bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Decision Fusion Method Based on Classification Models for Water Quality Monitoring
Authors: LADJAL Mohamed , BOUAMAR Mohamed , BRIK Youcef , DJERIOUI Mohamed
Published: December 2021

Monitoring of water quality is one of the world's main intentions of countries. In this paper we present the use of Principal Component Analysis (PCA) combined with Support Vector Machines (SVM) and Artificial Neural Network (ANN) based on Decision Templates combination data fusion method. SVM and ANN are employed in classification stage. Decision Templates is applied to increase accuracy of the water quality classification compared to others combination data fusion methods. This work concerned the water quality assessment from Tilesdit dam (Algeria) that it permitted us to acquire additional knowledge and information about study area and to obtain an intelligent monitoring system. The Multi-Layer Perceptron network (MLP) and the One-Against-All strategy for SVM method are have been widely used. The training step is performed in this paper using these techniques to classify water quality from various physicochemical parameters such as temperature, pH, electrical conductivity and turbidity, etc. Eight of them were collected in the period 2009-2018 from the study area. The selection of the excellent parameters of the used models can be improving the performance of classification process. In order to assess their results, an experiment step using collected data set corresponding to the accuracy and running time of training and test phases, and robustness, is carried out. Various scenarios are examined in comparative study to obtain the most results of decision step with and without features selection of the input data. The combination by Decision Templates of two classifiers enhanced expressively the results of the proposed monitoring framework that had prove a considerable ability in surface water quality assessment.
Deployment of Continuous Miner in Under Ground Coal Mine – A Case Study of Sarpi Mine.
Authors: Samanta Subrata , Sinha Rabindra Kumar , Chakrabarty Pulak Baran , Kumar Hemant
Published: December 2021

The continuous miner technology (CMT) is being adopted extensively in underground coal mines of India as Mass Production Technology (MPT). This technology potentially eliminates the two-unit operating, namely the drilling and blasting. This elimination helps for better strata control and avoids the drillers working in unsafe conditions, maybe under the loose coal roof. This CMT improves the quality of the coal extracted and increases the output per man shift (OMS) by reducing the deployment of face crew. It also reduces the accident as it is operated by remote and workforce exposure to faces is limited. The method also helps for better roof and side control, thus preventing side and roof fall danger. With the changing time now, continuous miners of different heights are available, which helps for optimum use of technology to mine out varying insitu height of coal seam. This paper discusses the performance of the CMT in the Sarpi mine and compares the technology available globally.
An Image Enhancement Method for Few-shot Classification
Authors: Wu Yirui , Wu Benze , Zhang Yunfei , Wan Shaohua
Published: December 2021

With the development of 5G/6G, IoT, and cloud systems, the amount of data generated, transmitted, and calculated is increasing, and fast and effective close-range image classification becomes more and more important. But many methods require a large number of samples to support in order to achieve sufficient functions. This allows the entire network to zoom in to meet a large number of effective feature extractions, which reduces the efficiency of small sample classification to a certain extent. In order to solve these problems, we propose an image enhancement method for the problems of few-shot classification. This method is an expanded convolutional network with data enhancement function. This network can not only meet the features required for image classification without increasing the number of samples, but also has the advantage of using a large number of effective features without sacrificing efficiency. structure. The cutout structure can enhance the matrix in the data image input process by adding a fixed area 0 mask. The structure of FAU uses dilated convolution and uses the characteristics of the sequence to improve the efficiency of the network. We conduct a comparative experiment on the miniImageNet and CUB datasets, and the proposed method is superior to the comparative method in terms of effectiveness and efficiency measurement in the 1-shot and 5-shot cases.
Willingness To COVID-19 Vaccination: Empirical Evidence From EU
Authors: Rahman Imran Ur , Austin Arslan , Nelson Naveed
Published: December 2021

The unforgettable COVID-19 shock can only be reversed by a viable vaccination strategy. In this paper, we investigate willingness to be vaccinated (WTV) against the COVID-19. We provide first of its kind empirical evidence on the citizens (N=11,932) of the EU-27 by employing the recent data from the European Commission. Controlling for the correlations in the error terms, we utilize a simulated multivariate probit regression model. Our results show that amongst all the statistically significant drivers of the WTV, the positive perception (vaccination works and has no side effects); R&D information (clarity on how vaccination is developed, tested, authorized) has the largest impact on the WTV. We find that the group of variables on social feedback, and on trustworthy sources of information are to be considered for WTV policy. The counteracting policy gaps are also identified. Our work is novel and has implications for COVID-19 vaccination policies across the EU.
A Remote Sensing and Machine Learning Based Framework For The Assessment of Spatiotemporal Water Quality Along The Middle Ganga Basin
Authors: Krishnaraj Ashwitha , H Ramesh
Published: December 2021

