bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cardiovascular disease subtypes, physical disability and workforce participation: A cross-sectional study of 163,562 middle-aged Australians
Authors: Bin Sayeed Muhammad Shahdaat , Joshy Grace , Paige Ellie , Banks Emily , Korda Rosemary
Published: April 2021

Background

Workforce participation is reduced among people with cardiovascular disease (CVD). However, detailed quantitative evidence on this is limited. We examined the relationship of CVD to workforce participation in older working-age people, by CVD subtype, within population subgroups and considering the role of physical disability.

Methods

Questionnaire data (2006–2009) for participants aged 45–64 years (n = 163,562) from the population-based 45 and Up Study (n = 267,153) were linked to hospitalisation data through the Centre for Health Record Linkage. Prior CVD was from self-report or hospitalisation. Modified Poisson regression estimated adjusted prevalence ratios (PRs) for non-participation in the workforce in people with versus without CVD, adjusting for sociodemographic factors.

Results

There were 19,161 participants with CVD and 144,401 without. Compared to people without CVD, workforce non-participation was greater for those with CVD (40.0% vs 23.5%, PR = 1.36, 95%CI = 1.33–1.39). The outcome varied by CVD subtype: myocardial infarction (PR = 1.46, 95%CI = 1.36–1.55); cerebrovascular disease (PR = 1.92, 95%CI = 1.80–2.06); heart failure (PR = 1.83, 95%CI = 1.68–1.98) and peripheral vascular disease (PR = 1.76, 95%CI = 1.65–1.88). Workforce non-participation in those with CVD versus those without was at least 21% higher in all population subgroups examined, with PRs ranging from 1.75 (95%CI = 1.65–1.85) in people aged 50–55 years to 1.21 (95%CI = 1.19–1.24) among those aged 60–64. Compared to people with neither CVD nor physical functioning limitations, those with physical functional limitations were around three times as likely to be out of the workforce regardless of CVD diagnosis; participants with CVD but without physical functional limitations were 13% more likely to be out of the workforce (PR = 1.13, 95%CI = 1.07–1.20).

Conclusions

While many people with CVD participate in the workforce, participation is substantially lower, especially for people with cerebrovascular disease, than for people without CVD, highlighting priority areas for research and support, particularly for people experiencing physical functioning limitations.
The effects of maturity matched and un-matched opposition on physical performance and spatial exploration behavior during youth basketball matches
Authors: Arede Jorge , Cumming Sean , Johnson David , Leite Nuno
Published: April 2021

The aim of this study was analyze the effect of playing against biological matched and un-matched opposition, on physical performance and spatial exploration behavior of youth basketball players. Thirty under-14 to 16 basketball players were assigned to different teams according to maturity status (Pre-, Mid-, and Post-Peak Height Velocity [PHV]), and participated in basketball matches against matched (same maturity status), and un-matched (different maturity status) opposition. Maturity status was estimated considering the percentage of predicted adult height. Workload data was collected via inertial devices (IMUs) and Ultra-Wide Band (UWB)-based system. Heart rate was recorded with individual HR monitors. The Pre-PHV performed significantly more accelerations and decelerations and explored more space against matched opposition. Against un-matched opposition, the Pre-PHV presented higher average speed, body impacts, and Player Load. Both Mid- and Post-PHV covered more distance against matched opposition than against Pre-PHV. Games against Pre-PHV involved lower distance covered, average speed, Player Load, and higher accelerations and decelerations, than against Mid- and Post-PHV. The Pre-PHV athletes performed a higher number of accelerations and decelerations comparing to the Mid and Post-PHV players. Also, a significant interaction effect (group x time) was found in distance covered, average speed, body impacts, and Player Load. The type of opposition influenced physical performance and spatial exploration behavior during basketball matches, particularly of less-mature players. Based on present findings, practitioners can select the most suitable game format, considering the physical, technical, tactical, and psychological development needs, individualizing training stimulus.
Clopidogrel response predicts thromboembolic events associated with coil embolization of unruptured intracranial aneurysms: A prospective cohort study
Authors: Higashi Eiji , Matsumoto Shoji , Nakahara Ichiro , Hatano Taketo , Ishii Akira , Sadamasa Nobutake , Ohta Tsuyoshi , Ishihara Takuma , Tokunaga Keisuke , Ando Mitsushige , Chihara Hideo , Furuta Konosuke , Hashimoto Tetsuya , Tanaka Koji , Sonoda Kazutaka , Koge Junpei , Takita Wataru , Hashikawa Takuro , Funakoshi Yusuke , Kondo Daisuke , Kamata Takahiko , Tsujimoto Atsushi , Matsushita Takuya , Murai Hiroyuki , Matsuo Keitaro , Kitazono Takanari , Kira Junichi
Published: April 2021

Objective

Periprocedural thromboembolic events are a serious complication associated with coil embolization of unruptured intracranial aneurysms. However, no established clinical rule for predicting thromboembolic events exists. This study aimed to clarify the significance of adding preoperative clopidogrel response value to clinical factors when predicting the occurrence of thromboembolic events during/after coil embolization and to develop a nomogram for thromboembolic event prediction.

