bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Profit Analysis of a Standby Repairable System with Priority to Preventive Maintenance and Rest of Server Between Repairs
Authors: Aggarwal Chhama , Ahlawat Nitika , Malik S. C.
Published: March 2021

The paper aims to bring out the profit analysis of a system with cold standby redundancy of two identical units. In the system, we keep one unit in working and the other is to back up the operation. The system requires preventive maintenance after a specific time. The server has the dual role to carry out repair activities in terms of preventive maintenance and repair of the failed unit. In addition to that, the server is allowed to take rest after each repair. There is no need of rest of the server after preventive maintenance. The provision of priority has been made for the preventive maintenance over repairs. The repairs are done to increase the efficiency and productivity level of the system. The failure rate follows exponential distribution while repair time, rest time of the server and preventive maintenance rate follow arbitrary distributions. The significant reliability characteristics including MTSF, long run availability, server busy time due to repair & preventive maintenance, expected number of repairs, expected number of preventive maintenances per unit time and profit function are obtained using the usual stochastic processes approach. For particular values of the parameters, the revenue per unit up-time and cost functions related to repair activities are considered to carry out the profit analysis of the system model. The results are shown graphically and numerically to highlight the effect of different parameters on some significant reliability characteristics
Improving spatial precision and field-of-view in wavelength-tagged single-particle tracking using spectroscopic single-molecule localization microscopy
Authors: Brenner Benjamin , Song Ki-Hee , Sun Cheng , Zhang Hao F.
Published: March 2021

Spectroscopic single-molecule localization microscopy (sSMLM) generates super-resolution images of single molecules while simultaneously capturing the spectra of their fluorescence emissions. However, sSMLM splits photons from single-molecule emissions into a spatial channel and a spectral channel, reducing both channels’ precisions. It is also challenging in transmission grating-based sSMLM to achieve a large field-of-view (FOV) and avoid overlap between the spatial and spectral channels. The challenge in FOV has further significance in single-molecule tracking applications. In this work, we analyzed the correlation between the spatial and spectral channels in sSMLM to improve its spatial precision, and we developed a split-mirror assembly to enlarge its FOV. We demonstrate the benefits of these improvements by tracking quantum dots. We also show that we can reduce particle-identification ambiguity by tagging each particle with its unique spectral characteristics.
Image-matching enhancement using a polarized intensity-hue-saturation fusion method
Authors: Shen Linghao , Reda Mohamed , Zhao Yongqiang
Published: March 2021

Atmospheric absorption and scattering (e.g., haze) cause degradation in the image quality of outdoor scenes, which affects the image-matching process. The scale-invariant feature transform (SIFT) algorithm is not effective in haze. Edge information is required to enhance the matching process. Utilizing the polarization information expressed by the Stokes vector component S1 with its edge information can improve the keypoint localization in the matching process. In this paper, a novel, to the best of our knowledge, fusion method called polarized intensity-hue-saturation is proposed that uses polarization and depth information by fusion of a polarized haze-removed image with the estimated depth and by applying S1. The instant dehazing method uses polarized images to obtain a haze-removed image and its estimated depth map. The fused image has high spatial details required for enhancing the matching process. The experimental results show that the proposed method outperforms the existing image-matching schemes and improves the conventional SIFT matching method.
Process monitoring based on plasma emission for power-modulated glass welding with bursts of subpicosecond laser pulses
Authors: Hecker Sebastian , Scharun Michael , Graf Thomas
Published: March 2021

Defects and process irregularities influence the bonding strength and thus the stability and lifetime of welded glass components. The present paper proposes to monitor the laser-based glass welding process by means of a single photodetector that records the radiation emitted from the laser-induced plasma. It is shown that the plasma emission provides information about irregularities of the welded seam height, gap bridging, process interruptions, and the position of the seam. The method is suitable for different welded glass types.
Optimization study of metallic hole arrays as the multi-channel spectral filters in long-infrared wavelengths
Authors: Liu Tao , Pan Xiaohang , Feng Bo , Yang Zongyao , Chen Yifang , Lu Bingrui
Published: March 2021

The development of miniaturized multi-channel infrared filters based on plasmonic metasurfaces is attracting growing attention, driven by its potential applications in infrared imaging, photodetectors, and spectroscopy. However, the advance of such filters in long-infrared wavelengths has rarely been reported. This paper reports our recent progress on developing multi-channel spectral filters based on micrometer metallic hole arrays in the long-infrared band of 10–15 µm. The effects of structural parameters and the shapes of metallic hole arrays on filtering performance are investigated by numerical simulations with the finite-difference time-domain method and then experimentally verified by optical characterizations of fabricated filters using electron beam lithography. The transmission peaks of the filter on a zinc selenide substrate were optimized with a maximum transmittance of 63%. A comparison of the hole shapes shows that elliptical holes give rise to sharper transmission peak quality than round ones by 28%. The progress achieved in this work should be a promising step in the development of metallic hole-based spectral filters with miniaturized dimensions.
Complex wavelet filter improves FLIM phasors for photon starved imaging experiments
Authors: Wang P. , Hecht F. , Ossato G. , Tille S. , Fraser S. E. , Junge J. A.
Published: March 2021

Fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy (FLIM) with phasor analysis provides easy visualization and analysis of fluorophores’ lifetimes which is valuable for multiple applications including metabolic imaging, STED imaging, FRET imaging and functional imaging. However, FLIM imaging typically suffers from low photon budgets, leading to unfavorable signal to noise ratios which in many cases prevent extraction of information from the data. Traditionally, median filters are applied in phasor analysis to tackle this problem. This unfortunately degrades high spatial frequency FLIM information in the phasor analysis. These high spatial frequency components are typically edges of features and puncta, which applies to membranes, mitochondria, granules and small organelles in a biological sample. To tackle this problem, we propose a filtering strategy with complex wavelet filtering and Anscombe transform for FLIM phasor analysis. This filtering strategy preserves fine structures and reports accurate lifetimes in photon starved FLIM imaging. Moreover, this filter outperforms median filters and makes FLIM imaging with lower laser power and faster imaging possible.
General method based on WKB approximation and digital holography to characterize planar waveguides
Authors: Nawareg Mohamed , Shams El-Din Mamdouh A.
Published: March 2021

Future optical technologies are basically depending on and employing different types of optical waveguides. The fabrication of waveguides with different properties represents an expanding direction in both the industrial and scientific fields. In the current paper, we focus on studying the polymeric planar waveguides fabricated by the method of UV–excimer–laser lithography. We propose a general technique based on the WKB approximation and digital holographic interferometry to characterize slab waveguides with arbitrary refractive index profile. The necessary theoretical model is derived and the characterization method given in detail. Two samples are fabricated from polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) polymeric material using different parameters for the used UV-laser. Then a phase-shifting digital holographic technique with the help of a Mach–Zehnder-like interferometer, is used to characterize the samples and measure their modified refractive index profiles. The resulting profiles are then fed to the proposed theoretical model and a full TE mode analysis is obtained. These results prove the ability of the proposed technique to analyze planar waveguides having any complicated refractive index profile.
Powerful Q-switched Raman laser at 589  nm with a repetition rate between 200 and 500  kHz
Authors: Hsiao J. Q. , Huang Yu Jung , Lee C. C. , Yu Y. T. , Tsou C. H. , Liang H. C. , Chen Y. F.
Published: March 2021

We demonstrate a highly powerful acousto-optically

Q

-switched

N
d

:

Y
V
O

4

yellow laser at 589 nm by using a

N
p

-cut KGW crystal and a phase-matching lithium triborate crystal to performance the intracavity stimulated Raman scattering and second-harmonic generation, respectively. We experimentally verify that the design of the separate cavity is superior to the conventional design of the shared cavity. By using the separate cavity, the optical-to-optical efficiency can be generally higher than 32% for the repetition rate within 200–500 kHz. The maximum output power at 589 nm can be up to 15.1 W at an incident pump power of 40 W and a repetition rate of 400 kHz.
Genetic-algorithm-based deep neural networks for highly efficient photonic device design
Authors: Ren Yangming , Zhang Lingxuan , Wang Weiqiang , Wang Xinyu , Lei Yufang , Xue Yulong , Sun Xiaochen , Zhang Wenfu
Published: March 2021

While deep learning has demonstrated tremendous potential for photonic device design, it often demands a large amount of labeled data to train these deep neural network models. Preparing these data requires high-resolution numerical simulations or experimental measurements and cost significant, if not prohibitive, time and resources. In this work, we present a highly efficient inverse design method that combines deep neural networks with a genetic algorithm to optimize the geometry of photonic devices in the polar coordinate system. The method requires significantly less training data compared with previous inverse design methods. We implement this method to design several ultra-compact silicon photonics devices with challenging properties including power splitters with uncommon splitting ratios, a TE mode converter, and a broadband power splitter. These devices are free of the features beyond the capability of photolithography and generally in compliance with silicon photonics fabrication design rules.
Complex Swift Hohenberg equation dissipative soliton fiber laser
Authors: Khanolkar Ankita , Zang Yimin , Chong Andy
Published: March 2021

Complex Swift Hohenberg equation (CSHE) has attracted intensive research interest over the years, as it enables realistic modeling of mode-locked lasers with saturable absorbers by adding a fourth-order term to the spectral response. Many researchers have reported a variety of numerical solutions of CSHE which reveal interesting pulse patterns and structures. In this work, we have demonstrated a CSHE dissipative soliton fiber laser experimentally using a unique spectral filter with a complicated transmission profile. The behavior and performance of the laser agree qualitatively with the numerical simulations based on CSHE. Our findings bring insight into dissipative soliton dynamics and make our mode-locked laser a powerful testbed for observing dissipative solitons of CSHE, which may open a new course in ultrafast fiber laser research.
Tackling the toxics in plastics packaging
Authors: Muncke Jane
Published: March 2021

