bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Az árak észlelése és értékelése(Perception and Evaluation of Prices)
Authors: Rekettye Gábor
Published: February 2021

A 2008-ban kezdődött gazdasági válság a korábbiaknál is fontosabbá tette az árakat a vásárlók számára. Azt eddig is mindenki tudta, hogy az árak alapvetően befolyásolják a fogyasztók vásárlási döntését. Arra a kérdésre azonban, hogy miképpen, már nem mindig tudunk pontos választ adni. A közgazdaságtan szerint az árak csökkenése növeli a fogyasztók vásárlási hajlandóságát és fordítva, az árak emelkedése kisebbíti azt. A valóság azonban nem mindig írható le közgazdaságtani fogalmakkal vagy matematikai képletekkel. _______ Since the beginning of the global economic recession prices have become more and more important for sellers and buyers. To study the role of prices in consumer behaviour is a rather new field of marketing research. The paper starts out from the fact that prices can be regarded as a multidimensional stimulus, which influences the purchasing decision of consumers. The study describes the process how, in this multidimensional pricing environment, consumers get from the perception through the evaluation of prices to the purchasing decision. According to the model constructed by the author the perception of prices depends on the presentation of prices and on the willingness and ability of people to numerically perceive and evaluate the different presentations of prices. In the process how consumers get from the perceived prices through the excepted prices to the purchasing decision the perceived value plays the most important role. The perceived value is motivated by the internal and external reference prices and the perceived reference value. The paper comes to the conclusion that in recession and post recession times, companies are compelled to understand these processes better to be able to set their price points according to the changing buyers behaviour.
Poly(L-lactic acid)/deproteinized natural rubber blends with enhanced compatibility
Authors: Mahendra I Putu , Nghia Phan Trung , Phuong Nguyen Thi Hong , Hang Tring Thi , Alias Nur Fazreen , Ismail Hanafi
Published: February 2021

PLLA-g-LMWNR (LMWNR – low molecular weight natural rubber) was used as a compatibilizer (1–3 wt %) of poly(L-lactic acid)/deproteinized natural rubber (PLLA/DPNR) blend (95/5 w/w). The LMWNR was prepared using TiO2/ZnO (9 : 1 w/w) and H2O2 as co-catalyst. The obtained LMWNR was grafted with 0–12 wt % maleic anhydride (LMWNR-g-MA) and then with PLLA (PLLA-g-LMWNR). A significant improvement in the mechanical properties of the PLLA/DPNR blend was found in the blend that contained 3 wt % PLLA-g-LMWNR. Scanning electron microscopy showed a decrease in the pore diameter from 5.44 to 1.56 μm. The thermal analysis of PLLA/DPNR blends showed that the Tg value of PLLA phase shifted from 63.1 to 61.4°C. These results confirmed that PLLA-g-LMWNR can enhance the compatibility of the PLLA/DPNR blend.
Tear and Crumble: Deterioration Processes in Skins and Hides in Mammal Collections
Authors: Bock Steffen , Quaisser Christiane
Published: February 2021

In the mammal collection of the Museum für Naturkunde Berlin (MfN), Germany a serious but inconspicuous deterioration of mammal skins and hides has been detected. The tear strength has been decreasing until the skins are falling apart, risking permanent loss of valuable specimens. At the MfN, about 80% of the 30,000 skins are affected. Although this phenomenon has been known by taxidermists for some time, there are very few publications on the subject. In this study, we surveyed the literature and conducted interviews with collections and leather industry professionals to understand the extent and potential causes of skin deterioration. In addition, analyses of skins in the collections of the MfN and the ZFMK (Bonn, Germany) showed that more than 80% of the tested skins had a very low tear strength. The tear strength appears correlated with the pH value and age of the skin. Our findings suggest that surplus acid from residual fat, preservation methods, or external sources such as air pollution might be a primary source of the degradation. Future steps should include further research on the chemical processes involved in deterioration, treatment options for threatened skins, and development of best practices, protocols for documentation, and development of a publicly available online knowledge base for museum skin preparation, preservation, and storage methods.
New possibilities of siponimod therapy in patients with secondary progressive multiple sclerosis
Authors: Kasatkin D. S. , Khachanova N. V. , Alifirova V. M. , Boyko A. N. , Bakhtiyarova K. Z. , Vlasov Ya. V. , Davydovskaya M. V. , Evdoshenko E. P. , Sivertseva S. A.
Published: February 2021

The process of neurodegeneration in multiple sclerosis (MS) remains an urgent problem of modern neurology; from the point of view of its therapy, it is especially important to identify this condition during the transition to secondary progression. This paper reflects the opinion of the Council of Leading MS Experts on the early detection of secondary progressive MS and its diagnostic tools, including the use of new online questionnaires. Special attention is paid to the concept of clinical progression verification using the indicator of the confirmed progression of disability and to the prospect for introducing siponimod (Kiendra® ) into clinical practice for the treatment of patients with secondary progressive MS.
Clinical manifestations, diagnosis, and surgical treatment of compressive common peroneal neuropathy at the level of the fibular head
Authors: Bashlachev M. G. , Evzikov G. Yu. , Parfenov V. A.
Published: February 2021

Common peroneal neuropathy (CPN) is the most common tunnel neuropathy in the lower extremities, many issues of diagnosis and treatment of which require further study.

