bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Land Tenure Systems and Agricultural Productivity in Gombe Nigeria
Authors: Dabara Daniel Ibrahim , Lawal Omotoso Kabir , Chiwuzie Augustina , Omotehinshe Olusegun Joseph , Soladoye John Oyekunle
Published: March 2021

The purpose of this study is to examine the existing land tenure systems in Gombe state Nigeria with a view to determining its impact on agricultural productivity in the study area. The targeted population for the study comprised of 7,832 households in purposively selected agrarian settlements cutting across the 3 senatorial districts in Gombe state Nigeria. The population was stratified into three zones and two locations were selected from each zone. The sample size for the study comprised of 500 households in each of the study locations. Hence, 500 questionnaires were administered on the household heads of the 6 study locations making a total of 3,000 questionnaires (representing 38.3% of the targeted population). However only 2,223 (74.1%) questionnaires were correctly filled and returned for analysis. The random sampling technique was adopted in the questionnaire administration. Descriptive statistical tools such as frequency counts, averages, weighted mean and percentages were used in analyzing the data obtained. The Relative Importance Index (RII) was used to identify and rank the variables. Inferential statistical tool such as multiple regressions were also used in analyzing the relationship between the criterion or dependent variable and the predictors or independent variables. The study revealed that customary land tenure system is the predominant type of tenure system (60.1%) practiced in the study area. Similarly, agricultural productivity in the study area was shown to be impeded by land tenure insecurity (RII, 0.933963), political/bureaucratic bottlenecks in land rights acquisition for agricultural purposes (0.846154) and tenure rules such as stipulated in the Nigerian Land Use Act of 1978 (RII, 0.65596) among others. The study also showed a strong positive relationship of 0.809 between land tenure systems and agricultural productivity in the study area. The study concluded that for better agricultural productivity in the study area in particular and similar developing economies in general, farmers need to have secured land tenure as this encourages investments in the secured land which consequently improves agricultural productivity.
Comparative Analytic of Viscoelasticity Carbon, Glass, and Graphite Fiber Composite Using Maxwell Model
Authors: Khohar Ro’sil , Sa’adah Umi , Puspita Dewi Azzahra
Published: March 2021

The fulfillment of the need for materials with viscoelastic characteristics to be a supporting factor. The aim is to obtain composite materials with good viscoelasticity. Vinylester matrix composite materials with variations of graphite, glass, and carbon fibers were tested using FEA and Maxwell model. The simulated viscoelasticity of the isotropic, transverse, and mixed state of glass, carbon, and graphite fibers depends on the magnitude of modulus Young and Poisson's ratio. The most significant sequence value of viscoelasticity is in graphite fiber 10,4 GPa, carbon 5,5 GPa fiber, and glass fiber 3,78 GPa.
From Provider to Advocate: The Complexities of Mild Traumatic Brain Injury Prompt the Evolution of Provider Engagement
Authors: Singman Eric
Published: March 2021

Treating a patient with traumatic brain injury requires an interdisciplinary approach because of the pervasive, profound and protean manifestations of this condition. In this review, key aspects of the medical history and review of systems will be described in order to highlight how the role of any provider must evolve to become a better patient advocate. Although this review is written from the vantage point of a vision care provider, it is hoped that patients, caregivers and providers will recognize the need for the team approach; it truly takes a village.
Change Over Time in Public Support for Social Distancing, Mask Wearing, and Contact Tracing to Combat the COVID-19 Pandemic Among US Adults, April to November 2020
Authors: Barry Colleen L. , Anderson Kelly E. , Han Hahrie , Presskreischer Rachel , McGinty Emma E.
Published: March 2021

Objectives. To examine how sociodemographic, political, religious, and civic characteristics; trust in science; and fixed versus fluid worldview were associated with evolving public support for social distancing, indoor mask wearing, and contact tracing to control the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods. Surveys were conducted with a nationally representative cohort of US adults in April, July, and November 2020.

Results. Support for social distancing among US adults dropped from 89% in April to 79% in July, but then remained stable in November 2020 at 78%. In July and November, more than three quarters of respondents supported mask wearing and nearly as many supported contact tracing. In regression-adjusted models, support differences for social distancing, mask wearing, and contact tracing were most pronounced by age, partisanship, and trust in science. Having a more fluid worldview independently predicted higher support for contact tracing.

Conclusions. Ongoing resistance to nonpharmaceutical public health responses among key subgroups challenge transmission control.

Public Health Implications. Developing persuasive communication efforts targeting young adults, political conservatives, and those distrusting science should be a critical priority.
Critical Care Requirements Under Uncontrolled Transmission of SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Martínez-Alés Gonzalo , Domingo-Relloso Arce , Arribas José R. , Quintana-Díaz Manuel , Hernán Miguel A. ,   the COVID@HULP Group
Published: March 2021

Objectives. To estimate the critical care bed capacity that would be required to admit all critical COVID-19 cases in a setting of unchecked SARS-CoV-2 transmission, both with and without elderly-specific protection measures.

Methods. Using electronic health records of all 2432 COVID-19 patients hospitalized in a large hospital in Madrid, Spain, between February 28 and April 23, 2020, we estimated the number of critical care beds needed to admit all critical care patients. To mimic a hypothetical intervention that halves SARS-CoV-2 infections among the elderly, we randomly excluded 50% of patients aged 65 years and older.

