bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
“It is all her fault”: psychosocial correlates of the negative attitudes towards rape victims among the general population of Pakistan
Authors: Kazmi Syed Messum Ali , Iftikhar Rabia , Fayyaz Muhammad Umar
Published: January 2023

Background

Rape myths are marked for being false beliefs about sexual assault. With the problem being quite prevalent around the world, research has shown that numerous factors such as rape proclivity and perpetuation of rape myths are critical. The present study assesses the role of rape myths acceptance, rape victim empathy, and causal attributions towards rape victims as significantly predicting attitudes towards rape victims among the general population of Pakistan. Rape myths acceptance and causal attributions would significantly and positively predict negative attitudes towards rape victims.

Method

A cross-sectional research design was used for the study. The online survey questionnaire was filled by 573 participants including 275 males and 298 females who were selected through purposive sampling from the general population of Pakistan. The sample size was estimated using G*Power analysis with 95% confidence intervals. Data collection was done using Illinois rape myths, attitudes towards rape victim’s scale, rape victim empathy, and causal attributions scale were used. Data analysis was done using Pearson product-moment correlation, hierarchical regression, MANOVA, and mediation analysis via AMOS, all of which were executed using SPSS 21.0.

Results

The findings showed that higher levels of rape myths acceptance, low empathy towards rape victims, and victim blaming are significantly associated with negative attitudes towards rape victims. There were no gender differences among the participants. However, rape victim empathy significantly mediated the association between rape myths acceptance and rape victim empathy. It was also found that rape myths acceptance, rape victim empathy, and causal attributions significantly predicted attitudes towards rape victims. Another core finding was that there were no gender differences among participants with regard to rape myths acceptance, rape victim empathy, causal attributions, and attitudes towards rape victims.

Conclusions

Therefore, the findings contribute towards a better understanding of the rape myths in the general population of Pakistan and how the prevalence of such myths may contribute towards social, cultural, and legal problems of rape myths. The study also provides policy implications for a region where rape victims experience higher levels of blame and limited legal backing and support.
Probiotic lactic acid bacteria as a means of preventing in vitro urinary catheter colonization and biofilm formation
Authors: Mahgoub Mohamed Anwar , Abbass Aleya Abdel Gawad , Abaza Amani Farouk , Shoukry Mohamed Shafik
Published: January 2023

Background

Catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs) are the most common infections found in healthcare facilities. Urinary catheters predispose the development of CAUTIs by destroying natural barriers and providing a source for infection and biofilm formation (BF). This study aimed to evaluate probiotic lactic acid bacteria (LAB) as a means of preventing in vitro urinary catheter colonization and BF.

Methods

Cross-sectional screening, followed by an experimental study, was conducted on 120 catheterized patients admitted to the urology department in a tertiary care hospital for 7 months. The isolated and identified uropathogens were tested for their antimicrobial susceptibility patterns by the disk diffusion method according to Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute recommendations and examined for their ability to produce biofilms using a microtiter plate (MtP) assay. Five LAB (Lactobacillus acidophilus (L. acidophilus), Bifidobacterium bifidum (B. bifidum), L. paracasei, L. pentosus, and L. plantarum) were identified and examined for preventing in vitro colonization and BF of some isolated uropathogens on Foley urinary catheter surfaces.

Results

Of the 120 samples collected, 32.5% were found to be associated with CAUTIs. Of isolated organisms, 74.4% were gram-negative bacilli, while gram-positive cocci represented 14%, and only 11.6% were of the Candida species. About two-thirds of isolated uropathogens were biofilm formers. All five probiotic strains had inhibitory effects on the growth of all the uropathogens tested but with varying intensities according to the duration of application after 2, 4, and 6 days.

Conclusions

The prevalence of CAUTIs was high, and the predominant bacterial isolates were gram-negative bacilli. Many of the studied uropathogens were biofilm formers. The bacterial isolates had a higher prevalence of resistance to commonly prescribed antimicrobial agents. Probiotics have the potential to prevent in vitro urinary catheter colonization and inhibit BF. Pre-coating urinary catheters with probiotics is recommended after ensuring the safety of probiotics’ use in vivo by carrying out further large-scale studies.
Untangling the complex interactions between turtle ants and their microbial partners
Authors: Ramalho Manuela O. , Moreau Corrie S.
Published: January 2023

Background

To understand the patterns of biodiversity it is important to consider symbiotic interactions as they can shape animal evolution. In several ant genera symbiotic interactions with microbial communities have been shown to have profound impacts for the host. For example, we know that for Camponotini the gut community can upgrade the host’s diet and is shaped by development and colony interactions. However, what is true for one ant group may not be true for another. For the microbial communities that have been examined across ants we see variation in the diversity, host factors that structure these communities, and the function these microbes provide for the host. In the herbivorous turtle ants (Cephalotes) their stable symbiotic interactions with gut bacteria have persisted for 50 million years with the gut bacteria synthesizing essential amino acids that are used by the host. Although we know the function for some of these turtle ant-associated bacteria there are still many open questions.

