bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Strategic Planning Practices and Performance: The Story So Far in Parliamentary Service Commission in Kenya
Authors: Lemuna Moses Mpisili , Muathe Stephen
Published: August 2021

The economic and political change in today’s organizations is the norm and the social and technological change is highly accelerating posing extremely complex task and uncertainty to those responsible for strategic planning. Therefore, in executing various decisions there is need for managers to achieve a total understanding of strategic planning prior to effectively implementing it. This study investigated the influence of strategic planning practices on the performance of Parliamentary Service Commission in Kenya. The study specifically examined influence of environmental scanning, objective setting, stakeholder involvement and communication on performance of Kenyan Parliamentary Service Commission. The study was anchored on resource-based view; dynamic capability; balance score card and institutional theories. Descriptive survey research design was used. The target population comprised of eight hundred and five respondents who are the permanent staff of the Parliamentary Service Commission. However, a sample size of eighty-one respondents was selected using simple random sampling. Data was obtained using questionnaires and analyzed through descriptive and inferential statistics specifically multiple regressions and correlation. The study established that environmental scanning, objective setting, stakeholder involvement and communication had a positive and significant effect on the performance of Parliamentary Service Commission in Kenya. The study recommends that the Commission should identify the persons to be involved in the environmental scanning, create a competent team of employees and assign them relevant responsibilities. The Commission needs to set objectives that can be defined in a quantifiable and measurable terms within its strategic plan beside establishing responsibility for ensuring the task is undertaken and for writing it up for the report on stakeholder engagement. The Commission should link communication to the strategic plan, including the organization’s mission, vision and values, its strategic goals and objectives.
Sociocultural Variables Influencing Female Pupils’ School Dropout in the Asante Akim South Municipality of Ghana
Authors: Senyametor Felix , Agyei Anane , Minadzi Vincent Mensah , Andzie Tahir Ahmed
Published: August 2021

Educating the girl-child has witnessed an elevated influence of women in education, politics, health, industry and sports among others. Advancing girls’ education is probably the most cost-effective measure for an evolving country like Ghana and other nations to enrich womanhood. Sadly, the girls’ education in Ghana appears to be on a downward trend due to their high school dropout rate. This study therefore investigated sociocultural factors influencing female school dropout -in the Asante Akim South Municipality of the Ashanti Region of Ghana. The descriptive design was employed for the study. A sample of 96, made up of 40 teachers and 56 female school dropouts was purposely selected out of a population of 3,543 from 10 public Junior High Schools. The questionnaire and structured interview were used for data collection. The results showed that some teachers’ negative attitudes, persistent teacher and peer sexual harassment of female students, teenage pregnancy and some cultural practices among others were causes of female school dropout. It was recommended that regular workshops be organized by the Ghana Education Service for Junior High School (JHS) teachers on how to professionally handle the girl-child in schools in the Asante Akim South Municipality to enable the girls stay in school thereby reducing their dropout.
THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN WORKING BEHAVIOR AND THE INCIDENCE OF TYPE II DIABETES MELLITUS OF WORKERS WITH THE SNEHANDU THEORY
Authors: Farid Ninin Nuryantini , Suwardono Bagus Pratama
Published: August 2021

ABSTRACTThere are two types of Diabetes Mellitus (DM), namely Type I DM and Type II DM. Type II DM is caused by the inability of the body to respond to insulin that is produced by the pancreas, thus resulting in an increase in blood glucose levels. Eleven out of twenty workers at the Faculty of Public Health, Universitas Airlangga suffered from Type II DM. Observational research with a quantitative approach was conducted through a cross-sectional approach. The population selected was 89 workers at the faculty. The samples were randomly selected with the characteristics of having more than 45 years of age. There were significant variables between working behavior and the incidence of Type II DM including work, last education, and social support. Furthermore, there were insignificant variables between working behavior and the incidence of Type II DM including gender, age, family members, frequency of exercise, behavior intention, personal autonomy, accessibility to information, and action situation. In conclusion, individual’s latest education, employment, and social support had a significant relationship with exercise behavior and the incidence of Type II DM. Keywords: physical exercise, diabetes mellitus, wokers at FKM Universitas Airlangga
ANALYSIS OF MANAGERIAL COMPONENTS IN MOSQUITO VECTORS (AEDES AEGYPTI) CONTROL IN THE BUFFER AREA OF THE CLASS 1 SURABAYA PORT HEALTH OFFICE
Authors: Ramadhani Fauzia Yulianti
Published: August 2021

ABSTRACTThe Aedes aegypti index in the buffer area of the Class 1 Surabaya Port Health Office was in accordance with the Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) as stated in the Regulation of the Indonesian Ministry of Health Number 431 of 2007 (431/MENKES/SK/IV/2007) on Technical Guidelines for Control of Environmental Health Risks in Ports/Airports/Cross-Border in the Context of Health Quarantine. The Port Health Office has responsibilities to control environmental risks, one of which was the Aedes aegypti mosquitos in the borders. This study was descriptive observational and aimed to analyze the managerial components in Aedes aegypti mosquito control in the buffer area ofthe Class 1 Surabaya Port Health Office in Surabaya. The research variables (factors that determine control activities) were manpower, money, methods, materials, markets, machines, and information. The research subjects were two officers at Class 1 Surabaya Port Health Office and five cadres who monitored larva. Data were analyzed descriptively. The results explained that manpower, money, materials, market, technology, and information were all in accordance with the SOP of the Surabaya Port Health Office. However, the larva survey method did not comply with the SOP as officers still used the visual method. It was concluded that managerial components in Aedes aegypti control by Class 1 Surabaya Port Health Office followed the SOP except in their larva survey method. The researchers recommended carrying out a larva survey method by taking 1 larva from each container (single larva) at a time. Keywords: Aedes aegypti, control vector, managerial components.
Evaluasi Rasionalitas Penggunaan Obat Neuroprotektif pada Pasien Stroke Iskemik di Rumah Sakit Stroke Nasional Bukittinggi
Authors: Permatasari Dita , Juwita Dian Ayu , Yosmar Rahmi , Illahi Julio Fajar Rahmat
Published: August 2021

