bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Morphological Influence of Precursor Composition Characteristics During Ceramic Membrane Fabrication
Authors: Chakraborty Sushma , Uppaluri Ramagopal , Das Chandan
Published: May 2021

In this work, the influence of inorganic low-cost precursor compositions (viz. kaolin, feldspar, saw dust, sodium metasilicate and boric acid) has been investigated on the morphological characteristics (such as average pore size and porosity) of the ceramic membranes that were fabricated using dry compaction method and saw dust as the pore forming agent. In order to do so, kaolin to feldspar ratio has been varied from 0.48 – 2.05 and binder composition has been varied from 10 – 15 wt.%. For an inorganic precursor formulation of kaolin 38.77 wt.%, feldspar 23.03 wt.%, saw dust 8.19 wt.%, sodium metasilicate 15 wt.% and boric acid 15 wt.%, the sub-micron range low-cost ceramic membranes (95.8 nm average pore size and 13.95% porosity) have been achieved as a key novelty. With minor variations in the precursor composition, the microfiltration membranes could be converted to ultrafiltration membranes without undergoing any complex surface reactions or polymeric coatings. An empirical model has been as well developed to quantify the variation of dependent variables on the membrane characteristics.
Single Versus Multiple Doses of Tocilizumab in Critically Ill Patients with Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19): A Two-center, Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Sulaiman Khalid Al , Juhani Ohoud Al , Salah Khalid Bin , Koryem Ghazwa , Eljaaly Khalid , Essa Mohammed Al , Kharbosh Abdullah , Harbi Feras Al , Abuzaid Maram , Bilal Sarah Al , Magthali Alaa , Alsohemi Samia , Alshabasy Adel , Albossiry Hyatham , Abodeif Mohammed , Vishwakarma Ramesh
Published: May 2021

Background: In COVID-19 patients, increased IL-6 levels have been associated with poor disease prognosis. The use of tocilizumab shown to be effective in treating COVID-19 with varying success. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of using a single dose of tocilizumab compared with multiple doses in critically ill COVID-19 patients.Methods:This study is a two-center, retrospective cohort, in which patients who received tocilizumab and were admitted to the ICU at two tertiary hospitals from March 1st, 2020, until January 31st, 2021were included. Patients were divided into two groups based on the number of doses of tocilizumab they received. Furthermore, we gathered additional data from the patients, such as but not limited to demographic data, vital signs, and laboratory markers. Multivariable logistic and generalized linear regression were used. We considered a P value of < 0.05 statistically significant. Results: Two hundred sixty-one patients were included in this study; 72.4% received a single dose of tocilizumab, while the rest (27.6%) had received multiple doses. Most of the patients were male, with an average age of 59.2. After adjusting for possible confounders, the ICU mortality within 30 days (OR 0.83; 95% CI, 0.33-2.08 p = 0.69) and in-hospital mortality (OR 0.64; 95% CI, 0.26-1.60 p = 0.35) were not significantly different between the two groups. On the flip side, patients who received multiple doses of tocilizumab have higher odds of secondary infection compared with a single dose (OR 3.06; 95% CI, 1.18-7.89 p = 0.02).Conclusion: Multiple doses of tocilizumab were not associated with a statistically significant difference in ICU and hospital mortality in critically ill patients infected with COVID-19. In contrast, it was associated with higher odds of secondary infections compared to a single dose.
Preparation and optimization of Starch/Poly vinyl alcohol/ ZnO nanocomposite films applicable for food packaging
Authors: Yari Saeed , Mohammadi-Rovshandeh Jamshid , Shahrousvand Mohsen
Published: May 2021

Pollution and destruction of the environment due to the accumulation of non-degradable plastics are some of the most important concerns in the world. A significant amount of this waste is related to the polymers used in food packaging. Therefore, in recent years, experts in the food industry have been looking for suitable biodegradable alternatives to synthetic polymers. Preparing biocompatible and biodegradable films based on starch is a good choice. In this study, various factors affecting films of starch/polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)/ containing ZnO nanoparticles such as the amount of starch, PVA, glycerol, and ZnO were evaluated by response surface methodology (RSM). Film formation, mechanical properties, swelling, solubility, and water vapor permeability (WVP) were selected as responses of RSM. The results showed that hydrogen bonding interactions between polyvinyl alcohol and starch improved the film formation. The effect of glycerol and PVA content on the mechanical strength was contrary to each other. As the amount of PVA increased, the tensile strength first decreased and then increased. The value of WVP was for all Runs from 0 to 6.77 × 10− 8 gm− 1s− 1Pa− 1. Finally, films with high film formation, maximum tensile strength, and high elongation at break, minimum solubility, permeability, and swelling were optimized.
Space Oddity: Musical Syntax is Mapped onto Visual Space
Authors: Maimon Neta Batya , Lamy Dominique , Eitan Zohar
Published: May 2021

