bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Carbon and Energy Intensity of the USA and Germany. A LMDI Decomposition Approach and Decoupling Analysis.
Authors: Koilakou Eleni , Hatzigeorgiou Emmanouil , Bithas Kostas
Published: December 2021

The present study investigates the driving factors of energy and carbon intensity of the great economies of the USA and Germany, being two economies with different structures and dependencies on energy while they are among the world’s economic and geopolitical leading players. Both Decoupling and Decomposition Analysis are applied to identify and rank factors defining Carbon and Energy Intensity during the period from 2000 to 2017, with the so-called financial crisis being within this period. The decoupling analysis denotes that these advanced economies should enhance their decoupling efforts, while decomposition analysis confirms the leading role of energy intensity in CO2 emissions, next the income and the energy mix emerge as important factors with population trend to be an additional factor only in the USA. Finally, conclusions and relevant policy suggestions are presented.
Rituximab/Bendamustine or Rituximab/Ifosfamide/Carboplatin/Etoposide as Second-Line Therapy for Relapsed/Refractory Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma: A Real-World Analysis
Authors: Wang Yu-Hung , Su Ching-Yen , Chen Li-Chin , Yao Ming , Ko Bor-Sheng
Published: December 2021

Rituximab/bendamustine (RB) and rituximab/ifosfamide/carboplatin/etoposide (R-ICE) are commonly used to treat relapsed/refractory diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), although their effectiveness has not been compared in real-world practice. This study evaluated data from DLBCL patients who relapsed after or were refractory to first-line therapy in an electronic health record (EHR)-derived database between 2011 and 2018. One hundred thirty-seven patients using RB and 270 patients using R-ICE were included for analysis. Transplantation after second-line therapy was considered a censored event in the time-to-event analyses. Patients in the RB group were older and had poorer performance status while there were no significant differences in stage, cell of origin, and double-/triple-hit subtypes. Relative to the R-ICE group, the RB group had significantly longer time-to-next-treatment (TTNT) and overall survival (OS). Subgroup analyses revealed that patients who were <70 years or had better performance status consistently had better TTNT and OS if they had received RB. Patients who had disease progression within 12 months after induction chemotherapy had a significantly inferior prognosis, regardless of the salvage treatments. Multivariable analysis revealed that RB treatment independently predicted better TTNT and OS. These data indicate that RB may be an alternative to R-ICE as second-line therapy for selected DLBCL patients.
Effect of Green Hybrid Fillers Loading on Mechanical and Thermal Properties of Vinyl Ester Composites
Authors: Nagaraj Nagaprasad , Venkataraman VigneshVenkataraman , NB Karthik Babu , Balasubramaniam Stalin , Jule Leta Tesfaye , Ramaswamy Krishnaraj , Ramaswamy Shanmugam , L Priyanka Dwarampudi , Ahmad Rashedi , Subramanian Kumaran
Published: December 2021

The need of eco-friendly materials has been attracted due to renewability, abundance availability, low cost, and so on. Therefore, the search for bio fillers for the production of bio-based composite materials is gaining more and more attention in both academic and industry circles because it promotes sustainability. The present study represents the utilization of biomass solid waste in the hybrid form of tamarind seed and date seed powder into polymer reinforced composite which has been explored for the first time by a compression molding technique. These fillers are bio-waste that can be obtained at a minimal cost from renewable sources. An attempt has been made to use these hybrid fillers to reinforce with the matrix ranging from 0 to 50 wt.%, and their physical, mechanical, and thermal properties were investigated. In general, the inclusion of hybrid fillers increases mechanical properties, although the addition of hybrid fillers had only a minor impact on thermal properties. When compared to the pure vinyl ester resin, the hybrid fillers reinforced composites revealed a significant improvement in tensile, flexural, impact, and hardness properties, with improvements of 1.51 times, 1.44 times, 1.87 times, and 1.46 times respectively, at 10 wt.% filler loading. Filler matrix interaction of fractured mechanical testing samples was analyzed by scanning electron microscope. Based on the findings, hybrid filler reinforced composites may be suitable for applications where cost is a consideration and where minor compromises in thermal qualities are acceptable.
Workload, Work Engagement and Job Size – How Physicians’ Decision to Work Less Is Influenced by the Work-Related State of Mind.
Authors: Jung Franziska , Bodendieck Erik , Bleckwenn Markus , Hussenöder Felix , Luppa Melanie , Riedel-Heller Steffi G.
Published: December 2021

Background: According to new estimates, the health care sector will suffer a shortage of physicians in primary and specialty care. In this context, work engagement and burnout are two constructs that have gained attention recently. The aim of this study was to investigate how these constructs are related to job size preference.Method: The present study is based on the baseline survey of the long-term study of physicians with different specialties, in which 1,001 physicians took part (response rate: 33.4%). Workload was measured using the Copenhagen Burnout Inventory adapted for health care professionals; work engagement was assessed using the Utrecht Work Engagement scale. Data analyses includes regression and mediation models.Results: Overall, 297 out of 725 physicians plan to reduce their job size. Several reasons - such as workload - are discussed. Multiple regression analyses show that job size reduction is significantly linked to all three dimensions of workload (p<0.001) as well as work engagement (p=0.001). In addition, work engagement significantly mediates the relationship between workload on job size reduction (patient-related: b= −0.135, p<0.001; work-related: b= −0.190, p<0.001; personal: b= −0.133, p<0.001 ).Discussion: Physicians that tend to reduce working hours exhibit different levels of work engagement as well as workload (personal, patient- and work-related). Moreover, work engagement is acting as a mediator, influencing the relationship between workload and job size reduction. Therefore, interventions that increase work engagement may buffer negative effects of workload on job size changes.
Wrapped Into Sound: Development of the Immersive Audio Quality Inventory (IAQI)
Authors: Wycisk Yves , Sander Kilian , Kopiez Reinhard , Platz Friedrich , Bergner Jakob , Preihs Stephan , Peissig Jürgen
Published: December 2021

