bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Responses to environmental variability by herbivorous insects and their natural enemies within a bioenergy crop, Miscanthus x giganteus
Authors: Coffin Alisa W. , Olson Dawn M. , Seymour Lynne , Bosch David D. , Schmidt Jason M. , Strickland Timothy C.
Published: February 2021

Precision agriculture (PA) is the application of management decisions based on identifying, quantifying, and responding to space-time variability. However, knowledge of crop pest responses to within-field environmental variability, and the spatial distribution of their natural enemies, is limited. Quantitative methods providing insights on how pest-predator relationships vary within fields are potentially important tools. In this study, phloem feeders and their natural enemies, were observed over two years across 81 locations within a field of the perennial feedstock grass in Georgia, USA. Geographically weighted regression (GWR) was used to spatially correlate their abundance with environmental factors. Variables included distance to forest edge, Normalized Difference of Vegetation Index (NDVI), slope, aspect, elevation, soil particle size distribution, and weather values. GWR methods were compared with generalized linear regression methods that do not account for spatial information. Non-spatial models indicated positive relationships between phloem-feeder abundance and wind speed, but negative relationships between elevation, proportions of silt and sand, and NDVI. With data partitioned into three seasonal groups, terrain and soil variables remained significant, and natural enemies and spiders became relevant. Results from GWR indicated that magnitudes and directions of responses varied within the field, and that relationships differed among seasons. Strong negative relationships between response and explanatory factors occurred: with NDVI during mid-season; with percent silt, during mid-, and late seasons; and with spider abundance during early and late seasons. In GWR models, slope, elevation, and aspect were mostly positive indicating further that associations with elevation depended on whether models incorporated spatial information or not. By using spatially explicit models, the analysis provided a complex, nuanced understanding of within-field relationships between phloem feeders and environmental covariates. This approach provides an opportunity to learn about the variability within agricultural fields and, with further analysis, has potential to inform and improve PA and habitat management decisions.
Posterior circulation acute stroke prognosis early CT scores in predicting functional outcomes: A meta-analysis
Authors: Lu Wei-Zhen , Lin Hui-An , Bai Chyi-Huey , Lin Sheng-Feng
Published: February 2021

Background and purpose

Patients with posterior circulation acute ischemic stroke exhibit varied clinical presentations and functional outcomes. Whether posterior circulation acute stroke prognosis early computed tomography scores (PC-ASPECTS) predict unfavorable functional outcomes (UFO) for patients treated with different therapeutic regimens is unclear.

Methods

According to PRISMA guidelines, we performed a systematic search of electronic databases for studies assessing the functional outcomes of posterior circulation acute ischemic stroke using baseline PC-ASPECTS. The following three scales of PC-ASPECTS were retrieved: UFO prediction by using PC-ASPECTS per score decrease, UFO prediction by using binary PC-ASPECTS with a cut-off value, and the difference in PC-ASPECTS between patients with unfavorable and favorable functional outcomes. Moreover, a subgroup analysis was conducted for patients treated with intra-arterial endovascular treatment (IA-EVT) only. Sensitivity analysis with different definition of UFO and image modalities were also conducted.

Results

In total, 25 studies were included. In scale 1, PC-ASPECTS significantly predicted UFO (odds ratio [OR]: 1.66 per score decrease, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.32–2.07). In scale 2, binary PC-ASPECTS with a cut-off value between 6 and 9 significantly predicted UFO (OR: 3.91, 95% CI: 2.54–6.01). In scale 3, patients with UFO had lower PC-ASPECTS than those with favorable outcomes (standardized mean difference [SMD]: −0.67, 95% CI: −0.8 to −0.55). For patients treated with IA-EVT only, the scales demonstrated consistent results. Sensitivity analysis showed PC-ASPECTS significantly predicted UFO in both definitions of modified Rankin Scale ≥ 3 and ≥ 4, and magnetic resonance imaging was preferred imaging modality for PC-ASPECTS evaluation.

Conclusion

Baseline PC-ASPECTS is effective in predicting UFO for patients with posterior circulation acute ischemic stroke treated with different therapeutic regimens.
Cultivating oyster mushrooms on red grape pomace waste enhances potential nutritional value of the spent substrate for ruminants
Authors: Mhlongo Godfrey , Mnisi Caven Mguvane , Mlambo Victor
Published: February 2021

The use of red grape pomace (GP;Vitis viniferaL. var. Shiraz) as a source of beneficial bioactive compounds in ruminant diets is limited by high levels of indigestible compounds in the grape skin matrix. This problem demands innovative, inexpensive, and easy-to-use strategies that improve the digestibility of GP. The bioconversion of GP using edible oyster mushrooms (Pleurotus ostreatus) is one such strategy that has not been previously explored. Therefore, this study evaluated the effect of cultivating oyster mushrooms on GP on chemical composition andin vitroruminal fermentation parameters of the spent mushroom substrate. The GP was inoculated with oyster mushroom spawns at 0, 200, 300, 400, or 500 g/kg, and incubated for 4 weeks. Organic matter, acid detergent lignin, sodium, manganese, cobalt, and copper linearly declined (P< 0.05) as spawn rates increased. A quadratic trend was observed for crude protein, neutral detergent fibre, acid detergent fibre, magnesium, phosphorus, and calcium content in response to increasing spawn rates. Higher spawning rates (20–50%) had a positive effect (P< 0.05) on gas production from the immediately fermentable fraction (a), rate of gas production from the slowly fermentable fraction (c) and effective gas production. However, gas production from the slowly fermentable fraction (b) and potential gas production linearly declined in response to increasing spawning rates. There was a linear increase (P< 0.05) in the immediately degradable fraction (a), while quadratic effects were observed for partition factors, effective degradability, andin vitroorganic matter degradability at 48 h in response to spawning rates. It can be concluded that inoculating GP with oyster mushroom spawn reduced fibre content while increasing crude protein content andin vitroruminal fermentation efficiency of red grape pomace. Based on the quadratic responses of partition factors at 48 hours post-inoculation, the optimum spawning rate for maximum ruminal fermentation efficiency of GP was determined to be 300 g/kg.
Prevalence of low high-density lipoprotein among young adults receiving antiretroviral therapy in Zambia: An opportunity to consider non-communicable diseases in resource-limited settings
Authors: Hamooya Benson M. , Musonda Patrick , Mutale Wilbroad , Masenga Sepiso K. , Halwiindi Hikabasa , Mutengo Katongo H. , Chiyeñu Kaseya O. R. , Chongwe Gershom , Koethe John R. , Lipworth Loren , Heimburger Douglas C.
Published: February 2021

