationship between the crowdsourced photos and different damage types. Furthermore, potential of crowdsourced images for improving the awareness of the structural damage after the hurricane have been discussed.
ANALYSIS OF THE STATUS AND TREND OF GIS RESEARCH IN THE PAST TEN YEARS FROM 2010 TO 2019
Authors: Hu K. , Dai Z. , Zheng J. , Wu H.
Published: August 2020

Abstract. To understand the trends in a specific field is always an important issue for researchers in the field. In geographical information science (GIS) field, understanding the trends is also an open question for many researchers. In this paper, we conducted a scientometric analysis based on the selected GIS represented journals, provided by the work (Biljecki 2016). We use the data-driven method stemming from scientometric theories to help readers to obtain a direct impression of the field. Several interesting facts are found. The in-domain and out-domain institution and journals are compared. Structural analysis shows that classical research trend in GIS fields include Landsat, VGI, social sensing, change detection, spatial econometrics, and laser scanning.
AN AUTOMATIC SEMANTIC MAP GENERATION METHOD USING TRAJECTORY DATA
Authors: Miao Y. , Tang X. , Wang Z.
Published: August 2020

Abstract. It’s easily to obtain the geometric information of terrain features in a timely manner using advanced surveying and mapping methods, but it is impossible to obtain their semantic information with low latency due to the rapid development of cities. The popularity of GPS-enabled devices and technologies provide us a large number of personal location information. Moreover, it is possible to extract the personal or group behavior pattern due to the regularity of human behavior. Those conditions make it possible to extract and identify human behavior patterns from their trajectory data. In this paper, we present an automatic semantic map generation method that extract semantic patterns and take advantage of them to tagging spatial objects in an unknown region based on known semantic patterns. We study the regularity of trajectory data and build the semantic pattern based on the regularity of human behavior. Most importantly, we use known semantic patterns to identify the semantics of the stay points in the unknown region, and use this method to realize the semantic recognition of the stay points. Results of the experiments show the effectiveness of our proposed method.
AUTOMATIC ONTOLOGY GENERATION OF BIM AND GIS DATA
Authors: Usmani A. U. , Jadidi M. , Sohn G.
Published: August 2020

Abstract. Data represented in the form of geospatial context and detailed building information are prominently nurturing infrastructure development and smart city applications. Bringing open-formats from data acquisition level to information engineering accelerates geospatial technologies towards urban sustainability and knowledge-based systems. BIM and GIS technologies are known to excel in this domain. However, fundamental level differences lie among their data-formats, which developed integration methods to bridge the gap between these distinct domains. Several studies have conducted data, process, and application-level integration, considering the significance of collaboration among these information systems. Although integration methods have narrowed the gap of geometric dissimilarity, semantic inconsistency, and information loss yet add constraints towards achieving interoperability. Integration using semantic web technology is more flexible and enables process-level integration without changing data format and structure. However, due to its developing nature and complex BIM-GIS data-formats, most approaches adapted requires human intervention. This paper presents a method, named OGGD (Ontology Generation for Geospatial Data), that implements a formal method for automatic ontology generation from XSD documents using transformation patterns following three extensive processes; first, formalization of XSD elements and transformation patterns; the second process identifies corresponding patterns explicitly, and the last process generates ontology for XSD schema. XSD elements from open-standard data models of BIM and GIS, ifcXML and CityGML, are manipulated and transformed into a semantically rich OWL model. The ontology models created can be applicable for information-based integration systems that will nurture knowledge-discovery and urban applications.
BUILDING FEATURES RECOGNITION FROM UNCERTAIN 3D LIDAR POINT CLOUDS: A SEMANTIC APPROACH
Authors: Xing X.-F. , Mostafavi M. A.
Published: August 2020

Abstract. LiDAR technology allows rapid observation of high-resolution and precise 3D point clouds for diverse applications in urban and natural areas. However, uneven density and incomplete point clouds make LiDAR data processing more challenging for the extraction of semantic information on objects and their components. In this paper, we propose a knowledge based semantic reasoning solution for the recognition of building components (e.g. roofs) from segmentation results in the presence of uncertainties in LiDAR point clouds. The proposed solution uses a semantic reasoning approach as well as a similarity evaluation process for object recognition. We apply the proposed method to recognize buildings’ roof styles from a point cloud with uncertainty as a case study.
Simplified support structure design for multi-rotor wind turbine systems
Authors: Störtenbecker Sven , Dalhoff Peter , Tamang Mukunda , Anselm Rudolf
Published: August 2020

