bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Detection of silent infection of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 by serological tests
Authors: Nishimura Masashi , Sugawa Satoshi , Ota Shinichiro , Suematsu Etsuko , Shinoda Masahiro , Shinkai Masaharu
Published: May 2022

Background

To control COVID-19 pandemic is of critical importance to the global public health. To capture the prevalence in an accurate and timely manner and to understand the mode of nosocomial infection are essential for its preventive measure.

Methods

We recruited 685 healthcare workers (HCW’s) at Tokyo Shinagawa Hospital prior to the vaccination with COVID-19 vaccine. Sera of the subjects were tested by assays for the titer of IgG against S protein’s receptor binding domain (IgG (RBD)) or IgG against nucleocapsid protein (IgG (N)) of SARS-CoV-2. Together with PCR data, the positive rates by these methods were evaluated.

Results

Overall positive rates among HCW’s by PCR, IgG (RBD), IgG (N) with a cut-off of 1.4 S/C (IgG (N)1.4), and IgG (N) with a cut-off of 0.2 S/C (IgG (N)0.2) were 3.5%, 9.5%, 6.1%, and 27.7%, respectively. Positive rates of HCW’s working in COVID-19 ward were significantly higher than those of HCW’s working in non-COVID-19 ward by all the four methods. Concordances of IgG (RBD), IgG (N)1.4, and IgG (N)0.2 against PCR were 97.1%, 71.4%, and 88.6%, respectively. By subtracting the positive rates of PCR from that of IgG (RBD), the rate of overall silent infection and that of HCW’s in COVID-19 ward were estimated to be 6.0% and 21.1%, respectively.

Conclusions

For the prevention of nosocomial infection of SARS-CoV-2, identification of silent infection is essential. For the detection of ongoing infection, periodical screening with IgG (RBD) in addition to PCR would be an effective measure. For the surveillance of morbidity in the population, on the other hand, IgG (N)0.2 could be the most reliable indicator among the three serological tests.
Knowledge of pre-conception health and planned pregnancy among married women in Jinka town, southern Ethiopia and factors influencing knowledge
Authors: Fikadu Kassahun , Wasihun Biresaw , Yimer Osman
Published: May 2022

Background

Optimizing women’s health and knowledge of preconception healthcare before conceiving a pregnancy decreases the risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes. However, preconception health care is one of the missing pillars in the continuum of maternal and child health care in Ethiopia. Therefore, this study aimed to assess knowledge of pre-conception health, its relation to planned pregnancy, parity, family planning use, and education among married women in Southern Ethiopia.

Methods

A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted with 337 married women recruited from March 25 to April 30, 2018 in Jinka town. A simple random sampling technique was employed and the data was collected using a structured questionnaire. Data analysis involved calculating frequencies, percentages, and logistic regression. Associations were assessed using odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals with statistical significance determined at a p-value < 0.05.

Results

The overall women’s preconception health care knowledge score in this study was 55.2%, which is a moderate score. In multivariable analyses, women’s secondary level of education [AOR = 2.3; 95% CI = 1.13–4.87], family planning use [AOR = 2.6, 95% CI = 1.37–4.87], planned pregnancy [AOR = 3.2, 95% CI = 1.35–7.44], Nullyparity [AOR = 21.2; 95% CI = 4.92–91.5], and market trade vendors [AOR = 2.5; 95%CI = 1.06–6.03], were significantly associated with knowledge of preconception health care.

Conclusion

The findings show that women’s knowledge of preconception health care is moderate. Women’s knowledge of preconception health care can be linked to their level of education, use of family planning methods, pregnancy planning, and Nullyparity. Therefore, the government and other key stakeholders need to develop a specific education package that improves women’s knowledge of preconception care and pregnancy planning, taking into account factors such as levels of education and literacy when designing implementation strategies.
Relationship between mobility and road traffic injuries during COVID-19 pandemic—The role of attendant factors
Authors: Paramasivan Kandaswamy , Subburaj Rahul , Sharma Venkatesh Mohan , Sudarsanam Nandan
Published: May 2022

This study investigates the important role of attendant factors, such as road traffic victims’ access to trauma centres, the robustness of health infrastructure, and the responsiveness of police and emergency services in the incidence of Road Traffic Injuries (RTI) during the pandemic-induced COVID-19 lockdowns. The differential effects of the first and second waves of the pandemic concerning perceived health risk and legal restrictions provide us with a natural experiment that helps us differentiate between the impact of attendant factors and the standard relationship between mobility and Road Traffic Injuries. The authors use the auto-regressive recurrent neural network method on two population levels–Tamil Nadu (TN), a predominantly rural state, and Chennai, the most significant metropolitan city of the state, to draw causal inference through counterfactual predictions on daily counts of road traffic deaths and Road Traffic Injuries. During the first wave of the pandemic, which was less severe than the second wave, the traffic flow was correlated to Road Traffic Death/Road Traffic Injury. In the second wave’s partial and post lockdown phases, an unprecedented fall of over 70% in Road Traffic Injury—Grievous as against Road Traffic Injury—Minor was recorded. Attendant factors, such as the ability of the victim to approach relief centres, the capability of health and other allied infrastructures, transportation and medical treatment of road traffic crash victims, and minimal access to other emergency services, including police, assumed greater significance than overall traffic flow in the incidence of Road Traffic Injury in the more severe second wave. These findings highlight the significant role these attendant factors play in producing the discrepancy between the actual road traffic incident rate and the officially registered rate. Thus, our study enables practitioners to observe the mobility-adjusted actual incidence rate devoid of factors related to reporting and registration of accidents.
Qualitative comparison of elemental concentration in soils and other geomaterials using FP-XRF
Authors: Singh Pranjal , Datta Manoj , Ramana G. V. , Gupta Sanjay Kumar , Malik Tabarak
Published: May 2022