Objective: to analyze the clinical manifestations of CPN, methods of its diagnosis and treatment results.

Patients and methods. Eighty patients (31 women and 49 men) aged 18 to 82 years (mean age, 51 years) with compressive CPN were followed up during 2012–2018. Unilateral CPN and bilateral CPN were found in 76 and 4 patients, respectively. Eighty-four common peroneal nerve decompression operations were performed.

Results and discussion. There was paralytic CPN in 73 (87%) surgical cases, painful CPN in 8 (9.5%), and intermittent CPN in 3 (3.5%). Diagnostic errors (when CPN was regarded as discogenic radiculopathy or lumbar stenosis) were noted in the painful and intermittent forms of the disease. After surgical treatment, complete recovery of peroneal nerve function was observed in 61 (72.6%) of the 84 surgical cases; its partial recovery in 15 (17.9%). Positive results were seen in all cases of painful and intermittent CPN, whereas they were more often observed in paralytic CPN if the operation was performed early (up to 12 months) after the onset of the disease.

Conclusion. Common peroneal nerve decompression is an effective and safe therapeutic method that, in painful and intermittent CPN, leads to complete reversal of symptoms and, in the paralytic form of the disease, it is most effective in the early stages of the disease.
Causes of ischemic stroke in patients younger than 45 years: analysis of data from the regional vascular center
Authors: Kulesh A. A. , Nurieva Yu. A. , Syromyatnikova L. I.
Published: February 2021

In young patients, the causes of ischemic stroke (IS) are substantially different from those in older patients. Understanding the causes of the disease in patients younger than 45 years is needed to elaborate examination algorithms used in the country’s vascular departments.

Objective: to present the nosological characteristics of IS in patients younger than 45 years according to the hospital register of the regional vascular center.

Patients and methods. The data of the hospital register of the neurological unit for patients with acute cerebral circulatory disorders, who were in the Perm Territorial Vascular Center, City Clinical Hospital Four, in 2014 to 2020, were analyzed. The analysis included 126 patients under the age of 45 years with IS verified by magnetic resonance imaging.

Results and discussion. The pathogenetic subtypes of IS according to the TOAST criteria were large artery atherosclerosis [n=10 (7.9%)], cardioembolism [n=27 (21.4%)], small vessel disease [n=15 (11.9%)], IS of other determined etiology [n=23 (18.3%)], and IS of undetermined etiology [n=51 (40.5%)]. After excluding incomplete examination cases (n=29), the most common causes of IS were cardiac embolism (patent foramen ovale, atrial septal defect, prosthetic valves, acute infective endocarditis, and chronic cardiac aneurysm) (27.8%), large artery disease (atherosclerosis and unspecified arteriopathy) (21.6%), small artery disease (15.5%), as well as cervical and cerebral artery dissection (10.3%). Cryptogenic stroke was observed in 13% of patients. There was a preponderance of cryptogenic IS in the age subgroup of 21–25 years, cardiac embolism (mainly patent foramen ovale) in the subgroup of 26–35 years; the proportions of cardiac embolism, large and small artery diseases, and dissections were comparable in the subgroup of 36–40 years; large and small artery diseases prevailed in the subgroup of 41–44 years.

Conclusion. The most common causes of IS in 18–44-year-old patients are cardiac embolism (mainly through the mechanism of paradoxical embolism) and large artery disease, including dissection. The etiology of IS depended on age: cardiac embolism prevailed in the younger age range, whereas large and small artery diseases were dominant in the older age range.
Features of pain syndrome in genital endometriosis and migraine
Authors: Bagirova U. A. , Chernukha E. G. , Filatova E. G.
Published: February 2021

Migraine is often concurrent with endometriosis; however, the mechanisms of comorbidity of these conditions are inadequately studied. Pain is considered as the most significant clinical symptom and maladaptive manifestation of both migraine and endometriosis. Studying the relationship between the clinical manifestations of pain syndrome in patients with endometriosis and migraine is important, since it will contribute to the understanding of the mechanisms of comorbidity of these diseases.

Objective: to analyze the features of pain syndrome in patients with migraine and genital endometriosis to clarify the neurogenic mechanisms of their comorbid relationship.

Patients and methods. A total of 125 patients who had gone to a gynecologist for endometriosis were examined for the presence of migraine. In accordance with the inclusion criteria, 79 patients (mean age, 34.68±7.11 years) with genital endometriosis confirmed by diagnostic laparoscopy participated in the further study. Two age-matched groups were formed: a study group consisted of 38 patients with endometriosis and concomitant migraine; a comparison group included 41 patients with endometriosis without migraine. All the patients underwent clinical neurological examination, questionnaire survey, pelvic ultrasound, assessment of the severity of pelvic pain according to the pelvic pain index, and determination of the level of central sensitization (CS) using the CS Inventory.

