bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
She’s single, so what? How are singles perceived compared with people who are married?
Authors: Hertel Janine , Schütz Astrid , DePaulo Bella M. , Morris Wendy L. , Stucke Tanja S.
Published: March 2021

Over the past few decades, relationship patterns have become more diverse. Besides classical marriage we find cohabitation, romantic partners living apart, and same-sex couples. Furthermore, single people have become an important and intensely discussed segment of society. Due to the increasing plurality of living arrangements, one might assume that stereotypes about singles have changed over the years. Our study shows that married people are generally still seen more positively than singles. Singles were seen as more lonely, less warm and caring than married people. However, some positive features are ascribed to singles, too. Importantly, characteristics of the perceiver moderate his or her perceptions. Some groups rated single people as more sophisticated and sociable than married people.

Zusammenfassung

In den vergangenen Jahrzehnten haben sich klassische Beziehungsmuster geändert. Neben der traditionellen Ehe finden sich heute nichteheliche Lebensgemeinschaften, Paare, die getrennte Haushalte führen (LATs) und gleichgeschlechtliche Paare. Daneben wurden Singles zu einer viel diskutierten Gruppe. In Anbetracht der Vielzahl an Lebensformen könnte man annehmen, dass negativ geprägte Stereotype gegenüber Singles zurückgegangen sind. Unsere Studie zeigt allerdings, dass noch immer verheiratete Personen positiver beurteilt werden als Singles. Beispielsweise werden Singles als einsamer, weniger einfühlsam und weniger fürsorglich eingeschätzt. Es zeigt sich aber auch eine tendenzielle Aufweichung des negativen Stereotyps: (jungen) Singles werden einige positive Eigenschaften zugeschrieben. Hierbei moderieren Merkmale der bewertenden Person die Einschätzung. Vor allem jüngere Frauen und ältere Singles haben ein relativ positives Bild von Singles und beurteilen sie im Vergleich zu verheirateten Personen als geselliger und weltgewandter.
Die Wirksamkeitsforschung von systemischer Therapie/Familientherapie: Zeitbezogene Trends und Unterschiede in der Qualität von Studien zu verschiedenen Behandlungsmodellen
Authors: Seiffge-Krenke Inge , Beher Stefan , Skaletz Christian
Published: March 2021

Sixty-eight studies investigating the effectiveness of systemic/family therapy for children and adolescents (published from 1973 to 2004) were analyzed to determine whether quality differences exist between studies of more integrative versus classically-orien¬tat¬ed systemic family therapy. These differences were examined with respect to the type of therapy model investigated, publication year, and origin of publication. Results indicate that, based on the consideration of important methodological criteria (e.g., existence of a control group, randomized study design, registration of clinical outcome), integrative family therapy is more effective than classic family therapy. Additional ana¬lyses revealed that the year and origin of publication predicted a high methodological standard, independent of family therapy orientation. The analyses also revealed that although the number of evaluation studies on systemic/family therapy has considerably increased, especially in the USA, comparable studies on German samples are lacking.

Zusammenfassung Grundlage dieser Analyse sind 68 Wirksamkeitsstudien zur systemischen Therapie/Fa¬milientherapie bei Kindern und Jugendlichen im Zeitraum von 1973 bis 2004. Es wird der Frage nachgegangen, welche Qualitätsunterschiede in der Wirksamkeitsforschung zwischen eher integrativ und eher klassisch orientierten Modellen systemischer Familientherapie bestehen, und ob diese Unterschiede mit der Art der untersuchten Therapiemodelle, dem Zeitpunkt der Erforschung und dem Herkunftsland der Studien zusammenhängen. Die Ergebnisse zeigen, dass systemisch-integrative Familientherapie in einigen wichtigen Kriterien der klassisch-systemischen Familientherapie in der methodischen Güte der Studien überlegen ist (z.B. Vorhandensein einer Kontrollgruppe, randomisiertes Studiendesign, Erhebung eines klinisch relevanten Outcomes). Allerdings konnten weitere Analysen belegen, dass die Konfundierung zwischen Publikationsjahr und dem Herkunftsland ein methodisch hohes Niveau der Wirksamkeitsprüfung vorhersagte, unabhängig von der familientherapeutischen Ausrichtung der Studien. Die Analyse verdeutlicht darüber hinaus einen gerade in den letzten Jahren stark angewachsenen Bestand an Wirkstudien zur systemischen Familientherapie insbesondere in den USA, allerdings auch einen Mangel deutscher Wirksamkeitsstudien.
Positionen und Perspektiven. Zum Stand der Theoriebildung in der Familiensoziologie
Authors: Burkart Günter
Published: March 2021

This paper tries to ascertain the state of the art in family theory and to identify the discussions and topics which contributed to progress in the field. For this purpose, the most influential approaches in German family sociology are discussed, followed by two sections focusing on the relationship between family and society, and the internal structure of the family, respectively. One result is that the problems of theoretical integration are increasing because some of the research fields that were formerly part of family sociology now have abandoned the field. An integrated theory of the family, however, seems to be an important issue for the future when regarding the challenge of family research by the success of biology and life-sciences.

