bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Biochar and cattle dung amendment for enhanced vermiconversion of mixed leaf litter
Authors: Sabarish R. , Prakash Mani
Published: October 2021

A vermicomposting study has been conducted using 15 days of precomposted mixed leaf litter in combination with cow dung (1:1, v/v) and biochar (0, 2, 4, 6 and 8%) employing the earthworm, Eudrilus eugeniae for 50 days. During the study, the physicochemical parameters such as pH, electrical conductivity (EC), total organic carbon (TOC), total Kjeldahl nitrogen (TKN), total phosphorus (TP), total potassium (TP), C/N ratio and C/P ratio were analyzed on 0, 10, 20, 30, 40, and 50 days. The dynamics of physicochemical parameters indicated that the addition of biochar at the rate of 4% yielded the vermicompost with higher nutrient contents than other treatments. The vermicompost obtained from 4% biochar addition recorded 2.15 ± 0.26% TKN, 1.42 ± 0.17% TP and 1.74 ± 0.21% TK while it was 1.69 ± 0.16% TKN, 1.13 ± 0.11% TP and 1.65 ± 0.16% for the substrate without biochar. The TOC, C/N ratio and C/P ratio declined in all the experiments. The C/N ratio in vermicomposts recovered from 0, 2, 4, 6 and 5% were 17.20 ± 1.63, 16.90 ± 1.55, 15.21 ± 1.84, 20.15, ± 2.56 and 24.08 ± 3.23 respectively. The study clearly showed that 4% biochar amendment in vermicomposting of mixed leaf litter and cow dung in a 1:1 ratio is suitable for obtaining vermicompost with higher nutrient contents and desirable properties to be used as an organic soil amendment.
POTENTIAL APPLICATION OF HARDWARE PROTECTED SYMMETRIC AUTHENTICATION MICROCIRCUITS TO ENSURE THE SECURITY OF INTERNET OF THINGS
Authors: Klimushin Petro , Solianyk Tetiana , Kolisnyk Tetiana , Mozhaiv Oleksandr
Published: October 2021

The paper objective is to determine the basic schemes and their characteristics for ensuring the security of Internet of Things nodes using symmetric authentication cryptographic microcircuits. The main results that had been obtained by using method of structural and functional design represent potentially possible options for using symmetric authentication cryptomicrocircuits to ensure the protection of Internet of Things nodes. The analysis of the presented schemes’ functioning made it possible to form the following conclusions. The host-side private key storage authentication scheme provides a fast symmetric authentication process, but requires secure storage of the private key on the host side. The simplest authentication scheme without storing a secret key on the host side, which does not imply the use of a cryptographic chip on the host side, provides a fast symmetric authentication process, but has a relatively low cryptographic strength, since the interaction in the system is performed without a random component in cryptographic transformations, which assumes constant the nature of requests in the system, and, consequently, the possibility of cryptanalysis of messages. To increase the cryptographic strength of such a scheme, it is advisable to introduce into the interaction system a random component in cryptographic transformations and use additional hashing procedures with an intermediate key, which leads to the complication of the scheme due to double hashing, but significantly increases the level of information security of IoT nodes. Downloading software in the system is implemented using secret encryption and authentication keys, which are permanently stored in the secure non-volatile memory of cryptographic chips of IoT nodes. In this case, session keys for encrypting the firmware code or decrypting it are generated on the client and host side, respectively. This approach allows creating unique downloads of the original firmware code (application) by preventing cryptanalysts from obtaining its images and algorithms. The peculiarity of the scheme of exchange of symmetric session encryption keys of messages are: use of a secret key stored on the side of the host and the client; the determination of the session key is performed as a result of hashing a random number with a secret key, that is, the exchange of the session key is performed in an encrypted secure form.
METHODOLOGY FOR ASSESSING THE EFFECTIVENESS OF METHODS FOR EMBEDDING DIGITAL WATERMARKS
Authors: Ruban Igor , Bolohova Nataliia , Martovytskyi Vitalii , Yaroshevych Roman
Published: October 2021

In recent years, we have seen a significant increase in traffic moving across various networks and channels. The development of technology and global network leads to an increase in the amount of multimedia traffic. To authenticate and avoid abuse, data should be protected with watermarks. This paper discusses various robust and invisible watermarking methods in the spatial domain and the transform domain. The basic concepts of digital watermarks, important characteristics and areas of application of watermarks are considered in detail. The paper also presents the most important criteria for assessing the digital watermark effectiveness. Based on the analysis of the current state of the digital watermarking methods, robustness, imperceptibility, security and payload have been determined as the main factors in most scientific works. Moreover, researchers use different methods to improve / balance these factors to create an effective watermarking system. Our research identified the main factors and new techniques used in modern research. And the assessment of watermark method effectiveness was proposed.
Performance of arithmetical operations on mobile gadgets using axioms of classical and nonstandard interval analysis
Authors: Dubnitskiy Valeriy , Kobylin Anatolii , Kobylin Oleg
Published: October 2021

