bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The cost of dementia care in Greece: medical, social and informal care factors
Authors: Tsampalas Evangelos , Karakatsani Eleutheria , Aravantinou-Fatorou Konstantina , Zarakovitis Dimitrios , Chronopoulou Eleni , Lypiridou Maria , Gamvroula Anastasia , Dais Stylianos , Athanasios Anastasiou
Published: March 2022

Background/Aims

Dementia is a major disease worldwide, with an increasing incidence rate. This study estimated the societal cost of dementia in Greece, with the aim of helping policy makers to plan health services and evaluate their efficiency.

Methods

This study was conducted at a specialist neurological hospital in Greece with 110 patients with dementia and 110 caregivers. Local rates were used to determine the cost of services, medicines and staff salaries. Caregivers completed a survey reporting the time spent caring for the patient and any other expenses. Results were correlated with the three stages of disease severity (mild, moderate and severe) with a multivariate regression model.

Results

Informal care comprised the largest proportion of the total cost of caring for a patient with dementia. Furthermore, it was found that more severe dementia was associated with higher costs in private and public social and informal care.

Conclusions

Informal carers provide the majority of care for patients with dementia. More support from social care services is needed to cope with the predicted increase in dementia incidence in the near future.
Raising awareness of acute kidney injury and chronic kidney disease in light of COVID-19
Authors: Bridger Jane C
Published: March 2022

This paper will discuss acute kidney injury and chronic kidney disease in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, which has highlighted the need to raise awareness of these conditions in the UK. Despite the high global incidence of chronic kidney disease, there are still few prevention and early detection strategies in place, meaning that many do not know they have the condition until it has deteriorated. Acute kidney injury has been noted as a common complication of COVID-19, being present in 24–57% patients admitted to hospital after contracting the virus. There is an urgent need to consider the long-term impact of COVID-19 on kidney function and, more generally, the physical and emotional wellbeing of patients affected by both conditions, as well as the implications for NHS resources. Until the minimum infrastructure required to reduce the burden of kidney disease, with the requisite resources for prevention and management, the associated morbidity and mortality trends will continue to worsen, particularly in the wake of COVID-19. Acute kidney injury, chronic kidney disease and end-stage kidney disease must be made a health priority by national governments and international organisations alike.
Looking to the past
Authors: Alcraft Tom
Published: March 2022

Tom Alcraft explores the use of charcoal throughout history
Enhancing infection control
Authors: Scheer Kate
Published: March 2022

Kate Scheer explains how you can supplement your infection control practices
Meet the team
Authors: Elsden Jacqui
Published: March 2022

Jacqui Elsden introduces the remaining members of the British Association of Dental Nurses' executive committee
Reaching out
Authors: Rochford Diane
Published: March 2022

Diane Rochford considers how we can help our local communities
Cardiac manifestations and diagnostic imaging in pediatric inflammatory multisystem syndrome temporally associated with COVID-19: a systematic review
Authors: Octavius Gilbert Sterling , Tan Ricardo , Pratama Teodorus Alfons , Budiputri Charista Lydia , Meliani Fellisa , Heriyanto Rivaldo Steven , Muljadi Rusli , Juliansen Andry
Published: March 2022

BACKGROUND Several studies have reported pediatric inflammatory multisystem syndrome temporally associated with COVID-19 (PIMS-TS) cases with their cardiac manifestations, but only few studies synthesize the cardiovascular characteristics in children with PIMS-TS. However, detecting cardiac abnormalities is crucial in improving patients' outcomes and reducing mortality. This review aimed to summarize the overall symptoms, laboratory, and workup findings in PIMS-TS patients, focusing on cardiovascular manifestations.

METHODS We searched 4 medical databases (PubMed, Science Direct, Medline, and Scielo) and 4 preprint databases (Medrxiv, Research Square, SSRN, and Biorxiv). The literature search was done on November 8, 2021. All case reports, case series, cross-sectional studies, cohort studies, and possible clinical trials published from December 2020 onward that studied PIMS-TS on cardiac manifestation (aged 0–18 years) were included. Studies on multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children, animal studies, and studies without full-text availability were excluded. This review was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42021194468).

RESULTS 59 studies were included with a total of 698 patients. The most common cardiovascular findings were the presence of cardiogenic shock (37%) and hypotension (8.5%). Almost all laboratory values were deranged. Cardiac computed tomography scan mostly showed normal results (56%), followed by cardiomegaly with pericardial effusion (14%). Electrocardiography showed normal findings (46%), ST-segment abnormalities (32%), and abnormal T wave (12%). Echocardiography findings showed left ventricle dysfunction (40.6%), which can be considered most significant, followed by pericardial effusion together with pericarditis (11.4%) and tricuspid regurgitation (6.9%).

