bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
THE ROLE OF CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTIONS IN EFFORTS TO FULFILL THE RIGHTS OF PRISONERS WITH DISABILITIES
Authors: Indahdewi Lauditta , Darmawan Dimas
Published: January 2022

Prisoner is a person who is sentenced to a criminal sentence of loss of independence and serves it in a correctional institution. Therefore, it is the duty of the Government to protect and ensure the fulfillment of their rights while serving their sentence. This is a consequence of the imposition of criminal penalties which means limiting the right to freedom of movement. No exception for prisoners with disabilities. Therefore, this study will examine the role of correctional institutions in an effort to fulfill the rights of prisoners with disabilities with the research locus located in the Yogyakarta Class II-A Correctional Institution. This type of research is normative legal research with a juridical approach. The data collection techniques were carried out through secondary data which is literature with qualitative data analysis techniques. Based on the results of the study, it is known that Yogyakarta Class II-A Correctional Institution already fulfill the rights of prisoners with disabilities based on Undang-Undang No. 08 Tahun 2016 tentang Penyandang Disabilitas.
Evaluation of the effectiveness of the combined use of ozonation treatment to improve the quality of grain distillates
Authors: Никитина Светлана Юрьевна , Шахов Сергей Васильевич , Пыльный Дмитрий Витальевич
Published: January 2022

В настоящей статье проведена оценка совместного влияния озонирования и ультразвуковой обработки на физико-химические и органолептические свойства дистиллятов. Воздействие озона позволило окислить ряд минорных конгенеров этанола, ультразвуковая обработка применялась для интенсивного перемешивания реакционной смеси. Объектом исследования являлся спиртовый дистиллят, произведенный промышленным способом из зернового сырья на установке непрерывного действия. Для сравнения органолептических свойств дистиллятов применен сенсорный профильный способ, позволяющий визуализировать качества исследуемого продукта в виде графических профилограмм запаха, вкуса и послевкусия. Исследование аромата образцов осуществлялось с помощью многоканального газоанализатора и методики «электронный нос», в качестве измерительного массива применены сенсоры на основе пьезокварцевых резонаторов с пленочными сорбентами на электродах. В процессе обработки дистиллята по выбранной методике на первом этапе эффективно уменьшалось содержание легколетучих микропримесей с незначительным накоплением более тяжелых гомологов, что позволяло получить продукт с гармоничным вкусом и запахом, увеличение времени обработки способствовало накоплению соединений, ухудшающих органолептические характеристики. По совокупности показателей было определено оптимальное время озоно-ультразвуковой обработки спиртовых дистиллятов - 6 мин.

An assessment of the combined effect of ozonation and ultrasonic treatment on the physical- and chemical and organoleptic properties of distillates was done in the work. Exposure to ozone made it possible to oxidize a number of minor ethanol congeners; ultrasonic treatment was used to intensively stir the reaction mixture. The object of study was an alcoholic distillate produced industrially from grain raw materials in a continuous operation. The sensory profile method, which allows visualizing the quality of the investigated product in the form of graphical profilograms of smell, taste and aftertaste, was used to compare the organoleptic properties of distillates. The study of the samples aroma was carried out using a multichannel gas analyzer and the «electronic nose» technique. Sensors based on piezoelectric quartz resonators with film sorbents on electrodes were used as a measuring array. The content of highly volatile microimpurities with insignificant accumulation of heavier homologues was effectively reduced at the first stage during the processing of the distillate according to the selected method. This allowed to obtain a product with a harmonious taste and smell. The increase in processing time contributed to the accumulation of compounds that degrade organoleptic characteristics. The optimal time for ozone-ultrasonic treatment of alcoholic distillates, equal to 6 min, was determined by a set of indicators.
Climate Perception, Migration and Productivity of Maize Farmers in Ghana
Authors: Azumah Shaibu Baanni , Mahama Abass , Yegbemey Rosaine N. , Dapilah Frederick
Published: January 2022

High temperature, erratic rainfall, and drought are the three major physical manifestations of climate change in Ghana. Smallholder farmers in Ghana have shown vulnerability to the impacts of climate change, with some farmers employing migration as an adaptation mechanism. Using primary data collected from 500 maize farmers in seven districts of Ghana, our study draws a link among climate perception, migration and productivity of maize farmers by estimating a two-step Heckman sample selection model and employing inductive coding to analyse the qualitative data. The results show that farmers’ experience, access to farm credit, farm size, location, usage of NPK fertilizer, and local seeds have positive impact on the productivity of maize farmers. Additionally, household size, main occupation, membership in farmer-based organisations, and perception of declined soil fertility have significant effects on migration decisions of smallholder maize farmers. The qualitative reports show that perceived increase in temperature, drought, flooding, and erratic rainfall has led to a decline in the productivity of maize farmers. Among others, we recommend that relevant stakeholders (i.e., policy makers and NGOs in the agricultural space) should focus on promoting the use of improved seeds, and NKP fertilizer, coupled with the provision of farm credit and expansion of farm sizes to enhance the productivity of maize farmers in Ghana. Also, smallholder farmers should be supported to engage in alternative livelihood enterprises, join farmer-based organisations and to adopt techniques that enhance soil fertility in order to reduce climate-induced migration among maize farmers.
Study of Mast Cell Distribution and its Role in Breast Carcinoma
Authors: Rao Saini Anil Mohan
Published: January 2022