Musicians ubiquitously apply spatial metaphors when describing the stability hierarchy established by tonal syntax: stable tones are considered spatially central and, as gravitational foci, spatially lower. We investigated whether listeners, musicians and non-musicians, indeed associate tonal relationships with visuospatial dimensions, including spatial height, centrality, laterality, and size, and whether such mappings are consistent with tonal discourse. We examined explicit and implicit associations. In the explicit paradigm, participants heard a tonality-establishing prime followed by a probe tone and coupled each probe with a subjectively appropriate location on a two-dimensional grid (Exp. 1) or with one of 7 circles differing in size (Exp. 4). The implicit paradigm used a version of the Implicit Association Test to examine associations of tonal stability with vertical position (Exp. 2), lateral position (Exp. 3) and object size (Exp. 5). Tonal stability was indeed as- sociated with perceived physical space: the spatial distances between the locations associated with different scale-degrees significantly correlated with the tonal stability differences between these scale degrees. However, inconsistently with the hypotheses implied by musical discourse, stable tones were associated with leftward and higher spatial positions, relative to unstable tones, rather than with central and lower spatial positions. We speculate that these mappings are influenced by emotion, embodying the “good is up” metaphor, and by the spatial structure of music keyboards. Taken together, results suggest that abstract syntactical relationships may consistently map onto concrete perceptual dimensions across modalities, demonstrating a new type of cross-modal cor- respondence and a hitherto under-researched connotative function of musical structure.
Social and endogenous motivations in the emergence of canonical babbling in infants at low and high risk for autism
Authors: Long Helen , Ramsay Gordon , Bowman Dale D , Burkhardt-Reed Megan M , Oller D. Kimbrough
Published: May 2021

There is a growing body of research emphasizing the role of social and endogenous motivations in human development. The present study evaluated canonical babbling across the second-half year of life using all-day recordings of 98 children with typical or elevated likelihoods of autism i.e., at “low risk” or “high risk”, respectively. Canonical babbling ratios (CBRs) were calculated from human coding along with Likert-scale ratings on vocal turn taking and vocal play in each segment. We observed no main effect of risk on CBRs. CBRs were significantly elevated during high vocal play. High turn taking yielded a weaker significant effect. We conclude that both social and endogenous motivations may drive infants’ tendencies to produce their most advanced vocal forms.
Elevated salinity and water table drawdown significantly affect greenhouse gas emissions in soils from contrasting land-use practices in the prairie pothole region
Authors: Shahariar Shayeb , Farrell Richard , Soolanayakanahally Raju , Bedard-Haughn Angela
Published: May 2021

Land-use practices can alter shallow groundwater and salinity, further impacting greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, particularly in the hydrologically dynamic riparian zones of wetlands. Emissions of CO2, CH4, and N2O were estimated in soil cores collected from two prairie pothole region (PPR) sites with three adjacent land-use practices (i.e., annual crop = AC, pasture = PA, and short rotation willow = SRW) and treated with declining water table depths (2 to 26 cm), and salinity (S0 = control, S1 = 6 mS cm− 1, and S2 = 12 mS cm− 1) in a microcosm experiment. Land-use practices significantly (p < 0.001) affected GHG emissions in soils from both sites in the order of PA > AC = SRW. Compared to the control, emissions of CO2 and CH4 were significantly lower under higher salinity treatments (i.e., S1 and S2), while N2O was significantly higher (p < 0.05). Emissions under declining groundwater table depths were significantly (p < 0.001) variable and specific to each gas, indicating the impacts of shifted soil moisture regime. Overall, the CO2 and CH4 emissions increased up to week four and then decreased with declining water table depths, whereas N2O emission increased up to a maximum at week six. The soils from SRW had considerably lower global warming potential compared to AC and PA. Groundwater salinity in soils from contrasting land-use in the PPR has significant impacts on GHG emissions with potential for crucial climate feedback; however, the magnitude and direction of the impacts depend on hydrology.
Effects of varying group sizes on performance, body defects, and productivity in broiler chickens
Authors: Sarıca Musa , Karakoç Koray , Erensoy Kadir
Published: May 2021

This study aimed to determine the changes in the performance, welfare, and productivity level of broiler chickens reared at various group sizes and non-grouped (single flock) under intensive field conditions. Two treatments were tested as a concept in all trials. In the GF (grouped flock) house, the grouping was applied at 6000 (GF 1 or large GF), 4000 (GF 2 or medium GF), and 3000 (GF 3 or small GF) broilers in the first, second and third trials, respectively, without changing the stocking density. In the SF (single flock) house, classical intensive rearing was applied without grouping the whole 20000 broilers during each of 3 trials (SF 1, 2, and 3). The results showed that large and medium GF chickens had higher BW than SFs at slaughter age. In SF 2 chickens, only HB level was significantly higher in the second trial (1.39 vs. 1.17). In the third trial, the FPD, HB, and BB scores of SF 3 chickens were higher when compared to small GFs at 1.85 to 1.41, 1.48 to 1.22, and 2.27 to 1.89, respectively. Chickens reared in GFs had more BW, FI, and better FCR and EPEF values when compared to SF chickens. BW, FI, and EPEF were observed to be lower—while FCR was higher—when SF chickens were compared to GFs. Upon considering the EPEF value along with welfare parameters, it has been observed that rearing chickens in groups of 3000 may increase productivity by up to 54.8% according to intensive conditions.
Wafer-Scale Single-Crystal Monolayer Graphene Grown Directly on Insulating Substrates
Authors: Li Junzhu , Chen Mingguang , Samad Abdus , Dong Haocong , Ray Avijeet , Zhang Junwei , Jiang Xiaochuan , Schwingenschlogl Udo , Domke Jari , Chen Cailing , Han Yu , Fritz Torsten , Tian Bo , Zhang Xixiang
Published: May 2021

