bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The methodologies, geographies, and technologies of energy justice: a systematic and comprehensive review
Authors: Jenkins Kirsten E H , Sovacool Benjamin K , Mouter Niek , Hacking Nick , Burns Mary-Kate , McCauley Darren
Published: December 2020

The energy justice literature has seen a rapid surge in both academic and practical popularity. However, there has been less systematic reflection on the research conducted so far, its scope or contribution, nor what it might mean for the future of the concept. To provide insights, this paper presents the results of a systematic and comprehensive review of 155 peer-reviewed articles published across eight databases between January 2008 and December 2019. The aim is firstly to review the current state of the art in the energy justice literature and, secondly, to present findings that support novel recommendations with the potential to enhance the impact of energy justice research, including applications in the economic and planning policy sectors. Critically, our study demonstrates that the literature lacks diversity in its author basis and research design. By contrast, conceptual frameworks and the geographies and technologies of global energy injustice are proliferating. These results illustrate that energy justice has power and agency as a tool. It can act as a protagonist in energy research, provoking researchers to remain reflexively normative and active in identifying injustices and vulnerabilities, and it can act as a promising progenitor, creating new research methods and themes.
Confined random motion with Laplace and Linnik statistics
Authors: Stanislavsky Aleksander , Weron Aleksander
Published: December 2020

In this paper we reveal that the conjugate property of Bernstein functions connects the tempered subdiffusion with the confinement. The interpretation of anomalous diffusion tending to the confinement is that diffusive motion, accompanied by multiple-trapping events with infinite mean sojourn time, is transformed into pure jumps, restricted in confined environment. This model, just like the tempered one, is generally valid in a wide class of problems of transport in random media that include live cells, relaxation in heterogeneous substances, and jump-diffusion. A relation of our approach to the popular diffusive diffusivity is explained.
Indoor-Outdoor Air Quality Assessment in Nurseries
Authors: Abu Mansor Amalina , Natasha Badrul Hisham Ain , Abdullah Samsuri , Nazmi Liyana Mohd Napi Nur , Najah Ahmed Ali , Ismail Marzuki
Published: December 2020

Poor Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) can adversely affect children’s health, comfort and school performance. This study mainly aimed to assess indoor and outdoor air quality status in terms of physical and chemical aspects at nurseries of two higher public institutions. The monitored parameters are temperature (T), relative humidity (RH), air movement (AM), particulate matter (PM), carbon dioxide (CO2) and carbon monoxide (CO) by using Climomaster (RH, T, AM), Dust Trax™ (RSP )and Kanomax IAQ (CO, CO2). The measurement was taken continuously in a period of three days at two nurseries of public institutions. Results show all chemicals contaminants at two nurseries did not exceed the standard except CO2 for indoor concentration. Indoor-Outdoor (I/O) ratio stated that PM10 concentrations were influenced by the outdoor contaminant for both study areas. In conclusion, this study provides useful information for engineers, policy makers and planners to make decision on managing and improving the environment in terms of air quality.
Identification of Paracoccus Solventivorans sp. as Sulphate Oxidizing Bacteria Isolated from Palm Oil Sludge
Authors: Azan Tajarudin Husnul , Santiagoo Ragunathan , Gomesh Nair , Daud Zawawi , Qamaruz Zaman Nastaein , Syazwi Adzami Nuraiffa , Farhana Kamarzaman Fatin
Published: December 2020

The emission of hydrogen sulphide (H2S) from industrial processes causesodour nuisance to the surrounding community. Thus, the ability of sulphur oxidizing bacteria could eliminate H2S by changing it into non-odorous elemental sulphur or sulphate. In this study, the isolate bacteria of Paracoccus solventivorans ATCC 700252 demonstrated pH reduction from pH 8 to about pH 5.27 with sulphate content production of454.0 g/ml. The growth of Paracoccus sp. was increased using sulphur as elemental carbon and oxygen as electron acceptor. The optimum temperature and pH of Paracoccus sp. were in the range of 30°C to 40°C and pH 7.00 to pH 8.00, respectively. The utilization of Paracoccus sp. will create a potential application for H2S removal and preserve the environment from further odour pollution.
Age and growth determination of Lower Danube sturgeon species Huso huso and Acipenser stellatus
Authors: Raischi Marius , Deák György , Oprea Lucian , Raischi Natalia , Danalache Tiberius
Published: December 2020

