bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reaksi Pasar terhadap Penerbitan Bond dan Sukuk
Authors: Ash Shidiqi Fahmi Nashirul Haq
Published: June 2022

As a financial instrument in the company, bond and sukuk are still in great demand for investors. Each company's decision will affect how investors react to the company's performance. The six companies sampled in this research are PT Adira Dinamika Multi, PT Indosat, PT Adhi Karya, PT Sumarrecon Agung, PT Mayora, and PT TPS Food. The analytical method used is to compare the differences with conducting independent t-test for two observations of bond and sukuk issuance.The average of sample t-tets result on bond and sukuk found that no significant mean difference, it shows the position of the bond and sukuk equally give influence to share price of a company. In the statistic t test results of the six companies, the sukuk and bonds respond quickly to the information, but unlike the results grouped between the companies with the highest and lowest rating. At the best ratings bonds and sukuk responded well, even the level of significance is very high, the speed of information received is better than the bonds and sukuk the lowest.
Dampak penerbitan sukuk dan obligasi konvensional terhadap return saham perusahaan di Indonesia
Authors: Hardianti Nur Indah , Widarjono Agus
Published: June 2022

Capital markets are an integral part of economic activity in many countries. One type of capital market is bonds. In Indonesia has developed two types of bonds are syariah-based bonds called sukuk and bonds are not based on sharia. The purpose of this study is to analyze the impact of issuance of sukuk and conventional bonds on stock returns. The company under study is a company that issues both sukuk and syariah bonds. This study uses event study to see the reaction of capital market to the event of issuance of sukuk and conventional bonds. The results showed that the abnormal return of stock is only influenced by variable of maturity value of sukuk and conventional bond. Thus, the stock market is not very responsive to the issuance of sukuk or conventional bonds.
Immune Escape Associated with RBD Omicron Mutations and SARS-CoV-2 Evolution Dynamics
Authors: Kudryavtsev Alexander , Vakhrusheva Anna V. , Novoseletsky Valery , Bozdaganyan Marine , Shaitan Konstantin V. , Kirpichnikov Mikhail P. , Sokolova Olga S.
Published: June 2022

The evolution and the emergence of new mutations of viruses affect their transmissibility and/or pathogenicity features, depending on different evolutionary scenarios of virus adaptation to the host. A typical trade-off scenario of SARS-CoV-2 evolution has been proposed, which leads to the appearance of an Omicron strain with lowered lethality, yet enhanced transmissibility. This direction of evolution might be partly explained by virus adaptation to therapeutic agents and enhanced escape from vaccine-induced and natural immunity formed by other SARS-CoV-2 strains. Omicron’s high mutation rate in the Spike protein, as well as its previously described high genome mutation rate (Kandeel et al., 2021), revealed a gap between it and other SARS-CoV-2 strains, indicating the absence of a transitional evolutionary form to the Omicron strain. Therefore, Omicron has emerged as a new serotype and divergent from the evolutionary lineage of other SARS-CoV-2 strains. Omicron is a rapidly evolving variant of high concern, whose new subvariants continue to manifest. Its further understanding and the further monitoring of key mutations that provide virus immune escape and/or high affinity towards the receptor could be useful for vaccine and therapeutic development in order to control the evolutionary direction of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Innate Health: A Novel Examination of What Explains Well-being, Prosocial Behavior, and Aggression among Men Living in a UK Prison
Authors: Catherine Jeanne , Denkers Adriaan , McGinty Anita
Published: June 2022

Knowledge about one’s innate health is central to a variety of positive mental health markers. However, men living in prison rarely receive education about how to access these internal resources. As such, this study seeks to replicate and extend emerging data on an innate health intervention. Volunteers from HMP Nottingham, England (n=126) participated in normal prison programming and the intervention group (n=65) received an additional 3-day intensive. The primary question: Does innate health function as a mediator in the same way self-control does within an incarcerated population? We conducted a mediation analysis, tested social desirability bias, and examined the impact of the intervention on crucial variables. This study found higher levels of innate health, self-control, wellbeing, and prosocial behavior and lower levels of aggression in the intervention group as compared to the control group. Importantly, innate health did play a mediating role equivalent to and/or partnering with self-control.
Investigation of Cellular Base Transmitter Station Power Radiation using Spectrum Analyzer
Authors: Ibrahim Muhammad Hamka , Pramono Subuh
Published: June 2022

The development of information and communication technology has spurred the development of the world of telecommunications. The development of telecommunications can be seen from the number of cellular service users supported by technological infrastructure in the form of BTS (Base Transmission Station). But in its development, there are social problems in the form of resistance from the community around BTS, one of the things that people worry about is the danger of radiation from BTS. This could be due to a lack of socialization and knowledge from the community. This study aims to provide education as well as quantitative evidence regarding radiation from BTS in Bulakrejo which is compared with safety standards from International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) and Ministry of Communication and Information Indonesia. The result of investigation shows that received Power Radiation in near Base Station is safe according to regulatory standard.

