bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prevalence and associated risk factors for hepatitis B and C viruses among refugee populations living in Mahama, Rwanda: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Kamali Innocent , Barnhart Dale A. , Ndahimana Jean d’Amour , Noor Kassim , Mumporeze Jeanne , Nyirahabihirwe Françoise , Gakuru Jean de la Paix , Musafiri Tumusime , Urusaro Sandra , Makuza Jean Damascene , Serumondo Janvier , Rwamuhinda Dina Denis , Nkundibiza Maurice , Kateera Fredrick , Nshogoza Gallican Rwibasira , Mubiligi Joel M.
Published: October 2021

Introduction

As part of the integration of refugees into Rwanda’s national hepatitis C elimination agenda, a mass screening campaign for hepatitis B (HBV) and hepatitis C (HCV) was conducted among Burundian refugees living in Mahama Camp, Eastern Rwanda. This cross-sectional survey used data from the screening campaign to report on the epidemiology of viral hepatitis in this setting.

Methods

Rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) were used to screen for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and hepatitis C antibody (anti-HCV) among people of ≥15years old. We calculated seroprevalence for HBsAg and anti-HCV by age and sex and also calculated age-and-sex adjusted risk ratios (ARR) for other possible risk factors.

Results

Of the 26,498 screened refugees, 1,006 (3.8%) and 297 (1.1%) tested positive for HBsAg and Anti-HCV, respectively. HBsAg was more prevalent among men than women and most common among people 25–54 years old. Anti-HCV prevalence increased with age group with no difference between sexes. After adjusting for age and sex, having a household contact with HBsAg was associated with 1.59 times higher risk of having HBsAg (95% CI: 1.27, 1.99) and having a household contact with anti-HCV was associated with 3.66 times higher risk of Anti-HCV (95% CI: 2.26, 5.93). Self-reporting having HBV, HCV, liver disease, or previously screened for HBV and HCV were significantly associated with both HBsAg and anti-HCV, but RDT-confirmed HBsAg and anti-HCV statuses were not associated with each other. Other risk factors for HBsAg included diabetes (ARR = 1.97, 95% CI: 1.08, 3.59) and family history of hepatitis B (ARR = 1.32, 95% CI: 1.11, 1.56) and for anti-HCV included heart disease (ARR = 1.91, 95% CI: 1.30, 2.80) and history of surgery (ARR = 1.70, 95% CI: 1.24, 2.32).

Conclusion

Sero-prevalence and risks factors for hepatitis B and C among Burundian were comparable to that in the Rwandan general population. Contact tracing among household members of identified HBsAg and anti-HCV infected case may be an effective approach to targeted hepatitis screening given the high risk among self-reported cases. Expanded access to voluntary testing may be needed to improve access to hepatitis treatment and care in other refugee settings.
Assessing the role of the pelvic canal in supporting the gut in humans
Authors: Uy Jeanelle , Laudicina Natalie M.
Published: October 2021

The human pelvic canal (true pelvis) functions to support the abdominopelvic organs and serves as a passageway for reproduction (females). Previous research suggests that these two functions work against each other with the expectation that the supportive role results in a narrower pelvic midplane, while fetal passage necessitates a larger opening. In this research, we examine how gut size relates to the size and shape of the true pelvis, which may have implications on how gut size can influence pelvic floor integrity. Pelves and in vivo gut volumes were measured from CT scans of 92 adults (48 female, 44 male). The true pelvis was measured at three obstetrical planes (inlet, midplane, outlet) using 11 3D landmarks. CT volumetry was used to obtain an individual’s gut size. Gut volume was compared to the pelvic planes using multiple regression to evaluate the relationship between gut size and the true pelvis. We find that, in males, larger gut sizes are associated with increased mediolateral canal dimensions at the inlet and midplane. In females, we find that larger gut sizes are associated with more medially-projecting ischial spines and an anteroposteriorly longer outlet. We hypothesize that the association of larger guts with increased canal width in males and increased outlet length in females are adaptations to create adequate space for the gut, while more medially projecting ischial spines reduce the risk of pelvic floor disorders in females, despite its possible spatial consequences for fetal passage.
Increased risk of hospitalisation and intensive care admission associated with reported cases of SARS-CoV-2 variants B.1.1.7 and B.1.351 in Norway, December 2020 –May 2021
Authors: Veneti Lamprini , Seppälä Elina , Larsdatter Storm Margrethe , Valcarcel Salamanca Beatriz , Alnes Buanes Eirik , Aasand Nina , Naseer Umaer , Bragstad Karoline , Hungnes Olav , Bøås Håkon , Kvåle Reidar , Golestani Karan , Feruglio Siri , Vold Line , Nygård Karin , Whittaker Robert
Published: October 2021

Introduction

Since their emergence, SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern (VOC) B.1.1.7 and B.1.351 have spread worldwide. We estimated the risk of hospitalisation and admission to an intensive care unit (ICU) for infections with B.1.1.7 and B.1.351 in Norway, compared to infections with non-VOC.

Materials and methods

Using linked individual-level data from national registries, we conducted a cohort study on laboratory-confirmed cases of SARS-CoV-2 in Norway diagnosed between 28 December 2020 and 2 May 2021. Variants were identified based on whole genome sequencing, partial sequencing by Sanger sequencing or PCR screening for selected targets. The outcome was hospitalisation or ICU admission. We calculated adjusted risk ratios (aRR) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) using multivariable binomial regression to examine the association between SARS-CoV-2 variants B.1.1.7 and B.1.351 with i) hospital admission and ii) ICU admission compared to non-VOC.