In the Lower Danube, sturgeon populations have declined dramatically in recent decades. Although efforts have been made at the legislative level since 2006, by forbidden commercial fishing, an assessment of stocks and conservation status of sturgeon species has not yet been made [1]. In this context, it is necessary to estimate the age and growth rate of sturgeon species in order to establish their current conservation status, with a high level of confidence. This article presents the long-term results obtained by INCDPM during 6 years of research in which were captured and released 108 specimens of beluga (Huso huso) and 193 specimens of stellat sturgeon (Acipenser stellatus). Thus, before the ultrasonically tagging of the sturgeon specimens, informational volumes regarding the biometric parameters were collected simultaneously with the gender determination [1]. Based on the collected data and the calculus hypotheses, it was possible to determine the ages of the sturgeon specimens and to perfect the method of improving the confidence level of the data obtained from the in-situ investigations. In order to foster sustainable management of Danube sturgeon populations, it is essential to carry out assessments with a high degree of confidence of the age of anadromous sturgeon species. The quantification of the population depends on species spawning cycles taking into account that they are characterized by high longevity.
A Review on the Background of E-Hailing Drivers in Malaysia and Their Awareness with Regulations
Authors: Salim Salman , Amirul Haziq Muhamad , Hairi Osman Mohammad , Hakimi Mat Nor Ahmad , Sukor Sarif Abd , Zaminan Zafrullah , Zull Ariff Taqiuddin Mohamad Muhammad , Shakir Muhammad , Shaiful Azman Khalafee
Published: December 2020

Smartphone applications have rapidly expanded from only basic applications to multiplatform and advanced applications that are very common nowadays. As the most widely used gadgets worldwide, there are many advantages that can be exploited. One of the advantages is the establishment of e-hailing applications. The existing applications are said to be proprietary, stand-alone solutions, and disintegrated while it has to support the end-to end integration to connect drivers, passengers and the vehicles. The security of these applications also has to be upgraded as there are a lot of risks to the users. This study examines the awareness of e-hailing drivers on regulations imposed to the e- industry by Malaysian government. This study focuses on the e-hailing drivers in Malaysia, mainly Grab drivers. Questionnaires were distributed among the Grab drivers. It was found that among 175 respondents, the majority of drivers were male aged in the range of 30 – 49, owned full time jobs, SPM/STPM holders with monthly income between RM2000 - RM5000. Most of them ventured as an e-hailing driver to earn extra side income. Out of the 175 respondents, this study has found that 12 persons (6.9%) were not aware about the government policy on e-hailing industry.
Correlation Analysis of Bacterial Growth and Heavy Metal Concentration in Composting of Leachate Sludge and Municipal Sludge
Authors: Hamzah Nurhidayah , Nurshiraz Farisha Wan Ismail Wan , Syahiza Zainuddin Nur , Kassim Jalina , Abdul Halip Azianabiha , Baharudin Fauzi
Published: December 2020

The composting is an alternative solution that can be used to this environmental problem to control the increase in waste generation. The unused leachate waste and municipal sewage sludge could be treated and reused it into compost that can be used for any beneficial purpose such as bio-fertilizer for plant growth. The objectives of this study were to analyze the trend of microbial growth and heavy metal concentration in compost from municipal sewage sludge and leachate sludge. The correlation between both parameters also was identified to determine the relationship between both parameters. Four design ratios were prepared to determine which ratio of compost has the most efficient compost in term of microbial growth and heavy metals concentration. The result showed that mesophilic and thermophilic bacteria population were increases in ratio 1, 2 and 3. The compost of ratio 2 and ratio 3 were found to meet the Malaysian standard of organic fertilizer in terms of the heavy metal concentration. There is correlation between bacteria population and heavy metal concentration in both composts. This composting method could be developed and practised by any institutions or treatment plant so that the amount of sludge waste generated could be reduced and help decreased the environmental pollution crisis in this country.
Bioaccumulation of Heavy Metals in Perennial Wetland Vegetation Components from a Sector of the Arges River
Authors: Marcu Ecaterina , Ciobotaru Irina-Elena , Maria Cristina , Anton Ivanov Alexandru , Burlacu Iasmina-Florina , Ibrahim Naimah
Published: December 2020

The potential bioaccumulation of hazardous transitional heavy metals in components of the aquatic environment (such as water column, sedimentary matter, plants) constitutes one of the concerns in environmental protection engineering. This experimental investigative study used systematic measurements of the presence of selected heavy metals (cadmium, chromium, copper, lead, nickel and zinc) in components of the aquatic environment to give an indication of their availability and their potential bioaccumulation in the perennial wetland plants. Through environmental quality data processing, this study allowed both the assessment of interphase partitioning constants of these metals throughout the analyzed aquatic environment and the estimation of their cumulative toxicity coëfficiënt. The data analysis highlighted the different potential degrees of dangers caused by metals as pollutants and the synergistic way in which they act on the aquatic environment.
Optimization and Interaction Analysis of Bacterial and Fungal Growth in the Presence of Benzo(A) Pyrene in Wastewater
Authors: Asyikin Ismail Nor , Hamzah Nurhidayah , Kasmuri Norhafezah , Jaafar Jurina , Fozi Ali Mohd , Abdul Khalil Khalilah , Singhal Naresh
Published: December 2020

