bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prevalence and determinants of death registration and certification uptake in Uganda
Authors: Atuhaire Leonard K. , Nansubuga Elizabeth , Nankinga Olivia , Nviiri Helen Namirembe , Odur Benard
Published: March 2022

Death registration in Uganda remains extremely low, yet mortality statistics are vital in health policy, planning, resource allocation and decision-making. According to NIRA, only 1% of deaths are registered annually, while Uganda Bureau of Statistics estimates death registration at 24% for the period 2011–2016. The wide variation between the administrative and survey statistics can be attributed to the restriction to only certified death registration by NIRA while survey statistics relate to all forms of death notification and registration at the different sub-national levels. Registration of deaths is of critical importance to individuals and a country’s government. Legally, it grants administrative rights in management of a deceased’s estate, and access to social (insurance and pension) benefits of a deceased person. It is also essential for official statistics and planning purposes. There is an urgent need for continuous and real-time collection of mortality data or statistics in Uganda. These statistics are of significance in public health for identifying the magnitude and distribution of major disease problems, and are essential for the design, implementation, monitoring, and assessment of health programmes and policies. Lack of such continuous and timely data has negative consequences for the achievement of both national and Sustainable Development Goals 3, 11, 16, and 17. This study assessed the determinants of death registration and certification, using a survey of 2018–2019 deaths in 2,100 households across four administrative regions of Uganda and Kampala district. Multivariate–binary logistic regression was used to model factors associated with the likelihood of a death being registered or certified. We find that around one-third of deaths were registered while death certificates were obtained for less than 5% of the total deaths. Death registration and certification varied notably within Uganda. Uptake of death registration and certification was associated with knowledge on death registration, region, access to mass media, age of the deceased, place of death, occupation of the deceased, relationship to household head and request for death certificate. There is need for decentralization of death registration services; massive sensitization of communities and creating demand for death registration.
Drug delivery from a solid formulation during breastfeeding—A feasibility study with mothers and infants
Authors: Maier Theresa , Peirce Paula , Baird Laura , Whitehouse Sophie L. , Slater Nigel K. H. , Beardsall Kathryn
Published: March 2022

Background

Breastfeeding is critical to health outcomes, particularly in low-resource settings where there is little access to clean water. For infants in their first twelve months of life, the delivery of medications is challenging, and use of oral syringes to deliver liquid formulations can pose both practical and emotional challenges.

Objective

To explore the potential to deliver medicine to infants via a solid formulation during breastfeeding.

Methods

Single center feasibility study within a tertiary level neonatal unit in the UK, involving twenty-six breastfeeding mother-infant dyads. A solid formulation of Vitamin B12 was delivered to infants during breastfeeding. Outcomes included the quantitative change in serum vitamin B12 and assessment of maternal expectations and experiences.

Results

Delivery of Vitamin B12 through a solid formulation that dissolved in human milk did not impair breastfeeding, and Vitamin B12 levels rose in all infants from a mean baseline (range) 533 pg/mL (236–925 pg/mL) to 1871 pg/mL (610–4981 pg/mL) at 6–8 hours post-delivery. Mothers described the surprising ease of ‘drug’ delivery, with 85% reporting a preference over the use of syringes.

Conclusions

Solid drug formulations can be delivered during breastfeeding and were preferred by mothers over the delivery of liquid formulations via a syringe.
The magnitude of neonatal asphyxia and its associated factors among newborns in public hospitals of North Gondar Zone, Northwest Ethiopia: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Admasu Fitalew Tadele , Melese Biruk Demssie , Amare Tadeg Jemere , Zewude Edget Abebe , Denku Chalachew Yenew , Dejenie Tadesse Asmamaw
Published: March 2022

Introduction

Birth asphyxia is a prominent and avoidable cause of infant illness and death worldwide, particularly in underdeveloped countries such as Ethiopia. Early identification and control of the underlying contributory factors would help to alleviate the situation. As a result, the goal of this study was to assess the magnitude and determinants of neonatal asphyxia among live newborns at the northern Gondar public Hospitals in northwest Ethiopia.

Materials and methods

From April 1 to May 2, 2020, 357 newborns were studied in an institution-based cross-sectional study. The sample size was proportionally distributed among three public hospitals, namely Gondar referral teaching hospital, Debark general hospital, and Kola-Diba District Hospital, which was chosen at random. The number of deliveries given at each hospital six months prior to the data collecting period was used to allocate the hospitals. To get all participants, a systematic random sampling approach was adopted based on hospital delivery registration. The physicians’ evaluation of an APGAR score of 7 in the first and fifth minutes of birth was used as the confirmation of birth asphyxia. Data was collected using a standardized and pretested questionnaire. Variables having p-values less than 0.25 were entered into a multivariable logistic regression analysis in the bivariable analysis. At a p-value of 0.05, a statistically significant level was reported.

Results

As per the study, the total prevalence of neonatal asphyxia was found to be 27.1 (95% CI: 21.4, 32.7). In a multivariable logistic regression analysis, neonates born to rural mothers (AOR = 2.441, 95% CI: 1.137, 5.241), primiparity (AOR = 5.521 95%CI: 1.691, 8.026), premature rupture of membrane, (AOR = 3.202, 95% CI: 1.484, 6.909) and low birth weight (< 2.5kg) (AOR = 3.706, 95%CI: 3.307, 4.152) were all found to be independent predictors of birth asphyxia.