We propose a programming system for calculation of economical standards of regulating banking activity by means of Euclidian and interval arithmetic using mobile gadgets. The program was created by means of Microsoft Visual Studio 2017 Express for Windows Phone using C#.  The feature of this programming system is the possibility to be used anywhere: during business negotiations, in the absence of PCs and WiFi, etc. For its application, one needs a smartphone with Android operation system. The smartphone needs to have a capacitive screen with multi-touch input with the possibility of more than four touches at once. The size of the screen can vary, but the resolution must be 480*480 pixels. During the progress, the system calculates the indicators of banking activity approved by National bank of Ukraine. Using of the interval arithmetic gives the possibility to analyse the financial status of the bank under any conditions. The comparison of the results of arithmetical operations by using the axioms of classical and nonstandard interval analysis was carried out. The criterion of the efficiency is the value of the relative change of the final interval of the calculations that were carried out using the axioms of the nonstandard interval analysis related to the same calculations that were carried out using the axioms of the classical interval analysis. For efficiency comparison we choose standard indicators that define the financial safety of the bank. The results of the calculations show that the intervals defined according to the rules of the nonstandard interval mathematics have the size of the interval 12-90% less than the intervals calculated according to the rules of the classical interval mathematics.
Philadelphia’s Excise Tax on Sugar-Sweetened and Artificially Sweetened Beverages and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Benefit Redemption
Authors: Chrisinger Benjamin W.
Published: October 2021

Objectives. To assess the effect of a 2017 excise tax on sugar and artificially sweetened beverages in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on the shopping patterns of low-income populations using Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) data.

Methods. I used a synthetic controls approach to estimate the effect of the tax on Philadelphia and neighboring Pennsylvania counties (Bucks, Delaware, and Montgomery) as measured by total SNAP sales (“SNAP redemption”) and SNAP redemption per SNAP participant. I assembled biannual data (2005–2019) from all US counties for SNAP redemption and relevant predictors. I performed placebo tests to estimate statistically significant effects and conducted robustness checks.

Results. Detectable increases in SNAP spending occurred in all 3 Philadelphia neighboring counties. Per-participant SNAP spending increased in 2 of the neighboring counties and decreased in Philadelphia. These effects were robust across multiple specifications and placebo tests.

Conclusions. The tax contributed to increased SNAP shopping in Philadelphia’s neighboring counties across both outcome measures, and decreased spending in Philadelphia (at least by 1 measure). This raises questions about retailer behavior, the effectiveness of the tax’s public health aim of reducing sugar-sweetened beverage consumption, and policy aims of investing in low-income communities. (Am J Public Health. 2021;111(11):1986–1996. https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.2021.306464 )
Workplace Leave and Breastfeeding Duration Among Postpartum Women, 2016–2018
Authors: Kortsmit Katherine , Li Rui , Cox Shanna , Shapiro-Mendoza Carrie K. , Perrine Cria G. , D’Angelo Denise V. , Barfield Wanda D. , Shulman Holly B. , Garfield Craig F. , Warner Lee
Published: October 2021

Objectives. To examine associations of workplace leave length with breastfeeding initiation and continuation at 1, 2, and 3 months.

Methods. We analyzed 2016 to 2018 data for 10 sites in the United States from the Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System, a site-specific, population-based surveillance system that samples women with a recent live birth 2 to 6 months after birth. Using multivariable logistic regression, we examined associations of leave length (< 3 vs ≥ 3 months) with breastfeeding outcomes.

Results. Among 12 301 postpartum women who planned to or had returned to the job they had during pregnancy, 42.1% reported taking unpaid leave, 37.5% reported paid leave, 18.2% reported both unpaid and paid leave, and 2.2% reported no leave. Approximately two thirds (66.2%) of women reported taking less than 3 months of leave. Although 91.2% of women initiated breastfeeding, 81.2%, 72.1%, and 65.3% of women continued breastfeeding at 1, 2, and 3 months, respectively. Shorter leave length (< 3 months), whether paid or unpaid, was associated with lower prevalence of breastfeeding at 2 and 3 months compared with 3 or more months of leave.

Conclusions. Women with less than 3 months of leave reported shorter breastfeeding duration than did women with 3 or more months of leave. (Am J Public Health. 2021;111(11):2036–2045. https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.2021.306484 )
Türkiye’nin Cam ve Cam Eşya Sektörü İhracat Uzmanlaşması ve Rekabet Gücü
Authors: SARIÇOBAN Kazım
Published: October 2021

Bu çalışmanın amacı, Türkiye’nin cam ve cam eşya sektöründe dış ticaret yaptığı 19 ürün grubundaki ihracat uzmanlaşma ve rekabet gücünün belirlenmesidir. Bunun için Türkiye’nin ve dünyanın, 2010-2019 yılları arası hem bu ürün gruplarındaki ihracat ve ithalat verileri hem de toplam ihracat ve ithalat verileri kullanılmıştır. Veriler, HS 2007 ürün sınıflandırması baz alınarak, UN Comtrade veri tabanından elde edilmiştir. Açıklanmış Karşılaştırmalı Üstünlükler (AKÜ) yönteminin kullanıldığı çalışmada, Nispi İhracat Avantajı (RXA), Nispi Ticaret Avantajı (RTA) ve Net İhracat İndeksi (NEI) ile analizler yapılmıştır. Cam ve cam eşya sektörü dış ticaretine yönelik 19 ürün grubu için yapılan analizlerde, ithalatın dikkate alınmadığı RXA indeksine göre, Türkiye’nin 4 ürün grubunun ihracatında, dünya ortalamasının üzerinde uzmanlaştığı belirlenmiştir. İthalatın da dikkate alındığı RTA sonucuna göre ise Türkiye 7 ürün grubunun ihracatında uzmanlaşmıştır. Ülkenin kendi ticari performansını ölçen NEI sonucuna göre ise Türkiye’nin 7 ürün grubunun ihracatında uzmanlaştığı tespit edilmiştir. Burada NEI sonuçlarına göre, Türkiye’nin ihracatında uzmanlaştığı bu 7 ürün grubu, RTA analizi sonucunda dünya ortalamasının üzerinde uzmanlaştığı ürün grupları ile aynıdır. Sonuç olarak Türkiye, cam ve cam eşya sektöründe 19 ürün grubundan 7’sinin ihracatında uzmanlaşmış ve küresel bir rekabet avantajı elde etmiştir.
Highly TEMPO-Oxidized Cellulose for Removal of Ionic and Complexed Cadmium From Complicated Water-System
Authors: Yu Huajian , Zheng Liuchun , Zhang Tao , Ren Jingjing , Meng Peipei
Published: October 2021

