bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reconfigurable Articulated Robot Using Android Mobile Device
Authors: Rajpar A.H. , Eladwi Ahmad. E. , Ali Imran , Ali Bashir Mohamed Bashir
Published: February 2021

This paper focuses on the design and development of a reconfigurable three-degree-of-freedom articulated robot for conducting pick-and-place tasks. To implement the system, an Android platform for the manual control of an articulated robot using wireless Bluetooth technology was developed. This application allows the user to manually reconfigure the robot following the requirements of the integrated system via a user-friendly display. The articulated robot comprises four motors, three of which are used for positioning and orientation and finally used to carry out the pick-and-place task. An Arduino Un R3 board is used to control the movement of the links via a pulse width modulation method. We introduce a set of conveniently composed kinematic and dynamic mathematical models for positioning the robot’s arms and, in our results and discussion section, calculate and report the torque required to move each joint.
COVID-19: A Single-Center ICU Experience of the First Wave in the Philippines
Authors: Ubaldo Onion Gerald V. , Palo Jose Emmanuel M. , Cinco Jude Erric L.
Published: February 2021

On January 30, 2020, the WHO declared the novel coronavirus of 2019 a pandemic, causing millions of cases and thousands of deaths worldwide, exposing the vulnerabilities of healthcare systems around the world with each country having its own experience. These ranged from patient clinical profiles to management recommendations and to government interventions. There is a paucity of published data regarding Philippine experience. This study is a retrospective, descriptive study of ninety-one COVID-19 probable patients admitted in the COVID ICU of The Medical City from March 16 to May 7, 2020. We described clinical and demographic characteristics amongst COVID-19-confirmed and -negative patients. Therapeutic interventions including COVID-19 investigational drug use and other organ failure strategies were noted and tested for association with ICU survivors and nonsurvivors. We observed that there was no therapeutic intervention that was associated with improved outcomes, with some interventions showing trends favoring the ICU nonsurvivor group. These interventions include, but are not limited to, the use of hydroxychloroquine and tocilizumab, and prone positioning. We also observed that a higher SAPS-3 score was associated with the COVID-19 positive group and the ICU nonsurvivor group. On PubMed search, there seems to be no Philippine-specific literature regarding COVID-19 ICU experience. Further investigations to include more variables are recommended.
Multisphere Representation of Convex Polyhedral Particles for DEM Simulation
Authors: Zhang Qiang , Jia Chaojun , Yu Jun , Zhou Jiawen
Published: February 2021

The representation of particles of complex shapes is one of the key challenges of numerical simulations based on the discrete element method (DEM). A novel algorithm has been developed by the authors to accurately represent 2D arbitrary particles for DEM modelling. In this paper, the algorithm is extended from 2D to 3D to model convex polyhedral particles based on multisphere methods, which includes three steps: the placement of spheres at the corners, along the edges, and on the facets in sequence. To give a good representation of a polyhedral particle, the spheres are placed tangent to the particle surface in each step. All spheres placed in the three steps are clumped together into a clump in DEM. In addition, the mass properties of the clump are determined based on the corresponding polyhedral particle to obtain accurate simulation results. Finally, an example is used to validate the robust and automatic performance of the algorithm in generating a sphere clump model for an assembly of polyhedral particles. A current FORTRAN version of the algorithm is available by contacting the authors.
Effects of Soil-Transmitted Helminths and Intestinal Protozoan Infections on Haemoglobin Levels among School-Aged Children in Belo and Bui, North West Cameroon: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Cho Frederick Nchang , Ngala Humphrey Ngala , Bongazi Ranibell Tung , Kinsam Rogers Sanga , Tata Beltha Tahnteng , Aji Desmond , Fru Paulette Ngum , Jokwi Patrick Kofon
Published: February 2021

Introduction. Soil-transmitted helminths (STH) remain a public health problem worldwide especially in low-income countries. Soil-transmitted helminths are known to affect both growth and haemoglobin levels. In this study, we determine the prevalence of intestinal parasites and explored its association with anaemia in school-aged children (SAC). Methodology. A cross-sectional study was carried out amongst pupils selected from 18 primary schools in four communities of the North West Region. Stool samples were examined using direct wet mount and formol-ether concentration techniques, while finger prick was performed for the measurement of haemoglobin with a haemoglobinometer. Results. The results showed significant variation of STHs, intestinal protozoan prevalence, and anaemia between age, sex, and communities. The prevalence of Ascaris lumbricoides, Trichuris trichiura, and hookworms was 15.1%, 0.8%, and 2%, respectively, with an overall STH prevalence of 18.3% across the four communities. Soil-transmitted helminths were more prevalent in Mbessa (30.2%) in comparison to Nkor (26.7%), Djottin (17.5%), and Kumbo (9.6%) communities. The prevalence of Entamoeba histolytica/dispar was 25.4% and Giardia duodenalis (6.9%), with an overall intestinal protozoa prevalence of 31% across the four communities. The prevalence of anaemia in the study population was 23.1%. Conclusion. Soil-transmitted helminths, intestinal protozoan infections, and anaemia are prevalent in the study area. Anaemia was observed to be associated with STH, intestinal protozoa, and the communities under study. This study recommends continuous deworming and health education on personal sanitation and environmental sanitation.
Delirium after Deep Brain Stimulation in Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Li Hanyi , Han Shunchang , Feng Juan
Published: February 2021

