bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ameliorative Effects of Virgin Coconut Oil in Loperamide Induced Constipation in rats
Authors: Adeniyi Olasupo S , Edache Moses , Abi Innocent , Ediale Richard
Published: September 2020

Constipation is one of the most common gastrointestinal disorders that affects people of all ages and is mostly treated using orthodox drugs that often have side effects; therefore, this research aims to investigate the effects of a natural product; virgin coconut oil (VCO) in the treatment of loperamide induced constipation in rats. Twenty-five male Wistar rats weighing 80-100 g were divided into 5 groups as follows: Group 1 was control group that received 5 mL/kg/day normal saline (NS) only. All the other groups were treated with 4 mg/Kg loperamide to induce constipation. After 1 hour of loperamide treatment, Group 2 were treated with 5 mL/Kg NS, Group 3, 0.6 mL/day VCO (MVCO); Group 4, 0.9 mL/day VCO (HVCO) and Group 5 rats, 2 mg/Kg bisacodyl. The period of treatment was 3 days, and they were administered orally. Daily food consumption, number, weight and water content of feces, and intestinal transit time of charcoal meal were determined. Result showed that food consumption was significantly (P < 0.05) lower in loperamide alone group than other groups of animals. By days 1 and 3, the number of fecal pellets, weight of wet feces, weight of dry feces, and water content of feces in MVCO treated and control rats were significantly (P <0.05) higher than loperamide +NS. The intestinal transit time in MVCO treated rats (54.47 ± 3.22%) was however not significantly different from loperamide + NS (56.51 ± 2.51%). In conclusion, VCO ameliorated loperamide induced constipation by increasing the frequency of defecation, weight and water content of feces.
Molecular Identification of Fusarium Species Recovered from Hospital Environment in Jos, Nigeria
Authors: Kim GE , Okolo MO , Essien UC , Umeh UE , Iheukwumere CC
Published: September 2020

Fusariums pecies are opportunistic fungi that play an important role in nosocomial infection. The reservoir of Fusarium species in the hospital is not well understood in our environment. Therefore, the present study sought to identify the reservoir of Fusarium species in hospital environment. Three hundred and sixty (360) samples were collected from the environment of two tertiary health care facilities A and B. The sample consists of water (120), soil (120) and plants (120) which were sourced from hospital environments. Cultures of these samples were performed and polymerase chain reaction was used to confirm Fusarium species. The most predominant specie was Fusarium oxysporum Hospital A:(57.3%) and Hospital B:(64.4%). Most of the Fusarium isolates (76.7%) were recovered from soil samples, followed by water (45.0%) and the least were from plants (30.8%). In conclusion the present study has demonstrated that hospital environment is a reservoir for Fusarium species. However, identification of such reservoir would further enhance effective infection control measures.
“I’m in the networks”: social networks as a tool for teaching physics and the study of semi-arid energies
Authors: Melo Ruth Brito De Figueiredo , Santos Janaína Souza dos , Sobrinho Edimilson Antônio , Silva José Rodolfo Neves da , Avelino Lineker Matheus Silva , Lima Adriano da Silva , Gomes Naara Karoline de Lima , Alcântara Jacqueline Silva
Published: September 2020

The subject of Info technology in Physics Teaching, taught in the Physics Degree course at the State University of Paraíba - UEPB, was given a task of developing a project that sought to think about the uses of technology as a contribution to teaching. In these terms, without putting them in front of thinking about the uses of social networks as innovative tools for the realization of physics teaching. Having, as reflections of this project, brought to the debate advanced knowledge about the teaching of Physics, we decided that the center of a specific theme for proportions of application with students from the public-school system in the State of Paraíba. When delimiting the theme, within the intricacies of physical knowledge, we will solve some studies on energies, especially as wind, solar, electric and hydraulic. In this, we propose a project that had the general objective of making students think or study the energies of the semi-arid from the uses of social networks. During the execution of the project, you can use the groups on Facebook and WhatsApp, for example, you can encourage debates among students, such as research carried out and posted, as well as instigating students to think or use these energies in their daily lives, make semiarid. The use of blogs can favor students' textual production, as well as sensitivities present in a critical analysis of knowledge. The effectiveness of this project can put us in front of the possibilities for teaching relationship in physical learning, and can be developed with quality, based on the students' living reality.
Exploring the Meanings of Philanthropy in Rural Contexts: The Case of Zimbabwe
Authors: Murisa Tendai
Published: September 2020

The role and place of horizontally based forms of philanthropy has not been adequately understood or unexplored. There is very
limited information on how ordinary Zimbabweans engage in acts of philanthropy. Is solidarity a part of philanthropy? There are
many reasons to suggest that the solidarity evident in associational forms, which entail giving either of time, labour, or financial
resources, is a vital dimension of philanthropy. The detailed discussion, through thick case study descriptions, explored the emergence
of solidarity-focused associational forms within the newly resettled areas of Zimbabwe.
آثار مشكلة السيولة على المصارف الإسلامية
Authors: إبراهيم عبد السلام
Published: September 2020

