bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Temperature dependence of hardness prediction for high-temperature structural ceramics and their composites
Authors: Wang Ruzhuan , Li Dingyu , Li Weiguo
Published: June 2021

Hardness is one of the important mechanical properties of high-temperature structural ceramics and their composites. In spite of the extensive use of the materials in high-temperature applications, there are few theoretical models for analyzing their temperature-dependent hardness. To fill this gap in the available literature, this work is focused on developing novel theoretical models for the temperature dependence of the hardness of the ceramics and their composites. The proposed model is just expressed in terms of some basic material parameters including Young’s modulus, melting points, and critical damage size corresponding to plastic deformation, which has no fitting parameters, thereby being simple for materials scientists and engineers to use in the material design. The model predictions for the temperature dependence of hardness of some oxide ceramics, non-oxide ceramics, ceramic–ceramic composites, diamond–ceramic composites, and ceramic-based cermet are presented, and excellent agreements with the experimental measurements are shown. Compared with the experimental measurements, the developed model can effectively save the cost when applied in the material design, which could be used to predict at any targeted temperature. Furthermore, the models could be used to determine the underlying control mechanisms of the temperature dependence of the hardness of the materials.
Skeuomorphism in Digital Archeological Practice: A Barrier to Progress, or a Vital Cog in the Wheels of Change?
Authors: Taylor James , Dell’Unto Nicoló
Published: June 2021

This article focuses on the role of “skeuomorphic technologies” and “skeuomorphs of practice” in the development of digital workflows in archeology, seeking to examine whether there are common trends toward skeuomorphism in our development of digital infrastructures. By considering the way in which GIS, tablet, and 3D technologies were integrated into the digital field recording at the sites of Çatalhöyük in Turkey and Kämpinge in Sweden, we argue that skeuomorphic emulation may form an essential part of the process of “controlling” “socializing” new digital technologies and ultimately transforming digital practice. Ultimately we contend that a field approach that explicitly takes into account skeuomorphism as a crucial element of transformation is more likely to encourage the development of practices, which go behind the traditional investigation paradigms. Understanding the role of skeuomorphism as a mode of socializing technology (see below) within the broader framework of the development of digital field practices can help us to critically address the process of transformation of practice and identify new methodological directions.
A facile route to dual-crosslinking polymeric hydrogels with enhanced mechanical property
Authors: Xue Shishan , Ye Zhiyong , Tang Qiao , Wang Yu
Published: June 2021

Polymeric hydrogels with excellent biocompatibility, high hydrophilicity, and water-holding capacity have attracted considerable concerns in widely fields. However, most hydrogels exhibit poor mechanical property, which largely limited their applications. Herein, a novel dual-crosslinking polymeric hydrogel crosslinked by covalent bonds and metal coordination interactions between Fe3+ and –COO- was fabricated through accessible method. The metal coordination interactions within the hydrogel were established through dipping in the FeCl3 solution to reinforce the backbones of the hydrogel. The obtained polymeric hydrogel exhibits enhanced tensile strength (∼4.92 MPa), stiffness (∼6.168 MPa), and toughness (∼2.835 MJ m−3).
Pathophysiology and management of classic galactosemic primary ovarian insufficiency
Authors: Hagen-Lillevik Synneva , Rushing John S , Appiah Leslie , Longo Nicola , Andrews Ashley , Lai Kent , Johnson Joshua
Published: June 2021

Classic galactosemia is an inborn error of carbohydrate metabolism associated with early-onset primary ovarian insufficiency (POI) in young women. Our understanding of the consequences of galactosemia upon fertility and fecundity of affected women is expanding, but there are important remaining gaps in our knowledge and tools for its management, and a need for continued dialog so that the special features of the condition can be better managed. Here, we review galactosemic POI and its reproductive endocrinological clinical sequelae and summarize current best clinical practices for its management. Special consideration is given to the very early-onset nature of the condition in the pediatric/adolescent patient. Afterward, we summarize our current understanding of the reproductive pathophysiology of galactosemia, including the potential action of toxic galactose metabolites upon the ovary. Our work establishing that ovarian cellular stress reminiscent of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress is present in a mouse model of galactosemia, as well as work by other groups, are summarized.

Lay summary

Patients with the condition of classic galactosemia need to maintain a strict lifelong diet that excludes the sugar galactose. This is due to having mutations in enzymes that process galactose, resulting in the buildup of toxic metabolic by-products of the sugar. Young women with classic galactosemia often lose the function of their ovaries very early in life (termed 'primary ovarian insufficiency'), despite adherence to a galactose-restricted diet. This means that in addition to the consequences of the disease, these women also face infertility and the potential need for hormone replacement therapy. This article summarizes current strategies for managing the care of galactosemic girls and women and also what is known of how the condition leads to early primary ovarian insufficiency.
Naganishia cerealis IN1S2.5 oil production from the hydrolysate of NaOH-impregnated and catalyst steam explosion pretreated oil palm empty fruit bunch
Authors: Weeraphan Trinset , Tanasupawat Somboon , Savarajara Ancharida
Published: June 2021