Results. Critical care requirements peaked at 49 beds per 100 000 on April 1—2 weeks after the start of a national lockdown. After randomly excluding 50% of elderly patients, the estimated peak was 39 beds per 100 000.

Conclusions. Under unchecked SARS-CoV-2 transmission, peak critical care requirements in Madrid were at least fivefold higher than prepandemic capacity. Under a hypothetical intervention that halves infections among the elderly, critical care peak requirements would have exceeded the prepandemic capacity of most high-income countries.

Public Health Implications. Pandemic control strategies that rely exclusively on protecting the elderly are likely to overwhelm health care systems.
Effect of Angle of Attack on Airfoil NACA 0012 Performance
Authors: Akbar Ali
Published: March 2021

Airfoil is an aerodynamic form intended to produce a lift force with the smallest drag force. When an airfoil is passed through a fluid flow that causes interaction between the air flow and the surface, variations in velocity and pressure will occur along the top and bottom surfaces of the airfoil, as well as the front and back of the airfoil. The difference in pressure between the upper and lower surface of the airfoil is what causes the resultant force in the direction perpendicular to the direction of fluid flow, this force is called the lift force (lift). In this experiment NACA 0012 airfoil experiments have been carried out using simple wind tunnel. Experiments were conducted with the aim to determine the effect of the angle of attack on the performance of the NACA 0012 airfoil which then analyzed the lift force of the NACA 0012 airfoil. The variation of the angle of attack used was 0 °, 3 °, 6 °, 9 °, 12 °, and 15 ° and used wind speed of 21.5 m / s. The greatest lift force is obtained at an angle of attack of 9 ° with a value of 0.981 while the largest lifting coefficient with a value of 0.106. The greater the angle of attack the greater the airfoil lift force, but for symmetrical airfoil stall at an angle that is too large
Comparative Analysis of the Head Loss of Two Centrifugal Pumps in a Fluid Test Laboratory
Authors: Choirul Anam Ridho , Widodo Edi , Iswanto  , Fahruddin A’rasy
Published: March 2021

The purpose of this study was to determine the characteristics of the two centrifugal pumps using the same circuit and to obtain the resulting value, namely head, discharge, pump power, efficiency of the two pumps. And variations in valve opening settings used are full valve openings, valve openings 2/3, and valve openings 1/3 which have different coefficients at each valve opening. This research method was carried out experimentally. The fluid used is water, fluid pressure measurement using a pressure gauge to measure the pressure side (discharge) and a vacuum pressure gauge to measure the pressure which is relatively lower than the atmospheric pressure for the pump on the suction side (suction) and using a flow meter to determine the volume or discharge water used. The results of this centrifugal pump test equipment research found that the working pump shows that the resulting discharge affects the head value, pump power, and pump efficiency obtained, the higher the total head value, the smaller the resulting discharge. However, this centrifugal pump test equipment can be used for fluid practicum activities in the mechanical engineering department in the mechanical laboratory.
ISLAMIC REGULATIONS AND ISLAMIC BANKS MARGINS: AN EMPIRICAL INVESTIGATION INTO ASEAN COUNTRIES
Authors: Taib Khan Fatin Nur Hidayah , Malim Nurhafiza Abdul Kader , Masron Tajul Ariffin
Published: March 2021

This paper examines the impact of Islamic regulations on Islamic bank margins in ASEAN countries, utilising the fixed-effect method. The sample consists of 27 Islamic banks in Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore and Thailand covering the period 2009 to 2017. The results suggest that Islamic regulations, such as the Islamic regulatory framework and Shari’ah supervisory board, are negatively associated with Islamic bank margins. These results have important policy implications for regulators, indicating that they should impose a separate regulatory framework for Islamic banks and bank managers to increase the number of Shari’ah scholars on the Shari’ah board in lowering Islamic bank margins. Overall, the findings suggest that Islamic banks should adopt regulations that should follow Shari’ah requirements, as they help to lower the cost of financial intermediation. As for the other control variables, only the Lerner index has a positive and significant impact on ASEAN Islamic bank's margin. Therefore, appropriate policies are necessary to foster competition in Islamic banks.
UNDERSTANDING THE FACTORS INFLUENCING BANKING CUSTOMERS’ FINANCIAL ASSET OWNERSHIP
Authors: Yumna Aimatul , Marta Joan
Published: March 2021

The objective of this study is to evaluate the factors which influence banking customers' financial asset ownership. Using the pyramid of Maslahah framework, the study classifies the needs of banking customers into four levels: those for basic financial services (hajjiyat); for financial assets for security or as a precaution (darruriyat); for financial assets for investment (tahsiniyah); and those for financial assets for religious purposes. To answer the research questions, a binomial logistic model was applied and the primary data were collected using a questionnaire survey with 300 respondents in Indonesia. It was found that the pattern of ownership of financial assets follows the order proposed in the theory of the pyramid of Maslahah. The study also found that financial asset ownership for transaction needs was mainly influenced by the variables of income and credit and that ownership of such assets for security or precautionary needs was largely determined by life cycle variables. In addition, ownership for investment needs was strongly influenced by the level of education,  and for religious needs it was mainly determined by income levels and life cycle variables. The study findings provide important information for mapping the financial needs of Islamic banking customers.
The motivational profile does matter: an exploratory survey on the influence of remote office work on physical behavior during the COVID19 lockdown
Authors: Cabrita Miriam , Bulthuis Roos , Tabak Monique
Published: March 2021