Pendahuluan: Stroke iskemik disebabkan oleh pembentukan trombus lokal atau emboli yang terjadi pada arteri serebral. Hal tersebut menyebabkan kurangnya aliran darah sehingga oksigen yang dibutuhkan oleh jaringan otak juga berkurang. Angka kejadian stroke iskemik mencapai 87% yang merupakan angka tertinggi dari seluruh kasus stroke lainnya. Obat neuroprotektif termasuk salah satu terapi yang ditujukan untuk mengurangi kerusakan saraf yang disebabkan oleh serangan stroke iskemik. Tujuan: Tujuan penelitian ini untuk mengetahui karakteristik demografi pasien stroke iskemik, pola penggunaan obat dan rasionalitas obat neuroprotektif pada pasien stroke iskemik. Metode: Metode penelitian ini adalah observasional yang diambil dari data rekam medik instalasi rawat inap (n = 280) tahun 2019 secara retrospektif. Data yang diperolah akan dibandingkan terhadap standar pengobatan yang telah ditetapkan. Hasil: Hasil penelitian menunjukan bahwa pasien stroke iskemik terbanyak yaitu laki-laki sebesar 63,2% dengan rentang usia 55 - 64 tahun sebesar 39%. Persentase tertinggi dari status pendidikan terakhir yaitu SLTA mencapai 47,1%. diikuti dengan status pekerjaan terbanyak yaitu IRT sebesar 28,2%. Penggunaan obat neuroprotektif paling banyak digunakan adalah sitikolin sebesar 53,2% dengan rute pemberian secara intravena mencapai 51,8%. Evaluasi rasionalitas penggunaan obat neuroprotektif pada rumah sakit tersebut antara lain, tepat indikasi 100%, tepat pasien 99,3%, tepat obat 100%, tepat dosis 97,9%, dan tepat frekuensi pemberian obat 99,3%. Kesimpulan: Kejadian terapi tidak rasional masih ditemukan pada 8 orang pasien tersebar pada indikator tepat pasien, tepat dosis dan tepat frekuensi pemberian obat.
Optimasi Kondisi Fermentasi pada Produksi Metabolit Antibakteri dari Bacillus tequilensis BSMF Simbiotik Halichondria panicea
Authors: Wardani Nindya Pramesti , Poernomo Achmad Toto , Isnaeni Isnaeni
Published: August 2021

Pendahuluan: Resistensi antibakteri merupakan masalah kesehatan global yang dialami hampir di seluruh negara. Eksplorasi antibakteri dari sumber baru seperti tumbuhan, hewan, dan mikroorganisme baik yang hidup bebas maupun bersimbiosis menjadi solusi alternatif untuk mengatasi resistensi antibakteri. Mikroorganisme berupa bakteri ditargetkan sebagai sumber antibakteri yang berkelanjutan karena jumlahnya melimpah dan mudah dalam proses pembiakan. Bakteri yang hidup bersimbiosis diketahui dapat memproduksi metabolit antibakteri berspektrum lebih luas dibandingkan bakteri yang hidup bebas. Bakteri dapat bersimbiosis dengan berbagai makhluk hidup termasuk organisme multiseluler seperti spons. Isolat Bacillus tequilensis BSMF yang bersimbiosis dengan Halichondria panicea dari Perairan Cabbiya Madura menunjukkan adanya produksi metabolit yang memiliki aktivitas antibakteri. Tujuan: Menentukan pH dan suhu optimum untuk produksi metabolit antibakteri dari Bacillus tequilensis BSMF simbiotik Halichondria panicea. Metode: Produksi metabolit antibakteri dilakukan dengan metode fermentasi padat pada media Potato Dextrose Agar (PDA) yang telah diatur pH dan suhu inkubasinya, sedangkan uji aktivitas antibakteri terhadap Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923 dan Eschericia coli ATCC 25922 dilakukan menggunakan metode difusi agar. Penentuan aktivitas antibakteri dilakukan melalui pengukuran diameter zona hambat. Hasil: pH media yang menunjukkan aktivitas antibakteri optimum Bacillus tequilensis BSMF terhadap Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923 dan Eschericia coli ATCC 25922 adalah 8 ± 0,5 pada suhu inkubasi 32 ± 1oC dengan rata- rata indeks aktivitas antibakteri berturut- turut 2,74 ± 0,07 dan 3,39 ± 0,07. Kesimpulan: pH dan suhu optimum yang diperoleh adalah pH 8 ± 0,5 dan suhu 32 ± 1oC.
A Proof of the Riemann Hypothesis Based on MacLaurin Expansion of the Completed Zeta Function
Authors: Zhang Weicun
Published: August 2021