Conclusion

This study identified that rural residence, primiparity, premature rupture of membrane, and birth weight were found to be the independent predictors of birth asphyxia. The majority of variables that cause birth asphyxia can be controlled.
Risk factors for depression and anxiety in pregnant women during the COVID-19 pandemic: Evidence from meta-analysis
Authors: Luo Yupeng , Zhang Kui , Huang Mengxue , Qiu Changjian
Published: March 2022

Background

The prevalence of anxiety and depression in pregnant women has significantly increased after the spread of COVID-19 throughout the world. We carried out this meta-analysis to reveal the information about risk factors for depression and anxiety in pregnant women during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods

We searched the PubMed, Embase and CNKI (China National Knowledge Infrastructure) databases for all articles. The odds ratio (OR) corresponding to the 95% confidence interval (95% CI) was used to assess the risk factors for mental health. The statistical heterogeneity among studies was assessed with the Q-test and I2 statistics.

Results

We collected 17 studies including 15,050 pregnant women during the COVID-19 pandemic. Our results found that factors including decrease in the perception of general support and difficulties in household finances have damage effects on anxiety, and factors including undereducated, unemployed during pregnancy, with a chronic physical illness before pregnancy, decrease in the perception of general support, difficulties in household finances, disobey the isolation rules, and smoking during pregnancy have increased risk of depression.

Conclusion

Our meta-analysis revealed some risk factors for mental health in pregnant women during COVID-19 pandemic. Mental health interventions in pregnant women may involve targeted methods individually.
Propuesta de formalización de las locuciones nominales para un diccionario electrónico español
Authors: Barrios Rodríguez María Auxiliadora
Published: March 2022

Las locuciones nominales del español constituyen un rico recurso para la evaluación de personas, entidades y acontecimientos, pero no siempre hay acuerdo en cuanto a su categorización semántica y sintáctica. Su clasificación debería ser sistemática y coherente, y así se facilitaría su inclusión en cualquier recurso lingüístico. Sin embargo, las diversas fuentes ofrecen datos que pueden resultar contradictorios para cualquier desambiguador morfosintáctico o semántico. Así, por ejemplo, los diccionarios de uso del español recogen estas locuciones agrupadas por su forma, de modo que en la entrada canela se puede encontrar canela en rama y canela en polvo, pero la polisemia de canela en rama (tipo de canela, o alguien o algo excelente) solo se refleja en la definición. Los diccionarios electrónicos precisan de información semántica y sintáctica, por lo que se debe hacer explícito que el primer sentido de canela en rama funciona como un sustantivo y el segundo como un adjetivo. Aquí nos servimos de una tipología y de un modo de formalizar las locuciones nominales del español creada en el marco de la Teoría Sentido-Texto y basada en el análisis semántico de un corpus de setecientas setenta y seis construcciones nominales. Las locuciones se clasifican de modo formal mediante unas funciones léxicas creadas ad hoc. Esta propuesta se ha implementado en el diccionario electrónico del español Diretes. Gracias a la formalización mencionada, se puede navegar en el diccionario en sentido inverso al habitual, de modo que desde bueno se puede llegar a excelente, y desde excelente a canela en rama. Se presentan algunos resultados y se concluye que, a pesar de lo reducido del corpus analizado, la implementación en el diccionario permite validar la tipología de las locuciones nominales con la que se ha trabajado y la formalización de funciones léxicas propuesta.
Bilingüismo español-inglés en centros de la Comunidad de Madrid: un estudio de caso
Authors: Fernández Riesgo Lucía
Published: March 2022

El objetivo principal de este trabajo es averiguar si los alumnos que realizan sus estudios en la Comunidad de Madrid en centros bilingües finalizan la educación secundaria siendo competentes en dos lenguas, el español y el inglés. La experiencia señala ciertas lagunas en el sistema que impiden que los estudiantes asimilen algunos conceptos en su lengua materna. Queremos comprobar si esto es cierto mediante un estudio de caso. Tras una breve presentación del término bilingüe y otros similares (bilingüismo, enseñanza bilingüe) en la bibliografía precedente, nos centramos en el caso. Para realizar el estudio se seleccionaron alumnos del mismo curso (un total de ciento trece participantes) de un centro bilingüe de educación secundaria de la localidad de Alcobendas (Madrid). Los participantes fueron divididos en dos grupos: uno de control, formado por los alumnos de los grupos no bilingües (G1), y otro experimental, formado por los alumnos de grupos bilingües (G2). Diseñamos pruebas de contenidos y cuestionarios con una metodología tanto cuantitativa como cualitativa. Con todos los datos recogidos mediante dichas pruebas, se llegó a la conclusión de que el programa bilingüe necesita mejorar en varios aspectos relacionados con la falta de aprendizaje en español de los conceptos que los alumnos aprenden por primera vez en inglés, algo fundamental para que los alumnos puedan ser considerados bilingües. Todos los encuestados coincidieron en que la competencia de los alumnos en inglés es muy buena en el plano oral, menos buena en el plano escrito y, lo que es más grave, insuficiente en español: se reconoce que la competencia en español de los alumnos se está viendo perjudicada pues no solo no saben explicar en su lengua materna los conceptos que aprenden en inglés, sino que no los comprenden plenamente.
Fernández Corbacho, Analí. (2021). Aprender a leer en una lengua extranjera en educación primaria. Huelva: Universidad de Huelva. 330 Páginas
Authors: Sánchez Vizcaíno María Carmen
Published: March 2022