Field portable X-ray fluorescence (FP-XRF) has tremendous potential in geoenvironmental engineering as a qualitative assessment tool. Identification of the elevated concentrations of the selected elements (Cr, Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb, and Zn) in various geomaterials like soil-like-material (SLM), incinerated bottom ash (IBA), construction and demolition waste (CDW), zinc tailings (ZT) and fly ash (FA) was performed by FP-XRF and compared with the local soil–Delhi silt. Comparably higher concentrations (mg/kg) of Cr (401.0), Cu (499.0), Pb (532.0), Zn (608.0) in SLM, Cr (195.0), Cu (419.0), Ni (93.0), Pb (931.0), Zn (771.0) in IBA and Cr (195.0), Cu (4000.0), Pb (671.0), Zn (7122.0) in ZT were observed. CDW and FA showed similar concentrations range as in local soils. FP-XRF was also used in-situ on local soil at 11 sites to examine its ability to identify the elements with significant variations in concentrations. The results showed high variability in Cl and S concentration values across the 11 sites attributed to the changing moisture content and dissolved salts. The concentration range for the remaining elements were similar at all sites. The verification of the detected elements through visual inspection of the spectrum was also carried out.
Estimating the total prevalence of PTSD among the UK police force: Formal comment on Stevelink et al. (2020)
Authors: Brewin Chris R. , Miller Jessica K. , Burchell Brendan
Published: May 2022

Two recent surveys have reported widely differing prevalence rates for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) within the U.K. police force. Stevelink et al. (2020) reported a rate of 3.9% whereas a survey conducted for the charity Police Care UK reported a rate of 20.6%. In this comment we discuss how definitions and methodological factors can impact prevalence rates. We consider a number of possible reasons for the discrepancy between the surveys, and conclude that it is most likely a method artefact. Stevelink et al.’s survey reported the prevalence of recent-onset DSM-IV PTSD only, whereas the Police Care UK survey reported the total ICD-11 PTSD and Complex PTSD prevalence, regardless of when in the person’s career the traumatic events occurred. Analysing the Police Care UK data using Stevelink et al.’s procedures produced practically identical prevalence rates, suggesting that the discrepancy was apparent rather than real.
The invisible costs of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA): Systematic review and cost-of-illness analysis
Authors: Borsoi Ludovica , Armeni Patrizio , Donin Gleb , Costa Francesco , Ferini-Strambi Luigi
Published: May 2022

Background

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a risk factor for several diseases and is correlated with other non-medical consequences that increase the disease’s clinical and economic burden. However, OSA’s impact is highly underestimated, also due to substantial diagnosis gaps.

Objective

This study aims at assessing the economic burden of OSA in the adult population in Italy by performing a cost-of-illness analysis with a societal perspective. In particular, we aimed at estimating the magnitude of the burden caused by conditions for which OSA is a proven risk factor.

Methods

A systematic literature review on systematic reviews and meta-analyses, integrated by expert opinion, was performed to identify all clinical and non-clinical conditions significantly influenced by OSA. Using the Population Attributable Fraction methodology, a portion of their prevalence and costs was attributed to OSA. The total economic burden of OSA for the society was estimated by summing the costs of each condition influenced by the disease, the costs due to OSA’s diagnosis and treatment and the economic value of quality of life lost due to OSA’s undertreatment.

Results

Twenty-six clinical (e.g., diabetes) and non-clinical (e.g., car accidents) conditions were found to be significantly influenced by OSA, contributing to an economic burden ranging from €10.7 to €32.0 billion/year in Italy. The cost of impaired quality of life due to OSA undertreatment is between €2.8 and €9.0 billion/year. These costs are substantially higher than those currently borne to diagnose and treat OSA (€234 million/year).

Conclusions

This study demonstrates that the economic burden due to OSA is substantial, also due to low diagnosis and treatment rates. Providing reliable estimates of the economic impact of OSA at a societal level may increase awareness of the disease burden and help to guide evidence-based policies and prioritisation for healthcare, ultimately ensuring appropriate diagnostic and therapeutic pathways for patients.
Mental health among healthcare workers during COVID-19 pandemic in Thailand
Authors: Chinvararak Chotiman , Kerdcharoen Nitchawan , Pruttithavorn Wisarat , Polruamngern Nongnuch , Asawaroekwisoot Thanin , Munsukpol Wanida , Kirdchok Pantri
Published: May 2022

Objectives

This study aimed to measure the prevalence of burnout syndrome, anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic disorders (PTSD), as well as examine their associated factors among Thai healthcare workers (HCWs) during COVID-19 outbreak.

Method

We employed a multiple-method design at a tertiary-care hospital in Bangkok between May 22, 2021 and June 30, 2021 by using an online survey. The information included demographic characteristics, work details, perceived support, PTSD symptoms, Maslach Burnout Inventory: General Survey (MBI-GS), General Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7), Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-2 and PHQ-9), and narrative response to an open-ended question. The associated factors of mental health problems were analysed by multiple logistic regression analyses. The qualitative data were analysed by the content analysis method.