الملخص:
تهدف هذه الدراسة لبيان أثار مشكلة السيولة على المصارف الإسلامية، فكما هو معروف فأن زيادة السيولة عن الحد المطلوب تؤدي لعدد من المشاكل للمصرف خاصة فيما يتعلق بعدم الاستغلال الأمثل لتلك الموارد، بينما يؤدي نقص السيولة لمخالفة قرارات الجهات الرقابية وعدم تلبية حاجات العملاء بالإضافة لعدم القدرة على استغلال الفرص الاستثمارية، وقد أوصت الدراسة بضرورة قيام المصارف الإسلامية بإيجاد اليات فعالة للتحكم بالسيولة بحيث يتم استغلال الموارد المتاحة دون الأخلال بمتطلبات الجهات الرقابية والعملاء.
الكلمات المفتاحية: السيولة، المصارف الإسلامية، التمويل
دور مخرجات التعليم العالي واثرهُ في سوق العمل:
دراسة استطلاعية لآراء عينة من أعضاء الهيئة التدريسية في عدد من الجامعات الحكومية و الأهلية في مدينة أربيل-كوردستان-العراق
Authors: حسن مسلم
Published: September 2020

الملخص:
يهدف البحث إلى معرفة دور مخرجات الجامعات الحكومية والأهلية المتمثلة بـ (جودة المستوى النوعي للخريجين, المشاريع العلمية التي تلبي احتياجات سوق العمل, سمعة الجامعة ورضا المستفيدين) في سوق العمل، وحدد عينة من الجامعات الحكومية والأهلية في مدينة أربيل كميدان للبحث، واعتمد البحث المنهج الوصفي التحليلي، وحددت مجموعة من الفرضيات لغرض تحقيق أهداف البحث ومشكلته والتي جرى اختبارها بأدوات إحصائية متعددة بواسطة برنامج التحليل الإحصائي (SPSS 20)، وتم صياغة استمارة استبانة ووزعت على عينة من أعضاء الهيئة التدريسية في عدد من الجامعات، حيث بلغ عددهم (100) فرداً كعينة للبحث. واستنتج البحث من خلال نتائج تحليل إجابات افراد عينة البحث بوجود علاقة و تأثير بين مخرجات الجامعات و سوق العمل، وفي ضوء ذلك قدم البحث مجموعة من المقترحات من أهمها ضرورة أن تمتلك الجامعات معرفة واسعة لحاجات و متطلبات سوق العمل من حيث نوعية وكفاءة الخريجين حتى تعمل على تخريج كوادر ذات كفاءة عالية تؤهلهم لإتقان عملهم في سوق العمل.
الكلمات الدالة: مخرجات الجامعات, جودة المستوى النوعي للخريجين, المشاريع العلمية, سمعة الجامعة, رضا المستفيدين، سوق العمل
Editorial
Authors: Bottino Andréa Giglio
Published: September 2020

Editorial Revista Femass numero um
Reestruturação administrativa: um olhar sobre a secretaria de desenvolvimento social, direitos humanos e acessibilidade de Macaé: estratégia, estrutura e pessoas
Authors: Barretto Cyro Rodrigues , Ladeira Kátia Moreira , Braga Rose Mary Wanzeler
Published: September 2020

Este trabalho tem a proposta de apresentar, por meio de um estudo de caso, as lições aprendidas do processo de mudança organizacional na SecretariaMunicipal de Desenvolvimento Social, Direitos Humanos e Acessibilidade (SEMDS-DHA), pós-reestruturação administrativa, ocorrida na Prefeitura Municipal de Macaé em 2015 (Lei complementar municipal 238/2015, e Lei complementar municipal 256/2016- Macaé-RJ). O trabalho apresenta as influências históricas de reformas ocorridas e que de forma relevante interferem nos novos modelos vigentes de reformas administrativas e de gestão. Destaca as mudanças socioeconômicas ocorridas na região, decorrentes da crise do petróleo e seus impactos na economia local, motivando a gestão pública do município e apresenta uma proposta de reestruturação administrativa, com o objetivo de diminuir os gastos com a máquina pública e garantir a execução de políticas públicas efetivas,frente aos novos desafios pós-crise econômica na região e no município de Macaé.
Pandemic influenza and major disease outbreak preparedness in US emergency departments: A selected survey of emergency health professionals
Authors: Morton, MD, MPH Melinda J. , Hsu, MD, MPH Edbert B. , Shah, MD Sneha H. , Hsieh, PhD Yu-Hsiang , Kirsch, MD, MPH Thomas D.
Published: September 2020

Objective: To assess the level of pandemic preparedness at emergency departments (EDs) around the country and to better understand current barriers to preparedness in the United States represented by health professionals in the American College of Emergency Physician (ACEP) Disaster Medicine Section (DMS).Methods, design, and setting: A cross-sectional survey of ACEP DMS members was performed. A total of 300 members were surveyed both via e-mail and with paper surveys during the 2009 ACEP Scientific Assembly DMS Meeting. An optional comments section was included for section members’ perspectives on barriers to preparedness. A 15-item pandemic preparedness score was calculated for each respondent based on key preparedness indicators as defined by the authors. Results were analyzed with descriptive statistics, χ2 analysis, Cochran-Armitage trend test, and analysis of variance. Free text comments were coded and subjected to frequency-based analysis.Results: A total of 92 DMS members completed the survey with a response rate of 31 percent. Although 85 percent of those surveyed indicated that their hospital had a plan for pandemic influenza response and other infectious disease threats, only 68 percent indicated that their ED had a plan, and 52 percent indicated that their hospital or ED had conducted disaster preparedness drills. Only 57 percent indicated that there was a plan to augment ED staff in the event of a staffing shortage, and 63 percent indicated that there were adequate supplies of personal protective equipment. While 63 percent of respondents indicated that their ED had a plan for distribution of vaccines and antivirals, only 32 percent of EDs had a plan for allocation of ventilators. A total of 42 percent of respondents felt that their ED was prepared in the event of a pandemic influenza or other disease outbreak, and only 35 percent felt that their hospital was prepared. The average pandemic preparedness score among respondents was 8.30 of a total of 15. Larger EDs were more likely to have a higher preparedness score (p = 0.03) and more likely to have a pandemic preparedness plan (p = 0.037). Some major barriers to preparedness cited by section members included lack of local administration support, challenges in funding, need for dedicated disaster preparedness personnel, staffing shortages, and a lack of communication among disaster response agencies, particularly at the federal level.Conclusions: There appear to be significant gaps in pandemic influenza and other infectious disease outbreak planning among the hospitals where ACEP DMS members work. This may reflect a broader underlying inadequacy of preparedness measures.
Pandemic influenza and major disease outbreak preparedness in US emergency departments: A survey of medical directors and department chairs
Authors: Morton, MD, MPH Melinda J. , Kirsch, MD, MPH Thomas D. , Rothman, MD, PhD Richard E. , Byerly, MD Marielle M. , Hsieh, PhD Yu-Hsiang , McManus, MD, MCR John G. , Kelen, MD Gabor D.
Published: September 2020

