bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exploring the ovine sperm transcriptome by RNAseq techniques. I Effect of seasonal conditions on transcripts abundance
Authors: Ureña Irene , González Carmen , Ramón Manuel , Gòdia Marta , Clop Alex , Calvo Jorge H. , Carabaño Mª Jesús , Serrano Magdalena
Published: March 2022

Understanding the cell molecular changes occurring as a results of climatic circumstances is crucial in the current days in which climate change and global warming are one of the most serious challenges that living organisms have to face. Sperm are one of the mammals’ cells most sensitive to heat, therefore evaluating the impact of seasonal changes in terms of its transcriptional activity can contribute to elucidate how these cells cope with heat stress events. We sequenced the total sperm RNA from 64 ejaculates, 28 collected in summer and 36 collected in autumn, from 40 Manchega rams. A highly rich transcriptome (11,896 different transcripts) with 90 protein coding genes that exceed an average number of 5000 counts were found. Comparing transcriptome in the summer and autumn ejaculates, 236 significant differential abundance genes were assessed, most of them (228) downregulated. The main functions that these genes are related to sexual reproduction and negative regulation of protein metabolic processes and kinase activity. Sperm response to heat stress supposes a drastic decrease of the transcriptional activity, and the upregulation of only a few genes related with the basic functions to maintain the organisms’ homeostasis and surviving. Rams’ spermatozoids carry remnant mRNAs which are retrospectively indicators of events occurring along the spermatogenesis process, including abiotic factors such as environmental temperature.
Neonatal mortality in two districts in Indonesia: Findings from Neonatal Verbal and Social Autopsy (VASA)
Authors: Deviany Poppy E. , Setel Philip W. , Kalter Henry D. , Anggondowati Trisari , Martini Martini , Nandiaty Fitri , Latief Kamaluddin , Weaver Emily H. , Rianty Tika , Achadi Anhari , Wahyuni Sri , Setyaningtyas Stefania W. , Haryana Nila R. , Mehrain Luna M. , Achadi Endang L.
Published: March 2022

Background

The Government of Indonesia is determined to follow global commitments to reduce the neonatal mortality rate. Yet, there is a paucity of information on contributing factors and causes of neonatal deaths, particularly at the sub-national level. This study describes care-seeking during neonates’ fatal illnesses and their causes of death.

Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional community-based study to identify all neonatal deaths in Serang and Jember Districts, Indonesia. Follow-up interviews were conducted with the families of deceased neonates using an adapted verbal and social autopsy instrument. Cause of death was determined using the InSilicoVA algorithm.

Results

The main causes of death of 259 neonates were prematurity (44%) and intrapartum-related events (IPRE)-mainly birth asphyxia (39%). About 83% and 74% of the 259 neonates were born and died at a health facility, respectively; 79% died within the first week after birth. Of 70 neonates whose fatal illness began at home, 59 (84%) sought care during the fatal illness. Forty-eight of those 59 neonates went to a formal care provider; 36 of those 48 neonates (75%) were moderately or severely ill when the family decided to seek care. One hundred fifteen of 189 neonates (61%) whose fatal illnesses began at health facilities were born at a hospital. Among those 115, only 24 (21%) left the hospital alive–of whom 16 (67%) were referred by the hospital.

Conclusions

The high proportion of deaths due to prematurity and IPRE suggests the need for improved management of small and asphyxiated newborns. The moderate to severe condition of neonates at the time when care was sought from home highlights the importance of early illness recognition and appropriate management for sick neonates. Among deceased neonates whose fatal illness began at their delivery hospital, the high proportion of referrals may indicate issues with hospital capability, capacity, and/or cost.
Detecting steps in spatial genetic data: Which diversity measures are best?
Authors: Sentinella Alexander T. , Moles Angela T. , Bragg Jason G. , Rossetto Maurizio , Sherwin William B.
Published: March 2022

Accurately detecting sudden changes, or steps, in genetic diversity across landscapes is important for locating barriers to gene flow, identifying selectively important loci, and defining management units. However, there are many metrics that researchers could use to detect steps and little information on which might be the most robust. Our study aimed to determine the best measure/s for genetic step detection along linear gradients using biallelic single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) data. We tested the ability to differentiate between linear and step-like gradients in genetic diversity, using a range of diversity measures derived from theq-profile, including allelic richness, Shannon Information,GST, andJost-D, as well as Bray-Curtis dissimilarity. To determine the properties of each measure, we repeated simulations of different intensities of step and allele proportion ranges, with varying genome sample size, number of loci, and number of localities. We found that alpha diversity (within-locality) based measures were ineffective at detecting steps. Further, allelic richness-based beta (between-locality) measures (e.g., Jaccard and Sørensen dissimilarity) were not reliable for detecting steps, but instead detected departures from fixation. The beta diversity measures best able to detect steps were: Shannon Information based measures,GSTbased measures, aJost-Drelated measure, and Bray-Curtis dissimilarity. No one measure was best overall, with a trade-off between those measures with high step detection sensitivity (GSTand Bray-Curtis) and those that minimised false positives (a variant of Shannon Information). Therefore, when detecting steps, we recommend understanding the differences between measures and using a combination of approaches.
Compatible interaction of Brachypodium distachyon and endophytic fungus Microdochium bolleyi
Authors: Matušinsky Pavel , Sedláková Božena , Bleša Dominik
Published: March 2022