 

 
Design of Face Recognition Security System on Public Spaces
Authors: Dirgantara F. M. , Wicaksa D. P.
Published: June 2022

Implementation of physical security such as recruitment of security officers, installation of CCTV, and restrictions on public access have become commonplace nowadays. Computer systems equipped with archival storage media must be properly maintained, including computer systems containing sensitive information that must be stored in a locked and secure place. This study applies a security system using facial recognition to determine who is authorized over the data in the computer system—using Haar Cascade as a face detector and LBPH as a match between faces that can access and those that are not on the list. On the other hand, if the person is unidentified, preventive measures will be performed. Based on the result, the proposed system using Raspberry Pi 4 is able to identify a face using Haar Cascade algorithm with an accuracy of 68% and average duration process of 0.392s, and able to recognize face using LBPH algorithm with accuracy between 50.74% to 100% and average duration process of 0.548s.
Implementation of Object Detection Method for Intelligent Surveillance Systems at the Faculty of Engineering, Universitas Sebelas Maret (UNS) Surakarta
Authors: Fauzan Aris Maulana , Ibrahim Sutrisno , Sulistyo Meiyanto Eko
Published: June 2022

The number of positive Covid-19 cases in Indonesia continue to increase. This increase influenced by the behavior of Indonesian citizens in dealing with the pandemic, one of which is rarely wearing masks. In this study, we implemented an object detection method for intelligent surveillance systems (ISS) at the Faculty of Engineering, Universitas Sebelas Maret (UNS), Surakarta. By implementing face detection and mask detection, the surveillance system can recognize whether a person in a CCTV video frame is wearing a mask or not. In addition, deep metric learning and histogram of gradient (HOG) are applied to recognize faces of unmasked people in images. The test results show that the surveillance system can recognize the use of masks with 75%-87% accuracy rate. Furthermore, the accuracy rate for facial recognition on images ranges from 69% -100% for each person
Motivating First-Generation Factory Employees: A Case Study of the Garment Industry in Myanmar
Authors: Kojima Eitaro , Ohno Akihiko
Published: June 2022

Research Aims: This study investigates how to foster and motivate factory employees at the onset of industrialisation. Design/methodology/approach: A total of 728 employees of the garment sector in Myanmar were surveyed using a structured questionnaire. Research Findings: The results of this study indicate 1) that employees’ maladaptation to factory discipline leads to workplace stress and fuels employees’ counter-productive behaviour and 2) that employees who perceive benevolence from the factory manager take on pro-organizational (vs counter-productive) behaviour based on social exchange rooted in indigenous patron-client ties. Theoretical Contribution/Originality: This study discusses the singular aspects of human resource management (HRM) at the onset of industrialisation. The cause of workplace stress differs from what is widely claimed in industrialised societies. Organisational commitment is deeply affected by cultural settings. Managerial Implications in the South East Asian Context: This study offers insights for cultivating and motivating factory employees hailing from indigenous societies. Moreover, HRM practices based on patron-client ties that persist in southeast Asian societies can be effective measures to enhance organisational commitment. Research Limitations & Implications: The current study does not cover either white-collar or skilled employees in the capital-intensive industry. Keywords: organisational maladaptation, motivation, factory discipline, workplace stress, social exchange, Myanmar
Work-Family Enrichment: Does It Help Manage Emotional Exhaustion During The COVID-19 Pandemic?
Authors: Jannah Syayyidah Maftuhatul , Prajasari Anniza Citra , Setyorini Noni
Published: June 2022

Research Aims: This study aims to analyse the role of work-family enrichment on emotional labour and the impact of emotional exhaustion during the COVID-19 pandemic. Design/methodology/approach: The type of data collected is primary data that uses an online questionnaire. The sampling method is a purposive sampling technique. The PLS-SEAM is used to analyse the collected data. Research Findings: Work-family enrichment and family-work enrichment had a positive and significant effect on emotional labour (surface acting and deep acting) and on emotional exhaustion. Theoretical Contribution/Originality: The results of this study show the importance of the role of work and family enrichment to employees during this pandemic. That is, work and family support can give positive energy to manage their unstable emotions and reduce or even prevent some people from emotional exhaustion. Managerial Implication in the South East Asian Context: Organisations should concern with friendly-family policies that can fulfil work-family enrichment of employees. Employees will be more loyal to work and be more vigorous and thrive in the workplace, so it can reduce turnover. Research limitation & Implications: This study has not classified the workforce based on the WFH policy. The respondents could not differentiate between those who were WFH and those who were not. There seems to be a possibility that this can also affect work-family enrichment and emotional exhaustion. Keywords: well-being, work-family enrichment, emotional labour, emotional exhaustion
Strategic Management Accounting Information and Performance: Mediating Effect of Knowledge Management
Authors: Maelah Ruhanita , Mohamed Baha'a Aldeen Hussein , Amir Amizawati Mohd
Published: June 2022