Currently, the direct synthesis of inch-scale single-crystal graphene on insulating substrates is limited by the lack of metal catalysis, suitable crystallization conditions, and self-limiting growth mechanisms. In this study, we investigated the direct growth of adlayer-free ultra-flat wafer-scale single-crystal monolayer graphene on insulating substrates by the multi-cycle plasma-etching-assisted chemical vapor deposition (MPE-CVD) method. Firstly, an angstrom-scale growth nanochamber was created by fabricating single-crystal Cu(111) foils on Al2O3(0001) substrates. Graphene was then directly synthesized at the interface between Cu(111) and Al2O3(0001) by MPE-CVD. After growth, the Cu(111) foil was detached using a liquid-nitrogen-assisted separation method, and the ultra-high-quality single-crystal graphene film was experimentally achieved on Al2O3(0001). This work breaks the bottleneck in the direct synthesis of single-crystal monolayer graphene on insulating substrates and paves the way for next-generation carbon-based atomic electronics and semiconductor nanodevices.
Signatures of a critical point in the many-body localization transition
Authors: L. Corps Ángel , Molina Rafael , Relaño Armando
Published: May 2021

Disordered interacting spin chains that undergo a many-body
localization transition are characterized by two limiting behaviors
where the dynamics are chaotic and integrable. However, the transition
region between them is not fully understood yet. We propose here a
possible finite-size precursor of a critical point that shows a typical
finite-size scaling and distinguishes between two different dynamical
phases. The kurtosis excess of the
diagonal fluctuations of the full one-dimensional momentum distribution from
its microcanonical average is maximum at this singular point in the
paradigmatic disordered J_1J1-J_2J2
model. For system sizes accessible to exact diagonalization, both the
position and the size of this maximum scale linearly with the system
size. Furthermore, we show that this singular point is found at the same
disorder strength at which the Thouless and the Heisenberg energies
coincide. Below this point, the spectral statistics follow the universal
random matrix behavior up to the Thouless energy. Above it, no traces of
chaotic behavior remain, and the spectral statistics are well described
by a generalized semi-Poissonian model, eventually leading to the
integrable Poissonian behavior. We provide, thus, an integrated scenario
for the many-body localization transition, conjecturing that the
critical point in the thermodynamic limit, if it exists, should be given
by this value of disorder strength.
Integrated evaluation of investment attractiveness in the context of economic sectors: Ukraine as a case study
Authors: Umantsiv Iurii , Cherlenjak Ivan , Prikhodko Volodymyr , Sonko Yuliіa , Shtan Maryna
Published: May 2021

This study explores the evaluation of investment attractiveness of Ukraine’s economy. The following factors are analyzed: the social significance of the sector, the coefficient of support for the sectoral development, the coefficient of production efficiency, the index of fierce competition, and the inflation index. The results of applying the calculation of the average value of the weighting factor within a particular sector and the method of the sum of sets show that the most significant influence on the investment attractiveness of the economy sector are factors of economic efficiency and support of the sector by the state. The study is based on the development and calculation of an integrated indicator of sectoral attractiveness. This approach makes it possible to take into account a set of factors and more accurately describe the existing priorities of a particular sector of the economy. The conclusion is that that the most attractive sectors in Ukraine are industry, trade, transport and communications, as well as financial activities. The education sector remains the least attractive for investment. It is estimated that its attractiveness does not exceed 10% of the threshold. Unattractive for investments sectors will need special attention from the government. Correcting the current situation and attracting additional investment in such areas can significantly reduce the burden on the state budget. The findings of this investigation can be used in order to expand the existing tools for the formation of economic policy of Ukraine and improve the practice of evaluation of sectoral investment.
AcknowledgementsThis article was prepared and funded within the research theme “Strategy of structural reorientation of Ukraine’s economy in the conditions of a pandemic” reg. No. 0121U109608 of Economic Theory and Competitive Policy Department of Kyiv National University of Trade and Economics.
Protograph LDPC Code Design For LS-MIMO 1-bit ADC Systems
Authors: Dang Hung Ngoc , Nguyen Thuy Van
Published: May 2021

Recently, two emerging research topics are protograph low-density parity-check (P-LDPC) and large-scale multi-input multi-output (LS-MIMO) with low-resolution analog-to-digital (ADC) converters (LS-MIMO-LOW-ADC). In these directions, many research works have proposed 1-bit ADC as a good candidate for LS-MIMO systems in order to save both transmission power and circuit energy dissipation. However, we observed that previously reported P-LDPC codes might not have good performance for LS-MIMO systems with 1-bit ADC. Hence, we perform a re-design of the P-LDPC codes for the above systems in this paper. The new codes demonstrate a good coding gain from 0:3 dB at rate 1/2 to 0:5 dB at rate 2/3 in different LS-MIMO configurations with 1-bit ADC.
Disinfection properties of the tea polyphenol epigallocatechin gallate in the presence of calcium ions
Authors: Xu Zhen , Liu Xuanqi , Feng Cuimin , Zhu Shu , Li Ying , Guo Ziyu , Chen Xinyi
Published: May 2021