NaOH-impregnation with catalyst steam explosion was found to be an efficient pretreatment method for oil palm empty fruit bunch (OPEFB) as a substrate for oil production by Naganishia cerealis IN1S2.5. Cellulase hydrolysis of the pretreated OPEFB yielded glucose at 0.364 g/g. Investigation of N. cerealis IN1S2.5 oil production in the OPEFB hydrolysate revealed a maximum oil yield (2.46 g/L) when the C/P molar ratio of the OPEFB hydrolysate was adjusted to 25.71, supplemented with Ca2+ and Zn2+, and set to pH 4. The N. cerealis IN1S2.5 oil was comprised of oleic (37.6%), palmitic (36.2%), and steric (17.9%) acids, all (w/w), as the major fatty acids. Predicted properties of the produced biodiesel indicated the potential of N. cerealis IN1S2.5 oil as a biodiesel feedstock.
THE “BRIGHT CITY” MYTHOLOGEME IN LYRIC POETRY OF PIMEN KARPOV
Authors: Kokovina Natalia , Mikhailova Irina
Published: June 2021

The article analyzes the poet Pimen Karpov’s understanding of the “Bright City” mythologeme. The need to analyze this mythologeme stems from the fact that the image of the Bright City is at the core of the mythopoetic concept that forms the basis of Karpov’s worldview. The toponymy of the sacred space of the Bright City, the Heavenly City, the City of God in Karpov’s lyric poetry is multifaceted. It is realized in poetry both as a real earthly space, and as a certain symbol with blurry borders: it is a heavenly city, a potential paradise on earth, the promised land, the land of the forefathers, and even simply the land for the peasant. The ideal world order has both spatial and temporal reference points. According to Karpov, it is only possible to reach the Bright City through self-sacrifice. Out of pain and suffering, happiness is born, and this is the only possible way to attain the coveted Paradise. But for Karpov, it is not merely a personal path, but also Russia’s path, its mission, and the lyrical hero’s participation in its fate is undeniable. Karpov sees Russia’s historical mission in sacrificial self-immolation as a path to Transformation. The paradoxical convergence of Christ and the antichrist in his works reflects the spiritual context of the turn of the 20th century, i.e., the extreme ambivalence of personal principles. The fragmentary and aphoristic nature of Karpov’s poetic language, the kaleidoscopic nature of his artistic space, on the one hand, and the hidden integrity emanating from the unity of the visible and invisible worlds, on the other, make his poetry akin to the culture of modernism.
Pediatric Palliative Care Programs in US Hospitals
Authors: Rogers Maggie M. , Friebert Sarah , Williams Conrad S.P. , Humphrey Lisa , Thienprayoon Rachel , Klick Jeffrey C.
Published: June 2021

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Pediatric palliative care (PPC) is integral to the care of children living with serious illnesses. Despite the growth in the number of established palliative care programs over the past decade, little is known about the current operational features of PPC programs across the country.

METHODS

The National Palliative Care Registry collects annualized data on palliative care programs’ structures, processes, and staffing. Using data from the 2018 registry survey, we report on the operational features of inpatient PPC programs across the United States.

RESULTS

Fifty-four inpatient PPC programs submitted data about their operations. Programs reported a median of 3.8 full-time equivalent staff per 10 000 hospital admissions (range 0.7–12.1) across the core interdisciplinary team, yet few (37%) met the minimum standards of practice for staffing. Programs provided more annual consults if they were longer-standing, had more interdisciplinary full-time equivalent staff, offered 24/7 availability for patients and families, or were at larger hospitals. The majority of programs reported concern for burnout (63%) and an inability to meet clinical demand with available staffing (60%).

CONCLUSIONS

There is considerable variability in PPC program operations and structure in hospitals. This study affirms the need for updated program standards and guidelines, as well as research that describes how different care delivery models impact outcomes for patients, families, staff, and health care systems. Future studies that further define the clinical demand, workload, and sustainability challenges of PPC programs are necessary to foster the provision of high-quality PPC and maintain a vital clinical workforce.
The Parthians’ Failed Vassalage of Syria: The Shortsighted Western Policy of Phraates Ii and the Second Reign of Demetrius Ii (129–125 BCE)
Authors: Overtoom Nikolaus Leo
Published: June 2021

By 128 BCE the Parthians had emerged temporarily as the de facto leading power throughout the Hellenistic Middle East. Their defeat of Demetrius II’s invasion of Mesopotamia in 138 BCE had furthered their heated rivalry with the Seleucids; however, their destruction of Antiochus VII’s invasion of Mesopotamia and Media in 129 BCE finally ended the threat of the Seleucids to their eastern lands. For the first time in their history, the Parthians considered expanding their hegemony over Armenia, Syria, and the regions along the Eastern Mediterranean coast, thus firmly establishing their unrivaled hegemony. Yet any hopes of immediately occupying these regions quickly vanished because of calamities and miscalculations in the early 120s BCE. Although nomadic incursions ravaged the Iranian plateau in the east throughout the 120s BCE, in the west Phraates II’s sudden release of Demetrius to contest the Seleucid throne in Syria before the death of Antiochus became a political debacle that hindered Parthian influence in the region. Despite the arguments of recent scholarship, Phraates’ decision to release Demetrius was shortsighted and haphazard, and Demetrius never served in Syria as a Parthian vassal. This article is a reevaluation of the western policy of the Parthians in the early 120s BCE and the actions of Demetrius during his second reign concerning the Parthians.
The Head of Medusa: Gorgon Imagery in Virgil’s Aeneid
Authors: Fratantuono Lee
Published: June 2021

