bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Risk and Resilience Among Rural Migrant Workers in Mainland China During the COVID-19 Pandemic and Post COVID
Authors: Hong Shanshan , Hussain Rosila Bee Mohd , Wong Danny Tze Ken
Published: June 2021

Rural migrant workers are an indigenous population migrated from rural to urban, encountering risks due to the COVID-19 pandemic, including social, political, and psychological facets. Through conducting a case study in an eastern city, it is found that economic crisis and mental distress are risks rural migrant workers faced during COVID-19. Social trust and support, self-help, traditional Chinese culture, and volunteerism are presented as resilient among rural migrant workers during COVID-19. Risks persist in post COVID, which are difficulties in job hunting and finding a place to live. However, they still maintain resilience, such as hard-working, enduring hardship, and trust for the future to cope with additional risks. The research findings can reveal further implications for social workers and policymakers.
Reinvigorating Organizational Effectiveness and Sustainability Through Risk Assessment Tools Within the Construction Industry
Authors: Raghunath K. Madhu Kishore , Tulasi Devi S. L. , Anuradha K. , Krishna Veni K. Valli Sri
Published: June 2021

“Risk comes from not knowing what one is doing” is the what everyone believes in, and when it comes to business organisations, it is inevitable. In this modern set up, every organisation has to be vigilante towards the unforeseen risk factors and uncertain situation they tend to face as organisations grow. The landscapes of risks globally have become quite dynamic, making them hard to predict and identify, which calls for a reform in the risk management toolkit of every organisation so as to not just assess risk beforehand but also to mitigate it in time. The authors in the present study construct critical investigative insights regarding how these risk assessment tools (qualitative, quantitative, and hybrid) are effective in enhancing organisational effectiveness in view of their perceived benefits.
Black Men in Higher Education Discuss the Impact of Police Brutality, Protest, and the Coronavirus Pandemic on Black Boys and Men
Authors: Coleman Sean T. , Davis Julius L. , Doughty, Jr. Clyde
Published: June 2021

Police brutality has a long history of causing havoc in the Black community. The impact of police brutality on Black men has been intensified during the coronavirus pandemic when the world witnessed George Floyd's murder on video by a white male police officer. This state of affairs caused international outrage and protest that has highlighted how Black men have been disproportionately impacted by police brutality and placed at risk for contracting COVID-19. As university professors and administrators, the authors are constantly concerned about how police brutality impacts Black men under their tutelage on a college campus. The authors argue what must be addressed is the never-ending racial pandemic continues to plague the Black community, especially men. Higher education environments are critical components of the Black community, especially in producing an educated Black male population. This chapter offers solutions to support Black males against the racial pandemic.
Advancing the Demarginalization of African American Students
Authors: Leslie Annie Ruth , Barnett Kim Brittingham , Harris Matasha L. , Adams Charles
Published: June 2021

This chapter presents theoretical discussions about advancing the demarginalization of African American students at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) by bringing in insights from Afrocentric and symbolic-interaction perspectives. Here, the authors discuss demarginalization related to certain intra-racial and intersecting class, gender, and mental health issues emerging since COVID-19 and online learning. The ideas presented here are equally viable in student face-to-face and virtual learning environments. It begins with discussing marginalization and Afrocentric and symbolic-interaction theories. It reviews relevant literature about the history of African American education since the American Civil War, including 19th and 20th century reconstructions, Jim Crow, the rise of Historically Black Colleges and Universities, the Black student campus union and Black power movements, and other relevant happenings in Black American education.
A Framework to Improve Performance of E-Commerce Websites
Authors: Sreedhar G.
Published: June 2021

The growth of the world wide web has made business functions fast and easier. E-commerce has provided cost effective ways of doing business. E-commerce websites have the advantage of reaching a large number of customers regardless of distance and time limitations. The advantage of e-commerce over traditional businesses is faster speed and lower expenses for both businessmen and customers. The main objective of the chapter is to provide an efficient framework to analyse the performance of e-commerce websites and suggest the factors that need to be incorporated in e-commerce websites for better business intelligence. The purpose of business intelligence is to support better business decision making. In this chapter, a detailed description of business intelligence enables the web developer and end user to know the insights of e-commerce web applications. The methodology is comprehensive and it elaborates all aspects of the performance of a website.
Predicting Shoppers' Continuous Buying Intention Using Mobile Apps
Authors: Prashar Sanjeev , Gupta Priyanka , Parsad Chandan , Vijay T. Sai
Published: June 2021

The rapid penetration of smartphones and consumers' increased usage/dependence on mobile applications (apps) has ushered favorable opportunities for retailers as well as shoppers. The traditional brick-and-mortar as well as online retailers must attract shoppers to use mobile shopping apps. For this, it is pertinent for retailers to predict users' continuous intention to buy through apps. To address this question, the present study has applied four prominent binary classifiers - logit regression, linear discriminant analysis, artificial neutral network and decision tree analysis to develop predictive models. Findings of the study shall help the marketers in accurately forecasting shoppers' buying behaviour. Various indices have been used to check the predictive accuracy of four techniques. The outcome of the study shows that the models developed using decision tree analysis and artificial neutral network provide better results in predicting consumers' continuous intention to buy through app. Based on the findings, the paper has also provided implications for the retailers.
Enhancing Online Repurchase Intention via Application of Big Data Analytics in E-Commerce
Authors: Chan Siang Hui Steven , Dastane Omkar , Johari Zainudin , Roslee Mardeni
Published: June 2021

