bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
As ciências sociais na Bahia
Authors: Mendes Luciana Canário ,  Casimiro  Ana Palmira Bittencourt Santos
Published: August 2021

Este artigo objetiva tecer algumas reflexões sobre o processo de implantação e extinção da Faculdade de Sociologia e Política em Vitória da Conquista (BA). A Faculdade foi inspirada em um grupo de escolas geopoliticamente instaladas, cuja origem foi a Escola Livre de Sociologia e Política de São Paulo (ELSP). Na Bahia, a fundação desse modelo de instituição aconteceu em Salvador, Ilhéus e Vitória da Conquista. Seus fundadores mostravam-se particularmente preocupados em dimensionar o impacto dos problemas de gestão urbana decorrentes da urbanização e industrialização e viam na Sociologia uma ferramenta privilegiada para a formulação das políticas sociais. Entretanto, a Faculdade de Sociologia e Política de Vitória da Conquista foi fechada dois anos e seis meses em condições adversas e completamente diferentes das iniciais. Para esse estudo, recorremos à análise histórica e documental, tanto oral quanto escrita e/ou iconográfica, buscada em jornais, arquivos públicos e particulares. Com base nas fontes, podemos concluir que em Vitória da Conquista, em nível mais modesto, e pela conjuntura em que foi implantada, já na iminência da ditadura civil-militar, a tendência esquerdizante foi fator decisivo para a sua extinção.
Assad Haider
Authors: Almeida Jane Barros
Published: August 2021

Resenha: HAIDER, A. Armadilhas de identidade: raça e classe nos dias de hoje. São Paulo: Veneta, 2019. 160 p. (Coleção Baderna).
Os textos escolares na Didáctica Magna de Coménio
Authors: Silva Iara Augusta da , Rubinho Vanessa da Silva , Cardoso Patricia Florencio da Silva
Published: August 2021

Este artigo tem como finalidade analisar a concepção e a função dos textos escolares propostos por João Amós Coménio (1592-1670), na Didáctica magna escrita nos meados do século XVII. Realizou-se o mapeamento de uma obra clássica da pedagogia para destacar a questão dos manuais didáticos no âmbito da organização do trabalho didático, tendo em vista a sua contextualização histórica na passagem da idade média para a sociedade moderna com o surgimento das manufaturas, forma inicial do modo de produção capitalista (meados do século XVI ao último terço do século XVIII), fundada na divisão do trabalho. Para fundamentar teoricamente as análises e reflexões, numa abordagem histórica, priorizou-se as produções acadêmicas de Alves (2001, 2005, 2011, 2015), de Centeno (2009), de Brito (2010) e de Souza (2010). O estudo revelou o caráter central desse instrumento de trabalho do professor, na organização da escola moderna pensada por Coménio para oferecer educação para todos. Tendo consciência das limitações materiais de sua época para colocar em prática o seu projeto de universalização da educação, o pensador morávio, propôs a utilização dos textos escolares para o professor e para os alunos, em todos os graus da instituição escolar pública, naquele momento histórico.
Krupskaya nos arquivos do National Union of Women Teachers
Authors: Ferreira Junior Amarilio , Bittar Marisa
Published: August 2021

Este artigo tem o objetivo de apresentar ao público brasileiro o texto inédito de N. Krupskaya A word on class Education, que encontramos no Institute of Education da University College London (UCL) em março de 2019. Essa descoberta ocorreu durante uma pesquisa que realizávamos sobre a educação soviética em três arquivos específicos: Brian Simon Collection; Soviet Education (1959-1991) e Acervo do NUWT. Ao fazermos o levantamento de fontes primárias, descobrimos no arquivo do NUWT o texto escrito pela educadora russa em 1926. Sendo assim, neste artigo recompusemos as circunstâncias históricas que explicam a sua guarda pelo arquivo do NUWT; em seguida, tratamos da educação soviética na década de 1920 e, finalmente, analisamos o conteúdo do texto de Krupskaya, o qual traduzimos do inglês para o português e o apresentamos na íntegra como anexo para que possa ser consultado por outros pesquisadores.
Síndrome cistocerebral: a propósito de un caso
Authors: Escobar-Montalvo Juan Manuel , Herráez-Sanchez Erika , Oliva Navarro Javier , Torres Rosario , Rízea Cristian
Published: August 2021

El síndrome cistocerebral fue descrito por primera vez en 1990 por Blackburn y Dunn. Los casos estudiados fueron varones ancianos con síndrome confusional agudo y retención urinaria aguda que,  tras un drenaje vesical, presentaron resolución completa del cuadro clínico. Se reporta el caso de un anciano con disminución rápida del nivel de consciencia, mioclonías, hipotensión arterial, bradicardia y retención aguda de orina que experimentó total remisión del cuadro clínico luego del drenaje vesical correspondiente. Se describen, asimismo, los posibles mecanismos implicados en el origen de este síndrome y las alteraciones hemodinámicas y autonómicas subyacentes. Se sugiere considerar al síndrome cistocerebral en el diagnóstico diferencial de pacientes varones ancianos con síndrome confusional o deterioro cognitivo e hipertrofia prostática y que presenten, además, un episodio de retención urinaria aguda.
Teleworking in the Field of Financial Audit in the Context Generated by the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors:   West University in Timisoara, Romania, FARCANE Nicoleta , Bunget Ovidiu-Constantin ,   West University in Timisoara, Romania, BLIDISEL Rodica ,   West University of Timisoara, Romania, DUMITRESCU Alin-Constantin ,   West University of Timisoara, Romania, DELIU Delia , BOGDAN Oana ,   West University of Timisoara, Romania,   West University of Timisoara, Romania, BURCA Valentin
Published: August 2021

