bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pengaruh Asap Cair Bambu Tali (Gigantochloa apus) terhadap Pertumbuhan Staphylococcus aureus dan Staphylococcus epidermidis
Authors: Siregar Dessy Imelda Nirmasari , Satwika Dhira , Prakasita Vinsa Cantya
Published: May 2022

Staphylococcus aureus dan Staphylococcus epidermidis merupakan penyebab infeksi pada luka terbuka. Penggunaan antibiotik pada dosis yang berlebih untuk pengobatan infeksi dapat menyebabkan resistensi, oleh karena itu dibutuhkan agen antibakteri alternatif, misal dari tanaman yang dapat membunuh bakteri patogen. Bambu tali merupakan salah satu kekayaan alam yang tumbuh subur di Aek Nauli, Sumatera Utara. Masyarakat setempat menggunakan asap cair bambu tali yang dipercaya dapat mengobati infeksi luka terbuka. Belum banyak kajian potensi asap cair bambu tali, sehingga penelitian ini dilakukan untuk mengkaji potensi asap cair bambu tali sebagai agen antibakteri. Pembuatan asap cair dilakukan dengan melakukan pembakaran bambu tali. Uji fitokimia dilakukan dengan menggunakan GC-MS. Dilakukan uji antibakteri dengan metode difusi agar sumuran, pengukuran nilai MIC dan MBC untuk mengetahui efektivitasnya sebagai agen antibakteri. Hasil GC-MS menunjukkan bahwa senyawa utama yang terkandung dalam cairan asap bambu tali adalah furan, fenol dan asam lemak. Hasil uji antibakteri metode difusi agar menunjukkan bahwa asap cair bambu tali dapat menghambat pertumbuhan bakteri pada konsentrasi 20%. Didapatkan nilai MIC dan MBC 5% asap cair tali bambu terhadap Staphylococcus aureus dan Staphylococcus epidermidis.
AGGRESSIVE ACTION IDENTIFICATION IN AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER USING VIDEO ANALYSIS
Authors: Shanmughapriya M  , Poojashree S  , Monica G  , Jayanthi K
Published: May 2022

Autism Spectrum Disorder ASD is a clinical condition associated with brain development. It affects how a person perceives the world, Pathological symptoms of ASD varies from mild to severe. Repetitive action or pattern of action is often associated with ASD. One of the main concerns of autistic children is the aggressive behavior that can be directed towards them, which may lead to self injuries. Constant monitoring is required in case of autism with aggressive behavior to prevent self injuries. The proposed work aims to recognize three classes of violent action namely head banging against wall or any object, arm flapping continuously and spinning uncontrollably from video data. The proposed work uses a 3DCNN model with Skeleton Joint features for recognizing the said actions. The accuracy of proposed model is 83.56% in dataset validation. The cross data accuracy is about 65%. The proposed work also aims at analyzing the difficulties in live video analysis and recognition of actions from live stream video. The self-stimulatory behavior dataset – SSBD is used is this work.
KEYWORDS— 3DCNN, Deep Learning, Action Recognition, Autism Spectrum Disorder
Meruntuhkan Narasi Radikalisme (Studi Tentang Ayat-Ayat Moderasi Beragama dalam Alquran)
Authors: Saifuddin Saifuddin , Wachidah Hajar Nurma , Syarif M.
Published: May 2022

Islam menawarkan jalan hidup damai, saling menghormati antar sesama dan mengakui keragaman dan perbedaan. Jalan hidup dalam kedamaian yang ditawarkan bahkan sangat sesuai dengan nama yang disandangnya yakni Islam yang bermakna “selamat” dan “damai”. Ke-Islaman seseorang yang telah diikrarkan dalam jiwa dan pemikirannya sepatutnya mengantarkannya menjadi duta perdamaian dimanapun dalam kondisi apapun. Dalam kenyataannya, ajaran damai dalam Islam acapkali disalahartikan oleh sebagian pemeluknya. Terdapat kelompok dalam Islam yang mengimplementasikan ajaran Islam dengan perangai yang sangat kaku dan kasar, memonopoli kebenaran agama dari perspektif kelompoknya saja. Pada titik tertentu, cara beragama yang mengedepankan kepongahan dan arogansi seperti ini, akan menjebak seseorang dalam perilaku ekstrimisme. Ekstrimisme sendiri terdiri dari tiga unsur; ekstrimisme ideologi, ekstrimisme takfiri dan ekstrimisme jihadis. Ketiganya merupakan benalu bagi kelangsungan peradaban umat manusia. Maka dari itu, konsep “damai” dalam beragama harus terus menerus diberikan penggung yang luas. Agar konsep ini mendapatkan legitimasi yang kokoh, maka harus digagas sebuah konstruksi pemikiran yang bersumber dari kitab suci Alquran. Dalam tulisan ini, penulis menyajikan ayat-ayat Alquran yang berperspektif perdamaian dan moderasi beragama serta multikulturalisme sebagai landasan untuk membangun kontra-narasi terhadap merebaknya fenomena keberagamaan yang anti keragaman dan berujung pada sikap ekstrimisme. Sudah menjadi keharusan bagi umat manusia sebagai “pengguna” kitab untuk membumikan kalam tersebut agar tujuan diciptakannya manusia sebagai khalifah fil ardl. Khalifah yang dikehendaki Tuhan tentu bukanlah sekelompok manusia beringas yang gemar menebar ancaman dan ketakutan kepada sesama manusia. Tetapi khalifah yang membangun peradaban umat manusia yang mengedepankan kesantunan dan harmoni.
Plan experimental de mezclas para diseñar un sistema de tratamiento de sustratos no convencionales para producir etanol
Authors: Miño Valdés Juan Esteban , De la Cruz Soriano Raquel , González Suárez Erenio , Pedraza Gárciga Julio
Published: May 2022