Reseña del libro: Fernández Corbacho, Analí. (2021). Aprender a leer en una lengua extranjera en educación primaria. Huelva: Universidad de Huelva. 330 Páginas. ISBN 978-84-17776-51-0.
Ampliando campos de estudio. Revisión sistematizada para el impulso académico del feminismo andaluz
Authors: Chacón Chamorro Victoria , Terrón-Caro Teresa , Pérez Bernal Marian
Published: March 2022

Desde 2016 asistimos a una producción bastante fructífera de trabajos fuera del ámbito académico sobre feminismo andaluz, entendiendo este como una forma diferente de entender y vivir el feminismo determinado por su territorialidad. Pretendemos en este artículo analizar si el feminismo académico ha prestado o no atención a esta nueva corriente con anterioridad, con el fin de alcanzar dos objetivos. En primer lugar, aclarar si el feminismo andaluz existe solo desde su categorización como tal o si ya existía con anterioridad, aunque no se emplease esta denominación. En segundo lugar, dilucidar si se podría considerar feminismo andaluz a toda la literatura sobre feminismo producida desde o sobre Andalucía, o si esta debería cumplir una serie de rasgos propios.Para analizar estas cuestiones, tras realizar una breve genealogía del feminismo académico en España y, sobre todo, en Andalucía, realizamos una revisión sistematizada en las bases de datos WoS, Scopus, Dialnet e ÍnDICes-CSIC desde el año 1975 hasta el 2020 en busca de las posibles raíces académicas del feminismo andaluz. En esta revisión constatamos que, si bien se han hecho trabajos sobre cuestiones feministas en Andalucía, estos no han sido realizados desde la perspectiva del feminismo andaluz. De este modo, el feminismo andaluz puede ser un nuevo reto para la epistemología feminista.
Continuing Medical Education Questions: March 2022
Authors: Richter Seth J.
Published: March 2022

Article Title: Colonoscopy related adverse events in patients with abnormal stool-based tests—A systematic review of literature and meta-analysis of outcomes
Getting Antitrust and History in Tune
Authors: Cheffins Brian R.
Published: March 2022

Antitrust is high on the reform agenda at present, associated with calls to “break up big tech.” Proponents of reform have invoked history with regularity in making their case. They say reform is essential to reverse the baleful influence of the Chicago School of antitrust, which, in their telling, disastrously and abruptly ended in the 1980s a “golden” era of beneficially lively antitrust enforcement. In fact, antitrust enforcement was, at best, uneven, from the early 20th century through to the end of the 1970s. As for the antitrust “counter-revolution” of the late 20th century, this was fostered as much by fears of foreign competition and skepticism of government regulation as Chicago School theorizing. The pattern helped to ensure that the counter-revolution was largely sustained through the opening decades of the 21st century. This article, in addition to getting antitrust and history in tune by drawing attention to the foregoing points, provides insights regarding antitrust’s future direction.
Specific test panels for patients with heart failure: implementation and use in the Spanish National Health System
Authors: Almenar Bonet Luis , Blasco Peiró Mᵃ Teresa , Laiz Marro Begoña , Camafort Babkowski Miguel , Buño Soto Antonio , Crespo-Leiro Maria Generosa
Published: March 2022

Objectives

The use of specific test panels (STP) for heart failure (HF) could help improve the management of this condition. The purpose of this study is to gain an insight into the level of implementation of STPs in the management of HF in Spain and gather the opinions of experts, with a special focus on parameters related to iron metabolism.

Methods

The opinions of experts in HF were gathered in three stages STAGE 1 as follows: level of implementation of STPs (n=40). STAGE 2: advantages and disadvantages of STPs (n=12). STAGE 3: level of agreement with the composition of three specific STPs for HF: initial evaluation panel, monitoring panel, and de novo panel (n=16).

Results

In total, 62.5% of hospitals used STPs for the clinical management of HF, with no association found between the use of STPs and the level of health care (p=0.132) and location of the center (p=0.486) or the availability of a Heart Failure Unit in the center (p=0.737). According to experts, the use of STPs in clinical practice has more advantages than disadvantages (8 vs. 3), with a notable positive impact on diagnostics. Experts gave three motivations and found three limitations to the implementation of STPs. The composition of the three specific STPs for HF was viewed positively by experts.

Conclusions

Although the experts interviewed advocate the use of diagnostic and monitoring STPs for HF, efforts are still necessary to achieve the standardization and homogenization of test panels for HF in Spanish hospitals.
Turnier ohne Zuschauer
Authors: Achnitz Wolfgang
Published: March 2022

The ›Turnier von Nantes‹, attributed to Konrad von Würzburg, is considered a political poem. However, the specific historical occasion is controversial in research because of the ambiguous facts. This also applies to the dating. But the identified mixture of unspecific facts with fictitious elements can be described according to the rhetoric procedure of narratio verisimilis (verisimilitudo). The work of art therefore does not report an actual, but a fictitious event – and just like the tournament it expresses the common self-image of the medieval aristocratic society.
Design of a Robust sliding mode controller for bioreactor cultures in overflow metabolism via an interdisciplinary approach
Authors: Lopéz-Peréz Pablo Antonio , Rodriguez-Mata Abraham Efraim , Hernández-González Omar , Amabilis-Sosa Leonel E. , Baray-Arana Rogelio , Leon-Borges Jesus
Published: March 2022