Based on the empirical research, this chapter investigated the impact of big data-based techniques typically used in big-data driven E-commerce such as information search, recommendation system, dynamic pricing, and personalisation on the online repurchase intention in Malaysia. This study also investigated the mediating effect on customer satisfaction. Therefore this study utilised the quantitative research method with an explanatory study to predict the link between dependent and independent variables. Additionally, the snowball sample method was used to select a sample size of 318 working adults in Klang Valley. Next, a self-administered online questionnaire was used to collect the necessary data. The IB, SPSS 22 software was then used to assess the reliability and normality of the variables at the first stage. Next, the Confirmatory Factor Analysis and Structural Equation Modelling were examined via IBM SSS AMOS 22. The findings showed that the big data analytic factors like information search, recommendation system, dynamic pricing, and personalisation had a positive significant impact on customers' repurchase intention. Nonetheless, the mediation effect of customer satisfaction on information search, recommendation system, and dynamic pricing did not encourage the repurchase intention. Then, this chapter discussed the managerial implication, limitations, and future research scope. Finally, this study suggested strategies to enhance online repurchase intention via application of big-data analytics in E-commerce.
Construction Basis of C2C E-commerce Credit Evaluation Index
Authors: Peng Hua
Published: June 2021

C2C e-commerce rapidly develops, which is an important economic pillar. With the deepening of the network life, more and more people join the C2C e-commerce transactions. However, the credit problem of C2C e-commerce has serious hidden security problems. So, the paper analyzes the present situation of C2C e-commerce credit problem and points out the existing problems. Scientifically, systematically, validity, feasibility and comparability are taken as principles to establish the first level indicators that including commodity property, business services, and logistics services and to establish the secondary indicators that reasonable price, timely delivery and so on. Using AHP, the weight of each level indicator can be calculated. C2C e-commerce evaluation model is established. Then the model is improved on transaction amount and evaluation time, so it can provide a theoretical basis for C2C e-commerce credit evaluation system.
Legal and Regulatory Challenges in Facilitating a Sustainable ASEAN E-Commerce Sector
Authors: Laxman Lekha Kunju Pillai
Published: June 2021

The ASEAN region's potential ability to reap the benefits of e-commerce is considerable, and it is timely to strategize a sustainable pathway for ASEAN's e-commerce market. This chapter explores the arising legal and regulatory challenges with measures needed to facilitate e-commerce activities in the region. A qualitative research design is utilized to review secondary data and analyze ASEAN's current legal and regulatory framework. The findings reveal that despite the untapped potential of the collectively large “ASEAN market,” there are significant challenges to developing e-commerce in some countries. Moreover, there are additional regulatory challenges in tackling a myriad of issues related to cross-border challenges in terms of security and reliability of payments: logistics, customs and border administration, foreign market access, data protection, and the regulatory environment for national and cross-border e-commerce transactions. Some form of legal and regulatory harmonization is required between member nations in order to mutually reap the benefits of e-commerce.
Milk production process, quality and technological properties of milk for the use of various types of milking machines
Authors: Lutsenko Mariia , Halai Oksana , Legkoduh Victor , Lastovska Iryna , Borshch Oleksandr , Nadtochii Valentyna
Published: June 2021

Studies have been carried out to evaluate the efficiency of using easy-assembled cow houses in modern milk production technologies for the use of high-productive milking plants of the type ‘Parallel’ and ‘Carousel’ with 32 machines each. It has been established that new types of premises not only provide comfortable conditions for the maintenance of highly productive cows, but also reduce the labor costs for their maintenance and, most importantly, allow the use of modern high-productive milking installations of the type ‘Parallel’ and ‘Carousel’. It has been established that the technology of preparation of cows for milking and milking technology provides more complete display of the milk ejection reflex at the installation of the ‘Parallel’ type. The average intensity of cows’ milk flows at this plant is 30% higher compared to those of the installation of ‘Carousel’ type, which is confirmed by the intensity of milk flow production at the first minute of milking, which is at the level of 2.97 against 1.85 kg min.-1 per installation of ‘Carousel’ type. Milk obtained using a milking installation of the ‘Parallel’ type has higher values of the mass fraction of fat and protein that is associated with the genetic potential of animals. According to physical, chemical and technological properties, milk obtained from milking installations such as ‘Parallel’ and ‘Carousel’ is within the limits of the standards in force. Milk obtained from the use of milking equipment such as ‘Carousel’ has higher electrical conductivity at the level of 4.6 mS cm-3, which is confirmed by a higher level of mastitis disease of cows. Due to bacterial contamination, reductase test and milk clot characteristic, milk obtained using a milk installation of ‘Parallel’ type also has higher quality indicators than the installation of ‘Carousel’ type. But according to the complex of indicators, milk obtained from various technologies of milking refers to the desired cheese-making class.
Effect of replacing alfalfa hay with Leucaena leucocephala (L. Leucocephala) leaves on in vitro gas production, digestibility and in situ degradability in buffalo
Authors: Mohammadabadi Tahereh , Chaji Morteza , Direkvandi Ehsan , Alqaisi Othman
Published: June 2021