The basic idea is to expand the completed zeta function $\xi(s)$ in MacLaurin series (infinite polynomial). Thus, by $\xi(s)=\xi(1-s)=0$, we have the following infinite polynomial equation \begin{equation}\nonumber \begin {split} &\xi(0)+\xi^{'}(0)s+\frac{\xi^{''}(0)}{2!}s^{2}+\cdots+\frac{\xi^{(n)}(0)}{n!}s^{n}+\cdots\\ =&\xi(0)+\xi^{'}(0)(1-s)+\frac{\xi^{''}(0)}{2!}(1-s)^{2}+\cdots+\frac{\xi^{(n)}(0)}{n!}(1-s)^{n}+\cdots\\ =&0 \end {split} \end{equation} which finally leads to $s=1-s, s=\alpha \pm j\beta ; 1-\alpha\pm j\beta, \beta\neq 0$, then a proof of the Riemann Hypothesis can be achieved.
Inter-Eye Correlation Analysis of 24-hour IOPs and Glaucoma Progression
Authors: Dakroub Mohamad , Verma-Fuehring Raoul , Agorastou Vaia , Schön Julian , Hillenkamp Jost , Puppe Frank , Loewen Nils A.
Published: August 2021

Purpose: To determine whether 24-hour IOP monitoring can be a predictor for glaucoma progression and to analyze the inter-eye relationship of IOP, perfusion and progression parameters. Methods: We extracted data from manually drawn IOP curves with HIOP-Reader, a software suite we developed. The relationship between measured IOPs and mean ocular perfusion pressures (MOPP) to retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness was analyzed. We determined the ROC curves for peak IOP (Tmax), average IOP (Tavg), IOP variation (IOPvar) and historical IOP cut-off levels to detect glaucoma progression (rate of RNFL loss). Bivariate analysis was conducted to check for various inter-eye relationships. Results: 217 eyes were included. The average IOP was 14.8±3.5 mmHg, with a 24-hour variation of 5.2±2.9 mmHg. 52% of eyes with RNFL data showed disease progression. There was no significant difference in Tmax, Tavg and IOPvar between progressors and non-progressors (all p>0.05). Except for Tavg and the temporal RNFL, there was no correlation between disease progression in any quadrant, Tmax, Tavg and IOPvar. 24-hour and outpatient IOP variables had poor sensitivities and specificities in detecting disease progression. The correlation of inter-eye parameters was moderate; correlation with disease progression was weak. Conclusion: In line with our previous study, IOP data obtained during a single visit (outpatient or inpatient monitoring) make for a poor diagnostic tool, no matter the method deployed. Glaucoma progression and perfusion pressure in left and right eyes correlated weakly to moderately with each other.
Dropwise Condensation Mechanism on Smooth Hydrophilic Surfaces
Authors: Bayani Ahangar Shahab , Lee Kyung-Bon , Choi Chang Kyoung
Published: August 2021

The objective of this work is to identify the mechanism of dropwise condensation on a smooth solid surface. We investigate the stable dropwise condensation that occurs at a droplet growth rate of 1 µm/s in diameter on a gold-coated glass surface. Additionally, we present our observations on unstable dropwise condensation, i.e., degradation of dropwise condensation of steam on a gold surface. The Surface Plasmon Resonance Imaging (SPRi) approach used in this study has lateral resolutions of 4-10 µm, thickness resolutions of 0.1-1 nm, and temporal resolutions of 200-10,000 frames per second (FPS). SPRi is used to evaluate the existence and structure of thin films and occurrence of initial nuclei during condensation. Visualization of the onset of stable dropwise condensation suggests droplets form at heterogeneous nucleation sites and that no film greater than a monolayer exists on the surface before the formation of droplets. Observation of the unstable dropwise condensation of steam shows the existence of water films that are several nanometers thick between droplets. This work shows that neither the nucleation theory or film rupture theory can individually explain the physics of dropwise condensation. Therefore, there is a need for a more comprehensive theory that can explain the mechanism of dropwise condensation.
Urban Traffic Network Sustainability of One-Way and Two-Way Streets: A Case Study in Downtown Brickfields, Kuala Lumpur
Authors: Chow Yong Han , Tan Quan Ying , Bhuiyan Mohammad A. S. , Kumar Burra V. D. , Reaz Mamun Bin Ibne , Yuen Choon Wah , Ooi Kelvin J. A.
Published: August 2021

The once-held wisdom of the supreme efficiency of one-way streets has been gradually sup-planted by the perceived sustainability of two-way streets in the design of livable cities that prioritizes the safety of pedestrians and thriving of local businesses. However, it is rarely dis-cussed on whether one-way street conversions have truly improved the long-term traffic effi-ciencies on urban street networks, as conflating socioeconomic factors such as vehicular popula-tion growth and induced travel demand may render empirical analysis inconclusive. In this study, microscopic traffic simulations implemented on SUMO platform was performed to ana-lyze the effect of street conversion in Downtown Brickfields, Kuala Lumpur. This approach can control and standardize travel demand in both one-way and two-way street networks, and would therefore give a fairer evaluation by precluding all socioeconomic factors. It was found that one-way streets do not necessarily improve the traffic efficiency of the network, as it is very dependent on the traffic scenario evolution over time. One-way streets perform better at the on-set of traffic congestion due to its higher capacity, but on average, the 4-fold longer travel times that made it harder to clear traffic by getting vehicles to their destinations compared to two-way streets. As time progresses, congestion in one-way streets may become twice as worse compared to two-way streets. This study may contribute to a more holistic assessment of traffic circulation plan designed for smart and livable cities
Prevalence of Smokeless Tobacco Use in India and Its Association With Occupations: A LASI Study
Authors: Bharati Bhavna , Sahu Kirti Sundar , Pati Sanghamitra
Published: August 2021