Study objectives: To quantify the readiness of individual academic emergency departments (EDs) in the United States for an outbreak of pandemic influenza.Methods, design, and setting: Cross-sectional assessment of influenza pandemic preparedness level of EDs in the United States via survey of medical directors and department chairs from the 135 academic emergency medicine departments in the United States. Preparedness assessed using a novel score of 15 critical preparedness indicators. Data analysis consisted of summary statistics, χ2, and ANOVA.Participants: ED medical directors and department chairs.Results: One hundred and thirty academic emergency medicine departments contacted; 66 (50.4 percent) responded. Approximately half (56.0 percent) stated their ED had a written plan for pandemic influenza response. Mean preparedness score was 7.2 (SD = 4.0) out of 15 (48.0 percent); only one program (1.5 percent) achieved a perfect score. Respondents from programs with larger EDs (=30 beds) were more likely to have a higher preparedness score (p < 0.035), an ED pandemic preparedness plan (p = 0.004) and a hospital pandemic preparedness plan (p = 0.007). Respondents from programs with larger EDs were more likely to feel that their ED was prepared for a pandemic or other major disease outbreak (p = 0.01). Only one-third (34.0 percent) felt their ED was prepared for a major disease outbreak, and only 27 percent felt their hospital was prepared to respond to a major disease outbreak.Conclusions: Significant deficits in preparedness for pandemic influenza and other disease outbreaks exist in US EDs, relative to HHS guidelines, which appear to be related in part to ED size. Further study should be undertaken to determine the barriers to appropriate pandemic preparedness, as well as to develop and validate preparedness metrics.
Special Issue Compilation of Research Related to Pandemic Planning & Response
Authors: Disaster Medicine American Journal of
Published: September 2020

Volume 14, Number 4
Volume 15, Number 1
Authors: Disaster Medicine American Journal of
Published: September 2020

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Intubation using the gum-elastic bougie while wearing personal protective equipment
Authors: Milk, MD Nadav , Rosman, MD Yossi , Yavnai, DMD, MPH Nirit , Cohen, MD Barak , Ophir, MD Nimrod , Eisenkraft, MD, MPH Arik , Kassirer, MD Michael
Published: September 2020

Objective: To determine whether application of a gum-elastic bougie (GEB), a visual stylet used to improve success rates of difficult intubations, reduces the time, and number of attempts to achieve successful intubation while wearing personal protective equipment (PPE).Design: A randomized cross-over study comparing orotracheal intubations performed on an AirMan® Mannequin, using either a semirigid stylet or a GEB, while wearing an active hood with a charcoal impregnated suit and butyl rubber gloves.Setting: Simulation training field of the Israel Defense Force Medical Corps.Participants: 27 military physicians and 23 paramedics (PMs).Interventions: Comparing intubation with and without using the GEB while wearing PPE.Main outcome measure(s): Airway (AW) control was considered successful if the “lungs” of the mannequin expanded during bag ventilation. Three unsuccessful attempts or a procedure exceeding 60 seconds were regarded as a failure. Correlations between parameters of self-assessment of skills and successful intubation were also determined.Results: With the GEB, success rate was lower (82 percent versus 100 percent, p = 0.002), more attempts were needed (1.4 ± 0.7 versus 1.0 ± 0.2, p = 0.005) and time-to-achieve AW control was longer (43.6 ± 14.6 seconds versus 23.1 ± 10.5 seconds, P 0.001) than without it. Participants with high self-assessment of GEB-assisted AW management skills needed less attempts to perform successful intubation with GEB than participants with low self-assessment (1.0 ± 0.0 versus 1.4 ± 0.8, p = 0.001), but not less time to achieve it.Conclusions: While donning PPE, the use of GEB (versus semirigid stylets) did not reduce the time or the number of attempts necessary to achieve successful intubation.
Operational stresses on New York City Health+Hospitals Health System frontline hospitals during the 2017-18 influenza season
Authors: Shearer, MPH Matthew P. , Meyer, MPH Diane , Hosangadi, MSPH Divya , Snyder, MALD Michael R. , Trotochaud, MSPH Marc , Madad, DHSc, MS, MCP Syra , Nuzzo, DrPH, SM Jennifer B.
Published: September 2020

