bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
CD8+ and CD4+ T Cells Infiltrate into the Brain during Plasmodium berghei ANKA Infection and Form Long-Term Resident Memory
Authors: Ghazanfari Nazanin , Gregory Julia L , Devi Sapna , Fernandez-Ruiz Daniel , Beattie Lynette , Mueller Scott N , Heath William R
Published: August 2021

In the Plasmodium berghei ANKA mouse model of malaria, accumulation of CD8+ T cells and infected RBCs in the brain promotes the development of experimental cerebral malaria (ECM). In this study, we used malaria-specific transgenic CD4+ and CD8+ T cells to track evolution of T cell immunity during the acute and memory phases of P. berghei ANKA infection. Using a combination of techniques, including intravital multiphoton and confocal microscopy and flow cytometric analysis, we showed that, shortly before onset of ECM, both CD4+ and CD8+ T cell populations exit the spleen and begin infiltrating the brain blood vessels. Although dominated by CD8+ T cells, a proportion of both T cell subsets enter the brain parenchyma, where they are largely associated with blood vessels. Intravital imaging shows these cells moving freely within the brain parenchyma. Near the onset of ECM, leakage of RBCs into areas of the brain can be seen, implicating severe damage. If mice are cured before ECM onset, brain infiltration by T cells still occurs, but ECM is prevented, allowing development of long-term resident memory T cell populations within the brain. This study shows that infiltration of malaria-specific T cells into the brain parenchyma is associated with cerebral immunopathology and the formation of brain-resident memory T cells. The consequences of these resident memory populations is unclear but raises concerns about pathology upon secondary infection.
Virus Infection Induces Keap1 Binding to Cytokine Genes, Which Recruits NF-κB p50 and G9a-GLP and Represses Cytokine Transcription
Authors: Burns Veronica Elizabeth , Kerppola Tom Klaus
Published: August 2021

Proinflammatory cytokine gene transcription must be moderated to avoid the pathological consequences of excess cytokine production. The relationships between virus infection and the mechanisms that moderate cytokine transcription are incompletely understood. We investigated the influence of Keap1 on cytokine gene induction by Sendai virus infection in mouse embryo fibroblasts. Virus infection induced Keap1 binding to the Ifnb1, Tnf, and Il6 genes. Keap1 moderated viral induction of their transcription by mechanisms that did not require Nrf2. Keap1 was required for NF-κB p50 recruitment, but not for NF-κB p65 or IRF3 recruitment, to these genes. Keap1 formed complexes with NF-κB p50 and NF-κB p65, which were visualized using bimolecular fluorescence complementation analysis. These bimolecular fluorescence complementation complexes bound chromosomes in live cells, suggesting that Keap1 could bind chromatin in association with NF-κB proteins. Keap1 was required for viral induction of G9a-GLP lysine methyltransferase binding and H3K9me2 modification at cytokine genes. G9a-GLP inhibitors counteracted transcription repression by Keap1 and enhanced Keap1 and NF-κB recruitment to cytokine genes. The interrelationships among Keap1, NF-κB, and G9a-GLP recruitment, activities, and transcriptional effects suggest that they form a feedback circuit, which moderates viral induction of cytokine transcription. Nrf2 counteracted Keap1 binding to cytokine genes and the recruitment of NF-κB p50 and G9a-GLP by Keap1. Whereas Keap1 has been reported to influence cytokine expression indirectly through its functions in the cytoplasm, these findings provide evidence that Keap1 regulates cytokine transcription directly in the nucleus. Keap1 binds to cytokines genes upon virus infection and moderates their induction by recruiting NF-κB p50 and G9a-GLP.
Critical arrhythmia in postoperative cardiac children: Recognition and management
Authors: Kabbani Mohamed Salim , Taweel Hayan Al , Kabbani Nasib , Ghamdi Saleh Al
Published: August 2021

Arrhythmias after pediatric cardiac surgery are common and can be life-threatening. They occur intraoperatively or may appear shortly after surgery during postoperative care. They require early management and specific intervention. In this review, we describe important critical arrhythmias that are encountered during postoperative management of children undergoing cardiac surgery. We review the diagnosis, management, and explain the role of epicardial electrocardiogram in diagnosing certain types of postoperative rhythm abnormalities seen during early period after pediatric cardiac surgery.
An online academic writing and publishing skills course: Help Syrians find their voice
Authors: Sabouni Ammar , Chaar Abdelkader , Bdaiwi Yamama , Masrani Abdulrahman , Abolaban Heba , Alahdab Fares , Firwana Belal , Moujahed Ahmad Al
Published: August 2021