Abstract. In this study different multi-rotor wind turbine systems (MRSs) are designed in such a way that the space frame, forming the connection between rotor nacelle assemblies (RNAs) and the tower, is modeled as an ideal truss work. To dimension the tube diameters and wall thicknesses, a simplified load case is used with an adjusted safety factor for loads. This simplified approach allows for fast computations of a large variety of different support structure designs. By variation of rotor number, space frame topology, space frame depth and positioning of yaw bearings, it is possible to gain an understanding of the optimal MRS design. As such, the simplified approach is a preliminary step helping to choose a good design parameter combination for a more detailed and comprehensive analysis.
Effect of Combined Organic and Inorganic Fertilizer Application on Soil Attributes, Yield and Quality of Sweet Potato (Ipomoea batatas L.)
Authors: Nunes Járisson Cavalcante , Da Silva Jandiê Araújo , Gomes Neto Marcelo Barbosa , Bezerra Jair Costa , Nunes Juliete Araújo da Silva , Gomide Plínio Henrique Oliveira , Campos Daniela Cavalcante dos Santos , Rodrigues Dayanne Beatriz Silva
Published: August 2020

The use of organic fertilizers in adequate doses is an alternative to reduce the use of inorganic inputs, improving the soil chemical attributes, and increasing the production and quality of sweet potato. In this perspective, the objectives of this study were: (i) to evaluate the effects of fertilization with poultry and bovine manure, Ribumin®, and of conventional fertilization on soil attributes, production, and quality of sweet potato; and (ii) to evaluate the residual effect of organic fertilization on the production components and quality of sweet potato, in the second crop cycle. The two experiments were developed in the 2018/2019 crop year at the Agrotechnical School of the Federal University of Roraima (UFRR), Brazil. The treatments were arranged in a randomized block design with three replications, using a (2 × 5 × 2) + 1 factorial arrangement referring to two manure sources (bovine and poultry manure) and five doses, aiming at increasing the content of soil organic matter (1.35%) to 2.35; 3.35; 4.35, and 5.35%, in the absence and presence of Ribumin®, and an additional treatment referring to organomineral fertilization. For the evaluation of the second cycle, the residual effect of the manure was evaluated by applying only Ribumin® and conventional fertilizers. In the first cycle, the addition of 50.4 t ha-1 of bovine manure without Ribumin® provided the highest values of total (14.7 t ha-1) and marketable yield (14.6 t ha-1). However, the addition of poultry manure associated with the application of Ribumin® provided no increments in the sweet potato production components. Under the same experimental conditions, chemical fertilization can be replaced by fertilization with organic sources.
Evolução histórica dos casos de sífilis gestacional e congênita no município de Macaé: uma consideração acerca do papel da atenção básica
Authors: Souza Bárbara Soares de Oliveira , Rodrigues Raquel Miguel , Coelho Karla Santa Cruz , Barros Franci de Oliveira , Silveira Daniela Bastos , Maciel Martha Quitéria Aded
Published: August 2020

Introdução: A sífilis é um antigo problema de saúde pública, conhecido há mais de 500 anos, apesar das medidas de prevenção e das opções de tratamento acessíveis e eficazes. A disseminação hematogênica do micro-organismo na gestante infectada não tratada ou inadequadamente tratada para o seu concepto, por via transplacentária, origina a sífilis congênita. Essa transmissão pode ocorrer em qualquer fase gestacional ou estágio clínico da doença materna. Entre os principais fatores que determinam a probabilidade de transmissão da doença estão o estágio da sífilis na mãe e a duração da exposição do feto no útero. Ocorrem aborto espontâneo, natimorto ou morte perinatal em aproximadamente 40% das crianças infectadas por mães não tratadas. Grande parte dessas crianças infectadas é assintomática ao nascimento, com o surgimento dos primeiros sintomas, geralmente, nos primeiros três meses de vida. Por esse motivo, é muito importante a triagem sorológica da mãe na maternidade. Objetivo: Identificar a evolução temporal dos casos de sífilis gestacional e sua consequente transmissão congênita ocorridas no município de Macaé, Rio de Janeiro (RJ), Brasil, no período de 2010‒2018. Métodos: Estudo descritivo, transversal, quantitativo, desenvolvido com base em dados fornecidos pela vigilância epidemiológica do município, por meio de informações contidas no Sistema de Informação de Agravos de Notificação (SINAN). Resultados: Durante o período analisado as notificações de sífilis gestacional foram crescentes. O maior número de notificações da doença foi observado no ano de 2018 (47,33). Esse número representa aumento de quase 10% em relação ao ano anterior. Quando considerada a transmissão vertical da doença, durante esse mesmo período, o maior número de casos também foi observado no ano de 2018 (32,89). No entanto, esse número representa aumento maior que 60% de transmissão transplacentária da sífilis em relação ao ano de 2017. Nesse sentido, quando investigados minuciosamente os óbitos decorrentes da forma congênita da doença no ano de 2018, pode-se observar que somente um óbito relatado era decorrente de uma mãe cujo bairro de residência não possuía a Estratégia Saúde da Família (ESF). Conclusão: Com base nesses dados, iniciou-se a capacitação das equipes de saúde da família para enfrentamento dessa questão. Hoje há a garantia do acesso à detecção da sífilis na gestante, com a disponibilização dos testes rápidos para sífilis nas unidades básicas de saúde para facilitar o diagnóstico, assim como o fornecimento da penicilina benzatina. Além disso, os parceiros com sífilis das gestantes foram orientados a aderir imediatamente ao tratamento, em concomitância com o tratamento das mulheres. Com base nessas ações, a tendência é que haja redução do número de sífilis congênita em Macaé.
The Effect of Using STEAM Approach on Motivation Towards Learning Among High School Students in Jordan
Authors: Bedar Rana Waleed Al-Haj , Al-Shboul Muhannad Anwar
Published: August 2020

