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The incidence of urinary tract infections (UTIs) caused by extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) producing Escherichia coli (E. coli) bacteria has become a global problem and has increased in recent years. The purpose of this study was to analyze the risk factors for the incidence of UTI in inpatients at Dr. Soetomo General Academic Hospital, Surabaya. This research was an analytic descriptive study. Specimens were sent to the Clinical Microbiology Laboratory using sterile containers and processed according to standard laboratory procedures. It resulted in ESBL-producing E. coli that were used as a case group and non ESBL-producing E. coli as a control group. The identification and testing of antibiotic susceptibility were carried out using the BD Phoenix™ Automated Microbiology System. Ninety-four bacterial isolates were collected, consisting of 54 (57.4%) ESBL-producing E. coli bacteria and 40 (42.6%) non ESBL-producing E. coli bacteria. Recurrent UTIs (OR = 4.31; ρ =0.002; 95% CI = 1.68-11.04) and catheter use (ρ = 0.049; OR = 4.250; 95% CI = 1.050-17.210) were used as independent risk factors caused by ESBL-producing E. coli bacteria. Recurrent UTIs and catheter use were dependent risk factors caused by ESBL-producing E. coli bacteria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biodiesel from insect larvae is an alternative to plant biodiesel, which have issues of using edible plants. On the contrary, insects can grow on waste. Although the conversion of larval lipids to biodiesel is known, characterisation of larval biodiesel is rarely reported. Here, black soldier fly larvae were cultivated for 20 days on kitchen waste. Larval lipids were extracted and converted to biodiesel by two-step transesterification. Analysis by optical polarisation microscopy from − 5 to + 15 °C showed tiny needle-like shaped crystals. Fourier transform infrared spectra of black soldier fly biodiesel revealed absorption bands at 1459 and 1435 cm−1 corresponding to methyl ester, the main functional group of biodiesel. Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) analysis confirmed the presence of methyl ester by showing peaks at 3.6 and 2.3 ppm by 1H NMR, and at 176 and 51.56 ppm by 13C NMR. Overall, our results confirm the successful conversion of black soldier fly larval lipid to biodiesel. This biodiesel met the American Society for Test and Materials D6751 and European Standard 14214. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dengue is known to cause high morbidity and mortality worldwide. In recent years, there have been increasing cases of dengue fever associated with a rare complication: hemophagocytic syndrome (HPS), which is a dangerous disorder that carries high mortality. It is associated with infections, autoimmune disorders, and malignancies. Prolonged duration of fever and cytopenia together with multi-organ dysfunction out of proportion to the plasma leakage phase should alert clinicians to consider this condition. In this case study, we highlight a 45-year-old woman with underlying diabetes who was admitted due to dengue fever with warning signs. Her conditions deteriorated quickly: she had spontaneous bleeding, evidence of plasma leakage, severe hepatitis, and coagulopathy on the 11th day of illness. With the support of other blood results, such as raised serum ferritin and lactate dehydrogenase, she was diagnosed with severe dengue with hemophagocytosis syndrome. She responded well to intravenous dexamethasone and recovered on the 19th day of illness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

IEEE Std 100-2000 defines corona as a luminous discharge due to ionization of the air surrounding a conductor caused by a voltage gradient exceeding a certain critical value. It occurs when the insulating material begins to ionize or conduct due to voltage stress. Corona brings a lot of damages such as corrosion, loss inoverhead transmission lines and electromagnetic interference. Monitoring of corona may reduce the maintenance and replacement cost of electrical equipment. The motivation of this experiment is to calibrate corona detector antennas in the future. The error obtained will determine the efficiency of the antenna to detect and locate potential coronas in electrical equipment in a substation with switchgears or transformers. The operation bandwidth of the antenna is 320MHz to 1.20GHz making it useful to detect and corona. The measurement method of utilizing delay between signals first peak is effective with average 4.76% error with maximum 10.0% error recorded. This may be used to develop a corona online measuring system in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Flood levels exceeding 2 metres above ground level has been observed causing electrical equipment in the 11/0.415kV substation to be fully submerged. This caused widespread supply disruption as the equipment need to be switched off due to safety reasons and prevention of further equipment damage. The use of submersible equipment and accessories