The poet Virgil in his Aeneid employs Gorgon imagery and its attendant connection to the goddess Minerva as part of his explication of one of the key themes of his Augustan epic, namely the progress from a Trojan past to a Roman future. Close analysis of the references to the Perseus myth and related Gorgon legends in the Aeneid reveals a carefully constructed web of intratextual allusions that serve in part to underscore the end of the Trojan order and the advent of the Roman.
“Why Should i not State my opinion, right or Wrong?” Considerations for Literary Criticism in the Letters of Pliny the Younger
Authors: Darab Ágnes
Published: June 2021

Literary self is an essential component of Pliny’s self-representation. Pliny’s literary self-portrait is shaped the way he wants it to be by a diverse set of literary techniques utilized in the letters. My paper explores the questions formulated in the letters that thematize the selection and composition of text, and the answers given to them (not necessarily in the form of assertive sentences). This interpretation is not independent from the self-representative character of the letters, yet, it exceeds it on the premise that another dimension may be opened to the understanding of the letters, which points towards the development of the literary and artistic taste of the first century, and its directions.
Educational work of the university in modern educational system
Authors: Kulikova Svetlana , Malchukova Nadezhda , Shemjakina Irina
Published: June 2021

The relevance of this article is to consider the issue of education of students in modern educational conditions and new requirements for the labor functions of University teachers. The change of paradigms and life orientations in the nineties of the twentieth century led to changes in the life principles of the Russian youth. Egoistic, consumer attitude to life in the younger generation has become a direct threat to the future of the country.
Therefore, the resumption of educational work at the University has become a necessity of time. Education and training are so intertwined in the educational process that each teacher voluntarily or unwittingly engaged in educational work, but the main role is assigned to the Institute of curatorship, which remains the flagship in this matter. Each University tries to develop its own approaches to the education of students. Curators in cooperation with other teachers form the intra-University system of education.
The article presents the data of the survey of students of the first and second courses of the direction of Agroengineering of the state agrarian University of the Northern Urals about the life guidelines of modern youth. As a result, such disturbing factors as addiction to computer games, unwillingness of students to participate in public life of the University and problems with Patriotic education are revealed.
Different understanding of the purpose, objectives and methods of implementation of the educational function of universities creates difficulties in the organization of such work. To eliminate these problems, it is necessary to create a scientific and methodological basis for educational activities of the University, to develop common approaches. Educational work in the modern system of higher education is a fundamental factor in the formation of a graduate of the University as a competitive person with professional knowledge, a high cultural level, as a self-sufficient person capable of self-development and take responsibility for decisions.
Agrarian dynasties as a social and professional resource
Authors: Kulikova Svetlana
Published: June 2021

The relevance of this article lies in the consideration of agrarian dynasties as a social and professional resource for strengthening the agrarian sector of the economy, as one of the aspects of solving the problem of professional self-determination of rural youth and raising the prestige of agrarian professions. The article is analytical in nature. In the post-Soviet years, there was a tendency to reduce the dynasty of families, although professional continuity is a necessary foundation for the development of the country's economy. The development of knowledge-intensive technologies, the creation of a new generation of technology, a decrease in the share of physical labor does not solve the issue of personnel shortages in the countryside. Not every young man, even a native of the village, is ready to devote his life to the agrarian profession. Therefore, the task of preserving and increasing agrarian dynasties remains urgent. The article delimits the concepts of an agrarian professional dynasty and an agrarian family dynasty. The task contributes to solving several problems: fixing personnel in the countryside; development of agricultural production, introduction of knowledge-intensive technologies; rural development; raising the prestige of agrarian professions among young people. The growth of the number of professional dynasties in our country is influenced by family ties. The problem of preserving agrarian dynasties and professional self-determination of rural youth is being studied at the State Agrarian University of the Northern Trans-Urals (Tyumen). At the university, students with "village" roots are approximately 64 %. According to the analysis of research among university students, the family remains the greatest value for the younger generation of the village, and the number of students who decided to continue the family dynasty remains stably small at the level of 14 %, but, given the negative attitude towards rural labor in the post-Soviet period, this is a good indicator. The results of the survey on professional agrarian dynasties are well correlated with the survey of students about their return after graduation to live and work in the village. There are 14–18 % of such in different years. Respondents cite various reasons for reluctance to return to their small homeland – low incomes in rural areas, social problems, underdeveloped infrastructure, etc. The author believes that the real reason for this problem is much deeper – in dislike of his native land and rural labor, in interruption of mental and historical memory and disregard for family native peasant traditions. The problem of continuing agrarian dynasties is not so much the problem of individual parents or the youngest person, but of society as a whole. Conclusion: support for agrarian dynasties contributes to the return of young people to the village, raises the prestige of agricultural professions, helps to qualitatively solve the personnel issue and the issue of rural development.
Fraus Legis in Constitutional Law: The Case of Expropriation "Without" or for "Nil" Compensation
Authors: Van Staden Martin
Published: June 2021