Background

With the introduction of effective antiretroviral therapy (ART), people living with HIV (PLWH) are surviving longer and are at risk for developing metabolic abnormalities that contribute to cardiovascular disease (CVD). In Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), there is a paucity of epidemiological data on lipid profiles among young adults receiving ART. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c), a cardioprotective lipid class, and whether it differed by age among adults on ART in Livingstone, Zambia.

Methods

From April to December 2019, we conducted a cross-sectional study of 597 PLWH [n = 58 aged 18–24 years (young adults); n = 539 aged ≥25 years (adults)] on ART for ≥6 months. Data collected included demographic and lifestyle information, anthropometrics, viral load (VL), CD4 count, blood pressure, lipid profiles and fasting/random blood glucose. Clinical measures were defined as: low HDL-c [<1.0 mmol/L for men, <1.3 for women], increased waist circumference (WC) [≥94 cm for men, ≥80 cm for women], high triglycerides (TG) [≥1.7 mmol/l], and virological failure (VF) [VL ≥1000 copies/μl]. We used logistic regression to examine the association between age and low HDL-c after adjusting for multiple variables.

Results

Among the young adults, 60% (35/58) were women, median (25th, 75th percentile) age 21 years (18, 23), and median time on ART 116 months (60, 144). Among adults, 63% (342/539) were women, median age 46 years (40, 53) and median time on ART 108 months (60, 144). Young adults had a lower CD4 count compared to adults (median, 492 vs. 568 cells/μL, p = 0.010) and higher prevalence of VF (29% vs. 17%, p = 0.016). In young adults, prevalence of low HDL-c was significantly higher than in adults (63 vs. 38%, p<0.001). A high proportion of young adults (75%) and adults (58%) with low HDL-c were on dolutegravir (DTG)-based ART regimens. After adjusting for sex, duration on ART, WC, body mass index, ART regimen, VF, CD4 count, low density lipoprotein cholesterol, blood pressure and smoking, young adults were significantly more likely than adults to have low HDL-c (odds ratio 2.93; 95% confidence interval 1.46–5.86).

Conclusion

Low HDL-c is highly prevalent among young adult with HIV in SSA independent of other risk factors for metabolic derangements. Lipid abnormalities among young PLWH may contribute to the early development of cardiovascular diseases in this population. This highlights the need to consider low HDL-c in the quest to reduce CVD risk among young adults on ART in SSA.
The association between body mass index and severity of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19): A cohort study
Authors: Jayanama Kulapong , Srichatrapimuk Sirawat , Thammavaranucupt Kanin , Kirdlarp Suppachok , Suppadungsuk Supawadee , Wongsinin Thananya , Nanthatanti Nithita , Phusanti Sithakom , Pitidhammabhorn Dhanesh , Sungkanuparph Somnuek
Published: February 2021

Objectives

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has become a worst pandemic. The clinical characteristics vary from asymptomatic to fatal. This study aims to examine the association between body mass index (BMI) levels and the severity of COVID-19.

Methods and study design

A cohort study included 147 adult patients with confirmed COVID-19 were categorized into 4 groups by BMI levels on admission: <18.5 (underweight), 18.5–22.9 (normal weight), 23.0–24.9 (overweight), and ≥25.0 kg/m2 (obese). Rates of pneumonia, severe pneumonia, acute kidney injury (AKI), and ICU stay during hospitalization across BMI group was determined. Logistic regression analysis was used to determine the association between BMI and severe pneumonia.

Results

Of the totals, patients having a BMI <18.5, 18.5–22.9, 23.0–24.9, and ≥25.0 kg/m2 were 12.9%, 38.1%, 17.7%, and 31.3%, respectively. The rates of pneumonia and severe pneumonia tended to be higher in patients with higher BMI, whereas the rates of AKI and ICU stay were higher in patients with BMI <18.5 kg/m2 and ≥ 25 kg/m2, when compared to patients with normal BMI. After controlling for age, sex, diabetes, hypertension and dyslipidemia in the logistic regression analysis, having a BMI ≥25.0 kg/m2 was associated with higher risk of severe pneumonia (OR 4.73; 95% CI, 1.50–14.94; p = 0.003) compared to having a BMI 18.5–22.9 kg/m2. During admission, elevated hemoglobin and alanine aminotransferase levels on day 7 and 14 of illness were associated with higher BMI levels. In contrast, rising of serum creatinine levels was observed in underweight patients on days 12 and 14 of illness.