Zusammenfassung

Der Beitrag versucht, den Stand der familiensoziologischen Theoriebildung zu bestimmen. Dazu werden zunächst die wichtigsten theoretischen Ansätze benannt, die für die Familienforschung der letzten Dekaden in Deutschland relevant waren, gefolgt von einer Darstellung der wichtigsten theoretischen Grundprobleme und Diskussionsfelder, zunächst das Außenverhältnis der Familie betreffend, dann die Binnenstruktur. Ein Ergebnis ist, dass sich eine Reihe von Forschungsfeldern aus der Familiensoziolgie ausgelagert haben, so dass es nicht nur eine Reihe von Defiziten zu vermelden gibt, sondern dass es auch zunehmend schwierig erscheint, eine einheitliche Theorie der Familie zu konstruieren. Dies wäre aber gerade angesichts der Herausforderung durch die Erfolge der Bio-Wissenschaften dringend notwendig.
Empirische Forschung und theoretischer Fortschritt in der Familiensoziologie: Koreferat zu Johannes Huininks Beitrag
Authors: Abraham Martin
Published: March 2021

In this paper, I discuss the question what kind of empirical research should be considered necessary for achieving progress in the formation of theory. In four theses, I present research designs that could complement ‘classical’ research designs in a fruitful manner: first, boosting the application of longitudinal data; second, strengthening the observation of small subgroups; third, applying experimental procedures; and, fourth, applying simulation studies. A stronger emphasis on these less-employed research designs can contribute to a stronger interrelation between empirical research and theoretical reasoning.

Zusammenfassung

In diesem Beitrag wird der Frage nachgegangen, welcher Art von empirischer Forschung es bedarf, um theoretischen Fortschritt zu erzielen. In Thesenform werden vier Forschungsdesigns vorgestellt, die die „klassischen“ Forschungsdesigns fruchtbar ergänzen können: 1. der verstärkte Einsatz von Längsschnittdaten, 2. die verstärkte Betrachtung kleiner Subgruppen, 3. der Einsatz experimenteller Verfahren und schließlich 4. der Einsatz von Simulationsstudien. Der vermehrte Bezug auf diese bisher weniger gebräuchlichen Designs kann dazu beitragen, Empirie und Theorie stärker aufeinander zu beziehen.
Living apart together: Ein Vergleich getrennt wohnender Paare mit klassischen Partnerschaften
Authors: Noyon Alexander , Kock Tanja
Published: March 2021

The term “living apart together” (LAT), which was coined by Straver (1980), characterizes a form of relationship that differs from traditional relationship models in that the involved partners carry out their relationship in separate homes as opposed to a mutual home. Up to now, these LAT couples have played a minor role in empirical research. In the following study n1 = 57 subjects who live with their partners in a mutual home are compared to n2 = 53 subjects who maintain an LAT relationship. The study’s results indicate that especially women from the LAT sample show higher satisfactionwith- relationship values than the women living in traditional relationships. Further results, particularly concerning the quality of relationships, are presented and critically assessed in a concluding discussion.

Zusammenfassung

Mit dem Begriff des „living apart together“ (LAT) hat Straver (1980) eine Beziehungsform gekennzeichnet, die sich von klassischen Beziehungsmodellen dadurch unterscheidet, dass die beteiligten Partner ihre Partnerschaft nicht in einer gemeinsamen, sondern in getrennten Wohnungen gestalten. In der empirischen Forschung spielen solche LAT-Paare bislang eine untergeordnete Rolle. In der vorliegenden Studie werden n1 = 57 Personen, die mit ihrem Partner in einer Wohnung leben, mit n2 = 53 Probanden verglichen, die eine LAT-Beziehung führen. Wie die Studienergebnisse zeigen, weisen insbesondere die Frauen der LATStichprobe höhere Partnerschaftszufriedenheitswerte auf als die in „klassischen“ Beziehungen lebenden Frauen. Neben diesem werden weitere Ergebnisse insbesondere hinsichtlich der Partnerschaftsqualität präsentiert und in einer abschließenden Diskussion kritisch beleuchtet.
Editorial
Authors: Vaskovics Lazlo A.
Published: March 2021

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Ferramenta para o monitoramento dos padrões de teleconexão na América do Sul
Authors: Souza Christie Andre de , Reboita Michelle Simões
Published: March 2021

As teleconexões são um mecanismo de variabilidade natural do clima. Elas estão associadas a fatores locais que causam anomalias climáticas em setores remotos do globo. Como a previsão climática sazonal depende do conhecimento dos padrões de teleconexão, o objetivo do estudo é apresentar o desenvolvimento de uma ferramenta online que reúne uma enorme quantidade de informações para fácil acesso dos usuários que têm interesse em monitorar os diferentes padrões de teleconexões. Para isso, índices climáticos disponibilizados por diferentes centros de meteorologia são utilizados. Além disso, dois novos índices são implementados. A metodologia conta com o uso de ferramentas de desenvolvimento web para sua implementação e promover a visualização dos índices climáticos, mapas das variáveis atmosféricas, animações, análises estatísticas, bem como outros produtos. Essa ferramenta está disponível em: https://meteorologia.unifei.edu.br/teleconexoes/. Por fim, ressalta-se que essa ferramenta foi projetada para ser atualizada mensalmente automaticamente.
Predicting user perceived satisfaction and reuse intentions toward Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) in the Covid-19 pandemic
Authors: Wang Qing , Khan Muhammad Saqib , Khan Muhammad Kamran
Published: March 2021

