bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Spectra of amplitudes sustained for a given number of cycles: An interpretation of response duration for strong-motion earthquake records
Authors: Perez Virgilio 
Published: June 2021

abstractTo answer the question, “What response amplitude is sustained for a duration equal to a specified number of cycles?”, a technique was developed using the response of a single-degree-of-freedom, lightly damped oscillator to generate a spectrum of amplitudes that corresponds to a specific number of cycles. This technique provides a simple approach by which to compare the amplitude sustained for given numbers of cycles as a percentage of the maximum response.The response as a function of time may consist of one or a very few oscillations of high amplitude followed by many oscillations of lower amplitude. An “effective response” defined in terms of the amplitude sustained for a chosen number of cycles might indicate the severity of the response to a particular earthquake. Preliminary analyses of 12 accelerograms indicate that for oscillators with 5 percent damping and with periods in the range of 0.04 to 4 sec, the mean “effective response” for four cycles lies between 52 to 76 per cent of maximum response.
Prevalence of intestinal parasites among school children of Janakpurdham, Nepal
Authors: Kumar Sah Ranjit , Jha Anjali , Nandan Sah Shiv , Kumar Sah Pradeep 
Published: June 2021

There is considerable variation in the findings over the years of study in the prevalence of school-aged children in different parts of Nepal. Recent progress in the living standards of the citizen may affect the prevalence of intestinal parasitosis.This study was aimed to determine the prevalence of different species of gastrointestinal parasites among school children of Janakpurdham, Nepal.A prospective study was carried out by collecting 155 stool samples from 10 randomly selected schools of Janakpurdham. The samples were processed by the formal-ether sedimentation method and then examined microscopically by iodine and wet mount methods.Of the 155 students, 17(10.96%) had one or more parasites. Eight species of parasites were identified during this study, was recorded in 5 pupils representing 3.2% of the study population, followed by 3(1.9%), 2(1.3%), 2(1.3%), 2(1.3%), sp. and each recorded 1(0.6%) respectively.Relatively low prevalence of intestinal parasitosis in school children of Janakpur city still requires more aggressive interventional steps and lifestyle changes.
RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN SECONDARY STUDENTS’ CRITICAL THINKING AND ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT: A CASE OF PUBLIC SCHOOLS
Authors: Iqbal Muhammad Zafar , Khan Muhammad Jamal , Javed Tariq , Rao Uzma , Shams Jahan Ara 
Published: June 2021

Purpose of the Study: The purpose of this research study was to study the relationship between critical thinking (CT) and academic achievement among secondary school students in a district of Gilgit-Baltistan.
Methodology: Correlation design was applied to study the relationship between critical thinking and academic achievement. A sample of 400 students was selected through a convenient sampling technique to collect the data. Critical thinking was measured by applying an adapted tool (Sarigoz, 2012) and students’ scores in annual examinations were taken as academic achievement (York, Gibson & Rankin, 2015). Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyze the data.
Main Findings: Findings of the study revealed that female students, rural school students, and science group students showed slightly higher critical thinking than male, urban, and arts group students. A markedly low positive relationship was found between critical thinking and academic achievement. The results were consistent with earlier studies having a positive relationship between these variables. There were also low and markedly low relationships found between constructs of critical thinking and academic achievement. Some results of this study were inconsistent with the earlier research based on the context of the students. The study revealed that there is a discrepancy in aligning critical thinking with academic achievement.
Application of this study: The findings of the study help understand the relationship between critical thinking and academic achievement at the secondary level. It will surely assist the teachers in designing their classroom activities and modifications in teaching methodologies. It will boost the teachers to enhance the critical thinking of secondary school students.
Novelty/Originality of this study: The study is original as not a single research study determined the relationship between critical thinking and academic achievement of secondary school students in the region of district Ghizar in Gilgit-Baltistan.
AN ANALYSIS OF STOCK MARKET INTEGRATION IN THE ASIAN DEVELOPED AND EMERGING MARKETS
Authors: Rehman Sadiq , Abro Asif Ali , Mustafa Ahmed Raza Ul , Ullah Najeeb , Khattak Sanam Wagma 
Published: June 2021

