bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Digital Capriccio and Mobile Apps, Future of Teaching in History and Theory of Architecture
Authors:   American University in Dubai (UAE), Cornaro Anna , Garcia Rubio Ruben ,   Tulane University (USA)
Published: September 2021

The paper intends to introduce the capriccio as an artstic expression in the history of architecture and arrive at the digital capriccio as a teaching tool in courses of Theory and History of Architecture. Afterward, the practical part of the teaching experience will be described where students are asked to use software packages and mobile devices apps in order to give a response to architectural concepts through digital capricci. Students are requested to produce their collages, creating a digital composition of simulated spaces that can be obtained by combining fragments of notable buildings or composing together more abstract forms, with the aim of express the concept behind an architect, a style, or a movement. The experiment follows the theory by Walter Benjamin of the “art in the age of mechanical reproduction,” bringing architecture to the same concept of being a simulacrum of the source, and intends to respond with innovative tools to the call for action in architecture teaching. The final part of the paper will simulate an exercise held in the class environment bringing to the reader to have a similar learning experience than the students.
Perforación duodenal por barotrauma durante Colangiopancreatografía retrograda endoscópica. Caso Clínico
Authors: Viñoles Olid Camilo Heriberto , Cardozo Urtaran Jorge , Ruso Martinez Luis
Published: September 2021

Introducción: La perforación duodenal secundaria a la colangiopancreatografia retrógrada endoscópica (CPRE) es una complicación infrecuente y más aún cuando su mecanismo lesional es por barotrauma. La inyección de aire a alta presión produce un neumoretroperitoneo , cuya extensión y evolución lesional es incierta .  Caso Clínico: Se comunica  el caso de un hombre joven  que sufrió una perforación duodenal durante una CPRE  ,su manejo quirúrgico y evoluciónDiscusión: El diagnóstico clínico-imagenologico suele ser precoz y claro si se detecta la lesión durante el procedimiento. El manejo terapéutico conservador o quirúrgico de esta entidad depende de varios factores que se analizan en el presente estudio.
¿Está exenta de consecuencias adversas la perforación iatrogénica de la vesícula biliar durante la colecistectomía laparoscópica electiva?
Authors: Domínguez-Comesaña Elías , Domínguez-Fernández Elías , Domínguez-Fernánde Rubén
Published: September 2021

Objetivo: Este estudio se llevó a cabo para valorar las consecuencias de la perforación iatrogénica de la vesícula biliar (PIVB), investigando su asociación con complicaciones postoperatorias, uso de antibióticos y drenajes, duración de la cirugía y estancia postoperatoria.Materiales y métodos: Se incluyeron 1.703 pacientes con colecistectomía laparoscópica electiva, divididos en dos grupos: con PIVB (Grupo 1; n=321) y sin PIVB (Grupo 2; n=1382). Se compararon los resultados entre ambos grupos.Resultados: El porcentaje de PIVB fue de 18,85 %.  El vertido aislado de bilis ocurrió en 241 pacientes (14,15 %) y el de bilis y cálculos en 80 pacientes (4,64 %).  La incidencia de infección del sitio quirúrgico no fue diferente entre ambos grupos.  La incidencia de PIVB fue mayor en varones (43,3% vs 31,3%), pacientes con adherencias perivesiculares (17,75% vs 10,5%) y pacientes con diagnóstico histológico de colecistitis aguda (11,52% vs 4,92%).  La PIVB se asoció significativamente con mayor duración de la cirugía (77,3 vs 65,4 minutes), mayor uso de drenajes y antibióticos y mayor estancia postoperatoria.  No hubo complicaciones tardías.Discusión y Conclusión: La PIVB no aumenta la incidencia de infección, pero se asocia con un mayor uso de drenajes y antibióticos, mayor duración de la cirugía y mayor estancia postoperatoria.
Reversión del Bypass Gástrico: Indicaciones y Resultados Quirúrgicos.
Authors: Besser Pimentel Nicolás , Soto Gajardo Pedro Pablo , Achurra Tirado Pablo , Quezada Sanhueza Nicolás , Raddatz Echavarria Alejandro , Crovari Eulufi Fernando , Perez Blanco Gustavo , Mejía Martínez Ricardo , Gabrielli Nervi Mauricio , Klaassen Lobos Julieta , Guzmán Bondiek Sergio , Muñoz Claro Rodrigo
Published: September 2021