Conclusions

Obesity in patients with COVID-19 was associated with severe pneumonia and adverse outcomes such as AKI, transaminitis and ICU stay. Underweight patients should be closely monitored for AKI. Further studies in body composition are warranted to explore the links between adiposity and COVID-19 pathogenesis.
Libman-Sacks endocarditis and associated cerebrovascular disease: The role of medical therapy
Authors: Roldan Carlos A. , Sibbitt Wilmer L. , Greene Ernest R. , Qualls Clifford R. , Jung Rex E.
Published: February 2021

Background

Libman-Sacks endocarditis in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is commonly complicated with embolic cerebrovascular disease (CVD) or valve dysfunction for which high-risk valve surgery is frequently performed. However, the role of medical therapy alone for Libman-Sacks endocarditis and associated acute CVD remains undefined.

Objective

To determine in this cross-sectional and longitudinal study if conventional anti-inflammatory and anti-thrombotic therapy may be an effective therapy in SLE patients with Libman-Sacks endocarditis and associated acute CVD.

Methods and materials

17 SLE patients with Libman-Sacks endocarditis detected by two-and-three-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) and complicated with acute CVD [stroke/TIA, focal brain injury on MRI, or cognitive dysfunction] were treated with conventional anti-inflammatory and anti-thrombotic therapy for a median of 6 months and then underwent repeat TEE, transcranial Doppler, brain MRI, and neurocognitive testing for re-assessment of Libman-Sacks endocarditis and CVD.

Results

Valve vegetations decreased in number, diameter, and area (all p ≤0.01); associated valve regurgitation significantly improved (p = 0.04), and valve thickening did not progress (p = 0.56). In 13 (76%) patients, valve vegetations or valve regurgitation resolved or improved in number and size or by ≥1 degree, respectively, as compared to 4 (24%) patients in whom vegetations or valve regurgitation persisted unchanged or increased in size or by ≥1 degree (p = 0.03). Also, cerebromicroembolism, lobar and global gray and white matter cerebral perfusion, ischemic brain lesion load, and neurocognitive dysfunction resolved or significantly improved (all p ≤0.04).

Conclusion

These preliminary data suggest that combined conventional anti-inflammatory and antithrombotic therapy may be an effective treatment for Libman-Sacks endocarditis and its associated CVD and may obviate the need for high-risk valve surgery.
“We are left with nothing to work with”; challenges of nurses working in the emergency unit at a secondary referral hospital: A descriptive qualitative study
Authors: Afaya Agani , Bam Victoria , Azongo Thomas Bavo , Afaya Richard Adongo , Yakong Vida Nyagre , Kpodo George Kwame , Kaba Robert Alhassan , Zinle Denis Albanus Nangsire , Tayuu Daniel Kofi , Asantewaa Stella , Adatara Peter
Published: February 2021

Introduction

In recent times, there has been an increasing burden in traumatic, medical, and surgical emergency conditions, placing more emphasis on the need for quality emergency care. This study aimed to explore the challenges experienced by nurses working in the emergency unit of a secondary referral hospital.

Methods

The study used an exploratory qualitative research design with a constructivist approach and a grounded theory method. Data were collected through in-depth interviews lasting between 30 to 45 minutes using a semi-structured interview guide. Inductive content analysis was used to analyse data.

Results

Eleven (11) participants were interviewed. The majority were female (9), aged between 31–40 years. From the inductive content analysis, four themes emerged. These were; 1) overcrowding in the emergency unit, 2) understaffing at the emergency unit, 3) lack of emergency equipment, 4) inadequate managerial support.

Conclusion

The study identified several major challenges confronting nurses working in the emergency unit which are linked with managerial processes and inadequate managerial support. These challenges need to be addressed to promote quality emergency nursing care. To foster a positive working environment, hospital management should validate and address the aforementioned concerns of the Emergency Department nurses.
Effect of sex/gender on obesity traits in Canadian first year university students: The GENEiUS study
Authors: Sharma Tanmay , Morassut Rita E. , Langlois Christine , Meyre David
Published: February 2021

Background

While weight gain during first year of university has been well documented in North America, literature on sex-specific effects is scarce and inconsistent. The objective of this investigation was to explore sex-specific changes in obesity traits during first year of university at McMaster University (Ontario, Canada).

Methods

245 first-year students (80.4% females) were followed longitudinally with data collected early in the academic year and towards the end of the year. Obesity parameters including weight, waist and hip circumferences, BMI, and waist to hip ratio were investigated. The Mann-Whitney U test and the Wilcoxon signed-rank test were used for pairwise comparison of traits in the absence of adjustments. Additionally, the repeated-measures ANOVA test was used with covariate adjustments to investigate the interaction between sex and time.

Results

Overall sample trends indicated a significant increase in mean weight by 1.55 kg (95% CI: 1.24–1.86) over the school year (p<0.001). This was accompanied by significant gains in BMI, and waist and hip circumferences (p<0.001) in the overall sample. At baseline, males presented with higher body weight, BMI, waist and hip circumferences, and WHR, as compared to their females counterparts (p<0.01). Additionally, sex-stratified analysis indicated significant gains in weight, BMI, and waist and hip circumferences in both males and females (p<0.01). However, a comparison of the magnitude of change over time between the two sex groups revealed no significant difference for any of the investigated traits (p>0.05).

