bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Estimation of seroprevalence of melioidosis among adult high risk groups in Southeastern India by indirect Hemagglutination assay
Authors: Raj Sruthi , Sistla Sujatha , Melepurakkal Sadanandan Deepthy , Kadhiravan Tamilarasu , Chinnakali Palanivel
Published: May 2022

Burkholderia pseudomallei is an environmental saprophyte known to cause melioidosis, a disease endemic in northern Australia and Southeast Asia. With the increasing number of melioidosis cases, there is a lack of data on seroprevalence rates and extent of exposure in high risk population of melioidosis from different endemic regions in India. The present cross sectional study was undertaken to estimate the seroprevalence of melioidosis in high risk populations in and around Puducherry, a coastal town in Southeastern India. Blood samples were collected from 275 diabetic individuals attending a tertiary care centre in Southern India and 275 farmers residing under the rural field practice area of our hospital. The antibody levels were estimated using an Indirect Hemagglutination Assay. The overall seropositivity was found to be 19.8% with a titer ≥1:20. Farmers were 2.8 times more likely to be seropositive than non-farmers. Rates of seroprevalence among diabetic subjects were less compared to the non-diabetic individuals. The seropositivity rates in non-diabetic farmers were higher (56/203, 27.6%) compared to diabetic farmers (34/164, 20.7%). The lowest seropositivity was seen among diabetic non-farmers at 10.4%. Multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed domicile (adjusted odds ratio—aOR: 2.32, 95% Confidence interval—CI: 1.05, 5.13) and contact with animals (aOR: 1.89, 95% CI:1.04, 3.44) as significant predictors of seropositivity. None of the other socio-demographic factors including gender and age were significantly associated with seropositivity. This study demonstrates widespread exposure to B. pseudomallei among adults residing in and around Puducherry, including those engaged in non-farming occupations.
Effect of glutamate infusion on NT-proBNP after coronary artery bypass grafting in high-risk patients (GLUTAMICS II): A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Holm Jonas , Ferrari Gabriele , Holmgren Anders , Vanky Farkas , Friberg Örjan , Vidlund Mårten , Svedjeholm Rolf
Published: May 2022

Background

Animal and human data suggest that glutamate can enhance recovery of myocardial metabolism and function after ischemia. N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) reflects myocardial dysfunction after coronary artery bypass surgery (CABG). We investigated whether glutamate infusion can reduce rises of NT-proBNP in moderate- to high-risk patients after CABG.

Methods and findings

A prospective, randomized, double-blind study enrolled patients from November 15, 2015 to September 30, 2020, with a 30-day follow-up at 4 academic cardiac surgery centers in Sweden. Patients underwent CABG ± valve procedure and had left ventricular ejection fraction ≤0.30 or EuroSCORE II ≥3.0. Intravenous infusion of 0.125 M L-glutamic acid or saline at 1.65 mL/kg/h started 10 to 20 minutes before releasing the aortic cross-clamp, then continued for another 150 minutes. Patients, staff, and investigators were blinded to the treatment. The primary endpoint was the difference between preoperative and day-3 postoperative NT-proBNP levels. Analysis was intention to treat.

We studied 303 patients (age 74 ± 7 years; females 26%, diabetes 47%), 148 receiving glutamate group and 155 controls. There was no significant difference in the primary endpoint associated with glutamate administration (5,390 ± 5,396 ng/L versus 6,452 ± 5,215 ng/L; p = 0.086). One patient died ≤30 days in the glutamate group compared to 6 controls (0.7% versus 3.9%; p = 0.12). No adverse events linked to glutamate were observed.

A significant interaction between glutamate and diabetes was found (p = 0.03). Among patients without diabetes the primary endpoint (mean 4,503 ± 4,846 ng/L versus 6,824 ± 5,671 ng/L; p = 0.007), and the incidence of acute kidney injury (11% versus 29%; p = 0.005) was reduced in the glutamate group. These associations remained significant after adjusting for differences in baseline data.

The main limitations of the study are: (i) it relies on a surrogate marker for heart failure; and (ii) the proportion of patients with diabetes had almost doubled compared to the cohort used for the sample size estimation.

Conclusions

Infusion of glutamate did not significantly reduce postoperative rises of NT-proBNP. Diverging results in patients with and without diabetes agree with previous observations and suggest that the concept of enhancing postischemic myocardial recovery with glutamate merits further evaluation.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02592824.

European Union Drug Regulating Authorities Clinical Trials Database (Eudra CT number 2011-006241-15).
Compliance to playpen usages to enhance parental supervision of under-five children in rural community of Bangladesh
Authors: Bhuiyan Md. Al-Amin , Agrawal Priyanka , Alonge Olakunle , Alam Zobaer , Ashraf Lamisa , Wadhwaniya Shirin , Talab Md. Abu , Li Qingfeng , Bachani Abdulgafoor M. , Rahman Fazlur , Rahman Aminur
Published: May 2022

Introduction

In Bangladesh, injury is one of the leading causes of death and morbidity in children. All children under 5 years of age are at high risk for drowning though the risks are highest when children first learn to walk and crawl while they do not understand the danger of water. The Centre for Injury Prevention and Research, Bangladesh (CIPRB) in collaboration with Johns Hopkins International Injury Research Unit (JH-IIRU) has been implementing two drowning prevention interventions, providing playpens and community day care centres (anchal), or both in three rural sub-districts of Bangladesh under Saving of Lives from Drowning (SoLiD) project in Bangladesh. In CIPRB intervention areas, wooden playpens were distributed among the children nine months to three years at household (HH) level.