TEMPO-NaDCC-oxidized cellulose (TNOCS) with a large surface area and an abundance of carboxyl groups was used to remove heavy metal ions (Cd, Cu and Pb) and their organic acid complexes [HM-OAs] (OAs, i.e., citric acid (CA), propionic acid (PA)), and then reveal the adsorption behaviors. Take Cd and CA for example, the results showed that some of Cd ions was firstly adsorbed on TNOCS, and then the existence of [Cd-CA−] complexes formed a coordination structure with preloaded Cd ions to serve as a bridge for combining TNOCS and [Cd-CA]. Moreover, adsorption energies and molecular orbital distributions indicated that the adsorption capacity of [Cd-CA] was better than that of Cd alone. In addition, the electron density, deformation charge and Mulliken charge distribution were confirmed that the electron transfer direction was from carboxyl groups to cadmium, whether it was cadmium ions or complexed cadmium.
Establishment of a New Arrhythmia Model in SD Rats Induced by the Isoproterenol "6+1" Mode and Its Mechanisms
Authors: Guo ZiJing , Wang ZhiChao , Ma KeXin , Ding Baozhu , Ma GuoPing , Zhong Yi , Ling WenJie , Gao WeiFang
Published: October 2021

BackgroundThe main purpose is to establish an ideal arrhythmia model with isoproterenol and explore its mechanism.MethodsFifty healthy male SD rats were randomly divided into the control (CON) group, subcutaneous injection (SC) group(ISO 5 mg/kg for 2 consecutive days), intraperitoneal injection (IP) group (ISO 5 mg/kg for 2 consecutive days), 2+1 group (ISO 5mg/kg by SC for 2 consecutive days, then ISO 3mg /kg by IP for 1 day), 6+1 group ( ISO 5mg/kg by SC for 6 consecutive days, then ISO 3mg /kg by IP for 1 day).The ECG were recorded by BL-420F system. The pathological changes in myocardial tissue were observed by HE and Masson staining. The serum cTnI, TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β levels were detected by ELISA. Serum CK, LDH and oxidative stress-related indicators were detected by an automatic biochemical analyser. ResultsThe cardiomyocytes in the CON group rats were normal, while those in the other groups showed signs of disorder, unclear borders, and lysis and necrosis, especially in the 6+1 group. The incidence of arrhythmia, arrhythmia score, and the levels of serum myocardial enzymes, troponin, and some inflammatory factors in the 2+1 group and 6+1 group were higher than those in the single injection way (P＜0.01 or P＜0.05). The indicators in the 6+1 group were mostly higher than those in the 2+1 group (P＜0.01), and the SOD level in the 6+1 group was lower than that in the CON group; the MDA and NO higher(P＜0.01 or P＜0.05). Conclusion﻿The combined mode of ISO injection (SC with IP) is more likely to induce arrhythmia than single ISO injection. The "6+1" method of ISO injection can establish a more stable arrhythmia model. Cardiomyocyte damage induced by oxidative stress and inflammation is an important mechanism.
Exploring COVID-19 Related Factors and Psychological Distress Among Men Who Have Sex with Men (MSM) Living with HIV in Argentina: Qualitative and Quantitative Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Algarin Angel B , Morando Nicolas , Marone Ruben , Gomez-Carrillo Manuel , Pando Maria A.
Published: October 2021

Our study aimed to understand how COVID-19 impacted the wellbeing of men who have sex with men (MSM) living with HIV. In this mixed-methods study we conducted a quantitative survey among 97 MSM living with HIV as well as in-depth qualitative 9 interviews with MSM living with HIV and health representatives. Results revealed that a high frequency of participants perceived some degree of impact on sexual activity due to COVID-19, with most of the MSM engaging in sex less frequently. Our results also indicate that an increase in precarious food, housing, and medical care access caused by the COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant negative impact on mental health. The qualitative findings demonstrated the benefit of communication at each level of care from patient, to care navigator, care provider, and the Ministry of Health in improving the care among PLWH.
Response Surface Mesh with the Outer Input Method
Authors: Duarte Francisco Daniel Filip
Published: October 2021

Artificial intelligence in general and optimization tasks applied to the design of aerospace, space,and automotive structures, rely on response surfaces to forecast the output of functions, and are vital part of these methodologies. Yet they have important limitations, since greater precisions require greater data sets, thus, training or updating larger response surfaces become computationally expensive, sometimes unfeasible. This has been a bottle neck limitation to achieve more promising results, rendering many AI related task with a low efficiency.To solve this challenge, a new methodology created to segment response surfaces is hereby presented. Differently than other similar methodologies, the novel algorithm here presented named outer input method, has a very simple and robust operation. With only one operational parameter, maximum element size, it efficiently generates a near isopopulated mesh for any data set with any type of distribution, such as random, Cartesian, or clustered, for domains with any number of coordinates.Thus, it is possible to simplify the response surfaces by generating an ensemble of response surfaces, here denominated response surface mesh. This study demonstrates how a metamodel denominated Kriging, trained with a large data set, can be simplified with a response surface mesh, significantly reducing its often expensive computation costs> experiments here presented achieved an speed increase up to 180 times, while using a dual core parallel processingcomputer. This methodology can be applied to any metamodel, and metamodel elements can be easily parallelized and updated individually. Thus, its already faster training operation has its speed increased.
Indole-3-carbinol Inhibits Lipopolysaccharides-induced Small Intestinal Inflammation and Metabolic Disorder by Improving Glycerophospholipids Metabolism in Rabbits
Authors: Guo Zihan , Zhao Na , Liu Wang Cheng , Chen Puran , Fu Xiang , Wang Bin , Li Jing , Ye Xin , Lu Jingzhi
Published: October 2021