Although virtual reality, video entertainment, and computer games are dependent on the three-dimensional reproduction of sound (including front, rear, and height channels), it remains unclear whether 3D-audio formats actually intensify the emotional listening experience. There is currently no valid inventory for the objective measurement of immersive listening experiences resulting from audio playback formats with decreasing degrees of immersion (from mono to stereo, 5.1, and 3D). The development of the Immersive Audio Quality Inventory (IAQI) could close this gap. An initial item list (N = 25) was derived from studies in virtual reality and spatial audio, supplemented by researcher-developed items and items extracted from historical descriptions. Psychometric evaluation was conducted by an online study (N = 222 valid cases). Based on controlled headphone playback, participants listened to four songs/pieces, each in the three formats of mono, stereo, and binaural 3D audio. The latent construct “immersive listening experience” was determined by probabilistic test theory (item response theory, IRT) and by means of the many-facet Rasch measurement (MFRM). As a result, the specified MFRM model showed good model fit (62.69% of explained variance). The final one-dimensional inventory consists of 10 items and will be made available in English and German.
TMS-Evoked Prefrontal Perturbation as a Toy Model of Brain Resilience to Stress During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Perellón-Alfonso Ruben , Redondo-Camós María , Abellaneda-Pérez Kilian , Cattaneo Gabriele , Delgado-Gallén Selma , España-Irla Goretti , Sánchez Javier Solana , Tormos José María , Pascual-Leone Alvaro , Bartrés-Faz David
Published: December 2021

Psychosocial hardships associated with the COVID-19 pandemic led many individuals to suffer adverse mental health consequences, however, others show no negative effects. We hypothesized that the electroencephalographic (EEG) response to transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) could serve as a toy-model of an individual’s capacity to resist psychological stress, in this case linked to the COVID-19 pandemic. We analyzed data from 74 participants who underwent mental health monitoring and concurrent electroencephalography with transcranial magnetic stimulation of the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (L-DLPFC) and left inferior parietal lobule (L-IPL). Within the following 19 months, mental health was reassessed at three time points during lock-down confinement and different phases of de-escalation in Spain. Compared with participants who remained stable, those who experienced increased mental distress showed, months earlier, significantly larger late EEG responses locally after L-DLPFC stimulation (but not globally nor after L-IPL stimulation). This response, together with years of formal education, was significantly predictive of mental health status during the pandemic. These findings reveal that the effect of TMS perturbation offers a predictive toy model of psychosocial stress resilience, as exemplified by the COVID-19 pandemic, and point to the L-DLPFC as a promising target for resilience promotion.
Interactions Between Glossina Pallidipes Salivary Gland Hypertrophy Virus and Tsetse Endosymbionts in Wild Tsetse Populations
Authors: Dieng Mouhamadou M. , Augustinos Antonios A. , Demirbas-Uzel Güler , Doudoumis Vangelis , Parker Andrew G. , Tsiamis George , Mach Robert L. , Bourtzis Kostas , Abd-Alla Adly
Published: December 2021

BackgroundTherefore, tsetse control is considered an effective and sustainable tactic for the control of cyclically transmitted trypanosomosis in the absence of effective vaccines and inexpensive, effective drugs. The sterile insect technique (SIT) is currently used to eliminate tsetse fly populations in an area-wide integrated pest management (AW-IPM) context in Senegal. For SIT, tsetse mass-rearing is a major milestone that associated microbes can influence. Tsetse flies can be infected with micro-organisms, including the primary and obligate Wigglesworthia glossinidia, the commensal Sodalis glossinidius, and Wolbachia pipientis. In addition, tsetse populations often carry a pathogenic DNA virus, the Glossina pallidipes Salivary Gland Hypertrophy Virus (GpSGHV) that hinders tsetse fertility and fecundity. Interactions between symbionts and pathogens might affect the performance of the insect host. MethodsIn the present study, we assessed the possible interaction of GpSGHV and tsetse endosymbionts under field conditions to decipher the bidirectional interactions in different Glossina species. We determined the co-infection pattern of GpSGHV and Wolbachia in natural tsetse populations. We further analyzed the interaction of both Wolbachia and GpSGHV infection with Sodalis and Wigglesworthia density using qPCR. ResultsThe results indicated that the co-infection of GpSGHV and Wolbachia was most prevalent in Glossina austeni and Glossina morsitans morsitans, with an explicit significant negative correlation between GpSGHV and Wigglesworthia infection. GpSGHV infection levels of more than 104 were not observed when Wolbachia infection was present at high density (>108.5), suggesting a potential protective role of Wolbachia against GpSGHV. ConclusionThe result indicates that Wolbachia infection might protect tsetse fly against GpSGHV and the interactions between the tsetse host and its associated microbes are dynamic, likely species-specific and significant differences may exist between laboratory and field conditions.
DeepQGHO: Quantized Greedy Hyperparameter Optimization in Deep Neural Networks for on-the-fly Learning
Authors: Chowdhury Anjir Ahmed , Hossen Md Abir , Azam Md Ali , Rahman Md. Hafizur
Published: December 2021

