bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Enhancement of TiO2 activity under visible light by N,S codoping for Pb(II) removal from water
Authors: Wahyuni Endang Tri , Pratama Nanda Alzeta , Lestari Novianti Dwi , Suherman Suherman
Published: January 2022

This paper deals with a systematic study on the co-doping N,S on TiO2 photocatalyst to improve its activity under visible light on the removal of Pb(II) from the aqueous media. The co-doping TiO2 by N,S atoms was conducted in an autoclave by one-step hydrothermal of TiO2 mixed with nitric and sulfuric acids as the sources of N and S, respectively. The mole ratio of TiO2:nitric acid:sulfuric acid was varied as 1:1:0.5, 1:1:1, and 1:1:1.5 to find the best ratio toward the activity. The co-doped photocatalysts obtained were characterized by specular reflectance UV/Vis (SRUV), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and fourier transform infrared (FTIR) instruments. A batch experiment was carried out for oxidation of Pb(II), driven by a combination of visible light and TiO2-N,S photocatalyst. The research results attribute that co-doping N,S into TiO2 has remarkably narrowed the gap in the TiO2 structure, emerging in the visible region. It was also proven that the co-doped in TiO2 can considerably enhance its activity in the removal of Pb(II) under visible light, and the highest activity was owned by TiO2-N,S (1:1:1). Furthermore, the most effective removal of Pb(II) 10 mg/L (98%) could be reached by employing 500 mg L-1 of the TiO2-N,S (1:1:1) dose, 45 min of the time, and the solution pH at 7. The Pb(II) removed is due to the photo-oxidation induced by OH radicals to form the handleable PbO2.
Differences in mental health problems, coping self-efficacy and social support between adults victimised before and adults victimised after the COVID-19 outbreak: population-based prospective study
Authors: van der Velden Peter G. , Contino Carlo , Das Marcel , Leenen Joost , Wittmann Lutz
Published: January 2022

Background

Victims of violence, accidents and threats are at risk for mental health problems. Lower coping self-efficacy and social support levels increase this risk. Although highly relevant, it is unknown if the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic amplifies these risks.

Aims

To examine if the prevalence, incidence and/or mean scores for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety and depression symptoms, general mental health problems, coping self-efficacy, lack of emotional support and social acknowledgement are higher among adults victimised in the year after the COVID-19 outbreak compared with adults victimised in a similar period before the outbreak. Also, to compare symptoms, problems and support within non-victims during the same period.

Method

Data was extracted from four surveys of the VICTIMS study (March 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021), based on a random sample of the Dutch population. Multivariate logistic regression analyses and mixed-effects models were used to examine differences between the two victim groups (2019: n = 421, 2021: n = 319) and non-victims (n = 3245).

Results

Adults victimised after the outbreak more often had PTSD, anxiety and depression symptoms, general mental health problems and lower coping self-efficacy than those victimised before. They did not differ in lack of support and acknowledgement. Both victim groups differed from non-victims, where mental health problems and lack of support levels were much lower and almost stable.

Conclusions

The COVID-19 pandemic had a negative impact on the mental health and coping self-efficacy levels of victims, whereas mental health problems among non-victims remained virtually stable. Mental healthcare workers, general practitioners and victim services should take this impact into account.
First Extensive Analysis of 18F-Labeled Fluorodeoxyglucose Positron Emission Tomography–Computed Tomography in a Large Cohort of Patients With HIV-Associated Hodgkin Lymphoma: Baseline Total Metabolic Tumor Volume Affects Prognosis
Authors: Louarn Nicolas , Galicier Lionel , Bertinchamp Rémi , Lussato David , Montravers Françoise , Oksenhendler Éric , Merlet Pascal , Gérard Laurence , Vercellino Laetitia
Published: January 2022

PURPOSE

18F-labeled fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography with computed tomography (18F-FDG PET-CT) data in HIV-associated Hodgkin lymphoma (HIV-HL) are scarcely reported. In addition to the description of the characteristics of both baseline and interim 18F-FDG PET-CT examinations (PET1 and iPET, respectively), the aim of this study was to assess the prognostic value of PET1 and previously identified clinical parameters in this population.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

PET1 of 109 patients with HIV-HL, treated with doxorubicin, bleomycin, vinblastine, and dacarbazine chemotherapy regimen since 2007, and 104 iPET were centrally reviewed. All the patients were enrolled in an ongoing prospective single-center cohort of HIV-associated lymphoma.

RESULTS

Most patients had a disseminated disease according to the Ann Arbor classification (30% stage III and 43% stage IV), with especially bone marrow and liver as extranodal localizations. After a median follow-up of 6.7 years, 12 patients relapsed (11%) and 13 died (12%). Five-year progression-free survival (PFS) was 75.1%, and 5-year overall survival was 86.1%. Median total metabolic tumor volume (TMTV) was 121.4 cm3. The optimal TMTV cutoff identified for prognostic analysis was 527 cm3, with a 2-year PFS of 71% in the 20 patients with TMTV > 527 cm3, compared with 91% in the 89 patients with TMTV ≤ 527 cm3 ( P = .004). On multivariate analysis, a high TMTV was the only parameter independently associated with PFS.