CONCLUSIONS This review found various cardiac abnormalities that may develop during PIMS-TS. Due to these findings, we should be more vigilant and not underestimate the consequences in pediatric COVID-19 patients.
All-optical demonstration of a scalable super-resolved magnetic vortex core
Authors: Liu Xiaofei , Yan Weichao , Nie Zhongquan , Liang Yue , Cao Ensi , Wang Yuxiao , Jiang Zehui , Song Yinglin , Zhang Xueru
Published: March 2022

We first present the all-optical realization of a scalable super-resolved magnetic vortex core (MVC) by tightly focusing two modulated counter-propagating radially polarized doughnut Gaussian beams based on the vectoial diffraction theory and the inverse Faraday effect. It is shown that by imposing spiral phase plates (SPPs) on the incident vectorial beams, single three-dimensional (3D) super-resolved (λ3/22) MVC can be achieved in the 4π focusing setup, which is radically different from that produced with a single lens focusing. Furthermore, the light-induced MVC texture turns to be richer and more complex when the radially polarized beams are tailored by the SPPs and judiciously designed multi-ring filters all together. In this case, we are able to garner not only transverse super-resolved (0.447λ) MVC needle with an uniformly extended area (40λ) in the single lens focusing system, but also the multiple uniform 3D super-resolved (λ3/24) chain-like MVC cells in the 4π focusing system, thus giving rise to the tunable and scalable super-resolved MVC extension. The related physical mechanisms to trigger such peculiar magnetization polarization topologies are unraveled as well. These resultant achievements would pave the way for the integrated transfer and storage of optomagnetic information, atomic trapping, and beyond.
Design and modeling of a graphene-based composite structure optical pressure sensor
Authors: Li Yan , Liang Shuai , Wang Zelong , Xiao Yifeng , Chang Hudong , Yang Fuling
Published: March 2022

In this paper, a novel graphene-based composite structure optical pressure sensor is designed and built with the aid of modeling. A PDMS force-sensitive structural mechanics model is established to optimize the size of the pyramid array distributed on the PDMS layer so that to support high levels of sensitivity and stability. Meanwhile, a graphene waveguide optical model is established to obtain the optimized interference length (L), arm spacing (H) and core width (W), with the objectives of advanced sensitivity, low propagation loss, high resolution. The experimental results show that the pressure sensitivity of the proposed sensor is 17.86 nm/kPa and the maximum pressure that can be detected is 3.40 kPa, which is consistent with the theoretical analysis and verifies the feasibility of the design, also the modeling methods of the graphene-based composite structure optical pressure sensor.
2 ng/√Hz-resolution optomechanical accelerometer employing a three-dimensional MEMS interferometer
Authors: Li Cheng , Yang Bo , Zheng Xiang , Guo Xin , Sun Zhenyu , Zhou Luqiang , Huang Xin
Published: March 2022

A portable and high-resolution optomechanical accelerometer employing a deformable grating-based micro-electro-mechanical system (MEMS) interferometer is presented in this Letter. The movable reflective mirror of this interferometer is realized by a low-frequency vertical sensing structure with a three-dimensional (3D)-spring construction, which, to the best of our knowledge, is first proposed and fabricated in this work. All the components of the sensor are packaged in a metal case with a compact size of 4 cm×6 cm×3.15 cm. The micrometer-scale springs permit the device to have a high mechanical sensitivity of 893.23 µm/g and a resultant self-noise below 2 n

g

/

H
z

from 2 to 7 Hz. Meanwhile, the measured voltage responsivity is as high as 15,874 V/g, demonstrating it is one of the most sensitive accelerometers reported to date.
Comprehensive mouse microbiota genome catalog reveals major difference to its human counterpart
Authors: Kieser Silas , Zdobnov Evgeny M. , Trajkovski Mirko
Published: March 2022

Mouse is the most used model for studying the impact of microbiota on its host, but the repertoire of species from the mouse gut microbiome remains largely unknown. Accordingly, the similarity between human and mouse microbiomes at a low taxonomic level is not clear. We construct a comprehensive mouse microbiota genome (CMMG) catalog by assembling all currently available mouse gut metagenomes and combining them with published reference and metagenome-assembled genomes. The 41’798 genomes cluster into 1’573 species, of which 78.1% are uncultured, and we discovered 226 new genera, seven new families, and one new order. CMMG enables an unprecedented coverage of the mouse gut microbiome exceeding 86%, increases the mapping rate over four-fold, and allows functional microbiota analyses of human and mouse linking them to the driver species. Comparing CMMG to microbiota from the unified human gastrointestinal genomes shows an overlap of 62% at the genus but only 10% at the species level, demonstrating that human and mouse gut microbiota are largely distinct. CMMG contains the most comprehensive collection of consistently functionally annotated species of the mouse and human microbiome to date, setting the ground for analysis of new and reanalysis of existing datasets at an unprecedented depth.
Long-term spatio-temporal variability and trends in rainfall and temperature extremes and their potential risk to rice production in Bangladesh
Authors: Mainuddin Mohammed , Peña-Arancibia Jorge L. , Karim Fazlul , Hasan Md. Masud , Mojid Mohammad A. , Kirby John M.
Published: March 2022