Hyperparameter optimization or tuning plays a significant role in the performance and reliability of deep learning (DL). Many hyperparameter optimization algorithms have been developed for obtaining better validation accuracy in DL training. Most state-of-the-art hyperparameters are computationally expensive due to a focus on validation accuracy. Therefore, they are unsuitable for online or on-the-fly training applications which require computational efficiency. In this paper, we develop a novel greedy approach-based hyperparameter optimization (GHO) algorithm for faster training applications, e.g., on-the-fly training. We perform an empirical study to compute the performance such as computation time and energy consumption of the GHO and compare it with two state-of-the-art hyperparameter optimization algorithms. We also deploy the GHO algorithm in an edge device to validate the performance of our algorithm. We perform post-training quantization to the GHO algorithm to reduce inference time and latency.
A Determination Method of Rainfall Type Based on Rainfall-Induced Slope Instability
Authors: ZHANG Yafen , ZHU Yulong , YAN Xiaoyu , LI Shu , YU Qijing , WANG Yidan
Published: December 2021

This work presents a determination method of rainfall types based on rainfall-induced slope instability to eliminate the current dilemma of the inconsistent classification of rainfall types. Firstly, 5,808 scenarios of slope instability are simulated with 11 kinds of soil properties under 528 designed intensity-duration (I−D) conditions. Then through analysis of the I−D conditions when slope failure occurred, rainfall is classified into two types: short-duration − high-intensity (SH) type, and long-duration − low-intensity (LL) type. According to the analysis results, it indicates that rainfall types affect the initiation of slope failure, i.e., different I−D conditions will affect the slope failure initiation under LL type rainfall, while the slope failure initiation will not be affected by the change of I−D conditions under SH type rainfall. In addition, the results show that the classification of rainfall types does not depend on the soil shear strength parameters (cohesion and internal friction angle), although the change of soil shear strength parameters will cause the shift of threshold curve of slope failure in the I−D conditions two-dimensional (2D) plane. The findings in this study benefit to understanding the effect of rainfall type on the mechanism of slope failure initiation, which will promote the development of an early warning system of slope failure in the future by considering the identification of rainfall types.
First Sounds from Mars
Authors: Maurice sylvestre , Chide Baptiste , Murdoch Naomi , Lorenz Ralph , Mimoun David , Wiens Roger , Stott Alexander , Jacob Xavier , Bertrand Tanguy , Montmessin Franck , Lanza Nina , Llamas Cesar Alvarez , Angel S. M. , Aung M. , Balaram J. , Beyssac Olivier , Cousin Agnès , Delory Greg , Forni Olivier , Fouchet Thierry , Gasnault Olivier , Grip Havard , hecht Mike , Hoffman Jeff , Laserna Javier , Lasue Jérémie , Maki Justin , McClean John , Meslin Pierre-Yves , Mouélic Stéphane Le , Munguira Asier , Newman Claire , Rodriguez-Manfredi Jose , Moros Javier , Pilleri Paolo , Schroeder Susanne , Torre Manuel de la , Ollila Ann , Tzanetos Thoedore , Farley Ken , Stack Kathryn , Williford Ken
Published: December 2021

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
Examining Infant and Young children feeding (IYCF) practice and its determinant factors among mothers who gave birth in the last two years, Ethiopia Community-based cross-sectional study design
Authors: Chimdessa Ayana , Bekele Tokuma
Published: December 2021

Background: The first two years of life are critical stages for a child’s growth and development. However, globally, 60% of the infant and young child deaths reported due to inappropriate infant feeding practices and infectious disease, where two-thirds of these deaths are attributable to sub-optimal breastfeeding practices. Methods and materials-community-based cross-sectional study design was employed from February to March 2020 in Jima Rare district, Ethiopia. The stratified sampling and simple random sampling were employed to recruit participants into the study. Data was collected by using semi-structured interviewer-administered questionnaire. And data were analyzed by using SPSS version 20. Results- The actual feeding practice style among the respondents had been assessed by using eight core indicators of infant and child feeding practice of the WHO. The finding revealed that (initiated breastfeeding within one-hour after birth 78%), (66.7% and 33.4% exclusive breastfeeding at 6 and 4-5months), respectively. About 11.8% of mothers continued breastfeeding at 2 years. About 33.4% and 66.7% of mothers started introducing solid, semi-solid or soft foods at 4 to 5 months at 6 months and above), respectively. The overall, proportion of children age 6- 23 months who met minimum meal frequency and dietary diversity accounts for 51.2%, 49.9% respectively. About half proportion (49.9%) of children age 6- 23 months fit for the minimum acceptable diet. The multivariate analysis finding shows that mothers who gave birth at health institutions, get help from their husband, had received practical support of IYCF practices, counseling during ANC and/or PNC visit and households who have agricultural land and radio were more likely to carryout appropriate IYCF practices than their comparable groups. Conclusion-the result suggests that the overall appropriate infant and young child feeding practice was low. Hence, initiatives and interventions should focus on advocacy for institutional delivery, counselling and practical support for IYCF practice. Special attention needs to be given for young and illiterate mothers. Moreover, attention need to address to empower women to have autonomy of decision-making and control power over assets to support them for appropriate IYCF practices.
Defining The Best-Fit Machine Learning Classifier Prediction Model For Diagnosis of Heart Disease
Authors: Roy Debarati Dey , De Debashis
Published: December 2021

