bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An Examination on Digital Literacy Level of Quran Course Teachers
Authors: AKYÜZ İsmail
Published: September 2021

The phenomenon of digitalization, which manifests itself in almost every field of daily life, strongly affects education processes, and traditional education methods and techniques are replaced by digital technologies. The rapid digitalization experienced today has brought the concept of digital literacy. In its most general definition, digital literacy refers to the ability to find, understand, analyze, produce and share information through network devices such as smartphones, tablets, laptops and desktop computers. Digital literacy also includes knowing the unique legal rules and ethical norms of online environments, production and sharing patterns. Digitalization seems inevitable in religious education and Quran Courses as in all fields of education. This research aims to examine the digital literacy levels of Qur'an Course Instructors. The sample consists of 351 Qur'an Course Instructors working in Sakarya and Düzce provinces. For collecting the data, a questionnaire prepared by the researcher to determine the demographic variables of the participants and the Digital Literacy Evaluation Scale developed to measure the digital literacy level of the participants were used. The scale consists of “awareness, contextual use, secure participation, digital identity management and basic tool and media knowledge” sub-dimensions. The findings show that the digital literacy level of Qur'an Course Instructors differs according to the type of course they work. It has been observed that the digital literacy level of those who need training on the use of digital technologies is significantly lower. It is thought that providing basic digital literacy training to Qur'an Course Instructors will increase the quality of service
Dövme alanında molluskum kontagiozum
Authors: ERTAM SAĞDUYU İlgen , GERÇEKER TÜRK Bengü , ÖZKAPU Tuğçe
Published: September 2021

Dövme birçok dermatolojik probleme yol açabilmektedir. Bu problemler, güneşe hassasiyet, dövme pigmentine karşı alerji, Hepatit B, C ve İmmun Bağışıklık Yetmezliği Virüs (HIV) enfeksiyonları dışında diğer birçok viral ve bakteriyel enfeksiyonlardır. On yedi yaşında erkek hasta altı hafta önce başlayan, sağ ön kolda dövme alanında kabartılar nedeniyle başvurdu. Hastanın öyküsünden dört ay önce sağ ön koluna dövme yaptırdığı öğrenildi. Dermatolojik muayenede sağ ön kol dövme alanına sınırlı, umbilike, 1-2 mm boyutunda papüller izlenmekteydi. Özgeçmiş ve soy geçmişinde herhangi bir özellik bulunmamaktaydı. Histopatolojik incelemede viral inklüzyon cisimcikleri izlendi. Klinik ve histopatolojik bulgularla hastaya molluskum kontagiozum tanısı kondu.
Distance Learning in Museums: A Review of the Literature
Authors: Ennes Megan , Lee Imani
Published: September 2021

Distance learning has become an important tool in many fields of education. Museums, like other educational institutions, have been offering distance learning programs to their audiences for more than 30 years. This scoping study examined the published literature related to distance learning programs in museums to inform future research in this field. Searches were conducted in three academic databases in addition to journal hand searches. This resulted in 954 unique citations associated with distance learning in museums. Of these, 17 articles met the criteria for inclusion in the study. Forwards and backwards searches resulted in the addition of two books. A search of the research hosted by the Center for Advancement of Informal Science Education resulted in one additional study for a total of 20 manuscripts. Upon analysis, four major themes were identified. These included benefits and barriers related to distance learning programs in museums, partnerships, and educators’ changing roles as they relate to distance learning programs. Each of these themes is described and areas for future research are identified. Future work should move beyond the predominately evaluative case studies and pursue larger questions about how future research might support museums as they continue to design and implement online programming. This may include exploring best practices in museum-based distance learning and how to develop effective professional development opportunities for the educators engaged in these programs. Such research will enhance museum-based distance learning programs so that they can continue to support global learners.
To How Much Noise Are We Exposing Hospitalized Elderly Patients During Sleep?
Authors: Alves Mariana , Távora Catarina , Silva João Freitas , Gomez Nayive , Fonseca Teresa
Published: September 2021

N/a.
Somatic copy number alterations are predictive of progression-free survival in patients with lung adenocarcinoma undergoing radiotherapy
Authors: Kou Fan , Wu Lei , Guo Yan , Zhang Bailu , Li Baihui , Huang Ziqi , Ren Xiubao , Yang Lili
Published: September 2021

Objective: Lung cancer is the most common cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Somatic copy number alterations (SCNAs) have been used to predict responses to therapies in many cancers, including lung cancer. However, little is known about whether they are predictive of radiotherapy outcomes. We aimed to understand the prognostic value and biological functions of SCNAs. Methods: We analyzed the correlation between SCNAs and clinical outcomes in The Cancer Genome Atlas data for 486 patients with non-small cell lung cancer who received radiotherapy. Gene set enrichment analyses were performed to investigate the potential mechanisms underlying the roles of SCNAs in the radiotherapy response. Our results were validated in 20 patients with lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) receiving radiotherapy. Results: SCNAs were a better predictor of progression-free survival (PFS) in LUAD (P = 0.024) than in lung squamous carcinoma (P = 0.18) in patients treated with radiotherapy. Univariate and multivariate regression analyses revealed the superiority of SCNAs in predicting PFS in patients with LUAD. Patients with stage I cancer and low SCNA levels had longer PFS than those with high SCNA levels (P = 0.022). Our prognostic nomogram also showed that combining SCNAs and tumor/node/metastasis provided a better model for predicting long-term PFS. Additionally, high SCNA may activate the cell cycle pathway and induce tumorigenesis. Conclusions: SCNAs may be used to predict PFS in patients with early-stage LUAD with radiotherapy, in combination with TNM, with the aim of predicting long-term PFS. Therefore, SCNAs are a novel predictive biomarker for radiotherapy in patients with LUAD.
Air Pollution and Mobility in the Mexico City Metropolitan Area in Times of COVID-19
Authors: Vera Valdés José Eduardo , Rodríguez Caballero Carlos Vladimir
Published: September 2021