Introducción: Debido a su eficacia en el tratamiento de la obesidad mórbida, el bypass gástrico (BPG) sigue siendo una intervención realizada frecuentemente. Sin embargo, un grupo reducido de pacientes puede desarrollar complicaciones nutricionales y metabólicas que no logran controlarse con un tratamiento médico óptimo. En estos casos, puede ser necesario reestablecer la continuidad del tracto gastrointestinal por medio de la reversión del BPG (R-BPG).Objetivo: Presentar las indicaciones y resultados obtenidos en una serie de pacientes sometidos a una R-BPG.Materiales y método: Identificación y evaluación retrospectiva de todos los pacientes sometidos a una R-BPG en nuestra institución de manera consecutiva. Se registraron las características demográficas y antropométricas de la cirugía original y al momento de la reversión. Las complicaciones se registraron de acuerdo a  la clasificación de Clavien-Dindo.Resultados:  Se identificaron 7 pacientes en los cuales se realizó una R-BPG. En 2 casos la reversión fue por síndrome de intestino corto, en 3 casos por hipoglicemias severas refractarias a manejo médico y en 2 casos por diarrea crónica. La mediana de edad al momento de la reversión fue de 55  años. La mediana de tiempo desde la cirugía original hasta el momento de la reversión fue de 77 meses . La mediana de estadía hospitalaria fue de 6 días. No hubo complicaciones Clavien-Dindo ≥ III. La R-BPG logró revertir en todos los casos las complicaciones nutricionales y metabólicas.Conclusión: La restauración de la continuidad del tracto gastrointestinal permite el control de las complicaciones nutricionales y metabólicas.
Subjetividad y Cultura : ¿Reflexiones prontas o tardías sobre la investigación en psicoanálisis?
Authors: Navarro Javier , Baños Orellana Jorge , Vallejo Mauro , Ruperthuz Honorato Mariano , Lasprilla Burbano Julian Andres ,   Université Paris 8 Vincennes-Saint-Denis, Vargas Espitia Patricia ,   Universidad del Valle, Collazos Mosquera Luisa Fernanda ,   Universidad del Valle, Sánchez Segura Sebastián ,   Universidad Católica, Villarreal Valencia Johana ,   Universidad Santiago de Cali, Montoya Giraldo Valentina ,   Universidad Santiago de Cali, Ramírez Paz Diana Fernanda ,   Universidad Santiago de Cali, Martínez Gutiérrez Carolina ,   Universidad del Valle, Montoya Jaramillo Patricia , Brango Peña Kevin Daniel ,   Universidad Santiago de Cali, Montenegro Gamboa Dayana Katherin ,   Universidad Santiago de Cali, Tobar Soto Claudia Lorena ,   Universidad Santiago de Cali, Rojas Javier ,   Universidad del Valle, Fernández Rosas Ignacio Andrés ,   Universidad de Chile, Matamala Sandoval Felipe Andrés ,   Universidad de Chile, Ibáñez Reyes Sandy Paola ,   Corporación Universidad de la Costa, Martínez Sande Paola Andrea ,   Corporación Universidad de la Costa
Published: September 2021

Con el nombre de I Congreso de Psicoanálisis Universidad Santiago de Cali, tuvo lugar este evento “intempestivo” en el mes de octubre de 2015. Jorge Baños Orellana, Mauro Vallejo y Mariano Ruperthuz Honorato dieron cuenta de parte de su investigación, indicándonos al mismo tiempo, cómo se debe investigar a un buen nivel. ¿Es demasiado temprano para nuestra cultura provinciana tocar, por parte de investigadores reconocidos en su medio –Argentina, Chile– estos temas de cuyo desarrollo nos percatamos con admiración? ¿O es demasiado tarde, puesto que las críticas al psicoanálisis abundan desde diferentes perspectivas y la descalificación de Freud por algún filósofo francés de impacto en los mass media, y antes por un libro que lleva el poco amable título de El libro negro del psicoanálisis? ¿Qué podemos aprender de estos documentados conferencistas y cómo estimularán las investigaciones sobre el psicoanálisis en nuestro medio? Ya se ha visto que la sola presencia de propulsores de una disciplina no basta para que sus semillas caigan en tierras feraces. Hay algo más que esas presencias esporádicas no pueden suplir. En el caso del psicoanálisis es patente y para decirlo con un lugar común, patético.
An Effective Bicubic Convolution Interpolation-Based Iterative Luma Optimization for Enhancing Quality in Chroma Subsampling
Authors: Chung Kuo-Liang , Huang Chih-Yuan , Kao Chen-Wei
Published: September 2021

Traditionally, prior to compressing an RGB full-color image, for each converted 2x2 CbCr block BCbCr, chroma subsampling only downsamples BCbCr, but without changing the luma block BY at all. In the current research, a special linear interpolation-based, namely the COPY-based, chroma subsampling-first luma modification (CSFLM) study has attempted to change the luma block for enhancing the quality of the reconstructed RGB full-color image. In this paper, a fast and effective nonlinear interpolation, namely the bicubic convolution interpolation (BCI), based iterative luma modification method for CSFLM is proposed. In our iterative method, a BCI-based distortion function and its convex property proof are first provided. Next, based on the proposed convex distortion function, a pseudoinverse technique is applied to obtain the initial luma modification solution, and then an iterative method is proposed to improve the initial luma modification solution. Based on five testing image datasets, namely the IMAX, Kodak, SCI (screen content images), CI (classical images), and Video datasets, the thorough experimental results have demonstrated that on the newly released Versatile Video Coding (VVC) platform VTM-12.0, our iterative luma modification method achieves substantial quality, execution-time, and quality-bitrate tradeoff improvements when compared with the existing state-of-the-art methods.
Mining tacit knowledge of pilots in flight missions based on visual cognitive graph
Authors: Jin Dian
Published: September 2021

As a highly dynamic operating process, flight activity requires a lot of attention from pilots. Thus, it’s quite imperative to give research to their visual attention. Traditional research methods mostly based on qualitative analysis, or hypothetical model, and seldom put context information into their model. However, the underlying knowledge (tacit knowledge) hidden in the different performances of pilot’s attention allocation is context related, and is hard to express by experts, thus it is difficult to use those traditional methods to construct an interaction system. In this paper, we mined attention pattern with scene context to achieve the quantitative analysis of tacit knowledge of pilots during flight tasks, and use the method of data mining as well as attribute graph model to construct visual cognitive graph(s). The attribute graph model was adopted to construct visual cognitive graphs which associate the obtained visual information within the flight context. Based on the model, the attention pattern with scene context was mined to achieve the quantitative analysis of tacit knowledge of pilots during flight tasks. Besides, three physical quantities derived from graph theory was introduced to describe the tacit knowledge, which can be used directly to construct an interaction system: first, key information, which shown as central node in the graph we built, reveals the most important information during flight mission within context; second, relevant information, which contains several nodes that was closely connected and strongly impact the central node, reveals the factors affecting the key information; third, bridge information based on betweenness centrality, which can be regard as the important information bridge(s), reveals the process of decision making. Our work can be directly used to train novice pilots, to guide the interface design, and to construct the adaptive interaction system.
Novel approximate distribution of the sum of lognormal-Rician turbulence channels with pointing errors and applications in MIMO FSO links
Authors: Li Xiaofeng , miao maoke
Published: September 2021

