bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Uncertainty analysis of a rainfall threshold estimate for stony debris flow based on the backward dynamical approach
Authors: Martinengo Marta , Zugliani Daniel , Rosatti Giorgio 
Published: June 2021

Abstract. A rainfall threshold is a function of some rainfall quantities that provides the conditions beyond which the probability of debris-flow occurrence is considered significant. Many uncertainties may affect the thresholds calibration and, consequently, its robustness. This study aims to assess the uncertainty in the estimate of a rainfall threshold for stony debris flow based on the backward dynamical approach, an innovative method to compute the rainfall duration and averaged intensity strictly related to a measured debris flow. The uncertainty analysis is computed by performing two Monte Carlo cascade simulations: (i) to assess the variability in the event characteristics estimate due to the uncertainty in the backward dynamical approach parameters and data and (ii) to quantify the impact of this variability on the threshold calibration. The application of this procedure to a case study highlights that the variability in the event characteristics can be both low and high. Instead, the threshold coefficients have a low dispersion showing good robustness of the threshold estimate. Moreover, the results suggest that some event features are correlated with the variability of the rainfall event duration and intensity. The proposed method is suitable to analyse the uncertainty of other threshold calibration approaches.
Analisa Politik Keberadaan PMC Academi dalam Konflik Amerika Serikat dan Iraq Tahun 2004-2007
Authors: Rahmawati Restu , Papilaya Axl 
Published: June 2021

Tulisan ini akan membahas tentang analisis politik dari adanya keberadaan PMC Academi dalam Konflik Amerika Serikat dan Iraq, penulis memilih tema ini karena melihat bahwa adanya aroma bisnis dan kepentingan politik dari keberadaan PMC yang ada di Konflik Amerika Serikat dan Iraq tahun 2004-2007. Metode Penelitian yang digunakan adalah kualitatif deskriptif dengan pendekatan studi kasus.. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa pendiri PMC Academi yakni Price dan Clark keduanya diketahui memiliki hubungan kedekatan dengan elit politik dan pemerintahan di Amerika Serikat saat itu. Hal inilah yang menjadi alasan kuat untuk menyatakan adanya kepentingan khusus diantara PMC Academi dan Pemerintah Amerika Serikat, sehingga tak heran mereka selalu hadir dalam setiap konflik Amerika khususnya di Iraq tahun 2004-2007. Kiprah PMC Academi dan PMC yang lain didukung oleh kebutuhan AS dan negara barat lain yang khususnya membutuhkan SDA seperti minyak bumi dan gas alam dikarenakan untuk mendapatkan itu, semua negara tersebut membutuhkan konflik dan perang dengan segala macam alasan. Kata Kunci: PMC Academi, Konflik Amerika Serikat dan Iraq
Efficient Method of Choosing Potential Parents and Hybrids: Line  Tester Analysis of Spring Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) Cultivars
Authors: Baloch Muhammad Jurial , Mallano Inayat Ali , Baloch Abdul Wahid , Jatoi Wajid Ali , Veesar Nasreen Fatima 
Published: June 2021

The study was conducted to estimate the general combining ability (GCA) and specific combining ability (SCA) of wheat genotypes crossed in a line ´ tester fashion. The mean squares due to F1 hybrids, female lines, male testers/pollinators and lines ´ tester interaction were significant for majority of the
characters studied. The significance of GCA and SCA variances thus suggested that both additive and non- additive genes were controlling majority of the characters, yet additive genes were more prominent because variances due to GCA by and large were higher than due to SCA. Among the three female lines evaluated, Khirman displayed maximum positive GCA effects for spike length (0.08) and seeds/spike (0.67), while other female lines which showed maximum positive GCA effects were Mehran for plant height (3.05), number of tillers/plant (1.00), spikelets/spike (1.92) and seed index (3.42) and Kiran for seeds/spike (0.67) and yield/plant (1.86). From the male testers, TD-1 exhibited greater GCA effects for number of tillers/plant (2.96), spikelets/spike (0.25), seed index (0.61) and yield/plant (2.22), whereas, Marvi displayed highest positive GCA effects for plant height (2.88), spike length (0.37) and seeds/spike (6.41). The specific combining ability estimates indicated, if hybrid crop development is feasible then, crosses Mehran ´ TD-1 for spike length; Kiran ´ TD-1 for plant height and seeds/spike and Khirman ´ Marvi for number of tillers/plant, spikelets/spike, seed index and yield/plant may be the hybrids of choice.
High Density Culture of a Cladoceran Moina micrura (Kruz, 1874) by Using Poultry Manure
Authors: War Mehraj Ud Din , Altaff Kareem 
Published: June 2021