Results

We included 23,169 cases of B.1.1.7, 548 B.1.351 and 4,584 non-VOC. Overall, 1,017 cases were hospitalised (3.6%) and 206 admitted to ICU (0.7%). B.1.1.7 was associated with a 1.9-fold increased risk of hospitalisation (aRR 95%CI 1.6–2.3) and a 1.8-fold increased risk of ICU admission (aRR 95%CI 1.2–2.8) compared to non-VOC. Among hospitalised cases, no difference was found in the risk of ICU admission between B.1.1.7 and non-VOC. B.1.351 was associated with a 2.4-fold increased risk of hospitalisation (aRR 95%CI 1.7–3.3) and a 2.7-fold increased risk of ICU admission (aRR 95%CI 1.2–6.5) compared to non-VOC.

Discussion

Our findings add to the growing evidence of a higher risk of severe disease among persons infected with B.1.1.7 or B.1.351. This highlights the importance of prevention and control measures to reduce transmission of these VOC in society, particularly ongoing vaccination programmes, and preparedness plans for hospital surge capacity.
How does individualised physiotherapy work for people with low back pain? A Bayesian Network analysis using randomised controlled trial data
Authors: Liew Bernard X. W. , Ford Jon J. , Scutari Marco , Hahne Andrew J.
Published: October 2021

Purpose

Individualised physiotherapy is an effective treatment for low back pain. We sought to determine how this treatment works by using randomised controlled trial data to develop a Bayesian Network model.

Methods

300 randomised controlled trial participants (153 male, 147 female, mean age 44.1) with low back pain (of duration 6–26 weeks) received either individualised physiotherapy or advice. Variables with potential to explain how individualised physiotherapy works were included in a multivariate Bayesian Network model. Modelling incorporated the intervention period (0–10 weeks after study commencement–“early” changes) and the follow-up period (10–52 weeks after study commencement–“late” changes). Sequences of variables in the Bayesian Network showed the most common direct and indirect recovery pathways followed by participants with low back pain receiving individualised physiotherapy versus advice.

Results

Individualised physiotherapy directly reduced early disability in people with low back pain. Individualised physiotherapy exerted indirect effects on pain intensity, recovery expectations, sleep, fear, anxiety, and depressionviaits ability to facilitate early improvement in disability. Early improvement in disability, led to an early reduction in depression both directly and via more complex pathways involving fear, recovery expectations, anxiety, and pain intensity. Individualised physiotherapy had its greatest influence on early change variables (during the intervention period).

Conclusion

Individualised physiotherapy for low back pain appears to work predominately by facilitating an early reduction in disability, which in turn leads to improvements in other biopsychosocial outcomes. The current study cannot rule out that unmeasured mechanisms (such as tissue healing or reduced inflammation) may mediate the relationship between individualised physiotherapy treatment and improvement in disability. Further data-driven analyses involving a broad range of plausible biopsychosocial variables are recommended to fully understand how treatments work for people with low back pain.

Trials registration

ACTRN12609000834257.
S7ílhen tl’a Swa7ám̓ (Food of the Ancestors)
Authors: Wyss T’uy’t’tanat-Cease
Published: October 2021

T’uy’t’tanat-Cease Wyss has dedicated most of her life to Indigenous plant remediation and restoration projects that support wetlands ecosystems, food forests and the wild inhabitants of these places. This is diligent and time based work. It will take several lifetimes to heal our planet, and everything we plant now will help to ensure that our future ancestors will survive.

Through the work of planting and rebuilding these wetlands and food forests we are gifting the future a little of what was greatly taken from the natural world in the past 150 years. Through interdisciplinary documentation of this work, we assure that our future ancestors will continue to be connected to the natural world, by knowing the true names in our Indigenous languages, of these sacred plant relatives.

These photos, along with the Sḵwx̱úmesh Snichem text, are part of the knowledge carrying that must be taken to the next generations to stay informed and connected. This is what reciprocity means to us. This is what Indigenous Food Sovereignty looks like.
ᖃᓪᓗᓈᖅᑕᐃᑦ ᓯᑯᓯᓛᕐᒥᑦ Printed Textiles from Kinngait Studios
Authors: Freeman Na’ama
Published: October 2021

ᖃᓪᓗᓈᖅᑕᐃᑦ ᓯᑯᓯᓛᕐᒥᑦ Printed Textiles from Kinngait Studios, curated by Roxane Shaughnessy of the Textile Museum of Canada in consultation with independent curator Nakasuq Alariaq, examines the legacy of newly-discovered textile prints from Kinngait Studios and their contribution to art history on both national and global scales. The exhibition shares and preserves a little-known history, drawing connections to contemporary Inuit artistic production and centers Inuit voices in telling this story. At its core, Printed Textiles from Kinngait Studios highlights the powerful way in which visual language can inspire intergenerational connections and jump-start new conversations between artists, community members, and the public at large.