Microorganism culture is highly complex due to the different metabolic pathways, which are very complex. A metabolic phenomenon called overflow is a challenge to overcome in automatic control tasks of microorganism cultures. In this study, a nonlinear algorithm by sliding modes (sliding mode nonlinear control, SMNC) is proposed for the robust regulation of a fed-batch bioreactor in the presence of parametric and system perturbations. A control design is obtained using Lyapunov functions by techniques to propose a control law such that it is robust, only the output signals (biomass and volume) are used, and the reaction rates do not have to be wholly known. Therefore, a novel and simple controller capable of solving the above problems is obtained.
Kinetics and mechanistic reaction pathway of carbon steel dissolution in simulated CO2–H2S medium in the presence of formic acid
Authors: Talukdar Anusuya , Baranwal Prince Kumar , Rajaraman Prasanna Venkatesh
Published: March 2022

Anodic dissolution of carbon steel in solution mixtures of simulated CO2–H2S in the presence of formic acid (0–500 ppm) was investigated using electrochemical methods such as potentiodynamic polarization and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The results show that the corrosion rate increases with an increase in the concentration of formic acid. Potentiodynamic polarization data revealed that the increase in cathodic current density plays a significant role in the increase of carbon steel corrosion rate. A combination of equivalent circuits was employed to model the impedance spectra of the carbon steel electrode acquired at open circuit potential and different overpotentials. The EIS data obtained at various overpotentials were further analyzed by reaction mechanism analysis (RMA) approach to interpret the dissolution mechanism. A multi-step reaction model including two dissolution paths and ferrous intermediate adsorbed species determined the dissolution behaviour of carbon steel. The best fit RMA kinetic parameters were retrieved using an optimization technique and the surface coverage of adsorbed species was estimated. Surface morphology of corroded steel surfaces was also examined with field emission scanning electron microscope demonstrating aggressive uniform corrosion of carbon steel in the presence of formic acid.
Solving transportation externalities, economic approaches, and their risks
Authors: Riha Zdenek , Dockalikova Iveta , Tichy Jan , Koštiaľ Daniel
Published: March 2022

The impact of human activity on the environment is an ongoing concern not only in the natural sciences but also in economics. Special attention is focused on the transport system, which is one of the largest producers of so-called externalities. However, its regulation may mean a serious disruption of global logistics links, which are crucial for maintaining international and national trade, gross domestic product formation and, therefore, to maintain the economic level to which mankind is accustomed to and which brings a quality of human life that is the highest in the human history. The article, therefore, examines possible economic approaches and theories to the problem of the relationship between human activity and the environment and the possible reduction of negative externalities. Typical approaches to dealing with externalities include the theories of the English economist Arthur Pigou, who proposed the application of various taxes and subsidies to limit the so-called social costs, whereas the extreme solution is the explicit prohibition of certain activities. In contrast to this approach is the theory known as the environmental Kuznets curve, which states the relationship between environmental damage and the economic performance of a given geographical area. It must be respected that the reduction of negative externalities, or their so-called internalisation, cannot be expected to be a trivial solution. The application of additional taxes or subsidies can lead to many unintended consequences, which may ultimately have a greater negative economic impact than the externalities themselves. Therefore, the conclusion of this article is devoted to a discussion of the potential risks of such regulatory interventions from the government position.
COVID-19 lockdown impact on CERN seismic station ambient noise levels
Authors: Ścisło Łukasz , Łacny Łukasz , Guinchard Michael
Published: March 2022

Seismic measuring stations do not only record seismic waves. They also pick up tremors caused by other factors: these are known as seismic background noise. In normal conditions, this environmental background is steady over a long time. This article presents the influence of high reduction of human activity due to COVID-19 initial lockdown on ground vibration in the Large Hadron Collider tunnel at the European Organization for Nuclear Research.
Kinetics studies of hydrogen reduction of Cu2O
Authors: Tilliander Ulrika , Aune Ragnhild E. , Seetharaman Sesadri
Published: March 2022

In present work, reduction kinetics of Cu2O by hydrogen gas was studied by thermogravimetric analyses (TGA). The TGA experiments were carried out both isothermally and non-isothermally on shallow powder beds. It was established that additions of Ni or NiO did not have any serious effect on the kinetics of reduction of Cu2O. The composition and microstructures of the reaction products were analyzed after each experiment by X-ray diffraction (XRD) as well as by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The activation energy for the reaction was evaluated from isothermal as well as non-isothermal reduction experiments and was found to be in good agreement. The impact of the stability of the oxide on the activation energy for hydrogen reduction is also discussed.
Phase separation in Si–(B)–C–N polymer-derived ceramics
Authors: Golczewski Jerzy A. , Aldinger Fritz
Published: March 2022

Details of phase separation in the microstructure of amorphous Si – (B) –C–N ceramics derived from polymers have been resolved using the recent results of structural investigations. The formation of an amorphous phase built of atomic compounds SiC
i