BackgroundIndole-3-carbinol (I3C), a natural hydrolysis product of glucobrassicin, has a good effect on cancer, obesity, and inflammatory bowel disease. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of I3C on small intestinal inflammation induced by LPS in rabbits. 40 rabbits were randomly and averagely divided into four groups: control, I3C (40 mg·kg-1·BW I3C, OP), lipopolysaccharides (LPS) (0.5 mg·kg-1·BW LPS, IP injection), I3C + LPS (40 mg·kg-1·BW I3C, OP; 0.5 mg·kg-1·BW LPS, IP injection). The mRNA expression of pro-inflammatory genes, intestinal injury in jejunum mucosa, the single and combined analysis of jejunum mucosa RNA-seq and serum metabolome were performed to explore the anti-inflammatory mechanism of I3C induced by LPS in rabbits.ResultsI3C group rabbits exerted a higher growth performance and intestinal immunity compared to the control group. In the comparison of I3C+LPS vs. LPS, I3C improved the metabolism of lipid, carbohydrate, vitamins, and increased the contents of serum carboxylic acids and derivatives, glycerophospholipids, steroids and steroid derivatives, fatty acyls, prenol lipids, and organooxygen compounds, which were all decreased by LPS. I3C suppressed the expression of pro-inflammatory genes (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, ICAM1, NOS2, GRO-B) and inhibited NOD-like and JAK-STAT signaling pathway induced by LPS through activating the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPAR) signaling pathway. From the Weighted Gene Co-expression Network Analysis (WGCNA), we found serum phosphatidylcholine (PC) (16:0/24:1(15Z)) was negatively correlated with NOD-like and JAK-STAT signaling pathway, and positively correlated with PPAR signaling pathway, while PC (20:2(11Z,14Z)/14:0) contrary to it. PC (16:0/24:1(15Z)) was negatively related to secreted phospholipase (sPLA2), but PC (20:2(11Z,14Z)/14:0) was positively regulated by solute carrier family 44 member 4 (SLC44A4). Meanwhile, I3C both reduced the upregulated expression of sPLA2 and SLC44A4, together with the serum restoration of decreased PC (16:0/24:1(15Z)) and increased PC (20:2(11Z,14Z)/14:0) stimulated by LPS.ConclusionI3C participated in reducing intestinal inflammation through activating the PPAR signaling pathway and improving glycerophospholipids synthesis and metabolism. We also found PC (16:0/24:1(15Z)) may be a endogenous agonists of PPAR, and PC (20:2(11Z,14Z)/14:0) may be an inflammatory biomarker.
Fruit Qualities of Interspecific Hybrid and First Backcross Generations between Red Raspberry and Rubus parvifolius
Authors: Toshima Saki , Fujii Marika , Hidaka Momoko , Nakagawa Soya , Hirano Tomonari , Kunitak Hisato
Published: October 2021

Interspecific hybridization is useful in raspberry (Rubus idaeus L. ssp. idaeus) breeding to introgression of traits such as heat or cold tolerance, and excellent fruit qualities. Rubus L. wild species in Asia, including Rubus parvifolius L., have been attracting a great deal of attention as sources of new traits in breeding raspberry and blackberry (Rubus fruticosus Agg.). We previously developed and selected IPI-1 and IPI-3 first backcross (BC1) hybrids, [‘Indian Summer’ (R. idaeus ssp. idaeus) × R. parvifolius] × ‘Indian Summer’, as raspberry cultivars adapted to the warm climate in parts of Japan. In this study, we investigated the growth, morphological traits, and fruit qualities, such as sugar, organic acid, anthocyanins, and carotenoids, of each of these IPI lines over a 2-year period to discern their potential as commercial raspberry cultivars. IPI lines had the characteristic of primocane fruit with overflowing from side buds while the parent, IP-1 (‘Indian Summer’ × R. parvifolius), did not. IPI lines showed significantly lower values in anthocyanin content than red raspberry ‘Skeena’, while showing higher carotenoid contents. This study is the first research about fruit qualities such as anthocyanin and carotenoid content of BC1 hybrids using Japanese wild Rubus species.
Managing disruptions in adult foreign language classes
Authors: Alibec Camelia
Published: October 2021

Classroom management for adult students is challenging and invites the teacher of foreign languages, and not only, to master the skills for establishing a favourable learning atmosphere. Effective classroom management is much more than simply administrate corrective measures when a student misbehaves; it is also about developing efficient ways to deter potential learning distracters. Disruptions, when they occur, call for mild management techniques. Classroom management is largely explored in the context of mainstream education, nevertheless there is little focus on the foreign language classroom management of either children or adults. The different types of adult student misbehaviour in foreign language classes involve various strategies preferred by teachers in order to prevent such disruptions. Analysing these under the umbrella term classroom management helps us to understand the foreign language classroom management.
Man in the middle attack on HTTPS protocol
Authors: Glăvan Dragoș
Published: October 2021