This study aimed at investigating the effect of applying integrated Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics (STEAM) approach on motivation among students of grade 10 in a private school in Amman. In this context the researchers used a quasi-experimental method. The sample of this study involved 32 high school students; the individuals of the study were intentionally chosen and distributed randomly into two groups: the control group consisted of 19 students who studied Geography in a conventional way, and the experimental group consisted of 13 students who studied the same content using STEAM approach. To achieve the study goals, the researchers developed an instrument to measure motivation towards learning geography that focused on the following constructs of motivation: Internal Motivation, Grade Motivation, Class Anxiety, Career Motivation, Self-Efficacy, and Teacher Obedience. After verifying its validity and reliability, the instrument was applied on the study sample. The results of the analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) showed no significant difference on motivation in all of its constructs except for (Class Anxiety) which was in favor of the experimental group. The study recommended providing teachers with enough and valuable training opportunities on how to activate STEAM approach to ensure meaningful learning for students and to increase their awareness to future careers including STEAM jobs.
Algerian Aeronautics Professionals’ Needs Taxonomy: A Target Situation Needs Analysis
Authors: Assassi Tarek
Published: August 2020

This research paper provides a primary thorough needs analysis process for Algerian aeronautics leaners and novice professionals at Aures Aviation Academy. The literature review shed light upon the International Civil Aviation Organization linguistic requirements and the current state of the ESP course at the academy. Accordingly, a hypothesis was set as a tentative answer for two research questions. The process was undertaken via collecting data by administering two questionnaires, two semi-structured interviews and a non-participant classroom observation procedure. The analyzed data were taken into account to answer the research questions through triangulation in data collection methods and sources of information to validate the research outcomes.
Impact of Social Media on Consumer Buying Patterns
Authors: Donnellan John , McDonald Melanie , Edmondson Michael
Published: August 2020

Due to the tremendous growth in Internet usage around the globe during the last ten years, marketing teams now must better understand the impact of social media on consumer buying patterns. With Internet penetration estimated to continue to grow during the next decade, especially in second and third world markets, marketing executives will need to prioritize understanding the changes related to consumer buying patterns. Many papers have discussed this phenomenon and it was explored and analyzed as a result of new media advertising through social media ad repetition on consumer buying behavior. This study tested hypotheses on repetition and relevance, separately and jointly, with respect to obtaining a positive decision-making experience. Test subjects were given single and mixed ads via a video presentation then surveyed through SurveyMonkey. Test subjects came from similar academic universities in New Jersey USA and Changzhou China. The results reflect that ad repetition has a positive effect on consumer buying patterns.
The Challenges Concerning the Lifestyle Sustainability of the Tapuya Kariri Indigerous People in São Benedito, Ceará
Authors: Ximenes Antonia Vanessa Silva Freire Moraes , Fontenele Marília Araújo , Diniz Aldiva Sales
Published: August 2020

This literature deals with the conflicts experienced by the indigenous people from the Tapuya Kariri tribe, who live in São Benedito, Ceará, and whose tribe has been suffering to sustain its lifestyle and, consequently, the bond among the people. The relevant factors that inspired the development of this paper are the need for discussing the challenges faced by the Tapuya Kariri people as well as listing the involved parts in fights for lands, which are holy in their majority. Thus, the emphasis is on the principal issues involving the indigenous people and those with whom they relate in places the consider to be sacred, on the complexity involving these social interactions and on the confrontation resulting from the struggle to sustain the lifestyle and uniqueness of the abovementioned people.
Hepatica transsilvanica Fuss (Ranunculaceae) is an Allotetraploid Relict of the Tertiary Flora in Europe – Molecular Phylogenetic Evidence
Authors: Laczkó Levente , Sramkó Gábor
Published: August 2020