The performance analysis for the MIMO-FSO
systems employing EGC technology over Lognormal-Rician turbulence channels with
pointing errors is important. However, the results so far are greatly limited
since the PDF of Lognormal-Rician turbulence
channels is not analytic, even for the SISO systems. In this paper, we propose a new method to approximate the sum of
lognormal-Rician turbulence channels
with Rayleigh pointing errors. Based on the developed formula, the
approximate closed-form expressions of ergodic capacity, outage probability,
and bit-error rate are derived.
Numerical results demonstrate the accuracy of the proposed approach.
Design of a Variable-Frequency Inductive Charger for Low-Power Electronic Device Applications
Authors: Zhu Guodong , Gao Dawei
Published: September 2021

The circuit design method and control strategy of a variable-frequency inductive charger are introduced. The target application is low-power inductive charging systems where the coupling coefficient is relatively stable, e.g., mobile phone chargers with mechanical positioning aids. On the transmitter side, a high-order compensation circuit is deployed to achieve a monotonous frequency-power relation, which allows the output power to be regulated by frequency tuning. Only a half-bridge inverter is required and soft switching is achievable at most operating points. On the receiver side, the load impedance is fixed around the optimal value to improve the energy efficiency. Experimental results show that with low-loss circuit components, the proposed scheme achieves good efficiency performance under full and partial loads.
A Tensor-Based Optical Camera Communication (OCC) System With Joint Data Detection and Video Restoration
Authors: Ximenes Leandro , Larêdo Bruno de Almeida
Published: September 2021

The Optical Camera Communication (OCC) technology allows Visible Light Communications (VLC), one of the key technologies for the Sixth Generation (6G) of mobile communications, to be used with image sensors on the receiver side. For Screen-to-Camera (S2C) applications, in which Light Emitting Diode (LED) screens are used to send information symbols, increasing either (transmitted) image resolution or video frame rate may negatively impact the bit error performance and the visual quality of the OCC-encoded videos. This work proposes a completely new OCC/S2C transmission and reception system, in which it is possible to recover both the transmitted symbols and to restore the video quality at the same time. For this dual-task, a Parallel Factor Analysis (PARAFAC) decomposition is applied to model an OCC system for the ﬁrst time in the literature. Computational simulations corroborate the correct formulation of the proposed models, propositions and algorithms, in addition to demonstrating that increasing the number of frames of the OCC-encoded video can generate diversity gains. This work also includes discussion on the practical aspects of data rate, data volume, and computational complexity of the receiver, accordingly to the system’s parameters.
An Advanced 1-bit Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU) with Hybrid Memristor-CMOS Architecture
Authors: Azmine Muhammad Farhan , Debnath Urmi , Arafat Yeasir
Published: September 2021

Memristor is dubbed as the fourth fundamental electrical component which works primarily as a non-volatile memory element. Memristors can also be used to construct logic gates, and Memristor Ratioed Logic (MRL) is one of these structures. The higher area efficiency and CMOS architecture compatibility of MRL gates have lead researchers to pay attention to its use in digital logic architecture. In this work, binary MRL is integrated with Complementary Metal-Oxide Semiconductor(CMOS) logic elements to develop building blocks of an Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU). The proposed 1-bit ALU is simulated using LTSpice, which allows the versatility of changing the parameters as per the model used. This work designs and analyses an optimized cascadable 1-bit ALU with with voltage level based binary logic state via simulation. The proposed circuit shows improvement in transistor count and delay over benchmark circuits.
Preprint : An Advanced 1-bit Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU) with Hybrid Memristor-CMOS Architecture
Authors: Azmine Muhammad Farhan , Debnath Urmi , Arafat Yeasir
Published: September 2021

Memristor is dubbed as the fourth fundamental electrical component which
works primarily as a non-volatile memory element. Memristors can also be
used to construct logic gates, and Memristor Ratioed Logic (MRL) is one
of these structures. The higher area efficiency and CMOS architecture
compatibility of MRL gates have lead researchers to pay attention to its
use in digital logic architecture. In this work, binary MRL is
integrated with Complementary Metal-Oxide Semiconductor(CMOS) logic
elements to develop building blocks of an Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU).
The proposed 1-bit ALU is simulated using LTSpice, which allows the
versatility of changing the parameters as per the model used. This work
designs and analyses an optimized cascadable 1-bit ALU with with voltage
level based binary logic state via simulation. The proposed circuit
shows improvement in transistor count and delay over benchmark circuits.
The Effect of the Ionosphere on the Controlled-Source Field in the Frequency Range between 0.4 and 95 Hz
Authors: Tereshchenko Pavel
Published: September 2021