Results

In the present study we examined microbial community diversity (16S rRNA and 18S rRNA amplicons) of more than 75 species of turtle ants across different geographic locations and in the context of the host’s phylogenetic history. Our results show (1) that belonging to a certain species and biogeographic regions are relevant to structuring the microbial community of turtle ants; (2) both bacterial and eukaryotic communities demonstrated correlations and cooccurrence within the ant host; (3) within the core bacterial community, Burkholderiaceae bacterial lineage were the only group that showed strong patterns of codiversification with the host, which is remarkable since the core bacterial community is stable and persistent.

Conclusions

We concluded that for the turtle ants there is a diverse and evolutionarily stable core bacterial community, which leads to interesting questions about what microbial or host factors influence when these partner histories become evolutionarily intertwined.
Incidence and risk factors for surgical site infection (SSI) after primary hip hemiarthroplasty: an analysis of the ACS-NSQIP hip fracture procedure targeted database
Authors: Gupta Arjun , Shin John , Oliver Dylan , Vives Michael , Lin Sheldon
Published: January 2023

Introduction

Primary hip hemiarthroplasty (HHA) is frequently utilized to treat geriatric hip fractures, which are associated with significantly higher morbidity and mortality. While not particularly common, surgical site infection (SSI) is a major complication that frequently requires revision surgery in a frail population. The objective of this study was to determine the incidence of and risk factors for SSI after HHA in hip fracture patients.

Materials and methods

This retrospective cohort study was performed using the American College of Surgeons (ACS) National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) database. Geriatric patients (65+) who underwent HHA for non-pathologic, traumatic hip fractures between 2016–2017 were included. Demographic variables, comorbidities, operative variables, and complications were compared between "SSI" and "non-SSI" groups. Multivariate regression identified independent risk factors for postoperative SSI. Significance was set at P = 0.05.

Results

A total of 6169 patients were included. The overall incidence of SSI was 1.3%. SSI was significantly associated with body mass index (BMI), preoperative functional status, congestive heart failure, chronic corticosteroid use, intraoperative time, sepsis, wound dehiscence, readmission within 30-days, and reoperation. On multivariate analysis, chronic steroid use (OR: 2.30, 95% CI: 1.13–4.70), BMI ≥ 35 kg/m2 (OR: 3.59, 95% CI: 1.57–8.18), and intraoperative time ≥120 mins (OR: 2.15, 95% CI: 1.08–4.27) were found to be independent risk factors.

Conclusions

Postoperative SSI is a serious complication that is responsible for prolonged hospital stays, increased mortality, and greater healthcare costs. Here, we identified multiple risk factors for SSI after primary HHA in the US elderly population.
Effects of probiotic fermented milk on management of obesity studied in high-fat-diet induced obese rat model
Authors: Makwana Shrushti , Prajapati J. B. , Pipaliya Rinkal , Hati Subrota
Published: January 2023

The current study aimed to explore the hypothesis that probiotic bacteria are significantly involved in the control of obesity using Wistar rats as the test group by feeding high fat diets (HFD) induced obesity. A total of four groups of rats were considered viz., normal pellet diet fed (NC), HFD fed (DC), HFD fed rats treated with probiotic fermented milk with soy protein isolate (SPI) and whey protein concentrate (WPC) (T1), HFD fed rats treated with probiotic fermented milk without WPC and SPI (T2). Body weight, abdominal fat weight, liver weight, serum Alanine aminotransferase level, and alkaline phosphatase level significantly (p < 0.05) decreased after giving daily probiotic milk product supplementation with @ 2 ml per day for continuous 4 weeks. Whereas, C-reactive protein and Aspartate aminotransferase levels were not altered to a significant extent. The histology of the liver from the disease model group showed large lipid vacuoles deposited in the parenchyma cells. Product T2 confirmed fewer micro vesicular fatty changes and the appearance of T2 was better than T1. Overall, the in vivo study results indicated that the probiotic fermented milk exerted a better anti-obesity effect.

Graphical Abstract
Development of Galactooligosaccharide (GOS) added gummies: sensory, characterization and shelf quality
Authors: Dey Kankona , Sheth Mini
Published: January 2023

Sugar loaded confectioneries have a rapidly growing market globally. Consumption of such products may lead to multiple health risks. Products like gummies can be substituted with healthy sugar alternatives such as Galactooligosaccharide (GOS), which can be consumed by all age groups.

The aim of the study was to develop standard gummies and sugar substituted gummies, conduct sensory analysis, shelf life studies and characterize it for its physico chemical properties.

The standard gummies were made using agar, sugar, citric acid, water, and FSSAI (Food Safety Standards Authority of India) certified natural colours and flavours, while GOS supplemented gummies were made by replacing sugar in varied amounts, upto 100%. A trained panel (n = 8) evaluated the gummies using a composite score card in triplicates for a variety of sensory attributes. GOS recovery analysis, physicochemical variables such as colour, moisture, pH, and texture were assessed. Shelf life Studies of 100 percent GOS supplemented gummies were carried out at accelerated temperatures (37 °C) over a period of 6 months.