Aims: This study is an attempt to find the Mast cell distribution in Tumors of Breast and thereby substantiating its role in Biology and Natural History of Breast Tumors ,principally Breast Cancer. Study Design: Cross Sectional Histopathological study Place of Study: Department of Pathology Faculty of Medicine Northern Border University Arar, K.S.A Materials & Methods: Sample study includes 40 diagnosed cases of Breast Carcinoma. Histopathology slides were collected and subjected to Toluidine Blue Stain for demonstration and distribution of Mast cells, there by comparing the findings with other studies Results: Invasive ductal carcinoma, Lobular Carcinoma [2-4/hpf] and [1-2/hpf] within tumor area Invasive Ductal Carcinoma, Lobular Carcinoma [1-2/hpf] and [2-4/hpf] within Stroma Conclusion: The distribution of Mast cells in breast carcinoma in present study is comparable to other studies Keywords: Mast cell, Breast Carcinoma, Prognosis, Study, Distribution
Comparison in the Mean Change in Haematocrit by Blunt Versus Sharp Expansion of Uterine Incision at Caesarean Delivery
Authors: Fatima Abroo , Maqsood Nosheen , Sharif Sana , Chaudary Sumera , Tufail Saba , Manzoor Uzma
Published: January 2022

Objective: To compare the mean change in haematocrit by blunt with sharp expansion of uterine incision at caesarean delivery. Methodology: In this Randomized Control Trial, at Department of Obstetrics/Gynaecology, Allied Hospital, Faisalabad during the years 2020, we included 200 cases (100 in each group) who fulfilled the inclusion/exclusion criteria. Two equal groups were formed by dividing patients randomly, A &B. Routine process of history, physical and systemic examination was completed before proceeding for the procedure. Sharp expansion was made in cases of Group-A whereas blunt expansion of uterine incision was done in Group-B cases. Blood loss in both groups was recorded by comparing haematocrit (%), pre-operative and 48 hours after the procedure. Results: Mean pre-operative haematocrit levels were recorded as 36.29+2.64 in Group-A and 36.93+2.32 in Group-B. Mean post-operative haematocrit levels were recorded as 35.06+2.18 in Group-A and 32.09+2.41 in Group-B. Comparison of mean change in haematocrit levels were calculated and recorded as 3.097+0.339 in Group-A and 5.368+4.923 in Group-B. P-value was computed as 0.0001 which shows a significant difference in both groups. Conclusion: The results of the study concluded that there is a significant higher mean change in heamatocrit by blunt expansion of the uterine incision as compared to sharp expansion at caesarean delivery. Keywords: Cesarean section, blunt expansion, sharp expansion, haematocrit
Comparison of Mortality between Health Workers and General Population Infected with Covid-19
Authors: Salman Khan Muhammad , Masood Adeela , Zubair Muhammad
Published: January 2022

Objective: The main purpose of this study is to compare the mortality between health workers and general population infected with coronavirus disease. Study Design: Comparative/Retrospective study Place and Duration: Study was conducted at Medicine and Gastroenterology department of Ayub Teaching Hospital, Abbottabad for duration of six months from 1st January 2021 to ¬¬¬¬¬¬30th June 2021. Methods: In this study 250 patients of both genders with coronavirus infection were presented. Age of the patients was between 18-70 years. Informed written consent was taken from all the cases for baseline details including age, sex, body mass index, socio-economic status and residency. Included patients were both symptomatic and asymptomatic to disease. Among 250 cases 125 patients were in the general population included in group I while other 125 cases were health workers included in group II. Patients were admitted to the hospital and examined for recovery. Outcomes among both groups were assessed and compared in terms of ICU admission, ventilation requirement and rate of mortality. We used the SPSS 25.0 version to analyze complete data. Results: In group I, 65 (52%) patients were males and 60 (48%) cases were females with mean age 47.66±8.87 years and in group II, 70 (56%) were males and 55 (45%) females with mean age 27.66±8.87. Mean BMI in group I was 25.11±8.33 kg/m2 and in group II, body mass index was 22.32±7.54 kg/m2. Majority of the patients i.e 73 (58.4%) in group I had poor socio economic status but in group II 50 (40%) cases had poor economic status. Majority of the cases among both groups were from urban areas 75 (60%) and 85 (64%). 48 (38.4%) were symptomatic in group I and 53 (42.4%) were in group II. Hypertension, diabetes mellitus and heart disease were the most common comorbidities. Frequency of ICU admission, ventilation requirement and mortality was significantly higher in general population 19 (15.2%), 24 (19.2%), 14 (11.2%) as compared to health workers 6 (4.8%), 7 (5.6%) and 5 (4%) with p value < 0.05. Conclusion: We concluded in this study that the severity of pandemic disease among general population was higher because of less use of preventive measures as compared to health workers and frequency of deaths, ICU admission and use of invasive ventilation in general population were also very high. Keywords: Mortality, ICU, Ventilation, General Population, Health workers, Coronavirus
O SILÊNCIO DO PACIENTE COMO UMA RESISTÊNCIA NA TERAPIA PSICANALÍTICA
Authors: Bonioli Alves Pereira Diogo , Carolynne Sampaio Soares Allana , França Gomes Fabiane
Published: January 2022