Cardio vascular disease or alternatively heart disease is the primitive cause of death all around the world. Last few decades, it was observed that maximum death cases occurred due to heart failure. The heart failure death cases are associated with many risk factors for example high blood pressure, cholesterol level, sugar level etcetera. Therefore, it is advisable that regular and early diagnosis of these factors may reduce the risk of heart failure and hence achieve prompt disease management service. A commonly used technique to process these enormous medical data is called data mining, which help the researchers in health care domain. Several machine learning algorithms are used to analyses these data and help to design the best-fit model for early detection of heart diseases. This research paper contributes various attributes related to heart mal functioning and build the best-fit model using supervised learning algorithm such as various tree (fine tree, medium tree etc), Gaussian Naïve Bayes, Coarse KNN, Medium Gaussian SVM algorithms. In this paper, we used the data set from Kaggle.com. These data set comprises with total 732 instances along with 5 attributes. All these 5 attributes are to be considered for testing purpose and also to find out the best fit model for prediction of heart disease. In this research article we also compare the various classification models based on supervised learning algorithms. Based on the performance and accuracy rate we therefore, choose ‘Medium Tree’ model as the best-fit model. Maximum accuracy is obtained for ‘Medium Tree’ model. The confusion matrix for each model are calculated and analyze.
Biorefinery Cascade Processing For Converting Corncob To Xylooligosaccharides And Glucose By Maleic Acid Pretreatment
Authors: Zhang Qibo , Nawaz Ali , Jiang Kankan , Zhou Xin , Xu Yong
Published: December 2021

Corncob as an abundance and low-cost waste resource has received increasing attention to produce value added chemicals, it is rich in xylan and regarded as the most preferable feedstock for preparing xylooligosaccharides, which possesses highly commercial value due to a range of health benefits. The strategy with xylooligosaccharides as core products can cut costs and improve economic efficiency of biorefinery. Therefore, a cascade processing for converting corncob to xylooligosaccharides and glucose by sequential maleic acid pretreatment and enzymatic hydrolysis was design. Based on overarching aim of this study that maximally yielding xylooligosaccharides, corncob was first subjected to response surface methodology experimental procedure for optimizing the conditions. Correspondingly, a maximum xylooligosaccharides yield of 52.9% was achieved with 0.5% maleic acid at 155 °C for 26 min. Maleic acid, a non-toxic and edible catalyst, was able to effectively hydrolyze xylan into xylooligosaccharides and simultaneously generate a positive pretreated effect for improve the enzymatic hydrolysis efficiency. Finally, an enzymatic hydrolysis yield of 87.5% was achieved from maleic acid-treated corncob at 10% solids loading. This cascade processing may provide a novel strategy for the other biomass wastes utilization.
Investigation on the Site of Coronal Deformities in Hallux Valgus
Authors: WEI Rachel Xiaoyu , KO Violet Man-Chi , Chui Elvis Chun-Sing , FU Bruma Sai-Chuen , HUNG Vivian Wing-Yin , YUNG Patrick Shu-Hang , LING Samuel Ka-Kin
Published: December 2021

BackgroundHallux valgus (HV) is a common foot deformity that is more prevalent in females, characterised by abnormal adduction of the first metatarsal (MT) and valgus deviation of phalanx on the transverse plane. Increasing evidence indicates that HV is more than a 2D deformity but a 3D one with rotational malalignment. Pronation deformity is seen during clinical examination for HV patients, but the exact origin of this rotational deformity is still unknown. Some attribute it first tarsometatarsal (TMT) joint rotation, while others attribute it to intra-metatarsal bony torsion. In addition, the correlation between the rotational and transverse plane deformity is inconclusive. Identifying the origin of the rotational deformity will help surgeons choose the optimal surgical procedure while also enhancing our understanding of the pathophysiology of Hallux valgus.ObjectiveThis study aims to (1) develop an objective method for measuring the first MT torsion and first TMT joint rotation; (2) investigate the exact location of the coronal deformity in HV; (3) investigate the relationship between the severity of deformity on the transverse and coronal planes as well as the correlation between deformity severity and foot function/symptoms in HV.MethodsAge-matched females with and without HV were recruited at Foot and Ankle Clinic of the Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology. Computed tomography was conducted for all subjects with additional weight-bearing dorsal-plantar X-ray examination for HV subjects. Demographic information of all subjects was recorded, and foot function was evaluated. Intra-class correlation was used to explore the relationship between deformities on different planes and the deformity severity and functional outcomes, respectively. Independent t-test was used to compare joint rotation degrees and bone torsion degrees.ResultsHallux Valgus patients had more TMT joint rotation but not MT torsion compared to normal controls. TMT joint rotation is significantly correlated with foot functions. No relationship was found between the coronal rotation and the 1,2-intermetatarsal angle (IMA) or Hallux valgus angle (HVA) on the transverse plane.ConclusionOur results indicate that coronal deformities in HV may originate from TMT joint rotation. In addition, the severity of the TMT joint coronal rotation correlates with worse foot function; thus, multi-plane assessment and examination will be important for more precise surgical correction in the future.
Cross-cultural Adaptation, Reliability and Validity of the Cantonese-Chinese Cumberland Ankle Instability Tool (CAIT-HK)
Authors: Ling Samuel Ka-Kin , Hui Jasmine Yat-Ning , Tong Anson Hei-Ka , Chui Vivian Wai-Ting , Fong Daniel Tik-Pui , Chau Wai-Wang , Yung Patrick Shu-Hang
Published: December 2021