In wastewater treatment plant, an aerobic approach is adopted in the system which utilize the ability of bacteria in the wastewater to reduce biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) and other organic pollutants. High molecular weight of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (HMW-PAHs) are type of organic persistence and insoluble pollutants which hard to be removed from wastewater by bacteria. Owing to the HMW-PAHs tolerant characteristic and abundancy of fungi in wastewater, the bacteria and fungi interaction is anticipated to degrade the HMW-PAHs in wastewater. Thus, this study is carried out as a preliminary study to understand the interaction by optimized the bacterial and fungal growth in the presence of benzo[a]pyrene (BaP). Bacteria and fungi used in this study were Sphingobacterium spiritovorum and Aspergillus brasiliensis ATCC 16404. The response surface methodology (RSM) in Design-Expert® Version 7.0.0 software was used to analysed two factors which are pH and temperature on the bacterial and fungal growth. The growth of bacteria and fungi in co-culture and existence of BaP also been studied. The optimization study showed the growth of S. spiritovorum and A. brasiliensis was optimized at pH 6.2, temperature of 32 °C, and pH 6.5 and temperature of 33 °C, respectively. Synergy interaction was observed in the co-culture condition and with the existence of BaP. The present study provides beneficial information about the bacteria and fungi interaction which has the potential to be applied in the wastewater treatment plant.
Treatment of Landfill Leachate using Cockle Shell as an Alternative Adsorbent for the Removal of Ammonia Nitrogen and COD
Authors: Yahaya Izat , Daud Zawawi , Fauzi Basirah
Published: December 2020

Adsorption system proved to be an effective method widely used in the treatment of wastewater in many studies. Despite that, most studies on the adsorption in wastewater treatment, focused more on the removal of organic and inorganic substances. The potential of cockle shell (CS) and zeolite (ZEO) as an absorbent has been investigated to obtain the optimum mixing ratio in removing two working parameters such as ammonia nitrogen (NH3-N) and COD. Both CS and ZEO we mixed together in different ratio. The absorption batch study includes the preparation of 5g composite adsorbent, 200 mL of raw leachate sample at pH 8.64, with a shaking speed of 200 rpm for 300 minutes at room temperature. The result shows, the optimum ratio obtained for composite mixture absorbent is (3.5:0.5) and the concentration achieved for the ratio was 415 mg/L NH3-N and 440 mg/L COD. The optimum contact time and absorbent size expressed the result at 300 minute and 1.18 mm with the percentage optimum removal value is 42.46% NH3-N and 90.21% COD; and 50% NH3-N and 85.14% COD, respectively during the experiment.
Utilization of Zeolite-Feldspar as an Potential Adsorbent for the Adsorption of COD and Ammonical Nitrogen in Stabilized Landfill Leachate
Authors: Daud Zawawi , Detho Amir , Gomesh Nair , Azan Tajarudin Husnul , Santiagoo Ragunathan , Awang Halizah , Arif Rosli Mohd , Baharudin Ridzuan Mohd
Published: December 2020

The robust combination of landfill waste recognized as a potential source of hazards. Landfills is one relatively distinctive issue associated with leachate. Generally, zeolite is considered a known adsorbent however relatively very high in cost. Meanwhile, Feldspar is the world’s most common mineral groups which making up as much as about 60 percent of the crust of the earth. Its quality and availability makes the feldspar become relatively low price material. The mixture of feldspar-zeolite are believe to produces effective and inexpensive composite for the treatment of leachate wastewater. The batch experiment was conducted in an Erlenmeyer flask, 250 mL volume with varying the volume of composite mixture ratio and then shaking for 5 hrs with 200 rpm at pH7. The optimum mixing ratio of feldspar-zeolite is chosen 1:1. The optimum removal of COD and ammonical nitrogen is 55% and 50% respectively. The availability of low-cost materials such as feldspar in the composite has helped to minimize the cost of treatment and has helped to increase the potential capacity for adsorption.
Using Remote Sensing Techniques to Determine New Route for the Nile Valley
Authors: Moussa Osama M. , Khalil Ahmed S. , Elhefnawy Hasan E. , Kamal Mohamed M.
Published: December 2020

The collapse of dam structure leads to serious disasters for surrounding areas along the waterway. The objective of this research is to determine a new route for the waterway by using remote sensing techniques.

Drainage patterns were determined from Digital Elevation Model (DEM) of Shuttle Topographic Radar Mission (STRM) by using the ARC-GIS software. The most appropriate route for the new valley is determined by using DEM and assisted by topographic maps of scale 1:500000 starting from Toshka lake until Qattara downrange and passing through the depressions of El Kharga oasis, El-Dakhla, El-Farafra and El-Baharia Oases.

The route selection is matched with the expected new valley that proposed by Prof. Dr. Farouk El-Baz in his project ″ The Development Project / Corridor of Development Project [ 1 ].
Study the Social Needs for Proper Housing
Authors: Gad Maged Moneer , Aly Ahmed Galal El Din
Published: December 2020

The housing industry is an essential part of the urban development that requires full cooperation of the country’s different institutes including public and private sectors’ institutions, individuals, and groups. This is to achieve the sustainable development in all different aspects; economic, social, and urban developments. As the basic citizen needs of “everyone’s has the right to have a suitable home” made it essential requirement to offers many housing solutions to fulfill different people needs.