Conclusion

While our study confirms significant weight gain in both male and female first year university students in Ontario, Canada, it does not show sex specific differences within this context. Our investigation highlights the importance of accounting for sex and gender in health research and supports the need of further studies in this area.
Eukaryotic translation initiation factor 5A and its posttranslational modifications play an important role in proliferation and potentially in differentiation of the human enteric protozoan parasite Entamoeba histolytica
Authors: Jeelani Ghulam , Nozaki Tomoyoshi
Published: February 2021

The eukaryotic translation initiation factor 5A (eIF5A) is a highly conserved protein and is essential in all eukaryotes. However, the specific roles of eIF5A in translation and in other biological processes remain elusive. In the present study, we described the role of eIF5A, its posttranslational modifications (PTM), and the biosynthetic pathway needed for the PTM inEntamoeba histolytica, the protozoan parasite responsible for amoebic dysentery and liver abscess in humans.E.histolyticaencodes two isotypes of eIF5A and two isotypes of enzymes, deoxyhypusine synthase (DHS), responsible for their PTM. Both of the two eIF5A isotypes are functional, whereas only one DHS (EhDHS1, but not EhDHS2), is catalytically active. The DHS activity increased ~2000-fold when EhDHS1 was co-expressed with EhDHS2 inEscherichia coli, suggesting that the formation of a heteromeric complex is needed for full enzymatic activity. BothEhDHS1and2genes were required forin vitrogrowth ofE.histolyticatrophozoites, indicated by small antisense RNA-mediated gene silencing. In trophozoites, onlyeIF5A2, but noteIF5A1, gene was actively transcribed. Gene silencing ofeIF5A2caused compensatory induction of expression ofeIF5A1gene, suggesting interchangeable role of the two eIF5A isotypes and also reinforcing the importance of eIF5As for parasite proliferation and survival. Furthermore, using a sibling species,Entamoeba invadens, we found thateIF5A1gene was upregulated during excystation, whileeIF5A2was downregulated, suggesting thateIF5A1gene plays an important role during differentiation. Taken together, these results have underscored the essentiality of eIF5A and DHS, for proliferation and potentially in the differentiation of this parasite, and suggest that the hypusination associated pathway represents a novel rational target for drug development against amebiasis.
La “desconexión digital” a lomos de la seguridad y salud en el trabajo
Authors: Trujillo Pons Francisco
Published: February 2021

En la actuación preponderancia otorgada al teletrabajo o trabajo a distancia debido a la crisis sanitaria está empujando a difuminar la línea que separa el tiempo de trabajo efectivo del tiempo de ocio y descanso. A la postre, provoca prácticamente que el empleado nunca desconecte del trabajo. Y ello es así porque las Tecnologías de la Información y de la Comunicación (TIC) empujan a una disponibilidad horaria y locativa constante de los trabajadores, incluso, fuera de su horario laboral. No son de extrañar en este sentido, comunicaciones de jefes, compañeros de trabajo o, incluso, clientes a través de distintos medios como ahora: correos electrónicos que necesitan contestación urgente, llamadas telefónicas a horas intempestivas o, sobre todo en el sentido de este artículo, mediante el smartphone , bien por mensajes SMS -aunque es cierto que, cada vez, en más desuso- bien por mensajes a través de múltiples programas de mensajería instantánea (aplicaciones tipo WhatsApp, iMessage o Telegram). Sin olvidar tampoco que el smartphone cuenta con la posibilidad de incorporar cuentas de correo corporativos, lo que añade un plus más a esta “hiperconectividad” y esa sensación urgente y fatigosa que provoca en el trabajador la contestación inmediata y sin esperas de toda comunicación que recibe. Este contexto, exige un estudio sobre las consecuencias negativas que pueden sufrir los trabajadores desde su seguridad y salud. Los riesgos psicosociales en este sentido han de ser valorados por las empresas que, por su parte, han de dar cumplimiento a su acción preventiva consagrada en la Ley 31/1995, de 8 de noviembre, de prevención de riesgos laborales.
Enhancement of Photogalvanic Effect of Toluidine Blue Dye using Sodium Lauryl
Sulphate as an Efficient Additive for Solar Energy Conversion and Storage
Authors: Singh Samarveer , Shikha Deep , Singh Vikky , Gupta Sushmita
Published: February 2021

In photogalvanic cells, electron transfer reactions can lead to the inexpensive production of solar
power with an inherent storage capacity because in solution, the ions involved act as mobile charges
through diffusion. This study improved the storage capacity and solar power of photogalvanic cells
comprising ethylenediamine acetic acid (EDTA), toluidine blue and sodium lauryl sulphate (NaLS) as
a reductant, photosensitizer and surfactant, respectively. The observed maximum photocurrent,
photopotential, and open circuit voltage, of the photogalvanic cell were 150 A, 743 mV and 1065 mV,
respectively. The efficiency of conversion cells was approximately 0.2630%. In the dark, the storage
capacity (t0.5) was 124 min for the photogalvanic cell. The optimization of the influence of different
parameters such as variation in photosensitizer concentration, surfactant, reductant, pH, and temperature
as well as the electrical output was performed. A mechanism was proposed for photocurrent generation
in the photogalvanic cell.
Synthesis and Characterization of Chitosan-Polyaniline-Manganese
Dioxide Nanocomposite for Removal of Methyl Orange Dye
Authors: Rathore B.R.S. , Chauhan N.P.S. , Rawal M.K. , Ameta S.C. , Ameta R.
Published: February 2021

