bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Síndrome de DRESS a Lamotrigina em Doente com Melanoma Maligno
Authors: Vaz Pinto Sofia , Da Graça João
Published: April 2022

DRESS syndrome (drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms) is a rare and severe drug reaction with systemic involvement. We describe a clinical case of a patient diagnosed with malignant melanoma who showed in the emergency room with a generalized morbilliform rash, facial edema and asthenia. The patient had been medicated with pembrolizumab for the last 5 months and had begun lamotrigine for the treatment of a bipolar depression 14 days before the admission. Laboratory tests showed thrombocytopenia, eosinophilia, elevated CRP and abnormal liver function tests.The clinical picture suggested a DRESS syndrome induced by lamotrigin. The drug was discontinued while systemic glucocorticoid treatment was initiated, with complete remission of DRESS symptoms in 30 days. Responsible drug withdrawal is the most important DRESS syndrome treatment measure regarding its major impact on morbidity and mortality outcomes. However, identifying the responsible agent in polymedicated patients is usually a difficult challenge.
Diabetic ketoacidosis in Saudi Arabia: factors precipitating initial admission and readmission
Authors: Alotaibi Raghad , Alsulami Manar , Hijji Sumiah , Alghamdi Saad , Alnahdi Yasser , Alnahdi Haifa , Samargandy Shaza Ahmed
Published: April 2022

BACKGROUND:

Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is one of the complications of diabetes mellitus (DM), primarily type 1 DM. To our knowledge, only one study explored DKA readmission rates in Saudi Arabia.

OBJECTIVES:

Identify and analyze precipitating factors for DKA admission and readmission.

DESIGN:

Medical record review.

SETTING:

Tertiary care center.

PATIENTS AND METHODS:

We identified all patients aged 15 years and older admitted with DKA from 2018 to 2020. Descriptive factors and uni-and multivariate analyses are presented for associations with initial admission and readmission.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES:

Relationships between precipitating factors and initial admission and readmission.

SAMPLE SIZE:

176 patients.

RESULTS:

Most of the patients had type 1 DM (n=157). The median (interquartile percentiles) for duration of DM was 6.0 (1.0-12.0) years. The mean (SD) HbA1C (%) was 11.8 (2.6). The factors that precipitated DKA were most commonly treatment nonadherence (55.1%), followed by infections (31.8%) and nonadherence to diet (25.6%). The most common symptoms were nausea and vomiting (87.5%), followed by abdominal pain (72.7%). During the study period, 32.4% of the sample were read-mitted with DKA. The median (interquartile range) duration between the first and second admission was 12 (4-25) weeks. In the multivariate analysis, increased odds of readmission for DKA were associated with type 1 DM and medication nonadherence (
P
=.038,
P
=.013, respectively). The severity of the initial DKA and the control of DM were not associated with the readmission rate.

CONCLUSION:

Treatment nonadherence is the leading precipitating factor of DKA in our region. Patient education and counseling play a major role in addressing this preventable complication and its medical and financial burden. We advocate more efforts dedicated toward patient education and logistic support.

LIMITATIONS:

Retrospective-single center.

CONFLICT OF INTEREST:

None.
Neurological outcomes in adult drowning patients in China
Authors: Zhou Peisen , Xu Huaqing , Li Bingccan , Yang Chenbing , Zhou Zhiliang , Shi Jincun , Li Zhangping
Published: April 2022

BACKGROUND:

Drowning is the third leading cause of unintentional death worldwide. The epidemiological characteristics of adult drownings are rarely reported.

OBJECTIVE:

Investigate factors associated with neurological prognosis in adult drowning inpatients.

DESIGN:

Multicenter medical record review.

SETTING:

Tertiary health care institutions.

PATIENTS AND METHODS:

We collected demographic and clinical data on patients who drowned but survived between September 2006 and January 2020. Neurological prognosis was compared in patients with and without cardiac arrest.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES:

Neurological outcomes.

SAMPLE SIZE AND CHARACTERISTICS:

142 patients with mean age of 50.6 (19.8) years, male/female ratio of 1.54:1.

RESULT:

Forty-five patients (31.7%) received CPR, 90 patients (63.4%) experienced unconsciousness, and 59 patients (41.5%) received endotracheal intubation and mechanical ventilation. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the initial blood lactic acid level (OR: 7.67, 95%CI: 1.23-47.82,
P
=.029) was associated with a poor neurological prognosis in patients without cardiac arrest. The incidence of ICU admission (OR: 16.604, 95%CI: 1.15-239.49,
P
=.039) was associated with a poor neurologic prognosis in patients with cardiac arrest.

CONCLUSIONS:

For the drowning patients with cardiac arrest, ICU admission was associated with neurological function prognosis in these patients. Among the patients without cardiac arrest, the initial lactate value was associated with neurological function prognosis of these patients.

LIMITATIONS:

Retrospective.