Deep brain stimulation is a primary treatment method that improves motor and motor complications in patients with advanced Parkinson’s disease. Delirium is a common and serious complication following deep brain stimulation. However, the clinical attention toward this complication remains insufficient. Advanced age, cognitive decline, and the severity of the disease may all be risk factors for delirium. The presence of delirium may also affect cognitive function and disease prognosis. Neurotransmitters such as acetylcholine and dopamine may be involved in the occurrence of delirium. Furthermore, inflammation, the effects of microlesioning of local nuclei, and brain atrophy may also play roles in the onset of delirium. Nonpharmacological therapy appears to be the primary treatment for postoperative delirium in Parkinson’s disease. The current article reviews the pathogenesis, epidemiology, prognosis, and treatment of delirium following deep brain stimulation in Parkinson’s disease to help clinicians better understand this common complication and to prevent, identify, and treat it as soon as possible, as well as to provide more accurate treatment for patients.
Shedding Light on Mutant Clonal Dynamics and Cancer Risk in the Skin
Authors: De Dominici Marco , DeGregori James
Published: February 2021

In this issue of Cancer Discovery, Fowler and colleagues conduct a thorough characterization of the dynamics of mutant clones in phenotypically normal human skin. Their results extend previous studies by showing that human skin is composed in large part of clones harboring mutations frequently observed in human cancer, while at the same time they uncover a previously unappreciated biological heterogeneity among nearby clones and across different body sites.

See related article by Fowler et al., p. 340.
Renal Sympathetic Denervation Attenuates Congestive Heart Failure in Angiotensin II-Dependent Hypertension: Studies with Ren-2 Transgenic Hypertensive Rats with Aortocaval Fistula
Authors: Honetschlagerová Zuzana , Gawrys Olga , Jíchová Šárka , Škaroupková Petra , Kikerlová Soňa , Vaňourková Zdeňka , Husková Zuzana , Melenovský Vojtěch , Kompanowska-Jezierska Elzbieta , Sadowski Janusz , Kolář František , Novotný Jiří , Hejnová Lucie , Kujal Petr , Červenka Luděk
Published: February 2021

Objective: We examined if renal denervation (RDN) attenuates the progression of aortocaval fistula (ACF)-induced heart failure or improves renal hemodynamics in Ren-2 transgenic rats (TGR), a model of angiotensin II (ANG II)-dependent hypertension. Methods: Bilateral RDN was performed 1 week after creation of ACF. The animals studied were ACF TGR and sham-operated controls, and both groups were subjected to RDN or sham denervation. In separate groups, renal artery blood flow (RBF) responses were determined to intrarenal ANG II (2 and 8 ng), norepinephrine (NE) (20 and 40 ng) and acetylcholine (Ach) (10 and 40 ng) 3 weeks after ACF creation. Results: In nondenervated ACF TGR, the final survival rate was 10 versus 50% in RDN rats. RBF was significantly lower in ACF TGR than in sham-operated TGR (6.2 ± 0.3 vs. 9.7 ± 0.5 mL min−1 g−1, p < 0.05), the levels unaffected by RDN. Both doses of ANG II decreased RBF more in ACF TGR than in sham-operated TGR (−19 ± 3 vs. −9 ± 2% and −47 ± 3 vs. −22 ± 2%, p < 0.05 in both cases). RDN did not alter RBF responses to the lower dose, but increased it to the higher dose of ANG II in sham-operated as well as in ACF TGR. NE comparably decreased RBF in ACF TGR and sham-operated TGR, and RDN increased RBF responsiveness. Intrarenal Ach increased RBF significantly more in ACF TGR than in sham-operated TGR (29 ± 3 vs. 17 ± 3%, p < 0.05), the changes unaffected by RDN. ACF creation induced marked bilateral cardiac hypertrophy and lung congestion, both attenuated by RDN. In sham-operated but not in ACF TGR, RDN significantly decreased mean arterial pressure. Conclusion: The results show that RDN significantly improved survival rate in ACF TGR; however, this beneficial effect was not associated with improvement of reduced RBF or with attenuation of exaggerated renal vascular responsiveness to ANG II.
Consultations Decline for Stroke, Transient Ischemic Attack, and Myocardial Infarction during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Germany
Authors: Tanislav Christian , Jacob Louis , Kostev Karel
Published: February 2021

