bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The effect of political polarization on social distance stances in the Brazilian COVID-19 scenario
Authors: Ebeling Régis , Córdova Sáenz Carlos Abel , Nobre Jeferson , Becker Karin
Published: August 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic changed the routine and concerns of people around the world since 2020. The alarming contagious rate and the lack of treatment or vaccine evoked different reactions to controlling and mitigating the virus's contagious. In this paper, we developed a case study on the Brazilian COVID scenario, investigating the influence of the political polarization in the pro/against stances of social isolation, represented in Twitter by two groups referred to as the Cloroquiners and Quarenteners. We analyzed these groups according to multiple dimensions: a) concerns expressed by each group and main arguments representing each stance; b) techniques to automatically infer from users political orientation, c) network analysis and community detection to characterize their behavior as a social network group and d) analysis of linguistic characteristics to identify psychological aspects. We propose combining two topic modeling techniques, LDA and BERTopics, to understand each stance's concerns in different granularity levels. Our main findings confirm that Cloroquiners are right-wing partisans, whereas Quarenteners are more related to the left-wing. Cloroquiners and Quarenteners' political polarization influences the arguments of economy and life and a stronger support/opposition to the president. As a group, the network of Cloroquiners is more closed and connected, and Quarenteners have a more diverse political engagement with a community of users polarized only with left-wing politicians and his supporters. In terms of psychological aspects, polarized groups come together on cognitive issues and negative emotions.
Record of living individual of the fresh-water snail Gyraulus rossmaessleri (Auerswald, 1852) in Slovakia after thirty-eight years (Gastropoda: Planorbidae)
Authors: Čejka Tomáš , Bulánková Eva , Halgoš Jozef , Bačíková Stanislava
Published: August 2021

A living adult and two fresh shells of the freshwater snail Gyraulus rossmaessleri (Auerswald, 1852) (Gastropoda, Planorbidae) were found in the lower Morava River alluvial plain in SW Slovakia after thirty-eight years.
Assessment of Phenobarbital Administration to Reduce Opioid and Benzodiazepine Use in the Immediate Postoperative Period Following Stage 2 Single-Ventricle Palliation
Authors: Tripathi Sandeep , Hafzalah Mina , Harthan Aaron A. , Wang Yanzhi , Patel Priti M. , Welty Maureen E. , Subramanian Sujata
Published: August 2021

OBJECTIVE

The Glenn procedure may lead to the development of elevated cerebral venous pressures, which is believed to result in “Glenn headaches.” This manifests as excessive irritability, often requiring significant use of opioids and benzodiazepines. This study was designed to report our experience with the use of phenobarbital in the postoperative phase after the Glenn procedure.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective chart review to compare Glenn patients before and after implementation of a sedation protocol using phenobarbital. The 2 groups were compared for demographics, surgical characteristics, and cumulative sedation usage. Correlation coefficients between the preoperative catheterization variables and sedation usage were also calculated.

RESULTS

Groups A (pre-phenobarbital; n = 8) and B (post-phenobarbital; n = 11) were comparable in terms of demographics, cardiac anatomy, preoperative catheterization data, and hemodynamics. Patients in Group B received a median dose of 21.8 mg/kg of phenobarbital during their ICU stay. Although there was a decreased administration of morphine equivalents (2.60 mg/kg vs 2.25 mg/kg, p = 0.38), benzodiazepine (0.1 mg/kg vs 0.074 mg/kg, p = 0.43), and dexmedetomidine (47 mcg/kg vs 37.2 mcg/kg, p = 0.53) in Group B, the differences were not statistically significant. There was also no strong correlation between preoperative hemodynamic variables and the postoperative sedation requirement, and there was no statistically significant difference in overall outcomes between the 2 groups.

CONCLUSIONS

While phenobarbital may have mitigated the use of opioids, benzodiazepines, and alpha-agonist agents in some postoperative Glenn patients, the overall findings for all patients were not statistically significant. Further prospective studies are needed to ascertain the role of phenobarbital in these patients.
Real-World Application of a Procalcitonin Monitoring Protocol in a Pediatric Intensive Care Unit
Authors: Wagner Meghan E. , Hale Cory M. , Ericson Jessica E. , Trout Lindsay C.
Published: August 2021

OBJECTIVE

Procalcitonin (PCT) is a biomarker used as an indicator for inflammation and bacterial infections. In October 2018, our PICU implemented a PCT monitoring protocol incorporating cutoffs established in previous studies to help guide antibiotic decision-making in patients undergoing sepsis evaluation. The study objective was to evaluate adherence to the protocol with regard to PCT monitoring and antibiotic use.

METHODS

This retrospective review included PICU patients with systemic inflammatory response syndrome ages > 1 month to 18 years with at least 1 PCT level and blood culture obtained during the 9 months following protocol implementation. Patients were excluded if they received < 48 hours of antibiotic therapy, were neutropenic, or had antibiotics initiated at another hospital. Patients were evaluated for protocol adherence, defined as antibiotic continuation or discontinuation per protocol guidance without excess PCT monitoring. Descriptive statistics were employed.