The widespread use of plastic packaging for storing, transporting, and conveniently preparing or serving foodstuffs is significantly contributing to the global plastic pollution crisis. This has led to many efforts directed toward amending plastic packaging’s end of life, such as recycling, or alternative material approaches, like increasingly using paper for food packaging. But these approaches often neglect the critical issue of chemical migration: When contacting foodstuffs, chemicals that are present in packaging transfer into food and thus unwittingly become part of the human diet. Hazardous chemicals, such as endocrine disrupters, carcinogens, or substances that bioaccumulate, are collectively referred to as “chemicals of concern.” They can transfer from plastic packaging into food, together with other unknown or toxicologically uncharacterized chemicals. This chemical transfer is scientifically undisputed and makes plastic packaging a known, and avoidable, source of human exposure to synthetic, hazardous, and untested chemicals. Here, I discuss this issue and highlight aspects in need of improvement, namely the way that chemicals present in food packaging are assessed for toxicity. Further, I provide an outlook on how chemical contamination from food packaging could be addressed in the future. Robust innovations must attempt systemic change and tackle the issue of plastic pollution and chemical migration in a way that integrates all existing knowledge.
Apoptosis mapping in space and time of 3D tumor ecosystems reveals transmissibility of cytotoxic cancer death
Authors: Veith Irina , Mencattini Arianna , Picant Valentin , Serra Marco , Leclerc Marine , Comes Maria Colomba , Mami-Chouaib Fathia , Camonis Jacques , Descroix Stéphanie , Shirvani Hamasseh , Mechta-Grigoriou Fatima , Zalcman Gérard , Parrini Maria Carla , Martinelli Eugenio
Published: March 2021

The emerging tumor-on-chip (ToC) approaches allow to address biomedical questions out of reach with classical cell culture techniques: in biomimetic 3D hydrogels they partially reconstitute ex vivo the complexity of the tumor microenvironment and the cellular dynamics involving multiple cell types (cancer cells, immune cells, fibroblasts, etc.). However, a clear bottleneck is the extraction and interpretation of the rich biological information contained, sometime hidden, in the cell co-culture videos. In this work, we develop and apply novel video analysis algorithms to automatically measure the cytotoxic effects on human cancer cells (lung and breast) induced either by doxorubicin chemotherapy drug or by autologous tumor-infiltrating cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL). A live fluorescent dye (red) is used to selectively pre-stain the cancer cells before co-cultures and a live fluorescent reporter for caspase activity (green) is used to monitor apoptotic cell death. The here described open-source computational method, named STAMP (spatiotemporal apoptosis mapper), extracts the temporal kinetics and the spatial maps of cancer death, by localizing and tracking cancer cells in the red channel, and by counting the red to green transition signals, over 2–3 days. The robustness and versatility of the method is demonstrated by its application to different cell models and co-culture combinations. Noteworthy, this approach reveals the strong contribution of primary cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) to breast cancer chemo-resistance, proving to be a powerful strategy to investigate intercellular cross-talks and drug resistance mechanisms. Moreover, we defined a new parameter, the ‘potential of death induction’, which is computed in time and in space to quantify the impact of dying cells on neighbor cells. We found that, contrary to natural death, cancer death induced by chemotherapy or by CTL is transmissible, in that it promotes the death of nearby cancer cells, suggesting the release of diffusible factors which amplify the initial cytotoxic stimulus.
POT1 stability and binding measured by fluorescence thermal shift assays
Authors: DeLeeuw Lynn W. , Monsen Robert C. , Petrauskas Vytautas , Gray Robert D. , Baranauskiene Lina , Matulis Daumantas , Trent John O. , Chaires Jonathan B.
Published: March 2021

The protein POT1 (Protection of Telomeres 1) is an integral part of the shelterin complex that protects the ends of human chromosomes from degradation or end fusions. It is the only component of shelterin that binds single-stranded DNA. We describe here the application of two separate fluorescent thermal shift assays (FTSA) that provide quantitative biophysical characterization of POT1 stability and its interactions. The first assay uses Sypro Orange™ and monitors the thermal stability of POT1 and its binding under a variety of conditions. This assay is useful for the quality control of POT1 preparations, for biophysical characterization of its DNA binding and, potentially, as an efficient screening tool for binding of small molecule drug candidates. The second assay uses a FRET-labeled human telomeric G-quadruplex structure that reveals the effects of POT1 binding on thermal stability from the DNA frame of reference. These complementary assays provide efficient biophysical approaches for the quantitative characterization of multiple aspects of POT1 structure and function. The results from these assays provide thermodynamics details of POT1 folding, the sequence selectivity of its DNA binding and the thermodynamic profile for its binding to its preferred DNA binding sequence. Most significantly, results from these assays elucidate two mechanisms for the inhibition of POT1 –DNA interactions. The first is by competitive inhibition at the POT1 DNA binding site. The second is indirect and is by stabilization of G-quadruplex formation within the normal POT1 single-stranded DNA sequence to prevent POT1 binding.
Evaluation and spatial agglomeration analysis of the green competitiveness of China’s manufacturing industry at the provincial level
Authors: Li Gang , Yang Yi , Lou Xuming , Wei Yajie , Huang Sifeng
Published: March 2021