Brachypodium distachyon is a useful model organism for studying interaction of cereals with phytopathogenic fungi. The present study tested the possibility of a compatible interaction of B. distachyon with the endophytic fungus Microdochium bolleyi originated from wheat roots. There was evaluated the effect of this endophytic fungus on the intensity of the attack by pathogen Fusarium culmorum in B. distachyon and wheat, and also changes in expression of genes (in B. distachyon: BdChitinase1, BdPR1-5, BdLOX3, BdPAL, BdEIN3, and BdAOS; and in wheat: TaB2H2(chitinase), TaPR1.1, TaLOX, TaPAL, TaEIN2, and TaAOS) involved in defence against pathogens. Using light microscopy and newly developed specific primers was found to be root colonization of B. distachyon by the endophyte M. bolleyi. B. distachyon plants, as well as wheat inoculated with M. bolleyi showed significantly weaker symptoms on leaves from infection by fungus F. culmorum than did plants without the endophyte. Expression of genes BdPR1-5, BdChitinase1, and BdLOX3 in B. distachyon and of TaPR1.1 and TaB2H2 in wheat was upregulated after infection with F. culmorum. M. bolleyi-mediated resistance in B. distachyon was independent of the expression of the most tested genes. Taken together, the results of the present study show that B. distachyon can be used as a model host system for endophytic fungus M. bolleyi.
Five decades (1972–2020) of zooplankton monitoring in the upper San Francisco Estuary
Authors: Bashevkin Samuel M. , Hartman Rosemary , Thomas Madison , Barros Arthur , Burdi Christina E. , Hennessy April , Tempel Trishelle , Kayfetz Karen
Published: March 2022

We present the longest available dataset (by 15 years) of estuarine zooplankton abundance worldwide. Zooplankton have been monitored throughout the upper San Francisco Estuary from 1972 –present due to its status as a central hub of California water delivery and home to commercially important and endangered fishes. We integrated data from five monitoring programs, including over 300 locations, three size-classes of zooplankton targeted with different gears, over 80,000 samples, and over two billion sampled organisms. Over the duration of this dataset, species invasions have driven community turnover, periodic droughts have occurred, and important fishes have declined, likely due in part to reduced food supply from zooplankton. Data from the individual surveys have been used in prior studies on issues related to species invasions, flows, fish diets and population dynamics, zooplankton population dynamics, and community ecology. Our integrated dataset offers unparalleled spatio-temporal scope to address these and other fundamental ecological questions.
The factor structure of the Strength and Difficulties Questionnaire in a national sample of Swedish adolescents: Comparing 3 and 5-factor models
Authors: Karlsson Patrik , Larm Peter , Svensson Johan , Raninen Jonas
Published: March 2022

The Strength and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) is one of the most common screening instruments for emotional and behavioral problems in children and adolescents. Although exploratory factor analyses support the originally proposed 5-factor structure of SDQ as well as a 3-factor model, the evidence from confirmatory factor analyses is more mixed. Some of the difficulties items in SDQ are positively worded and it has been proposed that this leads to method effects, i.e. these items share variance that is due to the method used rather than to a substantive construct. Also, there seems to be minor factors in some subscales. This study tests a series of 3- and 5- factor models pertaining to the factor structure of SDQ, also considering method effects and minor factors. The sample consists of a nationally representative cohort of Swedish adolescents born in 2001 (n = 5549). Results show a relatively better fit of the 5-factor model compared with the 3-factor model although neither of these had a satisfactory fit. Model fit was improved when specifying cross-loadings of the positively worded difficulties items on the prosocial scale as well as minor factors on the hyperactivity scale. Although no model provided a completely satisfactory fit to the data, the results show that the 5-factor model performs better than the 3-factor model and has an acceptable fit. We conclude that for the purposes of epidemiological research, SDQ has acceptable factorial validity, provided that researchers consider method effects and minor factors.
Atlas de otoscopia para estudiantes
Authors: Batuecas-Caletrío Ángel , Santa Cruz Ruiz Santiago , Pardal-Refoyo José Luis
Published: March 2022

La otoscopia es un procedimiento exploratorio fundamental en la práctica médica. No sólo es importante para los otorrinolaringólogos, también lo es para los médicos de atención primaria y para los pediatras. Por ello es necesario adquirir las competencias necesarias para su correcta realización e interpretación. En este atlas de otoscopia se han recogido los conceptos más importantes para tener en cuenta en la realización de una otoscopia, las características de una otoscopia normal y las patologías más frecuentes e importantes. Los resultados esperables con la consulta de este atlas son el mejor aprovechamiento de las prácticas de simulación, así como disponer de una herramienta de consulta en la preparación de la prueba del ECOE (Examen Clínico Objetivo Estructurado).
En este atlas de otoscopia se han recogido los conceptos más importantes a tener en cuenta en la realización de una otoscopia, las características de una otoscopia normal y las patologías más frecuentes e  importantes.
Los resultados esperables con la consulta de este atlas son el mejor aprovechamiento de la prácticas de simulación así como disponer de una herramienta de consulta en la preparación de la prueba del ECOE (Examen Clínico Objetivo Estructurado).
Mixed Infections (Mucormycosis, Actinomycosis and Candidiasis) Leading to Maxillary Osteomyelitis in a Diabetic Mellitus Patient in Post COVID Phase: First Case Report
Authors: Jawanda Manveen Kaur , Narula Ravi , Gupta Sonia , Sharma Vineet , Sidhu Supreet Kaur , Kaur Navneet
Published: March 2022