The results revealed that gummies with varying levels of GOS were acceptable to the panelists, with no significant differences in the keeping quality. However, F test revealed a significant improvement (p < 0.05) in the texture of the gummies with a slight reduction in colour and flavour at the end of 6 months. The moisture content and pH values were 24.8% and 3.37 respectively. HPLC analysis revealed a recovery of 95% GOS in the prepared gummies.

Hence, sugar can be substituted with 100% GOS to fulfil the increasing demand for healthy confectioneries without any change in organoleptic qualities and shelf life for 6 months.

Graphical Abstract
Effects of ABCG2 C421A and ABCG2 G34A genetic polymorphisms on clinical outcome and response to imatinib mesylate, in Iranian chronic myeloid leukemia patients
Authors: Nouri Negar , Mehrzad Valiollah , Khalaj Zahra , Zaker Erfan , Zare Fateme , Abbasi Elham , Khosravi Maede , Kalantar Seyed Mehdi , Salehi Mansoor
Published: January 2023

Background

Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) is a multifactorial clonal myeloid neoplasm that mainly arises from the Philadelphia chromosome. Even though imatinib mesylate (IM) is considered the gold standard for first-line treatment, a number of CML patients have shown IM resistance that can be influenced by many factors, including pharmacogenetic variability. The present study examined whether two common single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of ABCG2 (G34A and C421A) contribute to IM resistance and/or good responses.

Material and methods

A total of 72 CML patients were genotyped with high-resolution melting (HRM) and restriction fragment length polymorphism-polymerase chain reaction (RFLP-PCR). We also determined the cytogenetic and hematological response, as evaluable factors for measuring response to imatinib.

Results

In the current study, we explored the relationship between the different variants of ABCG2 G34A and C421A and clinical response to imatinib among CML patients. There were no statistically significant differences between genotypes of C421A and G34A and allele frequencies among the resistant and responder groups, with response to IM (P > 0.05). Also, we found no statistically significant association between genotypes and cytogenetic and hematological responses.

Conclusion

This is the first study to investigate the association between genotypes of the G34A and C421A SNPs and the outcome of IM treatment in Iranian population. As a whole, genotyping of these SNPs is unhelpful in predicting IM response in CML patients.
The biological active compounds and biological activities of Desmodium species from Indian region: a review
Authors: Joshi Bhoomi R. , Hakim Masuma M. , Patel Illa C.
Published: January 2023

Background

India is a diverse source of medicinal and aromatic plants. Desmodium species are one among them having importance in curing many human diseases. This herbaceous plant's species diversity minimizes problems with its pharmaceutical or herbal formulation. As a result, a detailed analysis of the phytochemistry of the Desmodium genus will allow for the proper use of this plant.

Main body

This review explores the distribution of Desmodium species and their various biological activities. Worldwide, 17 Desmodium species are found, while 13 species of Desmodium are found in India. Plants are mainly used in ayurvedic preparation for curing various diseases. Phytochemical examination of Desmodium species indicated the presence of isoflavones, glycosyl-flavonoids, coumarone-chromones, pterocarpons, triterpenoids, saponins, tetrahydroiso-quinolones, phenylethylamines, indole-3-alkylamines, lipids, and alkaloids. These genera also display various pharmacological activities, including anti-inflammatory, anticancer, analgesic, depressive, antipyretic, antidepressant, anti-diabetic, and antioxidant properties. Also it is valuable for febrifuges, remedies for dysentery and liver disease, wound healing, ulcer, antidote against snake bites, catarrh, abscesses and eye diseases, abdominal tumor, asthma, fever, nasal polyps, menstrual disorder, fever, colds and helps in kidney problems.

Conclusion

This review describes the distribution of various Desmodium species recorded by a different author, focusing on species recorded in Gujarat, India. Again, the review helps in the documentation of bioactive compounds from the Desmodium genus that may help rectify multiple severe diseases. Furthermore, the numerous biological potencies of the specific bioactive substance may characterize the interest in various pharmaceuticals and cosmeceuticals sectors.
Effect of Andrographis paniculata extract and Andrographolide on the pharmacokinetics of Aceclofenac and Celecoxib in rats
Authors: More S. J. , Tandulwadkar S. S. , Balap Aishwarya R. , Lohidasan S. , Sinnathambi A. , Mahadik K. R.
Published: January 2023

Background

In India, for the treatment of cold, fever and inflammation, people consume herbal remedies containing Andrographis paniculata Nees (APE) as main ingredient, along with NSAIDs. So the purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of APE and pure andrographolide (AN) on the pharmacokinetic of with aceclofenac (ACF) and celecoxib (CXB) after oral co-administration in wistar rats. After co-administration of APE (equivalent to 20 mg/kg of AN) and AN (20 mg/kg) with ACF (5 mg/kg) and CXB (5 mg/kg) in rats, orally, drug concentrations in plasma were determined using HPLC method. Non-compartment model was used to calculate pharmacokinetic parameters like Cmax, Tmax, t1/2, MRT, Vd, CL, and AUC.