CONFLICT OF INTEREST:

None.
Renal lymphangiectasia in pediatric population: case series and review of literature
Authors: Alshanafey Saud , Alkhani Abdullah , Alkibsib Abdulaziz
Published: April 2022

Renal lymphangiectasia is a rare disorder where perirenal, parapelvic, and/or intra-renal lymphatics are dilated. The clinical presentation of renal lymphangiectasia can range from asymptomatic to renal failure. Ultrasound, computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging have been used for the diagnosis. Management of such cases varies from conservative to nephrectomy. We report three cases of pediatric renal lymphangiectasia that were managed by recurrent sclerothera-pies and medical supportive treatment at our institution. A literature review is also presented. To the best of our knowledge, there are 83 reported cases in the literature, 60 adults and 23 pediatrics.
Benign nodules of the thyroid gland and 25-hydroxy-vitamin D levels in euthyroid patients
Authors: Bolat Hacı , Erdoğan Aliriza
Published: April 2022

BACKGROUND:

The presence of nodules in the thyroid gland is common in iodine-deficient areas of the world. Recently, vitamin D levels were found to be lower than normal and sometimes deficient in malignant nodules of the thyroid.

OBJECTIVE:

Evaluate the relationship between the serum vitamin D levels and benign thyroid nodules in euthyroid patients.

DESIGN:

Cross-sectional.

SETTING:

Tertiary care center in Turkey.

PATIENTS AND METHODS:

Patients referred to the general surgery outpatient clinic and diagnosed with thyroid nodules were the study group. The control group consisted of healthy individuals without thyroid nodules. Age, BMI, thyroid ultrasonography, serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D, free T3, free T4, thyroid stimulating hormone, calcium, magnesium, phosphorous, total protein, albumin, glucose, creatinine levels and glomerular filtration rate (GFR) were compared between groups.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE:

Serum 25-hydroxy-vitamin D levels and size of the thyroid nodules.

SAMPLE SIZE AND CHARACTERISTICS:

Of 849 individuals, 453 were patients with thyroid nodules and 396 were healthy individuals.

RESULTS:

The mean serum vitamin D levels of patients with thyroid nodules were significantly lower than controls (
P
<.001). Serum vitamin D levels along with serum total protein levels and eGFR were independent variables associated with the presence of a thyroid nodule (
P
<.001, p=.005 and
P
=.017, respectively).

CONCLUSION:

These findings suggest vitamin D deficiency might be one of the pathophysiologic factors in development of thyroid nodules.

LIMITATION:

Single-center and possible information bias.

CONFLICTS OF INTEREST:

None.
Proposed Framework for the Usage of Information Technology Tools to Enhance Knowledge Management Process of Organizations
Authors: Bin HADEEBA Salem Obaid Salem , Wan YUSOFF Wan Fauziah
Published: April 2022

Despite the importance of information technology (IT) to the knowledge management process, many studies found that the usage of IT in the knowledge management process has not been very successful mainly because of the improper utilization and integration of IT into the knowledge management.
UAVs in Practice: Benefits, Concerns, Examples, and Managerial Implications
Authors: VARMUS Michal , BOSKO Pavol
Published: April 2022

Technological progress is reflected in the drone market. As a result, new possibilities for the use of drones in various industries are emerging. However, new opportunities also create new threats that menace people's lives and the security of businesses.
Agency Relation in Online Charity Crowdfunding: The Role of Transparency to Attract Donation
Authors: HARIWIBOWO Ignatius N. , WULANDARI Chrissentia E. , SETYOHADI Djoko B.
Published: April 2022

The purpose of this study was to examine the agency relationship in online charity crowdfunding. This study investigates the role of transparency in attracting intention to donate using agency theory, which has been unexplained in the previous research.
UTILIZAÇÃO DAS REDES SOCIAIS INSTAGRAM E FACEBOOK, COMO VEÍCULO DE COMUNICAÇÃO CIENTÍFICA
Authors: Carneiro Silva Rafael , Divino da Cruz Aparecido , Silva da Cruz Alex
Published: April 2022

As redes sociais vêm ganhando cada vem mais espaço como ferramentas de divulgação de notícias muito se deve pela facilidade de comunicação e rápida circulação do conteúdo, entretanto, sua fragilidade quanto a verificação de informações pode levar ao compartilhamento de falsas notícias (Fake News), causando uma serie de desinformações e/ou dúvidas aos usuários. O objetivo deste estudo e promover a divulgação de dados científicos já publicados por meio de vídeos curtos nos canais de mídia social Instagram e Facebook, de forma a validar sua eficiência como meio de divulgação. Por meio da coleta de informações pela ferramenta Insights se notou um maior tráfego de usuários e melhor aproveitamento do conteúdo publicado na rede social Instagram. Concluímos que tanto Instagram como Facebook são bons meios de difusão de conhecimento científico, sendo ainda necessários mais estudo que aprofundem a temática.
Inversiones chinas en Argentina y Uruguay: evolución y actores durante el siglo XXI
Authors: Romero Wimer Fernando , Senra Torviso Pablo
Published: April 2022

Este artículo tiene por objetivo analizar y caracterizar la participación de las inversiones de capital chino en la República Argentina y la República Oriental del Uruguay durante el siglo XXI, considerando su relación con los intereses globales de la economía china y el flujo de inversiones en América Latina y Caribe. Siguiendo los datos disponibles, en nuestro análisis contemplamos tanto una explicación sobre el destino de las inversiones y los grupos locales asociados. Metodológicamente, partimos de considerar el arribo y operatoria de las principales empresas, los principales sectores, ubicación geográfica, volumen de facturación anual y/o montos de los proyectos de inversión
Complexidade econômica regional no Rio de Janeiro como estratégia para mudanças na estrutura produtiva
Authors: Louzada Xavier Vasconcellos Bianca , La Rovere Renata , Silva Pereira Rafael
Published: April 2022

