bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Species turnover in forest bird communities on Fiordland islands following predator eradications
Authors: Miskelly Colin , Greene Terry , McMurtrie Pete , Morrison Kim , Taylor Graeme , Tennyson Alan , Thomas Bruce
Published: January 2022

Recent advances in the control of mammalian predators have begun to reveal interspecific competition as a key driver in the structure of New Zealand forest bird communities once predation pressure is reduced. We present evidence that, when at high densities, South Island robins (Petroica australis) may be responsible for declines in a suite of smaller native and introduced songbird species. Bird surveys undertaken on 47 islands in Breaksea Sound and Dusky Sound, Fiordland, during 1974 to 1986, were repeated on the same islands in 2016 or 2019. During the first block of surveys, Norway rats (Rattus norvegicus) were present on two islands, and stoats (Mustela erminea) were known or presumed to regularly reach 43 of the remaining islands. The rats were eradicated in 1986 and 1988, and stoats have been controlled to zero density since 2001 on all 28 of the islands surveyed in Dusky Sound, and since 2008 on 12 of 19 islands surveyed in Breaksea Sound. Bird species that apparently benefited from pest mammal eradications included South Island robin (Petroica australis) and kākā (Nestor meridionalis), both of which are endemic. Species recorded less often after the eradications included tomtit (Petroica macrocephala), grey warbler (Gerygone igata), silvereye (Zosterops lateralis), dunnock (Prunella modularis), and chaffinch (Fringilla coelebs) – a mixture of endemic, native, and introduced species. We hypothesise that these five species have been outcompeted or displaced by the now widespread and abundant South Island robin, probably through aggressive interactions.
Improving hydration in elite male footballers during a national team training camp – an observational case study
Authors: Mohr Magni , Nólsøe Eli Leifsson , Krustrup Peter , Fatouros Ioannis G. , Jamurtas Athanasios Z.
Published: January 2022

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to (i) assess hydration levels in elite male football players during a national team training camp before and during qualifying matches, (ii) evaluate the effect of coaching strategies for hydration based on feedback from hydration monitoring, and (iii) assess possible relationships between hydration status and training load or wellness markers.[Methods] Thirty-one male players (age 27±4 yrs; height 185±6 cm; weight 82.9±6.7 kg; body fat 10.4±2.3%) representing a national team from the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) participated. The players were studied during three different national team training camps related to the UEFA Nations League tournament. Urine specific gravity (USG) was measured to assess hydration status. During all camps, the players were actively coached on improving strategies for hydration and given individual feedback on their test results. The training load was measured using GPS technology, and wellness questionnaires were completed.[Results] USG decreased progressively and significantly (p<0.005) during camp 1 and hydration status improved over the three camps, with fewer dehydrated and more well-hydrated players identified during the last part of camp 3. Significantly (p<0.05) higher USG values were observed 2 days prior to a match (MD-2) than on match day (MD); consequently, 52% of the players were dehydrated on MD-2 and only 6% on MD. No correlations were observed between hydration status and training load or wellness markers.[Conclusion] Dehydration is a challenge in elite male football, but continuous monitoring of hydration status and coaching on hydration strategies can lead to major improvements and reduce the degree of dehydration.
Utilization of Cassava Processing Liquid Waste as Raw Material for Making Biodegradable Plastics with the Addition of Glycerol Plasticizer
Authors: Iswendi Iswendi , Iryani Iryani , Alpira Alpira , Putra Regi Fadila
Published: January 2022

This study aimed to utilize cassava processing liquid waste into biodegradable plastic with glycerol as a plasticizer. This experimental study varies the amount of glycerol: (0, 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5) mL. The resulting biodegradable plastics were analyzed for physical properties consist of (water content and degree of swelling), mechanical properties consist of (tensile strength, elongation, elasticity), biodegradation, and structural properties. Fourier Transform Infra-Red and x-ray diffraction were employed for the studies. The results showed that the more glycerol added, the greater the percentage of water content and the degree of swelling were obtained. The optimum tensile of the biodegradable plastic was reached with 3 mL of glycerol, giving the strength of 27.49 N/mm2, elongation 0.107 N/mm2, elasticity 4.804 MPa. Biodegradable plastic with the addition of 5 mL of glycerol degraded up to 60.777%. The FTIR spectra showed almost the same peaks between plastics without the addition of glycerol and glycerol. Meanwhile, XRD data shows that the degree of crystallinity of plastic without glycerol is higher than that of plastic with the addition of glycerol.
De memórias e afetos
Authors: Braga Elizabeth dos Santos , Menezes Roni Cleber Dias de
Published: January 2022