RESULTS

Out of 100 patients evaluated, 50 patients were included. Full adherence was observed in 17 patients (34%). Reasons for non-adherence were excess PCT monitoring (54.5%), antibiotic continuation (30.3%), or both (15.2%). Of patients who were non-adherent due to antibiotic continuation, 61.5% had a positive respiratory viral panel (RVP). A total of 49 excess PCT levels were drawn, resulting in an additional $2,000 in health care costs and $15,000 in patient charges.

CONCLUSIONS

Overall, the impact of our PCT monitoring protocol was difficult to evaluate due to non-adherence, but it highlights potential areas of focus for improving PCT monitoring and antimicrobial stewardship, such as inclusion of RVP results.
Evaluation of Vaso-occlusive Crisis Management With Patient-Controlled Analgesia in Children With Sickle Cell Disease Requiring Hospitalization
Authors: Arbitre Claire , Pastore Yves , Bailey Benoit , Kleiber Niina , Robitaille Nancy , Villeneuve Edith , Viau Annie , Bergeron Marie-Joelle , Trottier Evelyne D.
Published: August 2021

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to review the use of patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) in sickle cell disease (SCD) for pediatric patients with vaso-occlusive crisis (VOC) in our institution and to compare the effect of early vs late PCA start on pain relief and LOS.

METHODS

This retrospective study included all pediatric patients treated with PCA for a severe VOC from 2010 to 2016. “Early-PCA” was defined as start of PCA within 48 hours of arrival. Time to reach adequate analgesia was defined as the time to reach 2 consecutive pain scores less than 5/10 at 4-hour interval.

RESULTS

During the study period, 46 patients presented 87 episodes of VOC treated with PCA. Sixty-three patients with VOC were treated with Early-PCA and 24 with Late-PCA. Both groups were comparable except for median pain score at admission; the Early-PCA group had higher scores: 9.0/10 vs 7.0/10. Time to reach adequate analgesia could be evaluated only in a subset of patients (n = 32) but was shorter in the Early-PCA group with a median difference of 41.0 hours (95% CI −82.0 to −6.0). Early-PCA was associated with a median reduction in LOS of 3.4 days (95% CI −4.9 to −1.9). There was no difference between the 2 groups in terms of side effects and occurrence of acute chest syndrome during hospitalization.

CONCLUSIONS

In this study, a reduced time to reach adequate analgesia and LOS was noted in the Early-PCA group for severe VOC. A prospective study is required to confirm these results.
The Challenges of Crizotinib Treatment in a Child With Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma
Authors: Vanheeswijck Liesbeth , Verlooy Joris , Van de Vijver Els , Bervoets An , Balliauw Katleen , Schepens Tom , Norga Koen , van Heerden Jaques
Published: August 2021

Survival in cases involving childhood malignancy is reaching nearly 80% in high-income countries, yet cancer remains one of the leading disease-related causes of death in children. In adult oncology the role of targeted therapies is established, but information regarding the use of these therapies in children is limited, largely because targeted therapies were developed in the context of adult pathologies. The few pediatric reports regarding crizotinib, an anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) inhibitor, seem promising. This case of an 8-year-old male with an ALK-positive anaplastic large cell lymphoma highlights the challenges of treating children with crizotinib. Our experience with crizotinib was more challenging than described in the limited pediatric reports. Not only was the tumor response poorer than described in the reports, but a substantial amount of side-effects and practical difficulties, such as the method of administration and dosing, made management challenging. Many challenges for the use of targeted therapy in pediatric care currently persist. The limited research in pediatric populations leaves uncertainty regarding efficacy and short- and long-term side effects as well as practical difficulties. Despite a clear underlying biological rationale for certain targeted therapies, their contribution toward improving the outcome of childhood cancer remains largely unclear.
La Educación Artística, el enfoque pedagógico y el Teatro como asignatura curricular en Argentina según la Ley de Educación Nacional vigente N° 26.206 de 2006
Authors: Torres Sara , Bertoldi María Marcela
Published: August 2021

En Argentina la Ley Educación Nacional N° 26.206/06 profundiza los debates acerca de los alcances y principios de la Educación Artística y nos proporciona un marco para situarla en los distintos niveles del sistema educativo. En primer lugar, se pretende realizar algunas consideraciones -desde lo macropolítico- acerca de sus lineamientos generales, en los que se plantean tres propósitos educativos centrales: la formación ciudadana, la formación para el mundo del trabajo y la formación en el ámbito de la cultura, haciendo foco en los referidos a la Educación Artística. En segundo lugar, se presenta al Teatro como asignatura curricular y se explicitan tres ejes centrales: los elementos del lenguaje teatral, la producción artístico teatral y la importancia de la contextualización social e histórica de las manifestaciones artísticas. Finalmente, se vincula la concepción del Arte que esta ley considera con el enfoque pedagógico del Teatro como asignatura. Si bien existe consenso en la comunidad académica en relación a la importancia de la Educación Artística en la formación de los alumnos y alumnas, su inclusión en los sistemas educativos reglados es escasa e irregular. Este artículo pone en valor el lugar estratégico del Area Artística que le otorga la reforma de 2006 en Argentina y aporta reflexiones que contribuyen a la vinculación entre pedagogía teatral y reformas educativas.
É assim mesmo. Amanhã é outro dia! | Entrevista com Angel Vianna concedida a Marina Magalhães e Juliana Ribeiro
Authors: Vianna Angel , Magalhães Marina , Ribeiro Juliana
Published: August 2021