. This study was performed to investigate the effect of replacing alfalfa hay by L. leucocephala leaves in proportions of 25, 50 and 100% on in vitro gas production (GP) parameter, digestibility and in situ degradability in buffalo. Results showed that the volume of GP at 2 to 12 hours after incubation was significantly affected by replacing alfalfa hay with L. leucocephala leaves. In vitro digestibility of organic matter (OMD) differed significantly between treatment as it declined by increasing the alfalfa hay substitution rate from 25 to 100%. The microbial crude protein (MCP) differed significantly between treatments and was the greatest of 589 and 599 mg g-1 of dry matter (DM) when L. leucocephala leaves replaced alfalfa hay at 25 and 50%. The in vitro digestibility of DM (IVDMD) increased significantly at 50% L. leucocephala replacement rate. Moreover, substituting alfalfa hay by L. leucocephala had a significant effect on the in situ degradability parameters. The insoluble but potentially degradable fraction (B) and potential of degradability (A+B) significantly increased for treatment contain 50% L. leucocephala leaves. The effective degradability (ED) was significantly different between dietary treatments and was the greatest when alfalfa hay was replaced by 25 and 50% L. leucocephala. In conclusion, L. leucocephala leaves can substitute 25 to 50% of dietary alfalfa hay in buffalo rations without effect on rumen efficiency.
Influence of homeopathy on the quality of eggs of quails stored
Authors: Santos Wellington dos , Garcia Rodrigo Garófallo , Eberhart Bruna de Souza , Valentim Jean Kaique , Serpa Felipe Cardoso , Burbarelli Maria Fernanda de Castro , Felix Gisele Aparecida , Souza Mônica Filomena de Assis
Published: June 2021

This study aimed to evaluate the influence of homeopathic products in diets of quails in the egg quality when submitted to different storage periods. In the trial we used 200 Japanese quails in a completely randomized design with 4 diets: reference diet, vehicle used in homeopathic products and 2 homeopathic products - Fertsigo® and Ovosigo® with ten replicates of three eggs in each. Egg quality parameters were evaluated during 3 storage periods. Data were evaluated as repeated measures in time, the effects of the interactions between treatments and time as well as their isolated effects were verified. There was the interaction between homeopathic products and storage time in the parameters of albumen and yolk height, Haugh unit, and yolk index, in which a reduction was obtained over time. For egg weight, yolk, albumen and shell, percentage of albumen, and percentage of eggshell there was a significant effect only for homeopathy. The inclusion of homeopathic additives increased egg weight. It is indicated the addition of the product with homeopathic basis Ovosigo® and FertSigo® in diets of Japanese quails in the laying phase resulting in better egg and components but did not influence the quality maintenance of eggs of Japanese quails in the periods evaluated.
Effects of glyphosate plus foliar manganese application on the production and quality of marandu grass
Authors: Codognoto Luciane da Cunha , Conde Thassiane Telles , Maltoni Katia Luciene , Faria Glaucia Amorim , Cavali Jucilene
Published: June 2021

In this study, the stimulatory effects of application of glyphosate herbicide coupled with manganese sulfate (8%) foliar fertilizer on the production and bromatological characteristics of Brachiaria brizantha ‘Marandu’ were evaluated. The experiments were performed using randomized complete block design with a 5×4 factorial scheme in plots subdivided over time (across four evaluations) with four repetitions, totaling 100 observations. The effects of sublethal doses of acid equivalent (a.e.) of glyphosate (5.40, 21.60, 64.80, and 108.00 g·a.e.·ha-1) and control plus manganese sulfate foliar fertilizer (1,000 g ha-1) were assessed in four successive evaluations at a defoliation frequency of 21 days. Foliage at 20 cm height (to evaluate forage production); leaf/stem ratio (LSR); and contents of crude protein (CP), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), and lignin (LIG) were measured in experimental plots with a usable area of 7.5 m2. Application of sublethal doses of glyphosate plus manganese sulfate did not increase forage production, increased LSR, reduced LIG content, and did not affect CP content in all four evaluations. NFD and ADF indicated satisfactory qualitative indices for animal feed following the application of sublethal doses of glyphosate plus manganese sulfate in all four evaluations.
Phosphodiesterase 10A Is a Key Mediator of Lung Inflammation
Authors: Hsu Chia George , Fazal Fabeha , Rahman Arshad , Berk Bradford C. , Yan Chen
Published: June 2021