Results

A total of 986 HCWs (89.1% female; mean age = 34.89 ± 11.05 years) responded to the survey. 16.3%,16%, and 53.5% of respondents had a high level of emotional exhaustion, depersonalisation, and diminished personal achievement, respectively. 33.1%, 13.8%, and 2.3% of respondents had anxiety, depression, and PTSD. Risk factors of emotional exhaustion were male sex (ORadj = 2.29), nurses (ORadj = 3.04), doctors (ORadj = 4.29), working at COVID-19 inpatient unit (ORadj = 2.97), and working at COVID-19 intensive care unit (ORadj = 3.00). Additionally, preexisting mental illness was associated with anxiety (ORadj = 2.89), depression (ORadj = 3.47), and PTSD (ORadj = 4.06). From qualitative analysis, participants reported that these factors would improve their mental health: supportive and respectful colleagues, appropriate financial compensation, reduced workload, clarity of policy and communication channel, and adequate personal protective equipment.

Conclusions

Thai HCWs experienced negative mental health outcomes during the COVID-19 pandemic substantially. This issue needs attention and actions should be implemented to support them.
‘Behaviour: Marking’: Charlotte Prodger’s territoriality
Authors: Cuthbertson Tom
Published: May 2022

This article analyses single-channel videos by the Turner Prize-winning artist Charlotte Prodger (b.1974), identifying in these works very particular forms of territoriality. As part of the broader drive towards accumulation found in Prodger’s autobiographical filmmaking, these videos continually collect new territories: characterized by a restless spatial mobility, they move repeatedly from location to location, amassing huge amounts of spatial information. This information is arranged in an ever-expanding matrix – a grid-like structure that allows Prodger to bring the very different spaces she assembles into active conversation, amongst themselves and with her. As she fosters deeply subjective dialogues and connections between these spaces, Prodger marks them, leaving traces behind in ways that deliberately mimic recognizably animal territorial practices and patterns of behaviour. Merging human and non-human behaviours, Prodger investigates the disruptive possibilities of what Jack Halberstam has presented as a queer form of ‘wildness’, and unsettles categories of gender and sexuality along with the spatialized mechanisms of sexual difference that support them. By marking territory in such ‘wild’ ways, Prodger proposes other modes of knowing and understanding, found at the meeting point of the subjective, the social and the environmental. In so doing, Prodger challenges the rules dictating which bodies, lives and behaviours belong where, as well as who is allowed to occupy and lay claim to certain spaces.
Brain State Dependent Activity in the Lateral Geniculate Nucleus
Authors: Molnár Benedek
Published: May 2022

Az agyiállapot-függő talamokortikális (TC) sejtaktivitás fontos szerepet játszik a szenzoros kódolásban, illetve agyi oszcillációkban és kognícióban. A corpus geniculatum laterale (CGL) közvetíti a vizuális információt az agykéregbe, ám a CGL állapotfüggő spontán aktivitása, ill. a vizuális kiváltott válaszai éber állatokban egyelőre nem egyértelműek. Éber, fejbefogott egerek morfológiailag és élettanilag beazonosított CGL-neuronjaiban történő pupillometriai, extracelluláris és intracelluláris mérések kombinációjából kiderül, hogy a TC-sejtek és a valószínűsíthetően lokális interneuronok fordított viszonyban vannak egymással az éberség szintjétől függően, és így egy egymást kiegészítő koalíciót képeznek. Míg a TC-neuronok aktivitása pozitívan korrelált az éberség szintjével, addig az lokális interneuronok negatívan korreláltak. Ezen kívül a talamikus sejtek vizuális kiváltott válaszainak az orientációs finomhangolása megváltozik az agyi állapotok hullámzásával. Az intracelluláris elvezetések alapján kimutattuk, hogy CGL TC-sejtjeinek membránpotenciálja szoros korrelációt mutatnak a pupillaátmérő változásaival. A kortikotalamikus visszacsatolás inaktiválásakor, amit a muscimol nevű GABAA-receptor agonista alkalmazásával értünk el a dura mater felületén, szignifikánsan csökken a korreláció az agyi állapotok és a talamikus sejtek aktivitása között. További kísérleteink alapján a laterális hypothalamusból (LH) a nucleus raphe dorsalisba (NRD) érkező GABAerg axonok fotostimulációja (Cre-dependens Channelrhodopsin-2 expressziója révén) növeli az NRD sejtjeinek a tüzelését, feltételezhetően diszinhibíción keresztül. Eredményeinket összefoglalva elmondható, hogy a CGL neuronjainak membránpotenciálja és tüzelése dinamikusan kapcsolódik az agyi állapotok váltakozásaihoz éber egerekben, aminek a funkcionális relevanciája számottevő lehet a jövőben.
What influence does the ICAO have on Passengers safety based on data analysis from past commercial aircraft accidents utilizing EDA Method?
Authors: Passarella Rossi , Badran M. Daffa
Published: May 2022

This study aimed to assess the impact of establishing a regulating agency to protect public safety in air transportation (ICAO). In the implementation, we gather a database from BAAA, which is then converted into a dataset for analysis with descriptive statistics and EDA. To see the aim of the analysis, divide the time before and after the foundation of ICAO so that the analytical method based on the number of accidents and casualties is compared before and after the establishment of ICAO. In terms of the outcomes, the data show that there has been a decrease in the number of accidents since the establishment of ICAO. This means that the ICAO has a positive impact as an organization in protecting passengers or customers.
Escritura en español de estudiantes de educación de la Universidad de Carabobo
Authors: Palencia Martinez Marian Lezenia
Published: May 2022