Background: The second wave of COVID-19 has emerged with the addition of vivid types of oral manifestations. Immunosuppression caused by COVID-19 results in an exacerbation of pre-existing infections. Recently, in the backdrop of COVID-19 expression, a notable rise in the incidence of secondary infections, both fungal and bacterial, have been reported either during the disease or as a post-COVID manifestation. Case presentation: A 70-year-old male diabetic COVID-19 patient reported with a chief complaint of pain in the right side maxillary region for 3 months and the passage of content from the oral cavity into the nose. Intraoral examination revealed missing teeth i.r.t. 12 to 17, denuded mucosa with exposed necrotic bone and an oroantral opening. Sequestrectomy was done and the tissue was sent for histopathological examination which revealed necrotic bone interspersed with broad aseptate fungal hyphae branched at right angles along with actinomycotic colonies and Candidal hyphae in few areas. Based on histopathological findings, a final diagnosis of mixed infections leading to Maxillary Osteomyelitis was given. No recurrence was noticed after 3 months of follow up. Conclusions: The occurrence of oral infections even after the remission period of COVID-19 signifies an alarming sign both for the patient and clinicians monitoring the oral health status during the follow-up period. To our knowledge, this is the first such case (three oral infections as a post covid manifestation in a single diabetic patient) reported in the literature till date.
Dual Fungal Infections (Aspergillosis and Mucormycosis) in a Diabetic Mellitus Patient Leading to Maxillary Sinusitis as a Post-COVID Manifestation: First Case Report
Authors: Jawanda Manveen Kaur , Narula Ravi , Gupta Sonia , Sharma Vineet , Gupta Priya , Kaur Manpreet
Published: March 2022

Coronavirus infectious disease-19 caused by Severe acute respiratory distress syndrome-coronavirus-2 has emerged to be an emergency global health crisis for more than a year. And, as the disease has spread, a number of new clinical features have been observed in these patients. Immunosuppression caused by this disease results in an exacerbation of pre-existing infections. While corticosteroids are considered a life-saving therapeutic intervention for this pandemic, they have proved to be a double-edged sword and their indiscriminate use has produced some deleterious results. Recently, in the backdrop of this expression, a notable rise in invasive fungal infections has been identified even in the post-remission phase. Mucormycosis, Aspergillosis, and Candidiasis are the three most common opportunistic fungal infections among those observed. COVID-19 patients with diabetes mellitus are already at a higher risk of developing such secondary infections due to impaired immunity. Here we present a rare case report of a 50-year old male diabetic mellitus patient diagnosed with dual fungal infections (Aspergillosis along with Mucormycosis) leading to maxillary sinusitis as a post-COVID manifestation. To our knowledge, this is the first such case reported till date.
The rights of Filipino children in armed conflict: reflections on international and national legal frameworks
Authors: Morales Karla Asuncion
Published: March 2022

There is a great amount of international attention directed towards the recruitment and involvement of children in armed conflict. In response to this, Philippine legislators have passed laws to assist and protect these children. However, most of these are not reflective of the reality of children and may even further disadvantage them. This paper explores international and national policies directed towards children in armed conflict through the perspective of children’s rights. It aims to paint a more realistic and rights-oriented approach towards the understanding of children in armed conflict. The importance of this not only rests on the growing amount of international attention directed towards this issue, but more importantly, because doing so promotes efforts in fulfilling the fundamental rights of children.
Extremism in a classroom: topics discussed and Estonian teachers' experiences and self-reflective choices
Authors: Maiberg Heidi , Kilp Alar
Published: March 2022

Violent acts motivated by extreme interpretations of ideologies (right-wing, left-wing, religions, etc.) catch a lot of attention and cause serious deep emotions such as fear, hate, uncertainty, support polarization of society, and stigmatization of certain people, things, and societal groups. However, little attention has been given to how educators have addressed issues of violent radicalisation, extremism and terrorism with their students. According to Vallinkoski et al., 2021 as schools are one of the primary settings where most children spend their time, educators are needed to help children foster these (critical media reading and interpreting skills) skills to support students in understanding the reasons behind and aftermath of extremist events.