O presente artigo resulta da análise de depoimentos produzidos em outubro de 2019 quando da comemoração dos 50 anos da criação da Faculdade de Educação da Universidade de São Paulo (Feusp) e dos 60 anos da Escola de Aplicação da Faculdade de Educação da Universidade de São Paulo (EA-Feusp) junto a seis ex-alunos(as) da Feusp, os(as) quais, tendo ingressado no curso em distintos momentos, tornaram-se, anos depois de terem concluído a graduação em Pedagogia, docentes na instituição. Com o material buscou-se tematizar a elaboração das memórias pelos sujeitos a respeito da própria instituição, de seus itinerários formativos e dos nexos destes com os acontecimentos mais amplos na esfera política, social, cultural e educacional.
CT Features of Small Bowel Obstruction Caused by Concurrent, Ipsilateral Obturator and Inguinal Herniæ
Authors: Fontanella Giovanni , Borrelli Simona , Russo Maurizio , Biondo Francesco Giuseppe
Published: January 2022

Obturator herniæ are a quite rare type of abdominal hernia, accounting for less then 1% of all abdominal wall hernias and for 0.2-1.6% of patient with a small bowel obstruction. The obturator canal is the only portion of the obturator foramen that is not obliterated by the membrane of the same name and hosts the obturator neurovascular bundle; it is, for this reason, a locus minoris resistentiae, through which obturator hernias are formed, generally in elderly, multiparous women. Despite the fact that Computed Tomography offers the possibility of a quick, correct preoperative diagnosis, often signs and symptoms of obturator herniæ are quite unspecific; considering that, at the same time, patients with an obturator hernia are generally elderly, with concurrent conditions, this might cause delays in the diagnosis and treatment and produces the high postoperative mortality rates that obturator herniæ yield
Mitochondrial ROS Produced in Human Colon Carcinoma HCT116 Cells Reduces Cell Survival via Autophagy
Authors: Gwak Eunji , Kim Dasol , Hwang Hui-Yun , Kwon Ho Jeong
Published: January 2022

Human colon carcinomas, including HCT116 cells, often exhibit high basal autophagic flux under nutrient deprivation or hypoxic conditions. Mitochondrial ROS (mROS) is known as a “molecular switch”’ for regulating the autophagic pathway, which is critical for directing cancer cell survival or death. In early tumorigenesis, autophagy plays important roles in maintaining cellular homeostasis and contributes to tumor growth. However, the relationships between mROS and the autophagic capacities of HCT116 cells are poorly understood. Ubiquinol cytochrome c reductase binding protein (UQCRB) has been reported as a biomarker of colorectal cancer, but its role in tumor growth has not been clarified. Here, we showed that UQCRB was overexpressed in HCT116 cells compared to CCD18co cells, a normal colon fibroblast cell line. Pharmacological inhibition of UQCRB reduced mROS levels, autophagic flux, and the growth of HCT116 tumors in a xenograft mouse model. We further investigated mutant UQCRB-overexpressing cell lines to identify functional links in UQCRB-mROS-autophagy. Notably, an increasing level of mROS caused by UQCRB overexpression released Ca2+ by activation of lysosomal TRPML1 channels. This activation induced transcription factor EB nuclear translocation and lysosome biogenesis, leading to autophagy flux. Collectively, our study showed that increasing levels of mROS caused by overexpression of UQCRB in human colon carcinoma HCT116 cells could be linked to autophagy for cell survival.
A Study of Establishing A Conceptual Model for Understanding The Impact of Social Commerce on Consumer Decision Making With Social Support Perspective
Authors: Wijenayaka Amal
Published: January 2022

The introduction of social commerce ushered in a new era in business-consumer interaction. As a result, more power has passed from the vendor to the buyer, primarily fueling e-commerce acceptance. As a result, understanding consumer behaviour in the context of social commerce adoption has become essential for businesses looking to persuade customers by using the power of social ties and support.Furthermore, such social ties will facilitate trust as the most promising benefit while reducing perceived risk, which has always been a critical problem with online commerce. This study proposes a paradigm for understanding the impact of social commerce on the stages of the consumer decision-making process: need recognition, information search, alternative evaluation, purchase decision, and post-purchase behaviour, with a focus on social support. In this respect, relevant literature in the subject of social commerce either (1) lacks an adequate explanatory model, (2) has a solid theoretical base, or (3) contains practically complex theories with insufficient empirical data. The research model applies the Social Commerce Constructs (SCC): recommendations and referrals, forums and communities, and ratings and reviews to study the respective influence on the consumer decision-making process phases. This paper aims to understand the influence of social commerce on an integrative model that incorporates all customer choice phases while expecting new knowledge. Furthermore, it is advised that this conceptual model be empirically verified to evaluate the practical consequences.
Emergent Viral Disease in Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) Plots in Cochabamba, Bolivia, a Preliminary Evaluation
Authors: Coca Morante Mario , Acha Molina Nilo , Calani Lucas Arnold , Meneses Arce Ruddy
Published: January 2022

Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) is one of the most important forage crops in the world. In Bolivia it is cultivated in different parts of the High Andes and in the Interandean Valleys. The species is affected by several fungal diseases which reduce production, but before 2016 hardly any mention had been made of virus disease in the region. The aims of the present work were: 1) to describe the symptomology of this apparent viral disease, and ii) determine its effects on the yield of different alfalfa cultivars available from the CIF-UMSS. In 2016, a plot was established at Tiquipaya (Dept. of Cochabamba) (altitude 2480 m) was planted with 12 alfalfa cultivars. Disease incidence values were estimated and the area under the disease progress curves (AUDPC) calculated. The disease progress curves themselves were analyzed using logit functions for polycyclic diseases, and yields were determined. Disease symptoms included deformation of the folioles, thickened veins, the presence of vein enations and papillae on the abaxial leaves, reduced plant size - all symptoms of infection apparently caused by Alfalfa Dwarf Virus. The different cultivars returned different incidence values. They also returned different apparent infection rates ranging from 0.072/day for Cóndor, to 0.113/day for Tamborada. The different cultivars returned different dry weight yields, with yields inversely related to the AUDPC. In conclusion, based on the foliar symptoms registered, the viral disease is associated with the Alfalfa Dwarf Virus. The twelve cultivars evaluated presented different incidence levels of the viral disease.
Neural networks for prediction of human actions
Authors: Podoprosvetov Aleksei Valerievich , Luzina Margarita Evgenievna , Aliseychik Anton Pavlovich , Pavlovsky Evgeny Vladimirovich , Orlov Igor Aleksandrovich
Published: January 2022

This work is devoted to the prediction of human actions. The article proposes a machine learning algorithm for predicting human physical actions, created using a software package for collecting data, processing data and training a regression algorithm on the processed data. The results obtained are associated with the automatic determination of the beginning and type of physical action performed by a person. The work is aimed at improving control systems for industrial use of exoskeletons designed to increase human strength through an external frame. In the future, it is possible to use the research results for better interaction with assistive devices in enterprises.
Bibliograpi Penelitian Akuntansi Pemerintahan di Indonesia
Authors: Rusdi Dedi , Suprianto Edy
Published: January 2022

This study aims to describe the development of government accounting research in Indonesia from 9 accredited journals in Indonesia indexed by sinta 2. The sample obtained from 2011 to 2021 obtained 45 articles discussing government accounting. Based on the results of the analysis, the majority of research on government accounting in Indonesia is published in JAAI and JAB respectively by 20%, while MRAAI is 11% and JAMAL is 16%. Of the 45 articles obtained, 11 articles are qualitative method research, while 34 articles are research using quantitative methods. In qualitative research the method of descriptive analysis or case studies is the most widely used, while in quantitative research the most widely used method is regression analysis
Decision Support System for the Selection of Junior High Schools (Smp) in Pasuruan Regency With the Simple Additive Weighting (Saw) Method
Authors: Millah Fathonah Nurul , Taurista Cindy
Published: January 2022

Education is important for society. Junior high school (SMP) is an official education located in Indonesia. Learning institutions under the supervision of teachers are called schools. In Pasuruan district there are many schoolsspecially for private junior high schools (junior high schools). Therefore, the selection of the right school is very important because it can affect the next level of education and later work. This research intends to help prospective students choose the right school by utilizing simple additive weighting (SAW) methods into the system. The simple additive weighting (SAW) method isused by the author for the fight with the weighted sum. The results of this study are in the form of a system using python language and flask framework. The end result of this system produces a percentage of 80% which means that this system can help prospective students to determine the right school selection.
Indihome's New Post Activation Control Application Based On Website With Telegram Features
Authors: Aminudin Mochamad Rifqi , Fitrani Arif Senja , Rosid Mochamad Alfan , Sumarno
Published: January 2022

Development of an application to control the activation of new indihome pairs at PT. Telkom Sidoarjo is a necessity that needs to be realized in order to support the performance of helpdesk employees in the process of activating indihome services. In developing the application, a method is needed to be able to design and build applications to meet expectations. Long polling method is one method used to get updates on bots. With the long-polling method, the server will periodically check to the bot whether there are incoming messages. If there is an incoming message, the server will execute based on the request message sent by the user. If there is no message then the server condition is idle (idle). Based on the results of planning, making and testing applications that have been carried out. It was concluded that the Indihome New Install Activation Control Application can input customer data via the SIKPRO bot, check order progress status and the Helpdesk can update order status and provide order feedback through the SIKPRO website. Bots can refuse order requests in case of double requests with the same registration number. Supervisors and Team Leaders can also recap the indihome service activation data based on daily and monthly periods
TKJ Laboratory Inventory Monitoring System Using Web-based AHP (Analytical Hierarchy Process) Method at SMK Negeri 1 Doko
Authors: Prasetyo Budi , Permadi Dimas Fanny Hebrasianto
Published: January 2022