The paper addresses the effect of the ionosphere on the ELF and lower frequency waves excited in the Earth-ionosphere waveguide by a controlled source. The experiment carried out on the Kola Peninsula is described and the results of measurements in the frequency range 0.4–95 Hz are presented. Non-monotonic behavior of the magnetic field with time is revealed. It is shown that variations in the magnetic field are related to the state of the ionosphere and depend on the geomagnetic activity. The importance of the effect of the topside ionosphere on the structure of the studied field is discussed.
Official statements of the board of experts on the use of topical thiamphenicol in patients with communityacquired respiratory infections
Authors: Avdeev Sergey N. , Garashchenko T.I. , Geppe N.A. , Dronov I.A. , Zaitsev Andrey A. , Ivanchik Nataly V. , Ilenko L.I. , Karpova E.P. , Kozlov Roman S. , Kozlova Ludmila V. , Kolosova N.G. , Malahov A.B. , Nikiforova G.N , Odinaeva N.D. , Svistushkin V.M. , Edelstein Mikhail V.
Published: September 2021

Currently, there is a steady growth antimicrobial resistance (AMP) worldwide. This is especially true now when antibiotic use has become uncontrolled due to its use in COVID-19 treatment regimens. Antibiotics do not have antiviral effect, their appointment is justified only with complicated forms of COVID-19. Moreover, such a massive use antibiotics creates the prerequisites for the formation antibiotic resistance, including among the causative agents of community-acquired infections. Due to the relentless the growth of antibiotic resistance of community-acquired pathogens of respiratory diseases, it becomes necessary to revise approaches to antibacterial therapy (ABT) and assessing the potential use of thiamphenicol for the treatment of community-acquired infections caused by respiratory pathogens.
Multi Distance Face Recognition of Eye Localization with Modified Gaussian Derivative Filter
Authors: Shakya Subarna
Published: September 2021

Face recognition at a distance (FRAD) is one of the most difficult types of face recognition applications, particularly at a distance. Due to the poor resolution of facial image, it is difficult to identify faces from a distance. Recently, while recording individuals, the camera view is broad and just a small portion of a person's face is visible in the image. To ensure that the facial image has a low resolution, which deteriorates both face detection and identification engines, the facial image is constantly at low resolution. As an immediate solution, employing a high-definition camera is considered as a simple and practical approach to improve the reliability of algorithm and perform well on low-resolution facial images. While facial detection will be somewhat decreased, a picture with higher quality will result in a slower face detection rate. The proposed work aims to recognize faces with good accuracy even at a distance. The eye localization works for the face and eye location in the face of a human being with varied sizes at multiple distances. This process is used to detect the face quickly with a comparatively high accuracy. The Gaussian derivative filter is used to reduce the feature size in the storage element, which improves the speed of the recognition ratio. Besides, the proposed work includes benchmark datasets to evaluate the recognition process. As a result, the proposed system has achieved a 93.24% average accuracy of face recognition.
Primary immunodeficiency in a child with heterotaxy
Authors: Pavlova Tatyana , Shinkareva Vera M.
Published: September 2021

Heterotaxy is a complicated symptom complex in which the location of the main internal organs differs from their normal and complete mirror reflection. Ivemark syndrome is a combination of spleen agenesis with congenital heart disease and abnormalities in the location of the abdominal organs. The exact reason is unknown, with mostly sporadic cases. This paper discusses the genetic, infectious, and toxic factors that damage the differentiation of embryonic tissues between days 31 and 36 of embryogenesis.
The article presents a clinical observation of a patient with Ivemark syndrome, illustrating the difficulties of diagnosing congenital malformations. The peculiarity of this clinical case was determined by the combination of the syndrome with primary immunodeficiency and vascular malformation. Ivemark syndrome is a rare disease; therefore, the awareness of primary care physicians in relation to this pathology is low. Early diagnosis of primary immunodeficiency before a child is at risk of infection is extremely important. A sample case of pharmacological correction, which prolonged the patients life, was presented.
This clinical case is published in the Russian Journal of Allergy to acquaint the readership with an extremely rare disease, with which, in all likelihood, the readers of the journal may not be familiar or not familiar enough. However, Ivemark syndrome in combination with a primary immunodeficiency, some evidence of which is given in the article, can be encountered in the practical work of an allergist-immunologist.
PADANAN BONITA DENGAN KELAS KESESUAIAN LAHAN HUTAN TANAMAN JATI
Authors: Dwi R Heru
Published: September 2021

Pendekatan bonita untuk menunjukan suatu kualitas suatu lahan dapat cepat diketahui pada hutan tanaman yang telah dikelola secara baik. Bila lahan tersebut belum dikelola atau baru saja dilakukan penanaman maka akan menjadi pembatas untuk mengetahui kelas kualitas lahannya. Sehingga diperlukan pendekatan lain selain bonita sebagai penilai kualitas lahan.  Pendekatan tersebut adalah Kelas Kesesuaian Lahan (KKL), Pendekatan KKL merupakan pendekatan melalui pengukuran parameter-parameter lingkungan secara langsung. Untuk lebih mengintegrasikan dua pendekatan tersebut, maka perlu dipadu padankan antar dua pendekatan tersebut. Hasil padu padan antara bonita dengan KKL tersebut diharapkan evaluasi lahan hutan jati dapat dilakukan dalam keadaaan apapun, baik dalam keadaan lahan belum tertanami, lahan dengan tanaman muda yang belum dapat dievaluasi secara bonita. Meskipun KKL ini dapat dipergunakan untuk menilai/mengevaluasi kesuburan lahan hutan jati, ini bukan berarti akan menggantikan fungsi peran bonita dalam mengevaluasi lahan hutan jati. Aspek kepraktisan bonita dibanding dengan KKL dalam evaluasi lahan hutan jati, bonita sepertinya akan sulit tergantikan.
Systems to support scholarly social media: a qualitative exploration of enablers and barriers to new scholarship in academic medicine
Authors: Chan Teresa M , Ruan Brandon , Lu Daniel , Lee Mark , Yilmaz Yusuf
Published: September 2021