Purpose of the study: This study investigates Short-run, Long-run, and Casual relationships in the Asian Developed and Emerging stock market indices for the period of 19 years weekly data of stock market indices of Asian Developed and Emerging Markets which are Japan (Nikkei 225), South Korea (KOSPI), Pakistan (KSE 100), China (SSE Composite), Sri Lanka (ASPI), India (BSE 200) and Malaysia (KLSE composite) from January 2001 to December 2019.
Methodology: To analyze long-run and short-run relationships among the Asian developed and emerging stock markets, this study practices Descriptive Statistics, Correlation Matrix, Unit Root Test, Johansen Co-Integration Test, Vector Error Correction Model, Granger Causality test, Variance Decomposition and Impulse Response Function (IRF).
Main findings: By employing the ADF and P.P. tests, the results specify that the entire variables' data are non-stationary and stationary in exact order, which is 1st difference. The Johnson Co-integration test found one cointegration relationship, where the results are consistent with Granger causality, Variance Decomposition, and Impulse Response Function (IRF).
Application of the study: As the current research has focused on finding out the comovements in the Asian developed and emerging markets. So, the applications are that the survey found short-run and long-run relationships in these countries' stock markets.
The study's originality: The current study has selected seven Asian developed and emerging stock markets and weekly updated time series data to investigate short-term and long-term linkages. So, this study found long-run comovements in these stock indices, which contributes to the literature. In addition, these stock markets have limited diversification benefits for international investors, while short-term diversification benefits may exist.
RECONNOITERING THE INTERVENING ROLE OF DYNAMIC CAPABILITIES BETWEEN HIGH-PERFORMANCE WORK SYSTEMS AND INNOVATION PERFORMANCE
Authors: Mushtaq Naveed , Javeed Aziz , Saeed Ahmed , Altaf Mohsin 
Published: June 2021

Purpose of the study: This study explores the Impact of High-Performance Work System practices (HPWS), on innovation performance, through the intervening role of dynamic capabilities and innovation culture among the rapidly growing cement industry of Pakistan, which is the backbone of Pakistan's construction industry.
Methodology: This is a self-administrative survey, and data were analyzed using Smart PLS 3.0, SPSS.
Main Findings: HPWS has a positive impact on a firm's innovation performance. Furthermore, dynamic capabilities mediated the association between HPWS and innovation performance.
Applications of this study: The study is essential for the cement industry, where traditional HRM has long been applied. Using HPWS would create a more innovative environment and establish dynamic capabilities that can trigger innovations such as administrative, incremental, radical, and marketing in the face of dynamic customer demands.
Novelty/Originality of this study: This study has enriched our understanding of how organizations can improve their innovation performance in a complex and ambiguous environment, which is crucial to gaining competitive advantages. This study also suggests that developing a system of HPWS practices in organizations, particularly the cement industry, will help the organizations flourish and stay competitive in the marketplace and help elicit the right employee attitudes by fully mediating dynamic capabilities. Therefore, organizations should establish developed HPWS and create an innovation culture that will ultimately benefit the organization creates an innovation culture.
Qualidade da Iluminação e Eficiência Energética em Edifícios Públicos: Análise Comparativa de Soluções de Retrofit
Authors: Naves David Amorim Cláudia , Souto Bárbara Kelly Silva de , Medeiros Ayana Dantas de 
Published: June 2021

No contexto mundial, o consumo de energia elétrica é uma preocupação relacionada à sustentabilidade em diversas tipologias construtivas. Segundo a IEA (2019), 15% da energia elétrica no mundo é consumida com fins de iluminação artificial, representando 5% da produção anual de gases efeito estufa. No Brasil, edificações residenciais e comerciais, de serviços e públicos, consomem cerca de 42,6% do total da eletricidade gerada no país (EPE, 2019), sendo a demanda por iluminação de, aproximadamente, 22% deste total em edifícios comerciais e do setor público (PROCEL, 2006). Além dos aspectos de eficiência, a qualidade da iluminação tem papel fundamental para melhoria das condições ambientais e, neste sentido, métodos e ferramentas para avaliação da qualidade da iluminação têm surgido, como os preconizados pela IEA SHC Task 50 (IEA, 2016). O presente artigo avaliou comparativamente dois edifícios públicos de idêntica arquitetura com diferenças na aplicação de retrofits de iluminação. Utilizou-se como parâmetros um protocolo de monitoramento, avaliando uso de energia, custos, qualidade do ambiente luminoso e avaliação do usuário (GENTILE et al, 2016). Foi adotado, ainda o método de etiquetagem PBE Edifica, para verificação de atributos de qualidade da iluminação e custos de retrofit. Foram realizados monitoramentos reais nos edifícios e entrevistas com os usuários. Como resultado, verificou-se uma grande diferença de custo entre os estudos de caso, mas demonstra-se que, nem sempre, a obtenção da etiqueta A resulta em qualidade de iluminação.
Assessoria, assistência técnica e autogestão:
Authors: Raynal Camila Pithon , Souza de Andrade Liza Maria , Faria Mettig Rocha Heliana 
Published: June 2021