A psicanálise tem um papel relevante como abordagem terapêutica e com ela a presença de um fenômeno recorrente que atravessa a clínica psicanalítica como a mais poderosa das resistências as recordações: o silêncio. Desenvolvida através da técnica da associação livre, o paciente é instruído a falar tudo o que vier à mente, no entanto, para acessar a tais conteúdos inconsciente, a transferência emerge concedendo ao analista um lugar-de-suposto-saber e afetos que marcaram a vida sexual infantil do analisando. Este artigo propõe-se a investigar o silêncio do paciente como efeito de resistência à abertura para além da palavra, compreender a sua função no ato analítico, seus sinais como transferência e advento da verdade. Entende-se que esse estudo deve auxiliar na compreensão do silêncio na clínica psicanalítica como ato a ser interpretado e manejado para tornar consciente o conteúdo reprimido que se repete. Nesta pesquisa foi utilizado a pesquisa bibliográfica em revistas especializadas de dados e artigos científicos e obras de referenciais acadêmicos. Espera-se que esse trabalho de pesquisa traga reflexões e práticas clínicas sobre o silêncio quanto um processo do campo da linguagem e do setting analítico.
UM ESTUDO DA UTILIZAÇAO DA IMPRESSORA 3D NA ENGENHARIA E NA MEDICINA
Authors: Beca Figueiredo Beatriz , Ignácio Giocondo Cesar Francisco
Published: January 2022

Com o advento da indústria 4.0 que disponibilizou novas tecnologias para as mais diversas áreas, como a impressora 3D. A prototipagem é uma ferramenta utilizada na engenharia, dentre tantas outras, para mitigar erros e otimizar processos, a qual dispõe de muitos recursos e tecnologias, dentre os quais está a prototipagem por impressão 3D, que é um processo por meio de adição de material. Esta tecnologia tem se desenvolvido de forma acelerada nos últimos anos, após as quedas de patentes e pelo desenvolvimento de novas tecnologias e materiais. Esse artigo tem como objetivo estudar a utilização da impressora 3D nas áreas, engenharia, medicina e as tecnologias envolvidas. Fundamentado em uma pesquisa bibliográfica exploratória, nas seguintes bases de dados, google acadêmico e web of Science, em artigos publicados a partir de 2010 sobre o tema aqui tratado. Espera-se que a partir desta pesquisa, se obtenha um maior conhecimento sobre a impressora 3D e tecnologias envolvidas.
Analysis of the Contribution of the Agricultural Sector to the GRDP Value of Dairi Regency, North Sumatra Province
Authors: Marliyah Marliyah , Syahbudi Muhammad , Limbong Lisna
Published: January 2022

The agricultural sector in Dairi Regency is a strategic sector that has close links with poverty reduction, efforts to overcome unemployment, efforts to build food security, food production, environmental conservation efforts and the basis of regional economic development. the distribution of the highest percentage of Gross Regional Domestic Product (GRDP) from 2014-2018 compared to other sectors. This study aims to examine how big the contribution of the agricultural sector to the Gross Regional Domestic Product (GRDP) in Dairi Regency and to find out how big the projected growth of the agricultural sector's contribution in 2025 in Dairi Regency is with quantitative research using secondary data. This study uses time series data in the form of annual data with a time span of 2016-2020. Data were analyzed using contribution analysis and least squared trend analysis (least square method). Process data processing using excel software. The results of the contribution analysis show that the contribution of the agricultural sector to the Gross Regional Domestic Product (GDP) of Dairi Regency in 2016 was 46.02%, in 2017 it was 45.68%, in 2018 it was 45.29%, in 2019 it was 44.79%, and in 2020 by 45.19%. The results of the analysis of the least squares trend (least square method) show the projected growth of the contribution of the agricultural sector to the Gross Regional Domestic Product (GDP) of Dairi Regency in 2021 by 44.63%, in 2022 by 44.37%, in 2023 by 44.12%, in 2024 by 43.86% and in 2025 by 43.61%.
A Differential Pressure Technique for Void Fraction Measurement in Gas-Liquid Flow
Authors: ZEGHLOUL Ammar , AZZI Abdelwahid , GHENDOUR Nabil , BERROUK Abdallah Sofiane
Published: January 2022

Two-phase Gas-liquid flows have many industrial uses, such as hydrocarbon transportation and energy production. The knowledge and an accurate determination of the gas phase's proportion rate in the two-phase mixture known as the gas void fraction is necessary for optimal and secure sizing of the installations where this kind of flow takes place. This paper focuses on the possibility of using a cost-effective differential pressure transmitter to measure the void fraction parameter. It is obtained using a mathematical model derived from the energy balance equation and the measured pressure drop from the vertical upward gas-liquid flow. Results on flow void fraction obtained through the use of the conductance probe method, are used to validate those derived from the pressure drop that is evaluated by employing the differential pressure transmitter. The measurement accuracy of the void fraction measured using the pressure drop technique, is found to be principally affected by the flow pattern. Moreover, the slip ratio between the phases was the primary factor influencing the void fraction measurement by the differential pressure technique.
The impact of COVID-19 Lockdown on Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder and their families in Tripoli, Libya
Authors:   Department of Pediatrics, Tripoli University Hospital, Tripoli, Libya, Zeglam Adel , F Al-Ogab Marwa ,   Department of Community Medicine, University of Tripoli, Tripoli, Libya
Published: January 2022