The pressures to maintain a low-carbon economy makes green competitiveness (GC) a significant issue in China. It has been found that the development of Internet and E-commerce contributes significantly to GC of regional economy, yet there are still lack of quantitative investigation on their effects, which can be used to further guide the economic development. Therefore, this study constructs a new evaluation index for the green competitiveness of the regional manufacturing industry in China by introducing Internet application indicators and E-commerce development indexes into its evaluation system. The results show Jiangxi and Gansu moved upward significantly in the GC ranking over the period. The development of the Internet and E-commerce has the most significant impact on GC of regional manufacturing. The lack of green manufacturing capabilities and green innovation drivers led to a decline in the GC ranking of Liaoning, Tianjin, Guangxi and Heilongjiang. Finally, this study uses Moran’s I index to investigate the spatial agglomeration effect of the green development of the manufacturing industry at the province level. The results show an increase in the GC of China’s regional manufacturing industry, and the GC of manufacturing industry shows a significant agglomeration effect. Based on the above conclusions, the proposal to promote the balanced development of the GC of the manufacturing industry is proposed.
Optimal strategy of sEMG feature and measurement position for grasp force estimation
Authors: Wu Changcheng , Cao Qingqing , Fei Fei , Yang Dehua , Xu Baoguo , Zhang Guanglie , Zeng Hong , Song Aiguo
Published: March 2021

Grasp force estimation based on surface electromyography (sEMG) is essential for the dexterous control of a prosthetic hand. Nowadays, although increasing the number of sEMG measurement positions and extracting more features are common methods to increase the accuracy of grasp force estimation, it will increase the computational burden. In this paper, an approach based on analysis of variance (ANOVA) and generalized regression neural network (GRNN) for optimal measurement positions and features is proposed, with the purpose of using fewer measurement positions or features to achieve higher estimation accuracy. Firstly, we captured six channels of sEMG from subjects’ forearm and grasp force synchronously. Then, four kinds of features in time domain are extracted from each channel of sEMG. By combining different measurement position sets (MPSs) and feature set (FSs), we construct 945 data sets. These data sets are fed to GRNN to realize grasp force estimation. Normalized root mean square error (NRMS), normalized mean of absolute error (NMAE), and correlation coefficient (CC) between estimated grasp force and actual force are introduced to evaluate the performance of grasp force estimation. Finally, ANOVA and Tukey HSD testing are introduced to analyze grasp force estimation results so as to obtain the optimal measurement positions and features. We obtain the optimal MPSs for grasp force estimation when different FSs are employed, and the optimal FSs when different MPSs are utilized.
A coordinated non-orthogonal multiple access strategy for integrated terrestrial-satellite networks
Authors: He Qiang , Xiang Zheng , Ren Peng
Published: March 2021

In this paper, we investigate the outage probability and ergodic sum capacity of the downlink of the integrated satellite-terrestrial networks (ISTN) with a cooperative non-orthogonal multiple access (CNOMA) scheme, in which a user with better channel condition acts as a relay node and forwards information to the other users. In this paper, a pilot-based channel estimation method is considered which can verify the performance of this scheme with the imperfect channel state information. In this model, all these users are equipped with multi-antennas, and all of them are both in the coverage of a same beam of the satellite. Specifically, the exact analytical expression for the outage probability and ergodic sum capacity of the system is derived. The result shows that this coordinated non-orthogonal multiple access (CNOMA) scheme performs better than that of OMA (TDMA) in this model. Finally, the future research directions are given to further enhance the system capacity.
Selective killing of homologous recombination-deficient cancer cell lines by inhibitors of the RPA:RAD52 protein-protein interaction
Authors: Al-Mugotir Mona , Lovelace Jeffrey J. , George Joseph , Bessho Mika , Pal Dhananjaya , Struble Lucas , Kolar Carol , Rana Sandeep , Natarajan Amarnath , Bessho Tadayoshi , Borgstahl Gloria E. O.
Published: March 2021

Synthetic lethality is a successful strategy employed to develop selective chemotherapeutics against cancer cells. Inactivation of RAD52 is synthetically lethal to homologous recombination (HR) deficient cancer cell lines. Replication protein A (RPA) recruits RAD52 to repair sites, and the formation of this protein-protein complex is critical for RAD52 activity. To discover small molecules that inhibit the RPA:RAD52 protein-protein interaction (PPI), we screened chemical libraries with our newly developed Fluorescence-based protein-protein Interaction Assay (FluorIA). Eleven compounds were identified, including FDA-approved drugs (quinacrine, mitoxantrone, and doxorubicin). The FluorIA was used to rank the compounds by their ability to inhibit the RPA:RAD52 PPI and showed mitoxantrone and doxorubicin to be the most effective. Initial studies using the three FDA-approved drugs showed selective killing of BRCA1-mutated breast cancer cells (HCC1937), BRCA2-mutated ovarian cancer cells (PE01), and BRCA1-mutated ovarian cancer cells (UWB1.289). It was noteworthy that selective killing was seen in cells known to be resistant to PARP inhibitors (HCC1937 and UWB1 SYr13). A cell-based double-strand break (DSB) repair assay indicated that mitoxantrone significantly suppressed RAD52-dependent single-strand annealing (SSA) and mitoxantrone treatment disrupted the RPA:RAD52 PPI in cells. Furthermore, mitoxantrone reduced radiation-induced foci-formation of RAD52 with no significant activity against RAD51 foci formation. The results indicate that the RPA:RAD52 PPI could be a therapeutic target for HR-deficient cancers. These data also suggest that RAD52 is one of the targets of mitoxantrone and related compounds.
Getting to a feasible income equality
Authors: Park Ji-Won , Kim Chae Un
Published: March 2021