The Hepatica section Angulosa consists of mainly tetraploid (2n = 28) species that are distributed disjunctly throughout Eurasia. Karyological evidence proves the hybrid origin of the polyploid species of this section. Hepatica transsilvanica is a member of this species group with a conspicuous distribution restricted to the Eastern Carpathians. Based on genome size and cytotypes, the paternal parent of H. transsilvanica is described to be the only diploid species in section Angulosa, H. falconeri. The maternal species is hypothesized to be H. nobilis, a European species with entirely lobed leaves and a wider distribution area. Although the hybrid origin of H. transsilvanica is well documented by karyological evidence, the time of hybridization has never been studied. By using sequences of both the nuclear and plastid genome, we reconstructed the phylogenetic relationships and divergence times of H. transsilvanica and its parental species. The identity of the parental species is corroborated by discordant gene tree topologies of the nrITS and plastid sequences. Moreover, both gene copies of the parental species could be identified with the low-copy nuclear gene, MLH1. Divergence dating analysis using Bayesian phylogenetic methods strongly supported the long-term survival of H. transsilvanica in the Southeastern Carpathians, as the most recent common ancestor of the hybrid and parent species existed not later than the beginning of the Pleistocene, ca. 3 million years ago. These results not only highlight the biogeographic importance of the Southeastern Carpathians in the Quaternary glaciation periods, but also emphasize that Tertiary lineages could have survived in a Central European cryptic refugium.
Efficacy of dual progesterone administration (intramuscular and vaginal) for luteal support in fresh day 3 or day 4 embryo transfer cycles
Authors: Nho Eun Jee , Hong Yeon Hee , Park Ju Hee , Kim Seul Ki , Lee Jung Ryeol , Jee Byung Chul , Kim Seok Hyun
Published: August 2020

Objective: The aim of this study was to compare in vitro fertilization outcomes between fresh day 3 or day 4 embryo transfer cycles with dual progesterone (P) administration (intramuscular and vaginal) and cycles with single intramuscular P administration for luteal support.Methods: We selected 124 cycles from 100 women (under age 40 years) who underwent oocyte pick-up (number of trials ≤ 3, 4–14 oocytes obtained) and transfer of two or three day 3 or day 4 embryos at two infertility centers from January 2014 to June 2019. Dual P (intramuscular P [50 mg] daily+vaginal P) was used in 52 cycles and a single intramuscular administration of P (50 mg daily) was used in 72 cycles.Results: Women’s age, infertility factors, number of oocytes retrieved, number of transferred embryos, and mean embryo score were similar between the dual P group and the single P group. Although the number of trial cycles was significantly higher (1.9 vs. 1.5), and the mean endometrial thickness on the trigger day (10.0 mm vs. 11.0 mm) was significantly lower in the dual P group, the implantation rate, clinical pregnancy rate, ongoing pregnancy rate, and miscarriage rate for both day 3 and day 4 transfers were similar between the two groups.Conclusion: In fresh day 3 or day 4 embryo transfer cycles, dual P administration did not demonstrate any clinical advantages. Intramuscular P alone appears to be sufficient for luteal support.
ITINERÁRIOS DE IDEIAS E PRÁTICAS NA ARQUITETURA HABITACIONAL – UMA ABORDAGEM COMPARATIVA ENTRE BRASIL E HOLANDA
Authors: Vaillant André Bambirra , Velloso Rita
Published: August 2020

Este trabalho busca traçar uma nova comparação entre os sistemas de financiamento de habitação social brasileiro e holandês, partindo do princípio de que a complexidade do quadro nacional impõe características muito próprias à situação brasileira, incompatíveis com a mera importação de modelos e práticas urbanísticas concebidos nos países ditos centrais. Assim, procuramos demonstrar que paralelos existem entre esses dois modelos e, sobretudo, qual a natureza dos desafios que os permeiam.
PROPOSTA DE MARCO PERIMETRAL PARA TRATAMENTO DO PROBLEMA DE ESTANQUEIDADE NA INTERFACE DE ESQUADRIAS DE ALUMÍNIO E PAINÉIS WOOD FRAME.
Authors: Tumelero Gilmar , Moura Jorge Daniel de Melo
Published: August 2020

O presente trabalho trata da utilização de esquadrias de alumínio no sistema construtivo wood frame com foco na estanqueidade na interface de conexão. Concentra-se na compreensão do comportamento da interface dos elementos, considerando as etapas: Escolha dos sistemas construtivos, desenvolvimento de produto, ensaio de estanqueidade e aplicação na construção civil. O objetivo consiste em desenvolver uma tipologia de marco perimetral para estanqueidade da interface, com foco na melhoria da qualidade do sistema. O problema de estanqueidade na interface está associado a diferentes características dos elementos construtivos envolvidos, sua composição e técnicas de execução. Desta forma os resultados confirmaram o bom desempenho.
ANÁLISE DAS RESIDÊNCIAS PROJETADAS POR SYLVIO DE PODESTÁ
Authors: Prado Marcos de Oliveira , Tagliari Ana
Published: August 2020