Results and discussion. 42% out of the 125 patients who had visited their gynecologist for endometriosis suffered from concomitant migraine, which confirms the comorbidity of these diseases. Chronic pelvic pain (CPP), dysmenorrhea, dyspareunia, and dyschesia were more common in patients with endometriosis and migraine; there were more patients with asymptomatic endometriosis in the comparison group. The patients of the two groups did not differ in the presentation of different forms of endometriosis, which favors the leading role of central mechanisms in the pathogenesis of pain syndrome in comorbidity of these diseases.In addition, there was a statistically significant increase in the presentation of CPP and dysmenorrhea in patients with chronic migraine compared to those with episodic migraine and to those without migraine. Significantly higher levels of CS according to CSI and pelvic pain index were found in patients with chronic migraine and endometriosis, which suggests that CS plays a key role in the comorbidity of these diseases.

Conclusion. The phenomenon of CS is one of the mechanisms of comorbidity of migraine and endometriosis, contributes to both the worsening of various painful manifestations of endometriosis and the increase in migraine attacks, thereby causing obvious maladaptation in patients. The role of CS in the comorbidity of migraine and endometriosis opens up possibilities for the elaboration of a comprehensive interdisciplinary approach to treating these diseases.
Pediatric migraine equivalents
Authors: Zhmylyova P. V. , Tabeeva G. R. , Sergeev A. V.
Published: February 2021

Migraine is a common disease in pediatric practice. Its manifestations are extremely diverse in children. Pediatric migraine equivalents are a group of different disorders that are closely related to migraine and are more common in children long before the manifestation of migraine headache. Their verification presents significant difficulties in clinical practice, and this often predetermines the use of inadequate management strategies for these patients. Meanwhile, the diagnosis of and approaches to treating pediatric migraine equivalents have their own characteristics, the knowledge of which can significantly determine quality of life in patients. The paper considers modern ideas about pediatric periodic syndromes and data on their relationship to migraine and discusses the issues of their diagnosis and treatment.
Factors affecting construction costs in Thailand: A structural equation modelling approach
Authors:   School of Management Technology, Sirindhorn International Institute of Technology, Thammasat University, Pathumthani, Thailand, Chinda Thanwandee
Published: February 2021

Cost performance in the construction industry is important to enhance industry standard and grow a country's economy. This paper examines the key factors affecting cost performance in Thai construction projects, specifically at the pre-construction and construction phases. A questionnaire survey is used to gather data for the exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and structural equation modelling (SEM) analysis used in this study. The EFA technique extracted the key factors affecting construction cost, while the SEM revealed the interactions and causal relationships between those key factors. The EFA results confirm seven key factors: three at the pre-construction phase: lack of coordination, design management, and unclear client requirements; and four at the construction phase, including site management, resources, labour capability and contract-related. The SEM results confirm strong relationships, directly and indirectly, between the three key factors at the pre-construction phase. Good coordination between stakeholders result in less design errors and clear client requirements. The influences that the three factors at the pre-construction phase have on the four factors at the construction phase are also supported. The result highlights that unclear client requirements cause poor site management and cost overrun, which may lead to breach of contracts. Construction companies can use this study results to better plan for cost improvement by focusing on the identified pre-construction factors, as they could lead to good cost management during the construction phase.
Applying and developing mass customization in construction industries – A multi case study
Authors:   Department of Materials and Production, Aalborg University, Denmark, Jensen Kim Noergaard , Pero Margherita ,   Department of Management, Economics and Industrial Engineering, Politecnico di Milano, Italy, Nielsen Kjeld ,   Department of Materials and Production, Aalborg University, Denmark, Brunoe Thomas Ditley ,   Department of Materials and Production, Aalborg University, Denmark
Published: February 2021

Mass customization as a strategy has been utilised successfully in the manufacturing industry meeting customers’ idiosyncratic needs in a cost-efficient way. The productivity of the Danish manufacturing industry has increased six times over the last 50 years, whereas the Danish con-struction industry has only doubled. Mass customization has not been extensively explored in the construction industry; therefore, the theoretical background is currently limited. Nevertheless, utilization of mass customization as a strategy might have potentials in the construction industry. This research is a multi-case study of 11 companies in the construction industry focusing on how the cases apply the three fundamental capabilities of mass customization 1) solution space development, 2) choice navigation and 3) robust process design, and how their im-provement initiatives effect performance, and how the cases plan to develop the three funda-mental capabilities of mass customization. The outset is an analysis of project phases and criti-cal success factors characterizing the cases followed by an analysis of how the cases apply and plan to develop the nine tools and approaches supporting the development of the three fundamental capabilities of mass customization. The data are collected through interview as a two-way communicative approach providing holistic and in-depth explanations of the 18 variables of the analysis. The results are that all 11 cases aim at increasing all nine tools and approaches, which strengthen the utilization of the three fundamental capabilities of mass customization in the sense of improving the productivity. This research put forward a definition of mass customization intending to make the concept more visible and accessible for the construction industry.
Linear Optical Characterization of Novel Dye Doped Poly Methyl Methacrylate with Titanium Dioxide Nanoparticale
Authors: Mahdi Bashair S. , Hasson Safaa A.
Published: February 2021