Objective

The aim of this study was to explore and understand the acceptability and perceptions of parents towards playpen and its relevance for drowning and injury related mortality and morbidity prevention.

Methods

Anchal mothers (‘anchal maa’ in Bangla) distributed 30,553 playpens and collected compliance information at the HH level using a structured questionnaire. 1600 trained anchal maas collected data via face to face interviews from May 2014 to November 2015. Playpen compliance visits were conducted periodically on the second and seventh days and every two months after delivering the playpen. Data were entered using standard data entry formats and analyzed using SPSS software version 23.

Results

Parents reported that playpen is a safe place and protects children from drowning and other injuries. During compliance data collection, anchal maa founds that 71.8% of all children were using playpen and 93.7% (of 71.8%) children were playing inside the playpen while mothers were busy with their household chores like cooking, washing dishes and clothes, taking care of their poultry and domestic animals etc. 95.7% parents reported playpen is being used for keeping the child safe. On an average, the children were placed two to six times per day in a playpen. 99.1% of the children who reported using a playpen did not get any injuries (falls, cuts and bruises) while using the playpen. Satisfaction level with the playpen intervention among mothers was 90.5%. Some respondents suggested improving the playpen utilization by providing toys, adding wheels for ease of mobility, and increasing the height.

Conclusion

The playpens were found to be well accepted and utilized for the children, especially when mothers were busy with their household chores.
Controlled precision QUBO-based algorithm to compute eigenvectors of symmetric matrices
Authors: Krakoff Benjamin , Mniszewski Susan M. , Negre Christian F. A.
Published: May 2022

We describe an algorithm to compute the extremal eigenvalues and corresponding eigenvectors of a symmetric matrix which is based on solving a sequence of Quadratic Binary Optimization problems. This algorithm is robust across many different classes of symmetric matrices; It can compute the eigenvector/eigenvalue pair to essentially any arbitrary precision, and with minor modifications, can also solve the generalized eigenvalue problem. Performance is analyzed on small random matrices and selected larger matrices from practical applications.
Multi-omics analysis of the cervical epithelial integrity of women using depot medroxyprogesterone acetate
Authors: Bradley Frideborg , Franzén Boger Mathias , Kaldhusdal Vilde , Åhlberg Alexandra , Edfeldt Gabriella , Lajoie Julie , Bergström Sofia , Omollo Kenneth , Damdimopoulos Anastasios , Czarnewski Paulo , Månberg Anna , Oyugi Julius , Kimani Joshua , Nilsson Peter , Fowke Keith , Tjernlund Annelie , Broliden Kristina
Published: May 2022

Depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA) is an injectable hormonal contraceptive used by millions of women worldwide. However, experimental studies have associated DMPA use with genital epithelial barrier disruption and mucosal influx of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) target cells. We explored the underlying molecular mechanisms of these findings. Ectocervical biopsies and cervicovaginal lavage (CVL) specimens were collected from HIV-seronegative Kenyan sex workers using DMPA (n= 32) or regularly cycling controls (n= 64). Tissue samples were assessed by RNA-sequencing and quantitative imaging analysis, whereas protein levels were measured in CVL samples. The results suggested a DMPA-associated upregulation of genes involved in immune regulation, including genes associated with cytokine-mediated signaling and neutrophil-mediated immunity. A transcription factor analysis further revealed DMPA-associated upregulation of RELA and NFKB1 which are involved in several immune activation pathways. Several genes significantly downregulated in the DMPA versus the control group were involved in epithelial structure and function, including genes encoding keratins, small proline-rich proteins, and cell-cell adhesion proteins. Pathway analyses indicated DMPA use was associated with immune activation and suppression of epithelium development, including keratinization and cornification processes. The cervicovaginal microbiome composition (Lactobacillusdominant and non-Lactobacillusdominant) had no overall interactional impact on the DMPA associated tissue gene expression. Imaging analysis verified that DMPA use was associated with an impaired epithelial layer as illustrated by staining for the selected epithelial junction proteins E-cadherin, desmoglein-1 and claudin-1. Additional staining for CD4+cells revealed a more superficial location of these cells in the ectocervical epithelium of DMPA users versus controls. Altered protein levels of SERPINB1 and ITIH2 were further observed in the DMPA group. Identification of specific impaired epithelial barrier structures at the gene expression level, which were verified at the functional level by tissue imaging analysis, illustrates mechanisms by which DMPA adversely may affect the integrity of the genital mucosa.
A nonstructural protein encoded by a rice reovirus induces an incomplete autophagy to promote viral spread in insect vectors
Authors: Jia Dongsheng , Liang Qifu , Liu Huan , Li Guangjun , Zhang Xiaofeng , Chen Qian , Wang Aiming , Wei Taiyun
Published: May 2022