Exploring qualitative measures of any waterbody is as vital as quantitative analysis for the sustainability of our water resources. Thus, examining the dynamics of spatiotemporal behaviour of dominant Water Quality Parameters (WQPs) along any waterbody is indeed critical for proposing the appropriate water resource management. This study aims to create a Machine learning model for mapping the dominant optical and non-optical WQPs such as Electrical Conductivity (EC), pH, Temperature (Temp), Total Dissolved Solids (TDS), Silicon Dioxide (SiO2) and Dissolved Oxygen (DO) using satellite data. However, the association between WQPs and satellite data is strenuous to model precisely using simple regression theory. In this context, we developed remote sensing-based Extreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost) and Multilayer Perceptron (MLP) regressor with optimized Hyperparameters to understand the spatiotemporal variations of WQPs using Landsat-8 imageries. We evaluated six years of satellite data for the geographical area covering from Ankinghat to Chopan (20 sampling stations under Central Water Commission (CWC), Middle Ganga Division (MGD) II) for characterizing the trends of dominant Physico-chemical WQPs across the four clusters identified in our previous study. Through the developed XGBoost and MLP regression models between measured WQPs and the remote sensing reflectance for the pixels corresponding to the sampling stations, a significant coefficient of determination (R2) in the range of 0.88- 0.98 for XGBoost and 0.72-0.97 for MLP have generated with bands B1-B4 and their ratios more consistent. Indeed, our findings recommend fewer in-situ measurements to generate reliable Landsat-8 based ML models to estimate Spatio-temporal variations of Physico-chemical and biological WQPs to facilitate better management of our waterbodies.
Global Trends and Current Status in Osteonecrosis of the Femoral Head: A Bibliometric Analysis of Publications in Recent 30 Years
Authors: Wen Zeqin , Li Yusheng , Cai Zijun , Fan Meng , Wang Jian , Ding Ran , Huang Cheng , Xiao Wenfeng
Published: December 2021

Background: Osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH) is a progressive and disabling disease with heavy socioeconomic burdens. The purpose of our study was to summarize the global trends and current status in ONFH.Methods: Publications related to ONFH from 1991 to 2020 were searched from the Web of Science (WOS) core collection database. The data were analyzed with bibliometric methods. Microsoft Excel was used to statistical analysis and draw bar charts. SPSS was applied to perform linear regression analysis. VOSviewer was used to conduct bibliographic coupling analysis, co-authorship analysis, co-citation analysis, and co-occurrence analysis. Results: A total of 5,523 publications were covered. The United States consistently ranked first in total publications, sum of times cited, average citations per item, and H-index. Kyushu University was the main contributor to ONFH. Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research was the major publishing channels for ONFH-related articles. Takuaki Yamamoto published the most ONFH-related articles. Studies regarding ONFH could be divided into 5 clusters: mechanism study, treatment study, complication study, radiological study, and etiological study. Mechanism study might become the hot spot in the future.Conclusions: This study identified the last 30 years’ articles in ONFH and summarized their global trends and current status, which classified them by country, institution and author, publication, funding agency, and direction. This study will help researchers understand the research perspectives, hot spots, and trends of ONFH.
Reaction Mechanism About Isomerization of Resin Acids and Synthesis of Acrylopimaric Acid Based on DFT Calculation
Authors: Lai Wu-Ji , Lu Jia-Hao , Jiang Rui , Zeng Lei , Wu Ai-qun , shen liqun
Published: December 2021

Acrylopimaric acid is considered one of the possible substitutes for petroleum-based polymeric monomers, which is an important industrial product. Resin acids were isomerized to form levopimaric acid(4), which reacted with acrylic acid to synthesize isomers of acrylopimaric acid. Density functional theory calculation was used to investigate the reaction mechanisms with seven reaction paths in five different solutions. The values of ΔG were sorted from highest to lowest by levopimaric acid(4), neoabietic acid(3), palustric acid(2), and bietic acid(1). From the perspective of dynamics, the energy barrier in the isomerization of palustric acid(2) to levopimaric acid(4) was the lowest, whereas the highest energy barrier was the isomerization of neoabietic acid(3) to levopimaric acid(4) in the same solution. The addition reaction of levopimaric acid(4) and acrylic acid(5) to acrylopimaric acid c(8) was the optimal reaction path dynamically. However, ΔG of acrylopimaric acid c(8) was higher than that of acrylopimaric acid d(9). In general, the rates of isomerization reactions for rosin resin acids and addition reaction for acrylopimaric acid in water were higher than those in other solvents. HOMO-LUMO and ESP were analyzed for 8 kinds of molecules. For acylpyimaric acid, the non-planar six-memed ring and the C-C double bonds were easily attacked by nucleophile, while the non-planar six-memed ring and the carboxyl group are easily reacted with electrophiles. The highest electrostatic potential of the eight molecules is located at H of the carboxyl group, while the highest electrostatic potential is located at C-O double bond of the carboxyl group.
How Do Self-Examination Interventions For The Early Detection of Cancer Work? An Umbrella Review Protocol.
Authors: Goldrick Niall Mc , Cassie Heather , Young Linda , McGregor Scott , Conway David I , Clarkson Janet
Published: December 2021

Background: Cancer is a major contributor to mortality and morbidity globally. A key prognostic factor for many cancers is early detection. Self-examination is often promoted as a method to detect cancer early for cancers that have early physical signs and symptoms. The type(s) of interventions capable of delivering behaviour change such as self-examination are complex with their description historically lacking. This umbrella review protocol sets out the methodology for summarising the evidence surrounding self-examination for four major cancers; breast, testicular, oral and skin. The review aims to answer the following question: What are the components of self-examination programmes for early detection of cancer and are they effective in bringing about actions that could lead to early detection of cancer in post pubescent people. Methods: The methodology has been informed by the PRISMA-P checklist for systematic reviews and the JBI methodology for umbrella reviews. Narrative synthesis will include detail on effectiveness of interventions alongside coding of intervention components using Intervention Taxonomy and the Behaviour Change Technique Taxonomy Version 1. AMSTAR-2 will be used to assess quality of included studies. Discussion: The review will provide a summary of the existing evidence with descriptions of interventions whilst identifying gaps for future research in this area.Registration: Prospero: CRD42021285966
Palliative Sedation for Children at End of Life: a Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Chen Yang , Jiang Jianjun , Peng Wei , Zhang Chuan
Published: December 2021