Background: Most office workers were forced to work remotely due to the COVID-19 global pandemic, possibly leading to a reconfiguration of settled patterns of physical behavior, often characterized by a sedentary lifestyle. This study aimed to investigate the motivational profile, facilitators, and barriers that might have influenced a change in physical activity while working remotely due to the COVID-19 lockdown.Methods: An online questionnaire was distributed in May-June 2020 including demographics, self-reported physical- and work behavior throughout the day before and during the lockdown, Sports Motivation Scale-II assessing motivation for being physically active, and rating on facilitators and barriers for engaging in physical activity during the lockdown. One-way ANOVA with Tukey post-hoc test was computed to investigate differences between those participants who become more-, less-, and equally active during the COVID-19 lockdown.Results: Ninety-nine people (Female=66) completed the questionnaire. Forty-four percent of the participants considered themselves less active than before the lockdown. Respondents reporting becoming more physically active (28%) were more intrinsically motivated than the remaining participants. The most important facilitators for physical activity were ‘good weather’, ‘no work-related travel’, and ‘flexible work schedules’. The most important barriers were ‘no active transportation’, ‘closed facilities’, and ‘work fatigue’. Conclusions: Strategies that adapt to the weather and fit the work schedule could facilitate physical activity among remote office workers. The results of this study will be used to design interventions to promote an active lifestyle among office workers, personalized to their motivation profile, needs, and preferences.
Artifact Removed Quantitative Analysis Of Choriocapillaris Flow Voids
Authors: Ersoz M. Giray , Hocaoglu Mumin , Muslubas Isil Sayman , Arf Serra , Yildiz Erdost , Karacorlu Murat
Published: March 2021

Purpose: To investigate choriocapillaris flow voids (FV) with a new optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) image processing strategy to exclude artifacts due to vitreous opacities, subretinal pigment epithelium (sub-RPE) fluid and deposits, and subretinal fluid (SRF) by thresholding the en-face OCT image of the outer retina.Methods: This retrospective study included 15 eyes with drusen and 15 eyes with SRF. Number (FVn), average area (FVav), and maximum area (FVmax) of FV and the percentage of the nonperfused choriocapillaris area (PNPCA) obtained using the proposed strategy were compared with those obtained by removing only artifacts due to superficial capillary plexus (SCP).Results: There were three eyes with autosomal dominant drusen and 12 eyes with drusen secondary to non-exudative AMD in the drusen group. SRF group included 15 eyes with active central serous chorioretinopathy. PNPCA, FVav, FVmax, and FVn obtained using the algorithm were significantly lower than those obtained by removing only SCP in both groups (all p< 0.05). The algorithm was able to remove 94.7% of artifacts secondary to vitreous opacities and all artifacts secondary to serous pigment epithelial detachments. Conclusion: Nonperfusion areas of choriocapillaris may be overestimated in eyes with RPE abnormalities and SRF. These areas can be removed using thresholded images of the outer retina en-face OCT scans.
The bifurcation and bump signs: optical coherence tomography (OCT) findings overlying neurosensory retinal detachment
Authors: Bloom Steven , Singal Inder
Published: March 2021

Purpose To expand the description of a common OCT finding of outer plexiform layer (OPL) splitting overlying neurosensory retinal detachment from various causes, along with a thickened outer plexiform bump at the transition from attached to detached retina.Methods etrospective review of our practice’s image teaching collection and database of retina journal articles looking for representative examples of OPL splitting overlying macular detachment. Each of our patient’s scans were then analyzed to see if the location or angle of detachment influenced these findings.Results We analyzed 12 eyes (12 patients) with splitting of the OPL within paracentral detached retina (the “bifurcation sign”) from various causes. A localized thickening of the OPL (the “bump sign”) was present in 6 of these eyes. Although explicitly described in only one publication, the bifurcation sign could be found in numerous prior publications within our journal database. The bump sign, also explicitly described in one prior publication, was also seen in most of these published cases. Surprisingly, these findings appeared unrelated to either the angle of detachment or nasal versus temporal location. We then synthesized our findings with the current literature to help elucidate what this can teach us about current OCT nomenclature for the outer plexiform and outer nuclear layers.Conclusion OPL changes are commonly found with retinal detachment. We suggest a modified classification of the OCT OPL and outer nuclear layers which is only applicable when the normal OCT anatomy is altered either by the OCT technician or overlying retinal detachment.
Second-trimester prenatal diagnosis of trisomy 18 associated with elevated maternal serum alpha-fetoprotein level, bilateral multiple choroid plexus cysts, cleft lip and palate, and atrioventricular septal defect, and review of the literature
Authors: Chen Yiming , Ning Wenwen , Chen Yijie , Huai Lei , Huang Anqian
Published: March 2021