Background: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic raises the concern that other non-COVID conditions will be affected by a decline in care. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the decline in ambulatory presentations for vascular events (stroke, transient ischemic attack [TIA], and myocardial infarction [MI]) during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: Patients with a diagnosis of ischemic stroke, TIA, or MI documented anonymously in 1,262 general practices in Germany were included. We studied the differences between 2019 and 2020 (between April and June) in terms of rates and baseline characteristics by comparing monthly absolute frequencies. Results: A total of 3,496 patients with stroke (mean age: 72.2 years), 1,608 patients with TIA (mean age: 71.5 years), and 2,385 patients with MI (mean age: 66.8 years) were identified between April and June 2020, indicating a decrease of 10% (stroke), 16% (TIA), and 9% (MI) compared to 2019. For patients with stroke, the decrease in men was 13% (women: −6%) but reached 17% in the age category 51–60 years. For MI, the decrease was only obvious in males (14%). The largest decrease in stroke (−17%) and MI (−19%) was noted in April, while that for TIA occurred in May (−22%). In June for all 3 conditions, the previous year’s level was achieved. Only in TIA, the age differs between 2019 and 2020 (mean age: 69.9 vs. 71.5 years; p < 0.05). In patients with stroke and MI, the proportions of men were lower in 2019 than in 2020 (stroke: 54.8–50.5%, p < 0.05 and MI: 64–60.2%, p < 0.05). Conclusion: Although the decline in the number of patients presenting with stroke, TIA, and MI was not as noticeable in the ambulatory sector as it was in the area of emergency hospital-based care, our data indicate that the COVID-19 pandemic affected all sectors within the medical care system.
Stereotactic Ablative Radiotherapy for the Management of Liver Metastases from Neuroendocrine Neoplasms: A Preliminary Study
Authors: Hudson John Monte , Chung Hans Tse-Kan , Chu William , Taggar Amandeep , Davis Laura Ellen , Hallet Julie , Law Calvin How Lim , Singh Simron , Myrehaug Sten
Published: February 2021

Introduction: Liver metastases are common in patients with neuroendocrine neoplasms. The role of stereotactic ablative radiotherapy (SABR) is not well understood in this population. Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of SABR in treating well-differentiated neuroendocrine liver metastases (WD-NELM). Methods: A retrospective review of patients with WD-NELM treated with SABR was conducted between January 2015 and July 2019. Demographic, treatment, and clinical/radiographic follow-up data were abstracted. RECIST 1.1 criteria were applied to each individual target to evaluate the response to treatment. Local control (LC) and progression-free survival (PFS) were determined using the Kaplan-Meier methodology. Toxicity was reported according to the CTCAE v5.0. Results: Twenty-five patients with a total of 53 liver metastases treated with SABR were identified. Most patients (68%) had midgut tumors, were grade 2 (80%), and had high-volume intrahepatic and/or extrahepatic disease (76%). The median number of liver metastases treated was 2, with a median size of 2.5 cm. The median radiation dose delivered was 50 Gy/5 fractions. The median follow-up was 14 months; 24 of the 25 patients were alive at the time of analysis. The objective response rate was 32%, with improvement or stability in 96% of lesions treated. The median time to best response was 9 months. The 1-year LC and PFS were 92 and 44%, respectively. No grade 3/4 acute or late toxicity was identified. Conclusions: Liver SABR is a safe and promising means of providing LC for WD-NELM. This treatment modality should be evaluated in selected patients in concert with strategies to manage systemic disease.
Mindfulness, promoção da saúde e semiótica: bases para modelos comunicacionais em saúde online
Authors: Martins Patricia Silveira , Tárcia Rita Maria Lino , Pereira Daniervelin Renata Marques , Salvo Vera Lúcia Morais Antônio de , Silva Daniela Ferreira Araújo , Hirayama Márcio Sussumu , Oliveira Ricardo Monezi Julião de , Paula Ana Cristina Bastos Ferreira de , Cebolla Ausiàs , Baños Rosa , Garcia-Campayo Javier , Demarzo Marcelo Marcos Piva
Published: February 2021