CONCLUSION

In this large series of HIV-HL patients with a homogeneous management, high TMTV on PET1 examination was associated with a poor prognosis.
State Homophobia, Sexual Politics, and Queering the Boğaziçi Resistance
Authors: Özbay Cenk
Published: January 2022

In the midst of the Boğaziçi resistance against the top-down appointment of the new rector, a form of resistance to state homophobia emerges and resonates with the changing dynamics of sexual politics in Turkey. Following President Erdogan’s demonization of LGBTI+ students as terrorists, police raided their on-campus office and confiscated rainbow flags as what they called evidence of an assumed connection to terrorist activities. This essay examines the process through which the LGBTI+ students at Boğaziçi University epitomize the recent queering of sexualities in Turkey with their destabilizing and nonbinary gender/sexual identities, political struggles against heteronormativity and homonormativity, and recalcitrant demands for creating safe public spaces of performative, intimate, and challenging visibility. State homophobia manifest itself as a response to the students’ demands and to the institutional culture that enables the making of a queer public through activism and resistance.
Social Uprising, Racism, and Resistance in Cali’s National Strike
Authors: Lozano Lerma Betty Ruth
Published: January 2022

To understand the social uprising that occurred in Colombia starting on the day of the national strike, April 28, 2021, particularly in the city of Santiago de Cali, this article examines three postulates: (1) Cali is an ethnicized/racialized and young city; (2) Colombia has one of the highest rates of extreme poverty, inequality, and violence on the continent; (3) being both Black and poor is not exactly a coincidence. Although there are many reasons behind the protests in Colombia, this article focuses on the structural and everyday expressions of racism that lead to a multiplicity of oppressions that fall on the bodies of racialized men and women in a city with an intensely racist imaginary. In the strike, these people, young people without a future, said enough is enough and strengthened their dignity through struggle.
Computational anatomy and geometric shape analysis enables analysis of complex craniofacial phenotypes in zebrafish
Authors: Diamond Kelly M. , Rolfe Sara M. , Kwon Ronald Y. , Maga A. Murat
Published: January 2022

Due to the complexity of fish skulls, previous attempts to classify craniofacial phenotypes have relied on qualitative features or sparce 2D landmarks. In this work we aim to identify previously unknown 3D craniofacial phenotypes with a semiautomated pipeline in adult zebrafish mutants. We first estimate a synthetic ‘normative’ zebrafish template using MicroCT scans from a sample pool of wild-type animals using the Advanced Normalization Tools (ANTs). We apply a computational anatomy (CA) approach to quantify the phenotype of zebrafish with disruptions in bmp1a, a gene implicated in later skeletal development and whose human ortholog when disrupted is associated with Osteogenesis Imperfecta. Compared to controls, the bmp1a fish have larger otoliths, larger normalized centroid sizes, and exhibit shape differences concentrated around the operculum, anterior frontal, and posterior parietal bones. Moreover, bmp1a fish differ in the degree of asymmetry. Our CA approach offers a potential pipeline for high-throughput screening of complex fish craniofacial shape to discover novel phenotypes for which traditional landmarks are too sparce to detect. The current pipeline successfully identifies areas of variation in zebrafish mutants, which are an important model system for testing genome to phenome relationships in the study of development, evolution, and human diseases.

This article has an associated First Person interview with the first author of the paper.
Construction of a human hTERT RPE-1 cell line with inducible Cre for editing of endogenous genes
Authors: Hindul Naushin L. , Jhita Amarjot , Oprea Daiana G. , Hussain Tasnim Alamgir , Gonchar Oksana , Campillo Miguel Angel Muro , O'Regan Laura , Kanemaki Masato T. , Fry Andrew M. , Hirota Kouji , Tanaka Kayoko
Published: January 2022

The human retinal pigment epithelial RPE-1 cell line immortalized with hTERT retains a stable karyotype with a modal chromosome number of 46 and has been widely used to study physiological events in human cell culture systems. To facilitate inducible knock-out or knock-in experiments in this cell line, we have modified the AAVS1 locus to harbour a DNA fragment encoding ERT2-Cre-ERT2 fusion protein under regulation of a Tet-On expression system. In the generated cell line, active Cre recombinase was induced by simple addition of doxycycline and tamoxifen to the culture medium. As proof of concept, we successfully introduced an oncogenic point mutation to the endogenous KRAS gene locus of this cell line. The cell line will serve as a powerful tool to conduct functional analyses of human genes.
IL7Rα, but not Flk2, is required for hematopoietic stem cell reconstitution of tissue-resident lymphoid cells
Authors: Worthington Atesh K. , Cool Taylor , Poscablo Donna M. , Hussaini Adeel , Beaudin Anna E. , Forsberg E. Camilla
Published: January 2022