Objective: To present the prenatal diagnosis of trisomy 18 and to review of the literature. Case: A 29-year-old pregnant woman was showed high risk of trisomy 18 by maternal serum screening at 16 weeks' of gestation, showing elevated AFP(125 U/mL, 3.25 MoM), low free β-hCG (3.29 ng/mL,0.11MoM), low PAPP-A (1120 mU/L, 0.31MoM). She asked for an amniocentesis because the risk value for trisomy 18 was 1/5 and trisomy 21 was 1/77121. Results: The results of amniocentesis on Prenatal BoBs revealed a fetus with trisomy 18, whose karyotype of amniotic fluid cells was 47, XY, +18. Ultrasonography demonstrated intrauterine pregnancy, single live fetus, multiple abnormalities including "strawberry head ", bilateral multiple choroid plexus cysts, cleft lip and palate, and atrioventricular septal defect. The pregnancy was terminated subsequently. Conclusion: Trisomy 18 can be identified in prenatal screening with advanced maternal age, abnormal maternal serum screen results, and multi-structural abnormal ultrasonography results. Fetuses with trisomy 18 may be associated with congenital heart disease, neural tube malformation, abdominal valgus, omphalocele, multiple cysts in bilateral choroid plexus, cleft lip and palate, elevated AFP, and decreased free β-hCG and PAPP-A.
Sustainable multi-trip periodic redesign-routing model for municipal solid waste collection network: The case study of Tehran
Authors: Mahdavi Leila , Mansour Saeed , Sajadieh Mohsen Sheikh
Published: March 2021

Daily transportation of vehicles is one of the most important challenges in municipal solid waste management systems in developing countries related to environmental aspects in different areas, financial issues, and social factors. The location of transfer stations as intermediate nodes in municipal solid waste management network affects optimal collection frequency. Here a sustainable multi-period and multi-trip mixed-integer linear programming model was developed to redesign the intermediate transfer stations and find optimal routes for vehicles and the best collection frequency for each municipal solid waste generation point. Regarding the social aspect of sustainability, an extended social life cycle assessment methodology is developed for impact assessment of redesign and routing operations. The model is applied to a real-world case study with no cooperative perspective, which could result in total cost reduction by a 66% that occurred by a 86% reduction in weekly traveled distance and a 12% decrease in routing social score.
Allele Frequencies For 20 Autosomal Microsatellite Loci In The Kenyan Population
Authors: Lelo Eric Agola , Kinyua Johnson , Aluvaala Eva Kalamera , Kiarie William Chege , Chege Carlo Wamaitha
Published: March 2021

Samples from 180 unrelated persons of Kenyan descent collected at a DNA testing facility in Nairobi were genotyped using the PowerPlex21® STR kit to generate the first indigenous 20 autosomal STR allele frequency table for use in forensic analysis of human DNA in Kenya. Informed consent for use of the samples for this study was obtained with de-identification procedures employed in accordance with recommendations from the Scientific and Ethics Review Unit at the Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI). The markers amplified for the generation of the allele frequency table were D3S1358, D13S317, PentaE, D16S539, D18S51, D2S1338, CSF1PO, Penta D,THO1, vWA, D21S11, D7S820, TPOX, D8S1179, FGA, D2S1338, D5S818, D6S1043, D12S391, and D19S433. A high degree of gene diversity was observed in this population with average PIC values and heterozygosity of 0.799 and0.831 respectively across the 20 loci. Cumulatively, 182 alleles were detected in the Kenyan population analysed across the 20 STR loci. The lowest allele frequency value was 0.003 where one occurrence of the allele was observed while the highest allele frequency was 0.36 for allele 16 marker D3S1358. Polymorphism information content (PIC) results ranged from0.69 to 0.90 with Penta E returning the highest score. The high PIC score shows that the additional markers offer amore informative value of the genetic markers in this data set. The power of discrimination ranged from 89% to97% with a combined power of discrimination of 99.99%. The combined match probability, a measure in population genetics that is used to measure the chance of an unrelated person, arbitrarily picked out of the common population and having an identical genotype as that derived from the reference sample or the evidence, was 4.34 x 10-26.The dataset generated in the present study has been demonstrated to be highly valuable in discriminating between two individual genotypes and greatly amplifies the power of discrimination available to Kenyan forensic DNA testing facilities. The loci included in this dataset comprise the commonly used loci in the US, Europe and Asia and the development of this allele frequency table increases the data sharing possibilities between local and international forensic DNA testing facilities.
Twin-assisted cracking degradation in sodium layered oxide cathodes
Authors: Chen Cheng , Han Zhen , Liang Chaoping , Feng Yiming , Wang Peng , Wei Weifeng
Published: March 2021

Twinning defects often present in crystalline materials when are subject to mechanical stimuli and are mostly affecting their physicochemical properties. The twinning formation and twin-related degradation upon cycling in sodium layered oxides (SLOs) are poorly understood. Combining atomic-resolution imaging, spectroscopy and first principles calculations, we reveal that growth twinning is unexpectedly common in the SLO materials and the twin boundaries show distinct structural and chemical characters from those identified in lithium layered oxides. A unique O-P-O twinning plane was identified in the O3 type SLO materials. We discover that twin-assisted Na diffusion cause large volume variations and trigger intragranular fracture during electrochemical cycling. The present findings not only establish a robust correlation between growth twinning and intragranular cracking in SLOs, but also offer general implications for the development of high-performing intercalation electrode materials by regulating crystallographic defects.
Accurate diagnosis of cases with umbilical hypo-coiled cord: a study at a single perinatal center
Authors: Takita Hiroko , Nakamura Masamitsu , Tokunaka Mayumi , Arakaki Tatsuya , Goto Minako , Saito Mizue , Hamada Shoko , Oba Tomohiro , Matsuoka Ryu , Sekizawa Akihiko
Published: March 2021

