bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Social work. Social distance. Mental health. Competency-oriented education workshops conducted online by social work students
Authors: Badura Aleksandra , Melnyk Karina , Snarska Katríne , Sitko Eryka , Szargiej Anna , Tarkowska Monika
Published: February 2021

The authors present the On-line on-Soul student education initiative, which was directly stimulated by the change of the form of academic education in the period of increasing COVID-19 threat. The substantive focus of group activity was the opportunity to discuss the consequences of the global state of isolation for the mental health of people and social groups, and to conduct it in the conditions of remote communication. The process, initiated in April 2020, is an example of good practice in education for social work, which – in the changed conditions of new everyday life – develops key professional competences: the ability to cooperate, closeness, openness as well as learning and giving meaning to crisis situations.
Problems of family caregivers of people with Parkinson’s disease as a challenge for social work
Authors: Szluz Beata
Published: February 2021

Due to the aging of societies the increased prevalence of patients with dementia is observed. Parkinson’s disease is one of the most frequent neurodegenerative disorders and occurs mainly among the people agedover 50 years. Caring for a person with Parkinson’s disease is not only exhausting physically and emotionally, but it also meanshigh financial costs. Caring is associated with a high risk of a decreasedquality of life, it is especially in case of the family caregivers who are emotionally attached to the patient. The article attempts to show the problems associated with caring for a person with Parkinson’s disease that set tasks for social work with a family experiencing disease and disability. The survey was conducted in July 2019 in the Podkarpackie Voivodeship, using the (In-Depth Interview – IDI technique.
The study was qualitative. Its assumption was not to obtain representative data characterizing the family caregivers of people with Parkinson’s disease, but to try to capture how the problems associated with caring for this category of patients burden caregivers and to what extent they expect support (supporting supporters). Presenting the burden on family caregivers in the light of qualitative research made it possible to identify the specific tasks facing a social worker who works with the family of a chronically ill elderly person and to propose a training program for caregivers.
Evaluation of Adding Dexmedetomidine to Ropivacaine in Pediatric Caudal Epidural Block: A Randomized, Double-blinded Clinical Trial
Authors: Imani Farnad , Farahmand Rad Reza , Salehi Reza , Alimian Mahzad , Mirbolook Jalali Zahra , Mansouri Amir , Nader Nader D.
Published: February 2021

Background: Caudal block is one of the methods of pain management performed following lower abdominal surgery, though having its own limitations. Objectives: In the present study, the effects and side effects of adding dexmedetomidine to ropivacaine in the caudal epidural block were investigated in children after lower abdominal surgery. Methods: In this randomized, double-blinded clinical trial, 46 children aged three to six years were divided into two groups to perform a caudal block following lower abdominal surgery under general anesthesia. The injectable solution contained ropivacaine in the R group (1 mL/kg ropivacaine 0.2%), as the control group, and dexmedetomidine (2 µg/kg) and ropivacaine 0.2% (1 mL/kg) in the DR group. The pain score (modified CHEOPS score), duration of analgesia, amount of analgesia consumed (i.v. paracetamol), hemodynamic changes, and possible adverse effects were assessed at one, two, and six hours in both groups. Results: The pain score at one and two hours showed no significant difference between the two study groups (P > 0.05). In the DR group, however, the pain score at the sixth hour was significantly lower, and the duration of analgesia was longer (P = 0.001). The amount of analgesic consumption was also lower in the DR group (P = 0.001). However, there was no significant difference in systolic blood pressure and heart rate (P < 0.05), in the case of diastolic blood pressure, a significant difference (P < 0.05) was seen (DR group lower than the R group). There was no statistically significant difference between the study groups in the duration of surgery, recovery time, and side effects (P < 0.05). Conclusions: In the present study, the addition of dexmedetomidine to ropivacaine in the caudal epidural blockade improved postoperative analgesia without significant adverse effects in pediatric patients.
Ireverzibilna elektroporacija kot metoda ablacije mehkih tkiv: pregled in izzivi pri uporabi v kliničnem okolju
Authors: Cindrič Helena , Kos Bor , Miklavčič Damijan
Published: February 2021

Koncept ireverzibilne elektroporacije kot samostojne ablacijske metode je bil prvič predstavljen pred petnajstimi leti. Ireverzibilna elektroporacija predstavlja alternativo uveljavljenim termičnim ablacijskim metodam, saj mehanizem uničevanja celic ni pogojen z dvigom temperature. Zaradi ne-termičnega načina delovanja se zaenkrat uporablja predvsem v primerih, kjer uporaba termične ablacije ni mogoča zaradi nevarnosti poškodovanja bližnjih občutljivih anatomskih struktur ali kjer je učinkovitost ablacije zmanjšana zaradi odvajanja toplote (t. i. heat sink učinek). Trenutno se ireverzibilna elektroporacija v medicini uporablja predvsem za odstranjevanje globlje ležečih tumorjev, na primer v jetrih, prostati in ledvicah.  V zadnjih letih je veliko zanimanja vzbudila tudi uporaba v srcu, in sicer za zdravljenje različnih motenj srčnega ritma. Ker je ablacija z ireverzibilno elektroporacijo relativno nova tehnologija, še vedno ni vzpostavljenih standardnih protokolov zdravljenja in postopkov načrtovanja zdravljenja. Numerične metode so nepogrešljivo orodje pri preučevanju fenomena elektroporacije in pri pripravi bolnikom prilagojenih načrtov zdravljenja. Prispevek obsega kratek pregled dosedanje uporabe ireverzibilne elektroporacije v kliničnem okolju, povzema prednosti in osvetljuje glavne izzive pri vpeljavi te obetavne ablacijske metode v klinično prakso.
Dexamethasone and diclofenac intramuscular mixture injection and risk of death: A case series study
Authors: Naser Abdallah Y. , Qadus Sami , Alwafi Hassan , Jarrar Qais , Ayoub Rami , Jaradat Abdolelah Ali , Atiyah Riyadh Mohammed , Alqaisy Abdulrahman Ibrahim
Published: February 2021