Understanding the historical and future spatio-temporal changes in climate extremes and their potential risk to rice production is crucial for achieving food security in Bangladesh. This paper presents results from a study on trend analysis for 13 climate metrics that significantly influence rice production. The analysis was conducted using the non-parametric Mann-Kendall test and the Theil-Sen slope estimator methods. The study included data from all available weather stations in Bangladesh and the assessment was done for both the wet (May to October) and dry (November to April) seasons, which cover the growing seasons of the country’s three types of rice: Aus, Aman and Boro. Results show significant decreasing trends for wet season rainfall (>12 mm/season/year in some stations) in the central and north regions. In addition, dry season rainfall is decreasing significantly in many areas, whilst dry season dry spells are increasing throughout Bangladesh. Decrease in rainfall in some of these areas are of concern because of its impacts on rainfed Aus rice and in the sowing/planting of rainfed Aman rice and irrigated dry season Boro rice. The maximum temperatures in the wet season are increasing throughout the country at 0.5°C every ten years, significantly at most of the climate stations. The analysis shows that the number of days with temperature >36°C has significantly increased in 18 stations over the last three decades, which implies a serious risk to Aman rice yield. The current maximum temperatures (both in the wet and dry seasons) are higher than the optimum temperature ranges for rice production, and this will have likely adverse effects on yield in the face of climate change with increasing temperatures. The results herein have practical implications for planning appropriate adaptation policies to ensure food security in the country.
Reproductive seasonality in the Baka Pygmies, environmental factors and climatic changes
Authors: Piqué-Fandiño Laura , Gallois Sandrine , Pavard Samuel , Ramirez Rozzi Fernando V.
Published: March 2022

Reproductive seasonality is a phenomenon common to human and animal populations and driven by, among others, climatic variables. Given the currently changing climate and its impacts on both the environment and human lives, the question arises of its potential effects on reproductive seasonality. Few studies have specifically explored the seasonality of reproduction among hunter-gatherers and anyone investigated how current climate change might affect this phenomenon. In this study we addressed reproductive seasonality in the Baka Pygmy living in African rain forests. Since reproductive seasonality can be linked to weather patterns, we explore this possibility. However, climatic variables driving weather patterns have changed over the years, so we assessed whether this has influenced the Baka reproductive pattern. Based on 34 years of written birth records and oral questionnaires from 13 years of systematic fieldwork, we observed a bimodal birth pattern with two birth peaks at 6-month intervals. Our results demonstrate that precipitation at conception or at birth potentially has effects, respectively negative and positive on the monthly number of births; and temperature has a role in controlling other variables that do affect the reproductive pattern. Changing weather patterns appear to be affecting the reproductive seasonality in the Baka, suggesting that attention needs to be given to the influence of global climate change on forager societies.
Survival of immature pre-adult Gnathostoma spinigerum in humans after treatment with albendazole
Authors: Kanjanapruthipong Tapanee , Ampawong Sumate , Thaenkham Urusa , Tuentam Khwanchanok , Watthanakulpanich Dorn
Published: March 2022

Human gnathostomiasis is a food-borne zoonotic helminthic infection widely reported in Latin America, Asia and Southeast Asia, particularly in Thailand. There are increasing reports of the parasite in countries where it is not endemic. A study of the survival drug-treated immature stage (STIM) of Gnathostoma spinigerum recovered from infected patients focused on their integument surface using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). STIM displayed a specific, characteristic head bulb, with a pair of large thick equal-sized trilobulated lips in the centre. Cephalic spines had eight transverse rows on the head bulb with single-ended tips curved posteriorly. Body cuticular spines on the anterior half of the STIM were not sharp-pointed but distributed more densely, with multi-dentated-cuticular spines, irregularly arranged in a lining pattern of velvety cuticular folds. The length of cuticular spines increased caudally. The size of spines became gradually smaller, and numbers decreased towards the posterior end. Spines were still widely dispersed posteriorly as their density dropped. The morphology of STIM of G. spinigerum are described in detail for the first time. These specimens showed structural adaptation based on changes on integument surfaces, probably to protect against damage induced by the toxic effects of albendazole.
Laboratory evaluation of the effect of compaction method and compaction work on the performance of SMA-13 mixture
Authors: Xue Jinshun , Jiang Yingjun , Zheng Yuanbiao , Xiong Shaohui
Published: March 2022

The influence of compaction methods such as the Marshall compaction method (MCM), vibration compaction method (VCM) and gyration compaction method (GCM), on the performance of stone mastic asphalt (SMA-13) mixture has yet to be explored. Therefore, to compare the influences of compaction methods and work on the physical and mechanical properties of SMA-13 mixture, the volume parameters, mechanical properties, and gradation changes of SMA-13 mixture specimens prepared under different vibration compaction times, Marshall double-compaction numbers, and gyration compaction numbers were studied. The compaction method for SMA-13 mixture design was also proposed under the principle of optimum properties. Results demonstrate that the asphalt aggregate ratio and compaction work directly affect the volumetric properties (VV, VFA, and VMA) of asphalt mixture specimens while the raw material and mineral aggregate gradation were fixed. The influence of compaction work on physical properties is greater than that of asphalt aggregate ratio. The mechanical strength of VCM and GCM specimens is higher than that of MCM specimens under the same compaction work and the optimum asphalt aggregate ratio. With the increase in compaction work, the mechanical properties of SMA-13 mixture are improved at the same compaction method and the optimum asphalt aggregate ratio. The aggregate gradation of the SMA-13 mixture before and after compacted using VCM and GCM changes minimally compared with that of the SMA-13 mixture compacted by MCM. Thus, the compaction methods of VCM65 and GCM130 were recommended for SMA-13 mixture design.
Relaxing the restricted structural dynamics in the human hepatitis B virus RNA encapsidation signal enables replication initiation in vitro
Authors: Dörnbrack Katharina , Beck Jürgen , Nassal Michael
Published: March 2022