La importancia social, cultural y espiritual de la escritura determina el rol protagónico que indudablemente le corresponde en el escenario educativo, pues es el lenguaje escrito el eje privilegiado de casi todos los trabajos escolares. La escritura argumentativa —específicamente— no suele ser trabajada en los niveles pre-universitarios; existe un proceso evasivo en relación con la argumentación, y no sólo en primaria sino también en secundaria y aún en la universidad, debido al carácter polémico que el aprendizaje de la argumentación puede generar. En el presente trabajo, se estudió la producción escrita argumentativa (en artículos de opinión) de estudiantes de Castellano Instrumental a partir de una intervención pedagógica que buscó modificar y enriquecer los conocimientos sobre la construcción textual a partir de la argumentación; con el fin de demostrar la importancia de integrarla en los programas académicos para formar individuos pensantes y críticos en toda su capacidad. El marco teórico estuvo orientado bajo enfoques de la teoría del Aprendizaje Significativo, la Metacognición como proceso de conocimiento, concientización y control de los procesos de aprendizaje, la Lingüística Textual, los Órdenes Discursivos y los Tipos de Texto con Trama Argumentativa. La investigación se basó en un estudio de carácter descriptivo, orientada hacia el diseño de campo pues la recolección de los datos se hizo directamente de los estudiantes de Castellano Instrumental, utilizando la observación participante y estructurada ya que se elaboró un instrumento de corrección para las producciones escritas. Los resultados finales arrojaron que es posible general cambios en la actitud de los estudiantes y una toma de consciencia sobre la producción textual.
Representaciones sociales del monumento natural La Portada: qué nos dicen los discursos y los dibujos de los estudiantes sobre la comprensión del entorno
Authors: Rivera Lam Mailing , Cortés Gómez Wilson Enrique , Benitez Vega Mitzi , Acosta Peña Roxana
Published: May 2022

Este artículo presenta los resultados del estudio Representaciones Sociales del Monumento Natural La Portada de Antofagasta en Chile.1 El objetivo fue observar y registrar etnográficamente la interacción social en situaciones naturales de aprendizaje, describir fenómenos no documentados, encontrar significado al lenguaje de los sujetos y describir sus representaciones sociales sobre su entorno geográfico, social y cultural para documentar la forma en que los alumnos de niveles de educación inicial, básica y media representan y expresan su conocimiento y su relación con el entorno. Los resultados muestran que los estudiantes no describen la experiencia directa con el entorno sino que en sus expresiones median los conocimientos formales, las experiencias indirectas, lo que dicen otras personas o los medios de comunicación.
Una alternativa para prevenir el error de linealización (x ± y)^n = x^n ± y^n
Authors: Cervantes Campo Guillermo , Martínez Solano Rafael Enrique
Published: May 2022

En este artículo se presenta, como producto de la investigación de los errores algebraicos que producen nuestros estudiantes de primer semestre, una alternativa para prevenir el denominado error de linealización, que aparece con mucha frecuencia cuando nuestros alumnos pretenden desarrollar ejercicios que requieren manipulaciones algebraicas; además, se trata de identificar la posible fuente del error y de implementar la utilización de herramientas computacionales que permitan minimizar la presencia de este tipo de error. Se fundamenta la propuesta en el poder de las herramientas computacionales para amplificar la estructura objeto de estudio, en este caso el error (x ± y)^n = x^n ± y^n, lo que permite reorganizar el conocimiento que se obtenga de las exploraciones con un software de cálculo simbólico.
Imaginario de las madres estudiantes de Licenciatura en Español y Literatura sobre el desarrollo del lenguaje en sus hijos
Authors: Bonilla Neira Laura Cristina , Melo Villamizar Martha Liliana
Published: May 2022

Las mujeres estudiantes en la actualidad están viviendo una nueva etapa. Este artículo de investigación muestra cómo las Madres-Estudiantes (ME), específicamente, de la carrera profesional de Licenciatura en Español y Literatura, en la Universidad Industrial de Santander (Bucaramanga, Colombia), hacen parte de una nueva generación de mujeres polifacéticas, que en un contexto problémico (como lo es enfrentarse a la sociedad como ME) acompañan el proceso de desarrollo de sus hijos. Básicamente, se indagaron cuáles fueron las prácticas culturales que las ME realizan con sus niños; cómo los están educando y cómo participan en el proceso de desarrollo del lenguaje. Se muestra la caracterización de este panorama, se expone el análisis por categorías a la luz de teorías de adquisición del lenguaje y de desarrollo psicopedagógico. El estudio fue de carácter etnográfico con entrevistas a profundidad.
Un ambiente virtual para las habilidades de pensamiento crítico en ESL
Authors: Robles Noriega Heydy , Rodríguez Fuentes Rodrigo
Published: May 2022