Viruses can hijack autophagosomes as the nonlytic release vehicles in cultured host cells. However, how autophagosome-mediated viral spread occurs in infected host tissues or organs in vivo remains poorly understood. Here, we report that an important rice reovirus, rice gall dwarf virus (RGDV) hijacks autophagosomes to traverse multiple insect membrane barriers in the midgut and salivary gland of leafhopper vector to enhance viral spread. Such virus-containing double-membraned autophagosomes are prevented from degradation, resulting in increased viral propagation. Mechanistically, viral nonstructural protein Pns11 induces autophagy and embeds itself in the autophagosome membranes. The autophagy-related protein 5 (ATG5)-ATG12 conjugation is essential for initial autophagosome membrane biogenesis. RGDV Pns11 specifically interacts with ATG5, both in vitro and in vivo. Silencing of ATG5 or Pns11 expression suppresses ATG8 lipidation, autophagosome formation, and efficient viral propagation. Thus, Pns11 could directly recruit ATG5-ATG12 conjugation to induce the formation of autophagosomes, facilitating viral spread within the insect bodies. Furthermore, Pns11 potentially blocks autophagosome degradation by directly targeting and mediating the reduced expression of N-glycosylated Lamp1 on lysosomal membranes. Taken together, these results highlight how RGDV remodels autophagosomes to benefit viral propagation in its insect vector.
Introduction of Phonological Concepts in an Initial Teacher Education Literacy Unit
Authors:   Edith Cowan University, Thwaite Anne , Adam Helen ,   Edith Cowan University, Urquhart Yvonne ,   Edith Cowan University, Hill Susan ,   Edith Cowan University
Published: May 2022

Pre-service teachers (PSTs) need sound Knowledge About Language (KAL), both for their own professional communication and for their teaching practice. In the longer term, enhanced KAL will benefit our graduates in their implementation of the Australian Curriculum. This paper reports on work with First Year PSTs at one Australian university. We present an analysis of students’ response to an intervention designed to develop their KAL, focusing on Phonological Awareness (PA) and phonics. While the designed resources were introduced and discussed in class, students mainly accessed them online afterwards. Student achievement was measured by online testing, and attitudes were obtained from unit evaluation instruments and a survey. We present results documenting their knowledge before and after the intervention, and their attitude toward the content. Most students demonstrated improved confidence and increased knowledge in particular areas post intervention. Nevertheless, their ability to apply their knowledge lagged behind their ability to give definitions.
Ninja Arm Shooter
Authors: ogata yoichi
Published: May 2022

This study proposes the fabrication of an arm-mounted shooting device equipped onto a userrs arm. The proposed arm shooterdevice is portable, including three major functionalities: aerial sight, which was implemented for precision shooting, amagnetically levitated stand, which can be installed onto the userrs arm to float the device, and a remote control viateleoperation. A haptic sensor and Bluetooth are equipped onto the userrs hand, which enable the user to remotely controlthe shooting device. By incorporating these functions, I attempted a novel shooter device that can shoot at targets preciselyand remotely while mounted onto the userrs arm.
Movilización electoral en el departamento del Atlántico 1920-1940
Authors: Monsalvo Mendoza Edwin
Published: May 2022

El presente artículo se propone examinar las prácticas electorales que llevaron a cabo los distintos actores políticos atlanticenses con el objetivo de movilizar a los sufragantes a las urnas. El período de estudio permite comprender las dinámicas electorales en coyunturas políticamente distintas, los últimos diez años de la hegemonía conservadora y los primeros de la liberal, cuestión que permitirá demostrar que ambos gobiernos usaron mecanismos por fuera de la ley para mantenerse en el poder.
La renovación de los centros históricos en latinoamérica: fases – conceptos – estrategias
Authors: Mertins Günter
Published: May 2022

El artículo expone, enmarcada dentro de una tipología general de áreas históricas, una definición de centros históricos, que facilita una percepción amplia de la temática de la renovación. Se presenta una terminología del proceso de renovación y se plantean las preguntas claves de ¿por qué?, ¿para qué? y ¿para quién? conservar, renovar y revitalizar las áreas históricas; Luego se muestran muy detalladamente las fases de los procesos de renovación en Latinoamérica y los conceptos utilizados en cada una de ellas, para finalmente presentar críticamente las estrategias de acción utilizadas.
Gilberto Freyre: el pensamiento singular
Authors: Giucci Guillermo , Rodríguez Larreta Enrique
Published: May 2022

El presente articulo analiza la obra de Gilberto Freire, Casa-grande & senzala (1933), explicando el porqué de la recepción que esta obra tuvo en un amplio publico. Para lograr este objetivo los autores recurren al análisis del contexto y de la situación en la que se desenvolvió Freire al momento de escribir la obra para explicar su singularidad. El artículo busca ahondar en el pensamiento de Freire, observando la posición de este en torno a la contribución de la mezcla racial y cultural en la conformación de una sociedad mestiza en Brasil.
La disputa por los recursos naturales
Authors: Arteta Adolfo , Azar Karina , Bula Johana , Duarte Laura , García José Nelson , Iglesias Rodrigo , Pérez María Alexandra , Téllez Jennifer , Vega Mayra
Published: May 2022

Por Adolfo Arteta, Karina Azar, Johana Bula, Laura Duarte, José Nelson García, Rodrigo Iglesias, María Alexandra Pérez, Jennifer Téllez, Mayra Vega. Estudiantes del Programa de Relaciones Internacionales de la Universidad del Norte
Die lange Sicht …
Authors: Pohlkamp Svenia , Zarnitz Monika
Published: May 2022