Purpose: A group of Arab-American physicians and researchers in the United States organized a blended online course in academic writing and publishing in medicine targeting medical students and physicians in war-torn Syria. This was an effort to address one of the reasons behind the poor quantity and quality of scientific research papers in Syria and the Arab region. In this paper, we report on the design, conduct, and outcome of this course and attempt to evaluate its effectiveness. Methods: The educational intervention was a 2-month blended online course. We administered a questionnaire to assess satisfaction and self-reported improvement in knowledge, confidence, and skills of academic writing and publishing. Results: The course succeeded in reaching more than 2588 physicians and medical students from the region; 159 of them completed most of the course. Eighty-three percent of the participants felt that they were confident enough to write an academic paper after the course and 95% felt the learning objectives were achieved with an average student satisfaction of 8.4 out of 10. Conclusion: Physicians in Syria and neighboring countries are in need of training to become an active part of the global scientific community and to document and communicate the crisis their countries are going through from a medical perspective. Low-cost online educational initiatives help respond, at least partially, to those needs.
Ayurvedic management of bullous pemphigoid (Visphota)
Authors: Sharma Meenakshi , Sharma Bhavana , Mandal Sisir Kumar , Mahapatra Arun Kumar
Published: August 2021

Bullous pemphigoid is a rare, potentially fatal autoimmune blistering disease in which the immune system produces antibodies to the fibers that connect the outer layer (epidermis) and next layer (dermis) of the skin. These antibodies trigger inflammation that produces the blisters and itching of bullous pemphigoid. It is uncommon in childhood. This manifestation has close resemblance with Visphota in Ayurveda. A case of five month-old female patient with chief complaints of multiple ruptured blisters or bullae and reddish black lesions over both upper and lower extremities, face, lower abdomen, lower back, and scalp for two months is presented here. Oral administration of Paripathadi kadha and Mahatikta ghrita to mother and local application of Rasonta (~decoction of Daruharidra) with milk and Jatyadi taila to patient simultaneously were prescribed. Complete recovery within a month with no signs of relapse after three months of follow-up was noticed.
Ayurvedic management of subacute thyroiditis
Authors: Doddamani Shashidhar H. , Shubhashree M. N. , Thakur Rinky , Naik Raghavendra
Published: August 2021

Subacute Thyroiditis (SAT) is an acute inflammatory disorder presumed to be caused by a viral infection or a postviral inflammatory process. Autoimmunity may play a secondary role in this disorder. Although, SAT is a self-limiting condition associated with a tri-phasic clinical course of hyper, hypo, and euthyroidism. It is a rare clinical entity involving symptoms such as fever, upper respiratory tract infection, and thyroid tenderness. Diagnosis is based on clinical findings and laboratory reports. A 23-year-old male with the symptoms of hyperthyroidism was under the consultation of endocrinologist, who prescribed medicines. However, the patient was reluctant to take allopathic medicine and approached for Ayurvedic intervention. After basic examinations, he was prescribed with Trikatu churna, Shiva gutika and Arogya vardhini vati for one year with the intermittent gap. As the thyroid values fluctuate from hyper to hypo, it is often perplexing for a treating physician unless proper follow-up is done by the same physician. This paper aims at bringing awareness among clinicians regarding the condition “SAT” to instill confidence. Management of SAT involves the administration of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or aspirin, thyroid hormone, and glucocorticoids. However, all these were avoided and were successfully managed with Ayurvedic medication. Such studies highlight the promising scope of traditional medicine in endocrinal disorders.
Ayurvedic management of recurrent anterior uveitis (Raktaja adhimantha) with bloodletting therapy
Authors: Bhat Akshatha K. , Krishnakumar V.
Published: August 2021

A 34-year-old female patient reported to the outpatient department with recurrent anterior uveitis who presented with blurred vision, severe pain, redness, watering, and unable to bear bright light since one day in the left eye. On examination, inflammatory changes were seen in the anterior chamber. These symptoms appeared alternatively in both the eyes; three to four times a year for consecutively two years. She was under pred forte 1% eye drops, homide eye drops, and prednisolone tablets during relapses as advised by an ophthalmologist. Further, she developed hyperglycemia and started medications for that. During this period, steroids were withdrawn. Considering the limited benefits, she opted for Ayurveda treatment. The condition was diagnosed with Raktaja adhimantha and treated with Jalaukavacharna (~leech therapy), Shirovirechana nasya (~intranasal drug delivery with cleansing action) with Shadbindu taila. Kaishora guggulu and Rasnaerandadi Kashaya were administered orally. The symptoms subsided within a week, while after a month, the signs of the anterior chamber were normalized. The oral medicines were continued for a month. She was asymptomatic for three years. A similar mild symptom appeared in the right eye that was managed in similar lines. Thereafter, no exacerbation was noticed till January 2021. Ayurveda bloodletting therapy along with Shirovirechana nasya and oral medicines is effective and safe as a stand-alone therapy in recurrent anterior uveitis and prolong the interval between recurrent attacks in uveitis.
Knowledge, Attitude and Practices for HBV and HCV (Hepatitis B Virus and Hepatitis C Virus) among the Students of a Central University in South Delhi (India) and Strategies for Prevention of Disease
Authors: Ara Anjum , Inder Deep , Kumar Pawan , Akhtar Kafil
Published: August 2021

Hepatitis B and C are one of the major blood-borne viral infections in India and across the globe. There is an urgent need to address this public health problem at the community level.

Aims and Objectives:

This study aimed to assess knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) about hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) among the students of a central university, thus identifying and bridging the gaps in KAP by formulating strategies at the community level.