The human concepts changed through the years and evolved the housing patterns, methods, forms and uses. As the human needs, concepts and cultures changed - from the need of only a shelter above the head - to protect from weather, into home that provides not only protection but also physiological and psychological comfort and recreational facilities to practice various activities. The industrial revolution, and the development of mechanization with the technology development, in addition to economic and social changes, leading to lack of areas, which helped the change of housing features and its meanings. As it used to be consisted of two or three floors to hold one family only, it transformed into the existing towers and muti-story buildings to conclude large numbers of residents.

The research relied mainly on surveys to measure the population’s preference for housing. He also used field visits (for construction companies that play the role of owner and sometimes contractor and development) and documentary analysis to study the nature of the residential product mainly as well as to measure the level of preference for types and requirements of housing, as well as the use of interviews and panel discussions. The criteria, recommendations and proposals contained in this research represent a picture of the needs of a sample of the community, but the results of this research cannot be indicated merely or considered decisive, but must be analyzed to suit each case, and use it in the best possible way to contribute to the design decision.

The study reached several results; the most important is to provide privacy and tranquility, due to the low population density with the provision of services, based on the following:

1- The preference for a residential building without other services was the largest.

2- The residential buildings’ height should not exceed 5 floors.

3- The residential building should not contain more than 10 apartment units.

4- There should be some special services for residential buildings, as a suitable number of parking spaces, as well as the elevator in the buildings and a terrace.
Flexible Design: An Innovative Approach for Achieving Sustainability in Primary Public Schools in Egypt
Authors: Fahmy Yara A , Othman Ayman A E
Published: December 2020

Public schools in Egypt are considered a valuable asset that should be preserved and sustained, as they play a paramount role for the development of a sustainable community. Whereas, currently, the schools in Egypt are not sustainable from social, economic and environmental perspective as they are generally heavy, fixed and normally irreversible once construction has been completed. This is due to the traditional construction method used in the construction of schools which consumes time and generates a vast amount of waste. In addition, the changing demands of the occupants may confront the need for future expansion or complete changeover. With the increase in labour costs, lack of skilled labours for different trades, demand for faster construction, increased considerations for safety and environment and above all meeting these demands at an economic and reasonable price requires us to change the approach used in construction. Hence, these faults could be sufficed with the introduction of green prefabrication methods as a flexible design approach for achieving sustainability for primary public schools in Egypt. Therefore, this paper aims to formulate a matrix that correlates the flexible design criteria with suistainability in order to achieve suistainability in Primary Public schools in Egypt. A research methodology consists of literature review to investigate the topics of primary public schools, flexible design, Green prefabrication and sustainability.
PV Grid-Connected Systems: Performance and Architectural Integration Aspects
Authors: Alaa Hala , Gharib Nader
Published: December 2020

Considering the high global rates of carbon dioxide emissions, there is a great concern about renewable energy especially solar energy in buildings. Despite its growth, there has been limited acceptance of architects and stakeholders concerning the use of solar energy technologies in buildings, and subsequently, insufficient architectural integration. Here, the research aims to develop better understanding of architects for the design stages, considerations, and possibilities regarding solar PV grid-connected systems in buildings using inductive methodology, thus analyzing the technology specifications and good integration practices. The research determines the factors that influence the early design and conception phase of the building. It develops a framework for architects concerning the technical and physical aspects affecting the design process, through building needs, cell types, system performance, site conditions, space and environmental requirements, and BIPV integration possibilities. In conclusion, this study will help in the implementation of PV grid-connected powered buildings in new projects by addressing previous design challenges and providing data for architects and researchers on the system design and performance.
Comparison of egyptian innovation in affordable housing with global models
Authors: Hebatalrahman
Published: December 2020

In these work Survey about different types of affordable housing was dond with the advantages and disadvantages of each type. The combtability of each type with sustainable in construction according to national and international standards was considered. The risk assessment related to this type of construction was evaluated. The Egyptian innovation in the affordable housing which is registered as patent in the egyptian patent office is studied. The new building has one floor with spherical external shape for energy conservation, it is consists of multilayers movable walls moving on the streams. The metalic structure is installed in the soil surface by fixation elements, it is equipped with sensors which is controlled automatically to detect climate changes. the movement of successive layers can be controlled manual or automatic according to climate changes, The movement of insulated layers is done by sliding on dedicated channels, It is equipped with upper and lower ducts located on several axes positioned at the top and bottom of the ball so that the upper and lower positions are located on one axis. The unit has conical top contain the layers folded to the top and prevent the accumulation of dust and water. The layers can be stored inside the conical top. The Egyptian patent model is compared with the common global models of affordable housing to explain its advantages and disadvantages.
Effect of crumbed rubber Treatment method on the Flexural Behavior of High Strength Rubberized Concrete Slabs
Authors: Bashandy A A , Eid F M , Mazyad M A , Arab M A
Published: December 2020