Die Digitalisierung von Gesellschaft und Arbeit stellt neue Herausforderungen an Dokumentation, Archivierung und erneute Nutzung von Informationen und Medien durch große und kleine Einrichtungen. Zur erfolgreichen Bewältigung dieser Herausforderungen tragen Vernetzung und Qualifizierung erheblich bei. In diesen Bereichen ist nestor aktiv. Der Beitrag informiert über Geschichte, Reichweite und Angebote des Kompetenznetzwerks nestor und berichtet über aktuelle Entwicklungen während der Pandemie. Insbesondere werden die Arbeitsgruppen, Publikationen und Veranstaltungs- sowie Qualifizierungsangebote des Netzwerks vorgestellt. Der Beitrag ruft zudem zur Beteiligung im Netzwerk auf.
Exploring Chinese cyber discourse: integrating political and legal perspectives
Authors: Cheng Le , Liu Xiuli
Published: May 2022

Cyberspace, with the rapidly growing network of users and communication technologies, provides venues for myriad social and political interactions. The very technology that enables the development of cyberspace itself also makes detailed and cumulative observation possible. This study aims to investigate cyber discourse in the context of China from the perspective of political and legal integration. Theoretical insight is transformed from viewing cyberspace as a research object to regarding it as a research ontology. To fill in this uncharted domain, this study aims to examine (a) the hidden connotations of the political discourse in cyberspace, (b) the new features of legal regulation in cyberspace, and (c) the relation between political discourse and legal practice. Centering on both political and legal discourse on cyberspace, the findings of this study indicate that there is a dialectical relationship between political discourse and legal practice in cyberspace. With the findings, this study contributes to the discursive construction by extending the discourse studies into cyberspace and integrating the discourse studies with politics and law.
Effect of expansion temperature on the properties of expanded graphite and modified linear low density polyethylene
Authors: Pang Xiuyan , Zhang Wenyu , Meng Yafang , Ma Meifang , Xu Jianzhong
Published: May 2022

To study the influence of expansion temperature on the properties of expanded graphite (EBG), EBG300, EBG600, and EBG900 were prepared by heating expandable graphite (EG) at 300, 600, and 900 °C, respectively. Furthermore, the influence of these EBGs on the combustion performance and physical-mechanical properties of linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE) were investigated. The expansion volumes of EBG300, EBG600, and EBG900 increase with the rise of temperature, and a four-stage ordered structure of “graphite worm” gradually forms. The thermal stability increases gradually for EBG300, EBG600, and EBG900. On the contrary, the thermal conductivity decreases in sequence. However, the incorporation of EBG900 promotes the formation of a continuous network structure and makes the modified LLDPE to present the best heat transmission. The addition of 30 wt% of these EBGs significantly improves LLDPE’s flame retardancy and high-temperature thermal stability. The total heat release, the peak value of heat release rate, and the fire growth index of 70LLDPE/30EBG300 reduce by 69, 91, and 87% respectively, while the effective fire performance index improves seven times. The addition of these additives reduces the tensile strength and elongation at break, the larger the EBG size, the more obvious the effect.
The impact of COVID-19 on smoking cessation in pregnancy
Authors: Bednarczuk Nadja , Williams Emma E. , Absalom Gareth , Olaitan-Salami Judith , Greenough Anne
Published: May 2022

Objectives

A greater proportion of non-pregnant smokers attempted to stop smoking during compared to before the COVID-19 pandemic. The objective of this study was to determine if a greater proportion of pregnant women also attempted to stop smoking during the pandemic rather than before.

Methods

The use of antenatal smoking cessation services and nicotine replacement therapies (NRT) in pregnant women was audited before (2019–2020) and during the COVID pandemic (2020–2021). Anonymised data from January 2019 to March 2021 were analysed from the Lambeth and Southwark smoking cessation service.

Results

A total of 252 pregnant women who smoked were referred to their local antenatal smoking cessation service, of which 90 (35.7%) (median age: 31 years [19–52 years]) chose to attend smoking cessation clinics. The COVID-19 pandemic was not associated with an increase in the number of women attending smoking cessation clinics, (2020–2021 n=46 [40.8%] of 110); compared to (2019–2020 n=44 [30.9%] of 142 referred pregnant women pre-pandemic) p=0.061. Eighty-two women utilised NRT to help them stop smoking and the frequency of NRT use did not change during the pandemic (2019–2020 n=39, 2020–2021 n=43; p=0.420). No significant difference in smoking cessation rates between the two periods was observed at either the four-week (p=0.285) or twelve-week follow-up (p=0.829).

Conclusions

Smoking cessation rates in pregnant women and the demand for antenatal smoking cessation services was unchanged during compared to before the COVID-19 pandemic.
The sociopragmatic parameters steering the reported selection of Anglicisms or their Dutch alternatives
Authors: Crombez Yasmin , Ghyselen Anne-Sophie , Winter-Froemel Esme , Zenner Eline
Published: May 2022