Materials and Methods:

A cross-sectional study was done among 127 participants between November 2019 and December 2019. Data for KAP were collected using self-structured questionnaire after obtaining written informed consent. The data included demography, basic knowledge, modes of transmission, attitude, practices, and preventive measures to control HBV and HCV. Descriptive data were analyzed using SPSS-18 software.

Results:

Overall awareness level was 60% among university students. Knowledge about transmission via blood/blood related products (71%), reuse of needle or syringes (66%), ear/nose piercing/tattooing (33%), prevention through vaccination (76.4%) was found. Overall negative attitude toward the infected patient was 82% and avoidance behavior was 29%. In practice, 55% of participants had completed all doses of vaccination. Eighty-five percent participants agreed to visit a doctor following any symptoms and 70% found proactive in containment and educating the masses.

Conclusion:

The lacunae in KAP can be bridged by active participation, training, and education of the students of university by focused strategies based on communication and behavior change and positive motivation using public platforms and social media by university authorities from time to time.
Scattering diagrams from asymptotic analysis on Maurer–Cartan equations
Authors: Chan Kwokwai , Leung Naichung Conan , Ma Ziming Nikolas
Published: August 2021

Let

{\check{X}_0}

be a semi-flat Calabi–Yau manifold equipped with a Lagrangian torus fibration

{\check{p}:\check{X}_0 \rightarrow B_0}

. We investigate the asymptotic behavior of Maurer–Cartan solutions of the Kodaira–Spencer deformation theory on

{\check{X}_0}

by expanding them into Fourier series along fibres of

{\check{p}}

over a contractible open subset

{U\subset B_0}

, following a program set forth by Fukaya [Graphs and Patterns in Mathematics and Theoretical Physics (2005)] in 2005. We prove that semi-classical limits (i.e. leading order terms in asymptotic expansions) of the Fourier modes of a specific class of Maurer–Cartan solutions naturally give rise to consistent scattering diagrams, which are tropical combinatorial objects that have played a crucial role in works of Kontsevich and Soibelman [The Unity of Mathematics (2006)] and Gross and Siebert [Ann. of Math. (2) 174 (2011)] on the reconstruction problem in mirror symmetry.
Trigonometric series and self-similar sets
Authors: Li Jialun , Sahlsten Tuomas
Published: August 2021

Let

{F}

be a self-similar set on

\mathbb{R}

associated to contractions

{f_j(x) = r_j x + b_j}

,

{j \in \mathcal{A}}

, for some finite

\mathcal{A}

, such that

{F}

is not a singleton. We prove that if

{\log r_i / {\log r_j}}

is irrational for some

{i \neq j}

, then

{F}

is a set of multiplicity, that is, trigonometric series are not in general unique in the complement of

{F}

. No separation conditions are assumed on

{F}

. We establish our result by showing that every self-similar measure

{\mu}

on

{F}

is a Rajchman measure: the Fourier transform

{\widehat{\mu}(\xi) \to 0}

as

{|\xi| \to \infty}

. The rate of

{\widehat{\mu}(\xi) \to 0}

is also shown to be logarithmic if

{\log r_i / {\log r_j}}

is diophantine for some

{i \neq j}

. The proof is based on quantitative renewal theorems for stopping times of random walks on

\mathbb{R}

.
Ion concentrations in nasal airway surface liquid: a prediction model for the identification of cystic fibrosis carriers
Authors: Malagutti N. , Fancello V. , Cariani A. , Battistini F. , Fabbri C. , Di Laora A. , Valpiani G. , Morotti C. , Iannini V. , Borin M. , Ravani A. , Bianchini C. , Ciorba A. , Stomeo F. , Pelucchi S.
Published: August 2021

Background: Cystic fibrosis (CF) carriers seem to have a higher risk to develop chronic rhino-sinusitis (CRS), although the full underlying mechanisms are unknown. Ion concentrations in nasal airway surface liquid (ASL) may be influenced by the heterozygosity for CF gene mutation, with possible impacts on the development of CRS. Methods: A cheap and feasible standardized technique was designed to measure the ion levels in nasal ASL. With this purpose we collected, under basal conditions, samples from the nasal cavity of 165 adults: 14 homozygous for CF, 83 carriers and 68 healthy controls. Sodium (Na) and Chlorine (Cl) concentrations were then evaluated among different groups. Results: Statistical analysis revealed a significant difference of Na and Cl values between controls and carriers and between controls and homozygotes. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves and derived indicators (Youden‘s index and Area Under the Curve, AUC) were used to further evaluate the diagnostic capability of Na and Cl concentrations to differentiate heterozygotes from controls. ROC curves demonstrated that the optimal diagnostic cut-off value of Na is at 124, and the optimal cut-off value of Cl is at 103,2. Conclusion: ASL sampling can be considered a new diagnostic tool for providing quantitative information on nasal ion composition. According to our findings, Na and Cl concentrations of nasal ASL could represent a useful tool to assess heterozygotes and healthy controls.
HIV and Chagas Disease: An Evaluation of the Use of Real-Time Quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction to Measure Levels of Trypanosoma cruzi Parasitemia in HIV Patients in Cochabamba, Bolivia
Authors: Reimer-McAtee Melissa J. , Mejia Carolina , Clark Taryn , Terle Jules , Pajuelo Monica J. , Cabeza Jeanne , Lora Meredith H. , Valencia Edward , Castro Rosario , Lozano Daniel , Bern Caryn , Torrico Faustino , Gilman Robert H.
Published: August 2021