Objetivo: identificar como o texto verbo-visual do curso produz sentidos e como isso pode auxiliar na  construção do design de outros cursos. Método: foi feita a análise semiótica de duas práticas e de um print de tela do curso denominadoPrograma de Autocuidado Baseado em Mindfulness, na modalidade Educação à Distância, desenvolvido pelo CentroBrasileiro de Mindfulness e Promoção da Saúde (“Mente Aberta”), do Departamento de Medicina Preventiva da Universidade Federal de São Paulo. Foram avaliados os elementos estéticos que contribuiriam para a construção de um ambiente de prática eufórico (ligado à saúde) e estabelecidas relações entre o plano de conteúdo e o plano de expressão das práticas, responsáveis pela construção de um sistema semissimbólico. Resultados: confirmou-se a valorização de uma estética da simplicidade de cores eformas que converge para uma afirmação dos valores calma e bem-estar compatíveis com as práticas de mindfulness. Conclusão: a partir dessa análise, busca-se refletir sobre asbases para o desenvolvimento de modelos comunicacionais relacionados à promoção da saúde em ambiente digital.
Better Understanding the Disparity Associated With Black Race in Heart Transplant Outcomes
Authors: Maredia Hasina , Bowring Mary Grace , Massie Allan B. , Bae Sunjae , Kernodle Amber , Oyetunji Shakirat , Merlo Christian , Higgins Robert S.D. , Segev Dorry L. , Bush Errol L.
Published: February 2021

Background:

Black heart transplant recipients have higher risk of mortality than White recipients. Better understanding of this disparity, including subgroups most affected and timing of the highest risk, is necessary to improve care of Black recipients. We hypothesize that this disparity may be most pronounced among young recipients, as barriers to care like socioeconomic factors may be particularly salient in a younger population and lead to higher early risk of mortality.

Methods:

We studied 22 997 adult heart transplant recipients using the Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients data from January 2005 to 2017 using Cox regression models adjusted for recipient, donor, and transplant characteristics.

Results:

Among recipients aged 18 to 30 years, Black recipients had 2.05-fold (95% CI, 1.67–2.51) higher risk of mortality compared with non-Black recipients (
P
<0.001, interaction
P
<0.001); however, the risk was significant only in the first year post-transplant (first year: adjusted hazard ratio, 2.30 [95% CI, 1.60–3.31],
P
<0.001; after first year: adjusted hazard ratio, 0.84 [95% CI, 0.54–1.29];
P
=0.4). This association was attenuated among recipients aged 31 to 40 and 41 to 60 years, in whom Black recipients had 1.53-fold ([95% CI, 1.25–1.89]
P
<0.001) and 1.20-fold ([95% CI, 1.09–1.33]
P
<0.001) higher risk of mortality. Among recipients aged 61 to 80 years, no significant association was seen with Black race (adjusted hazard ratio, 1.12 [95% CI, 0.97–1.29];
P
=0.1).

Conclusions:

Young Black recipients have a high risk of mortality in the first year after heart transplant, which has been masked in decades of research looking at disparities in aggregate. To reduce overall racial disparities, clinical research moving forward should focus on targeted interventions for young Black recipients during this period.
Maturation of the Cardiac Autonomic Nervous System Activity in Children and Adolescents
Authors: Harteveld Lisette M. , Nederend Ineke , ten Harkel Arend D. J. , Schutte Nienke M. , de Rooij Susanne R. , Vrijkotte Tanja G. M. , Oldenhof Helena , Popma Arne , Jansen Lucres M. C. , Suurland Jill , Swaab Hanna , de Geus Eco J. C. , Prätzlich Martin , Ackermann Katharina , Baker Rosalind , Batchelor Molly , Baumann Sarah , Bernhard Anka , Clanton Roberta , Dikeos Dimitris , Dochnal Roberta , Fehlbaum Lynn Valérie , Fernández‐Rivas Aranzazu , Gonzalez Karen , González de Artaza‐Lavesa Maider , Guijarro Silvina , Gundlach Malou , Herpertz‐Dahlmann Beate , Hervas Amaia , Kersten Linda , Kohls Gregor , Konsta Angeliki , Lazaratou Helen , Kerexeta‐Lizeaga Iñaki , Martinelli Anne , van Nimwegen Tisse , Puzzo Ignazio , Raschle Nora Maria , Rogers Jack , Siklósi Réka , Smaragdi Areti , Steppan Martin , De Brito Stephane , Fairchild Graeme , Kieser Meinhard , Konrad Kerstin , Freitag Christine , Stadler Christina
Published: February 2021

Background

Despite the increasing interest in cardiac autonomic nervous activity, the normal development is not fully understood. The main aim was to determine the maturation of different cardiac sympathetic‐(SNS) and parasympathetic nervous system (PNS) activity parameters in healthy patients aged 0.5 to 20 years. A second aim was to determine potential sex differences.

Methods and Results

Five studies covering the 0.5‐ to 20‐year age range provided impedance‐ and electrocardiography recordings from which heart rate, different PNS‐parameters (eg, respiratory sinus arrhythmia) and an SNS‐parameter (pre‐ejection period) were collected. Age trends were computed in the mean values across 12 age‐bins and in the age‐specific variances. Age was associated with changes in mean and variance of all parameters. PNS‐activity followed a cubic trend, with an exponential increase from infancy, a plateau phase during middle childhood, followed by a decrease to adolescence. SNS‐activity showed a more linear trend, with a gradual decrease from infancy to adolescence. Boys had higher SNS‐activity at ages 11 to 15 years, while PNS‐activity was higher at 5 and 11 to 12 years with the plateau level reached earlier in girls. Interindividual variation was high at all ages. Variance was reasonably stable for SNS‐ and the log‐transformed PNS‐parameters.