has been identified as one of the mitigation methods to ensure continuous electrical supply during flood events. A research project was undertaken to develop the design criteria of the selection of submersible equipment and accessories as well as to develop the test method and evaluate the selected submersible equipment and accessories in a substation configuration. All the equipment could continuously operate in ON condition during the wet test. However, design improvements are suggested for the submersible switchgear and feeder pillar for better performance during and after flood events [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper considers a Hybrid Genetic Algorithm (HGA) for University Examination Timetabling Problem (UETP). UETP is defined as the assignment of a given number of exams and their candidates to a number of available timeslots while satisfying a given set of constraints. Solutions for uncapacitated UETP are presented where five domain-specific knowledge in the form of low-level heuristics are used to guide the construction of the timetable in the initial population. The main components of the genetic operators in a GA will be tested and the best combination of the genetic operators will be adopted to construct a Pure Genetic Algorithm (PGA). The PGA will then hybridised with three new local optimisation techniques, which will make up the HGA; to improve the solutions found. These new local optimisation techniques will arrange the timeslots and exams using new explicit equations, if and only if, the modification will reduce the penalty cost function. The performance of the proposed HGA is compared with other metaheuristics from literature using the Carter's benchmark dataset which comprises of real-world timetabling problem from various universities. The computational results show that the proposed HGA outperformed some of the metaheuristic approaches and is comparable to most of the well-known metaheuristic approaches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, the comparison effect of mica and talc as filler in EPDM composites on curing, tensile, thermal properties was studied. EPDM/mineral fillers composites were compounded using two roll mill at various filler loading (i.e., 100/0, 100/10, 100/15, 100/30, 100/50, 100/70) and curing characteristics were carried out at 160°C using a Monsanto Moving Die Rheometer. The tensile and thermal properties as well as fracture surfaces of composites were tested using Instron Universal Testing Machine, Thermal Gravimetric Analysis (TGA) and Emission Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). The results indicated that the optimum cure time (t90), scorch time (ts2) decreased, while maximum torque (MH) increased for both composites with increasing filler loading. The tensile properties of EPDM/mica and EPDM/talc composites increased with increasing filler loading and the optimum tensile strength and tensile modulus for both mineral fillers occurred at 50 phr. EPDM/mica composites showed better tensile properties due to strong interfacial interaction between filler and matrix than EPDM/talc composites. In addition, thermal stability of both composites improved with increasing filler loading. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective. We examined how parents' expectations about their infants' crawling ability and crawling attempts in a locomotor task affect parenting choices about ensuring infants' safety and providing appropriate challenges. Design. Mothers and fathers of 34 11-month-old infants adjusted a ramp to the steepest slopes they thought their infants could safely crawl down, would attempt to crawl down, and they would allow their infants to crawl down independently. Results. Most parents expected their infants to attempt slopes that were steeper than their ability and generally emphasized safety only by permitting infants to crawl down slopes that were within infants' expected ability. More fathers than mothers displayed parenting choices emphasizing challenge by allowing their infants to attempt slopes beyond their ability. Conclusions. Both mothers and fathers expected infants to attempt impossibly steep slopes, but mothers were more likely to adopt safety-oriented parenting choices. Wide disagreements within dyads and inconsistencies in individual parents' estimates might increase the chances of infants incurring injuries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents an approach to optimize the short-term traffic prediction performance on freeways using multiple artificial neural network topologies under different network and traffic condition settings. The approach encourages multimodel techniques that are capable of improving the prediction system performance over single-model approaches. Using a mix of neural network topologies, the short-term speed prediction performance was extensively evaluated under different input settings and various prediction horizons (from 5 to 20 min). To enable the networks to learn from historical information, a long-term memory component was introduced to the