Researchers studying language variation and change induced by contact with English initially focused on the linguistic integration of English source language (SL) material in the morphophonological structure of the receptor language (RL). Shifting the attention toward the sociopragmatic localization of English lexical material, researchers now foreground both the social identity work conducted with English material and the pragmatic functions of English lexemes and heritage alternatives. So far, however, most of these studies rely on production data, paying less attention to language users’ perception and evaluation of English lexemes. Therefore, integrating insights from language production and evaluation, this study asks the questions (i) which lexical preference speakers express when asked to choose between an English and a heritage form; and (ii) which sociopragmatic parameters help to explain this preference. To answer these questions, a forced-choice experiment was conducted in which over 1,500 Dutch-speaking participants were asked to select their preferred expression when provided with a loanword and a heritage alternative. Each participant was offered 12 target trials and 10 filler trials. The target trials, drawn from a corpus-based study, include a balanced set of loans from three semantic fields with various frequencies in usage data. Pragmatic variation was included by randomly presenting the trials in speech contexts of communicative immediacy and communicative distance. Mixed-effects logistic regression analyses show a significant impact of community-based usage statistics, the age and self-reported attitude of the participant, as well as the speech context in which the concepts were offered.
First photographic record of sambar (Rusa unicolor) from Sikkim, Central Himalayas biotic province
Authors: Sharma Chandra Maya , Bhattacharjee Saurav , Joshi Bheem Dutt , Thakur Mukesh , Chandra Kailash , Sharma Lalit Kumar
Published: May 2022

We report the first photographic evidence of sambar (Rusa unicolor) from Pangolakha Wildlife Sanctuary and adjoining area of East Sikkim during April-May 2019. A total of twenty-five photographs of sambar were captured by our camera traps placed at two locations with elevations 2137 m and 2655 m asl. Furthermore, photographic capture of sambar through our study and tiger by officials of the Sikkim forest department from the same locality indicates the availability of good quality habitat for sambar as well as tiger. The present study opens up new avenues for further population monitoring and protecting habitats in and around the Pangolakha Wildlife Sanctuary, East Sikkim.
Peripheral multilingual scholars confronting epistemic exclusion in global academic knowledge production: a positive case study
Authors: Piller Ingrid , Zhang Jie , Li Jia
Published: May 2022

The decolonization of knowledge is increasingly high on the agenda of applied and sociolinguistics. This article contributes to this agenda by examining how peripheral multilingual scholars confront their linguistic and epistemic exclusion from global knowledge production. Based on the product of such a challenge – a Chinese-centric special issue of Multilingua, a global academic Q1 journal, devoted to crisis communication during the COVID-19 pandemic and committed to furthering intercultural dialogue in research – we explore the decades-long knowledge production process behind that product and so provide a look into the “black box” of academic networking and publishing. Advocating for collaborative autoethnography as an inherently inclusive method, we focus on enabling academic and personal networks, textual scaffolding, and linguistic and epistemic brokerage. The article closes with three aspects of linguistic and epistemic citizenship that are central to inclusion, namely recognition of the value of peripheral knowledges, recognition of a collaborative ethics of care, and recognition of shared responsibility.
The crystal structure of tris(6-methylpyridin-2-yl)phosphine oxide, C18H18N3OP
Authors: Wu Gui-Ling
Published: May 2022

C18H18N3OP, monoclinic, P21/n (no. 14), a = 13.3987(17) Å, b = 8.7084(11) Å, c = 14.5063(18) Å, β = 95.849(2)° V = 1683.8(4) Å3, Z = 4, R

gt
(F) = 0.0423, wR

ref
(F
2) = 0.1311, T = 296(2) K.
The Syntactic Encoding of Conventional Implicatures in Sicilian Polar Questions
Authors: Cruschina Silvio , Bianchi Valentina
Published: May 2022

This paper describes and analyses two discourse particles that are found in polar questions and in some declarative structures in central Sicilian. The analysis adopts an interface approach, relying on the cartographic framework. It is proposed that each particle conveys in all its uses one and the same conventional implicature, relating to the epistemic state of one of the discourse participants. The interaction of the two particles with left-peripheral elements, in particular topics, vocatives, fronted foci, and speaker-oriented adverbs, supports the view that the speaker, the hearer, and the commitment anchor are syntactically represented in sentence structure.
L2 Perception of Contrastive Vowel Nasality in Brazilian Portuguese
Authors: Laméris Tim Joris
Published: May 2022

Although not undisputed, it is generally agreed that Brazilian Portuguese (BP) has lexically contrastive vowel nasality, for instance between [si] ‘if; oneself‘ and [sĩ] ‘yes.‘ It is known that second-language (L2) learners of BP struggle with oral-nasal vowel contrasts in perception, but less is known on how L2 learners perform in perception. This paper reports on a study that investigated the perception of BP contrastive vowel nasality by a group of English-native learners of BP and a native speaker control group to assess how non-native listeners perform in pre-lexical discrimination and lexical identification of contrastive vowel nasality. Although results from a vowel discrimination task revealed no differences between L2 and L1 listeners in terms of pre-lexical perception, a lexical identification task revealed that some oral-nasal vowel contrasts impeded lexical access in L2 listeners. These findings highlight how L2 listeners can perform comparably to L1 listeners in perception of non-native sound contrasts (here, vowel nasality) at the pre-lexical level, but may still struggle in encoding those contrasts at a lexical level.
Comparative analysis between single flank rolling test for micro gears and analytical simulation of optical measurements
Authors: Gauder Daniel , Gölz Johannes , Bott Alexander , Lanza Gisela
Published: May 2022

This approach analyses the differences between a single flank rolling test and an analytical simulation based on optical measurement data of micro gears. The focus is on a signal-based comparison of the rolling behaviour. Using methods in the time and frequency domain as well as the derivation of methods such as cross-correlation, the capability of this simulative approach is qualified. Due to short measurement times with high correlations to the test rig, an inline integration of this analytical simulation for quality assurance of micro gears in series production will be implemented as part of a holistic approach.
Der Arzt als „Verwalter des Rassengutes“?
Authors: Abram Helen Ahlke
Published: May 2022