* This review was prepared in partial completion of a masters-level course, and as such, the author did not have the capacity to consult with members of Kinngait community. In future writings, the author hopes to consult and collaborate alongside community members.
Seuchengötter, Heilungsgötter
Authors: Frenschkowski Marco
Published: October 2021

The article discusses the impact of different ideas on epidemic, endemic, and pandemic diseases in antiquity, concentrating on the times of the New Testament and the early church. Different explanations of diseases coexist and to some degree compete: Diseases are sent by God for punishment and admonition, caused by demons or magic, and in ancient medicine caused by strictly natural factors. Contrary to a common cliché, divine punishing is only a minor idea in reflections on disease, and natural causes are generally taken for granted. A demonological interpretation understands disease as something that is fought by Jesus and also by other charismatic healers in ancient Christianity. In this respect, early Christianity can be called a healing movement.
Pestpfeile, Miasma, Ansteckung
Authors: Leven Karl-Heinz
Published: October 2021

Epidemics were part of the ancient world; the Homeric Iliad begins with a pestilence that decisively shapes the further course of the plot. The sequence of historically attested epidemics ranges from the »Attic Plague« of 430 BCE to the »Antonine Plague« of the 2nd century to the pandemic of the »Justinianic Plague« of 541/42. Plagues are mentioned in numerous genera of ancient literature; in Hippocratic-Galenic medicine, the plague plays an important, yet peculiarly small role. The words »arrows of pestilence«, »miasma«, and »contagion« in the title stand for ancient theories of origin, which covered a wide range of metaphysicalreligious, natural history and empirical views and each conditioned different, also interacting, coping strategies of epidemics.
Alguns aspectos dos solos da cidade de Salvador e suas relações com processos de degradação
Authors: Ribeiro Lucedino Paixão
Published: October 2021

Alguns aspectos dos solos da cidade de Salvador e suas relações com processos de degradação.
Processos de erosão acelerada no município de Presidente Prudente
Authors: Godoy Marcel Carlos Toledo Franco de , Sudo Hideo
Published: October 2021

Processos de erosão acelerada no município de Presidente Prudente
Como observar e interpretar os solos
Authors: Lima Samuel do Carmo
Published: October 2021

Como observar e interpretar os solos
Meio ambiente urbano - reflexões sobre o cotidiano e o individual
Authors: Machado Lucy Marion Calderini Philadelpho
Published: October 2021

Meio ambiente urbano - reflexões sobre o cotidiano e o individual
Evolução tectõnica e paleográfica do Grupo Bauru - Cretáceo continental do Centro-Sul brasileiro
Authors: Barcelos José Humberto , Fúlfaro Vicente José , Perinotto José Alexandre J.
Published: October 2021

Evolução tectõnica e paleográfica do Grupo Bauru - Cretáceo continental do Centro-Sul brasileiro
Estatística Aplicada ao processamento de imagens de satélite
Authors: Rosa Roberto , Brito Jorge Luis da Silva
Published: October 2021

Estatística Aplicada ao processamento de imagens de satélite
Ocupação do leito maior do Ribeirão Claro por habitações
Authors: Barcelos José Humberto , Carvalho Pompeu Figueiredo de , Mauro Claudio Antônio di
Published: October 2021

Ocupação do leito maior do Ribeirão Claro por habitações
Caracterização dos fatores responsáveis pela erosão acelerada na sub-bacia do Córrego dos Macacos
Authors: Nishiyama Luiz , Rodrigues Luscélia
Published: October 2021

Caracterização dos fatores responsáveis pela erosão acelerada na sub-bacia do córrego dos macacos
Uberlândia: os condomínios verticais fechados e a produção do espaço urbano
Authors: Medeiros Carlos de Sousa , Soares Beatriz Ribeiro
Published: October 2021

Uberlândia: os condomínios verticais fechados e a produção do espaço urbano
Geoprocessamento e modelagem de dados: uma visão critica da concepção de orientação a objeto
Authors: Saito Carlos Hiroo
Published: October 2021

Geoprocessamento e modelagem de dados: uma visão critica da concepção de orientação a objeto
A territorialidade e a sustentabilidade ou a ecologia do espaço político
Authors: Santos Carlos
Published: October 2021

A territorialidade e a sustentabilidade ou a ecologia do espaço político
A mobilidade espacial da população paranaense nas décadas de 70 e 80
Authors: Dias Raquel Pereira , Moro Dalton Áureo
Published: October 2021

A mobilidade espacial da população paranaense nas décadas de 70 e 80
El narrador no confiable en Robert Walser y Carlo Emilio Gadda: Una lectura comparada
Authors: Welschen Fabricio
Published: October 2021

En este artículo exploraremos algunos puntos en común entre los escritores Robert Walser y Carlo Emilio Gadda; específicamente, el empleo del narrador no confiable en las novelas Der Räuber (1925) y La cognizione del dolore (1963/1970). De este modo, argumentaremos cómo la aparición del narrador no confiable está en línea con el programa narrativo vanguardista y experimental de estos dos autores, cuya contribución fue decisiva para la literatura del siglo XX.
Levantamento sobre o avanço do setor privado na oferta de educação profissional técnica de nível médio no estado do Rio Grande do Sul
Authors: Bairros Mariângela Silveira , Marchand Patrícia Souza , Rocha Débora Brondani
Published: October 2021