This article gives overview of the results of a pilot study focusing on Estonian educators' experiences with discussing and tackling extremism in a classroom. The study examines educators' experiences in discussing topics related to extremism with students and colleagues and an overview of topics that students have raised. It also answers whether educators self-censorship themselves in discussing topics related to extremism and if so, what are the reasons for doing that. The study's questionnaire is created based on a similar study conducted in Finland by Vallinkoski, Koirikivi and Malkki (2021) with the permission of the authors and with adaptions for the Estonian context. The study results show that Estonian teachers discuss the extremism-related context in classroom by their and students' initiative. While doing it, they face difficulties in defining 'extremism', understanding how to interpret the students reactions and ideas, and when to contact further counterparts.
Bangla and the identity of the heritage language teacher
Authors: Afreen Asma , Norton Bonny
Published: March 2022

Research on language teacher identity in the field of heritage language (HL) teaching has received little attention, although identity is a central concern in HL education. Our research seeks to address this gap in the research on language teacher identity. Drawing on the Darvin and Norton’s (2015) conceptual framework of identity and investment, we investigate the extent to which Bangla HL teachers are invested in teaching Bangla, and how their investment provides insight into their identity as heritage language teachers. The study was conducted at the community-based Vancouver Bangla School, and the data, which focuses on our focal participant, Mili, were drawn from a year-long qualitative case study. Data sources include participant classroom observations, field notes, interview transcripts, a questionnaire, and educational resources used in the class, which were analyzed using thematic analysis. Findings indicate that Mili’s investment in teaching Bangla was deeply rooted in her ideological belief in the importance of HL maintenance for cultural continuity. However, she was also interested in the transcultural relationship between Bangla and English, and between Bangladeshi culture and Canadian culture. Her investment in teaching Bangla as a heritage language suggests that an HL teacher may serve as a cultural mentor, collaborator, innovator, and active community member. As a member of both the Canadian and Bangladeshi cultural community, she valued students’ Canadian cultural practices and helped students in negotiating their new transcultural identities as Bangladeshi-Canadians. Our study suggests that the identity of the HL teacher could be expressed as a transcultural identity that resists binaries and embraces hybridity.
Crescent shaped slot loaded antenna sensor with tri-band notched for cancer detection
Authors: Thakur Shivkant , Mishra Rajan , Soni Sanjay Kumar , Rao Praveen Kumar
Published: March 2022

In this work, a unique tri-band notch and multiband UWB antenna sensor has been designed for microwave sensing system to find out the cancerous tissues. The crescent shaped slot loaded antenna has been designed to avoid interferences between the antennas in UWB ranges. Using notches, the antenna sensitivity increases for detection. The proposed method has been verified through simulation and validated using measurements. S11 plot of the proposed antenna shows three notches at 3 GHz, 4.75 GHz and 7.25 GHz. It also shows four bands and omnidirectional radiation pattern over the UWB frequency range. Ground plane has been chosen to be hexagonal to achieve fourth band. I-shaped and U-shaped parasitics improve the antenna performance in third band. Crescent shaped and C-shaped slots improve the performance of first and second band of the antenna respectively. Additionally, phantom without tumors and with single and multiple tumors are fabricated. S-parameter analysis is a better approach to detect the cancerous tissues in the breast. Concept of principal component analysis of statistical machine learning has also been used to distinguish S-parameter of normal breast phantom from malignant breast phantom.
Comparative constructions in Tafi
Authors: Bobuafor Mercy
Published: March 2022

This paper describes the constructions and strategies available in Tafi, a KA-Ghana-Togo-Mountain language, for indicating relations of similarity, equality or superiority among two or more entities or events with respect to a property. Drawing on typological studies of comparison, I demonstrate that Tafi’s dedicated comparative constructions, that is, equivalents of English sentences likeThe pig is more dirty than the duckinvolve serial verb construction (SVC) subtypes. For superiority, theparameter(or property, ‘dirty’) of the comparison is expressed by the V1 in the SVC while V2 is the ‘exceed’ verb. For equality, theparameteris the V1 and the V2 is the ‘be.equal’ verb. The V2s in these SVCs co-lexicalise both themark(e.g. ‘than’) andindex(e.g. ‘more’) of the comparison. The paper discusses the contact-driven influences from areal grammar and from Ewe, the dominant lingua franca for Tafi speakers, on the linguistic expression of comparison. The ‘exceed’ comparative structure found in African languages has been attributed to areal grammaticalisation. I further argue that the operator verbsɔ/sɔ̃‘be.equal’ in the Tafi equality SVC is borrowed from Ewe. Similarity constructions involve the semblativenâsí. Similarity is also signalled through the verbyi‘resemble’. I also explore the ordinal verbbhusó‘do.first’ as a lexical comparative. Furthermore, I argue that Tafi, like many other Kwa languages, does not formally code a superlative. Superlative readings are inferred from the context and from non-dedicated linguistic indicators such as intensifiers.
Pure Synthesis and the Principle of the Synthetic Unity of Apperception
Authors: Gentry Gerad
Published: March 2022