Methods

In this prospective, single-center, cohort study, we included 345 patients undergoing elective coil embolization for unruptured intracranial aneurysm. Thromboembolic event was defined as the occurrence of intra-procedural thrombus formation and postprocedural symptomatic cerebral infarction within 7 days. We evaluated preoperative clopidogrel response and patients’ clinical information. We developed a patient-clinical-information model for thromboembolic event using multivariate analysis and compared its efficiency with that of patient-clinical-information plus preoperative clopidogrel response model. The predictive performances of the two models were assessed using area under the receiver-operating characteristic curve (AUC-ROC) with bootstrap method and compared using net reclassification improvement (NRI) and integrated discrimination improvement (IDI).

Results

Twenty-eight patients experienced thromboembolic events. The clinical model included age, aneurysm location, aneurysm dome and neck size, and treatment technique. AUC-ROC for the clinical model improved from 0.707 to 0.779 after adding the clopidogrel response value. Significant intergroup differences were noted in NRI (0.617, 95% CI: 0.247–0.987, p < .001) and IDI (0.068, 95% CI: 0.021–0.116, p = .005).

Conclusions

Evaluation of preoperative clopidogrel response in addition to clinical variables improves the prediction accuracy of thromboembolic event occurrence during/after coil embolization of unruptured intracranial aneurysm.
Perceiving threat in others: The role of body morphology
Authors: McElvaney Terence J. , Osman Magda , Mareschal Isabelle
Published: April 2021

People make judgments of others based on appearance, and these inferences can affect social interactions. Although the importance of facial appearance in these judgments is well established, the impact of the body morphology remains unclear. Specifically, it is unknown whether experimentally varied body morphology has an impact on perception of threat in others. In two preregistered experiments (N = 250), participants made judgments of perceived threat of body stimuli of varying morphology, both in the absence (Experiment 1) and presence (Experiment 2) of facial information. Bodies were perceived as more threatening as they increased in mass with added musculature and portliness, and less threatening as they increased in emaciation. The impact of musculature endured even in the presence of faces, although faces contributed more to the overall threat judgment. The relative contributions of the faces and bodies seemed to be driven by discordance, such that threatening faces exerted the most influence when paired with non-threatening bodies, and vice versa. This suggests that the faces and bodies were not perceived as entirely independent and separate components. Overall, these findings suggest that body morphology plays an important role in perceived threat and may bias real-world judgments.
Preventive effects of nitrate-rich beetroot juice supplementation on monocrotaline-induced pulmonary hypertension in rats
Authors: Tawa Masashi , Nagata Rikako , Sumi Yuiko , Nakagawa Keisuke , Sawano Tatsuya , Ohkita Mamoru , Matsumura Yasuo
Published: April 2021

Beetroot (Beta vulgaris L.) has a high level of nitrate; therefore, its dietary intake could increase nitric oxide (NO) level in the body, possibly preventing the development of pulmonary hypertension (PH). In this study, we examined the effects of beetroot juice (BJ) supplementation on PH and the contribution of nitrate to such effects using a rat model of monocrotaline (MCT, 60 mg/kg s.c.)-induced PH. Rats were injected subcutaneously with saline or 60 mg/kg MCT and were sacrificed 28 days after the injection. In some rats injected with MCT, BJ was supplemented from the day of MCT injection to the day of sacrifice. First, MCT-induced right ventricular systolic pressure elevation, pulmonary arterial medial thickening and muscularization, and right ventricular hypertrophy were suppressed by supplementation with low-dose BJ (nitrate: 1.3 mmol/L) but not high-dose BJ (nitrate: 4.3 mmol/L). Of the plasma nitrite, nitrate, and their sum (NOx) levels, only the nitrate levels were found to be increased by the high-dose BJ supplementation. Second, in order to clarify the possible involvement of nitrate in the preventive effects of BJ on PH symptoms, the effects of nitrate-rich BJ (nitrate: 0.9 mmol/L) supplementation were compared with those of the nitrate-depleted BJ. While the former exerted preventive effects on PH symptoms, such effects were not observed in rats supplemented with nitrate-depleted BJ. Neither supplementation with nitrate-rich nor nitrate-depleted BJ affected plasma nitrite, nitrate, and NOx levels. These findings suggest that a suitable amount of BJ ingestion, which does not affect systemic NO levels, can prevent the development of PH in a nitrate-dependent manner. Therefore, BJ could be highly useful as a therapy in patients with PH.
Low vs standardized dose anticoagulation regimens for extracorporeal membrane oxygenation: A meta-analysis
Authors: Lv Xiaochai , Deng Manjun , Wang Lei , Dong Yi , Chen Liangwan , Dai Xiaofu
Published: April 2021

Background

To compare the safety and efficacy of low-dose anticoagulation (LA) with that of standardized dose anticoagulation (SA) for patients supported with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO).

Methods

PubMed, MEDLINE, the Cochrane Library, and Web of Science were screened for original articles. Screening was performed using predefined search terms to identify cohort studies reporting the comparison of LA with SA in patients supported with ECMO from Nov 1990 to Jun 2020. The effect size was determined by the odds ratio (OR) with the 95% confidence interval (CI).