Introduction: During COVID-19 pandemic, when social distancing becomes compulsory for all, a nation-wide school closure was implemented. The aim of this paper is to assess the impact of COVID-19 lockdown on children with ASD and their families in Tripoli, Libya. Materials and Methods: We conducted face-to-face interviews with parents of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) during the period of the outbreak between June to December 2020. The Modified Check list of Autism in Toddlers (M-CHAT) was used to evaluate patients. Results: 250 children diagnosed of ASD were included. The prevalence of aggressive behaviour had increased by 47% that of loss of communication is 33%, that of poor interaction is 52% and that of anxiety among families is 27%, although rates were lower among girls. .60% of Young children aged between 5 to 10 years exhibit increased stereotyped behaviour, attachment to certain TV programs and other electronic devices (such as tablet, smartphone) more often and for longer periods of the day, temper tantrums, and crying and screaming for no obvious reasons as well as difficulty sleeping alone and frequent awakenings. 10% of children complained of psychosomatic symptoms, such as tummy pains, and diarrhoea. 16% of Adolescents had been found to have significantly higher rates of aggressive and antisocial behaviour when trying to switch them from one activity to another. Conclusions: Children with existing behavioural problems and those with ASD in particular had faced additional social and educational challenges during their special education years and had experienced the most negative consequences of living in a stressful situation like home lockdown, and are therefore had been particularly hard hit. COVD-19 pandemic was a neglected medical cause of deteriorating child behaviour, and the acute and chronic effects of this pandemic on these children’s health and education are among the greatest child harms of the 21st century.
The Effect of Interest in becoming a Sharia Bank Customer to Students of FEBI Universitas Suryakancana, Indonesia
Authors: Sobana Dadang Husen , Anjani Melani Salsabila
Published: January 2022

This research is motivated by the main problem which considers the concept of Islamic banks to be the hsame as conventional banks. This study aims to describe the effect of prevention and knowledge of Islamic banking products on the interest in becoming a customer of Islamic banks in FEBI students of the Surya Kencana University. The method used is descriptive with a quantitative approach. The population was 581 FEBI students, so that the sample was taken by random sampling using the Slovin formula and obtained 86 respondents. The data analysis technique used multiple linear regression, coefficient of determination test, and hypothesis testing. The results of the study concluded that partially the motivation to avoid usury had an effect on the interest in becoming a sharia bank customer in FEBI students. No doubt with a contribution of 21.9%. Then, knowledge of Islamic banking products affects the interest in becoming a customer of Islamic banks in FEBI Elements students with a contribution of 46.4%. Simultaneously, avoiding usury and product knowledge have an effect on interest in becoming a sharia bank customer in FEBI Element students with a contribution of 68.3% with a strong coefficient proportion. While the remaining 31.7% is influenced by other factors outside the variables not examined with a low proportion coefficient.
Pengaruh Kepuasan Kerja dan Disiplin Kerja terhadap Kinerja Karyawan PT. Indonesia Applicad
Authors: Fajri Chotamul , Amelya Adinda , Suworo Suworo
Published: January 2022

Tujuan penelitian ini adalah untuk mengetahui pengaruh secara parsial dan simultan  kepuasan kerja dan disiplin kerja terhadap kinerja karyawan pada PT Indonesia Applicad. Metode penelitian yang digunakan adalah kuantitatif pendekatan assosiatif dengan sampel jenuh sebanyak 55 karyawan, analisis data menggunakan uji validitas, uji reliabilitas, uji asumsi klasik, analisis regresi, analisis koefisien korelasi, analisis koefisien determinasi dan uji hipotesis. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa kepuasan kerja (X1) dan disiplin kerja (X2) berpengaruh terhadap kinerja karyawan dengan diperoleh persamaan regresi Y = 9,188+0,381 X1 + 0,383 X2. Nilai koefisien korelasi atau tingkat pengaruh antara variabel bebas dengan variabel terikat diperoleh sebesar 0,642 artinya memiliki pengaruh yang kuat. Nilai koefisien determinasi atau kontribusi pengaruh Kepuasan Kerja dan Disiplin Kerja secara simultan sebesar 39% sedangkan sisanya sebesar 61% dipengaruhi oleh variabel lain. Pengujian hipotesis menunjukan bahwa terdapat pengaruh baik secara parsial maupun simultan kepuasan kerja dan disiplin kerja terhadap kinerja karyawan PT Indonesia Applicad.
Sociocultural Perspective: The Factors Affecting African American Graduation Rate In Higher Education
Authors: Quayson Felix
Published: January 2022

The graduation rate for African-Americans in the United States is alarming at a time when jobs require college degrees and advanced career knowledge. The disparities in African-American graduation rate are partly due to the lack of allocated resources and insufficient preparation. Educators and leaders are concerned about the challenges facing African American students and their graduation rate. Hines et al. (2020) and Kunjufu (2007) argued that the impact of class differences and socio-economics on teaching and learning puts forward other factors as better predictors for educators to gauge student performance such as embracing success stories in schools that serve low-income students and teacher training program, teacher expectations, professional development, and educational leadership are some of the main factors that determined the educational outcomes of a school. Perhaps, the most important hallmark of success for African Americans is their capacity to learn, cooperate, collaborate, and adapt. African American enrollments show improvement at the nation’s highest-ranked colleges and universities over the past quarter-century (The Journal of Blacks in Higher Education, 2006). The primary purpose of this article is to raise awareness on African-American graduation rate in higher education. The secondary purpose of this article is to educate administrators, faculty, institutional leaders, and those involved in the affairs of African-American education programs to become competent on the issues and challenges facing African-Americans in higher education. The author examined the factors that become barriers for African Americans in higher education setting including the role of gender and the challenges of finances in the education space through meta-analysis review of empirical knowledge on African American education. Keywords: Social Cultural Education; Urban Education; African-American, Graduation Rate, https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8444-8619
Demographic Shift And Economic Competitiveness: The Effect On Educational Policy
Authors: Stunder Stephen
Published: January 2022