Tissue-resident lymphoid cells (TLCs) span the spectrum of innate-to-adaptive immune function. Unlike traditional, circulating lymphocytes that are continuously generated from hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs), many TLCs are of fetal origin and poorly generated from adult HSCs. Here, we sought to further understand murine TLC development and the roles of Flk2 and IL7Rα, two cytokine receptors with known function in traditional lymphopoiesis. Using Flk2- and Il7r-Cre lineage tracing, we found that peritoneal B1a cells, splenic marginal zone B (MZB) cells, lung ILC2s and regulatory T cells (Tregs) were highly labeled. Despite high labeling, loss of Flk2 minimally affected the generation of these cells. In contrast, loss of IL7Rα, or combined deletion of Flk2 and IL7Rα, dramatically reduced the number of B1a cells, MZBs, ILC2s and Tregs, both in situ and upon transplantation, indicating an intrinsic and essential role for IL7Rα. Surprisingly, reciprocal transplants of wild-type HSCs showed that an IL7Rα−/− environment selectively impaired reconstitution of TLCs when compared with TLC numbers in situ. Taken together, our data defined Flk2- and IL7Rα-positive TLC differentiation paths, and revealed functional roles of Flk2 and IL7Rα in TLC establishment.
ADAR1 inhibits adipogenesis and obesity by interacting with Dicer to promote the maturation of miR-155-5P
Authors: Yu Zuying , Luo Ruijie , Li Yutian , Li Xiaoguang , Yang Zhengrui , Peng Jiangtong , Huang Kai
Published: January 2022

Adipogenesis is closely related to various metabolic diseases, such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases and cancer. This cellular process is highly dependent on the expression and sequential activation of a diverse group of transcription factors. Here, we report that ADAR1 (also known as ADAR) could inhibit adipogenesis through binding with Dicer (also known as DICER1), resulting in enhanced production of miR-155-5p, which downregulates the adipogenic early transcription factor C/EBPβ. Consequently, the expression levels of late-stage adipogenic transcription factors (C/EBPα and PPARγ) are reduced and adipogenesis is inhibited. More importantly, in vivo studies reveal that overexpression of ADAR1 suppresses white adipose tissue expansion in high fat diet-induced obese mice, leading to improved metabolic phenotypes, such as insulin sensitivity and glucose tolerance.
Individual variation in natural or manipulated corticosterone does not covary with circulating glucose in a wild bird
Authors: Taff Conor C. , Zimmer Cedric , Ryan Thomas A. , van Oordt David Chang , Aborn David A. , Ardia Daniel R. , Johnson L. Scott , Rose Alexandra P. , Vitousek Maren N.
Published: January 2022

Animals respond to sudden challenges with a coordinated set of physiological and behavioral responses that enhance the ability to cope with stressors. While general characteristics of the vertebrate stress response are well described, it is not as clear how individual components covary between or within individuals. A rapid increase in glucocorticoids coordinates the stress response and one of the primary downstream results is an increase in glucose availability via reduced glucose utilization. Here, we asked whether between- and within-individual variation in corticosterone directly predict variation in glucose. We collected 2673 paired glucose and corticosterone measures from 776 tree swallows (Tachycineta bicolor) from four populations spanning the species range. In adults, glucose and corticosterone both increased during a standardized restraint protocol in all four populations. Moreover, in one population experimentally increasing a precursor that stimulates corticosterone release resulted in a further increase in both measures. In contrast, nestlings did not show a robust glucose response to handling or manipulation. Despite this group-level variation, there was very little evidence in any population that between-individual variation in corticosterone predicted between-individual variation in glucose regulation. Glucose was moderately repeatable within individuals, but within-individual variation in glucose and corticosterone were unrelated. Our results highlight the fact that a strong response in one aspect of the coordinated acute stress response (corticosterone) does not necessarily indicate that specific downstream components, such as glucose, will show similarly strong responses. These results have implications for understanding the evolution of integrated stress response systems.
Linking Gait Biomechanics and Daily Steps After ACL Reconstruction
Authors: LISEE CAROLINE , DAVIS-WILSON HOPE C. , EVANS-PICKETT ALYSSA , HORTON W. ZACHARY , BLACKBURN J. TROY , FRANZ JASON R. , THOMA LOUISE M. , SPANG JEFFREY T. , PIETROSIMONE BRIAN G.
Published: January 2022

Purpose

Aberrant biomechanics and altered loading frequency are associated with poor knee joint health in osteoarthritis development. After anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR), individuals demonstrate underloading (lesser vertical ground reaction force (vGRF)) with stiffened knee gait biomechanics (lesser knee extension moment (KEM) and knee flexion angle) and take fewer daily steps as early as 6 months after surgery. The purpose of this cross-sectional laboratory study is to compare gait biomechanics throughout stance between individuals 6–12 months after ACLR who take the lowest, moderate, and highest daily steps.

Methods

Individuals with primary, unilateral history of ACLR between the ages of 16 and 35 yr were included (n = 36, 47% females; age, 21 ± 5 yr; months since ACLR, 8 ± 2). Barefoot gait biomechanics of vGRF (body weight), KEM (body weight × height), and knee flexion angle during stance were collected and time normalized. Average daily steps were collected via a waist-mounted accelerometer in free-living settings over 7 d. Participants were separated into tertiles based on lowest daily steps (3326–6042 daily steps), moderate (6043–8198 daily steps), and highest (8199–12,680 daily steps). Biomechanical outcomes of the ACLR limb during stance were compared between daily step groups using functional waveform gait analyses.

Results

There were no significant differences in sex, body mass index, age, or gait speed between daily step groups. Individuals with the lowest daily steps walk with lesser vGRF and lesser KEM during weight acceptance, and lesser knee flexion angle throughout stance in the ACLR limb compared with individuals with highest and moderate daily steps.