The project includes preparation of organic dyes as powder, pure dyes as thin film, pure dyes doped with Poly methyl methacrylate (PMMA) and pure dyes doped PMMA with titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2) to study the linear optical properties. Organic dyes (pure and doped) are interesting materials for linear optical properties and its applications because of their high response linearity and their extended spectral transparency. In this work, preparation organic compound dyes (Schiff bases) derived fromclosed ring were carried out as thin films of materials have been deposited on glass substrates. The samples prepared in for concentrations (10-4 and 10-5) M and thin films were deposited via drop casting.
Chitosan-CuO Nanoparticles as Antibacterial Shigella dysenteriae: Synthesis, Characterization, and In Vitro Study
Authors: Fatoni Ahmad , Paramita Ade Chika , Untari Budi , Hidayati Nurlisa
Published: February 2021

The synthesis of chitosan- CuO nanoparticles was studied. This research’s aims were biosynthesis CuO nanoparticles, synthesis of chitosan-CuO nanoparticles, and used as an antibacterial agent of Shigella dysenteriae. CuO nanoparticles and chitosan-CuO nanoparticles were characterized by FTIR spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction, respectively. CuO nanoparticle was synthesized by the reaction between leaf extract of sweet star fruit (Averrhoa carambola L.) and copper sulfate pentahydrate. Chitosan-CuO nanoparticles were synthesized by a heating method. The suspension of chitosan-CuO nanoparticles was used as an antibacterial agent with a paper disk method. The result showed that the Cu-O group at CuO nanoparticles was detected at a wavenumber of 503, 619, 767, and 821 cm-1. The crystallite size of the CuO nanoparticles was 4.25 nm. Cu-O group bonded at N-H and O-H groups and detected at 3406 cm-1 from the FTIR spectra of chitosan-CuO nanoparticles. The average inhibition zone of chitosan-CuO nanoparticles at concentration 2.500, 5.000, 7.500, and 10.000 ppm to Shigella dysenteriae were 13.57 ± 1.55; 14.90 ± 1.20; 15.97 ± 0.76 and 17.03 ± 1.80 mm, respectively.
Spanish validation of the Parental Psychological Control Scale and Parental Psychological ControlDisrespect Scale
Authors: Rodríguez-Menéndez Carmen , Inda-Caro María de las Mercedes , Fernández-García Carmen-María , Martínez-García Lindsay
Published: February 2021

The construct “parental psychological control” has been used to refer to those parental behaviors that interfere with the children’s thoughts and feelings. Examples of this type of behaviors would be inducing guilt or shame as well as the withdrawal of affection. The objective of this study was to validate and adapt the Spanish version of the Psychological Control Scale-Youth Self-Report (PCS-YSR) and the Psychological Control-Disrespect Scale (PCDS) and to analyze if the parental psychological control is defined as one dimension or two dimensions through manipulative and disrespectful behaviors towards adolescents. Also, the unique contribution of parental psychological control in predicting adolescent’s self-concept was examined. In two samples of undergraduate university students (the first, N = 367, mean age = 19.8, women=62.7%, men=37.3%, and the second, N= 312, mean age=19.7, women=73.9%, men=26.1%), exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses confirmed the hypothesized factor structure of the PCS-YSR and the PCDS, for both paternal and maternal ratings. Convergent validity was confirmed by consistent associations between both measures of parental psychological control and other measures of parental autonomy support and parental psychological control. The multi-group analysis confirmed that parental psychological control had a negative influence on self-concept. The results indicated that both scales are useful instruments for assessing parental psychological control.
Diseño y análisis psicométrico de un instrumento para evaluar celos
Authors: Avendaño Prieto Bertha Lucía , Betancort Montesinos Moisés
Published: February 2021

El objetivo de la presente investigación fue diseñar y analizar las propiedades psicométricas del cecla, un instrumento para evaluar celos. La prueba se realizó con base en las respuestas de las entrevistas aplicadas a una muestra clínica, que coincidieron con los planteamientos teóricos desde una perspectiva patológica. Para esto, se realizó una investigación de tipo instrumental en la que se contó con una muestra de 1218 personas que contestaron la prueba, de las cuales ocho conformaron la muestra clínica, 408 participaron en la prueba piloto, y 802 en la prueba final. Los participantes fueron hombres y mujeres con edades entre los 18 y los 71 años, de diferente estado civil, orientación sexual, nivel socioeconómico, educativo, ocupación y región de Colombia. Para la validación de contenido participaron doce expertos, ocho psicólogos clínicos y cuatro metodólogos. En definitiva, el instrumento quedó conformado por 19 ítems que evalúan tres clases de celos: pasionales, obsesivos y delirantes. La consistencia interna, la evidencia de validez mediante análisis factorial exploratorio y confirmatorio, la estabilidad temporal, la validez convergente, el ajuste de los ítems al modelo de Rasch y la equivalencia de estos indicadores bajo los dos modelos analizados indican que el cecla es un instrumento válido, fiable y útil para el objetivo y contexto para el cual fue elaborado.
Estructura interna y evidencias de validez de la Escala Baptista de Depresión para Adultos en población adulta de Argentina
Authors: Makilim Makilim Nunes Baptista , Thiago Soares Thiago Francisco Pereira Soares , Urquijo Sebastian , Del Valle Macarena Verónica
Published: February 2021