Throughout the first half of the 20th century, people were encouraged to choose their spouses based on heredity, race, and health in order to rid the “racial corpus” of “inferior” genetic material and to strengthen the genetic material of future generations. In the course of the eugenic and racial-hygienic discourse in Germany and Hungary, as well as in many other European countries and the USA, legal measures such as the compulsory exchange of health certificates before marriage, accompanied by bans on “unhealthy” or “inferior” marriages, were discussed by population policy. Subsequently, various pieces of legislation were passed that mandated marriage counselling as a basis for further eugenic measures, both selection and promotion. Starting on a voluntary basis, marriage counselling became compulsory in Germany from 1933 and in Hungary from 1941. The following article first looks at the different stages of legislations before discussing the differences and similarities between the German and Hungarian laws. The focus is on the question of whether doctors were used in both countries as “administrators of the hereditary property” and whether it is possible to speak of a mutual influence of the legislation. The legal comparison reveals that the legislations differed considerably in essential points.
Az 1939 és 1945 közötti Szlovák Köztársaság államfői tisztsége
Authors: Halász Iván
Published: May 2022

The paper deals with the constitutional development of the independent Slovakia between 1939 and 1945. It focuses on the position of the president in the context of the Czechoslovak constitutional tradition and authoritarian challanges, which were typical from the end of the 1930’s. The problem of continuity and discontinuity of the state and law is also an important part of the paper. The Slovak constitution was adopted in 1939. The influence of the Southern-European fascist and authoritarian models were strong during the process of constitution-making, but the Czechoslovak constitution of 1920 also had an impact on the legislator. Although the president of Slovakia, Jozef Tiso arrived from the Slovak Catholic and autonomist movement, he became the symbol of pro-Nazi collaboration during the second world war. Tiso had two positions – he was the Slovak president and paralelly the leader of the Hlinka Slovak People Party, which was a dominant political factor in Slovakia. A special act regulated the position of this party and its leader in the constitutional and political system.
„Der Name Euer Gnaden ist mittlerweile ein Begriff auch im Dritten Reich, der alle Türen öffnet.”
Authors: Schweitzer Gábor
Published: May 2022

Zoltán Magyary (1888–1945) was a preeminent scholar of public administration in Hungary in the interwar period. Many of his discilpes took part in study tours to Western Europe to increase their specialist knowledge. Some of them studied at the universities and scientific institutions of Nazi Germany in the 1933–1944 period. In addition to publishing papers, the students also gave account of the experiences and knowledge gained during the study trips in private letters to Zoltán Magyary. On this source base, Zoltán Magyary’s network in Germany can be further nuanced, as the professors visited by Magyary’s students filled also governmental and party functions in post-1933 Germany, in addition to their respective scientific positions.
Az erőszakos közösülés és a kapcsolódó bűncselekmények dogmatikai alapkérdései az 1878-1989 közötti időszakban és szabályozási előzményei
Authors: Fődi Violett
Published: May 2022

The legal situation of women has undergone many changes during the history; therefore, it is an extremely interesting topic and it is suitable for extensive research. The examination of said topic should be started from the entry into force of the first Hungarian penal code, the Csemegi Code (1878). The sacrament of marriage and the dignity of women received special protection in this period, since the protected legal interest of these crimes is primarily the woman’s interest, which required legal protection, to have a disposal of her sexual life. Over time, however, morals began to loosen, the social perception changed, and divorce became possible, therefore the Act V of 1961 and the Act IV of 1978 on the Criminal Code judged sexual offenses from a different perspective. In what follows, I want to focus on forced sexual intercourse and some of the crimes associated with it.
A QOS ESTIMATION ALGORITHM FROM CALLER RINGTONE ANALYSIS IN GSM NETWORK
Authors:   Department of Telecommunication Engineering, Federal University of Technology, Minna, Niger State, Nigeria, Ayo-Bello Oluwabukola , Musa Aibinu Abiodun ,   Department of Mechatronics Engineering, Federal University of Technology, Minna, Niger State, Nigeria, Ubadike Osichinaka ,   Faculty of Air Engineering, Air Force Institute of Technology, Kaduna, Kaduna State, Nigeria, James Onumanyi Adeiza ,   Department of Telecommunication Engineering, Federal University of Technology, Minna, Niger State, Nigeria, Omuya Momoh Muyideen ,   Faculty of Air Engineering, Air Force Institute of Technology, Kaduna, Kaduna State, Nigeria
Published: May 2022

Call Setup Time (CST) is one of the key performance indicators (KPIs) that Mobile Network Providers (MNPs) are mostly appertain. It has been established that long CST usually severely affects the user experience. Owing to the limitations associated with gleaning the CST data from MNPs, this paper provides the development of QoS estimation algorithm from various CST parameters. The algorithm involves the determination of CST; Inter-Burst time; Intra-Burst time and Call duration in time domain. The caller Frequency content was also determined by the application of fast Fourier Transform before computing the Mean Square Error (MSE). The eventual QoS rating is done after the computation of the MSE from various individual parameters. Four hourly data consisting of 10 sets each were collected three times in a week for four weeks for each MNP’s for creating Caller Ringtone dataset and testing the developed algorithm. Performance analysis of the system in accurately determining: CST; Intraburst time; Interburst time and Call durations were carried out. Results obtained shows that the proposed technique accurately computes these parameters and maximum error obtained was to the value of 10%. Furthermore, the QoS obtained shows an error margin of less than 5 % was observed when the developed technique was compared to the ground truth. Thus, the proposed algorithm was able to compute the QoS using Caller Ringtone only, thus independent of MNP.
Investigation of Optimum Milling Parameters in Micro Dimples Machining
Authors: Hassim Haizad , Abdul Manaf Ahmad Rosli
Published: May 2022