Kant calls the Principle of the Synthetic Unity of Apperception (PSUA) the “highest point” to which we “must affix all use of the understanding, even the whole of logic and, after it, transcendental philosophy.” In this article, I offer an original interpretation of this “supreme principle.” My argument is twofold. First, I argue that the common identification of this principle with the “I think” or even the form of the I think misses the basis on which this principle is capable of grounding Kant’s transcendental deduction. It must be understood as a purely formal, transcendental principle. Second, I argue that this highest principle must be understood (in part) as a purely formal principle of pure synthesis in order for Kant’s account of the mind to lay valid claim to such spontaneity (the freedom of theoretical cognition operative through synthesis) without invoking the very dogmatic idealism that he critiques. The reduction of this principle to the real I think, or even to the Transcendental Unity of Apperception (TUA), undermines the basic distinction on which Kant’s deduction depends. I pay particular attention to important, recent arguments from Longuenesse (2017) on the TUA, Williams (2017) on the Original Unity of Apperception, Allison (2004) and Pollok (2017) on the status of a priori principles, and McLear (2015) on the claim that unity necessarily presupposes synthesis.
Migration of iodine-129 and iodine-127 in soils
Authors: Ernst T. , Szidat S. , Handl J. , Jakob D. , Michel R. , Schnabel Ch. , Synal H.-A. , Santos Arevalo F. J. , Benne I. , Boess J. , Gehrt E. , Capelle A. , Schneider J. , Schäfer W. , Böttcher J.
Published: March 2022

To draw the balance of anthropogenic 129I input into European soils, the concentrations of 129I and 127I in seven soils from Lower Saxony were analyzed down to a depth of 250 cm. In comparison with pre-nuclear soils and Ukrainian soils, we detected a significant anthropogenic input of 129I. Considering the different time periods for the input of 129I and 127I it was possible to assess the dynamics of sorption processes which dominate migration and accumulation. Anthropogenic 129I was successfully used as a tracer for a clarification of the migration processes of trace elements in soils.
The response of various neutron dose meters considering the application at a high energy particle accelerator
Authors: Gutermuth F. , Radon T. , Fehrenbacher G. , Festag J. G.
Published: March 2022

The applicability of several neutron detectors for dose measurements at a neutron field typical for high energy particle accelerators is investigated. The response of four commercially available active neutron dose meters and two passive detectors to neutrons from a 241Am-Be(α,n) source and to neutrons at the CERN EU high energy reference field was determined experimentally and simulated using the Monte-Carlo code FLUKA. Fluence response functions and dose responses for the different detectors were calculated in the energy range between 1 keV and 10 GeV. The results show that the dose response to the high energy neutron field at CERN of the conventional rem-counters is lower by a factor of 2 to 2.5 if compared to the dose response to a 241Am-Be(α,n) neutron source. The rem-counters exhibiting an additional layer of lead inside the moderating structure showed dose readings which differ only up to 25 %. A thermoluminescent based neutron detector was tested for comparison. These passive detectors revealed a neutron response similar to a rem-counter and may be preferable for situations with highly pulsed beams.
Work Performance Self-Efficacy of Pakistani University Librarians
Authors: Rafique Ghulam Murtaza , Jutt Rizwana , Idrees Haroon
Published: March 2022

This research aims to investigate the work performance self-efficacy of university librarians using a cross-sectional survey method. The data were collected from currently working 200 university librarians at Higher Education Commission (HEC) recognized public and private sector universities in Punjab, Pakistan by adopting a validated and reliable questionnaire. Survey results indicate that university librarians focus on work goals and are therefore able to meet deadlines through planning and time management. They make efforts to update knowledge and skills pertaining to their job by actively participating in meetings and social gatherings. They are not harmful to their respective institutes and avoid sharing any negative aspect with other colleagues. A relationship is found between task and contextual performance, whereas there is no significant association between counterproductive work behavior and task performance. No correlation is observed between work performance self-efficacy and type of organization (public vs. private) in which university librarians are currently working. Furthermore, designations of the study participants do not affect their work performance self-efficacy, however, gender, age, and experience appear to be the predictors of job performance self-efficacy. These findings provide a pragmatic insight into work performance self-efficacy of university librarians that can be used as a guide in developing cohesive and useful directions for a need-based performance development training program.
Bonding analysis of the C2precursor Me3E–C2–I(Ph)FBF3(E = C, Si, Ge)
Authors: Gorantla Sai Manoj N. V. T. , Pan Sudip , Chandra Mondal Kartik , Frenking Gernot
Published: March 2022

A series of possible precursors for generating C2with the general formula Me3E–C2–I(Ph)FBF3[E = C (1), Si (2), and Ge (3)] has been theoretically investigated using quantum chemical calculations. The equilibrium geometries of all species show a linear E–C2–I+backbone. The inspection of the electronic structure of the Me3E–C2bond by energy decomposition analysis coupled with the natural orbital for chemical valence (EDA-NOCV) method suggests a combination of electron sharing C–Cσ-bond and v weakπ-dative bond between Me3C and C2fragments in the doublet state for species1(E = C). For species2(Si) and3(Ge), the analysis revealsσ-dative Me3E–C2bonds (E = Si, Ge; Me3E←C2) resulting from the interaction of singly charged (Me3E)+and (C2–IPh(BF4))−fragments in their singlet states. The C2–I bond is diagnosed as an electron sharingσ-bond in all three species,1,2and3.
Determination of degree of ethoxylation of fatty alcohol ethoxylates by FTIR/ATR spectroscopy and multivalibrate calibration
Authors: Figueira Garcia Marcelo Hilario
Published: March 2022