Results

Co-administration of ACF and CXB with APE and pure AN altered the systemic exposure level of each compound in vivo. The Cmax, Tmax, MRT of CXB were increased whereas Vd and Cl of CXB were decreased significantly after co-administration of CXB with APE. Whereas co-administration of CXB with AN significantly decreased Vd, CL, and MRT of CXB. The concentration of ACF was increased significantly in co-administered groups with pure AN and APE. The AUC0-∞, AUMC0-∞, MRT, Vd and t1/2 of ACF were also significantly decreased in co-administered groups, hence CL of ACF was increased significantly.

Conclusion

This study concludes that APE and pure AN have effect on pharmacokinetic of CXB and ACF in rat. Not only patients but medical practitioners using Andrographis paniculata should have awareness regarding probable herb–drug interactions with ACF and CXB.
A Survey of IPEG-Middle East Chapter members to ascertain their perceptions of, and changes to, the Nissen's wrap design and the outcomes
Authors: Seleim Hamed M. , Magdy Basma , Hashish Amel
Published: January 2023

Background

Nissen's description of fundoplication has proven seminal in our understanding of anti-GERD surgeries. This survey aimed to ascertain the perceptions of, and changes to, the Nissen's wrap design among the IPEG-ME surgeons and their outcomes.

Methods

During the months of February and March 2021, all IPEG-ME members were contacted via WhatsApp and asked to complete an anonymous online survey. Google Forms was used as the platform for the survey. Responses were collected over a four-week period.

Results

From a total of 99 IPEG-ME members, 51 practicing pediatric surgeons from eight countries reported seven separate conceptions for the original Nissen wrap design. With more surgeon years of experience, not hospital annual volume, the percentage of surgeons who choose to preserve the short gastric vessels at laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication increased from 10 to 25%. Moreover, transmigration and reoperation rates were cut in half, while dysphagia rates doubled as surgeon years of experience increased from under 10 to over 30.

Conclusion

Owing to haziness, specialized surgeons may have expressed non-identical thoughts of the original description of a commonly employed procedure. Wrap transmigration and reoperation rates were cut in half, while dysphagia rates doubled as surgeon years of experience increased from under 10 to over 30. It seems reasonable to standardize the wrap design based on the components' justifications rather than surgeons’ preferences.
New onset unusual Wegener’s granulomatosis associated with COVID-19: a case report
Authors: Mandegari Mohammad , Binesh Fariba , Abdollahpour Mahsa
Published: January 2023

Background

Granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA) or Wegener’s granulomatosis is an autoimmune disorder with a wide spectrum of manifestations that mostly primarily presents with respiratory symptoms such as cough, dyspnea, and hemoptysis and leads to a high mortality rate if left untreated. It is a relatively uncommon condition, characterized by necrotizing granulomatous vasculitis of small- and medium-sized vessels. Recent studies have shown that hyperactivation of immune cells in patients with the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) leads to elevated levels of various autoantibodies and inflammatory cytokines including interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α). There are the same factors that involve in the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases such as GPA.

Case presentation

While there have been several reported cases of COVID-19 occurring in patients receiving immunosuppressant treatment for GPA, here we report a case of a 72-year-old woman with a history of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) who suddenly suffered unilateral vision and hearing loss and peripheral facial palsy on the same side. Chest computed tomography (CT) demonstrated a subpleural consolidation in the inferior lobe of the left lung. Based on the radiology report, chest CT evidence was due to a history of COVID-19 pneumonia. CT scans of the paranasal sinus showed pansinusitis and necrosis of the nasal septum. According to the available evidence, mucormycosis was clinically suspected, and the patient underwent endoscopic sinus surgery. Eventually, the histopathological analysis revealed a diagnosis of Wegener’s granulomatosis.

Conclusions

Since GPA and its complications can be prevented only through strong clinical suspicion and early diagnosis, our presentation of this case aims to increase awareness of autoimmune diseases in COVID-19 patients even after recovery.
Effect of continuous positive airway pressure on the respiratory system: a comprehensive review
Authors: Gharib Ahmed
Published: January 2023

Background

CPAP is characterized by the application of a constant and continuous positive pressure into the patient’s airway. By delivering a constant pressure during both inspiration and expiration, CPAP increases functional residual capacity and opens collapsed or under ventilated alveoli, thus decreasing right to left intrapulmonary shunt and improving oxygenation in obese individuals.

Main body of abstract

Obesity is characterized by several alterations in the mechanics of the respiratory system that tend to further exaggerate impairment of gas exchange rendering these patients prone to perioperative complications, such as hypoxemia, hypercapnia, and atelectasis. Interestingly, CPAP has been advocated as an efficacious modality for prevention and treatment of postoperative atelectasis considered to be the most common postoperative respiratory complication. In OSA, the CPAP device works to splint the airway open and prevent the collapse of the upper airway that is the cardinal event of OSA leading improvement of sleep, quality of life and the reduction of the risks of the cardiovascular and neurocognitive side effects associated with the disease. Besides such a beneficial effect, there are other physiological benefits to CPAP: greater end-expiratory lung volume and consequent increase in oxygen stores, increased tracheal traction to improve upper airway patency and decrease in cardiac after load.