/4N(4 – i)/3 and consequently located along the composition line between SiC and Si3N4 in the ternary Si–C–N phase diagram demonstrates a generic feature of phase separation in all these materials. The amorphous carbon phase separates as a counterpart in the micro-structure of Si –C–N ceramics, and in the case of Si –B– C–N ceramics such counterpart represents B–N–C domains of the composition (BN)
c
C
y
located along the tie line C–BN in the ternary B–C–N phase diagram. The effect of phase separation has been also pondered as a source of exceptional material properties.
Dislocation micromechanisms under single slip conditions
Authors: Veyssière Patrick , Chiu Yu-Lung , Niewczas Marek
Published: March 2022

The microstructures formed in the early stage of deformation of Cu, Al, and TiAl in single slip and at low temperatures are analysed. While dislocations are highly mobile in Cu and Al, they are subject to a significant lattice friction in TiAl. Also, they are dissociated over a few nm in Cu, not in Al and TiAl. These various properties are manifested in the self-organization of dislocations in bundles. The role of nanometric prismatic loops in producing specific debris is emphasized in the context of the so-called collinear interaction. Possible artefacts arising from microstructural relaxation after unloading are discussed and limitations of weak-beam analyses assessed.
Texture evolution in equiaxed polycrystalline L10-ordered FePd during coarsening at 600 °C
Authors: Deshpande A. R. , Wiezorek J. M. K.
Published: March 2022

The texture evolution in equiaxed polycrystalline L10-FePd during the coarsening regime of annealing at 600 °C after cold-rolling has been investigated, using X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy. A change in dominant texture was observed. Using the nomenclature established for texture description of face-centered cubic metals, the texture of the L10-FePd develops from a brass-type texture into a strong cube-type texture during coarsening. Also, a large density of special high-angle grain boundaries emerged during coarsening, which can be described as coherent Σ2-boundaries and are associated with (90 ± 5)°-rotations about a common cube-axis between the neighboring grains. The emergence of Σ2-boundaries may play an important role for previously reported abnormalities in the grain growth kinetics.
Site preference, thermodynamic, and magnetic properties of the ternary Laves phase Ti(Fe1 – x
Al
x
)2 with the crystal structure of the MgZn2-type
Authors: Yan Xinlin , Chen Xing-Qiu , Grytsiv A. , Witusiewicz V. T. , Rogl P. , Podloucky R. , Pomjakushin V. , Giester G.
Published: March 2022

Site preference and thermodynamic properties of the ternary Laves phase Ti(Fe1 –x
Al
x
)2 with MgZn2-type have been studied employing Rietveld refinement of X-ray and neutron powder diffraction data, X-ray single crystal data, and isoperibolic drop calorimetry techniques. A detailed relation between lattice parameters of Ti(Fe1– x
Al
x
)2 and the Al content in the Laves phase has been presented. The Rietvelt refinement revealed that Ti atoms occupy the 4f site in the MgZn2-type, whilst Fe and Al atoms randomly share the 2a and 6 θ site. Heat of formation has been measured for Ti(Fe0.5Al0.5)2. For the ab initio density functional theory applications, a large number of structural models were investigated to calculate the concentration dependent (Al) heats of formation, magnetic structural stabilities, lattice parameters, and site occupancies, which are in good agreement with experiment.
Evolution of C-rich SiOC ceramics
Authors: Kleebe Hans-Joachim , Gregori Giuliano , Babonneau Florence , Blum Yigal D. , MacQueen D. Brent , Masse Sylvie
Published: March 2022

Carbon-rich Si –O–C polymer-derived ceramics (PDCs) were investigated by various spectroscopic techniques, in order to characterize the evolution of their predominantly amorphous microstructure upon thermal treatment up to 1450 °C. Particular attention was addressed to modifications of the excess free carbon phase present in these materials. Surprisingly, the carbon clusters exhibited high stability above the pyrolysis temperature. Despite the high volume fraction of carbon, only a very limited carbothermal reduction process was detected. This study is divided into two parts: Part I deals with characterization tools that reveal a rather low lateral resolution and are hence termed here as integral spectroscopic techniques, i. e., solid-state NMR and Raman spectroscopy. In contrast, Part II illustrates the experimental results obtained from the very same materials characterized by spectroscopic and imaging techniques with high lateral resolution, i. e., electron energy-loss spectroscopy (EELS), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), and energy-filtered TEM. In addition to materials characterization, emphasize of both papers is also to compare the information gained by either integral or local spectroscopy techniques and to highlight the strengths and weaknesses of either approach.
Thermodynamic modelling of the Ce–Ni system
Authors: Pisch Alexander , Wang Jiasong , Jorda Jean-Louis
Published: March 2022

The phase equilibria in the Ni-rich part of the Ce–Ni binary system were re-determined using DTA, metallography and SEM/EDX. CeNi5+x
presents a Ni solubility up to x = 0.53 at 1073 K. The melting point of CeNi5 is 1608 ± 5 K and the CeNi5+x
–Ni eutectic has been observed at 1477 ± 5 K and x(Ni) = 0.91. The enthalpy of formation of stoichiometric CeNi5 has been measured by drop dissolution calorimetry in liquid aluminium and a value of Δf
H = – 29.1 ± 2.2 kJ/moles of atoms was derived. Based on this new experimental data and literature values, a complete thermodynamic modelling of the Ce–Ni diagram was performed.
Thermodynamic properties of liquid Cu–In–Zn alloys
Authors: Knott Sabine , Chen C.-J. , Gehringer Friedrich , Mikula Adolf
Published: March 2022