Angel e Klauss Vianna são importantes pesquisadores sobre o corpo e o gesto no Brasil. Desde a década de 1950, com a Escola e o Ballet Klauss Vianna, em Belo Horizonte, vêm influenciando várias gerações, contribuindo fortemente com o meio artístico e pedagógico. Nesta entrevista, Angel Vianna apresenta os principais pontos de sua trajetória na dança e sua interface com o teatro e a área terapêutica, focando no Grupo Teatro do Movimento, companhia de dança fundada no Rio de Janeiro na década de 1970, considerada uma das companhias precursoras da dança contemporânea carioca. O texto revela o pensamento de Vianna e de seus processos criativos junto à companhia de dança.
Mulheres no teatro de bonecos iraniano: entrevista com bonequeiras de três gerações
Authors: Mizahosein Fahime , Cherubini Luiz André , Vargas Sandra
Published: August 2021

Entrevistas com Marzieh Baroumamand, Zahra Sabri e Fahime Mirzahosein, três destacadas bonequeiras iranianas, de três gerações, que, reconhecidamente, definiram os rumos do Teatro de Animação daquele país, abordando o papel da mulher, contemporaneamente, em uma Arte tradicionalmente masculina, no contexto histórico, social e político daquele país.
Cardiovascular Health and African-American Women: A Qualitative Analysis
Authors: Rottapel Rebecca E. , Hudson Linda B. , Folta Sara C.
Published: August 2021

Objectives: There are disparities in cardiovascular disease (CVD) among African-American women and culturally adapted interventions are needed for this population. The purpose of this study was to conduct qualitative research to inform a cultural adaptation of the evidence-based
Strong Women – Healthy Hearts intervention for midlife and older African-American women. Methods: Eligible participants were African-American women age ≥ 40 years, BMI ≥ 25, and sedentary. The study guide explored perceptions of heart disease and prevention
using a novel construct, 'abundant life'. Twenty-two participants attended focus groups (N=5). A directed qualitative content analysis approach was used. Results: Participants described an abundant life as lack of stress, good health, and supportive relationships. Facilitators
of abundant life and cardiovascular health often overlapped, including healthy diet, exercise, positive family and community ties, and spirituality. Key barriers included family caregiving burdens and the enduring legacy of racism which contributed to stress, environmental barriers to healthy
eating and physical activity, and discriminatory experiences in the healthcare system. Conclusion: Participant responses were provided within the context of their personal values and social identities, providing insights that may support adaption of behavioral interventions
for this high-need population.
Understanding African-American Women's Low-sodium Dietary Practices: A Qualitative Perspective
Authors: Groves Angela
Published: August 2021

Objectives: This qualitative study explored how African-American women perceived certain typical low-sodium dietary practices. Methods: This research applied a single category focus group design; 22 African-American women (aged 18 years and older) having hypertension
completed a demographic survey before focus group sessions. Constant comparison analysis helped to identify major themes. NVivo 11 aided in data storage, organization, and information management. Results: We found that individuals tend to take action if they believe the action
will address their health condition. Some participants indicated they were taking measures to reduce their sodium intake. However, other participants were not actively engaging in reducing their sodium intake despite acknowledging the positive benefits of doing so. Conclusions:
Study findings showed the participants perceived the potential benefits of dietary changes as being less significant than the perceived barriers to implementing them. Furthermore, these perceived barriers to taking action may have stemmed from these women's lack of motivation and self-efficacy
Disparities in Adolescents' Obesogenic Behaviors, 2005-2017
Authors: Fleary Sasha A. , Joseph Patrece , Zhang Emily , Freund Karen
Published: August 2021

Objectives: Given the increasing national-level efforts to reduce disparities in obesogenic behaviors in youth, in this paper, we assessed the change in disparities in meeting guidelines for fruits and vegetables intake (FV), physical activity (PA), and sedentary behavior (SB)
among adolescents in the United States in the last 13 years. Methods: Using the Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System (2005-2017), overall and characteristic-specific (sex, age, race/ethnicity) disparities ratios for meeting FV, PA, and SB guidelines were calculated using
the Extended Gastwirth Index Method. Linear regressions, one-way analysis of variance, and posthoc tests assessed change in characteristic-specific disparities over the years. Linear and quadratic trends assessed change in characteristic-specific contributions to overall disparities. Results:
Sex-specific and age-specific disparities increased for meeting FV and PA and decreased for meeting SB guidelines. Race/ethnicity-specific disparities decreased for meeting FV and SB guidelines. Characteristics-specific contributions to overall disparities for each behavior changed over the
years. Conclusions: Disparities in obesogenic behaviors are still an ongoing concern despite national-level efforts to improve adolescents' behaviors. The methodology allowed for meaningful disparities ratios that facilitated comparison of categorical demographic characteristics
across the years and identifying targetable intervention groups to reduce disparities
Paint and decay: A colloquial conversation on preserving the urban heritage
Authors: Saginatari Diandra Pandu , Perkasa Adrian
Published: August 2021