Reporting and collecting data on inventory tools using the old method does not rule out the possibility of data reporting errors and determining priorities for procurement of laboratory inventory at SMK Negeri 1 Doko. The development of increasingly advanced technology requires computerized inventory data collection, which is expected to reduce paper use, so that checking inventory conditions can be easy and efficient. To make it easier to determine the procurement of inventory, a system is needed that can make it easier to determine the priority of inventory procurement and is expected to help problems in MK Negeri 1 Doko. Therefore, research will be carried out with the aim of making it easier to monitor and determine priorities for laboratory inventory procurement. This research is a development research using the waterfall method using the AHP algorithm for system development. The results showed that the results obtained from testing the AHP calculation manually or using the application obtained that there were several values ​​that had a difference of 0.000001 the consistency ratio showed less than 10%. It could be concluded that the AHP calculation was still acceptable. BlackBox testing and beta testing the user satisfaction level of 88.25% indicates that the monitoring application system built is acceptable and can run according to its function.
Implementation Of Augmented Reality Procedures For Prayer Using Marker-Based Tracking Method
Authors: Darmanto Adi , Pradhana Faisal Reza , Muriyatmoko Dihin , Putra Oddy Virgantara , Effendi Lukman
Published: January 2022

Prayer learning activities at PAS Baitul Qur'an Ponorogo Kindergarten have so far been carried out with face-to-face practice between teachers and students. However, the teachers teach the proper way of praying during the pandemic. This study aims to introduce Augmented Reality (AR) technology to teachers and children as a medium for learning to pray. From this research resulted in the application "Let's Learn Prayer" which contains guidance on how to pray and pray in the form of three-dimensional animation. In addition, this application is equipped with a card (marker) that represents each prayer movement. The animation of the prayer can move when the user does the marking. As a result, animations can appear on the smartphone screen. This application development stage uses Waterfall model steps and marker-based tracking. The use of AR applications for prayer learning can increase students' interest and understanding in implementing prayer movements
Virtual Tour Design In Egypt Building Darussalam Gontor Putri University
Authors: Arosi Indah Putri , Pradhana Faisal Reza , Muriyatmoko Dihin
Published: January 2022

University of Darussalam Gontor already have media brochures, video profil and social media as publicity and advertising tools. But now in the area of technology 4.0, the media are rated not enough, where people need a media where they can interact directly in it. The research is aimed to build a media interaction of the campus interactive based model of three dimensions by using the technology of virtual reality. Virtual Reality is considered able to deliver information in a more effective due to its ability to reach the sense of human beings, good eyesight, hearing, and touch trough interaction in real time. Data retrieved trough the stages of observation of the building as directly as well as through taking sample of photos and videos. An android based mobile application by implementing the first-person shooter (FPS) method to its user and designed to follow the ADDIE development model. In the future, it is hoped that the VR campus tour application can be used in multiplayer to get a fun group campus tour experience.
ASPECTS OF METHODOLOGY OF ECONOMIC THEORY
Authors: Kuregyan S.
Published: January 2022

The article is devoted to the disclosure of the methodology of economic theory. The methodology largely depends on the subject and object of economic theory, on the problems under study, on the methods and techniques used by scientists. An attempt is made in the work to consider a systematic approach in the methodology of economic theory, proceeding from an integral system of social production.
The Potential Role of Soil Bacteria as an Indicator of Heavy Metal Pollution in Southern, Iraq
Authors: Jaafar Raghad Shubbar
Published: January 2022

The present study was performed to spotlight the potential role of soil bacteria in the Al-Rumaila oil field as a bioindicator of heavy metals pollution. For this purpose, nine soil samples were collected from different sites, with 20cm depth, to assess the pollution status depending on the total and available concentrations of heavy metals.  The result indicates pollution of the studied soils with the following metals: Cd, Cu, Fe, Zn, and Pb. The mean of total concentration for all studied metals was higher than the allowed maximum limit based on the international limit:(3.394, 3.994, 39.993, 8844.979,150.372, and 103.347 µg/g), respectively. While measuring the total Metal concentration is important in determining the degree of pollution in the environment; it cannot be depended to determine their impact on the living organisms. In the present study the means of available concentration of studied metals were as follows: 0.015, 0.787, 0.021, 0.515, and4.304 µg/g. respectively, which were lower than their total concentration. Different types of bacterial genera (Serratia marcescens, Sphingomonas paucimobilis, Bacillus subtilis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Staphylococcus lentus) were isolated from the same soil. And broadcasts through the results their presence in all studied soils. Therefore, the isolated bacteria play a significant role as an indicator of metal pollution in the soil, which was proved through the result of the Minimum inhibitor concentration (MIC), which indicated a high tolerance ability towered these metals.
Accurate Four-Step Hybrid Block Method for Solving Higher-Order Initial Value Problems
Authors: O. Olanegan, O. , O. Adeyefa, E.
Published: January 2022

This paper focuses on developing a self-starting numerical approach that can be used for direct integration of higher-order initial value problems of Ordinary Differential Equations. The method is derived from power series approximation with the resulting equations discretized at the selected grid and off-grid points. The method is applied in a block-by-block approach as a numerical integrator of higher-order initial value problems. The basic properties of the block method are investigated to authenticate its performance and then implemented with some tested experiments to validate the accuracy and convergence of the method.
Detection of Methamphetamine using Nanobentonite as a Novel Solid Phase Extraction Column Matrix Assisted with Gas Chromatography- Mass Spectroscopy
Authors: Dalimunthe Nur Asyiah , Alfian Zul , Wirjosentono Basuki , Eddiyanto
Published: January 2022