This paper analyzes the relation between COVID-19, air pollution, and public transport mobility in the Mexico City Metropolitan Area (MCMA). We test if the restrictions to economic activity introduced to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 are associated with a structural change in air pollution levels and public transport mobility. Our results show that mobility in public transportation was significantly reduced following the government's recommendations. Nonetheless, we show that the reduction in mobility was not accompanied by a reduction in air pollution. Furthermore, Granger-causality tests show that the precedence relation between public transport mobility and air pollution disappeared as a product of the restrictions. Thus, our results suggest that air pollution in the MCMA seems primarily driven by industry and private car usage. In this regard, the government should redouble its efforts to develop policies to reduce industrial pollution and private car usage.
Review of New Flow Friction Equations: Constructing Colebrook’s Explicit Correlations Accurately
Authors: Praks Pavel , Brkić Dejan
Published: September 2021

Using only a limited number of computationally expensive functions, we show a way how to construct accurate and computationally efficient approximations of the Colebrook equation for flow friction. The presented approximations are based on the asymptotic series expansion of the Wright ω-function and symbolic regression. The results are verified with 8 million of Quasi-Monte Carlo points covering the domain of interest for engineers. In comparison with the built-in “wrightOmega” feature of Matlab R2016a, the herein introduced related approximations of the Wright ω-function significantly accelerate the computation. With only two logarithms and several basic arithmetic operations used, the presented approximations are not only computationally efficient but also extremely accurate. The maximal relative error of the most promising approximation which is given in the form suitable for engineers’ use is limited to 0.0012%, while for a little bit more complex variant is limited to 0.000024%.
The Analytical Solution of the Grouting Migration Height for the Post-Grouted Drilled Shaft Based on the Herschel-Bulkley Model
Authors: Nan Gan , Liu Haiming , Zhang Yanjie , Ding Wenyun , Cao Jing , Yan Rongtao
Published: September 2021

The traditional bored pile technology has some arduous problems, such as the sediment at the pile tip, the mud skin along the pile shaft, and the stress release due to borehole construction. The post-grouted technology at the pile tip of bored pile has emerged because of demand. The grouting migration height (GMH) is of great significance to the strengthen and reinforcement of the pile foundation. This paper derives the calculation formula of the GMH based on the theory of the column hole expansion and Herschel-Bulkley model. The influence of relevant parameters on the GMH is discussed. Aiming at the problem of the grouting migration along the pile shaft in layered soils, the iterative calculation method of the GMH is proposed. The correctness of the GMH is verified by an engineering case, which can guide the engineering practice. The result shows that the GMH increases with the increase of the grouting pressure, the pile diameter and the thickness of the mud skin, and the grouting pressure is positively correlated with the GMH. The GMH decreases with the increase of the buried depth, the consistency coefficient and the rheological index. On this basis, the correctness of the GMH is verified by an engineering case.
The Language of “Rate of Change”
Authors: Avgerinos Evgenios , Remoundou Dimitra
Published: September 2021

Language is an essential aspect of teaching and learning mathematics. It is necessary for communicating, transmission of concepts and ideas, and formation of meaning of mathematical concepts. In mathematics, besides symbols, which are usually common in different languages, words and expressions are used, which may invoke different concept images to students in various languages. Some words are used in mathematics and in everyday language with different meanings, while others are used only in mathematics or in mathematics and other disciplines in similar but non-identical ways. In Mathematical Analysis, the used vocabulary is gradually enhanced, and the concepts are defined in a more formal way. In the current study, the language used regarding mathematics of change is examined, focusing on rate of change and in relation to misconceptions of students.
HIV Prevalence and Risk Factors for Infants Born to Mothers on Arv Treatment at CHUB/Rwanda
Authors: Nsengimana Bernard , Nkurunziza Francois , Mudahigwa Ntaganira Wivine , Uzayisenga Ruth , Rutayisire Gad
Published: September 2021

Several factors enhance the possibility of vertical HIV transmission in the pediatric population. Unfortunately, the data of the prevalence of HIV and associated risk factors in these populations remain limited in Rwanda. The study aimed to assess HIV prevalence and risk factors for infants born to mothers on ARV treatment at CHUB/Rwanda. MethodsA cross-sectional study was carried out on infants who were born to mothers under ARV treatment at CHUB. The associated risk factors were retrospectively assessed using prevention vertical HIV transmission records, and Dried Blood spots (DBS) were prospectively tested using Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR). Data were analyzed by logistic regression. Ethical clearance (Ref: CMHS/IRB/198/2017) was issued by University of Rwanda to fulfill research ethical consideration.ResultsAmong 185(100%) infants born to HIV-positive mothers under ARV treatment, 5(2.7%) were HIV positive. The most associated risk factors were increased to over 1log copies/ml mother’s viral load (OR 9.3, 95% CI 1.01-85.45, P= 0.04) and mother’s CD4 count lower than 350 cells/µl (OR 6.4, 95% CI 1.03-40.06, P=0.04). The factors found to reduce the rate of vertical transmission of HIV were health facility as a delivery place (P=0.03), exclusive breastfeeding for 6 months (P= 0.006), and attending the antenatal care (P=0.01) while feeding children and vaginal delivery were associated risks but not statistically significant.ConclusionThe current study supports that the more mothers’ viral load and CD4 count decrease, so does the risk of HIV to their infants. A fact which indicates that both prevalence and risk factors remain an alarming issue. Much effort and multi-disciplinary approach are highly recommended.
New Edge Crush Test Configuration Enhanced with Full-Field Strain Measurements
Authors: Garbowski Tomasz , Knitter-Piątkowska Anna , Marek Aleksander
Published: September 2021