The Covid-19 pandemic restricted the people around the world's boundaries. Therefore, online learning's importance increased in the current era, an essential topic for current research. Students are actively using Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) while restricted at their homes during the Covid-19 pandemic. This research investigates the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology model (UTAUT) and quality factors to predict the users perceived satisfaction and reuse intentions toward MOOCs in the Covid-19 pandemic. We collected data from three public universities in Wuhan, China and 298 users who were actively using MOOCs participated in this research. The proposed hypotheses were tested by using PLS-SEM. The findings revealed that effort expectancy and social influence directly impacted users' reuse intentions while performance expectancy and perceived course quality positively impacted users' reuse intentions through perceived satisfaction toward MOOCs. This research found the critical role of perceived satisfaction in the current pandemic era. Finally, this research provides important theoretical implications for the researchers and practical implications for the developers, technologists, and policymakers for developing effective systems and strategies in online environments. In addition, this study revealed some limitations and future research guidelines for the researchers.
Return Anomalies in the Kuwaiti Stock Market
Authors: AlHajraf Saad B F M
Published: March 2021

This paper intends to investigate the existence of daily return anomalies and the weekend effect within Boursa Kuwait, Kuwait’s stock exchange.  Kuwait as an economy has continued to be opened up to foreign investment and as foreign funds being to flood into the market; return anomalies akin to those within international markets begin to materialize, bringing new opportunities for abnormal returns and arbitrage. The premise of this paper is the existence of the January effect and the Weekend effect, and uses econometric methods in support of their existence, bringing into question the challenges to market efficiency and the changing landscape for investors and their strategies.
The continued use of placebo arms in COVID-19 vaccine trials does not adequately protect the well-being of participants
Authors: Haire Bridget
Published: March 2021

Covid-19 vaccines are a critical tool for controlling the pandemic. While safe and effective vaccines have been developed, research is expected to continue for many years regarding the optimal implementation of existing vaccines in specific settings, and the development of second-generation vaccines that may offer advantages in terms of either efficacy or ease of implementation. Given this context, some commentators have argued that new Covid vaccine trials should be able to use placebo controls, and that existing studies should be able to continue with blinded participants in order to collect high quality, unbiased data. Using international ethics guidance documents, this paper argues against placebo controls, given the existence of proven effective interventions, and against protracted blinding once safety and efficacy milestones have been met. Instead, it advocates for study designs that allow for direct comparison between approved and experimental vaccines, which facilitates both data collection and greater access to vaccines.
Microspectral laser analysis of selected dental implants
Authors: Sołkiewicz Edyta , Arcimowicz Bronisław , Sidorowicz Krzysztof , Sokalski Jerzy
Published: March 2021

Aim. In the paper the microspectral analysis of selected dental implants was presented.Material and methods. The following implants were analysed: Osteoplant, Keystone Dental, Mozo Grau, Alpha Bio, Sky, and Implant Direct. The probes of each implant were analysed in the laser spectrophotometer.Results. The result of the study was: Keystone Dental, Mozo Grau, Alpha Bio and Implant Direct titanium implants were shown to include aluminium and vanadium components while the Osteoplant and Sky implants to be made of pure titanium.
Microangiopathic antiphospholipid syndrome (MAPS) in the course of undifferentiated connective tissue disease
Authors: Targońska-Stępniak Bożena , Wielosz Ewa , Majdan Maria
Published: March 2021

Introduction. The microangiopathic antiphospholipid syndrome (MAPS) is a subset of APS comprising those patients presenting with thrombotic microangiopathy and demonstrable antiphospholipid antibodies. Renal involvement occurs frequently in the course of MAPS with clinical symptoms of acute renal failure, hypertension, proteinuria and erythrocyturia. Case report. The report presents the patient with MAPS confirmed by kidney biopsy in the course of undifferentiated connective tissue disease.Conclusion. The authors emphasize the importance of effective anticoagulant treatment in order to inhibit thrombosis and renal damage in the course of MAPS.
Prospective observational study on predicting adverse clinical outcomes in patients with implanted defibrillating devices – a study rationale, design and principal methods
Authors: Guzik Przemysław , Piskorski Jarosław , Wysocki Henryk , Wykrętowicz Andrzej
Published: March 2021

The project “Predicting adverse clinical outcomes in patients with implanted defibrillating devices” is a prospective observational study in a group of high risk cardiac patients with already implanted either an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) or a cardiac resynchronization therapy device with defibrillating mode (CRT-D). The primary project aim is to build predictive models for an appropriate ICD or CRT-D interventions and other adverse clinical outcomes based on clinical assessment of the cardiovascular system, general clinical status, advanced mathematical and statistical analysis of cardiovascular time series and biological signals, including pressure waveforms, ECG and cardiac impedance. Up to 600 ambulatory adult patients are scheduled to be enrolled and after the first visit they are expected to be followed-up every 6 months for a number of clinical outcomes, including antiarrhythmic therapy intervention, sudden and aborted cardiac death and total mortality. The project launched in March 2010 and is expected to end in February 2014.
Identification of factors causing reproductive disorders of the cow found in North Labuhanbatu Regency, North Sumatera Province
Authors: Nasution Muharriza , Siregar Tongku Nizwan , Sayuti Arman , Hafizuddin Hafizuddin , Rosmaidar Rosmaidar , Adam Mulyadi
Published: March 2021

Objective: This study aims to identify the factors that cause reproductive disorders in beef cattle in the North Labuhanbatu, North Sumatra.