Introduction: As academia begins to incorporate modern communication technologies into its scholarly structures, there are both enablers and barriers which foster academics’ uptake of these innovations. Those who are early adopters of academic social media - whether it be for education, research-related networking, or knowledge translation - may therefore be best positioned to highlight both enablers and barriers within their work environments.
Methods: The authors conducted a constructivist grounded theory study to discern what prominent practitioners of academic social media (e.g. Twitter) have encountered in their careers. Participants were recruited via a snowball sampling technique and invited to participate in semi-structured interviews. Three investigators engaged in constant comparative analysis of incoming transcripts. To enhance rigour, we conducted an audit of the analysis and a participant member check.
Results: Seventeen emerging influencers in the field of academic social media were recruited. After axial coding, the 30 enablers and 21 barriers to academic social media use were mapped to three spheres of influence: personal, institutional, and virtual. The investigators propose a framework that organizes these enablers and barriers around a tipping point where sustainability becomes possible.
Conclusions: Multiple enablers and barriers were described to influence social media users within academic medicine. By organizing these facets into a personal, institutional, and virtual framework along a spectrum, we can begin to understand the underlying structures that potentiate the academic ecosystems in which social media and similar innovations may flourish.
Orographical Zoning of West Bohemia
Authors: Pech Jiří
Published: September 2021

The paper treats of a concise survey of the development of orographical and geomorphological zoning of West Bohemia. The author proposes certain principles to be used in zoning and determines orographical units in this way.
Properties of Electrosynthesized Cobalt Doped Zinc Selenide Thin Films Deposited at Varying Time
Authors: Ezenwaka, L. N.  , Okoli, N. L.  , Okereke, N. A.  , Ezenwa, I. A.  , Nwori, N. A.
Published: September 2021

Time optimized cobalt-doped zinc selenide thin films have been successfully electrodeposited on fluorine-doped tin oxide substrates. The films were deposited at the varying time of 1 min, 3 mins, and 5 mins respectively. Film thickness, optical, structural, electrical, and morphological properties of the deposited thin films were evaluated. Film thickness estimated using the gravimetric method increased from 294.35 nm to 399.62 nm as deposition time increased. Optical properties showed that the absorbance of the films ranged from 13.58% to 83.15% and was found to increase as deposition time increased. Transmittance ranged from 24.40% to 73.15% and was found to decrease as deposition time increased. The reflectance of the films was found to be low while the energy band gap ranged between 2.10 eV and 2.85 eV. Structural properties confirmed the deposition of ZnSe thin film with crystallite size values that fall between 14.68 nm and 18.60 nm. Dislocation density is ranged from 4.66 × 1015 lines/m2 to 2.97 × 1015 lines/m2 while microstrain ranged between 8.53 × 10-3 and 5.83 × 10-3. Crystallite sizes of the films were found to increase as deposition time increased while dislocation density and microstrain were found to decrease as deposition time increased. Electrical properties showed that the deposited films are semiconducting films with electrical resistivity values of 1.54 × 105 Ω cm-1.83 × 104 Ω cm and electrical conductivity values of 6.30 × 10-6 S/cm-5.47 × 10-5 S/cm. The micrograph of the films showed that the films were made up of nanoparticles and nanofibres of different dimensions. Energy-Dispersive X-Ray Spectroscopy (EDS) spectra of the films confirmed the presence of cobalt, zinc, and selenium.
The executive function of bilingual and monolingual children: A technical efficiency approach
Authors: Papastergiou Athanasia , Pappas Vasileios , Sanoudaki Eirini
Published: September 2021

This paper introduces a novel approach to evaluate performance in the executive functioning skills of bilingual and monolingual children. This approach targets method- and analysis-specific issues in the field, which has reached an impasse (Antoniou et al., 2021). This study moves beyond the traditional approach towards bilingualism by using an array of executive functioning tasks and frontier methodologies, which allow us to jointly consider multiple tasks and metrics in a new measure; technical efficiency (TE). We use a data envelopment analysis technique to estimate TE for a sample of 32 Greek–English bilingual and 38 Greek monolingual children. In a second stage, we compare the TE of the groups using an ANCOVA, a bootstrap regression, and a k-means nearest-neighbour technique, while controlling for a range of background variables. Results show that bilinguals have superior TE compared to their monolingual counterparts, being around 6.5% more efficient. Robustness tests reveal that TE yields similar results to the more complex conventional MANCOVA analyses, while utilising information in a more efficient way. By using the TE approach on a relevant existing dataset, we further highlight TE’s advantages compared to conventional analyses; not only does TE use a single measure, instead of two principal components, but it also allows more group observations as it accounts for differences between the groups by construction.
PERMEABILITY AND MECHANICAL BEHAVIOUR OF MICROWAVE PRE-TREATED NORWAY SPRUCE RIPEWOOD
Authors: HESS DOMINIK , PAŘIL PETR , DÖMÉNY JAKUB , BAAR JAN
Published: September 2021