Fraus legis – defrauding or evading the application of law – is a phenomenon well-known to students of private law, but its application in public law, including constitutional law, remains largely unconsidered. To consider whether a transaction, or, it is submitted, an enactment, is an instance of fraus legis, an interpreter must have regard to the substance and not merely the form of an enactment. In 2018 Parliament resolved to amend section 25 of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996 (the Constitution) to allow government to expropriate property without being required to pay compensation. While the public and legal debate has since before that time been concerned with "expropriation without compensation", the draft Constitution Eighteenth Amendment Bill, 2019 provides instead for expropriation where "the amount of compensation is nil". By the admission of Parliament's legal services unit, this is a distinction without a difference. But compensation and expropriation are legally and conceptually married, and as a result, it would be impermissible to expropriate without compensation – instead, nil compensation will be "paid". How does this current legal affair comport with the substance over form principle, and is fraus legis at play? This article considers the application of the fraus legis phenomenon to public law, utilising the contemporary case study of the Constitution Eighteenth Amendment Bill.
COMPARISON OF CLASSIFICATION PERFORMANCE OF MACHINE LEARNING METHODS IN PREDICTION FINANCIAL FAILURE: EVIDENCE FROM BORSA İSTANBUL
Authors: AKSOY Barış , BOZTOSUN Derviş
Published: June 2021

This study aimed to predict the 1 to 2 year future time of the financial failure of 86 manufacturing companies that are operating in Borsa İstanbul. The data comprised of 2010-2012 period, and it depends on 8 quantitative financial variables. Beside 6 variables come from non financial statements. In the study, Artificial Neural Network (NN), Classification and Regression Trees (CART), Support Vector Machine (SVM) and k-Nearest Neighbors (KNN) were used to compare classification performances of related methods. ROC Curve was used to compare the classification performance of the methods. As a result of the analyseis, the overall classification accuracy from the highest to the lowest was SVM (92,31%), CART (88,46%), ANN (84,62%) and KNN (80,77%) 2 years before the financial failure. The overall classification accuracy from the highest to the lowest was CART (96,15%), ANN (92,31%), SVM (80,77%) and KNN (84,62%) 1 year before the financial failure. Return on Equity (ROE) and Return on Assets Ratio (ROA) were found as important variables in the creation of the CART decision tree. The fact that the four models obtained in thise study predicted financial success/failure at a higher rate, and it shows that the models obtained in this study can be included in the models used by relevant people.
YAPISAL KIRILMALAR ALTINDA REEL EKONOMİK BÜYÜME, REEL DÖVİZ KURU İLE TURİZM GELİRLERİ İLİŞKİSİNİN AMPİRİK ANALİZİ
Authors: DEMİR Yusuf
Published: June 2021

Büyüme, döviz girişi, ödemeler dengesi, yatırım fırsatları ve yeni istihdam alanları üzerindeki olumlu etkisi açısından turizm, günümüzde ekonomideki en önemli sektörlerden biridir. Turizm gelirlerinin reel ekonomik büyümeye ve reel döviz kuru ile etkileşimini araştırmak da bu çalışmanın temel motivasyonudur. Bu motivasyon ile, bu çalışmada 2003Q1-2020Q1 dönemine ait çeyreklik veriler kullanılarak turizm gelirleri, reel hale getirilen ekonomik büyüme ve döviz kuru arasındaki ilişki araştırılmıştır. Bu araştırma Zivot ve Andrews yapısal kırılmalı birim kök sınaması, Johansen eş bütünleşme analizi, FMOLS ve DOLS yöntemleri ile katsayı tahminleri ve son olarak Toda-Yamamoto testi ile nedensellik analizi aracılığıyla yapılmıştır. Araştırma sonucu olarak, değişkenler arasında uzun dönemli ilişkinin olduğu, bağımlı değişken reel milli geliri açıklayan bağımsız değişkenler turizm gelirleri ve reel döviz kurunun olasılık değerlerinin anlamlı oldukları ve kat sayı işaretlerinin pozitif oldukları görülmüştür. Reel döviz kurunun reel milli geliri etkile gücü turizm gelirlerine nispeten daha fazladır. Yapısal kırılma tarihlerinden 2016Q2 ve 2017Q1 anlamlı çıkması, bu dönemdeki terör olaylarına, Rusya ile yaşanan gerilime ve darbe girişiminin tüm dünyada yankı uyandırması ile açıklanabilir. Toda-Yamamoto nedensellik analizine göre reel milli gelirden ve reel döviz kurundan turizm gelirlerine doğru pozitif ve tek yönlü bir Granger nedensellik vardır.
DÜNYADA VE TÜRKİYE’DE BLOKZİNCİR TEKNOLOJİSİNİN GELİŞİMİ VE KRİPTO PARALAR
Authors: SÜMER Gökhan
Published: June 2021