Conclusion

Due to various physiological benefits on the respiratory system CPAP therapy is crucial for the prevention postoperative complications particularly related to obesity and the cornerstone for the treatment of moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea.
Meeting the WHO 24-h guidelines among 2–6-year-old children by family socioeconomic status before and during the COVID-19 pandemic: a repeated cross-sectional study
Authors: Koivukoski Henriikka , Hasanen Elina , Tolvanen Asko , Chua Terence , Chia Michael , Vehmas Hanna , Sääkslahti Arja
Published: January 2023

Background

The World Health Organization (WHO) has developed guidelines for 24-h physical activity (PA), sedentary behaviour and sleep for young children. Lower socioeconomic status (SES) has been linked to a lower likelihood of meeting these guidelines. The outbreak of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) raised concerns about young children’s opportunities to meet the guidelines. The study focused on the prevalence of meeting the WHO’s 24-h guidelines on screen time (ST), PA and sleep among 2–6-year-old children, in association with family SES, before COVID-19 outbreak in 2019, and during the pandemic in 2020 and 2021 in Finland.

Methods

Data were collected at three timepoints by an online survey through day-care centres. Meeting the WHO 24-h guidelines was defined for each behaviour, from a parent-reported seven-day recall of a typical day on weekdays and weekend days and adapted to the national context. Children were considered to meet the ST guideline if they had maximum of 60 min of ST, the PA guideline if they had minimum of 60 min of outdoor PA, and the sleep guidelines if they had minimum of 11/10/9 h (2/3–5/6 years) of good or very good quality sleep. Binary logistic regression models were used to examine the odds ratios of meeting the guidelines.

Results

The prevalence of meeting the ST guideline was highest before the COVID-19 pandemic in 2019. The PA guideline was most met during the strict pandemic restrictions in 2020. Children from higher SES families were more likely to meet the ST and sleep duration guidelines either on weekdays or weekends. The PA guideline was met more on weekdays by children whose parents had lower education levels at all timepoints. In 2020, sleep quality guideline was less likely met by children with parents with the highest education levels.

Conclusion

Higher SES may increase the odds of young children meeting the ST and sleep duration guidelines, but the results are more complex regarding PA and SES. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on ST, outdoor PA, and sleep of young children varied by family SES, and further research is recommended to identify causality of these relationships.
Derisking geologic carbon storage from high-resolution time-lapse seismic to explainable leakage detection
Authors: Yin Ziyi , Erdinc Huseyin Tuna , Gahlot Abhinav Prakash , Louboutin Mathias , Herrmann Felix J.
Published: January 2023

Geologic carbon storage represents one of the few truly scalable technologies capable of reducing the CO2 concentration in the atmosphere. While this technology has the potential to scale, its success hinges on our ability to mitigate its risks. An important aspect of risk mitigation concerns assurances that the injected CO2 remains within the storage complex. Among the different monitoring modalities, seismic imaging stands out due to its ability to attain high-resolution and high-fidelity images. However, these superior features come at prohibitive costs and time-intensive efforts that potentially render extensive seismic monitoring undesirable. To overcome this shortcoming, we present a methodology in which time-lapse images are created by inverting nonreplicated time-lapse monitoring data jointly. By no longer insisting on replication of the surveys to obtain high-fidelity time-lapse images and differences, extreme costs and time-consuming labor are averted. To demonstrate our approach, hundreds of realistic synthetic noisy time-lapse seismic data sets are simulated that contain imprints of regular CO2 plumes and irregular plumes that leak. These time-lapse data sets are subsequently inverted to produce time-lapse difference images that are used to train a deep neural classifier. The testing results show that the classifier is capable of detecting CO2 leakage automatically on unseen data with reasonable accuracy. We consider the use of this classifier as a first step in the development of an automatic workflow designed to handle the large number of continuously monitored CO2 injection sites needed to help combat climate change.
Identifying Confounders Using Bayesian Networks and Estimating Treatment Effect in Prostate Cancer With Observational Data
Authors: Sieswerda Melle , Xie Shixuan , van Rossum Ruby , Bermejo Inigo , Geleijnse Gijs , Aben Katja , van Erning Felice , Lemmens Valery , Dekker André , Verbeek Xander
Published: January 2023

PURPOSE

Randomized controlled trials are considered the golden standard for estimating treatment effect but are costly to perform and not always possible. Observational data, although readily available, is sensitive to biases such as confounding by indication. Structure learning algorithms for Bayesian Networks (BNs) can be used to discover the underlying model from data. This enables identification of confounders through graph analysis, although the model might contain noncausal edges. We propose using a blacklist to aid structure learning in finding causal relationships. This is illustrated by an analysis into the effect of active treatment ( v observation) in localized prostate cancer.

METHODS

In total, 4,121 prostate cancer records were obtained from the Netherlands Cancer Registry. Subsequently, we developed a (causal) BN using structure learning while precluding noncausal relations. Additionally, we created several Cox proportional hazards models, each correcting for a different set of potential confounders (including propensity scores). Model predictions for overall survival were compared with expected survival on the basis of the general population using data from Statistics Netherlands (Centraal Bureau voor de Statistiek).