Conclusions

Cardiac PNS‐ and SNS‐activity in childhood follows different maturational trajectories. Whereas PNS‐activity shows a cubic trend with a plateau phase during middle childhood, SNS‐activity shows a linear decrease from 0.5 to 20 years. Despite the large samples used, clinical use of the sex‐specific centile and percentile normative values is modest in view of the large individual differences, even within narrow age bands.
Activists on the High Seas: Reinventing International Law from the Mare Liberum?
Authors: Mégret Frédéric
Published: February 2021

This article discusses the implications of a modality of civil society activism involving direct action in the High Seas. It focuses on three case studies: Sea Shepherd, SOS Méditérannée, and Women on Waves. All three directly challenge states’ claimed monopoly on the enforcement but also the interpretation and production of international law. They insist that they have stepped in only to fill a gap left by states’ inattention to their obligations. The article examines how their authority to do so is and might be justified, and whether it is emblematic of broader developments in international law that are merely made particularly visible on the High Seas.
Classificatie van Naamwoorden en Dingen in Het Bantoe (1)
Authors: Schadeberg Thilo C.
Published: February 2021

Classification of nouns and things in Bantu

Is there a semantic foundation for the system of noun classes and genders found in Bantu (and in Niger-Congo-Kordofanian) ? This question has intensely occupied many bantuists for over a century. Fundamentalist, mentalistic, and ethnosemantic approaches were used to construct explanations. The present paper reviews several such approaches, giving particular emphasis to some old and recent Dutch contributions to this field.
De Karisimbi, Een Recente Vulkaan van Het Virungagebied (Rwanda, Zaire)
Authors: de Mulder Mark
Published: February 2021

Karisimbi, A Recent Volcano of the Virunga Area (Rwanda, Zaire)

This paper deals with the geological structure and the petrologic evolution of Karisimbi, the highest volcano in the Virunga region.

As this paper is intended to be understood by non-geologists, a brief review about the methods used by volcanologists, should make things clear for the reader. The field-work data enabled us to describe the morphology, structure and the evolution of Karisimbi.

The results of the laboratory studies are summarized in the section petrography – petrochemistry, where some problems concerning nomenclature and interpretation of chemical data are discussed as well.

Petrographical and petrochemical information leads us to the origin and the evolution of magmas, which is the ultimate purpose of every petrologist. In the case of Karisimbi, it is suggested that its petrologic evolution took place by simultaneous fractional crystallization and contamination by crustal rocks.

Finally, the ages of some typical Karisimbi lavas have been determined by a radiometric dating method (K-Ar), bearing in mind that large errors on these ages are inevitable.
The Use of Rock Phosphate as a Source of Phosphorus on a Slightly Acid Clayey Soil in Tanzania
Authors: Msaky J.J.T , Msanya B.M. , Uriyo A.P.
Published: February 2021

The effectiveness of rock phosphate as a phosphorus nutrient source was studied as compared to triple superphosphate (TSP), a common fertilizer used in Tanzania. Initial results showed that rock phosphate can be used as a P source for growing maize. Its application increased both grain yields and soluble fluoride extractable P in the soil. TSP still proved to be superior to rock phosphate for the direct effect experiments in terms of both grain yield and soluble fluoride extractable P. However, for the residual effects experiment, rock phosphate was equally effective as TSP. Grinding rock phosphate beyond -40+60 mesh did not result in an increase in soluble P. However, increase in levels of application resulted into increased soluble P in soil. A combination of fineness and level of application resulted into an increased amount of soluble P. This combination should thus be used as a criterion in the use of rock phosphate as a P nutrient source for plant growth.
Socio-Economic Aspects of the Intensive Growing of Cowpeas (Vigna Unguiculata (L.) Walp.) in Kano, Northern Nigeria.
Authors: Patrick Van Damme , Wim Sampers , Frans Pauwels
Published: February 2021

The costs and benefits of single crop cowpea and cowpea grown in a traditional mixed cropping system are calculated for the Kano area, in northern Nigeria. If all the technical requirements are met, single crop cowpea is more profitable, on a financial return per unit land basis, than the traditional crop mixture. A one year effort to try and familiarize traditional farmers with a new variety and new production methods is clearly not enough and may even demotivate a number of farmers when the yields, and financial returns, are low. To ensure that the improved technologies are adopted, it will be necessary to provide a credit programme enabling farmers to purchase the improved inputs, and a marketing structure that guarantees fixed and stable market prices throughout the year.
Sociological and Organizational aspects of Fuel Wood Growing in Traditional Communities: The Case of Northern Togo
Authors: van Damme Patrick
Published: February 2021

As in many other African countries, wood is the most important source of energy for the rural and urban populations of Togo. Traditional attitudes towards trees and prohibitive laws explain why trees are not planted “spontaneously” by local communities even though they are facing serious woodfuel shortage problems.