This cross-sectional study evaluated epidemiologic characteristics of persons living with HIV (PWH) coinfected with Trypanosoma cruzi in Cochabamba, Bolivia, and estimated T. cruzi parasitemia by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) in patients with and without evidence of reactivation by direct microscopy. Thirty-two of the 116 HIV patients evaluated had positive serology for T. cruzi indicative of chronic Chagas disease (27.6%). Sixteen of the 32 (50%) patients with positive serology were positive by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), and four of the 32 (12.5%) were positive by direct microscopy. The median parasite load by qPCR in those with CD4+ < 200 was 168 parasites/mL (73-9951) compared with 28.5 parasites/mL (15–1,528) in those with CD4+ ≥ 200 (P = 0.89). There was a significant inverse relationship between the degree of parasitemia estimated by qPCR from blood clot and CD4+ count on the logarithmic scale (rsBC= –0.70, P = 0.007). The correlation between T. cruzi estimated by qPCR+ blood clot and HIV viral load was statistically significant with rsBC = 0.61, P = 0.047. Given the significant mortality of PWH and Chagas reactivation and that 57% of our patients with CD4+ counts < 200 cells/mm3 showed evidence of reactivation, we propose that screening for chronic Chagas disease be considered in PWH in regions endemic for Chagas disease and in the immigrant populations in nonendemic regions. Additionally, our study showed that PWH with advancing immunosuppression have higher levels of estimated parasitemia measured by qPCR and suggests a role for active surveillance for Chagas reactivation with consideration of treatment with antitrypanosomal therapy until immune reconstitution can be achieved.
Assessment of Corrosion and Scale forming Potential of Groundwater Resources: Case Study of Dire Dawa City, Ethiopia
Authors: Haile Gebremikael Girmaye , Hussien Dawod Aman
Published: August 2021

Almost 100% of the water supply of Dire Dawa City is from groundwater (including boreholes, dug wells, and springs). Recently, groundwater cause corrosion and scale problems to water distribution systems due to its content of dissolved ions that can cause public health and economic issues. The present paper investigates the corrosion and scale-forming potential of the groundwater in the city and visualizes it with mapping. Spectrophotometer, EDTA/Acid titration with calculation methods were used for water quality parameters analysis. GW Chart Calibration plot applied for the Piper diagram to categorizes the water types. Langelier saturation (LSI), Ryznar (RSI), aggressive (AI), Puckorius Scale (PSI), and Larson-Skold (LRI) indices were manipulated with Excel ® and visualized their spatial distribution using ArcGIS 10®. The mean values of LSI, RSI, PSI, AI, and LRI obtained were 0.29 ± 0.28, 6.4 ± 0.5, 5.10 ± 0.48, 12.20 ± 0.24, and 1.4±1.57 respectively. LSI and RSI results indicate moderate to low scale-forming tendency of groundwater in most parts except the northeastern part with corrosive groundwater. Based on the AI value, the groundwater ranges low corrosion in almost all zones except the edge of the northeast and northwest region. PSI indicated the water tends to form salt-scale at a medium rate. The LSI results showed that chloride and sulphate are unlikely to interfere with the formation of protecting film except in northwestern and northeastern regions where localized corrosion might occur. In conclusion, in almost all distribution system of the city is affected by calcium carbonate scale formation. The groundwater in the northwest and northeast resulted in localized corrosion because of relatively high contents of chlorides and sulphates.
Vertical Electrical Sounding (VES) investigation for road failure along Mekelle – Abi-Adi road segment, northern Ethiopia
Authors: Mebrahtu Gebreslassie , Atsbaha Solomun , Abadi Berhe Berihu
Published: August 2021

Roads constructed along the mountainous terrains of Ethiopia are susceptible to landslides mostly during rainy season. Mekelle – Abi Adi road is one of the economically important road corridors that connects many towns with Mekelle city. However, the asphalt road segment is heavily affected by quasi-translational type of landslide which hinders traffic flow of the area. Vertical electrical sounding (VES) method was applied to investigate subsurface geology of the road failure along Mekelle – Abi-Adi asphalt road, northern Ethiopia. The geo-electric section result revealed that the shallow subsurface geology of the site is characterized by four distinct geological formations, from top to bottom are: shale, shale-limestone intercalation, limestone and shale-gypsum units. The subgrade of the failed road section is shale unit which is overlain by jointed sandstone unit. The sandstone unit serves as a recharge zone to the bottom shale layer by percolating water via sub-base fill materials which in turn blocks vertical percolation and promote seepage force to the overlying soil mass. Hence, the road failure in the study area seems to be caused due to the development of pore water pressure in the shale layer which soaked water during heavy rainfall. The recommended remedial method for the road failure is re-designing of the affected route from chainage 48 km+850 m to 49 km+250 m towards the northwest of the study area and excavates the top 6 m shale unit.
Rethinking Religious Practice and Activities through the lenses of Information and Communication Technologies in the era of the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Ramorola M.Z
Published: August 2021