Hepadnaviruses, including hepatitis B virus (HBV) as a major human pathogen, replicate their tiny 3 kb DNA genomes by capsid-internal protein-primed reverse transcription of a pregenomic (pg) RNA. Initiation requires productive binding of the viral polymerase, P protein, to a 5´ proximal bipartite stem-loop, the RNA encapsidation signal ε. Then a residue in the central ε bulge directs the covalent linkage of a complementary dNMP to a Tyr sidechain in P protein´s Terminal Protein (TP) domain. After elongation by two or three nucleotides (nt) the TP-linked DNA oligo is transferred to a 3´ proximal acceptor, enabling full-length minus-strand DNA synthesis. No direct structural data are available on hepadnaviral initiation complexes but their cell-free reconstitution with P protein and ε RNA (Dε) from duck HBV (DHBV) provided crucial mechanistic insights, including on a major conformational rearrangement in the apical Dε part. Analogous cell-free systems for human HBV led at most to P—ε binding but no detectable priming. Here we demonstrate that local relaxation of the highly basepaired ε upper stem, by mutation or via synthetic split RNAs, enables ε-dependent in vitro priming with full-length P protein from eukaryotic translation extract yet also, and without additional macromolecules, with truncated HBV miniP proteins expressed in bacteria. Using selective 2-hydroxyl acylation analyzed by primer extension (SHAPE) we confirm that upper stem destabilization correlates with in vitro priming competence and show that the supposed bulge-closing basepairs are largely unpaired even in wild-type ε. We define the two 3´ proximal nt of this extended bulge as main initiation sites and provide evidence for a Dε-like opening of the apical ε part upon P protein binding. Beyond new HBV-specific basic aspects our novel in vitro priming systems should facilitate the development of high-throughput screens for priming inhibitors targeting this highly virus-specific process.
A socio-historic overview of social pedagogy and social work in Mexico
Authors: Villaseñor Palma Karla , Silva Ríos Carlos Enrique , Huerta Morales Guadalupe
Published: March 2022

In this article, we offer a socio-historic overview of the development of social work and social pedagogy in Mexico. First, we examine the rise of the welfare state in Mexico in the immediate post-revolution period and the way the new secular government assumed control of social intervention. We describe the inception of the School of Social Assistance and the emergence of social work in the country, as well as exploring the role and influence of Cultural Missions and the training of social workers. We discuss the role of Fundamental Education, rural schools and their resemblance to the ideals of social pedagogy. Finally, we describe the founding of the Degree in Educational Intervention, which we consider sows the seeds of socio-pedagogical thought and practice in Mexico. We conclude that, despite the many periods of reorganisation of social intervention by successive governments, different initiatives use education to promote individual and collective development. Though social pedagogy does not exist as a profession in Mexico and social work is an imprecisely defined profession, education has a socialising potential that underpins pedagogical work of an extensive network of areas and agents animated by social ideals and goals.
Sedação Paliativa, Bioética e Terminalidade da Vida
Authors: Ana Soeiro Ana Cristina Vidigal Soeiro , Victor de Souza Vasconcelos  , Thalita da Rocha Bastos
Published: March 2022

A humanização vem ganhando ampla repercussão no campo da ética médica, apontando a importância dos Cuidados Paliativos e da sedação paliativa quando a morte se revela uma imponderável realidade. O artigo visa estimular a reflexão bioética sobre a sedação paliativa, considerando as discussões contemporâneas sobre o morrer com dignidade. Trata-se de um estudo exploratório e descritivo, com participação de médicos/as de um hospital oncológico. Os achados demonstram que a sedação paliativa auxilia o manejo da dor e do sofrimento, entretanto, é necessária a intensificação das discussões sobre o tema, incluindo maior participação de pacientes nas decisões médicas.
Asimetrías en la competencia lectora de hablantes de inglés y español en programas de doble inmersión: Un estudio cuantitativo y transversal
Authors: Capdevila-Gutierrez Maria , Moya-Guijarro A. Jesus
Published: March 2022

Los programas de inmersión dual (también conocidos como doble inmersión o TWI), que idealmente combinan a estudiantes de dos grupos lingüísticos -50% de hablantes de la lengua de destino y 50% de la lengua mayoritaria-, han demostrado ser eficaces para lograr niveles similares de alfabetización y éxito académico en ambos idiomas. También garantizan el cierre de la brecha de rendimiento entre los dos grupos. No obstante, parece que, al final del programa, no siempre se consiguen niveles similares de alfabetización para todos los estudiantes. Esta asimetría puede afectar tanto en el ámbito de la competencia bilingüe como el rendimiento académico. El presente estudio cuantitativo y transversal se llevó a cabo en un programa de inmersión dual de secundaria implementado en un distrito escolar en el sur de California. El estudio compara el rendimiento en las cuatro destrezas del idioma español, pero en especial en comprensión lectora, de dos grupos de estudiantes (hablantes de español e inglés), durante un período de cuatro años. Utilizando los resultados obtenidos en una prueba estandarizada en español (DELE Escolar), analizamos y comparamos los datos para confirmar o rechazar la hipótesis de que los resultados que reflejan la alfabetización a través de la comprensión lectora son, de media, mejores en un grupo de estudiantes que en el otro. También profundizamos en las razones de esta posible asimetría y revisamos las prácticas y políticas educativas que pueden estar causando esta deficiencia en el resultado en estos programas de enriquecimiento.
The views of the preschool children in the countryside and city zones regarding environmental pollution
Authors: BAĞÇELİ KAHRAMAN Pınar , YILMAZ Sevgi Nur , İLYAS Gülzire
Published: March 2022