In the sensitive socio-economic context generated by the COVID-19 pandemic, teleworking was, in many fields, a way to continue the activity while complying to the measures imposed by law in order to fight the spread of the new Coronavirus. On the one hand, teleworking offers flexibility in setting the work schedule, eliminates travelling time to and from the worksite and allows to attract competent employees from all over the world, by means of digitalisation. On the other hand, working from home is a challenge. The time required to transfer the activity in the virtual space, and the additional training necessary for the use of innovative information technologies can reduce efficiency and affect the work-life balance. This paper focuses on the audit profession, which had to rethink remote auditing so as to comply with the restrictive measures, but at the same time to avoid affecting the quality of audit missions. The questionnaire distributed among professional practitioners, members of the CFAR, helped us identify the perception of Romanian financial auditors on the variables influencing the efficiency of the audit work carried out in the “new normal” and the extent to which teleworking could become a practice in future financial audit missions.
Reconciling the Cosmological Constant with the Energy Density of Quantum Field Theories of the Zeropoint
Authors: Cornwall Remi
Published: August 2021

This paper results from our investigation into novel means of electromagnetic propulsion. It requires the basis of our claims to be put on a sound theoretical footing regarding the purported momentum exchange with the electromagnetic field. One of these concerns is the huge discrepancy between the energy density of the Zeropoint and its purported manifestation as the Cosmological Constant. Here we state that it is manifestly wrong to introduce the zeropoint at zero order into the stress-energy tensor, because it is something which describes zero particle count. As a fluctuation, it belongs in a higher order Taylor expansion in frequency of the stress-energy tensor. Furthermore in the 3rd order in the Einstein constant our procedure is some 9 orders of magnitude too small. We make up this difference by suggesting that vacuum energy is much higher still and that more degrees of freedom exist in physics beyond the Standard Model or that there is interaction energy between the modes.
A Preliminary Life Cycle Analysis of Bioethanol Production Using Seawater in a Coastal Biorefinery Setting
Authors: Zaky Abdelrahman S. , Carter Claudia E. , Meng Fanran , French Christopher E.
Published: August 2021

Bioethanol has many environmental and practical benefits as a transportation fuel. It is one of the best alternatives to replace fossil fuels due to its liquid nature which is similar to petrol and diesel fuels traditionally used in transportation. In addition, bioethanol production technology has the capacity for negative carbon emissions which is vital for solving the current global warming dilemma. However, conventional bioethanol production takes place based on an inland site and relies on freshwater and edible crops (or land suitable for edible crop production) for production, which has led to the food vs fuel debate. Establishing a coastal marine biorefinery (CMB) system for bioethanol production that is based on coastal sites and relies on marine resources (seawater, marine biomass and marine yeast) could be the ultimate solution. In this paper, we aim to evaluate the environmental impact of using seawater for bioethanol production at coastal locations as a step towards the evaluation of a CMB system. Hence, a life cycle assessment for bioethanol production was conducted using the proposed scenario named Coastal-Seawater and compared to the conventional scenario, named Inland-Freshwater (IF). The impact of each scenario in relation to climate change, water depletion, land use and fossil depletion was studied for comparison. The coastal-seawater scenario demonstrated an improvement upon the conventional scenario in all the selected impact categories. In particular, the use of seawater in the process had a significant effect on water depletion showing an impact reduction of 31.2%. Furthermore, reductions are demonstrated in natural land transformation, climate change and fossil depletion of 5.5%, 3.5% and 4.2% respectively. This indicates the positive impact of using seawater and coastal locations for bioethanol production and encourages research to investigate the CMB system.
Review of Pharmacological Properties of Channa Striatus (Haruan) In Diabetes and Cardiovascular Complications
Authors: Azemi Ahmad Khusairi , Mustapha Sagir , Mohammed Mustapha , Rasool Aida Hanum Ghulam , Ishak Reezal , Mat Jais Abdull Manan , Mokhtar Siti Safiah
Published: August 2021

Diabetes mellitus remains a major risk factor for developing cardiovascular diseases, resulting in increased morbidity and mortality associated with cardiovascular complications. Given the burden of diabetes-related cardiovascular complications, there is a need to identify strategies, safe and effective therapeutic agents that could effectively prevent and control diabetes. Presently, many patients living with diabetes depends on traditional medicines as an alternative cure. Channa striatus (Haruan) is a freshwater fish traditionally used to treat wounds, inflammations, and pains. Several pharmacological investigations have supported the folkloric claims of C. striatus extracts, including hypoglycemic, hypolipidemic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and pro-platelet aggregation activities. The therapeutic potentials of C. striatus were demonstrated to be associated with the presence of high content essential amino acids and good fatty acids known to improve cell growth and facilitate wound healing. Therefore, C. striatus bioactive compounds have great potentials to serve as lead candidates in developing novel therapeutic agents for the management of diabetes and related cardiovascular diseases. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the pharmacological properties and therapeutic potentials of C. striatus for the management of diabetes and associated cardiovascular complications.
Implants versus Lipograft – Analysis of Long-Term Results after Congenital Breast Asymmetry Procedure
Authors: Brebant Vanessa , Weiherer Maximilian , Noisser Vivien , Seitz Stephan , Prantl Lukas , Eigenberger Andreas
Published: August 2021