El objetivo de este trabajo fue obtener los modelos de mezcla más adecuados para la producción de alcohol y diseñar en condiciones de incertidumbre las diferentes etapas para el tratamiento de los sustratos antes del proceso fermentativo. Primero se obtiene una mezcla adecuada de sustratos para la fermentación alcohólica a escala de laboratorio, a partir de un diseño experimental de enrejado simple, considerando un 30% volumen de miel final como base de los experimentos para la formulación de las mezclas. A partir de la definición de los flujos másicos, se procede al diseño de la planta de tratamiento de sustratos no convencionales. Se realiza un análisis de las variables de proceso y de diseño, determinando las que poseen incertidumbre, ajustándose a una función uniforme, a partir de la cual con el empleo del software DISMA se generaron variables aleatorias y se procesaron estadísticamente, con lo que se obtiene el valor más probable de al variable para realizar el diseño. Se obtienen beneficios económicos para esta inversión por los indicadores económicos dinámicos y estáticos, además del beneficioso impacto tecnológico, ambiental y social que significa.
Control de una Bomba Centrífuga Monofásica Comercial para Irrigación de Huertas Rurales Utilizando Energía Solar Fotovoltaica
Authors: Botterón Fernando , Rojas Juan , Aguirre Yonatan
Published: May 2022

Se propone en este trabajo, una estrategia de control para bombas centrífugas monofásicas, comandadas por inversores monofásicos PWM alimentados en tensión, desde un banco de baterías, las cuales se cargan por un conjunto de paneles fotovoltaicos. La estrategia consta de un control indirecto de torque a través del control de la corriente del estator, conformando el mismo un lazo interno, y de un lazo externo de control de la velocidad angular del eje. Para evitar el uso de sensores de velocidad, se implementa un estimador de velocidad adaptativo robusto, con base en la medida de la corriente y tensión del estator del motor impulsor. Para el lazo de corriente son propuestos dos controladores: un proporcional-integral (PI) y otro basado en el Principio del Modelo Interno (PMI), especíﬁcamente un resonante, a modo de realizar un análisis comparativo de desempeño transitorio y de régimen estacionario; y, en cada caso operando con el lazo de velocidad anteriormente descrito. El desarrollo presentado se valida mediante resultados de simulación, los cuales presentan un muy buen desempeño con un buen rechazo a perturbaciones de torque.
La Incertidumbre en el diseño de un reactor para la producción de ácido fosfórico
Authors: Pedraza Gárciga Julio , González Suárez Erenio , Miñó Valdés Juan Esteban
Published: May 2022

El objetivo de este trabajo fue hacer un análisis para el proyecto de un reactor en una instalación industrial para la producción de ácido fosfórico considerando la incertidumbre en los parámetros de diseño. Se incluyó una actualización del estado del arte de los métodos para considerar la incertidumbre en los procesos químicos, señalando las diferentes tendencias que se utilizan hoy en el mundo científico en el análisis y diseño de estos procesos. Se destacó la importancia tecnológica, económica y ambiental de estas técnicas y se ejemplificó a través del cálculo del volumen de un reactor para la obtención de ácido fosfórico.
Potensi dan Masalah dalam Pembelajaran Tahsin Al-Qur’an untuk Meningkatkan Kemampuan Membaca Al-Qur’an Mahasiswa
Authors: Suwarno Suwarno , Ramadan Ramadan , Fitri Susanti Arian
Published: May 2022

Tahsin al-Qur’an merupakan upaya untuk membaguskan bacaan al-Qur’an agar terhindar dari kesalahan, kesalahan dalam membaca al-Qur’an disebut lahn. Kesalahan dalam membaca al-Qur’aan bisa berakibat dosa apabila sampai merusak makna al-Qur’an. Dalam pembelajaran tahsin al-Qur’an pada mahasiswa masih sering terjadi kesalahan yang penulis jumpai seperti bacaan panjang, dengung, dan kesalahan berhenti. Tujuan penelitian ini adalah untuk menemukan potensi dan masalah dalam pembelajaran tahsin al-Qur’an sekaligus menawarkan solusi untuk mengatasinya. Metode penelitian yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini adalah metode penelitian kualitatif. Obyek penelitian adalah mahasiswa dan dosen STAIN Gajah Putih Takengon Aceh Tengah. Teknik pengumpulan data menggunakan wawancara dan observasi. Kemudian data yang telah terkumpul dianalisis dengan analisis deskriptif analitis.  Hasil penelitian diketahui bahwa potensi dalam pembelajaran tahsin al-Qur’an adalah mahasiswa yang bisa dikembangkan kemampuannya, sedangkan permasalahan utama dalam pembelajaran tahs?n al-Qur’an adalah penggunaan bahan ajar yang bergantung selera dosen pengampu mata kuliah. Maka peneliti merekomendasikan agar dikembangkan bahan ajar untuk pembelajaran tahsin al-Qur’an yang sesuai kebutuhan mahasiswa
Metode penelitian yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini adalah metode penelitian kualitatif. Teknik pengumpulan data menggunakan wawancara dan observasi. Kemudian data yang telah terkumpul dianalisis dengan analisis deskriptif analitik.
Hasil penelitian diketahui bahwa permasalahan utama dalam pembelajaran ta?s?n al-Qur’?n adalah penggunaan bahan ajar yang digunakan berdasarkan selera dosen pengampu mata kuliah. Maka peneliti merekomendasikan agar dikembangkan bahan ajar untuk pembelajaran ta?s?n al-Qur’?n.
The Influence of Good Corporate Governance, Company Size, Profitability, and Leverage on Profit Management
Authors: Damayanty Prisila , Ayuningtyas Mutiara , Oktaviyanti Oktaviyanti
Published: May 2022