The
purpose of this research is to determine the ideas of the preschool children
that live in the countryside and in the cities regarding the environmental
pollution. Within this study, in which the qualitative research model was used,
phenomenological pattern was used.  The
study was performed with 30 preschool children. The data of the research were
obtained using group interview and expression technique with pictures.
According to the results of the environmental perception is limited with the
livings and the concrete objects they encounter in daily life. However, when
the pictures they drew concerning the environment they live in were examined,
the results indicated difference.
English Teachers’ Expectations And Perceptions Of Support For English Teaching
Authors: MEHDİYEV Esmira
Published: March 2022

In
view of the current importance of, and demand for, the English language
nowadays, learning and teaching the language increases in significance.
Determining teachers’ expectations of classroom processes may have beneficial
consequences for the nature of education. This study aims to determine English
teachers’ expectations and perceptions of support for English teaching. A
qualitative research method was used, designed with descriptive modelling and a
case study approach was adopted. In order to elicit English teachers’
expectations, a semi-structured interview form was prepared from a review of
the literature and an examination of related studies in the field. The
qualitative data obtained from the interview forms were subjected to content
analysis, coded and categorised by the researchers. The categories were then
classified according to the characteristics and themes extracted. In this
study, the concepts of credibility and transferability were given preference
over those of validity and reliability. Among the findings, language
laboratories were the facilities most often featuring in English teachers’
expectations from administrations. From parents, teachers principally expected
more positive attitudes towards English language learning and greater provision
of materials to support study at home. It was also found that teachers’
expectations of cooperation and collaboration with colleagues were not met, nor
were colleagues employing the variety of teaching methods expected.
Turkish Adaptation of the 3 x 2 Goal Orientation Scale
Authors: KADIOĞLU AKBULUT Cansel , UZUNTİRYAKİ-KONDAKÇI Esen
Published: March 2022

The
purpose of this study was to translate the Goal Orientation Scale revised by
Elliot, Murayama and Pekrun (2011) based on the 3 x 2 model into Turkish and to
conduct the validity and reliability analyses. The adaptation of the scale to Turkish
was done with the pre-service teachers taking “Educational Psychology” course
at university level. A total of 198 pre-service teachers participated in the
pilot study while 311 pre-service teachers attended the main study. As a
result of pilot study, some revisions were made in the sentence structure of
the items considering the expert opinions. As a result of the main study, it
was found that the scale consisted of 18 items and six sub-dimensions
(task-approach, task-avoidance, self-approach, self-avoidance, other-approach,
other-avoidance) consistent with the original study. In
addition, Cronbach’s alpha reliability coefficients were satisfactory for each
sub-dimension. As a result of this study, the scores obtained by using 3 x 2 Goal
Orientation Scale were found to be valid and reliable. Accordingly, separating the
mastery goals in the 2 x 2 model as "task" and "self" goals
in the 3 x 2 model was found to be appropriate for Turkish sample.
Students’ experiences in learning and using Prezi in higher education
Authors: USTUN Ahmet Berk
Published: March 2022

This paper documented the findings of an exploratory,
qualitative case study and investigated students’ opinions about learning Prezi
and their first experiences in using Prezi in Higher Education. A total of 13
students who were determined as eligible participants through a purposeful
selection method were recruited. They responded to 10 interview questions that
were analyzed by two researchers using content analysis. The results
demonstrate that students’ experiences in acquiring practical knowledge of
Prezi and creating Prezi presentations resulted in the identification of four
major themes including usability, usefulness, organization and drawback. The
eleven sub-themes emerged from these major themes include the following
easiness, difficulty, future use, collaboration, mobility, attractiveness,
zoomable user Interface & infinite canvas, effectiveness & efficiency,
customization, cost and language. This study shows that although the price and
limited language options of Prezi are the drawbacks, the innovative features of
Prezi convert presentations from boring and linear fashion into stimulating,
impressive and effective fashion. The learning and using process of Prezi are
straightforward for even students who have just used traditional presentation
tools such as PowerPoint.
The Relationship Between School Principals’ Paternalistic Leadership Behavior and the Level of Classroom Teachers’ Organizational Ostracism
Authors: AKGÜN Nuri , ÖZDEMİR Tuncay , YILDIZ Kaya , CERİT Yusuf , YILMAZ Ömer
Published: March 2022