The partial Gibbs energies of zinc in the liquid Cu– In–Zn system as a function of temperature and concentration were measured in the temperature range between the melting points of the alloys and 1073 K using an EMF method with a liquid electrolyte. The thermodynamic properties were determined for 30 alloys at three different constant ratios of Cu : In of 1 : 2, 1 : 1, and 2 : 1 with zinc added in the concentration range between 5 and 90 at.%. The integral Gibbs free energy and the integral enthalpy of mixing of the ternary system were calculated with the Gibbs Duhem equation.
Neutron diffraction analysis of martensite ageing in high-carbon FeCMnSi steel
Authors: Barbé Liesbeth , Samek Ludovic , Verbeken Kim , Conlon Kelly , De Cooman Bruno C.
Published: March 2022

A high-carbon metastable austenite phase was quenched in liquid nitrogen to obtain fresh athermal martensite. Different ageing treatments were performed in order to study the transformation of the martensite phase and the formation of carbides. Neutron diffraction experiments give detailed information on the transformations during the annealing treatment itself. The tetragonal athermal martensite transformed immediately, i. e. during the heating to the ageing temperature, to cubic martensite. Ageing at 400 °C resulted in the decomposition of the austenite in ferrite and carbides and the formation of bainite. Those carbides could be determined as η-carbides transforming in χ-carbides after extended annealing times. As was expected, ageing at 170 °C resulted in the formation of a small amount of η carbides while the austenite phase remained stable.
In situ electrochemical nanoindentation of a nickel (111) single crystal: hydrogen effect on pop-in behaviour
Authors: Barnoush Afrooz , Vehoff Horst
Published: March 2022

The hydrogen effect on dislocation nucleation in Ni single crystals with (111) surface orientation has been examined with the aid of a specifically designed nanoindentation setup for in situ electrochemical experiments. The effect of the electrochemical potential on the indent load – displacement curve, especially the unstable elastic-plastic transition (pop-in), was studied in detail. The experiments allowed the exclusion of the surface from hydrogen effects. The observations showed a pop-in load drop from an average value of 250 to 100 μN due to in situ hydrogen charging, which is reproducibly observed within sequential hydrogen charging and discharging. Clear evidence is provided that hydrogen atoms facilitate homogeneous dislocation nucleation.
Fracture behaviour of ultrafine-grained materials under static and cyclic loading
Authors: Hübner Peter , Kiessling Rene , Biermann Horst , Vinogradov Alexei
Published: March 2022

Fracture-mechanics experiments were carried out on ultrafine-grained (UFG) samples of copper, titanium and an Al alloy to obtain the fracture behaviour under static and cyclic loading. The UFG-materials investigated show crack resistance behaviour under static loading, which was confirmed by ductile fracture surfaces. Under cyclic load the crack growth rate was described well by the ESACRACK model.
An overview of the National Biobank of the National Health Laboratory Service: a South African national treasure for biological resources
Authors: Thobela Mandile Samantha , Maseme Mantombi Rebecca , Duma Bonginkosi Mthandeni
Published: March 2022

The National Biobank of the National Health Laboratory Service (NHLS) is a national treasure established to serve as support infrastructure for the provision of high quality human biological materials for research purposes and it represents the first of its kind in South Africa. This article aims to demonstrate the alignment of the NHLS Biobank to international best practices and guidelines with reference to the 13 sections of the International Society of Biological and Environmental Repositories (ISBER) Best Practices for Repositories (4th ed.). The NHLS Biobank has implemented procedures and management strategies that are technical best practices covering the lifecycle of biobanking (collection, processing, storage and dissemination of human biological materials) while having respect for ethical and regulatory processes, upholding the interest of the donors. ISBER best practices are invaluable sources of guidance and benchmarking on the guiding principles has enabled the NHLS Biobank to develop into an entity with infrastructure and operational activities that support its short-term and long-term objectives that are set out in the business plan.
Socially distanced but virtually connected: pandemic fieldwork with Black Bostonians
Authors: Nesbitt Monica , Watts Akiah
Published: March 2022

The Eastern Massachusetts Life and Language project was in its planning stages when the COVID-19 pandemic began to make headway in the United States in 2020. We contribute to the conversation about conducting linguistic fieldwork during a major social upheaval by providing a description of our shift to virtual methodologies, which include utilizing Instagram for participant recruitment and Zoom for conducting sociolinguistic interviews. Virtual data collection remains underexplored, as there has never been a widespread need for such practices until the recent lockdowns resulting from the pandemic. Likewise, social media appears to be underutilized as a recruitment tool in linguistic fieldwork. Nevertheless, it is effective in producing a heterogeneous participant sample in a short amount of time. We are delighted to engage in discussions about the effects of virtual recruitment and data collection on linguistic fieldwork and the data itself. We offer a description of our pivots to virtual recruitment and interviewing and the racial justice initiatives that become achievable because of these changes. We hope this contribution is beneficial to researchers looking to incorporate virtual methodologies into their research program.
Influence of loading voltage, domain ratio, and additional load on the actuation of dielectric elastomer
Authors: Wang Hong , Yang Liang
Published: March 2022