Objectives: To compare whether it is more accurate to diagnose hypo-coiled cords at 20 or 36 weeks’ gestation. Method: This retrospective cohort study was conducted in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Showa University Hospital. In this study, an antenatal UCI below the 10th percentile was defined as a hypo-coiled cord at 20 and 36 weeks’ gestation. After delivery, a hypo-coiled cord was defined as having a UCI < 0.1. The medical records of all neonates born at Showa University Hospital after 36 weeks’ gestation between 2011 and 2017 were retrospectively reviewed. Results: From January 2011 to December 2017, 3400 foetuses were born at our hospital after 36 weeks’ gestation and underwent screening at both 20 and 36 weeks’ gestation. The positive predictive value (PPV) at 20 weeks’ gestation was higher than that at 36 weeks’ gestation. After delivery, 65 cases (1.8%) were diagnosed with hypo-coiled cords out of 3400 cases.Conclusion: Since hypo-coiled cords affect the prognosis of newborns, it is important to accurately evaluate the presence of hypo-coil cords before birth. In the present study, ultrasonographic evaluation of hypo-coil cords at 20 weeks’ gestation had a higher detection rate than evaluation at 36 weeks’ gestation.
Novel Mutations of TYK2 Leading to Divergent Clinical Phenotypes
Authors: Lv Ge , Sun Gan , Wu Peilin , Du Xiao , Zeng Ting , Wen Wen , Zhou Lina , An Yunfei , Tang Xuemei , He Tingyan , Zhao Xiaodong , Du Hongqiang
Published: March 2021

TYK2 deficiency is a rare Primary immunodeficiency disease caused by loss of function mutations of TYK2 gene, which is initially proposed as a subset of Hyper IgE syndrome (HIES). However, accumulating evidence suggest TYK2 deficient patients do not necessarily present with HIES characteristics, indicating a vacuum of knowledge on the exact roles of TYK2 in human immune system. Here we describe five more TYK2 deficient cases presenting with or without hyper IgE levels, atopy and distinct pathogen infection profile, which are caused by novel TYK2 mutations. These mutations were all found by high throughout sequencing and confirmed by Sanger sequencing. Pathogenic effects were confirmed by qRT-PCR and western blot. Peripheral blood mononulear cells (PBMCs) from these patients showed heterogenous responses to various cytokines treatment, including IFN-a/b/g, IL-6, IL-10, IL12 and IL-23. The homeostasis of lymphocytes is also disrupted. Based on our findings, we propose that TYK2 works as a multi-tasker in orchestrating various cytokines signaling pathways, differentially combined defects of which account for the expressed clinical manifestations.
Complete Genome Sequence of Streptomyces Sp. HSG2 From Rhizosphere Soil of Mangrove in Qingmei Gang, Sanya
Authors: Pei Shengxiang , Niu Siwen , Xie Fuquan , Zhang Shuang , Wang Wenjing , Zhang Gaiyun
Published: March 2021

Streptomyces sp. HSG2, was isolated from rhizosphere soil of mangrove forest sampled at Qingmei Gang, Sanya. The complete genome sequence of the strain HSG2 was obtained using PacBio Sequel HGAP.4 and comprised of 5,282,528 base pairs with a 71.9 mol% G + C content, 4504 protein-coding genes, 71 RNAs. In silico analysis confirmed the genes associated with polysaccharide hydrolyzation, hydrocarbon degradation and aerobic denitriﬁcation. 24 natural product biosynthesis gene clusters for secondary metabolites were identified as well, including those for Streptobactin and Nystatin A1. The complete genome sequence indicated that Streptomyces sp. HSG2 will provide insight into the biosynthesis and regulatory mechanisms for the secondary metabolites, and propose potential use in biotechnological and novel bioactive natural product biosynthesis applications.
Hemodynamic Instability of the Closed Fractures Femur in Children
Authors: Alkhuzai Ahmed
Published: March 2021

Background: This is a prospective Study to assess the occurrence of hypovolemic shock in children with traumatic isolated closed fractures femur. This is common in children and adolescent as result of trivial to high energy trauma. Methods: A prospective descriptive study was performed on children with traumatic femoral fractures from the 20th of September 2015 to the 15th August 2018. Selection of 100 patients presented with isolated closed fracture femur in children, were admitted to the Sul. Emergency Hospital. Reason was to correct the old criteria of blood transfusion immediately, without suitable indication of replacement with real blood requirements. Depend on the children clinical parameters rather than on hemoglobin or hematocrit concentration; pulse rate. Systolic blood pressure, respiratory rate, Skin capillary refill time, and the mental status. Excluded open fractures and bilateral fracture femur in children, also excluded any fracture associated with trauma to the body organ as associated injury. Results: There was no evidence of hemodynamic instability in the 100 patients of these type fractures, selection inclusion criteria of the study when compared with internationally accepted normal vital sign parameters. No any patients in the study had hemoglobin less than 8.5 g/dl, the vital sign between these groups were similar, 2-6% incidence with hemodynamic instability has found among multiple injured children with femoral fractures, has excluded from the study. Conclusions: No evidence of hemodynamic instability was found in children with traumatic isolated femoral fractures bone. The Hemoglobin and hematocrit ratios early were non dependable, later on not significantly decreased or change to abnormal rate. Depending on vital signs parameters in the femur bone fractures patients after exclusion of bilateral fractures femur, and associated injury or patients with compound fractures, we confirmed that isolated closed femoral fractures are hemodynamically stable.
ATM Knockdown renders Glioma resistant to Temozolomide by Inhibiting IFIT1 Expression
Authors: Yang Lijuan , Zhang Jinfeng , Weng Shengmei , Lin Zhixiong
Published: March 2021