Este trabalho buscou, a partir da teoria da complexidade econômica, verificar se as mesorregiões do estado do Rio de Janeiro possuem capacidades para se diversificarem e se tornarem mais complexas. As políticas e estratégias para diversificação da indústria fluminense têm sido negligenciadas há muito tempo, fazendo a economia estadual cada vez mais ancorada no setor extrativo. A metodologia da complexidade econômica, neste trabalho, é baseada na ubiquidade e diversidade dos setores da indústria de transformação, assim, é possível classificá-los e explorar potenciais ganhos estratégicos. Os resultados demonstram que há espaço para planejamento estratégico que vise a diversificação e complexidade econômica no Estado do Rio de Janeiro. Isso implicaria em pensar criticamente as bases produtivas do estado, para que no longo prazo, a economia fluminense obtenha crescimento, melhoria da renda, emprego, e diminua sua vulnerabilidade frente aos choques econômicos.
Perspectiva da atuação de projetos sobre conservação de recursos hídricos em região fronteiriça
Authors: Bento Juliana , Lei Cathryne , Costa Gonzalez Aline , Carniatto Irene
Published: April 2022

Atualmente, três bilhões de pessoas não têm acesso à água de boa qualidade para suas necessidades básicas, é necessário o desenvolvimento de projetos que garantam a qualidade e a conservação desse recurso essencial para a vida. Devido à grande importância hidrográfica que possui a região oeste do Paraná que faz divisa com o Paraguai o objetivo deste estudo foi realizar um levantamento dos projetos sobre a conservação de recursos hídricos desenvolvidos na região fronteiriça, e elencar quem geralmente os realiza e quais as suas percepções. Foram elaborados questionários semiestruturados com perguntas sobre projetos de conservação da água, e enviados via Google Forms para pessoas que atuam em órgãos públicos e privados na região oeste do Paraná (BR) e no Departamento de Alto Paraná (PY). Dos 150 questionários enviados foram respondidos 100. Foi possível observar que 80% dos participantes desconhecem as atividades realizadas para conservação da água, demonstrando que falta divulgação, mobilização e conscientização nas comunidades.
Importance of the forest state in estimating biomass losses from tropical forests: combining dynamic forest models and remote sensing
Authors: Hiltner Ulrike , Huth Andreas , Fischer Rico
Published: April 2022

Abstract. Disturbances, such as extreme weather events, fires,
floods, and biotic agents, can have strong impacts on the dynamics and
structures of tropical forests. In the future, the intensity of disturbances
will likely further increase, which may have more serious consequences for
tropical forests than those we have already observed. Thus, quantifying
aboveground biomass loss of forest stands due to stem mortality (hereafter
biomass loss rate) is important for the estimation of the role of tropical
forests in the global carbon cycle. So far, the long-term impacts of altered
stem mortality on rates of biomass loss have not been adequately described. This study aims to analyse the consequences of long-term elevated stem
mortality rates on forest dynamics and biomass loss rate. We applied an
individual-based forest model and investigated the impacts of permanently
increased stem mortality rates on the growth dynamics of humid, terra firme
forests in French Guiana. Here, we focused on biomass, leaf area index
(LAI), forest height, productivity, forest age, quadratic mean stem
diameter, and biomass loss rate. Based on the simulation data, we developed
a multiple linear regression model to estimate biomass loss rates of forests
in different successional states from the various forest attributes. The findings of our simulation study indicated that increased stem mortality
altered the succession patterns of forests in favour of fast-growing
species, which increased the old-growth forests' gross primary production,
though net primary production remained stable. The stem mortality rate had a
strong influence on the functional species composition and tree size
distribution, which led to lower values in LAI, biomass, and forest height
at the ecosystem level. We observed a strong influence of a change in stem
mortality on biomass loss rate. Assuming a doubling of stem mortality rate, the
biomass loss rate increased from 3.2 % yr−1 to 4.5 % yr−1 at
equilibrium. We also obtained a multidimensional relationship that allowed
for the estimation of biomass loss rates from forest height and LAI. Via an
example, we applied this relationship to remote sensing data on LAI and
forest height to map biomass loss rates for French Guiana. We estimated a
countrywide mean biomass loss rate of 3.0 % yr−1. The approach described here provides a novel methodology for quantifying
biomass loss rates, taking the successional state of tropical forests into
account. Quantifying biomass loss rates may help to reduce uncertainties in
the analysis of the global carbon cycle.
Examining the role of environmental memory in the predictability of carbon and water fluxes across Australian ecosystems
Authors: Cranko Page Jon , De Kauwe Martin G. , Abramowitz Gab , Cleverly Jamie , Hinko-Najera Nina , Hovenden Mark J. , Liu Yao , Pitman Andy J. , Ogle Kiona
Published: April 2022