Este artigo tem por objetivo divulgar os resultados de uma pesquisa que analisou projetos residenciais elaborados pelo arquiteto brasileiro Sylvio de Podestá entre 1979 e 1989. O propósito foi verificar as estratégias projetuais adotadas em seis projetos realizados nesse período, a partir de itens de análise. Para tanto, a metodologia adotada foi organizada a partir de leituras dos textos do próprio arquiteto, elaboração de redesenhos, construção de modelos digitais e diagramas analíticos. Os resultados verificaram recorrências nas estratégias projetuais adotadas, tais como: a importância conferida a elevação frontal; o uso de formas arquetípicas como o quadrado, o círculo e o triângulo; e a utilização do modelo de percurso “quadro a quadro”.
Study of the Relationship Between Hearing Loss and Cognitive Performance at Chronic Exposure to Noise
Authors: Alimohammadi Iraj , Ahmadi Kanrash Fakhradin , Vosoughi Shahram , Abolaghasemi Jamileh , Chalak Mohammad Hossein , Rahmani Kazem
Published: August 2020

Background: Noise is considered as one of the most significant and dangerous physical factors in work environments, and due to the advancement of industries, it has become a threat to physical and psychological health in the current era. In addition to its undesirable effects on the hearing system, noise can have harmful non-auditory effects that may cause physiological disorders and cognitive impairment. Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the relationship between hearing loss and workers’ cognitive performance in an industrial environment. Methods: A total of 300 individuals were enrolled in this study after their informed consent was obtained, and their compliance with the inclusion and exclusion criteria was confirmed. Based on the sound intensity level, the individuals were classified into two groups of exposure to > 85 dB (n = 196) and ≤ 85 dB (n = 104). To measure the individuals’ occupational exposure at an 8-hour equivalent level based on the ISO 9612: 2009 standard, the Testo device (Model CEL-815) was used with the precision of 0.5 dB. The most common weighting that is used in noise measurement is A-weighting. Like the human ear, this effectively cuts off the lower and higher frequencies that the average person cannot hear. The DANPLEX-AS54 device was also used to check audiometry. To investigate the workers’ hearing performance, two psychological tests, namely Stroop and TOL, were used as well. Results: Hearing loss was higher among workers exposed to a sound intensity level of > 85 dB than those exposed to a sound intensity level of ≤ 85 dB, and this difference was significant in all sound level frequencies (NIHL left ear: for ≤ 85 dB: 25.92 and for > 85 dB: 27.49) (NIHL right ear: for ≤ 85 dB: 27.62 and for > 85 dB: 29.50) (P value < 0.05). The results showed a significant positive relationship between cognitive indicators and hearing loss (P value < 0.05). Moreover, the study of cognitive indicators in the two groups revealed that the mean change of cognitive performance indicators was higher among subjects exposed to a higher sound intensity level (P value < 0.05). Conclusions: The results of this study showed that noise-induced hearing loss in work environments had a significant positive relationship with cognitive indicators. In other words, an increase in the hearing loss level would result in changes in cognitive indicators such as number of errors and response time.
MORPHOLOGICAL VARIABILITY AND SEXUAL DIMORPHISM OF NOBLE CRAYFISH Astacus astacus FROM THE BALKANA LAKE
Authors: Roljić Rajko , Nikolić Vera , Savić Nebojša
Published: August 2020

This paper presents the information about morphological variability and sex dimorphism of the Noble crayfish (Astacus astacus) in the area of the Balkana Lake in Mrkonjic Grad. The crayfish were caught by hand made baited traps from October 9nd 2018. until May 31th 2019. A total of 58 crayfish were caught, of which 38 males and 20 females. The eight morphometric characteristics: body weight (W), body length (TBL), claw length (CLL), cephalothorax length (CFL), carapace width (CPW), abdomen length (ABL), rostrum length (ROL) and rostrum width (ROW) were measured, both in males and females. Also, the body condition was determined for all specimens. The results of morphometric characteristics partially matched into the already known range of variations. These data represent first ones for the observed area. The t-test showed that there were significant differences between the sexes in W, TBL, CLL, CFL and CPW which are explained by the emphasized sex dimorphism of the noble crayfish.
Effectiveness of Large-Scale Social Restrictions (PSBB) toward the New Normal Era during COVID-19 Outbreak: a Mini Policy Review
Authors: Andriani, S.Si, Apt, M.Sc, Ph.D Helen
Published: August 2020