Cyclic nucleotides cAMP and cGMP are important regulators of immune cell functions. Phosphodiesterases (PDEs) hydrolyze cAMP and/or cGMP and, thus, play crucial roles in cyclic nucleotide homeostasis. Abnormal alterations of PDE expression have been implicated in several diseases. To understand the function of PDEs in macrophages, we screened for all PDE genes in both peritoneal and alveolar macrophages from C57BL/6J mice and found that PDE4B and PDE10A are highly induced by LPS. A number of PDE4 inhibitors have been used clinically for the treatment of inflammatory lung diseases. However, the role of PDE10A in inflammation is still poorly understood. We therefore investigated the role of PDE10A in macrophage inflammatory response in vitro and acute lung inflammation in vivo. We found that LPS induces a sustained PDE10A expression in macrophages, which is different from a transient induction by PDE4B. PDE10A inhibition blocked LPS-induced MCP-1 expression, but not TNF-α, whereas PDE4B inhibition blocked LPS-induced TNF-α expression, but not MCP-1. In addition, PDE10A inhibition or deficiency decreased LPS-induced HIF-1α protein expression and subsequently suppressed MCP-1 expression. In vivo, PDE10A expression was also elevated in lung tissue after LPS exposure. Global PDE10A knockout or systemic administration of the PDE10A inhibitor TP-10 in mice significantly suppressed inflammatory molecule levels in the lung tissue and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid as well as inflammatory cell infiltration. These findings show that PDE10A plays a critical role in lung inflammation by promoting the activation of resident macrophages and infiltration of neutrophils.
Reported COVID-19 Incidence in Wisconsin High School Athletes in Fall 2020
Authors: Sasser Phillip , McGuine Timothy A. , Haraldsdottir Kristin , Biese Kevin M. , Goodavish Leslie , Stevens Bethany , Watson Andrew M.
Published: June 2021

Objective

To describe the incidence of COVID-19 in Wisconsin high school athletes and investigate the relationship of COVID-19 incidence with sport and face mask use.

Design

Retrospective survey.

Setting

High schools across Wisconsin during September 2020.

Patients or Other Participants

Athletic directors representing 30 074 high school athletes with or without SARS-CoV-2.

Main Outcome Measurement(s)

The COVID-19 rates among athletes, counties, states, as well as school instruction type (virtual versus in person), sport type, and face mask use were assessed. Reported athlete case rates were compared with the county's general population and associations between COVID-19 incidence and sport type and face mask use, adjusting for each school's county incidence using multivariable negative binomial regression models.

Results

The COVID-19 incidence rates for 207 of 244 responding schools were 32.6 cases per 100 000 player-days. Reported case rates for athletes in each county were positively correlated with the county's general population case rates (β = 1.14 ± 0.20, r = 0.60, P < .001). One case (0.5%) was attributed to sport contact by the reporting schools. No difference was identified between team and individual sports (incidence rate ratio [IRR] = 1.03 [95% CI = 0.49, 2.2], P = .93) or between noncontact and contact sports (IRR = 0.53 [0.23, 1.3], P = .14). Outdoor sports had a lower incidence rate than indoor sports, although this finding did not reach statistical significance (IRR = 0.52 [0.26, 1.1], P = .07). No significant associations were found between COVID-19 incidence and face mask use during play for those sports with greater than 50 schools reporting on face mask use (P values > .05).

Conclusions

The incidence of reported COVID-19 among high school athletes was related to the county incidence, and most cases were attributed to nonsport contact. A lower COVID-19 incidence in outdoor sports approached statistical significance. The lack of a significant benefit demonstrated for face mask use may be due to relatively low rates of COVID-19 in Wisconsin during September 2020. Further research is needed to better define COVID-19 transmission risk factors during adolescent sport participation.
Circulation of Brucellaceae, Anaplasma and Ehrlichia spp. in borderline of Iran, Azerbaijan, and Armenia
Authors: Abdoli Rahimeh , Bakhshi Hasan , Kheirandish Sedigheh , Faghihi Faezeh , Hosseini-Chegeni Asadollah , Oshaghi Mohammad Ali , Telmadarraiy Zakkyeh , Sedaghat Mohammad Mehdi
Published: June 2021

Objective:

To estimate the infection of ticks to Anaplasma, Ehrlichia, Babesia, Theileria, and Brucellaceae using molecular methods in borderline of Iran, Azerbaijan, and Armenia.

Methods:

Totally, 2 022 ticks were collected from different livestock. Then, species were diagnosed under stereomicroscope according to valid morphological keys. Tick DNA was extracted followed by PCR to detect Anaplasma, Ehrlichia, Theileria, Babesia and Brucellaceae infection in ticks.

Results:

A total of 498 males [24.62% (95% CI 22.76%-26.57%)], 741 females [36.64% (95% CI 34.54%-38.79%)], 782 nymphs [38.67% (95% CI 36.55%-40.84%)] and 1 larva [0.04% (95% CI 0.00%-0.28%)] were identified. Among identified samples, we found four genera including Hyalomma, Rhipicephalus, Haemaphysalis, and Dermacentor. Molecular assay revealed that the prevalence of ticks to Anaplasma or Ehrlichia, and Brucellaceae was 22.02% (95% CI 16.01%-29.06%) and 15.03% (95% CI 9.43%-22.26%), respectively. Phylogenetic analysis showed that the identified Anaplasma sp. had the most similarity with Anaplasma centrale, Anaplasma platys, Anaplasma camelii, and Anaplasma phagocytophilum, submitted in GenBank. Furthermore, the detected Ehrlichia sp. and Brucellaceae bacterium had the most similarity with Ehrlichia ruminantium and Mycoplana peli, respectively. However, no sign of the presence of Theileria and Babesia spp. was seen in the studied samples.