Este artigo parte do histórico do ensino médio no Brasil e da dualidade estrutural entre trabalho manual e intelectual, situação que se agrava ou ameniza conforme as alterações legislativas no Brasil, de separação ou integração da educação profissional ao ensino médio. Adotando a compreensão de que a oferta de uma educação profissional técnica de nível médio que promova a formação integral do estudante depende de políticas públicas concatenadas e de caráter universal, pesquisamos a participação do Estado na oferta de educação profissional no Rio Grande do Sul, através da análise documental de pareceres emitidos pelo CEED-RS - Conselho Estadual de Educação do Rio Grande do Sul, de autorização para funcionamento de cursos técnicos profissionalizantes, entre 2000 e 2018. A análise se concentra na oferta pelas redes estadual e privada, uma vez que as instituições federais independem de autorização do Conselho Estadual de Educação e os municípios, cuja atribuição é a oferta de educação infantil e ensino fundamental, geralmente não atuam na educação profissional técnica de nível médio. Constatamos que ao longo de todo o período verificado ocorre uma preponderância de autorizações de funcionamento de cursos técnicos de nível médio em instituições privadas. A falta de investimentos no ensino público estadual favorece o avanço do setor privado, especialmente com a nova legislação do ensino médio, que permite a terceirização do itinerário formativo da formação técnica e profissional.
Pengaruh Salinitas dan Limbah Cair Tahu pada Konsentrasi yang Berbeda terhadap Pertumbuhan Mikroalga Botryococcus braunii Kutzing
Authors: Putri Savira Amelia , Hariyati Riche , Soeprobowati Tri Retnaningsih
Published: October 2021

Pertumbuhan mikroalga Botryococcus braunii Kutzing dipengaruhi oleh faktor lingkungan berupa salinitas, suhu, pH, oksigen terlarut (DO), intensitas cahaya dan nutrisi pada media kultivasi. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengkaji pengaruh salinitas dan limbah cair tahu terhadap pertumbuhan mikroalga B. braunii. Perlakuan yang dilakukan dalam penelitian ini yaitu konsentrasi limbah cair tahu 10% dengan salinitas 15‰ (L10S15); limbah cair tahu 10% dengan salinitas 20‰ (L10S20); limbah cair tahu 10% dengan salinitas 25‰ (L10S25); limbah cair tahu 20% dengan salinitas 15‰ (L20S15); limbah cair tahu 20% dengan salinitas 20‰ (L20S20); limbah cair tahu 20% dengan salinitas 25‰ (L20S25); limbah cair tahu 30% dengan salinitas 15‰ (L30S15); limbah cair tahu 30% dengan salinitas 20‰ (L30S20); dan limbah cair tahu 30% dengan salinitas 25‰ (L30S25). Pengamatan yang dilakukan meliputi kepadatan sel dan faktor lingkungan berupa salinitas, suhu, pH, oksigen terlarut, serta kadar N dan P total. Data yang diperoleh diolah menggunakan metode analisis sidik ragam (ANOVA) yang dilanjutkan dengan uji Duncan. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan kepadatan sel tertinggi didapatkan pada perlakuan L10S25 dengan rata-rata kepadatan sel 313x104sel/ml. Secara umum, semakin tinggi limbah cair tahu yang diberikan maka kepadatan sel mikroalga akan semakin rendah.
Somatometri Tulang Ekstremitas Ayam Jantan Setelah Pemberian Tepung Daun Kelor (Moringa oleifera) Sebagai Pakan Tambahan
Authors: Prabahandari Kencana Ayudya , Kasiyati Kasiyati , Djaelani Muhammad Anwar , Sunarno Sunarno
Published: October 2021

Daun kelor (Moringa oleifera) merupakan bagian tanaman yang mengandung nutrisi pendukung pertumbuhan tulang ekstremitas ayam jantan, meliputi protein dan mineral kalsium. Atas dasar potensi tersebut, dilakukan penelitian yang bertujuan untuk menganalisis pakan tambahan tepung daun kelor pada pertumbuhan tulang ekstremitas ayam jantan. Parameter uji penelitian ini meliputi panjang sayap, panjang tibiotarsus, panjang tarsometatarsus, panjang badan, dan panjang paruh. Penelitian menggunakan Rancangan Acak Lengkap (RAL) yang terdiri atas 5 perlakuan meliputi P0 (pakan standar 100%), P1, P2, P3 dan P4 berturut-turut mendapat tambahan tepung daun kelor 1%, 2%, 3%, dan 4% dengan pakan standar 99%, 98, 97%, dan 96%, tiap perlakuan diulang 3 kali. Data dianalisis menggunakan Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) dan uji lanjut Duncan Multi Range Test(DMRT) (P<0,05). Hasil penelitian didapatkan bahwa pemberian tepung daun kelor berpengaruh signifikan terhadap pertumbuhan panjang sayap dan panjang tarsometararsus, namun tidak berpengaruh signifikan terhadap pertumbuhan panjang tibiotarsus, panjang badan, dan panjang paruh. Kesimpulan dari penelitian ini adalah penambahan tepung daun kelor pada pakan berpotensi meningkatkan panjang tulang sayap dan tulang tarsometatarsus yang merupakan bagian dari tulang ekstremitas ayam jantan Moringa leaf (Moringa oleifera) is part of plant that contains nutrients that support rooster extremity bone growth, including protein and calcium minerals. Base on this potential, doing research to analyzing  effect of supplemented Moringa meal on growth of rooster extremity bones. The test parameters of this study include wing length, tibiotarsus length, tarsometatarsus length, body length, and beak length. The research used completely randomized design (CRD) which consisted of 5 treatments including P0 (standard feed 100%), P1, P2, P3, and P4, respectively, received moringa leaf additions of 1%, 2%, 3%, and 4% with standard feed of 99%, 98, 97%, and 96%, each treatment was repeated 3 times. Data were analyzed using Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and Duncan Multi Range Test (DMRT) advanced test (P <0.05). The results showed that supplementation of Moringa meal was significantly different (P<0.05) of the wing and tarsometatarsal length. However, it was not significantly different (P>0.05) in tibiotarsal length, body length, and beak length. Supplementation of Moringa leaf meal on the diet of rooster did not increase extremity bones at grower phase. The conclusion was addition of Moringa leaf meal in diet potentially increase wing and tarsometatarsal bone length which are part of rooster extremity bones.
Remarks About Targeted Killing in the Light of Public International Law
Authors: Łaski Piotr
Published: October 2021