Results

An analysis of 7 studies including a total of 553 patients was performed. LA (Low-heparin group) was administered to 255 patients, whereas the other 298 patients received SA (Full-heparin group). The incidence of gastrointestinal tract hemorrhage (OR 0.36, 95% CI 0.20–0.64) and surgical site hemorrhage (OR 0.43, 95% CI 0.20–0.94) were significantly lower in patients who underwent LA compared with that in those who underwent SA. The rates of hospital mortality (OR 0.81, 95% CI 0.42–1.56), successfully weaning off of ECMO (OR 0.80, 95% CI 0.30–2.14), pulmonary embolism (OR 0.79, 95% CI 0.24–2.65), intracardiac thrombus (OR 0.34, 95% CI 0.09–1.30), intracranial hemorrhage (OR 0.62, 95% CI 0.22–1.74), and pulmonary hemorrhage (OR 0.77, 95% CI 0.30–1.93) were similar between the two groups.

Conclusions

This meta-analysis confirms that LA is a feasible and safe anticoagulation strategy in patients supported by ECMO. Future studies should focus on the long-term benefits of LA compared with SA.
Vaginal metabolic profiles during pregnancy: Changes between first and second trimester
Authors: Laghi Luca , Zagonari Sara , Patuelli Giulia , Zhu Chenglin , Foschi Claudio , Morselli Sara , Pedna Maria Federica , Sambri Vittorio , Marangoni Antonella
Published: April 2021

During pregnancy, the vaginal microbiome plays an important role in both maternal and neonatal health outcomes. Throughout pregnancy, the vaginal microbial composition undergoes significant changes, including a decrease in overall diversity and enrichment with Lactobacillus spp. In turn, the modifications in the microbial profiles are associated with shifts in the composition of vaginal metabolites. In this study, we characterized the vaginal metabolic profiles throughout pregnancy at two different gestational ages, correlating them with a microscopic evaluation of the vaginal bacterial composition. A total of 67 Caucasian pregnant women presenting to the Family Advisory Health Centres of Ravenna (Italy) were enrolled and a vaginal swab was collected at gestational ages 9–13 weeks (first trimester) and 20–24 weeks (second trimester). The composition of the vaginal microbiome was assessed by Nugent score and women were divided in ‘H’ (normal lactobacilli-dominated microbiota), ‘I’ (intermediate microbiota), and ‘BV’ (bacterial vaginosis) groups. Starting from the cell-free supernatants of the vaginal swabs, a metabolomic analysis was performed by means of a 1H-NMR spectroscopy. From the first to the second trimester, a greater number of women showed a normal lactobacilli-dominated microbiota, with a reduction of cases of dysbiosis. These microbial shifts were associated with profound changes in the vaginal metabolic profiles. Over the weeks, a significant reduction in the levels of BV-associated metabolites (e.g. acetate, propionate, tyramine, methylamine, putrescine) was observed. At the same time, the vaginal metabolome was characterized by higher concentrations of lactate and of several amino acids (e.g. tryptophan, threonine, isoleucine, leucine), typically found in healthy vaginal conditions. Over time, the vaginal metabolome became less diverse and more homogeneous: in the second trimester, women with BV showed metabolic profiles more similar to the healthy/intermediate groups, compared to the first trimester. Our data could help unravel the role of vaginal metabolites in the pathophysiology of pregnancy.
Measuring depression in adolescence: Evaluation of a hierarchical factor model of the Children’s Depression Inventory and measurement invariance across boys and girls
Authors: Jelínek Martin , Květon Petr , Burešová Iva , Klimusová Helena
Published: April 2021

Background

One of the most widely used instruments to measure depression in childhood and adolescence is Kovacs’s Children’s Depression Inventory (CDI). Even though this particular measure sparked massive interest among researchers, there is no clear consensus about its factorial structure. It has been suggested that inconsistencies in findings can be partly ascribed to the cultural context. The aim of this study was a) to examine and verify the factor structure of CDI in the Czech population and b) to assess gender-related psychometric differences using the mean and covariance structure (MACS) approach and differential item functioning (DIF) analysis.

Methods

The research sample consisted of 1,515 adolescents (ages 12 to 16 years, 53.7% female) from a non-clinical general population. Based on exploratory factor analysis (EFA) on a random subsample (N = 500), we proposed a model that was subsequently tested on the rest of the sample (N = 1,015) using confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). Following the MACS procedure, we assessed measurement invariance in boys and girls. The between-group comparison was further supplemented by a DIF analysis.

Results

The proposed hierarchical four-factor model (General Symptoms, Negative Self-Concept, Inefficiency, and Social Anhedonia) with a second-order factor of depression fitted the data reasonably well (χ2= 1281.355; df = 320; RMSEA = 0.054, CFI = 0.925). Regarding gender differences, we found no substantial signs of measurement invariance using the MACS approach. Boys and girls differed in first-order latent means (girls scored higher on General Symptoms with a standardized mean difference of 0.52 and on Negative Self-Concept with a standardized mean difference of 0.31). DIF analysis identified three items with differential functioning. However, the levels of differential functioning were only marginal (in two items) or marginal/moderate and the presence of DIF does not substantially influence scoring of CDI.