input patterns to allow the networks to build internal representation of recurrent conditions, in addition to the short-term memory that is encoded in the most recent information. Optimal settings were determined by maximizing the performance under different traffic conditions observed at the target location, as well as upstream and downstream locations. Comparative statistical analysis with naive and heuristic approaches showed that the optimized neural network approach resulted in better prediction performance. The study shows that the optimal settings were consistently more dependent on the long-term memory component as prediction horizon increases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study presents an approach to extract properties from spatiotemporal traffic speed contour maps using tools from the field of digital image analysis. The new measures are derived from second-order statistics and quantify properties such as smoothness, homogeneity, regularity, and randomness in traffic operations. Four measures were selected: angular second moment (ASM), contrast (CON), inverse difference moment, and entropy. Each measure was used to characterize speed contour maps derived from different traffic conditions. To avoid information redundancy, correlation was examined between first- and second-order measures, which resulted in disqualifying one of the four measures. The sensitivity of the new measures to variations in traffic conditions was also investigated using nearly 14,000 30 min speed contour maps generated from a section of 5.44 km of the freeway in five weekdays. It was found that the speed range of 32–48 km/h exhibited the highest randomness (entropy) and least smoothness (ASM). The lowest level of homogeneity (CON) was observed in the range of 48–80 km/h. The new measures were also used to evaluate the level of service. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Numerical and experimental studies for crack detection in beam employing transverse impact are presented. In the numerical study, a beam model of wave propagation is developed to calculate the time history of beam response before, over and after the crack region. It is expected that the resulting wave in the beam will be scattered by the crack and will carry information on the location and geometry of the crack. Experiments using a scanning laser vibrometer on specimens containing simulated crack are then conducted to verify the numerical results. Comparison study between the numerical results and experimental observations are conducted; good correlation between theory and experiment is observed. The beam model of wave propagation and adaptive multilayer perceptron networks (MLP) are then used for inverse identification of crack parameters (i.e., crack location, depth and length) in the beams. Time-domain displacement responses calculated using the present beam model containing predetermined crack parameters are used as training data for the MLP. Once the MLP is trained, the MLP networks are then employed for inverse determination of an unknown crack in a beam using experimental displacement responses measured with a scanning laser vibrometer. Examples show that the procedure performs well for the determination of a wide range of values for the location, depth and length of the crack. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Researchers are increasingly becoming fascinated by the possibilities of utilizing natural fibre, which is a byproduct of production processes, as an addition in concrete. This fibre exhibits a low density and is amenable to chemical changes. The primary aim of this research study is to examine the influence of agave cantula roxb. fibre (ACRF) in low-density foamed concrete (FC) after being subjected to different doses of alkali treatment using sodium hydroxide (NaOH). Various weight fractions of treated ACRF were employed in the FC mix, namely 0% (as the control), 1%, 2%, 3%, 4%, and 5%. FC with a density of 1060 kg/m³ was produced and subsequently tested. The three types of strength properties that have been evaluated and analysed included flexural, tensile, and compressive strengths. The findings from this study have revealed that the inclusion of 3% of treated ACRF in FC yields highly favourable results in relation to strength properties. The use of treated ACRF improves the FC's strength characteristics, particularly its bending and tensile strength, by bridging microscopic cracks and filling up gaps. It is noteworthy to emphasize that accumulation and unequal dispersion of ACRF are possible if the weight fraction of ACRF applied above the optimal value of 3% which led to decrease in FC's strength properties. This exploratory work will lead to a better understanding of the potential applications of treated ACRF in FC. It is critical to encourage the long-term development and implementation of FC products and technology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pterostilbene is biologically classified as a phytoalexin, which is part of the plant's defence system in response to pathogen