The purpose of the present study was to explore the relationship between paternalistic leadership and the level of classroom teachers ostracism. The participants for this study consisted of 101 classroom teachers at primary schools located in Bartın. Data in this study were collected by using paternalistic leadership scale developed by Aycan, Schyns, Sun, Felfe & Saher (2013), and the level of classroom teachers’ ostracism were assessed with using the the Workplace Ostracism Scale developed by Ferris et al. (2008) and was adapted in Turkish Language by Çelik ve Koşar (2015). Mean, standard deviation, correlation and regression test were used in analysis of data. The correlation analysis shows that paternalistic leadership has significantly negatively correlation with the level of teachers’ ostracism. The results of regression analysis indicated that paternalistic leadership was a significant predictor for teachers’ ostracism.
Comparative Study on the Various Hydrolysis and Fermentation Methods of Chlorella vulgaris Biomass for the Production of Bioethanol
Authors: Megawati Megawati , Bahlawan Zuhriyan Ash Shiddieqy , Damayanti Astrilia , Putri Radenrara Dewi Artanti , Triwibowo Bayu , Prasetiawan Haniif
Published: March 2022

One of the microalgae that can be potentially used to produce bioethanol is Chlorella vulgaris, as it is rich in carbohydrates. However, the carbohydrates in C. vulgaris cannot be converted directly into ethanol. This study aimed to investigate the chemical and enzymatic hydrolysis of C. vulgaris, which is subsequently followed by fermentation. The catalysts used in the chemical hydrolysis were hydrochloric acid, sodium hydroxide, and potassium hydroxide, while the enzymes used were the mixture of alpha-amylase + glucoamylase, alpha-amylase + cellulase, and alpha-amylase + glucoamylase + cellulase. The hydrolysate obtained from chemical hydrolysis was fermented through Separate Hydrolysis Fermentation (SHF), while the one from enzymatic hydrolysis was fermented through Simultaneous Saccharification and Fermentation (SSF), in which both processes used S. cerevisiae. After undergoing five hours of enzymatic hydrolysis (using alpha-amylase + glucoamylase), the maximum glucose concentration obtained was 9.24 ± 0.240 g/L or yield of 81.39%.  At the same time and conditions of the substrate on chemical hydrolysis, glucose concentration was obtained up to 9.23 + 0.218 g/L with a yield of 73.39% using 1 M hydrochloric acid. These results indicate that chemical hydrolysis is less effective compared to enzymatic hydrolysis. Furthermore, after 48 hours of fermentation, the ethanol produced from SHF and SSF fermentation methods were 4.42 and 4.67 g/L, respectively, implying that producing bioethanol using the SSF is more effective than the SHF method.
African’s Information and Communications Technology (ICT), Innovations and Economic Growth- Towards region integration: Empirical Evidence of Dynamic GMM Panel Data Approach.
Authors: Khater Ahmed Mohammed
Published: March 2022

Current literature on economic growth and development uniformly affirms the consensus that Information and Communication Technology ICTs (here defined as the composite index using 11 indicators as developed by (ITU)) is indispensable for economic growth and enhancing a wide range of development indices. It is common knowledge today that Information and Communication Technology (ICT) -whether embodied in human skills, capital goods, practices and organizations—are the key drivers of economic growth and sustainable development of nations and regions. The integration, growth and competitiveness of the economies of the East African Community (EAC) depend on Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and innovation.

This paper examines the impact of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) use on economic growth using the Generalized Method of Moments (GMM) estimator within the framework of a dynamic panel data approach and applies it to five East Africa community Countries (EAC) countries over the period 2000 to 2018.The results indicate that there is a positive relationship between real GDP Growth  and ICT Development index (as a composite index measured by the number of indicators which are, ICT readiness reflecting the level of network infrastructure and access to ICTs, ICT intensity reflecting the level of use of ICT in the society and ICT (skills) impact reflecting the result/outcome of efficient and effective ICT user). This implies that if these countries seek to enhance their economic growth, they need to implement specific policies that facilitate ICT development.

The ﬁve Partner countries of the EAC should make closer cooperation strategies, systematic and signiﬁcant regional integration arrangements in the generate and application of new knowledge and technological innovations, their ambitions to grow their economies, achieve Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) targets, deepen economic and political integration and attain sustainable development.
The influence of a Pandemic on Decision Making
Authors: Jarrett Jeffrey
Published: March 2022

A Discussion of Capital budgeting models will be discussed in this manuscript to bring forth the notion that present value of cash flows is often improperly estimated. Financial models utilized in the decision analytic process. In particular, intellectual property rights and other intangible assets often are often not considered in accounting estimation processes utilized in financial accounting (Jarrett, 2021).  A decision maker often utilizes misestimates of the present value of cash flow resulting in less-than-optimum capital budgeting decisions. Decisions to abandon for salvage, sale and other disposal methods improve when the present value of intangibles and property rights are included in the decision process. In particular, this last statement improves the estimation process in financial accounting, finance and abandonment and decision theoretic decisions in capital budgeting which are well-founded results in abandonment of property in both intellectual f this study as well as to present well-founded processes to improve abandonment in capital budgeting decisions involving cost estimation, matching of costs and revenues and equivalent problems in the recognition revenues with costs in financial decision processes.
Discussion of foundation of mathematics and quantum theory
Authors: Lev Felix M.
Published: March 2022