The aim of the present work is to develop a fast and simple methodology of analysis of the degree of ethoxylation (ethylene oxide content – EO) of linear C12–C15 fatty alcohol ethoxylates using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy with attenuated total reflectance accessory. The spectra were recorded in the range of 2000 cm−1to 600 cm−1, with 64 scans and a resolution of 4 cm−1. The calibration of a linear model using the partial least square regression method applied to the spectral data allowed determination of the ethylene oxide content of the samples. The regression coefficient obtained for the model wasR2 = 0.9948 and the precision of the model was 0.014. The methodology is an important tool for quality control of non-ionic surfactants used in manufacturing of a broad range of final products in the chemical industry.
„Unsere Aufgabe ist es nur gerecht zu sein“
Authors: Trächtler Jasmin
Published: March 2022

“Our task is merely to be just”: Courtroom Scenarios in Wittgenstein’s Last Writings. As is well known, it was a Parisian court trial that inspired Wittgenstein to write his picture theory of language in the Tractatus logico-philosophicus – but less well known or at least far less reflected, are the courtroom scenarios he himself invented in his last writings, that is the writings dating from 1947 to 1951. There, Wittgenstein repeatedly sketches court proceedings by means of which he challenges the validity of certain statements and modes of expression in the manner of a thought experiment, so it seems as if the courtroom serves to check and rebuke those misleading modes of expression that distort the ordinary use of language and to which we repeatedly let ourselves be tempted when philosophising.

In the following, I will trace the role of these courtroom scenarios in Wittgenstein’s last writings and suggest that they primarily fulfil the methodological function of a touchstone for certain philosophical modes of expression and misleading images, and in this way help to survey the actual use of language. After a brief overview of the occurrences of courtroom scenarios in Wittgenstein’s Nachlass, I will take a closer look at some of these courtroom remarks in his later writings with regard to the modes of expression and misleading images problematised by Wittgenstein: these include the importance of inner processes, the ‘picture of the hidden inner’ as well as Moorean knowledge assertions and ‘unreasonable’ doubts. Based on this, I will finally elaborate on the methodological function of Wittgenstein’s courtroom scenarios.
Establishment and metabonomics analysis of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease model in golden hamster
Authors: Zhao Cui-Zhu , Jiang Lin , Li Wen-Yan , Wu Guang , Chen Jie , Dong Li-Hua , Li Min , Jiang Wei , Zhu Ji-Xiao , Gao Yan-Ping , Ma Qin-Ge , Zhong Guo-Yue , Wei Rong-Rui
Published: March 2022

The aim is to establish a model of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) caused by feeding with high-fat, high-fructose, and high-cholesterol diet (HFFCD) in golden hamsters, and to investigate the characteristics of the NAFLD model and metabolite changes of liver tissue. Golden hamsters were fed HFFCD or control diets for six weeks. Body weight, abdominal fat index, and liver index was assessed, serum parameters, hepatic histology, and liver metabolites were examined. The results showed that body weight, abdominal fat, and liver index of hamsters were significantly increased in the model group, the level of serum total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), and low density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C) were significantly increased in model group as well, and high density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C) was significantly decreased. In addition, lipid deposition in liver tissue formed fat vacuoles of different sizes. Metabonomics analysis of the liver showed that the metabolic pathways of sphingolipid, glycerophospholipids, and arginine biosynthesis were disordered in the NAFLD model. The modeling method is simple, short time, and uniform. It can simulate the early fatty liver caused by common dietary factors, and provides an ideal model for the study of the initial pathogenesis and therapeutic drugs for NAFLD.
Succeeding CORONA: declassified HEXAGON intelligence imagery for archaeological and historical research
Authors: Hammer Emily , FitzPatrick Mackinley , Ur Jason
Published: March 2022

Over the past 25 years, CORONA satellite imagery has become an integral part of archaeological research, especially for arid, sparsely vegetated regions such as the Middle East. Since 2020, a new archive of satellite imagery gathered by the US spy satellite programme that succeeded CORONA—HEXAGON—has become widely available for download via the United States Geological Survey. This photographic archive has enormous potential for archaeological research. Here, the authors seek to lower the barriers to accessing and using this imagery by detailing the background, technical specifications and history of the HEXAGON archive. Four case studies illustrate the benefits and limitations of HEXAGON imagery for archaeological and historical research in the Middle East and beyond.
On the phenology and seeding potential of sea-ice microalgal species
Authors: van Leeuwe Maria A. , Fenton Mairi , Davey Emily , Rintala Janne-Markus , Jones Elizabeth M. , Meredith Michael P. , Stefels Jacqueline
Published: March 2022