This research used a carbide ball nose end mill cutting tool to fabricate a micro dimple on the aluminium block. The problem is that the micro dimple should be fabricated with a better surface finish which is related to surface integrity and form accuracy of the dimple. The objective is to study the optimum CNC milling parameters for the micro dimple fabrication and analyse the surface integrity and form accuracy of the dimple. Based on three different parameters which is depth of cut, feed rate, and spindle speed, the better surface roughness and the diameter, depth of micro dimple are experimented using the carbide cutting tools to fabricate micro dimple and analyse the data using 3D confocal microscope. The better surface roughness, high form accuracy and surface integrity of micro dimple structure were achieved with the optimum CNC milling parameters. The high spindle speed, low depth of cut and low feed rate showed the best results for the surface roughness and form accuracy. The proposed parameters were high spindle speed of 3600 RPM, low depth of cut 0.25mm and low feed rate of 50mm/min.
Usage of Probiotics in the Poultry Industry and Effects on Meat Quality
Authors: CAPAN Berna , BAĞDATLI Aytunga
Published: May 2022

Currently, a significant survey field is the use of probiotics as feed additives. There are many essays about the effect of the use of probiotics on meat quality. There is common agreement that probiotics supplementation could improve meat quality. Probiotic treatment increases meat tenderness however probiotics on lipid composition and oxidation of meat and sensory properties may change. The products obtained can be presented to the consumer as a healthy, taste and aroma enhanced and safe food. Thus, while providing delicious and nutritious food to the consumer, it also has positive effects on consumer health. Especially today, consumption of functional foods containing probiotics is increasing rapidly. Consumer interest has accelerated research on probiotics. On the other hand, there is a continuous increase in the number of microorganisms used in the market as probiotics. The current situation will be taken one step further with the discovery of new and active microorganism varieties that can be used as probiotics in the future probiotics will be the subject of many studies in the future. Therefore, it is thought that this issue should be emphasized. Apart from all these; as a group of growth promoters, the supplement of probiotics to the diet of poultry has been found to develop growth performance, increase feed conversion yield and develop immune responses.
Dissolution kinetics of calcium ions in hydrothermal demineralization of eucalyptus
Authors: Li Yan , Deng Baojuan , Hou Yajun , Wang Shanshan , Zeng Fanyan , Luo Yadan , Ge Jiayan , Yao Shuangquan
Published: May 2022

Alkali and alkali earth metals (AAEM) can be removed from lignocellulosic biomass via a new demineralization process constituting hydrothermal treatment. The dissolution mechanism of AAEM in different demineralization processes has not been extensively studied. This study employed calcium as a representative of the AAEM group, and changes in the concentration of calcium ions during the hydrothermal demineralization of eucalyptus wood were studied. The dissolution kinetics were modelled using Fick’s second law. The effects of the reaction temperature, hydrolysate pH, and holding time on the dissolution rate of calcium ions were investigated. The kinetic equation for calcium ion dissolution was expressed as ln(1.9532e0.0077T/1.9532e0.0077T-C) = (0.4257P-0.2142e-10622.1/8.314T)t + ln(1.9532e0.0077T/1.056×10-8T3.5263p0.4449). The activation energy of the reaction was 10.62 kJ/mol. The linear regression coefficient (R2) of the predicted and experimental values was 0.9879, which implied high precision of the kinetic model. The results showed that the calcium ions underwent rapid internal diffusion and dissolution during hydrothermal demineralization. The study provides theoretical support for the efficient removal of alkali earth metals via hydrothermal demineralization.
Dynamics of Exchange Rate Fluctuations in Turkey: Evidence from Symmetric and Asymmetric Causality Analysis
Authors: Çeli̇k Ali
Published: May 2022

This study examines the factors affecting exchange rate fluctuations in Turkey by employing the quarterly data from 2008 to 2020. In this context, linear and nonlinear unit root tests were used to determine the stationarity levels of the variables. Then, symmetric and asymmetric causality analysis was preferred to ascertain the relationship between the variables. Symmetric causality analysis results indicated a causality relationship from the exchange rate to the long-term debt stock, from the credit default swap (CDS) to the exchange rate, and from the exchange rate to the uncertainty index. The asymmetric causality analysis showed a causality relationship from positive shocks in the short-term debt stock to negative shocks in the exchange rate. Also, it was proven that there exists a causality relationship from negative shocks in the short-term external debt stock to positive and negative shocks in the exchange rate. Another result demonstrated a causality relationship between positive shocks in the exchange rate to negative shocks in the long-term debt stock. In addition, it was found that negative shocks in net capital investment were the cause of negative shocks in the exchange rate, while it was determined that there was a causality relationship from positive shocks in the net reserves to positive shocks in the exchange rate. In conclusion, the asymmetric causality relationship from positive shocks in CDS to positive shocks in exchange rates was detected.
Architectural Precast Concrete, 3rd edition
Authors:   PCI Architectural Precast Concrete Committee
Published: May 2022