The antibacterial properties of tea polyphenols make them suitable for drinking water disinfection, but it is necessary to clarify the influence of metal ions on the sterilization efficacy. Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) was selected as a representative tea polyphenol, and the effects of calcium ion (Ca2+) concentration on its disinfection properties in Escherichia coli cultures were investigated. Changes in bacterial growth and structures were detected. The presence of low concentration Ca2+ (1–5 mM) inhibited the disinfection effect of EGCG but higher concentrations (6–10 mM) enhanced its effects. As Ca2+ concentration increased, the proportion of damaged bacteria also increased (15–43%). The presence of Ca2+ lessened the damaging effects of EGCG on the surface structures of E. coli but may have facilitated the entry of EGCG into the bacteria, enhancing its antibacterial efficacy. Tea polyphenols may be useful additives for the disinfection of groundwater and other raw waters containing calcium ions.
Efficiency of Cyperus alternifolius, Typha latifolia, and Juncus inflexus in the removal of nitrate from surface water
Authors: Ghamary E. , Mohajeri J.
Published: May 2021

Nitrate is one of the most toxic and pathogenic substances in drinking water. Nitrate levels have increased significantly in groundwater and surface water because of the high usage of nitrogenous fertilizers, which have lethal effects on human health. Therefore, the removal of this toxic material from surface water is absolutely essential. The goal of this paper is to evaluate the efficiency of three aquatic plant species, called Cyperus alternifolius, Typha latifolia, and Juncus inflexus, in the removal of nitrate from surface water. This experiment has been carried out in the laboratory scale using a hydroponics method. To do this, the water samples containing nitrate were collected and evaluated before and after the treatment to see the effects of these three plants on both the nitrate removal and the pH variation of water. The results show that all the plants can remove excessive levels of nitrate from the surface water. The comparison of the results has revealed that T. latifolia plant has higher ability to remove nitrate from water than C. alternifolius and J. inflexus. It was observed that the nitrate removal efficiency of T. latifolia was 95%, J. inflexus was 85%, and C. alternifolius was 70% after 10 days. Moreover, it was observed that the pH values of the treated water have been affected by these plants. The results of this study can be employed for further improvement of surface water quality, thereby lowering water purification time and costs as well as decreasing the nitrate-related diseases significantly.
Hydrochemical evolution of pore water in riverbed sedimentation zone during riverbank infiltration
Authors: Lu Shuai , Li Shenjie , Liu Zhining , Gao Xinyue , Zhang Lihua , Sun Chao
Published: May 2021

The riverbed sedimentation zone is an important zone of hydrochemistry, and the biogeochemical action in this zone has a significant impact on groundwater quality. As the main area where hydrochemistry occurs, studying the law of hydrochemical evolution within 1 m below the riverbed is of great significance for understanding the migration and removal of river pollutants. In this study, a combination of onsite monitoring and indoor experiments was used to analyze the variation characteristics of the hydrochemical composition of pore water during riverbank infiltration, as well as the main hydrochemical effects and influencing factors. The results show that in the process of river water infiltration, a series of redox reactions occur in the riverbed sedimentation zone, and there are differences in different infiltration depths. From 0 to 20 cm below the riverbed, strong respiration and denitrification mainly occurred. Reductive dissolution of manganese minerals mainly occurred from 20 to 60 cm, and reductive dissolution of iron minerals mainly occurred from 60 to 90 cm. River water level, dissolved organic carbon content and microbial activity had varying degrees of influence on these redox effects. The recharge of river water infiltration ensures the exploitation amount of the pumping wells, but it also leads to the increase of some components in groundwater, and the extracted water cannot be directly drunk.
A deep learning technique-based automatic monitoring method for experimental urban road inundation
Authors: Han Hao , Hou Jingming , Bai Ganggang , Li Bingyao , Wang Tian , Li Xuan , Gao Xujun , Su Feng , Wang Zhaofeng , Liang Qiuhua , Gong Jiahui
Published: May 2021

Reports indicate that high-cost, insecurity, and difficulty in complex environments hinder the traditional urban road inundation monitoring approach. This work proposed an automatic monitoring method for experimental urban road inundation based on the YOLOv2 deep learning framework. The proposed method is an affordable, secure, with high accuracy rates in urban road inundation evaluation. The automatic detection of experimental urban road inundation was carried out under both dry and wet conditions on roads in the study area with a scale of a few m2. The validation average accuracy rate of the model was high with 90.1% inundation detection, while its training average accuracy rate was 96.1%. This indicated that the model has effective performance with high detection accuracy and recognition ability. Besides, the inundated water area of the experimental inundation region and the real road inundation region in the images was computed, showing that the relative errors of the measured area and the computed area were less than 20%. The results indicated that the proposed method can provide reliable inundation area evaluation. Therefore, our findings provide an effective guide in the management of urban floods and urban flood-warning, as well as systematic validation data for hydrologic and hydrodynamic models.
The African Water Vision 2025: its influence on water governance in the development of Africa's water sector, with an emphasis on rural communities in Kenya: a review
Authors: Mutschinski Kristin , Coles Neil A.
Published: May 2021