Diclofenac and dexamethasone injection mixture could be associated with fatal cardiovascular events, further studies are warrantied to explore the safety of this injection mixture and explore the genetic role of it.
A nutty idea: Exploring a novel method using a hazelnut cocoa spread to temporarily increase maternal care behavior within a rat litter
Authors: Roberge Chelsea L. , Wallin Chela M. , Tilson Kristy , Brummelte Suanne
Published: February 2021

Maternal care plays a crucial role for infant development. In humans, skin‐to‐skin care is often used for preterm infants to reduce acute stress and improve long‐term developmental outcome. Here we propose a new translational approach to study the effects of acute increases in maternal care on offspring development in rodents. First, pilot studies determined that dams spent more time licking pups covered in hazelnut cocoa spread (Nutella®)) than any other studied substance. For the main experiment, Sprague–Dawley rats were bred in‐house, and Nutella® was applied four times a day to treatment pups (2 males/females per litter) of seven litters from PN2 to 5. Control pups (2 males/females per litter) were handled similarly without applying any substance. Maternal licking and grooming behavior was observed for 30 min following each Nutella® application. Nutella®‐covered pups received significantly more licking and grooming compared to control pups within each litter. There was no difference in body weight or basal serum corticosterone levels between Nutella®‐covered and control pups on PN5, suggesting that the Nutella® application and subsequent increased maternal licking was not stressful for the pups. Future studies will investigate whether this increase in maternal care can protect pups from stress‐ or pain‐induced rises in corticosterone.
Assessing thrombogenesis and treatment response in congenital thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura
Authors: Alwan Ferras , Vendramin Chiara , Budde Ulrich , Liesner Ri , Taylor Alice , Thomas Mari , Lämmle Bernhard , Scully Marie
Published: February 2021

Despite clinical remission and normal platelet counts, congenital TTP (cTTP) is associated with non‐overt symptoms. Prophylactic ADAMTS13 replacement therapy such as plasma infusion (PI) prevents acute episodes and improves symptomatology. There is no current method to investigate disease severity or monitor the impact of treatment. We utilize a dynamic high shear flow assay to further understand disease pathophysiology and determine the impact of cTTP on symptomatology and therapy, despite normal platelet counts. Whole blood, under high shear, was run over collagen‐coated channels, causing platelet adhesion to von Willebrand factor (VWF) multimers. The resulting surface coverage by platelet‐VWF thrombus was assessed. The normal range was 6–39% in 50 controls. Twenty‐two cTTP patients with normal platelet counts were evaluated. Median pre‐treatment surface coverage was 89%, and PI reduced coverage to a median of 44% (p = 0.0005). Patients taking antiplatelets had further reduced coverage when combined with PI and improved non‐overt symptoms such as headache, lethargy, and abdominal pain in 100% of patients compared to 74% with PI alone (p = 0.046). We use a dynamic assay to report increased in vitro platelet adhesion and aggregation and additionally demonstrate significantly decreased thrombi following PI, with levels in the normal range levels achieved in patients taking additional antiplatelet therapy.
Efficient stress‐constrained topology optimization using inexact design sensitivities
Authors: Amir Oded
Published: February 2021

An efficient computational approach to stress‐constrained topology optimization is presented. Using a multigrid‐preconditioned Krylov solver for the state and adjoint problems, the number of Krylov iterations is reduced significantly by enforcing early termination of the iterative solves. The criterion for early termination is based on the convergence of the design sensitivities with respect to Krylov iterations. Consequently, the progress of optimization is not affected by the inexact resolution of the state and adjoint problems. The proposed approach is demonstrated on several design problems that possess different characteristics of the maximum stress. Optimization results obtained with early termination show very good agreement with those obtained with an accurate direct solver—in terms of objective value, constrained maximum stress and overall number of design cycles. Savings of 80% in the number of Krylov iterations are achieved, compared to the number of iterations required to satisfy the force residual convergence criterion to a common tolerance. The approach is directly applicable to high‐resolution problems that are solved on parallel computational environments. A MATLAB code for reproducing the results is freely available at
https://github.com/odedamir/topopt‐stress‐inexact‐sensitivities
Suddenly safe: Processing of conflicting feedback in assisted driving
Authors: Tanida Koji , Simmank Fabian , Silveira Sarita , Paolini Marco
Published: February 2021

Based on a conceptual model of operational anticipation, we propose an experimental paradigm for assisted car driving. In a pilot study, unpredicted negative outcomes, but not ambiguous intermediate feedback with positive outcomes, led to reduced feeling of safety and heightened brain activations in left anterior insular cortex attributable to error awareness.
Enoxaparin versus unfractionated heparin for venous thromboembolism prophylaxis in renally impaired ICU patients
Authors: DeBiase Christopher , Giuliano Christopher A. , Doshi Mitesh , Ganoff Michelle , Alexander Paxton Renee
Published: February 2021

Introduction

Intensive care unit (ICU) patients with renal insufficiency are more likely to develop venous thromboembolism and are at an increased risk for bleeding. There is conflicting data on whether enoxaparin or unfractionated heparin (UFH) is preferred for preventing thromboembolism in this population. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the safety of prophylactic enoxaparin versus UFH in ICU patients with renal impairment.