The most important research trends that the world is currently interested in are those that have a positive impact on the environment. The burning of the waste tyres is one of the most used means to get rid of these tyres, which causes a lot of gases to the air. The use of crumbed tyre rubber in concrete is considered one of the methods with a positive environmental impact. Using crumbed rubber as a partial replacement material of concrete aggregate is found to possess many engineering applications and holds promise within the future. Replacing 5% of the sand volume by crumbed tyre rubber was used. Flexural behaviour of treated and untreated rubberized concrete slabs was investigated. Experimental program shows that the behaviour of the high strength rubberized concrete slabs can be improved by the used treatment methods. Beside that the coarser of the rubber particles, the more negative effect on the behaviour of the high strength rubberized concrete slabs.
A healable polyethylene adhesive using poly(ethylene methacrylic acid) (EMAA) for three-layer pipe coatings
Authors: Dell’Olio Carmelo , Zhang Jane , Leong K H , Samsudin M Shamsul F , Varley Russell J
Published: December 2020

Poly(ethylene methacrylic acid) (EMAA) has been used here as a thermally activated healing agent (HA) in three layered polyolefinic (3LPO) pipe coatings for the first time. The EMAA (HA) is blended with a linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE) modified with maleic anhydride (MAH) to create a healable multi-functional adhesive (HAMA), which is used to bind the fusion bonded epoxy primer and high density polyethylene topcoat layers together. Different compositions of the HA and modified adhesive were trialled for their healing efficiency using three different healing conditions to explore the effect of increasing temperature and applied load or force. The standard healing protocol used a healing temperature of 110 °C and an applied load of 120 N for 60 min. A high temperature variant increased the temperature to 120 °C while a high load variant increased the applied force to 240 N. Using a 1:1 HAMA adhesive, healing efficiencies of about 70% were achieved for the standard healing condition. Increasing the applied load to 240 N decreased healing to between 64% and 68% depending on the healing measurement, but at 120 °C healing increased to between 82% and 84%. Regardless of the healing condition, overall healing efficiency increased with increasing EMAA (HA) concentration. This study also provided insight into the healing mechanism of the HAMA adhesives by highlighting some necessary features for healing. A bi-phasic microstructure consisting of large EMAA nodules with sufficient adhesion to the MAH-modified LLDPE was identified as being critical. Furthermore, increasing healing temperature increased healing efficiency due to the enhanced flow of EMAA and increased mobility of the polyethylene. Although these results are preliminary in nature, they do provide significant promise that multifunctional HAMA adhesives can be applied as simple, effective and repeatable 3LPO self-healing pipe coatings.
Suppression of α-catenin and adherens junctions enhances epithelial cell proliferation and motility via TACE-mediated TGF-α autocrine/paracrine signaling
Authors: Bunker Eric N. , Wheeler Graycen E. , Chapnick Douglas A. , Liu Xuedong
Published: December 2020

The loss of adherens junctions elevates autocrine TGF-α signaling in a TACE-dependent manner. Keratinocyte epithelial sheets depend on this signaling to propagate ERK activity for proliferation and motility signaling.
Participation in Drinking Games and Predrinking Among University Students in Argentina, Australia, Canada, and New Zealand
Authors: Zamboanga Byron L , George Amanda M , Van Hedger Kathryne , Olthuis Janine V , Pilatti Angelina , Dresler Emma
Published: December 2020

Aims

The limited existing research on drinking games and predrinking among university students in Argentina, Australia, Canada, and New Zealand suggests that participation in these risky drinking practices is relatively widespread among this population. Drinking norms and alcohol use can vary across countries and in different regions of the globe. The measurement of drinking games and predrinking participation between studies also differs, making cross-country comparisons difficult. The present study explored differences in past month participation in drinking games and predrinking among university students from a large public university in Argentina, Australia, Canada, and New Zealand.

Methods

The data analytic sample consisted of 1134 university students (ages 18–25, Mage = 20.2 years; 72.6% women) from Argentina (n = 349), Australia (n = 280), Canada (n = 262), and New Zealand (n = 243) who reported weekly alcohol consumption. Students completed a confidential survey on drinking attitudes and behaviors.

Results

Controlling for age, gender, and weekly drink consumption, there were no cross-country differences in past month participation in predrinking. In contrast, university students from Canada and New Zealand were more likely to have played a drinking game in the past month than students from Australia and Argentina.

Conclusions

The present finding suggest that university students from Argentina, Australia, Canada, and New Zealand are equally likely to participate in predrinking regardless of country; however, the likelihood of playing drinking games differs as a function of country site.
The Impact of Facial Asymmetry on the Surgical Outcome of Crooked Nose: A Case Control Study
Authors: Dasdar Shayan , Kianfar Nika , Sadeghi Mohammad , Saedi Babak
Published: December 2020

Background

Facial asymmetry is considered a reason for patient dissatisfaction with the outcome of rhinoplasty.

Objectives

The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of facial asymmetry on patient postoperative satisfaction with crooked nose and to investigate the relationship between visual perception of asymmetry and anthropometric measurements.