Blokzincir teknolojisi, bütün kayıt ve işlemlerin sistemde yer alan tüm bireylere açık olduğu herkes tarafından görülebildiği ve yeni kayıt eklenebildiği, şifrelenmiş işlem ve süreçlerin takibini sağlayan dağıtık veri kayıt sistemidir. Blokzincir teknolojisi denince akla ilk finans alanında; dijital para birimleri, bu dijital paraların transferi ve kaydı gelse de birçok farklı endüstride kullanım alanı bulmaktadır. Birçok endüstride yürütülen projelerde özellikle verilerin ve süreçlerin kaydının tutulması konusunda dağıtık veri kayıt sisteminden yararlanılmaktadır. Blokzincir teknolojisi birçok alanda güvenlik sorununa çözüm üreterek özellikle dijital para kullanımının artmasına vesile olmuştur. Bir kısım için resmi bir otorite tarafından desteklenmeyen dijital paralarda güven sorunu ön planda yer alırken bir kısım da kripto parayı fırsat, geleceğin kaçınılmaz evrensel parası olarak nitelendirmektedir. Çalışmada blokzincir teknolojisi avantaj ve dezavantajlı yönleriyle incelenmiş, kripto para konusuna Dünya ve Türkiye’nin yaklaşımları değerlendirilmiştir. Geçmişi yakın tarih olan kripto para alanında Türkiye’nin hızlı hareket ederek, ortak para birimi çıkartması gerekliliği sonucuna varılmıştır.
TÜRKİYE’DE 2002 SONRASI MUHAFAZAKÂR DÜŞÜNCENİN KENT KİMLİĞİ ÜZERİNDEKİ ETKİSİNE İLİŞKİN BİR DEĞERLENDİRME
Authors: DEMİRCİ Kıvanç
Published: June 2021

2002 sonrasında muhafazakâr düşüncenin kentsel alanları ne şekilde dönüştürdüğünü tespit ederek muhafazakâr kent kimliğinin unsurlarını açıklamak ve ulusal literatürde eksikliği hissedilen muhafazakâr kent çalışmaları konusunda farkındalık yaratarak alandaki eksikliğin giderilmesi çalışmanın temel amaçları arasında yer almaktadır. Bu amaçlar doğrultusunda muhafazakâr düşüncenin genel yapısı açıklandıktan sonra bu düşüncenin kentsel alanlara hangi yollarla ve araçlarla kimlik kazandırdığı ele alınmıştır. Çalışma nitel araştırma yöntemlerinden biri olarak kabul edilen içerik analizi metoduna dayandırılmıştır. Bu bağlamda araştırmada ulusal ve uluslararası literatürde muhafazakârlığı ve muhafazakâr kenti inceleyen çalışmalara ve basın yayın organlarının bu konuda yapmış oldukları çalışmalardan yararlanılmıştır. Araştırma kapsamında Türkiye’de kentsel alanların salt mekândan ibaret olmadığı aynı zamanda düşünsel olarak şekillendirildikleri tespit edilmiştir. Yönetsel kurumlara bağlı olarak kentsel mekânları şekillendiren çeşitli ideolojiler olmakla birlikte 2002 sonrası siyasi konjonktür nedeniyle muhafazakâr düşüncenin kentsel mekânların şekillendirilmesinde daha etkin olduğu belirlenmiştir. Sonuç olarak muhafazakâr düşüncenin, dini yapılarla eğitim kurumlarının sayısının arttırılması, geleneklerin kentsel imgelere yansıtılması ve geçmiş dönem Türk İslam uygulamalarının en yoğun kullanılan kentsel bölgelerde görünür kılınması yollarıyla Türkiye’deki kentsel alanların muhafazakâr kimliğini sağlamlaştırdığı söylenebilir
The relationship between dietary exposure to persistent organic pollutants from fish consumption and type 2 diabetes among First Nations in Canada
Authors: Marushka Lesya , Hu Xuefeng , Batal Malek , Tikhonov Constantine , Sadik Tonio , Schwartz Harold , Ing Amy , Fediuk Karen , Chan Hing Man
Published: June 2021

Objective

We previously examined the associations between dietary dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene (DDE) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) intake from fish consumption and type 2 diabetes (T2D) prevalence in Ontario and Manitoba. This study aims to further explore the relationship in a regionally representative sample of First Nations adults living on-reserve across Canada.

Methods

Dietary, health and lifestyle data collected by the cross-sectional First Nations Food, Nutrition and Environment Study (2008–2018) were analyzed. This participatory study included 6091 First Nations adult participants who answered questions on T2D. The consumption of locally caught fish was estimated with a food frequency questionnaire. A total of 551 samples from 96 fish species were collected and analyzed for the presence of DDE and PCBs. The associations between fish and dietary DDE/PCBs intake with self-reported T2D were investigated using multiple logistic regression models adjusted for confounders.

Results

Dietary exposure to DDE (>2.11 ng/kg/bw) and PCBs (>1.47 ng/kg/bw) vs no exposure was positively associated with T2D with ORs of 2.33 (95% CI: 1.24–4.35) for DDE and 1.43 (95% CI: 1.01–3.59) for PCBs. The associations were stronger among females (DDE OR = 3.11 (1.41–6.88); PCBs OR = 1.76 (1.10–3.65)) and older individuals (DDE OR = 2.64 (1.12–6.20); PCBs OR = 1.44 (1.01–3.91)) as compared with males and younger participants. Also, significant dose-response relationships were found for fish consumption in females only.

Conclusion

This study confirms our previous findings that dietary DDE/PCBs exposure may increase the risk of T2D. The effect of DDE/PCBs from fish consumption is driven by geographical differences in DDE/PCBs concentrations in fish and by the amount of fish consumed, and is more prominent in females than in males.
Comparison of measures of diet quality using 24-hour recall data of First Nations adults living on reserves in Canada
Authors: Batal Malek , Chan Hing Man , Ing Amy , Fediuk Karen , Berti Peter , Sadik Tonio , Johnson-Down Louise
Published: June 2021

Objective

Assess the diet quality of First Nations adults in Canada using percentage energy from traditional foods (TF) and ultra-processed products (UPP), food portions from the 2007 Eating Well with Canada’s Food Guide - First Nations, Inuit and Métis (EWCFG-FNIM) and a Healthy Eating Index (HEI).