Abstract. The government of Indonesia has not used lockdown or quarantine as an option to tackle the spread of Coronavirus, as the impact of lockdown on small communities in the informal sector that lives from daily income will be severe. Alternatively, the government is enforcing Large-Scale Social Restrictions (Pembatasan Sosial Berskala Besar or "PSBB") to respond to the state of emergency in public health. Starting in June 2020, the government has implemented transitional PSBB in some red zone areas, including the capital Jakarta and East Java province, despite the surge in case numbers. This paper aims to investigate the effectiveness of the PSBB policy applied in Indonesia during the COVID-19 outbreak and the readiness to embrace the new normal, between April and June 2020, based on rapid literature analysis in a search on Medline(-Pubmed), government speeches and reports, social and mass media platforms. Implementation of PSBB is a preventive measure to combat Coronavirus’ spread in some Indonesian areas. Indonesia should not be in a “new normal” situation. The transitional PSBB phase serves as an early chapter of a new normal that would apply only to strategic sectors with manageable risks combined with better regulation and compliance by the public. Abstrak. Pemerintah Indonesia tidak menggunakan lockdown atau karantina sebagai opsi untuk mengatasi penyebaran Coronavirus, karena dampak lockdown pada komunitas kecil di sektor informal yang hidup dari pendapatan harian akan memburuk. Pemerintah menegakkan Pembatasan Sosial Berskala Besar (PSBB) sebagai respons terhadap keadaan darurat dalam kesehatan masyarakat. Sejak bulan Juni 2020, pemerintah telah menerapkan transisi PSBB di beberapa daerah zona merah, termasuk di provinsi DKI Jakarta dan Jawa Timur, meskipun ada peningkatan jumlah kasus. Artikel ini bertujuan untuk menyelidiki efektivitas kebijakan PSBB yang diterapkan di Indonesia selama wabah COVID-19 dan kesiapan untuk memasuki Adaptasi Kebiasaan Baru (AKB), antara bulan April dan Juni 2020, berdasarkan analisis literatur cepat dalam pencarian Medline (-Pubmed), pidato dan laporan pemerintah, platform media sosial dan media massa. Implementasi PSBB adalah langkah pencegahan untuk memerangi penyebaran Coronavirus di beberapa wilayah Indonesia. Indonesia seharusnya tidak berada dalam situasi AKB. Fase PSBB transisi berfungsi sebagai bab awal dari AKB yang hanya akan berlaku pada sektor strategis dengan risiko yang dapat dikelola bersamaan dengan regulasi dan kepatuhan public yang lebih baik.
Management of an Inappropriately Treated Case of Auricular Hematoma
Authors: Kim Yoonjoong , Choi Jin Woong , Park Yong-Ho
Published: August 2020

Othematoma is a condition in which blood collects beneath the perichondral layer of the pinna. Recurrent auricular hematoma can be a challenging medical problem, with complications resulting in ear deformity, therefore, appropriate management is important. Improper treatment can result in a deformity known as ‘cauliflower ear’ or ‘wrestler’s ear.’ We report a case of othematoma that was inappropriately treated and present a review of current treatment options.
A Study of Sophomore Dilemma Based on Students’ Engagement
Authors: Xiao Yu
Published: August 2020

Aim: This study investigates the Sophomore Dilemma about students’ engagement.

Study Design: This research was designed using a combination of quantitative and qualitative approach.

Place and Duration of Study: This study was conducted in 2018 from October to December, in Shanghai China.

Methodology: Subjects were 176 students in F university. Data collection techniques using questionnaire and interview. Data analysis using stata14.

Results: There is a significant difference of grade in students’ learning engagement. Sophomores are less engaged in learning than those from other grades. They feel anxious, depressed, compelled and lonely, because of the contrast between reality and ideal, difficulty in keeping up with courses and loss of aim. The challenges of second-year students include academic life, individual expectations, social relationships, and extracurricular activities. We can establish or institutionalize efforts for sophomores from different aspects.

Conclusion: The study concludes that there is a sophomore dilemma during college in terms of students' learning engagement.
Chemical Constituents Analysis of Ethyl Acetate Extract from MSR-1707 by GC-MS
Authors: Xia Li Pei- , Yi Li Wei- , Tian Jian Tian- , Hao He Dong- , Yi Huang
Published: August 2020

Aims: To analyze the chemical constituents of ethyl acetate extract from MSR-1707 to promote the rational utilization of the mushroom resources.

Methodology: MSR-1707 belongs to the genus Nigrospora sp. It was extracted by ethyl acetate, then the extract was analyzed by Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometer (GC-MS). Identification of compounds was achieved according to their GC retention indices (RI) and database search using the library of NIST05, as well as a comparison of the fragmentation pattern of the mass spectra with data published in the literature.

Results: Seventy-three compounds were separated by gas chromatography. Based on the NIST05 spectral library and corresponding literature information, fifty-three compounds were identified. Their relative percentage of contents accounted for 95.62% of the outflow peak. Some of the identified peaks are 9-Octadecenoic acid, methyl ester(E)(18.50%),9-Tricosene(Z)(8.30%), 13-Docosenamide (E)(5.26%) and Myristic acid glycidyl ester (3.11%).