The premises concerning the use of force are currently changing, as are the goals and methods, which entails that appropriate adaptation and interpretation of international legal norms is required in the context of new threats and methods of combating them. This constitutes a significant problem, especially in the event of extraordinary circumstances that are to justify the use of unilateral measures without the consent of the UN Security Council. This encompasses, inter alia, the issue of targeted killing, i.e. eliminating in the territory of another state, while not operating against such a state, on the order of a specific government, a specific person responsible for the illegal use of force, if other methods of apprehending the perpetrator are unrealistic. This makes such a method, in a given circumstance, a legal form of combat, as long as the criterion of necessity and proportionality is taken into account.
The Basis for the Implication of Powers of International Organizations
Authors: Gadkowski Andrzej
Published: October 2021

The aim of this article is to present the basis of the implication of powers of international organizations. This topic is not only of great interest and import from the point of view of the theory of international organizaizations, but also from that of the practice of international organizations, particularly important institutions of international cooperation. The author discusses the nature of the basis for such implication before then examining the implication of powers within the context of international organizations’ expressly granted powers.
The Country of Origin Principle and the Applicable Law for Obligations Related to the Benefit of Information Society Services
Authors: Kotkowski Mateusz
Published: October 2021

The article takes all of the abovementioned legacy of European Union Law into consideration while analysing them in depth through the prism of the principle in question and via careful comparisons of each of them as well. Particular attention is paid to the following issues, namely: the legal nature of the principle in question, its treaty sources, its scope of application, the principle in question in the light of the abovementioned directives – namely the Directive on audiovisual media services and the Directive on electronic commerce; and finally – relationships between provisions of the two aforementioned directives in the context of audiovisual media services on demand. While working on the text, all of the mentioned parts of the main subject turned out to be important enough to put them into separated sections of the text with their own individual headings. In the meantime, several interesting subject-related sentences by the European Court of Justice were also taken into account for a broadened pool of reference. To sum it all up: ultimately, the principle in question and its potential influence on the practical functioning of the European Union’s law and economy has been considered thoroughly.
Administrative Decisions in the Era of Artificial Intelligence
Authors: Pszczyński Mateusz
Published: October 2021

The rapid development of cybernetics allows the use of artificial intelligence in many areas of social and economic life. The State can also harness algorithms and machine learning for its actions. Automatic decision making should be one of the stages in the development and improvement of public administration. While it is easy to implement these solutions in the case of related decisions, decisions made under administrative discretion, general clauses or valuation standards pose a challenge. The correct transformation of paper-based public administration into automatic public administration requires a change in decision makers’ thinking, the introduction of new solutions, and building trust in artificial intelligence. Therefore, new solutions have to be built in accordance with the principles of transparency, accountability, equality, goodness and justice. Artificial intelligence making automatic decisions on behalf of the State must be a tool to support the execution of public tasks concerning citizens which is based on trust towards AI and public administration.
Up-to-Boundary Pointwise Gradient Estimates for Very Singular Quasilinear Elliptic Equations with Mixed Data
Authors: Do Tan Duc , Truong Le Xuan , Trong Nguyen Ngoc
Published: October 2021

This paper establishes pointwise estimates up to boundary for the gradient of weak solutions to a class of very singular quasilinear elliptic equations with mixed data

{

-

div
⁡

(

𝐀
⁢

(
x
,

D
⁢
u

)

)

=

g
-

div
⁡
f

in 
⁢
Ω

,

u

=
0

on 
⁢

∂
⁡
Ω

,

\left\{\begin{aligned} \displaystyle-\operatorname{div}(\mathbf{A}(x,Du))&% \displaystyle=g-\operatorname{div}f&&\displaystyle\text{in }\Omega,\\ \displaystyle u&\displaystyle=0&&\displaystyle\text{on }\partial\Omega,\end{% aligned}\right.

where

Ω
⊂

ℝ
n

{\Omega\subset\mathbb{R}^{n}}

is sufficiently flat in the sense of Reifenberg.
A systematic review of pedagogical research on teaching Chinese as a foreign language in the United States – from 1960 to 2020
Authors: Zhang Shenglan
Published: October 2021