Background: Palliative sedation is consciously reducing the patient's consciousness to alleviate the refractory symptoms. However, studies on palliative sedation for children are scarce. We aimed to survey the symptom control and risks for children with sedative therapy in end of life.Method: This study was a single center retrospective cohort study. Children who died in the Department of Palliative Medicine were divided into palliative sedation (Group A) and non-palliative sedation group (Group B). The symptoms relief, survival time, and last hospitalization time were compared between two groups. Results: From January 2012 to November 2019, 41 children died in department of palliative care. 24 children were sedated (Group A), meanwhile 17 children were not (Group B). The symptoms in Group A were more complex than Group B (p =0.013). Overall symptom relief in Group A was higher than that in Group B (24/24, 10/15 p =0.041). Pain relief rates（7/7, 20/21 p =0.714）, maximum/pre-death opioid dose [30(20, 77.5), 18(9, 45) p =0.175, 30(20, 60), 18(9, 45) p =0.208]and pain intensity difference [5(4,6.5), 4(2,6) p =0.315] were not statistically significant difference in both group. After diagnosis, the survival time of the Group A was longer than the Group B (p =0.047). However, the length of hospitalization before death was similar in two groups (p =0.385).Conclusion: Palliative sedation controls complicated, painful symptoms at the end of life and does not shorten the hospitalization time in children.
Hospitalization Costs of Respiratory Diseases Attributable to Temperature in the Context of Climate Change in Australia
Authors: Tong Michael , Wondmagegn Berhanu , Xiang Jianjun , Williams Susan , Hansen Alana , Dear Keith , Pisaniello Dino , Varghese Blesson , Xiao Jianguo , Jian Le , Scalley Ben , Nitschke Monika , Nairn John , Bambrick Hilary , Karnon Jonathan , Bi Peng
Published: December 2021

Background: The association between temperatures and respiratory diseases has been extensively reported. However, the associated healthcare costs and attributable fractions due to temperature have scarcely been explored. The aims of this study were to estimate respiratory disease hospitalization costs attributable to non-optimum ambient temperature, to quantify the attributable fraction from cold and hot temperatures, and to estimate the future hospitalization costs in two Australian cities. Methods: The associations between daily hospitalization costs for respiratory diseases and temperatures in Sydney and Perth over the study period of 2010-2016 were analyzed using distributed lag non-linear models. Future hospitalization costs for respiratory diseases were estimated based on three predicted climate change scenarios - RCP2.6, RCP4.5 and RCP8.5. Results: The estimated respiratory disease hospitalization costs attributable to non-optimum ambient temperatures increased from 493.2 million Australian dollars (AUD) in 2010s to more than 700 million AUD in 2050s in Sydney, and from 98.0 million AUD to about 150 million AUD during the same period in Perth, in large part due to population growth. In the context of climate change, the current cold attributable fraction in Sydney (23.7%) and Perth (11.2%) is estimated to decline by the middle of this century to (18.1-20.1%) and (5.1-6.6%) respectively, while the heat-attributable fraction for respiratory disease is expected to gradually increase from 2.6% up to 5.5% in Perth. Conclusions: This study found both cold and hot temperatures increased the overall hospitalization costs for respiratory diseases in two major Australian cities, although the attributable fractions varied. The largest contributor was cold temperatures. While respiratory disease hospitalization costs will increase in the future, climate change will result in a decrease in the cold attributable fraction and an increase in the heat attributable fraction, depending on the location.
The Effects of Environmental Tax On Ecological Footprint and Carbon Dioxide Emissions: a Nonlinear Cointegration Analysis On Turkey
Authors: Telatar Osman Murat , Birinci Nagihan
Published: December 2021

This article presents a nonlinear analysis in Turkey on the effect of an environmental tax (ET) on the ecological footprint (EF) and carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. In the literature, most of the studies examining the effects of Environmental Taxes (ETs) on Environmental Degradation (ED) have used linear methods. The number of studies examining this relationship with nonlinear methods is few. However, there is no study examining the long-run effects of ETs on the EF, which is one of the most important indicators of ED, using nonlinear analysis. This study contributes to the literature by investigating the long-run effects of ETs on EF and CO2 emissions in Turkey by nonlinear analysis. Therefore, the model consisting of annual data for the period 1994–2019 was estimated by Dufrénot et al. (2006) nonlinear cointegration test. According to the estimation results obtained, ETs do not have any long-run effects on EF and CO2 emissions. Accordingly, it can be concluded that ETs in Turkey do not affect preventing ED.
Effect of Vasodilator And Immunosuppressive Therapy On The Endothelial Dysfunction In Patients With Systemic Sclerosis
Authors: Bhattacharjee Dipanjan , Mondal Sumantro , Saha Ayindrila , Misra Sanchaita , Chatterjee Sudipta , Rao Ankur , Sarkar Avik , Chatterjee Sulagna , Sinhamahapatra Pradyot , Ghosh Alakendu
Published: December 2021