RESULTS

Structure learning precluding noncausal relations resulted in a causal graph but did not identify significant edges toward treatment; they were added manually. Graph analysis identified year of diagnosis and age as confounders. The BN predicted a treatment effect of 1 percentage point at 10 years. Chi-squared analysis found significant associations between year of diagnosis, age, stage, and treatment. Propensity score correction was successful. Adjusted Cox models predicted significant treatment effect around 3 percentage points at 10 years.

CONCLUSION

A blacklist in conjunction with structure learning can result in a causal BN that can be used for confounder identification. Treatment effect found here is close to the 5 percentage point found in the literature.
The Technology and the Provenance Study on Gilt-Copper Crown Excavated from Tomb No.63 of the Ancient Tumuli in Gyo-dong/ Songhyeon-dong, Changnyeong
Authors: Han Woo Rim , Kwon Ji Hyun , Park Ji Yeon , Kim So Jin
Published: January 2023

An excavation project conducted by the Gaya National Research Institute of Cultural Heritage discovered a gilt-copper crown in Tomb No. 63 of the ancient tumuli in Gyodong and Songhyeon-dong, Changyeong. This study analyzed the aforementioned crown and identified the certified group and the source of raw materials according to the manufacturing technique. Scientific analysis confirmed that the crown was made of unalloyed copper and the surface was plated with gold and silver using the mercury amalgam technique. The gilded surface color is divided into red and yellow, and this is presumed to be due to differences in manufacturing processes such as thickness and heat treatment according to the number of times it was gilded. The copper raw material used to manufacture the crown is identified as Zone 3 including Jeolla-do, Chungcheong-do, and northern Gyeongsang-do, and the origin of the raw material and excavation site are not the same. Therefore, it is judged that raw materials from a different region than the excavated area of Changnyeong were used, and the possibility that these were supplied from other regions and manufactured in Changnyeong cannot be excluded.
Variation in Colourants of the Dyes by Gamma-ray Irradiation
Authors: Oh Seong Min , Park Hae Jin , Choi Ji Sun , Lee Nu Ri , Chung Yong Jae
Published: January 2023

The emergency conservation of historical objects is necessary because several instances in which paintings and records were flooded owing to unusual weather conditions have recently been reported. Early action is especially important in preventing biodeterioration in case of flood damage. In this study, the feasibility of using gamma rays as a biological control method was assessed. Material stability was evaluated by applying different irradiation doses to natural dyes used in historical paintings and costumes. Sappan wood, gardenia fruit, and indigo were selected and prepared as natural dye samples using standard colorant materials. The fading behavior of the samples was analyzed by measuring their CIE L*a*b* color space values, and UV-Vis spectroscopy and liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS) were used to obtain their spectra. We confirmed that the dyes began to decompose upon exposure to gamma rays at a dose of 10 kGy. Irradiation at a dose of 50 kGy led to the complete decomposition of the chromophoric groups because the dye components could not be detected by LC-MS. Therefore, studying the influence of low-dose gamma-ray irradiation is necessary to preserve dye colorants. The data obtained in this study can be used as a foundation for further research on the influence of gamma rays on historical objects.
A Petrological Study of Columnar Joints with Geoheritage Value in the Cenozoic Sedimentary Basin, Korea
Authors: Kim Jae hwan , Kong Dal-Yong
Published: January 2023

A comparative petrological study was conducted on the columnar joints of Guryongpo, Pohang, Yangnam, Gyeongju, and Gangdong-hwaam, Ulsan in the Cenozoic Miocene sedimentary basin. Horizontal columnar joints, in these columnar joints, are characteristically developed, and the cross-sectional shape of each columnar joint is predominantly quadrilateral and pentagonal in Guryongpo and Yangnam columnar joints, and pentagonal to hexagonal in Gangdong-hwaam columnar joint. As a result of XRF analysis, it was confirmed that Guryongpo columnar joint is andesite, Yangnam columnar joint is basalt, and Gangdong-hwaam columnar joint is basaltic andesite, all of which are sub-alkaline. They are easily distinguished because Guryongpo columnar joint contains small-sized plagioclase (1∼2 mm), while rather large plagioclase phenocrysts (several mm∼1 cm) are uniformly distributed both in Yangnam and Gangdong-hwaam columnar joints. The value of whole rock magnetic susceptibility (WRMS) are also well classified according to the rock composition. In addition, in the tectonic discriminant diagram, these columnar joints correspond to the orogeny zone and island-arc tholeiite regions of the orogeny, but the AFM diagram and WRMS analysis show that each columnar joint was formed from the different magmas.
Current Status and Raw Material Characteristics of Painted Pigment in used Traditional Dancheong: Focused on the National-designated Wooden Architectural Heritages in Korea
Authors: Hwang Ga-hyun , Lee Sun Myung , Jeong Hye Young
Published: January 2023