This is a studyofthe influence of microwave (MW) pre-treatment on the permeabilityof Norway spruceripewood(Picea abiesL. Karst)as it affects its mechanical properties. Specimens weretreated under variable moisture content,MW intensity,and impregnation processes. According to the results,thespecimens withaninitial moisture contentof 45–65% exhibited the highest permeabilityvaluescompared to referencesamples. Aninsignificant difference was found between MW pre-treatments at2 and3kW.Statistically significant results were found afterlong-time (24h) vacuum-pressureimpregnation(LP). Theaverage retention value followingLP was 132 kg.m-3, which isalmost threetimes greater thanthe MW-treatedgroupsimpregnated in ashort-time vacuum-pressure process. The average depth of penetration after LP was 2.0mm and the proportion of the impregnation area followingLP was 17.6%. MW pre-treatment had no effect on the impregnability or the mechanical propertiesof the wood; other MW regimes are open for further examination.
Forced Convection of MHD Radiative Jeffrey Nanofluid Over a Moving Plate
Authors: Syazwani Mohd Zokri  , Nur Syamilah Arifin  , Abdul Rahman Mohd Kasim  , Norhaslinda Zullpakkal  , Mohd Zuki Salleh
Published: September 2021

Convectively heated Jeffrey nanofluid flow in the presence of magnetic field and thermal radiation is investigated from a moving plate. Parameter of Brownian motion from Boungiorno model is the imperative mechanism that contributes to the heat transfer enhancement. Governing equations, consisting of the continuity, momentum, energy and nanoparticle concentrations equations are transformed into dimensionless form by means of the appropriate similarity transformation variables. Numerical results via Runge-Kutta Fehlberg Fourth-Fifth order (RKF45) method are specifically acquired on the impact of physical parameters such as Brownian motion, magnetic parameter, ratio of relaxation to retardation and radiation parameters over the temperature and nanoparticles concentration profiles. Comparison of the present results with existing published studies has validated the accuracy of the numerical solutions. Graphical representation of different magnetic parameters has caused the increment in both temperature and nanoparticles concentration profiles. On the other hand, enhancement of Brownian motion has intensified the temperature but declined the nanoparticles concentration.
OPTIMIZATION PROBLEMS FOR A THERMOELASTIC FRICTIONAL CONTACT PROBLEM
Authors: Baiz Othmane , Benaissa Hicham , Bouchantouf Rachid , Moutawakil Driss El
Published: September 2021

In the present paper, we analyze and study the control of a static thermoelastic contact problem. We consider a model which describes a frictional contact problem between a thermoelastic body and a deformable heat conductor obstacle. We derive a variational formulation of the model which is in the form of a coupled system of the quasi-variational inequality of elliptic type for the displacement and the nonlinear variational equation for the temperature. Then, under a smallness assumption, we prove the existence of a unique weak solution to the problem. Moreover, we establish the dependence of the solution with respect to the data and prove a convergence result. Finally, we introduce an optimization problem related to the contact model for which we prove the existence of a minimizer and provide a convergence result.
A mathematical modeling approach to measure the probability of HIV-1 transmission for different high-risk groups of Pakistan
Authors: Rizwan-ul-Hasan Syed , Farrukh Fatima , Ahmed Shakil , Abidi Syed Hani
Published: September 2021

Introduction: Since 2010, the number of new HIV-1 cases has declined by 30% globally, however, in few countries, such as Pakistan, the cases have continued to increase, where the country witnessed a 57% increase in the number of new infections between 2010 and 2020. The HIV-1 epidemic in Pakistan is concentrated in certain high-risk groups, however, it is unknown which high-risk group has a higher likelihood of transmitting HIV-1 infections to vulnerable populations. This study aimed to apply mathematical probabilistic modeling to estimate the probability of HIV-1 transmission for different high-risk groups of Pakistan.
Methodology: MATLAB software was used to conduct probabilistic modeling (chance estimation) of HIV-1 transmission for different high-risk groups of Pakistan, and also draw a comparison between Pakistan and different high- and low- HIV-1 prevalence countries.
Results: Our results revealed that Pakistan overall had the lowest probability of HIV-1 transmission as compared to other countries included in this study; however, within Pakistan, certain high-risk groups such as people who inject drugs (PWID) and the region of Larkana exhibited a high probability of HIV-1 transmissions.
Conclusions: Our study suggests that the concentrated HIV-1 epidemic in Pakistan has a high likelihood of expansion from certain high-risk groups to other vulnerable populations. Further studies to understand the socio-epidemiological factors driving the expansion of the HIV-1 epidemic within the country will guide specific HIV-1 intervention strategies to control the spread of HIV-1 from high-risk to other vulnerable populations.
Does C reactive protein/Albumin ratio have prognostic value in patients with COVID-19
Authors: Kalabin Aleksandr , Mani Vishnu R , Valdivieso Sebastian C , Donaldson Brian
Published: September 2021

Introduction: There is paucity of data regarding C reactive protein/Albumin (CRP/Alb) ratio in patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection. We aimed to evaluate the significance of CRP/Alb ratio in COVID-19 patients.

Methodology: Patients hospitalized between March – April 2020 with COVID-19, who had CRP and Albumin levels documented within 24 hours from admission were retrospectively analyzed. Unpaired Student’s t-test was used for continuous and Pearson Chi-square (χ²) test for categorical variables. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression models were developed to assess the relationship between CRP/Alb and mortality. Nonparametric correlations were calculated using Spearman’s Rho correlation coefficient.