The author makes a compelling argument that recent global affairs trends and events affect most of educational decisions in the academic environment including educational policies. As policies that affect academics, students, schooling, and education are shaped by world leaders, legislative bodies, advocates, think tank groups, and policy analysts, educational leaders must be aware of the global landscape to become innovators and open-minded as well as examine the impact of how these global affairs trends and events have on the execution of educational policies. Over the years, there has been a great shift in the population demographics of not just in the Unites States, but the world in general. Global affairs trends and events such as mass migration, illegal immigration, unemployment, the family unit, intercontinental wars including civil wars in diverse regions of the world, pandemic, social injustice, urban development, workforce development, inequity and inequality, and other public policy issues shift have become the burden of educational professionals in uncountable ways. In addition, the United States economic competitiveness in the world continues to shape the educational policies and impact student affairs in institutions throughout the USA. Students of all backgrounds can benefit from access to educational resources, and as demographics shift continues across school districts and higher education institutions in the United States, a more diverse student population inhabiting American schools can be great for all students to contribute to the economic competitiveness of the United States. Overall, these global affairs trends and events have led educational policymakers to unchartered areas when it comes to how to address policy needs throughout the American school system. Keywords: Demographic Shift; Economic Competitiveness; Educational Policy, American Education System
Phase transitions of palladium under dynamic shock compression
Authors: Liu Ze-Tao , Chen Bo , Ling Wei-Dong , Bao Nan-Yun , Kang Dong-Dong , Dai Jia-Yu ,   Department of Physics, National University of Defense Technology, Changsha 410073, China
Published: January 2022

For palladium (Pd) as a typical high-pressure standard material, studying its structural changes and thermodynamic properties under extreme conditions is widely demanded and challenging. Particularly, the solid-solid phase transition process of Pd under shock loading is understood still scarcely. In this paper, using the classical molecular dynamics simulations with embedded atom method (EAM) based on the interatomic potential, we investigate the phase transition of single crystal Pd from atomic scale under shock loading. A series of structural features is observed in a pressure range of 0–375 GPa, revealing that the structure feature transforms from the initial face-centered cubic (FCC) structure to the stacking faults body-centered cubic (BCC) structure with hexagonal close-packed (HCP) structure, and finally complete melting. Under shock loading of \begin{document}$ \left\langle {100} \right\rangle $\end{document} oriented bulk Pd, we find the transformation to BCC structure can take place almost at 70.0 GPa, which is much lower than the previous static calculation result. In addition, we find that the phase transition depends on the direction initially impacting crystal. Under impacting along the \begin{document}$ \left\langle {110} \right\rangle $\end{document} direction and the \begin{document}$ \left\langle {111} \right\rangle $\end{document} direction, the FCC-BCC phase transition pressures increase to 135.8 GPa and 165.4 GPa, respectively. Also, the introduction of defects will increase the phase transition pressure of FCC-BCC by 20–30 GPa in comparison with perfect crystals, which is verified by the distribution of the potential energy. An interesting phenomenon that FCC-BCC transition pressure of Pd decreases under shock loading is found in this work, which provides a new theoretical insight into the application of high pressure experiments in the future.
Primary Congenital Glaucoma: An Update
Authors: Singh Arshi , Singh Kirti
Published: January 2022

Primary congenital glaucoma is a rare maldevelopment of the eye that affects children in the first few years of their lives. Blindness invariably occurs in untreated individuals. Early diagnosis by detailed examination under anaesthesia followed by prompt treatment is necessary for favourable visual outcomes. Surgery is the primary treatment modality due to limited role of medical management. Visual rehabilitation with management of refractive errors and amblyopia is key for long term visual success. This article gives an overview of the epidemiology, genetics, diagnosis and treatment of this devastating disease.
A Critical Analysis of Publications in The IJO Over 2006-15
Authors: Gupta Shalini , Amitava A K
Published: January 2022

Purpose:

To qualitatively evaluate original articles in the IJO published over the decade from 2006 to 2015, using specific critical appraisal checklists (CACL), to assess whether publications have improved over time.

Methods:

All articles were classified either as systematic reviews/meta-analysis; randomised control trials; before and after studies; cohort studies; observational or descriptive and diagnostic test studies: and Economic analysis scored using CACLs. Scores were converted to percentages and compared between the earlier five years (E5Ys) and the later five (L5Ys). Annual trend in article counts and CACL scores were assessed. T-test and ANOVA, with significance set at p < 0.05 was used. 95% CIs are quoted.

Results:

Of a total of 529 original articles, there were 159 in the E5Ys, in 28 issues, while in the L5Ys; there were 370 articles in 48 issues. The mean score for E5Ys was 81.9±9.8% compared to 80.9±12.4% for L5Ys: p=0.26. Maximum articles (134) were in 2014. No significant trends in number and scores were observed.