Research Aims: The objective of this study is to examine the relationship ‎between Strategic Management Accounting (SMA) information, Knowledge Management (KM), and the performance of ‎Malaysian hospitals. Design/methodology/approach: A survey is employed, and data is collected using self- administered questionnaires. Responses from 95 Malaysian private hospitals were ‎analysed using Partial Least Squares (PLS) 3.0. Research Findings: The findings indicate that SMA ‎information positively affects ‎performance, and KM mediates the ‎relationship between SMA information and interpretation. Theoretical Contribution/Originality: This study utilised the Resource-Based View (RBV) theory to explain SMA information as a resource and KM as a capability that impacts the competitive advantage of organisations. This study ‎contributes to the line of literature on SMA information and ‎KM in the healthcare sector. Managerial Implication in the South East Asian Context: Findings of this study can be used by managers to improve SMA ‎information and KM in their organisations. Research limitation & Implications: Firstly, the data were collected from a single sector, the healthcare sector, in a developing economy and focused on hospitals. It ‎may be inappropriate for the results of this study to be used for other sectors, such as industrial sectors or in other countries. ‎Secondly, the results from path analysis do not explain for sure how ‎these independent variables influence the dependent variables. ‎Although the path analysis can reveal the significant relationships between the independent and dependent variables, it is insufficient to provide subjective information that may need to ‎be addressed using a qualitative method. Keywords: strategic management accounting, information, knowledge management, healthcare, hospital
Probabilistic neural networks that predict compressive strength of high strength concrete in mass placements using thermal history
Authors: Roberson Madeleine , Inman Kathleen , Carey Ashley , Howard Isaac , Shannon Jameson
Published: June 2022

This study explored the use of artificial neural networks to predict UHPC compressive strengths given thermal history and key mix components. The model developed herein employs Bayesian variational inference using Monte Carlo dropout to convey prediction uncertainty using 735 datapoints on seven UHPC mixtures collected using a variety of techniques. Datapoints contained a measured compressive strength along with three curing inputs (specimen maturity, maximum temperature experienced during curing, time of maximum temperature) and five mixture inputs to distinguish each UHPC mixture (cement type, silicon dioxide content, mix type, water to cementitious material ratio, and admixture dosage rate). Input analysis concluded that predictions were more sensitive to curing inputs than mixture inputs. On average, 8.2% of experimental results in the final model fell outside of the predicted range with 67.9%of these cases conservatively underpredicting. The results support that this model methodology is able to make sufficient probabilistic predictions within the scope of the provided dataset but is not for extrapolating beyond the training data. In addition, the model was vetted using various datasets obtained from literature to assess its versatility. Overall this model is a promising advancement towards predicting mechanical properties of high strength concrete with known uncertainties.
Deficiency of B vitamins leads to cholesterol-independent atherogenic transformation of the aorta
Authors: Almer Gunter , Opriessnig Peter , Wolinski Heimo , Sommer Gerhard , Diwoky Clemens , Lechleitner Margarete , Kolb Dagmar , Bubalo Vladimir , Brunner Markus , Schwarz Andreas , Leitinger Gerd , Schoiswohl Garbriele , Marsche Gunther , Niedrist Tobias , Schauer Silvia , Oswald Wolfgang , Groselj-Strele Andrea , Paar Marget , Cvirn Gerhard , Hoefler Gerald , Rechberger Gerald , Herrmann Markus , Frank Sasa , Holzapfel Gerhard , Kratky Dagmar , Mangge Harald , Hörl Gerd , Tehlivets Oksana
Published: June 2022

Background: Atherosclerosis, the leading cause of cardiovascular disease responsible for the majority of deaths worldwide, cannot be sufficiently explained by established risk factors including hypercholesterolemia. Elevated plasma homocysteine is an independent risk factor for atherosclerosis and is strongly linked to cardiovascular mortality. However, the role of homocysteine in atherosclerosis is still insufficiently understood. Previous research in this area has been also hampered by the lack of reproducible in-vivo models of atherosclerosis that resemble the human situation.Methods: Aortic specimens obtained from balloon injured rabbits fed either diet deficient in B vitamins, supplemented with 1% cholesterol or combined diet were subjected to ex vivo MRI, myographical, biomechanical, microscopical and histological analysis. Lipoproteins were analyzed by FPLC.Findings: We developed and applied an automated system for vessel wall injury that leads to more homogenous damage and more pronounced atherosclerotic plaque development even at low balloon pressure. Already in the absence of hypercholesterolemia, B vitamin deficiency results in accumulation of macrophages and lipids in the aorta, impairment of its biomechanical properties and disorganization of aortic collagen. Combination of B vitamin deficiency and hypercholesterolemia leads to thickening of the aorta, decreased aortic water diffusion, increased LDL-cholesterol and impaired vascular reactivity of the aorta.Interpretation: Our findings suggest that deficiency of B vitamins leads to atherosclerotic transformation of the aorta already in the absence of hypercholesterolemia and aggravates atherosclerosis development in its presence.Funding: This work was funded by the Austrian Science Fund (FWF) (Projects P31105 and P33672), the EU project NanoAthero and BioTechMed-Graz.
Recreational nitrous oxide use causing internal carotid artery thrombus leading to ischemic stroke in a young adult: a case report
Authors: Hermans Anaïs , Kerstens Jeroen , Snijders Erwin , Daele Wendy Van , Hollering Paul , El-Abdellati Esmael
Published: June 2022