A "man-in-the-middle" (MITM) attack occurs when an external entity intercepts communication between two systems. This can happen for any form of online communication, such as e-mail, websites social networking and web browsing. Not only does it try to listen to your private conversations, but it also steals all the information from your devices. A man-inthe-middle attack is a procedure that allows the attacker to interpose between the user and the computer it communicates with, to read or modify that conversation. This procedure used to be very common before the massive switch to the HTTP-Secure protocol and continues to be encountered even today, although it is harder to do. the higher threat is the low detection rate. Users may not always know if the network they use is legitimate or if someone monitors traffic ul, whether it's an airport, a hotel or a neighborhood cafe. Our dependence on the Internet has caused us to use the same device for both personal and professional life, thus being automatically exposed to risks. Web-based applications are based on HTTPS protocol to ensure confidentiality and security in transactions ranging from home banking, e-commerce and e-procurement to sensitive data, such as career and identity information. Users trust this protocol to prevent unauthorized viewing of personal, financial and confidential information on the Web.
Insider threats and thermal stress in the working environment
Authors:   Military Technical Academy, Sergiu Eftimie
Published: October 2021

The human body can be compared to a heat engine where nutrients represent the input energy. This paper describes an interdisciplinary effort to explore the energy fluctuations of the human body in a broad context, including working conditions, nutrition, and psychological traits, with the ultimate goal to prevent counterproductive behaviour. Analogous to the material world, we argue that improper ambient temperature causes temporary and residual stress in humans, which facilitates two categories of insider threats that apply to both blue- and white-collar workers. We then propose several measures to adapt working conditions in order to minimize insider threats.
Organic or conventional production system and nutrient rate affect the nematode community in carrot production
Authors: Grabau Zane J. , Treadwell Danielle D. , Perez Orozco Jose J. , Campbell David N. , Hochmuth Robert C.
Published: October 2021

Organic and conventional production are common in horticulture crops and each system may exert a different influence on the soil ecosystem, particularly the nematode community. Crop nutrient rate is an important choice in both production systems. The objectives of this study were to assess the impacts of (i) organic and conventional production systems and (ii) nutrient rate in both systems on the nematode community in carrot production. To investigate these objectives, field studies in organic and conventional production – which included fumigation with 1,3-dichloropropene – were conducted in North-Central Florida. In both production systems, nutrient rate treatments were 168, 224, 280, 336, and 392 kg N/ha. Poultry litter was the nitrogen source in organic production whereas synthetic, inorganic fertilizer was used in conventional production. All nematode trophic groups were consistently more abundant in organic than conventional production. The nematode community was more diverse and had greater trophic structure in organic production. Greater rates of organic nutrients increased enrichment opportunists (bacterivores and fungivores), but inconsistently across years. Conventional production had similar results except that only moderate nutrient rates increased fungivore abundances. Extreme enrichment opportunists (Rhabditis spp.) drove bacterivore trends in organic production whereas moderate enrichment opportunists (Cephalobus spp.) drove trends in conventional production. Nutrient rates did not affect omnivore-predators, herbivores, nematode community diversity, or structure in either system. In summary, type of production system, organic or conventional, exerts a strong influence on the nematode community, but nutrient rate has less consistent effects in horticulture production.
Effect of HRT and seasons on the performance of pilot-scale horizontal subsurface flow constructed wetland to treat rural wastewater
Authors: Shruthi R. , Shivashankara G. P.
Published: October 2021

To find the effect of Hydraulic Retention Time (HRT) and seasons on the performance of horizontal subsurface flow constructed wetland (HSSF CW) in treating rural wastewater, a pilot scale unit 2.5 m × 0.4 m × 0.3 m size bed planted with Typha latifolia and Phragmites australis was operated for a 12-month duration. During the study 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10 days of HRT were maintained in winter, summer, and rainy seasons. The removal efficiency obtained ranged from 62.09 to 87.23% for Chemical Oxygen Demand, 69.58% to 93.32% for Biochemical Oxygen Demand5 (BOD), 31.55% to 59.89% for Ammonia Nitrogen (NH4-N), 15.18% to 52.90% for Total Kjeldahl Nitrogen (TKN), 21.02% to 50.21% for Phosphate Phosphorus (PO43− P), 19.82% to 48.23% for Total phosphorus (TP), 74.93% to 93.10% for Faecal Coliform (FC) and 69.93% to 90.23% Total Coliform (TC). Overall, results showed that the performance of the unit was good. For statistical analysis two way ANOVA test followed by Tukey's test was used with a 95% level of significance. It was observed that the removal efficiency of the pollutants was increased with an increase in HRT. HRT of 6 days was found as adequate for significant removal of organic matter (COD and BOD). Seasonal removal efficiencies followed the order of summer > rainy > winter for all the parameters, but the difference was not statistically significant.
Assessment and Management of Loose Bodies in the Knee Joint and Related Disease: A Narrative Review
Authors: Zmerly Hassan , Moscato Manuela , Akkawi Ibrahim
Published: October 2021

Background:

Loose bodies are frequently encountered during clinical activity and are a
common finding during knee arthroscopy. Usually, treatment consists of the removal of loose
bodies, which can be challenging even for experienced surgeons. The excision alone is not always
the complete treatment, because loose bodies are generally secondary to other diseases that can
cause persistent symptoms with the risk of new loose body formation. The aim of this narrative review
is to show the clinical, imaging, and arthroscopic evaluation of loose bodies in order to plan
optimal treatment.

Methods:

A comprehensive search of PubMed was conducted to find the most recent and relevant
studies investigating aetiopathogenesis, the assessment tools, and the therapeutic strategies for
loose bodies in the knee and their related diseases.