The standard edge crush test (ECT) allows to determine the crushing strength of the corrugated cardboard. Unfortunately, this test cannot be used to estimate the compressive stiffness, which is an equally important parameter. It is because, any attempt to determine this parameter using current lab equipment quickly ends in a fiasco. The biggest obstacle is obtaining a reliable measurement of displacements and strains in the corrugated cardboard sample. In this paper, we present a method that not only allows to reliably identify the stiffness in the loaded direction of orthotropy in the corrugated board sample, but also the full orthotropic material stiffness matrix. The proposed method uses two samples: (a) traditional, cut crosswise to the wave direction of the corrugated core, and (b) cut at an angle of 45 degrees. Additionally, in both cases, an optical system with digital image correlation (DIC) is used to measure the displacements and strains on the outer surface of samples. The use of a non-contact measuring system allows to avoid using the measurement of displacements from the crosshead, which is burdened with a large error. Apart from the new experimental configuration, the article also proposes a simple algorithm to quickly characterize all sought stiffness parameters. The obtained results are finally compared with the results obtained in the homogenization procedure of the cross-section of the corrugated board. The results were consistent in both cases.
Spatial and Temporal Distribution of Rodents During Active and Quiescent Periods in the Plague Focus in Exu, Northeastern Brazil
Authors: Fernandes Diego Leandro Reis da Silva , Bezerra Matheus Filgueira , Duarte Bruna Mendes , Silva Mayara Paes de França , Souza Hadassa de Almeida , Gomes Elainne Christine de Souza , ALMEIDA ALZIRA
Published: September 2021

The plague caused by the Yersinia pestis bacterium is primarily a flea-transmitted zoonosis of rodents that can also be conveyed to humans and other mammals. In this work, we analyzed the spatial and temporal distribution of rodents’ populations during active and quiescent periods of the plague in the municipality of Exu, northeastern Brazil. The geospatial analyses had shown that all rodent species occurred through the whole territory of the municipality with different hotspots for the risk of occurrence of the different species. Important fluctuation in the rodent populations was observed with a reduction in the wild rodent fauna following the end of a plague epidemic period, mostly represented by Necromys lasiurus and increase of the commensally species Rattus rattus. A higher abundance of rats might lead to an increased exposure of humans populations, favoring spillovers of plague and other rodent-borne diseases. Our analysis contributed to further highlight the role of the wild rodent species as the amplifier hosts and of the commensally rats (Rattus rattus) as the preserver hosts on the quiescent period on that transmission infection area.
Normalization of the α1-Na/K-ATPase/Src Signalosome Restored Microbiota Communities and Rescinded NASH Progression in the Mouse
Authors: Schade Mathew , Sanabria Jacqueline A , Mallick Amrita , Denvir John , Aguilar Rodrigo , Andryka Michael , Schlatzer Daniela , Li Xiaolin , Hazlett F E , Kachman Maureen , Raskind Aravinda , Udoh Utibe-Abasi , Rajan Pradeep K , Sanabria Juan D , Brunengraber Henri , Sodhi Komal , Pierre Sandrine , Xie Zijian , Shapiro Joseph I , SANABRIA JUAN
Published: September 2021

BACKGROUND. Two sequelae of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), ESLD and HCC, have become the leading causes for liver transplantation in the Western. The present study aims to approach the cellular metabolic disturbances involved in NASH progression that are associated with microbiota community changes. METHODS. Metabolic effects and microbiota community changes were explored in the murine with NASH progression by blocking the Na/K-ATPase/Src/reactive oxygen amplification loop using the synthetic targeting peptide pNaKtide. DNA from the terminal ileum microbiota habitat was obtained and amplified by PCR to develop DNA bacterial phylogenic sequence analysis of wild type and treated animals at 12, 24 and 48 weeks. Induced changes by pSrc normalization at 24 weeks were correlated with liver morphological changes, intestinal CD4+/CD8+ ratio, and liver macrophage CD14+ expression. Differences among groups were evaluated by ANOVA/t-test and Principal Component Analysis (PCA). RESULTS. Microbiota communities varied significantly at all time points (12, 24 and 48 weeks), with an increase of Verrucomicrobia and a decrease of Bacteroidetes and Firmicutes in the HFD group. Microbiota community changes regressed to their wild-type state at 24 weeks on treated animals, and those changes were associated with a decrease in liver inflammation and senescence, lower ileum CD4+/CD8+ T cells and higher liver CD14+ cells (p<0.05). Concomitantly, the metabolic disturbances in our diet-induced NASH model were normalized by NKA/Src signaling blockage and exercise with a paucity of apoptotic activity, mitigation of cell senescence, and regression of liver fibrosis (p<0.01). CONCLUSIONS. pSrc inhibition at caveolar α1-Na/K-ATPase rescinded NASH-related metabolic disturbances establishing resident physiological microbiota communities with concomitant paucity on apoptotic activity and regression of liver fibrosis; effects that were associated with both gut and liver T-lymphocyte responses.
Terahertz Microscopy with Oblique Subwavelength Illumination in near Field
Authors: Minin Igor V. , Minin Oleg V.
Published: September 2021