Since the 1960s, research on Chinese language teaching and learning has developed gradually, so it is worthwhile to synthesize the research results and examine trends and changes. A literature review shows that research has been done to synthesize research findings regarding Chinese language acquisition, but no review of the research studies have been done examining Chinese language pedagogy. This study investigates the research trends in Chinese language pedagogy in the U.S. by analyzing 122 empirical studies published in 25 peer-reviewed journals. These articles were identified through an exhaustive search using multiple databases and methods. The articles were cross analyzed in terms of research topics, language learning settings, methodological approaches, theoretical perspectives, and types of learners that were studied. The analysis found that the topics studied in pedagogical research have become increasingly diversified, and that many of the studies used SLA theories, cognitive theories, and multimedia theories as support for their research designs. Almost half of the studies used technology as part of their pedagogical method. The data also revealed that more research was done with beginning-level learners than advanced learners, and that most of the studies used qualitative data. Analysis of the data highlights the need for more research using Action Research and Design-Based Research methods and reveals a need for all future research to use theoretical support for the research designs. This article concludes by suggesting aspects of Chinese pedagogy that could benefit from further research.
Robust Discretization and Solvers for Elliptic Optimal Control Problems with Energy Regularization
Authors: Langer Ulrich , Steinbach Olaf , Yang Huidong
Published: October 2021

We consider elliptic distributed optimal control problems with energy
regularization. Here the standard

L
2

{L_{2}}

-norm regularization is
replaced by the

H

-
1

{H^{-1}}

-norm leading to more focused controls.
In this case, the optimality system can be reduced to a single singularly
perturbed diffusion-reaction equation known as differential filter in
turbulence theory. We investigate the error between
the finite element approximation

u

ϱ
⁢
h

{u_{\varrho h}}

to the state u and the
desired state

u
¯

{\overline{u}}

in terms of the mesh-size h and the
regularization parameter ϱ. The choice

ϱ
=

h
2

{\varrho=h^{2}}

ensures
optimal convergence the rate of which only depends
on the regularity of the target function

u
¯

{\overline{u}}

.
The resulting symmetric and positive definite system of finite element
equations is solved by the conjugate gradient (CG) method preconditioned
by algebraic multigrid (AMG) or balancing domain decomposition by
constraints (BDDC). We numerically study robustness and efficiency of the
AMG preconditioner with respect to h, ϱ, and the number of
subdomains (cores) p. Furthermore, we investigate the parallel
performance of the BDDC preconditioned CG solver.
“Bear in mind that”: Enhancing lecture comprehension through signaling importance markers
Authors: Kashiha Hadi
Published: October 2021

The present study attempts to propose a taxonomy for the discourse functions of importance markers in English academic lectures and examine their effects on ESL learners’ comprehension of important points in lectures. To this end, a corpus of 160 lecture transcripts from the BASE corpus was analyzed to identify and classify the main functions of words and expressions that mark importance in them. It was found that importance is indicated by the following lecture-specific devices and attributes: 1) student involvements, 2) topic announcers, 3) exam-related markers, 4) discourse clarifiers, 5) hedging markers, and 6) message promoters. A total of 62 Malaysian ESL students (38 females and 24 males) participated in this study and were divided into an experimental group and a control group, both of them of the same size. Through 12 forty-minute sessions of explicit instruction, the participants in the experimental group were instructed the discourse functions of importance markers in university lectures, whereas those in the control group did not receive such instruction. The result of the posttest of comprehension of important points indicated that familiarity with how importance is marked in lectures can boost ESL students’ understanding of main topics. The findings suggest that both novice lecturers and ESL/EFL students may profit from instruction as to how importance is indicated by native speaker lecturers through several lecture-specific discourse functions.
Die Rolle der Bibliotheken bei der Medienkompetenzentwicklung
Authors: Baack Lea
Published: October 2021

Durch den technologischen Wandel werden Kompetenzen wie die Medienkompetenz für die Teilhabe an der Gesellschaft zunehmend wichtiger. Welche Aufgaben Bibliotheken bei der Entwicklung der Medienkompetenz wahrnehmen, für welche Zielgruppe Aktionen zur Förderung von Medienkompetenz angeboten werden, welche Akteure bzw. Bildungseinrichtungen daran beteiligt sind und welche Rahmenbedingungen es dazu braucht, wurde anhand eines systematischen Literaturberichts untersucht. Die Ergebnisse werden im Folgenden dargestellt. Grundlage des Artikels bildet die Bachelorarbeit der Autorin mit demselben Titel, die im Wintersemester 20/21 an der Fachhochschule Potsdam unter der Betreuung von Frau Prof. Dr. Antje Michel und Herrn Prof. Dr. Stephan Büttner entstand.
Markups and Concentration in the Context of Digitization: Evidence from German Manufacturing Industries
Authors: Weche John P. , Wagner Joachim
Published: October 2021

Recent empirical studies suggest that there is a rising trend of market power across sectors in advanced economies. We contribute to this line of research by providing industry-specific evidence for German manufacturing industries, based on representative high-quality firm-level data from official statistics that cover firms from all size classes with more than 20 employees (2005–2013). We compare firm-specific markups and industry concentration as market power indicators that reflect a market structure and a performance perspective, respectively. Our results do not suggest an overall average increase in market power in German manufacturing, but increasing markups and an increasing concentration in many industries. We demonstrate the complementarity of the indicators, as predicted by industrial organization theory. We also evaluate the competitive impact of digitization and find no clear evidence that digital transformation and market power go hand in hand.
Design and analysis of quantum powered support vector machines for malignant breast cancer diagnosis
Authors: Vashisth Shubham , Dhall Ishika , Aggarwal Garima
Published: October 2021