Conclusions:

Anaplasmosis, ehrlichiosis and brucellosis should be considered as important health threats in northwestern Iran and consistent monitoring on infection of ticks and livestock should be performed regularly.
Adansonia digitata aqueous leaf extract ameliorates dexamethasone-induced testicular injury in male Wistar rats
Authors: Dare Joseph Babatunde , Ojewale Abdulfatai Olakunle , Olaniyan Olugbemi Tope , Adole John Adakole , Okotie Gloria Enevwo , Akintayo Christopher Oloruntoba , Dare Ayobami
Published: June 2021

Objective:

To evaluate the effects of aqueous leaf extract of Adansonia (A.) digitata L on dexamethasone-induced testicular damage in male Wistar rats.

Methods:

Twenty adult male Wistar rats weighing 170-190 g were divided into four groups. Group I received 0.5 mL of phosphate buffer orally for 28 days and served as the normal control group; group II received 10 mg/kg of dexamethasone (a synthetic glucocorticoid) intraperitoneally for 7 days and 0.5 mL of phosphate buffer orally for 21 days, group III received 10 mg/kg of dexamethasone for 7 days and 800 mg/kg of A. digitata extract orally for 21 days; group IV received 10 mg/kg of dexamethasone for 7 days and 300 mg/kg of vitamin-E orally for 21 days. Dexamethasone was administered intra-peritoneally for 7 days and all administration lasted for 28 days. The rats were sacrificed by anesthesia with diethyl ether and the testes of each animal were harvested. The testis was homogenized in 0.25 M sucrose at 4 °C for biochemical and histological analyses.

Results:

Administration of dexamethasone significantly decreased body weight, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PDH), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) (P<0.05), and significantly increased malondialdehyde (MDA) activities (P<0.05). The degeneration in the population of spermatogonia and vacuolation and abnormal widening of the interstitial spaces were observed in the rats treated with dexamethasone. However, administration of A. digitata significantly increased SOD, GPx, G6PDH, and LDH levels, significantly decreased MDA activities and improved the histoarchitecture of the testis (P<0.05).

Conclusions:

A. digitata may have an ameliorative effect on dexamethasone-induced testicular damage in Wistar rats because of its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
Effect of flaxseed supplementation on metabolic state, endocrine profiles, body composition and reproductive performance of sows
Authors: Kaur Sukhjinder , Singh Ashwani Kumar , Honparkhe Mrigank , Kumar Ajeet , Singh Prahlad , Singh Udeybir
Published: June 2021

Objective:

To assess the effect of flaxseed supplementation on metabolic profile, endocrine concentrations, non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA), body composition variables, and reproductive performance of sows.

Methods:

All the 21 crossbred Large White Yorkshire sows were considered in the study period starting at day 1 of current farrowing when the feeding of specific supplemental ration was started until the day of subsequent farrowing (days 150-155) and were equally allocated into three groups. Group 1 served as the control group and followed their normal feeding schedule. Group 2 and group 3, in addition to their normal feeding schedule, were supplemented with flaxseed at a rate of 0.5% and 1.0% of the dry matter, respectively. Blood samples were collected 15 days prior to farrowing, on the day of farrowing (day 0), at weekly intervals until day 28 of lactation and at monthly intervals during gestation to harvest the plasma. Plasma was used to assess the metabolic and endocrine status of sows. Body weight of each sow and individual birth weight of all piglets born were measured.

Results:

Flaxseed supplementation led to decrease in plasma cholesterol and triglyceride levels in the supplemented groups than in the control group (P<0.05). Plasma estradiol-17β level was higher in group 2 than that in group 1 and 3 on day 90 of the gestation period (P<0.05). The mean plasma level of insulin-like growth factor 1 was higher in group 3 than that in group 1 and 2 both in late lactation (day 28) as well as in early gestation (day 30) (P<0.05). Plasma NEFA and weight gain were greater in sows of group 2 and 3 compared to those fed with the normal control diets (P<0.05). The proportion of pregnant sows relative to sows bred was 100.0% in group 2 and 3 and 85.7% in the control group. Piglet mortality was lower in group 2 and 3 compared to group 1 (P>0.05).

Conclusions:

Flaxseed improves endocrine profiles, NEFA concentrations and body weight, resulting in better pregnancy rate and litter size.
The Efficacy of Three Different File Systems in Removal of Root Filling Residue That Remains in Oval Root Canal after the Use of Protaper Retreatment Files
Authors: Sane Satish Vilas , Kokate Sharad Ramchandra , Pawar Ajinkya M , Malusare Pratik Chandrakant , Balasubramaniam Karthik
Published: June 2021

Aims:

The aim of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of supplementary file system in the removal of gutta-percha and sealer from the root canal system.

Subjects and Methods:

Forty-five oval single-rooted mandibular premolars were prepared up to size F2 (DENTSPLY ProTaper) and obturated with gutta-percha and sealer and randomly divided into Group I, Group II and Group III (n = 15). Each group was retreated with ProTaper retreatment files and then additionally retreated with Supplementary files, XP EndoFinisher R file, ProTaper F3 and F4 and WaveOne large, respectively. The cone-beam computed tomography scans were taken after obturation, during the first stage retreatment and second stage retreatment to compare the volume of root filling residue that remained after different stages of retreatment.

Statistical Analysis Used:

ANOVA and Tukey's multiple comparison tests were used to compare the data.

Results:

Group I exhibited least root canal residue (P < 0.01) as compared to Group II and Group III that were statistically similar (P > 0.05).