The branchipod Moina micrura was mass cultured using three different concentrations (250 ppm, 500 ppm, and 1000 ppm) of chicken manure in the medium for 21 days. In the first concentration (250 ppm), the maximum density (1694.44 ± 9.68) of M. micrura was obtained on the 9th day of inoculation and the number of plankton declined gradually afterwards. In the second concentration (500 ppm), the maximum density (7296.88 ± 54.35) appeared on the 11th day while in the third concentration (1000 ppm), the maximum density (1510 ± 15.27) was obtained on the 14th day of inoculation. Temperature range of 27-31 °C and pH of 6-7 was conducive for optimal growth of M. micrura.
Fungi Isolated from Produced Water and Water-Soluble Fraction of Crude Oil
Authors: Okungbowa Francisca Iziegbe , Edemaa Noyo Ederogun 
Published: June 2021

This study was sought to determine the fungi present in the produced water (PW) and water- soluble fraction (WSF) of crude oil as a preliminary approach to determining that fungi can survive in crude oil polluted water and their possible use in bioremediation. Different concentrations of PW and WSF of crude oil samples from Ughelli East Flow Station in Delta State of Nigeria were exposed to onion (Allium cepa) primordial cells at different concentrations for twelve days. Thereafter, samples of the PW and WSF were cultured on Potato Dextrose Agar. Isolates of Thamnidium sp, Gelasinospora sp, Zygorhynchus sp and Colletotrichum sp were found. Zygorhynchus and Colletotrichum were associated with PW while Thaminidium and Gelasinospora associated with the WSF. There were changes in the pH and turbidity of the PW and WSF before and after exposure to Allium cepa cells. At 25% level of treatments there were significant differences in pH and turbidity values of the PW and WSF at P < 0.05 and P > 0.01 before and after exposure to the plant.
OSCILLATION THEOREMS FOR NONLINEAR SECOND ORDER DIFFERENCE EQUATIONS WITH A NONLINEAR DAMPING TERM
Authors: THANDAPANI E. , PANDIAN S. 
Published: June 2021

Some new sufficient conditions for the oscillation of the nonlinear damped second order difference equations of the form
\[\Delta^2 y_n+p_n\phi(y_n, \Delta y_n)+q_nf(y_{n+1})g(\Delta y_n)=0\]
are given.
Dynamique des « petits mondes » de parties prenantes de l’entreprise. L’exemple des restructurations industrielles
Authors: Ferrary Michel 
Published: June 2021

La stratégie politique visant à gérer les parties prenantes de l’entreprise peut être explorée par l’articulation de la théorie des parties prenantes et de l’analyse des réseaux complexes. Les parties prenantes apparaissent comme structurées sous la forme d’un réseau de « petits mondes », c’est-à-dire comme un ensemble de clusters denses faiblement reliés entre eux. Ces réseaux sont soumis à des chocs systémiques aléatoires ou intentionnels qui influencent l’urgence de la situation à laquelle fait face l’entreprise et la légitimité de ses actions. L’encastrement de l’entreprise (fort ou faible) et la nature du choc (aléatoire ou intentionnelle) détermine le choix de l’entreprise entre une stratégie politique réactive, accommodante, proactive ou défensive.
Sociopragmatic variation in attention focus: 'mira', 'fíjate', and 'oye' in San Juan and Mexico City
Authors: Graham Lamar 
Published: June 2021

Discourse markers of attention focus (enfocadores de alteridad in Spanish) frequently serve the purposes of drawing the hearer’s attention to what the speaker is saying, either to establish or maintain contact between the two interlocutors. The current study aims to determine whether the choice of appellative marker is socially or grammatically motivated. Using sociolinguistic corpora from two major Latin American cities, the study will analyze the variation among the markers. More specifically, are there extenuating factors that influence whether a speaker elects to use mira, fíjate or oye to focus the attention of the hearer? The study finds that the choice between markers in San Juan and Mexico City is conditioned by different markers in each locale and, additionally, hints that the style of discourse may have an effect on the prevalence of these markers in general.
Spectroscopic studies and molecular docking on the interaction of delphinidin‐3‐O‐galactoside with tyrosinase
Authors: Chen Rongda , Shi Yurui , Liu Guiming , Tao Yanzhou , Fan Yangyang , Wang Xiaolin , Li Li 
Published: June 2021