Methods

We conducted a single‐center, retrospective cohort study of ICU patients with renal impairment who received venous thromboembolism prophylaxis with either enoxaparin or UFH. Patients were included if they were at least 18 years of age, had renal impairment (acute kidney injury, severely decreased renal function, or end‐stage renal disease), and an ICU length of stay ≥72 h. The primary outcome was the proportion of patients experiencing a major bleeding event, including fatal bleed, symptomatic bleed in a critical area, or bleeding causing a ≥2 g/dl decrease in hemoglobin leading to a transfusion of ≥2 units of packed red blood cells.

Results

A total of 460 patients were included in the study. Of these, 231 received enoxaparin and 229 received UFH. In the unadjusted analysis, there was no difference in major bleeding events observed with enoxaparin compared to UFH (29.4% vs. 22.3%; p = 0.08) or rates of venous thromboembolism (4.3% vs. 3.5%; p = 0.64), respectively. After adjusting for confounding factors, enoxaparin showed a significant increase in major bleeding (OR: 1.84; 95% CI: 1.11 – 3.04; p = 0.02).

Conclusion

Thromboprophylaxis with enoxaparin in critically ill patients with renal impairment was associated with an increased risk of major bleeding compared to UFH.
Self‐medication among pregnant women attending outpatients' clinics in northern Jordan‐a cross‐sectional study
Authors: Alsous Mervat M. , I. Al‐Azzam Sayer , Nusair Mohammad B. , Alnahar Saja A. , Obeidat Nail A.
Published: February 2021

Self‐medication can facilitate patients’ access to medicinal products, save time, and reduce financial and health‐care service use burden. On the other hand, irresponsible use of self‐medications can result in adverse consequences. Self‐medication is common among different demographic groups including pregnant women. In general, medicinal products might have harmful effects on mothers and baby. This study aimed to assess self‐medication practices among pregnant women in the northern region of Jordan. A cross‐sectional study was conducted on pregnant women attending outpatient clinics in the northern region of Jordan. Self‐medication practices among the target population were assessed using a survey questionnaire that was administered through interviewer‐assisted mode. Data were collected between December 2019 and September 2020, and descriptive statistics and inferential analysis were applied. A total of 1,313 pregnant women were surveyed (response rate = 95.50%). Self‐medication and the use of herbal remedies were practiced by 33.10% and 32.14% of the participant, respectively. Headaches and general pains were the most frequently reported conditions treated by self‐medication practice with either conventional medicinal products or herbal remedies. The gravidity (≥4) and the gestational stage (≥28 weeks) were the predictors of self‐medication practice. This study showed that self‐medication was not widely practiced by pregnant women in the northern region of Jordan. Disease simplicity and previous history were the main motives for self‐medicating. Efforts should be made by health‐care providers to address pregnant women and educate them to increase their awareness about the unsafe use of medicines and the harmful effects on fetus.
Increase in the risk of clopidogrel resistance and consequent TIMI flow impairment by DNA hypomethylation of CYP2C19 gene in STEMI patients undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI)
Authors: Sukmawan Renan , Hoetama Erick , Suridanda Danny Siska , Giantini Astuti , Listiyaningsih Erlin , Gilang Rejeki Vidya , Aziz Alkatiri Amir , Firdaus Isman
Published: February 2021

Clopidogrel resistance is an important risk factor of ischemic event recurrence after optimal antiplatelet therapy. This study aims to investigate the role of CYP2C19 gene DNA methylation as one of the epigenetic factors for the risk of clopidogrel resistance in STEMI patients undergoing PPCI. ST‐segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients undergoing PPCI were pretreated with clopidogrel, and their platelet function was measured using VerifyNow™ assay. The criteria for high on‐treatment platelet reactivity (HPR) were defined according to the expert consensus criteria (PRU >208). DNA methylation of the CYP2C19 gene was performed using bisulfite genomic sequencing technology. Furthermore, clinical, laboratory, and angiographic data including TIMI flow were collected. Among 122 patients, clopidogrel resistance was found in 22%. DNA methylation level percentage was lower in the clopidogrel resistance group (76.7 vs. 88.8, p‐value .038). But, the <50% methylation group was associated with increased risk of clopidogrel resistance (OR =4.5, 95%CI =2.1–9.3, p‐value = .018). This group was also found to have suboptimal post‐PCI TIMI flow (OR =3.4 95%CI =1.3–8.7, p‐value =.045). The lower DNA methylation level of the CYP2C19 gene increases the risk of clopidogrel resistance and subsequent poorer clinical outcome.
Is the Meaning of the “Sharing Economy” Shared Among Us? Comparing the Perspectives of Japanese and Swedish Policymakers and Politicians
Authors: Fors Per , Inutsuka Yu , Majima Takashi , Orito Yohko
Published: February 2021