Introduction: The recreational use of nitrous oxide (N2O) is on the rise and users increasingly present to emergency services with a wide range of – mostly neurological – complications. Case presentation: We describe a very rare case of a 22-year-old male who sporadically uses N2O and presented to the emergency department with a large right-hemispheric stroke caused by a thrombus in the right internal carotid artery. After thorough exclusion of other causes, the underlying mechanism was found to be N2O-induced hyperhomocysteinemia. Conclusion: Ischemic stroke should be considered in N2O users presenting with acute neurological deficits, especially when lateralization is present. Conversely, young stroke patients should be specifically questioned about N2O use and homocysteine levels should be obtained. These recommendations have therapeutic implications both in the acute phase and thereafter.
Integrating orientation mechanisms, adrenocortical activity, and endurance flight in vagrancy behaviour
Authors: Snell Katherine R. S. , Young Rebecca C. , Krause Jesse S. , Collinson J. Martin , Wingfield John C. , Thorup Kasper
Published: June 2022

Avian migratory processes are typically precisely oriented, yet vagrants are frequently recorded outside their normal range. Wind displaced vagrants often show corrective behaviour, and as an appropriate response is likely adaptive. We investigated the physiological response to vagrancy in passerines. Activation of the emergency life-history stage (ELHS), assessed by high baseline plasma corticosterone, is a potential mechanism to elicit compensatory behaviour in response to challenges resulting from navigational error. We compared circulating plasma corticosterone concentrations and body condition between three migratory groups in autumn: 1) naturally displaced SW vagrants and 2) long distance SE vagrants on the remote Faroe Islands, and 3) birds within the expected SW migratory route (controls) on the Falsterbo peninsula. An ELHS characterized by elevated corticosterone was not generally observed among naturally displaced birds. We found limited support for an increased rate of corticosterone elevation within our 3 minute sample interval in a single species, but overall no differences in corticosterone were detected across groups. Interestingly, fat scores were negatively correlated with circulating corticosterone. The correlation between fat and corticosterone suggest that ELHS activation depends upon individuals’ energetic states. In individuals caught at the completion of an obligate long-distance migratory flight, we found some evidence of corticosterone suppression. Interestingly, limited data did support the induction of negative feedback mechanisms that suppress corticosterone during endurance exercise, even when fuel loads are low.
A Novel Energy-Efficient Forwarding Probabilistic Strategies For Distributed And Localized Heterogeneous Wsns
Authors: sabri yassine , najib elkamoun
Published: June 2022

In the context of geographic routing in wireless sensor networks linked by probabilistic communication channels, energy efficient transmission is important to extend the network lifetime. To this end, we propose a novel methods ,ProFor and EnProFor protocols are distributed and localized protocols. They can adapt to a topological change of the network and work robustly against individual node failure. Of course, probabilistic forwarding inherently runs the risk of losing a message. However, both analysis and simulations show that ProFor and EnProFor work very well to guarantee a high success probability for data transmission.We study the way of data transmission and develop a probabilistic forwarding protocol. This protocol lets relay nodes transmit packets with a certain probability to let messages reach the base station with a predefined probability. Simulation examples comparing the energy costs for the different strategies illustrate the theoretical analysis in the cases. With the method proposed it is possible to obtain a significant energy savings (up to ten times) with probabilistic transmission rate and power.
Clinical, Haemato-Biochemical Alterations and Therapeutic Regimens in Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD) Affected Cattle in Maharashtra State, India
Authors: Hatzade Ravindrakumar Imdeo , Bhikane Anil U. , Waghmare Sunil P. , Pajai Kishor S.
Published: June 2022

This study reports the analysis of clinical signs, haemato-biochemical alterations, and various therapeutic protocols followed in the treatment of 439 cases of lumpy skin disease (LSD) affected cattle in Akola and Bhandara districts of Maharashtra state, India from August 2020 to October 2020. LSD was diagnosed based on the characteristic clinical signs such as fever, raised, circular, firm, nodules on the skin, swelling on legs, edema with moderate lymphadenopathy, lameness and cellulitis, etc. as per the guidelines given in the OIE manual with Laboratory confirmation of 5 cases at High-Security Animal Disease Laboratory (NIHSAD), Bhopal through Regional Disease Investigation Laboratory, Department of Animal Husbandry, Akola. Out of 439 cases, 427 (97.27%) were cattle and 12 (2.73%) were buffaloes, indicating higher susceptibility of cattle than buffaloes with 88.61% females and 11.39% males among all affected animals. The current study revealed higher susceptibility in 372 (84.74%) crossbred animals followed by 67 (15.26%) non-descript cattle. Animals in the age group of 1-5 years were highly affected (58.54%) followed by animals above the age of 5 years (34.85%) and least in cattle aged below 1 year (6.61%). It was also observed that lactating animals were affected more (35.77%) than pregnant animals (23.58%). Treatment with Enrofloxacin along with antihistaminics, NSAIDs, and Vit B-complex for 3-10 days depending upon the severity of cases was the most cost-effective as compared to other treatment protocols.
Mango performance as affected by the soil application of Zeolite and Biochar under water salinity stresses
Authors: Harhash Mohamed M. , Ahamed Masoud M. M. , Mosa Walid F. A.
Published: June 2022