Este artículo de investigación describe los resultados de la implementación de un ambiente virtual al currículo de inglés en el programa de pregrado de Relaciones Internacionales de la Universidad del Norte. El objetivo de modificar el curso fue mejorar habilidades de pensamiento crítico y la coherencia escrita. Esta experiencia se ejecutó por un año, tiempo durante el cual participaron 80 estudiantes de cuatro grupos. Los instrumentos utilizados para la recolección de datos fueron encuestas de percepción de impacto de la experiencia, entrevistas a grupos focales y evaluaciones sobre el estado de las habilidades de pensamiento crítico al comenzar el curso y al finalizar. Se analizaron las intervenciones escritas en los blogs y foros de discusión disponibles en el ambiente virtual de aprendizaje. Los resultados arrojados muestran un progreso favorable en algunas habilidades de pensamiento crítico, en especial, la evaluación de argumentos. Esta experiencia de aprendizaje virtual colaborativo fue ampliamente aceptada por los estudiantes involucrados.
Conocimiento y aplicación de estrategias de aprendizaje por profesores de educación superior a distancia
Authors: Estéfano Rebeca
Published: May 2022

Este artículo tiene como objetivo describir los conocimientos que poseen los docentes de la Carrera de Educación, mención Dificultades de Aprendizaje sobre estrategias de aprendizaje y la aplicación que hacen de estas como aprendices de las materias que enseñan. Para tal fin, se realizó una investigación de campo de carácter descriptivo. Para el análisis de los datos, se utilizaron las técnicas de estadística descriptiva. Se determinó que los docentes tienen conocimiento sobre las estrategias de aprendizaje y las aplican como aprendices de las materias que enseñan; las menos utilizadas son las de repaso; y las de mayor uso son las de elaboración, organización, pensamiento crítico, metacognición, manejo del tiempo y ambiente de estudio, regulación del esfuerzo, aprendizaje con pares y búsqueda de ayuda.
Habilidades prelectoras de estudiantes de preescolar en la región caribe colombiana
Authors: López Silva Luz Stella , Duque Aristizabal Claudia Patricia , Camargo De Luque Gina Lizeth , Ariza Muñoz Evelyn del Carmen , Ávila Cantillo Melina , Kemp Sally
Published: May 2022

Este estudio descriptivo, con enfoque cuantitativo y diseño transversal buscó revisar algunas de las habilidades de prelectura que tienen los estudiantes de transición (preescolar) de estratos 1 y 2 de la región caribe colombiana como aspectos fundamentales de la preparación escolar temprana. Se utilizaron diversos instrumentos: IDEL, PLS 4, NEPSY II y BOHEM-3. Las habilidades evaluadas fueron: comprensión auditiva, conciencia fonológica, velocidad de nominación de letras, nombramiento rápido de categorías verbales y conceptos básicos de relación. Se encontró que en conceptos básicos de relación y comprensión auditiva, los resultados de los niños son buenos, ya que más del 70% de ellos están con un nivel acorde a su edad o por encima de esta; en las demás habilidades, las puntuaciones están en un gran porcentaje por debajo del nivel de edad. Esto da cuenta del impacto del contexto escolar, socioeconómico y socio demográfico en el logro académico.
La instrucción geométrica y la representación plana de módulos multicubos en un grupo de alumnos: un diseño preexperimental
Authors: Rojas Álvarez Carlos Javier
Published: May 2022

El objetivo de este estudio fue determinar el efecto de la instrucción geométrica sobre la representación plana de módulos multicubos, en un grupo de alumnos. El tipo del estudio es cuantitativo, con diseño pre-experimental de preprueba-postprueba con un solo grupo. Los sujetos, seleccionados por muestreo intencional, fueron alumnos de primer semestre de Diseño Industrial, con edades comprendidas entre 17 y 22 años, de ambos géneros. La metodología de la clase consiste en analizar figuras en 3D impresas y leer las instrucciones para hacer dibujos en 2D y 3D, relacionados con temas de geometría elemental. A los puntajes de los tests se les aplicó la prueba W de Mann-Whitney para comparar las medianas. Se encontró que hay diferencias significativas entre los puntajes del pretest y del posttest con un nivel de significancia del 97%. Conclusión: la metodología aumentó significativamente la elaboración de representaciones planas de módulos multicubos.
Salivary IgA Depression in Drug-Influenced Gingival Enlargement among Hypertensive Patients
Authors:   School of Dental Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia Health Campus, Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia, Taib Haslina , Majdiah Wan Mohamad Wan ,   School of Dental Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia Health Campus, Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia, wmajdiah@usm.my, Lailatul Akmar Zainuddi Siti ,   School of Dental Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia Health Campus, Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia, Syamimee Wan Ghazali Wan ,   Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
Published: May 2022

Drug-influenced gingival enlargement (DIGE) among hypertensive patients is commonly associated with antihypertensive drugs such as calcium channel blockers (CCBs). Immune response alteration is one of the proposed mechanisms for DIGE. Immunoglobulin A (IgA) in saliva which involves in defense mechanism was shown to be affected in patients with DIGE. Objective: This study aimed to determine the association of salivary IgA level with DIGE. Methods: This cross-sectional study comprised 47 hypertensive patients who had consumed antihypertensive drugs for at least 3 months. Twenty-one (44.7%) males and 26 (55.3%) females had participated in this study. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 26.0. The p-value of less than 0.05 at a 95% confidence interval is considered statistically significant. Results: Eighty-three percent and 17.0% of hypertensive patients were on CCBs and non- CCBs respectively. Amlodipine was found to be the most common (55.3%) antihypertensive drug consumed. Twenty- one (44.7%) patients presented with DIGE. The salivary IgA level was significantly decreased (p=0.03) among hypertensive patients with DIGE [Median 4.9 ng/mL (IQR 5.268)] compared to those without DIGE [median 15.03 ng/mL (IQR 32.246)]. Conclusion: This data indicates the level of salivary IgA was significantly affected in patients with DIGE which may compromise the defense mechanism of saliva.
Title- Analysis of the Impact of the Human Resource Service Quality of ARAMAX on the Customer Satisfaction and Loyalty in GCC
Authors: SOLANKI KALPANA
Published: May 2022

The purpose of this research is to study the human resource service quality of Aramex, and to show how the service quality and responsiveness affects customer satisfaction, loyalty, and success in the delivery industry and to see if Aramex meets the expectations of their customers. 