Income inequality is known to have negative impacts on an economic system, thus has been debated for a hundred years past or more. Numerous ideas have been proposed to quantify income inequality, and the Gini coefficient is a prevalent index. However, the concept of perfect equality in the Gini coefficient is rather idealistic and cannot provide realistic guidance on whether government interventions are needed to adjust income inequality. In this paper, we first propose the concept of a more realistic and ‘feasible’ income equality that maximizes total social welfare. Then we show that an optimal income distribution representing the feasible equality could be modeled using the sigmoid welfare function and the Boltzmann income distribution. Finally, we carry out an empirical analysis of four countries and demonstrate how optimal income distributions could be evaluated. Our results show that the feasible income equality could be used as a practical guideline for government policies and interventions.
Clinical laboratory reference values in adults in Kisumu County, Western Kenya; hematology, chemistry and CD4
Authors: Sing’oei Valentine , Ochola Jew , Owuoth John , Otieno June , Rono Eric , Andagalu Ben , Otieno Lucas , Nwoga Chiaka , Copeland Nathanial K. , Lawlor John , Yates Adam , Imbach Michelle , Crowell Trevor A. , Eller Leigh Anne , Kamau Edwin , Modjarrad Kayvon , Cowden Jessica , Ake Julie , Robb Merlin L. , Polyak Christina S.
Published: March 2021

Background

Clinical laboratory reference intervals (RIs) are essential for diagnosing and managing patients in routine clinical care as well as establishing eligibility criteria and defining adverse events in clinical trials, but may vary by age, gender, genetics, nutrition and geographic location. It is, therefore, critical to establish region-specific reference values in order to inform clinical decision-making.

Methods

We analyzed data from a prospective observational HIV incidence cohort study in Kombewa, Kenya. Study participants were healthy males and females, aged 18–35 years, without HIV. Median and 95% reference values (2.5thpercentile to 97.5thpercentile) were calculated for laboratory parameters including hematology, chemistry studies, and CD4 T cell count. Standard Deviation Ratios (SDR) and Bias Ratios (BR) are presented as measures of effect magnitude. Findings were compared with those from the United States and other Kenyan studies.

Results

A total of 299 participants were analyzed with a median age of 24 years (interquartile range: 21–28). Ratio of males to females was 0.9:1. Hemoglobin range (2.5th—97.5thpercentiles) was 12.0–17.9 g/dL and 9.5–15.3 g/dL in men and women respectively. In the cohort, MCV range was 59-95fL, WBC 3.7–9.2×103/μL, and platelet 154–401×103/μL. Chemistry values were higher in males; the creatinine RI was 59–103 μmol/L in males vs. 46–76 μmol/L in females (BRUL>.3); and the alanine transferase range was 8.8–45.3 U/L in males vs. 7.5–36.8 U/L in females (SDR>.3). The overall CD4 T cell count RI was 491–1381 cells/μL. Some parameters including hemoglobin, neutrophil, creatinine and ALT varied with that from prior studies in Kenya and the US.

Conclusion

This study not only provides clinical reference intervals for a population in Kisumu County but also highlights the variations in comparable settings, accentuating the requirement for region-specific reference values to improve patient care, scientific validity, and quality of clinical trials in Africa.
Profiling immuno-metabolic mediators of vitamin B12 deficiency among metformin-treated type 2 diabetic patients in Ghana
Authors: Sakyi Samuel Asamoah , Laing Edwin Ferguson , Mantey Richard , Kwarteng Alexander , Owiredu Eddie-Williams , Dadzie Richard Ephraim , Amoani Benjamin , Opoku Stephen , Afranie Bright Oppong , Boakye Daniel
Published: March 2021

Background

The association between prolong metformin usage and B12 deficiency has been documented. However, the prevalence estimates of metformin-induced vitamin B12 deficiency showed substantial disparity among studies due to varied study definitions of vitamin B12 deficiency. Metformin blocks the calcium dependent absorption of the vitamin B12-Intrinsic Factor complex at the terminal ileum. Lack of intrinsic factor due to the presence of auto-antibodies to parietal cells (IFA) could lead to vitamin B12 deficiency and subsequently cause peripheral neuropathy. We investigated the prevalence of vitamin B12 deficiency using more sensitive, combined markers of vitamin B12 status (4cB12) and the immuno-biochemical mediators of vitamin B12 deficiency.

Methods

In this observational study, 200 consecutive consenting metformin-treated T2DM patients, aged 35 and above, attending the diabetic clinic at KATH were recruited. Vitamin B12 deficiency was classified based on the Fedosov age-normalized wellness quotient. Anthropometric measurement was taken as well as blood samples for immunological and biochemical mediators. Peripheral neuropathy was assessed using the Michigan Neuropathy Screening Instrument (MNSI). Statistical analysis was performed using the R Language for Statistical Computing.

Results

Using the combined indicator (4cB12), the prevalence of metformin induced vitamin B12 deficiency was 40.5% whilst the prevalence of MNSI-Q and MNSI-PE diabetic neuropathy was 32.5% and 6.5% respectively. Participants with vitamin B12 deficiency had significantly higher levels of IFA, GPA, TNF-α, TC, LDL and albumin compared to those with normal vitamin B12 levels (p < 0.05). Correlation analysis revealed a statistically significant negative association between 4cB12 and the immunological markers [IFA (rs = -0.301, p<0.0001), GPA (rs = -0.244, p = 0.001), TNF-α (rs = -0.242, p = 0.001) and IL-6 (rs = -0.145, p = 0.041)]. Likewise, 4cB12 was negatively associated with TC (rs = -0.203, p = 0.004) and LDL (rs = -0.222, p = 0.002) but positively correlated with HDL (rs = 0.196, p = 0.005).