Background: Temozolomide (TMZ) chemotherapy has been a standard of care in treating malignant glioma. Although TMZ chemotherapy can extend patient’s survival, resistance to TMZ is observed in most cases. The drug resistance is reported to be mainly mediated by O6- methyl guanine-DNA methyltransferase (MGMT) expression.Methods: By means of molecular biology, cell biology, construction of nude mouse xenograft tumor model and analysis of clinical specimens, a new molecular mechanism for the regulation of TMZ chemotherapy resistance of glioma was proposed.Result: The present study indicates a pathway of TMZ resistance in glioma via suppressing ataxia-telangiectasia mutated (ATM) gene. Whole genome expression profile of glioma cells and tissue samples revealed a positive correlation between the ATM and IF1T1, the decreased expression of which might be the underlying cause of the ATM knockdown induced TMZ resistance.Conclusions: Our study revealed that ATM silencing induced TMZ chemotherapy resistance of glioma in vitro and in vivo by inhibite IFIT1 expression, the p-ATM, IFIT1 and MGMT expression acts as a prognostic marker of glioma chemotherapy. And combination of IFIT1 and MGMT seems to be a more significant molecular marker to predict the prognosis in glioma patients.
The Monitoring for Pollution of the Sediments in the Volga River Basin (Russia)
Authors: Kolomiytsev Nikolay , Korzhenevskiy Boris , Tolkachev Gleb
Published: March 2021

Topical issues of modern geoecology related to the study of pollution of sediments of water bodies with heavy metals are considered. The Volga River basin, within which the research was carried out, is a rather heterogeneous picture, both in geological, geomophological and hydrological terms, and in technogenic development and use. A four-level taxonomy is presented in the selection of sites for monitoring, based on a combination of natural-landscape-climatic and technogenic factors. The highest taxon (areas of category I) includes the basins of reservoirs with the adjacent slopes and the residential and industrial-agricultural structures located within them. Within these areas, smaller taxa are distinguished - areas of category II - industrial and urban areas. Areas of category III are the small rivers without significant pollution and areas of category IV are for special observations. The principles of sampling sediments, the placement of observation points and the frequency of these events in time are considered. Examples of special observations when studying the intra-annual migration of heavy metals in the system "sediments - water column" at the Ivankovo reservoir of the Upper Volga are highlighted. The studies were carried out under conditions of a standard flow rate for a given reservoir and under conditions of slow water exchange.
A Stronger Versus Weaker Walker: Understanding Model Differences in Fast and Slow Tropical Pacific Responses to Global Warming
Authors: Heede Ulla K. , Fedorov Alexey V. , Burls Natalie J.
Published: March 2021

The tropical Pacific response to radiative forcing remains uncertain as projected future changes to the Walker circulation and SST patterns vary substantially among climate models. Here, we study what sets the magnitude and timescales of the response and why they differ across models. Specifically, we compare the fast and slow responses of the tropical Pacific to abrupt CO2 increases (2,4,8,16xCO2) in two configurations of the same model family (CESM) that differ in horizontal resolution and mean biases. We find that the model with a higher resolution shows a transient ocean thermostat-like response to CO2-forcing, with a stronger Walker cell and lack of warming in the eastern Pacific trade wind belts. This fast response lasts for about 50 years and is followed by a slight Walker cell weakening and equatorial warming. The second model, with a coarser resolution, shows a weak and short-lasting ocean thermostat response, followed by pronounced Walker cell weakening and eastern equatorial Pacific warming, similar to the long-term pattern noted in previous studies. These fast and slow responses also manifest in gradual CO2 increase experiments. We relate the magnitude of the fast ocean-thermostat response to the structure of the equatorial thermocline, setting the strength of the Bjerknes feedback. The magnitude and timing of the eastern equatorial Pacific warming are, is turn, related to the competition of the wind-evaporation-SST feedback amplifying the ocean-thermostat against the slowdown of oceanic subtropical cells and extra-tropical warming eroding the thermostat. Different balances between these effects could explain the large spread in the future projections for the tropical Pacific.
Doping and Surface Modification Enhance the Applicability of Nanostructured Fullerene-MWCNT Hybrid Draped LiNi0.1Mg0.1Co0.8O2 As High Efficient Cathode Material for Lithium-Ion Batteries
Authors: S Arockia Shyamala Paniyarasi , K Suja S , R Nimma Elizabeth
Published: March 2021