More than two-thirds of death in developing countries are due to non-communicable diseases (NCDs), and tobacco is a leading risk factor. Among different socio-demographic factors, occupation and its corelates have impact on use of smokeless tobacco (SLT) and the evidence in India is limited. The objectives of this study are to find out the overall preva-lence of SLT use and its pattern of association with various occupation and associated variables. Methods: This study used data from Longitudinal Ageing Study in India (LASI) wave 1. Current and ever users of SLT are taken into consideration as target population. For the data analysis, survey-weighted tools have been applied for descriptive statistics and multivariable logistic re-gression model. The weighted data analysis has been done using R. Results and Discussion: From the sample size of 65561, 38% have ever used either smoking or SLT, of them, 40 % use to-bacco in smoke form, 51 % use SLT and 9 % take both. At the population level, 22.8% and 20.4% are ever and current users of SLT respectively. Type, place, and workload in the occupation found to be significantly associated with SLT use. Workplace tobacco-cessation-policy for infor-mal-workers is required to manage this issue.
Improved Lipophilicity and Aqueous Solubility Prediction With Composite Graph Neural Networks
Authors: Wieder Oliver , Kuenemann Mélaine , Wieder Marcus , Seidel Thomas , Meyer Christophe , Langer Thierry
Published: August 2021

The accurate prediction of molecular properties such as lipophilicity and aqueous solubility is of great importance in several stages of the drug discovery pipeline. Machine learning methods like graph-based neural networks have shown exceptionally good performance in predicting these properties. In this work we introduce a novel graph neural network architecture composed of two distinct sub-architectures that achieves an improvement in accuracy over its individual parts employing various learning-, and featurization strategies. We argue that combining models with different key aspects might help make graph neural networks deeper while simultaneously increasing their predictive power. Additionally, we want to highlight the need to move beyond comparing single performance metrics to show machine learning model superiority.
The Tripping Point – Minimum Planting Widths for Small-Stature Trees in Dense Urban Developments
Authors: Koeser Andrew K. , Hauer Richard J. , Hilbert Deborah R. , Northrop Robert J. , Thorn Hunter , McLean Drew C. , Salisbury Allyson B.
Published: August 2021

As urban development increases in density, the space to grow urban trees becomes more constrained. In heavily developed areas, small stature trees can be planted to reduce both above- and below-ground conflicts with infrastructure elements. However, even these species have their limits when placed in extremely confining conditions. In this study, we build on past work to determine the minimum planting widths of small stature urban trees. We found that species, stem diameter, and the height at which stem diameter measurements occurred were all strong predictors of trunk flare diameter (adjusted R2 of 0.843). Additionally, we modelled the relationship between planting space and the presence or absence of hardscape conflicts – using the predictions derived from this effort to project the potential cost savings in two United States cities. Study results provide a guideline to create sufficient space for urban trees and minimize infrastructure damage and associated cost savings.
A Compact Strain Sensor Based on Microstructural Fabry-Perot Fiber Cavity
Authors: Guo Zhiwu , Wang Yannan , Li Jin
Published: August 2021

Fabry-Perot air chamber was constructed at the melting point (splicing location) of two single-mode fibers by glycerin assisted self-expansion method. The morphology of the Fabry-Perot air chamber was fabricated and optimized by modulating the splicing parameters (drawing process, discharging location, time and intensity) and the fibers’ end-face (plane or arc). The in-line or reflected Fabry-Perot cavities have been applied to determine the tensile strain in the range of 0-1.2 N. The train sensing performance of the spherical shaped FP cavity has been experimentally demonstrated with the best sensitivity of 3.628 nm/N, corresponding to the resolution of ~0.005 N. The proposed FP fiber sensor has the advantages of low cost, fast fabrication and easy-integration with the common fiber system.
The Structure of Cambrian Deposits of the Vilyui Hemisyneclise, Based on an Integrated Analysis of Drilling and Seismic Data
Authors: Gubin I.A. , Kontorovich A.E. , Korovnikov I.V. , Parfenova T.M.
Published: August 2021

—We present a model of the stratigraphic and lateral distribution of Cambrian deposits in the Vilyui hemisyneclise, based on an analysis of drilling data and interpretation of seismic data. The study shows a series of formations and sequences penetrated by wells (Syugdzher saddle, Khorgochum monocline, Ygyatta depression, Tyukyan–Chybyda monocline, Arbai–Sinyaya megaswell, etc.). In the areas where the Cambrian was not penetrated by wells, the distribution of Cambrian deposit was inferred based on the available seismic data. The distribution of the Kuonamka Horizon formed by Cambrian organic-rich rocks is characterized in detail. These are the Kumakh and Sinyaya–Kutorgina sequences and the Inikan and Kuonamka formations. It has been found that the Kuonamka Horizon was deposited during two stages, Botomian and Toyonian–early Mayan. The horizon is overlain by younger deposits of the Mayan Stage, with characteristic cross-bedding structures. Schemes of facies zoning of the Cambrian for Botomian, Toyonian–early Mayan, and middle Mayan times were constructed based on the most recent geological and geophysical understanding of the Vilyui hemisyneclise.
Comments: Water Pressures
Authors: Boschee Pam
Published: August 2021

Drought conditions rated as “moderate or worse” affected 31 US states as of 8 June, as reported by the US National Integrated Drought Information System. Particularly dry are the West and Upper Midwest regions, relevant to the Permian and Bakken, respectively.