There has been a steady rise in the practice and performance of religious activities within the cyberspace since the 1980s. Many pastors have embraced the use of technology in their religious and ministerial practices. However, what would be more critical is to understand how technology, once adopted and operational would assume the function of support and fulfil religious members’ spiritual, emotional and social needs. This paper discusses technology use in religious organizations, particularly during the lockdown period of Covid-19 between March 2020 to the July 2021. The article uses South Africa as a research context to explore technology use and its role to address the challenges of support, space and practice. The paper employed a qualitative interpretive paradigm to source data from six members from different religious organizations in South Africa. Three themes arose from the data: information and communication technologies provide space for religious member to network; information and communication media facilitate religious practice and activities; and information and communication technologies enhance management of resources.
Formação Matemática na Licenciatura e Demandas da Prática Docente Escolar: o Caso da Álgebra
Authors: Silva Juliano Pereira da , Moreira Plinio Cavalcanti
Published: August 2021

Relatamos parte de uma pesquisa em que se discute a formação matemática no curso de Licenciatura em Matemática. O foco é a relação entre os conhecimentos veiculados no processo de formação e as demandas de conhecimento da prática docente na Educação Básica. Desenvolvemos uma análise comparativa dos conhecimentos algébricos recomendados pelo currículo de formação de uma universidade federal em Minas Gerais e os conhecimentos algébricos demandados pela prática docente escolar. Os resultados apontam um forte distanciamento entre os saberes da formação e as demandas de conhecimento da prática, indicando que a formação prioriza a construção de um ponto de vista acadêmico da álgebra escolar, enquanto os conhecimentos algébricos demandados pela prática são específicos e situados: temporalmente (diferentes idades dos estudantes; diferentes estágios de desenvolvimento do pensamento algébrico etc.) e contextualmente (o contexto é a educação geral e básica, não o ensino de matemática para formar especialistas na disciplina).
Ações de Formação de Professores de Matemática e o Movimento de Construção de sua Identidade Profissional
Authors: Cyrino Márcia Cristina Costa Trindade
Published: August 2021

Considerando a importância de buscar espaços diferenciados de formação inicial de professores de matemática, para além das tradicionais disciplinas, no presente artigo foram analisadas duas ações de formação, desenvolvidas na Universidade Estadual de Londrina – UEL, nomeadamente: a exploração de tarefas para o trabalho com multiplicação e divisão de inteiros, a partir de ideias presentes nos trabalhos de René Descartes e David Hilbert; e a construção e a utilização de casos multimídia na perspectiva do Ensino Exploratório. As negociações de significados, como mecanismo da aprendizagem docente, promovidas por essas ações em um espaço colaborativo permitiram intervenção contínua dos futuros professores em um processo de dar e receber, de influenciar e ser influenciado e, por conseguinte, o movimento de constituição de sua identidade profissional.
Indonesia Zero Emissions Application (EMISI): Methodology for Calculating Individual Emissions from Food, Clothing, Electricity Consumption, and Solid Waste
Authors: Sari Dewi , Rizki Muhamad , Nathania Benita , Ahmad Mumtaz , Gunawam Gan Philipe , Noor Nanda
Published: August 2021

This Technical Note aims to provide an accountable and robust methodology that such stakeholders could easily apply to their systems (i.e., employee/customer emission management) or platforms (i.e., websites or mobile applications), including to develop their own emission calculators.
Vanzolini’s Andean Anole (Anolis vanzolinii)
Authors: Arteaga Alejandro
Published: August 2021

This is the species account about the Vanzolini’s Andean Anole (Anolis vanzolinii), a chapter in the Reptiles of Ecuador book. This account summarizes novel as well as historical information (recognition, natural history, distribution, conservation, etymology, and relevant literature) about the species and provides maps and images to facilitate identification of this reptile in the field.
Mobile Application on Malay Medicinal Plants based on Information Crowdsourcing
Authors: Isa Wan Abdul Rahim Wan Mohd , Amin Indah Mohd , Saubiran Norhidayah
Published: August 2021

Mobile Application on Malay Medicinal Plants Based on Information Crowdsourcing is an application that provides information on Malay medicinal plants. The information in this application is obtained from a crowd of people including researchers, Malay villagers, traditional medical practitioners, and the public who are willing to share their knowledge and information on Malay medicinal plants. This project focuses on the use of Malay medicinal plants that contain nutrients which is good for human health. There are a lot of Malay medicinal plants founded by the researcher that can help to treat human illnesses. This project involves crowdsourcing. Crowdsourcing is the best way for people to get information from the researchers and crowd people. This project is related to crowdsourcing information systems. Crowdsourcing information systems are information systems that produce informational products or services for internal or external customers by utilizing the potential of crowd people. This project promotes knowledge sharing and awareness among researchers, Malay villagers, traditional medical practitioners, and local herbs entrepreneurs, and the public towards Malay medicinal plants. This project applies the concept of Wikipedia whereby the information is obtained from a crowd of people. It allows the researchers, Malay villagers, traditional medical practitioners, local herbs entrepreneurs, and the public to share their knowledge and findings on Malay medicinal plants on the internet easily. This project also focuses on motivating the public that there are a lot of Malay medicinal plants that can be used for health care. This project is developed in the Malay language as it provides information on Malay medicinal plants and the target user is Malaysia’s citizens. For future enhancement, this project plan to be developed in English and wider target users from other countries.
Access to the Quality Assurance 0f Postgraduate Educational ManagementAt University of Medicine, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Authors:   University of Medicine Pham Ngoc Thach, Nhu Han Nguyen Do
Published: August 2021