In another paper in this special issue, we explored how the sharing economy was understood and promoted by researchers in Japan and Sweden, respectively. In this second paper, which is based on two separate archival studies, we proceed by focusing on how the concept is used and understood in the political sphere by politicians and policymakers in the two contexts. On a general level, the sharing economy is understood as an economic model based on the acquisition, provision, and sharing of goods and services, facilitated by digital platforms. This study concludes that within the political spheres in Japan and Sweden there are, however, many different more specific understandings of and assumptions related to the concept. For example, the sharing economy is primarily promoted as a tool for economic revitalization and growth in Japan, while in Sweden its environmental benefits are emphasized. In Japan, there seems to be more consensus around what the sharing economy is, what its main effects are, and how it should be promoted. In Sweden, political parties instead advance different understandings of, and assumptions related to, the sharing economy to advance their political agendas. While the concept has been successfully translated in Japan by powerful political institutions and actors, we argue that the concept remains open to many different interpretations in Sweden.
Treatment of Partial Posterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries with Platelet-Rich Plasma in Growth Factors (PRGF) Intraligamentous Infiltration and a Specific Knee Brace
Authors: Barastegui David , Alentorn-Geli Eduard , Gotecha Dhaval , Rius Marta , Navarro Jordi , Cuscó Xavier , Seijas Roberto , Cugat Ramón
Published: February 2021

Posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) injuries are not as common as other knee ligament injuries, but may present a challenging scenario for even skilled knee surgeons. Complete PCL tears are typically encountered in the setting of multiligament knee injuries and require surgical treatment. Isolated complete PCL injuries are uncommon and the best treatment is debated, and likely depends on the degree of symptoms and objective instability. However, many PCL injuries will be partial tears (grade I or II). The purpose of this chapter is to describe our treatment of choice for partial PCL injuries through a conservative approach.

Level of evidence Level IV.
Vertical Strabismus and Positive Bielschowsky Head-Tilt Test: Atypical Presentation of a Maxillary Mucocele
Authors: André Correia Filipe , Filipe Antunes de Almeida Gustavo , Fernandes Pereira Bruxelas Carolina , Batista Brissos de Sousa Escada Pedro Alberto
Published: February 2021

Test of skew has become a cornerstone in the approach of a patient with vestibular symptoms but a detected vertical misalignment may be caused by an oculomotor disturbance and not a skew deviation. We report the case of an elderly patient with a 1-month history of dizziness and visual disturbance that revealed on bedside examination a spontaneous left head-tilt and a pathologic alternate cover test, with right eye hypertropia and excyclotorsion, worse with right head-tilt. Dizziness was assumed to have a visual origin with unrecognized binocular diplopia, caused by an acquired right eye superior oblique muscle palsy. However, imaging revealed a right maxillary mucocele that eroded the orbit floor into the orbit. The change of the intraorbital component of the maxillary fluid-filled mass with head-tilt through a dehiscent orbital floor may explain the findings of vertical strabismus and positive Bielschowsky head-tilt test in this case. Endoscopic treatment improved symptoms and findings.
Leaf‐cutting ant abundance and distribution under different agricultural practices in grassland biome
Authors: Ribero Martín N. , Pinto Carolina , Bellocq María I. , Filloy Julieta
Published: February 2021

Leaf‐cutting ants (LCA) frequently show positive associations with human disturbance in forest biome, explained by habitat opening and increase of pioneer vegetation. However, little is known about LCA response in grassland biome. Agriculture and commercial forestry typically introduce closed habitats and displace pioneer vegetation when occurring in grasslands. The aim of this study was to assess the response of LCA to different land use types developed in a grassland biome.

Semi‐natural grassland remnants, soybean crops, cattle pastures and young and mature eucalypt plantations were sampled in Entre Ríos, Argentina. LCA nest abundance and occurrence of workers was obtained by hand sampling and baited pitfall traps.

LCA nest abundance significantly decreased in most land use types when compared with the grassland sites. All habitat types were characterized by the presence of different LCA species, which showed different associations with temperature, vegetation and soil structure.

Our results suggest that LCA response to human disturbance depends on the biome where it occurs; contrary to what was observed in forests, the LCA assemblage was negatively associated to human disturbance in grasslands. The response of the whole assemblage masked different responses of LCA species, possibly indicating differences in their ecological niche.
Impact of the menstrual cycle and ethinyl estradiol/etonogestrel contraceptive vaginal ring on granulysin and other mucosal immune mediators
Authors: Hughes Sean M. , Pandey Urvashi , Johnston Christine , Marrazzo Jeanne , Hladik Florian , Micks Elizabeth
Published: February 2021

Problem

Changes in sex hormones during the menstrual cycle and contraceptive vaginal ring (CVR) use influence immunity within the female genital tract, but the magnitude of these effects and their anatomical location are unclear.

Method of Study

In a prospective study, 29 women were assessed at three‐time points: follicular phase, luteal phase, and one month after initiation of the ethinyl estradiol/etonogestrel CVR (NuvaRing®, Merck). We performed microarrays on endocervical cytobrushes and measured immune mediators in cervicovaginal fluid, adjusting for bacterial vaginosis and the presence of blood. We compared these results to public gene expression data from the fallopian tubes, endometrium, endo‐ and ectocervix, and vagina.