Results:

When dealing with a loose body, the first issue is the evaluation of the intra-articular fragment
(location, size, number, symptoms) and its aetiopathogenesis by identifying the underlying
pathology (e.g., osteochondritis dissecans, osteoarthritis, chondral defect, tumour-like lesions, rheumatoid
arthritis, etc.). In the case of symptomatic intra-articular loose bodies, treatment consists of
fragment removal and the management of related diseases (e.g., lifestyle modification, physiotherapy,
pharmacological, and surgical treatment).

Conclusion:

Loose bodies are not separate entities and in addition to their pathological aspect,
must be evaluated within the context of the underlying disease. Correct assessment and comprehensive
management allow for relief of symptomatology and prevention of loose body formation by removal
and treatment of the associated diseases.
Evaluation of the Fibromyalgia and Related Risk Factors in Patients with Advanced Kidney Failure Undergoing Hemodialysis
Authors: Seyedmardani Seyed Mostafa , Abkhiz Saeed , Megrazi Azadeh , Jafarzade Aarefeh , Zonouz Golshan Kamali
Published: October 2021

Background :

Fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) is defined as widespread and persistent
pain in the musculoskeletal system. There are limited reports regarding the prevalence of fibromyalgia
syndrome in patients with advanced kidney failure undergoing regular hemodialysis. Therefore,
this study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of fibromyalgia syndrome and its risk factors in a large
proportion of patients under the hemodialysis condition.

Materials and Methods:

In this cross-sectional study, 293 patients who were admitted to the hemodialysis
ward were evaluated for fibromyalgia syndrome in an educational hospital. The questionnaire
was designed according to symptom severity score (SS score) and widespread pain index (WPI)
criteria. The correlation between FMS and various variables, including demographic, clinical,
and biochemistry biomarkers, was also precisely calculated by logistic regression. Data were analyzed
using SPSS v.17 statistics software.

Results:

The results showed that, of 293 hemodialysis patients, 130 patients (44.4%) had fibromyalgia,
the mean age of patients with and without fibromyalgia was 61.09 ± 15.36 and 53.49 ± 15.38
years old, respectively (P = 0.001). Moreover, there was a significant difference in terms of gender
among patients with fibromyalgia syndrome (P = 0.001). To note, there was no significant relationship
between the kidney failure etiopathogenesis, duration of dialysis, body mass index (BMI),
Kt/v index, history of peritoneal dialysis, and laboratory parameters with fibromyalgia in hemodialysis
patients (P > 0.05). However, our findings revealed that both age and gender could be considered
as the predictor variables associated with fibromyalgia in patients undergoing hemodialysis.

Conclusion:

Taken together, in this study, we found that age and gender would be the critical factors
in terms of the fibromyalgia syndrome in patients undergoing hemodialysis.
Synthesis, Anticancer Evaluation and Molecular Docking of Hexahydroquinoline
Derivatives as Mcl-1 Inhibitors and Apoptosis Inducers
Authors: Teraiya Nishith , Karki Subhas S. , Chauhan Ashlesha
Published: October 2021

Background:

Hexahydroquinoline as a small molecule was reported for good cytotoxicity and affinity towards
Mcl-1. Hence, new compounds were explored as Mcl-1 inhibitors to be potent anticancer agents.

Objective:

Compounds were synthesized and screened for cytotoxicity. The active compound was evaluated for cell
cycle analysis, Mcl-1 inhibition, caspase-3, and caspase-9 activation. Further compounds were docked with Mcl-1 to
confirm the mechanism of cytotoxicity.

Methods:

Compounds were confirmed by spectral techniques and screened for cytotoxicity at National Cancer Institute
(USA). The active derivatives were screened by SRB and MTT. In addition, the potent compound was studied for
apoptosis and cell cycle analysis by PI staining, Mcl-1 inhibition by TR-FRET assay, and activation assay of caspase-3
and caspase-9 with the Elisa technique.

Results:

Compounds 6a and 6b exhibited the highest growth inhibition of 86.28% and 93.20% against SR and HOP-
62, respectively. Compound 6a showed higher cytotoxicity (IC50 = 0.4 μM) against THP-1 and HL-60. It showed 15-
fold higher apoptosis compared to control by arresting cells at the Sub-G1 in the cell cycle. It also showed a potent
inhibition with IC50 of 1.5 μM against the anti-apoptotic protein Mcl-1, which may induce apoptosis. Furthermore,
apoptosis was evidenced by an increase in cleaved caspase-3 and caspase-9 to 4.20 and 3 folds, respectively higher
than control. The docking score of compound 6a was in good agreement with the Mcl-1 inhibition assay.

Conclusion:

Compound 6a inhibited anti-apoptotic protein Mcl-1 and induced activation of pro-apoptotic proteins
caspase-3 and caspase-9. These dual results suggested the mechanism of apoptosis and cytotoxicity.
capacitación, activo para alcanzar el desarrollo organizacional y del capital humano en las instituciones públicas: Coordinación Zonal 5 – Salud – Ecuador
Authors: Veliz Huacon Kerwin , Llanos Encalada Mónica
Published: October 2021