Microscopes based on dielectric mesoscale particles, using the effect of a photonic jet or terajet in the terahertz range, are a promising tool for overcoming the diffraction limit. However, the image they generate has limited contrast, which limits the application of this method. In this letter, we demonstrate that it is possible to increase the contrast of an image based on dielectric mesoscale particles that provide the formation of photonic hooks. In this case, the illumination of the object is carried out by an oblique incidence of subwavelength terajet, which significantly (more than 2 times) increases the contrast of the image.
Pengaruh lama pengeringan terhadap kualitas butter cake mangga kweni kering
Authors: Safitri Febby , Ridawati  , Cucu Cahyana
Published: September 2021

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mempelajari pengaruh lama pengeringan terhadap kualitas butter cake  mangga kweni kering pada aspek warna, aroma, rasa, dan tekstur. Penelitian ini dilakukan di Laboratorium Pastry dan Bakery Program Studi Pendidikan Tata Boga Fakultas Teknik Universitas Negeri Jakarta dan dilaksanakan pada bulan September 2019 – Januari 2020. Penelitian ini menggunakan metode eksperimen dengan perlakuan lama waktu pengeringan yang berbeda yaitu 60 menit, 90 menit, dan 120 menit kemudian dilakukan uji organoleptik kepada 45 panelis agak terlatih. Hasil analisis deskriptif menunjukan rata-rata tertinggi pada aspek warna yaitu 4,7 mendekati kuning tua dengan waktu pengeringan selama 120 menit, aspek aroma dengan nilai tertinggi 3,4 yaitu agak beraroma mangga kweni dengan waktu pengeringan selama 60 menit, pada aspek rasa mangga kweni nilai tertinggi 3,3 yaitu rasa agak terasa mangga kweni dengan waktu pengeringan selama 60 dan 90 menit, pada aspek rasa manis nilai tertinggi 3,7 mendekati terasa manis dengan waktu pengeringan selama 90 menit, dan pada aspek tekstur nilai tertinggi 4,3 yaitu tekstur agak renyah. Berdasarkan uji hipotesis menggunakan Uji Kruskal Wallis menyatakan bahwa aspek warna dilanjutkan Uji Tuckey’s dan hasil terbaik yang didapatkan adalah pada lama waktu pengeringan 120 menit menunjukan aspek warna mendekati kuning tua. Hasil uji kadar untuk lama waktu pengeringan 60 menit 2,97%, 90 menit 1,44%, dan 120 menit 0,46% sudah sesuai dengan SNI 01-2973-2011 yaitu maximum kadar air 5%, kemudian hasil uji kadar abu untuk lama waktu pengeringan 60 menit 1,5%, 90 menit 1,46%, dan 120 menit 1,41% sudah sesuai dengan SNI 01-2973-2009 maximum kadar abu 1,5%.
Spatial and temporal variance of soil and meteorological properties affecting sensor performance—Phase 2
Authors: Clausen Jay , Frankenstein Susan , Dorvee Jason , Workman Austin , Morriss Blaine , Claffey Keran , Sobecki Terrance , Williams Christopher , Newman Stephen , Booker Brandon , Affleck Rosa , Smith Charles , Maxson Michele , Bernier Andrew , Jones Bonnie
Published: September 2021

An approach to increasing sensor performance and detection reliability for buried objects is to better understand which physical processes are dominant under certain environmental conditions. The present effort (Phase 2) builds on our previously published prior effort (Phase 1), which examined methods of determining the probability of detection and false alarm rates using thermal infrared for buried-object detection. The study utilized a 3.05 × 3.05 m test plot in Hanover, New Hampshire. Unlike Phase 1, the current effort involved removing the soil from the test plot area, homogenizing the material, then reapplying it into eight discrete layers along with buried sensors and objects representing targets of inter-est. Each layer was compacted to a uniform density consistent with the background undisturbed density. Homogenization greatly reduced the microscale soil temperature variability, simplifying data analysis. The Phase 2 study spanned May–November 2018. Simultaneous measurements of soil temperature and moisture (as well as air temperature and humidity, cloud cover, and incoming solar radiation) were obtained daily and recorded at 15-minute intervals and coupled with thermal infrared and electro-optical image collection at 5-minute intervals.
Brazilian Version of the Musculoskeletal Pain Intensity and Interference Questionnaire for Musicians (MPIIQM-Br): Cross-Cultural Adaptation and Psychometric Properties
Authors: Kochem Frederico Barreto , Silva Julio Guilherme
Published: September 2021