A habitação de interesse social é uma necessidade para uma grande parcela da população no Brasil. Questiona-se se a viabilização das moradias por autogestão, quando os usuários participam do processo, permite a elaboração de projetos com maior qualidade. Visando o fortalecimento da dimensão pública da arquitetura, objetivou-se entender quais os desafios e potencialidades no alcance de maior qualidade e sustentabilidade urbana nos projetos estudados a partir de duas formas de atuação. A primeira, pela assessoria técnica do Grupo de Pesquisa e Extensão Periférico (DF), junto à ocupação Dorothy Stang, DF, e a segunda, pela assistência técnica prestada por profissionais junto à União de Moradia-Ba para o Condomínio das Mangueiras (SSA-BA) atendendo as diretrizes do Programa Minha Casa Minha Vida Entidades. Utilizou-se a metodologia referente à “sustentabilidade e qualidade da forma urbana”. Como desafios, foi identificado que o Estado necessita investir em infraestrutura em ambos os casos, e há limitações no programa habitacional que interferiu no projeto avaliado. No entanto, potencialidades foram verificadas, como a opção não verticalizada do Condomínio das Mangueiras, a metodologia participativa do Grupo Periférico e, sobretudo, este projeto que se tornou um instrumento em busca por moradia digna.
Pengaruh Pembiayaan Murabahah Sebagai Variabel Mediasi antara Non Perfoming Financing (NPF) terhadap Profitabilitas (ROA) pada BRI Syariah
Authors: Rachmania Rachmania 
Published: June 2021

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui adanya pengaruh pembiayaan Murabahah sebagai variabel mediasi antara Non Perfoming Financing (NPF) terhadap Profitabilitas (ROA). Dalam penelitian ini populasinya adalah laporan keuangan Bank BRI Syariah di Indonesia. Sampel yang digunakan adalah laporan keuangan triwulan periode 2009-2018. Data diperoleh dengan metode purvosive sampling. Hipotesis penelitian ini diuji dengan menggunakan metode analisis jalur. Hasil penelitian ini menunjukkan bahwa NPF berpengaruh positif signifikan terhadap ROA, Pembiayaan Murabahah berpengaruh negatif signifikan terhadap ROA, NPF berpengaruh positif signifikan terhadap pembiayaan Murabahah, dan pembiayaan Murabahah tidak memediasi pengaruh NPF terhadap ROA.
EXPERIMENTAL DETERMINATION OF THE LEVEL OF INCIPIENT TURBULENCE IN THE WORKING PART OF THE T-1 WIND TUNNEL OF IVAN KOZHEDUB KHARKIV NATIONAL AIR FORCE UNIVERSITY
Authors: Бездєльний Віталій , Шевченко Сергій , Грідасов Ілля 
Published: June 2021