Methods: The objects of this study were cattle with reproductive disorders and breeders whose cattle had reproductive disorders. This research used a survey method. Primary data was obtained by distributing questionnaires and conducting direct interviews with breeders, while secondary data was obtained by studying the 2017 report of UPSUS SIWAB (Indonesian Ministry of Agriculture's program to accelerate the fulfilment of domestic beef cattle population targets) in North Labuhanbatu Regency. The questionnaire covered the characteristics of cow with reproductive disorders including body condition score (BCS), type of cows, feed given to cows with reproductive disorders, maintenance management, veterinary/medical personnel visits, pregnancy checks, heat synchronization, birth assistance, type of mating, and the breeders identity. This questionnaire was distributed to 30 breeder respondents in 5 districts. Data were analyzed using stepwise regression with SPSS.

Results: The results showed that 110 cows had reproductive disorders, 57.3% of which experienced hypofunctional ovaries. The independent variable that has the strongest correlation to the dependent variable is the body condition score (sig. 0.043), followed by the feed given to the cows (sig. 0.046) with the regression equation Y = -4.297 + 1.495X1 + 2.492X2.

Conclusions: The identified factors that had correlation to reproductive disorders in female beef cattle are body condition score and feed.
Deskripsi dan fenomena yang terjadi pada perkawinan alami sapi Peranakan Ongole (PO) dengan sapi Bali di Kandang Percobaan Loka Penelitian Sapi Potong
Authors: Efendy Jauhari , Firdaus Frediansyah
Published: March 2021

Objective: To determine the natural mating behavior pattern of PO bulls with Bali cows in the cattle breeding system using freestall housing of “Litbangtan Model”.

Methods: The materials were 63 livestock; 3 PO bulls and 60 Bali cows. The study was designed with a randomized block design (RBD) with three treatments based on the physiological status of Bali cows; namely Treatment A: 20 heifers, Treatment B: 10 heifers and 10 cows, and Treatment C: 20 cows. The parameters observed were the pattern of estrous behavior, the length of time from estrus to mating, the phenomena that occurred during pregnancy and the birth process, and the pregnancy rate.

Results: The estrous intensity in the +++ category was higher than + or ++ in all treatments. The shortest average time interval between estrus and mating occurred in treatment A with a pregnancy rate of 83.33%. The phenomena that occur during pregnancy and at birth are abortion, dystocia and calf death at birth. Abortion occurs at 4-6 months of gestation, dominated by heifers; the incidence of dystocia is entirely experienced by heifers.

Conclusion: Cows with estrus were 86.67% with various expressions starting from silent heat (+), medium (++) and visible (+++). There are 42 Bali cows that show normal behavior in a series of reproductive activities (estrus and mating) with a time interval estrus and mating between 0.67-14.75 hours. Pregnancy rate 83.33%; the phenomena that occur during pregnancy and childbirth include abortion, calf death at birth and dystocia.
An updated review of idiopathic osteosclerosis of the jaws
Authors: Ñahuincopa López Paul Marcelo , Romero Rodríguez Luis Miguel
Published: March 2021

Objective: The aim of this study was to update the concepts of the diagnosis of idiopathic osteosclerosis (IO) of the jaws by digital panoramic radiographs and cone beam tomography and describe the impact of this disease on oral and general health. Methods: A search of the main databases of dental medical research was carried out using the search terms “osteosclerosis, panoramic radiography, cone beam computed tomography, jaws”. Articles without language restriction until September 30, 2020 were identified. The prevalence and clinical and radiographic characteristics of IO of the jaws were examined in 2D and 3D imaging studies, as well as the interaction during treatments in the various dental specialties. Results: We analyzed the current situation regarding the diagnosis of IO, with an update of the diagnostic criteria used to accurately identify IO in the latest generation imaging studies, as well determine its possible interactions in oral an general health. Conclusions: It is important to have a clear differential diagnosis of IO and be able to distinguish different radiopacities in the maxilla. Accurate reporting and monitoring of the morphometric characteristics are necessary taking into account the impact the presence of IO of the jaws has on future dental treatments.
A survey on instantaneous data transmission in Wireless Sensor Networks for Healthcare Monitoring
Authors: JT THIRUKRISHNA , V Aishwarya M , Singh Mansi , B Mounisha , Kaveri Naksha
Published: March 2021