Conclusions

After ACLR, individuals who take the fewest daily steps also walk with lesser vGRF during weight acceptance and a stiffened knee strategy throughout stance. These results highlight complex interactions between joint loading parameters after ACLR.
Effects of a 10-Month Neuromuscular Training Program on Strength, Power, Speed, and Vault Performance in Young Female Gymnasts
Authors: MOESKOPS SYLVIA , OLIVER JON L. , READ PAUL J. , HAFF G. GREGORY , MYER GREGORY D. , LLOYD RHODRI S.
Published: January 2022

Purpose

This study aimed to evaluate a 10-month neuromuscular training (NMT) intervention on isometric and dynamic kinetics, standing long jump (SLJ) distance, speed, and sport-specific performance.

Methods

Forty-three prepubertal female gymnasts were allocated into either a gymnastics + NMT (gNMT; n = 16), gymnastics only (GYM, n = 15), or maturity-matched control (CON; n = 12) group. The gNMT followed a 10-month, twice-weekly NMT program that targeted movement competency, strength, power, and speed. Vaulting vertical take-off velocity, speed, SLJ distance, and kinetics during an isometric mid-thigh pull (IMTP), countermovement jump (CMJ), and drop jump (DJ) were measured at baseline and thereafter at 4, 7, and 10 months. Within-group differences were calculated using 3 × 4 repeated-measures ANCOVA.

Results

Interaction effects were observed for SLJ distance and various IMTP, DJ, and vaulting variables. The gNMT showed significant improvements in IMTP absolute force and SLJ distance after 4 months and each subsequent testing session. IMTP relative force and various CMJ and DJ kinetics significantly improved in the gNMT from 7 months. Significant gains in speed and vaulting take-off velocity occurred after 10 months. The GYM group achieved some significant improvements in CMJ impulse, absolute isometric strength, and DJ spring-like behavior, whereas the CON group did not experience any changes.

Conclusions

The addition of NMT to gymnastics training improved various isometric and dynamic kinetics, SLJ distance, speed, and vaulting take-off velocity in the gNMT, changes that were not equally evidenced for GYM or CON. The threshold for most of the training-induced adaptations observed in IMTP relative force, CMJ and DJ kinetics, sprint speed, and vaulting were achieved after 7 months, emphasizing the efficacy of long-term NMT programs for young gymnasts.
Clinical outcomes and efficacy of stereotactic body radiation therapy in children, adolescents, and young adults with metastatic solid tumors
Authors: Baliga Sujith , Matsui Jennifer , Klamer Brett , Cetnar Ashley , Ewing Ashlee , Cadieux Catherine , Gupta Ajay , Setty Bhuvana A , Roberts Ryan D , Olshefski Randal S , Cripe Timothy P , Scharschmidt Thomas J , Aldrink Jennifer , Mardis Elaine , Yeager Nicholas D , Palmer Joshua David
Published: January 2022

Objective:

The objective of this study is to report disease outcomes and toxicity with the use of stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) in the treatment of pediatric metastatic disease.

Methods:

All pediatric and adolescent young adult (AYA) patients’ who received SBRT were included between the years 2000 and 2020. Study endpoints included local control (LC), progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), cumulative incidence (CI) of death or local failure and toxicity. The end points with respect to survival and LC were calculated using the Kaplan–Meier estimate. The cumulative incidence of local failure was calculated using death as a competing risk.

Results:

16 patients with 36 lesions irradiated met inclusion criteria and formed the study cohort. The median OS and PFS for the entire cohort were 17 months and 15.7 months, respectively. The 1 year OS for the entire cohort was 75%. The 6- and 12 month local control was 85 and 78%, respectively. There were no local failures in irradiated lesions for patients who received a BED10≥100 Gy. Patients who were treated with SBRT who had ≤5 metastatic lesions at first recurrence had a superior 1 year OS of 100 vs 50% for those with >5 lesions. One patient (6.3%) experienced a Grade 3 central nervous system toxicity.

Conclusion:

LC was excellent with SBRT delivered to metastatic disease, particularly for lesions receiving a BED10≥100 Gy. High-grade toxicity was rare in our patient population. Patients with five or fewer metastatic sites have a significantly better OS compared to >5 sites.

Advances in knowledge:

This study demonstrates that SBRT is safe and efficacious in the treatment of pediatric oligometastatic disease.
Estimating the sample size of sham-controlled randomized controlled trials using existing evidence
Authors: Siontis George C.M. , Nikolakopoulou Adriani , Sweda Romy , Mavridis Dimitris , Salanti Georgia
Published: January 2022

Background: In randomized controlled trials (RCTs), the power is often ‘reverse engineered’ based on the number of participants that can realistically be achieved. An attractive alternative is planning a new trial conditional on the available evidence; a design of particular interest in RCTs that use a sham control arm (sham-RCTs).

Methods: We explore the design of sham-RCTs, the role of sequential meta-analysis and  conditional planning in a systematic review of renal sympathetic denervation for patients with arterial hypertension. The main efficacy endpoint was mean change in 24-hour systolic blood pressure. We performed sequential meta-analysis to identify the time point where the null hypothesis would be rejected in a prospective scenario. Evidence-based conditional sample size calculations were performed based on fixed-effect meta-analysis.