El objetivo de este estudio fue analizar la estructura factorial de la adaptación al español rioplatense de la Escala Baptista de Depresión para Adultos (ebadep-a) en población argentina, y aportar evidencias de validez sobre la misma. Para evaluar la estructura interna de la escala se realizaron cálculos por medio de análisis factoriales exploratorios y confirmatorios, así como de la teoría de respuesta al ítem; mientras que, para brindar evidencias de validez convergente y concurrente, se aplicaron correlaciones, regresiones y análisis de modelos de ecuaciones estructurales (SEM) con medidas relacionadas. Los resultados sugieren que la versión final del instrumento podría reducirse de 45 a 23 ítems con adecuados índices de ajuste, con un modelo unidimensional, y con cargas factoriales satisfactorias tanto en el análisis exploratorio como en el confirmatorio. Los ítems no revelaron discrepancias en las habilidades estimadas de los participantes, y presentaron ajustes estructurales adecuados y opciones de respuestas claras. Respecto a la validez, la escala presentó asociaciones con variables externas -personalidad y bienestar psicológico-; y el análisis SEM demostró una fuerte relación entre el ebadep-a y el Beck Depression Inventory-II, así como una predicción fuerte del primero sobre el segundo (r2 = .65). Se concluye que el factor general del ebadep-a representa adecuadamente los fenómenos psicológicos subyacentes a la depresión, y que la versión final de la escala presenta propiedades psicométricas adecuadas para la población argentina.
Indicadores de salud y bienestar social en población inmigrante y chilena: un estudio comparativo
Authors: Arancibia Martini Héctor Ramón , Cárdenas Manuel , Durán William , Eguren Paula
Published: February 2021

En el presente estudio se comparan los niveles medios de salud y bienestar social de adultos nacidos en Chile (n = 155) e inmigrantes de nacionalidad colombiana (n = 166), peruana (n = 154) y venezolana (n = 180). Los resultados están en línea con la “hipótesis selectiva de la inmigración”, pues se encontraron mayores niveles de salud (Minmigrantes = 40.35; Mchilenos = 38.93; t[203.579] = 2.745, p < .01) y bienestar social en inmigrantes (M = 88.62) que en chilenos (M = 85.42; t(190.778) = –3.197, p < .01). En general, en este trabajo se muestra el efecto negativo que tiene la percepción de discriminación sobre la salud, y el efecto positivo de las variables socioculturales de identidad endogrupal, enriquecimiento cultural y cercanía intergrupal sobre el bienestar social en personas inmigrantes.
Integrating quality assurance in autoimmunity: the changing face of the automated ANA IIF test
Authors: Van Hoovels Lieve , Bossuyt Xavier , Manfredi Mariangela , Grossi Valentina , Benucci Maurizio , Van Den Bremt Stefanie , De Baere Heidi , Franceschi Daria , Tosi Emiliano , Meoni Marco , Bizzaro Nicola , Infantino Maria
Published: February 2021

Objectives

Currently available computer-aided diagnosis (CAD) systems for the detection of anti-nuclear antibodies (ANA) by indirect immunofluorescence (IIF) assay enable a standardized measurement of system-specific fluorescent intensity (FI) measures. We aimed to evaluate an internal quality control (iQC) program that controls the total ANA IIF process in routine practice.

Methods

In addition to the kit iQC materials, supplemental quality indicators were integrated in a total quality assurance (QA) program: patient-derived iQC’s samples (negative, 1/160 fine speckled and 1/160 homogeneous), median sample FI per run and percentage of ANA IIF positive samples per run. Analytical rejection criteria were based on the imprecision of the positivity index (PI) measure of the Zenit PRO system (Menarini). Clinical rejection criteria were based on changes in FI that correspond to a change in ANA IIF titer of ≥2. To evaluate the QA program, different artificial errors were introduced during the ANA IIF process. After every run, quality indicators were evaluated and compared to the pre-set target values.

Results

Rescanning the ANA IIF slides five times, using an old conjugate and a needle obstruction resulted in analytically and even clinically relevant errors in ANA IIF results. All errors were correctly detected by the different defined quality indicators. Traditional Westgard rules, including analytically (and clinically) defined rejection limits were useful in monitoring quality indicators.

Conclusions

The integration of a total process iQC program in CAD systems, based on the specific FI measurands and performance criteria of the system, adds value to QA.
Impersonated personae – paralanguage, dialogism and affiliation in stand-up comedy
Authors: Logi Lorenzo , Zappavigna Michele
Published: February 2021

This paper argues that paralinguistic resources employed by stand-up comedians to construe textual personae (impersonated characters) make a substantial contribution to the creation of humor by allowing the comedian to distance themselves from particular social values and by referencing shared cultural stereotypes. A stretch of stand-up comedy discourse is analyzed to explore how gesture and voice quality contribute to the construal of projected personae. These are mapped in relation to the interaction between comedian and audience to discern how they evoke specific social values. The results suggest that textual personae are deployed by the comedian to embody stereotypes that connote particular value positions, and that the comedian can construe blended or hybrid personae through the use of multiple semiotic resources. Impersonation thus constitutes a powerful resource for negotiating social values in order to generate tension and create humor.
Health literacy as a determinant of childhood and adult obesity: a systematic review
Authors: Chrissini Maria K. , Panagiotakos Demosthenes B.
Published: February 2021

Objectives

To assess whether Health Literacy (HL) acts as a determinant of obesity in adults and children by synthesizing the results of recent scientific evidence.