This study was carried out during two consecutive seasons, 2020 and 2021 on twelve years old mango (Mangifera indica L.). cv. Ewaise grown in region- Idku, El- Behaira Governorate, Egypt. The trees were planted at 5 x 4 m apart and grafted on 'Sokary' root stock to study the influence of zeolite and biochar on growth, yield, and fruit quality of “Ewaise” mango cultivar irrigated by agricultural drainage water. The trees were treated by the following treatments: Zeolite or Biochar sloley at 1, 2 and 3 kg for tree, and their different combinations such as 1 kg Zeolite + 1 kg Biochar; 1 kg Zeolite + 2 kg Biochar; 1 kg Zeolite + 3 kg Biochar; 2 kg Zeolite + 1 kg Biochar; 2kg Zeolite + 2 kg Biochar; 2 kg Zeolite + 3 kg Biochar; 3kg Zeolite + 1 kg Biochar; 3 kg Zeolite + 2 kg Biochar; 3 kg Zeolite + 3 kg Biochar as well as control zero soil application. The obtained results showed that the soil application of zeolite or biochar gave appositive effect on improving the soil characteristics which was reflects on the tree trunck thickness, shoot length and thickness, number of inflorescences, yield in kg per tree and fruit quality. The greatest positive effect on the previous mentioned parameters was obtained by the combined application of the soil application of 2kg Zeolite + 3kg Biochar; 2kg Zeolite + 2 kg Biochar; 3 kg Zeolite + 2 kg Biochar; 3 kg Zeolite + 3 kg Biochar over the rest applied treatments or control in the two seasons.
Mapping of Lumbar Multifidus Stiffness Quantification in Ankylosing Spondylitis with Shear-wave Elastography
Authors: Wang Mengyu , Liu Jiajia , Meng Lingcui , Fu Wen , Gao Jing , Ma Ruixia , Luo Yuxuan , Peng Yingjun , Wu Lihua , Li Ziping
Published: June 2022

Background
Lower back pain and stiffness are the typical symptoms of ankylosing spondylitis (AS). In this study, muscle mass was assessed by muscle density, mechanical elasticity, and area. We investigated the characteristics of lumbar paraspinal-muscle (PSM) mass using muscle ultrasound shear-wave elastography (SWE), as well as the validity of this method for identifying patients with AS.
Methods
We recruited a representative cohort of 30 AS patients, and 27 healthy volunteers who were age- and sex-matched to the patient study group.
Results
Young’s modulus (YM) of SWE in AS patients was significantly higher than that in volunteers. Percentage change in lumbar multifidus (LM) muscle cross-sectional area (CSA) and thickness were significantly lower in AS patients than in healthy volunteers on the left side of the body. Correlation analysis showed a positive correlation between percentage change in CSA and thickness in both volunteers and AS patients. In AS patients, YM was negatively correlated with percentage change of CSA and thickness on the right side, while increased disease duration in AS was associated with increased YM on the left.
Conclusion
AS patients showed reductions in LM muscle mass and function as the disease progressed, SWE could reflect these changes well.
Trial registration:
Chinese Clinical Trial Registry, ChiCTR2000031476. Registered 02/04/2020. http://www.chictr.org.cn/index.aspx.
Quantitative comparison on delignification performance of pretreatment technologies of lignocellulosic biomass for enzymatic saccharification
Authors: Xiao Kai , Li Haixiao , Liu Le , Liu Xiaoning , Lian Yi
Published: June 2022

Pretreatments for delignification are necessarily required for the enzymatic saccharification of lignocellulosic biomass. However, in current literature various pretreatment approaches have been applied to same kinds of biomass. In order to find the optimum pretreatments for biomass with various lignin contents, a quantitative comparison has been made on the delignification performance of 15 categories of pretreatments in this study. In total, 1729 series of biomass, cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin recovery data were collected from 214 relevant studies. The box-plots and Cate-Nelson-like graphs were applied for the analysis. The results showed that among the 15 pretreatment categories, alkali, oxidation, organic solvent, and multiple-step pretreatments worked better to remove more lignin while recover more cellulose. Moreover, alkali pretreatments tended to more evidently increase saccharification efficiency by about five folds on average than the other three pretreatments.
Cat control in a seabird colony has limited top-down effects on native and invasive mammalian mesopredators and prey but invasive rodents respond to seasonal pulse of productivity
Authors: Scomparin Cyril , Geale Caitlan , Johnson Christopher N. , Jones Menna E.
Published: June 2022