This study was done to evaluate a new technique to determine the presence of methamphetamine in the hair using nano bentonite-based adsorbent as the filler of extraction column. The state of the art of this study was based on the presence of silica in the nano bentonite that was assumed can interact with methamphetamine. The hair used was treated using methanol to extract the presence of methamphetamine, then it was continued by sonicating the hair sample. Qualitative analysis using Marquish reagent was performed to confirm the presence of methamphetamine in the isolate.The hair sample that has been taken in a different period confirmed that this current developing method can be used to analyzed methamphetamine. This method has an average recovery percentage by 104%. This result was also supported by the precision, linearity, LOD and LOQ, i.e. 0.0775; 0.968; 0.00000256 and 0.000000775, respectively.
Influence of Cold Plasma on Sesame Paste and the Nano Sesame Paste Based on Co-occurrence Matrix
Authors: Ali Alyaa H. , Shakir Zainab H , Mazher Alaa N. , Mazhir Sabah N.
Published: January 2022

The aim of the research is to investigate the effect of cold plasma on the bacteria grown on texture of sesame paste in its normal particle and nano particle size. Starting by using the image segmentation process depending on the threshold method, it is used to get rid of the reflection of the glass slides on which the sesame samples are placed.  The classification process implemented to separate the sesame paste texture from normal and abnormal texture. The abnormal texture appears when the bacteria has been grown on the sesame paste after being left for two days in the air, unsupervised k-mean classification process used to classify the infected region, the normal region and the treated region. The bacteria treated with cold plasma, the time exposure is two minutes. The textural features related to gray level co-occurrence matrix are calculated for the normal, abnormal and the treated texture, it is obvious that the treated texture class has the best features compared with the other classes. The result shows the sesame paste treated with plasma has good result compared with nano sesame paste treated with plasma.  This is because the plasma provides the sesame paste with heat and makes the sesame nano particle congregate together.
Perceptually Important Points-Based Data Aggregation Method for Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Saeedi Iman Dakhil Idan , Al-Qurabat Ali Kadhum M.
Published: January 2022

The transmitting and receiving of data consume the most resources in Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs). The energy supplied by the battery is the most important resource impacting WSN's lifespan in the sensor node. Therefore, because sensor nodes run from their limited battery, energy-saving is necessary. Data aggregation can be defined as a procedure applied for the elimination of redundant transmissions, and it provides fused information to the base stations, which in turn improves the energy effectiveness and increases the lifespan of energy-constrained WSNs. In this paper, a Perceptually Important Points Based Data Aggregation (PIP-DA) method for Wireless Sensor Networks is suggested to reduce redundant data before sending them to the sink. By utilizing Intel Berkeley Research Lab (IBRL) dataset, the efficiency of the proposed method was measured. The experimental findings illustrate the benefits of the proposed method as it reduces the overhead on the sensor node level up to 1.25% in remaining data and reduces the energy consumption up to 93% compared to prefix frequency filtering (PFF) and ATP protocols.
A Novel Technique for Secure Data Cryptosystem Based on Chaotic Key Image Generation
Authors: Al-Hassani Mustafa Dhiaa
Published: January 2022

The advancements in Information and Communication Technology (ICT), within the previous decades, has significantly changed people’s transmit or store their information over the Internet or networks. So, one of the main challenges is to keep these information safe against attacks. Many researchers and institutions realized the importance and benefits of cryptography in achieving the efficiency and effectiveness of various aspects of secure communication.This work adopts a novel technique for secure data cryptosystem based on chaos theory. The proposed algorithm generate 2-Dimensional key matrix having the same dimensions of the original image that includes random numbers obtained from the 1-Dimensional logistic chaotic map for given control parameters, which is then processed by converting the fractional parts of them through a function into a set of non-repeating numbers that leads to a vast number of unpredicted probabilities (the factorial of rows times columns). Double layers of rows and columns permutation are made to the values of numbers for a specified number of stages. Then, XOR is performed between the key matrix and the original image, which represent an active resolve for data encryption for any type of files (text, image, audio, video, … etc). The results proved that the proposed encryption technique is very promising when tested on more than 500 image samples according to security measurements where the histograms of cipher images are very flatten compared with that for original images, while the averages of Mean Square Error is very high (10115.4) and Peak Signal to Noise Ratio is very low (8.17), besides Correlation near zero and Entropy close to 8 (7.9975).
Water Temperature Effect on Hardness and Flexural Strength of (PMMA/TiO2 NPs) for Dental Applications
Authors: Alraziqi Zaynab N.Rahseed
Published: January 2022