Promotion of tree planting has recently been taken up by government agencies and foreign funded projects. Most of them try to get local communities to plant trees, but their efforts are not always very successful. The reasons are manyfold:

- the lack of tradition where tree planting is concerned;

- the lack of familiarity with the proposed tree species;

- the “delayed reward” when trees have been planted;

- the abscence of a fuelwood problem, according to the local population;

- the location of the newly planted trees: near the house? at the roadside? round the field?

- the social organization of the community, and the traditional land tenure system;

- the lack of certainty about the ultimate rights to the tree and the possibilities to cut it;

- abscence of protection of the stands by a lack of motivation of the planter;

- in some instances: the price of the plants;

- the persons who are asked to plant the trees are not necessarily those that will have to cut them and use the fuelwood.

Recently, it has become clear that the key to successful reforestation lies within the local communities. Small scale approaches may well be the long term solution to the problem of fuelwood and energy supply, and involving women in the project interventions a further step in a more integrated approach. As it is, the recent “social forestry” approach might well be the long expected solution. To meet the objective of having people plant trees, however, it will be necessary to establish a good extension service which not only starts initiatives but also assures a thorough follow up once the planting has started.

The problems that have to be overcome - or bypassed - remain difficult, but recent experience has nevertheless given some insight in how to solve them!
La Creation de L’image des Cultures Non-Occidentales
Authors: de Baets Antoon
Published: February 2021

Images of Non-Western Cultures. The influence of history textbooks on public opinion in Dutch-speaking Belgium 1945-1984.

This Ph.D. study tries to answer the question “Do history textbooks have an impact on people’s ideas about other cultures?”, by comparing the contents of a large sample of influential history textbooks and curricula (covering 1945-1984) with the results of a wide array of public opinion surveys about the Third World and immigrants (covering 1949-1987).

The theoretical part reviews ethnocentrism, cultural relativism and racism as dimensions of cultural images, focuses attention on the phenomenon and mechanism of influence, and assesses the place of the textbook in the complex network of factors acting upon youngsters and adults, inside and outside the school.

The methodological part discusses the value of the two sources (relevance, validity and reliability of surveys; availability and use of history textbooks; comparability of both). Universes of both sources are constructed and samples drawn from them. These samples are analysed with mutually attuned question batteries.

The double empirical analysis leads to two series of conclusions and trends that are compared with each other. Five parallel trends are found in textbooks and surveys (dominant but decreasing ethnocentrism; decreasing nationalism; absence of racism; poor awareness of other cultures; social-evolutionist thinking). They coincide in time, while, for textbooks to have influence, trends there should precede these in the public. Four other trends only partially coincide, or diverge. In the case of still two other trends, mutual influence could be plausibly postulated.

In globo, no firm evidence was found for the thesis that history textbooks autonomously influence the public. It rather is the general climate of opinion that, with years of delay, acts upon the textbook authors. The role of these authors, the immediate influences upon them (editors, curricula planners, academics, inspectors, teachers, parents and pupils), their biographies and their degree of representativeness vis-à-vis public opinion, are largely discussed.

As a conclusion, the study argues that, by presenting cultural diversity more accurately, new history textbooks could become master cards in the construction of open and tolerant intercultural views and mentalities.
Le Nouveau Visage D’une Vieille Maladie
Authors: de Schryver Antoon , Meheus Andre
Published: February 2021

New Aspects of an Old Disease.

Pian, Endemic Syphilis and Pinta: The Endemic Treponematoses

Yaws and the other endemic treponematoses (bejel or endemic syphilis, pinta) are resurging in many countries of Africa. Today there are more than 2.5 million cases of these diseases, 75% of them in children. More than 100 million additional children are at risk to these disabling and disfiguring infections which destroy tissue and bone.

In the 1950’s and 1960’s, through concerted efforts and leadership of UNICEF and WHO, more than 50 million individuals in 46 countries were cured and the diseases were brought under control or even eliminated from large parts of the world. Despite this success, endemic foci remained and in the last ten years there has been an alarming resurgence of the endemic treponematoses, in particular in parts of West and Central Africa.