The issue of managing the university training process according to the quality assurance approach is important not only for medical universities in Ho Chi Minh city but also with medical universities and higher education in general. That management process must be derived from the theoretical foundations of educational management, school management, higher education management the foundations of psychology, education and related sciences; complying with the general regulations of the education and training sector, of the Ministry of Health, based on the specific conditions of the medical universities in the area. Bearing this in mind, the study investigated the characteristics of postgraduate medical training activities and the status of postgraduate training management. A survey of 103 administrators, lecturers, technicians, who are currently working and teaching at Medical University was conducted. All responses were analyzed through descriptive statistics. The results showed that the characteristics of evaluating the postgraduate training activities at Medical University in Ho Chi Minh city were greatly comprehensive and the current situations of quality assurance management at Medical University in Ho Chi Minh City were evaluated as satisfactory. Based on the results, the study suggests some recommendations for improving the quality assurance management for postgraduate training at Medical Universities in Ho Chi Minh city.
Application of Quality Function Development Method to Establish Application of New Product Development Information System
Authors: Hung Chien-Wen
Published: August 2021

In the process of new product development, the customer's feeling is usually fuzzy phenomenon, how to evaluate various factors is to test the developer's intelligence, this study takes the new product development process as the research object, and applies the Quality Function expansion (QFD) method to establish a decision support system with fuzzy processing ability. In this study, the first development of quality function expansion (QFD) applied to Customer voice collection and analysis and conversion to product specifications. Then, the integration of fuzzy theory and the provision of different commodity development solutions as the best choice for products.
THE DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION REVOLUTION
Authors: ABD-RABO Aysha Mohammad , HASHAIKEH Sherine Adnan
Published: August 2021

In the context of sweeping social, economic, technological, and demographic changes, digital transformation is a series of deep and coordinated culture, workforce, and technology shifts that enable new educational and operating models and transform an institution’s operations, strategic directions. Digital transformation is a destination that is practically mandatory for most organizations. The interconnectivity that it fosters will make the communication flow between students and teachers more fluid. It also helps to improve the relationship and promotes the best use of available resources, especially in higher education. So, the researchers shed light on digital transformation, its importance and the challenges it faces, especially in higher education institutions Therefore, higher education institutions must keep pace with all these changes and take them into account if they want to develop and compete with their peers.
Knowledge Attitudes of Nurses towards the Use of Nursing Diagnosis in Clinical Practice
Authors: Kauser Parveen Kanwal
Published: August 2021

Purpose: Assess the knowledge and attitude towards the nurses in the clinical practices to identify the level of awareness of nurses and improve their practice to minimize and prevent the risk of complications, as well as to improve patient outcomes.

Methodology: The cross sectional descriptive study design was used in the research. Target population was the staff nurses of the Govt hospital Lahore. The inclusion criteria was cardiac surgery ICU nurses in the hospital Lahore expressed the willingness of participation for this study were included after taking the consent. The sample size of the study was 100 nurses

Results: The study showed variations in the level of knowledge, attitude and practice of nurses, most of which reflected in their nursing practice their knowledge between the poor and the average. Many nurses have not been aware of the suggested practice and amounts have shown possibly of practice. The research also raised concern about all aspects of Nursing Diagnosis and highlighted the criteria for practice improvements and developed body of knowledge.

Unique contribution to theory, policy and practice: The study recommended the need for extensive improvements in the knowledge and practice of nurses by using the nursing diagnosis in the clinical for each nurse., It is the duty of nurses to develop a body of knowledge in their field of work, to promote the growth and personal development of local practice, to recognize knowledge gaps, to pursue appropriate training and resources, and to base all practice on facts.
Penguatan Komptensi Sosial, Ekonomi dan Keagamaan Masyarakat di Kelurahan Majaran Kabupaten Sorong
Authors: Darmini Darmini , Hasbiah Hasbiah
Published: August 2021

Penguatan kompetensi social, ekonomi dan keagamaan masyarakat di Kelurahan Majaran bertujuan untuk mendampingi dan memberdayakan masyarakat yang bermukin di Kelurahan Majaran untuk terlibat aktif dalam program penguatan potensi dan kompetensi mereka di bidang Sosial, Ekonomi dan Keagamaan. Dengan menggunakan metode wawancara dan observasi, penulis mula-mula menganalisa potensi dan peluang yang dimiliki oleh masyarakat. Kemudian, potensi tersebut penulis kembangkan dan dampingi demi peningkatan potensi yang mereka miliki. Seluruh masyarakat dan perangkat pemerintah di tingkat kelurahan dilibatkan dalam proses pendampingan guna menggapai tujuan yang ingin dicapai
Experimental Analysis of Riveted and Hybrid Joints for Composite Structures using Finite Element Analysis
Authors: Shirvalkar Mr. Prasad , Raut Prof. Ashish H.
Published: August 2021