Results: In total, six sham-RCTs (981 participants) were identified. The first RCT was considerably larger (535 participants) than those subsequently published (median sample size of 80). All trial sample sizes were calculated assuming an unrealistically large intervention effect which resulted in low power when each study is considered as a stand-alone experiment. Sequential meta-analysis provided firm evidence against the null hypothesis with the synthesis of the first four trials (755 patients, cumulative mean difference -2.75 (95%CI -4.93 to -0.58) favoring the active intervention)). Conditional planning resulted in much larger sample sizes compared to those in the original trials, due to overoptimistic expected effects made by the investigators in individual trials, and potentially a time-effect association.

Conclusions: Sequential meta-analysis of sham-RCTs can reach conclusive findings earlier and hence avoid exposing patients to sham-related risks. Conditional planning of new sham-RCTs poses important challenges as many surgical/minimally invasive procedures improve over time, the intervention effect is expected to increase in new studies and this violates the underlying assumptions. Unless this is accounted for, conditional planning will not improve the design of sham-RCTs.
The influence of extrovert and introvert personality types on the acceptance of virtual learning during the COVID-19 pandemic: a survey
Authors: Sanudin Siti Rasyidah , Rahmat Hawa , Chee Din Maizatul Azila , Akeb-Urai Najihah
Published: January 2022

Background: As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, all courses taught in Malaysian schools and universities were conducted entirely virtually, after a movement control order was imposed in Malaysian on 18th March 2020. According to the research by Offir et al., (2007), extroversion-introversion (E-I) personalities have been shown to influence students’ involvement in class, their learning style and their understanding of the course materials. The purpose of this research was to explore how extrovert and introvert personality traits influence the acceptance of virtual learning amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods: A case study was conducted, focusing on a group of students taught by one of the researchers in our research team, HR. A total of 31 Diploma students (13 first year students and 18 second year students) taking Grooming and Professional Etiquette  at  Multimedia University, Malaysia (MMU) participated in the study. Open-ended questions were used to learn about the personality of each participant, as well as to provide a better understanding on how the opposing personas differs in their experiences with virtual learning.

Results: Our results showed that 54.83% (17) of the students were introverts, 29.03 % (9) were extroverts, and 16.1% (5) were private-public-introvert-extroverts (PPIEs). The results for the acceptance level of virtual learning varied based on the different personality types. Results showed the extroverts expressed that the virtual learning experience was unpleasant, while the introverts and the PPIEs found virtual learning a useful and pleasant experience.

Conclusion: This study was mainly descriptive, with open-ended questions used to gain insight on how different personality types differ in their acceptance of fully virtual learning. In future studies, inferential analysis could be carried out to test the hypotheses and assumptions. Future studies could also compare and contrast both students and lecturers’ acceptance of, and engagement in, online learning during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Assessment of the knowledge, attitudes and practices of Lebanese shoppers towards food labeling: The first steps in the Nutri-score roadmap
Authors: Hoteit Maha , Yazbeck Nour , Al-Jawaldeh Ayoub , Obeid Cecile , Fattah Heba Abdul , Ghader Marwa , Mohsen Hala
Published: January 2022

Background: Food labeling is a fundamental educational tool for advocating for public awareness. It emphasizes knowledge of the nutrient content of food and thus directs the choice towards the healthiest food products.

This cross-sectional survey aimed to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) regarding nutrition label use in Lebanon through a valid questionnaire.

Methods: Overall, 768 participants (mean age: 30.8 ±12, males: 60.2%) were recruited randomly between February and May 2020. We used word of mouth and social media to recruit our sample population.

Results: Social media was the most accessed tool to attain nutrition information by responders (39.8%). More than half the participants expressed positive attitudes to check information related to sugars (66.4%), vitamins (64.9%), total fats (61.7%), proteins (59.1%), and calories (58.7%) on the food label. Expiry date, price, and brand name were the top three considerations while reading food labels. About half (46.5%) reported to “always” look at the food label. Responders reported reading labels related primarily to sugars (44.3%), calories (38.8%), and total fats (36.8%). The optimal total KAP score was 46; our findings revealed a mean KAP score of 14.46 ±7 (31.4%). When categorizing the KAP scores, 15% had high scores, and 85% scored low. Spearman’s coefficients showed positive correlations between knowledge-attitude, knowledge-practice, and attitude-practice scores, with p<0.001. The regression analysis revealed that gender, age, BMI, residency area, educational level, university degree, health and diet statuses, and activity level were significant predictors of the KAP score. Being on a diet had the highest odds (OR=3.107, CI=1.904-5.072, p<0.001).

Conclusion: The low awareness of food labels leads Lebanese people to choose unhealthy food options. A planned educational program is recommended to ease the interpretation of these labels.
Parametric modelling of rainfall return periods in south-western Nigeria: Survival analysis approach
Authors: Awodutire Phillip , Sasanya Blessing , Ufuoma Olohita , Balogun Oluwafemi Samson
Published: January 2022

Background: Rainfall is the main source of water on the earth’s surface. It infiltrates and percolates deep into the soil for groundwater recharge. Rainfall patterns, amounts, durations, and intensities can vary daily, monthly, annually, and spatially. It is therefore important to accurately estimate rainfall return periods, which can be employed in hydraulic design and flood control measures.