Background: A comparative analysis of flow-mediated-vasodilation (FMD), vasoactive angiogenic, and fibrogenic mediators between treatment-naive and treated Systemic sclerosis (SSc) patients is an unmet need.Aim and Objective: 1) To assess the FMD and different pathogenic mediators in SSc patients [treatment naïve (Group-I, n=24) on vasodilator (Group-II, n=10), on vasodilator + immunosuppressive (Group-III, n=22)], and in healthy control (HC), n= 20]. To assess the proportion of circulating Endothelial cells in Group-I.Materials and method: FMD was measured in all the participants. Serum levels of NO, ET1, NO/ET1, sVCAM, sICAM, TGFβ, IL-6, VEGF were measured along with the gene expressions of eNOS, iNOS, ET-1, TGFβ. CEC was measured in Group-I and HC. Results: FMD was significantly decreased in all SSc patients though receiving treatment.Upregulation of serum NO and ET concentrations were noted post-treatment with an unaltered NO/ET1 ratio. NO was positively correlated with FMD (r= 0.6), and negatively with TGFβ (r=-0.5). ET-1 showed less correlation with TGFβ (r=-0.5) but no significant correlation with FMD. Circulating endothelial cell (CEC) was significantly higher in Group-I (3.2%) than HC (0.8%) (p = 0.002), and it showed a good correlation with NO (r=-0.7, p=0.0001) and NO/ET1 (r=-0.6,p=0.007).Conclusion: Endothelial dysfunction was seen in SSc patients irrespective of treatment which might be due to the unaltered NO/ET1. NO might be the major driving molecule in the vascular pathophysiology of SSc.
Location, Area, Curvature and Temporal Trends of Coral Sea Tropical Cyclone Tracks, Over 50 Years
Authors: Miller John , Silva Guilherme Vieira da , Strauss Darrell
Published: December 2021

Tropical Cyclones (TCs) with genesis in the Coral Sea, often near the east coast of Australia, present significant hazards to coastal regions in their surroundings. There has, therefore, been significant recent efforts to extract information from records of their historical tracks in order to help predict their future behaviour in the light of a changing climate. In this study, the Australian Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) database of TC tracks over the last fifty years were grouped based on K-means clustering of the maximum wind-weighted centroids. Track shape variance and track curvature (sinuosity) were assessed. Three well defined clusters of TC tracks were identified, and the results showed predominant directions of TC movement by cluster. Track sinuosity was shown to increase from east to west. Only one cluster showed a statistically significant trend (decreasing) in TC frequency. The concept of TC power dissipation index (PDI) was introduced, revealing that two of the clusters have diverging trends for PDI post 2004. The location of cyclone maximum intensity (LMI) was trended, and only one cluster showed a statistically significant trend (towards the equator) for LMI. All these findings demonstrated a clear variance in risk between the clusters and suggests that this method of cluster analysis is a useful and productive complementary tool when establishing future impacts of TCs - the method identifies divergent TC characteristics and trends at a finer scale (cluster) level which then aids in assigning specific and differing TC risk mitigation strategies to different areas of the Australian east coast.
Tourism Status and Sources of Income to Local Communities Amidst COVID-19 Pandemic and Its Implications in Biodiversity Conservation in Burunge Wildlife Management Area in Tanzania
Authors: Chebby Francis , Mmbaga Naza , Ngongolo Kelvin
Published: December 2021

BACKGROUNDThe COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in various negative repercussions worldwide in terms of biological conservation, the tourism sector and socioeconomic welfare. The purpose of this study was to assess and understand the impact of the COVID-19 outbreak on socio-economic activities, income from the tourism sector, alternative sources of income adapted by the local communities adjacent to the Burunge Wildlife Management Area (WMA) as a means of survival, and its implications for biodiversity conservation. To assess tourism status, socio-economic activities and alternative livelihoods, interviews, semi-structured questionnaires, focus group discussions (FGDs), and key informants’ consultations were conducted on 264 respondents, of whom 53% (n = 140) were men and 47% (n = 124) were women. Secondary data were synthesized from soft and hard copy reports through an extensive literature search in order to comprehend the implications of COVID-19 and alternative livelihoods in biodiversity conservation. RESULTSThe results showed that 90.5% (239) of respondents reported being seriously affected by the emergence of COVID-19, while 9.5% (n = 25) were not affected by it. Some of the impacts of the COVID-19 as pointed out by the respondents included deflation 91.7% (n = 242), a decline in the number of customers 91.7% (n = 242), whereas others lost jobs 5.7% (n = 15). In the case of the Burunge WMA authority, revenue collection (mainly from the tourism sector) declined by 32.5% and 76.4% for the years 2019/20 and 2020/21, respectively, as compared to the revenue obtained in the year 2018/19 before COVID-19. During the pandemic, local communities adapted to several alternative sources of income, including fishing 9.5% (n = 25), Boda-Boda (motorcycle taxis) 3.4% (n = 9), agriculture 22.3% (n = 59), and livestock keeping 27.3% (n = 72).CONCLUSIONBased on the findings of this study, it is important for local communities, especially those adjacent to protected areas, to have diversified means of income that are environmentally and socially sustainable, such as fish farming and beekeeping, to reduce the impacts of unanticipated crises such as COVID-19.
Effect of Buoyancy Loads on the Tsunami Fragility of Reinforced Concrete Frames Including Consideration of Blow-out Slabs
Authors: Zoppo Marta Del , Rossetto Tiziana , Ludovico Marco Di , Prota Andrea
Published: December 2021