Real time health monitoring using WSN of imbed and wearable sensors is visualized as a continual monitoring solution of bedridden outpatient with motility. This paper aims to implement an instantaneous patient monitoring framework, which is proficient in collecting, transmitting and monitoring patient’s perceptual conditions. In present Health monitoring frameworks, the patients are supervised by medical professionals using various equipment’s which are hardwired to nearby bedside monitors or PCs, and essentially this equipment’s are substantial and consequently it keeps patients confine to bed. The drawbacks of these frameworks may affect the patient’s mobility during monitoring the vital signs. Our proposed real time health monitoring framework can detect patient’s health conditions like pulse rate, body temperature and electrocardiograph using different bio sensors, the collected data will be processed using ARM7LPC2148 and the processed data is efficiently transferred wirelessly to LabVIEW software via ZigBee. In case of abnormalities, the SMS will be sent to doctor’s/care givers using GSM. In addition, the proposed framework uses ZigBee technology since it is low cost and achieves low power usage to maximize the network lifetime, accelerate and expand transmission protocols and also battery life is significantly improved. This framework will help patients to recover easily and also provides enhanced medical care to patients at a low cost. Furthermore, the framework provides profitable benefits for virtually monitoring individuals living away from the remote areas, old individuals, heart patients and can be used for COVID-19 patients in home and hospitals thereby improving medical administrations.
Optimal Shortest Path Selection Base on Multi-Criteria Decision Making in Vehicular Ad Hoc Network
Authors: Shah Akmal , Hussain Tariq , Ali Iqtidar
Published: March 2021

Vehicular Ad-hoc Network (VANET) is the subtype of Mobile Ad-hoc Network (MANET) where every node is represented as the vehicle. Although, VANETs and MANETs have some common properties still have a difference in their properties and behaviors i.e. nodes of VANETs have unlimited resources in terms of energy, memory, and computational power. Advanced traffic management a vital role in maintaining the flow of traffic, using the latest technologies such as Intelligent Transport System (ITS). The congestion and best Optimal path selection are among the most prominent research issues in VANETs. Different researchers have worked on it and most of them such as Frictional Glow-Warm Swarm Optimization (FGWSO) and Stable CDS-Based Routing Protocol (SCRP) have solved the issue of best-path selection using shortest paths. In this research, we are selecting an optimal shortest path from all available paths through using Analytical Network Process (ANP) analysis and Multi-criteria Decision Making (MCDM) approach. The performance of the proposed Optimal Shortest Path Selection (OSPS) scheme for VANET is being evaluated by super decision-making tool. The parameters such as average speed, end to end delay, shortest path selection, Distance are compared pairwise with each other. The results are derived and shown through the limit matrix by taking four scenarios. These four scenarios are labeled by nodes B, O, K, and node Y, which are optimal nodes respectively, having the highest priority weight. The results show that the proposed OSPS scheme has minimized the end-to-end delay as compared to FGWSO and SCRP schemes.
Application of Mining Algorithm in Personalized Internet Marketing Strategy in Massive Data Environment
Authors: Peng Zhiba
Published: March 2021

Internet marketing requires a personalized marketing strategy. In this study, the application of data mining in personalized Internet marketing was studied. Based on the mining algorithm, a personalized marketing method was designed. Through the calculation of frequent closed item sets and support counts of positive and negative samples, the interval with a high success rate for marketing was obtained. With performance analysis, it was found that the marketing method of this study successfully improved the rate about 8% compared with the traditional marketing method. This method would have better performance under the smaller interval number and smaller minimum success number. After the actual application in telecommunication enterprise A, it was found that after adopting the marketing method of this study, the marketing success rate of A enterprise increased from 2.72–6.31%, which indicated the effectiveness of the method. The research results in this study proved the role of data mining algorithms in Internet marketing, which was conducive to the further application of mining algorithms in personalized marketing.
Flexible Cellulose-Based Assembled with PEDOT: PSS Electrodes for ECG Monitoring
Authors: Wang Yanping , Zhong Xing , Wang Wei , Yu Dan
Published: March 2021

Electrocardiography is one of the most significant technologies for detecting cardiovascular diseases. Nowadays, the problems of various electrodes still meet a great challenge. Herein, we design a low cost, environmentally friendly and flexible conductive electrode using cellulose and polyvinyl alcohol as a substrate assembled with conductive polymer polythiophene by in-situ oxidative polymerization, and the green solvent 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride as a crosslinking agent. The polyvinyl alcohol/cellulose/PEDOT:PSS(PCPP) composite electrode has excellent features of flexibility, low skin contact impedance and comfortable contact with skin. When the load of EDOT reaches 15 wt%, the electrode is stable and can clearly monitor the characteristic wave of ECG signals. Therefore, based on cellulosic biopolymer and conductive polymer PEDOT:PSS, an environmentally friendly, flexible and stable PCPP composite electrode is obtained and can be a promising candidate applied in the fields of energy storage and ECG sensing.
Effects of Muscle Energy Technique in Patients with Tension Type Headache; A Randomized Control Clnicial Trial
Authors: Sohail Rabia , Riaz Huma , Akhtar Muhammad , Raza Asim , Shabbir Kinza , Ahmad Ashfaq
Published: March 2021