Conclusion

Vitamin B12 deficiency and diabetic neuropathy are very high among metformin-treated T2DM patients and it is associated with increased GPA, IFA, TNF-α and cardiometabolic risk factors (higher LDL and TC and lower HDL). Upon verification of these findings in a prospective case-control study, it may be beneficial to include periodic measurement of Vitamin B12 using the more sensitive combined indicators (4cB 12) in the management of patients with T2DM treated with metformin in Ghana.
High prevalence of extrapulmonary tuberculosis in dairy farms: Evidence for possible gastrointestinal transmission
Authors: Xu Fang , Tian Lili , Li Yan , Zhang Xuelian , Qi Yayin , Jing Zhigang , Pan Yangyang , Zhang Li , Fan Xiaoxu , Wang Meng , Zeng Qiaoying , Fan Weixing
Published: March 2021

Bovine tuberculosis (bTB) caused by Mycobacterium bovis (M. bovis) represents one of major zoonotic diseases among cattle, it also affects the health of human, other domestic animals and wild life populations. Inhalation of infected aerosol droplets is considered as the most frequent route of the infection. This study aims to investigate the current forms of tuberculosis in cattle and identify the possible transmission modes in dairy farms of China. 13,345 cows from eight dairy farms in three provinces were comprehensively diagnosed by a multitude of assays, including SIT, CIT, IFN-γ assay and ELISA. It has been indicated that advanced infection of bTB was found in 752 (5.64%) cattle, suggesting a high prevalence of tuberculosis in these dairy farms. In the necropsy examination of 151 positive cattle, typical bTB lesions were observed in 131 cattle (86.75%), of which, notably, 90.84% lesions appeared in liver, spleen, mesenteric lymph nodes, mammary lymph nodes and other organs, taking up a large proportion among cattle with advanced bTB infection. 71.26% extrapulmonary tuberculosis (EPTB) was related to gastrointestinal system. M. bovis nucleic acid was further found in milk and feces samples and M. bovis was even isolated from milk samples. Phylogenetic analysis based on whole genome sequencing unraveled that six isolates were closely related to M. bovis AF2122/97 originated from UK, whereas four isolates shared close relation to M. bovis 30 from China, respectively. Our data demonstrate that the increase of EPTB transmitted by digestive tract is implicated in the current high prevalence rate of bTB in China, which also provides leads for bTB control in other countries with high prevalence of bTB in the future.
Adherence to behavioral Covid-19 mitigation measures strongly predicts mortality
Authors: Margraf Jürgen , Brailovskaia Julia , Schneider Silvia
Published: March 2021

In the absence of vaccines or causal therapies, behavioral measures such as wearing face masks and maintaining social distance are central to fighting Covid-19. Yet, their benefits are often questioned by the population and the level of adherence to the measures is variable. We examined in representative samples across eight countries (N = 7,568) whether adherence reported around June 1, 2020 predicted the increase in Covid-19 mortality by August 31, 2020. Mortality increased 81.3% in low adherence countries (United States, Sweden, Poland, Russia), 8.4% in high adherence countries (Germany, France, Spain, United Kingdom). Across countries adherence and subsequent mortality increases correlated with r = -0.91. No African or South American countries were included in the present study, which limits the generalizability of the findings. While reported Covid-19 mortality is likely to be influenced by other factors, the almost tenfold difference in additional mortality is significant, and may inform decisions when choosing whether to prioritize individual liberty rights or health-protective measures.
FAKTOR INDIVIDUAL DAN KONTEKSTUAL PADA MIGRASI RISEN DI INDONESIA: ANALISIS DATA SURVEI PENDUDUK ANTAR SENSUS 2015
Authors: Atmani M Bety , Pitoyo Agus Joko , Rofi Abdur
Published: March 2021

Migration is a complex phenomenon influenced by various factors, including individual, household and contextual factors. The purpose of this study is to determine the factors that influence the decision to migrate, both at the individual and contextual level. The data used are the 2015 Intercensal Population Survey and official statistics of Indonesia published by Badan Pusat Statistik (BPS). The analytical method used is a multilevel binary logistic regression. The analysis results show that age, marital status, education level, work status, education level of the head of the household, number of household members, homeownership, and area of residence affect the decision to migrate among residents aged 15 years and older. Migrants tend to go to regions with higher Gross Domestic Product (GDP) per capita, provincial minimum wage, and Human Development Index (HDI), and lower unemployment rate.
FAKTOR PENENTU PARTISIPASI SEKOLAH ANAK PADA RUMAH TANGGA SEKTOR PERTANIAN DI INDONESIA
Authors: Cendekia Diyang Gita
Published: March 2021