Objective: Identify operational lessons to support hospital and health system preparedness and response for seasonal and pandemic influenza based on firsthand experiences from the 2017-2018 influenza season.Design: We conducted semistructured, retrospective interviews with New York City Health+Hospitals (NYCH+H) personnel to gather firsthand experiences from the 2017-2018 influenza season and evaluated stress data across four operational domains reported by NYCH+H hospitals during the 2017-2018 influenza season.Setting: Frontline hospitals in the NYCH+H health system during and after the 2017-2018 influenza season.Participants: Interviews conducted with personnel from 5 NYCH+H frontline hospitals. Operational stress data reported by 11 NYCH+H hospitals during the 2017-2018 influenza season.Main Outcome Measures: Operational challenges and lessons from frontline hospitals responding to severe seasonal influenza.Results: Operational stresses during the 2017-2018 influenza season varied over the influenza season, between facilities, and across operational domains. Patient surge and staff absenteeism pushed some facilities to their limits, and supply shortages highlighted shortcomings in existing procurement systems. Resources tied to pandemic influenza were unavailable without a pandemic declaration.Conclusion: Seasonal influenza poses dynamic operational stresses across health systems and cities, potentially causing major impacts outside of declared pandemics. Lessons from NYCH+H can help other hospitals and health systems anticipate operational challenges, but novel solutions are needed to mitigate effects of patient surge and personnel and supply shortages during severe influenza seasons and pandemics. Improved data collection can help health systems better understand operational stresses and challenges across their facilities.
Legislation and policy analysis on management of listeriosis epidemic disaster in South Africa
Authors: Vhiriri, BPharm Eunice Paidamoyo , Irwin, MSc Yoland , Laubscher, MSc Richard , Tandlich, PhD Roman
Published: September 2020

During the 2017-2018 listeriosis outbreak in South Africa (SA), the total number of cases reached 1,060. In this study, the disaster management response to the 2017-2018 South Africa listeriosis outbreak is analyzed. The hazard was in part the contamination of a brand of a ready-to-eat (RTE) “polony” with a strain of Listeria monocytogenes ST6. The initial phase of the 2017-2018 listeriosis outbreak was characterized by a rapid increase in the number of detected human cases. The listeriosis outbreak was officially proclaimed in December 2017, resulting in listeriosis being added to the list of notifiable diseases in SA. The delay between onset and proclamation was a result of the difficulty in identification of the actual number of cases of listeriosis in the country. The response to the disaster included the coordination of the National Department of Health, the National Institute of Communicable Diseases (NICD), businesses/producers of the contaminated brand of RTE products, and the public. Some of these activities led to the removal of the contaminated products from the retail sector in March 2018, resulting in a decrease in the number of cases found in SA. In response to the outbreak, the National Department of Health formed a multisector incidence response team and implemented the Emergency Response Plan. Impacts of future listeriosis outbreaks could be mitigated by the adoption of international listeriosis guidelines such as the WHO/FAO and FDA. Practical steps in this context should include setting a limit of L. monocytogenes in RTE products. WHO/FAO and FDA listeriosis policies which are described “zero tolerance” where a limit of < 100 L. monocytogenes cells/g at the moment of consumption is acceptable can be adopted. Additional resources must be provided for research into infectious doses and the various routes of human exposure.
Volume 15, Number 2
Authors: Disaster Medicine American Journal Of
Published: September 2020

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Meat quality of Pulawska breed pigs and image of longissimus lumborum muscle microstructure compared to commercial DanBred and Naima hybrids
Authors: Kasprzyk Anna , Bogucka Joanna
Published: September 2020

Abstract. The objective of this article was the evaluation of selected
properties of meat quality including the characteristics of longissimus lumborum (LL) muscle
microstructure of Pulawska breed pigs and fatteners of the DanBred and Naima
hybrids which are used in national meat production. Three genetic groups of
fatteners were studied in the experiment: group I – DanBred hybrid; group
II – Naima hybrid; and group III – the Pulawska breed. Pig fattening took
place under the same environmental conditions from the starting weight of 30 kg ± 2 kg to 103–105 kg. For the analysis of muscle fibre
characteristics and meat quality from each group, 30 animals were selected
( 1:1 ). Physico-chemical properties and ultrastructure were evaluated in
samples collected from the LL muscle. A statistically significant impact (P<0.01) of a genetic group on pH45, content of water, protein and ash, as
well as on the colour of meat, the number of STOs (slow-twitch oxidatives) and
the diameter of FTG (fast-twitch glycolytic) muscle fibres, was found. Meat of
the Pulawska breed, compared to DanBred and Naima, showed a statistically significant (P<0.01) higher (by 2.05 % and 2.49 %, respectively)
nutritional value expressed as protein content and mineral components.
Overall, these results imply better biological properties of Pulawska
meat than DanBred and Naima hybrids. The higher STO and lower FTG found in
muscles from Pulawska pigs might partially explain meat quality differences
found between the breeds in the present study. The data of the current study
indicated that meat quality characteristics and muscle microstructure of
fatteners showed differences, and these differences may be used for
alternative pork meat production for the consumer.
Taiwan Earth System Model Version 1: description and evaluation of mean state
Authors: Lee Wei-Liang , Wang Yi-Chi , Shiu Chein-Jung , Tsai I-chun , Tu Chia-Ying , Lan Yung-Yao , Chen Jen-Ping , Pan Hua-Lu , Hsu Huang-Hsiung
Published: September 2020