Control of invasive predators is a priority to protect island biodiversity. Understanding the responses of other species in multi-species invaded food webs is important to avoid unintended consequences. We use an intensive two-year cat-trapping program in the vicinity of seabird colonies on Bruny Island, Tasmania, to estimate the change in densities of feral cats and investigate the effect of control on the behaviour and abundance of native and invasive mammal species. Cat density before control was extremely high then reduced by 5.4-fold consequent to control. We show a complex but subtle cascade of ecological effects among mesopredator and prey species, with a lagged response to a pulse of bottom-up productivity provided by breeding seabirds. Our study demonstrates that cat density on islands, particularly around seasonally rich food resources such as seabird colonies, can be very high, much higher than on mainland areas, and that control using trapping is effective reducing cat density in this focussed landscape context. Our results highlight the complexity of effects of control of an invasive predator on the broader ecosystem. The top-down effect of cats on the ecosystem was limited but the response of prey indicates a predator effect conditioned by temporal change in bottom-up productivity.
Enhanced visible-light-driven photodegradation of tetracycline by salicylic acid modified-graphitic carbon nitride and toxicity assessment
Authors: Chen Mengmeng , Li Mengxue , Li Peng , Lee Stephanie Ling Jie , Tang Juanjuan , Li Qian , Lin Sijie
Published: June 2022

The tetracycline (TC) in water has led to serious concern. Graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) photocatalysts were produced via copolymerization of mono-benzene ring-mediated precursors (urea, melamine, and dicyandiamide) involving salicylic acid (SA) for TC degradation. The SA-modified g-C3N4 samples showed improved visible-light absorbance, transfer and separation of photogenerated electrons, and prospective photocatalytic application in TC degradation. As a result, the optimal SA-modified g-C3N4 (2 wt% of SA) using urea (CNU-SA-2) showed 2 times higher TC degradation than that of pristine g-C3N4. The process of TC degradation was evaluated by the reduction of antibacterial activity and extensively studied by varying the types of TC, initial pH values, co-existing anions, and natural organic materials. In addition, the catalyst could be reused for at least four cycles, indicating good reusability. The main active species were revealed to be h+ and ·O2− by scavenging experiments and electron spin resonance. The CNU-SA-2 photocatalyst and TC intermediates during degradation had no adverse impact on zebrafish embryos. This work could provide a design strategy and a perspective on the practical application of g-C3N4-based photocatalysts for the treatment of wastewater containing antibiotics.
Alternating Chempolishing and Electropolishing for Interior and Exterior Surface Finishing of Additively Manufactured(AM) Metal components
Authors: Dillard Joshua , Grizzle Andrew , Demisse Wondwosen , Rice Lucas , Klein Kate , Tyagi Pawan
Published: June 2022

Additively Manufactured (AM) components' surface finishing is crucial in adopting them for intended applications in challenging environments involving fatigue, corrosion, high temperature, and nuclear radiation. In our prior research, chempolishing(C) was utilized as an electroless etching process that uniformly smoothens complex AM components' accessible interior and exterior surfaces(Tyagi et al., Additive Manufacturing, Vol.25 pp.32). A wide range of electropolishing(E) has been demonstrated for AM surface finishing. However, electropolishing can impact a surface that can be juxtaposed to counter electrode and can a very smooth surface to sub-micrometer level roughness. However, a knowledge gap exists about the impact of applying both approaches on the same surface one after another and what new advantages may arise because of combining two methods. This paper uses dual-stage liquid-based surface finishing strategies produced by alternating the chempolishing(C) and electropolishing(E) steps. Two dual-stage surface finishing approaches, i.e., chempolishing followed by electropolishing(CE) and electropolishing followed by chempolishing (EC), were performed on the 316 stainless AM steel component. Impacts of EC and CE approaches were compared with single-stage C and E surface finishing approaches. An optical microscope and mechanical profilometer were utilized to investigate the wide range of surface roughness parameters. CE and EC produced Ra ~ 1.4 µm and ~ 1.6 µm, respectively. Surface roughness on CE and EC treated AM samples was lower than those individually treated by C and E approaches. Scanning electron microscopy provided further insights into the microstructural difference between CE and EC treated AM samples. This paper reports a liquid contact angle study on CE and EC treated AM samples to provide insights into the relative difference in surface energy that is crucial for making coatings on AM parts. A spectroscopic reflectance study was also employed to register the difference in physical properties of AM components treated with CE, and EC approaches. This study reveals industrially practicable interior and exterior surface finishing approaches for complex AM metal components that require minimum tooling and real-time process monitoring.
Biodiversity-food trade-offs when agricultural land is spared from production
Authors: Palmer Charles , Groom Ben , Langton Steve
Published: June 2022

To stem biodiversity loss, the post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework proposes a substantial expansion of area-based conservation measures. However, half of the earth's land is under agriculture. The expansion of area-based measures in agricultural landscapes necessitates the sparing, or setting aside, of land from production, potentially generating biodiversity benefits yet at the risk of a reduction in food supply. Focusing on bird species and cereals, we empirically evaluate biodiversity-food trade-offs in a set-aside scheme implemented in England between 1992-2007. In a first panel dataset, of bird counts and land uses at the landscape scale, higher rates of set-aside increase species abundance and richness by, respectively, 1.2-2.1% and 0.7-0.9%, but have no impact on diversity (Shannon-Wiener index). These effects are discontinuous, subject to thresholds in set-aside areas. A minimum 200ha of set-aside, about 3% of agricultural land, is required for a positive effect on biodiversity. A higher threshold, exceeding 900ha of set-aside, equivalent to around 13% of agricultural land, generates a 15-25% and 30-35% increase in abundance and richness, respectively. Estimates of short- and long-run effects show that impacts are larger in the long-run, reflecting population and species-area dynamics, and the benefits of a sustained policy. In a second, farm-level panel dataset, set-aside is associated with a 10-17% decline in cereal output, with weak evidence of an attenuating land-sparing effect on yields. Our results suggest that although biodiversity-food trade-offs are likely in high-yield agricultural landscapes, such as those in England, the risk of a reduction in food supply could be minimised in low-yield landscapes, that is, where there is still scope for intensification.
A mixed method media analysis of the representation of the South African National Health Insurance policy in the mainstream media from 2011 to 2019
Authors: Bust Lynn , Whyle Eleanor , Olivier Jill
Published: June 2022