Sea ice is an important habitat for a wide variety of microalgal species. Depending on the species composition, sea ice can be a seeding source for pelagic phytoplankton blooms after ice melt in spring. Sea-ice algal communities were studied over 2 full winter seasons in 2014 and 2016 at Rothera Research Station, situated at the Western Antarctic Peninsula (WAP). Algal pigment patterns and microscopic observations were combined with photophysiological studies based on fluorescence analyses to monitor and explain the phenology of ice-algal species. Clear patterns in species succession were identified. Young sea ice contained a mixture of algal species including dinoflagellates, cryptophytes and diatoms like Chaetoceros spp. and Fragillariopsis spp. In winter, severe environmental conditions resulted in a decline in species diversity and selection towards heterotrophy. Pennate diatoms like Amphiprora kufferathii and Berkeleya adeliensis were the first to dominate the nutrient-enriched bottom-ice layers in early spring. The bottom communities exhibited a remarkably stable value for the photoadaptation parameter, Ek, of circa 25 µmol photons m–2 s–1. Whereas pennate diatoms were most abundant in spring ice, the initial seeding event linked to ice melt was associated with flagellate species. Haptophyte species like Phaeocystis antarctica and prymnesiophytes like Pyramimonas spp. best sustained the transition from sea ice to seawater. Comparison with previous studies shows that the seeding patterns observed in Ryder Bay were characteristic over the wider sea-ice domain, Arctic and Antarctic. Over the course of this century, the WAP is predicted to experience continuing thinning and decline in sea-ice cover. For the near future, we expect that especially microalgal communities of haptophytes and chlorophytes will benefit from the changes, with yet unknown implications for carbon fluxes and higher trophic levels.
EFFICIENCY OF STEAM GENERATORS AT NUCLEAR POWER PLANTS
Authors:   Odessа Polytechnic State University, Kovalchuk V. , Kozlov I. ,   Odessа Polytechnic State University, Dorozh O. ,   Odessа Polytechnic State University, Machkov A. ,   Odessа Polytechnic State University
Published: March 2022

The possibility of a comprehensive assessment of steam generators efficiency at nuclear power plants with water-water reactors, based on the indicator of OEE (overall equipment effectiveness) is considered. It is proposed to consider efficiency as the probability of functioning from the standpoint of availability, performance and product quality.The aim of the work is to evaluate the possibility of using the OEE indicator to analyze the efficiency of NPP steam generators in complex conditions: reactor − steam generator − turbine. Achieving this goal will provide a comprehensive indicator of monitoring the efficiency of steam generating systems and have a tool for systematic monitoring of steam generators. To assess the organizational and environmental efficiency of the organizational structure, individual, group and integrated indicators are proposed, which reflect the share or decrease of the absolute indicator in the system compared to the baseline. The study is based on the analysis of long-term performance of units with steam generators PG-1000, which are comparable. It is shown that the main element of the steam generation system, which determines its efficiency, is the heat generating source. The contribution to the efficiency of all aspects of operation is estimated. It is shown that the efficiency index of OEE allows to characterize the efficiency of steam generators operation at nuclear power plants with water-water reactors, and can be used to monitor and control the process of their operation. In result of research, it is defined that steam generator efficiency increases in process of achievement of the maximum value of its productivity.
HIGH-PRECISION REMOTE TEMPERATURE MEASUREMENT METHOD
Authors:   Odessа Polytechnic State University, Oborskyi G. , Morgun B. ,   Odessа Polytechnic State University, Levynskyi O. ,   Odessа Polytechnic State University, Prokopovych I. ,   Odessа Polytechnic State University, Morgun J. ,   Odessа Polytechnic State University, Golofeyeva M. ,   Odessа Polytechnic State University
Published: March 2022

The article considers the issues of improving the accuracy of temperature measurement with the help of infrared devices. A new method of remote measurement of body temperature by infrared devices, developed and patented by the authors, is described, in which a reference sensor in the form of a thin plate with a high coefficient of thermal conductivity is applied to the measuring surface. The method eliminates the main problems and factors that affect the accuracy of measurement. This is the coefficient of radiation of the surface of the research object, its physical condition, the presence of contamination of the surface of a solid body and, thus, allows you quickly and accurately measure the surface temperature of any body. The method also allows measuring the temperature of the gaseous medium by inserting a sensor into the area of contact with the measuring object in the form of a reference thin plate for heating, unlike all known methods of remote temperature measurement by infrared devices. To measure the temperature field of the gas flow, the sensor is inserted at an angle into the measurement area so that the infrared radiation is directed perpendicular to the receiving element of the pyrometer. The results of measurements of the surface temperature of various bodies in the process of their heating in comparison with existing methods are given. Possible errors that occur during the thermal inspection of the object and significantly affect the measurement results are considered. The presence of sufficient accuracy of the method allows its application within the automatic process control system. The use of the device based on the proposed method in the automatic process control system for measuring the integrated parameters of thermal processes by processing infrared fluxes from the surface of products and its integration into a separate link in the overall automated control system. The possibility of using the proposed method of measuring the temperature in the ACS technological processes is shown.
Risk factors for second primary malignancies following thyroid cancer: a nationwide cohort study
Authors: Kim Mijin , Kim Hyereen , Park Sojeong , Joo Jaeeun , Kim In Ju , Kim Bo Hyun
Published: March 2022

Objective

Thyroid cancer survivors have a high risk of second primary malignancies (SPMs). We aimed to evaluate the site-specific incidence, prognosis, and risk factors for metachronous SPMs following thyroid cancer.