Content

This is a systematic qualitative review following the MOOSE guidelines. A systematic, computer-assisted literature search via PubMed scientific database, between January 1st, 2000, and September 30th 2020, was conducted. Only cross-sectional epidemiologic research studies that were published in the English language, investigating HL’s possible role as a determinant of childhood and adult obesity, were included.

After screening 725 citations from the PubMed database, 39 (n=39) studies in total were included in this literature review; Four (n=4) studies were conducted in the children population, seven (n=7) studies were performed in children-parent/caregiver dyads, and 28 studies (n=28) enrolled adults. There is significant evidence that HL knowledge and skills determine the consequent management of obesity and BMI rates in children and adult populations.

Outlook

Despite policies and action plans put in place by countries globally, overweight and obesity continue to be a pressing public health issue and one of the critical drivers of non-communicable diseases, constituting a health, social and economic burden worldwide. Health Literacy as an essential health policy and promotion agenda item and a critical empowerment strategy could increase children’s and adults’ control over their overall health and awareness to overcome obesity issues. Initiatives to improve HL levels could be useful tools in managing the obesity epidemic, starting from integrating HL in the school curriculum and further in family and community action plans.
Measures of variability in transitional phases in second language development
Authors: Verspoor Marjolijn , de Bot Kees
Published: February 2021

This paper investigates measures of change to help demonstrate the necessity of variability as a developmental mechanism for advancing different features of L2 learning (related here primarily to writing, but also to reading) with a particular focus on learners at different stages of development. To do so, the work draws on three studies to build a case for using variability as a meaningful marker of change. Lowie, Wander M. & Marjolijn Verspoor. 2019. Individual differences and the ergodicity problem. Language Learning 69. 184–206 found in a group of 22 Dutch learners of English that the Coefficient of Variation (CoV), rather than individual factors such as motivation and aptitude, showed a significant correlation with writing proficiency gains. A replication study by Huang, Ting, Rasmus Steinkrauss & Marjolijn Verspoor. 2020b. Variability as predictors for L2 writing proficiency. Journal of Second Language Writing, with 22 Chinese learners of English revealed that the CoV rather than motivation, aptitude or working memory was a significant predictor in writing proficiency gains. A study by Gui, Min, Xiaokan Chen & Marjolijn Verspoor. Submitted. The dynamics of reading development in English for Academic Purposes, on reading for academic purposes with 27 Chinese Chemistry majors showed that the Standard Deviation of differences (SDd) rather than proficiency in English or knowledge of Chemistry correlated with reading gains. Two further studies present tentative evidence that these changes take place especially at transitional phases while learning a new skill.
New encoding/decoding design of SAC-OCDMA system with fixed correlation zone code
Authors: Garadi Ahmed , Mebarki Ghada
Published: February 2021

The short code length makes impossible to increases the number of users in the SAC-OCDMA system, this work proposed a new family code with a fixed correlation zone, which makes it possible to construct w different zones for the code, every zone has a fixed correlation value, where the correlation by zone is from 0 to w-1, w is the code weight, i.e., this code is characterized by the incremented cross-correlation value between every two successive zones, The obtained results demonstrate that the proposed code provides better performances compared to other codes.
Dietary views and habits of students in health professional vs. non-health professional graduate programs in a single university
Authors: Downing Michael A. , Bazzi Michael O. , Vinicky Mark E. , Lampasona Nicholas V. , Tsvyetayev Oleg , Mayrovitz Harvey N.
Published: February 2021

Context

Students enrolled in health professional (HP) programs receive varying amounts of credit hours dedicated to nutritional education, and obesity remains an issue in the United States among healthcare providers.

Objectives

To assess whether HP students differ in nutrition and exercise habits from non-health professional (NHP) students at a single university, and whether any gender-related differences existed in those habits.

Methods

From September 25, 2018 to October 10, 2019, a 16-question multiple-choice survey was distributed via e-mail or in person to HP and NHP students enrolled at Nova Southeastern University (NSU) in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Questions targeted participant dietary and exercise habits. Each question had five multiple-choice answer options, each of which was assigned a coded value to compare similarities and differences between the HP and NHP groups.

Results

Of 732 responses (569 HP, 163 NHP), results showed no statistically significant difference between enrollment groups (p>0.05) in any response parameter including consumption of sweets, fast food, red meat, caffeine, water, fruit, and vegetables. Comparisons among sexes demonstrated significant differences. Women consumed less red meat, water, and protein, and women participated in less exercise compared to men. Women also consumed more sweets compared to men.