Currently available performance-based methodologies for assessing the fragility of structures subjected to tsunami neglect the effects of tsunami-induced vertical loads due to internal buoyancy. This paper adopts a generalized methodology for the performance assessment of structures that integrates the effects of buoyancy loads on slabs during a tsunami inundation. The methodology is applied in the fragility assessment of three case-study frames (low, mid and high-rise), representative of existing masonry-infilled reinforced concrete (RC) buildings typical of Mediterranean region. The paper shows the effect of modelling buoyancy loads on damage evolution, structural performance and fragility curves associated with different structural damage mechanisms for RC frames with breakaway infill walls including consideration of blow-out slabs. The outcomes attest that the predominant failure mechanism of selected case-study is the brittle shear failure of seaward columns, which is slightly affected by buoyancy loads. When brittle failure is avoided, buoyancy loads significantly affect the damage evolution during a tsunami, especially in the case of structures with blow-out slabs. The rate of occurrence of slabs uplift failure increases with the number of stories of the building but only slightly affects the fragility curves of investigated structures. However, it can significantly increase their vulnerability, affecting both direct and indirect costs deriving from the repair of the damaged interior slabs.
AES Image Encryption
Authors: gaur paavni
Published: December 2021

An Image Encryption and Decryption Using AES (Advance Encryption Standard) Algorithm is proposed in the project. Due to increasing use of image in various field, it is very important to protect the confidential image data from unauthorized access. The design uses the iterative approach with block size of 128 bit and key size of 128, 192 or 256 bit. The numbers of round for key size of 256 bits is 14, for 128 bits is 10 and for 192 bits is 12. As secret key increases the security as well as complexity of the cryptography algorithms. In this paper , an algorithm in which the image is an input to AES Encryption to get the encrypted image and then input it to AES Decryption to get the original image is proposed and explained which will further be implemented by me.The paper shows the study in which a system could be used for effective image data encryption and key generation in diversified application areas, where sensitive and confidential data needs to be transmitted along with the image.
High prevalence of Antibiotic Resistance Bacteria isolated from Municipal Solid Waste Dumpsite, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia
Authors: Sitotaw Baye , Ayalew Fikremariam , Girma Abayeneh , Geta Kindu , Kibret Mulugeta
Published: December 2021

Background
The emergence of antibiotic resistance (ABR) among environmental microbes has been challenging global health. ABR can be transferred to human-associated bacteria aggravating the spread of antimicrobial resistance. Due to poor solid waste disposal practices, municipal solid waste dumpsite (MSWDS) can be a reservoir for antimicrobial resistant microorganisms, such as bacteria. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of antibiotic resistance (ABR) bacteria at Bahir Dar city MSWDS.
Methods
Soil samples were collected from three randomly selected sites within the dumpsite from November 2020 to May 2021. Bacteria were isolated, identified and tested for ABR using standard procedures.
Results
In this study, 71 distinct colonies were isolated and identified to ten bacterial genera based on cultural characteristics and biochemical tests. The pooled antibiotic résistance rate was 85.9%. Resistance to the tested antibiotics ranged between 0% for erythromycin and 100% for amoxicillin among the bacterial isolates. High proportions of the isolates were found to be resistant to amoxicillin (100%), vancomycin (87%) and nalidixic acid (73.3%). Substantial proportions of the isolates were also resistant to Streptomycin (54.5%), sulfonamide (50%) and tetracycline (48.5%). On the other hand, high sensitivity rates to erythromycin (90.91%), ciprofloxacin (83.10%), chloramphenicol (77.46%) and gentamicin (63.49%) were recorded.
All isolates related to Staphylococcus spp., and most isolates related to Pseudomonas, Escherichia, Klebsiella, Salmonella, Enterococcus, Citrobacter, Shigella and Proteus species were resistant at least to one antibiotic drug. The overall multidrug resistance (MDR) rate was 49.3%, and a high rate of MDR was demonstrated among isolates related to Escherichia spp. (75%), Staphylococcus spp. (68.8%), Pseudomonas spp. (62.5%) and Klebsiella spp. (60%), where each isolate resisted at least 5 antibiotic drugs.
Conclusion
From the present study, it can be concluded that a high incidence of ABR exists in Bahir Dar city MSWDS. The occurrence of the high level of ABR to commonly used antibiotics in this study demands a proper waste management system, as well as surveillance programs to monitor for antimicrobial resistance determinants in municipal solid wastes. Moreover, detailed studies on the isolates and ABR genes will give a better insight into the prevalence of ABR in the waste dumpsite.
Facilitators and Barriers to Detection and Treatment of Depression, Anxiety and Experiences of Domestic Violence in Pregnant Women Attending Midwife Obstetric Units (MOUs) in Cape Town, South Africa: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Abrahams Zulfa , Boisits Sonet , Schneider Marguerite , Honikman Simone , Lund Crick
Published: December 2021