Reliable and secure water resources for rural communities in Africa continue to be at the forefront of the challenges facing these communities in the last 20 years, particularly for smallholders, agricultural sector productivity, food security and economic development increasingly exacerbated by climate change and rapidly growing urban populations. Addressing these challenges requires well-structured policy in the water sector, to implement commitments and investments effectively, and ultimately ensure the quantity and quality of water supply. The AWV 2025 for Africa was commissioned by the World Water Council in 2000 to create a framework to target these aspects in Africa. We examine the progress towards achieving this vision after two decades, through the initiatives, government policies and water strategies that have been implemented. We take a closer look at the top-down impact of the AWV 2025 in the national context of Kenya and its rural population. While the water sector has evolved since 2000, it remains difficult to meet international standards, both at the continental level and in Kenya. This requires continued efforts to strengthen good governance in the water sector, address the financial challenges associated with the expansion of the infrastructure, and developing decentralized approaches to water supply provision.
Estimation of ecosystem evapotranspiration in aRobinia pseudoacaciaL. plantation with the use of the eddy covariance technique and modeling approaches
Authors: Markos Nikos , Radoglou Kalliopi
Published: May 2021

Τhe eddy covariance technique provides reliable ecosystem-level evapotranspiration (ET) measurements. These measurements, when combined with models and satellite products, could offer high spatiotemporal coverage and valuable mechanistic interpretation of the underlying processes. This study address one-year eddy covariance measurements from a Robinia pseudoacacia site in Northern Greece and remote sensing products: we (a) provide a medium-term description of daily ET fluxes for a R. pseudoacacia plantation in a degraded land, (b) assess the contribution of environmental drivers (e.g. net radiation, temperature etc.) on ET and (c) evaluate a simple satellite and meteorological driven model for larger-scale applications, based on the Land Surface Water Index (LSWI) and the FAO approach. R. pseudoacacia was found to have quite high water consumption, especially during leaf expansion. Net radiation and soil water content had the greatest effect on ecosystem evapotranspiration. LSWI was found to be correlated with both soil water content and evapotranspiration. Its use as an index for water limitation in models leads to high accuracy when compared to ET measurements. Our results (a) provide a significant contribution to the assessment of R. pseudoacacia ecophysiology and (b) highlight the potential of accurate ecosystem ET estimation with simple modeling approaches.
Groundwater bacteriological quality assessment: impact of urbanization and agricultural activity
Authors: Ayad Nassim , Haffaressas Yacine , Mouffok Fawzia
Published: May 2021

Groundwater from boreholes is the major source of bottled water in Algeria. The aim of this study is to determine the bacteriological quality of groundwater that serves bottled water production. A total of 73 groundwater boreholes were sampled and analyzed for the required bacteriological parameters. The analysis was performed in accordance to ISO standards methods. There should be no bacteria growth for each bacteriological parameter to qualify the groundwater of good bacteriological quality. The bacteriological analysis highlighted that 37 of the 73 groundwater samples (51%) were of poor bacteriological quality while 36 of them (49%) were of good bacteriological quality. Total coliforms and E. coli were the major sources of contamination with respectively 35 and 24 contaminated samples, followed in order by Pseudomonas aeruginosa, enterococci and sulfite reducing anaerobic bacteria spores with respectively 8, 7 and 2 contaminated samples. Bacteriological quality was strongly and negatively correlated with urbanization and/or agricultural activity parameter (r=−0.454). The performed logistic regression model showed that the presence of urbanization or agricultural activity multiplies significantly (P < 0.001) the risk by 7 of being a poor bacteriological quality groundwater. These findings are useful to avoid drill costs and to take the best strategy to protect groundwaters.
Application of central composite design approach for optimization nitrate removal from aqueous solution by immobilizedPseudomonas putida
Authors: El-Sesy Marwa E. , Ibrahim Sabah S.
Published: May 2021

High nitrate concentration is a dangerous pollutant in the environment. Immobilization for the optimum denitrifying bacterial strain isolated from collected wastewater samples was suggested for bioremediation of excessive nitrate concentration from aqueous solutions and its denitrification activity under different pH, nitrate concentration, bacterial beads, temperature and sodium alginate concentration conditions was explored. The active isolate was identified as Pseudomonas putida MT364822.1 by 16S rRNA analysis. Nitrate bioremediation process was optimized by applying response surface methodology based on central composite design approach. Nitrate uptake was significantly affected by variables of study (P-value <0.05). Maximum removal of nitrate (91.1%) was achieved at pH 7, nitrate concentration 400 mg/L, immobilized bacterial beads 3.0 g/L, temperature 35 °C and sodium alginate concentration 2.5% as optimal variable values. For application, immobilized P. putida MT364822.1 removed 82.2% of nitrate from raw fish farm effluent. Storage and reusability experiments showed that the immobilized strain stronger and more stable than the pure strain. The results suggested that immobilized P. putida MT364822.1 is a highly promising and suitable microorganism for use in the bio-removal of nitrate, and the central composite design was more effective in optimizing variables to achieve the best nitrate removal efficiency.
EFFECTIVENESS OF THE CREW–MISSION CONTROL COMMUNICATION ON THE STAGES OF ADAPTATION TO THE CONDITIONS OF LONG-TERM SPACE MISSION
Authors:   Institute of Biomedical Problems of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Yusupova A.K. , Shved D.M. ,   Institute of Biomedical Problems of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Gushin V.I. ,   Institute of Biomedical Problems of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Chekalina A.I. ,   Institute of Biomedical Problems of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Supolkina N.S. ,   Institute of Biomedical Problems of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow
Published: May 2021