Conclusion

In the general adolescent population in the Czech Republic, the CDI can be considered a reliable instrument for screening purposes in clinical settings and for use in research practice. Instead of the originally proposed five-factor model, we recommend using the newly established four-factor structure. The measure seems to show only marginal psychometric differences with respect to gender, and overall measurement invariance in boys and girls seems to be a tenable assumption.
Institutional investors and cost of capital: The moderating effect of ownership structure
Authors: Huo Xiaoping , Lin Hongying , Meng Yanan , Woods Peter
Published: April 2021

Guiding institutional investors to actively participate in corporate governance is a hot issue to improve the internal governance of China’s listed companies. This study seeks to provide a comprehensive understanding of the mechanism that underlies the governance effects of the heterogeneity of institutional investors on the cost of capital, and the influence of ownership structure on the relationship between them. Using an unbalanced panel data on A-share listed companies of Shanghai and Shenzhen in China’s capital market during the 2014–2019 period, this study reveals how institutional investors with longer holding period and higher shareholding ratio are negatively associated with the cost of capital in China’s capital market. Furthermore, this study successfully confirms the moderating effect of ownership structure in the relationship between institutional investors and the cost of capital. China’s state-owned enterprises are more likely to introduce improvements at the corporate governance level, and ownership concentration weakens the negative influence of institutional investors on the cost of capital. The research contributes to a deeper understanding of the impacts of institutional investor’s heterogeneity and ownership structure on the cost of capital in China. In the process, the study yields useful implications for the theory and practice of corporate governance.
A ‘Belo Monte’ do Jornal Nacional: entre visibilidades e silenciamentos
Authors: Vicentini Juliana De Oliveira , Hintze Helio
Published: April 2021

A mídia legitima exclusões e desigualdades na sociedade. A partir de um especial veiculado pelo Jornal Nacional sobre a usina hidrelétrica de Belo Monte, propomos uma reflexão sobre ele enquanto produtor de linhas abissais. O objetivo é desenvolver uma crítica social a respeito da legitimação e/ou de ocultação de determinadas fontes de notícia por aquele enunciador. O telejornal reforça visibilidades e silenciamentos historicamente enraizados, comprometendo o debate democrático sobre Belo Monte.
Modelling tree height-diameter allometry of Chinese fir in relation to stand and climate variables through Bayesian model averaging approach
Authors: Lu Lele , Chhin Sophan , Zhang Xiongqing , Zhang Jianguo
Published: April 2021

Tree height-diameter allometry reflects the response of specific species to above and belowground resource allocation patterns. However, traditional methods (e.g. stepwise regression (SR)) may ignore model uncertainty during the variable selection process. In this study, 450 trees of Chinese fir ( (Lamb.) Hook.) grown at five spacings were used. We explored the height-diameter allometry in relation to stand and climate variables through Bayesian model averaging (BMA) and identifying the contributions of these variables to the allometry, as well as comparing with the SR method. Results showed the SR model was equal to the model with the third highest posterior probability of the BMA models. Although parameter estimates from the SR method were similar to BMA, BMA produced estimates with slightly narrower 95% intervals. Heights increased with increasing planting density, dominant height, and mean annual temperature, but decreased with increasing stand basal area and summer mean maximum temperature. The results indicated that temperature was the dominant climate variable shaping the height-diameter allometry for Chinese fir plantations. While the SR model included the mean coldest month temperature and winter mean minimum temperature, these variables were excluded in BMA, which indicated that redundant variables can be removed through BMA.Cunninghamia lanceolata
A változás- és válságmenedzselés néhány elméleti és gyakorlati dilemmája
Authors: Noszkay Erzsébet
Published: April 2021

A szervezet egészséges és beteg jelenségeivel immár 25 éve foglalkozik a szerző. Az eltelt évek alatt azt tapasztalta – bár a változások mindig, minden rendszerben aktuálisak –, napjainkra a változáskésztetések és a változásmenedzsment dilemmái, a válságba jutás veszélyei, az információtechnológiákkal „felturbósított”, globalizálódó világban állandósulnak, emiatt rendkívüli módon előtérbe kerültek. A következtetés nyilvánvaló: változások nélkül napjaink egyetlen szervezete sem lehet sikeres, azonban az igazi sikerhez „csak” változtatni kevés. Tehát nem mindegy, hogy hogyan tesszük azt! Milyen is legyen a sikeres változás, a változtatás? Főképp hogyan, és milyen módon lehet rá úgy felkészülni, és milyen módszereket célszerű alkalmazni ahhoz, hogy a változtatási programok ne torkolljanak kudarcba, sőt válságba?
Knowledge representation and evaluation an ontology-based knowledge management approach
Authors: Vas Réka
Published: April 2021

Competition between Higher Education Institutions is increasing at an alarming rate, while changes of the surrounding environment and demands of labour market are frequent and substantial. Universities must meet the requirements of both the national and European legislation environment. The Bologna Declaration aims at providing guidelines and solutions for these problems and challenges of European Higher Education. One of its main goals is the introduction of a common framework of transparent and comparable degrees that ensures the recognition of knowledge and qualifications of citizens all across the European Union. This paper will discuss a knowledge management approach that highlights the importance of such knowledge representation tools as ontologies. The discussed ontology-based model supports the creation of transparent curricula content (Educational Ontology) and the promotion of reliable knowledge testing (Adaptive Knowledge Testing System).
Az EU-ETS piac hatékonyságának vizsgálata
Authors: Mezősi András
Published: April 2021