Dielectric elastomer (DE) is widely used in various fields because of its advantages of large deformation, lightweight, and good flexibility. In this article, based on our previous research work, the actuation performance of the cone dielectric elastomer actuator (DEA) is studied first, and the influence of loading voltage, domain ratio, and additional load on the displacement and output force of DEA is analyzed and discussed. Then, a three-dimensional model of displacement and force of DEA is established. At last, the relationship between the structure and the performance of DE is discussed from the microscopic point of view. The results show that the output displacement and force of the cone DEA increase with the increase of loading voltage and additional load. The three-dimensional model graph of cone DEA can reflect the performance change of DEA well. The design with different domain ratios is the key factor that influences the final DEA actuator, which has a great influence on the cross-link density and chain length in the DE structure. By making clear the regulating function of external environment factors, we can design DEA with different configurations, which lays a good foundation for the further development of DEA and enlarges the potential application scope of DEA.
Engineered nanocomposites in asphalt binders
Authors: Cheraghian Goshtasp , Wistuba Michael P. , Kiani Sajad , Behnood Ali , Afrand Masoud , Barron Andrew R.
Published: March 2022

Recently, nanotechnology has been effectively used in the field of road pavement. Oxidation and aging of asphalt cause deterioration of road pavements and increase asphalt-related emissions. We propose an anti-aging strategy to interrupt the asphalt deterioration by using engineered clay/fumed silica nanocomposites. In this research, the morphological, chemical, thermal, mechanical, and rheological properties of nano-modified asphalt binders are meticulously analyzed in various conditions. The experiment results proved that this composite efficiently disrupts the chemical oxidation and decomposition in the mixture and reduces the aging rate. Remarkably, asphalt binder rheology experiments revealed that the addition of 0.2–0.3 wt% of nano-reinforced materials maximized their rheological resistance after short- and long-term aging. Moreover, nanoparticles improve the moisture resistance efficiency and in turn overcome the critical issue of moisture in low production temperature within the framework of warm mix asphalt technology. This cost-effective, facile, and scalable approach in warm mix asphalt mixtures can contribute to increased sustainability and lifespan of pavements and a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.
Characteristics and microstructures of the GFRP waste powder/GGBS-based geopolymer paste and concrete
Authors: Zheng Chuji , Wang Jun , Liu Hengjuan , GangaRao Hota , Liang Ruifeng
Published: March 2022

A novel method is developed for reusing the waste glass fiber-reinforced polymer (GFRP) powder as a precursor in geopolymer production. Several activation parameters that affect the workability and strength gain of GFRP powder-based geopolymers are investigated. The results of an experimental study reveal that the early strength of GFRP powder-based geopolymer pastes develops slowly at ambient temperature. The highest compressive strength of GFRP powder-based geopolymer pastes is 7.13 MPa at an age of 28 days. The ratio of compressive strength to flexural strength of GFRP powder-based-geopolymers is lower than that of fly ash and ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBS)-based geopolymers, indicating that the incorporation of GFRP powder can improve the geopolymer brittleness. GGBS is incorporated into geopolymer blends to accelerate the early activity of GFRP powder. The binary geopolymer pastes exhibit shorter setting times and higher mechanical strength values than those of single GFRP powder geopolymer pastes. The GGBS geopolymer concrete mixture with 30 wt% GFRP powder displayed the highest compressive strength and flexural strength values and was less brittle. The developed binary GFRP powder/GGBS-based geopolymers reduce the disadvantages of single GFRP powder or GGBS geopolymers, and thus, offer high potential as a building construction material.
A new acylated flavone glycoside, in vitro antioxidant and antimicrobial activities from Saudi Diospyros mespiliformis Hochst. ex A. DC (Ebenaceae) leaves
Authors: Hawas Usama W. , El-Ansari Mohamed A. , El-Hagrassi Ali M.
Published: March 2022

Phytochemical investigation of Diospyros mespiliformis leaves resulted in the isolation of new acylated flavone isoscutellarein 7-O-(4′′′-O-acetyl)-β-allopyranosyl(1′′′ → 2′′)-β-glucopyranoside (1), along with eight known flavonoid metabolites, luteolin 3′,4′,6,8-tetramethyl ether (2), luteolin 4′-O-β-neohesperidoside (3), luteolin 7-O-β-glucoside (4), luteolin (5), quercetin (6), quercetin 3-O-β-glucoside (7), quercetin 3-O-α-rhamnoside (8), and rutin (9). Their structures were identified by analysis of spectroscopic (UV, NMR, and MS) data, as well as by acid hydrolysis for the isolated glycosides. The antioxidant activity of D. mespiliformis metabolites was determined by the DPPH radical-scavenging assay. The new acylated flavone (1) and flavonol O-rhamnoside (8) displayed the highest antioxidant activities with IC50 values 15.46 and 12.32 μg/mL, respectively, with respect to the antioxidant ascorbic acid (IC50 value 10.62 μg/mL). In addition, the isolated flavonoids were evaluated against four human pathogenic bacteria where the methylated flavone (2) exhibited potent activity against Escherichia coli with inhibition zone 34 mm, and mild activity of flavonol O-rhamnoside (8) against Staphylococcus aureus with MIC value 9.77 μg/mL. According to the MBC/MIC ratio, the antibacterial activity of the isolated flavonoids was considered flavonoid 2 is bactericidal nature against S. aureus, and flavonoids 3 and 4 are bactericidal against E. coli.
Ready, communicators: Communications and public relations in the Metaverse
Authors: Chen Rita
Published: March 2022

With the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic and the resurgence of the Black Lives Matter movement, Canadians are consuming more media than ever. While this development has allowed us to become more informed about the important issues surrounding us, it does mean we need to give critical thought to how we are perusing different media forms and content. This editorial shares three methods that communicators can consider employing to help avoid unconscious bias when consuming media. The editorial also introduces the five articles being featured in this issue, before closing with acknowledgement and thanks to all the people who made this publication possible.