In space experiment CONTENT, content-analysis was used to study speech communication between cosmonauts onboard the International space station (ISS) and the Mission control center (MCC) in different mission periods in context of time perception, chronodeficit and work schedule. It was stated that the reaction to chronodeficit affected crew communication with MCC consistently though variously depending on an individual communication style. Analysis of the frequency of crew comments in the Use-of-Time category enables to define the most challenging periods of psychological adaptation for cosmonauts with particular communication styles.
LIPID METABOLISM DYNAMICS IN TEST-SUBJECTS OF A 5-DAY DRY IMMERSION EXPERIMENT
Authors:   Institute of Biomedical Problems of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Markina E.A. , Zhuravleva O.A. ,   Institute of Biomedical Problems of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Kuzichkin D.S. ,   Institute of Biomedical Problems of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Agureev A.N. ,   Institute of Biomedical Problems of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Markin A.A. ,   Institute of Biomedical Problems of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Zhuravleva Т.V. ,   Institute of Biomedical Problems of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Vostrikova L.V. ,   Institute of Biomedical Problems of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Zabolotskaya I.V. ,   Institute of Biomedical Problems of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Loguinov V.I. ,   Institute of Biomedical Problems of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow
Published: May 2021

Blood samples from six 25–40 y.o. male subjects in a 5-d dry immersion (DI) experiment were analyzed for cholesterol, cholesterol of high- (HDLP), low- (LDLP) and very low density lipoproteins, triglycerides, apolipoproteins А1 (аpoА1) and apolipoproteins В (аpоВ), non-esterified (free) fatty acids (NEFA), β-hydroxibutyrate and phospholipids. Atherogenic indices were calculated, as well as the ratios of cholesterol, аpоВ/аpоА1 and cholesterol/phospholipids. No significant changes in cholesterol or lipoprotein fractions were determined. Increases in the triglyceride level and apoB/apoA1 ratio as harbingers of incipient atherogenesis showed up on the final day in DI and disappeared two days later. The process of readaptation to normal conditions is accompanied by the development of a stress reaction characterized by increased use of lipid substrates (phospholipids, β-hydroxybutyrate, NEFA) for energy synthesis.
TECHNICAL SOLUTIONS FOR INDIVIDUAL TELE-MONITORING OF THE FUNCTIONAL STATE OF ORGANISM
Authors:   Research and Practical Clinical Center for Diagnostics and Telemedicine Technologies of the Moscow Healthcare Department, Shutov D.V. , Arzamasov K.M. ,   Research and Practical Clinical Center for Diagnostics and Telemedicine Technologies of the Moscow Healthcare Department, Drozdov D.V. ,   Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology (National Research University), Dolgoprudnyy, Moscow region, Demkina A.E. ,   Research and Practical Clinical Center for Diagnostics and Telemedicine Technologies of the Moscow Healthcare Department, Drogovoz V.A. ,   Research and Practical Clinical Center for Diagnostics and Telemedicine Technologies of the Moscow Healthcare Department, Vladzimirsky A.V. ,   Research and Practical Clinical Center for Diagnostics and Telemedicine Technologies of the Moscow Healthcare Department, Morozov S.P. ,   Research and Practical Clinical Center for Diagnostics and Telemedicine Technologies of the Moscow Healthcare Department
Published: May 2021

We performed analysis of the available Russian home-use health monitoring devices that can be connected to a smartphone or pad for data transfer. Specifically, we sought for the gadgets capable to register heart rate, blood pressure, ECG, blood glucose, and respiration rate. There are three options of data processing and storage. Namely, these are storage in and authorized access to the manufacturer's site with minimal opportunity of data handling and interpretation; an autonomous server to hold and handle big data sets and, finally, access protocols and templates enabling gadget integration with external services.
Mother tongue disability and socio-cultural development in Nigeria
Authors: Omogho Esiri May
Published: May 2021

Mother tongue disability refers to some or total inadequacy in one’s native language. It implies a situation where individuals or groups of persons are unable to speak/ write their native language. This is a common phenomenon among Nigerian youths. As a result, research has shown there are over 450 indigenous languages in Nigeria, which may go extinct (Rotimi, 2012; Bankole, 2010). Colonization and the introduction of western civilization had often been blamed for mother tongue disability. However recent happenings indicate that factors such as the fast decreasing value for mother tongue and parental negative attitudes may be more responsible for mother tongue disability. The paper aims at explaining causes and effects of mother tongue disability in Nigeria and its consequences on socio-cultural development in the country.  It concludes that the speaking, writing, as well as the understanding of mother tongue is beneficial for social solidarity, peaceful co-existence (without which there cannot be meaningful development), the maintenance of cultural heritage and values, and for the growth of the tourism industry.
INTERNALISASI NILAI DAN KARAKTER MELALUI BUDAYA SEKOLAH (Studi Budaya Sekolah Jumat Berkah)
Authors:   Universitas Tanjungpura Pontianak, Norianda Nindiya , Dewantara Jagad Aditya , Sulistyarini Sulistyarini
Published: May 2021