Following the results of our recently published book [F. Lev, Finite Mathematics as the Foundation of Classical Mathematics and Quantum Theory. With Applications to Gravity and Particle Theory, Springer, 2020, ISBN 978-3-030-61101-9], we discuss different aspects of classical and finite mathematics and explain why finite mathematics based on a finite ring of characteristic

p

p

is more general (fundamental) than classical mathematics: the former does not have foundational problems, and the latter is a special degenerate case of the former in the formal limit

p
→
∞

p\to \infty

. In particular, quantum theory based on a finite ring of characteristic

p

p

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.
Microstructure and fatigue performance of Cu-based M7C3-reinforced composites
Authors: Yilmaz S. Osman , Teker Tanju , Karabeyoğlu S. Süreyya
Published: March 2022

Cu\Fe–Cr–C metal matrix composites (MMCs) were produced with a reinforcer addition of 6, 9, 12, 15, and 18 wt% Fe–Cr–C by powder metallurgy. The effects of sintering temperatures on Cu-based Fe–Cr–C-reinforced composites were studied using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and hardness test. The electrical conductivity and tensile and fatigue strengths of samples were investigated by the conductivity meter and the tensile and fatigue testing machine. The interface microstructure between Fe–Cr–C and Cu particulates at 1000 °C showed a significant difference. The increase in tensile strength, hardness, and fatigue life gave a proportional change with an increase in Fe–Cr–C particulate vol%. The precipitated carbides and intermetallic compositions reduced electrical resistivity depending on the sintering temperature.
Improvement of the structural, thermal, and mechanical properties of polyurethane adhesives with nanoparticles and their application to Al/Al honeycomb sandwich panels
Authors: Çetin Mehmet Emin
Published: March 2022

Understanding the relationship between core/face adhesive interface and performance of MWCNT added nanoadhesives are essential for better designing and fabrication of aluminum honeycomb sandwich panels. In this study, we used multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) to prepare enhanced interfacial adhesion between honeycomb core and aluminum facesheet. MWCNTs are first introduced to isocyanate, and then MWCNTs/isocyanate blend poured into polyol to produce MWCNTs reinforced polyurethane (PU) nanoadhesives. The relationship between core/face adhesive interface and performance of MWCNT added nanoadhesives are investigated in detail in terms of thermogravimetric analyses (TGA), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), Raman spectroscopy, edge-wise compression tests, flat-wise tensile tests and three-point bending tests The experimental results showed that the MWCNT addition to PU adhesive led to enhanced thermal stability, flat-wise tensile strength and edge-wise compression strength for sandwich structures. This study gives a significant reference indicator on the fabrication of an improved core/face interface for obtaining sandwich panels with desired mechanical properties.
Fatigue behavior of bolted boreholes under various preloads
Authors: Szlosarek Robert , Kröger Matthias
Published: March 2022

Bolted joints are one of the most used joining technologies in engineering. It is possible to join different kind of materials and to transmit heavy loads. Nevertheless, they are vulnerable to fatigue cracks. The present research investigates the dependency between the preload of the bolt and the initiation of a fatigue crack in the bolted sheet. Therefore, a representative bolt connection with a bolt of size M22 was selected in combination with a 5 mm thick sheet made of steel S355MC (1.0976). The bolted sheet was loaded by a fluctuating tension load and a load ratio of 0.1. The test results show a strong correlation of the preload and the number of load cycles to crack for preloads from 0 kN to 30 kN. The load cycles to crack are increased by about factor 20 by using a preload in contrast to the sheet without any preload. For higher preloads, the load cycles to crack does not change considerably. However, the crack initiation location changes by increasing the preload. For small preloads, the crack starts at the bolt hole, and for high preloads, the crack starts at the fretting zone.
Mechanical properties of wire arc additive manufactured carbon steel cylindrical component made by cold metal transferred arc welding process
Authors: Bellamkonda Prasanna Nagasai , Sudersanan Malarvizhi , Visvalingam Balasubramanian
Published: March 2022

Wire arc additive manufacturing (WAAM) offers high-quality technology for producing large complex geometry structures in close proximity to near-net form, using cost-effective manufacturing resources, such as welding and wiring materials. In this study, the cold-metal-transfer-based WAAM system was utilized to manufacture the steel cylindrical component. The mechanical properties and microstructure analysis of the component were analyzed at two regions (bottom and top region) along the building direction. The results showed that the microstructure of the part differed from the bottom to the top region, resulting in a hardness difference between 169 and 181 (Hv0.5), and impact toughness varied from 72 to 80 J. There were also anisotropic features in the tensile properties: the yield strength and the ultimate tensile strength ranging from 401 to 457 MPa and between 492 and 543 MPa, respectively.
Analysis of the Bell-Making Process from the Middle Ages to Recent Times
Authors: Audy K. , Audy J.
Published: March 2022