Keywords: media, unconscious bias, strategy, communication tactics
A Brief Review on the Effects of the Squat Exercise on Lower-Limb Muscle Hypertrophy
Authors: Ribeiro Alex S. , Santos Erick D. , Nunes João Pedro , Nascimento Matheus A. , Graça Ágatha , Bezerra Ewertton S. , Mayhew Jerry L.
Published: March 2022

The squat is one of the most widely used exercises in resistance training programs. The aim of this narrative review was to analyze the effect of the squat on lower-limb muscle hypertrophy. Briefly, the available literature indicates that the squat is an effective exercise for inducing hypertrophy of the quadriceps, mainly the vastii, but also the rectus femoris, although to a reduced magnitude. Multiple lines of evidence suggest little to no hamstring hypertrophy from the back squat. Although the gluteus maximus clearly participates mechanically in the back squat, few longitudinal studies exist on the topic. The limited evidence available on this topic suggests deeper squats may be more hypertrophic for the gluteus maximus, and that, squat depth beyond 90° of knee flexion may not provide further hypertrophy of the knee extensors. Despite the popularity of the many squat variations, there are still controversies surrounding their hypertrophic potential for lower-limb musculature. Further studies are needed to investigate the hypertrophic effects of different squat variations, as well as differences in hypertrophy because of squat depth, stance, barbell position, and different squat apparatuses/machines.
Developments in nutrition for pasture-based cattle and sheep systems in Ireland
Authors: Patton J. , Dineen M. , Keady T.W.J. , McGee M. , Waters S.
Published: March 2022

For ruminant production systems, the requirement to meet specific nutrient targets in the animal’s diet must be balanced with the aim of achieving high utilisation of forage in the overall feed budget. A focus of research and extension in an Irish industry context has been to meet these objectives using grazed pasture as the predominant forage source. This has prompted investigation to improve understanding of the components defining forage nutritive value, as well as the management factors affecting its intake and utilisation by animals. Similarly, quantifying the animal performance responses to varying type, rate and timing of dietary supplementation has been an important area of investigation. This review summarises some of the principal outcomes and developments over recent years across beef, sheep and dairy production systems. In addition, ruminant production systems are increasingly challenged to reduce potential environmental impacts by mitigating nutrient and gaseous emissions across their production cycles. Current and emerging research with regard to this issue, and enteric methane production in particular, is discussed.
Hegemoni Fiqh Terhadap Penulisan Kitab Hadith
Authors: Rodliyana M. Dede
Published: March 2022

This paper discusses the arguement behind the hegemony of fiqh in hadith literature. It discusses the opposition between ahl al-hadith and ahl al-fiqh, and the practice of hadith fabrication caused by political, ethnical and ideological debate between Muslims at that time. The article uses historical approach to trace the geneology of this opposition, and hadith criticism to study the kutub al-hadith
Tarjamah Tafsiriah Terhadap Al-Qur’an: Antara Kontekstualisasi dan Distorsi
Authors: Syahrullah Syahrullah
Published: March 2022

The Qur’an translation in Bahasa Indonesia by the Ministry of Religious Affairs has been criticized by Majelis Mujahidin Indonesia. This translation, according to them, is one of the factors that produces radicalism. On the basis of this claim, this article discusses Tarjamah Tafsiriyah: Memahami Makna al-Qur’an Lebih Mudah dan Cepat (2011) by Muhammad Thalib, the Amir of MMI. Using the descriptive analysis approach, this article shows that Tarjamah Tafsiriyah has several advantages, such as its short redaction and interpretive translation, although worth criticizing the emphasis on a certain meaning and the lack of attention to the text’s variety of meaning.
Perkembangan Saintifik Ilmu Qawa’id al-Tafsir
Authors: Harun Salman
Published: March 2022

This research compares and discusses the sciences of the Qur’an (‘ulum al-Qur’an) and the sciences of interpretational guidelines (Qawa‘id al-Tafsir), as have been shown in the popular books used in Indonesia – works of al-Zarkashi, al-Suyuti, al-Zarqani and Salih – with that of Khalid ibn ‘Uthman al-Sabt. The later has proposed 280 guidelines and 100 subguidelines, which are relevant as the basis for interpreting the Qur’an. The writer, however, argues that more guidelines are still needed.
Dogmatika, Filsafat Hukum Islam dan Hak Asasi Manusia: Sketsa Agenda Rekonstrran dan Penafsiran Hukum Islam
Authors: Muslimin JM
Published: March 2022

In its formative years, Islamic law develops gradually. Along its development as a concept of reasoning as well as judging, Islamic law is a result of mixed and blended elements: a transcendental  and  local elements are formulated to be a coherent reference of logics. The article proposes the continuation of the blended tradition. The basic assumption is as long as sharia is able to maintain its adaptability to the newest cultural innovation and create ‘creative dialectics’ as it is shown in its glorious history of human civilization, it will survive as a moral guidelines and legal frame of thought. The article tries further to offer a model of such  a creativity, especially with regard to the concept of human rights.