Background: Media is a crucial factor in shaping public opinion and setting policy agendas. There is limited research on the role of media in health policy processes in low- and middle-income countries. This study profiles South Africa as a case example, currently in the process of implementing a major health policy reform, National Health Insurance (NHI).Methods: A descriptive, mixed methods study was conducted in five phases. Evidence was gathered through a scoping review of secondary literature; discourse analysis of global policy documents on universal health coverage and South African NHI policy documents; and a content and discourse analysis of South African print and online media texts focused on NHI. Representations within media were analysed and dominant discourses that might influence the policy process were identified.Results: Discourses of ‘health as a global public good’ and ‘neoliberalism’ were identified in global and national policy documents. Similar neoliberal discourse was identified within SA media. Unique discourses were identified within SA media relating to biopolitics and corruption. Media representations reveal political and ideological contestation which was not as present in the global and national policy documents. Media representations did not mirror the lived reality of most of the South African population. The discourses identified influence the policy process and hinder public participation in these processes. They reinforce social hierarchy and power structures in South Africa, and might reinforce current inequalities in the health system, with negative repercussions for access to health care.Conclusions: There is a need to understand mainstream media as part of a people-centred health system, particularly in the context of universal health coverage reforms such as NHI. Harmful media representations should be counter-acted. This requires the formation of collaborative and sustainable networks of policy actors to develop strategies on how to leverage media within health policy to support policy processes, build public trust and social cohesion, and ultimately decrease inequalities and increase access to health care. Research should be undertaken to explore media in other diverse formats and languages, and in other contexts, particularly low- and middle-income countries, to further understand media’s role in health policy processes.
Characteristic of Przewalski horses population from Askania-Nova reserve based on genetic markers
Authors: Musiał Adrianna Dominika , Ropka-Molik Katarzyna , Stefaniuk-Szmukier Monika , Myćka Grzegorz , Bieniek Agnieszka , Yasynetska Nataliya
Published: June 2022

Przewalski horses are considered the last living population of wild horses, however, they are secondarily feral offspring of herds domesticated about 5000 years ago by the Botai culture. After Przewalski horses were almost extinct at the beginning of the 20th century, their population is about 2500 individuals worldwide, with one of the largest breeding centers in the Askania-Nova Biosphere Reserve (Ukraine).The research aimed to analyse the genetic structure of Przewalski horses population maintained in the Askania-Nova Reserve, as well as establish maternal ancestry based on whole hypervariable mitochondrial DNA region profiling, analysis of Y chromosome single nucleotide polymorphism unique for Przewalski horses, and coat color markers - MC1R (‘fox’), TBX3 (Dun).The mtDNA hypervariable region analysis in 23 Przewalski horses allowed assigning them to three distinctly different haplotypes, showing the greatest similarity to the Equus caballus reference, the Equus przewalskii reference, and to extinct species - Haringtonhippus. The Y chromosome analysis using fluorescently labelled assays (FAM and VIC) differentiated horses in terms of polymorphism (MH341179.1, g731821T>C) characteristic of the species Equus caballus and Equus przewalskii. All 13 male individuals presented genotype C characteristics for Przewalski horses. The polymorphisms within genes related coat color confirmed the presence of primitive genetic variants in Przewalski horses: polymorphism of MC1R gene (ECA3g.36259552C>T) assigned all horses to the genotype with C/C alleles; the two TBX3 polymorphisms (chr8:18,227,267+1,066G>T, chr8:18,226,905A>G) assigned all horses to the genotype with G/G alleles in both loci; and in the third TBX3 1.6 kb in/del polymorphism (chr8:18,227,267) deletions were not observed.
Optimization of the parameters of the selective laser sintering for the formation of PA12 samples by the Taguchi method
Authors: FARAJ ZAINAB , Aboussaleh Mohamed , Zaki Smail , Abouchadi Hamid , Kabiri Rachid
Published: June 2022

Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) is a 3D printing process on a powder bed that presents a real revolution for many industrial sectors, it allows to produce layer by layer precise prototypes, fast, with high dimensional accuracy and with remarkable mechanical characteristics. This technology uses a laser to fuse polymer micro particles, following the geometry of digitally cut CAD models. However, the external surfaces of the parts produced by this process are characterized by a high degree of roughness due mainly to the properties of the powder, the orientation in the build-up tray and the manufacturing parameters. In this study selective laser sintering experiments were performed with PA12 powders, in order to analyze the optimal process parameters for the realization of parts with minimal roughness. The process parameters chosen for the study were carefully selected and which are laser power, scanning speed, layer thickness and scanning space. The samples were printed in different orientations 0°, 45° and 90°. The Taguchi method was used to study the parameters. Regression equations for each of the orientations were established, these developed a linear relationship between the roughness and the parameters studied.
Resolving multi-dimensional plasma phenomena in Hall thrusters using the reduced-order particle-in-cell scheme
Authors: Reza Maryam , Faraji Farbod , Knoll Aaron
Published: June 2022