Composites have been used extensively in various engineering applications including automotive, aerospace, and building industries. Hybrid composites made from two or more different reinforcements show enhanced mechanical properties required for advanced engineering applications. Modeling, static analysis of 3D models and Manufacturing of the composite joints (bonded, riveted and hybrid) were carried out using FEA software. The results were interpreted in terms of Von Mises stress. To utilize the full potential of composite materials like Glass Fibre - epoxy as structural elements, the strength and stress distribution of these joints namely, bonded, riveted and hybrid joints must be understood while conducting experimental works. Various joints like bonded, riveted and hybrid joints were prepared by glass fibre epoxy composite laminates. And then undergo a tensile test by a universal testing machine with a data acquisition system. The results will then be compared with the joints. The Best Joint is identified by their load Bearing Capacity.
Experience of Sleep for Families of Young Adults With Autism Spectrum Disorder
Authors: Halliwell Nicole , Podvey Mara , Smith Julie D. , Harris Katelyn , Sylvester Lorraine , DeGrace Beth W.
Published: August 2021

Importance: Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) may experience sleep difficulties that worsen into adulthood and negatively influence both child and family, yet the experience is not well understood. Understanding the family’s experience can inform occupational therapy providers, future research, and practice guidelines.

Objective: To examine experiences surrounding sleep for families raising a young adult with ASD (YA-ASD).

Design: Qualitative study in the phenomenological tradition of Moustakas (1994). Experienced researchers analyzed transcripts from in-depth, in-person interviews to triangulate data, distill themes, and construct the essence of family experience. Trustworthiness was established through member checking, audit trails, and epoché diaries that were maintained throughout data analyses.

Setting: Community setting (large city in the northeastern United States).

Participants: People who self-identified as living in a family arrangement that included a YA-ASD age 15–21 yr, able to verbally participate in English. Families with children diagnosed with developmental disabilities other than ASD were excluded.

Results: Six eligible families identified through volunteer sampling participated. The participants’ sociodemographic diversity was limited across household income, education level, and ethnicity. All YA-ASD in this study were limited verbally and unable to contribute. Analyses of interview transcripts revealed five themes that form the essence of the families’ experience surrounding sleep.

Conclusions and Relevance: Sleep issues for YA-ASD continue into adulthood and affect the entire family because of continuous co-occupation; occupational therapy support is therefore important for families of YA-ASD. The lack of effective evidence-based interventions supporting the YA-ASD population also reveals an area for growth.

What This Article Adds: The results indicate the importance of addressing sleep for YA-ASD and their families in occupational therapy practice because of its considerable impact on family life.
Loneliness and Activity Engagement Among Rural Homebound Older Adults With and Without Self-Reported Depression
Authors: Garabrant Alissia A. , Liu Chiung-ju
Published: August 2021

Importance: Rural homebound older adults are a vulnerable population at risk for depression, loneliness, and limited participation, but studies that examine these factors in this population are scarce.

Objective: To describe the degree of depression, loneliness, and activity engagement among rural homebound older adults and determine differences in loneliness and activity engagement between those with and those without self-reported depression.

Design: Cross-sectional survey.

Setting: Two rural counties in south central Indiana.

Participants: Homebound adults ages 60 yr and older who received nutritional or companionship services from a local Area Agency on Aging.

Outcomes and Measures: Depression was measured with an item on the self-report questionnaire and the Geriatric Depression Scale–15. Loneliness was measured with an item on the self-report questionnaire and the UCLA Loneliness Scale. Activity engagement was measured with the Engagement in Meaningful Activities Survey and the Meaningful Activity Participation Assessment.

Results: Ninety-one participants returned surveys, of which 78 were analyzed. Regarding depression, 40% of participants reported having it, but results for the Geriatric Depression Scale–15 showed that 63% were in the indicative or suggestive range for depression. Participants in general reported moderate loneliness and low to moderate engagement in meaningful activities. Those with self-reported depression had significantly higher loneliness and lower activity engagement, particularly in self-care, leisure, and socializing activities.

Conclusions and Relevance: A high proportion of this sample of rural homebound older adults had depression. Those who did tended to have a higher degree of loneliness and lower engagement in meaningful activities.

What This Article Adds: Depression was associated with greater loneliness and lower activity engagement in rural homebound older adults. Occupational therapy practitioners serving rural homebound older adults with depression should consider providing interventions to address loneliness and facilitate activity engagement.
Enhancing Delphi Method with Algorithmic Estimates for Software Effort Estimation: An Experimental Study
Authors: Arnuphaptrairong Tharwon
Published: August 2021