This paper is an attempt to converse about urban heritage preservation and its experience. To converse is to colloquially discuss ideas that comes to mind while we are looking back at the 2019 photographs of some parts of Kota Tua Surabaya (The Old Town of Surabaya) and reflect upon our knowledge background, one of architecture, the other of history. This conversation is created through a form of creative writing, creative nonfiction, where we begin with our personal thoughts, one of experiencing ruination and the other of witnessing complexity of urban heritage preservation, one of decay and the other of paint. We involve relevant discourses and the use of visual materials such as collages, diagrams, and drawings as a form of visual inquiry and visual illustration, showing the interpretation, reality, and the imagination of fragments of Kota Tua Surabaya. The process involved in creating this conversation could be one of the ways to creatively build collaborative knowledge and have the writings and the visual materials based on personal voice, expanding the academic form of writings.
Method of remotely sensing seawater salinity fine detection based on Raman Brillouin scattering
Authors: Bao Dong , Hua Deng-Xin , Qi Hao , Wang Jun ,   School of Mechanical and Precision Instrument Engineering, Xi’an University of Technology, Xi’an 710048, China
Published: August 2021

Salinity is an important physical parameter in oceanography. The change of seawater salinity is closely related to the change of marine environment and climate. Investigation of seawater salinity is of great significance for marine biology, climate simulation, weather forecast and hurricane path prediction. At present, in the research of seawater salinity detection based on Raman scattering, the influence of temperature change is ignored, which will cause inaccurate detection results. In order to achieve high-precision detection of seawater salinity, in this paper, a method of combining the precision salinity inversion with ocean Brillouin scattering is proposed. According to the influence of temperature and salinity on Raman scattering spectra, the functional relationship between them is established. Raman scattering spectra and Brillouin frequency shift are used to implement the inversion seawater salinity. The Brillouin frequency shift cannot be obtained directly by the lidar remote sensing method. It can only detect the energy of the echo signal through edge detection, and the photon correlation spectroscopy technology is used to detect the spectra width. The Brillouin frequency shift can be calculated by the energy and spectral width of the echo signal. Therefore, the accurate inversion of seawater salinity can be realized by detecting Raman spectra, Brillouin spectra width and energy signal. The experimental results of Raman spectroscopy are used to verify the established functional relationship, and the inversion error of seawater salinity is less than 0.47‰. In the experiment, the influence of seawater temperature control accuracy of ±0.2 ℃ and the detection results of Brillouin spectrum width and energy are analyzed. Through using the error in measurement result of each parameter, the salinity inversion error caused by them is analyzed. Using the Raman spectrum and Brillouin frequency shift, the problem of the accurate inversion of seawater salinity is solved, and the influence of temperature change on salinity inversion is eliminated. This research provides reliable data support for improving the marine environment, early warning of marine disaster and marine meteorological forecast accuracy, and has important research value and significant social benefits. This method also provides a feasible solution for ocean detection lidar used to detect seawater salinity.
Redes y espacios de sociabilidad desde la capilla de música de la Catedral de La Habana (1853-1884)
Authors:   Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Pearce Pérez Margarita del Carmen
Published: August 2021

La dinámica socio-musical de los integrantes de la capilla de la Catedral de La Habana condicionó el quehacer de esta agrupación. Desde 1853, con el establecimiento de las medidas acordadas por el concordato entre la reina Isabel II y el papa Pío IX (firmado en 1851), hasta 1884, año en que se produce la desintegración de dicha capilla, se hace más evidente la interacción y circulación de los músicos en los espacios religiosos y seculares de la ciudad. Con el fin de observar las formas de sociabilidad que se generan en torno a los músicos de la capilla catedralicia, este artículo se propone estudiar las redes que se establecen entre esta institución y algunas de las más importantes de La Habana en la segunda mitad del siglo XIX, entre ellas la iglesia de término de Nuestra Señora de Monserrate, el teatro Tacón y el Liceo Artístico Literario de La Habana.
“Un Operación Triunfo para los pobres”. La ideología neoliberal en los nuevos modelos de intervención socio-musical
Authors:   Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Espinosa Horacio
Published: August 2021

Este artículo rescata el concepto de “Ideología” del oprobio teórico en el cual se encuentra, para llevar a cabo la crítica a un programa de intervención social basado en la enseñanza musical y dirigido a jóvenes de barrios empobrecidos en la ciudad de Barcelona. El enfoque aquí propuesto no debería ser una excepción, siendo los jóvenes tan despiadadamente bombardeados con programas sociales elaborados alrededor de conceptos claramente ideológicos como “resiliencia” o “empoderamiento”. Este proceso de ideologización neoliberal se realiza no solo con la anuencia, sino incluso con la activa participación de los gobiernos, en contra de cierto lugar común que habla de un repliegue del Estado frente a las fuerzas del mercado. El análisis de un programa público como este, muestra, de manera empírica, cómo los gobiernos son cómplices de las fuerzas del mercado a través de programas de educación artística que transmiten y llevan a la práctica la ideología neoliberal.
Acute Urticaria in Children in a Tertiary Care Hospital: A Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Priya Kannu , Mauskar Anupama Vinayak
Published: August 2021