La presente investigación se desarrolla en la institución pública de la Coordinación Zonal 5 de Salud en Ecuador, cuyo objetivo es analizar la capacitación como activo, para el desarrollo del capital humano y la organización. El problema radica en la insuficiente e ineficiente capacitación recibida por los servidores públicos, la cual debería estar relacionada con el desempeño laboral para mejorarlo y por ende beneficiar tanto a los colaboradores como los servicios públicos. Para el análisis se aplicó el enfoque metodológico mixto, cualitativo y cuantitativo, mediante la aplicación de encuestas y entrevistas; a fin de verificar si la institución cumple efectivamente con un óptimo proceso de capacitaciones para el desarrollo de sus servidores. Los resultados hallados en el estudio, permiten concluir, que entre los servidores públicos hay insatisfacción por el incumplimiento de los planes de capacitación y porque no todos pueden acceder a los mismos, sin embargo, el nivel de exigencia del desempeño laboral es alto. Se establece, por lo tanto, que no se cumple con lo que establece la Ley Orgánica de Servicio Público, el Plan Nacional de Capacitación para el sector público y demás reglamentaciones referentes a las capacitaciones a los servidores públicos del Ecuador.
Спинодальный распад сплава с сильной концентрационной зависимостью коэффициента взаимной диффузии
Authors: Разумов И.К.
Published: October 2021

Показано, что кинетика распада сплава с сильной концентрационной зависимостью коэффициента взаимной диффузии качественно отличается от широко известной кинетики спинодального распада, поскольку включает формирование метастабильных (в кинетическом смысле) выделений промежуточного состава. Концентрационная зависимость коэффициента взаимной диффузии обусловлена, в частности, различием коэффициентов примесной диффузии, а также коэффициентов самодиффузии компонентов, и усиливается с понижением температуры. В расчетах используется выражение для потока атомов компонента в отсутствие течения вещества, ранее полученное в рамках кинетической теории диффузии по вакансиям ("метод дырочного газа"). Ключевые слова: спинодальный распад, коэффициент взаимной диффузии, выделения промежуточного состава.
Automatic Mobile Health Arrhythmia Monitoring for the Detection of Atrial Fibrillation: Prospective Feasibility, Accuracy, and User Experience Study
Authors: Santala Onni E , Halonen Jari , Martikainen Susanna , Jäntti Helena , Rissanen Tuomas T , Tarvainen Mika P , Laitinen Tomi P , Laitinen Tiina M , Väliaho Eemu-Samuli , Hartikainen Juha E K , Martikainen Tero J , Lipponen Jukka A
Published: October 2021

Background

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common tachyarrhythmia and associated with a risk of stroke. The detection and diagnosis of AF represent a major clinical challenge due to AF’s asymptomatic and intermittent nature. Novel consumer-grade mobile health (mHealth) products with automatic arrhythmia detection could be an option for long-term electrocardiogram (ECG)-based rhythm monitoring and AF detection.

Objective

We evaluated the feasibility and accuracy of a wearable automated mHealth arrhythmia monitoring system, including a consumer-grade, single-lead heart rate belt ECG device (heart belt), a mobile phone application, and a cloud service with an artificial intelligence (AI) arrhythmia detection algorithm for AF detection. The specific aim of this proof-of-concept study was to test the feasibility of the entire sequence of operations from ECG recording to AI arrhythmia analysis and ultimately to final AF detection.

Methods

Patients (n=159) with an AF (n=73) or sinus rhythm (n=86) were recruited from the emergency department. A single-lead heart belt ECG was recorded for 24 hours. Simultaneously registered 3-lead ECGs (Holter) served as the gold standard for the final rhythm diagnostics and as a reference device in a user experience survey with patients over 65 years of age (high-risk group).

Results

The heart belt provided a high-quality ECG recording for visual interpretation resulting in 100% accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity of AF detection. The accuracy of AF detection with the automatic AI arrhythmia detection from the heart belt ECG recording was also high (97.5%), and the sensitivity and specificity were 100% and 95.4%, respectively. The correlation between the automatic estimated AF burden and the true AF burden from Holter recording was >0.99 with a mean burden error of 0.05 (SD 0.26) hours. The heart belt demonstrated good user experience and did not significantly interfere with the patient’s daily activities. The patients preferred the heart belt over Holter ECG for rhythm monitoring (85/110, 77% heart belt vs 77/109, 71% Holter, P=.049).

Conclusions

A consumer-grade, single-lead ECG heart belt provided good-quality ECG for rhythm diagnosis. The mHealth arrhythmia monitoring system, consisting of heart-belt ECG, a mobile phone application, and an automated AF detection achieved AF detection with high accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity. In addition, the mHealth arrhythmia monitoring system showed good user experience.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03507335; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03507335
Internet Search Activity of Young People With Mood Disorders Who Are Hospitalized for Suicidal Thoughts and Behaviors: Qualitative Study of Google Search Activity (Preprint)
Authors: Moon Khatiya C , Van Meter Anna R , Kirschenbaum Michael A , Ali Asra , Kane John M , Birnbaum Michael L
Published: October 2021

BACKGROUND

Little is known about the internet search activity of people with suicidal thoughts and behaviors (STBs). This data source has the potential to inform both clinical and public health efforts, such as suicide risk assessment and prevention.

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to evaluate the internet search activity of suicidal young people to find evidence of suicidal ideation and behavioral health–related content.

METHODS

Individuals aged between 15 and 30 years (N=43) with mood disorders who were hospitalized for STBs provided access to their internet search history. Searches that were conducted in the 3-month period prior to hospitalization were extracted and manually evaluated for search themes related to suicide and behavioral health.

RESULTS

A majority (27/43, 63%) of participants conducted suicide-related searches. Participants searched for information that exactly matched their planned or chosen method of attempting suicide in 21% (9/43) of cases. Suicide-related search queries also included unusual suicide methods and references to suicide in popular culture. A majority of participants (33/43, 77%) had queries related to help-seeking themes, including how to find inpatient and outpatient behavioral health care. Queries related to mood and anxiety symptoms were found among 44% (19/43) of participants and included references to panic disorder, the inability to focus, feelings of loneliness, and despair. Queries related to substance use were found among 44% (19/43) of participants. Queries related to traumatic experiences were present among 33% (14/43) of participants. Few participants conducted searches for crisis hotlines (n=3).