Conclusions

Results suggest that NSU students enrolled in HP and NHP programs have similar nutritional concepts and eating habits. This may indicate a need to strengthen nutritional education in dietary health and wellness for HP students.
The processing signature of anticipatory reading: an eye-tracking study on lexical predictions
Authors: Koornneef Arnout
Published: February 2021

Current approaches to the human language faculty emphasize that during real-time processing anticipatory mechanisms play a vital role for people to parse and comprehend linguistic input at a sufficient pace. Consistent with this view, several Event-Related Potential (ERP) and behavioral self-paced reading (SPR) studies revealed a processing disadvantage for pre-nominal linguistic elements that (grammatically) mismatched with an expected upcoming noun. More recently, however, these findings have been challenged because the results are difficult to replicate. In the current study, I continue this line of replication research with a complementary method: eye tracking. I conducted two experiments aimed at reproducing prior findings of a SPR study of van Berkum, Jos J. A., Colin M. Brown, Pienie Zwitserlood, Valesca Kooijman & Hagoort Peter. 2005. Anticipating upcoming words in discourse: Evidence from ERPs and reading times.Journal of Experimental Psychology: Learning, Memory, and Cognition31(3). 443–467. The participants read two-sentence stories constructed to elicit a strong lexical prediction about an upcoming noun. To assess whether readers were activating the lexical prediction, the noun was preceded by two gender-inflected adjectives carrying an inflectional suffix that either matched or mismatched with the syntactic gender of the predicted noun. Overall, I did not obtain evidence for strong lexical prediction as the eye-tracking metrics revealed no processing disadvantage for mismatching adjectives (i.e., contrary to the findings of van Berkum et al.). In fact, in some cases readers allocated more processing resources to pre-nominal adjectives that morphologicallymatchedwith the gender of the predicted noun. These intriguing findings will be discussed in the context of the time course, the processing costs, and the validation processes of lexical predictions.
The (α,β)-ramification invariants of a number field
Authors: Mantilla-Soler Guillermo
Published: February 2021

LetLbe a number field. For a given primep, we define integersαpL$ \alpha_{p}^{L} $andβpL$ \beta_{p}^{L} $with some interesting arithmetic properties. For instance,βpL$ \beta_{p}^{L} $is equal to 1 wheneverpdoes not ramify inLandαpL$ \alpha_{p}^{L} $is divisible bypwheneverpis wildly ramified inL. The aforementioned properties, although interesting, follow easily from definitions; however a more interesting application of these invariants is the fact that they completely characterize the Dedekind zeta function ofL. Moreover, if the residue class modpofαpL$ \alpha_{p}^{L} $is not zero for allpthen such residues determine the genus of the integral trace.
Lead-free halide perovskite photodetectors spanning from near-infrared to X-ray range: a review
Authors: Cao Fei , Xu Xiaobao , Yu Dejian , Zeng Haibo
Published: February 2021

Photodetectors based on semiconducting materials are vital building blocks for modern systems containing optoelectronic modules. Although commercial semiconductors have established good performances, they are plagued by complex processing procedures and stalled performances. Recently, lead halide perovskites with superior semiconducting attributes have achieved stunning progress in optoelectronics including photodetectors. However, the toxicity of lead and the ill stability significantly handicap their practical use. Great efforts thus have been devoted to developing lead-free alternatives with improved stability and uncompromised traits. In this review, we thoroughly summarize recent progress in photodetectors based on lead-free halide perovskite variants. The substitution of lead with new elements usually induces a change in structure and ensuingly optoelectronic particularities, which afford unique suitability for a collection of functionality-specified photodetectors. Especially, the family of lead-free variants witnesses a range of bandgaps that construct a broadband photon detection spanning from near-infrared (NIR) to visible regimes. Besides, stress is laid on the X-ray detection capability based on especially bismuth-type lead-free perovskites, of which the strong X-ray absorption, large bulk resistance, suppressed ion migration, and efficient charge collection enable superior X-ray sensitivities and ultralow detection limits. Finally, the challenges and visions are discussed.
Factors affecting eating habits and knowledge of edible flowers in different countries
Authors: Guiné Raquel P. F. , Florença Sofia G. , Ferrão Ana Cristina , Bizjak Maša Černelič , Vombergar Blanka , Simoni Natália , Vieira Viviane
Published: February 2021

The use of edible flowers (EF) in gastronomy is gaining popularity; however, there is still a lack of information about the factors that most contribute to the acceptance of this product. Therefore, the objective of this study was to investigate the habits associated with the usage of EF in gastronomy in three different countries (Portugal, Slovenia, and Brazil) and also to evaluate the major determinants for those habits. In addition, the level of knowledge was also investigated, particularly with regard to the aspects such as perceived risks of toxicity and pesticides. For that, a questionnaire survey of self-response was carried out on a sample of 559 participants, from the above-mentioned countries. To analyse the data, basic descriptive statistical tools were used combined with crosstabs and chi-square tests. Finally, a tree classification was performed using the classification and regression trees algorithm. The results revealed that, regardless of the country, the participants were familiar with the use of EF in gastronomy. The participants had, in general, already consumed EF, and their use was more popular between the Portuguese participants, being the Brazilian those who used them less. Significant differences were found between the countries in the form of consumption of EF and also in the types of EF consumed. There were also significant differences regarding the reasons for eating EF. The classification analysis showed that the country and the level of education were the major determinants for the consuming habits and knowledge about EF. This study highlighted that eating habits are very dependent on the customs and traditions of each country and helped understanding the factors that most affect the participants’ attitudes towards the consumption and knowledge of EF.
Foliar selenium application for improving drought tolerance of sesame (Sesamum indicum L.)
Authors: Thuc Le Vinh , Sakagami Jun-Ichi , Hung Le Thanh , Huu Tran Ngoc , Khuong Nguyen Quoc , Vu Vi Le Ly
Published: February 2021