2005. január 1-ével kezdetét vette a világ legnagyobb szennyezési jog kereskedelme rendszere, az európai szennyezésijog-kereskedelem. Mivel a szennyezési jogok ezen a piacon teljesen homogének, és nagy számban vannak egyszerre jelen, ezért tőzsdei áruként viselkednek, így egységes árfolyamuk alakul ki. A szerző dolgozatában megvizsgálja magát a kereskedett terméket, illetve a szennyezési jog piacot is. Megállapítja, hogy hosszú idősort vizsgálva az árfolyamváltozások nem, rövid távon azonban normális eloszlással bírnak. Annak bizonyítására, hogy Fama (1970) értelmezése alapján közepesen hatékonynak tekinthető a piac, az eseményelemzés eszközét használja. Ennek során két eseményt elemez részletesen: a 2006 április végi, május elejei árzuhanást, amikor néhány nap leforgása alatt a felére esett az árfolyam, illetve a 2006 decemberben lévő magyar kvótaaukciót.
Disgerminoma Simulando Abdome Agudo: Relato de Caso
Authors: Justo Cavalcante Raphael , Tavares Cruz de Albuquerque Lucas , Morato Tiago , Dias Mara Mônica
Published: April 2021

O disgerminoma é um o tumor de células germinativas maligno mais frequente no ovário, representa 1% de todos os tumores do ovário. Ocorrem na segunda e terceira década de vida. Em pacientes pré menarca apresenta-se com massa pélvica, comprimindo estruturas e órgãos, podendo se manifestar com um quadro de abdome agudo. Neste artigo, relata-se um caso de paciente com disgerminoma.
Hérnia Diafragmática à Direita: Um Relato de Caso
Authors: De Morais Marques Igor , Peixoto Ana Lígia Rocha , Freitas Marcelo Félix de Freitas , Grangeiro Luis Henrique Santana , Rolim Francisco Felippe de Araújo , Araujo Eleazar Menezes , Marques Maria Livia de Morais
Published: April 2021

Resumo: Relato de caso de um paciente com hérnia diafragmática direita crônica. Paciente em emergência de hospital referência de trauma com obstrução intestinal grave. Hérnia diafragmática pós-traumática é uma injúria pouco encontrada na prática médica, principalmente quando acomete o hemidiafragma direito. As rupturas do lado direito estão associadas a alta morbi-mortalidade e, portanto, o subdiagnóstico de lesões à direita pode ser devido a uma maior mortalidade pré-hospitalar ou a um atraso no diagnóstico intra-hospitalar, muitas vezes em consequência do grau variável de acometimento traumático. A ruptura diafragmática contusa, por ser uma condição pouco frequente, deve ter alto índice de suspeição nos pacientes vítima de trauma tóraco-abdominal, independente do mecanismo de trauma. A associação com lesões múltiplas e graves é frequente, apresentando considerável taxa de morbi-mortalidade, devido aos riscos de complicações imediatas e tardias envolvidas no atraso diagnóstico.
ICT as a Tool for Professional Development: A Reflection on the Practices of those who teach Mathematics in the Early Years
Authors: Purificação Marcelo Máximo , Amado Nélia Maria Pontes , Oliveira Amanda Felix , Santana Lousana de Jesus , Abadalla Claudia de Souza , Jurca Cássia Regina Vicco
Published: April 2021

Abstract: Professional development, seen from a theoretical perspective, can help us answer questions that work together to understand important aspects of good teaching practice. The first question that we put in this bibliographic text seeks to know how the base of mathematical knowledge of students of the Pedagogy course is constituted and from there to understand how technologies are integrated with the knowledge of future teachers, with regard to the development of mathematical knowledge. New technologies are contributing to the drastic changes that have been taking place for a long time and also to the very ones in the history of mankind. For Chauí (2002, p. 278), “the technical instruments are extensions of human body capacities and are intended to increase the relationship of our body with the world”, this can be a variable by which human development is enhanced and, subsequently, professional development.Keywords: Professional Development; TPACK model; Mathematical Knowledge.
In Krise und Kränkung mit Hoffnung gekrönt. Reflexionen zu einem Pandemiejahr aus kirchenpraktischer Perspektive
Authors: Bammel Christina-Maria
Published: April 2021

A year of church under pandemic conditions: Taking Christmas as the starting point of God's self-revelation and spiritual reassurance in this shaky and unsettled pandemic world Provost Dr. Christina-Maria Bammel presents in a personal essay her view of the theological, practical, spiritual church-leadership challenges of this time. On the one hand she looks back and attempts to clarify how the church, in its various manifestations, in congregation and regional church, in physical and virtual presence, has acted so far. On the other hand, she looks ahead and proposes how best to respond to current concerns, to long-known phenomena and new processes, i.e. reorganizing parishes for the good of the neighborhood, which have gained relevance and urgency. There is no simple way to speak of a life after Covid 19, but there is a spiritual and material need to accept that from now on, we have to face a future church life with the virus.
Co-pelletization of Industrial Sewage Sludge and Rice Straw: Characteristics and Economic Analysis
Authors: Duangjaiboon Krittidej , Kitiwan Mettaya , Kaewpengkrow Prangthip Rittichote
Published: April 2021