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
Ecological constraints and trait conservatism drive functional and phylogenetic structure of amphibians larvae assemblages in the Atlantic Forest
Authors: Leão-Pires Thiago Augusto , Luis Amom Mendes , Sawaya Ricardo Jannini
Published: December 2021

Investigate how ecological and/or evolutionary factors could affect the structure of ecological communities is a central demand in ecology. In order to better understand that we assessed phylogenetic and functional structure of 33 tadpole communities in the Atlantic Forest coastal plains of Southeastern Brazil. We tested the assumption that phylogenetic conservatism drive tadpole traits. We identified 32 communities with positive values of phylogenetic structure, with 18 of those being significantly clustered. Twelve of 33 communities showed aggregated functional structure. Trait diversity was skewed towards the root, indicating phylogenetic trait conservatism and evolutionary factors as important drivers of tadpoles community structure. Six out of 11 environmental variables were selected in the best explanatory model of phylogenetic structure. Water conductivity, external and internal diversity of vegetation structure, canopy cover, and dissolved oxygen were negatively related with phylogenetic clustering, whereas presence of potential fish predators was positively related. Four of those environmental variables and area were also included in the best explanatory model of functional structure. All variables represent factors related to performance, survivorship, and distribution of anuran communities. From the 12 functionally structured communities, 10 were also phylogenetically structured. Thus, environmental factors may be acting as filters, interacting with phylogenetically conserved species traits, and driving linage occurrence in tadpole communities. Our study provides evidence that phylogenetic and functional structure in vertebrates are a result of interacting ecological and evolutionary agents, resulting in structured anuran assemblages.
Adherence to COVID-19 preventive measures among dental care workers in Vietnam: an online cross-sectional survey
Authors: Tran Tai Tan , Vo Thang Van , Hoang Tuyen Dinh , Hoang Minh Vu , Tran Nhu Thi Quynh , Colebunders Robert
Published: December 2021

An online cross-sectional survey using a "snowball" sampling method was carried out to assess the adherence to COVID-19 preventive measures among dental care workers (DCWs) during the pandemic. Six questions concerning the COVID-19 preventive guidelines issued by the Vietnam Ministry of Health were used to evaluate DCWs adherence to preventive measures at dental care clinics. The quality of life of DCWs was assessed using the WHO-5 questionnaire and was defined as low if the total score was less than 13 points. Factors relating to adherence to COVID-19 prevention measures of DCWs were determined by multivariate linear regression analysis. In total, 514 DCWs completed the questionnaire. 37% DCWs rated their quality of life as low. Regression analysis suggested that older age, better quality of life, living in an urban area, and training on COVID-19 prevention were associated with better adherence to COVID-19 preventive measures, while being a dentist and lack of personal protective equipment was associated with less adherence to COVID-19 preventive measures. The pandemic had a significant negative impact on the physical and mental health of DCWs. Therefore, specific national guidelines for the prevention and control of the spread of COVID-19 in dental facilities should be issued.
Health-related quality of life and estimation of the minimally important difference in the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Endocrine Symptom (FACT-ES) score in postmenopausal ER-positive, HER2- negative metastatic breast cancer with low sensitivity to endocrine therapy
Authors: Kikawa Yuichiro , Hagiwara Yasuhiro , Fujisawa Tomomi , Araki Kazuhiro , Iwamoto Takayuki , Sangai Takafumi , Shien Tadahiko , Takao Shintaro , Nishimura Reiki , Takahashi Masato , Toyama Tatsuya , Aihara Tomohiko , Mukai Hirofumi , Taira Naruto
Published: December 2021

Background The HORSE-BC study previously demonstrated that second-line endocrine therapy (ET) for patients with acquired endocrine-resistant metastatic breast cancer (MBC) still provided a clinically meaningful benefit. Herein, we investigated the health-related quality of life (HR-QOL) in the HORSE-BC study. Methods Patients with acquired endocrine-resistant MBC who were scheduled for second-line ET were recruited. The HR-QOL was assessed at baseline, and 1 and 3 months after second-line ET initiation. To investigate the minimally important difference (MID) in the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Endocrine Symptoms (FACT-ES), we evaluated the means and standard deviations for the distribution-based method, and differences in the change in HR-QOL for the anchor-based method. We also investigated the association between FACT-ES total scores and clinical benefit. Results Overall, 56 patients were enrolled. Of these, 47 were analyzed. When defined as 1/3 standard deviation estimates based on the distribution method, the calculated MID was 5.9. The MIDs of the FACT-ES total scores based on the anchor method were 7.7 for decline and 4.1 for improvement. The MID decline proportions were 6.1% and 14.7% lower in patients who experienced clinical benefits than in those who did not at 1 and 3 months, respectively. The ratios of MID improvement in patients who experienced clinical benefits were 18.3% and 3.2% higher, respectively; the mean change in the FACT-ES total score from baseline improved in patients who experienced clinical benefits. Conclusions Maintaining the HR-QOL as determined by FACT-ES may be associated with clinical benefits in patients with acquired endocrine-resistant MBC treated with ET.
Utilization of Facility Based Health Care and Associated Factors During COVID 19 Pandemic in Oromia Regional State of Ethiopia
Authors: Abeya Sileshi Garoma , Barkesa Segni Bobo , Sadi Chala Gari , Mohammed Seada Ahmed , Wako Endale Bacha , Deybasso Haji Aman , Gemeda Dereje Duguma , Muleta Fekadu Yadeta , Hurisa Mengistu Bekele , Bayisa Dereje Abdena , Bajiga Gemechu Shume , Sori Birhanu Kenate
Published: December 2021