AbstractThe inhibitory effects of delphinidin‐3‐O‐galactoside (DG) on the activities of tyrosinase (EC 1.14.18.1) (TY) from the edible Agaricus bisporus mushroom were investigated by enzyme kinetics, multispectroscopic methods, and molecular docking. As a result, DG showed strong inhibition on TY with the IC50 of 34.14 × 10–6 mol L–1. The inhibition mode of DG against TY was mixed type with α values of 5.09. The binding constant Ka and related thermodynamic parameters at the three different temperatures showed that the fluorescence quenching of TY by DG was static quenching. Synchronous fluorescence, three‐dimensional fluorescence, ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy, and circular dichroism spectroscopies confirmed that the conformation or microenvironment of the TY protein were changed after binding with DG. Molecular docking revealed that DG had strong binding affinity to TY through hydrogen bonding and van der Waals force, and the results were consistent with the fluorescence data. Our findings suggested that DG may be potential TY inhibitor.
Spinal cord regeneration: A brief overview of the present scenario and a sneak peek into the future
Authors: Srivastava Ekta , Singh Anamika , Kumar Ashok 
Published: June 2021

AbstractThe central nervous system (CNS) portrays appreciable complexity in developing from a neural tube to controlling major functions of the body and orchestrated co‐ordination in maintaining its homeostasis. Any insult or pathology to such an organized tissue leads to a plethora of events ranging from local hypoxia, ischemia, oxidative stress to reactive gliosis and scarring. Despite unravelling the pathophysiology of spinal cord injury (SCI) and linked cellular and molecular mechanism, the over exhaustive inflammatory response at the site of injury, limited intrinsic regeneration capability of CNS, and the dual role of glial scar halts the expected accomplishment. The review discusses major current treatment approaches for traumatic SCI, addressing their limitation and scope for further development in the field under three main categories‐ neuroprotection, neuro‐regeneration, and neuroplasticity. We further propose that a multi‐disciplinary combinatorial treatment approach exploring any two or all three heads simultaneously might alleviate the inhibitory milieu and ameliorate functional recovery.
A fast, cost‐saving and sensitive method for determination of cefuroxime in plasma by HPLC with ultraviolet detection
Authors: Hernandis Verónica , Escudero Elisa , Pareja Ana , Marín Pedro 
Published: June 2021

AbstractCefuroxime (CFX) is a broad‐spectrum second‐generation cephalosporin and one of the best choices for antibiotic prophylaxis. However, when used in critically ill patients, it may present changes in its pharmacokinetic properties. Therefore, therapeutic drug monitoring of CFX is necessary for effective dosing strategies. A simple, rapid and sensitive liquid chromatographic method with UV detection was developed and validated for the quantification of CFX in plasma. The method involved a single‐step precipitation of proteins with methanol and trifluoroacetic acid. Cefuroxime was analyzed on a Brisa LC2C18column in isocratic mode consisting of 0.1% trifluoroacetic acid in water and acetonitrile (75:25) with UV detection at a wavelength of 280 nm. The retention times of CFX and cephazolin (internal standard) were 9.8 and 7.4 min, respectively. The calibration curve was linear over a concentration range of 0.25–50 μg/ml. The limits of detection and quantification were 0.1 μg/ml and 0.25 μg/ml, respectively. The accuracy and precision were always <10%. The mean recovery was 93.52%. This fast and simple method could be applied in routine analysis and pharmacokinetic studies.
Chemical Constituent, Antimicrobial Activity, and Synergistic Effect of the Stem, Leaf, and Flower Essential Oil of the Artemisia fragrans Willd. from Khoy
Authors: Aminkhani Ali , Sharifi Sina , Hosseinzadeh Pourya 
Published: June 2021