Endemic treponematoses control is based on treatment with single-dose penicillin of the entire treponemal reservoir, and of all clinical cases and their contacts presumed to be incubating the disease. No instances of penicillin-resistance have been documented to date and these infections should be eliminated while the organisms still remain sensitive to penicillin. An endemic treponematoses control programme must be fully integrated into the primary health care system. The persistence of endemic treponematoses in an area is an indicator of failing effectiveness of primary health care. From recent consultations with Member States, WHO Collaborating Centres and expert groups, a consensus regarding the fundamental components of endemic treponematoses control has emerged. Effective disease control requires coordinated and complementary activities by WHO and Member States. The interruption of disease transmission is a feasible and realistic objective for renewed control programmes.
Conflict and its Manifestations in Achebe’s “Arrow of God”
Authors: Mordaunt Owen G.
Published: February 2021

Mordaunt describes how the Nigerian author Chinua Achebe deals with the problem of personal conflict in his novel “Arrow of God”.

The main character in this novel is Ezeulu, who is chief priest of the god Ulu, of the village of Umuaro. Ezeulu comes into conflict with himself in a quest to hold on to power despite his high age and the break-through of the British colonial administrators. Ezeulu wants to control both his people and the British administrators. Ezeulu believes the clan will silently follow him and the British will respect him. Hereto he sends his son to the white man’s missionary school where the boy adopts the new religion and sacrileges his own. Ezeulu will not punish him despite the wishes of the clan.

Achebe’s novel shows that men cannot fight societies’ will and that the latter can bring a man to insanity.
Het Traditioneel Gebruik van Euphorbia Tirucalli
Authors: van Damme Patrick
Published: February 2021

Traditional Uses of Euphorbia Tirucalli

This article reviews the traditional uses of E. tirucalli. This succulent latex plant, although originating from southern Africa, is now growing as a hedge plant in tropical and subtropical regions all over the world. Its special chemical properties have induced people to use it as a source of poison against bacteria, amoebas, nematodes, insects,fish, birds and mammals. Its medicinal use has also been recorded in a wide variety of settings. In a few cases, the latex has been used for the production of varnish and paint.
Medicinal properties of jojoba (Simmondsia chinensis)
Authors: Tietel Zipora , Kahremany Shirin , Cohen Guy , Ogen-Shtern Navit
Published: February 2021

Jojoba, Simmondsia chinensis (Link) C.K. Schneider is an evergreen shrub widely grown in Israel, the Middle East, South America, Africa, India and Australia used as an agricultural crop for commercial purposes and as a source of its non-edible natural wax. It is widely used in pharmaceutics and cosmetic formulation due to its unique structural characteristics and beneficial health effects. In addition, extensive work has been published on the plant’s health-promoting activities, ranging from antioxidant activities to the treatment of cancer. Being a rich source of natural liquid wax, the majority of research regarding jojoba focuses on its applications, as well as on the ability to exploit the residual plant materials obtained in its production. To date, several potent phytochemicals have been attributed to its medicinal properties, e.g. simmondsin and phenolic compounds. The current review emphasizes the evidence-based medicinal qualities of the wax and plant extracts and highlights the gaps of knowledge in these research areas and the importance of acquiring additional understanding of jojoba distinctive traits.
Children’s Virtual Worlds and Friendships during the covid-19 Pandemic
Authors: Quinones Gloria , Adams Megan
Published: February 2021

From March 2020 in Australia, the covid-19 pandemic resulted in regulations for social distancing, which meant that students were homeschooled. Social distancing exponentially increased the exposure of most young children to digital technology such as touchscreens (iPads) and digital flip cameras. This study focuses on two seven-year-old children who maintain their friendship during covid-19 by imaginary performances and playing virtual games. A cultural–historical approach is used in the study to analyze the children’s experience as they connect through virtual worlds and build imaginary spaces, contributing to sustaining their relationship during challenging times. Findings indicate that the children built a collective social situation of development integrating sophisticated imaginary, real and virtual worlds. The children’s perspective – their motive orientations and intentions towards a new social situation provided new opportunities for learning in a virtual imaginary world. The combination of a real, an imaginary and a virtual world supported the children to experience a range of emotions including joyous moments, empathy and attunement as they encouraged each other to participate.
Annotated Systematic Checklist of the Aphids (Hemiptera: Aphidomorpha) of Turkey
Authors: KÖK ŞAHİN , ÖZDEMİR IŞIL
Published: February 2021

This comprehensive checklist of aphids presents a total of 591 species, including 26 subspecies, from 147 genera belonging to 15 subfamilies in three families distributed over three superfamilies of Aphidomorpha recorded from 1903 to 2020 in Turkey. In the current list, the systematic positions with the genus and species names of some taxa have been revised, and some species have been downgraded to subspecies in accordance with recent changes in nomenclature. Seven species have been removed from the Turkish fauna and four species that were not included in the previous checklist have been added to the list. Also, 59 of the listed species (about 10% of Aphidomorpha) are evaluated as alien to the Turkish fauna, and the distribution of all species in Turkey is given.
Design and control of a passive compliant actuation with positioning measurement by LED and photodiode detector for medical application
Authors: Suebsomran Anan
Published: February 2021