OBJECTIVE: The present study aimed to adapt and validate the self-report tool named Musculoskeletal Pain Intensity and Interference Questionnaire for Musicians (MPIIQM-Br) into the Brazilian Portuguese language for professional orchestra musicians. METHODS: The cross-cultural adaptation
process was divided into nine steps. Five experts evaluated the equivalences among versions and the content validity ratio (CVR). The structural validity was verified by exploratory factor analysis (EFA). Construct validity was checked by convergent/divergent validity by comparing the results
obtained by the MPIIQM-Br, the Brief Pain Inventory (BPI), and Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand Questionnaire–optional module (DASH-PAM), and the Kenny Music Performance Anxiety Inventory (K-MPAI). Finally, reliability was tested with internal consistency and test-retest reliability.
RESULTS: In total, 273 professional orchestra musicians (137 males) participated. The researchers found good equivalence among versions, and the CVR reached 0.99. EFA (n=212) showed that the MPIIQM-Br had two factors that explained 70% of the total variance. The convergent validity confirmed
a strong positive correlation (r<0.7) and the divergent validity established a low correlation (r<0.4). Both internal consistency (Cronbach’s a=0.90) and temporal stability (intraclass correlation coefficient=0.84) obtained high values. DISCUSSION: The psychometric evaluation showed
a two-dimensional structure, internal consistency, and temporal stability similar to the original tool and the German and Polish versions of the MPIIQM. However, the pain prevalence rates among Brazilian musicians were higher. Extreme informality and the growing demotivation may explain these
findings. CONCLUSIONS: The MPIIQM-Br is a transcultural equivalent, reliable, and valid tool for the measurement and evaluation of pain and pain interference among professional orchestra musicians.
Muscle Activation and Subjectively Perceived Effort in Typical Violin Positions
Authors: Hildebrandt Horst , Margulies Oliver , Köhler Barbara , Nemcova Marta , Nübling Matthias , Verheul William , Hildebrandt Wulf
Published: September 2021

Violinists display a high incidence of task-specific musculoskeletal problems. Sources pertaining to violin playing and teaching traditions as well as musicians’ medicine research offer only imprecise and contradictory recommendations regarding suitable instrument positions. The
aim of this study was to add to a growing scientific base for teaching and medical counseling regarding violin positioning. The study evaluated muscle activation (EMG) and subjectively perceived effort (Borg scale) in four standardized typical violin positions, as well as the violinists’
normally used one. The hypothesis, the smaller the angle between the instrument’s longitudinal axis (LoAx) and the player’s central sagittal plane (CSP) and the angle between its lateral axis (LatAx) and the player’s horizontal plane (HP), the more muscle activation and perceived
effort in the violinist’s left arm, was confirmed: Decreasing the LoAx-CSP angle from 50° to 20° and the LatAx-HP angle from 50° to 20° resulted in a highly significant and independent increase of EMG and Borg scale self-ratings mean values. Results may allow for a first
step in decision-making on violin positioning for ergonomic adaptations in teaching as well as prevention and therapy of playing-related health problems at all levels of proficiency.
Photocatalytic Degradation of Ammonia with Titania Nanoparticles under UV Light Irradiation
Authors: Hashemi Seyedehfatemeh , Sabbaghi Samad , Saboori Rahmatallah , Zarenezhad Bahman
Published: September 2021

Ammonia is one of the most significant contaminants of water resources which make perilous and dire environmental detriment for human life. In this investigation, the photocatalytic degradation of ammonia from an aqueous solution was evaluated with the help of titania nanoparticles. Titania nanoparticles (NPs) were synthesized by sol-gel procedure and also the surface morphology and chemical structure of them was carried out by XRD(X-ray powder diffraction), FTIR(Fourier transform infrared), DLS(Dynamic light scattering), EDX( Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy), FE-SEM(field emission scanning electron microscope), and TEM(Transmission electron microscope) analyses. To elaborate the effect of some parameters including pH, initial concentration of pollutant, catalyst dosage and contact time, Design Expert Software (I optimal technique) was employed. Results demonstrated that titania NPs have a high photocatalytic activity for ammonia removal. Moreover, the pH parameter had the greatest effect on the degradation performance. The optimum amounts of NPs concentration, initial concentration of contaminant, contact time and pH obtained 0.3 g/l, 1500 mg/l, 120 min and 12. NPs were used four times and results showed that the removal efficiency of the NPs decrease from 96.96 % to 65%.
Tracking of General and Abdominal Obesity in Children Between 4 and 9 Years of Age: The Longitudinal Childhood Obesity Study (ELOIN)
Authors: Ortiz-Marrón Honorato , Ortiz-Pinto Maira Alejandra , Martínez-Mosquera José Galo , Miñarro Marien Lorente , Pinos Francisca Menchero , Gavín María Ordobás , Galán Iñaki
Published: September 2021

Background

A relationship between obesity early life has been reported. The aim of this study was to evaluate the variations in general (GO) and abdominal (AO) obesity between 4 and 9 years of age.
Methods

Children who participated in all three follow-ups at 4, 6 and 9 years participating in ELOIN study (N = 1902). Measurements of BMI and waist circumference were taken by physical examination. Prevalence ratios (PRs) were estimated by sex and family affluence by generalized estimation equation models, and the relative risks (RRs) of obesity by Poisson regression.
Results

The prevalence of GO was 5.1%, 9.1%, and 15.6% at 4, 6, and 9 years, yielding a PR between 9 − 4 years of 3.05 (95%CI: 2.58–3.60). The prevalence of AO was 6.8%, 8.4%, 14.5%, and the PR (9 vs 4y) was 2.14 (95%CI: 1.85–2.48). GO and AO presented an inverse correlation with family affluence. Among participants who were in GO or AO at 4 years, 77.3% and 63.6% remained in obesity after 5 years. The RRs of GO and AO at 9 years were 4.6 and 4.1 if they were obese at 4 years (p < 0.001), which increased to 9.4 and 9.5 in children obese at 6 years (p < 0.001), and those with obesity at both 4–6 years had RRs of 10.3 and 9.9 (p < 0.001).
Conclusions