The subject of the article is to determine the level of incipient turbulence in the wind tunnel T-1 which is based on the method of measuring the pressure drop. The purpose is to experimentally determine the level of incipient turbulence in the working part of wind tunnel T-1 of Ivan Kozhedub Kharkiv National Air Force University in preparation for aerodynamic testing of aircraft models. Research methods: the method of pressure drop on the surface of the sphere by drainage. The following results of experimental determination of the level of incipient turbulence in the wind tunnel T-1 were obtained. It is established that the wind tunnel T-1 has a level of incipient turbulence 0,5…0,9 %, which corresponds to the normal condition for further experimental studies. Conclusions. According to the results of studies of the incipient turbulence in the wind tunnel T-1 by the method of pressure drop, the main dependences are obtained, and the incipient turbulence of the flow for the wooden sphere x = 0,9 %, and for the metal sphere x = 0,5 %, is determined. Determining the pressure distribution and aerodynamic drag does not involve measures to balance the aerodynamic scales and their certification, which determines the necessary role in the obtained reliable results of the experimental study, and this favors the drainage method.
Cell culture-based enrichment of mouse hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells﻿
Authors: Ochi Kiyosumi , Morita Maiko , Wilkinson Adam C. , Iwama Atsushi , Yamazaki Satoshi 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Bone marrow (BM) chimeric mice are a valuable tool in the field of immunology and hematology, and genetic manipulation of donor cells is widely used to study gene function under physiological and pathological settings. Current BM chimera protocols generally require use of multicolor fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) for donor hematopoietic stem and progenitor cell (HSPC) purification. Here, we describe a cell culture technique for the enrichment of functional HSPCs from mouse BM without the use of FACS purification. This technique is therefore expected to overcome current limitations in mouse BM chimera models.
Association Between Maternal Exposure to Indoor Air Pollution and Offspring Congenital Heart Disease: A Multi-Hospital Case-Control Study in East China
Authors: Sun Jing , Wang Jian , Yang Jing , Shi Xin , Li Shujing , Cheng Jinping , Chen Sun , Sun Kun , Wu Yurong 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Background
Previous research has suggested an association between maternal exposure to ambient air pollutants and the risk of congenital heart defects (CHDs). However, the effect of individual prenatal exposure to indoor air pollutants on CHD occurrence has not been reported.
Methods
We carried out a hospital-based case-control study to investigate the association between personal air pollution exposure during pregnancy and the risk of CHDs in offspring. A total of 34 cases and 72 controls were included in this study from two hospitals in East China. We investigated maternal and residential environmental characteristics using a questionnaire and obtained personal indoor air samples to assess particulate matter (PM) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from 22–30 gestational weeks; formaldehyde, benzene, toluene, xylene, total VOCs (TVOCs), PM10, and PM2.5 were assessed. Logistic regression was performed to assess associations and interactions among individual indoor air pollutants and CHDs after adjusting for confounders. The potential residential environmental factors affecting the risks of indoor air pollutants on CHDs were also assessed.
Results
Median TVOC (0.430 vs. 0.005 mg/m3, P < 0.001), PM2.5 (12.00 vs. 8.00 µg/m3, P = 0.037) and PM10 (13.50 vs. 8.00 µg/m3, P = 0.028) exposure levels in cases were significantly higher than those in controls. In a regression model adjusted for confounders, exposure to high levels of indoor TVOCs, PM2.5 and PM10 during pregnancy was associated with risks for CHDs and the occurrence of some major CHD subtypes in offspring. These risk effects were enhanced among pregnant woman living in a newly renovated house or near heavy-traffic roads but were mitigated by household usage of smoke ventilators when cooking. We observed a positive interaction of maternal exposure to TVOCs and PM2.5 in regard to the risk for CHDs.
Conclusions
Maternal exposure to indoor VOCs and PMs may increase the risk of giving birth to foetuses with CHDs.
Non-Inferiority Test for a Continuous Variable with a Flexible Margin in an Active Controlled Trial : An Application to the "Stratall ANRS 12110 / ESTHER" Trial