Results

Immune‐related gene expression in the endocervix and immune mediators in cervicovaginal fluid increased during CVR use versus both menstrual phases, and in the follicular versus luteal phase. The antimicrobial protein granulysin was high during CVR use, intermediate in the follicular phase, and nearly absent from the luteal phase. Re‐analysis of public gene expression data confirmed increased immune‐related gene expression in the endocervix during the follicular phase. However, in the fallopian tube, endometrium, and vagina, the follicular phase showed immunosuppression.

Conclusions

Immune‐related genes in the cervicovaginal tract were highest during CVR use, intermediate in the follicular phase, and lowest in the luteal phase. Granulysin is a potential biomarker of menstrual phase: Frequently detected in follicular samples, but rare in luteal. Lastly, immunological differences between the follicular and luteal phases vary throughout the female genital tract.
Innovation, trade and multi‐product firms
Authors: Montinari Letizia , Riccaboni Massimo , Schiavo Stefano
Published: February 2021

This paper contributes to the literature on the relationship between innovation and exports by developing a model that emphasizes the role of product innovation in explaining heterogeneity in export behaviour both across and within firms. The dynamic model assumes that firms invest to maintain and increase the portfolio of products they sell: innovation is a stochastic process whereby the probability to capture new business opportunities is a function of the number of goods already sold. Crucially, the model assumes two independent mechanisms to drive the extensive and the intensive margins of a firm's export. The resulting lack of (built‐in) correlation between the two margins is well reflected in the data and represents the main contribution of our theoretical framework. The model is consistent with several other empirical regularities that characterize multi‐product firms, such as the heavy tail in the distribution of the number of products exported by each firm, the strict hierarchy in the sales of products across markets, the substantial degree of product churning and the highly skewed distributions of export sales.
Pharmacogenomics guided versus standard antidepressant treatment in a community pharmacy setting: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Papastergiou John , Quilty Lena C. , Li Wilson , Thiruchselvam Thulasi , Jain Esha , Gove Peter , Mandlsohn Leilany , van den Bemt Bart , Pojskic Nedzad
Published: February 2021

The literature on pharmacogenomics as a tool to support antidepressant precision is burgeoning. Recently, a more active role has been argued for pharmacists in pharmacogenomic testing, with both pharmacists and family physicians perceiving pharmacist‐led testing as a valuable method by which to scale this innovation for depression treatment. In this prospective, single‐blind randomized controlled design, we evaluated the impact of pharmacogenomics guided versus standard antidepressant treatment of depression and anxiety, implemented in three large community pharmacies. Participants were 213 outpatients diagnosed with major depressive disorder and/or generalized anxiety disorder, randomized to receive pharmacogenomics guided (n = 105) or standard antidepressant treatment (n = 108); participants were blinded to the study. Patient reported outcomes of depression, anxiety, disability, and treatment satisfaction were assessed at months 0, 1, 3, and 6. Hypotheses were investigated using mixed effect models on the full data. All clinical outcomes improved significantly. The primary outcome (depression) and two secondary outcomes (generalized anxiety and disability) exhibited significant time by group interactions indicating that they improved for participants who received pharmacogenomics guided treatment more so than they did for participants who received standard treatment. Treatment satisfaction improved similarly for both groups. Results contribute to a growing body of work evaluating the impact of pharmacogenomics testing to inform antidepressant medication treatment for depression and anxiety, and provides important initial evidence for the role of pharmacists in care delivery. Pharmacogenomic testing may be a valuable tool to allow pharmacists to more effectively collaborate in facilitating clinical treatment decisions. ClinicalTrials.gov registration: (NCT03591224).
INCORPORATION OF ACALYPHA INDICA EXTRACT IN POLYVINYL ALCOHOL HYDROGELS: PHYSICO-CHEMICAL, ANTIBACTERIAL AND CELL COMPATIBILITY ANALYSES
Authors: Jumat Mohamad Amin , Zahidin Nor Syahiran , Zaini Mohd Amirul Aizat , Fadzil Nurul Afiqah , Nur Hadi , Saidin Syafiqah
Published: February 2021

Acalypha indica (A. indica) possesses antibacterial properties and has capability to accelerate wound healing due to its active therapeutic compounds of flavonoid and alkaloid. The incorporation of A. indica extracts in polymer hydrogels is useful for wound treatment, despite the advancement in synthetic medicines and drugs. In this study, polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) hydrogels with different concentrations of A. indica extract (0.5, 1.0, 1.5 and 2.0 mg) were fabricated. The ATR-FTIR spectra testified the presence of A. indica in the hydrogels. More enormous spotted agglomerations were visualized on the higher concentrations of A. indica hydrogels. The A. indica hydrogels became less moisture, more hydrophobic and has low water uptake ability compared to the control hydrogel (without A. indica). The antibacterial activities of the hydrogels against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus were acted in a dose-dependent manner where higher inhibition zones and higher bacterial retardations were recorded on the hydrogels with higher concentrations of A. indica. The incorporation of A. indica (1.0 - 1.5 mg/mL) has also induced cell viability, cell migration, and proliferation of the human skin fibroblasts. Therefore, optimization of the A. indica hydrogels is crucial in accommodating the bi-functional properties of antibacterial and biocompatibility for wound treatment.
BACTERIAL DESULFURIZATION OF DIBENZOTHIOPHENE BY PSEUDOMONAS SP. STRAIN KWN5 IMMOBILIZED IN ALGINATE BEADS
Authors: Gunam Ida Bagus Wayan , Sitepu Ardiansyah , Antara Nyoman Semadi , Triani I Gusti Ayu Lani , Arnata I Wayan , Setiyo Yohanes
Published: February 2021