Methods

In this retrospective study, 61 rhinoplasty patients with crooked noses were assessed. Utilizing frontal view photos, pre- and postoperative nasal deviation angles were calculated. The patients were divided into 2 groups based on the visual presence of facial asymmetry. Moreover, anthropometric characteristics of the face were evaluated utilizing facial soft tissue landmarks. Patient satisfaction with surgery outcomes, including both aesthetic and functional aspects, was assessed employing the Persian version of the Standardized Cosmesis and Health Nasal Outcomes Survey.

Results

Based on the observations, 19 (30.2%) and 44 (69.8%) patients had I-type and C-type noses, respectively. In both groups, the deviation angle decreased significantly postoperatively (P < 0.001). Regarding the subjective evaluation of facial asymmetry, 22 (34.9%) and 41 (65.1%) cases had symmetric and asymmetric faces, respectively. Anthropometric measurements were also consistent with visual assessments of asymmetry. Satisfaction scores were significantly higher after surgery in all patients; however, there was no significant difference in the mean aesthetic improvement between symmetric (15.83 ± 2.68) and asymmetric faces (15.23 ± 4.46) (P = 0.531). The power of study was 97.8%.

Conclusions

Rhinoplasty in patients with deviated noses and asymmetric faces may have comparable results with symmetric ones.

Level of Evidence: 4
Untangling the tau microtubule-binding region
Authors: Toombs Jamie , Zetterberg Henrik
Published: December 2020

This scientific commentary refers to ‘CSF tau microtubule binding region identifies tau tangle and clinical stages of Alzheimer’s disease’, by Horie et al. (doi:10.1093/brain/awaa373).
Latent Tuberculosis Infection and Subclinical Coronary Atherosclerosis in Peru and Uganda
Authors: Huaman Moises A , De Cecco Carlo N , Bittencourt Marcio S , Ticona Eduardo , Kityo Cissy , Ballena Isabel , Nalukwago Sophie , Nazzinda Rashidah , Ticona Cesar , Azañero Ruben , Zhang Bin , Farquhar Carey , Hawn Thomas R , Sterling Timothy R , Fichtenbaum Carl J , Longenecker Chris T
Published: December 2020

Background

Tuberculosis (TB) has been linked to an increased risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). We assessed whether latent TB infection (LTBI) is associated with subclinical coronary atherosclerosis in 2 TB-prevalent areas.

Methods

We analyzed cross-sectional data from studies conducted in Lima, Peru, and Kampala, Uganda. Individuals ≥40 years old were included. We excluded persons with known history of ASCVD events or active TB. Participants underwent QuantiFERON-TB (QFT) testing to define LTBI and computed tomography angiography to examine coronary atherosclerosis. A Coronary Artery Disease–Reporting Data System (CAD-RADS) score ≥3 defined obstructive CAD (plaque causing ≥50% stenosis).

Results

113 and 91 persons with and without LTBI, respectively, were included. There were no significant differences between LTBI and non-LTBI participants in terms of age (median [interquartile range]; 56 [51–62] vs 55 [49–64] years; P = .829), male sex (38% vs 42%; P = .519), or 10-year ASCVD risk scores (7.1 [3.2–11.7] vs 6.1 [2.8–1.8]; P = .533). CAD prevalence (any plaque) was similar between groups (29% vs 24%; P = .421). Obstructive CAD was present in 9% of LTBI and 3% of non-LTBI individuals (P = .095). LTBI was associated with obstructive CAD after adjusting for ASCVD risk score, HIV status, and study site (adjusted OR, 4.96; 95% CI, 1.05–23.44; P = .043). Quantitative QFT TB antigen minus Nil interferon-γ responses were associated with obstructive CAD (adjusted OR, 1.2; 95% CI, 1.03–1.41; P = .022).

Conclusions

LTBI was independently associated with an increased likelihood of subclinical obstructive CAD. Our data indicate that LTBI is a nontraditional correlate of ASCVD risk.
The Relationship Between theg-Extra Connectivity and theg-Extra Diagnosability of Networks Under the MM* Model
Authors: Yuan Jun , Liu Aixia , Wang Xi
Published: December 2020

Motivated by $g$-extra connectivity, the $g$-extra diagnosability is proposed as a better and more realistic measurement for fault diagnosis of interconnection networks, which is defined as the maximum number of faulty vertices that can be identified when each remaining component has no fewer $g+1$ vertices. Under the MM* model, a variety of interconnection networks’ $g$-extra diagnosability have been investigated, such as hypercube, folded hypercube, $(n,k)$-star network, alternating group graph, etc. These results mostly share similar derivation processes to derive the $g$-extra diagnosability of involved networks by using the $g$-extra connectivity. Therefore, a general approach to derive the $g$-extra diagnosability of a network from its $g$-extra connectivity was investigated in (Wang, S. Y. and Wang, M. (2019) The $g$-good-neighbor and $g$-extra diagnosability of networks. Theor. Comput. Sci., 773, 107–114) and (Huang, Y. Z., Lin, L. M. and Xu, L. (2020) A new proof for exact relationship between extra connectivity and extra diagnosability of regular connected graphs under MM* model. Theor. Comput. Sci., 828–829, 70–80). However, there are some shortcomings in both references. By summarizing the existing shared practices, we propose a new relationship between the $g$-extra connectivity and the $g$-extra diagnosability of networks under the MM* model. As applications, we derive the $g$-extra diagnosability of bijective connection networks and $(n,k)$-star graphs.
W(h)ither Media Events? Building a Typology for Theorizing Exceptional Events that Break with the Norm in a Complex Media Landscape
Authors: Skey Michael
Published: December 2020