Methods: This research considered the survival analysis approach for the prediction of rainfall return periods including intensity, and months during which these would occur in south-western Nigeria. Twenty years’ of annual rainfall data were obtained from three metrological stations and these were subjected to nine different probability plotting position methods.  Results from the plotting positions was further subjected to four  survival models using five years of censor time. The Akaike Information Criterion (AIC) was used to determine the best-fitting model for the dataset.

Results: The Laplace probability plotting position in conjunction with the log-logistic distribution best describes the datasets, since it gave the lowest AIC value of 22.53. The log-logistic distribution is also suitable for the prediction of return period from the Weibull probability plotting position since the AIC values were 6.934 and -4.332 respectively.  The Hirsh plotting position in conjunction with the Weibull distribution is also suitable for the description of the dataset.

Conclusion: The established parametric models are suitable for the accurate prediction of return periods of peak rainfall events during any month of the year.
The Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children - A resource for COVID-19 research: Antibody testing results, April – June 2021
Authors: Major-Smith Daniel , Matthews Sarah , Breeze Thomas , Crawford Michael , Woodward Hannah , Wells Nicholas , Mitchell Ruth , Molloy Lynn , Northstone Kate , Timpson Nicholas John
Published: January 2022

The Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC) is a prospective population-based cohort which recruited pregnant women in 1990-1992 and has followed these women, their partners (Generation 0; G0) and their offspring (Generation 1; G1) ever since. The study reacted rapidly and repeatedly to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, deploying multiple online questionnaires and a previous home-based antibody test in October 2020. A second antibody test, in collaboration with ten other longitudinal population studies, was completed by 4,622 ALSPAC participants between April and June 2021.

Of 4,241 participants with a valid spike protein antibody test result (8.2% were void), indicating antibody response to either COVID-19 vaccination or natural infection, 3,172 were positive (74.8%). Generational differences were substantial, with 2,463/2,555 G0 participants classified positive (96.4%) compared to 709/1,686 G1 participants (42.1%). Of 4,199 participants with a valid nucleocapsid antibody test result (9.2% were void), suggesting potential and recent natural infection, 493 were positive (11.7%); 248/2,526 G0 participants (9.8%) and 245/1,673 G1 participants (14.6%) tested positive, respectively. We also compare results for this round of testing to that undertaken in October 2020. Future work will combine these test results with additional sources of data to identify participants’ COVID-19 infection and vaccination status.

These ALSPAC COVID-19 serology data are being complemented with linkage to health records and Public Health England pillar testing results as they become available, in addition to four previous questionnaire waves and a prior antibody test. Data have been released as an update to the previous COVID-19 datasets. These comprise: 1) a standard dataset containing all participant responses to all four previous questionnaires with key sociodemographic factors; and 2) individual participant-specific release files enabling bespoke research across all areas supported by the study. This data note describes the second ALSPAC antibody test and the data obtained from it.
Development of a gamified cognitive training app “Social Brain Train” to enhance adolescent mental health: a participatory design study protocol
Authors: Minihan Savannah , Songco Annabel , Andrews Jack L. , Grunewald Karina , Werner-Seidler Aliza , Blakemore Sarah-Jayne , Christensen Helen , Fox Elaine , Goodyer Ian M. , Raffe William , Schweizer Susanne
Published: January 2022

Background: Adolescence is a sensitive period for the onset of mental health disorders. Effective, easy-to-disseminate, scalable prevention and early interventions are urgently needed. Affective control has been proposed as a potential target mechanism. Training affective control has been shown to reduce mental health symptoms and improve emotion regulation. However, uptake and adherence to such training by adolescents has been low. Thus, the current study aims to receive end user (i.e., adolescents) feedback on a prototype of a novel app-based gamified affective control training program, the Social Brain Train.

Methods: The proposed study aims to recruit participants aged 13-16 years old (N = 20) to provide user feedback on the Social Brain Train app. The first group of participants (n = 5) will complete an online questionnaire assessing demographics, symptoms of depression and anxiety, social rejection sensitivity and attitudes toward the malleability of cognition and mental health. They will complete two tasks assessing cognitive capacity and interpretation bias. Participants will be then be invited to an online group workshop, where they will be introduced to the app. They will train on the app for three days, and following app usage, participants will complete the aforementioned measures again, as well as provide ratings on app content, and complete a semi-structured interview to obtain in-depth user feedback, which will be used to inform modifications to the app. Following these modifications, a second group of participants (n = 15) will follow the same procedure, except they will train on the app for 14 days. Feedback from both groups of participants will be used to inform the final design.