Results: 75 patients were included. Mean age was 62.92, 26 females (34.67%) and 49 males (65.33%), mean Body Mass Index (BMI) 29.86, mean body temperature 101.3 and mean length of stay (LOS) was 14.80 days. 24 (32%) patients required invasive mechanical ventilation and 51 (68%) did not, mean CRP/Alb ratio was 6.89 and 4.7 respectively (p = 0.036). 15 (20%) patients died, 60 (80%) survived and the mean CRP/Alb difference between these groups was also statistically significant (7.74 vs 4.83, p = 0.02). LOS (OR 0.71, 95% CI 0.57.-0.88, p < 0.001) and BUN (OR 1.04, 95% CI 1.01.-1.07, p = 0.006) were independent predictors of mortality by multivariate logistic regression, whereas CRP/Alb (OR 1.21, 95% CI 0.96.-1.51, p = 0.06) was not.

Conclusions: CRP/Alb ratio could be useful as a prognostic indicator of disease severity in COVID-19, but we could not corroborate its potential to predict mortality. The work was conducted at Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons at Harlem Hospital.
Effect of Purple Passion Fruit Extract Cream (Passiflora edulis Sims var. Edulis) 6% against Striae Distensae
Authors: Aryunisari Chyntia Giska , Putra Imam Budi , Jusuf Nelva K.
Published: September 2021

ABSTRACT
Background: Striae distensae is a skin disorder that causes cosmetic and psychological problems. Purple passion fruit (Passiflora edulis Sims var. Edulis) is widely cultivated, especially in North Sumatra. The seeds are abundant and unused industrial waste. Purple passion fruit seeds contain piceatannol, ascorbic acid, flavonoids, resveratrol, hydroalcohols and sterols which play a role in the repair of striae distensae through anti-inflammatory mechanisms, increase fibroblast proliferation and collagen production, increase crosslinking between collagen fibers and moisturizers.
Objective: To determine the effect of 6% purple passion fruit (Passiflora edulis Sims var. Edulis) seed extract cream on striae distensae.
Subjects and Methods: This study is a pre-experimental clinical trial with a pretest-posttest research design on 40 subjects with striae distensae. Diagnosis was confirmed by history and clinical evaluation using the Manchester scar scale before and after administration of 6% purple passion fruit extract cream at weeks 0, 2, 4, 6, 8. Adverse effects were recorded during the study and satisfaction levels were assessed at the end.
Results: The majority of subjects' ages ranged from 29 to 39 years (72.5%). There was a significant reduction in Manchester scar scale in striae distensae, both after being given a 6% purple passion fruit extract cream or a combination of 1% tretinoin cream for 8 weeks, with a mean reduction of 25% (p = 0.000). Striae distensae after being given 6% purple passion fruit extract cream compared to 6% purple passion fruit extract cream combined with 1% tretinoin cream, there was no significant difference (p = 0.791). From a total of 40 subjects, none experienced side effects (0%). As many as 57.5% of the subjects showed a good level of satisfaction.
Conclusion: The use of 6% purple passion fruit seed extract cream can improve the appearance of striae distensae without side effects and the level of satisfaction is good.
One-year Outcome of Different Unprotected Left Main Percutaneous Coronary Interventions Techniques in Acute Coronary Syndromes
Authors: El-Hadidy Amr , Ali Mohamed , Adel Gawish Mahmoud , Moharram Ayman , Taema Khaled
Published: September 2021

Background: We intended in this study to evaluate the impact of the different techniques of unprotected left main coronary artery (ULMCA) stenting on the clinical outcomes.
Methods: The study included 65 patients with ACS and left main disease subjected to UPLMCA intervention [46 males (70.8%) with median(Q1-Q3) age of 63(53-70) years old] in an observational prospective cohort study. Data were collected through reviewing patient’s medical records and angiographic procedures. Angiographic assessment included evaluation of Syntax II score, EURO II score, and TIMI flow grading. The primary outcome was the major adverse cardiac and cerebral events (MACCE) at 1 year while the secondary outcomes included the development of acute kidney injury (AKI), one year mortality, and need for CABG post PCI.
Results: One-year MACCE was 46.2 % when the angle between LAD and LCX was>70o compared to 81.5% when it was less than 70o (P=0.008). The wide angle was also associated with 0% 1-year mortality compared to 18.5% for narrow angle, a difference which is statistically significant (P=0.03). The 1-year MACCE was 35.7% compared to 74.4% when it was not used (P=0.013). When POT was used, the 1-year MACCE was 47.6% compared to 75% when it was not used (P=0.041). None of the other studied parameters including those related to procedure technique was significantly affecting the outcome in our study.
Conclusion: We concluded that the non-use of FKI nor POT together with the lower angulation between LAD and LCX could predict worse clinical outcome at one-year in unprotected left main PCI.
Ocular Trauma Trends in Indonesia: Poor Initial Uncorrected Visual Acuity Associated with Mechanism of Injury
Authors: Widjaja Sauli Ari , Hiratsuka Yoshimune , Ono Koichi , Yustiarini Ima , Nurwasis Nurwasis , Murakami Akira
Published: September 2021