An ecofriendly polymer composite based on chitosan, polyaniline and manganese dioxide has been
prepared using batch adsorption method and analyzed by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), UV-vis,
X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy
(TEM). FTIR results suggested the presence of functional groups like hydroxyl and amino groups and
also shown a significant shift in IR bands in CS-PANI-MnO2 composite. The surface of composite was
quite rough within the folds of pleated regions as observed from the SEM and TEM morphologies. The
prepared composite was also utilized as an adsorbent for the treatment of methyl orange from the
aqueous solution and achieved a reasonably good adsorption capacity of 96.2%. The biochemical
oxygen demand (BOD) and chemical oxygen demand (COD) tests also suggested their suitability for
the adsorption of methyl orange dye.
Microwave Assisted Synthesis of Dibenzo-[b,f][1,5]diazocine
Derivatives for Photocatalytic Water Splitting Applications
Authors: Cho S.K. , Jung J.H. , Sissembayeva Y. , Song J.H. , Jung D.I. , Hwang Y.H.
Published: February 2021

Photocatalytic water splitting converts solar energy to storable hydrogen molecules which has the
highest energy per mass. Most catalysts for photocatalytic water splitting utilize noble metals or precious
metals. Organic photocatalysts are attracting more attention owing to several advantages like light
weight, low cost, defined structure and tunability. In this study, the synthesis of several dibenzo[b,f][1,5]-
diazocines via microwave irradiation for water splitting application is reported. Microwave irradiation
facilitates fast, safe and simple synthesis in green reaction conditions. Mini library of
dibenzo[b,f][1,5]diazocines were created in order to understand substituents effect on the photocatalytic
activity.
Modelling and Optimizing the Solvent Extraction of
Cadmium from Phosphoric Acid using Experimental Design
Authors: Berkalou K. , Nounah A. , Chaair H. , Khamar M. , Boussen R. , Driouich A.
Published: February 2021

The removal of cadmium from phosphoric acid was carried out using the solvent extraction process,
taking into account factors such as pH, concentration of the extracting agent [EA], organic phase/aqueous
phase (O/A) ratio, stirring time and stirring rate. In order to study the effect of these involved factors
and their interactions on the extraction percentage of cadmium, a composite central design (CCD) of
24 experiments was adopted. An empirical model was developed and validated by applying ANOVA
analysis. The graphical representation of this model in the variable space allowed to determine the
optimal conditions of these factors. The extraction of cadmium from phosphoric acid reached a percentage
of the order of 98%, under the following conditions: pH = 3, [EA] = 10-2 M, O/A = 1.1, stirring time 90
min, stirring rate 800 rpm.
INVERSOR DE TENSÃO MONOFÁSICO COM CONTROLE DE FREQUÊNCIA E DE TENSÃO UTILIZANDO ARDUINO
Authors: da Silva Filipe Diego , Silva Matheus Henrique Vieira , Gewehr Paula Thereza , Rocha Saulo Henrique , dos Santos Carlos Renato Borges , de Camargos Ana Flávia Peixoto , Moura Renan Souza
Published: February 2021

Este trabalho apresenta o desenvolvimento e o estudo de um inversor monofásico com capacidade de gerar uma tensão alternada por meio de uma alimentação contínua, tendo em sua saída uma onda quadrada com tensão máxima de 25 V. Para o desenvolvimento deste inversor é utilizado um microcontrolador (Arduino) o qual controla o chaveamento das chaves de uma ponte H (CIL298N) utilizando uma lógica programada sendo capaz de fazer o ajuste da frequência e da tensão eficaz da saída do inversor. O presente trabalho aborda todos os conteúdos teóricos considerados necessários à compreensão do projeto desenvolvido, bem como, os aspectos construtivos e a discussão dos resultados obtidos.
ESTUFA AUTOMATIZADA UTILIZANDO ARDUINO
Authors: Romeros Felipe Machado , Reis Carine Flávia , Amorim Victor Gonçalves L. C. , dos Santos Carlos Renato Borges , de Camargos Ana Flávia Peixoto
Published: February 2021

Este trabalho tem como objetivo apresentar o desenvolvimento de um protótipo de uma estufa automatizada utilizando o microcontrolador Arduino. A estufa controla e mede os parâmetros de temperatura e luminosidade e mede umidade em seu interior. Os parâmetros a serem controlados podem ser especificados pelo usuário. No caso da temperatura, pode-se definir a temperatura mínima e máxima na estufa dentro da faixa de 23oC e 32oC, respectivamente. Para a luminosidade, o controle é feito de acordo com o horário do dia, também pré-determinada pelo usuário. Quando a temperatura está diferente da estipulada pelo usuário, um sistema de aquecimento ou ventilação é acionado em conjunto com um alerta visual na tela do display utilizado. A cada ajuste de temperatura os dados são armazenados na memória EEPROM. A elaboração deste trabalho permitiu adicionar recursos inteligentes a uma estufa, proporcionando ao usuário dados armazenados e acionamento automatizado que comumente não é disponível nas estufas tradicionais.
PROJETO E DESENVOLVIMENTO DE UMA CNC FIO QUENTE
Authors: Zacaroni Rodrigo Menezes Sobral , Campos Gustavo Lobato
Published: February 2021