Abstract. The vegetation's response to climate change is a significant source of uncertainty in future terrestrial biosphere model projections. Constraining climate–carbon cycle feedbacks requires improving our understanding of both the immediate and long-term plant physiological responses to climate. In particular, the timescales and strength of memory effects arising from both extreme events (i.e. droughts and heatwaves) and structural lags in the systems (such as delays between rainfall and peak plant water content or between a precipitation deficit and down-regulation of productivity) have largely been overlooked in the development of terrestrial biosphere models. This is despite the knowledge that plant responses to climatic drivers occur across multiple timescales (seconds to decades), with the impact of climate extremes resonating for many years. Using data from 12 eddy covariance sites, covering two rainfall gradients (256 to 1491 mm yr−1) in Australia, in combination with a hierarchical Bayesian model, we characterised the timescales and magnitude of influence of antecedent drivers on daily net ecosystem exchange (NEE) and latent heat flux (λE). By focussing our analysis on a single continent (and predominately on a single genus), we reduced the degrees of variation between each site, providing a novel chance to explore the unique characteristics that might drive the importance of memory. Model fit varied considerably across sites when modelling NEE, with R2 values of between 0.30 and 0.83. λE was considerably more predictable across sites, with R2 values ranging from 0.56 to 0.93. When considered at a continental scale, both fluxes were more predictable when memory effects (expressed as lagged climate predictors) were included in the model. These memory effects accounted for an average of 17 % of the NEE predictability and 15 % for λE. Consistent with prior studies, the importance of environmental memory in predicting fluxes increased as site water availability declined (ρ=-0.73, p<0.01 for NEE, ρ=-0.67, p<0.05 for λE). However, these relationships did not necessarily hold when sites were grouped by vegetation type. We also tested a model of k-means clustering plus regression to confirm the suitability of the Bayesian model for modelling these sites. The k-means approach performed similarly to the Bayesian model in terms of model fit, demonstrating the robustness of the Bayesian framework for exploring the role of environmental memory. Our results underline the importance of capturing memory effects in models used to project future responses to climate change, especially in water-limited ecosystems. Finally, we demonstrate a considerable variation in individual-site predictability, driven to a notable degree by environmental memory, and this should be considered when evaluating model performance across ecosystems.
Wind speed influences corrected Autocalibrated Soil Evapo-respiration Chamber (ASERC) evaporation measures
Authors: Zawilski Bartosz M.
Published: April 2022

Abstract. Soil evaporation concerns water and our life support sources, which are important for agriculture or for climate change prediction science.
A simple instrument based on the nonsteady-state (NSS) technique for soil
evaporation measurement appears suitable. However, because the NSS chamber
technique is highly invasive, special care should be provided to correct the
wind speed influence on the evaporation process. Soil evaporation is a
complex process that involves many soil and air characteristics. Measurement
chamber installation on the soil and its head deployment may perturb these
characteristics. We therefore had to minimize differences or to correct the
measurements. Most of the differences between bare soil and soil with a
deployed chamber head can be minimized, except for the wind speed influences
that are not reproducible inside a chamber head. Meanwhile, as the wind
influences depend on numerous variables that are not monitorable in real time, a self-calibrating chamber with a
corresponding protocol called the Autocalibrated Soil Evapo-respiration
Chamber (ASERC) was developed to
make the measurements easily corrigible on bare soil with a unique variable (wind speed, WS), regardless of the soil composition, soil texture, and other
soil or air meteorological variables. A simple protocol followed by this chamber
allows us to determine the soil evaporation wind speed susceptibility (Z)
and to correct the measurements achieving 0.95 as the coefficient of
determination. Some interesting findings on sandy and clayey soil
evaporation measured during laboratory calibration and “slow” sensor
simulation will also be reported in the two appendices.
Assessing flood hazard changes using climate model forcing
Authors: Callaghan David Patrick , Hughes Michael G.
Published: April 2022

Abstract. A modelling framework for using regional climate projections to assess flooding hazard has been developed and applied to the Gwydir River (catchment 26,600 km2 and floodplain 8,100 km2), NSW, Australia. The model framework uses NSW and ACT Regional Climate Modelling version 1.5 projections combined with computationally efficient hydrologic and hydraulic models. While requiring model management and high-performance computing resources, the modelling framework successfully processed 18 regional climate projections into flood projections. Specifically, a six-member set of climate model combinations simulating a historical period (1950–2006) and a future period (2006–2100) under two global emission pathways (RCP4.5 and RP8.5) were used to predict flood depth and speed. In total, 1,470 continuous years were simulated at hourly time step. These flood (depth and speed) projections were analysed to assess the flood hazard changes under future climate scenarios by estimating changes in the annual probability of occurrence of a range of flood hazard classes. The six-member ensemble indicates flood hazard in the Gwydir Valley will decrease in the short, medium and long term. There are also cases within the ensemble which includes increases in all non-safe flood hazard classification while decreasing the safe flood hazard classification.
Back analysis of a building collapse under snow and rain loads in Mediterranean area
Authors: Ousset Isabelle , Evin Guillaume , Raynaud Damien , Faug Thierry
Published: April 2022

Abstract. At the end of February 2018 the Mediterranean area of Montpellier in France was struck by a significant snowfall that turned into an intense rain event caused by an exceptional atmospheric situation. This rain-on-snow event produced pronounced damages to many buildings of different types. In this study, we report a detailed back analysis of the roof collapse of a large building, namely the Irstea Cévennes building. Attention is paid to the dynamics of the climatic event, on the one hand, and to the mechanical response of the metal roof structure to normal loading, on the other hand. The former aspect relies on multiple sources of information that provide reliable estimates of snow heights in the area before the rain came into play and substantially modified the snow quality. The latter aspect relies on detailed finite element simulations of the mechanical behaviour of the roof structure in order to assess the pressure due to snow cover loading which could theoretically lead to failure. By combining the two approaches, it is possible to reconstruct the most probable scenario for the roof collapse. As an example of building behaviour and vulnerability to an exceptional rain-on-snow event in the Mediterranean area of France, this detailed case study provides useful key points to be considered in the future for a better mitigation of such events in non-mountainous areas.
Future changes in North Atlantic winter cyclones in CESM-LE – Part 1: Cyclone intensity, potential vorticity anomalies, and horizontal wind speed
Authors: Dolores-Tesillos Edgar , Teubler Franziska , Pfahl Stephan
Published: April 2022