This study was conducted with the aim of analyzing the effect of institutional ownership, audit committee, firm size, profitability, and leverage on earnings management. The population used in this study were all manufacturing companies listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange (IDX) in 2016 – 2018. The sample in this study was 44 companies using the purposive sampling method. Hypothesis testing in this study using multiple linear regression analysis. The results showed that institutional ownership, audit committee, firm size, ROE and DER had no effect on earnings management, while ROA had a positive effect on earnings management. Simultaneously institutional ownership, audit committee, firm size, ROA, ROE, and DER affect earnings management.
Imaginação em psicologia
Authors: Carletti Renan Silva , Ferreira Júlia Santa Clara de Azevedo
Published: May 2022

O presente artigo é uma tradução do texto de Gordon Allport chamado “Imagination in Psychology: Some Steps of Execution” publicado em 1964 no livro “Imagination and the University”. Situado em uma época de embate entre a psicanálise e a psicologia comportamental, Allport percebe na fenomenologia uma forma de possibilitar novos olhares para as questões epistemológicas enfrentadas na Psicologia. Para ele, há um grupo chamado de reducionistas, que defende uma única perspectiva teórica para abordagem das questões psicológicas. Diferente disso, Allport propõe uma perspectiva que se assemelha a um pluralismo sistemático, ou seja, é possível se utilizar de diversas teorias para analisar um mesmo problema. O crivo para selecionar quais os conceitos deverão ser utilizados em uma teoria é o próprio profissional junto à sua capacidade imaginativa. Allport encerra o texto de forma esperançosa, condicionando as contribuições da Psicologia às diversas áreas da sociedade, ao amadurecimento de suas reflexões e aos debates internos.
The Therapeutic Importance Of Coenzyme Q10
Authors: Hargreaves IP
Published: May 2022

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is commonly thought of as a vitamin, although it is synthesised in most cell types apart from red blood cells [1]. CoQ10 provides a number of important functions in normal cell metabolism, in particular its role in ATP generation via its electron carrier role in the mitochondrial respiratory chain. In addition, CoQ10 is an important lipid soluble antioxidant which protects cellular membrane lipoproteins against free radical induced oxidative damage.
Stage IV breast cancer surgery: neoadjuvant treatment with Miller-Payne grade 3 response and subsequent surgery.
Authors: García-Redondo M , Pareja-López Á , Rodríguez-Alonso JM , Reina-Duarte ÁJ
Published: May 2022

Introducción:El cáncer de mama metastásico se considera una enfermedad incurable. Menos del 7% de las pacientes se encuentran en estadio IV o M1 al diagnóstico. Alrededor del 30-40% desarrollarán metástasis a lo largo de la enfermedad. Aunque el tratamiento sistémico es el principal en estas pacientes, en algunos casos la cirugía puede tener intención curativa.

Caso clínico:Mujer de 24 años diagnosticada de carcinoma infiltrante de mama de tipo no especial metastásico, con inmunohistoquímica compatible con subtipo Luminal B. Tras 9 meses de tratamiento sistémico se observa respuesta completa de focos metastásicos, así como una respuesta del primario grado 3 de Miller-Payne. Se propone tumorectomía del tumor primario, con resultado de ypT1c. La paciente continúa asintomática y libre de enfermedad tras 2 años de seguimiento.

Discusión:Actualmente la cirugía del tumor primario en el cáncer de mama metastásico puede modificar el pronóstico, beneficiándose un grupo de pacientes seleccionadas. Debe ofrecerse como complemento a la terapia sistémica siempre y cuando garanticemos márgenes quirúrgicos libres.
Bowel obstruction caused by fitobezoar in a COVID-19+ patient. reconsidering dogmas in emergency surgery?
Authors: Córcoles Córcoles M , Garrigós Ortega G , Martínez Albaladejo P , Pérez-Rubio Á , Trullenque Juan R
Published: May 2022

Los fitobezoares son una colección de material vegetal formados por celulosa y hemicelulosa, retenido en el tracto gastrointestinal.

Presentamos el caso de un paciente con obstrucción intestinal por fitobezoar e infección concomitante por COVID-19, en el cual se consiguió la resolución del cuadro obstructivo con manejo conservador mediante la administración de celulasa vía oral sin presentar efectos adversos.

En casos seleccionados y sin sospecha de sufrimiento intestinal, el tratamiento con celulosa de la oclusión intestinal por un fitobezoar podría ser una alternativa al tratamiento clásico quirúrgico.
Ieskats mācību procesa kvalitātes pilnveides stratēģijās
Authors:   Liepājas Universitāte. Izglītības zinātņu institūts, Ročāne Maija , Samuseviča Alīda ,   Liepājas Universitāte. Izglītības zinātņu institūts
Published: May 2022

The aim of the publication: to summarise the theoretical findings on pedagogical strategies for improving the quality of the learning process, is achieved by highlighting the importance of the organisation of the assessment process and feedback, as well as by describing the impact of pedagogical attitudes and beliefs in promoting students' motivation to learn. According to the aim of this publication, the article highlights the specificity of assessment strategies, the objectives and requirements of the assessment and the pedagogical potential of assessment implementation. The characterisation of feedback and learning motivation raises pedagogical prerequisites for didactic effectiveness in the learning process. The analysis of theoretical findings confirms that pedagogically competent implementation of assessment, feedback and motivation strategies promote teaching and learning, meaningfully developing students' minds and thinking skills, improves analysis of students' learning skills and motivation, and promotes students' awareness of the regularities of the quality of the learning process and self-growth. This significantly improves students' understanding of the importance of learning and develops attitudes which contribute both to students' individual achievement and to teachers' professional competence. Analysis of the pedagogical potential of learning strategies shows that the results of the learning process are always based on the cooperation between students and teachers, reflecting the quality of pedagogical activity and didactic interaction. The mutual trust between students and teachers in the learning process, cooperation and interaction based on respectful relationships and attitudes, contributes to personalised learning, and becomes a sustainable basis for the functioning of professional learning communities of teachers in educational institutions, which promotes and enhances professional synergies for the sustainability of education.
PROBLEMS OF IMPROVING PROFESSIONAL TRAINING OF FUTURE HISTORY TEACHERS
Authors: Baxramovich Yarmatov Raximboy ,   DSc, Associate professor, Jizzakh State Pedagogial Institute, Uzbekistan
Published: May 2022