AbstractArtemisia fragrans is commonly used as a folk medicine as antispasmodic, anti‐pyretic, anti‐inflammatory, and abortifacient agents. The villagers use its pungent odor to repel rodents, mites, and pests, as well as its essential oil and smoke after burning to treat lung infections after uprooting the plant. Herein, we extracted the essential oils (EOs) of different parts of the plant and analyzed their chemical compositions and antibacterial activities. The chemical analysis led to the identification of 73, 59, and 57 compounds in the EOs of the stem, leaf, and flower, respectively. All of the EOs exhibited antibacterial activities against both G+ and G− bacteria. The EOs of the leaf and flower were more effective against tested bacteria, except B. anthracis and P. aeruginosa, compared to that of the stem. The binary combination of the EOs (stem and flower) or (stem and leaf) showed a synergistic effect. Statistical analysis indicated EOs of leaf and flower are more potent than that of the stem. These findings suggest the application of leaf and flower of the plant, which not only can prevent its uprooting but also ensure better therapeutic function.
Propensity‐matched comparison of large‐bore access closure in transcatheter aortic valve replacement using MANTA versus Perclose: A real‐world experience
Authors: Medranda Giorgio A. , Case Brian C. , Zhang Cheng , Rappaport Hank , Weissman Gaby , Bernardo Nelson L. , Satler Lowell F. , Ben‐Dor Itsik , Rogers Toby , Waksman Ron 
Published: June 2021

AbstractObjectiveCompare two large‐bore vascular closure devices (VCDs), collagen‐plug‐based MANTA and suture‐based dual Perclose ProGlide (PP), in patients undergoing contemporary transfemoral transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR).BackgroundThe SAFE MANTA IDE clinical trial demonstrated that the collagen‐plug‐based MANTA VCDs were safe and effective in closing large‐bore arteriotomies. However, data comparing this collagen‐plug‐based VCD to the suture‐based VCD in contemporary practice are sparse.MethodsThis was a retrospective observational study in which we screened transfemoral (TF) TAVR patients at our institution from 2017 to 2020. Included were those whose large‐bore TF access was closed using either MANTA or PP with and without Angio‐Seal. Our primary outcome was VCD success. Additional in‐hospital outcomes included major and minor vascular complications, post‐TAVR length of stay, and mortality.ResultsWe screened 696 patients who underwent TAVR. Using propensity scores, we matched 124 patients who received MANTA with 124 patients who received PP. Patients had a mean age of 77.2 years, 69.0% were men, and their mean Society of Thoracic Surgeons score was 3.4%. VCD success was equivalent between VCDs (95.2% vs. 95.2%; p = 1.000). Patients had similar rates of mortality (0% vs. 0.8%; p = .316), and no patients had major vascular complications.ConclusionsIn contemporary TAVR, the collagen‐plug‐based MANTA VCD appears to be as safe and effective as the suture‐based dual PP VCD, with no differences in VCD success, vascular complications, or mortality. Therefore, selection of VCD for TAVR should be left to operator discretion, taking into account anatomical considerations.
Learning, experiences, and actions towards advancing gender equity in engineering as aspiring men's allyship group
Authors: Wilson Nicole L. , Dance Torrey , Pei Winston , Sanders R. Sean , Ulrich Ania C. 
Published: June 2021

AbstractThe representation of women in the engineering profession (17.90%) far lags that of the Canadian workforce (47.50%), with several authors citing the need for professional and organizational culture change for engineering to be more equitable for and inclusive of women. Recent evidence reported that men actively working on gender equity practices is one mechanism through which this culture change will occur. The practice of allyship by men involves learning and reflecting, building trusting relationships with women colleagues, continuous action even through discomfort, and influencing change at multiple levels. We share our own experiences with starting a men's allyship group in an engineering workplace, initial successes, opportunities to improve, and our vision for the future.
Placebo effects in low back pain: A systematic review and meta‐analysis of the literature
Authors: van Lennep Johan (Hans) Peter Alexander , Trossèl Faye , Perez Roberto Silvio Giovanni Maria , Otten René Hubert Joseph , van Middendorp Henriët , Evers Andrea Walburga Maria , Szadek Karolina Maria 
Published: June 2021