Abstract. Strong low-level winds associated with extratropical cyclones can have substantial impacts on society. The wind intensity and the spatial distribution of wind maxima may change in a warming climate; however, the involved changes in cyclone structure and dynamics are not entirely clear. Here, such structural changes of strong North Atlantic cyclones in a warmer climate close to the end of the current century are investigated with storm-relative composites based on Community Earth System Model Large Ensemble (CESM-LE) simulations. Furthermore, a piecewise potential vorticity inversion is applied to associate such changes in low-level winds to changes in potential vorticity (PV) anomalies at different levels.
Projected changes in cyclone intensity are generally rather small. However, using cyclone-relative composites, we identify an extended wind footprint southeast of the center of strong cyclones, where the wind speed tends to intensify in a warmer climate. Both an amplified low-level PV anomaly driven by enhanced diabatic heating and a dipole change in upper-level PV anomalies contribute to this wind intensification. On the contrary, wind changes associated with lower- and upper-level PV anomalies mostly compensate for each other upstream of the cyclone center. Wind changes at upper levels are dominated by changes in upper-level PV anomalies and the background flow.
Altogether, our results indicate that a complex interaction of enhanced diabatic heating and altered non-linear upper-tropospheric wave dynamics shape future changes in near-surface winds in North Atlantic cyclones.
Building expertise in mathematical statistics within the Australian bureau of statistics through partnerships with academics
Authors:   University of Wollongong, Chopperfield James , Tam Siu-Ming ,   Australian Bureau of Statistics, Canberra, Schubert Paul ,   Australian Bureau of Statistics, Canberra
Published: April 2022

Australian Bureau of Statistics recognises the critical importance that its statistical products and services are underpinned by defensive statistical methodology. To this end, the Australian Bureau of Statistics has developed strong partnerships with academics and universities in order to assist with the recruitment of graduates and their development into research leaders in mathematical statisticians. This paper describes the details of the partnerships since 2004 and some of the important benefits.
Statistical literacy: bringing concepts to life in our diverse and ever changing user communities – the experience of the Australian bureau of statistics
Authors:   Australian Bureau of Statistics, Palmer Jonathan , Letheby Robert ,   Australian Bureau of Statistics
Published: April 2022

This paper discusses recent experiences of the Australian Bureau of Statistics in building statistical capability, including the introduction of an Integrated Statistical Capability Framework, adopting new strategies and building new partnerships, to help bring statistical literacy competencies to life in our diverse and ever changing user communities.
Brazilian BookTubers and the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Sampaio Inês Silvia Vitorino , Costa Andressa Souza
Published: April 2022

Reading is an essential skill for coping to an increasingly connected society. This article aims to analyze reading skills moderated by young Brazilian BookTubers while they narrate their reading experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study draws on multiple data sources and uses a mixed methods approach to explore their narratives in 10 videos on the best books of 2020. Results indicate BookTubers are developing a range of learning, literacy, and citizenship skills, but also suffer from pressures of connectivity, productivity, and exposure. In a pandemic context, marked by the mandatory isolation and unequal access to books and digital culture, they acknowledged reading as an encouragement for them and their audience to face hardships. However, despite these communities’ efforts to make Brazil a country of readers, the social gap that precedes the existence of digital culture widens and intensifies.
Intersecting matters: #GeorgeFloyd and #COVID19
Authors: Davis Jenny L. , Love Tony P.
Published: April 2022

In the late spring of 2020 amid a global pandemic, George Floyd was killed by police in Minneapolis, Minnesota, triggering mass protests under the banner of the Black Lives Matter movement. We take this moment of coinciding crises as our point of analysis observed through the lens of concurrent hashtags on Twitter. Social media content both reflect and construct the social meanings of topics and events. We thus draw from social media to understand how George Floyd and COVID-19 inform and inflect each other, building a dataset from ∼20,000 tweets that unite prevalent hashtags associated with each. Analyses reveal a repeating set of symbolic hooks — death, breath, masks, and voice — encompassing dense and competing narratives about justice and injustice, systemic inequality, degrading trust in institutions, and the changing identity of a nation. These narratives are anchored in the events under study and indexed through co-occurring social media registers. In addition to substantive findings, the study introduces and applies hashtag convergence, a novel methodological approach based on user-generated indexical pairings.
经济商管课程EMI学习：我的科目教师视角
Authors: 廖 汶钊
Published: April 2022

本文探讨大学经济商管EMI专业教学与语言学习，从科目教师的视角出发。我从教学经验与英语学习背景进行反思，阐明何谓有效、有趣、有分析性（analytical as interesting）的专业内容教学，并建议以CLIL当成理论基础与实践参考。本文期待科目教师能结合外语训练、中文素养、与经济商管专业，并寻求语言教师语言教学的专业协助。
PENGARUH CURRENT RATIO DAN DEBT TO EQUITY RATIO TERHADAP RETURN ON EQUITY PADA PT. INDUSTRI JAMU DAN FARMASI SIDO MUNCUL TBK TAHUN 2014-2020
Authors: Abriano Nova , Yuniarti Setiafitrie , Sari Meliana
Published: April 2022