This article proposes a new typology for understanding events or programs that represent exceptions to the norm in that they interrupt media schedules and/or monopolize coverage across numerous platforms and capture public attention for short periods of time. First the master category of exceptional mediated event is introduced and four main categories identified, media events, media disasters, news events and pseudo-events. Then, a primary distinction is drawn between those that interrupt mainstream programming and those that interrupt specialist news channels or are staged for publicity purposes by media producers. This typology builds on recent responses to Dayan and Katz’s (1992) classic study of Media Events but argues that rather than expanding conceptual categories, specific analytical tools—that focus on temporality, organization, scale, liveness and genre—are required to make sense of an increasingly complex, and competitive, media landscape
Myocardial rupture and systemic lupus erythematosus: a case report
Authors: Neto Ana , Torres Sofia , Pissarra Diana , Vasconcelos Gisela
Published: December 2020

Background

Systemic erythematous lupus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease associated with significant cardiovascular morbidity and mortality, even in young patients.

Case summary

A young female with recently diagnosed SLE under corticotherapy developed pulmonary oedema and respiratory failure. The diagnostic workup revealed mildly elevated cardiac troponin, significantly elevated NT-proB-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) and mild pericardial effusion without other echocardiographic abnormalities. Systemic erythematous lupus-associated myocarditis was presumed, and her clinical status improved after corticotherapy intensification. However, transthoracic echocardiogram repeated days later revealed a large pericardial effusion with findings suggestive of a contained myocardial rupture originating in the inferolateral basal left ventricular (LV) segment, which was confirmed by computed tomography scan. Cardiac catheterization exhibited normal coronary arteries. The patient was submitted to cardiac surgery and the LV pseudoaneurysm was successfully repaired.

Discussion

Myocardial rupture with LV pseudoaneurysm formation usually occurs in the setting of acute myocardial infarction, but also in other rare contexts. Cardiac rupture is associated with an extremely high mortality unless early diagnosis and urgent surgical intervention are provided.
Daughters and Divorce
Authors: Kabátek Jan , Ribar David C
Published: December 2020

Are couples with daughters more likely to divorce than couples with sons? Using Dutch registry and US survey data, we show that couples with daughters face higher risks of divorce, but only when daughters are 13- to 18-years-old. These age-specific results run counter to explanations involving overarching, time-invariant preferences for sons and sex-selection into live birth. We propose another explanation that involves relationship strains in families with teenage daughters. In subsample analyses, we find larger child-gender differences in divorce risks for parents whose attitudes towards gender-roles are likely to differ from those of their daughters and partners. We also find survey evidence of relationship strains in families with teenage daughters.
Incidence and management of acute otitis media in adults: a primary care-based cohort study
Authors: Rijk Merijn H , Hullegie Saskia , Schilder Anne G M , Kortekaas Marlous F , Damoiseaux Roger A M J , Verheij Theo J M , Venekamp Roderick P
Published: December 2020

Background

Although primarily considered a childhood disease, acute otitis media (AOM) also occurs in adults. Data on the burden of this condition in adults are, however, scarce.

Objective

To explore the primary care incidence and current management of AOM in adults.

Methods

All patients aged 15 and older included in the routine health care database of the Julius General Practitioners’ Network were followed from 2015 to 2018 (contributing to a total of 1 261 575 person-years). We extracted data on AOM episodes, AOM-related consultations, comorbidities, and antibiotic and analgesic prescriptions.

Results

Five thousand three hundred and fifty-eight patients experienced one or more AOM episodes (total number of AOM episodes: 6667; mean 1.2 per patient). The overall AOM incidence was 5.3/1000 person-years and was fairly stable over the study period. Incidence was particularly high in atopic patients (7.3/1000 person-years) and declined with age (from 7.1 in patients 15–39 years of age to 2.7/1000 person-years in those aged 64 years and older). Oral antibiotics, predominantly amoxicillin, were prescribed in 46%, and topical antibiotics in 21% of all episodes.

Conclusion

Over the past years, the incidence of AOM in adults in primary care has been stable. Oral antibiotic prescription rates resemble those in children with AOM, whereas a remarkably high topical antibiotic prescription rate was observed. Future prognostic research should inform on the need and feasibility of prospective studies into the best management strategy in this condition.
Family Caregiving and Place of Death: Insights From Cross-national Analysis of the Harmonized End-of-Life Data
Authors: Ailshire Jennifer , Osuna Margarita , Wilkens Jenny , Lee Jinkook
Published: December 2020

Objectives

Family is largely overlooked in research on factors associated with place of death among older adults. We determine if family caregiving at the end of life is associated with place of death in the United States and Europe.