Background
In South Africa, symptoms of common mental disorders (CMDs) such as depression and anxiety are highly prevalent during the perinatal period and linked to experiences of domestic violence. However, limited routine detection and treatment is available to pregnant women with these problems, even though evidence suggests that screening and treating CMDs during pregnancy improves the health and economic outcomes of mothers and their children, and has been suggested as a key approach to improving the health of perinatal women and children. We investigated facilitators and barriers of service-providers and service-users in detecting and treating pregnant women with symptoms of CMDs and experiences of domestic violence.
Methods
This study was conducted in four midwife obstetric units (MOUs) in Cape Town, South Africa, and in the NPOs providing community-based support in the communities surrounding the MOUs. Service-provider perspectives were informed by qualitative interviews with 37 healthcare workers providing care to pregnant women. Qualitative interviews with 38 pregnant women attending the same MOUs for their first antenatal care visit provided service-user perspectives.
Results
Facilitators identified included the availability of a mental health screening questionnaire and the perceived importance of detection and treatment by both service-providers and -users. Barriers contributing to the low detection rates included service-users concerns about the lack of confidentiality and feelings of shame related to experiences of domestic violence as well as service providers discomfort in dealing with mental health issues, their limited time available and heavy patient load. In addition, service-providers highlighted the lack of standardised referral pathways and the poor uptake of referrals by women with symptoms of depression and anxiety, or experiences of domestic violence
Conclusions
While the system-level barriers need to be addressed at a policy level, the patient- and provider-level barriers identified indicate the need to strengthen health systems by training antenatal care nurses to detect symptoms of CMDs and experiences of domestic violence in pregnant women, developing standardised referral pathways and training lay healthcare workers to provide treatment for mild symptoms of depression and anxiety.
Worse cardiovascular and renal outcome in male SLE patients: First sex study from the Swiss SLE Cohort Study
Authors: Mihailovic Jelena , Ribi Camillo , Chizzolini Carlo , Trendelenburg Marten , Von Kempis Johannes , Dahdal Suzan , Huynh-Do Uyen
Published: December 2021

Background: Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in males is rare and poorly understood. Thus, still little is known about sex differences in SLE. We set out to identify sex differences regarding clinical manifestations as well as renal and cardiovascular outcomes of SLE. Methods: We analyzed patient data from the Swiss SLE Cohort Study. Cumulative clinical manifestations according to the updated American College of Rheumatology criteria were recorded at inclusion. Cardiovascular events were recorded within Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics/American College of Rheumatology Damage Index (SLICC-SDI). Renal failure was defined as eGFR<15 ml/min/1.73m2, initiation of renal replacement therapy or doubling of serum creatinine which were all assessed yearly or documented as end stage renal disease in SLICC-SDI. Risk differences were calculated using logistic regression and cox regression models. Results: We analyzed 93 men and 529 women with a median follow up time of 2 years. Males were significantly older at diagnosis (44.4 versus 33.1 years, p<0.001) and had less often arthritis (57% versus 74%, p=0.001) and dermatological disorders (61% versus 76%, p<0.01). In multivariate analysis female sex remained a significantly associated with arthritis and dermatological disorders. After adjusting for age, disease duration, ethnicity, time to diagnosis, medication and eGFR and SELENA SLEDAI at inclusion men had a significantly higher hazard ratio of 2.5 for renal failure (95% confidence interval (95%-CI) 1.1-6.0, p<0.04). Total SLICC-SDI Score was comparable. Men had significantly more coronary artery disease (CAD) (17% versus 4%, p<0.001) and myocardial infarction (10% versus 2%, p<0.01). In multivariate analysis, male sex remained a significant risk factor for CAD (odds ratio (OR) 5.6, 95%-CI 2.3-13.7, p<0.001) and myocardial infarction (OR 8.3, 95%-CI 2.1-32.6, p=0.002).Conclusion: This first sex study in a western European population demonstrates significant sex differences in SLE. Male sex is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular events and renal failure in SLE. Potential etiological pathomechanisms such as hormonal or X-chromosomal factors remain to be further investigated.
Evaluation of Native and Nonnative Ornamentals as Pollinator Plants in Florida: I. Floral Abundance and Insect Visitation
Authors: Kalaman Heather , Wilson Sandra B. , Mallinger Rachel E. , Knox Gary W. , van Santen Edzard
Published: December 2021

Diverse floral resources impart immense value for pollinating insects of all types. With increasing popularity and demand for modern ornamental hybrids, cultivation by breeders has led to selection for a suite of traits such as extended bloom periods and novel colors and forms deemed attractive to the human eye. Largely understudied is pollinator preference for these new cultivars, as compared with their native congeners. To address this gap in understanding, 10 species of popular herbaceous flowering plants, commonly labeled as pollinator-friendly, were evaluated at two sites in Florida [U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) cold hardiness zones 8b and 9a] and across three seasons for their floral abundance and overall attractiveness to different groups of pollinating insects. Each genus, apart from pentas, encompassed a native and nonnative species. Native species included blanket flower (Gaillardia pulchella), lanceleaf coreopsis (Coreopsis lanceolata), pineland lantana (Lantana depressa), and scarlet sage (Salvia coccinea). Nonnative species included Barbican™ yellow-red ring blanket flower (G. aristata ‘Gaiz005’), Bloomify™ rose lantana (L. camara ‘UF-1011-2’), mysty salvia (S. longispicata ×farinacea ‘Balsalmysty’), Lucky Star® dark red pentas (Pentas lanceolata ‘PAS1231189’), ruby glow pentas (P. lanceolata ‘Ruby glow’) and Uptick™ Gold & Bronze coreopsis (Coreopsis × ‘Baluptgonz’). Flower-visiting insects were recorded during five-minute intervals in the morning and categorized into the following morpho-groups: honey bees, large-bodied bees (bumble and carpenter bees), other bees (small to medium-bodied native bees), butterflies/moths, and wasps. Floral abundance and pollinator visitation varied widely by season, location, and species. Of the plant species evaluated, nonnative plants produced nearly twice as many flowers as native plants. About 22,000 floral visitations were observed. The majority of visits were by native, small to medium-bodied bees (55.28%), followed by butterflies and moths (15.4%), large-bodied native bees (11.8%), wasps (10.0%), and honey bees (7.6%). Among plant genera, both native and nonnative coreopsis and blanket flower were most attractive to native, small to medium-bodied bees (e.g., sweat bees, leafcutter bees) with the greatest number of visitations occurring during the early and midmonths of the study (May–August). Across the study, butterflies and moths visited lantana more frequently than all other ornamentals evaluated, whereas pentas were most attractive to wasps. Large-bodied bees visited plants most frequently in May and June, primarily foraging from both native and nonnative salvia. While results from this study showed nominal differences between native and nonnative species in their ability to attract the studied pollinator groups, care should be taken to making similar assessments of other modern plant types.
Evaluation of Native and Nonnative Ornamentals as Pollinator Plants in Florida: II. Floral Resource Value
Authors: Kalaman Heather , Wilson Sandra B. , Mallinger Rachel E. , Knox Gary W. , Kim Taehoon , Begcy Kevin , van Santen Edzard
Published: December 2021