Views were made on the problems of improving the professional training of future history teachers, as well as the components of their professional skills.
TECHNOLOGIES FOR TEACHING STUDENTS TO CRITICAL THINKING
Authors:   Associate Professor of Technological Education, Bukhara State University, Uzbekistan, Rasulova Z.D.
Published: May 2022

The article addresses issues such as creating new insights in students through critical thinking, helping them to rebuild their previous knowledge and imaginations, and creating a broad basis for longterm understanding of new information.
DEVELOP THINKING AND COMMUNICATION THROUGH ACTIVE LISTENING
Authors:   Doctoral Student, Namangan State University, Namangan, Uzbekistan, Isabayeva Asida
Published: May 2022

This article scientifically covers the development of thinking and communication in preschool children through the formation of listening skills. There are also games for preschoolers to develop thinking and communication through the use of active listening.
CONDITIONS AND FACTORS OF FORMATION OF CIVIC ACTIVISM OF STUDENT YOUTH
Authors:   Lecturer At Karshi State University Kashkadarya, Uzbekistan, Abdukodirovich Khabibulla Muratov
Published: May 2022

In the matter of organizing educational work, it is important to pay special attention to the process of adaptation of first-year students, since a sharp change in the environment can lead to nervous breakdowns and stress. Among the main difficulties, we can note the experiences associated with leaving the school team, the lack of independent work skills, the inability to carry out psychological self-regulation of behavior and activities, the search for a comfortable mode of work and rest in new conditions, etc. Therefore, the main task facing the educational institution is - create comfortable conditions, promote the inclusion of first-year students in new activities and social circles. Of particular relevance in the formation of civic activity of young people is educational work at school and university. It is very important, in our opinion, to pay attention to the continuity of civic education at school and university. This is an important factor contributing to the formation of civic activity in a young person.
Determination of the dielectric constant of non-planar nanostructures and single nanoparticles by Electrostatic Force Microscopy
Authors: Fuhrmann Marc , Musyanovych Anna , Thoelen Ronald , Möbius Hildegard
Published: May 2022

Electrostatic Force Microscopy has been proven to be a precise and versatile tool to perform quantitative measurements of the dielectric constants of nanoparticles and thin film structures. In this work, an alternative approach based on direct current (DC) linear lift mode is presented. The difference to conventional lift mode measurements is based on the elimination of topographical influences in electrostatic field measurements. Thus, the electrostatic potential penetrating the dielectric material remains constant to accurately predict field changes based solely on the dielectric properties. Measurements of polystyrene (PS), polylactide (PLA) and polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) nanoparticles show that the presented technique can detect differences in dielectric constants based on material properties.
Stress, Anxiety and Mental well-being among Nursing students: A Descriptive-Correlational study
Authors: Calong Calong Kathyrine , Comendador Judalyn
Published: May 2022

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has affected everyone's health and well-being and has resulted in the shift of conventional face-to-face classes to online instruction. This has had major negative effects on students who are facing the difficulty of online classes in terms of their physical and mental health. 

Objectives: The study determined the relationship between stress and anxiety on emotional social and psychological well-being among nursing students. 

Methods: The study utilized descriptive cross-sectional research and a purposive sample of 210 nursing students was included in the study. The data were collected from November 2020 to December 2020. The Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10), General Anxiety Disorders Scale (GAD-7), and Mental Health Continuum-Short Form (MHC-SF) (which measures emotional, psychological, and social well-being) were used to collect the necessary data. Frequency, percentage, mean, standard deviation, and Pearson's r correlation were utilized to analyze the gathered data. 

Results: The participants were shown to have a moderate level of stress (M=19.53; SD=±3.29), moderate level of anxiety (M=14.43; SD=±7.62), and moderate mental health. Further, stress was shown to have a significant negative correlation with emotional well-being (r= -0.218; p=0.000), social well-being (r= -0.175; p=0.000), psychological well-being (r= -0.219; 0.000), and the over-all mental well-being (r= -0.222, p=0.000). Also, it was noted that anxiety has a significant negative relationship with emotional well-being (r= -0.418; p=0.000), social well-being (r= -0.280; p=0.000), psychological well-being (r= -0.331; p=0.000) and over-all mental well-being (r= -0.362; p=0.000). 