Congenital breast asymmetry represents a particular challenge to the classical techniques of plastic surgery due to a young group of patients. This study compares traditional breast augmentation using silicone implants to the more innovative lipograft technique regarding long-term results. To achieve this, we not only captured subjective parameters like satisfaction with outcome and symmetry, but also objective parameters such as breast volume and anthropometric measurements. Objective examination was performed manually and by using the Vectra® H2 photogrammetry scanning system. Patients who underwent implant augmentation and lipograft both showed no significant differences in patient´s satisfaction with surgical outcome (p = 0.55) and symmetry (p = 0.69). Furthermore, a breast symmetry of 93 % in both groups was reported. Likewise, no statistically significant volume difference between left and right breast was observed in both groups (p<0.41). However, on average, lipograft patients needed 1.3 procedures more until the desired result was achieved. In contrast, patients treated with implant-based breast augmentation usually need several implant changes during their life. In conclusion, both methods should be considered for patients with congenital breast asymmetry.
An Approach to Delineate Potential Groundwater Zones in Kilinochchi District, Sri Lanka, Using GIS Techniques
Authors: Pathmanandakumar Vyddiyaratnam , Thasarathan Nadarajapillai , Ranagalage Manjula
Published: August 2021

The scarcity of surface water resources in the dry season in the Kilinochchi district increases the demand for freshwater. Therefore, the existing groundwater resources should be managed to overcome the situation. Several authors worldwide have published studies on the delineation of potential groundwater zone. However, only a few studies addressed the delineation of potential groundwater zones in the Kilinochchi district. This study aims to delineate potential groundwater zones in Kilinochchi, Sri Lanka using integrated Remote Sensing, Geographic Information Systems, and Analytic Hierarchy Process techniques. Groundwater potential zones are demarcated for the Kilinochchi district by overlaying thematic layers: geology, geomorphology, land use/land cover, soil types, drainage density, slope, lineament, and rainfall. Saaty's scale was applied to the assigned weights of the chosen thematic layers and their features. The thematic layers were integrated into a Geographic Information System, and a weighted overlay analysis is carried out to delineate groundwater zones. Thus the resultant map is categorized into five different potential zones: very low, low, moderate, high, and very high. It was found that the very high groundwater potential zone is mainly found in the north-eastern part of the study area covering 111.26 km2. The upper north-western, middle, and eastern parts of the study area fall within the high groundwater potential zone covering about 507.74 km2. The moderate groundwater potential zones (309.89 km2) mainly occurred in the western part, and the extreme west part of the study area falls under low (207.78 km2) and very low (59.12 km2) zones. The groundwater potential map was validated with the existing seventy-nine wells, which indicated a good prediction accuracy of 81.8%. This research will help policymakers better manage the Kilinochchi district's groundwater resources and gives scope for further research into groundwater exploration in the area.
Lifestyle, WCRF/AICR Recommendations and Esophageal Adenocarcinoma Risk. A Systematic Review of the Literature
Authors: Nucci Daniele , Marino Alessio , Realdon Stefano , Nardi Mariateresa , Fatigoni Cristina , Gianfredi Vincenza
Published: August 2021

One of the most notable changes in the Esophageal Cancer (EC) epidemiology is the rising incidence and prevalence of esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC) in developed countries, likely due to lifestyle and/or environmental factors that may play an important role in EAC onset. The aim of this systematic review was to collect and summarize all the available evidence regarding lifestyle, diet and EAC risk. We searched the PubMed and Scopus databases in January 2021 for studies providing information about lifestyle, diet, WCRF/AICR recommendations and EAC risk. A total of 106 publications met the inclusion criteria. Body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC) are associated with increased EAC risk. Physical activity does not appear to have a significant direct role in EAC risk. A diet rich in fruit, vegetables, and whole grains appeared to be more protective than a diet rich in animal fat, red meat, and processed meat. Alcohol does not seem to be related to EAC whereas smokers, particularly heavy smokers, have an increased risk of EAC. Primary prevention remains the best option to avert EAC. BMI and WC, along with low consumption of red and processed meat, high consumption of plant food, and the avoidance of smoking are pivotal for EAC prevention.
Deep learning with uncertainty quantification for slum mapping using satellite imagery
Authors: Fisher Thomas , Gibson Harry , Salimi-Khorshidi Gholamreza , Hassaine Abdelaali , Cai Yutong , Rahimi Kazem , Mamouei Mohammad
Published: August 2021