Conclusion: This is the first report of chemical constituents of the ethyl acetate extract of Nigrospora sp. using GC-MS, which offer some theoretical basis for the further exploration and application of this mushroom.
In vitro: Influence of Various Concentrations of Plant Growth Regulators (BAP & NAA) and Sucrose on Regeneration of Chenopodium quinoa Willd. Plant
Authors: Gethami Fayza R. Al , Sayed Hameda El Sayed Ahmed El
Published: August 2020

In vitro: regeneration of Chenopodium quinoa Willd. was achieved from cotyledonary nodes explants. In this study, used 6-Benzylaminopurine (BAP) and α-Naphthalene Acetic Acid (NAA) of plant growth regulators with different concentrations individually as well as in combination and used different concentrations of sugar (sucrose) with different concentrations. For was rooting, used half strength (½MS), full-strength MS and ½ MS supplemented with 0.2 mg/l of NAA. The results mentioned, explant responding (%) to multiplication was about 73% for all BAP treatments compared with control and average numbers of shoot increased with increased BAP concentration except 5 mg/l of BAP. The highest explant responding (%) was in media supplemented BAP without NAA compared other treatments noted that the media with combination of BAP and NAA gives formation of callus in bases of the plantlets. Also, the result inducted the combinations between (BAP–NAA) was highly significantly (P≤ 0.001) and less effective on number of shoots where the highest number of shoot was 3.40 in media with 3 mg/l BAP compared other treatments. The highest of explant responding 93.33% was in media supplement with 10 g/l sucrose and (10 g/l sucrose + 3 mg/l BAP), but sucrose level for good greening and developed shoots (4 shoots) was in medium supplement with 10 g/l sucrose. The shoots rooted well on half-strength MS medium with 60% percentage of root. The rooted shoots were acclimatized and transferred to green house to follow their development.
A Two-part Approach to the Determination of Intrinsic Rate Constants of an Alpha-amylase Catalysed Reaction
Authors: Udema Ikechukwu I.
Published: August 2020

Background: There is a need for equations with which to calculate the intrinsic rate constants that can further characterise enzyme catalysed reactions despite what seems to be conventional differences in methodology in the literature.

Methods: Theoretical, experimental (Bernfeld method), and computational methods.

Objectives: 1) To derive an alternative intrinsic rate constant equations consistent with their dimension, 2) derive electrostatic intermolecular potential energy equation, (xe), 3) calculate the intrinsic rate constants for forward (k1) and reverse (k2) reactions, and 4) define the dependence or otherwise of kinetic constants on diffusion and deduce the catalytic efficiency.

Results and Discussion: The ultimate quantitative results were ~ 64.69 ±  0.49 exp (+3)/ min (k2) (and kd (s) = ~ 60.66 exp (+3)/ min), ~ 1594.48 ± 11.99 exp (+3) exp (+3) L/mol.min (k1) (and ka (s) = ~1482.47 exp (+3) L/mol.min), ~ 58.00 ± 10.83 exp (+3) /min, the apparent rate constant for reverse reaction (kb), and ~ 75.83 ± 10.83 exp (+3) /min, the rate constant for product formation (k3). The catalytic efficiency was: 3.025 exp (+ 9) L / mol.    

Conclusion: The relevant equations were derived. Based on the derived equations the intrinsic rate constants can be calculated. Since k3 is > kb, then k3 is diffusion controlled and it appears that the enzyme has reached kinetic perfection. The evaluation of rate constants either from the perspective of diffusion dependency or independency cannot be valid without Avogadro number.
Analyzing the Effect of Lockdown on Weather Parameters Amid COVID-19 Pandemic of Mid Hill Region of Rajouri District of Jammu & Kashmir, Union Territory, India
Authors: Sharma Rohit , Vikas Vishaw , Singh Mahender , Sharma Manish Kr. , Panotra Narinder , Sharma Charu , Kumar Deepak
Published: August 2020

A study was conducted in mid hill region of Rajouri district, J&K, India to analyze the impact lockdown amid covid-19 pandemic on weather parameters. Day and night temperature readings were recorded fortnightly from 1st March to 30th June 2020 from maximum and minimum thermometer, rainfall values from ordinary rain gauge,  and soil temperature at different depth from soil thermometers and values were compared with data from 2017-2019 and normal. After analyzing the data statistically using “Descriptive statistics” in MS-Excel 2010, it was observed that within the period of lockdown, the change in day temperature was -6.66% from normal mean value, however night temperature was least affected as it changes 10.33% and rainfall pattern was 19.27% more from normal mean value. The average change in soil temperature in morning at 5 cm, 10 cm and 20 cm depth in lockdown was -4.65%, 3.74% and 2.65% as compared to year 2019 (1st March to 30th June) mean value and the change in soil temperature in evening at same depths was -5.14%, -11.30% and 0.3% from year 2019 (1st March to 30th June) depicting a slow change in values. With the significant sustainable pattern observed in day and soil temperature parameters and rainfall it can be concluded that lockdown might be an effective tool in reducing speed of climate change in future.
Standardization of Recipe for the Preparation of Wild Jamun Squash: Effect of Packaging Materials and Temperature Conditions on Nutritional Quality during Storage
Authors: Bhatt Kanchan , Thakur N. S. , Thakur Abhimanyu , Hamid . , Sharma Chetna
Published: August 2020