Background: Tension type headache is claimed to be one of top ten disabling conditions in the world. The purpose of the study was to determine the effects of muscle energy technique on pain, range of motion at cervical spine and disability related to tension type headache. Methods: A randomized control trial was conducted on 48 participants of both genders whose age was 18 to 40 years with complain of tension type at Rehabilitation and Injury Management Department of Medcare International Hospital Gujranwala, from July to December 2019. Participants were randomly selected and allocated into two groups (experimental and control group). The experimental group received both muscle energy technique and myofascial release technique on trapezius and sternocleidomastoid of both sides. The intervention was applied for 6 weeks (3 sessions per week). Assessments were done at baseline, 4th week and 6th week. Numeric pain rating scale (NPRS), Headache disability inventory (HDI), headache impact test (HIT) and cervical range of motion with the help of Inclinometer were tools for assessment. Data analysis was done using SPSS (version 21). Results: The mean age of experimental group was 26.5±5.42 and control group was 27.7±5.70. The experimental group was shown significant improvement in terms of pain and flexion and side flexion range of motion with p-value ≤0.05. Conclusion: It is concluded that muscle energy technique is effective treatment for tension type headache; it is associated to decreased range of motion at cervical spine and disability related to TTH. Trial registration: IRCT20190121042445N2, Registered 07-02-2021.
The role of app-based remote patient monitoring in reducing primary care clinician workload during the COVID pandemic: A prospective observational real world feasibility study.
Authors: Shah Sachin Shailendra , Safa Afsana , Johal Kuldhir , Obika Dillon , Valenine Sophie
Published: March 2021

Background COVID-19 has placed unprecedented strain on healthcare providers, in particular, primary care services. GP practices have to effectively manage patients remotely preserving social distancing. We aim to assess an app-based remote patient monitoring solution in reducing the workload of a clinician. Primary care COVID patients in West London deemed medium risk where recruited into the virtual ward. Patients were monitored for 14 days by telephone or by both the Huma app and telephone. Information on number of phone calls, duration of phone calls and duration of time spent reviewing the app data recorded.Results The amount of time spent reviewing one patient on the telephone only arm of the study was 490 minutes, compared with 280 minutes spent reviewing one patient who was monitored via both the Huma app and telephone. Based on employed clinicians monitoring patients, this equates to a 0.04 reduction of full-time equivalent staffing I.e. for every 100 patients, it would require 4 less personal to remotely monitor them. There was no difference in mortality or adverse events between the two groups.Conclusion App-based remote patient monitoring clearly holds large economic benefit to COVID-19 patients. In wake of further waves or future pandemics, and even in routine care, app-based remote monitoring patients could free up vital resources in terms of clinical team’s time, allowing a better reallocation of services.
Integrated gene expression profiling reveals potential immune-related biomarkers for rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Ye Tong , Haoyuan Zhou , Peng Zhao , Haidong Xu
Published: March 2021

Background As one of the most common causes of joint deformities, rheumatoid arthritis (RA) has seriously affected human health. In this study, RA biomarkers related to immunity were identified by bioinformatics methods. Methods RA synovial microarray data were obtained from GEO database and preprocessed, and then differentially expressed genes(DEGs) were screened. Subsequently, the hub nodes were screened from the PPI network of DEGs by STRING database and cytoscape software. The hub nodes were verified in independent dataset. The immune infiltration in synovial tissue of RA was analyzed by CIBERSORT algorithm. In addition, the correlation between differentially infiltrated immune cells and key genes was analyzed. Results Intersected DEGs were significantly enriched in biological processes, including immune response − activating signal transduction, B cell activation, T cell activation. Through PPI network and immune infiltration analysis, we finally identified 5 immune-related biomarkers including CCL5, CCR5, CD27, CXCL9 and TLR8. Conclusion CCL5, CCR5, CD27, CXCL9 and TLR8 may be potential diagnostic biomarkers for RA treatment strategies.
The effectiveness of group counseling based on problem- solving solution on sexual function and sexual satisfaction of women after mastectomy surgery
Authors: Bokaie Mahshid , Firouzabadi Ommolbanin , Joulaee Azadeh
Published: March 2021

Background: Breast cancer is the second cause of death due to cancers and it is the most common cancer in women, which threatens different aspects of individual and mental health, quality of life, sexual function and sexual satisfaction, because of such treatments as mastectomy. Consultation can help patients to and a reasonable solution for their problems. Considering the effect of consultation on quality and quantity of patients’ life and the importance of the role of midwife in sexual health consultation, this research is carried out in order to determine the effect of group consultation based on problem-solving solution on sexual function and satisfaction of women who have had mastectomy surgery. Method: The present research is a semi-empirical study, with pretest, post-test and one month follow-up period. 32 women who referred to Tehran Breast Cancer Institute were selected by convenience sampling.The group received 8 sessions (90-minute) of problem-solving solution conselling. The data collection tool was Female Sexual function Index and Larson sexual satisfaction questionnaires and filled before intervention, immediately after intervention and one month after it.Data analysis was performed by using SPPSS21 statistical software application at the certainty level of 95% (P≤0.05).Results: The results of the study showed that there is a meaningful difference between the average sexual function (18.37, 20.88, 22.95) and the sexual satisfaction (65.27, 68.08, 70.46) in three stages before the intervention, immediately after the intervention and one month after the intervention. Conclusions: Although the average score of women’s sexual performance and the average score of sexual function of women who had mastectomy operation have improved, and this change was significant, but we have to note that the sexual function and sexual satisfaction are still in an inappropriate situation which require the continued trend of counseling in these patients. Considering the fact that the outbreak of breast cancer is very high, counseling can transfer to patients the information that is necessary for creating a desirable sexual life. In addition, through counseling process, we can teach patients how to live with their disease.
Isolation and Identification of Staphylococcus Aureus from Dairy Farms in Bishoftu Town, Ethiopia
Authors: Bude Sara Amanuel , Mengesha Abdi Kidane
Published: March 2021