Consumer demand for novel, visually attractive ornamentals has often overshadowed the functional value plants may provide for flower-visiting insects. As native and nonnative species are hybridized for form, color, flowering, and disease resistance, it is important to assess whether some of these alterations influence plant nutrient quality for foraging insect pollinators. A study was conducted to ascertain the resource value of ornamental cultivars compared with their native congeners. The nectar volume and pollen quantity, viability, and protein content of 10 species of popular herbaceous flowering plants, commonly advertised as pollinator-friendly, were evaluated in northcentral Florida. Each genus encompassed a native and nonnative species, apart from pentas. Native species included blanket flower (Gaillardia pulchella), lanceleaf coreopsis (Coreopsis lanceolata), pineland lantana (Lantana depressa), and scarlet sage (Salvia coccinea). Nonnative species included Barbican™ yellow-red ring blanket flower (Gaillardia aristata ‘Gaiz005’), Bloomify™ rose lantana (Lantana camara ‘UF-1011-2’), mysty salvia (Salvia longispicata × farinacea ‘Balsalmysty’), Lucky Star® dark red pentas (Pentas lanceolata ‘PAS1231189’), ruby glow pentas (Pentas lanceolata ‘Ruby glow’) and UpTick™ Gold & Bronze coreopsis (Coreopsis × ‘Baluptgonz’). Floral rewards differed significantly across species. The native scarlet sage exhibited the largest nectar volume per flower in the summer (2.13 ± 0.17 µL), followed by the nonnative mysty salvia (1.26 ± 0.17 µL). In the fall, ruby glow pentas exhibited the largest nectar volume per flower (1.09 ± 0.17 µL) compared with all other ornamentals. The composite flowers of the native and nonnative blanket flower and coreopsis species had the lowest nectar volume per flower regardless of sampling date. Likewise, ruby glow pentas displayed the highest quantity of pollen grains (96.29 ± 0.12) per sample, followed by Lucky star pentas (52.33 ± 0.12), and Barbican blanket flower (50.98 ± 0.12). Pollen viability was similarly high (92% to 98%) among all species, apart from Bloomify rose lantana (20%) and pineland lantana (48%). Pollen protein content was highest in Uptick coreopsis (11.378 ± 1.860 μg/mg dry weight) and Lucky star pentas (10.656 ± 3.726 μg/mg dry weight), followed by lanceleaf coreopsis (7.918 ± 1.793 μg/mg dry weight). These results largely showed that the nonnative ornamentals selected provided resource-rich floral rewards, comparable to native congeners. Still, care should be taken in making similar assessments of other modern floral types.
Calcium Affects Growth and Physiological Indices of Panax quinquefolium L.
Authors: Zhang Zhenghai , Sun Hai , Shao Cai , Lei Huixia , Qian Jiaqi , Ruan Yinyin , Zhang Yayu
Published: December 2021

Calcium (Ca) is necessary for plant growth and stress resistance, which are essential for the successful cultivation of Panax quinquefolium L. (American ginseng). However, information about the physiology of Ca nutrition in this species is limited. Therefore, the objective of this study was to determine the effect of Ca on the growth and physiological performance of American ginseng. Two-year-old American ginseng plants were supplemented with the following Ca concentrations [Ca2+] in a hydroponic system: 0, 160.17, 320.34, 640.68, and 961.02 mg⋅L−1. Measurements included growth biomass accumulation, chlorophyll (Chl) content and fluorescence, photosynthetic parameters, antioxidant enzyme activity, root activity, and malondialdehyde content. Biomass, stem height, leaf area, maximum photochemical efficiency, and superoxide dismutase activity peaked at [Ca2+] of 640.68 mg⋅L−1. Actual photochemical efficiency, minimum saturating irradiance, photosynthetic rate, catalase and peroxidase activities, and root activity reached their maximum at [Ca2+] of 320.34 mg⋅L−1. Stem diameter and regulated thermal energy dissipation increased with [Ca2+]. The sum of nonregulated heat dissipation and fluorescence emission and malondialdehyde content decreased to a minimum at [Ca2+] of 320.34 mg⋅L−1. The Chl content reached a maximum at [Ca2+] of 160.17 mg⋅L−1, but the Chl a/b ratio increased with [Ca2+]; the actual photochemical efficiency and photosynthetic rate reached their maximum level at Chl a/b ratios of 2.04 and [Ca2+] of 320.34 mg⋅L−1. Therefore, the optimal [Ca2+] for American ginseng growth was 320.34 mg⋅L−1. Furthermore, an appropriate increase [Ca2+] in the growth medium may improve biomass accumulation, light energy utilization efficiency, and stress resistance in American ginseng.
Physiological and Psychological Responses to Coding Combined with Horticultural Activity
Authors: Jeong Ji-Eun , Park Sin-Ae
Published: December 2021