While not a record-level drought, attention is turning to the Missouri River in North Dakota where streamflow levels are at low levels for this time of year—about 48% below the seasonal average. About 96% of the water in North Dakota’s rivers and streams flows through it, making it one of the main sources of fresh water for oil and gas production in the Bakken. In the extreme drought, water restrictions could come into play.

Throughout the industry, recycling and reuse of frac and produced water have been studied, and where the chemical makeup of the frac or produced water is suitable for optimal and economical treatment, it has been implemented.

However, Bakken production is typically associated with 1.0 to 1.5 bbl of produced water per barrel of oil (a water cut of approximately 50%). It is highly saline with total dissolved solids (TDS) ranging up to 350,000 mg/L (seawater is about 35,000, or 10 times less salty than Bakken brine). Treatment options for such high TDS levels are limited and often cost-prohibitive.

The Bakken’s produced water volumes increased fourfold since 2008 to about 740 million bbl per year due to increasing volumes per well and increasing water cut. Produced water disposal volumes in the same period increased fivefold to about 680 million bbl per year. More than 95% of saltwater disposal (SWD) targets the Inyan Kara Formation, the lowermost sandstone interval of the Dakota Group.

The increase in SWD volumes has resulted in localized areas of high pressure in the formation in geographic regions associated with high levels of oil and gas activity. This increased pressure affects the economics and risk associated with the drilling of new wells that now require additional intermediate casing strings (“Dakota Strings”), adding a cost of $300,000 to $700,000 per well. About 200 wells to date have been identified with additional casing strings, according to the Energy & Environmental Research Center (EERC).

Faced with the challenges of high salinity in recycling/reuse of produced water, constraints on SWD injection, freshwater limitations, pressure regulation, and inflated drilling costs, a 2-year project was begun in January 2020 which may hold promise for greater use of the produced water. Participants in the $1.3-million project are EERC, Nuverra Environmental Solutions, and the US Department of Energy.
Efficient Uncertainty Quantification and Data Assimilation via Theory-Guided Convolutional Neural Network
Authors: Wang Nanzhe , Chang Haibin , Zhang Dongxiao
Published: August 2021

A deep learning framework, called the theory-guided convolutional neural network (TgCNN), is developed for efficient uncertainty quantification and data assimilation of reservoir flow with uncertain model parameters. The performance of the proposed framework in terms of accuracy and computational efficiency is assessed by comparing it to classical approaches in reservoir simulation. The essence of the TgCNN is to take into consideration both the available data and underlying physical/engineering principles. The stochastic parameter fields and time matrix comprise the input of the convolutional neural network (CNN), whereas the output is the quantity of interest (e.g., pressure, saturation, etc.). The TgCNN is trained with available data while being simultaneously guided by theory (e.g., governing equations, other physical constraints, and engineering controls) of the underlying problem. The trained TgCNN serves as a surrogate that can predict the solutions of the reservoir flow problem with new stochastic parameter fields. Such approaches, including the Monte Carlo (MC) method and the iterative ensemble smoother (IES) method, can then be used to perform uncertainty quantification and data assimilation efficiently based on the TgCNN surrogate, respectively. The proposed paradigm is evaluated with dynamic reservoir flow problems. The results demonstrate that the TgCNN surrogate can be built with a relatively small number of training data and even in a label-free manner, which can approximate the relationship between model inputs and outputs with high accuracy. The TgCNN surrogate is then used for uncertainty quantification and data assimilation of reservoir flow problems, which achieves satisfactory accuracy and higher efficiency compared with state-of-the-art approaches. The novelty of the work lies in the ability to incorporate physical laws and domain knowledge into the deep learning process and achieve high accuracy with limited training data. The trained surrogate can significantly improve the efficiency of uncertainty quantification and data assimilation processes.

NOTE: This paper is published as part of the 2021 SPE Reservoir Simulation Conference Special Issue.
Effect of Aid for Trade on Financial Development: Exploring the Channel of Manufactured Exports
Authors: GNANGNON SENA KIMM
Published: August 2021

Many studies have considered the macroeconomic effects of Aid for Trade (AfT) flows, that is, the part of official development assistance allocated for the development of the trade sector. The present paper aims to expand this literature by investigating the effect AfT flows on financial development notably through channel of manufactured exports. The analysis has covered a set of 120 countries over the period 2002–2017, and relied primarily on the two-step system Generalized Methods of Moments (GMM). Results show that total AfT flows, notably its components AfT for economic infrastructure and AfT for productive capacity promote financial development, and the magnitude of these positive effects rises as countries' share of manufactured exports increases. Additionally, total AfT flows influence positively financial development in countries that diversify their export product basket towards manufactured exports. These findings highlight the key role of AfT flows in promoting financial development in recipient-countries, and therefore call on donor-countries to scale up AfT flows in favour of developing countries, given the importance of financial development for economic development.
Can we scale up a comprehensive school-based eye health programme in Zambia?
Authors: Yong Ai Chee , Buglass Anne , Mwelwa Godfrey , Abdallah Ibrahim , Chan Ving Fai
Published: August 2021