Conclusions:

The ProTaper retreatment files, coupled with XP EndoFinisher R file, results in the better removal of the root canal fillings during endodontic retreatment procedure.
Reported Patients’ Practices, Knowledge and Attitudes Regarding Common Cold in the Community
Authors: Al-Taie Anmar
Published: June 2021

Introduction:

Lack of knowledge and malpractice with regard to cold, associated symptoms and subsequent management of this illness increase the economic burden and impair patient-related outcomes. The aim of this study was to assess the level of knowledge, practices and attitudes about the common cold and its treatment measures among the general public in different parts of Baghdad province, Iraq.

Methodology:

A descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted among 384 participants through an interview using a structured three-part questionnaire, consisting of 28 items assessing the demographic characteristics, practices, level of knowledge and attitude towards common cold.

Results:

A total of 384 participants were enrolled in this study. About 31.8% of the respondents stated that physicians were the most common source for the provision of education about the common cold and its management. Nearly 54.7% of the participants agreed that common cold is caused by a viral infection and 49.2% disagree about taking medications by the patient own-self without medical advice and the majority 61% agreed about taking medications from the community pharmacy. However, 40.6% of the respondents had negative attitudes regarding the use of antibiotics for common cold. There was a statistically significant difference towards common cold knowledge and attitude concerning education level (P = 0.02) and provision of proper education (P = 0.0001).

Conclusion:

The study revealed an acceptable level of knowledge and attitude about the common cold among the Iraqi community; however, there are gaps in the general knowledge about the use of antibiotics for the treatment of the cold.
Initial 10 Days into COVID-19 Movement Control Order of Malaysia
Authors: Binti Abdullah Shahidah Leong , Abdullah Adnan , Haque Mainul
Published: June 2021

This study aims to measure the level of psychological distress amongst stranded university students due to movement control order (MCO) lockdown in the early stage of a pandemic outbreak. A cross-sectional web-based survey was conducted to obtain prevalence information on perceived depression, anxiety, and stress amongst stranded varsity students in the first 10 days of Malaysia's nationwide lockdown. Information on depression, anxiety and stress was compiled using Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale-21. Fifty-eight stranded varsity students participated in this survey. The period of research was between the first 2 weeks of the initial MCO enforcement in Malaysia. Descriptive statistics were used to analyse the collected data. 14%, 22% and 10% of the 58 stranded students reported moderate to too severe levels of depression, anxiety and stress, respectively. During this period, the most frequently utilised communication mode with family and loved ones was through phone calls, followed by WhatsApp calls and Facetime. Writing letters and telegram are the least used mode of communication amongst the respondents. Worrying about 'family safety' topped the list as a source of worry that was rated by 88% of the respondents, followed by 'interaction with others' and 'own safety'. Approximately 16% rated 'food and beverage' as a source of stress for them in the first 2 weeks of the lockdown. The government and varsities' coordinated initiatives and measures such as food aid and disseminating essential information by dedicated spokespeople may have softened the negative impact of a pandemic, isolation and uncertain situations on the stranded mental health students.
Burden of Coronavirus Disease-19 on Cardiovascular System
Authors: Goel Amit , Madaan Amit , Singh Satbir , Chandra Subhash
Published: June 2021

The rapid emergence and spread of coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) into a worldwide pandemic has caused unprecedented crisis on already overwhelmed healthcare system and global economy leading to healthcare and social emergency. Since its outbreak, the disease prognosis has largely been influenced by multisystem involvement. Comorbid conditions such as cardiovascular diseases have been the most common risk factor for its severity and outcome. Although the exact mechanism of myocardial involvement in patients with COVID-19 is unknown, several plausible mechanisms have been proposed, of which uncontrolled and dysregulated immune response is most implicated in its causation. In the present article, an attempt has been made to summarize the literature available on COVID-19 and its impact on the cardiovascular system.
Lessons from a battle-front
Authors: Sasidharan Shibu , Lahareesh B. L. , Dhillon Harpreet Singh
Published: June 2021

There has been game-changing advances in battlefield medicine. Improved training and expertise has enabled emergency medical personnel to provide advanced levels of care at the scene of trauma. It is better to “scoop and run” than “stay and play”. Current data relates to the urban environment where transport times to trauma centres are short and where it appears better to simply rapidly transport the patient to hospital than attempt major interventions at the scene. There may be more need for advanced techniques in the rural environment or where transport times are prolonged and certainly a need for more studies into subsets of patients who may benefit from interventions in the field. This report examines how time and early response is crucial in saving lives and decreasing morbidity. This article also gives insight into the to-do list for paramedics and doctors before and during causality transfers.
Plug-in Electrical Vehicle Charge Rate Reporting and Test Procedures
Authors:   Hybrid - EV Committee
Published: June 2021

This document facilitates clear and consistent comparisons of realistic charging capabilities of passenger vehicles via commercially available DC EVSE. Common test procedures and metrics are established for both vehicles and EVSEs operating without limitations in nominal conditions. This document does not attempt to address performance variations of EV-EVSE interactions outside of nominal conditions such as extreme temperatures, variable SOCs, and so on.
MRI features in the non-traumatic spinal cord injury patients presenting at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, Accra
Authors: Gbadamosi Hafisatu , Mensah Yaw B. , Asiamah Samuel
Published: June 2021