GO and AO begin at early age, persist with age and linked with low socioeconomic status. Obesity at 9 years is associated with early obesity, either stably or intermittently, so preventive interventions should be established very early.
Noble Metal Doped TiO2 Thin Films In The Efficient Removal of Mordant Orange-1: Insights of Degradation Process
Authors: Vanlalhmingmawia Chhakchhuak , Lalhriatpuia Chhakchhuak , Tiwari Diwakar , Kim Dong-Jin
Published: September 2021

Nanocomposite Ag0(NPs)/TiO2 is synthesized in a facile template method enabling fine particles of reduced Ag evenly distributed within the titania network. The morphological studies of nanocomposite were extensively performed employing SEM/EDX (Scanning Electron Spectroscopy/Energy Dispersive X-ray), TEM (Transmission Electron Microscopy) and AFM (Atomic Force Microscopy). The newer insights in the photocatalytic elimination of Mordant Orange-1 (MO1) was obtained using the nanocomposite thin film for various parametric studies utilizing the UV-A and LED illuminations. The kinetics of degradation of MO1 was performed and the rate constant was favoured at lower concentrations of MO1. However, the elimination efficiency of MO1 was favoured with decrease in solution pH. The NPOC results inferred that fairly good extent of MO1 was mineralized using thin film catalyst for both the UV-A and LED illuminations. The minimal effect of several co-ions demonstrated applicability of thin films in the elimination of MO1 and the stability of the thin film has shown the potential applicability of thin film catalyst. Further, mechanism of photocatalytic degradation was demonstrated with the radical scavengers studies and ascertained the reaction pathways.
Are children on track with their routine immunisation schedule in a fragile and protracted conflict state of South Sudan?
Authors: Idris Israel Oluwaseyidayo , Tapkigen Janet , Kabutaulaka Germaine , Ayeni Gabriel Omoniyi , Ayomoh Francis Ifeanyi , Obwoya Justin Geno
Published: September 2021

Objectives

The objective of this study was to assess if children aged 0–23 months in a conflict-affected state of South Sudan were on track with their immunisation schedule and to identify predisposing factors that affected this study population from being on track with their routine immunisation schedule.
Design

Community-based cross-sectional study using a semi-structured questionnaire. The binary outcome of interest was defined as being on or off track with routine vaccination schedule. Multivariable logistic regression was used to analyse for the association between the predisposing factors surveyed and being off track with one’s routine immunisation schedule.
Setting

Rural communities in four counties (Rumbek Centre, Rumbek North, Rumbek East and Wulu) of the Western Lakes state in South Sudan during January 10, 2020 to June 10, 2020.
Participants

We surveyed 428 children aged 0–23 months and their mothers/caregivers who lived in either of the four counties in the Western Lakes State. Participants were selected using random ballot sampling.
Results

More than three-quarters of the children surveyed (75.5%) were off track with their vaccination schedule. Children with an immunisation card had 71% reduced odds of being off track with their immunisation (AOR = 0.29; 95% CI 0.10–0.83, p-value = 0.021) compared to children without immunisation cards. Children who reside near health facilities and do not require transportation to facilities had 87% reduced odds of being off track with their immunisation compared to those who lived far and required transport to facilities. Giving an adequate immunisation notice before conducting immunisation outreach visits to communities was also associated with reduced odds (AOR = 0.27; 95% CI 0.09–0.78. p-value = 0.016) of children being off track with their immunisation.
Conclusion

This study revealed that most children were off track with their vaccination schedule in South Sudan, which is not only influenced by maternal characteristics but mainly by community- and state-level immunisation service delivery mechanisms. Interventions to improve child immunisation uptake should put these contextual characteristics into high health agenda consideration.
Survey of the Demand for Care Services for the Elderly and the Training Needs of their Care Workers: A Case Study in Northeast China
Authors: Li Shuqin , Zhang Jun , Liu Yan , Wang Ai-ping , Qiu Guixing
Published: September 2021

Background: The elderly are increasingly pursuing professional healthcare services,paying attention to the training of their workers is necessary to satisfying the growing needs of them. This study aimed to investigate the care service needs for the elderly and the training needs of their care workers. Methods: A cross-sectional questionnaire was conducted of 589 elderly people from 6 nursing institutions and 2 geriatric hospitals, 415 medical staff from 7 geriatric hospitals, 5 nursing homes, and 1 community institution, and 372 nursing assistants from 21 nursing institutions in northeast China.Results: The service with the greatest demand and that with which users were most satisfied was regular visits by medical personnel, which was the case for 87.27% of the elderly subjects. Of the medical staff, 75.42% had training needs related to healthcare for the elderly, while the most requested training content was of comprehensive assessment of the elderly. The most requested method for the delivery of training was by self-study online video courses. Of nursing assistants, only 53.4% had obtained the relevant practicing certificate. While 83.6% participated in relevant training, 86% expressed the need for additional training. The majority of these personnel wished to receive training in everyday care routines, and the majority wanted to learn by way of practical training.Conclusions: The care needs of the elderly are diverse, and the work performed by elderly care practitioners is increasing in scope. The existing training system for elderly care personnel is not perfect, and the demand for the training of relevant personnel is high. Existing training methods and content require improvement.
The study of the pathogenesis of idiopathic central precocious puberty based on gut microbiota
Authors: Huang Congfu , Wu Bin , Yang Wei , Chen Junru , Yang Zhenyu , Li Yinhu , Chen Shufen , Wu Xiangling , Wu Liping , Liu Haiying
Published: September 2021