The delivery industry has changed dramatically over the years. The success of the businesses depends on quality, reliability, service, and price. Companies compete by offering different services that effect customer satisfaction. The technology development also played an important role in international parcel delivery, and improvements to services in the industry. With the development of online shopping, courier industry is in great demand. Individuals and companies sell online and market themselves worldwide. 

Aramex became a global brand that is known for its advanced products and services. Aramex accessible location between the East and West allows it to reach anywhere it the world delivering customized logistics regionally and globally. Aramex take innovation in technology into consideration as one of the critical elements. The covid 19 pandemic has immensely increased the business of Aramex in 2020-21
How Equilibrium Exchange Rate Misalignments Influence on Economic Growth? Evidence for European Countries
Authors: Ramos-Herrera María del Carmen
Published: May 2022

The determination of the equilibrium real exchange rate is one of the most important issues in open economy since the policymakers are concerned about predicting and monitoring misalignments and they are usually associated with current account problems and currency crises. To the best of my knowledge, this is the first time a study provides empirical evidence on the impact of deviations from the long-run sustainable real exchange rate equilibrium on real economic growth rate applying panel ARDL model (pooled mean group, mean group and dynamic fixed effect estimators) for the 27 European countries during the 2000–2016 period. This study applies the EQCHANGE database developed by Couharde et al. (2017) to obtain the real effective exchange rate (REER) misalignments according to the behavioral equilibrium exchange rate approach for each country. One of the main objectives is to determine the relationship between REER misalignments and economic growth trying to differentiate between short- and long-run effects. To this purpose, a neoclassical growth model is considered controlling for several economic variables such as gross capital formation, degree of openness, human capital, inflation rate, and population rate.
Prediction model of interfacial heat transfer coefficient changing with time and ingot diameter
Authors: Li Yihong , Zhao Yukun , Chen Huiqin
Published: May 2022

We established and simulated finite element solidification models of ingots with 180, 380, 800, 1,300, and 1,880 mm diameters, and the solidification process temperature distributions for the five ingot sizes were assessed by Fluent. On this basis, we established a mathematical model for the interfacial heat transfer coefficient between the ingot and the ingot mold, as well as the ingot diameter and solidification time, using the regression analysis method. The results showed that the change law for the interfacial heat transfer coefficients of the ingots with different sizes and times conformed to the change law of the exponential function, and the interfacial heat transfer coefficient and the ingot diameter had a linear relationship. The interfacial heat transfer coefficient, based on a measured temperature of about 36 tons of ingot with an average diameter of 1,500 mm and about 8.5 tons of ingot with an average diameter of 820 mm, was compared to the interfacial heat transfer coefficient calculated by the model. We found that the variation law of the two was essentially the same, indicating that this model could correctly reflect the interfacial heat transfer coefficient between the ingot and the ingot mold in the literature.
Challenges and prospects of plasmonic metasurfaces for photothermal catalysis
Authors: Mascaretti Luca , Schirato Andrea , Fornasiero Paolo , Boltasseva Alexandra , Shalaev Vladimir M. , Alabastri Alessandro , Naldoni Alberto
Published: May 2022

Solar-thermal technologies for converting chemicals using thermochemistry require extreme light concentration. Exploiting plasmonic nanostructures can dramatically increase the reaction rates by providing more efficient solar-to-heat conversion by broadband light absorption. Moreover, hot-carrier and local field enhancement effects can alter the reaction pathways. Such discoveries have boosted the field of photothermal catalysis, which aims at driving industrially-relevant chemical reactions using solar illumination rather than conventional heat sources. Nevertheless, only large arrays of plasmonic nano-units on a substrate, i.e., plasmonic metasurfaces, allow a quasi-unitary and broadband solar light absorption within a limited thickness (hundreds of nanometers) for practical applications. Through moderate light concentration (∼10 Suns), metasurfaces reach the same temperatures as conventional thermochemical reactors, or plasmonic nanoparticle bed reactors reach under ∼100 Suns. Plasmonic metasurfaces, however, have been mostly neglected so far for applications in the field of photothermal catalysis. In this Perspective, we discuss the potentialities of plasmonic metasurfaces in this emerging area of research. We present numerical simulations and experimental case studies illustrating how broadband absorption can be achieved within a limited thickness of these nanostructured materials. The approach highlights the synergy among different enhancement effects related to the ordered array of plasmonic units and the efficient heat transfer promoting faster dynamics than thicker structures (such as powdered catalysts). We foresee that plasmonic metasurfaces can play an important role in developing modular-like structures for the conversion of chemical feedstock into fuels without requiring extreme light concentrations. Customized metasurface-based systems could lead to small-scale and low-cost decentralized reactors instead of large-scale, infrastructure-intensive power plants.
Investigation of anti-cholinesterase and anti-amyloidogenic activities of β-lactam antibiotics
Authors: Özer Eda Özturan , Mirza Hasan Cenk , Tan Oya Ünsal , Türkoğlu Suna
Published: May 2022

Objectives

Neuroinflammation is an important factor in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative disesases. The following study aimed to clarify the effects of β-lactam antibiotics to the cholinergic system, on acetylcholinesterase (AChE), butyrylcholinesterase (BuChE) activities, considering the structural differences of antibiotics, to evaluate the underlying mechanism of effects provided by protein-antibiotic interactions, and to clarify possible effects of the antibiotics on the aggregation of Aβ-peptides.