The opportunity of demographic dividend is the biggest motivation in improving the quality of the population. As one of the components of the population quality, education is also a long-term investment. Economic activities in Indonesia depends on the agricultural sector. This study aims to determine the determinants of children's school participation in agricultural households. Using the 2018 National Social and Economic Survey data, the results of binary logistic regression analysis show that economic activity has the most significant contribution to determine children's school participation in agricultural households. Children in agricultural households who are not involved in economic activities tend to attend school. Other important factors in determining children's school participation in agricultural households are government assistance, the age of household heads (KRT), education of KRT, employment status of KRT, number of household members, residence area, and socio-economic status. Increasing the determinants of school participation is expected to help the population adapt to the technology-based modern agricultural sector and achieve prosperity in agricultural households.
DAMPAK PEMINDAHAN IBU KOTA NEGARA TERHADAP PENDUDUK DAN KETENAGAKERJAAN DI PROVINSI JAWA BARAT
Authors: Ningrum Janiar , Jamalludin Jamalludin , Nafiah Izzun , Sitorus Ferry Maurist , Rari Ferlistya Pratita , Maryamah Irma Siti
Published: March 2021

The plan to relocate the Indonesian capital as set out in the 2020-2024 National Medium-Term Development Plan (RPJMN) to East Kalimantan Province will start in 2024. During the process, the government also plans to move central civil servants to the new capital. The planned relocation of the capital city impacts all central civil servants located in DKI Jakarta and surrounding areas. This research used secondary data sources as a basis for population and employment projections. From the results obtained, West Java's population will continue to grow during the growth rate decline. The relocation plan will directly impact the West Java population, but the effect tends to be less significant given the small number of central civil servants located in west java compared to West Java's population as a whole. The relocation plan will impact social environment conditions, economic activity, and the environment in surrounding areas.
HUBUNGAN MIGRASI TERHADAP TINGKAT KUALITAS SARANA SANITASI RUMAH TANGGA DI JAKARTA: ANALISIS DATA MIKRO SUSENAS 2017
Authors: Sidabutar Noviyati Valentina , Chotib Chotib
Published: March 2021

Jakarta's population is influenced by dynamic population growth regarding high migration flows. Migrants can be a resource in urban development and a burden to the environment concerning population density. For instance, problems of housing provision and basic sanitation services. This study aims to identify the relationship of migration on the quality household sanitation facilities level in Jakarta. This study uses multinomial logistic regression as an analytical method by applying three migration relationships models to the quality level of household sanitation facilities. The source for the analysis is Susenas microdata of 2017. Research findings specifically indicate a significant influence of recent migration on the quality level of household sanitation facilities. It confirmed that migrant households who have stayed longer (migrant lifetime and non-migrant recent) have the opportunity to safe sanitation facilities. Similar opportunities apply to recent migrants with characteristics of older age, higher education, and high expenditure. Conversely, this study found the percentage of households within the lowest category that is identical to the lease housing status with improper living conditions. To reduce the number of the latter category, the local government needs preventive planning in dealing with migration flow. Therefore, migrants can have a comfortable life in the city.
Preservice Teachers’ Sense of Belonging During Practicum Placements
Authors:   University of Aberdeen, Scotland, Dewhurst Yvonne , Ronksley-Pavia Michelle ,   Griffith University, Pendergast Donna ,   Griffith University
Published: March 2021

Practicum placements in schools are keystone features of preservice teacher education, yet inconsistencies in their nature and quality are pervasive. This phenomenon was explored in two cultural contexts, with a focus on ‘belonging’, which the literature reveals may impact practicums and commitment to the profession. Interviews were conducted with six primary school preservice teachers in Australia and Scotland, about their lived experience of belonging/non-belonging during practicum. Hermeneutic phenomenological analysis revealed four themes in both cultural contexts: 1. Being welcomed; 2. Settings and procedures; 3. Interpersonal interactions; and, 4. Strategic behaviours. This study indicates belonging as crucial to preservice teachers’ cognition, wellbeing and learning during practicums, with ‘non-belonging’ inhibiting their development. Preservice teacher and mentor preparedness for practicums is highlighted, alongside challenges for initial teacher education programs and schools in addressing the fundamental need to foster a sense of belonging for preservice teachers during this crucial aspect of their teacher preparation.
The Efficacy of a Computer Program for Increasing Phonemic Awareness and Decoding Skills in a Primary School Setting for Children with Reading Difficulties
Authors:   Flinders University, Winn Tiffany , Miller Julia ,   The University of Adelaide, van Steenbrugge Willem ,   Flinders University
Published: March 2021

Abstract: This paper addresses a gap in research regarding the efficacy of software programs to help children with reading difficulties. Forty-two children aged 5-13 years identified as poor readers participated in a study over twelve weeks using Reading Doctor, a software program targeting phonemic awareness, orthographic-phonemic mappings, decoding ability and sight word recognition. Measures were taken using the Sutherland Phonological Awareness Test - Revised (SPAT-R), the Test of Word Reading Efficiency (TOWRE), and the graphemes and decoding subtests of the Phonological Awareness Test 2 (PAT-2). A quasi-experimental one group study with three multiple baseline measures was used. The dependent variables/measures were assessed seven times over a period of 32 weeks, allowing the research to be completed in the school-allocated time frame. Significant improvements were found on all three measures of phonological/phonemic awareness and word-reading efficiency. These improvements were maintained when assessed three months later, during which time the software program was not used.
Szolgáltatások versenyképességének elemzése vállalati példák alapján
Authors: Demeter Krisztina
Published: March 2021