Conclusions:

There were no significant qualitative differences in the quality of articles during the decade 2006 to 2015. Vitreoretinal subspecialty and observational studies formed the main bulk of articles published in the IJO during this decade. Systematic reviews and meta-analysis, considered the highest level of evidence, have scored the least on CACL.
Cascade‐Targeting Poly(amino acid) Nanoparticles Eliminate Intracellular Bacteria via On‐Site Antibiotic Delivery
Authors: Feng Wenli , Li Guofeng , Kang Xiaoxu , Wang Ruibai , Liu Fang , Zhao Dongdong , Li Haofei , Bu Fanqiang , Yu Yingjie , Moriarty T. Fintan , Ren Qun , Wang Xing
Published: January 2022

Intracellular bacteria in latent or dormant states tolerate high‐dose antibiotics. Fighting against these opportunistic bacteria has been a long‐standing challenge. Herein, the design of a cascade‐targeting drug delivery system (DDS) that can sequentially target macrophages and intracellular bacteria, exhibiting on‐site drug delivery, is reported. The DDS is fabricated by encapsulating rifampicin (Rif) into mannose‐decorated poly(α‐N‐acryloyl‐phenylalanine)‐block‐poly(β‐N‐acryloyl‐d‐aminoalanine) nanoparticles, denoted as Rif@FAM NPs. The mannose units on Rif@FAM NPs guide the initial macrophage‐specific uptake and intracellular accumulation. After the uptake, the detachment of mannose in acidic phagolysosome via Schiff base cleavage exposes the d‐aminoalanine moieties, which subsequently steer the NPs to escape from lysosomes and target intracellular bacteria through peptidoglycan‐specific binding, as evidenced by the in situ/ex situ co‐localization using confocal, flow cytometry, and transmission electron microscopy. Through the on‐site Rif delivery, Rif@FAM NPs show superior in vitro and in vivo elimination efficiency than the control groups of free Rif or the DDSs lacking the macrophages‐ or bacteria‐targeting moieties. Furthermore, Rif@FAM NPs remodel the innate immune response of the infected macrophages by upregulating M1/M2 polarization, resulting in a reinforced antibacterial capacity. Therefore, this biocompatible DDS enabling macrophages and bacteria targeting in a cascade manner provides a new outlook for the therapy of intracellular pathogen infection.
Receipt of Electroconvulsive Therapy and Subsequent Development of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: A Cohort Study
Authors: Mezei Gabor , Lau Edmund , Pace Nelson D. , Schenk Jamie , Kheifets Leeka
Published: January 2022

We investigated the potential relationship between receipt of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) and development of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). We conducted a cohort study using a sample of more than one million beneficiaries enrolled in the U.S. Medicare health insurance program from 1997 to 2017. Using time‐varying proportional hazard modeling, we compared ALS occurrence among patients diagnosed with psychiatric conditions who received ECT to ALS occurrence among patients diagnosed with psychiatric conditions but who did not receive ECT. We observed moderately increased, but imprecise, hazard ratios (HR) for ALS following ECT (HR = 1.39, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.69–2.80). A statistically significant increase in the HR of ALS was observed among those who received more than 10 ECT treatments (>10 treatments, HR = 2.24, 95% CI: 1.00–5.01), compared to those receiving no ECT, with an even stronger association observed among subjects older than 65 years (HR = 3.03, 95% CI: 1.13–8.10). No monotonic exposure‐response relationship was detected in categorical analyses. Our results provide weak support for the hypothesis that receipt of ECT increases the risk of developing ALS. Additional studies in larger populations, or in populations where ECT is more common, will be needed to refute or confirm an association between receipt of ECT and subsequent development of ALS. Bioelectromagnetics. 43:81–89, 2022. © 2021 Bioelectromagnetics Society.
Civil juror compensation and judgments of police use of force at the intersection of race and mental illness
Authors: Sturges Haley A. , Flick Cassandra , Provenza Karlee , Nunez Narina
Published: January 2022

More than 53 million people come in contact with police each year, with people of color and those with mental illness (MI) being subjected to increased rates of contact. Sometimes police and civilian interactions have fatal outcomes, and these populations are disproportionately affected. As a result, families of these victims sometimes seek monetary compensation through civil litigation. The current study sought to understand how victim race and mental illness might impact civil juror decision‐making in deadly police use of force cases. Participants (N = 177) were exposed to trial evidence and were assessed on a number of dimensions. Results display a strong influence of mock jurors' attitudes toward police legitimacy on compensatory damages, as well as interaction effects between attitudes toward police legitimacy and victim race on punitive damage awards and opinions on what professional consequences the involved police officer should face. Implications and future directions are discussed.
Outcomes of chronic total occlusion percutaneous coronary intervention in patients with reduced left ventricular ejection fraction
Authors: Simsek Bahadir , Kostantinis Spyridon , Karacsonyi Judit , Alaswad Khaldoon , Karmpaliotis Dimitri , Masoumi Amirali , Jaffer Farouc A. , Doshi Darshan , Khatri Jaikirshan , Poommipanit Paul , Gorgulu Sevket , Goktekin Omer , Krestyaninov Oleg , Davies Rhian , ElGuindy Ahmed , Jefferson Brian K. , Patel Taral N. , Patel Mitul , Chandwaney Raj H. , Mashayekhi Kambis , Galassi Alfredo R. , Rangan Bavana V. , Brilakis Emmanouil S.
Published: January 2022

Background

The relationship between left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and the success and safety of coronary chronic total occlusion (CTO) percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) has received limited study.