Conclusion: In light of mental health concerns among nursing students, faculty and administrators have a professional responsibility to address foreseeable psychological stressors and promote the mental well-being of students in their institution. The protection and development of mental well-being will allow students to maintain academic excellence and facilitate future success.
ROLE OF MICROFINANCE AND SELF-HELP GROUPS IN FINANCIAL INCLUSION
Authors:   Lecturer in Commerce, Government College for Men, Kurnool-518002, Balasubramanyam K
Published: May 2022

The importance of the rural banking and microfinance in the economic development of a country cannot be overlooked. As Mahatma Gandhi pointed out “Real India Lives in Villages’, and village economy is the backbone of Indian economy the existing extensive formal banking structure is still not sufficient to meet the growing demand of rural credit. Financial inclusion is delivery of financial services more especially the banking services at an affordable cost to vast sections of disadvantaged and low-income groups. Financial inclusion aims at drawing the “Unbanked” population into the formal financial system so that they have the opportunity to access financial services ranging from savings, payments, and transfers to credit and insurance. Major commercial banks in India have been nationalized with the objective of establishing a strong financial structure and therby paying the path for the economic and social development of the nation. It is now widely acknowldeged that financial exclusion leads to non-accessibility, non-affordability and non-availability of financial products. Limited access to funds in an underdeveloped financial system restricts the availability of their own funds to individuals and also leads to high-cost credit from informal sources such as moneylenders. Due to lack of access to a bank account and remittance facilities, the individual pays higher charges for basic financial transactions. Absence of bank account also leads to security threat and loss of interest by holding cash. All these impose real costs on individuals. Prolonged and persistent deprivation of banking services to a large segment of the population leads to a decline in investment and has the potential to fuel social tensions causing social exclusion. Thus, financial inclusion is an explicit strategy for accelerated economic growth and is considered to be critical for achieving inclusive growth in the country.
TRATAMENTO NA MENOPAUSA: MEDICINA ORTOMOLECULAR DIFERENCIADA PARA UMA VIDA SAUDÁVEL
Authors: De Abreu Agrela Rodrigues Fabiano
Published: May 2022

A menopausa é um período vida da mulher que ocorre entre os 45 e 55 anos de idade e corresponde ao período que se inicia após um ano da última menstruação. Ela representa o fim do ciclo menstrual e da produção de hormônios. Esse momento atribulado de transição produz diversas mudanças físicas e neuropsicológicas com a manifestação de vários sintomas que prejudicam o bemestar da mulher durante essa fase. Por essa razão, muitas mulheres buscam diferentes formas de tratamentos convencionais e alternativos para aliviar os sintomas. Dentre os tratamentos alternativos, a medicina ortomolecular apresenta uma opção para o alívio dos sintomas de maneira natural e individualizada. O objetivo desse artigo é apresentar os benefícios da medicina  ortomolecular para tratamento dos sintomas da menopausa.
Variability Selected Active Galactic Nuclei from ASAS-SN Survey: Constraining the Low Luminosity AGN Population
Authors: Yuk Heechan , Dai Xinyu , Jayasinghe T. , Fu Hai , Mishra Hora D. , Kochanek Christopher S. , Shappee Benjamin J. , Stanek K. Z.
Published: May 2022

Low luminosity active galactic nuclei (LLAGN) probe accretion physics in the low Eddington regime can provide additional clues about galaxy evolution. AGN variability is ubiquitous and thus provides a reliable tool for finding AGN. We analyze the All-Sky Automated Survey for SuperNovae light curves of 1218 galaxies with g < 14 mag and Sloan Digital Sky Survey spectra in search of AGN. We find 37 objects that are both variable and have AGN-like structure functions, which is about 3% of the sample. The majority of the variability selected AGN are LLAGN with Eddington ratios ranging from 10−4 to 10−2. We thus estimate the fraction of LLAGN in the population of galaxies as 2% down to a median Eddington ratio of 2 × 10−3. Combining the BPT line ratio AGN diagnostics and the broad-line AGN, up to ∼60% of the AGN candidates are confirmed spectroscopically. The BPT diagnostics also classified 10%–30% of the candidates as star-forming galaxies rather than AGN.
Thermal Equilibrium Solutions of Black Hole Accretion Flows: Outflows versus Advection
Authors: Wu Wen-Biao , Gu Wei-Min , Sun Mouyuan
Published: May 2022

Observations and numerical simulations have shown that outflows generally exist in the accretion process. We revisit the thermal equilibrium solutions of black hole accretion flows by including the role of outflows. Our study focuses on the comparison of the cooling rate of outflows with that of advection. Our results show that, except for the inner region, outflows can dominate over advection in a wide range of flows, which is in good agreement with previous numerical simulations. We argue that an advection-dominated inner region together with an outflow-dominated outer region should be a general radial distribution for both super-Eddington accretion flows and optically thin flows with low accretion rates.
Spectroscopic Signature of a Re-established Accretion Disk in Symbiotic-like Recurrent Nova RS Ophiuchi
Authors: Azzollini Alessandra , Shore Steven N , Paul Kuin N.
Published: May 2022

A novel method is presented which can pin down the time the accretion disk re-established itself in the RS Oph system after it experienced a nova disruption. The method is based on the re-ionization of the ejecta by photoionization from the radiation released in the boundary layer from accretion.
The Behavior of HgMn Stars in the Far UV-3: 53 Tau and HD 35548
Authors: Monier Richard
Published: May 2022

The analysis of high resolution SWP spectra of the HgMn stars HD 27295 (53 Tau) and HD 33548 obtained through the large aperture recorded by the International Ultraviolet Explorer reveals that the far ultraviolet flux of these two stars remained constant over the various observations with IUE. The TESS lightcurves of 53 Tau show a periodic sine structure with a period estimated to be around 4.43 days whereas that of HD 35548 do not show evidence for periodic variability. The absence of far and mid-UV variability of these two stars precludes the presence of large chemical gradients over their surfaces at the time of the IUE observations.
Quality Assessment of Stereophotoclinometry as a Shape Modeling Method Using a Synthetic Asteroid
Authors: Weirich John , Palmer Eric E. , Daly Michael G. , Barnouin Olivier S. , Getzandanner Kenneth , Kidd John N. , Adam Coralie D. , Gaskell Robert , Lauretta Dante S.
Published: May 2022