Over a billion people live in slums, with poor sanitation, education, property rights and working conditions having direct impact on current residents and future generations. A key problem in relation to slums is slum mapping. Without delineations of where all slum settlements are, informed decisions cannot be made by policymakers in order to benefit the most in need. Satellite images have been used in combination with machine learning models to try and fill the gap in data availability of slum locations. Deep learning has been used on RGB images with some success but since labeled satellite images of slums are relatively low quality and the physical/visual manifestation of slums significantly varies within and across countries, it is important to quantify the uncertainty of predictions for reliable application in downstream tasks. Our solution is to train Monte Carlo dropout U-Net models on multispectral 13-band Sentinel-2 images from which we can calculate pixelwise epistemic (model) and aleatoric (data) uncertainty in our predictions. We trained our model on labelled images of Mumbai and verified our epistemic and aleatoric uncertainty quantification approach using altered models trained on modified datasets. We also used SHAP values to investigate how the different features contribute towards the model’s predictions and this showed that certain short-wave infrared and red-edge image bands are powerful features for determining the locations of slums within images. Having created our model with uncertainty quantification, in the future it can be applied to downstream tasks and decision-makers will know where predictions have been made with low uncertainty, giving them greater confidence in its deployment.
Kidney Pathology and Outcomes in Anca-Associated Vasculitis: Retrospective Analysis of 85 Patients
Authors: Zakharova Elena , Zykova Anastasiia , Makarova Tatyana , Leonova Eugenia , Stolyarevich Ekaterina
Published: August 2021

ANCA-associated vasculitis (AAV) pose a significant risk of kidney failure, kidney biopsy remains a key prognostic tool. Pathology classification of the AAV glomerulonephritis (GN) developed by Berden et al showed correlation between GN classes and kidney outcomes; ANCA Renal Risk Score (ARRS) included tubular atrophy and interstitial fibrosis (TA/IF) as an additional parameter for risk assessment. We aimed to evaluate kidney survival across AAV GN classes and ARRS groups. A single-center retrospective study included 85 adult patients with biopsy-proven AAV kidney disease followed in 2000-2020. Primary outcome was kidney survival at the end of 18 [5; 66] months follow-up, kidney death considered as CKD stage 5. We found significant difference in the kidney survival for sclerotic, mixed, crescentic and focal AAV GN classes: 19%, 76.2%, 91.7% and 100% respectively (p=0.009). Kidney survival was 0%, 75.6% and 100% for the high, median and low risk ARRS groups respectively (p<0.001); TA/IF analysis showed kidney survival 49.6% vs 87.7% for widespread and mild TA/IF respectively (р=0.003). Kidney survival was significantly lower in anti-MPO-ANCA versus anti-PR3-ANCA carriers (50.3% and 78.1% respectively, р=0.045). We conclude that unfavorable AAV kidney outcomes associated with sclerotic GN class by Berden’s classification, ARRS high risk group, and anti-MPO-ANCA subtype.
High Sensitivity Cardiac Troponin T in Patients with Severe Chronic Kidney Disease and suspected Acute Coronary Syndrome
Authors: Alushi Brunilda , Jost-Brinkmann Fabian , Kastrati Adnan , Cassese Salvatore , Fusaro Massimiliano , Stangl Karl , Landmesser Ulf , Thiele Holger , Lauten Alexander
Published: August 2021

Background: Patients with severe chronic kidney disease (CKD G4-G5) often have chronically elevated high-sensitivity cardiac troponin T (hs-cTnT) values above the 99th percentile of the upper reference limit. In these patients, optimal cutoff levels for diagnosing non-ST-elevation acute cor-onary syndrome (NSTE-ACS) requiring revascularization remain undefined.
Methods: Of 11,912 patients undergoing coronary angiography from 2012 to 2017 for suspected NSTE-ACS, 325 (3%) had severe CKD. Of these, 290 with available serial hs-cTnT measurements were included and 300 matched patients with normal renal function were selected as a control cohort. Results: Diagnostic performance for patients with severe CKD was high at presentation and similar to that of the control population (AUC, 95% CI: 0.81, 0.75-0.87 versus 0.85, 0.80-0.89, p=0.68) and the ROC-derived cutoff value at presentation was 4 times higher compared to the conventional 99th percentile. Combining the ROC-derived cutoff levels for hs-cTnT at presentation and absolute 3-hour changes, sensitivity increased to 98%, PPV and NPV improved up to 93% and 86%, re-spectively. (4) Conclusions: In patients with severe CKD and suspected ACS the diagnostic accu-racy of hs-cTnT for the diagnosis of NSTE-ACS requiring revascularization is improved by using higher assay specific cutoff levels combined with early absolute changes.
The Impact of COVID-19 on the Green Banking of Financial Institutions in an Emerging Economy: Implications for the Green Economic Recovery
Authors: Siddik Abu Bakkar , Zheng Guang-Wen
Published: August 2021