This paper is focused on the evaluation and characterization of bells from the designing, forming and casting point of view. The principles and procedures associated with the production and fabrication of bells from the Middle Ages to the recent time were assessed and classified. A principal intention of this study was to identify features that relate to the quality of bells made in different centuries. Our information was derived from experimental investigations conducted on bells from various parts of the world, especially Europe and Australasia, as well as from historical documentation. The major focus was on a number of interrelated aspects, namely, bell design and sound development, forming process, and alloy type – composition, constitution and properties. In addition, metallographic examination and chemical analysis of selected specimens taken from various bells cast from the 15th to the 20th century was carried out in order to understand certain characteristics of, and relating to, the manufacturing process routes associated with the bells investigated, as influenced by alloy type, composition and desired microstructure. A set of representative unpublished photographs was presented to document the typical sequence of individual operations used in the production of bells cast during the 1920s in a European foundry. Moreover, examples from microstructures of bells cast in different countries and eras were presented to show the effect of cooling rate on the bell-material, grain shape and size caused by different properties of the forming mixtures used to prepare the bell mould. Finally, the influence of various elements in bell material compositions was appraised in the overall content of bell design.
Gefüge hybrider Verbundstrangpressprofile auf Aluminiumbasis
Authors: André Weidenmann Kay , Matthias Klaska Arne , Kerscher Eberhard , Löhe Detlef
Published: March 2022

Kurzfassung

Vor dem Hintergrund der nachgewiesenen Verbesserungsmöglichkeiten der mechanischen Eigenschaften von Strangpressprofilen durch das Verbundstrangpressen metallischer Matrixmaterialien mit metallischen Verstärkungselementen stellt sich die Frage nach dem Potential des hybriden Verbundstrangpressens unter Verwendung von metallischen und nichtmetallischen Komponenten. In der vorliegenden Arbeit wurden hybride Strangpressprofile basierend auf der Aluminiumlegierung EN AW-6060, die mit einem Verbunddraht aus 60 Vol.-% Nextel Aluminiumoxidfasern und 40 Vol.-% EN AW-1099 verstärkt wurde, sowie basierend auf dem Verbundwerkstoff EN AW-6061 verstärkt mit 15 Vol.-% Al2​O3-Partikeln, der mit einem Federstahldraht verstärkt wurde, hergestellt und metallographisch charakterisiert. Mittels einer eigens angefertigten Strangpressvorrichtung, die auf einer Universalprüfmaschine betrieben wurde, konnten 20 mm lange Prüfkörper bei Presstemperaturen von 450 °C hergestellt werden. Die anschließende Charakterisierung in Licht- und Rasterelektronenmikroskop zeigte eine spaltfreie Einbettung der Drähte in die Matrixwerkstoffe, was auf eine gute Draht/Matrix-Bindung hindeutet. Dabei ist zu vermuten, dass das hybride Strangpressen eine deutliche Verbesserung der mechanischen Eigenschaften verglichen mit nicht-hybriden Profilen ermöglicht. Während des Pressprozesses trat kein Abreißen der Drahtverstärkungen auf. Wie auch schon beim Verbundstrangpressen metallischer Komponenten sind auch bei der Herstellung hybrider Strangpressprofile gerade bei der Verwendung von Verbundmatrices sehr große Presskräfte nötig. Darüber hinaus ist bei der Verwendung verstärkter Matrices mit hohem Werkzeugverschleiß zu rechnen.
Unique supramolecular assembly of a synthetic achiral α, γ-hybrid tripeptide
Authors: Dutta Arpita , Das Suven , Das Purak , Maity Suvendu , Ghosh Prasanta , Biswas Soumya Shankha
Published: March 2022

An achiral tripeptide, namely, Boc-γ-Abu-m-ABA-Aib-OMe (γ-Abu: γ−amino butyric acid; m-ABA: meta-aminobenzoic acid) was synthesized by solution phase procedure. The α, γ-hybrid peptide was designed in such a way that two dissimilar γ−amino acids, one flexible and another rigid, were positioned sidewise along with α-amino isobutyric acid (Aib) as C-terminal residue. The single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis revealed that two kinks were generated around centrally placed m-ABA. Interestingly, the peptide self-assembled via three intermolecular N–H···O and one intermolecular C–H···O hydrogen bonding interactions to supramlecular helical architecture.
Effizientes Personalmanagement
Authors: Neubig Nadja
Published: March 2022

Innovation, Kompetenz, Effizienz, Verantwortungsbewusstsein – alle diese Begriffe treffen sowohl für die Produkte der Maschinenfabrik Bernard Krone GmbH als auch für die Fertigung in Spelle zu. Besonders bei den Prestigeprodukten Big X und Big M zeigt sich die Innovationskraft des Unternehmens. Um mit dem ernst zu nehmenden und auf Leistung ausgerichteten Wettbewerb mithalten zu können, setzt Krone in der eigenen Produktion unter anderem auf das Personalmanagement des Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES) HYDRA von MPDV.
Factors associated with response to simple behavioral intervention in primary enuresis nocturna
Authors: Aral Armagan , Usta Mirac Baris , Erguner Aral Ayse
Published: March 2022

This 8-week longitudinal study examined predictors of response to simple behavioral intervention in primary enuresis nocturna (PEN). A total of 154 children, aged 8–18 years, diagnosed with PEN were evaluated. The results indicated that lack of constipation, milder enuresis severity, and higher bladder capacity are the primary predictors of good treatment response, and lower family dysfunction is the most robust familial predictor. Lack of constipation is the main predictor with unique variance in multiple regression. Specialists should be aware of conditions that hinder the success of simple behavioral intervention before implementing costly treatments. In treatment-refractory cases, it is important to examine each child for constipation. Family-centered approaches can be helpful if used in parallel with behavioral treatments.