The stereophotoclinometry (SPC) software suite has been used to generate global digital terrain models (DTMs) of many asteroids and moons, and was the primary tool used by the Origins, Spectral Interpretation, Resource Identification, and Security-Regolith Explorer (OSIRIS-REx) mission to model the shape of asteroid Bennu. We describe the dedicated preflight testing of SPC for the OSIRIS-REx mission using a synthetic “truth” asteroid model. SPC has metrics that determine the internal consistency of a DTM, but it was not known how these metrics are related to the absolute accuracy of a DTM, which was important for the operational needs of the mission. The absolute accuracy of an SPC-generated DTM cannot be determined without knowing the truth topography. Consequently, we developed a realistic, but synthetic, computer-generated representation of asteroid Bennu, photographed this synthetic truth model in an imaging campaign similar to that planned for the OSIRIS-REx mission, and then generated a global SPC DTM from these images. We compared the SPC DTM, which was represented by a radius every 70 cm across the asteroid surface, to the synthetic truth model to assess the absolute accuracy. We found that the internal consistency can be used to determine the 3D root-mean-square accuracy of the model to within a factor of two of the absolute accuracy.
Leptospiral infection: a serosurvey in urban and rural communities in Olavarría county, Argentina
Authors: Rivero Mariana Alejandra , Scialfa Exequiel Alejandro , Appendino Héctor Mario , Barbero Melina , Barragán Paola , Martin Félix Carlos , Morón Betsabé , Silva Julia Analia , Tisnés Adela , Estein Silvia Marcela , Signorini Marcelo Lisandro , González Ayala Silvia Elena , Bolpe Jorge
Published: May 2022

Introduction: Leptospirosis is a neglected zoonotic disease, affecting mainly poor and vulnerable populations.

Methodology: A cross sectional-study was carried out in 557 subjects from Olavarría county (Argentina) to estimate the seroprevalence of leptospirosis and the factors associated with seropositivity. A survey was carried out to obtain clinical and epidemiological data. Serum was tested for anti-leptospiral antibodies by Microscopic Agglutination Test (MAT). Chi-square or Fisher Exact tests were used to assess association between the MAT results and the exploratory variables. For the variables statistically associated, odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were calculated. Individuals from Olavarría city were georeferenced to describe the spatial distribution and to detect clusters of seropositivity for leptospiral antibodies.

Results: The overall prevalence of leptospirosis infection was 7.00%, higher in rural (19.66%) than in urban populations (3.64%) (p < 0.001). Sejroe was the most predominant serogroup in rural communities while Icterohaemorrhagiae was the most prevalent in urban populations. The factors associated with Leptospira infection were the presence of rodents inside households (OR = 3.9) in rural populations, while contact with cats (OR = 4.97) and male gender (OR = 7.75) represented higher risk of infection for the urban ones. Cases with positive serology have been found near Tapalqué stream or in the peripheral areas of Olavarría city.

Conclusions: The results from data obtained during the study period were similar to other reports and demonstrate the importance of continuous epidemiological surveillance system and specific community educational campaigns to prevent the leptospirosis infection in Olavarría county and other communities with similar characteristics especially in rural areas.
Predictors of tuberculosis knowledge among mothers of under-fives, seen at Bingham University Teaching Hospital, Jos Nigeria
Authors: Asuke Sunday , Isah Haroun Omeiza , Jimoh Adenike Oluwayemisi , Achema Timothy
Published: May 2022

Introduction: Globally, tuberculosis still remains a disease of public health concern and accounts for high morbidity and mortality particularly in developing countries, where it is fuelled by a number of factors.

Methodology: Through a cross-sectional descriptive study, this study aims to determine the predictors of knowledge about TB among 261 mothers of children under 5 years of age attending Child Welfare Clinic, Bingham University Teaching Hospital, Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria.

Results: The mean age of the mothers was 31.54 ± 5.28 years, and 249 (98.4%) aware of TB. About two-third having sufficient knowledge and positive attitude regarding TB. Significant statistical association was found between knowledge and attainment of post-secondary education (OR 4.0; 95% CI 12.09, 7.63; p ˂ 0.001), monthly income ≤ 25,000 naira (OR 2.18; 95% CI 1.02, 4.65; p = 0.042), monthly income > 51,000 naira (OR 3.24; 95% CI 1.43, 7.31; p = 0.005), women engaged in business (OR 0.43; 95% CI 0.22, 0.83; p = 0.012) and possessing positive attitude (OR 3.87; 95% CI 2.16, 6.93; p ˂ 0.001) in the univariate analysis. However, in the multivariate logistic regression, it was only attitude that was found to be a predictor of TB knowledge of mothers.

Conclusions: TB knowledge among the mothers was high, only attitude regarding thoughts and beliefs about TB was found as an independent predictor of TB knowledge. With the positive influence of attitude on knowledge among the mothers, it is recommended that this be strengthened for sustenance to prevent further infection.
Use of qRT-PCR for SARS-CoV-2 sgRNA leader for the therapeutic plan: a preliminary report on 10 patients
Authors: Petcharat Sininat , Virojanapirom Phatthamon , Putcharoen Opass , Wacharapluesadee Supaporn , Hemachudha Thiravat
Published: May 2022

Introduction: Duration of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) shedding is important for infection control. The presence of SARS-CoV-2 subgenomic RNA (sgRNA) leader indicates that the virus is replicative. This study examined the shedding duration of SARS-CoV-2 sgRNA leader and genomic RNA (gRNA) in diverse respiratory specimens.

Methodology: One hundred and eleven respiratory specimens collected sequentially from 10 COVID-19 patients with real-time RT-PCR SARS-CoV-2 orf1ab gene confirmed positive admitted to King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital were examined for SARS-CoV-2 E sgRNA leader and E gRNA by using Real-time reverse transcription PCR (qRT-PCR). These specimens included nasopharyngeal swab and throat swabs, nasal swab and throat swabs, sputum, and endotracheal aspirate, and were collected from the first day of admission until the time of orf1ab real-time RT-PCR negative of at least 2-4 consecutive days.