Background

Globally, 19 million children have preventable vision impairment simply because refractive and eye health services are inaccessible to most of them. In Zambia, 50,000 school children need spectacle provision. The School-based Eye Health Programme (SEHP) has been identified worldwide as a proven strategy to address childhood blindness. Given the great benefits of it, the Zambian government intends to scale up the programme. This scalability assessment aims to identify and evaluate the essential components of an effective SEHP, determine roles, assess existing capacities within user organisations, identify environmental facilitating and inhibiting factors, and estimate the minimum resources necessary for the scaling up and their proposed scale-up strategies.
Methods

Five elements (innovation, user organisation, resource team, environment, and strategies for horizontal and vertical scaling-up) were assessed guided by the ExpandNet-WHO Nine Steps for Developing a Scaling-Up Strategy. Literature reviews and stakeholders' interviews were conducted to collect data for this assessment. Subsequently, twenty questions in the Worksheets for Developing a Scaling-up Strategy were used to systematically reporting the assessment outcome.
Results

Additional components of SEHP incorporated in Zambia's model enhanced the innovation's credibility and relevance. The resource team was relatively competent in the pilot, and the same team will be employed during the scaling-up. Political instability, the lack of supply chain, and unstable financial supports were identified as inhibiting factors. The objectives of SEHP were aligned with the National Eye Health Strategic Plan 2017–2021 that support the institutionalisation of the SEHP into the existing School Health and Nutrition Programme. For the pace of expansion, replicating SEHP to another district rather than a province will be more realistic.
Conclusion

Scaling up a comprehensive SEHP in Zambia is feasible, provided if sufficient funding is available. Additionally, the pace must be adapted to the local context to ensure that every component within the SEHP is intact.
Three Years Follow-Up Study Showed Prenatal Methamphetamine Exposure May Cause Chronic Abnormalities In Transcriptomic Pattern
Authors: Haghighatfard Arvin , Seifollahi Soha , Rajabi Pegah , Rahmani Niloofar , Ghannadzadeh Rojin
Published: August 2021

Background: The high rate of methamphetamine use disorder among young adults and women of childbearing age makes it imperative to clarify the long-term effects of Methamphetamine exposure on the offspring. Behavioral and cognitive problems had been reported in children with parental Methamphetamine exposure (PME). The present study aimed to assess the acute and chronic effects of PME in molecular regulations and gene expression profiles of children during their first years of life.Methods: All subjects were recruited before birth, and sampling was conducted from the first ten days of birth, twelve months, twenty months, and thirty-six months of age. Finally, 2658 children with PME and 3573 normal children had been finished the follow-up. RNA extraction was operated from blood samples and gene expression profiling was conducted by using the Affymetrix GeneChip Human Genome U133 plus 2.0 Array Platform. Gene expression data were confirmed by Real-time PCR. Results: Gene expression profiling during thirty-six months showed several constant mRNA level alterations in children with PME compared with normal. These genes are involved in several gene ontologies and pathways involved with the immune system, neuronal functions, and bioenergetic metabolism. It seems that Methamphetamine use disorder before and during the pregnancy period may affect the expression profile of children, and these changes could remain years after birth. Affected genes have some similarities with the gene expression patterns of addiction, psychiatric disorders, neurodevelopmental disabilities, and immune deficiencies. Conclusion: Findings may shed light on the molecular effects of prenatal methamphetamine exposure and may lead to new psychological and somatic caring protocols for these children based on their potential abnormalities.
A Machine Learning-Based System for Detecting Leishmaniasis in Microscopic Images
Authors: Zare Mojtaba , Akbarialiabad Hossein , Parsaei Hossein , Asgari Qasem , Alinejad Ali , Bahreini Mohammad Saleh , Hosseini Seyed Hossein , Ghofrani-Jahrom Mohsen , Shahriarirad Reza , Amirmoezzi Yalda , Shahriarirad Sepehr , Zeighami Ali , Abdollahifard Gholamreza
Published: August 2021

Background: Leishmaniasis, a disease caused by a protozoan, causes numerous deaths in humans each year. After malaria, Leishmaniasis is known to be the deadliest parasitic disease globally. Currently, direct visual detection of Leishmania parasite through microscopy is the “gold standard” for the diagnosis of this disease. However, this method is time-consuming and subject to errors. This study was aimed to develop an artificial intelligence-based algorithm and image processing algorithms for the automatic diagnosis of Leishmaniasis.Methods: The Viola-Jones algorithm was used in this study due to its high recognition speed. This algorithm performs in four stages: detection of Haar-like features, integral image creation, Adaboost training, cascade architecture.Results: A 65% recall and 83% precision was concluded in the detection of macrophages infected with the Leishmania parasite. Also, these numbers were 52% and 35%, respectively, related to amastigotes outside of macrophages.Conclusion: The results contain a fairly high sensitivity, with the specificity being less satisfactory. High processing speed, ease of work, and low expenses are advantages of the presented method compared to other procedures. By adding a few adjustments, this method could be considered a viable option.
Cytotoxic Natural Killer Cells Disrupt Nerve Fibres Through Granzyme H in Atheriosclerotic Cerebral Small Vessel Disease
Authors: Yu Dafan , Cai Wei , Chen Xiaodong , Lu Danli , Hu Mengyan , Lu Tingting , Qin Bing , Wu Aimin , Zhang Bingjun , Wei Lei , Lu Zhengqi
Published: August 2021