CONCLUSIONS

Individuals search the internet for information related to suicide prior to hospitalization for STBs. The improved understanding of the search activity of suicidal people could inform outreach, assessment, and intervention strategies for people at risk. Access to search data may also benefit the ongoing care of suicidal patients.
Automatic Mobile Health Arrhythmia Monitoring for the Detection of Atrial Fibrillation: Prospective Feasibility, Accuracy, and User Experience Study (Preprint)
Authors: Santala Onni E , Halonen Jari , Martikainen Susanna , Jäntti Helena , Rissanen Tuomas T , Tarvainen Mika P , Laitinen Tomi P , Laitinen Tiina M , Väliaho Eemu-Samuli , Hartikainen Juha E K , Martikainen Tero J , Lipponen Jukka A
Published: October 2021

BACKGROUND

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common tachyarrhythmia and associated with a risk of stroke. The detection and diagnosis of AF represent a major clinical challenge due to AF’s asymptomatic and intermittent nature. Novel consumer-grade mobile health (mHealth) products with automatic arrhythmia detection could be an option for long-term electrocardiogram (ECG)-based rhythm monitoring and AF detection.

OBJECTIVE

We evaluated the feasibility and accuracy of a wearable automated mHealth arrhythmia monitoring system, including a consumer-grade, single-lead heart rate belt ECG device (heart belt), a mobile phone application, and a cloud service with an artificial intelligence (AI) arrhythmia detection algorithm for AF detection. The specific aim of this proof-of-concept study was to test the feasibility of the entire sequence of operations from ECG recording to AI arrhythmia analysis and ultimately to final AF detection.

METHODS

Patients (n=159) with an AF (n=73) or sinus rhythm (n=86) were recruited from the emergency department. A single-lead heart belt ECG was recorded for 24 hours. Simultaneously registered 3-lead ECGs (Holter) served as the gold standard for the final rhythm diagnostics and as a reference device in a user experience survey with patients over 65 years of age (high-risk group).

RESULTS

The heart belt provided a high-quality ECG recording for visual interpretation resulting in 100% accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity of AF detection. The accuracy of AF detection with the automatic AI arrhythmia detection from the heart belt ECG recording was also high (97.5%), and the sensitivity and specificity were 100% and 95.4%, respectively. The correlation between the automatic estimated AF burden and the true AF burden from Holter recording was >0.99 with a mean burden error of 0.05 (SD 0.26) hours. The heart belt demonstrated good user experience and did not significantly interfere with the patient’s daily activities. The patients preferred the heart belt over Holter ECG for rhythm monitoring (85/110, 77% heart belt vs 77/109, 71% Holter, P=.049).

CONCLUSIONS

A consumer-grade, single-lead ECG heart belt provided good-quality ECG for rhythm diagnosis. The mHealth arrhythmia monitoring system, consisting of heart-belt ECG, a mobile phone application, and an automated AF detection achieved AF detection with high accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity. In addition, the mHealth arrhythmia monitoring system showed good user experience.

CLINICALTRIAL

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03507335; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03507335
Developing Student-Teachers’ Understanding of Geometrical Figures/Objects Using a Bicycle Rubber Tube
Authors: Deogratias Emmanuel
Published: October 2021

This paper addresses the ways that a bicycle rubber tube can be used to develop learners’ understanding of geometrical figures/objects. The use of a bicycle rubber tube is important because student-teachers and in-service teachers can use the material to teach learners in schools to understand various geometrical figures/objects. In doing so, geometrical figures and objects, metric, and metric space are understood relationally. Using a bicycle rubber tube, it was found that various geometrical figures and objects were formed, including rectangle, triangle, square, and pentagon. The finding has implications in teaching geometrical figures/objects, including teachers can use a bicycle rubber tube to develop learners’ understanding of a circle, rectangle, triangle, square, pentagon and hexagon.
Evaluación UX para sitios web orientados a bibliotecas digitales con usuarios ciegos
Authors: Álvarez Robles Teresita de Jesús , Rodríguez Francisco Javier Álvarez , Orozco Osuna Yadira Alejandra
Published: October 2021

El objetivo de este trabajo es evaluar y mejorar la experiencia del usuario con discapacidad visual al hacer uso de sitios web del área de las bibliotecas digitales. Para lograr el objetivo se realizaron pruebas con métodos de evaluación de la experiencia del usuario. Las pruebas se llevaron a cabo en los sitios web de dos bibliotecas públicas de la ciudad de Guadalajara, en México, las cuales a simple vista no toman en cuenta las pautas de accesibilidad y usabilidad suficientes para que sean utilizados por personas ciegas. Los instrumentos que se utilizaron para las pruebas fueron entrevistas, evaluación de heurísticas, y el método “pensando en voz alta” modificado para usuarios ciegos (Álvarez-Robles, 2019). Con base en los resultados obtenidos en dichas pruebas, es posible notar que los usuarios presentaron dificultades para hacer uso del catálogo web. Se identificaron los principales problemas y se realizó una propuesta de guía de diseño para el desarrollo de sitios web enfocados en las bibliotecas digitales. Como conclusión se puede observar la importancia de realizar pruebas e incluir a los usuarios ciegos desde fases tempranas del desarrollo y con esto poder evitar problemas o errores futuros en el sitio web.