Conclusions: By including young people in the design of the Social Brain Train app, the proposed study will help us to develop a novel mental health intervention that young people find engaging, acceptable, and easy-to-use
IMPLEMENTATION OF HEALTH-BASED STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURES (SOP) AS COVID-19 MITIGATION IN HOTEL INDUSTRY
Authors: Wijayanti Anita , Hendra Titisari Kartika , Siddi Purnama , Dewi Riana Rachmawati
Published: January 2022

In Indonesia, the Covid-19 virus has infected since March 2, 2020. Since then, the Large-Scale Social Restrictions (PSBB) policy has been implemented in several areas with a high spread of the virus, (Regulation of the Minister of Health of the Republic of Indonesia No. 9 of 2020). This is used to suppress the spread of the virus. Hospitality is one of the tourism industries affected. The problem of hotel occupancy rates has decreased due to the Covid 19 pandemic in hotels, forcing a number of hotels to experience temporary or permanent closures. In an effort to develop standard governance standards in mitigating the impact of the Covid 19 outbreak for the hotel industry, the community service team views the need to establish standard operating procedures (SOPs) to prevent and control the impact of Covid 19 in the hotel industry. The object of this activity is the management of Hotel Laweyan Surakarta. The methods used were socialization, FGD and trials. At this stage the output produced is SOP Front Office and Housekeeping. The PKM team also helped with a set of tools for washing hands and personal protective equipment. SOPs are important especially for disaster mitigation and health services to control the stages of activities so that they are easy to monitor.
INVESTIGATING UNIDIMENSIONALITY OF MATHEMATICS MULTIPLE-CHOICE TEST ITEMS USED FOR JOINT MOCK EXAMINATION IN KWARA STATE PUBLIC SCHOOLS
Authors: Jimoh Idris Mohammed , Taiwo Akinboboye Joseph , Lukman Sheu Adaramaja
Published: January 2022

Mathematics is an essential subject for human existence on day-to-day activities. This is an indication that it if properly handed it could enhance national development. Therefore, in test items construction to examine students performance in the subject careful considerations must be given. The purpose of the study is to investigate unidimensionality of mathematics multiple-choice test items used for a joint mock examination in Kwara State public schools. The study adopted a descriptive research survey type. The population comprised students in Senior Secondary Schools while the target population consisted of Senior Secondary School II students. The multistage sampling technique that involved stratified, proportionate and simple random sampling was used at different stages of selections. The measuring device was the 2018/2019 Kwara State Joint Mock Mathematics Test. The test is a standardized test and thus the validity and reliability coefficients were not disclosed to the public. The statistical technique employed was factor analysis using SPSS 25.0 version. Tetrachoric correlation statistic was used to obtain 0.96 reliability coefficient. This study, therefore, concluded that only 41 (82%) of 50 multiple-choice items revealed evidence of unidimensionality. One of the recommendations was that those items that violated unidimensionality assumption should be revisited so that instrument could be 100% compliance to unidimensionality.
Biology and Life-Table Parameters of Fall Armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda on Three Maize Cultivars Grown in Thailand
Authors:   Department of Agricultural Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Environment, Naresuan University, Phitsanulok 65000, Thailand, Hong Sothearith , Titayavan Manas ,   Division of Agriculture, School of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Phayao, Phayao 56000, Thailand, Intanon Suphannika ,   Department of Agricultural Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Environment, Naresuan University, Phitsanulok 65000, Thailand, Thepkusol Panisara ,   Department of Agricultural Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Environment, Naresuan University, Phitsanulok 65000, Thailand
Published: January 2022

Abstract Fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda has become a new invasive species in Thailand that mainly affects maize. There has been limited research on the baseline biological aspects of this insect under controlled conditions. Our objective was to detail the biological parameters of S. frugiperda reared on maize (Zea mays L.) cultivars, field maize, sweet maize and waxy maize under controlled conditions at 30 ± 2°C, 55 ± 5% RH and a 12-hour photoperiod. Results suggest that larvae develop through six instars on all the maize cultivars. Significant effects (P < 0.05) of the host plant were found in the duration of larval stage 10.83 ± 0.14, 11.15 ± 0.15 and 11.28 ± 0.05 days when fed with sweet maize, waxy maize and field maize, respectively. More than 70.5% of them transformed into the pupal stage. The life cycle duration lasted 28.11 ± 0.40 days (field maize), 27.16 ± 0.37 days (sweet maize) and 28.41 ± 0.34 days (waxy maize). Significant differences among host plants were not observed for the different development durations. S. frugiperda exhibited a type I survivorship curve. The highest values of net reproductive rate, R0 (220.41 ± 5.88), innate capacity of increase, rc (0.23 ± 0.001) and finite rate of increase, λ (1.25 ± 0.002) obtained on sweet maize, were not statistically different from other cultivars. The mean generation time (Tc) was significantly different among the 3 maize cultivars, ranging from 26.36 ± 0.43 days on waxy maize to 23.80 ± 0.24 days on sweet maize. Information presented here should greatly expand the understanding of S. frugiperda biology; this understanding can be used to improve the efficiency of management techniques for this critical crop pest. Keywords: Invasive species, Maize pest, Biological cycle, Reproductive rate, Population growth
Characterization of Polylactic/Polyethylene glycol/Bone Decellularized Extracellular Matrix Biodegradable Composite for Tissue Regeneration
Authors:   Department of Industrial Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand 50200, Wattanutchariya Wassanai , Suttiat Kullapop ,   Biomedical Engineering Institute (BMEI), Chiang Mai University, Chaing Mai, Thailand 50200,   Graduate School, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand 50200,   Department of Prosthodontics, Faculty of Dentistry, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand 50200
Published: January 2022