Literature review shows that more accurate software effort and cost estimation methods are needed for software project management success. Expert judgment and algorithmic model estimation are two predominant methods discussed in the literature. Both are reported almost at the comparable level of accuracy performance. The combination of the two methods is suggested to increase the estimation accuracy. Delphi method is an encouraging structured expert judgment method for software effort group estimation but surprisingly little was reported in the literature. The objective of this study is to test if the Delphi estimates will be more accurate if the participants in the Delphi process are exposed to the algorithmic estimates. A Delphi experiment where the participants in the Delphi process were exposed to three algorithmic estimates –Function Points, COCOMO estimates, and Use Case Points, was therefore conducted. The findings show that the Delphi estimates are slightly more accurate than the statistical combination of individual expert estimates, but they are not statistically significant. However, the Delphi estimates are statistically significant more accurate than the individual estimates. The results also show that the Delphi estimates are slightly less optimistic than the statistical combination of individual expert estimates but they are not statistically significant either. The adapted Delphi experiment shows a promising technique for improving the software cost estimation accuracy.
Inserção do município de Quintandinha-PR na Região Metropolitana de Curitiba, a partir da perspectiva dos atores sociais locais
Authors: Alves João Batista , Machado Claudia Cristina Lopes
Published: August 2021

O presente trabalho objetivou estudar o entendimento dos atores sociais de Quitandinha – PR no sentido de pertencerem à Região Metropolitana de Curitiba-RMC e da relevância disso para suas vidas. Para tanto, realizou uma pesquisa exploratória, de caráter qualitativo e quantitativo, com aplicação de questionário constituído de perguntas estruturadas e semiestruturadas. Dos resultados obtidos, verificou-se que o Município de Quintandinha - PR, ainda não sofreu fortes impactos socioeconômicos do processo de metropolização, sendo que os benefícios em transporte e saúde são os mais percebidos pelos atores sociais, como vantagens de pertencerem à RMC.
Caracterização de extremos anuais de precipitação para o estado de Sergipe
Authors: Filho Washington Luiz Félix Correia , Alves Laurizio Emanuel Ribeiro , Santos Maurílio Neemias dos
Published: August 2021

O agravamento das mudanças climáticas nos últimos anos tem propiciado numa maior ocorrência na quantidade dos eventos extremos, motivados por alterações no tempo e o clima global. Neste trabalho avaliaram-se os máximos anuais de precipitação e o índice de anomalia de chuva (IAC) por três estações pluviométricas do estado de Sergipe para o período de 1993 a 2015, a fim de caracterizar o padrão dos extremos via distribuição GEV (percentil 95) e a variabilidade anual entre anos secos / chuvosos. Verificou-se que os parâmetros de localização e de escala da distribuição GEV foram similares entre as estações utilizadas, entre 49,52mm e 60,95mm, e entre 19,70mm e 22,83mm, respectivamente. Já o parâmetro de forma, as estações de Aracaju e Itabaianinha se ajustam a uma distribuição Fréchet, enquanto a estação de Propriá se ajusta a uma Weibull negativa. Os períodos de retorno previstos apontaram que chuvas acima de 150 mm (Aracaju) e entre 100-120 mm (Itabaianinha e Propriá) para os próximos 5-10 anos. Os valores de IAC foram negativos em ano subsequente a ocorrência de El Niño, no entanto, no La Niña de intensidade moderada ocorrido em 2011, no ano de 2012 registrou o maior IAC negativo do período de estudo.Palavras-chave: Índice de Anomalia de Chuva, Distribuição GEV, Aracaju
O desenho do novo rural: o caso do distrito de Arroio Grande-Santa Maria/RS
Authors: Netto Tatiane Almeida , Cancelier Janete Webler , Mourad Leonice Aparecida de Fátima Alves Pereira
Published: August 2021

Este trabalho tem por objetivo sistematizar cartograficamente como o espaço rural está se transformando com a inserção da multifuncionalidade no distrito de Arroio Grande, situado no município de Santa Maria-RS. Para isso, buscou-se identificar e espacializar as atividades agrícolas e não agrícolas que caracterizam a multifuncionalidade do espaço rural do referido distrito. A metodologia foi baseada em tipologias da agricultura familiar identificadas através de entrevistas semiestruturadas e da análise das ocupações rurais não agrícolas evidenciadas por observação direta, além da revisão bibliográfica. A técnica de geoprocessamento possibilitou uma nova condição de armazenamento e manipulação de dados espaciais e socioeconômicos, onde, através do diagnóstico das tipologias das ocupações rurais agrícolas e não agrícolas identifica-se o desenho do novo rural.
Centralidade urbano-regional da pecuária de Araguaína-TO: a capital do boi gordo?
Authors: Silva Roberto Antero da
Published: August 2021

O artigo discute a centralidade urbano-regional de Araguaína, cidade média da Amazônia brasileira, mediadora de acumulação da pecuária capitalista, e que recebe o cognome de capital do boi gordo. Concentra em seu espaço urbano empresas multinacionais e nacionais que controlam o beneficiamento e a comercialização da produção regional, e, nas principais avenidas corredores se especializam na distribuição de bens e serviços de apoio a pecuária, caracterizando a cidade como expressão desta atividade econômica. A metodologia operacional utilizada combina fontes bibliográficas, dados socioeconômicos e pesquisa direta. Aborda-se de maneira particular sobre uso do espaço urbano pela pecuária, destacando como esta atividade econômica atribui o perfil do que é a cidade propriamente dita, inclusive no clichê que se cria em relação a ela.