Abstract. The Taiwan Earth System Model (TaiESM) version 1 is developed based on
Community Earth System Model version 1.2.2 of National Center for
Atmospheric Research. Several innovative physical and chemical
parameterizations, including trigger functions for deep convection, cloud
macrophysics, aerosol, and three-dimensional radiation–topography
interaction, as well as a one-dimensional mixed-layer model optional for the
atmosphere component, are incorporated. The precipitation variability, such
as diurnal cycle and propagation of convection systems, is improved in
TaiESM. TaiESM demonstrates good model stability in the 500-year
preindustrial simulation in terms of the net flux at the top of the model,
surface temperatures, and sea ice concentration. In the historical
simulation, although the warming before 1935 is weak, TaiESM captures
the increasing trend of temperature after 1950 well. The current climatology of
TaiESM during 1979–2005 is evaluated by observational and reanalysis
datasets. Cloud amounts are too large in TaiESM, but their cloud forcing is
only slightly weaker than observational data. The mean bias of the sea
surface temperature is almost 0, whereas the surface air temperatures
over land and sea ice regions exhibit cold biases. The overall performance
of TaiESM is above average among models in Coupled Model Intercomparison
Project phase 5, particularly in that the bias of precipitation is smallest.
However, several common discrepancies shared by most models still exist,
such as the double Intertropical Convergence Zone bias in precipitation and
warm bias over the Southern Ocean.
Data-driven distinction between convective, frontal and mixed extreme rainfall events in radar data
Authors: Thomassen Emma Dybro , Sørup Hjalte Jomo Danielsen , Scheibel Marc , Einfalt Thomas , Arnbjerg-Nielsen Karsten
Published: September 2020

Abstract. This study examines characteristics of extreme events based on a high-resolution precipitation dataset (5-minute temporal resolution, 1 × 1 km spatial resolution) over an area of 1824 km2 covering the catchment of the river Wupper, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany. Extreme events were sampled by a Peak Over Threshold method using several sampling strategies, all based on selecting an average of three events per year. A simple identification- and tracking algorithm for rain cells based on intensity threshold and fitting of ellipsoids, is developed for the study. Extremes were selected based on maximum intensities for 15-minute, hourly and daily durations and described by a set of 17 variables. The spatio-temporal properties of the extreme events are explored by means of a principal component analysis (PCA) and a cluster analysis for these 17 variables. We found that these analyses enabled us to distinguish and characterise types of extreme events useful for urban hydrology applications. The PCA indicated between 5 and 9 dimensions in the extreme event characteristic data. The cluster analyses identified four rainfall types: convective extremes, frontal extremes, mixed very extreme events and other extreme events, the last group consisting of events that are less extreme than the other events. The result is useful for selecting events of particular interest when assessing performance of e.g. urban drainage systems.
A decade of writing on Wikipedia
Authors: Purdy James P.
Published: September 2020

This article reports what observable writing activities characterized three Wikipedia articles, archive, design, and writing, over a three-year period from 2012–2014. It then compares these results to writing in these same three articles 10 years earlier, from 2002–2004. Results show that articles were longer and more referenced in 2012–2014. The most frequent written contributions in 2012–2014 were adding and deleting content, followed by vandalizing and reverting vandalism. Ten years earlier, content addition was likewise the most frequent activity, though vandalism and its removal were not found. The least frequent written contributions in 2012–2014 were organizing and formatting content. Both activities occurred more often 10 years earlier. The number of contributors grew significantly in 2012–2014, though during both time periods approximately ¾ of participants contributed only once. These results support that writing in Wikipedia continues to support notions of revision and collaboration valued in the discipline of writing studies. However, the revision and collaboration that occurred were limited. Thus, more robust approaches to these concepts are needed when using Wikipedia to teach writing. More broadly, Wikipedia contributors need to focus more on organizing and formatting article content for readers.
The strength of no-tie relationships: Political leaders’ Instagram posts and their followers’ actions and views
Authors: Parmelee John , Roman Nataliya
Published: September 2020

Drawing on research into electronic word-of-mouth communication, tie strength, and homophily, this study examines the actions of those who follow political leaders on Instagram as well as followers’ perceptions of the influence leaders’ posts have on their political views. The influence of leaders’ posts, as measured by a survey of followers, was also compared with strong-tie sources of opinion leadership, such as friends and family, and weak-tie sources, including co-workers and acquaintances. Findings indicate that posts from leaders whom followers usually agree with are seen as influencing followers’ views more than any other source, which is noteworthy given the nonexistent nature of the relationship. Implications for the study of tie strength on social media are also discussed.
Comparative Literature as Transaction; or, Doing Business with the Other
Authors: López Alfred J.
Published: September 2020

This article begins with my experience of participating in the 2019 MLA Convention panel entitled “Transacting Comparative Studies with Other Disciplines and Units,” alongside an array of intersectional approaches to—and relationships with—the discipline's once-dominant comparative literature paradigm. The presence and prominence of such interventions both at MLA and in 2014–2015's ACLA Report on the State of the Discipline collectively suggest that comparative literature seems well past the point of concerning itself, as it still did just a decade before, with preserving seemingly quaint notions of DeManian “literariness.” These two events demonstrate what twenty-first-century comparatists have learned from the emergence of postcolonialisms, world literature, and other perceived intrusions across its intellectual borders. Over the past several decades, comparative literature programs have survived, if not thrived, by abandoning traditional national boundaries, embracing regional cultural and linguistic differences within nation-states, and advocating for the diversity of languages and literatures in the academy. This long-overdue process of shedding disciplinary boundaries has occurred less in the name of interdisciplinarity, or of diversity and inclusion, than of survival: It was the only way for comparative literature to remain viable as a department or program within today's neoliberal, enrollment-driven university. Seen in this context, the discipline's collective decision to participate in today's exponentially more diverse academy appears more pragmatic than visionary; a more interdisciplinary—and thus transactional—iteration of comparative literature may help it survive in an increasingly competitive academic marketplace.
Memory Traces: Printed Electronic Literature as a Site of Remembrance
Authors: Saum-Pascual Alex
Published: September 2020