Object

To analyze the correlation between gut microbiota (GM) and hyperandrogenemia, insulin resistance, carbohydrate metabolism, and explore whether the pathogenesis of idiopathic central precocious puberty (ICPP) and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is consistent based on GM.
Methods

In this study, we have recruited 27 ICPP (ICPP group) and 23 healthy children (healthy group), and collected the blood and fecal samples from the participants. Blood samples were tested for hormones, including the follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, estradiol, prolactin, and testosterone. DNA was extracted from fecal samples, and amplified and sequenced with 16S rDNA V3-V4 region. Finally, we annotated the sequencing results, counted the differences in hormone indicators and GM composition between the two groups, and analyzed the correlation with clinical indicators. At the same time, we reviewed the literature on GM and PCOS.
Results

Compared with the healthy group, the ICPP group exhibited significantly higher levels of the hormone and other indicators (P < 0.05). At the phylum level, the ICPP group showed significantly enriched Proteobacteria than the healthy group (4.85% vs 2.92%). At the genus level, the abundances of Roseburia and Prevotella were significantly higher in the ICPP group than those in the healthy group (7.55% vs 2.01%, 3.95% vs 0.19%), but Bacteroides were obviously decreased in the ICPP group (29.96% vs 44.91%). In addition, the potential associations underlying the sex hormonal secretion and the carbohydrate metabolism pathways of GM increased significantly in the ICPP group.
Conclusion

The alternations of GM in ICPP patients are closely related to carbohydrate metabolism, hyperandrogenism, and insulin resistance, indicating similar pathogenesis with polycystic ovary syndrome.
A Stochastic Modelling Approach to Forecast Real-time Ice Jam Flood Severity Along the Transborder (New Brunswick/Maine) Saint John River of North America
Authors: Das Apurba , Budhathoki Sujata , Lindenschmidt Karl-Erich
Published: September 2021

Ice jam floods (IJF) are a major concern for many riverine communities, government and non-government authorities and companies in the higher latitudes of the northern hemisphere. Ice jam related flooding can result in millions of dollars of property damages, loss of human life and adverse impacts on ecology. Ice jam flood forecasting is challenging as its formation mechanism is chaotic and depends on numerous unpredictable hydraulic and river ice factors. In this study, Modélisation environnementale communautaire – surface hydrology (MESH), a semi-distributed physically-based land-surface hydrological modelling system was used to acquire a 10-day flow forecast, an important boundary condition for any modelling of river ice-jam flood forecasting. A stochastic modelling approach was then applied to simulate hundreds of possible ice-jam scenarios using the hydrodynamic river ice model RIVICE within a Monte-Carlo Analysis (MOCA) framework for the Saint John River from Fort Kent to Grand Falls. First, a 10-day outlook was simulated to provide insight on the severity of ice jam flooding during spring breakup. Then, 3-day forecasts were modelled to provide longitudinal profiles of exceedance probabilities of ice jam flood staging along the river during the ice-cover breakup. Overall, results show that the stochastic approach performed well to estimate maximum probable ice-jam backwater level elevations for the spring 2021 breakup season.
Modified Catalytic Performance of Lactobacillus Fermentum L-lactate Dehydrogenase by Rational Design
Authors: Wu Aiai , cai Yujie , Bai Yajun , Fan Tai-Ping , Zheng Xiaohui
Published: September 2021

L-lactate dehydrogenases can reduce alpha-keto carboxylic acids asymmetrically and generally have a broad substrate spectrum. L-lactate dehydrogenase gene (LF-L-LDH0845) with reducing activity towards 3,4-dihydroxyphenylpyruvate and phenylpyruvate was obtained from Lactobacillus fermentum JN248. To change the substrate specificity of LDH0845 and improve its catalytic activity towards large substrates, site-directed mutation of Tyr221 was performed by analyzing the amino acids in active center. Kinetic parameters show that the k cat values of Y221F mutant on 3,4-dihydroxyphenylpyruvate, 4-methyl-2-oxopentanoate, and glyoxylate are 1.21 s -1 , 1.35 s -1 , and 0.72 s -1 , respectively, which are 420%, 150% and 130% of the wild-type LDH0845. This study shows that the mutations of Y221 can significantly change the substrate specificity of LDH0845, making it become a potential tool enzyme for the reduction of alpha-keto carboxylic acids with large functional groups.
Self-collected gargle specimen as a patient-friendly sample collection method for COVID-19 diagnosis in a population context
Authors: Utama Revata , Hapsari Rebriarina , Puspitasari Iva , Sari Desvita , Hendrianingtyas Meita , Nurainy Neni
Published: September 2021

Scaling up SARS-CoV-2 testing and tracing continues to be plagued with the limitation of the sample collection method, which requires trained healthcare workers to perform and causes discomfort to the patients. In response, we assessed the performance and user preference of gargle specimens for qRT-PCR-based detection of SARS-CoV-2 in Indonesia. Inpatients who had recently been diagnosed with COVID-19 and outpatients who were about to perform qRT-PCR testing were asked to provide nasopharyngeal and oropharyngeal (NPOP) swabs and self-collected gargle specimens. We demonstrated that self-collected gargle specimens can be an alternative specimen to detect SARS-CoV-2 and the viral RNA remained stable for 31 days at room temperature storage. The developed method was validated for use on multiple RNA extraction kits and commercially available COVID-19 RT-PCR kits. Our developed method achieved a sensitivity of 91.38% when compared to paired NPOP swab specimens (Ct < 35), with 97.10% of patients preferring the self-collected gargle method.
A Novel Rat Model of Interbody Fusion based on Anterior Lumbar Corpectomy and Fusion (ALCF)
Authors: Kang Yu , Liu Chao , Wang Ming , Wang Cheng , Yan Yi-Guo , Wang Wen-Jun
Published: September 2021