The disposal of industrial sewage sludge is one of the most serious environmental problems in Thailand. Moreover, the disposal expense is considered as the production cost to the manufacturer. Therefore, the concept of waste-to-energy technology (WTE) is applied to solve this problem. This study aimed to study the effect of sewage sludge and rice straw proportions on the properties of co-pellets. Here, the production of co-pelleted sewage sludge from the canned food industry, combined with biomass (rice straw), was performed using a lab-scale pelletization machine. The pellets consisted of sewage sludge (SS) and rice straw (RS) with sewage sludge ratios of RS100:SS0, RS50:SS50, RS35:SS65, RS25:SS75, and RS0:SS100. The co-pellets produced were characterized for physicochemical properties and calorific heating values. In addition, the benefit to cost ratio (B/C), internal rate of return (IRR), and payback period (PB) from the utilization of co-pellets were studied. The results suggest that the proportion of sewage sludge affects the properties of the co-pellets. The optimum sewage sludge to rice straw ratio at RS0:SS100 is considered to have good fuel combustion properties. It is suitable for the production of co-pellets because of its high volatility and low ash slagging content
The Latest Battle: Depictions of the Calormen in The Chronicles of Narnia
Authors: Howe Andrew
Published: April 2021

Two books in C.S. Lewis’s young adult fantasy series Chronicles of Narnia - The Horse and His Boy and The Last Battle - paint an uncomfortable portrait of the Calormen, the traditional foil for the Narnians. Throughout the text, the Calormen are clearly marked both culturally and racially as Middle Eastern, perhaps specifically as Turkish or Arab in their socio-political power structure with harems, arranged marriages, and facial hair designating status. Even Tashbaan, the capital city of Calormen, reads somewhat like a description of Istanbul. Throughout these two books, the Calormen are portrayed as a sinister and conquest-driven culture threatening the freedom enjoyed by Narnia. This textual indictment is fairly consistent. In demonizing this group, Lewis took part in a literary tradition extending back hundreds of years, a tradition that has enjoyed renewed resonance with increased fears over the growth of Islam. From Sir John Mandeville to post-9/11 concerns over terrorism, western depictions of Islam have often revolved around fear and distrust. The Last Battle is particularly problematic in its allegorical depictions of Islam, as Lewis seems to suggest that salvation is only reserved for those who follow the lion Aslan, clearly marked throughout the series as a stand-in for Jesus Christ.
Enhanced dielectric properties and breakdown strength of polymer/carbon nanotube composites by coating an SrTiO3 layer
Authors: Han Ruolin , Liu Yuping , Shi Jinchao , Chen Guang-Xin , Li Qifang
Published: April 2021

In this work, strontium titanate (STO) was coated on the surface of carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) through a sol–gel method to form a core–shell structure hybrid powder (STO@MWCNTs). This powder was then added to polydimethylsiloxane to prepare a flexible high-K composite. As coating, STO effectively prevents the overlap and agglomeration of MWCNTs, thereby passivating the percolation threshold of the composite. STO increases the dielectric properties of the composite as a high dielectric ceramic. Under a low filler loading amount of 11 wt%, the dielectric constant and dielectric loss of the composite are 53 and 0.1, respectively. In addition, the composite can still maintain superior breakdown strength and mechanical properties, given the relatively low filler concentration. The enhanced dielectric properties, breakdown strength, and tensile strength make the composite suitable for application as dielectric material in flexible and stretchable energy storage equipment.
Distinct Element Simulation of a Landslide Process
Authors: Zabuski Lesław , Mierczyński Jacek
Published: April 2021

The paper presents a numerical simulation of the development of a catastrophic landslide in a sandstone quarry and methods of reconstructing the quarry to its previous condition from before the landslide. The important objective of the paper is to present the capabilities of the numerical method used in the analysis of the landslide process, namely the Distinct Element Method (DEM). This method is poorly known, though it is capable of solving important geotechnical problems in which massive displacements are modelled. The features of the method are presented on the basis of a case study. Therefore a numerical analysis is carried out to show the performance of DEM in generating a displacement of several dozen meters in the example of a catastrophic landslide that occurred some years ago in a sandstone quarry. This engineering problem makes it possible to describe and analyse the mechanisms, causes and consequences of the landslide.
Endoscopic negative pressure therapy (ENPT) of a spontaneous oesophageal rupture (Boerhaave’s syndrome) with peritonitis – a new treatment option
Authors: Loske Gunnar , Albers Katrin , Mueller Christian T.
Published: April 2021

Objectives

Boerhaave’s syndrome is a life-threatening disease with high mortality and morbidity. Endoscopic negative pressure therapy (ENPT) can be used to treat oesophageal perforations.

Case presentation

We report on a case of oesophageal rupture with peritonitis in a 35-year-old male patient. The start of treatment was 11 h after the perforation event. The treatment of the perforation defect was performed exclusively by intraluminal ENPT, the treatment of peritonitis was performed by laparotomy with abdominal lavage. For ENPT we used two different types of open-pore drains. The first treatment cycle of four days was performed with an open-pored polyurethane foam drainage (OPD), which was placed intraluminal to cover the perforation defect and to empty the stomach permanently. The second treatment cycle of nine days was performed with a thin nasogastric tube like double-lumen open-pored film drainage (OFD). For suction OPD and OFD were connected with an electronic vacuum pump (−125 mmHg). OFD enables active gastric emptying with simultaneous intestinal feeding via an integrated feeding tube. Intraluminal ENPT with a total treatment duration of 13 days was able to achieve the complete healing of the defect. Surgical treatment of the perforation defect was not necessary. The patient was discharged 20 days after initial treatment with a non-irritating abdominal wound and a closed perforation.