Background: Neurological limb deficit due to non-traumatic myelopathy is a disabling and distressing neurological condition.  In recent time Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) has proven to be the ultimate imaging modality for evaluating pathologies of the spinal cord.Objective: To describe the Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) features of patients with Non-Traumatic Spinal Cord Injury evaluated at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital.Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital (KBTH), Accra, Ghana. Results: Out of a total of 141 MRI’s evaluated 60.3% were males and 39.7% female. The majority of the respondents 85.1% had paraparesis/paraplegia,13.5% had quadriparesis/quadriplegia, 1.4% had weakness in one upper limb and both lower limbs. The commonest MRI features of NTSCI recorded was due to degenerative disease of the spine 75.9%, spinal metastases 5.7%, Pott's/pyogenic spondylitis 3.5%, demyelinating disease 2.8% and primary spinal tumours 2.8%.Conclusion: The commonest MRI findings in the study population were due to degenerative disease of the spine, followed by spinal metastases and infective spondylitis. Funding: Not declaredKeywords: paraparesis, paraplegia, tetraparesis, tetraplegia, Magnetic Resonance Imaging
The spectrum of thermally stimulated currents in rock samples from KTB drilling: preliminary results
Authors: C. Anastasiadis  , D. Triantis  , F. Vallianatos  , G. Nover  , C. Nomicos
Published: June 2021

The technique of thermally stimulated depolarization currents (TSDC) was applied to fine grained amphibolite rock samples extracted from KTB drilling. Each sample was cooled down to liquid nitrogen temperature and consequently heated at a constant rate b = 4 K/min while at the same time it was shorted by a sensitive electrometer. Thermocurrent glow curves were detected in the range from 180 to 360 K. By applying the TSDC method, an effort was made to carry out a preliminary analysis of the TSDC spectrum.
Relaxation creep model of impending earthquake
Authors: V. A. Morgounov
Published: June 2021

The alternative view of the current status and perspective of seismic prediction studies is discussed. In the problem of ascertainment of the uncertainty relation Cognoscibility-Unpredictability of Earthquakes, priorities of works on short-term earthquake prediction are defined due to the advantage that the final stage of nucleation of earthquake is characterized by a substantial activation of the process while its strain rate increases by the orders of magnitude and considerably increased signal-to-noise ratio. Based on the creep phenomenon under stress relaxation conditions, a model is proposed to explain different images of precursors of impending tectonic earthquakes. The onset of tertiary creep appears to correspond to the onset of instability and inevitably fails unless it is unloaded. At this stage, the process acquires the self-regulating character and to the greatest extent the property of irreversibility, one of the important components of prediction reliability. Data in situ suggest a principal possibility to diagnose the process of preparation by ground measurements of strain-rate-dependent parameters, like electromagnetic emission, etc. Laboratory tests of the measurements of acoustic and electromagnetic emission in the rocks under constant strain in the condition of self-relaxed stress until the moment of fracture are discussed in context. It was obtained that electromagnetic emission precedes but does not accompany the phase of macrocrack development.
Seismic zonation of the Dead Sea Transform Fault area
Authors: K. Khair  , G. F. Karakaisis  , E. E. Papadimitriou
Published: June 2021

The Dead Sea Transform Fault constitutes the northwestern boundary of the Arabian plate, accommodating the plates lateral movement relative to the African plate. A complete and homogeneous catalogue of historical earthquakes has been compiled and used in the subdivision of the fault area into the following segments: 1) Araba segment, which extends along Wadi Araba and the southernmost part of the Dead Sea (29.5°-31.3°N) and trends SSW-NNE with scarce historical and instrumental seismicity; 2) Jordan-valley segment, which extends along the central and northern parts of the Dead Sea and the Jordan valley to the Huleh depression (31.3°-33.1° N) and trends S-N with moderate historical seismicity; 3) Beqaa segment, which extends along the western margin of the Beqaa valley in Lebanon (33.1°-34.5°N) and trends SSW-NNE with strong historical seismicity; 4) El-Ghab segment, which extends along the eastern flank of the coastal mountain range of Syria (34.5°-35.8°N) and trends S-N with moderate historical seismicity; 5) Karasu segment, which extends along the Karasu valley in SE Turkey (35.8°-37.3°N) and trends SSW-NNE, exhibiting the strongest historical seismicity of the area. Probabilities for the generation of strong (M > 6.0) earthquakes in these segments during the next decade are given, by the application of the regional time and magnitude predictable model.
High-density macroseismic survey in urban areas. Part 1: proposal for a methodology and its application to the city of Rome
Authors: F. Cifelli  , S. Donati  , F. Funiciello  , A. Tertulliani
Published: June 2021