Development of high performance cathode materials, layer-structured ternary LiNi x Co y M 1-x-y O 2 cathode materials have attracted much attention owing to their larger capacity and higher energy density.Persistent efforts have been devoted to tackling certain issues like low electronic conductivity and poor structural stability. Dual strategy of Mg doping and surface modification of the cathode material was adopted to improve the performance of the battery. Fullerene-Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotube (MWCNT) hybrid draped LiNi 0.1 Mg 0.1 Co 0.8 O 2 nanocomposite was synthesized by a simple chemical route. The fullerene-MWCNT hybrid modifies the surface of pristine LiNi 0.1 Mg 0.1 Co 0.8 O 2 thereby improves the electrochemical performance and maintains the structural stability of the cathode material. Pristine LiNi 0.1 Mg 0.1 Co 0.8 O 2 and LiNi 0.1 Mg 0.1 Co 0.8 O 2 / fullerene-MWCNT nanocomposite were studied using various advanced characterization techniques such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), Micro-Raman spectroscopy, Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM), X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS), and High-Resolution Transmission Electron Microscopy (HRTEM). It is found that LiNi 0.1 Mg 0.1 Co 0.8 O 2 particles retain their structural integrity after being enveloped with a fullerene-MWCNT hybrid. The electrochemical performance was investigated with cyclic voltammetry(CV), galvanostaticcharge-discharge(GCD) test and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy(EIS). As prepared LiNi 0.1 Mg 0.1 Co 0.8 O 2 , when deployed in the form of LiNi 0.1 Mg 0.1 Co 0.8 O 2 / fullerene-MWCNT composite exhibits a high specific capacity of 208 mAh g -1 .Fullerene-MWCNT hybrid draped LiNi 0.1 Mg 0.1 Co 0.8 O 2 nanocomposite provides an effective Li + and electron channel that significantly increased the Li-ion diffusion coefficient and reduced the charge transfer resistance. Besides,the lithium diffusion coefficient increased from 5.13 x 10 -13 (Li/LiNi 0.1 Mg 0.1 Co 0.8 O 2 ) to 8.313 x 10 -13 cm 2 s -1 due to the improved kinetics of Li insertion/extraction process in Li/LiNi 0.1 Mg 0.1 Co 0.8 O 2 +fullerene-MWCNT cell.
Can the new boron-fertilization method improve the system productivity of rice (Oryza sativa L.) – mustard (Brassica juncea L.) cropping system under upland calcareous soils?
Authors: Laik Ranjan , Singh Santosh Kumar , Pamanick Biswajit , Kumari Vandana , Nath Debabrata , Dessoky Eldessoky S. , Attia Attia O. , Hassan Mohamed M. , Hossain Akbar
Published: March 2021

Background

Calcareous soils are highly deficient in boron (B) which has become one of the most important deficient micronutrients in Indian soil after zinc (Zn). For various rice-based cropping systems, B-fertilization is essential for increasing crop productivity and the biofortification of the crop, thus suitable soil application protocol for B-fertilization are required for B-deficient soils.
Results

In a six years-long experiment, different rates of B application viz. 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, and 2.0 kg ha− 1 y− 1 were evaluated to determine the effects of three different modes of B fertilization viz. applied only in the first year, in alternating years, and every year in rice ( Oryza sativa L.) – Indian mustard (Brassica juncea L.) cropping system. It was observed that the application of B at 1.5 kg ha− 1 in every year or 2 kg ha− 1 in alternate years resulted in the highest yield of rice and mustard as well as the system productivity of the rice–mustard cropping system. Application of 2 kg ha− 1 B in the initial year showed the maximum B-uptake by rice, while, application of 1.5–2.0 kg ha− 1 B in every year resulted in the maximum B-uptake by the mustard crop.
Conclusion

Application of B at 2 kg ha− 1 in alternate years or 1.5 kg ha− 1 in every year was the best B-application protocol under rice–mustard cropping system in B-deficient calcareous soils for ensuring the best system productivity of rice–mustard cropping system and B-availability in soil.
Alcohol Use and Associated Factors among Adolescent Boys and Young Men in Kampala, Uganda
Authors: Kabwama Steven Ndugwa , Matovu Joseph KB , Ssenkusu John M , Ssekamatte Tonny , Wanyenze Rhoda K
Published: March 2021

BackgroundAlcohol use leads to about 3 million deaths globally. The alcohol industry employs marketing strategies to establish their brands in the lives of young people at a time when addictive behaviors are initiated and reinforced. We conducted a survey among adolescent boys and young men (ABYM) to estimate the prevalence of alcohol use and associated factors using the Health Belief Model as the guiding framework. MethodsThe study was conducted among ABYM in- or out-of-school aged 10-24 years in Kampala, Uganda. We used questions adopted from the Global School-based Student Health Survey and the WHO STEPwise approach to Surveillance questionnaire to collect data. The dependent variable was alcohol use within 30 days before the interview. We also asked about predictors such as alcohol use by siblings, parents/ guardians, school status among others. We used odds ratios obtained via a logistic regression model as the measure of association.ResultsA total of 2500 ABYM participated, of which 262 (10.5%, 95%CI 9.3-11.7) had consumed alcohol within 30 days before the interview. Out-of-school ABYM had higher odds of consuming alcohol compared with their in-school counterparts AOR 1.55 (95%CI 1.09-2.20). Compared with ABYM whose parents/ guardians did not drink alcohol, ABYM whose both parents consumed alcohol had higher odds of consuming alcohol AOR 2.24 (95%CI 1.38-3.64) as were those with only a mother or female guardian who consumed alcohol AOR 1.95 (95%CI 1.11-3.41). ABYM with siblings that drink alcohol had higher odds of consuming alcohol AOR 2.25 (95%CI 1.80-3.52). ABYM who possessed items with an alcohol brand logo had higher odds of consuming alcohol AOR 2.00 (95%CI 1.33-3.01). ConclusionsThere are significant levels of alcohol consumption among ABYM which calls for interventions targeting this age group and recognizing the role of the family, school and community in prevention and promotion of use. There is need to regulate alcohol marketing and ensuring availability of alcohol dependence treatment services that build confidence among youth.
An Image Encryption Algorithm Based on a New Memristor Chaotic System and DNA Variation
Authors: Xiong Li , Li Peng , Zhang Yingqian , Yang Feifei , Ma Chenguang
Published: March 2021