Introduction: Urticaria is a highly prevalent condition resulting in a large number of medical consultancies worldwide. Urticaria is derived from the Latin word “urere” meaning “to burn”. Urticaria usually manifests as a transient, itchy, polymorphic skin eruption. It can occur in any age group. Aim: To study the prevalence and possible triggers of acute urticaria in children. Materials and Methods: All children of age group six months to 12 years visiting the Institute from June 2018 to April 2019, with the complaint of acute urticaria with or without angioedema were included in the study while those with chronic urticaria and only angioedema were excluded. Sixty five children presented with acute urticaria with or without angioedema. Patients were diagnosed based on history and clinical examination. All patients were subjected to a detailed history, general physical examination and, necessary investigations like Complete Blood Count (CBC), absolute eosinophil count, Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR), C-reactive Protein (CRP), Skin Prick test as indicated. They received appropriate treatment and their clinical outcome was studied. Results: Prevalence of acute urticaria was found to be 0.23. It was more commonly seen in males (63.08%) and more in the age group of 1 to 5 years (56.92%). The focus of infection was found in 44.6% of children, while 21% of children had a history of consumption of some form of medications leading to urticaria. Conclusion: Urticaria can be prevented in children by preventing them from infection and avoiding the use of amoxicillin-clavulanic acid unless very necessary. Those children with a family history of acute urticaria should be prevented from exposure to excessive heat, cold, pressure, vibration, etc. Investigations are also recommended as an important diagnostic tool to find out the aetiology of acute urticaria.
Prevalence of Hamstring Tightness in Young Orthopaedic Surgeons
Authors: Sareen Atul , Prakash Jatin , Vikas .
Published: August 2021

Introduction: Hamstring is a group of muscles that form an important part of core muscles (lumbo-pelvic and hip complex) and their tightness may reduce the lumbar lordosis thereby potentially decreasing the absorption of force, affecting posture, range of motion of lower limbs and increasing the possibility of developing Low Back Pain (LBP). It was planned to test hamstring tightness in group of Orthopaedic Surgeons as this group has been shown to be prone to develop back pain. Aim: To find prevalence of hamstring tightness in young Orthopaedic Surgeons who do not suffer from back pain. Materials and Methods: This was a cross-sectional observational study conducted at a tertiary care centre. Eighty two Orthopaedic Surgeons, between ages 24-35 years, were enrolled in the study. The height and weight of the subjects were recorded using a standardised medical scale. Age and medical history were recorded using a questionnaire. Knee extension angle were measured by active knee extension test. Less than 20 degree was considered normal. A 21-30 degree was regarded as mild tightness, 31-40 degree as moderate tightness and >40 degree as severe tightness. Results: Eleven surgeons (12.9%) did not have any hamstring tightness on either side. Rest all had some degree of hamstring tightness. There was no side predominance for hamstring tightness and both sides were equally involved (p=0.67). The mean tightness on right side was 30.83 degree and left side was 31.11 degree. Further, there was no relation of Body Mass Index (BMI) and hamstring tightness. Conclusion: Prevalence of hamstring tightness is very high among young Orthopaedic Surgeons.
Design and Construction of Speech Controlled Door
Authors: Samuel Falohun Adeleye , Abiodun Adegbola Oluwole , Titilayo Adedeji Oluyinka , Oyeladun Makinde Bukola , David Taiwo Olayinka , Aduragbemi Damilare Gbohunmi
Published: August 2021

Home security is extremely important, and several methods of security have been improved, such as the usage of alarms, monitoring systems, and the interplay of electronic hardware, software, and other factors. Keys can be misplaced and found by others, putting the guarded structure at risk; keys can also be fabricated or stolen. This project entails creating a voice message-based door access system that can both open the door and identify intruders, trespassers, criminals, or any other type of illegal behaviour. The speech-controlled door was meant to generate a voice message based on the input data and was developed around a microcontroller (ATmega328p). A speech recognition module is used to allow the owner or user entry to the door. To gain access to the door, the owner must first utter the specific speech or key word required to open it. A voice notification is then outputted through the associated speaker if the pronounced word does not match the speech recognized by the microcontroller. To signify that access is refused, a red-light emitting diode will flash. The microprocessor would activate a relay and current will flow through the latch, allowing the door to be unlocked, if the uttered speech matches. A speech recognition module is used to allow the owner or user entry to the door. To gain access to the door, the owner must first utter the specific speech or key word required to open it. A voice notification is then outputted through the associated speaker if the pronounced word does not match the speech recognized by the microcontroller. To signify that access is refused, a red light emitting diode will flash. The microprocessor will activate a relay and current will flow through the latch, allowing the door to be unlocked, if the uttered speech matches.
Gastro Intestinal Helminths among Hausa-Fulani in Wamakko and Tambuwal Local Government Area of Sokoto, Nigeria
Authors: Iduh M. U. , Mohammed K. , Isah I. , Ashcroft O. F. , Garba M. K. , Nataala S. U.
Published: August 2021

Background: Gastro Intestinal Helminths infection is one of the major health burdens in developing countries particularly in Sub -Saharan Africa. It has been estimated to affect about 2.5 billion people globally and 250 million people are thought to be ill as a result of such infections, the majority being children.

Aims: The study aimed to determine the prevalence and associated risk factors of gastro intestinal helminths infections among people of Wamakko and Tambuwal local government area in Sokoto state.

Study Design: This was a cross-sectional, descriptive study.

Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted among Hausa- Fulani in wamakko and Tambuwal area in Sokoto, from June 2019 to October 2019.

Methodology: Parasitological examination was carried out on stool samples from 243 participants using microscopy following formal ether concentration methods.

Results: Finding revealed that 29 (12%) were positive for gastro intestinal helminths infections. Males recorded more prevalence (11.9%) than the females (11.8%).

Conclusion: Gastro intestinal helminths parasites continue to remain a serious public health problem in North-western Nigeria. Low level of education, occupational status, and poor water supply seems to be among significant risk factors for these infections. Creating awareness, increase level of sanitation, good water supply and de-worming programme among school children will reduce prevalence and intensity of gastro intestinal helminths parasitic infections in the study area.
Ankle Peak Systolic Flow Velocity (PSV) with Coronary Artery Disease in Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Bhat Archana , Karanth Krishna Kiran , Periera Pradeep
Published: August 2021

Introduction: Ankle peak systolic flow velocity can measure peripheral arterial blood flow which can predict extent of peripheral arterial disease. Atherosclerosis is more common in patients with diabetes mellitus and can affect simultaneously coronary circulation and peripheral circulation.

Aims and Objectives: The primary objective of the study was to determine the occurrence of peripheral vascular disease by ankle Peak Systolic Velocity (PSV) in patients admitted for coronary artery disease with diabetes mellitus .The secondary objective was to see the association between the ankle Peak Systolic Flow Velocity (PSV) with the extent of abnormality of coronary angiogram in diabetic patients.

Materials and Methods: All patients admitted in the hospital with coronary artery disease with diabetes mellitus in whom coronary angiogram was done were included in the study over a period of one year Presence of significant vessel disease CAD was defined as at least >70 % stenosis at one or more major coronary arteries (left anterior descending, left circumflex and right coronary artery). Ankle Peak Systolic Velocity (PSV) was measured in all patients by the Duplex method. The peak systolic velocities in the distal posterior tibial artery and the distal anterior tibial artery was measured and the average peak systolic velocities within three cardiac cycles6 was recorded by the radiologist. The ankle peak systolic flow above 40cm/s was considered as good flow in the lower limb extremity [7]. The data was analysed using SPSS version 17.0 software and mean and standard deviation was used .

Results: Out of the cases studied 24 patients (80%) were males and 6 patients (20%) were females. All the Coronary angiograms was classified to single 13(43.3%), double 8(26.7%) and triple 9 (30%) vessel disease by the cardiologist. Out of the 13 patients with single vessel disease 3 patients had < 40 cm/s flow in the right anterior tibial artery and 10 patients had >40 cm/s flow in the right tibial artery indicating good perfusion.Out of the 8 patients with double vessel disease 4 patients had flow <40 cm/s and 4 patients had flow >40 cm/s. In triple vessel disease category 5 patients had flow <40 cm/s and 4 patients had flow>40cm/s. The p value was 0.2 was not significant and the chi square was 2.79 Similar results were obtained while compared with left ankle peak systolic flow velocity.

Conclusion: In this study patients with single vessel disease have higher ankle peak systolic velocity though statistically not significant. Lower ankle peak systolic flow velocity corroborates with peripheral arterial disease [12] and is seen in patients with coronary artery disease [13].
Slowing time cosmology with initial violetshift and three types of redshift
Authors: Zakir Zahid ,   Centre for Theoretical Physics and Astrophysics
Published: August 2021

In general relativity, the stretching of the wavelengths of photons in the expanding universe occurs along the path and does not depend on the velocity of the source. Therefore, the photons from the sources at rest relative to us did not have, and from the sources comoving the expansion there was an initial Doppler redshift, and then on the way both photon fluxes acquired a stretching redshift. As the result, the redshift of the comoving the expansion sources should be at least doubled. But observations show a single redshift already in the linear part, and therefore in cosmological models only with redshifts (Friedmann's and others) there was the double redshift problem with one hundred percent discrepancy between theory and observations. The observational fact of single redshifts means that the photons should have an initial violetshift, which was compensated for along the way by one of two types of redshift. In the model of slowing time cosmology (STC) proposed in 2020, the rate of proper times was higher in earlier epochs, which led to the violetshift, compensated along the way by the stretching redshift. As a result, in STC the observed shift is reduced to the initial Doppler redshift, to which the gravitational redshift is added for distant objects. The relativistic aberration then leads to dimming of the apparent luminosities. The basic relations of STC are presented, including the “distance modulus – redshift”, which are consistent with observations at new values of cosmological parameters. Evolution in early epochs and its influence on the properties of CMB are also discussed. In STC the light velocity was higher in the past and for this reason it has no previously known cosmological problems.
Participatory research to monitor lake water pollution
Authors: Aronoff Rachel , Dussuet Anna , Erismann Roger , Erismann Shannon , Patiny Luc , Vivar‐Rios Carlos
Published: August 2021

A participatory research team, concerned about water quality around Lake Geneva, particularly in the Montreux Bay region where some were lifeguards, ran sampling campaigns to determine summertime levels of lake water pollution. The participants were brought together serendipitously through a course organized by academic researchers and ‘biohackers’ from the community laboratory, Hackuarium. After discussion about lifeguards’ gastrointestinal and dermatological ailments each season, the decision to pursue this participatory research project was made. In order to assess water quality, thereby testing the hypothesis that unsuspected pollution enters the lake each summer season, microbiological plating of water samples was proposed.