This study aims to identify the COVID-19 impact on the green banking activities including green financing of banks and non-bank financial institutions (NBFIs) during the pandemic. Besides, this study also reveals the in-house environmental management of banks and NBFIs during the COVID-19 outbreak. To analyze the impact of the pandemic on green banking activities, secondary data were obtained from the quarterly and annual reports of Bangladesh Bank (BB) on green banking activities, annual reports and websites of the sample banks and NBFIs in Bangladesh for the period 2020–2019. The study utilized descriptive statistics, relative percentage changes, and varying tables and graphs to analyze the obtained secondary data. Consequently, the empirical findings revealed that, compared to the pre-pandemic period, banks’ total green financing rose by 7.26% during the pandemic, while total green financing of NBFIs plummeted by 18.53% during the same period. In addition, the category-wise results indicate that green financing of the private commercial banks (PCBs) decreased by 11% during the COVID-19 pandemic, contrasting the 56.54% increase witnessed by the state-owned commercial banks (SOCBs) during the same period. Interestingly, our findings showed that green financing of foreign-owned commercial banks (FCBs) during the pandemic increased by 78.69% in 2020 compared to 2019. During the same period, BB refinancing scheme for green products/initiatives of banks and NBFIs grew by 76.97%. The results further showed that the PCBs and FCBs’ in-house environmental management expanded during the outbreak except for the number of solar-powered ATM booths, which dropped by 68.25% for PCBs and 9.09% for FCBs. On the other hand, SOCBs’ in-house environmental management grew during the pandemic. Furthermore, the results indicate that the Bangladeshi banks’ automation towards green banking were satisfactory during the pandemic. Therefore, major policy implications for the green economic recovery of the government, BB, and mangers of the banks and financial institutions in emerging economies like Bangladesh were discussed.
Pengembangan Modul dengan Lima Permainan Tradisional Guna Mempertajam Hati Nurani Anak Usia 9-12 Tahun
Authors: Wijayanti Anna , Nugrahanta Gregorius Ari , Kurniastuti Irine
Published: August 2021

This research aimed to develop a module with five traditional games for sharpening conscience children 9-12 years old. The type of this research is R&D with ADDIE. This research has done in the region Magelang, Central Java. The result showed the quality of the module with five traditional games was very nice. The validation test 3,72 a very nice category. The implementation of the module with five traditional games has affected children’s conscience. The result of the paired samples t-test the posttest score (M = 85,00, SE = 4,226) was higher than pretest score (M = 46,25, SE = 5,957) and the difference was significant with t = 7,519, p = 0,000. That means the implemented of traditional games’s modul can explain 87,60% of the change in conscience. The effect size showed r = 0,936 has equivalent with 87,60% which into the high category. N-gain score 74,643% high effectiveness.
Analisis Bimbingan Orangtua dan Motivasi Belajar Siswa pada Pembelajaran Daring Selama Pandemi Covid-19
Authors: Yanti Yulia Eka , Muslihasari Adzimatnur , Cholifah Tety Nur
Published: August 2021

The corona virus has caused changes in the education system in Indonesia. This causes learning that was originally carried out face-to-face into learning from home. The Learning from Home system requires parents to play a full role in learning. To maintain and increase students' learning motivation while studying from home, parents really need the role. This research is a descriptive research with a qualitative approach. The instrument of data collection was done by interview and questionnaire. The subjects of this study were parents of grade II and III students at SD Negeri 2 Palaan located in Palaan Village, Ngajum District. The results of this study discuss the role of parents who are very influential in improving student learning outcomes of SD Negeri 2 Palaan during the Learning from Home System.
Upaya Meningkatkan Hasil Belajar Siswa Materi Keliling Bangun Datar Menggunakan Model Pembelajaran Pair Check
Authors: Cahyaningtyas Citra
Published: August 2021

This study aims to describe the process of implementing the pair check learning model and to describe the improvement of student learning outcomes in class IIIB SD No. 8 Jimbaran on the material around the flat wake. This research is a classroom action research with the research subjects of class IIIB elementary school students. 8 Jimbaran, totaling 23 students. This research was carried out in 2 cycles and each cycle consisted of planning, implementation, observation, and reflection stages. The data obtained in the form of student learning outcomes, student activity and teacher activity. The results of this study are the percentage of mastery learning outcomes has increased from 39.13% to 86.95%, while the results of observations of teacher activities obtained a percentage of 71.9%. The conclusions of this study namely the pair check learning model can significantly improve student learning outcomes that is equal to 86.95%.
Prevalence and factors associated with pelvic organ prolapse among women attending the gynecology outpatient clinic at a tertiary hospital in southwestern Uganda
Authors: TUGUME RODGERS , Lugobe Henry Mark , Kato Paul Kalyebara , Kajabwangu Rogers , Kanyesigye Hamson , Masembe Sezalio , Kayondo Musa
Published: August 2021

PurposeTo determine the prevalence, clinical stage at presentation and factors associated with pelvic organ prolapse (POP) among women attending the gynecology outpatient clinic at Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital (MRRH), Uganda. MethodsWe conducted a cross sectional study at the gynecology outpatient clinic of MRRH from September 2019 to January 2020. Multiple logistic regression analysis was done to determine factors associated with pelvic organ prolapse. Results Of 338 participants enrolled, the prevalence of POP was 27.5% (n=93). POP stages were: stage I 11.8% (n=11), stage II 63.4% (n=59), stage III 16.1% (n=15) and stage IV 8.9% (n=8). Grand-multiparity (aOR 17.1, 95% CI: 1.1 – 66.6), birth weight more than 3.5kg (aOR 3.7, 95% CI: 1.1 – 12.6), perineal tears (aOR 6.5, 95% CI: 2.1 – 20.2), peasant farmer (aOR 6.9, 95% CI: 1.6 – 29.9) and duration of labour in the first delivery > 24 hours (aOR 5.7, 95% CI: 1.2 – 29) were significantly associated with POP. ConclusionPOP is common among women attending the gynecology clinic at MRRH with most of them presenting with stage II. There should be routine screening for POP to enable early identification and management especially in those who are grand multiparous, peasant farmers and history of perineal tears.
Analytical and Experimental Analyses of Nonlinear Vibrations in a Rotary Inverted Pendulum
Authors: dolatabad Mohammadjavad Rahimi , Pasharavesh Abdolreza , Khayyat Amir Ali Akbar
Published: August 2021