O trabalho proposto consiste em elaborar um projeto estrutural, mecânico e eletrônico de uma máquina CNC (Comando Numérico Computadorizado) e proceder com execução da montagem da máquina. O CNC consiste em um sistema que possibilita o controle de máquinas, sendo utilizado principalmente em tornos, centros de usinagem, máquinas de corte e gravação laser, entre outras. Permite o controle simultâneo de vários eixos, através de uma lista de movimentos escrita num código específico (código G). A proposta principal é desenvolver um projeto de uma “CNC fio quente” que será utilizada para corte de Isopor (Poliestireno Expandido (EPS)) e Depron (Poliestireno Extrudado (XPS)). Para o desenvolvimento do trabalho foram utilizados softwares Sketchup e AutoCad para realização do projeto estrutural. O projeto eletrônico foi desenvolvido utilizando a plataforma aberta de prototipação eletrônica Arduino. Os resultados obtidos foram o projeto estrutural mecânico, o projeto eletroeletrônico e execução da máquina CNC fio quente.
EMPREGO DE UMA PLATAFORMA OPEN-SOURCE DE PROTOTIPAGEM ELETRÔNICA DE HARDWARE PARA AUTOMAÇÃO DE APARELHOS DE AR CONDICIONADO
Authors: Pinto Matheus Bueno de Siqueira , de Oliveira Eduardo Mateus Costa Santos , da Silva e Silva Paulo Henrique Alves , Santos Júnior Gesmar de Paula , Viajante Ghunter Paulo
Published: February 2021

Este trabalho realiza estudos sobre domótica e Internet of Things (IoT) em sistemas eletrônicos destinados à aplicação residencial e industrial. Descreve também um sistema de automação de baixo custo através da utilização do ESP8266 e do supervisório na World Wide Web (WEB), visando o conforto, segurança e bem-estar, considerando aspectos econômicos do sistema. Elaborado para WEB, o programa garante compatibilidade com inúmeros sistemas operacionais e interface de fácil implementação.
Language, citizenship and schooling: A minority teacher’s perspective
Authors: Burner Tony , Osler Audrey
Published: February 2021

In an age in which a shift towards increased authoritarianism and populism means that citizenship is defined in increasingly exclusive ways, migrant teachers’ perspectives are vital in informing inclusive educational decision making, policies and practices. We draw on the life history tradition to present the perspectives of one minority teacher, living and working in Norway. Elif, a Turkish-Norwegian, reflects on her motivations in pursuing teaching as a career. As a multilingual minority teacher, she considers the relationships between language use, citizenship and belonging. For Elif, having Turkish roots and living in Norway presents certain advantages, possibilities and challenges, both in school and society. She suggests that her intercultural experiences and multilingual skills provide her with insights that enable special relationships with minority students, whose language skills and identities she seeks to activate and demystify. She identifies tensions between the Norwegian ideal of equality, her experiences of being minoritized by her professional peers and the mechanisms of exclusion operating among teachers to the detriment of minority students. Minority teachers’ insights inform education for social justice. Including their stories avoids distorting knowledge critical to inclusive citizenship and inclusive processes of teaching and learning.
Diagnostics of interstellar medium parameters on non-discrete timing irregularities of pulsars
Authors: U. Iyida E. , I. Eze C.
Published: February 2021

In this paper, a large homogenous sample of Jodrell Bank Observatory (JBO) radio pulsars was used to investigate the statistical effects of interstellar medium (ISM) parameters: dispersion and rotation measure (DM and RM, respectively) on non-discrete timing irregularities of our sample (whose observed timing activity timescales span over 40 years). This is done by using the correlations between the measured DM and RM, and some parameters that have been commonly used to measure non-discrete timing irregularities [timing activity parameter (A), the amount of timing fluctuations absorbed by the cubic term (ÏƒR23), measure of pulsar rotational stability (Ïƒz ) and stability parameter (âˆ†8)]. Our results show that ISM parameters positively correlate (r > 0.60) with the pulsar timing irregularities parameters of our sample. The significant relationships observed are discussed.Â Â
Solving practical waste collection with time windows in an urban area
Authors: Almutairi Abdulwahab
Published: February 2021

In logistics, several algorithms can be implemented in order to solve the problems of the vehicle routing with variants in order to find near-optimal solutions. Waste Collection can be considered as an essential logistic activity within any area or city. This kind of paper is aimed to implement Iterated greedy (IG) and Adaptive Large Neighborhood Search (ALNS) to solve waste collection vehicle routing problem with time windows on a real-case study. The idea is to generate an efficient way to collect waste problems in an area located in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Moreover, generating a route plays a significant role in terms of serving all customersâ€™ demands who have own different time windows of receiving goods. Also, the performance of the proposed algorithms according to all instances is examined and minimizing the total costs and meeting all constraints that related to capacity, time windows, and others. To evaluate the execution of the presented algorithms, the computational results showed essential improvements, and also ALNS algorithm generates reasonable solutions in terms of total costs and a reasonable amount of time, when compared to other algorithms.Â Â
Justifications for using interactive online education
Authors: Yacoub Abu-Bajeh Zaid , Alayham Abbas Rabab
Published: February 2021

The world is currently witnessing a renaissance of knowledge that can be described as the information era, the Educational environments became increasingly diverse, therefore, the institutions working in the educational field, are constantly seeking to create an efficient educational process to communicate knowledge to learners by the best possible ways and providing methods that aim to achieve the participation and create a link between the teacher and learners within the teacher guidance, in proportion to technological changes in the educational systems, where online education has undergone major changes in the organizational method of teaching. This prompts to focus on feedback as critically important in the educational process. The amount and type of interaction and feedback between the teacher and the learners depend on the link used; it is difficult to read "body language" of the learners over an audio link or recorded video, so the success of feedback process depends on face-to-face communication. This paper presents models of online education, and provides justifications for using interactive online education, and explains that there is a need for more researches in this field and take an active role in evaluating, selecting, and integrating tools and services that emphasize more teaching interactions.Â Â
The Effect of Tricalcium Silicate (C3S) Percentage in Clinkerson the Cement Quality
Authors: . Marhaini , Sri Yusmartini Eka , Aini Kurnia
Published: February 2021