AbstractBackground and ObjectiveThe current treatments of primary musculoskeletal low back pain (LBP) have a low to moderate efficacy, which might be improved by looking at the contribution of placebo effects. However, the size of true placebo effects in LBP is unknown. Therefore, a systematic review and meta‐analysis were executed of randomized controlled trials investigating placebo effects in LBP.Databases and Data TreatmentThe study protocol was registered in the international prospective register of systematic reviews Prospero (CRD42019148745). A literature search (in PubMed, Embase, The Cochrane Library, CINAHL and PsycINFO) up to 2021 February 16th yielded 2,423 studies. Two independent reviewers assessed eligibility and risk of bias.ResultsEighteen studies were eligible for the systematic review and 5 for the meta‐analysis. Fourteen of the 18 studies were clinical treatment studies, and 4 were experimental studies specifically assessing placebo effects. The clinical treatment studies provided varying evidence for placebo effects in chronic LBP but insufficient evidence for acute and subacute LBP. Most experimental studies investigating chronic LBP revealed significant placebo effects. The meta‐analysis of 5 treatment studies investigating chronic LBP depicted a significant moderate effect size of placebo for pain intensity (SMD = 0.57) and disability (SMD = 0.52).ConclusionsThis review shows a significant contribution of placebo effects to chronic LBP symptom relief in clinical and experimental conditions. The meta‐analysis revealed that placebo effects can influence chronic LBP intensity and disability. However, additional studies are required for more supporting evidence and evidence for placebo effects in acute or subacute LBP.SignificanceThis systematic review and meta‐analysis provides evidence of true placebo effects in low back pain (LBP). It shows a significant contribution of placebo effects to chronic LBP symptom relief. The results highlight the importance of patient‐ and context‐related factors in fostering treatment effects in this patient group. New studies could provide insight into the potential value of actively making use of placebo effects in clinical practice.
Numerical simulations of viscoelastic particle migration in a microchannel with triangular cross‐section
Authors: D'Avino Gaetano 
Published: June 2021

AbstractThe migration of a spherical particle immersed in a viscoelastic liquid flowing in a microchannel with a triangular cross‐section is investigated by direct numerical simulations under inertialess conditions. The viscoelastic fluid is modeled through two constitutive equations to investigate the effect of the second normal stress difference and the resulting secondary flows on the migration phenomenon. The results are presented in terms of trajectories followed by the particles released at different initial positions over the channel cross‐section in a wide range of Weissenberg numbers and confinement ratios.Particles suspended in a fluid with a negligible second normal stress difference migrate toward the channel centerline or the closest wall, depending on their initial position. A much more complex dynamics is found for particles suspended in a fluid with a relevant second normal stress difference due to the appearance of secondary flows that compete with the migration phenomenon. Depending on the Weissenberg number and confinement ratio, additional equilibrium positions (points or closed orbits) may appear. In this case, the channel centerline becomes unstable and the particles are driven to the corners or “entrapped” in recirculation regions within the channel cross‐section. The inversion of the centerline stability can be exploited to design efficient size‐based separation devices.
Nanoscale characterization of the site‐specific degradation of electric double‐layer capacitor using scanning electrochemical cell microscopy
Authors: Kawabe Yusuke , Miyakoshi Yosuke , Tang Rui , Fukuma Takeshi , Nishihara Hirotomo , Takahashi Yasufumi 
Published: June 2021

AbstractElectric double‐layer capacitors (EDLCs) that store electrical energy in the interface between an electrolyte and a solid electrode are favorable energy storage systems that demonstrate high‐power density, excellent cycle stability, and low environmental impact. To increase the operating voltage and improve the capacitance of EDLCs, it is essential to investigate the relationship between the degradation process and structural properties of activated carbon. In the current study, we used scanning electrochemical cell microscopy (SECCM) to assess the site‐specific degradation mechanisms caused by electrolyte decomposition. To simplify the structural properties of activated carbon, we used the highly oriented pyrolytic graphite (HOPG) as a model substrate to distinguish the edge and the basal planes of activated carbon. The mobile and nanoscale electrochemical cell provides local cyclic voltammetry (CV) to examine the difference in the degradation process at the edge and basal planes of HOPG. SECCM's nanoscale electrochemical cell can suppress the impact of capacitive current and can therefore be used to clearly measure the current associated with degradation caused by electrolyte decomposition. SECCM's local CV measurements directly exposed the degradation reaction that occurred at the edge plane in the positive potential range.