Penelitian ini mengkaji Pengaruh Current Ratio (CR) dan Debt to Equity Ratio (DER) terhadap Return on Equity (ROE) pada PT. Industri Jamu dan Farmasi Sido Muncul Tbk Periode 2014-2020. Tujuan penelitian ini adalah untuk mengetahui apakah Current Ratio (CR) dan Debt to Equity Ratio (DER) dapat mempengaruhi Return on Equity (ROE) baik secara simultan maupun parsial pada perusahaan Pt Industri Jamu Dan Farmasi Sido Muncul Tbk Periode 2014- 2020. Jenis penelitian ini adalah kuantitatif dengan regresi linier berganda, uji simultan (uji F), uji parsial (uji t) dan uji asumsi klasik yang terdiri. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa secara simultan Current Ratio dan Debt to Equity Ratio tidak berpengaruh signifikan terhadap Return on Equity sedangkan secara parsial Current Ratio berpengaruh negatif signifikan terhadap Return on Equity, Debt to Equity Ratio dan total assets secara parsial berpengaruh negatif signifikan. berpengaruh pada Return on Equity
2013 Iodine Nutrition in Africa: An Update for 2014
Authors: Jooste Pieter , Andersson Maria , Assey Vincent
Published: April 2022

The elimination of iodine deficiency and its serious consequences, called the iodine deficiency disorders (IDD), are among the health priorities of most countries in the world. These IDDs include impaired mental development, adverse effects on growth, infant mortality, hypothyroidism, reproductive failure, and endemic goitre, which may lead to decreased educability, apathy, and reduced work capacity and may ultimately result in impaired social and economic development. Salt iodization programs in approximately 150 countries have markedly improved the global iodine nutritional status over the past decade. This is reflected in the decrease in the number of iodine-deficient countries worldwide fr om 54 in 2003 to 47 in 2007 and then to 32 in 2011.3 Despite remarkable progress, the successes have been regionally variable, with some regions showing little progress. Against the background of a general global improvement in iodine status and a marked improvement in four of the six WHO regions since 2003, the trend in Africa indicated a small decrease in the proportion of school-age children (SAC) with insufficient iodine intake as judged by urinary iodine concentration (UIC) below 100 μg/L, while the number of African SAC with insufficient iodine intake remained the same between 2007 and 2011.
Perspective from 2021 Iodine Nutrition in Africa in 2021
Authors: Andersson Maria , Brown Amal Tucker
Published: April 2022

Diets in many countries cannot provide adequate iodine without iodine fortification of salt. Over the past 20 years, the global proportion of households using iodized salt has increased from 70 percent to 89 percent. The number of countries with adequate iodine intake has nearly doubled, from 67 in 2003 to 118 in 2021, reflecting the effectiveness of national salt iodization programs. However, nine countries in Africa still have no or unknown legislation mandating salt iodization. Here we provide an update of iodine nutrition since 2013 (the date of our previous Sight and Life article) in the 54 countries on the African continent.
Interview with Eileen Kennedy and Chris Goppelsroeder A Unique Position and a Unique Responsibility
Authors: Steffen Jonathan
Published: April 2022

In 2021, Eileen Kennedy, Professor and former Dean of the Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy at Tufts University, stepped down from her role as inaugural Chair of the Board of Trustees of Sight and Life. She was succeeded by Chris Goppelsroeder, who retired from his position as President and CEO of DSM Nutritional Products in the same year. Together, they look back on Sight and Life’s achievements of the past 35 years – and ahead to the key challenges facing the Foundation today.
Perspective from 2021 Translating Omics Discoveries into Public Health Application
Authors: Lee Sun Eun
Published: April 2022

It is my great pleasure to congratulate Sight and Life on its 35th anniversary of globally advocating innovative solutions for healthier diets and good nutrition. The Frontiers in Nutrition (2015) and Technology and Entrepreneurship (2017) issues exemplified Sight and Life’s continuous emphasis on revealing and addressing malnutrition through rapidly evolving technologies. In my essay in 2017, Omics Innovations and Applications for Public Health Nutrition, I proposed that omics approaches are poised to greatly expand knowledge and reveal road maps of biological pathways affected by nutrition. While this appears more inevitable than ever before, how far have we progressed during the past 5 years, and what more is needed to accelerate the path toward public health application?
2012 Ritual Fluids in Relation to Early Child Nutrition in Quetzaltenango, Guatemala
Authors: Doak Colleen M. , Peters Leonie , Ponce Maiza Compos
Published: April 2022

Guatemala has the highest prevalence of one of the main forms of childhood malnutrition in Latin America, with 49% of children chronically undernourished, i.e., stunted. Bhutta et al2 show that education about complementary feeding can increase height-for-age Z score by 0.25. Nutrition-related interventions can also reduce stunting at 36 months by 36%, and mortality between birth and 36 months by about 25%. Adherence to the World Health Organization (WHO) Complementary Feeding Guidelines has also been shown to prevent weanling diarrhea. (The guidelines are related to better micronutrient status and growth.) In addition to having the highest chronic undernutrition in the Americas, Guatemala also scores most poorly on adherence to complementary feeding guidelines. Ruel and Menon attributed the low score for complementary feeding practices to the relative poverty of Guatemala. Together, lack of complementary feeding practices and poverty may explain Guatemala’s high rate of stunting as shown in the surveys included (42% and 39% in 1995 and 1999, respectively). On the other hand, recent research (completed and published), supported in part by a Sight and Life grant to the Center for Studies of Sensory Impairment, Aging and Metabolism (CESSIAM), shows that in Guatemala, the intakes of most micronutrients were near recommended levels.
Perspective from 2021 Ritual Fluids in Relation to Early Child Nutrition in Quetzaltenango, Guatemala
Authors: Solomons Noel , Ponce Maiza Compos , Doak Colleen
Published: April 2022