Methods

We examined the clinical characteristics and outcomes of CTO PCI in the Prospective Global Registry for the Study of CTO Intervention (PROGRESS‐CTO) after stratifying patients by LVEF (≤35%, 36%–49%, and ≥50%).

Results

A total of 7827 CTO PCI procedures with LVEF data were included. Mean age was 64 ± 10 years, 81% were men, 43% had diabetes mellitus, 61% had prior PCI, 45% had prior myocardial infarction, and 29% had prior coronary artery bypass graft surgery. Technical success was similar in the three LVEF strata: 85%, 86%, and 87%, p = 0.391 for LVEF ≤35%, 36%–49%, and ≥50%, respectively. In‐hospital mortality was higher in lower LVEF patients (1.1%, 0.4%, and 0.3%, respectively, p = 0.001). In‐hospital major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) were numerically higher in lower EF patients (2.7%, 2.1%, and 1.9%, p = 0.271). At a median follow‐up of 2 months (interquartile range: 19‐350 days), patients with lower LVEF continued to have higher mortality (4.9%, 3.2%, and 1.4%, p < 0.001) while the MACE rates were similar (9.3%, 9.6%, and 7.4%, p = 0.172).

Conclusion

CTO PCI can be performed with high technical success in patients with reduced LVEF but is associated with higher in‐hospital and post‐discharge mortality.
Sex differences in prehospital analgesia in patients presenting with acute coronary syndromes and their association with clinical outcomes
Authors: Nan Tie Emilia , Fernando Himawan , Nehme Ziad , Dinh Diem , Andrew Emily , Brennan Angela , Zaman Sarah , Liew Danny , Stephenson Michael , Lefkovits Jeffrey , Peter Karlheinz , Duffy Stephen J. , Shaw James , Smith Karen , Stub Dion
Published: January 2022

Objectives

This study examined if sex differences in prehospital pain scores, opioid administration, and clinical outcomes exist in acute coronary syndrome (ACS) patients.

Background

Sex differences persist in ACS presentation, management, and outcomes. The impact of sex differences on prehospital pain management of ACS with opioids is unknown.

Methods

Patients presenting with ACS via ambulance (2014–2018) that underwent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) were prospectively collected via the Victorian Cardiac Outcomes Registry and Melbourne Interventional Group, linked to the Ambulance Victoria database. The primary outcome was 30‐day major adverse cardiac events (MACE). Secondary outcomes were descriptive analyses of prehospital pain score, intravenous morphine equivalent analgesic dosing, plus predictors of MACE and thrombolysis in myocardial infarction (TIMI) 0–1 flow pre‐PCI.

Results

A total of 10,547 patients were included (female: 2775 [26%]). Opioids were administered to 1585 (57%) females, 5068 (65%) males (p < 0.001). Adjusted 30‐day MACE was similar between opioid groups in both sexes (female: odds ratio [OR]: 1.21, confidence interval [CI] 0.82–1.79, p = 0.34; male: OR: 0.89, CI: 0.68–1.16, p = 0.40). Median pain score at presentation was 6 (interquartile range [IQR]: 4, 8) for both sexes. Median opioid dose was 2.5 mg (IQR: 0, 10) in females and 5 mg (IQR: 0, 10) in males (p < 0.001), with similar pain relief achieved. Adjusted rates of TIMI 0‐1 pre‐PCI were higher in patients administered opioids (female: OR 2.9, CI: 2.07–4.07, p < 0.001; male: OR: 2.67, CI: 2.19–3.25, p < 0.001).

Conclusions

Female patients undergoing PCI received less opioid analgesia, but no sex differences in prehospital pain scores were seen. Opioid administration was associated with impaired antegrade flow in the culprit artery in both sexes, but not short‐term MACE. Trials evaluating nonopioid analgesics in ACS are needed.
Investigation of mixing performance in a semi‐active T‐micromixer actuated by magnetic nanoparticles: Characterization via Villermaux–Dushman reaction
Authors: Azimi Neda , Rahimi Masoud , Hosseini Fardin , Jafari Omid
Published: January 2022

A semi‐active T‐type micromixer is designed to intensify micromixing by actuating magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs). Five permanent magnets in a zig‐zag arrangement are located next to the mixing channel of the micromixer to apply the magnetic field to the fluid flow. Micromixing performance is considered in terms of the segregation index (XS) by the Villermaux/Dushman reaction test. The effects of magnetic flux intensity (B = 380–500 mT), the concentration of MNPs (φ = 0.002–0.01 [w/v]), and flow rate ratios on XS and pressure drop are investigated. By increasing MNPs concentration from φ = 0.002–0.008 (w/v), XS decreased and the rise in φ up to 0.008 (w/v) has not been significant on XS. Maximum mixing efficiency (i.e., minimum XS = 0.0088) is achieved for B = 500 mT and φ = 0.01 (w/v). By applying the magnetic field, the mixing performance increased due to the motion of MNPs, but its negative effect is an increase in the pressure drop along the micromixer reactor. Generally, with the formation of MNPs barriers inside the mixing channel, the main fluid flows through these layers and creates the sinusoidal flow paths compared to no magnetic field conditions, and thus, a superior mixing efficiency could be attained.
Chemical characterization of Brazilian propolis using automated direct thermal desorption–gas chromatography–mass spectrometry
Authors: Ribeiro Victor P , Ccana‐Ccapatinta Gari V , Aldana‐Mejía Jennyfer A , Berretta Andresa A , Moraes Luiz AB , Bastos Jairo K
Published: January 2022