Background: The utilization of facility-based health care services was among the means to tackle the transmission of the COVID 19 and protection of better health. However, reluctance to the utilization of facility-based health care services has been reported to be a major problem everywhere in the globe. This study was to assess the utilization of facility-based health care and associated factors among adults in Oromia regional state, Ethiopia.Methods: Community-based cross-sectional studies were conducted using a quantitative approach. Data was collected from 2751 adults aged 18 years and above using an interviewer-administered structured questionnaire. The collected data were entered into Epi info version 7.2.0.1 and analyzed using STATA 15. Bivariate and multivariable binary logistic regression analyses were conducted to determine the association between the study variables. Odds Ratio with its 95%CI was calculated and P-Value < 0.05 was used as a cut-off point to declare the significance. Results: The overall utilization of facility based essential health care was 25.5% (95% CI: 24.6%, 26.4%). Agro-pastoralist (AOR 0.50, 95% CI; 0.50, 1.31), urban residence (AOR 0.66, 95% CI; 0.48, 0.92), Orthodox religion followers (AOR 0.58, 95% CI; 0.41, 0.81), and marital statuses in the widowed/divorced/ Separated category (AOR 0.45, 95% CI; 0.20, 0.99), were significantly associated with utilizations of facility based essential Health Care. Conclusions: Only 646 (25.5%) of respondents visited health facilities after the commencement of the COVID 19 pandemic. Activities to increase the utilization of essential health care services are crucial through appropriate information outlets.
Neutrons magnetic Mass
Authors: geilhaupt manfred
Published: December 2021

In Quantum Physics, the Spin of an elementary particle is defined to be an intrinsic,inherent property. The same to the magnetic moment (μ) due to the spin of chargedparticles - like Electron (me) and Proton (mp). So the intrinsic spin (S=1/2h-bar) of theelectron entails a magnetic moment because of charge (e). However, a magnetic momentof a charged particle can also be generated by a circular motion (due to spin) of anelectric charge (e), forming a current. Hence the orbital motion (of charge around a massnucleus)generates a magnetic moment by Ampère’s law. This concept must lead to analternative way calculating the neutrino mass (mν) while looking at the beta decay of aneutron into fragments: proton, electron, neutrino and corresponding kinetic energies. Thechange of neutrons magnetic moment (μn) during the decay process is a fact based onenergy and spin and charge conservation, so should allow to calculate the restmass ofthe charge-less neutrino due to a significant change of: μe= -9.2847647043(28)E-24J/Tdown to μev= -9.2847592533(28)E-24J/T (while assuming mv=0.30eV to be absorbed and if(g-2)/2 from QED remains constant). As always the last word has the experiment.
Gözyaşı Vadisi’nde Kaybetmeye Yazgılılar: Mihail Lermontov ve Demon
Authors: COŞKUN Nazan
Published: December 2021

Demon, Rus edebiyatının isyankar dehası olarak kabul edilen Mihail Yuryeviç
Lermontov’un (1814-1841) yirmi yedi yıllık kısa yaşamının on yılı boyunca üzerinde çalıştığı
eseridir. Eserin ana teması ilk bakışta İncil’de geçen düşmüş melek, cennetten kovulan
şeytanın dünyevi aşkla yeniden doğmaya dayanan ancak yenilgiyle sonlanan yaşamından
bir kesite dayanıyor gibi görünür. Zira insan ve şeytanın yolu ilk günahla kesişir ve şeytan,
Âdem ile Havva’nın bilgi ağacı meyvesini yemesini sağlayarak insanoğlunun dünyevi
yaşamını başlatır. İnsan, cennetten kovularak dünya denen “gözyaşı vadisine” gönderilir.
Tanrısal yaratımın tacı olan insan ile isyandan önce baş melek olan bu iki varlığın beraber
girdikleri düşüş yolu, eserde kurtuluş yolu ile bir kez daha kesişir. Ancak detaylı bir
inceleme, eserin bu dar çerçeveye yerleştirilmesinin düşünsel, toplumsal-politik içeriğini
kısırlaştırdığını gözler önüne serer. İncil teması burada felsefi açıdan anlamlı bir çatışmayı
kapsayan dışsal bir çerçeve olarak yer alır. Zira eser; yazar ve kahraman özdeşliğinde
Lermontov’un içinde yaşadığı çağ ve evrene yönelik bireysel dünya duyumsayışına dair
derin izler barındırır. 1830’lu yıllar Rusya’sında birey ve toplumsal yapı arasındaki çelişkiler
keskinleşir. Bireyin kendini gerçekleştirme imkânının olmadığı toplumsal gerçeklik,
Lermontov ve kahramanı Demon için sürgün bir ruh olarak dolaştıkları gözyaşı vadisini
sembolize eder. Çalışmamız kapsamında bu sonuca Lermontov’un Demon adlı eseri
bağlamında dünya denen gözyaşı vadisinde şeytanın yazgısı, yazar-kahraman ve gözyaşı
vadisinin Lermontov için mekânı olan Çar I. Nikolay Rusya’sı ekseninde incelenmesi
yapılarak ulaşılmıştır. Kahraman ile yazar arasında özdeşlik kurma noktasından hareket
edilmiş, değerlendirmeler dini ve toplumsal çerçeveden iki farklı yaklaşımla
gerçekleştirilmiştir.
Dijital Hikâye Uygulamalarının Öğrencilerin Motivasyonları Üzerindeki Etkisinin Bazı Moderatör Değişkenler Açısından İncelenmesi: Meta Analiz Çalışması
Authors: ŞAHİN Nurullah
Published: December 2021