Methods

Data collection for this participatory research occurred in 92 First Nations reserves across Canada from 2008 to 2016. Percent daily energy intakes were estimated from 24-hour recalls for TF and NOVA food categories. Portions of food groups from the 2007 EWCFG-FNIM were compared to recommendations. A Canadian-adapted HEI was calculated for each participant.

Results

The percent energy from TF was 3% for all participants and 18% for consumers. Meat and alternatives were above the EWCFG-FNIM recommendations and all other food groups were below these. HEI was “low” with only older individuals attaining “average” scores. HEI was above “average” in 4 regions. UPP represented 55% of energy, the largest proportion from a NOVA category.

Conclusion

The diet quality of First Nations adults in Canada is nutritionally poor. The nutrition, food security and health of First Nations would be improved by better access to TF and healthy store-bought food. However, poor diet is only one aspect of the difficulties facing First Nations in Canada. Researchers and policy makers must strive to better understand the multiple challenges facing First Nations Peoples in order to foster empowerment and self-determination to develop First Nations living conditions and lifestyles that are more culturally sound and more conducive to health.
Study of the formation of structures in solutions of chitosan – polyvinyl alcohol polymer blends
Authors: Akhmetkhanov Rinat M. , Chernova Valentina V. , Shurshina Angela S. , Lazdina Mariya Yu. , Kulish Elena I.
Published: June 2021

The aim of this work was the investigation of the formation of structures in solutions of individual polymers, as well as their blends with each other in buffer solvents with different values of pH. In this study we used a sample of chitosan (degree of deacetylation ~ 84 %, M = 130,000), which is a polycation when dissolved, and polyvinyl alcohol (r = 1.25 g/cm3, M = 5000). Buffer systems based on acetic acid and sodium acetate with pH = 3.8, 4.25, and 4.75 were used as solvents. Viscosimetry was used to determine the intrinsic viscosity, the degree of structuring, and the Huggins constant. The Kriegbaum method was used to determine the nature of the aggregates formed by the blend of the studied polymers. In the course of the research, it was shown that an increase in the pH of the acetate buffer used as a solvent was accompanied by a compression of the macromolecular coil (a decrease in intrinsic viscosity values), a deterioration in the quality of thesolvent (an increase in Huggins constant values), and an increase in the degree of polymer aggregation in a solution for chitosan polyelectrolyte. At the same time for a solution of polyvinyl alcohol the pH of the buffer practically did not affect the nature of the polymer-solvent interaction. It has been proved that polymer blends are characterized by an increase in aggregation processes and a decrease in the thermodynamic quality of the solvent in comparison with solutions of individual polymers. The size of the “combined” macromolecular coil, characterized by the intrinsic viscosity value for the polymer blend, which can be both above (buffer solvent with pH = 3.80) and below (buffer solvent with pH = 4.25 and 4.75) additivevalues, changed depending on the type of formed polymer-polymer aggregates (homo- or hetero-). It was established that the type of aggregates (homo- or hetero-) formed in solutions of polymer blends was determined not only by the thermodynamic quality of the used solvents, but also by the concentration of the polymers in the initial solutions
Thermodynamic study of manganese tellurides by the electromotive force method
Authors: Orujlu Elnur N. , Aliev Ziya S. , Jafarov Yasin I. , Ahmadov Eldar I. , Babanly Mahammad B.
Published: June 2021

The thermodynamic properties of manganese tellurides were determined using an electromotive force (EMF) method with a liquid electrolyte in a temperature range from 300 to 450 K. EMF measurements were performed using equilibrium samples taken from the two-phase regions, namely MnTe2 + Te and MnTe + MnTe2, of the Mn–Te system. The phase compositions of all samples were controlled with the X-ray diffraction (XRD) method. The partial molar functions of manganese in alloys, as well as the standard thermodynamic functions of the formation and standard entropies of MnTe and MnTe2, were calculated. A comparative analysis of obtained results with literature data is performed
Evaluating Improvement in Acute Stroke Management following Pre-hospital Initiation of Acute Stroke Service
Authors:   Department of Emergency Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre, Jalan Yaacob Latif, Bandar Tun Razak, 56000 Cheras, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia., Nik Muhamad Nik Azlan
Published: June 2021

Prehospital notification of the stroke team in alerting incoming acute stroke patient has been practiced in several countries worldwide. Currently this is not practiced in Malaysia. This study evaluates feasibility and impact to stroke team door to review time when prehospital notification is employed. Duration of case control study was between June 2018 to January 2019. Control phase consists of conventionally activating stroke team after in-hospital assessment by emergency medical officer. This was then followed by an intervention phase where on scene activation of stroke team was done by the Prehospital Emergency Care (PHC) staff. Training of PHC staff in recognising an acute stroke was based on identification of BE-FAST (Balance, Eyes, Face, Arm and Speech Test) abnormalities. The objectives were to compare the mean between two groups for acute stroke team review time, door to computerised tomography (CT) scan and door to thrombolysis time. Thirty-nine patients were analysed (control n=29, intervention n=10). Results were insignificant (p>0.05). Mean time in minutes for control phase vs. intervention phase was as follows: Door to stroke team review time, 25.96 + 39.16 vs. 15.9 + 13.14, door to CT scan was 43.04 + 40.00 vs. 25.8 + 11.35. Only 3 patients underwent thrombolytic therapy during study period. Limitation was non-parametric data with lack of number of acute stroke cases responded during the intervention period. With continual training of pre-hospital staff in detecting acute stroke, feasibility can be improved.
Screening for Premature Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) using Coronary Artery Calcium (CAC) Score: A Primary Prevention Pilot Study
Authors:   Department of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre, Jalan Yaacob Latif, Bandar Tun Razak, 56000 Cheras, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Che Hassan Hamat Hamdi
Published: June 2021

Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS) events can be accelerated by positive family history of young coronary artery disease (CAD). Risk factors assessment sometimes fail to predict ACS occurrence. Additional investigations with coronary artery calcium (CAC) score can be used independently in screening for primary prevention in some population. This was a cross-sectional study in asymptomatic population with first degree relatives (FDR) having premature CAD compared with a matched population with no family history of CAD from September 2017 to March 2018 at the Cardiology Clinic of Univeristi Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre. A total of 36 subjects were recruited with equal number in each group. Female were the majority in each group (66.7%). The FDR group were slightly younger compared to the control group [mean (SD) age 36.9 (4.9) against 38 (3.8), respectively). Both groups represent high risk factors including overweight and obesity, abdominal obesity as well as dyslipidemia. Newly diagnosed dyslipidemia was significant in the group with family history (83.3% versus 44.4%, P<0.01). Both groups were screened either into the low or moderate risk Framingham Risk Score group. CAC score was higher in family history group (11.1% vs 0%, P>0.05). In conclusion, CAC may be irrelevant for screening in younger population. However, the yield of other risk factor is still alarming.
Knowledge and Perception of Malaysian Forest Fringe Population towards Zika Infection
Authors:   Department of Community Health, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre, Jalan Yaacob Latif, Bandar Tun Razak, 56000 Cheras, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia., Mun Wong Chin
Published: June 2021

The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared Zika infection as Public Health Emergency of International Concern in 2016. In this study, we aimed to assess the knowledge and risk perception towards Zika infection among the forest fringe population in Malaysia. A cross-sectional study of with 433 adult respondents in Malaysia completed the assisted-administered validated questionnaire on knowledge and perception to Zika infection. Bidirectional analysis on the person and item abilities were tested using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) and Rasch. The knowledge and perception levels were tested against significant sociodemographic or socioeconomic variables using Pearson’s Chi Square; covariates were then adjusted at multivariate level using binary logistic regression. Both knowledge and perception domains were well-targeted. Complementing results from SPSS and Rasch showed poor knowledge and poor risk perception levels in slightly more than half of the respondents [knowledge score: 50.8% (SPSS), 55.4% (Rasch); perception score: (58.0% (SPSS), 58.2% (Rasch)]. With covariates adjusted, non-bumiputra (non-natives) of higher education level, higher household income and recent jungle visits showed good knowledge level. Adult, menopaused women from Perak state showed better risk perception level towards Zika. Majority of the forest fringe population in Malaysia have poor knowledge and risk perception towards the Zika infection. This questionnaire is a suitable tool to assess knowledge and perception towards Zika infection among the forest fringe populations in Southeast Asia.
The Association between Neuroticism Personality Traits and Depressive Psychopathology with Quality of Life among Diabetic Patients
Authors:   Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre, Jalan Yaacob Latif, Bandar Tun Razak, 56000 Cheras, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Sidi Hatta
Published: June 2021

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a chronic medical condition associated with psychological sequelae like depression and linked with specific personality traits. This study researched on quality of life (QoL) among patients with DM and its association with mood symptoms and personality traits. 291 diabetic respondents were recruited, where their socio-demographic data and other relevant profile were collected using the Beck Depression Inventory II (BDI-II), Generalized Anxiety Disorder scale (GAD-7), Big Five Inventory (BFI) and World Health Organization Quality of Life Instrument-Short Form questionnaire (WHOQoL-BREF). The mean age of the respondents was 60.43 years with approximately half of the respondents being males and married. Most respondents have been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes (N = 261, 89.7%) and the median duration of diabetes diagnosis was 14.17 years (SD = 9.72). The association between personality traits, psychological complications, and QoL after adjusting for demographic, personal, and clinical characteristics were studied. Based on the multiple linear regression models, after adjusting for age, employment, education status, monthly income, perceived social support, duration of DM and other variables, we found that the neuroticism (BFI) and mean BDI score was associated with poorer QoL, respectively. 1-unit increase in these two variables leading to 3.5- and 0.6-point decrease in QoL, (-3.465 (95% confidence interval, CI -5.788 to -1.143) and -0.560 (95% CI -0.779 to -0.341)) with p<0.001, respectively. An intervention focusing on the neuroticism and elevating the depressive psychopathology would help in the psychological management of patients with DM.
Chromatic Metabasis through Poems by Wislawa Szymborska
Authors: Fortuny-Agramunt Jaume
Published: June 2021

Transition of the linguistic argument from a Wislawa Szymborska poem to one of graphic and chromatic expression.
The concept and the name of Isolating Gender Violence
Authors: Vidu Ana , Puigvert Lidia , Flecha Ramon , López de Aguileta Garazi
Published: June 2021