Biodelfurization of petroleum has emerged as a potential alternative to the hydrodesulfurization and oxidative desulfurization processes. However, the main obstacle in its commercial application is the efficiency and practicality of using bacterial cells. Pseudomonas sp. strain KWN5 was tested for the ability to use dibenzothiophene (DBT) in n-tetradecane as the sole sulfur source with two phase oil-water system. The biodesulfurization ability of strain KWN5 was evaluated by immobilized cells with dibenzothiophene as substrates. The cells immobilized by entrapping them with sodium alginate (SA) had high DBT biodesulfurization activity and could degrade 100 mg DBT/L in n-tetradecane of 46.76–100%, depended on concentrations of sodium alginate and cells within 24 h at 37oC with shaking at 160 rpm. The combination of SA concentration of 3% (w/v) with bacterial cells OD660 40 (25.52 mg DCW/mL) has an optimal biodesulfurization activity on 100 mg DBT/L in n-tetradecane, which is equal to 71.85% biodesulfurization. The immobilized cells of Pseudomonas sp. strain KWN5 in alginate beads were more efficient for the degradation of DBT and can be reused for five cycles (220 h) without any loss in their activity. The results of this study clearly show the role of the effects of cell immobilization in increasing the process of biodesulfurization.
TAGUCHI ORTHOGONAL DESIGN FOR OPTIMIZING A UNIFIED TERNARY PROCESS TO VALORIZE OIL PALM LEAVES FOR NANOCELLULOSE ISOLATION
Authors: Shunmugam Shamini , Teo Hwee Li , Elias Nursyafiqah , Abdul Wahab Roswanira
Published: February 2021

Oil palm leaves (OPL), as the major component of oil palm biomass, was capitalized for the isolation of nanocellulose (NC) by unified ternary acoustic, chemical- and enzyme-assisted techniques. This study aimed to statistically optimize the extraction parameters via the Taguchi Design for sonication time, duration of enzymatic hydrolysis, the concentration of acid, and the duration of acid hydrolysis, for the highest crystallinity of the isolated NC. The optimum condition required a sonication duration of 20 min, 1 h of acid hydrolysis in 6 M of H2SO4 and 1 h of enzymatic hydrolysis that resulted in the production of NC with a maximum 68.2% crystallinity index, based on X-ray diffraction (XRD) data. Duration of sonication time and acid hydrolysis was crucial for improving the crystallinity of isolated NC. The reduced C=O and C=C peaks at 1734 cm-1 and 1536 cm-1, respectively, in the Fourier-transform Infrared (FTIR) spectra of isolated NC, confirmed the removal of appreciable amounts of hemicellulose and lignin components in the OPL fibers. FESEM micrographs revealed the needle-like structures of NC with diameters between 21‒24.8 nm. The NC isolation approach presented here offers a promising avenue to ease the use of harsh acids for biomass pretreatment.
Free Convection Boundary Layer Flow over a Horizontal Circular Cylinder in Al2O3-Ag/Water Hybrid Nanofluid with Viscous Dissipation
Authors: Mohamed Muhammad Khairul Anuar , Salleh Mohd Zuki , Jamil Fadhilah Che , Ong Huei Ruey
Published: February 2021

In this paper, the mathematical model of free convection boundary layer flow of horizontal circular cylinder immersed in Ag/Water nanofluid and Al2O3-Ag/Water hybrid nanofluid are considered. The governing non-linear partial differential equations are first transformed to a more convenient way before being solved numerically using the Keller-box method. The numerical values for the reduced Nusselt number and the reduced skin friction coefficient are obtained and illustrated graphically as well as temperature profiles and velocity profiles. Effects of the Prandtl number, Eckert number and nanoparticle volume fraction are analyzed and discussed. It is found that the Nusselt number for Al2O3-Ag/Water hybrid nanofluid is comparable with Ag/Water nanofluid with a reduction in skin friction coefficient. The preliminary results reports here are important as a reference in exploring the potential of hybrid nanofluid to reduce the production cost compared to the used of metal nanofluid.
Nitric oxide removal by zinc chloride activated oil palm empty fruit bunch fibre
Authors: Lin Cha Soon , Ibrahim Naimah , Ahmad Norhidayah , Hanif Muhammad Adli , Abdullah Sureena
Published: February 2021