Conclusions

In suitable cases, endoscopic negative pressure therapy is a minimally invasive, organ-preserving procedure for the treatment of spontaneous oesophageal rupture.
The effect of spiritual care on quality of life of patients with amputation caused by diabetes type 2: a clinical trial
Authors: Sabouhi Fakhri , Mohtashami Mona Joz , Mohammadpourhodki Reza , Mahdavi Sepideh , Khalili Mitra , Imeni Malihe
Published: April 2021

Objectives

This study aimed to investigate effect of a spiritual care on quality of life of patients with amputation caused by diabetes type 2.

Methods

The current study was a clinical trial. Fifty four patients with amputation caused by diabetes type 2 referred to Al-Zahra hospital at Isfahan was allocated to two case and control groups. Spiritual care training including transcendental meditation (T.M) technique was established for case group. Participants in case group performed four weeks of meditation technique following participating in sessions of meditation technique training. Data gathering was done using a standard tool to assess quality of life in patients with diabetes (diabetes quality of life: DQOL). Data was analyzed using SPSS software.

Results

Mean score of quality of life in the four areas of quality of life was not significantly different among case and control groups at baseline, however, mean score of quality of life in case group (2.25 ± 0.56) was significantly better than control group (2.52 ± 0.38) after intervention (p<0.001).

Conclusions

Given findings of the study, it seems that spiritual care can improve quality of life of patients with amputation caused by diabetes type 2.
Analytical solutions to some generalized and polynomial eigenvalue problems
Authors: Deng Quanling
Published: April 2021

It is well-known that the finite difference discretization of the Laplacian eigenvalue problem −Δu=λuleads to a matrix eigenvalue problem (EVP)Ax=λxwhere the matrixAis Toeplitz-plus-Hankel. Analytical solutions to tridiagonal matrices with various boundary conditions are given in a recent work of Strang and MacNamara. We generalize the results and develop analytical solutions to certain generalized matrix eigenvalue problems (GEVPs)Ax=λBxwhich arise from the finite element method (FEM) and isogeometric analysis (IGA). The FEM matrices are corner-overlapped block-diagonal while the IGA matrices are almost Toeplitz-plus-Hankel. In fact, IGA with a correction that results in Toeplitz-plus-Hankel matrices gives a better numerical method. In this paper, we focus on finding the analytical eigenpairs to the GEVPs while developing better numerical methods is our motivation. Analytical solutions are also obtained for some polynomial eigenvalue problems (PEVPs). Lastly, we generalize the eigenvector-eigenvalue identity (rediscovered and coined recently for EVPs) for GEVPs and derive some trigonometric identities.
Comparison of the strength development of binary and ternary cements containing perlite powder
Authors: Sičáková Alena , Figmigová Erika , Špak Matej
Published: April 2021

Currently, the consumption of blended cements is increasing all over the world. This is due to environmental, technical and economic reasons. Among the additives mixed with ordinary Portland cement, ground granulated blast furnace slag and fly ash are of particular significance. However, some regions may lack standard additives, and vice versa, may be rich in natural pozzolans. This paper is focused on the perlite as a natural pozzolanic material which is locally available. This study presents the results of the application of perlite as a component of blended cements in different proportions, representing binary and ternary compositions, and compares it with standard additives (fly ash and ground granulated blast furnace slag). The time development of both compressive and flexural strength, including results of 2, 7, 28 and 90-day testing, is analyzed. Perlite binders show acceptable time development of strengths, which is comparable to conventional blended binders based on ground granulated blast furnace slag and fly ash and do not constitute a technological barrier. With a higher dose of perlite, the time increase in flexural strength is slower, but the rate of increase in compressive strength does not change substantially. Flexural strength of 4.1–6.2 MPa and compressive strength of 18.8–38.5 MPa are sufficient for a number of practical applications and are expected to meet the required limits. An improvement of strengths in the later period (90 days) was also confirmed.
ST-Segment Depression in Leads I and aVL: Artifactual or Pathophysiological Findings?
Authors: Lee Sharen , Tse Gary , Wang Xin , Baranchuk Adrian , Liu Tong
Published: April 2021

The 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG) is a routinely performed test but is susceptible to misinterpretation even by experienced physicians. We report a case of a 72-year-old lady with no prior cardiac history presented to our hospital with atypical chest pain. Her initial electrocardiogram shows an initial ST depression followed by positive deflections leads I and aVL. Non-physiological ST segment and T-wave changes are also observed in the precordial leads V2 to V6. By contrast, these abnormalities are notably absent in lead II. A repeat of the ECG taken 30 minutes later reveals the resolution of most abnormalities seen in the initial ECG on a background of high-frequency noise in the limb leads. She was referred to the cardiology department for further management. An urgent echocardiogram revealed no regional wall motion abnormalities with preserved ejection fraction, and her coronary angiogram revealed no significant coronary stenosis. This case illustrates the importance of understanding different factors that can cause ST segment abnormalities, notably artifactual changes that can mimic ST segment myocardial infarction.
Protective restrictions on the acquisition of agricultural land: the impact on the land market on the example of Lithuania
Authors: Aleknavičius Marius , Aleknavičius Audrius , Valciukiene Jolanta
Published: April 2021