Background: Circulating natural killer cells (NK cells) are enriched in the central nervous system in atheriosclerotic cerebral small vessel disease (aCSVD) rat models, but their resulting effects and underlying mechanism remain to be investigated.Methods: A total of 32 patients with aCSVD and 28 healthy control patients were recruited for this study. According to white matter hyperintensity (WMH) burden, which is closely related to the severity of aCSVD, 20 participants were divided into two groups: burden of 0-1 (n=10) and burden of 2-3 (n=10). All participants participated in proteomics analysis of their cytotoxic NK cells and serum, and 3 participated in proteomics analysis of their cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). In vitro BBB models and a co-culture system with primary human neurons were utilized to verify the pathogenic behaviours of cytotoxic NK cells.Results: In aCSVD patients with a high WMH burden, integrin β2 (ITGB2), cathepsin D (CTSD) and granzyme H (GZMH) were highly expressed in cytotoxic NK cells. ITGB2 interacted with intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM1) in vascular endothelial cells and promoted the adhesion of cytotoxic NK cells in vitro. Moreover, inhibition of CTSD reduced the destruction of type IV collagen (COL4A) in the extracellular matrix of the BBB and the leakiness of the BBB in vitro and in vivo, indicating that synthetic CTSD in cytotoxic NK cells participates in BBB damage. After passing through the leaky BBB, GZMH disruption on demyelinated nerve fibres was reversed by cotreatment with the inhibitor 3,4-DCIC, suggesting that cytotoxic NK cell-released GZMH is crucial for the disruption of demyelinated nerve fibres during WMH in aCSVD.Conclusions: Cytotoxic NK cells contribute to the CTSD-induced damage to the BBB and GZMH-induced disruption of demyelinated nerve fibres during WMH in aCSVD. Our work highlights the important role of cytotoxic NK cells in the disruption of nerve fibres in patients with aCSVD with a high WMH burden for the first time.
Impact of Climate Change on Groundwater Recharge in Cotton Irrigated Fields under Agronomical Practices
Authors: Saeed Muhammad , Maqbool Ahsan , Ashraf Muhammad Adnan , Arshad Muhammad , Mahmood Kashif , Usman Muhammad , Farid Muhammad Arslan
Published: August 2021

Cotton crop is one of the major water consumers in the Indus basin region. Accurate groundwater recharge estimation is a provoking duty due to hydrologic and environmental applications under climate change in the agricultural sector. An utmost region that is vulnerable to climate change and cotton production is declining, consequently. Here, historical trends (1975–2005) and future variability (2021-50 and 2051-80) of climate parameters were analyzed and predicted by SDSM for three emission scenarios (RCP 2.6, RCP 4.5, and RCP 8.5) for the semi-arid region Faisalabad, Pakistan. Results revealed a rise in maximum (minimum) temperature and a decline in rainfall, relative humidity, and wind speed for both 2021-50 and 2051-80 using different NCEP parameters (p < 0.05). The groundwater recharge was simulated using the Hydrus-1D unsaturated flow model. Hydrus-1D unsaturated flow model simulated the groundwater recharge under six treatments. A 41 cm reduction of groundwater recharge was observed under all scenarios. The highest recharge was observed 71 cm under RCP 2.6, and the lowest recharge was 30 cm under RCP 8.5, a maximum of 23% groundwater recharge controlled by climate variables with the weak relationship among them. Cotton sowing method T6(bed planting without mulch) showed the highest yield (1,066 kg.ha− 1). It further indicates that rather than climate change, the agronomical practice may have a more significant impact on groundwater recharge and cotton yield. Findings highlight the significance of both climate change and the cotton sowing method while accessing future water resources in irrigated Indus basin agriculture.
MODIS-FIRMS and ground-truthing based wildfire likelihood mapping of Sikkim Himalaya using machine learning algorithms.
Authors: Banerjee Polash
Published: August 2021

Wildfires in limited extent and intensity can be a boon for the forest ecosystem. However, recent episodes of wildfires of 2019 in Australia and Brazil are sad reminders of their heavy ecological and economical costs. Understanding the role of environmental factors in the likelihood of wildfires in a spatial context would be instrumental in mitigating it. In this study, 14 environmental features encompassing meteorological, topographical, ecological, in situ and anthropogenic factors have been considered for preparing the wildfire likelihood map of Sikkim Himalaya. A comparative study on the efficiency of machine learning methods like Generalized Linear Model (GLM), Support Vector Machine (SVM), Random Forest (RF) and Gradient Boosting Model (GBM) has been performed to identify the best performing algorithm in wildfire prediction. The study indicates that all the machine learning methods are good at predicting wildfires. However, RF has outperformed, followed by GBM in the prediction. Also, environmental features like average temperature, average wind speed, proximity to roadways and tree cover percentage are the most important determinants of wildfires in Sikkim Himalaya. This study can be considered as a decision support tool for preparedness, efficient resource allocation and sensitization of people towards mitigation of wildfires in Sikkim.
Development and Preliminary Evaluation of an Education Program for Primary Care Teams on Discussing Firearms Storage Safety with Veterans
Authors: Dobscha Steven K. , Clark Khaya D. , Karras Elizabeth , Simonetti Joseph A. , Newell Summer , Kenyon Emily A. , Boster Jennie , Gerrity Martha , Elliott Victoria
Published: August 2021