A cross-sectional study was conducted from February, 2020 to March, 2020 in selected dairy farms in Bishoftu Town to isolate and identify Staphylococcus aureus from milk samples, swab (teat swab, tank swab and bucket swab) samples. The samples were transported to microbiology laboratory and, isolation and identification of an organism was based on morphological, cultural and biochemical characteristics. Accordingly a total of 120 samples of them 58 milk sample, 58 polled teat swab sample, 2 polled tank swab sample and 2 polled bucket swab samples. Those milk samples and swab sample were collected and cultured parallel on both Blood agar and nutrient agar. Out of total samples 68/120 were well grown on both Medias and sub cultured on nutrient agar for farther identification using Primary and secondary biochemical tests. Accordingly, 68 milk samples were shown typical large, round, golden yellow colonies with hemolysis when grown on blood agar, round shaped grape like clusters are seen under microscope after stained with grams stain, and catalase positive Staphylococcus aureus with bubble formation is observed and typical yellow pigmentation on mannitol salt agar which is selective media for genus Staphylococcus. Finally, 68(56.67%) Staphylococcus aureus were identified with coagulase test with the clumping result observed. Hence, implementing hygiene conditions, creation of awareness on control and prevention of subclinical mastitis in dairy farms and conducting drug sensitivity test for Staphylococcus aureus is recommended.
The Effect of Jigsaw Technique on Iranian Intermediate Learners’ Reading Anxiety
Authors: Bijani Houman , Hashempour Bahareh
Published: March 2021

Student anxiety is a considered as an impediment in learning development and in particular language acquisition. Anxious students generally refuse to take part in group and pair-work activities. Accordingly, their passive behavior is a shortcoming to pedagogical cooperation and development. The present study investigated the effect of Jigsaw Technique on reading anxiety of English as a Foreign Language) EFL intermediate Iranian learners. To this end, among 157 participants 60 intermediate learners were chosen randomly based on the Oxford Quick Placement Test (OQPT) and were instructed by the employment of Jigsaw Technique. The results of the EFL Reading Anxiety Inventory (EFLRAI) questionnaire indicated that the learners’ reading anxiety considerably decreased after the treatment. Moreover, the results revealed that the employment of Jigsaw Technique were more effective than before the treatment. The findings of the study proved the usefulness of Jigsaw Technique in promoting learners’ cooperative learning, their self-confidence, as well as reducing their anxiety and creating a stress-free environment. The findings of the study have great contribution in creating pedagogical materials for learners as they can facilitate instruction and maximize comprehension accordingly.
High data rate and ultra-compact optical encoder based on 2D linear photonic crystal ring resonator
Authors: Chhipa Mayur Kumar , Madhav B.T.P. , Suthar Bhuvneshwer , Janyani Vijay
Published: March 2021

In the present work, a high-speed optical encoder is proposed based on two-dimensional photonic crystal ring resonator (2D-PCRR) using coupled mode theory and resonance effect. Square shaped ring resonator, couplings rods and several waveguides have been utilized in the proposed structure. Silicon rods in air structure has been designed with rod radius of 0.1a and lattice constant 0.540 nm. The photonic band gap is being calculated using plane wave expansion method and finite-difference-time-domain method to analyze the performance characteristics of optical encoder like: transmission spectra, electric field view, contrast ratio, delay time, response time etc. The operating wavelength of structure is 1550 nm, to perform encoder operation where only one input port is activated at a time while other input ports are inactivated and accordingly equivalent binary encoded signal is produced at output ports. The proposed encoder is designed with fast response time 222.76 fs, high data rate of 4.48 Tbps and ultra-compact size of 140.84µm2. Hence the proposed device is suitable for high-speed optical computation, photonic integrated devices and high speed optical integrated circuits.
Nature of a Long Carbon–Carbon Bond Beyond 2.0 Å
Authors: Kubo Takashi , Suga Yuki , Hashizume Daisuke , Suzuki Hiroki , Miyamoto Tatsuya , Okamoto Hiroshi , Kishi Ryohei , Nakano Masayoshi
Published: March 2021

Elongating carbon–carbon (C–C) single bonds is challenging in terms of molecular design and synthesis, and in understanding the nature of the long bonds. Herein, we demonstrate that a C–C bond longer than 2.0 Å can be realised by face-to-face interactions between fluorenyl rings. A small orbital overlap between the distantly positioned carbon atoms is observed as a small concentration of electrons on the X-ray electron density maps. The highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) and the lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO) of the compound originate from the in-phase and out-of-phase interactions of the overlapping orbitals, respectively, with a gap of 2.39 eV. Solid-state 13C NMR spectroscopy shows a sharp peak at 82.9 ppm for the long-bonded carbons, while a CASSCF(6,6) calculation indicates a small diradical character. The experimental and theoretical analyses reveal a sufficient covalent bonding character in the long C–C bond.
Imperatorin alleviated NLRP3 inflammasome cascade-induced synovial fibrosis and synovitis in rats with knee osteoarthritis
Authors: Zhang Haosheng , Ding Liang , Shi Xiaoqing , Mei Wei , Huang Zhengquan , Zhang Li , Li Xiaochen , Zhang Li , Wang Peimin
Published: March 2021