PMMA (Poly methyl methacrylate) is considered one of the most commonly used materials in denture base fabrication due to its ideal properties. Although, a major problem with this resin is the frequent fractures due to heavy chewing forces which lead to early crack and fracture in clinical use. The addition of nanoparticles as filler performed in this study to enhance its selected mechanical properties. The Nano-additive effect investigated in normal circumstances and under a different temperature during water exposure. First, tests applied on the prepared samples at room temperature and then after exposure to water bath at (20, 40, 60) C° respectively. SEM, PSD, EDX were utilized for samples evaluation in this study. Flexural strength, shear stress, hardness value were evaluated for all samples, the tests applied periodically at (15, 30, 45) min. Interestingly, it is found that at the normal condition (NC) the cooperation of TiO2 NPs significantly improves the selected properties. The maximum increase is located at 4 wt % of TiO2 NPs addition. The results also showed that temperature increase accelerate the water permeability within all samples thus decrease the mechanical properties. Obviously, a better hardness value determined for the prepared nanocomposite comparing to the control group at the same test condition.
Photodegradation of Rhodamine-B using Gallium Hybrids as an Efficient Photocatalyst
Authors: Parveen Kousar , Rafique Uzaira
Published: January 2022

Rhodamine B is a cationic xanthene dye widely used in the printing, textile, photography, and pharmaceutical industries. It is also well-recognized as water fluorescent and dyes laser material because of its good stability. It is toxic to human beings irritating the skin, and eyes. The present study is designed to study the photodegradation of Rhodamine B using gallium oxide and gallium hybrids as photocatalyst. Precipitation coupled with the sonochemical method is adopted for the synthesis of gallium oxide while the post grafting method is adopted for the synthesis of gallium hybrids with the indole and its derivatives. FTIR spectra showed the characteristic absorption bands of gallium oxide and gallium hybrids at 400-700 cm-1 and 1400-1600 cm-1. SEM and XRD showed the micro-sized rectangular rod-shaped gallium oxide with rhombohedral geometry. The BET isotherm revealed the adsorption type-IV and hysteresis loop (H3) proposing multilayer and mesoporous structures. XPS confirmed the presence of gallium, oxygen, nitrogen, and carbon. The gallium oxide and gallium hybrids showed 47-72% optimum degradation of Rhodamine B under two hours of illumination at pH 7 and 0.03mg/L. The degradation rate followed a Langmuir-Hinshelwood model with R2 >0.9.
Scale And Landscape Heterogeneity Influence The Predictive Performance of Habitat Suitability Models
Authors: Peters Anne , Hemmingmoore Heather , Ladle Andrew , Aronsson Malin , Persson Jens , Andrén Henrik
Published: January 2022

Context: Resource selection functions (RSF) are used to predict habitat selection in a wide range of taxa for various conservation and management purposes. Although such predictions often cover large geographic areas, the limitations of extrapolating beyond the original study region are rarely addressed. Objectives: Our first research objective was to demonstrate the implications of extrapolating RSF predictions across different habitats and at different spatial scales, with regard to varying landscape characteristics. For our second objective, we investigated the impact of individual variation in resource selection. Methods: We used a long-term dataset of GPS-collared lynx from two separate regions in Sweden. We built individual-level RSF models at two spatial scales for two different study regions to quantify individual and regional variation in habitat selection, and extrapolated the results from each region across the opposing study area. Results: Individual lynx selected resources differently within and between study regions, and predictions were more accurate within home ranges than between home ranges. When extrapolating across variable landscapes, encountering resource values outside the fitted range of the models led to incorrect predictions. Conclusions: Our case study highlights the importance of quantifying a variable’s value range in both the model and extrapolation area, taking into account variation in individual resource selection, and understanding the relationship with the order of selection to improve the reliability of habitat predictions. To increase the transferability of models, extrapolations should ideally be limited to areas with overlapping value ranges, to reduce the risk of misidentifying habitat suitability.
Identification of A Glycolysis-Related Seven-lncRNA Signature to Predict Survival in Diffuse Glioma Patients
Authors: Huang Jiaming , Li Shupeng , Xue Bai , Cui Sifu , Zhang Liqiang , Chen Dong
Published: January 2022

Background: Glioma, the most common tumor in brain, seriously threaten human’s healthy. Glycolysis is a crucial hallmark of malignant tumor which can facilitate cancer progression and deterioration. Long noncoding RNAs (LncRNAs) are increasingly implicated in disease progression. Therefore, our study plans to reveal whether glycolysis-related LncRNAs can independently predict prognosis of glioma patients. Methods: Firstly, co-expression network between glycolysis-related genes and LncRNAs is constructed using Pearson correlation. Secondly, univariate Cox regression and the Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator (LASSO) analysis are used to identify key glycolysis-related LncRNAs. Thirdly, based on multivariate Cox regression, a predictive model is built. At last, the Kaplan–Meier survival analysis, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) and gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) are performed to assess the effect of risk score among glioma patients. Results: A glycolysis-related LncRNAs risk signature based on nine LncRNAs was identified. The risk score calculation formula is yielded as follows: risk score = (−0.16 × TPM of RP11-294N21.3) + (0.22 × TPM of AC093627.7) + (0.09 × TPM of AC093627.10) + (0.05 × TPM of RP11-359G22.2) +(0.17 × TPM of LINC01272) + (0.05 × TPM of AC092484.1) + (0.01 × TPM of AC026904.1). The risk score is independently associated with prognosis, and each identified LncRNAs is significantly related to the overall survival of patients. Moreover, the results of GSEA analysis indicate that the high-risk score is mainly involved in some vital biologic process.Conclusion: The risk model based on our LncRNAs signature can significantly predict prognosis and may serve as potential therapeutic targets in the future.
Regional water pollution management pathways and effects under strengthened policy constraints: the case of Tianjin, China
Authors: Wang Yujia , Zhang Mo , Yang Chonggang , He Yan , Ju Meiting
Published: January 2022