Objectives: To identify ocular trauma trends and to analyze how initial uncorrected visual acuity (VA) is associated with mechanism of injury (MOI) in a referral hospital in Indonesia.
Methods: A five-year medical chart review at the Ophthalmology Emergency Department (OED) Dr. Soetomo General Academic Hospital (DSGAH). The information retrieved included sex, age, laterality involvement, initial uncorrected VA, MOI and management. Sex- and age- adjusted odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated to evaluate the relationship between poor initial uncorrected VA and MOI, using multivariate logistic regression analysis.
Results: A total of 953 patients consisted of 80.3% males and 19.9% females. Ocular trauma predominantly occurred in 21–30 years age group (20.9%). May and November were found to have the highest average number of monthly patients. Closed globe injuries (80.3%) were more prevalent than open globe injuries (17.7%). The most frequent MOIs were sharp objects (311; 32.6%), followed by blunt objects (236; 24.8%). Most cases (89.2%) displayed unilateral involvement and 54.3% cases showed an initial uncorrected VA of better than 6/18. Compared to road dust, blunt object, sharp object and traffic accident were significantly associated with poor initial VA, with adjusted ORs (95% CIs) of 5.24 (2.27-12.10), 4.03 (1.76-9.25) and 8.17 (3.31-20.15), respectively.
Conclusions: Initial uncorrected VA and MOI provide earlier information regarding the prognosis. Traffic accident showed a greater tendency to cause a poor initial uncorrected VA. Most ocular trauma is preventable by educating people at risk to avoid common MOIs and to use protection.
Female accessory gland fluid promotes sperm survival in yellow dung flies
Authors: Thüler Karin , Blanckenhorn Wolf U. , Ward Paul I. , Lüpold Stefan , Bussière Luc F.
Published: September 2021

Female and male reproductive traits co-evolve through pre- and post-copulatory sexual selection and sexual conflict. Although males typically transfer many sperm during copulation, only a small proportion reach the fertilization site because females often actively or passively reduce sperm number in their reproductive tract. Males may transfer accessory substances to protect their ejaculates against female selective processes, which benefits males but can harm females. In turn, females may use accessory gland fluids to control paternity or sperm storage. Female yellow dung flies (Scathophaga stercoraria) have paired accessory glands that produce fluids involved in fertilization and egg laying. One proposed function for these fluids is spermicide. Alternatively, female accessory gland fluid may help keep sperm alive to avoid fertilization failure or encourage sperm competition. Using yellow dung flies, we investigated the interaction of female accessory gland fluid with sperm in vitro. Significantly more sperm remained alive when exposed to accessory gland fluid compared to buffer only (63% vs. 44%). We conclude that female accessory gland fluid in yellow dung flies can help nourish rather than kill male sperm, although selective nourishment of sperm is as consistent with cryptic female choice as is selective spermicide.
Evaluation the effects of insulin on oxidant/antioxidant status in type 1 diabetic patients
Authors: Almulathanon Ammar A. Y. , Mohammad Jehan A. , Allwash Thikra Ali
Published: September 2021

Earlier works have revealed increased generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and decreased antioxidant levels in type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM). The current study aimed to investigate the effect of mixed insulin therapy on oxidative stress and antioxidant status in patients with T1DM. This study involved 75 participants who were divided into three groups: 20 healthy subjects as a control, 25 newly diagnosed patients with T1DM (without treatment) and 30 patients with T1DM treated with insulin (regular and Human Neutral Protamine Hagedorn (NPH)) twice daily. Fasting serum glucose (FSG), serum concentrations of insulin, malondialdehyde (MDA), catalase (CAT), reduced glutathione (GSH), and vitamins (C and E) were measured in all participants. Compared with the healthy control, serum glucose and MDA concentrations were observed to be significantly higher, while significantly lower concentrations of CAT, GSH, and vitamins (C and E) were found in both the treated and untreated diabetic groups. Although insulin therapy caused a significant decrease in blood sugar with a marked elevation in the levels of insulin, CAT, GSH and vitamin E compared to the untreated patients, the changes in the levels of MDA and vitamin C between diabetic groups were not significant. Moreover, the level of insulin resistance was significantly increased in insulin-treated patients as compared to the control and untreated diabetic groups. In conclusion, twice daily treatment with regular and NPH insulin can ameliorate hyperglycemia and improve antioxidant levels in patients with T1DM. However, the insulin regimen used in this study did not reveal a beneficial effect on oxidative stress and insulin resistance. Hence, exogenous antioxidants (vitamins C and E) can be used in combination with insulin to control these parameters.
Vaccinium motuoense (Ericaceae), a new species from Xizang, China
Authors: Tong Yi-Hua , Zhao Wang-Lin , Wang Bing-Mou , Liu En-De , Cai Jie , Guo Yong-Jie
Published: September 2021

Vaccinium motuoense (Ericaceae), a new species from Motuo County, Xizang Autonomous Region, China is described and illustrated. This new species belongs to Vaccinium sect. Calcicolus and is morphologically most similar to V. dunalianum, but differs in having yellowish-brown tomentose young branches, petioles and inflorescence rachis, leaf blades with 2–3(–4) pairs of secondary veins, usually all basal and with fine veins impressed adaxially and urceolate to spherical corollas.
Comment et pourquoi le diagrammatique transforme-t-il l’histoire de l’écriture ?
Authors: Ferri Fabien
Published: September 2021

Les diagrammes appartiennent à une classe d’objets graphiques située à l’intersection de la théorie des médias, de la sémiotique visuelle et du design. Nous montrons que leur analyse révèle un mode de fonctionnement permettant de caractériser le diagrammatique comme un nouveau régime de rationalité dans l’histoire de l’écriture. Cette étude vise ainsi à identifier les spécificités de ce régime pour commencer à caractériser sa différence avec les régimes d’écritures alphabétique et numérique. Elle ouvre sur un programme de recherche initiant une nouvelle approche médiatique qui s’inscrit dans le sillage de travaux réalisés en anthropologie historique des pratiques d’écriture.