Abstract This study focused on evaluating the Polylactic acid /Polyethylene glycol (PLA/PEG) combining with bone decellularized extracellular matrix (bone dECM) as the alternative biodegradable material for tissue regenerative purposes. The casting membranes of pure PLA, PLA/PEG blend, and PLA/PEG combining with 5, 10 and 20 wt% bone dECM particles were fabricated and the characteristics of surface morphology, surface contact angle, thermal properties, cell viability, in vitro osteogenesis, and in vitro biodegradative behaviors were investigated. The improvement in hydrophilic characteristic was found in the developing composite. Following the in vitro degradation test in PBS/lysozyme for 7, 30, 60 and 90 days, the composite with higher ratio of bone dECM particles showed the higher percentage of material weight loss. However, the statistically significant of material weight alteration was observed only on the PLA/PEG/20wt% bone dECM after degradation test for 90 days (P ≤0.05). All specimens showed the physically intact at the end of the 90-day in vitro hydrolytic degradation test. The metabolic activities of L929 cells were significantly enhanced by the presence of PLA/PEG/bone dECM composites comparing to pure PLA (P ≤ 0.05). The result from Alizarin red S staining confirmed the osteo-inductive property of developing composite. The present study addressed the promising potential of PLA/PEG/bone dECM composites for applying as an alternative biodegradable material in tissue regenerative purpose. Keywords: Biomaterial, Biodegradable Composite, Bone Decellularized Extracellular Matrix, Polylactic Acid
Effect of Different Resin Cements on Shear Bond Strength between Acrylic Denture Teeth and Resin Composite
Authors:   College of Dental Medicine, Rangsit University, Pathumthani 12000, Thailand, Srihatajati Jirat , Krassanairawiwong Pattarawadee ,   College of Dental Medicine, Rangsit University, Pathumthani 12000, Thailand
Published: January 2022

Abstract The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of different bonding agents and resin cements on shear bond strength (SBS) between acrylic resin teeth and resin composite. Thirty acrylic teeth were cut along the long axis and embedded in cold-cure acrylic resin. The specimens were randomly divided into 3 groups (n = 10) according to the types of luting agents: Group C (OptiBond FL), Group P (Panavia F2.0), and Group S (Superbond C&B). SBS was measured using the Shimadzu EZ-S Universal Testing Machine. The collected data were analyzed using a one-way ANOVA to determine significant differences with P-value < 0.05. Multiple comparisons of SBS were calculated using the Tukey HSD test at a 95% confidence level. The average SBS values in MPa were 5.78 ± 0.97 for Group C, 13.60 ± 1.20 for Group P, and 17.93 ± 1.24 for Group S. The SBS value for Group S was significantly higher compared to the other groups, while the value for Group C was significantly lower. Group C was categorized as an adhesive failure, while Group S was accounted as a cohesive failure and Group P was shown to be a mixed failure. In conclusion, different resin cements significantly affected the SBS between acrylic resin teeth and resin composite. Keywords: Acrylic denture tooth, Bonding agent, Resin cement, Resin composite, Shear bond strength
Chromosome Y Analysis of Long-Term Frozen Extract from Sperm-Negative Stains on Lower Undergarments in Sexual Abuse Cases
Authors:   Department of Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, 50200, Thailand, Chockjamsai Manoch , Khacha-ananda Supakit ,   Department of Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, 50200, Thailand, Prasitwattanaseree Sukon ,   Department of Statistics, Faculty of Science, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, 50200, Thailand, Rattaracheewakul Pattarach ,   Phrae hospital, Phrae, 50400, Thailand, Mekjaidee Karnda ,   Department of Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, 50200, Thailand
Published: January 2022

Abstract Y-short tandem repeat (Y-STR) typing is very beneficial for identifying offenders in cases of sexual assault. Even though vaginal swabs from female victims are routinely taken for DNA analysis, penile penetration does not occur in every case. Therefore, in such cases the victim’s lower undergarment is also obtained, along with vaginal and/or anal swabs. In accordance with each country’s statutory guidelines, the positive legal prescription for sexual offences is rather extensive. So, cases that have occurred prior to DNA analysis being applied routinely may now be typed for Y-STR, even after the specimens have been frozen for so long. The aim of this study was to investigate the quality and quantity of Y-STRs that we derived from fluids extracted from sperm-negative specimens. Twenty-eight frozen stain-extracted-fluids from lower undergarments samples were available. Their Y-STR profiles were amplified, and typed, using commercial Y-STR kits. The results demonstrated that 35.7% of stain-extracted-fluids on lower undergarments that had been stored in -20°C for 16-53 months showed complete typing of Y-STRs, with an average DNA peak height of each sample occurring within a range of 90.60 - 2,905.92 RFUs. Nor was there a significant difference in the number of loci and average DNA peak height found among the samples kept frozen from < 36 months, as compared to those of > 36 months. The results of this study support our assertion that even extremely long-term preservation of extracted fluids at -20 °C can maintain high-quality and quantity Y-STR segments. Keywords: DNA peak height, Frozen extract, Sexual assault, Y-STR, Y-STR loci