This article analyzes Steven Hall's The Raw Shark Texts (2007) and Robert Juan-Cantavella's Otro (2001) as examples of printed electronic literature, where the use of the codex book as inscription mechanism emphasizes a previous state of digital composition. Appearing in different parts of the globe and in different languages—United Kingdom/English and Spain/Spanish correspondingly—both novels take full advantage of the computer and the Web's contexts and capabilities in order to express the existing tension between both mechanisms of production and their treatment of memory. Their engagement with technology and the remaining digital traces that are present in their print pages are read as manifestations of a deeper historical mark, a trace that engages history and the possibility of talking about a past that permeates through our present inscription mechanisms—that is, digital texts. Thus, these traces are to be read not just as media traces, but also as the trace of a history that cuts through the medium of inscription. Finally, I propose that we read new digital techniques for writing as unveiling a literary ruin, and we think of them as building upon the decomposition of the novelistic form and its legendary ways of telling and recording memory and history.
Evaluative adjective sentences: A question-based analysis of projection
Authors: Tonhauser Judith , de Marneffe Marie-Catherine , Degen Judith
Published: September 2020

Two contents of evaluative adjective sentences, like Kim was smart to watch the movie, are the prejacent (that Kim watched the movie) and the generalization (that the degree to which Kim watching the movie is smart was higher than the contextual standard of smart). The prejacent is standardly analyzed as a presupposition (e.g., Norrick 1978; Barker 2002; Oshima 2009; Kertz 2010). This paper argues against such analyses of the prejacent because, among other things, they do not capture an interaction between the prejacent and the generalization that has not yet been observed for projective content: when the prejacent projects, the generalization does not, and when the prejacent does not project, the generalization does. We develop an analysis according to which the prejacent is not a lexically specified presupposition but is projective to the extent that it is not at-issue with respect to the question addressed by the utterance of the evaluative adjective sentence. In addition to capturing the interaction between the prejacent and the generalization, our question-based projection analysis extends previous such analyses (e.g., Beaver & Clark 2008; Beaver et al. 2017; Simons et al. 2017) by incorporating a novel constraint on the question addressed by an utterance: the more the interpreter takes the truth of content c to follow from the common ground a priori, the less likely the question is about c. We provide experimental evidence for the analysis and argue that it improves on that of Karttunen et al. (2014), according to which evaluative adjectives are ambiguous.
PHILOS plate fixation with polymethyl methacrylate cement augmentation of an osteoporotic proximal humerus fracture
Authors: Kim Do-Young , Kim Tae-Yeong , Hwang Jung-Taek
Published: September 2020

PHILOS plate fixation in osteoporotic proximal humerus fracture of old age is well-known for high complication rate, especially metal failure, providing various augmentation techniques, such as calcium phosphate cement, allogenous or autologous bone graft. We report a case of PMMA augmentation to provide appropriate reduction with a significant mechanical support. This can be a treatment option for displaced unstable osteoporotic proximal humerus fracture with marked bony defect.
Cotrimoxazole-Induced SIADH—A Unique Challenge during Treatment of Pulmonary Nocardiosis
Authors: Chauhan Nishant , Shahul S. Aneesa , Asfahan Shahir , Deokar Kunal , Niwas Ram
Published: September 2020

A 62 year old male non-smoker diagnosed with pulmonary nocardiosis was initiated on Cotrimoxazole therapy at a dose of 20 mg/kg per day in three divided doses. He developed hyponatremia (serum sodium 105 mEq/L) on day 3 of therapy. The potential causes of hyponatremia were evaluated. After ruling out other causes, the cause was suspected to be Cotrimoxazole-induced syndrome of inappropriate anti-diuretic hormone secretion (SIADH). We subsequently re-initiated therapy with Cotrimoxazole and the hyponatremia (serum sodium 110 mEq/L) recurred. Upon discontinuation of therapy, serum sodium levels returned to normal. The patient was started on Amoxycillin-Clavulanic Acid as an alternative therapy for pulmonary nocardiosis which resulted in resolution of the hyponatremia. Cotrimoxazole-induced SIADH is a rare occurrence. This case is representative of a patient with Cotrimoxazole-induced SIADH and the causal relationship was confirmed once resumption of therapy with the offending medi-cation resulted in hyponatremia. Clinicians should be aware of this rare adverse effect of Cotrimoxazole and should monitor serum electrolytes during therapy, especially in the elderly and in those receiving high doses.
New Horizons from Novel Therapies in Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma
Authors: Sayan Mutlay , Mamidanna Swati , Eren Mehmet Fuat , Daliparty Vasudev , Mustafayev Teuta Zoto , Nelson Carl , Ohri Nisha , Jabbour Salma K. , Mert Aslihan Guven , Atalar Banu
Published: September 2020

Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is a relatively rare, but highly lethal cancer of the pleural mesothelial cells. Its pathoge-nesis is integrally linked to asbestos exposure. In spite of recent developments providing a more detailed understanding of the pathogenesis, the outcomes continue to be poor. To date, trimodality therapy involving surgery coupled with chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy remains the standard of therapy. The development of resistance of the tumor cells to radiation and several che-motherapeutic agents poses even greater challenges in the management of this cancer. Ionizing radiation damages cancer cell DNA and aids in therapeutic response, but it also activates cell survival signaling pathways that helps the tumor cells to overcome radiation-induced cytotoxicity. A careful evaluation of the biology involved in mesothelioma with an emphasis on the workings of pro-survival signaling pathways might offer some guidance for treatment options. This review focuses on the existing treatment options for MPM, novel treatment approaches based on recent studies combining the use of inhibitors which target different pro-survival pathways, and radiotherapy to optimize treatment.
An Assessment of Risks Associated with Obstructive Sleep Apnea and Its Relationship with Adverse Health Outcomes among Pregnant Women. A Multi-Hospital Based Study
Authors: Joseph Nitin , Shreeshaina  , Loliem Shivani Bhat , Gundi Vinod Kumar , Herambapura Subramanya Mrudula Bhargav , Shashidhar Shreyashree Belthur
Published: September 2020

Introduction: Physiological changes in pregnancy increase the vulnerability of antenatal women to develop obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA). It is a known cause of several adverse health outcomes in pregnancy. Objectives: To assess the risk status of OSA in pregnant women and to study its association with adverse maternal outcomes, fatigability, and daytime sleepiness. Material and methods: Pregnant women were interviewed to assess for the risk of OSA, fatigability, and daytime sleepiness. STOP BANG, the fatigue severity scale, and the Epworth sleepiness scale were used to assess these parameters. Results: The mean age of the 214 participants was 27.2 ± 4.7 years. 7 (3.3%) participants had a history of snoring louder than the volume of normal talking, or of being loud enough to be heard past closed doors. A moderate risk status of OSA was present among 3 (1.4%) participants. 45 (21.0%) pregnancies were high risk in nature. The risk status of OSA was associated with a high risk status of pregnancies among the participants (p = 0.0088). 41 (19.2%) participants had a history of significant fatigue over the previous week of the study. 7 (3.3%) participants reported mild to severe excessive daytime sleepiness. A history of snoring loudly (p = 0.0179) and a OSA risk status (p = 0.0027) was associated with excessive daytime sleepiness. Conclusions: A risk status for OSA was associated with a high risk pregnancy status and excessive daytime sleepiness among pregnant women in the current setting. Therefore, pregnant women with these conditions need to be evaluated for OSA. They also need to be suitably managed to ensure the healthy well-being of the mother and the baby.
THE INFLUENCE OF BIOCARBON ADDITIVES ON GREASE FUNCTIONALITY
Authors: MOLENDA Jarosław , PAWELEC Zbigniew , PAWELEC Ewa , KAŹMIERCZAK Bernadetta
Published: September 2020

The article presents the results of tests on tribological and physicochemical properties of plastic greases,
in which the dispersing phase was highly refined mineral oil and the dispersed phase (thickener) lithium
stearate. The functional additives were biocarbon, which were obtained in the pyrolysis process of waste
of natural origin, i.e. stems with corn leaves, wheat straw, flax straw, and cherry stones. The compositions
containing 5% m/m biocarbon were prepared. Their evaluated on the functional properties of plastic greases
was assessed. Tribological characteristics of the greases compositions were determined using the T-02 tester
in accordance with the requirements of the subject standards. The effect of biocarbon used on anti-wear
(Goz) and anti-seizing (Pt, poz) plastic greases was determined. An assessment was also made of the effect of
plant biocarbon on changes in basic physicochemical properties of the composition of plastic greases, i.e.
penetration, dropping temperature, and thermo-oxidative stability. It was found that some of the biocarbon
significantly improve the tribological properties of plastic greases without significantly affecting the change
of key physicochemical parameters. The most beneficial impact of the tested additives on the operational
properties of plastic greases was observed when using biocarbon from wheat straw. In some cases, a lower
oxidative resistance of biocarbon grease is observed compared to grease without the addition of biocarbon.
The Music of Meaning
Authors: Colapietro Vincent ,   Semiotic Society of America
Published: September 2020

This paper begins as a methodological musement inspired by a suggestion made by C. S. Peirce to William James (1905: CP 8.263). It takes his intellectual life as a complex affair displaying a creative tension between what, on the surface, appear to be exclusive impulses. On the one hand, there is the drive to attain the highest level of conceptual clarity humanly possible. This is of course evident in his pragmatism. On the other, there is his seeming dalliance with concepts so vague as to be possibly not concepts at all (arguably only “tones or tints upon conceptions” [Peirce 1901: CP 1.353]). His lifelong devotion to articulating a categoreal scheme is the most telling example of this intellectual propensity. In this paper, following Peirce’s example with respect to his interest in his categories, then, the author gives himself over to the intimations of intelligibility conveyed by the expression “the music of meaning”. From this musing, he then claims more solid ground by offering an explication of Peirce’s theory of interpretants as the place where that theorist’s account of meaning is to be found. Ultimately, he tries to draw together what has emerged, first, in his methodological musement and, then, in subsequent discussions—his three main topics: music, that mysterious form of time; time, that mysterious form of Being; and meaning.
Gestures of Acknowledgment
Authors: Colapietro Vincent ,   Semiotic Society of America
Published: September 2020