Methods

The inhibition/activation mechanisms for each antibiotic were examined kinetically by Ellman method. Destabilization effects of them on amyloid peptide fibrillation were examined and protein-ligand interactions were evaluated with most potent antibiotics by molecular docking studies.

Results

The most powerful inhibitions were detected by the inhibition studies of AChE with ceftazidime (CAZ) and BuChE with amoxicillin (AMX). CAZ was exhibited dose-related dual effect on AChE activity. CAZ was actually the dose-related modifier of AChE. At higher concentrations, CAZ was a nonessential activator of AChE. Molecular docking studies have been confirmed by kinetic studies. Interested β-lactam antibiotics did not prevent fibrillation rate as rifampicin.

Conclusions

Inhibition/activation behaviours of studied β-lactam antibiotics on both cholinesterases may suggest that cholinergic transmission is one of the crucially important components of the β-lactam antibiotics-induced central nervous system adverse reactions.
Enhancing the Self-Healing Ability of Crumb-Rubber-Modified Asphalt Binders
Authors: Ragab Mohyeldin , Abdelrahman Magdy , Attia Mohamed Ibrahim El-Sharkawi
Published: May 2022

In this work, the relation between the self-healing ability of crumb-rubber-modified asphalt (CRMA) and the formation of an internal three-dimensional (3D) network structure was studied. This was done through the investigation of the effect of change in binder fractions (asphaltenes, saturates, naphthene aromatic, and polar aromatics; resins) on the self-healing ability of CRMA as a result of modifying the CRMA's internal network structure. The presence of 3D network structures in CRMA enhances the self-healing capabilities of the binder, thus leading to better in-service pavement performance. Interrupted shear flow tests were carried out to determine the existence of 3D network structures in CRMA. Interrupted shear flow tests were utilized to investigate the self-healing ability of the materials by imposing a predefined shear rate and then measuring the resulting shear stress. It was found that the asphalt type and fractions, crumb-rubber (CR) type and percentage, and the interaction conditions between them affect the development of the 3D network structures in CRMA. Lower PG asphalts with abundant saturates and naphthene aromatics produced the maximum amount of shear stress overshoot, indicating the highest occurrence of 3D network structures. Cryogenic-processed mixed-source CR had better performance in terms of the network structure formation over the ambient-processed CR. A 10% CR percentage had the best network structure formation over the 15% or 20%. A combination of a moderate interaction temperature (190°C) and high interaction speed (50Hz) produced a well-developed 3D network structure in the CRMA.
Validation of Hyperelastic Material Models for Structural Sealants in Compression
Authors: Kimberlain Jon , Hayez Valerie , Feng Jie , Allore Kelly
Published: May 2022

Advanced engineering analysis of structural silicone sealant performance using finite element modeling requires precision in setting up material behavior models. Previous research indicates that the validation of behavior models using sealant response in tension has good agreement between theoretical and actual test results of these hyperelastic materials. In addition to being hyperelastic, structural sealants approach incompressibility as an elastomer with the Poisson ratio in proximity to 0.5. Due to the incompressible nature of the sealants, the modulus behavior can be orders of magnitude different when strained in shear or tension compared with in compression. Tensile adhesion joints were studied in compression and modeled using finite element software to illustrate how well predicted stress-strain behavior aligns with actual behavior. Deformation of the sample was also shown to be influenced by the configuration of the sample shape. Friction between sealant and plates as well as orientation could influence the outward sealant shape under heavy compression. The results of the study further illustrate advances in the ability to more accurately model sealants beyond typical tensile behavior as well as provide additional information on potential failure routes based on the new data.
Material Models for Structural Silicone Sealant in Complex Loading
Authors: Kimberlain Jon , Hayez Valerie , Feng Jie , Mirgon Mark
Published: May 2022

Conventional design of structural silicone sealants has been long rooted in following individual load cases. Simplistically, most building concepts follow design methodology for long-term load effects (e.g., glass weight), short-term load effects (e.g., wind) and typical building movements such as thermal changes or building sway due to seismic activity. Due to its viscoelastic character, the silicone's behavior and durability of the bond will differ depending on the duration of the load, and only loads of the same duration can be combined. Whereas the response of the silicone to short- and long-term loads is well understood, it is not the case when exposed to intermediate load durations such as observed for snow. Therefore, allowable stress and strains are held low to prevent unforeseen interactions if combined that may be detrimental for the durability of the structural silicone sealant. With the advent of more sophisticated analysis methods using finite element software and the desire to optimize geometries of structural joints in high-performance designs with extreme loads, there is a need to provide better material behavior models and durability predictions for combined loading cases. Leveraging previous work from Sandberg on an elliptical relationship between shear and tension (valid for depth-to-width ratios from 1.5 to 3.0 and joint rotations of less than 10°), a testing methodology was developed utilizing tensile adhesion joint samples tested at different angle orientations and load severity to determine potential failure models as a function of time, including semipermanent loads. Finite element models were also developed to isolate potential critical model outputs that may be useful for design boundary conditions for complex loading.
Electing and educating priests in the Church of Antioch in the second half of 4th century according to st. John Chrysostom’s "De sacerdotio"
Authors: Arko Alenka
Published: May 2022