We celebrate and commemorate the 35 years of Sight and Life magazine, as Sight and Life has too been generous with the anniversaries of the Center for Studies of Sensory Impairment, Aging and Metabolism (CeSSIAM). Moreover, they made the investment of financing, which funded the research in the protocol: Developing Evidence-Based Strategies to Improve Early Child Nutrition in Quetzaltenango, Guatemala, colloquially known as XELA Babies. Its goal was to assess the adherence of mothers to the distinct practices advocated for infant and toddler feeding by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 2003.1 In revisiting our goals and words of 2012, we can clearly identify lasting benefits for the participants and institutions, whereas the combination of advances in science and our own reflections has modulated our views on the value of universal, rigid adherence to these 2003 guidelines.
Perspective from 2021 The Challenges of Sustaining Multiple Micronutrient Interventions
Authors: Zlotkin Stanley
Published: April 2022

In our original article in 2015, we focused on the process of scaling up micronutrient powders (MNPs). We defined scaling as a four-stage process that included: research and discovery; setting up a supply (value) chain; developing business models for implementation; and finally scaling up (original Figure 3). We defined scaling as the intentional process of taking an intervention that has been successful in one context, and expanding or replicating the relevant policies, programs, or projects to other locations so that the intervention can benefit more people in an equitable and sustainable way.
35th Anniversary Edition Editorial
Authors:   Sight and Life Foundation, Kraemer Klaus ,   Adjuct Professor at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health
Published: April 2022

It has always been our ambition to remain ahead of the curve in an arena that continues to experience tremendous change. Our readers can assess the degree to which we have succeeded by revisiting the contents of this special 35th anniversary issue and exploring the up-to-the-minute reflections of their respective authors.
2018 An Innovation Evolution
Authors: Torgerson Senoe , Matthias Dipika
Published: April 2022

One of the greatest public health success stories is also one of the least known. It started with a beautifully simple innovation: putting iodine into table salt. Salt is regularly consumed around the world by rich and poor alike, and so by fortify ing salt with iodine, most people’s daily iodine needs could be met at a negligible cost with no change in behavior. In the 1990s, 113 countries were classified as iodine-deficient; that number is now 20. The impact of Universal Salt Iodization (USI) on human capital development is staggering when one considers that iodine deficiency is the most common cause of preventable mental retardation worldwide and that it can reduce IQ scores by an average of 13.5 points. The global scale-up of USI inspired the establishment of new institutions in the early 2000s to extend the success of USI into the fortification of edible oils and cereals such as wheat, maize, and rice to address other micronutrient deficiencies in low- and middle-income countries. With that amplification, the global infrastructure for reaching nutritionally vulnerable groups in developing countries with fortified foods was born.
temporary reduction in VAT under the Second Corona Tax Assistance Act:
Authors: Hübner Martin
Published: April 2022

The economic consequences of the Covid19 pandemic are increasingly hitting the economic system of the Federal Republic of Germany with full force. As of June 2020, the annual average gross domestic product recorded a significant decline and an increase in the unemployment rate.

In this article we examine the current research concerning the question of the temporary reduction in VAT because of the COVID19 pandemic. We aim to answer the question if this temporary reduction is an unnecessary burden or rather a real relief for involved companies. By the method of qualitative evaluation of relevant research and by the analysis of surveys on the topic, we show that the significant burdens on businesses as a result of the temporary reduction in VAT rates under the Second Corona Tax Assistance Act are absolutely contrary to the objective of creating a countercyclical catalyst to stimulate consumption and thus to positively influence the economy.
HYDROFLUORIC ACID ETCHING PATTERNS AND SURFACE MORPHOLOGY OF THREE SILICA-BASED CERAMIC MATERIALS
Authors:   Medical College ", Yanakiev Spartak ,   Y. Filaretova",   , Medical University – Sofia, Bulgaria., Yordanov Bozhidar ,   Department of Prosthetic Dental Medicine, Faculty of Dental Medicine, Medical University – Sofia, Bulgaria., Marinova-Takorova Mirela ,   Department of Conservative Dental Medicine, Faculty of Dental Medicine, Medical University – Sofia, Bulgaria.
Published: April 2022