Öğrencilerin problem çözme, işbirlikli çalışma, kendini etkili bir şekilde ifade edebilme, yazma, eleştirel düşünme, dijital okuryazarlık, teknolojiyi etkin kullanma, kendi öğrenmelerini gerçekleştirme gibi üst düzey becerilerini geliştiren ve doğası gereği yapılandırmacı anlayışa uygun bir yöntem olarak ön plana çıkan dijital hikâye anlatımı; son dönemlerde eğitim öğretim süreçlerinin vazgeçilmez öğretim materyali olarak dikkat çekmektedir. İlgili alanyazın tarandığında dijital hikâye kullanımının konu edinildiği onlarca çalışmaya rastlanılabilir. Bu çalışmaların neredeyse tamamının ifade ettiği sonuçlardan biri de dijital hikâye uygulamalarının öğrencilerin akademik başarı, tutum, motivasyon, direnç gibi durumlarını pozitif yönde etkilemesidir. Bu araştırmada, meta-analiz kullanılarak, dijital hikâye uygulamalarının öğrencilerin motivasyonları üzerindeki etkisinin araştırıldığı deneysel çalışmalardan elde edilen sonuçların sentezlenmesi ve böylelikle daha genel geçer sonuçlara ulaşılması amaçlanmıştır. İlgili deneysel çalışmalara; Web of Science, ERIC, EBSCOhost, ULAKBİM TR Dizin, Google Akademik ve YÖK Tez veri tabanlarında; “dijital hikâye, dijital öykü, motivasyon, digital story, digital storytelling, motivation” anahtar kelimeleri kullanılarak ulaşılmıştır. Analizlerin Comprehensive Meta Analysis (CMA) programı ile yapıldığı çalışma, %95 güven aralığında rastgele etkiler modeline göre gerçekleştirilmiş ve ortalama etki büyüklüğü 2,070 olarak hesaplanmıştır. Bu sonuç, dijital hikâye uygulamalarının öğrencilerin motivasyonları üzerinde mükemmel düzeyde olumlu bir etki oluşturduğunu göstermektedir. Dijital hikâye ve diğer öğretim yöntemlerinin kullanıldığı öğrenme öğretme süreçlerinde öğrencilerin motivasyonları arasındaki farklılıklar yayın türü ve öğretim kademesi moderatör değişkenlerine göre analiz edilmiştir. Elde edilen sonuçlar her iki moderatör değişkenin de çalışmaların etki büyüklükleri üzerinde anlamlı bir fark oluşturduğunu göstermiştir.
Factors affecting usage of mobile payments by youth in Kazakhstan
Authors: Rybina Liza
Published: December 2021

Mobile payments are developing at a rapid pace in the modern world, affecting most areas of business, economics, and consumer life. Mobile payment services in Kazakhstan have emerged recently driven mostly by young and tech-savvy consumers. The current study applies the modified Technology Adoption Model to investigate the factors that influence the usage of mobile payments by young consumers in Kazakhstan. The data were collected from 351 respondents through an online survey using a structured questionnaire. The results of the multiple regression analysis revealed that perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, transaction security, and trust are important determinants of mobile payment usage intention. These findings call for improvements in the technological development of mobile payment services to deliver usefulness, ease of use, and security, as well as marketing communications to build trust. On the other hand, no support was found for the effects of usage cost and availability of alternatives on behavioral intention to use mobile payments in Kazakhstan.
Use of parametric approach for user-oriented development in building design: preliminary investigations
Authors: Canestrino Giuseppe
Published: December 2021

Building design is a highly interdisciplinary research field integrating technological, architectural, structural, social and other aspects. Participatory design, or co-design, already used in other disciplines, is now facilitated by the diffusion of Building Information Modelling which offers greater control of the interdisciplinary aspects in building design. But unlike other disciplines, architecture is characterized by a high number of requirements, partly formalizable, quantifiable and optimizable and partly only intuitive. Furthermore is difficulty to employ a collaborative design framework because designer and end user work on different knowledge levels: one works on satisfying classes of requirements, and the other is unable to abstract his needs and therefore properly formalize requirements or desires. The use of simple parametric models in the pre-design phase, based on algorithms capable of generating geometries dependent on multiple modifiable variables, could overcome this problem.This paper offers a preliminary investigation on the possibility of integrating bottom-up design aspects by giving parametric models to possible end users and allowing them to explore the design space, identifying preferential outputs and overcoming some of their technical gaps. Working in parametric environments in the pre-design phase opens to the integration of tools such as evolutionary multiobjective optimization algorithms (EMOA). New fitness functions can be defined to bring design closer to the end users’ proposed outputs without neglecting performance optimization, which is typical in parametric design. The framework proposed differs from existing “product configurator”, used in industrial design, which allows the personalization of aesthetic characteristics. This paper aims at a greater understanding of the end user’s will for satisfying them better in the subsequent design phases.The technological tools currently available to make this framework possible will be analysed, identifying shortcomings and problems, along with methodological implications.
Trends and variability of water balance components over a tropical savanna and Eucalyptus forest in Australia
Authors: Kang Yinhong , Zhang Lu , Dawes Warrick
Published: December 2021