The aim of this research is to provide an original contribution to the investigation of local macroseismic variations in urban areas by means of questionnaire surveys. In this paper, we propose a methodology to investigate earthquake effects in large cities. This procedure for a high-density macroseismic survey is here applied to the city of Rome (Italy) during the September 1997-April 1998 Umbria-Marche (Central Italy) seismic sequence. A sort of macroseismic network in the urban area was arranged, thanks to the co-operation of public high schools, where ad hoc macroseismic questionnaires were delivered to students. This method provided us with a large amount of macroseismic information related to the October 14, 1997 (Mw =-5.6; I0 VIII MCS; h ?10 km) and March 26, 1998 (Mw = 5.3; I0 = VII MCS;h ?50 km) earthquakes. In the first survey, 949 useful questionnaires were collected in 10 high schools and related to 669 observation points. For the second event, 1083 useful questionnaires were collected in 27 high schools and related to 928 (+39%) observation points. The mean data density in the urbanized sector reached 3.4 data/km2 in the first survey and rose to 4.7 (+38%) data/km2 in the second one. Such a high density was hardly achieved in previous macroseismic surveys in large cities. The sample reliability was checked considering the data distribution versus urban setting inhomogeneity and the percentage distribution of the main lithological units outcropping in the investigated area. Such reliability was also confirmed by the check of the data density distribution. All results confirm that the data sample is largely representative. Both the applications here shown proved that this method can be successfully performed in a large city.
First stage of INTRAMAP: INtegrated Transantarctic Mountains and Ross Sea Area Magnetic Anomaly Project
Authors: M. Chiappini  , F. Ferraccioli  , E. Bozzo  , D. Damaske  , J. C. Behrendt
Published: June 2021

INTRAMAP (INtegrated Transantarctic Mountains and Ross Sea Area Magnetic Anomaly Project) is an international effort to merge the magnetic data acquired throughout the "Ross Sea Antarctic Sector" (south of 60°S between 135°-255°E) including the Transantarctic Mountains (TAM), the Ross Sea, Marie Byrd Land, and the Pacific coast, and also to begin the compilation efforts for new data over the Wilkes Basin. This project is a component of the continental scale Antarctic Digital Magnetic Anomaly Project (ADMAP). The first stage of INTRAMAP addresses the analysis and merging of GITARA (1991-1994) and GANOVEX (1984) aeromagnetic surveys together with ground magnetic data (1984-1989). The combined data sets cover an area of approximately 30 km2 over Victoria Land and adjacent Ross Sea. Map and profile gridding were implemented to integrate the data sets. These approaches are studied for improving existing strategies to adopt for the whole magnetic compilation effort. The final microlevelled grid that we produce is a new tool for regional interpretation of the main tectonic and geologic features of this sector of Antarctica.
Probabilistic seismic hazard maps for the North Balkan region
Authors: R. M. W. Musson
Published: June 2021

A set of seismic hazard maps, expressed as horizontal peak ground acceleration, have been computed for a large area of Central and Eastern Europe covering the North Balkan area (Former Yugoslavia, Hungary, Romania). These are based on: a) a compound earthquake catalogue for the region; b) a seismic source model of 50 zones compiled on the basis of tectonic divisions and seismicity, and c) a probabilistic methodology using stochastic (Monte Carlo) modelling. It is found that the highest hazard in the region comes from intermediate focus earthquakes occurring in the Vrancea seismic zone; here the hazard exceeds 0.4 g at return periods of 475 years. Special account has been taken of the directional nature of attenuation from this source.
Three dimensional velocity structure and relocated aftershocks for the 1985 Constantine, Algeria (MS = 5.9) earthquake
Authors: M. ou A. Bounif  , C. Dorbath
Published: June 2021

Local earthquake travel-time data were inverted to obtain a three dimensional tomographic image of the region centered on the 1985 Constantine earthquake. The resulting velocity model was then used to relocate the events. The tomographic data set consisted of P and S waves travel-times from 653 carefully selected aftershocks of this moderate size earthquake, recorded at 10 temporary stations. A three-dimensional P-wave velocity image to a depth of 12 km was obtained by Thurber's method. At shallower depth, the velocity contrasts reflected the differences in tectonic units. Velocities lower than 4 km/s corresponded to recent deposits, velocities higher than 5 km/s to the Constantine Neritic and the Tellian nappes. The relocation of the aftershocks indicates that most of the seismicity occured where the velocity exceeded 5.5 km/s. The aftershock distribution accurately defined the three segments involved in the main shock and led to a better understanding of the rupture process.
Multi-component ground-based observation of ULF waves: goals and methods
Authors: V. A. Pilipenko  , M. Vellante  , S. Anisimov  , M. De Lauretis  , E. N. Fedorov  , U. Villante
Published: June 2021

A revival of the combined magnetic and telluric electric measurements at magnetic observatories is suggested.A number of problems, where such observations might be very helpful, are outlined: 1) the account for the resonance structure of the ULF field during the magnetotelluric probing of low-conductive geoelectrical structures; 2) the hydromagnetic diagnostics of the magnetospheric plasma distribution; 3) the discrimination of ionospheric and seismic contributions in anomalous ULF signals possibly related with earthquakes. The experimental apparatus for telluric current measurements, which has recently been installed at the observatories of Borok (Russia) and L'Aquila (Italy), is described.
On baroclinic adjustment of a radiative convective atmosphere
Authors: I. Bordi  , A. Sutera
Published: June 2021

In this paper we study the implication of the hypothesis that the radiative convective equilibrium climate is neutral with respect to baroclinic eddies. If such neutral state is achieved by tropopause height readjustment, we find that the sensitivity of the climate equilibrium to baroclinic eddies is comparable to the sensitivity to water vapor profile. Multiple solutions to the readjusted tropopause are found by decreasing stratospheric static stability.