In recent years, China's government has attached great importance to pollution management. In 2015, the State Council issued the “Action Plan for Water Pollution Prevention and Control”, proposing the water quality targets of 2020, and deploying 10 important tasks for water pollution reductions. As a result, provinces and cities have conducted water pollution management in order to achieve the expected goals. Although the performance of regional water pollution management directly affects the implementation of national plan, a systematic evaluation of the performance of regional water pollution management has not yet been conducted after ambitious goals were set and strengthened policy constraints were conducted. This paper constructs an evaluation index system based on DPSIR model, and evaluate the performance of Water Pollution Management (WPM) in Tianjin from five aspects as Driver, Pressure, State, Impact and Response (DPSIR). The results show that the performance of WPM in Tianjin has been commendable, resulting in an improvement from 76.15 points out of 100 in 2014 to 90.93 points out of 100 in 2018, with the score rising more rapidly from 2016 to 2018 after the regional policy was implemented. Furthermore, the management system, paths and deficiencies of WPM are analyzed. Under the constraints of River Chief System, pollutant discharge permit and discharge standards, ecological compensation agreements on water pollution and other policies in Tianjin, the effect of pollution source control is obvious, with the water quality obviously improved, and the public satisfaction levels are high.
Knowledge of Women About Children’s Orodental Health in Their First Pregnancy: a Cross Sectional Study
Authors: Tahririan Dana , Givehchian Pirooz , Eslami Arezoo
Published: January 2022

BackgroundOral health is one of the most important factors affecting the general health of the community and families; in this regard, parents, especially mothers, can play an effective role in the oral and dental health of children. This study aimed to evaluate the knowledge of pregnant women on children oral and dental health in the first pregnancy.MethodsThis cross-sectional and descriptive-analytical study was conducted on 200 pregnant women in the second and third trimesters of pregnancy referred to Obstetrics and Gynecology clinics and private offices in Isfahan-Iran from. To assess the knowledge of mothers about oral and dental health, a researcher-made questionnaire including 24 questions was used which was evaluated and verified in terms of validity and reliability. Collected data was analyzed by SPSS software version 22 using Pearson correlation coefficient and Spearman tests. The significance level was considered to be less than 0.05.ResultsThe results of this study showed that the knowledge of mothers on the oral health of the child was 8.66 ± 4.53, so that their knowledge was moderate in 82 (41%) and 109 (54.5%) in poor level And 9 (4.5%) were high. In addition, the relationship between mother’s age (r = 0.288), maternal education (r = 0.497) and family’s economic status (r = 0.182) with the mother’s knowledge of oral health were significant (P <0.05).ConclusionThe level of knowledge of pregnant mothers on their child’s oral and dental health was low, so it seems necessary to hold workshops and provide useful information before or during pregnancy.
Antidiabetic Effects of Scrophularia Striata Ethanolic Extract Via Suppression of Pdx1 And Ins1 Expression In Pancreatic Tissues of Diabetic Rats
Authors: Babaiedarzi Armieti , Ghanbari Saba , seresht Maryam Mehrad , Nasiri Modara
Published: January 2022

Background: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a pathological disease that results in severe metabolic imbalances and abnormal changes in many tissues, especially in the pancreas, where oxidative stress plays an important role in etiology. Therefore, the therapeutic effects of Scrophularia striata were investigated using an animal model in the control of diabetic injury and pancreatic complications caused by diabetes. Methods: A total of 66 rats (weight 220-250 g) were randomly divided into: Healthy Control group; Diabetic control group; 3 experimental healthy groups; 3 treatment groups; and3 pretreatment groups. Diabetes was induced in rats by intraperitoneal STZ (60 mg/kg bw). FBS, HbA1c and insulin were measured after four weeks. Pdx1 and Ins1 gene expression was assessed by RT-PCR. The histological evaluation was also performed with H&E staining. The data were analyzed by SPSS ver20 using ANOVA and Tukey tests.Results: By treatment with S. striata ethanolic extract, these factors were close to the normal range. The expression of the Pdx1 and Ins1 genes increased in the treated rats after treatment with S. striata extract. Conclusions: Therefore, by improving serum indexes and Pdx1 and Ins1 gene expression, S. striata may be used as adjuvant therapy for complications of diabetes.
Evidence of reduced academic performance among school children with helminth infection independent of nutritional status
Authors: Donkoh Emmanuel Timmy , Berkoh Dorice , Boadu Ivy Wina Ofori , Raji Abdul Sakibu , Asamoah Samuel , Fosu-Gyasi Samuel , Otabil Kenneth Bentum , Otoo John Ekow , Yeboah Michael Tawiah , Adobasom-Anane Austin Gideon , Adams Simon Kofi , Debrah Oksana
Published: January 2022