This fully revised edition includes new sections on sustainability, condensation control, and blast resistance. Includes extensive updates in the areas of color, texture, finishes, weather, tolerances, connections, and windows, along with detailed specifications to meet today’s construction needs. Includes full-color photographs.
First record of Chlorophyllum molybdites (G. Mey.) Massee (Basidiomycota, Agaricales, Agaricaceae) from Bucaramanga, Department of Santander, Colombia
Authors: Olarte-Castillo Ximena A. , Antolínez Carlos Andrés
Published: May 2022

Colombia is a megadiverse country with many macrofungi species. Despite their ecological, anthropological, and economic importance, the distribution of many macrofungal species is still scarcely known in this country. Chlorophyllum molybdites (G. Mey.) Massee is a poisonous macrofungus common in urban settings of tropical and subtropical regions. In Colombia it has only been reported in three of 32 departments. To fill this gap in knowledge we morphologically describe for the first time C. molybdites from the city of Bucaramanga, Department of Santander, extending the known distribution of this macrofungus in Colombia.
Genkwanin improves inflammatory injury in rats with septic lung injury by regulating NF-κB signaling pathway
Authors: Qin Guixiang , Yi Sunbang
Published: May 2022

To assess possible effects of genkwanin (GKA) in septic lung injury and its related mechanisms. An animal model of cecal ligation and puncture (CLP)-induced acute lung injury was constructed. Histological analysis and wet–dry (W/D) ratio of the lung tissue were observed. The cell apoptosis in this model was analyzed by caspase activity detection, protein levels of B-cell lymphoma protein 2 (Bcl-2) and Bcl-2-associated X (Bax), and cell inflammation in CLP model; after GKA treatment, it was analyzed by enzyme-linked-immunosorbent serologic assay (ELISA). The involvement of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) signaling pathway was evaluated by Immunoblot assay. We constructed an animal model of CLP-induced acute lung injury. Our data revealed that GKA reduced lung edema and inflammation in CLP mice. In addition, GKA reduced lung injury and apoptosis in CLP mice. Mechanically, our data in addition confirmed that GKA improved inflammatory injury in CLP mice by regulating NF-κB signaling pathway. Our data therefore confirmed that GKA could serve as a promising drug for the treatment of sepsis-induced acute lung injury.
Dos pasos para la acción más allá de la interpretación bíblica sobre niñez
Authors: Madrigal Larry José José
Published: May 2022

Abrir la tradición de interpretación bíblica latinoamericana y caribeña,fuertemente ecuménica y enraizada en comunidades y grupos populares,implica ahora temas tan sensibles como la niñez, en el contextodel diálogo entre pares con otras tradiciones de fe, no sólo las religionesabrahámicas sino las originarias y africanas y otras de llegada más recienteal continente para atreverse al aprendizaje y acción común sobre la realidad,lejos de las discusiones dogmáticas o reuniones de alto nivel.
Aprendizajes de los Niños y las Niñas en el Pueblo de Israel
Authors: Fajardo Gloria Inés Gamboa
Published: May 2022

La propuesta temática, pretende dar una mirada a la manera como se trasmitieron las enseñanzas y como se desarrollaron los aprendizajes de las niñas y los niños, desde las remotas raíces nómadas y las etapas sucesivas que marcaron la historia del pueblo de Israel.
Evangélicos e aborto na Constituinte (1987-1988)
Authors: Melo Sydnei
Published: May 2022

Resumo: Este trabalho apresenta as reflexões e argumentos que deputados evangélicos sustentaram em relação ao aborto durante a Assembleia Constituinte (1987-1988). Destacamos as ideias de Costa Ferreira (PFL-MA), que argumentou contra a legalização do aborto como forma de proteger as mulheres e de evitar que desigualdades regionais acentuassem riscos que a prática do aborto poderia trazer à vida delas. No conjunto dos argumentos identifica-se uma leitura da mulher mais como ente familiar do que um sujeito político autônomo, cabendo ao homem e à sociedade decidir sobre a legalização ou não do aborto. O artigo também evidencia um ponto de divergência interna à bancada: a aceitação ou não do aborto em casos de gravidez de risco ou decorrente de violência sexual.
Tras los pasos del cura Brochero. Una aproximación antropológica a la peregrinación brocheriana de Córdoba, Argentina.
Authors: Puglisi Rodolfo
Published: May 2022

Resumen: La “Peregrinación la Brocheriana” recrea a caballo y/o a pie en aproximadamente seis días el viaje de casi 200 kilómetros que, en la década de 1870, realizaba el cura Brochero (1840-1914) y su feligresía desde el oeste cordobés, atravesando altas cumbres, hasta Córdoba Capital para realizar ejercicios espirituales. En este trabajo vamos a abordar esta peregrinación, de la que participamos a pie en toda su extensión en el marco de una agenda de indagación antropológica, describiendo sus aspectos organizativos centrales y focalizándonos en algunas de sus dimensiones experienciales (aspectos corporales como la resistencia y la fatiga, vivencias de cercanía con el santo al seguir su mismo camino, etc.), dialogando en nuestro recorrido con distintos estudios sociales sobre el fenómeno peregrino.