Character is a fundamental thing in the person that must be formed early on. This study aims to explain the concept of Jumat Berkah school culture and character that can be formed through Jumat Berkah school culture. The Jumat Berkah school culture contains values that can be used as a means to shape the character of student. This research uses descriptive methods. The data were obtained through interviews with the principal, teachers dan student at SMP Negeri 1 Matan Hilir Selatan. Data analysis techniques used triangulation of sources. The results of this study indicate that the Jumat Berkah school culture contains religious values, nationalism, creativity and cooperation, which could be internalized to students as an effort to shape and improve character. The character formed through the Jumat Berkah school culture is tough character, clean and healthy, dicipline, environmental care, cooperative, responsible, creative and helping. Key Word: character, school culture, the character values of Jumat Berkah
Generative Design of Articulated Rod of Radial Engine
Authors: Rai Sawan Kumar , Keawmuang Harit , Variyavwala Himanshu , Shatnawi Laith
Published: May 2021

The constant need for improvement drives humans to look for the best possible option in every field. Computer Aided Design (CAD) is no exception, to follow the best method of designing a product and finalizing it, researchers came up with an idea to generate multiple designs using fixed input values and finalizing the most appropriate one. The objective is achieved using an iterative design process based on algorithms by a specific software. Generative design introduces a new experience based on the Integration of machine dynamics in the manufacturing of objects and about experience. In this work generative design method was investigated on an articulated rod, one of the most important components of the rotary engine, to effectively improve the overall working performance of the engine and enhance its performance by decreasing its mass. Since fuel consumption by the machine can be greatly reduced by lowering the mass, so the goal is to minimize the weight of the rod while mechanical characteristics have to be within the acceptable values. Also, finite element analysis (FEA) was investigated on the part as to ensure the reliability of the rod before and after optimization.
Stratégiát megalapozó elemzések gyakorlati alkalmazása
Authors: Prof. Dr. Nábrádi András , Forest David , Madai Hajnalka , Bittner Beáta , Kovács Tünde Zita , Dr. Nagy Adrián
Published: May 2021

A környezet növekvő változékonysága egyre nagyobb kihívást jelent a vállalatok, vállalkozások számára. A gazdasági események bekövetkezésének sebessége változó, a bizonytalanság miatti kockázat nő, ami az üzleti vállalkozásoktól új szemléletű tervezési gyakorlatot vár el. Stratégiájuk kialakítása, tervezése során mind a külső és a belső környezet tényezőinek feltárása, mind a versenytársaik elemzése jól megválasztott módszerek alapján történhet. Ezen módszerek áttekintését, a tervezési és oktatási gyakorlatban történő alkalmazását tekintjük cikkünk céljának, melynek során a hazai és a nemzetközi gyakorlatban is alkalmazott stratégiát megalapozó módszereket mutatjuk be, kiemelve a külső és a belső környezetet elemző módszereket. A külső környezet elemzése során a hagyományos PEST analízisre és a Porter–féle öttényezős modellre épülő külső faktor értékelő mátrix felépítését és alkalmazhatóságát szemléltetjük. A belső elemzési módszerek esetén a módszerválasztás szempontrendszerét, valamint az alkalmazható módszerek esetén az erőforrás alapú megközelítésre, kulcsfontosságú tényezők elemzésére, illetve a Porteri értéklánc elemzésre épülő belső faktor értékelő mátrix jelentőségére térünk ki. A stratégiát megalapozó elemzések harmadik pillérét a versenytársak mátrix alapú értékelése jelenti. A módszerek alkalmazhatósága függ a vállalkozás formájától, működési területétől és tevékenységének jellegétől, amit az új gazdasági szférák (pl.: sharing) és az átalakult erőviszonyok megjelenése is bonyolít.
GREEN CITY INITIATIVES: HUMAN-NATURE INTERACTION
Authors: Abu Bakar Aisyah , Mustapa Siti Indati , Mohammad Norsyahida
Published: May 2021

Interaction with Nature [IN] refers to the urge or preference to be close to the natural environment, attentiveness and knowledge of the natural environment, and health associated attributes in relation to surroundings. Issue: Since the vision of green city was introduced, Melaka has made great strides toward building a sustainable, green city. With the ongoing development towards reduction of carbon intensity 2020, IN of Melaka public needs to be evaluated to determine the human-nature connection with respect to the green initiative efforts. Purpose: This paper aims to compare the IN of Melaka residents to residents of other states in Malaysia. Approach: One-Way MANOVA was generated to determine the mean distribution of 10 IN items, across Malaysia States. Findings: There were significant differences within subjects of the 10 IN items between-subjects of Malaysia States. The Post-Hoc Test indicated majority of the means of IN items for Melaka were significantly higher than other states. However, in relation to other states, Melaka was slightly shy on (i) IN2, being able to recall experiences in the natural environment, and (ii) IN5, being able to notice scientific details of nature.
THE EFFECTIVENESS OF GOVERNMENT PROGRAMMES FOR SMALL AND MEDIUM TOURISM BUSINESSES FROM AN INSTITUTIONAL PERSPECTIVE
Authors: Zulkefli Nor Syuhada , Jaafar Mastura , Marzuki Azizan
Published: May 2021