Design

A nationwide cohort study.

Methods

This study included data from the Korea National Health Insurance Service (between 2002 and 2018). Exposure to diagnostic radiation was defined by the number of computed tomography (CT) and positron emission tomography-CT scans after the index date. A cumulative radioactive iodine (RAI) dose >100 mCi was considered high-dose RAI.

Results

During the median 6 years of follow-up, among 291 640 patients, 13 083 (4.5%) developed SPMs. Thyroid cancer survivors had a 26% increased risk of SPMs compared with the general population (standardized incidence ratio: 1.26; 95% CI: 1.22–1.29). Furthermore, those with SPMs had a significantly poorer survival rate than those without SPMs (hazard ratio: 11.85; 95% CI: 11.21–12.54; P  < 0.001). Significantly elevated risks were observed in myeloid leukemia and 13 solid cancer sites: lip, salivary gland, small intestine, larynx, lung, mediastinum and pleura, mesothelium, breast, corpus uteri, ovary, prostate, kidney, and bladder. Frequent diagnostic medical radiation exposure and high-dose RAI therapy were independent risk factors for several SPMs, including the cancer of salivary gland, lung, mediastinum and pleura, breast, kidney, and bladder, as well as myeloid leukemia.

Conclusions

Frequent diagnostic radiation exposure and high-dose RAI therapy are independent risk factors for SPM following thyroid cancer. Clinicians need to consider minimizing unnecessary diagnostic radiation exposure and administering a high dose RAI only when justified in patients with thyroid cancer.
Conocimiento materno sobre alimentación saludable y estado nutricional en niños preescolares
Authors: Tarazona Rueda Gianella Del Pilar
Published: March 2022

Introducción. La nutrición infantil se basa plenamente en la competencia de los padres, por ende, su conocimiento es de vital importancia para la preparación correcta y balanceada de los alimentos que le brindan sus niños. Objetivo. Determinar si existe relación entre conocimiento materno sobre alimentación saludable y estado nutricional en niños preescolares de una institución educativa de Lima Metropolitana, 2019. Métodos. Investigación observacional, analítica, correlacional y prospectiva, con una muestra de 132 madres de niños preescolares. Se realizó análisis de correlación de Spearman. Resultados. El 47% de madres evidenciaron buen nivel de conocimientos sobre alimentación saludable. Entre los niños de 3 a 5 años, el 94,4% presentó peso para la edad (P/E) normal, el 88,2% peso para la talla (P/T) normal y el 94,4% talla para la edad (T/E) normal. Además, existió correlación significativa inversa débil entre el nivel de conocimientos y el P/E (p=0,015, Rho= -0,327), al igual que con el P/T (p=0,003, Rho= -0,397). Entre los niños mayores a 5 años, el 92,3% evidenció T/E normal y el 56,4% presentó IMC para la edad (IMC/E) normal; además, existió correlación significativa directa débil entre el nivel de conocimientos y la T/E (p=0,025, Rho= 0,253), y correlación significativa inversa débil con el IMC/E (p=0,016, Rho=-0,273). Conclusión. El nivel de conocimiento materno sobre alimentación saludable presentó relación significativa e inversa con el P/E y P/T en niños de 3 a 5 años, y con el IMC/E en niños mayores de 5 años, además relación directa con la T/E en niños mayores de 5 años.
Experiencia del Complejo Hospitalario San Pablo (Perú) en la implementación de un sistema de historias clínicas electrónicas
Authors: Huapaya-Huertas Oscar , Palomino-Rojas Josselin , Calle-Texeira Carlos , Alvarez-Huiman Gabriel , Montesinos-Segura Renee , Taype-Rondan Alvaro
Published: March 2022

En Perú, la mayoría de establecimientos de salud, tanto públicos como privados aún se gestionan con formatos de historias clínicas en papel. La migración al sistema de información de historias clínicas electrónicas (SIHCE) es un gran reto en múltiples aspectos. El Complejo Hospitalario San Pablo (CHSP) está conformado por once establecimientos de salud distribuidos en cuatro departamentos del Perú. En el presente artículo relatamos el proceso de implementación del SIHCE en el CHSP mediante el circuito del software, para el cual se siguieron los siguientes pasos: 1) Decisión de implementar un sistema de HCE, 2) Constitución del comité, 3) Benchmarking y evaluación del proveedor, 4) Plan de implementación, 5) Reuniones de coordinación, 6) Pruebas, 7) Capacitaciones, 8) Go Live, y 9) Implementación por réplica. Asimismo, reflexionamos sobre las lecciones aprendidas durante este proceso, las cuales giran en torno a dos ángulos: gestión frente al cambio y modificaciones en los procesos. La experiencia presentada en el presente artículo podría ser de utilidad para otras instituciones prestadoras de salud que deseen o esten en proceso de implementar un SIHCE en un contexto similar al nuestro.