Background
Soil transmitted helminths (STH) pose a formidable health risk to school-age children in resource-limited settings. Unfortunately, mass deworming campaigns have been derailed since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. The present study assessed the cross-sectional associations between STH, nutritional status and academic performance of school children in the Banda District of Ghana.
Methods
School children (5–16 years) (n=275) were recruited through both school and household visits by community health workers using a multi-stage cluster sampling technique. Weight and height measurements were taken for anthropometry, as well as stool microscopy.
Results
Prevalence of geo-helminthiasis was 40.4% (95% CI: 34.6% - 46.2%). STH targeted for elimination by the world health organizations and national programmes were detected among school children. Children with intestinal parasite infection (53.7±11.5) had lower mean academic scores compared to uninfected children (59.6±16.9) (p=0.034). In multiple regression, intestinal parasite infection status and z-scores for weight-for-age showed a collective significant effect on academic score (F (1,117) =8.169, p<0.001, R2=.125).
Conclusion
School children with STH had poorer academic performance compared to uninfected children, in spite of their nutritional status. In addition to school-feeding programmes, school-based mass drug administration campaigns may be critical for improving learning outcomes in young school children.
Genetic and Morphological Comparisons of Lesser Celandine (Ficaria Verna) Invasions Suggest Regionally Widespread Clonal and Sexual Reproduction
Authors: Mattingly Kali Zoe , Day Charles T. C. , Rauschert Emily S. J. , Tayal Aaron , Hovick Stephen M.
Published: January 2022

Both asexual and sexual reproduction can provide important keys to the success of invasive species. A species with the potential for both strategies is lesser celandine (Ficaria verna), a European native with multiple subspecies that have been introduced in North America as ornamentals and escaped cultivation. Although the genetic and morphological diversity of celandine has been studied in Europe, few studies have examined North American populations. We aimed to document genotypic and phenotypic diversity at a regional scale. We compared sequence-related amplified polymorphism (SRAP) genotypes of 64 individuals collected from Columbus, Cleveland, and Cincinnati, OH. We phenotyped 129 individuals from across the same regions and from Louisville, KY, measuring trait values in an outdoor common garden experiment. The SRAP markers were highly polymorphic and revealed surprising genetic diversity. Genetic and trait variation was structured across regions, but we also saw high variation within regions. Cleveland populations differed the most genetically and morphologically, with notably smaller flowers. Of individuals that flowered, many produced expanded achenes, and all regions had individuals that made asexual bulbils. Trait data suggested subspecies verna or ficariiformis may be present in these regions. Their genetically admixed nature, along with achene production and a potential relationship between genetic diversity and the ability to produce achenes all support sexual reproduction. Sexual and asexual propagules may spread by different vectors, and our resistance analyses indicated water dispersal and habitat availability may contribute to genetic structure. These findings suggest celandine may have substantial potential for further spread and for evolutionary change.
Efficiency And Impact Factors of Anatomical Intelligence For Breast And Hand-Held Ultrasound In Lesion Screening: A Pilot Study
Authors: Dai Chaochao , Bao Lingyun , Yan Hongju , Zhu Luoxi , Xu Xiaojing , Tan Yanjuan , Yu Lifang , Yang Jing , Jiang Chenxiang , Shen Yingzhao
Published: January 2022

Objective: To investigate the efficiency and impact factors of anatomical intelligence for breast (AI-Breast) and hand-held ultrasound (HHUS) in lesion screening. Methods: A total of 172 outpatient women were randomly selected, underwent AI-Breast ultrasound (Group AI) once and HHUS twice. HHUS was performed by breast image radiologists (Group A) and general radiologists (Group B). For the AI-Breast examination, a trained technician performed the whole-breast scan and data acquisition, while other general radiologists performed image interpretation. The examination time and lesion detection rate were recorded. The impact factors for breast lesion screening, including breast cup size, lesion number (LN), and benign or malignant lesions were analyzed.Results: Scan times of Groups AI, A, and B were 262.15±40.4 s, 237.5±110.3 s, 281.2±86.1 s, respectively. The scan time of Group AI was significantly higher than Group A (P<0.01), but was slightly lower than Group B (P>0.05). The detection rates of Group AI, A, and B were 92.8±17.0%, 95.0±13.6%, and 85.0±22.9%, respectively. Comparable lesion detection rates were observed in Group AI and Group A (P>0.05), but a significantly lower lesion detection rate was observed in Group B compared to the other two (both P<0.05). Regarding missed diagnosis rates of malignant lesions, comparable performance was observed in Group AI, Group A, and Group B (8% vs. 4% vs. 14%, all P>0.05). We found a strong linear correlation between scan time and cup size in Group AI (r=0.745). No impacts of cup size and LN were found on the lesion detection rate in Group AI (P>0.05). Conclusions: The screening efficiency of AI-Breast ultrasound was comparable to that of a breast image radiologist and superior to that of the general radiologist. AI-Breast ultrasound may be used as a potential approach for breast cancer screening.