Jamun (Syzygium cumini L.) an evergreen wild fruit of utmost importance belongs to Myrtaceae family and grows throughout the Asian subcontinent, Eastern Africa, South America, Madagascar to USA.  It is an edible antidiabetic fruit rich in anthocyanins native to India and West Indies. Thus, an attempt was made to develop squash from its fruit and determine quality changes during storage. Various combinations of enzyme assisted extracted juice and sugar syrup were tried and analyzed on the basis of sensory quality attributes to standardize proper combination for squash. The recipe with 35 per cent juice and 40˚B TSS was rate best on the basis of sensory and some physico-chemical characteristics packed in glass and PET bottles and stored for six months under ambient (20-25˚C) and refrigerated temperature conditions (4-7˚C). Squash could be safely stored for a period of six months under both the ambient and refrigerated conditions with mild change in various quality characteristics. Although, the changes in the quality characteristics of the squash were slower in refrigerated storage conditions as compared to ambient conditions.  However, both packaging materials viz PET and glass bottles were found suitable with comparably less changes occurring in glass bottle under refrigerated conditions.
Dissipation Kinetics of Carbofuran in the Soil and Its Residues in Sugarcane
Authors: Saini Lokesh Kumar , Patel K. G. , Singh Susheel , Gandhi K. D. , Solanki V. H.
Published: August 2020

A field experiment was conducted to determine the dissipation kinetics of carbofuran and its metabolite (Carbofuran 3-OH) in the soil and their terminal residue in sugarcane. The experimental plots were subjected to application of carbofuran 3G (1.0 kg a.i./ha) at the time of planting and 60 days after planting of sugarcane variety CoN 07072 grown with recommended agronomic practices. The soil samples were periodically collected at 0 (2 hrs.), 1, 3, 5, 10, 20, 30, 60 and 90 days after last application of carbofuran. QuEChERS (Quick, Easy, Cheap, Effective, Rugged and Safe) based extraction method adopted to quantify the               residues of carbofuran on LC-MS/MS (Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry) from soil, sugarcane juice and leaves were found accurate, sensitive and precise enough. Residues of carbofuran and total carbofuran (Carbofuran + Carbofuran 3-OH) were observed upto 30 days after application and reached below quantification level at 60 days after application in sugarcane grown soil. Carbofuran and total carbofuran followed the first order dissipation kinetics with the half life of 4.18 and 4.17 days, respectively in the experimental soil. Sugarcane leaves and juice contains the residues of carbofuran below quantification limit at the time of harvest of sugarcane.
Antihyperlidemic Efficiency of Abelmoschus esculentus (Okra) Fruits Varieties on Rats Fed High-Fat Diet
Authors: Nuhu A. A. , Mhya D. H. , Atiku M. K. , Wudil A. M.
Published: August 2020

Background: Okra fruits have been found to be efficient in managing hyperlipidemia. But, there are different varieties of Okra, and whether antihyperlipidemic efficiency varies with the varieties has not been reported.

Aim of the Study: The aim of the study was to validate antihyperlipidemic efficiencies of some Okra fruits varieties on rats fed high-fat diet.

Methods: The five varieties of okra fruit was each sliced, air dried and pulverized into powder then extracted with methanol (80%) using Soxhlet extractor and concentrated at 30∘C in a rotary evaporator then finally air dried. Qualitative and quantitative phytochemicals, and proximate analysis were conducted on the extracts. Hyperlipidemia was induce by feeding rats with high-fat diet for 35 days, followed by treating with two selected Okra fruit varieties (NHB-AI-B and Yar kolon)  which has the highest extract yield and phytochemicals for 21 days. Nine groups of five rats was used: groups 1-3 (hyperlipidemic rats received NHB-AI-B Okra fruit extract at different doses), group 4-6 (hyperlipidemic rats received Yar kolon Okra fruit extract at different doses), group 7 (positive control rats treated with 10mg/kg Atorvastatin), group 8 (normal control rats fed basal diet) and group 9 (negative control). Serum lipid profile were determined from each rat.

Results: The study confirmed the presence of some important phytochemicals like saponins, tannins, phenolics, flavonoids, fibre etc but differs in concentrations among the varieties where Yar kolon variety emerge highest in almost all the chemical compounds. Rat fed high-fat diet for 35 days developed hyperlipidemia as evident by the elevated triglyceride, cholesterol, LDL-C, body weight and supressed HDL-C. When treated with extracts of NHB-AI-B and Yar kolon Okra fruits varieties, the altered lipid profile were significantly reversed toward normalcy with Yar kolon variety exerting the most efficient activity.

Conclusion: The study showed the five Okra fruit varieties possess same chemical compounds but differs in concentrations among varieties. The extracts of Okra fruits varieties exert significant antihyperlipidemic effect but in varied degrees suggesting variations in their efficiency. This, therefore calls for further study to compare more Okra varieties to determine which one is the most potent and its active agent.