Results: E sgRNA leader could only be detectable in specimens with ≥ 1E+05 virus E gene copies per ml within the first 15 days after hospitalization. SARS-CoV-2 sgRNA leader was undetectable from one to 15 days earlier than that of gRNA in all patients. Re-shedding of sgRNA was evident in 2 cases, both on a single occasion after being undetectable for 3-10 days.

Conclusions: Assessment of the presence of sgRNA leader may be useful for therapeutic planning.
Hepatitis C virus genotypes and viremia in a tertiary hospital in Istanbul, Turkey
Authors: Alacam Sema , Bakir Ayfer , Karatas Aysel
Published: May 2022

Introduction: The World Health Organization estimates that 71 million people with chronic HCV infection lived worldwide in 2015. HCV is a globally prevalent pathogen, that genotype1 is the most common. In this study, the prevalence of anti-HCV, distributions of HCV genotype, and viremia rates in patients with chronic hepatitis C were evaluated.

Methodology: In this retrospective single-center study, anti-HCV results of 197,081 patients were evaluated between 2017 and 2020. Quantitative HCV-RNA PCR tests were performed on the Rotor-Gene Q real-time PCR instrument. HCV genotypes determination of 546 samples was carried out with the Gen-C 2.0 Reverse Hybridization strip and HCV Genotype Plus Real-TM kit.

Results: The prevalence of anti-HCV was 0.95% and viremic HCV infection was 0.3% (610/197,081). HCV viremia rate was 33.17%. HCV viremia rate was highest in 2017 (52.36%) and the lowest in 2020 (18.3%) (p < 0.001). Genotype1 (72%) was the most common genotype, followed by genotype3 (14.1%), and genotype4 (8.8%). The most common subtypes were determined as genotype1b (56.2%) and genotype1a (13.2%). The viral load was higher in patients infected with genotype5.

Conclusions: In this study, the rate of viremic HCV infection was found to be 0.3%. This rate was lower than the worldwide rate of HCV viremia. The distribution of HCV genotypes was like the global data. The identification of circulating genotypes and subtypes is essential for epidemiological purposes and remains important in the choice of treatment in patients with chronic HCV.
Identification of SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern in vaccine-breakthrough infections
Authors: Abdalhamid Baha , Donahue Matthew , Kamal-Ahmed Ishrat , Strand Kyle , Mitchell Elizabeth , Iwen Peter C
Published: May 2022

Not Applicable
COVID-19 public health measures reduce the incidence of respiratory infectious diseases
Authors: Wan Zhenzhou , Wang Yulin , Liang Jiao , Cao Yueqin , Lu Renfei , Zhang Chiyu
Published: May 2022

Background: Children and the elderly are two special subpopulations for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and respiratory tract infections (RTIs). The study aimed to evaluate the effect of COVID-19 public health measures on the burden of RTIs in China by performing a two-center investigation.

Methods: The electronic medical records of all inpatients in departments of pediatrics and respiratory medicine of Taizhou Fourth People’s Hospital (Taizhou, China) and Shaanxi Provincial People’s Hospital (Xi’an, China) during January 1, 2019 to June 30, 2021 were analyzed. A total of 18,084 child inpatients and 14,802 adult inpatients were included.

Results: The vast majority (88.3%-90.6%) of the adult inpatients were the elderly, aged over 50 years. The numbers of child and adult (elderly) inpatients, and the proportions of RTI-associated diseases substantially decreased during COVID-19 pandemic (2020-2021) compared to that before the pandemic (2019) in Taizhou and Xi’an. A significantly higher proportion of LRTI-associated diseases was observed in elderly female inpatients (53.4-55.6%) than elderly male inpatients (34.3-41.5%) (p < 0.001) in spite of more male inpatients than female inpatients (1.94-1.95:1).

Conclusions: COVID-19-related interventions provide an additional beneficial effect on reduction of RTI-associated diseases in both children and the elderly.
Comparison of technical measures in the Aegean Sea to support harmonization of fisheries management policies
Authors: Dereli Hakkı , Ünal Vahdet , Miliou Anastasia , Tsimpidis Theodoros , Trompouki Ifigeneia , Tosunoğlu Zafer , Alexopoulos Konstantinos , Ulman Aylin
Published: May 2022

The Aegean Sea features an important archipelago in the Eastern Mediterranean, consisting of 60 inhabited islands, more than 1400 uninhabited islands, about 60–70 commercial marine taxa, along many vulnerable species. Fisheries are mainly coastal and are exploited by Greek and Turkish fishers. The multi-species and multi-gear fisheries operate within each country’s 6-nautical mile territorial sea and in the international waters of the Aegean Sea. As the fisheries resources are currently declining in this region, it is clear that current management initiatives are ineffective and would benefit from a new regime aiming to improve the state of the commercial marine resources. This study offers a comparative analysis of certain fishing gear technical measures applied by Greece and Turkey in the Aegean Sea. Identified differences can provide clear and helpful insights for decision-makers for the development of a new and productive management approach in Aegean waters. The fishery regulations were shown to be highly variable, sharing few similarities and stressing many more differences, thus rendering the current management of the shared fish stocks unsustainable. The resources of both states would greatly benefit from the harmonization of management measures focusing on an ecosystem approach to fisheries, and incorporating fishers as stakeholders.
A triad of kicknet sampling, eDNA metabarcoding, and predictive modeling to assess richness of mayflies, stoneflies and caddisflies in rivers
Authors: Keck François , Hürlemann Samuel , Locher Nadine , Stamm Christian , Deiner Kristy , Altermatt Florian
Published: May 2022