In this paper, the long-term dynamics of water balance components in two different contrasting ecosystems in Australia were simulated with an ecohydrological model (WAter Vegetation Energy and Solute modelling (WAVES)) over the period 1950–2015. The selected two ecosystems are woodland savanna in Daly River and eucalyptus forest in Tumbarumba. The WAVES model was first manually calibrated and validated against soil water content measured by cosmic-ray probe and evapotranspiration measured with eddy flux techniques. The calibrated model was then used to simulate long-term water balance components with observed climate data at two sites. Analyzing the trends and variabilities of potential evapotranspiration and precipitation is used to interpret the climate change impacts on ecosystem water balance. The results showed that the WAVES model can accurately simulate soil water content and evapotranspiration at two study sites. Over the period of 1950–2015, annual evapotranspiration at both sites showed decreasing trends (−1.988 mm year−1 in Daly and −0.381 mm year−1 in Tumbarumba), whereas annual runoff in Daly increased significantly (5.870 mm year−1) and decreased in Tumbarumba (–0.886 mm year−1). It can be concluded that the annual runoff trends are consistent with the rainfall trends, whereas trends in annual evapotranspiration are influenced by both rainfall and potential evapotranspiration. The results can provide evidence for controlling the impacting factors for different ecosystems under climate change.
Coagulation performance evaluation of alginate as a natural coagulant for the treatment of turbid water
Authors: Saranya Packiam , Ramesh S. T. , Gandhimathi R.
Published: December 2021

Alginates are quite abundant in nature as they occur both as a structural component in marine brown algae (Phaeophyceae) comprising up to 40% of dry matter and as capsular polysaccharides in soil bacteria. Alginic acid is the only polysaccharide, which naturally contains carboxyl groups in each constituent residue, and possesses various abilities for functional materials. Experiments were carried out for water of turbidity 300 NTU. Alginate as such doesn't act as a coagulant, instead it should be converted to calcium alginate by adding calcium ions. Calcium chloride was used for imparting calcium ions necessary for the reaction. The dosage of calcium was fixed as 50 mg/L, 75 mg/L, 100 mg/L, 150 mg/L, 200 mg/L, and alginate doses between 2 to 10 mg/L. Calcium dosage below 50 mg/L was not sufficient for the formation of the egg-box structure which is responsible for the coagulation and flocculation process. For the mechanism of charge neutralization to take place effectively, calcium should be added first followed by alginate. pH and conductivity of the sample remain constant before and after the treatment. The dosage of alginate required for the treatment is less, so the cost of treatment also will be much less, thus alginate can replace the usage of chemical coagulants like alum.
Desigualdades em perspectiva: espaços indígenas no mundo do trabalho
Authors: Revista Espacialidades Equipe Editorial
Published: December 2021

Entrevista com a Professora Doutora Patrícia Maria de Melo Sampaio (UFAM), cedida a Equipe Editorial da Revista Espacialidades.
“Leis Municipais ou Posturas da Câmara e Concelhos desta Vila de Porto Alegre”
Authors: Cancela Francisco
Published: December 2021

Este trabalho apresenta as posturas municipais da câmara de uma vila de índio da antiga capitania de Porto Seguro chamada São José de Porto Alegre, que foi criada no contexto da implantação da política indigenista pombalina no ano de 1769. O objetivo da transcrição e leitura deste documento é lançar algumas notas para futuras pesquisas sobre política e administração das vilas de índios, buscando destacar o papel do protagonismo indígena na composição das normas camarárias, bem como da presença da política indigenista nas determinações da governança local.
O USO DE MATERIAIS DIDÁTICOS COMO AUXÍLIO AO ENSINO DA GEOGRAFIA: PIBID GEOGRAFIA – UFRN
Authors: Souza Leomir Silvestre de , Araújo Wesley Lacerda de , Pacheco Inez , Albuquerque Edu Silvestre de
Published: December 2021

Introdução: Diante da relevância do uso de materiais didáticos atraentes e interativos, este trabalho procura mostrar as ações desenvolvidas pelo PIBID (Programa Institucional de Bolsa de Iniciação à Docência), subprojeto Geografia-UFRN, na Escola Estadual Desembargador Floriano Cavalcanti, em Natal. Levando em consideração as dificuldades enfrentadas pelos professores, principalmente no que se refere à falta de materiais didáticos nas escolas da rede pública de ensino, resolvemos demonstrar que é possível trabalhar diversos conteúdos de Geografia com o auxílio de materiais de confecção simples e de baixo custo. A temática trabalhada na escola supracitada foi “Água e Saneamento básico em Natal-RN”. Metodologia: Fizemos uma sondagem inicial para identificar o nível de conhecimento dos alunos a respeito da origem da água que consumiam. Nesse ponto, produzimos um Perfil do Solo, em conjunto com os alunos, que consistia em uma garrafa pet com várias camadas de solo na qual os alunos depositaram água e observaram como ocorre a formação do lençol freático e sua possível poluição por vários componentes – microrganismos, substâncias químicas e/ou resíduos do meio ambiente. Além disso, também analisamos a coloração do solo e os materiais que o compõe, a sua porosidade e a textura dos mesmos. Discussão: Por meio desse experimento, pudemos discutir sobre as causas e consequências da poluição da água em Natal, além de apontarmos as soluções cabíveis. Conclusão: A experiência demostrou que é possível aguçar a curiosidade dos alunos e o interesse pelas aulas de Geografia com ideias e materiais didáticos simples e práticos de fazer com os alunos.