Purpose: This study investigates the hydrofluoric acid etching patterns and the surface morphology of three types of glass-ceramic materials. Materials and methods: Hydrofluoric acid etching patterns and surface morphology changes of three silica-based ceramics - EX-3, E.max press, and Heraceram press were studied. Fourteen rectangular experimental bodies with a cross-section of 2x2mm and a length of 5-7 mm were divided into two groups(n=7): polished (control group) and etched (5% hydrofluoric acid). Etching time was 120s in EX-3 (EXHF) and Heraceram press (HHF) groups and 20s in E.max press group (EHF). Surface morphology was observed under a scanning electron microscope at magnifications ranging from x50 to x2700. Results: The presence of numerous pores and channels as a result of the etching procedure was observed in all ceramic materials. In the EXHF group, irregularly shaped structures and canals with a width of 10-20µm characterize the ceramic surface. At higher magnifications, microwells with a size of 1-2 µm and channels with a length of 5-10 µm were observed. In the EHF group, lithium disilicate crystals with different orientations and the glassy phase dissolved between them can be seen. Channels with a wavy course and a length of about 5 µm are also observed. In the HHF group, 5-20µm cavernous-like formations surrounded by partially dissolved channels can be seen. Conclusions: Each ceramic material showed different etching patterns due to the material's composition and the distribution of the crystalline and vitreous phases.
OPEN INNOVATION PLATFORM FOR SMART AGRICULTURE
Authors:   INMA, Bucharest, Romania, SFIRU RALUCA , MURARU VERGIL ,   INMA, Bucharest, Romania, MURARU SEBASTIAN ,   INMA Bucharest, CONDRUZ PAULA ,   INMA Bucharest, MURARU-IONEL CORNELIA ,   INMA Bucharest
Published: April 2022

The paper presented the importance of innovation platforms and especially those intended for the agriculture domain. The structure and architecture of digital tools for an online platform such as "OPEN INNOVATION ECOSYSTEM" or "OPEN INNOVATION 2.0" for trading the demand and supply of research-development-innovation in agriculture and related fields will be detailed. The concept of the innovation platform was used in the field of agriculture to allow research, learning and interactions between stakeholders and to jointly exploit opportunities and address solutions that lead to promoting innovation in agriculture, from idea to production and capitalization of goods.
ASPECTS REGARDING THE ENERGY POTENTIAL OF THE MISCANTHUS PLANT
Authors:   National Institute of Research Development for Machines and Installations Designed to Agriculture and Food Industry, SORICĂ E, , VLĂDUŢ VALENTIN ,   National Institute of Research Development for Machines and Installations Designed to Agriculture and Food Industry, NENCIU FLORIN ,   National Institute of Research Development for Machines and Installations Designed to Agriculture and Food Industry, SORICĂ C. ,   National Institute of Research Development for Machines and Installations Designed to Agriculture and Food Industry, GRIGORE A. I ,   National Institute of Research Development for Machines and Installations Designed to Agriculture and Food Industry, IANCU PAULA ,   University of Craiova, Faculty of Agronomy
Published: April 2022

Greenhouse gases resulting from human activities are the most significant driver of climate change. The use of renewable resources obtained by cultivating energy plants, that have the potential of replacing fossil fuels, is one of the most important approaches to reduce the consequences produced by this global climate change hazard. The paper presents information regarding the energy potential of the Miscanthus plant, that can be explored in three main directions: to produce bioethanol, biogas or solid biomass (chopped, pellets or briquettes), then use thermochemical processes for energy production.
THE IMPORTANCE OF THE ACCURACY OF PUBLIC WEATHER FORECASTS FOR FARMERS IN THE CONTEXT OF CLIMATE CHANGE IN THE MANAGEMENT OF AGRO-TECHNICAL DECISIONS
Authors:   University of Agronomic Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Bucharest, STANA PETRICĂ , VLADU MARIUS ,   University of Craiova, Faculty of Agronomy
Published: April 2022

In the context of environmental policy, the term climate change has become synonymous with global warming.The management of agrotechnical decisions includes specific activities of elaboration, organization, command, coordination and control. The information received, including weather forecasts, influence the entire decision-making mechanism, and erroneous information can cause an unsatisfactory result. The aim of the study is to verify the extent to which public meteorological forecasts developed for an agricultural area have been achieved to see if these forecasts can help farmers plan their activities according to these forecasts. In this paper a statistical study was performed, comparing a forecast model for 3 meteorological stations located in the agricultural area of Oltenia.
AGRICULTURE 5.0 - REVIEW
Authors:   INMA Bucharest / Romania, VANGHELE N.A. , PETRE A.A. ,   INMA, Bucharest, Romania, MATACHE A. ,   INMA, Bucharest, Romania, STANCIU M.M. ,   INMA, Bucharest, Romania
Published: April 2022

Agriculture has always been an area of great interest when it comes to development and innovation. We are currently living in the age of agriculture 4.0 which is on the rise. That is why we will reach agriculture 5.0 which will be marked by the introduction of artificial intelligence, biotechnology and big data analysis, which will increase the performance, productivity and accuracy of automation.
MONITORING THERMOTECHNICAL PARAMETERS OF THE PROCESSING INSTALLATIONS FROM A COMPOUND FEED FACTORY
Authors:   University of Craiova, Faculty of Agronomy, Romania, VASILE CRISTIAN
Published: April 2022

To satisfy the growing and diversified demand for food from the population, all compound feed factories propose to obtain finished products of the best possible quality, in the shortest time and at the lowest possible cost. Given the complexity of the activities performed during the technological flow from a compound feed factory, this article proposes monitoring the thermotechnical parameters of installations by made experimental measurements using sensors installed at critical points. The measurements shown in this article were made during the production of two compound feed types, because each recipe involves different work parameters. The scope of this monitoring of thermotechnical parameters is to confirm the reliability of the devices that ensure the automated control of the equipment, so as to respect the European Union norms regarding the protection of staff and the environment.