Monitoring biodiversity is essential to understand the impacts of human activities and for effective management of ecosystems. Thereby, biodiversity can be assessed through direct collection of targeted organisms, through indirect evidence of their presence (e.g. signs, environmental DNA, camera trap, etc.), or through extrapolations from species distribution and species richness models. Differences in approaches used in biodiversity assessment, however, may come with individual challenges and hinder cross-study comparability. In the context of rapidly developing techniques, we compared three different approaches in order to better understand assessments of aquatic macroinvertebrate diversity. Specifically, we compared the community composition and species richness of three orders of aquatic macroinvertebrates (mayflies, stoneflies, and caddisflies, hereafter EPT) obtained via eDNA metabarcoding and via traditional in situ kicknet sampling to catchment-level based predictions of a species richness model. We used kicknet data from 24 sites in Switzerland and compared taxonomic lists to those obtained using eDNA amplified with two different primer sets. Richness detected by these methods was compared to the independent predictions made by a statistical species richness model, that is, a generalized linear model using landscape-level features to estimate EPT diversity. Despite the ability of eDNA to consistently detect some EPT species found by traditional sampling, we found important discrepancies in community composition between the kicknet and eDNA approaches, particularly at a local scale. We found the EPT-specific primer set fwhF2/EPTDr2n, detected a greater number of targeted EPT species compared to the more general primer set mlCOIintF/HCO2198. Moreover, we found that the species richness measured by eDNA from either primer set was poorly correlated to the richness measured by kicknet sampling (Pearson correlation = 0.27) and that the richness estimated by eDNA and kicknet were poorly correlated with the prediction of the species richness model (Pearson correlation = 0.30 and 0.44, respectively). The weak relationships between the traditional kicknet sampling and eDNA with this model indicates inherent limitations in upscaling species richness estimates, and possibly a limited ability of the model to meet real world expectations. It is also possible that the number of replicates was not sufficient to detect ambiguous correlations. Future challenges include improving the accuracy and sensitivity of each approach individually, yet also acknowledging their respective limitations, in order to best meet stakeholder demands and address the biodiversity crisis we are facing.
Serum monitoring of carbamazepine in patients with epilepsy and clinical implications
Authors: Alvarado Angel T. , Paredes Gustavo , García Gregoriana , Morales Alexis , Muñoz Ana María , Saravia María , Losno Ricardo , Bendezú María R. , Chávez Haydee , García Jorge A. , Pineda Mario , Sullón-Dextre Luis
Published: May 2022

Carbamazepine is a drug with a narrow therapeutic range that requires clinical monitoring, since its toxic effects are not easily predictable, and the therapeutic level can vary. Our study aimed to monitor the serum level and determine the concentration/dose relationship of carbamazepine in people with epilepsy, analyzing its clinical implication. It is observed that 90.48% of the study volunteers present serum level values (4.3–10.4 mg/L) within the therapeutic range (4–12 mg/L); 7.14% present supratherapeutic levels (12.7–14.4 mg/L), 2.38% subtherapeutic (0.93 mg/L). The findings indicate a negative correlation (r = -0.616; r2= 0.379; p = 0.001), between the dose (mg/day) and the dose ratio (mg/L/mg/day); and a positive correlation (r = 0.544; r2= 0.296; p = 0.002), between the dose (mg/day)-serum concentration (mg/L). ANOVA and Tukey’s test mean difference is significant (p<0.05). It is concluded that there is a positive and significant linear correlation between daily doses and serum carbamazepine concentrations, which should be considered to individualize the dose and optimize clinical results.
Biomechanical Evaluation of Topographically and Tomographically Normal Fellow Eyes of Patients With Keratoconus
Authors: Asroui Lara , Dagher Samir A. , Elsheikh Ahmed , Lopes Bernardo T. , Roberts Cynthia J. , Assouad Marc , Awwad Shady T.
Published: May 2022

PURPOSE:

To determine the effectiveness of parameters and indices based on biomechanical measures at discriminating fellow eyes with topographically and tomographically normal corneas in patients with keratoconus from normal control corneas.

METHODS:

The study included 47 keratoconus suspect eyes, defined as the topographically and tomographically normal fellow eyes of patients with frank keratoconus in the other eye. Eyes were imaged using the Pentacam HR and Corvis ST (both Oculus Optikgeräte GmbH). Fellow eyes were then categorized as topographically/tomographically normal fellow eyes (TNF) and topographically/tomographically borderline fellow eyes (TBF). The ability of each of the Corvis Biomechanical Index (CBI), Tomographic and Biomechanical Index (TBI), stiffness parameter at applanation 1 (SP-A1), and stress-strain index (SSI) at discriminating between normal controls and keratoconus suspects was assessed.

RESULTS:

The TBI had the best discriminative ability with the greatest area under the receiver operating characteristic (AUROC) curve value of 0.946 for normal controls versus TBF eyes, and 0.824 for normal controls versus TNF eyes. Compared to the TBI AUROC curves, SP-A1 and CBI had AUROC curve values of 0.833 (
P
= .09) and 0.822 (
P
= .01) for normal controls versus TBF eyes, respectively, and AUROC curve values of 0.822 (
P
= .96) and 0.550 (
P
= .0002) for normal controls versus TNF eyes, respectively. The TBI had the best positive predictive value for TNF and TBF eyes, followed by CBI and SP-A1.

CONCLUSIONS:

The TBI and the purely biomechanical parameter SP-A1 were of moderate utility in distinguishing between normal and keratoconus suspect eyes. In the absence of topographic/tomographic evidence of keratectasia, an independently abnormal biomechanical parameter may suggest an increased risk of ectasia.

[
J Refract Surg
. 2022;38(5):318–325.]