Gestures are arguably the most pervasive, primordial, and generative of signs. This partly explains why the failure or refusal to gesture in certain ways, in certain circumstances, carries more weight than would seem otherwise comprehensible. Stanley Cavell attends to not only the importance of acknowledgment but also how our failures to acknowledge others amount to nothing less than an “annihilation of the other”. What account of gestures would begin to do justice to the power of such failures to wound humans so deeply? Of course, it is possible to argue that those who are wounded by such slights are hypersensitive. But, given the weight of our experience, this goes only a very short distance toward illuminating the phenomena under consideration. Drawing upon Peirce’s theory of signs, this paper offers a sketch of gestures of acknowledgment, paying close attention to why our failures or refusals to acknowledge others are so powerful.
Colorimetria e espectroscopia no infravermelho médio em madeira de curupixá frente ao intemperismo artificial com produtos de acabamento
Authors: Mesquita Robert Rossi Silva de , Paula Marcella Hermida de , Gonçalez Joaquim Carlos
Published: September 2020

O objetivo do estudo foi investigar alterações de cor e de estruturas químicas da superfície da madeira de curupixá (Micropholis sp.), submetida ao intemperismo artificial, com dois produtos de acabamento. As superfícies das amostras foram tratadas com verniz e stain, e submetidas ao intemperismo artificial por 700 horas de acordo com a norma ASTM G154 (2006). O infravermelho médio com transformada de Fourier (FT-MIR) e o sistema CIELAB (1976) foram utilizados para caracterizar mudanças na estrutura química e colorimétricas da superfície da madeira, respectivamente. Em relação à cor, a madeira de curupixá escureceu com a aplicação dos produtos de acabamento. O intemperismo alterou de forma apreciável a cor da testemunha, e de forma muito apreciável a madeira tratada com os dois produtos de acabamento. A análise de espectroscopia no infravermelho médio mostrou que, em todos os casos, sucedeu a despolimerização da lignina acompanhada da formação de carbonilas, além de queda em suas concentrações devido à lixiviação dos metais pesados. Tudo isso indica que houve degradação dos componentes químicos estruturais da madeira e que não houve influência dos produtos de acabamento no processo de intemperismo.
Dinâmica do componente arbóreo em função da distância da borda em uma floresta com araucária no Planalto Sul Catarinense, Brasil
Authors: Gross Aline , Silva Ana Carolina da , Lima Carla Luciane , Martins Daiany Augusta Paes , Corrêa Rogério Nappi , Souza Karine , Nunes Amanda Da Silva , Cruz Aline Pereira , Silva Mariele Alves Ferrer da , Higuchi Pedro
Published: September 2020

O presente estudo objetivou analisar a dinâmica do componente arbóreo em floresta com araucária em função da distância da borda, em Santa Catarina, Brasil. Foram realizados levantamentos da vegetação em 2011 e 2015, pelo método de parcelas permanentes, em cinco transeções contendo dez parcelas de 200 m2 cada, sendo as cinco primeiras parcelas (0-50 m) definidas como setor borda e as cinco últimas (50-100 m) como interior. Em 2011, os indivíduos arbóreos foram inventariados e em 2015 os sobreviventes e mortos foram quantificados e os recrutas incorporados ao levantamento. Foram calculadas as taxas de mortalidade e recrutamento e as espécies foram classificadas em guildas de regeneração. Os resultados demonstraram que a dinâmica da comunidade não diferiu entre os setores, porém as guildas de regeneração apresentaram diferentes performances em função da distância da borda, com espécies existentes em luz favorecidas na borda e espécies tolerantes ao sombreamento no interior. Conclui-se que a fragmentação florestal tem o potencial de impactar negativamente o componente arbóreo na floresta com araucária.
Área foliar de mudas de urucum (Bixa orellana L.) estimada por diferentes métodos: uma análise comparativa
Authors: Pinheiro Fernanda Da Silva , Lyra Gustavo Bastos , Abreu Marcel Carvalho , Arthur Junior José Carlos , Silva Leonardo Duarte Batista da , Lyra Guilherme Bastos , Santos Ednaldo Oliveira dos
Published: September 2020

A determinação da área foliar (AF) das culturas é um parâmetro indicativo do crescimento e da produtividade, sendo a busca por métodos precisos e exatos para a sua estimativa de extrema importância. O urucum (Bixa orellana L.) é uma espécie arbórea nativa da Floresta Amazônica e da Mata Atlântica, cuja importância econômica está relacionada ao corante natural extraído de suas sementes. Assim, o presente estudo objetivou comparar diferentes métodos para determinação da AF em mudas de urucum. Para isso, o método planimétrico foi considerado padrão e, com base nele, testou-se a equivalência em relação aos métodos das dimensões foliares — comprimento (C) e largura (L) — e ao scanner. No método das dimensões foliares o fator de forma (f) de 0,64 foi ajustado previamente para o urucum por meio da análise de regressão entre AF e o produto C x L. No método do scanner, utilizou-se o aplicativo ImageJ para determinar a AF. A regressão linear sem intercepto entre AF do método padrão e AF estimada por cada método alternativo foi utilizada para verificar a concordância dos resultados. Os métodos das dimensões foliares e do scanner foram equivalentes ao método padrão (5% de probabilidade de erro) e equivalentes entre si (1% de probabilidade de erro). Assim, verificou-se que esses métodos podem ser empregados com segurança na estimativa da área foliar do urucum. Contudo, o método das dimensões apresenta vantagens práticas em relação aos outros por ser não destrutivo.