Composite cement products produced by national cement factories in Indonesia should follow the required quality standards. The quality standard of composite cement refers to the SNI 7064:2014. Some physical parameters of the quality standards set are mortar compressive strength and autoclave expansion. Compressive strength is influenced by C3S and C2S in the clinker. The reaction of the formation of mineralogical compounds occurs when clinkers formed. Whereas the expansion by autoclave is influenced by the levels of free lime in the cement. This research was conducted to determine the effect of the percentage of tricalcium silicate (C3S) on the quality of cement with free lime <2% and free lime > 2% with variations of C3S in clinkers, namely 55%, 57%, 59%, 61%, 63%, 65%, and 67%. Physical parameters tested in this study are compressive strength of mortar, blaine, and autoclave expansion. While the chemical parameters tested in this study are free lime in cement and SO3. Based on the research, it was found that if the same percentage of C3S quality of cement having FCaO <2%, the initial compressive strength results were greater than FCaO> 2%, the ideal condition of the development of compressive strength for FcaO > 2%, 3 to 7 days was at the percentage of C3S clinker of 63,48%. Whereas the development of ideal compressive strength for 7 to 28 days is at the clinker C3S percentage of 64,85%. For FCaO <2% the ideal condition 3 days to 7 days is at the percentage of clinker C3S of 62,79% and the development of compressive strength 7 to 28 days is at the percentage of clinker C3S of 54.77%. The expansion with autoclave experiencing expansion that does not meet the minimum requirements of SNI 7064:2014 are samples with a percentage of C3S 54,86% and 61% with FCaO > 2%.
Liquorice (glycyrrhiza glabra) hydroethanolic extracts effectively alleviate thioacetamide -induced hepatotoxicity and hematotoxicity in experimental rats through their antioxidant nature
Authors: Behairy Alaa , Elkomy Ashraf , Elsayed Faten
Published: February 2021

Background: Liquorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) is a high valued plant and used in a lot of countries around the world. The liquorice (LQ) has a remarkable medicinal, nutritional and socio-economic value. Therefore this study was designed to clarify the protective effect of liquorice hydroethanolic extract against Thioacetamide (TAA) induced hepatotoxicity and hematotoxicity in rats.Materials and Methods: Seventy white Albino male rats were used in this study and after acclimatization rats were subjected to different treatments blood and tissue samples were collected after day 30 post administration, biochemical, antioxidant, hematological and histopathological examinations were utilized to investigate hepatoprotective activity of liquorice hydroethanolic extract.Results: TAA significant (P<0.05) increase the activities of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and hepatic malondialdehyde (MDA) compared to control group and silymarin(SL)treated group as stander, admin-istration of LQ extract restore the toxic effect of TAA , while TAA significant (P<0.05) decrease the levels of catalase(CAT) ,hepatic glutathione(GSH) hepatic superoxide dismutase (SOD) , total protein and albumin level compared to control group and silymarin(SL)treated group as stander, LQ extract ameliorate toxic effect of TAA. TAA induce hematotoxicity in rats by significant (P<0.05) decrease Hb content and RBCs, whereas WBCs count significantly (P<0.05) increased throughout the period of administration when compared to the rats in control group and silymarin(SL)treated group as stander,LQ administration protect against the hematotoxicity effect of TAA, TAA induce histopathological alteration in liver tissue by comparison with control group and silymarin(SL)treated group as stander, while LQ extract showing improvement in the histopathological lesion compared with toxic effect induced by TAA.Conclusions: The hepatotoxicity and hematotoxicity induced by TAA were ameliorated by hydroethanolic extract of LQ especially in double dose (200 mg/kg b.wt). This effect was attributed to free radical scavenging activity and potent antioxidant activity of its components (flavonoid, tannin and saponin).Â
The Phenomenon of Assimilation of Al-Tha'alabi (875 AH) In His Interpretation Al-Jawaher Al-Hissan
Authors: Muhammad Abduljabar A. , Al- Samrahy Ibrahim A.
Published: February 2021

This study examines one of the phonetic phenomena in the interpretation of Al-Jawaher Al-Hissan for Al-Tha’alibi (d.875 AH), which is: assimilation.  It occurs due to the influence of sounds and the contiguity surrounding sounds, and often it is occurring in environments that the speaker tends to rush in the utterance of words, and mix them together, and not to give the letter its phonetic right to fully pronounce it. The assimilation is a way to reduce the difficulties in pronouncing sounds and get rid of identical or similar sounds that are occurring sequentially. Because the Arabs have the independence to tilt their tongue from a position and then return it to it, it is not easy for a speaker to move an organ of articulation twice in a row while uttering two identical sounds or sounds produced from the same area of articulation. Arab grammarians and recitation scholars have both focused in their treaties on assimilations and classified it into different categories, depending on their approaches. This research follows the classification of Al-Tha’alibi’s, who classifies assimilations into: progressive, regressive, and coalescent. These types were reflected in the different Quran recitations which bears witness to Arab’s various dialects. In addition to assimilation, there is another linguistic term called the voicing of the identical letters, which is a well-known phonological Arabic language feature.
The Semantic ills for Qur’anic Recitations in "Kitab al-Saba 'fi al-Qira'at" by Ibn Mujahid
Authors: Shamsaldin Aseel S.
Published: February 2021