Volunteers collected and analysed water samples over summer seasons (8 weeks in 2016, 2017 and 2020) from three sites around Montreux Bay, with tap and local river water samples as controls. Contamination of lake water was measured using standard microbiological methods, with growth media allowing quantitative assessment of abundance of several bacterial species. In particular, the focus was to quantify Escherichia coli, the classic bioindicator organism for raw sewage contamination.

These open science data reveal peaks of bioindicator and other bacterial pollution in lake water samples during all sampling years. For the initial two sampling campaigns, increased microbial burdens occurred during a popular music festival, and were not simply dependent upon rainfall. In contrast, only scattered, lower level bioindicator pollution events occurred across the sampling period during the pandemic summer of 2020, when the festival was cancelled.

This study confirms the power of participatory research: dedicated people on a budget can do meaningful environmental monitoring. These analyses suggest that better management, both to support water quality monitoring and for event organization, is essential, as sewage treatment facilities near many popular festivals, internationally, may need to cope with increased wastewater from visitors.
Confirming Prior and Identifying Novel Correlates of Acute Calcium Pyrophosphate Crystal Arthritis
Authors: Tedeschi Sara K. , Yoshida Kazuki , Huang Weixing , Solomon Daniel H.
Published: August 2021

Objective

To investigate previously identified and novel correlates of acute calcium pyrophosphate (CPP) crystal arthritis among well‐characterized cases.

Methods

In this case–control study, we identified cases of acute CPP crystal arthritis using a validated algorithm (positive predictive value 81%) applied in the Partners HealthCare electronic health record (EHR). Cases were matched to general patient controls on the year of first EHR encounter and index date. Prespecified potential correlates included sex, race, and comorbidities and medications previously associated with CPP deposition/acute CPP crystal arthritis in the literature. We estimated odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals using conditional logistic regression models adjusted for demographic characteristics, comorbidities, medications prescribed in the past 90 days, health care utilization, and multimorbidity score.

Results

We identified 1,697 cases matched to 6,503 controls. Mean ± SD age was 73.7 ± 11.8 years, 56.7% were female, 80.8% were White, and 10.3% were Black. All prespecified covariates were more common in cases than controls. Osteoarthritis (OR 3.08), male sex (OR 1.35), rheumatoid arthritis (OR 2.09), gout (OR 2.83), proton pump inhibitors (OR 1.94), loop diuretics (OR 1.60), and thiazides (OR 1.46) were significantly associated with acute CPP crystal arthritis after full adjustment. Black race was associated with lower odds for acute CPP crystal arthritis compared to White race (OR 0.47).

Conclusion

Using a validated algorithm to identify nearly 1,700 patients with acute CPP crystal arthritis, we confirmed important correlates of this acute manifestation of CPP deposition. This is the first study to report higher odds for acute CPP crystal arthritis among males.
A Fabrication Strategy for Reconfigurable Millimeter‐Scale Metamaterials
Authors: McClintock Hayley D. , Doshi Neel , Iniguez‐Rabago Agustin , Weaver James C. , Jafferis Noah T. , Jayaram Kaushik , Wood Robert J. , Overvelde Johannes T. B.
Published: August 2021

Rather than depending on material composition to primarily dictate performance metrics, metamaterials can leverage geometry to achieve specific properties of interest. For example, reconfigurable metamaterials have enabled programmable shape transformations, tunable mechanical properties, and energy absorption. While several methods exist to fabricate such structures, they often place severe restrictions on manufacturing materials, or require significant manual assembly. Moreover, these arrays are typically composed of unit cells that are either macro‐scale or micro‐scale in dimension. Here, the fabrication gap is bridged, and laminate manufacturing is used to develop a method for designing reconfigurable metamaterials at the millimeter‐scale, that is compatible with a wide range of materials, and that requires minimal manual assembly. In addition to showing the versatility of this fabrication method, how the use of laminate manufacturing affects the behavior of these multi‐component arrays is also characterized. To this end, a numerical model that captures the deformations exhibited by the structures is developed, and an analytic model that predicts the strain of the structure under compressive stress is built. Overall, this approach can be leveraged to develop millimeter‐scale metamaterials for applications that require reconfigurable materials, such as in the design of tunable acoustics, photonic waveguides, and electromagnetic devices.
A Broad‐Spectrum Antimicrobial and Antiviral Membrane Inactivates SARS‐CoV‐2 in Minutes
Authors: Liu Qingsheng , Zhang Yidan , Liu Wanjun , Wang Long‐Hai , Choi Young W. , Fulton Megan , Fuchs Stephanie , Shariati Kaavian , Qiao Mingyu , Bernat Victorien , Ma Minglin
Published: August 2021