Nitric oxide (NO) emission is known to pose detrimental effects towards the environment and human beings. Low-temperature NO removal by activated carbon from agricultural waste materials is affordable due to the use of low-cost materials as precursor and elimination of the need for flue gas reheating. The use of chemical agents in activated carbon production improves the performance of waste materials in NO removal. The performance of NO removal was investigated via breakthrough experiment using oil palm empty fruit bunch (EFB) activated with zinc chloride (ZnCl2) at different concentrations (0.1, 0.5, and 1.5 M). Activation of EFB with 0.5 M ZnCl2 resulted in the formation of well-defined micropores, but the use of higher concentration of ZnCl2 resulted in widening of developed pores and intense pore blockage which reduce the accessibility of NO molecules to the adsorption sites. An adsorption isotherm study conducted using 0.5 M ZnCl2/EFB sample with varying NO concentration between 300-1000 ppm indicated that the adsorption process was best defined by Langmuir isotherm model. In addition, adsorption kinetic was investigated at different temperatures; i.e. 100, 150, 200, 250 and 300 °C. NO removal was found to follow Avrami kinetic model at T=100 °C, while upon further increase in temperature, the process was better fitted to the pseudo-second order kinetic model. NO adsorption capacity increases significantly beyond 250 °C up to 1000 mg/g. The activation energy of NO adsorption fell into two distinct regions: -4.73 kJ/mol at 100-200 °C and 84.04 kJ/mol at 200-300 °C. At lower temperature, the adsorption process was exothermic and followed physisorption path, while the increase in reaction temperature led to slower rate of reaction. It was concluded that the removal of NO using EFB modified with ZnCl2 at optimized condition could be a promising alternatives for treating NO-containing flue gas.
Gastric Electrical Pacing Reduces Apoptosis of Interstitial Cells of Cajal via Antioxidative Stress Effect Attributing to Phenotypic Polarization of M2 Macrophages in Diabetic Rats
Authors: Wang Hongcai , Zhao Kaile , Ba Ying , Gao Tao , Shi Ning , Niu Qiong , Liu Chengxia , Chen Yan
Published: February 2021

Background. Gastric electrical pacing (GEP) could restore interstitial cells of Cajal in diabetic rats. M2 macrophages contribute to the repair of interstitial cells of Cajal injury though secreting heme oxygenase‐1 (HO‐1). The aim of the study is to investigate the effects and mechanisms of gastric electrical pacing on M2 macrophages in diabetic models. Methods. Sixty male Sprague‐Dawley rats were randomized into control, diabetic (DM), diabetic with the sham GEP (DM+SGEP), diabetic with GEP1 (5.5 cpm, 100 ms, 4 mA) (DM+GEP1), diabetic with GEP2 (5.5 cpm, 300 ms, 4 mA) (DM+GEP2), and diabetic with GEP3 (5.5 cpm, 550 ms, 4 mA) (DM+GEP3) groups. The apoptosis of interstitial cells of Cajal and the expression of macrophages were detected by immunofluorescence technique. The expression levels of the Nrf2/HO‐1 and NF‐κB pathway were evaluated using western blot analysis or immunohistochemical method. Malonaldehyde, superoxide dismutase, and reactive oxygen species were tested to reflect the level of oxidative stress. Results. Apoptosis of interstitial cells of Cajal was increased in the DM group but significantly decreased in the DM+GEP groups. The total number of macrophages was almost the same in each group. In the DM group, M1 macrophages were increased and M2 macrophages were decreased. However, M2 macrophages were dramatically increased and M1 macrophages were reduced in the DM+GEP groups. Gastric electrical pacing improved the Nrf2/HO‐1 pathway and downregulated the phosphorylation of NF‐κB. In the DM group, the levels of malonaldehyde and reactive oxygen species were elevated and superoxide dismutase was lowered, while gastric electrical pacing reduced the levels of malonaldehyde and reactive oxygen species and improved superoxide dismutase. Conclusion. Gastric electrical pacing reduces apoptosis of interstitial cells of Cajal though promoting M2 macrophages polarization to play an antioxidative stress effect in diabetic rats, which associates with the activated Nrf2/HO‐1 pathway and the phosphorylation of NF‐κB pathway.
Shear Resistance Contribution of Constituent Elements Consisting RCS Joint
Authors: Lee Eun-Jin , Moon Jeong-Ho , Lee Moon-Sung
Published: February 2021

In this study, constituent elements affecting the shear strength of RCS joints were investigated through experiment and analysis study. A series of five interior RCS beam‐column joint specimens, which were classified as JH‐type and CP‐type, was tested to investigate the contribution of each shear resisting element such as JH (Joint Hoop), CP (Cover Plate), FBP (Face Bearing Plate), E‐FBP (Extended Face Bearing Plate), TB (Transverse Beam), and BP (Band Plate). Comparison between experiment and analysis results showed that the stiffness and strength of the RCS joint were reasonably assessed from the analysis. As a result of the analysis, it was found that TB, E‐FBP, and CP increased the shear strength by about 15%, 14%, and 26%, respectively. For the JH‐type specimen, 70% of the shear strength of the RCS joint is supported by the inner element and 30% of the shear strength is supported by the outer element. Shear strength contribution ratio of the outer element of CP‐type specimen is larger than that of the JH‐type specimen. For all specimens except for SNI‐1, around 10% of total shear strength is supported by FBP. The shear strength equation of the RCS joint proposed by ASCE underestimates the contribution of the outer element, while that of M‐Kanno tends to overestimate it.
A Double‐Layer Combination Algorithm for Real‐Time Information‐Sharing Network Design Problem
Authors: Sun Qi , Jiang Liwen , Xu Haitao
Published: February 2021

The accumulation of real‐time data has attracted the attention of various industries because valuable information can be extracted from the effective model and method design. This paper designs a low‐carbon model and focuses on the real‐time information‐sharing network in order to get sustainable strategies promptly and exactly. The design problem is concerned with determining optimal integration strategies on a series of multilocation, multipath, and multiwarehouse freight provided by an information‐sharing network to find an effective balance between the total costs and carbon emission. Firstly, the biobjective information‐sharing network model is established to describe real‐time problem with total cost and carbon emission factor. Secondly, a double‐layer bacterial foraging algorithm is divided into inner and outer layers to solve the model, in which the inner section solves the transportation and inventory problems, and the outer section solves the supplier location problem. The double‐layer bacterial foraging algorithm realizes the optimization of multisource e‐commerce information‐sharing model through nesting inside and outside layers. Finally, double‐layer bacterial foraging algorithm can be confirmed to get the global optimal solution rapidly based on test data and the e‐business case study of Jingdong, China.
Recurrent Perihepatic Abscesses Arising from a Gastric Remnant Leak: Delayed Complication of a Revision Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass
Authors: Kaba Aboubacar , Odufalu Florence-Damilola , Ahmed Zarir , Prather Charlene , Nazzal Mustafa
Published: February 2021