In December 2020, the Catalan Parliament approved by unanimity the world’s first legislation of the concept of Isolating Gender Violence (IGV); in 2021, several parliaments are developing their own legislations. The elaboration of this concept and later this name has been a long and dialogic process among diverse scientists, policymakers, governments, parliaments, victims, survivors, social organizations and citizens. Since 2016, CREA (Community of Research on Excellence for All) has developed a process of elaborating the concept of IGV oriented to obtain the scientific, policy and social impact required to make a key contribution to overcoming gender violence. This process was simultaneous to the elaboration by the same researchers of the criteria of policy and societal impact of the EU’s scientific programme of research (Horizon Europe). This paper presents this dialogic research conducted to get the concept and the name IGV and the consequences of this concept along scientific, policy and social impact. The results show that the key for getting the name and the impacts of this scientific robust concept has been three of the main characteristics of the present EU research program Horizon Europe: the priority of social impact, the co-creation of knowledge between scientists and citizens and sustainability.
Las Relaciones Familiares en China. La Evolución de la Paternidad Masculina a partir de Entrevistas a Estudiantes Chinos de Posgrado en Madrid
Authors: Tardivo Giuliano , Fernández Fernández Maximiliano , Díaz Cano Eduardo
Published: June 2021

The presence of Chinese immigrants and students in Spain is becoming more and more significant; therefore, it is urgent to study their culture in greater depth. In this paper, we take into consideration family relationships and the issue of male parenthood. We use as theoretical framework of reference the contributions of authors such as Beck, Bauman, Seidler, Hochschild, etc. We conducted 30 semi-structured qualitative interviews with postgraduate Chinese students at universities in Madrid. The results show that, there is still a prevalence of more traditional male fatherhood in China, far from emotions and reflexivity, which, however, are increasingly characteristics widespread in Spain and, more generally, in Western countries. Furthermore, it seems that family relations in China continue to exert a very relevant weight. The interviewees, who are familiar with the Spanish way of leaving, have highlighted the differences between China and Spain.
“We Participate, Silently”: Explicating Thai University Students’ Perceptions of Their Classroom Participation and Communication
Authors: Chung Ji Hye Jaime
Published: June 2021

This study explores Thai university students’ perceptions of their reluctance in verbal classroom participation especially in situations where English is used as the medium for instruction. It is generally perceived that non-native learners particularly from high context cultures such as Thailand have the tendency to remain silent during discussion sessions or when they are asked to participate in activities related to expressing their opinions. By investigating this phenomenon through focus group meetings with Thai university students, this study reveals reasons that cause students to be hesitant speakers in class through the eyes of students themselves. The results confirm that though students agree to the common perception of Asian students being quiet learners, they did not agree that they were passive learners; they emphasized the fact that they used ‘silence’ as a tool to quietly yet attentively participate. The study also highlights that students’ silence can be seen as a way to harmonize with the environment and situation which is the cultural norm in the Thai context.
De la Cuna a la Escuela. El Turbulento Devenir Durante la Primera Transición Educativa de Alumnado Autista
Authors: Echeita Gerardo , Cañadas Margarita , Gutiérrez Héctor , Martínez Gabriel
Published: June 2021

To promote inclusive education, attention must be paid to exclusionary processes. Students considered within the autism spectrum are, without a doubt, at greater risk of exclusion than others. This paper will show partial results of a project that has asked what are the barriers and supports that families with sons or daughters with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) face in their first educational transition. Using a qualitative, phenomenological-interpretive methodology and a cross-sectional design, the life stories of 6 students with ASD (out of a total sample of 22) have been analyzed in depth, with special attention to the processes of social participation. The thematic analyzes carried out show some "lights" and many "shadows" in this first transition and with it what can be learned to move towards a more inclusive and quality educational system that benefits all students.
Content and Problem Analysis in Turkish and Singaporean Mathematics Textbooks: The Case of Multiplying Fractions
Authors: Bütüner Suphi Önder
Published: June 2021

In this study, Turkish and Singaporean textbooks were compared in terms of teaching content for multiplying fractions, a subject that most students have difficulty in understanding. The study analyzed the 6th-grade mathematics textbook published by the Turkish Ministry of National Education and its Singaporean counterpart. While the Singaporean textbook covered all meanings of multiplying fractions, the Turkish textbook did not include the operator meaning of multiplying fractions. Compared to the Turkish textbook, the Singaporean textbook included more solution strategies. The number line model was not used in the textbooks of either country, and only one representation format was used to model a fraction multiplication problem. The Singaporean textbook included more fraction multiplication problems than did the Turkish textbook. Many problems in both textbooks were of a one-step fashion and required numerical answers.
Creation of Digital Learning Kingdom to Support Online Learning during the COVID-19 Outbreak
Authors:   Sripatum University Chonburi Campus, 79 Bangna-Trad Rd, Khlong Tamru, Chon Buri 20000, Thailand., Vicheanpant Thanyawich
Published: June 2021

The objectives of this research were to develop, test, and assess the quality of the development of various Digital Learning Kingdoms. These Digital Learning Kingdoms were used to support online learning in the epidemic situation of COVID-19. In this study, a sample of 3,000 students was drawn from sixth to ninth grades. Two main statistical methods are used in this study: the average score..