Background
Reducing access to lethal means is one of the few empirically supported approaches for lowering suicide rates, and safe firearms storage practices have been associated with reduced risk of death by suicide. Although there is substantial opportunity for primary care to assist in addressing lethal means with veterans, approaches to intervention and educating staff are not well documented. We sought to 1) describe development of an education program for primary care teams to help them discuss firearms storage safety (FSS) with veterans during primary care visits; and 2) conduct a preliminary evaluation of the pilot education program.
Methods
We used an iterative process involving veterans and primary care staff stakeholders to develop program content, format, and supplemental materials. A grounded theory approach was used to analyze data from focus groups and individual interviews. Following piloting of the program with 71 staff members in two primary care clinics, we analyzed pre- and post-training participant surveys of program satisfaction and attitudes and behaviors related to firearms safety.
Results
During the development phase, 68 veterans and 107 staff members participated in four veteran focus groups and four primary care focus groups, respectively, and/or individual interviews. The program that was developed, “’Just in Case’: Discussing means safety with veterans at elevated risk for suicide,” addresses knowledge and skills learning objectives, and includes video demonstrations and skills practice. Survey data obtained just prior to the two pilot training sessions showed low self-reported rates of discussing firearms safety with veterans who may be at elevated risk for suicide. Immediate post-training data showed generally high satisfaction with the program and significant improvements in participant self-reported ratings of the importance of, and comfort with FSS.
Conclusions
The program shows promise as a means for educating primary care staff to deliver messaging about firearms safety to veterans. Additional research is needed to refine and evaluate impacts of this or similar training programs on clinician and veteran behaviors over time.
QTL Identification, Fine Mapping, and Marker Development for Breeding Peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) Resistant to Bacterial Wilt
Authors: Qi Feiyan , Sun Ziqi , Liu Hua , Zheng Zheng , Qin Li , Shi Lei , Chen Qingzheng , Liu Haidong , Lin Xiufang , Miao Lijuan , Tian Mengdi , Wang Xiao , Huang Bingyan , Dong Wenzhao , Zhang Xinyou
Published: August 2021

Bacterial wilt, caused by Ralstonia solanacearum, is a major disease detrimental to peanut production in China. Breeding disease-resistant peanut varieties is the most economical and effective way to prevent the disease and yield loss. Fine mapping the QTLs for bacterial wilt resistance is critical for the marker-assisted breeding of disease-resistant varieties. A recombinant inbred population comprising 512 lines was used to construct a high-density genetic linkage map and to identify QTLs for bacterial wilt resistance following restriction-site-associated DNA sequencing. The genetic map, which included 5,120 SNP markers, covered a length of 3,184 cM with an average marker distance of 0.6 cM. Four QTLs for bacterial wilt resistance were mapped on four chromosomes. One major QTL, qBWA12, was stably detected in all four development stages investigated over the three trail years. Additionally, qBWA12 spanned a 2.6 cM region, corresponding to approximately 0.4 Mb and was fine mapped to a 216.7 kb region by applying KASP markers that were polymorphic between the two parents based on whole-genome resequencing data. In a large collection of breeding and germplasm lines, it was proved that KASP marker A12.4097252 can be applied for the marker-assisted breeding to develop peanut varieties resistant to bacterial wilt. Of the 19 candidate genes in the region covered by qBWA12, nine NBS-LRR genes should be further investigated regarding their potential contribution to the resistance of peanut against bacterial wilt.
Cordycepin Prevents and Ameliorates Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis by Inhibiting Leukocyte Infiltration and Reducing Neuroinflammation
Authors: Song Ying-Chyi , Liu Chuan-Teng , Lee Hui-Ju , Yen Hung-Rong
Published: August 2021

BackgroundMultiple sclerosis (MS) is a neuroinflammatory autoimmune disease characterized by multifocal perivascular infiltration of immune cells in the central nervous system (CNS). Current treatment for MS is unsatisfactory, and we aimed to search for immunomodulatory agents from bioactive constituents of natural origin. Cordycepin (3'-deoxyadenosine), an adenosine analogue initially extracted from the fungus Cordyceps militarisa, is one of the candidates that has multiple actions. However, its effect on MS is unknown.MethodsWe first investigated the in vitro effects of cordycepin on mouse and human dendritic cells, microglial cells, macrophages, and T cell subsets. Cordycepin was administered to the experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) model at various time points to evaluate the effects in preventive and therapeutic model. Chemokine array and next-generation sequencing (NGS) were applied to identify the key molecules and genes involved in the mechanism. ResultsCordycepin attenuated the activation of LPS-induced mouse bone marrow-derived dendritic cells (BMDCs) and human monocyte-derived dendritic cells (MoDCs) through the inhibition of the AKT, ERK, NF-κB, and ROS pathways and impaired the migration of BMDCs through the downregulation of adhesion molecules and chemokine receptors in vitro. In EAE model, preventive treatment with cordycepin decreased the expression of trafficking factors in the CNS, inhibited the secretion of inflammatory cytokines (IFN-g , IL-6, TNF-a, and IL-17) induced by specific peptides, and attenuated clinical symptoms. A chemokine array indicated that cordycepin treatment reversed the high levels of CCL6, PARRES2, IL-16, CXCL10, and CCL12 in the brain and spinal cord of EAE mice, consistent with the RNA-seq data. Moreover, cordycepin suppressed the release of neuroinflammatory cytokines by activated microglial cells, macrophages, Th17 cells, Tc1 cells, and Th1 cells in vitro. Furthermore, cordycepin treatment exerted therapeutic effects on attenuating the clinical disease severity in the early disease onset stage and late disease progression stage. ConclusionsOur study suggests that cordycepin treatment may not only prevent the occurrence of MS by inhibiting DC activation and migration but also potentially ameliorates the progression of MS by reducing neuroinflammation, which may provide insights into the development of new approaches for the treatment of MS.