Gaining insight into possible vibratory responses of dynamical systems around their stable equilibria is an essential step, which must be taken before their design and application. The results of such a study can significantly help prevent instability in closed-loop stabilized systems through avoiding the excitation of the system in the neighborhood of its resonance. This paper investigates nonlinear oscillations of a Rotary Inverted Pendulum (RIP) with a full-state feedback controller. Lagrange’s equations are employed to derive an accurate 2-DoF mathematical model, whose parameter values are extracted by both the measurement and 3D modeling of the real system components. Although the governing equations of a 2-DoF nonlinear system are difficult to solve, performing an analytical solution is of great importance, mostly because, compared to the numerical solution, the analytical solution can function as an accurate pattern. Additionally, the analytical solution is generally more appealing to engineers because their computational costs are less than those of the numerical solution. In this study, the perturbative method of multiple scales is used to obtain an analytical solution to the coupled nonlinear motion equations of the closed-loop system. Moreover, the parameters of the controller are determined, using the results of this solution. The findings reveal the existence of hardening- and softening-type resonances at the first and second vibrational modes, respectively. This led to a wide frequency range with moderately large-amplitude vibrations, which must be avoided when adjusting a time-varying set-point for the system. The analytical results of the nonlinear vibration of the RIP are verified by experimental measurements, and a very good agreement is observed between the results of both approaches.
Spatial interpolation methods for estimating monthly rainfall distribution in Thailand
Authors: Chutsagulprom Nawinda , Chaisee Kuntalee , Wongsaijai Ben , Inkeaw Papangkorn , Oonariya Chalump
Published: August 2021

Spatial interpolation methods usually differ in their underlying mathematical concepts, each with inherent advantages and drawbacks depending on the properties of data. This paper, therefore, aims to compare and evaluate the performances of well-established interpolation techniques for estimating monthly rainfall data in Thailand. The selected methods include the inverse distance-based method, multiple linear regression (MLR), artificial neural networks (ANN), and ordinary kriging (OK). The technique of searching nearest stations is additionally imposed for some aforementioned schemes. The k -fold cross-validation method is exploited to assess the efficiency of each method, then the metric scores, RMSE, and MAE are used for comparisons. The results suggest the ANN might be the least favorite as it underperforms in many folds. While the OK method provides the most accurate prediction, the inverse distance weighting (IDW), particularly inverse exponential weighting (IEW), and MLR are considerably comparative. Overall, IEW is plausible for monthly rainfall estimation of Thailand because it is less computationally expensive than the OK and its flexible computation.
The impact of recipient age on the effects of umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells on HBV- related acute-on-chronic liver failure and liver cirrhosis
Authors: Zhang Ka , Sun Haixia , Cao Huijuan , Jia Yifan , Shu Xin , Cao Hong , Zhang Yufeng , Yang Xiaoan
Published: August 2021

Background
The results of a previous study verified that umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (UCMSCs) have good therapeutic effects for the treatment of HBV-related acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF) and liver cirrhosis (LC). Nevertheless, it is still unknown whether the effects of UCMSCs are affected by recipient age.
Methods
Patients treated with UCMSCs who met the criteria of HBV-related ACLF and liver cirrhosis were identified in this retrospective observational study. Patients were divided into subgroups according to the World Health Organization (WHO) age criteria (< 45 vs. ≥45 years). Group A included young ACLF patients (< 45 y), and group B included older ACLF patients (≥ 45 y). Young LC patients (< 45 y) were assigned to group C, and group D included older LC patients (≥ 45 y). Patients’ clinical characteristics, demographics, biochemical factors, and model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) scores were compared for 24 weeks.
Results
Sixty-four ACLF patients and 59 LC patients were enrolled in this study. Compared with patients in groups B and C, patients in group A did not show significant superiority in terms of the levels of ALT, AST, TBIL, AFP, and PTA and MELD scores. However, the median decrease and cumulative decrease in the TBIL and ALT levels of patients in group C were larger than those of patients in group D after four weeks of UCMSC transfusions. For older patients (≥ 45 y), the cumulative decrease and the median decrease in the TBIL of ACLF patients were significantly greater than those of LC patients after UCMSC treatment. However, the median decrease in ALT levels of ACLF patients was significantly greater than that of LC patients during UCMSC treatment, and the cumulative decrease in ALT levels of ACLF patients was significantly greater than that of LC patients at all time points.
Conclusion
The therapeutic effects of UCMSCs for HBV-related acute-on-chronic liver failure and liver cirrhosis varied partly by patient age. Assessing patient age is necessary prior to UCMSC clinical use.
How Does Perceived Value Affect Kiwi Growers' Sustainable Application of Green Agricultural Technology in China? - Moderating Effect Analysis Based on Government Support
Authors: Xiang Wen , Gao Jianzhong
Published: August 2021