A szolgáltatások ma már a magyar gazdaság jövedelmének kétharmadát állítják elő. Ezért e szektor versenyképességi jellemzőinek megismerése és fejlődési tendenciáinak feltárása elengedhetetlen feladat a versenyképességet kutatók számára. E cikk első része (Demeter, 2009, Vezetéstudomány, 2. sz.) kérdőívek felhasználásával vizsgálta a szolgáltató vállalatok működését, összehasonlítva őket a termelő szektor vállalataival is. Ez a második rész öt nagy szolgáltató vállalatnál készített interjú segítségével elemzi a cégek működési jellemzőit, és ezek ismeretében próbál következtetéseket levonni a teljes szolgáltatási ágazatra. Az eredmények azt sugallják, hogy a valódi verseny a szolgáltató szektorban is megkezdődött, ami várhatóan a szolgáltatási színvonal növekedéséhez vezet a nem túl távoli jövőben.
Narrative practices in developing professional identities: Issues of objectivity and agency
Authors: Amott Penny
Published: March 2021

This article presents an analytical model of binary dimensions of narrative practice perceived as two continua between the oppositions of subjectivity/objectivity and structure/agency. Such narrative practice is considered as a site for professional ‘identification’ and self-knowing. The analytical model provided a framework that was applied to a series of professional life history narrative events and follow-up discussions conducted with six early career teacher educators working across two contrasting sites for teacher education. The findings evidence participants’ reflections within the narrative events that relate to the descriptors of each quadrant in this model and show that it has utility in describing and understanding the process of identification that takes place within narrative practice.
INFECÇÕES DO TRATO URINÁRIO: UMA REVISÃO SOBRE AS EVIDÊNCIAS CIENTÍFICAS DAS PRINCIPAIS PLANTAS MEDICINAIS UTILIZADAS NA PRÁTICA CLÍNICA
Authors: Lopes Mayara , Cechinel-Zanchett Camile Cecconi
Published: March 2021

Infecções do trato urinário (ITU) caracterizam-se pela resposta do organismo diante uma invasão e multiplicação bacteriana. O tratamento através de terapias alternativas, entre elas plantas medicinais, tem se mostrado eficaz na prevenção de patologias. Dessa forma, o presente estudo objetivou realizar uma revisão bibliográfica sobre as principais plantas medicinais utilizadas para o tratamento de ITU. A busca foi realizada nas bases de dados PubMed, Scielo, Medline, Science Direct e Google acadêmico, nos idiomas português, inglês e espanhol e em documentos oficiais dos últimos 12 anos. Sugere-se que os constituintes fitoquímicos presentes em algumas espécies, agem modulando o estresse oxidativo, impedem a fixação e proliferação de microrganismos. Existem muitos estudos sobre o potencial das plantas medicinais nas ITU, porém ainda são necessárias mais investigações visando o estabelecimento de doses, forma e tempo de uso, além de seus respectivos mecanismos de ação.
INSUMOS FARMACÊUTICOS ATIVOS (IFA) - DAS NECESSIDADES À PERVERSA REALIDADE BRASILEIRA
Authors: Oliveira Anselmo Gomes de , Silveira Damaris
Published: March 2021

Durante o desenvolvimento de um medicamento no País, não há, muitas vezes, qualquer preocupação inicial no que se refere a estudos prévios sobre as origens dos insumos farmacêuticos a serem utilizados na eventual produção industrial desse bem. Dessa forma, a “conta” do impacto da dependência de importação desses insumos chega na fase final de produção industrial dos medicamentos.
Den 17 Nachhaltigen Entwicklungszielen den Weg bereiten: UniNEtZ: der Weg von der Theorie in die Praxis
Authors: Glatz Ingomar , Allerberger Franziska , Fehr Franz , Gratzer Georg , Horvath Sophia-Marie , Keller Lars , Kreiner Helmuth , Kromp-Kolb Helga , Lang Reinhold , Liedauer Susanne , Lindenthal Thomas , Passer Alexander , Payerhofer Ulrike , Preiml Stefanie , Schneeberger Annemarie , Steinwender David , Weidl Lisa , Stötter Johann
Published: March 2021

Das Projekt Universitäten und Nachhaltige EntwicklungsZiele (UniNEtZ) ‐ mit 16 Universitäten, dem Climate Change Centre Austria, der Geologischen Bundesanstalt und dem studentischen Netzwerk forum n ‐ entwickelt Optionen zur Erfüllung der Sustainable
Development Goals (SDGs) der Agenda 2030. Die Optionen können aber erst wirksam werden, wenn Gesellschaft, Wirtschaft und Politik bei der Umsetzung miteinbezogen werden.
Transformatives Lernen als Herausforderung für die universitäre Hochschulbildung
Authors: Zimmermann Anne B. , Stauffacher Michael , Bornemann Basil , da Silva-Trolliet Tamara
Published: March 2021

Transformatives Lernen und Lehren sind wesentlich für nachhaltige Entwicklung. Was bedeutet diese Erkenntnis für die Hochschulen? Und welche Rolle spielen Emotionen und krisenhafte Erfahrungen in diesem Kontext? Eine Bilanz aus zwei Anlässen der saguf.