Plasma in Hall thrusters exhibits a complex behavior, characterized by the interplay between various dominant processes in each of the thruster’s coordinates. The emergence of high-power Hall thrusters in the recent years and the design modifications intended to extend the lifetime of these devices have further amplified the three-dimensional nature of the plasma behavior. In this regard, the novel reduced-order particle-in-cell (PIC) scheme provides the possibility to resolve the multi-dimensional interactions in a Hall thruster at a significantly reduced computational cost compared to current multi-dimensional PIC simulations. To demonstrate this point, we present in this article the results from a series of pseudo-two-dimensional simulations we performed in three configurations: axial-azimuthal, azimuthal-radial, and axial-radial. We show that, in each configuration, the pseudo-2D PIC scheme provides a significantly improved picture of the involved physics compared to a one-dimensional PIC simulation and captures self-consistently the coupling between the plasma processes in different directions, notably similar to the observations from full-2D kinetic simulations.
Deficiency of IKKβ in neurons ameliorates Alzheimer’s disease pathology in APP- and tau-transgenic mice
Authors: Schnöder Laura , Quan Wenqiang , Yu Ye , Tomic Inge , Luo Qinghua , Hao Wenlin , Peng Guoping , Li Dong , Fassbender Klaus , Liu Yang
Published: June 2022

Background: Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is pathologically characterized by extracellular deposition of amyloid β peptide (Aβ), intracellular neurofibrillary tangles (composed mainly of phosphorylated tau [p-tau]) and neuroinflammation. The pathogenic role of inflammatory activation in AD has been extensively studied; however, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. In this project, we investigated how neuronal IKKβ/NF-kB regulates AD-associated pathologies in APP- and tau-transgenic AD mice. Methods: APP- and tau-transgenic mice were cross-bred with ikbkb-floxed and nex-cre knock-in mice to generate AD models with deletion of IKKβ specifically in neurons. After assessing cognitive function with the Morris water maze test, mice were analyzed for Aβ and p-tau levels, microglial numbers, transcription of inflammatory genes, apoptosis and synaptic protein levels in the brain by histological, biochemical and molecular biology methods. To explore pathogenic mechanisms, we analyzed the activity and/or protein levels of: 1) β- and γ-secretases, 2) tau-phosphorylating (e.g., GSK3β and p38α-MAPK) and dephosphorylating enzymes (e.g., PP2A and PP2B), and 3) autophagy-related proteins (e.g., LC3B, beclin1 and SQSTM1/p62). In addition, IKKβ-knockdown and wild-type SH-SY5Y cell lines were created to verify the in vivo results.Results: In APP-transgenic mice, neuronal deficiency of IKKβ decreased Aβ load, inflammatory activation, and apoptosis in the brain, and improved cognitive function and maintenance of synaptic proteins (e.g., PSD-95). IKKβ deficiency decreased BACE1 activity and protein in the brain and cultured neuronal cells. In tau-transgenic mice, neuronal deficiency of IKKβ decreased p-tau, shifted pro- to anti-inflammatory activation and inhibited autophagy in the brain. IKKβ deficiency increased expression of PP2A catalytic subunit isoform A, an enzyme dephosphorylating cerebral p-tau. However, deficiency of IKKβ in neurons did not alter the cognitive function and even increased apoptosis in the brain.Conclusions: Deficiency of IKKβ in neurons attenuates Aβ and p-tau loads in the brains of AD mice. As possible molecular mechanisms, IKKβ deficiency decreases BACE1 activity, thereby reducing Aβ production, and increases PP2A expression, promoting p-tau dephosphorylation. However, IKKβ deficiency protects neurons only in APP-transgenic mice, but not in tau-transgenic AD mice. Further studies are needed before IKKβ/NF-kB can be targeted for AD therapies.
A Proposed Design for 3D-Measurements of the CFF Producing Spatial Distribution over the Retina
Authors: Naggar Ass.Prof. Mona A. El , El-Messiery Prof. Medhat A.
Published: June 2022

The average value of the critical fusion frequency (CFF) of the human eye is not only essential for the modern technological applications but also to the psychophysics of image recognition. The present work introduces a non-invasive technique that can scan the hemispherical visual field determining the CFF response to either chromatic or monochromatic light sources. The proposed design is an automated one such that a 3-D RS is performed, hence obtaining a retinal spatial distribution (RSD) of the CFF. The data is electronically stored, analyzed and plotted. The results obtained, show that the CFF for white light sources; is almost independent on the image location on the retina. On the other hand, the CFF values of chromatic sources namely (red, green and yellow) show strong dependence on the spatial position of the image on the retina. No appreciable dependence on the gender is observed; while the average values of CFF drop significantly with age.