During the period of about 15 years, there were several attempts to regulate land tenure in Lithuania by changing the procedure of land acquisition and imposing some restrictive measures for the acquisition of agricultural land. This research aimed to determine the impact of those restrictive measures on the land market. This article represents the analytical results of the statistical data on agricultural land privatisation and market sales in respect of changes in legal acts. According to the analysis, changes in land acquisition procedure had no negative effect on land privatisation and volumes of land sales nor on land sale prices during the transitional period of limited access for foreign buyers in 2004–2014. The volatility of land sales during the transitional period can be explained by the natural market cyclicality, while the steady growth of prices indicates that the land market has not yet reached its long-run equilibrium. The new regulative provisions adopted in 2014 after the transitional period was over were intended to prevent land concentration and had a positive, yet momentary, effect on the supply of private agricultural land. A significant increase in land prices after introducing those provisions was caused by the ceased supply of state land and some other causes that were not analysed in this paper.
Transition readiness among adolescents with rare endocrine conditions
Authors: van Alewijk Lisette , Davidse Kirsten , Pellikaan Karlijn , van Eck Judith , Hokken-Koelega Anita C S , Sas Theo C J , Hannema Sabine , van der Lely Aart J , de Graaff Laura C G
Published: April 2021

Objective

Adolescents and young adults (AYA) with common endocrine disorders show a high dropout (up to 50%) after the transfer from paediatric to adult endocrinology. Little is known about transition readiness in rare endocrine conditions (rEC). This study aims to assess medical self-management skills (SMS) among AYA with rEC in relation to age and gender, in order to understand dropout and increase transition readiness.

Design

Cross-sectional study using web-based medical self-management questionnaires.

Methods

Questionnaires consisting of 54 questions in seven domains were filled out by the adolescents before the first shared appointment with both paediatric and adult endocrinologist.

Results

Fifty-seven patients (median age 17 years, 25/57 females) participated and generally scored well on most items. However, one out of seven did not know the name of their disorder, one sixth of the glucocorticoid users did not know that dose should be adapted in case of illness or surgery, over one-fifth had never ordered their repeat prescriptions themselves and two-thirds had never had a conversation alone with their doctor.

Conclusions

Several SMS among patients with rEC are insufficient, with regard to medical knowledge, practical skills and communication. As SMS are only weakly related to non-modifiable factors, such as age and gender, we recommend focussing on other factors to increase transition readiness. The timing, amount and ‘mode’ of medical information should be individualised. Transition checklists should be used to detect shortcomings in practical skills and communication, which can subsequently be trained with the help of parents, caregivers and/or e-technology.
Calcitonin-secreting neuroendocrine neoplasms of the lung: a systematic review and narrative synthesis
Authors: Llewellyn David C , Srirajaskanthan Rajaventhan , Vincent Royce P , Guy Catherine , Drakou Eftychia E , Aylwin Simon J B , Grossman Ashley B , Ramage John K , Dimitriadis Georgios K
Published: April 2021

Calcitonin-secreting neuroendocrine neoplasms of the lung are rare, with few cases reported in the literature. Differentiating between medullary thyroid carcinoma and an ectopic source of calcitonin secretion can represent a complex diagnostic conundrum for managing physicians, with cases of unnecessary thyroidectomy reported in the literature. This manuscript reports a case of ectopic hypercalcitonaemia from a metastatic neuroendocrine neoplasm of the lung with concurrent thyroid pathology and summarises the results of a systematic review of the literature. Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online, Excerpta Medica, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, ClinicalTrials.gov and SCOPUS databases were systematically and critically appraised for all peer reviewed manuscripts that suitably fulfilled the inclusion criteria established a priori. The protocol for this systematic review was developed according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic review and Meta-Analysis Protocols, and followed methods outlined in The Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions. This systematic review is registered with PROSPERO. It is vital to consider diagnoses other than medullary thyroid carcinoma when presented with a patient with raised calcitonin, as it is not pathognomonic of medullary thyroid carcinoma. Lung neuroendocrine neoplasms can appear similar to medullary thyroid carcinoma histologically, they can secrete calcitonin and metastasize to the thyroid. Patients with medullary thyroid carcinoma may show stimulated calcitonin values over two or more times above the basal values, whereas calcitonin-secreting neuroendocrine neoplasms may or may not show response to stimulation tests. The present review summarises existing evidence from cases of ectopic hypercalcitonaemia to lung neuroendocrine neoplasms.
Chronic kidney disease in patients with diabetes mellitus
Authors: Nordheim Espen , Geir Jenssen Trond
Published: April 2021

Chronic kidney disease is a common complication and concomitant condition of diabetes mellitus. The treatment of patients with diabetes and chronic kidney disease, including intensive control of blood sugar and blood pressure, has been very similar for type 1 and type 2 diabetes patients. New therapeutic targets have shown promising results and may lead to more specific treatment options for patients with type 1 and type 2 diabetes.