Unsafe use of pesticides and fertilizers is a concern in rural areas of China, resulting in serious threats to environment and the quality of agricultural products. Many works have studied the factors influencing the adoption of green agricultural technology by farmers. However, few studies have explored the factors that lead to a farmer’s sustainable use of green agricultural technology. Based on a survey of 1,138 kiwi growers in Shaanxi province of China, this paper builds a theoretical model to look at this issue and conducts a series of empirical exercises to gain insight into the effects of perceived value, government support and their interaction on kiwi growers' sustainable application of green agricultural technology. We find that (1) Perceived monetary and non-monetary benefits positively affect the sustainable application of green agricultural technology by farmers while perceived monetary and non-monetary risks affect it negatively. In addition, such influence would be enhanced with an increase in the intensity of perceived value and vary with the type of green agricultural technology. (2) Both agricultural extension service and ecological subsidy, as two main forms of government support, have a positive and significant effect on the sustainable application of green agricultural technology. (3) There is also a role for the interaction effects between the influence of perceived value and government support on the sustainable application of green agricultural technology. Therefore, it has been proposed in this paper that the government should expand relevant publicity, education, training, and guidance, offer compensatory incentives for producers, and adopt guiding methods corresponding to different green agricultural technology, so as to promote the sustainable application of green production modes by farmers.
Microbial iron(III) reduction during palsa collapse promotes greenhouse gas emissions before complete permafrost thaw
Authors: Patzner Monique , Logan Merritt , McKenna Amy , Young Robert , Zhou Zhe , Joss Hanna , Mueller Carsten , Hoschen Carmen , Scholten Thomas , Straub Daniel , Kleindienst Sara , Borch Thomas , Kappler Andreas , Bryce Casey
Published: August 2021

Reactive iron (Fe) minerals can preserve organic carbon (OC) in soils overlying intact permafrost. With permafrost thaw, reductive dissolution of iron minerals releases Fe and OC into the porewater, potentially increasing the bioavailability of OC for microbial decomposition. However, the stability of this so-called rusty carbon sink, the microbial community driving mineral dissolution, the identity of the iron-associated carbon and the resulting impact on greenhouse gas emissions are unknown. We examined palsa hillslopes, gradients from intact permafrost-supported palsa to semi-wet partially-thawed bog in a permafrost peatland in Abisko (Sweden). Using high-resolution mass spectrometry, we found that Fe-bound OC in intact palsa is comprised of loosely bound more aliphatic and strongly-bound more aromatic species. Iron mineral dissolution by both fermentative and dissimilatory Fe(III) reduction releases Fe-bound OC along the palsa hillslopes, before complete permafrost thaw. The increasing bioavailability of dissolved OC (DOC) leads to its further decomposition, demonstrated by an increasing nominal oxidation state of carbon (NOSC) and a peak in bioavailable acetate (61.7±42.6 mg C/L) at the collapsing palsa front. The aqueous Fe2+ released is partially re-oxidized by Fe(II)-oxidizing bacteria but cannot prevent the overall loss of the rusty carbon sink with palsa collapse. The increasing relative abundance and activity of Fe(III)-reducers is accompanied by an increasing abundance of methanogens and a peak in methane (CH4) emissions at the collapsing front. Our data suggest that the loss of the rusty carbon sink directly contributes to carbon dioxide (CO2) production by Fe(III) reduction coupled to OC oxidation and indirectly to CH4 emission by promoting methanogenesis even before complete permafrost thaw.
Effect of Collaborative Governance on Medical and Nursing Service Combination: An Evaluation Based on Delphi and Entropy Method
Authors: chang beiquan , Yang yansui , Leon Guillermo Andres Buitrago
Published: August 2021

BackgroundImproved of synergies on medical and nursing services can help governments to optimize the allocation of medical resources, however, an appropriate evaluation method is critical for an appropriate decision process in this regard. MethodTo assess medical and nursing service combination (MNSC) at regional level, this study applied a 5-dimension evaluation index composed by 28 basic response areas related to the MNSC development status in China determining its respective weight through Delphi and entropy method.ResultThis empirical exercise analyzed the MNSC supply system by interviewing 9 head of medical and nursing institutions and 11 healthcare-related government personnel during august of 2020 in Xinxiang City, Henan province, P.R China. Results showed that (1) public satisfaction with the fees charged by Medical and Nursing service Institutions (MNSI); (2) Medicare and supply services policy publicity; (3) external financing situation of MNSI, (4) medical staff professional quality; (5) medical facilities and supply of MNSI; and (6) recognition level of the development plan of MNSI scored the highest effect on the synergy of MNSC supply among the assessed factors. ConclusionThese results showed that an evaluation based on Delphi and Entropy Method can effectively integrate the opinions of experts and related institutions to evaluate synergies on medical and nursing service supply.
Greedy Randomized and Maximal Weighted Residual Kaczmarz Methods with Oblique Projection
Authors: Wang Fang , Li Weiguo , Bao Wendi , Liu Li
Published: August 2021

For solving large-scale consistent linear system, a greedy randomized Kaczmarz method with oblique projection and a maximal weighted residual Kaczmarz method with oblique projection are proposed. By using oblique projection, these two methods greatly reduce the number of iteration steps and running time to find the minimum norm solution, especially when the rows of matrix A are close to linear correlation. Theoretical proof and numerical results show that the greedy randomized Kaczmarz method with oblique projection and the maximal weighted residual Kaczmarz method with oblique projection are more effective than the greedy randomized Kaczmarz method and the maximal weighted residual Kaczmarz method respectively.
Phosphate and iron stress control global surface ocean dissolved organic phosphorus concentrations
Authors: Liang Zhou , Letscher Robert , Knapp Angela
Published: August 2021