SARS‐CoV‐2, the virus that caused the COVID‐19 pandemic, can remain viable and infectious on surfaces for days, posing a potential risk for fomite transmission. Liquid‐based disinfectants, such as chlorine‐based ones, have played an indispensable role in decontaminating surfaces but they do not provide prolonged protection from recontamination. Here a safe, inexpensive, and scalable membrane with covalently immobilized chlorine, large surface area, and fast wetting that exhibits long‐lasting, exceptional killing efficacy against a broad spectrum of bacteria and viruses is reported. The membrane achieves a more than 6 log reduction within several minutes against all five bacterial strains tested, including gram‐positive, gram‐negative, and drug‐resistant ones as well as a clinical bacterial cocktail. The membrane also efficiently deactivated nonenveloped and enveloped viruses in minutes. In particular, a 5.17 log reduction is achieved against SARS‐CoV‐2 after only 10 min of contact with the membrane. This membrane may be used on high‐touch surfaces in healthcare and other public facilities or in air filters and personal protective equipment to provide continuous protection and minimize transmission risks.
Pt–Cu Interaction Induced Construction of Single Pt Sites for Synchronous Electron Capture and Transfer in Photocatalysis
Authors: Su Lina , Wang Pengfei , Wang Junhui , Zhang Dongpeng , Wang Haitao , Li Yi , Zhan Sihui , Gong Jinlong
Published: August 2021

Single‐atom photocatalysts have shown their fascinating strengths in enhancing charge transfer dynamics; however, rationally designing coordination sites by metal doping to stabilize isolated atoms is still challenging. Here, a one‐unit‐cell ZnIn2S4 (ZIS) nanosheet with abundant Cu dopants serving as the suitable support to achieve a single atom Pt catalyst (Pt1/Cu–ZIS) is reported, and hence the metal single atom–metal dopant interaction at an atomic level is disclosed. Experimental results and density functional theory calculations highlight the unique stabilizing effect (Pt–Cu interaction) of single Pt atoms in Cu‐doped ZIS, while apparent Pt clusters are observed in pristine ZIS. Specifically, Pt–Cu interaction provides an extra coordination site except three S sites on the surface, which induces a higher diffusion barrier and makes the single atom more stable on the surface. Apart from stabilizing Pt single atoms, Pt–Cu interaction also serves as the efficient channel to transfer electrons from Cu trap states to Pt active sites, thereby enhancing the charge separation and transfer efficiency. Remarkably, the Pt1/Cu–ZIS exhibits a superb activity, giving a photocatalytic hydrogen evolution rate of 5.02 mmol g−1 h−1, nearly 49 times higher than that of pristine ZIS.
Anti‐Corrosive and Zn‐Ion‐Regulating Composite Interlayer Enabling Long‐Life Zn Metal Anodes
Authors: Zhou Shuang , Wang Yaping , Lu Haotian , Zhang Yifang , Fu Chunyan , Usman Ibrahim , Liu Zhexuan , Feng Mingyang , Fang Guozhao , Cao Xinxin , Liang Shuquan , Pan Anqiang
Published: August 2021

The Zn metal anode is considered one of the most promising anode choices for aqueous Zn‐based batteries. Nevertheless, dendrites and intricate side reactions have hindered its usage. Herein, an elastic and anti‐corrosive interlayer is introduced to address the problem. The idiosyncratic dielectric behavior of amorphous and nanostructured silicon nitride (Si3N4) is utilized to manipulate the ion kinetics, by uniformly dispersing its particles in polyacrylonitrile (PAN) to fabricate an interlayer attached to Zn metal (PSN‐Zn). PAN serves as an elastic constraint to inhibit drastic dendrite evolution and blocks H2O/O2 corrosion, and Si3N4 with a high dielectric constant can facilitate the ion kinetics and endow uniform Zn deposition. The electrochemical stability and deposition consistency of the Zn anodes are greatly improved, with an extended lifespan of over 800 h at 1 mA cm−2. Even under draconian deep‐discharging (DODZn = 60%) and high current density (10 mA cm−2), the PSN‐Zn anode can still operate stably for over 250 h. The effect of the dielectric property is systematically discussed and verified by experiments and theoretical simulations. Moreover, full cells with vanadium‐ and manganese‐based cathodes also deliver excellent performance, indicating the use of the multifunctional interlayer as an appealing approach for rechargeable aqueous zinc batteries.
Manipulation of Magnetic Skyrmion in a 2D van der Waals Heterostructure via Both Electric and Magnetic Fields
Authors: Sun Wei , Wang Wenxuan , Zang Jiadong , Li Hang , Zhang Guangbiao , Wang Jianli , Cheng Zhenxiang
Published: August 2021

As a promising candidate for the much‐desired low power consumption spintronic devices, 2D magnetic van der Waals material also provides a versatile platform for the design and control of topological spin textures. In this work on WTe2/CrCl3 bilayer van der Waals heterostructures, a complete Néel‐type skyrmion–bimeron–ferromagnet phase transition is demonstrated, accompanied by the evolution of the topological number. This cyclic transition, mediated by a perpendicular magnetic field, is largely driven by the competition between the out‐of‐plane magnetocrystalline anisotropy and magnetic dipole–dipole interaction. In the presence of a driving current, the Néel‐type skyrmion gains a higher velocity yet larger skyrmion Hall angle, in comparison to the bimeron. By incorporating a ferroelectric CuInP2S6 monolayer as a substrate, writing and erasing of skyrmions may be regulated using a ferroelectric polarization. This work sheds light on a novel approach to the design and control of magnetic skyrmions on 2D van der Waals materials.