The rapid pace of development over the last few decades in the domain of machine learning mirrors the advances made in the field of quantum computing. It is natural to ask whether the conventional machine learning algorithms could be optimized using the present-day noisy intermediate-scale quantum technology. There are certain computational limitations while training a machine learning model on a classical computer. Using quantum computation, it is possible to surpass these limitations and carry out such calculations in an optimized manner. This study illustrates the working of the quantum support vector machine classification model which guarantees an exponential speed-up over its typical alternatives. This research uses the quantum SVM model to solve the classification task of a malignant breast cancer diagnosis. This study also demonstrates a comparative analysis of distinct forms of SVM algorithms concerning their time complexity and performances on standard evaluation metrics, namely accuracy, precision, recall, and F1-score, to exemplify the supremacy of quantum SVM over its conventional variants.
Correlating cognitive effort and noun role in spoken Japanese
Authors: Heffernan Kevin
Published: October 2021

Models of language processing assume that the cognitive cost to integrate a noun with a verb depends on the distance between the noun and the verb. Such models predict that subjects require more cognitive effort than objects in SOV languages, such as Japanese. This study tests that prediction by investigating apparent cognitive effort differences in topic, nominative, accusative, dative, genitive, and predicative noun usage, using two corpora of spoken Japanese. A cognitive effort index score was determined for each text in the two corpora. The correlations between index scores and usage rates for each grammatical role were determined. Accusative, dative, and genitive noun usage significantly correlated with cognitive effort index scores, but topic, nominative, and predicate noun usage rates did not. These results suggest that the cognitive cost of noun integration depends not only on distance but also on the grammatical role of the noun.
Behavior of green reactive powder mortar reinforced with steel fibers
Authors: Dawood Eethar Thanon , Abdullah Mafaz Hani
Published: October 2021

The use of supplementary cementitious materials like crushed glass, steel slag, and silica fume at an acceptable level has resulted in many advantages such as reduction of the waste solid materials and production of eco-friendly material. Moreover, the inclusion of fibers for reinforcing cementitious matrix can improve its properties overall. Therefore, this research has been divided into two phases. The first phase has included the production of green reactive powder mortar and the investigation of its properties. The second phase has involved the incorporation of the micro steel fibers to green reactive powder mortar with different amounts. The results have indicated that the use of the crushed glass, steel slag, and silica fume by 8, 12, and 10% as a partial replacement of cement with suitable chemical admixture gives a great reduction of cement by 30% from the total cementitious amount used in reactive powder mortar and greater values of strengths for reactive powder mortar. The addition of micro steel fibers by 1, 1.5, 2, and 2.5% improves the dry bulk density, ultrasonic pulse velocity, compressive strength, flexural strength, and tensile strength of green mortar. The best increase has been observed at green reactive powder mortar (GRPC) containing 2 % of micro steel fibers.
On the hygrothermal properties of sandcrete blocks produced with sawdust as partial replacement of sand
Authors: Robert Ubong Williams , Etuk Sunday Edet , Agbasi Okechukwu Ebuka , Okorie Uduakobong Sunday , Abdulrazzaq Zaidoon Taha , Anonaba Armstrong Udochukwu , Ojo Odunayo Tope
Published: October 2021

In Nigeria, sawdust is continuously generated in large quantities as waste but majorly under-utilised, a situation which causes serious environmental problems and health hazards when managed improperly. This work focussed on production and assessment of hygrothermal properties of solid core sandcrete blocks in which sand is partially replaced with sawdust at 0%, 10%, 20%, 30%, and 40% loading levels. Experiments were conducted on block samples made with untreated sawdust (USD) and on those similarly produced but with treated sawdust (TSD). The results showed that the blocks with USD content are capable of decreasing wall heat transmission load and improve energy efficiency of building envelopes better than their counterparts produced with TSD. In terms of compliance with standard bulk density and water absorption requirements, incorporation of USD or TSD at 20% or 10% level respectively, was found to be optimum for partial sand substitution in the studied block samples in order to suit the functional requirements of building structure and interior space. Since sawdust is cheaply and commonly available in vast amount, utilising it in sandcrete block production is a promising way of minimising its disposal problems while enhancing the development of safe, affordable, and sustainable housing.
Performance analysis of DP-MZM radio over fiber links against fiber impairments
Authors: Tamrakar Balram , Singh Krishna , Kumar Parvin
Published: October 2021

In this research article, the radio over fiber (RoF) Architecture using dual-parallel Mach–Zehnder modulator (DP-MZM) is analyzed and simulated. The nonlinearity is the main issues which degrade the performance of the RoF links. Using DP-MZM modulators, the nonlinearity can be reducing in the significant amount by controlling the bias voltages. The DP-MZM consists of two MZM modulators in parallel form with the variations of extinction ratio (ER). The proposed RoF link operated with single tone frequency signal at 10 GHz and the optical signal is transmitted further on Single mode optical fiber. The electrical spectrum at the output of photodetector confirms the quality of received signal while having desired and undesired terms. The proposed structure is designed using Optical Simulator simulation Software to confirm and validate the proposed results. The simulation output shows that the RF power of DP-MZM based RoF link has been found a decrement of 6.95 dB corresponding to undesired components with respect to desired RF signal for the increment in fiber length from 10 to 30 km. The digital transmission RoF link model is proposed and optimized for fiber impairments for 2–30 km, using 10 Gbps digital data string. electrical spectrum analyzer shows that very good eye openings for different fiber impairments, its shoes that proposed RoF model is optimized and having good SNR.
Construct validity and reliability of tests for sacroiliac dysfunction: standing flexion test (STFT) and sitting flexion test (SIFT)
Authors: Ribeiro Rafael P. , Guerrero Filipe G. , Camargo Eduardo N. , Pivotto Luiza R. , Aimi Mateus A. , Loss Jefferson F. , Candotti Cláudia T.
Published: October 2021

Context

Sacroiliac dysfunction is characterized by a hypomobility of the range of motion of the joint, followed by a positional change regarding the relationship between the sacrum and the iliac. In general, the clinical tests that evaluate the sacroiliac joint (SIJ) and its dysfunctions lack validity and reliability values.