This study was conducted to determine the physiological and psychological benefits of integrating software coding and horticultural activity. Participants included 30 adults in their 20s. The subjects randomly engaged in activities—namely, connecting Arduino components, coding, planting, and a combined coding and horticultural activities. During the activity, two subjective evaluations were conducted at the end of each activity, and participants’ brain waves were measured. The spectral edge frequency 50% of alpha spectrum band (ASEF50) and ratio of sensorimotor rhythm from mid beta to theta (RSMT) were activated in the prefrontal lobe as participants performed combined coding and horticultural activities. When performing these combined activities, relative beta (RB) increased, and relative theta (RT) decreased in the prefrontal lobe. In addition, ASEF50, relative low beta (RLB), and relative mid beta (RMB) were activated during plant-based activities (planting and a combined coding and horticultural activities). The subjective evaluations revealed that the plant-based activities had a positive effect on participants’ emotions. This study shows that activities combining coding and horticulture had a positive impact on physiological relaxation and increased concentration in adults compared with other activities and was also linked with positive subjectively reported emotions.
Different Sweet Orange–Rootstock Combinations Infected by Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus under Greenhouse Conditions: Effects on the Scion
Authors: Bodaghi Shahrzad , Meyering Bo , Bowman Kim D. , Albrecht Ute
Published: December 2021

The devastating citrus disease huanglongbing (HLB) associated with the phloem-limited bacteria Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus (CLas) has caused a more than 70% reduction in citrus production since its discovery in Florida in 2005. Most citrus scion cultivars are sensitive to HLB, whereas some cultivars used as rootstocks are tolerant. Using such tolerant rootstocks can help trees to cope better with the disease’s impact. Evaluating rootstock effects on a grafted scion in the field takes many years, but shorter-term evaluation is imperative to aid in rootstock selection for an HLB-endemic production environment. In this study, we investigated grafted healthy and CLas-infected citrus trees under controlled greenhouse conditions. The objectives were to identify traits suitable for assessing grafted tree tolerance in advance of longer-term field studies and aiding in the selection of superior rootstock cultivars. We assessed 10 commercially important rootstocks grafted with ‘Valencia’ sweet orange scion and with known field performance. At 6, 9, 15, and 21 months after graft inoculation (mai), leaf CLas titers were determined and canopy health was evaluated. Plants were destructively sampled at 21 mai to assess plant biomasses and other physiological and horticultural variables. There was little influence of the rootstock cultivar on CLas titers. Surprisingly, few HLB foliar disease symptoms and no differences in soluble and nonsoluble carbohydrate concentrations were measured in infected compared with healthy plants, despite high CLas titers and significant reductions in plant biomasses. Most trees on rootstocks with trifoliate orange parentage were less damaged by HLB than other rootstocks, although results did not always agree with reported field performance. Among the different variables measured, leaf size appeared to be most predictive for grafted tree assessment of HLB sensitivity. The results of this study provide a better understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of assessing rootstock influence on grafted tree performance in a controlled greenhouse environment. Although such studies provide valuable information for cultivar tolerance to HLB, other rootstock traits will ultimately contribute to field survival and productivity in an HLB endemic production environment.
COVID-19 PANDEMİSİ GÖLGESİNDE YILLIK ÜCRETLİ İZİN HAKKI VE UYGULAMASI
Authors: SAVAŞ KUTSAL Fatma Burcu , BOZKURT Yeliz
Published: December 2021

Modern zamanların en ciddi insani, ekonomik ve sosyal krizini yaşadığımız bu günlerde, iş ilişkileri de bundan nasibini almıştır. Sadece ülkemizde değil dünya genelinde salgın nedeniyle üretim faaliyetleri ciddi yavaşlama göstermiş, birçok sektör ağır hasar görmüştür. Yaşanılan olumsuzlukları en aza indirmek ve muhtemel hak kayıplarını önlemek amacıyla alınan idari, hukuki ve mali önlemlerin yanı sıra işçi ve işverenler de taraflarını teşkil ettikleri iş ilişkilerinin devamını sağlamaya yönelik birtakım çarelere başvurmuşlardır. Bu kapsamda uygulamada sıklıkla başvurulan çarelerden biri de yıllık ücretli iznin pandemi ile mücadele aracı olarak kullanılması olmuştur. İlk bakışta işletmeler ve hükümet kaynakları üzerindeki ekonomik etkiyi azaltan ve her iki tarafın da menfaatine uygun bir çare ile karşı karşıya olunduğu izlenimi hasıl olsa da durum gerçekten böyle midir? Çalışmamızda, söz konusu yöntemin hukuka uygunluğu, yıllık ücretli izin kurumunun hukuki temeli, amacı ve işlevi ışığında öğretideki görüşlere, Fransız ve Alman Hukuku uygulamalarına ve ILO’nun konuya yaklaşımına yer verilmek suretiyle incelenmiş, böylelikle sorunun cevabı verilmiştir.