Background: Rats have been widely used as experimental animals when performing fundamental research because they are economical, rapidly reproducing, and heal quickly. While the rat interbody fusion model has been applied in basic studies, existing rat models generally have shortcomings, such as insufficiently simulating clinical surgery. The purpose of this study was to develop a novel rat model of interbody fusion which more closely represents clinical surgery.Methods: The internal fixation was designed based on physical measurements of the rats’ lumbar spine. Then, ten rats divided into two groups (A and B) underwent anterior lumbar corpectomy and fusion of the L5 vertebrae. Groups A and B were sacrificed four and eight weeks post-surgery, respectively. Micro-CT and histological examination were used to evaluate the model. Fusion rate, bone volume fraction (BV/TV), trabecular bone number (Tb.N), trabecular bone thickness (Tb.Th), and the area ratio of newly formed bone (NB) were calculated for quantitative analysis.Results: Based on the L5 body dimensions of individual rats, 3D-printed titanium cage of the appropriate size were printed. The operations were successfully completed in all ten rats, and X-ray confirmed that internal fixation was good without migration. Micro-CT suggested that fusion rates in group B (100%) were greater than group A (40%, P<0.05). The BV/TV (B: 42.20±10.50 vs. A: 29.02±3.25, P<0.05) and Tb.N (B: 4.66±1.23 vs. A: 1.97±0.40, P<0.05) were greater in group B than A, and the Tb.Th in group B was lower than group A (B: 0.10±0.04 vs. A: 0.15±0.02, P<0.05). Histomorphometry results demonstrated that the area ratio of NB in group B were greater than group A (B: 35.72±12.80 vs. A: 12.36±16.93, P<0.05).Conclusion: A rat interbody fusion model based on anterior lumbar corpectomy and fusion has successfully been constructed and verified. It could provide a new choice for fundamental research using animal models of spinal fusion.
Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Management of Children and Adolescents with Type 1 Diabetes
Authors: Choudhary Abha , Adhikari Soumya , White Perrin
Published: September 2021

Background. The coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic had widespread impacts on the lives of parents and children. We determined how the pandemic affected Type 1 diabetes patients at a large urban pediatric teaching hospital.Methods. We compared patient characteristics, glycemic control, PHQ9 depression screen, in person and virtual outpatient encounters, hospitalizations and continuous glucose monitor (CGM) utilization in approximately 1600 patients in one -year periods preceding and following the local imposition of COVID-related restrictions on 3/15/2020 (“2019” and “2020” groups, respectively) Results. In a generalized linear model, increasing age, non-commercial insurance, Black and Hispanic race/ethnicity, and non-utilization of CGMs were all associated with higher hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), but there was no difference between the 2019 and 2020 groups. The time in range in CGM users was lower with non-commercial insurance and in Black and Hispanic patients; it improved slightly from 2019 to 2020. CGM utilization by patients with non-commercial insurance increased markedly. In 2020, patients with commercial insurance had fewer office visits, but insurance status did not influence utilization of the virtual visit platform. There was no change in hospitalization rates from 2019 to 2020 in either commercially or non-commercially insured patients, but patients with non-commercial insurance were hospitalized at markedly higher rates in both years. PHQ9 scores were unchanged.Conclusions. Hospitalization rates, glycemic control and depression screening were unchanged in our large urban pediatric teaching hospital during the COVID pandemic. Increased utilization of CGM and rapid adoption of telemedicine may have ameliorated the impact of the pandemic on disease management.
High individual heterogeneity of neutralizing activities against the original 4 strain and 9 different variants of SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Jaafar Rita , Boschi Celine , Aherfi Sarah , Bancod Audrey , Bideau Marion Le , Edouard Sophie , Colson Philippe , Chahinian Henri , Raoult Didier , Yahi Nouara , Fantini Jacques , SCOLA Bernard LA
Published: September 2021

Background. Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, several SARS-CoV-2 variants have sequentially emerged. In France, most cases were due to spike D641G-harbouring viruses that descended initially from the Wuhan strain, then by variant of B.1.160 lineage we called Marseille-4 since the summer of 2020, which was followed by the alpha (UK) and beta (South African) variants in early 2021, then delta (Indian) now.Methods and Findings. We determined the neutralizing antibody (nAb) titres in sera from convalescent individuals previously infected by these 4 major local variants and from vaccine recipients to the original Wuhan strain and 9 variants, including two recent circulating delta (Indian) isolates. The results show high inter-individual heterogeneity in nAbs, especially according to the variant tested. Unexpectedly, the major variations among nAbs are based on the genotype responsible for the infection. Patients previously infected with the beta and B.1.160 variants had the lowest nAb titres. We show that this heterogeneity is well explained by spike protein mutants modelling using in silico approaches. The highest titres were observed in patients vaccinated with the Pfizer/BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine, even against the delta variant.Conclusions. Immunity acquired naturally after infection is highly dependent on the infecting variant and unexpectedly mRNA-based vaccine efficacy is shown to be often better than natural immunity in eliciting neutralizing antibodies.