Objectives

This article aims to evaluate the construct validity and intra- and inter-rater reliability of the standing flexion test (STFT) and sitting flexion test (SIFT).

Methods

In this prospective study, the sample consisted of 30 individuals of both sexes, and the evaluation team was composed of five researchers. The evaluations took place on two different days: first day, inter-rater reliability and construct validity; and second day, intra-rater reliability. The reference standard for the construct validity was 3-dimensional measurements obtained utilizing the BTS SMART-DX system. For statistical analysis, the percentage (%) agreement and the kappa statistic (K) were utilized.

Results

The construct validity was determined for STFT (70% agreement; K=0.49; p<0.01) and SIFT (56.7% agreement; K=0.29; p<0.05). The intra-rater reliability was determined for STFT (66.3% agreement; K=0.43; p<0.01) and SIFT (56.7% agreement; K=0.38; p<0.01). The inter-rater reliability was determined for STFT (10% agreement; K=−0.02; p=0.825) and SIFT (13.3% agreement; K=0.01; p=0.836).

Conclusions

The STFT confirmed the construct validity and was reliable when applied by the same rater to healthy people, even if the rater had no experience. It was not possible to achieve minimum scores using the SIFT either for construct validity or reliability. We suggest that further studies be conducted to investigate the measurement properties of palpatory clinical tests for SIJ mobility, especially in symptomatic patients.
Masqueraders: how to identify atypical diabetes in primary care
Authors: Ahmed Sumera , Saeed Sana , Shubrook Jay H.
Published: October 2021

Diabetes mellitus is a complex set of conditions that impacts 34 million Americans. While type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes, and gestational diabetes are most frequently encountered, there are many other types of diabetes with which healthcare providers are less familiar. These atypical forms of diabetes make up nearly 10% of diabetes cases and can masquerade as type 1 or 2 diabetes mellitus (T1DM or T2DM), and the treatment may not be optimized if the diagnosis is not accurate. Atypical forms include monogenic diabetes (formally known as maturity-onset diabetes of the young [MODY]), latent autoimmune diabetes of the adult (LADA), ketosis-prone diabetes, and secondary diabetes. This paper will detail the defining characteristics of each atypical form and demonstrate how they can masquerade as type 1 or 2 diabetes mellitus. Gestational diabetes mellitus will not be discussed in this article.
International Economic Law Tribunals and Global Social Justice
Authors: J. Garcia Frank
Published: October 2021

International courts play a key role in the attainment of global social justice objectives. The core contributions of international adjudication to global social justice are, not surprisingly, in line with the core functions of adjudication: the enforcement of substantive rights in a setting of fair procedures. Fully realizing the potential for justice inherent in this role is limited, however, by certain institutional and structural features unique to international adjudication. This article analyzes these opportunities, challenges, and background conditions in the context of international economic law (IEL) adjudication, where the results are mixed. For example, one can see in the case of the World Trade Organization (WTO) evidence of institutional and doctrinal evolution, albeit uneven, toward more substantively progressive outcomes. In the case of the foreign investment regime, however, one can see evidence of this regime retarding global social justice rather than advancing it. This makes it all the more important that all judges and arbitrators in IEL adjudications consider carefully the interpretive, remedial, and progressive roles that principles of justice can play in adjudication, particularly in the face of any deficiencies in procedural or substantive justice in the law or forum within which they operate. The work of IEL adjudication offers a number of possible sites for interpretive practices according to principles of justice, such as the resolution of disputes involves difficult interpretive questions centered around fairness and unfairness; equality and inequality of treatment; the scope of exceptions; and the meaning of evolutionary terms. Capitalizing on these opportunities and moving IEL adjudication toward global social justice requires what effective judging always requires: a vision of the goals of the institutions and regimes in question; an understanding of the social issues the regime either was created to address or touches incidentally through its actions and externalities; careful attention to the relationships among the relevant actors and their expectations; and a sophisticated understanding of the legal context and legislative history of the law in question.
Tam pam pam pam and mi – fa – sol: constituting musical instructions through multimodal interaction in orchestra rehearsals
Authors: Stoeckl Hartmut , Messner Monika
Published: October 2021

Using multimodal (inter)action/conversation analysis, the present contribution inventories the repertoire of higher-level actions that constitute musical instruction in orchestra rehearsals. The study describes the modal complexity of the instructional actions as built from a varied combination of speech, gesture, gaze, vocalizing and body posture/movement. A high modal intensity of speech and vocalizing is explained with recourse to their contextually useful modal reaches. While some modes, like vocalizing and body posture appear to be action-specific, others turn out to be pervasive default modes. Besides modal intensity, the study also attends to the transitioning between higher-level actions through gaze and the role of the score as frozen action. The analyses help demystify orchestra rehearsals as a special type of professional communicative interaction, which builds on a rich multimodal texture motivated by recurring instructional functions. The methodological rationale demonstrated will be suited to exploring the social variation of instructional interaction in orchestra rehearsals.