Dissolved organic phosphorus (DOP) has a dual role in the surface ocean as both a product of primary production and as an organic nutrient fueling primary production and nitrogen fixation, especially in oligotrophic gyres. Though poorly constrained, understanding the geographic distribution and environmental controls of surface ocean DOP concentration is critical to estimating distributions and rates of primary production and nitrogen fixation in the global ocean. Here we pair DOP concentration measurements with a metric of phosphate (PO43−) stress (P*), and satellite-based chlorophyll a concentrations and iron stress estimates to explore their relationship with upper 50 m DOP stocks. Our results show that PO43− and iron stress work together to control surface DOP concentrations at basin scales. Specifically, upper 50 m DOP stocks decrease with increasing phosphate stress, while alleviated iron stress leads to either surface DOP accumulation or loss depending on PO43− availability. Our work suggests an interdependence between DOP concentration, inorganic nutrient ratios, and iron availability, and establishes a predictive framework for DOP distributions in the global surface ocean.
A Facilely Synthesized Tourmaline-Biochar Composite For Enhanced Removal of Cr (VI) From Aqueous Solution
Authors: Lu Qi , Huang Siyi , Ma Xiaorui
Published: August 2021

A tourmaline-biochar composite (TMBC) was facilely synthesized to effectively remove Cr (Ⅵ) from aqueous solution. The effects of different ratio (TM: BC) and pyrolysis temperature on TMBC adsorption performance were compared for optimal condition of TMBC preparation. The TMBC samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and scanning electron microscope-energy dispersive spectrometer (SEM-EDS). The kinetics and thermodynamics were analyzed to investigate the sorption mechanism for removal of Cr (VI). The results showed that the proper pyrolysis temperature was 650℃, and the ratio of TM and BC was 1:3. SEM results showed that there are many pores in the biochar structure, which is helpful for tourmaline dispersion. The adsorption kinetics was fitted well by the pseudo-second-order model, indicating the sorption is related to chemical absorption. Freundlich adsorption isotherms suggested monolayer adsorption between Cr (Ⅵ) and TMBC, and the maximum adsorption capacity of TMBC for Cr (Ⅵ) was 53.10 mg/g at initial pH 4.0, which is more than twice higher than pristine TM (17.85 mg/g). Such adsorption mechanisms included water automatically polarized, ion exchange and electrode adsorption, among which the automatic polarization of water caused by tourmaline was the unique adsorption property of TMBC. So TMBC composite can be used as an economic adsorbent in the remediation of heavy metal pollution in water.
ESIKE: An efficient and secure internet key exchange protocol
Authors: ahmim marwa , Ahmim Ahmed , Ferrag Mohamed amine , ghoualmi-zine Nacira , Maglaras Leandros
Published: August 2021

The use of Internet key exchange protocols in IP Security architecture and in IoT environments has vulnerabilities against various malicious attacks and affects communication efficiency. To address these weaknesses, we propose a novel efficient and secure Internet key exchange protocol (ESIKE), which achieves a high level of security along with low computational cost and energy consumption. ESIKE achieves perfect forward secrecy, anonymity, known-key security and untraceability properties. ESIKE can resist several attacks, such as, replay, DoS, eavesdropping, man-in-the-middle and modification. In addition, the formal security validation using AVISPA tools confirms the superiority of ESIKE in terms of security.
Selfish Personalities Influencing Start-up Intention and Motivation: A Study of Vietnam
Authors: Lien Tran Thi Hong , Anh Tran Tu , Anh Truong Nhat , Anh Le Huu Tuan , Thao Ngo Thi Thien
Published: August 2021

This research explores the influences of selfish personalities of dark triad on start-up intention and motives based on a sample of 400 university students in Vietnam, discovering mixed effects of narcissism, psychopathy, and Machiavellianism. A high level of narcissism and Machiavellianism leads to high start-up intention. There is a negative relationship of Machiavellianism with pro-social motive and a positive association with selfish entrepreneurship. In addition, narcissism is positively associated with pro-social star-tup motives. This study has found no effect of psychopathy but a positive link to selfish entrepreneurial motivation. Implications have been suggested for educators and investors.
Extracting Predictive Representations from Hundreds of Millions of Molecules
Authors: Chen Dong , Wei Guowei , Pan Feng
Published: August 2021

Although deep learning can automatically extract features in relatively simple tasks such as image analysis, the construction of appropriate representations remains essential for molecular predictions due to intricate molecular complexity. Additionally, it is often expensive, time-consuming, and ethically constrained to generate labeled data for supervised learning in molecular sciences, leading to challenging small and diverse datasets. In this work, we develop a self-supervised learning approach via a masking strategy to pre-train transformer models from over 700 million unlabeled molecules in multiple databases. The intrinsic chemical logic learned from this approach enables the extraction of predictive representations from task-specific molecular sequences in a fine-tuned process. To understand the importance of self-supervised learning from unlabeled molecules, we assemble three models with different combinations of databases. Moreover, we propose a new protocol based on data traits to automatically select the optimal model for a specific predictive task. To validate the proposed representation and protocol, we consider 10 benchmark datasets in addition to 38 ligand-based virtual screening datasets. Extensive validation indicates that the proposed representation and protocol show superb performance.