It is well-known that the tourism sector has significantly contributed to economic and social development in developing countries, including Malaysia. The government has a major influence on implementing programmes to support tourism businesses. Previous researchers have proven that the implementation process of these programmes is complex and ineffective. Therefore, this paper explored the implementation of various tourism programmes and barriers to effective implementation. Using semi-structured interviews, seven respondents were selected from government agencies at different organisational levels. The findings revealed that the main barriers are found in the government organisation itself, which are lack of collaboration among agencies, insufficient resources, and lack of skilled agencies to implement effective programmes. Besides, external factors, such as low involvement among local operators, emerged as the main barriers faced by government agencies. This paper proposes the need for the government to clearly understand the objective, the functions, and the implementation process of each tourism programme.
COVID-19: B40 HOUSEHOLD’S FINANCIAL AND CONSUMPTION DURING THE IMPLEMENTATION OF MOVEMENT CONTROL ORDER (MCO)
Authors: Thinagar Sharmila , Roslan Siti Nurul Munawwarah , Ismail Mohd Khairi , Chamhuri Norshamliza
Published: May 2021

The outbreak of COVID-19 caused the Malaysian Government to take steps to implement the Movement Control Order (MCO). According to Bank Negara Malaysia, the implementation of MCO will have an impact on national incomes, with Malaysia’s estimated economic growth in 2020. The effect of MCO not only affects the macro level, but also at the micro level, particularly those groups of households with the lowest income of 40%. (B40). The B40 income group is a group of households that are expected to face high economic risk and directly affect their patterns of consumption during the implementation of the MCO. This study contributes to the empiric study related to COVID-19 and the implementation of MCO in the B40 group. This study analysed the pattern of financial and consumption of B40 households in Malaysia during the implementation of MCO. The findings show that the financial situation of the B40 household has changed the patterns of daily consumption following the implementation of the MCO.
RECONSTRUCTING POST-EARTHQUAKE SETTLEMENT USING COMMUNITY DELIBERATION PARTICIPATION APPROACH IN YOGYAKARTA-INDONESIA
Authors: Setiadi Amos , Rudwiarti Lucia Asdra , Langer Isak J , K Wardhani Mustika
Published: May 2021

An earthquake occurred in 2006 at Yogyakarta which damaged 209,494 buildings and caused the death of 4,143 people. A post-disaster settlement reconstruction covering all settlement facilities and infrastructure was initiated using a participatory approach which involved the targeted residents in the process of mapping the conditions, potentials, and resources of the region. It is, however, important to evaluate the effectiveness of this reconstruction method to reduce the impacts of such disaster in the future. Therefore, this research was conducted to focus on the forms, levels, and driving factors of citizen participation at each reconstruction stage. A qualitative descriptive method was employed through the use of observation and the findings showed that citizens were involved in the process by attending and participating in rembug warga forums, suggesting ideas, donating funds, and serving as personnel at the socialization, planning, and implementation stages. The reconstruction led to the construction of quality residential infrastructure and facilities due to the systematic and integrated coordination of the rembug warga forums.
AWARENESS OF COMMUNITY ON THE CONSERVATION OF HERITAGE BUILDINGS IN GEORGE TOWN, PENANG
Authors: Halim Ummu Liyana , Tambi Noordeyana
Published: May 2021

Having been gazetted as a World Heritage Site, George Town is known to have many heritage buildings that are more than a hundred years old. However, not all heritage buildings in George Town have appropriately been conserved by the local community, especially the owner and the tenant. This ignorance has caused severe issues of heritage buildings being neglected by the owner and the public. A stud has been carried out on the awareness of the local community in preserving historical buildings within George Town to gain insights into this issue. A quantitative method is used by distributing questionnaires to 387 respondents, which consists of the local community residing in George Town. The level of community awareness is measured to examine the extent of the local community being aware of the heritage buildings around them. Finding reveals that the community level of awareness to be moderate (mean=3.98), which reflects the ignorance of the local community in George Town towards preserving heritage buildings. Thus, the community in George Town is encouraged to be more vigilant in protecting the heritage buildings by joining activities related to heritage conservation held by the local authorities, NGOs, or even the local community. This activeness could ensure all the heritage buildings are protected from the effects of modernisation and be well-maintained for future use.
CULTURAL MAPPING AND HERITAGE TRAIL IN KUALA KANGSAR
Authors: Mohd Yunus Nor Mazlan , Endut Esmawee , Said Shahrul Yani
Published: May 2021

Kuala Kangsar is the Royal Town of Negeri Perak. It was established in the 1720s. The name Kuala Kangsar is believed to be derived from the kangsar plant (Hibiscus flocussus) that grows in abundance along the banks of the Sungai Kangsar. Another strong suggestion claims that the name was handed down by explorers and settlers who had established a settlement at the mouth of the river. They called their new home Kuala Kurang Sa, a short form for Kuala Kurang Seratus because there were 99 tributaries that flowed into the Sungai Perak around the area. Kuala Kangsar became famous and remarkable not only because of its title as a royal town but also for its heritage and historical factors. There are a lot of heritage assets in this area. Because of these reasons, Kuala Kangsar has become popular and appealing to attract more tourists. This paper will identify and classify the heritage assets in Kuala Kangsar. The identifications and classifications will be based on some methods which consist of site familiarisation, unstructured interviews, visual observation and literature reviews. After heritage assets identification is done, this paper will develop the Cultural Mapping for Kuala Kangsar where Cultural Mapping is a tool to illustrate all the heritage assets’ location and position in mapping and graphics. Finally, this paper will introduce the Heritage Trail to link all these heritage assets in Kuala Kangsar.