BACKGROUND

Propolis, produced by honey bees, is used around the world, displaying several corroborated biological activities. Brazil is one of the leading producers of propolis, with a great diversity of types, each with a characteristically chemical fingerprint influenced by the flora of the local region. The secondary metabolite's composition of propolis strongly impacts its biological properties, and its chemical characterization is of great importance for its quality control. Several chromatographic techniques have been applied to characterize propolis, highlighting the extraction of its volatiles and its analysis through gas chromatography. Fourteen Brazilian propolis samples collected in four states, including brown, green and red propolis types, were chemically characterized using the automated direct thermal desorption–gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (DTD–GC–MS).

RESULTS

Red propolis type was characterized by acyclic saturated hydrocarbons, fatty alcohols, terpenes, and phenylpropanoids as nonacosane, α‐copaene, β‐amyrin acetate, anethole, and 7‐O‐methylvestitol. Brown propolis presented hydrocarbons, monoterpenes, and sesquiterpenes, as α‐pinene and α‐bisabolol. Brazilian green propolis presented polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and sesquiterpenes, including 1‐methyl‐octahydroanthracene, 2,5‐dimethyl‐γ‐oxo‐benzenebutanoic acid, nerolidol, and spathulenol. Principal component analysis (PCA) was performed, allowing for clustering brown and red propolis types, indicating a divergence with the chemical composition of the green propolis samples. The hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) allowed the chemical fingerprint of each propolis type to be differentiated.

CONCLUSION

Red propolis was characterized by sesquiterpenes, pterocarpans, and isoflavans; brown propolis was characterized by hydrocarbons, aldehydes, and monoterpenes, while green propolis samples were characterized by the presence of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, sesquiterpenes, and naphthalene derivatives. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.
The Critical Transition from Soluble Complexes to Colloidal Aggregates of Polyelectrolyte Complexes at Non‐Stoichiometric Charge Ratios
Authors: Gao Jun , Zhan Qiang‐wei , Tang Ziyao , Huang Yan
Published: January 2022

The transition from soluble to colloidal polyelectrolyte complex normally occurs at a critical non‐stoichiometric charge ratio. Here, it is demonstrated that the conventional batch mixing produces heterogeneous binding and complexation, which can easily mask this soluble‐colloidal complex transition (sol‐col transition) even for weakly binding polyelectrolytes like polyacrylic acid (PAA) and poly(diallyldimethylammonium chloride) (PDADMAC). When mixed efficiently using multi‐inlet vortex mixer (MIVM), the sol‐col transition occurs beyond a critical charge ratio (n−/n+) and the large colloidal complexes are formed through the aggregation of small primary complexes (as revealed by atomic force microscopy). Moreover, the sol‐col transition occurs at a constant charge ratio below the overlapping concentration (c*) of the long host polyelectrolyte, but at lower charge ratios above c* due to chain entanglement. When adding NaCl to the solution, the sol‐col transition charge ratio first decreases, then remained stable for a period, and finally increased and vanished at high ionic strength. When replacing NaCl with chaotropic salts, the sol‐col transition occurs at lower charge ratios, while kosmotropes has little impact. The solvent quality and polymer hydrophobicity effects are also discussed. With the assistance of rapid mixing, this study provides a more reliable way of studying the sol‐col transition of polyelectrolyte complexes.
Technical note: Validation of an ultrahigh dose rate pulsed electron beam monitoring system using a current transformer for FLASH preclinical studies
Authors: Gonçalves Jorge Patrik , Grilj Veljko , Bourhis Jean , Vozenin Marie‐Catherine , Germond Jean‐François , Bochud François , Bailat Claude , Moeckli Raphaël
Published: January 2022

Purpose

The Oriatron eRT6 is a linear accelerator (linac) used in FLASH preclinical studies able to reach dose rates ranging from conventional (CONV) up to ultrahigh (UHDR). This work describes the implementation of commercially available beam current transformers (BCTs) as online monitoring tools compatible with CONV and UHDR irradiations for preclinical FLASH studies.

Methods

Two BCTs were used to measure the output of the Oriatron eRT6 linac. First, the correspondence between the set nominal beam parameters and those measured by the BCTs was checked. Then, we established the relationship between the total exit charge (measured by BCTs) and the absorbed dose to water. The influence of the pulse width (PW) and the pulse repetition frequency (PRF) at UHDR was characterized, as well as the short‐ and long‐term stabilities of the relationship between the exit charge and the dose at CONV and UHDR.

Results

The BCTs were able to determine consistently the number of pulses, PW, and PRF. For fixed PW and pulse height, the exit charge measured from BCTs was correlated with the dose, and linear relationships were found with uncertainties of 0.5 % and 3 % in CONV and UHDR mode, respectively. Short‐ and long‐term stabilities of the dose‐to‐charge ratio were below 1.6 %.

Conclusions

We implemented commercially available BCTs and demonstrated their ability to act as online beam monitoring systems to support FLASH preclinical studies with CONV and UHDR irradiations. The implemented BCTs support dosimetric measurements, highlight variations among multiple measurements in a row, enable monitoring of the physics parameters used for irradiation, and are an important step for the safety of the clinical translation of FLASH radiation therapy.