Method

We use the Harmonized End of Life data sets developed by the Gateway to Global Aging Data for the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe (SHARE) and the Health and Retirement Study (HRS). We conducted multinomial logistic regression on 7,113 decedents from 18 European countries and 3,031 decedents from the United States to determine if family caregiving, defined based on assistance with activities of daily living, was associated with death at home versus at a hospital or nursing home.

Results

Family caregiving was associated with reduced odds of dying in a hospital and nursing home, relative to dying at home in both the United States and Europe. Care from a spouse/partner or child/grandchild was both more common and more strongly associated with place of death than care from other relatives. Associations between family caregiving and place of death were generally consistent across European welfare regimes.

Discussion

This cross-national examination of family caregiving indicates that family-based support is universally important in determining where older adults die. In both the United States and in Europe, most care provided during a long-term illness or disability is provided by family caregivers, and it is clear families exert tremendous influence on place of death.
Prolonged Physical Inactivity in Older Adult Couples: A Dyadic Analysis Using Actigraphy
Authors: Wu Chao-Yi , Miller Lyndsey M , Wall Rachel N , Beattie Zachary T , Silbert Lisa C , Kaye Jeffrey A
Published: December 2020

Background and Objectives

Many older adults remain inactive despite the known positive health implications of physical activity (improved mood, reduced mortality risk). Physical inactivity is an interdependent phenomenon in couples, but most research examines physical inactivity at the individual level. We estimated the average amount of prolonged physical inactivity for older adult couples and, using dyadic analysis, identified physical and mental health determinants thereof.

Research Design and Methods

Forty-six heterosexual older adult couples (age = 70.61 ± 6.56) from the Veterans Integrated Service Network 20 cohort of the Collaborative Aging Research using Technology (CART) initiative were included. The average number per day of prolonged inactive periods (no step counts or sleep activity for ≥30 min) was estimated using actigraphy data collected over a month.

Results

Multilevel modeling revealed that, within couples, there was no significant difference between partners in the average amount of inactive periods (p = .28). On average across couples, males and females had an average of 6.90 ± 2.02 and 6.56 ± 1.93 inactive periods per day, respectively. For males, older age was the only variable associated with more inactive periods (β = 0.15, p = .002). For females, having more depressive symptoms in both dyad members was associated with fewer inactive periods (female: β = −0.30, p = .03; male: β = −0.41, p < .001), and more dependence in completing their own instrumental activities of daily living predicted more inactive periods (β = 2.58, p < .001).

Discussion and Implications

Viewing couples’ activity as an interdependent phenomenon, rather than individual, provides a novel approach to identifying pathways to reduce inactivity in older adults, especially when focusing on the mental health and level of independence within the couple.
A consistent and high-quality M4+ earthquake catalogue for Turkey 2007–2016 from two independent catalogues
Authors: Rojo Limón G , Kissling E , Ouillon G , Sornette D
Published: December 2020

We describe the process of pairing M4+ earthquakes reported in the routine catalogues of two seismic networks in Turkey and present the resulting products: (i) hypocentre locations and magnitudes and (ii) minimum 1-D velocity model with station delays for the combined station network. The two networks are the Kandilli Observatory (KOERI) and the National Earthquake Department (AFAD) and the data cover the decade 2007–2016. The seismic stations of these two networks spatially overlap within Turkey, and with their average station spacing of about 60 km, they potentially detect all events of magnitude ≥4 independently. We first obtain separate AFAD and KOERI catalogues using a series of joint hypocentre inversions that allow us to detect outliers and problematic events. We establish separate minimum 1-D velocity models and station delays for each catalogue and reduce the average inversion residuals by 75 per cent compared to our first joint hypocentre inversion using the original catalogue event locations. We then pair M4+ events from AFAD (1219) and KOERI (1271) catalogues using a spatiotemporal window and test if the combined observations indeed belong to the same event. In these tests, we compare the hypocentre location residuals of the combined observations to those of the two individual events, apply epicentral distance limits between the individual and the paired events and assess qualitatively a simple probabilistic solution of the events. As a result, we get 1145 paired events. We finally obtain a minimum 1-D velocity model with delays for all seismic stations of AFAD and KOERI combined and relocate the entire set of events. These include all paired events plus M4+ earthquakes reported by AFAD or KOERI that could not be paired (500). The velocity model has a well-defined Moho at a depth of 32 km. The station delays for both networks regionally correspond very well and exhibit some correlation with the regional subsurface temperature field. The well-locatable hypocentres of the new M4+ catalogue have an epicentre uncertainty of 3 km and a depth uncertainty of 4 km. We ascribe to each paired earthquake a magnitude equal to the average of the reported magnitudes by AFAD and KOERI. The new magnitude frequency distribution is similar to those of AFAD and KOERI for M4+ events. Except for events of magnitude larger than 5.5, there is no systematic bias in the magnitudes reported by AFAD and by KOERI, and the standard deviation is 0.3.