The dialogue De sacerdotio is the first patristic text in which author tries to sketch the theology of the priesthood, namely as a synthesis of the ideals of strict ascetic life characteristic of monasticism and the life of the Christian community (metaphoricly – the desert and the city), personal holiness and service for the benefit of the Church, a synthesis of anthropological and ethical ideals of Hellenism and Christian faith and behaviors that follow from this. The dialoge was written by John Chrysostom during the Antiochian period of his life, the first years of his priestly ministry. First of all it emphasizes the great dignity of the sacrament of the priesthood, as well as the need to choose for this those whom God has called for priestly ministery, who are morally and intellectually prepared to respond to the specific situation of the Church and society in which the priest should serve. In the second half of the fourth century, Christianity was already the predominant religion in Antioch, although pagan elements were still present, along with Jewish and Manichean. The role of the Church in society was increasing and was becoming very important, as important tasks and responsibilities were entrusted to the Church then. However, it is clear from the words of John Chrysostom that many chose priesthood in pursuit of a career and an honorable place in society, and not as a response to the vocation of God and in a desire to operate for the benefit of the Body of Christ. Some of the worthy and experienced monks refused the priesthood in turn preferring, a quiet eremitic life. So, a correct understanding of the priesthood and preparation for such a ministry were extremely important, since the Church was facing serious challenges of mass adherence to it and therefore the question of how to prepare catechumens for Baptism and how to instruct believers, finding a special approach for everyone, as well as how to avoid scandals and derision of the Church by pagans because of unworthy priests.
V. N. Ilyin: from unpublished lectures on the history of medieval philosophy
Authors: Ermishin Oleg
Published: May 2022

Philosopher, theologian and literary critic Vladimir Nikolaevich Ilyin (1890–1974) taught in 1925–1940 the history of medieval philosophy at St. Sergius Orthodox Theological Institute in Paris. Later, based on lectures, he prepared for publication the book «The History of Medieval Philosophy in Connection with General History of Culture, Science and Theology», which remained unpublished, but was preserved in the archival fund of V.N. Ilyin (Archive of Alexander Solzhenitsyn House of Russia Abroad. F. 31). This publication contains one of the lectures by V.N. Ilyin entitled «Problems, origins and ways of medieval philosophy». It gives an idea of the general approach of V.N. Ilyin to medieval philosophy, about his main concept. According to Ilyin, medieval thought of Western Europe was determined by the antinomy between dogma and dialectics. Ilyin divided the history of medieval philosophy into two periods: until the XIII century, the era of the struggle of ideas and active development, and after the XIII century, when scholasticism won, and then fell into decay. V.N. Ilyin considers that two thinkers Thomas Aquinas (around 1225–1274) and Bonaventure (around 1217–1274), their ideological confrontation, are of great importance for understanding the philosophy of the XIII century. Thomas Aquinas won and determined the further development of Western philosophy, but Bonaventure’s ideas about the union of theology and philosophy did not disappear and develop in new philosophical teachings (Friedrich Wilhelm Schelling, Henri Bergson, Gabriel Marcel and others). In Ilyin’s opinion, in order to overcome scholasticism and rationalism, which prevailed in Western philosophy, it will necessary to return to the fathers of Church, to Plato and Aristotle. V.N. Ilyin proposed his program, based on the main thesis «Return to the Fathers of the Church as a source of true philosophy», expressed solidarity with V. Gioberty and I.V. Kireevsky.
Structure and properties of precipitation-hardened Сu–Ni–Mn–Fe binders for composite coatings
Authors: Sukhova O. V. , Vashchynska K. O.
Published: May 2022

The structure and properties of Сu–Ni–Mn–Fe alloys within the concentration range of 19.3–21.0 % Ni, 19.5–20.5 % Mn, 0.6–2.7 % Fe, Cu – the balance (in wt. %) were studied in this work. Quantitative metallographic, X-ray, and differential thermal analyses were applied. Two α-Cu solid solutions that differ in composition and microhardness were revealed in the structure of the investigated Сu–Ni–Mn–Fe alloys. These solutions were formed at 1010 ± 10 °С and 890 ± 10 °С, correspondingly. Besides, hardening NiMn phase was precipitated at 405 ± 15 °С due to ageing. In the Сu–Ni–Mn–Fe alloys annealed at 900 °С for 60–750 hours, the volume fraction and size of NiMn precipitates increased with increasing holding time. When iron content was raised from 0.6 up to 2.7 wt. %, the amount of NiMn precipitates increased, especially during first 60 hours of annealing at 900 °С. Brinell hardness of the Сu–Ni–Mn–Fe alloys with higher iron contents increased by 10 НRB on average. At that, as test temperature was raised up to 400 °С, tensile strength decreased by ~1.3 times and elongation dropped markedly by ~10 times. The investigated Сu–Ni–Mn–Fe alloys containing up to 2.7 wt. % may be applied as binder materials for composite coatings provided that working temperature does not exceed 400 °С.