In this study, the composition of traditional Korean Dancheong pigments existing in national-designated wooden architectural heritages was analyzed, and the current status of pigments according to the raw material characteristics used was statistically examined. As for the red pigment, Seokganju, Yeondan, Jusa had a high share, and natural and artificial inorganic pigments had a high usage rate. As for yellow pigments, organic pigments(estimated Deunghwang), Hhwangto, and gold showed a high share. In the case of organic pigments and gold, Yeonbaek was used as a based pigment to increase color development. As for the green pigment, Hayeob, Noerok, Samrok showed a high share. The Hayeob and Neorok are identified as a single raw material, but it can be seen that the Samrok is made by mixing copper oxides such as moolooite and lead-based white raw materials. Blue pigments have a lower share of pigments compared to other colors. As for the blue pigment, Guncheong, Hoecheong, and Seokcheong showed a high market share, and natural and artificial inorganic pigments accounted for the majority. In particular, it is characteristic that the use of expensive pigments such as Seokcheong and Guncheong is concentrated on the Palace Dancheong. White and black pigments have a low share in Dancheong coloring, but the white and black lines play a very important role in the perfection of Dancheong. It can be seen that the white pigment has a high share of Baekto(white clay) and Yeonbaek, and is used not only for coloring but also as a based pigment for color pigments. Most of the black pigment is made up of more than 95% organic raw material containing carbon as its main component, and it shows various aspects depending on the lower pigment layer. Through this, it was confirmed based on on-site analysis data of wooden architectural heritage that the color pigment used in Dancheong had a higher percentage of use of inorganic pigments and that the use rate of natural inorganic pigments was higher than that of artificial synthetic pigments in inorganic pigments.
Scientific Characterization Analysis of Lacquer and Cashew as Adhesive Materials for Gold-gilding Layer and Consideration of Conservation Schemes: Gilt-bronze Seated Buddha at Sinamsa Temple in Dangin, Korea
Authors: Yang Hye Ri , Choi Il Kyu , Lee Chan Hee
Published: January 2023

The Gilt-bronze seated Buddha at Sinamsa temple in Dangin has an uneven in the shape the gilt, poor gloss and cracks were damaged. Such damage to the gold-gilding layer may degrade the corrosion resistance of the Buddha statue, thereby promoting corrosion of the metal compound. The Buddha statue was a restoration in the 1980s, and it was highly likely that modern materials such as cashew were used as adhesive materials for gold-gilding. In the study, a conservation management plan was proposed by comprehensively examining the material characteristics of the gold-gilding layer and adhesives. As the composition analysis, all gold-gilding layers show high Au content, so it seems that pure gold was used, and copper and tin were detected as the main alloying materials for the base metal, corresponding to a bronze. Various analyses of the gilt adhesive material, it was found that gilt was recovered using cashew. The cashew has a weaker adhesion than the lacquer, so the blistering of gold powder and gilt proceeds faster, and can cause various damages such as metal corrosion and whitening. In order to stably preserve the Gilt-bronze seated Buddha at Sinamsa temple and restore the authenticity, it is necessary to remove the cashew covering layer and perform lacquer gold-gilding.
Periadriatic Foredeep (onshore Albania) Is Developed as Dextral Pull-Apart Basin
Authors: Aliaj Shyqyri , Mesonjesi Agim
Published: January 2023

The Periadriatic Foredeep onshore Albania is the only Foredeep basin located in the frontal part of the Albanides orogeny bordering eastward the Adriatic Foreland. The recent neotectonic investigations and previously published ones prove the formation of Periadriatic Foredeep as a dextral pull-apart basin in the Middle Miocene (Serravallian), subsequently to the main folding and thrusting of the Ionian Zone, through the strike-slip faulting mechanism. The two elements that commonly lead to the formation of the Periadriatic Foredeep Pull-apart Basin are the cross-basin strike-slip faults of Drini Bay-Lezha and Vlora-Bishqemi, and the oblique normal faults of Durresi-Frakulla and Preza-Rova-Bishqemi. The infill consists of the Serravallian to Pliocene molasses succession up to 6 km in thickness. The Periadriatic Foredeep Basin is located between the South Adriatic and Tirana Marginal Basins. The development of the Periadriatic Foredeep finally led to the different evolution of both the Periadriatic and Tirana depressions with different structures and mineral resources. The Periadriatic Depression structure is built by an NNW trending narrow anticline and wide syncline lines. From southwest to the northeast, these lines are distinguished: Frakulla-Durresi anticlinal line, Myzeqe syncline, Lushnja-Golem Kavaja anticlinal line, Erzeni i poshtem syncline, and Preza monocline. The Myzeqe and Erzeni i poshtem depocenters are separated by the intrabasinal Mliku-Shkoza high. The Divjaka gas field and Patosi, Marinza, and Kuçova oil fields are well known in the Periadriatic Depression. The Tirana Depression is developed from the Tirana marginal basin eastward bordering the Periadriatic Foredeep. It is characterized by the prevailing continental and shallow-marine Miocene sediments (with coal-bearing fields in Tortonian and Messinian deposits) that formed a wide northeast verging asymmetrical syncline due to the Preza-Rova-Bishqemi backthrust. The Tirana Depression overlies the Kruja Zone substratum to the north of Tirana, and partly, the Ionian Zone substratum to the south of Tirana along its western limb to the east of the Rova anticline backthrust. Deformation of orogenic crust at the Albanides-Adria collision zone during Tertiary occurred and occurs into both levels: i) a basal fold-and-thrust system in the Ionian Zone, that accommodated an increasing amount of SW directed shortening, and ii) a structurally higher system of thrust faulting affecting the overlying structure of the Periadriatic Depression, that underwent a strong structural rearrangement.
Management of Stress through Philosophical Reflections: Teachings by Boethius (d. 524) for Our Modern Life
Authors: Classen Albrecht
Published: January 2023