In this paper, a new memristor chaotic system is designed based on Chua’s memristor chaotic system. To get the complete picture of the brain of a three-dimensional chaotic attractor, red and blue 3D glasses is used to observe the chaotic attractor, and using Lyapunov exponent spectrum, SE complexity and C0 complexity to analyze dynamical characteristics of new memristor chaotic system. The results illustrate that the chaotic state of the new memristor chaotic system is distributed over a large parameter range, which shows that the new memristor chaotic system is more suitable for image encryption applications. To verify the image encryption application of the new memristor chaotic system, a novel image encryption algorithm is designed based on the new memristor chaotic system and DNA variation. The security performances of the designed algorithm indicate that the proposed algorithm can effectively encrypt image and has better security performance.
Identifying malicious secondary user presence within Primary User Range in Cognitive Radio Networks
Authors: Varatharajan Brinda , Mariappan Bhuvaneswari
Published: March 2021

Cognitive Radio (CR) is a widely used wireless radio communication to utilize the available spectrum space of licensed users (Primary Users) efficiently. The primary Users (PU) unused spectrum space for a particular period is allocated to the Secondary Users (SU). The most alarming issue in this assignment is security, in which the secondary users disguise as primary users and misuses the allotted spectrum. To address this issue, in this paper we have proposed the Boundary detection method that uses the estimated location of each SU, which is obtained using the Recurrent Neural Network algorithm, to determine the boundary of PU coverage. Then Malicious User Detection by Ordering (MUDO) methodology is proposed, in which all secondary users are ordered, and based on the orders the SUs are paired with corresponding PUs. The SUs with the least orders are discarded as they might be malicious users. The proposed methodology possesses higher detection speed and precise detection thereby enhancing the performance of Cognitive Radio (CR).
Impact of Cobalt Doping on Structural, Electrical, Magnetic and Optical Properties of Zn1-xCoxO Nanocomposites: Experimental and Theoretical Study
Authors: Kumar Harish , Singh Ram Mehar , Pal Ram
Published: March 2021

Doping of nanocomposites (NCs) with different metal oxide leads to a significant change in its structural, optical, electrical, mechanical, thermal, catalytic, and magnetic properties. The effect of the addition of CoO nanoparticles (NPs) on the structural, optical, electrical, and magnetic properties of Zn/CoO NCs have been investigated in detail. Zn1-xCoxO NCs were synthesized by the sol-gel method followed by annealing at 4000C. The NCs were characterized by UV-visible, XRD, FTIR, TEM, and vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM) techniques. The structural and surface study was performed by X-ray diffraction and TEM techniques which shows spherical and cubical NCs with an average size of 25-55 nm. Computational study (DMol3, CASTEP, Forcite, and Reflex) was used to study the electronic and optical properties of metal NPs. The Co2+ ions replace Zn2+ ions in the ZnO lattice resulting a change in its structure from Wurtzite (ZnO NPs) to cubic Zn1-xCoxO NCs. The lattice parameters, strain, and dislocation density were found to decrease with an increase in CoO concentration in Zn1-xCoxO NCs. The saturation magnetization, retentivity, and coercivity were found to be lesser in Zn1-xCoxO NCs. The synthesized cobalt doped Zn1-xCoxO NCs can act as an efficient material for spintronic applications.
CoZnFeO4 Prepared by Waste Ferrous Sulfate as Iron Source: Synthesis, Characterization and Photocatalytic Degradation of Methylene Blue
Authors: Zhang Pan , Shu Yirui , Zhong Yanjun , Yang Lin , Yang Xiushan
Published: March 2021

Aiming at devloping novel low cost and high performance catalyst for degradation of methylene blue in industrial waste water. Waste ferrous sulfater which is a industrial waste produced in the process of producing titanium dioxide, CoZnFeO4 is synthesized from waste ferrous sulfate by solid phase method. The experimental results show that CoZnFeO4 has better catalytic performance than other control samplesc: the degradation rate of methylene blue reaches 100% within 8 min, which maintains high catalytic activity after 5 cycles. Zeta potential and ICP-MS tests show that the degradation reaction occurs in the catalyst. The degradation pathway of methylene blue is verified by ESI-MS. These findings provide a low cost and simple strategy for rational design and modulation of catalysts for the industrial degradation of organic pollutants. It not only realizes the use of waste to treat waste, but also accords with the current concept of green chemistry.