Authors: Sandie Arsene , Molinari Nicholas , Wanjoya Anthony , Kouanfack Charles , Laurent Christian , Tchatchueng-Mbougua Jules Brice 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Background : The non-inferiority trials are becoming increasingly popular in public health and clinical research. The choice of the non-inferiority margin is the cornerstone of the non-inferiority trial. When the effect of active control intervention is unknown, it can be interesting to choose the non-inferiority margin as a function of the active control intervention effect. In this case, the uncertainty surrounding the non-inferiority margin should be accounted for in statistical tests. In this work, we explored how to perform the non-inferiority test with a flexible margin for continuous endpoint.Methods: It was proposed in this study two procedures for the non-inferiority test with a flexible margin for the continuous endpoint. The proposed test procedures are based on test statistic and confidence interval approach. Simulations have been used to assess the performances and properties of the proposed test procedures. An application was done on clinical real data, which the purpose was to assess the efficacy of clinical monitoring alone versus laboratory and clinical monitoring in HIV-infected adult patients.Results : Basically, the two proposed test procedures have good properties. In the test based on a statistic, the actual type 1 error rate estimate is approximatively equal to the nominal value. It has been found that the confidence interval level determines approximately the level of significance. The $80\%$ , $90\%$ , and $95\%$ one-sided confidence interval levels led approximately to a type I error of $10\%$ , $5\%$ and $2.5\%$ respectively. The power estimate was almost $100\%$ for two proposed tests, except for the small scale values of the reference treatment where the power was relatively low when the sample sizes were small.Conclusions : Based on type I error rate and power estimates, the proposed non-inferiority hypothesis test procedures have good performance and are applicable in practice.Trial registration : The trial data used in this study was from the "Stratall ANRS 12110 / ESTHER", registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT00301561. Date : March 13, 2006, url : https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT00301561.
Paraburkholderia sp. GD17 improves rice seedling tolerance to salinity
Authors: Zhu Ruanming , Cao Yuting , Li Guangzhe , Guo Ying , Ma Lianju , Bu Ning , Hao Lin 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
​Background and aims The plant growth promoting rhizobacteria have been extensively implicated in plant responses to changing environments. However, the action mechanisms still need to be elucidated. This study addressed the effect of Paraburkholderia sp. GD17 on rice seedlings in responses to salt stress. Methods The experiment consisted of GD17-inoculated and non-inoculated plants, with or without NaCl treatment. Physiological and biochemical parameters, and gene expression were analyzed. Results GD17 efficiently colonized inside roots, and provided a protection against salt stress. Following exposure to 68 mM of NaCl for 48 h, although the accumulation of Na+ was not affected in GD17-inoculated (+GD17) roots relative to non-inoculated ones, its concentration was substantially reduced in +GD17 shoots. The contents of K and other mineral elements were higher in +GD17 plants. The expression of Na+ and K+ transporter-encoding genes generally presented a higher level in +GD17 plants. The antioxidative defense especially related to the removal of H2O2 was more strongly activated in +GD17 plants. Correspondingly, salt-induced oxidative damage was significantly ameliorated. A substantial increase in proline content and gene expression was observed in +GD17 plants. Additionally, the cell wall invertase-encoding gene displayed a dramatically higher expression level in +GD17 plants. Conclusions GD17 efficiently improved rice seedling tolerance to salt stress. The possible mechanisms might be associated with the absorption and redistribution of mineral elements, the vacuolar sequestration of Na+ as well as exclusion of Na+, antioxidative defense, the production of proline, and the sucrose catabolism in apoplast.
Fibroblast Growth Factor 21 Ameliorates Hyperuricemic Nephropathy By Improving Oxidative Stress Through Activating Akt/Nrf2 Signaling Pathway
Authors: Jiang Xinghao , Zou Yimeng , opoku Yeboah Kwaku , Liu Shijie , Wang Dan , Kang Kai , Li Deshan , Ren Guiping 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Epidemiological investigations have shown an elevated expression of circulating fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) of patients with hyperuricemia. However, the effect of FGF21 on hyperuricemic nephropathy (HN) is still unknown. The purpose of this study, therefore, was to explore the effect and mechanism of action of FGF21 on HN. The level of FGF21 in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) was determined in 10 patients with HN. In vivo models of HN were induced in C57BL/6 mice. Six mice in each group were treated with FGF21 at a dose of 1mg/kg and 5mg/kg for 30 days. For the in vitro studies, glomerular mesangial cells (GMCs) were exposed to lipopolysaccharide and monosodium uric acid to induce inflammation and oxidative stress. This was followed by treatment with 100nM, 1000nM of FGF21 for 72 h to observe the therapeutic effect. The levels of FGF21 in patients with HN were elevated. Also, we found that exogenous injection of FGF21 could significantly improve kidney injury in HN mice. This was characterized by a decrease in inflammatory factors and fibrosis and the improvement of oxidative stress. FGF21 recorded a significant therapeutic effect through the activation of Nrf2 in both in vivo and in vitro studies. However, the effect of enhancement of FGF21 on Nrf2 was reduced by the addition of Akt inhibitor GSK690693. In conclusion, our study found for the first time that FGF21 can significantly improve HN through the promotion of the Akt/Nrf2 signalling pathway leading to improvement in oxidative stress.