While many scholars in the medical and psychological profession offer specific suggestions about how to handle stress and to overcome its negative impact, very few have ever considered philosophical reflections as a critical tool for this problem. One of the greatest moments of stress would certainly be when an individual has to face his/her death penalty and subsequent execution, especially if s/he feels innocent. Already ca. 1.500 years ago, the late antique philosopher Boethius (d. ca. 524) had to answer for himself how to cope with this situation, being imprisoned and waiting for his last terrible moment. When he composed his treatise, The Consolation of Philosophy, he created one of the most influential philosophical reflections on life’s burning issues. This treatise continues to offer fundamental insights into how to come to terms with the conflicts and stresses of human existence, and it is discussed here as a profoundly philosophical answer to stress in universal terms.
Back to Eudaimonia as a Social Relation: What Does the Covid Crisis Teach Us about Individualism and its Limits?
Authors: Goffi Emmanuel Roberto
Published: January 2023

The current health crisis that has spread worldwide has raised many questions regarding our relations to the Other and to ourselves. Through isolating people, Covid-19 has demonstrated the need we face, as human beings, to socialize and to get in contact, physically speaking, with others. As Aristotle stated, human beings are political animals, meaning social animals that can flourish only in the polis through the process of interacting with each other in quest of eudaimonia, i.e. happiness. Along with the rise of socio-physical distancing imposed due to the pandemic, people around the world have experienced isolation and the lack of human contact and interaction. In the Western world this isolation has led to an increase in mental health issues, and this fact has to be taken into consideration by the government when making decisions regarding the reinforcement or the slackening of measures in the context of Covid. The pandemic has shed a light on the limits of individualism as it has developed in some places. The quest for happiness has slowly led some societies to create a kind of a solipsistic world in which there would exist no reality, no truth outside individuals’ perceptions. Consequently, each human being is considered as “the measure of all things,” as Protagoras noted. This unique experience could then give us the grounds to question our relations to each other, to investigate our understanding of eudaimonia, and to revisit what it means to live in a society.
Care and Empathy as a Crucial Quality for Social Change
Authors: Rupčić Kelam Darija , Kelam Ivica
Published: January 2023

Suppose the contemporary man of the 21st century puts under control one of the most significant issues of humankind, like the shortage of food or hunger, epidemics of contagious diseases, and wars. Then remains the question which man first encountered at the dawn of the third millennium; it is a question of what to do with yourself. This question becomes extremely important if we consider biotechnology and information technology’s immense growing power. What to do with so much power? Nevertheless, the most obvious question is whether a man has become better and more moral, empathetic and caring than he was. What seems to concern contemporary man includes happiness, divinity, and ultimately his improvement as a moral agent and his immortality. We will try to answer these and many other questions through the paradigm of ethics of care, closely related to the question of empathy. The paper will discuss and highlight empathy and care as crucial means for social change. Therefore, the main aim of such ethics is to alleviate human suffering and anxiety and promote human well-being and happiness. Can care, compassion, and empathy ethics provide us with some answers and become a path to a more moral world?
Philosophical Management of Stress: An Introduction
Authors: Yapijakis Christos
Published: January 2023

All human needs are compromised by everyday stressful conditions, which may be objectively devastating or subjectively augmented due to idiosyncratic way of thinking. Unmanaged acute stress can affect emotions, thinking and behavior and chronic stress can result in several severe health problems. Philosophy may provide a frame of thinking that may help in managing everyday stress. There are personal dimensions in the philosophical management of stress based on examples of Aristotle’s eudaimonia consisted of morality and pleasure, Plato’s transcendence aiming to join with the supreme good, Pyrrho’s serenity through suspension of judgement and the Stoics’ rational attachment to virtue. Furthermore, there are social dimensions of philosophical management of stress, since there is abundant scientific evidence that stress affects moral decision-making and therefore an ethical theory of life may not be sufficient in stressful conditions. In this context, such social aspects include the relationship of eudaimonia with community life, the artistic practice and the virtual eroticism in the contemporary world of digital media as a stress relief from physical confrontation with other persons in real life, the empathy and care as a crucial quality for stress relief and social change, as well as the Epicurean approach of stress management that may have both personal and social utility. Intervention programs of stress management combining many lifestyle techniques have been shown to enhance resilience and decrease stress for a period of time, based on systematic behavioral change. Two successful novel empirical pilot studies of pure philosophical management of stress based on cognitive psychotherapy and modification of mentality have been presented, both of them realized in the COVID-19 pandemic period: a three-month positive psychology intervention combined with Epicurean and Stoic concepts was provided to adolescent students and a month-long philosophical management of stress program based on Science and Epicurean Philosophy was offered to public sector professionals.