The semantic reasoning (العلّة) is the explanation of the linguistic phenomenon, the influence behind it and the explanation of the reasons that made it the way it is used. The scholars guided a group of semantic causes, and this guidance is based on hearing the Arabs from what was transmitted in the correct narration outside the limit of the few to the point of abundance. while it was proven from the eloquent documented speech, they were invoked in directing holy verses to confirm and rejecting what has been proved through hearing the ancestor’s speeches.  While scholars mistily are committed to rules of the semantic reasoning, there are some discussions about how, when and if the semantic reasoning could be followed. Among these disputes is pronunciation of (و) in the holy verse: "وَالَّذِينَ اتَّخَذُواْ مَسْجِدًا ضِرَارًا" (Al-Tawba, 107). This research is dedicated to discuss the phenomena in Arabic language.
Monstro e os Anormais na Filmografia de José Mojica Marins
Authors: Couto Giancarlo , Gerbase Carlos
Published: February 2021

Este artigo examina o personagem Zé do Caixão, de José Mojica Marins, a partir da concepção de “monstro”, articulando conceitos de Mary Douglas, Noël Carroll e Michel Foucault. Do mesmo modo, o texto investiga as diferentes estruturações de alguns personagens da filmografia do diretor, que se enquadram no conceito de “anormais”, de Michel Foucault. Para isso, o artigo se baseia nos escritos destes autores e na análise fílmica de algumas obras de José Mojica Marins, averiguando as reconfigurações desses personagens em diferentes momentos. Nossas conclusões versam sobre a relação dos filmes com seus contextos sociais, inseridos em diferentes épocas, demarcando a importância de se analisar o monstro e os anormais a partir das visões teóricas utilizadas.
Cinema Transformed
Authors: Dias Branco Sérgio
Published: February 2021

Review of Mike Wayne's Marxism Goes to the Movies (London: Routledge, 2020).
Engagement Design: Designing for Interaction Motivations
Authors: Tavares Rogério Jr. Correia
Published: February 2021

Review of Nelson Zagalo's book, Engagement Design: Designing for Interaction Motivations, published in 2020 by Springer.
O I Festival Internacional de Cinema do Brasil (1954)
Authors: Morato Zanatto Rafael
Published: February 2021

O I Festival Internacional de Cinema do Brasil (1954) foi a tentativa brasileira de participar do circuito internacional dos festivais de cinema que ganhou fôlego na Europa após a II Guerra Mundial. Concebido como parte das comemorações do IV Centenário da cidade de São Paulo, o festival baseou-se no modelo dos festivais de Cannes, Veneza, Bruxelas (1947) e Knokke Le Zoute (1949). Aprofundando as lições dos festivais europeus, o brasileiro harmonizou em sua programação mostras de enfoque comercial e retrospectivas culturais, mas com o fracasso das expectativas comerciais locais e com o sucesso das programações culturais, cristalizou-se a percepção em parcela da crítica e da crônica que arte e mercado foram dispostas em polos opostos, no qual as mostras comerciais haviam sido preteridas em relação às retrospectivas e atividades de cunho cultural. Analisando historicamente o caso do festival, veremos como seu fracasso comercial e sua única realização resultam diretamente da crise econômica que se abateu sobre o país e sobre a indústria cinematográfica local, demonstrando que oposição entre arte e comércio reflete, na realidade, disputas entre as cinematografias estadunidense e europeia. Veremos ainda que a vitalidade das programações culturais será fundamental para a boa repercussão que o evento alcançará na crítica estrangeira, evitando o fracasso completo da iniciativa.
Territórios femininos por explorar no mapa do cinema português contemporâneo
Authors: Pereira Ana Sofia
Published: February 2021

Recensão do livro recém-lançado Women's Cinema in Contemporary Portugal (Mariana Liz e Hilary Owen), que procura remapear o cinema português dos últimos cinquenta anos para incluir territórios femininos, dando visibilidade a mulheres cineastas e sua obra.
Fenda de afetos e uma certa fábula econômica em “Kajillionaire”
Authors: Cevallos Vivar Fabián , Camargo de Barros Lucas
Published: February 2021

Neste trabalho analisamos a obra de Miranda July, “Kajillionaire” (2020), e sua inserção epistémica dentro do Festival de Cinema L’Etrange, Paris, em sua XXVI edição. Ao apresentar uma mostra competitiva de curtas e longa-metragens contemporâneos, o festival revela uma curadoria sem fronteiras em relação ao tema, gênero e abordagem formal.
Introdução: Festivais de cinema e os seus contextos socioculturais
Authors: Leão Tânia , Aida Vallejo
Published: February 2021

Introdução ao dossier temático "Festivais de cinema e os seus contextos socioculturais".
Energy Analysis and Remixing Effect of Thermal Coupling Petlyuk Column for Natural Gas Liquid (NGL) Fractionation Train
Authors: Zin Rohani Mohd , Abidin Mohd Ammar , Shahruddin Munawar Zaman
Published: February 2021

In this work, a non-conventional distillation sequence with thermal coupling (Petlyuk Column) was presented as a technique to perform the separation of the NGL consist of ethane, propane, butane or other higher alkanes. The improvements were investigated through the energy analysis and remixing effect. From the result obtained, it was found that the Petlyuk arrangement consumes less amount of energy and able to reduce the remixing effects as compared to the conventional column sequencing. The Petlyuk arrangement saved about 44.49% and 12.83% in terms of cooling and heating duty, respectively. The overall annual energy saving shown by this arrangement is 39.22%. This arrangement proved to be able to prevent the remixing effect occurrence that contributes to thermal and separation inefficiency. The desired separation efficiency also obtained by this arrangement as all the product specifications are met. The ability in avoiding remixing effect by the Petlyuk column permits a significant reduction in CO2 emission with an average of 29.43 % of each equipment involved. Hence, it can be concluded that the Petlyuk arrangement model is a better alternative to be implemented in the NGL fractionation train.