Background: To clarify the therapeutic potential of imperatorin (IMP) in knee osteoarthritis (KOA).Methods: Thirty 3-month-old SD male rats were randomly divided into Normal group, monosodium iodoacetate (MIA) group and MIA+IMP group. Their synovial tissues were subjected to histopathological analysis. Primary synovial fibroblasts obtained from additional normal rats were treated by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and then IMP. The mRNA and protein expressions of factors related to synovitis and synovial fibrosis were detected by qRT-PCR and Western blotting, respectively. The levels of inflammatory factors IL-1β and IL-18 were measured by ELISA.Results: IMP reduced HIF-1α, NLRP3 inflammasome expression and IL-1β, IL-18 production in synovial fibroblasts induced by LPS. IMP also down-regulated synovial fibrosis markers. In vitro study revealed that MIA-induced synovitis and synovial fibrosis were relieved by IMP.Conclusion: IMP exerts anti-inflammatory effects associated with synovitis and synovial fibrosis. It reduces the production of pro-inflammatory mediators and cytokines and inhibits TGF-β1, TIMP-1 and VEGF expressions that promote synovial fibrosis.
Histochemical Structure and Tensile Properties of Birch Cork Cell Walls
Authors: Kiyoto Shingo , Sugiyama Junji
Published: March 2021

Tensile tests of birch cork were performed in the tangential direction. Birch cork in the wet state showed significantly higher extensibility and toughness than those in the oven-dried state. The histochemical structure of birch cork was investigated by microscopic observation and spectroscopic analysis. Birch cork cell walls showed a three-layered structure. In transmission electron micrographs, osmium tetroxide stained the outer and inner layers, whereas potassium permanganate stained the middle and inner layers. After chemical treatment to remove suberin and lignin, the outer and inner layers disappeared and Fourier-transformed infrared spectra showed the cellulose I pattern. Polarizing light micrographs indicated that molecular chains in the outer and inner layers were oriented perpendicular to suberin lamination, whereas those in the inner layer showed longitudinal orientation. These results suggested that the outer and inner layers mainly consist of suberin, whereas the middle layer and compound middle lamella consist of lignin, cellulose, and other polysaccharides. We hypothesized a hierarchical model of the birch cork cell wall. The lignified cell wall with helical arrangement of cellulose microfibrils is sandwiched between two suberized walls. Cellulose microfibrils in the middle layer act like a spring and bear tensile loads. In the wet state, water and cellulose in the compound middle lamella transfer tensile stress between cells. In the dried state, this stress-transferal system functions poorly and fewer cells bear stress. Suberin in the outer and inner layers prevents absolute drying to maintain mechanical properties of the bark and to bear tensile stress caused by trunk diameter growth.
Common Host Factors Involved in the Function of the Foot-and-mouth Disease Virus and Classical Swine Fever Virus Internal Ribosomal Entry Sites
Authors: Ide Yutaro , Ito Nobumasa , Matsui Takafumi , Tsukiyama-Kohara Kyoko
Published: March 2021

Foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV) and classical swine fever virus (CSFV) both possess positive strand RNA genomes and an internal ribosomal entry site (IRES) element within their 5¢-untranslated regions. To identify common host factors involved with the activity of these IRESes, we utilized cell lines expressing a bicistronic luciferase reporter plasmid, which contained an FMDV-IRES or CSFV-IRES element between the Renilla and firefly luciferase genes. First, we treated FMDV-IRES cells with French maritime pine extract, Pycnogenol® (PYC), and evaluated its suppressive effect on FMDV-IRES activity, as anti-viral effect of PYC was reported so far. We next performed microarray analysis to identify host factors affected by PYC, and confirmed host-factor-IRES interaction by applying host factor-specific siRNAs. We found that polycystic kidney disease 1-like 3 (PKD1L3) and ubiquitin specific peptidase 31 (USP31) are involved in FMDV-IRES activity. Moreover, silencing of these factors also significantly suppressed CSFV-IRES activity. Accordingly, we suggest that PKD1L3 and USP31 are host factors that are involved in the function of the FMDV and CSFV-IRES elements.
Optimization of Si (core)/CZTS/ CZTSe (shell) nanowire array for solar cell
Authors: melliti adnen
Published: March 2021

We present an optical simulation of a solar cell employing core (Si) /shell (CZTS or/and CZTSe) vertically-aligned nanowire array. The method of the simulation is rigorous coupled wave analysis. In the first stage, we studied the case where the shell is composed of only CZTS or CZTSe. A larger absorption of CZTSe led to a larger value of the ideal short circuit current (41 mA/cm2) in the case of CZTSe solar cell than in the case of CZTS solar cell (24 mA/cm2). In the second stage, to avoid the heat losses in CZTSe solar cell without reducing the current, we proposed a shell composed of a 3µm of CZTS in the upper part and a 6µm of CZTSe in the lower part. The maximum ideal current value in this structure is almost twice as large as that of a planar solar cell with the same amounts of used materials.