Roux-en-Y gastric bypass is a procedure commonly used for weight loss associated with improved outcomes and decreased complications when compared to some counterparts. The procedure involves restriction of the stomach that is achieved by creation of a gastric pouch and bypass of the duodenum and a portion of the jejunum to aid in restrictive and malabsorptive weight loss. While many complications, both early and late, have been described following the procedure, recurrent perihepatic abscess has not been described in the literature. We present a case of a 66-year-old woman with recurrent extrahepatic abscesses following revision of a Roux-en-Y gastric bypass.
Numerical Analysis of the Width Design of a Protective Pillar in High‐Stress Roadway: A Case Study
Authors: Qi FuZhou , Ma ZhanGuo , Li Ning , Li Bin , Wang Zhiliu , Ma WeiXia
Published: February 2021

The width design of protective pillars is an important factor affecting the stability of high‐stress roadways. In this study, a novel numerical modeling approach was developed to investigate the relationship between protective pillar width and roadway stability. With the 20 m protective pillar width adopted in the field test, large deformation of roadways and serious damage to surrounding rocks occurred. According to the case study at the Wangzhuang coal mine in China, the stress changes and energy density distribution characteristics in protective pillars with various widths were analysed by numerical simulation. The modeling results indicate that, with a 20 m wide protective pillar, the peak vertical stress and energy density in the pillar are 18.5 MPa and 563.7 kJ/m3, respectively. The phenomena of stress concentration and energy accumulation were clearly observed in the simulation results, and the roadway is in a state of high stress. Under the condition of a 10 m wide protective pillar, the peak vertical stress and energy density are shifted from the pillar to roadway virgin coal region, with peak values of 9.5 MPa and 208.3 kJ/m3, respectively. The decrease in vertical stress and energy density improves the stability of the protective pillar, resulting in the roadway being in a state of low stress. Field monitoring suggested that the proposed 10 m protective pillar width can effectively control the large deformation of the surrounding rock and reduce coal bump risk. The novel numerical modeling approach and design principle of protective pillars presented in this paper can provide useful references for application in similar coal mines.
Calibrating Path Choices and Train Capacities for Urban Rail Transit Simulation Models Using Smart Card and Train Movement Data
Authors: Mo Baichuan , Ma Zhenliang , Koutsopoulos Haris N. , Zhao Jinhua
Published: February 2021

Transit network simulation models are often used for performance and retrospective analysis of urban rail systems, taking advantage of the availability of extensive automated fare collection (AFC) and automated vehicle location (AVL) data. Important inputs to such models, in addition to origin-destination flows, include passenger path choices and train capacity. Train capacity, which has often been overlooked in the literature, is an important input that exhibits a lot of variabilities. The paper proposes a simulation-based optimization (SBO) framework to simultaneously calibrate path choices and train capacity for urban rail systems using AFC and AVL data. The calibration is formulated as an optimization problem with a black-box objective function. Seven algorithms from four branches of SBO solving methods are evaluated. The algorithms are evaluated using an experimental design that includes five scenarios, representing different degrees of path choice randomness and crowding sensitivity. Data from the Hong Kong Mass Transit Railway (MTR) system is used as a case study. The data is used to generate synthetic observations used as “ground truth.” The results show that the response surface methods (particularly constrained optimization using response surfaces) have consistently good performance under all scenarios. The proposed approach drives large-scale simulation applications for monitoring and planning.
Assimilation of MWHS-2/FY-3C 183 GHz Channels Using a Dynamic Emissivity Retrieval and Its Impacts on Precipitation Forecasts: A Southwest Vortex Case
Authors: Chen Keyi , Fan Jiao , Xian Zhipeng
Published: February 2021

The dynamic emissivity retrieved from window channels of the microwave humidity sounder II (MWHS-2) onboard the China Meteorological Administration’s FengYun (FY)-3C polar orbiting satellite can provide more realistic emissivity over lands and potentially improve the numerical weather prediction (NWP) forecasts. However, whether the assimilation with the dynamic emissivity works for the precipitation forecasts over the complex geography is less investigated. In this paper, a typical precipitating case generated by the Southwest Vortex is selected and the Weather Research and Forecasting data assimilation (WRFDA) system is applied to examine the impacts of assimilating MWHS-2/FY-3C with the uses of the emissivity atlas and the dynamic emissivity on the forecasts. The results indicate that the use of the dynamic emissivity retrieved from the 89 GHz channel of MWHS-2/FY-3C apparently increases the used data number for assimilation and does improve the initial fields and the 24-hour forecasts (from 0000 UTC 24 June 2016 to 0000 UTC 25 June 2016) of precipitation distribution and intensity except for the rainfall over 100 mm. But these positive impacts are not evidently better than those with the emissivity atlas. In general, these results still suggest that the future use of the dynamic emissivity in the assimilation over the complex terrain is promising.