Drought is the main constraint for crop growth worldwide. Selenium reportedly plays an important role in improving plant tolerance to drought stress. In this study, two experiments were conducted to investigate the effects of foliar selenium application on the drought tolerance of sesame. Five selenium concentrations (0, 5, 10, 20, and 40 mg/L) were used in the first experiment. Water deficit was triggered 25 days after sowing. The application of 5 or 10 mg/L of selenium maintained the number of leaves and increased the number of capsules. However, higher concentrations induced necrosis. The second experiment aimed to study the effect of selenium concentrations (5 and 10 mg/L) and the number of applications (one to three times). Drought stress was triggered 50 days after sowing, and selenium was sprayed 50, 55, and 60 days after sowing. The results indicated that a one-time foliar selenium application of 5 mg/L was able to maintain the number of leaves and to increase proline accumulation, plant biomass, and grain weight per plant. This finding confirms that selenium can be applied to enhance sesame’s tolerance to drought stress.
Investigation on the efficient separation and recovery of Se(IV) and Se(VI) from wastewater using Fe–OOH–bent
Authors: Yang Junqiang , Chen Yawen , Tong Juan , Su Yin , Gao Xiaoqing , He Jiangang , Shi Keliang , Hou Xiaolin , Wu Wangsuo
Published: February 2021

Decontamination of the toxic selenium compound, selenite (Se(IV)) and selenate (Se(VI)), from wastewater is imperative for environmental protection. Efficient approaches to remove Se(IV) and Se(VI) are in urgent needs. In this work, an accessible adsorbent Fe–OOH–bent was prepared and applied for the removal of Se(IV) and Se(VI) from wastewater. The batch experimental results demonstrate that Fe–OOH–bent exhibits high adsorption capacities of 5.01 × 10−4 and 2.28 × 10−4 mol/g for Se(IV) and Se(VI) respectively, which are higher than most of the reported bentonite based materials, especially in the case of Se(VI). Moreover, the Fe–OOH–bent displayed superior selectivity towards Se(IV) and Se(VI) even in the presence of excess competitive anions (Cl−, HCO3
−, NO3
−, SO4
2− and PO4
3−) and HA with concentrations of 1000 times higher than Se(IV) and Se(VI). By evaluating the adsorption ratio of Se(IV) and Se(VI), the reusability of Fe–OOH–bent was great through five adsorption-desorption cycles. For practical application, the column experiments were performed with simulated wastewater samples. The breakthrough and eluting curves of Se(IV) and Se(VI) were investigated through the columns packed with Fe–OOH–bent, and the results show that Se(IV) and Se(VI) can be successfully separated and recovered using 0.1 mol/L Na2SO4 (pH = 9.0) and 0.1 mol/L Na3PO4 (pH = 9.0), respectively. Our work provides a new approach for fractional separation as well as the recovery of Se(IV) and Se(VI) from wastewater.
Occupational hazard in Malaysian traffic police: special focus on air pollutants
Authors: Mohamad Jamil Putri Anis Syahira , Karuppiah Karmegam , Rasdi Irniza , How Vivien , Mohd Tamrin Shamsul Bahri , Mani Kulanthayan K.C. , Sambasivam Sivasankar , Naeini Hassan Sadeghi , Mohammad Yusof Nur Athirah Diyana , Hashim Nurul Maizura
Published: February 2021

This paper provides a specific deliberation on occupational hazards confronted daily by Malaysian Traffic Police. Traffic police is a high-risk occupation that involves a wide range of tasks and, indirectly, faced with an equally wide variety of hazards at work namely, physical, biological, psychosocial, chemical, and ergonomic hazards. Thereupon, occupational injuries, diseases, and even death are common in the field. The objective of this paper is to collate and explain the major hazards of working as Malaysian traffic police especially in Point Duty Unit, their health effects, and control measures. There are many ways in which these hazards can be minimised by ensuring that sufficient safety measures are taken such as a wireless outdoor individual exposure indicator system for the traffic police. By having this system, air monitoring among traffic police may potentially be easier and accurate. Other methods of mitigating these unfortunate events are incorporated and addressed in this paper according to the duty and needs of traffic police.
Water and wastewater as potential sources of SARS-CoV-2 transmission: a systematic review
Authors: Godini Hatam , Hoseinzadeh Edris , Hossini Hooshyar
Published: February 2021

An important group of viruses are Coronaviruses that affect the health of people worldwide, in particular the acute respiratory syndrome. The present work has addressed the updated literature on the topic of coronaviruses transmission through water and wastewater as well as identified gaps in research to inform future studies. In total, 198 articles were selected, then after screening, 48 eligible studies were fully reviewed. Accordingly, the studies showed that the coronavirus has been isolated and identified from water as well as wastewater. The results of researches show that the presence of SARS-Co-2 virus in municipal wastewater is possible due to the excretion of the virus in human feces. In addition, the SARS-Co-2 virus was isolated from contaminated water and rivers, but there is insufficient evidence for virus transmission by water and wastewater. Water and wastewater treatment methods are able to reduce the pollution load caused by this virus in water sources. Water disinfection has an effective role in removing it from water and wastewater sources. Due to the short period of time in the global pandemic and the small number of studies in this field, further studies are needed to make a definite statement about the transferability of virus in water and wastewater.