infection. The present study is to identify the type of interaction and post-antibiotic effect time of pterostilbene in combination with linezolid against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus American Type Culture Collection 43300 and 33591. The minimum inhibitory concentration values of individual antimicrobial agents were determined using microbroth dilution technique whereas the microdilution checkerboard assay was employed to verify the type of interaction of the combined agents from the fractional inhibitory concentration index values. The post-antibiotic effect time of pterostilbene and linezolid and in combination treatment was evaluated using viable plate count method. The minimum inhibitory concentration value of pterostilbene against both strains were the same (31.25 μg/ml) compared to linezolid at 0.78 μg/ml and 1.56 μg/ml, against 43300 and 33591, respectively. Microdilution checker analysis of pterostilbene in combination with linezolid against both methicillin-resistant S. aureus strains displayed fractional inhibitory concentration value of 1.25. Despite the indifference interaction between pterostilbene and linezolid as shown by microdilution checker study, post-antibiotic effect analysis demonstrated antagonism as depicted by a decrease of post-antibiotic effect time of linezolid by pterostilbene against both methicillin-resistant S. aureus strains. The duration of post-antibiotic effect time obtained for pterostilbene were twice (3.6±0.15 h) that of linezolid (1.8±0.31 h) against methicillin-resistant S. aureus American type culture collection 43300. However, pterostilbene exhibited shorter post-antibiotic effect time of 0.3±0.10 h compared to linezolid (0.9±0.06 h) against 33591 strain. In conclusion, pterostilbene was not able to prolong the post-antibiotic effect duration of linezolid in both strains and each of the antimicrobials demonstrated a more favourable timing of doses when these agents were used singly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, a low carbon material of γ-dicalcium silicate (γ-C 2 S) was examined, with an emphasis on the properties influenced by its particle packing and water coating thickness (WCT). Differences in morphology and reactivity from that of cement particles render γ-C 2 S particles have different particle packing behavior and water film surrounding each particle. However, limited research has been conducted on it to deepen the understanding of γ-C 2 S-based materials. To fill this gap, the wet packing density of γ-C 2 S particles was measured and the WCT was varied at different water to solid ratios. At each WCT, the carbonated γ-C 2 S samples were characterized by techniques of X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) consistently. Experimental results revealed little early strength gain when the WCT exceeded a certain value. Moreover, a critical carbonation depth was identified. Below the critical depth, the amounts and characteristics of carbonation products dominated, whilst above the critical depth, the strength gain was influenced by CO 2 diffusion rate. An optimal WCT exists for achieving the highest strength and CO 2 uptake. This work shall advance the development of low carbon γ-C 2 S-based materials from the perspective of particle packing. • The packing density of γ-dicalcium silicate particles was measured by wet method. • The water coating thickness and water film thickness of the mixtures were measured. • Advanced microstructural and chemical characterization techniques were employed. • A critical carbonation depth was identified to distinguish the drivers of strength gain. • An optimal water coating thickness exists for the highest strength and CO 2 uptake. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Apoptosis is known to occur in the limbic system after myocardial infarction (MI) in the rat. Our study was designed to evaluate the time course dynamics of this phenomenon in limbic areas. Apoptosis, i.e., caspase-3 activity and the number of terminal dUTP nick-end labelling-positive cells, as well as brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) were quantitated in sham-operated controls and MI rats 1, 2 and 7 days after surgery. Both apoptosis parameters were increased throughout, although in different structures: the CA1 region of the hippocampus and the medial amygdala at day 1, the CA1 region of the hippocampus and the lateral amygdala at day 2, and the frontal cortex at day 7. At day 2, BDNF was decreased in the prefrontal cortex and medial amygdala, whereas it was elevated in the dentate gyrus of the hippocampus; at day 7, BDNF was reduced in the frontal cortex and posterior hypothalamus but was augmented in the medial amygdala. These data indicate that post-MI apoptosis in the limbic system is a dynamic process occurring mainly in the hippocampus and amygdala during the first days after MI. The fact that BDNF was increased as early as 2 days after MI suggests that neurogenesis can occur rapidly in selected limbic regions after MI. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]