Control of assistive exoskeleton robot recently has to be crucial of development and innovation of medical application. To support daily motions for humans, control application of assistive exoskeleton robot allows for limb movement with increased strength and endurance during patient’s wearable exoskeleton robot application. The interaction between such exoskeleton device and the human body at the connecting joint, especially the knees, is the main interest of this design formation. The assistive device requires to design and to develop into innovation design aspect. This research presents the novel design of an active compliant actuation joint in order to increasing the higher torque of actuation than conventional actuation joint. Control design of the higher torque actuation usually difficult priori to conventional torque control. This will contributed to applying the supervisory control for compliant actuation that verified by experiment method. Then the hybrid Radial Basis Function neural network (RBFNN) and PID were proposed for actuating torque control methods. Experimental results show that the design of supervisory control is get better response, and higher producing torque output than the conventional design. Error of torque control of compliant actuation is not instead of [Formula: see text] N·m for applying supervisory control, RBFNN with PID controller. Indeed, the low electromagnetic interference (EMI) positioning system using LED and photodiode detector is proposed to be usable in medical application.
Biological functionalization of poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) with ammonia and chitosan–gelatin combined treatment for acupoint catgut-embedding therapy
Authors: Fu Shaoju , Zhang Peihua
Published: February 2021

Polylactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA) has attracted extensive attention in acupoint catgut embedding therapy (ACET). However, developing biological functionalization for ACET materials remains challenging to due to its poor surface properties. In this work, PLGA was first treated with ammonia solution, and chitosan–gelatin coating was then introduced onto the surface of PLGA braided thread to achieve biological functionalization. Characteristics such as structural, mechanical, and in vitro properties were then fully evaluated. The results showed that modified samples showed more surface roughness than non-modified ones, and weight and diameter changes in samples increased after coating treatment, together with surface hydrophilicity; mechanical properties such as tensile property and bending stiffness of samples were greatly enhanced. Non-coated samples exhibited no antibacterial properties, while that of coated samples showed different antibacterial properties against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. No samples showed toxicity, with more than 75% cells viable. In sum, the strategy of surface-modified PLGA using a combined ammonia and chitosan–gelatin treatment showed great potential in the application of ACET.
Rheological studies of SBS/EVA blends modified with bio-based cashew nut shell liquid
Authors: Ferreira Isabela Pinto , Sirqueira Alex da Silva , Santos Taiane Andre dos , Naccache Monica Feijo , Soares Bluma Guenther
Published: February 2021

Research on bio-plasticizers is a topic of strategic interest in polymer blends. A bio-plasticizer, cashew nut shell liquid (CNSL), was studied in blends of ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA) and styrene-butadiene-styrene copolymer (SBS). In the literature does not report the addition of plasticizers to SBS/EVA blend. Statistical analyses showed that there was a significant difference in mechanical properties (tension at break, hardness and elongation at break) vs. the unplasticized blend. The minimum CNSL concentration required for a statistical difference was 10 phr. The Carreau-Yasuda rheological model was used to obtain rheological parameters in these blends. The plasticizing influence of CNSL was confirmed by rheology. The effects of CNSL on creep and recovery were evaluated for the SBS/EBA blends. Burger´s model explained well SBS/EVA creep compliance. Moreover, its parameters (Newtonian dashpots and Hookean springs) were evaluated as a function of the CNSL concentrations. The bio-plasticizer concentration influenced significant correlations among the rheological creep-recovery tests, thus enabling a considerable increase in the elastic phase. Experimental creep-recovery data and curve fit were in good agreement.
Negative traits, positive assortment: Revisiting the Dark Triad and a preference for similar others
Authors: Kay Cameron S.
Published: February 2021

Across two studies ( NTOTAL = 933), a person’s willingness to engage in a relationship with those scoring high in each of the Dark Triad traits (i.e., Machiavellianism, narcissism, and psychopathy) was examined as a function of their own levels of the Dark Triad traits and the relationship type in question (i.e., a one-night stand, a dating relationship, or a marriage). There were three notable findings. First, those scoring high in Machiavellianism, narcissism, and psychopathy were more willing to engage in a relationship with a person who was also high in Machiavellianism, narcissism, and psychopathy, respectively. Second, as the commitment level of the relationship increased, so did a narcissistic individual’s willingness to engage in a relationship with a fellow narcissist. Third, psychopathic people were generally interested in having one-night stands, seemingly without concern for the personality traits of the other person involved. Results are discussed in relation to assortative mating.
The Italian Fascist Community in Argentina, 1946–1978
Authors: Albanese Matteo
Published: February 2021

Argentina became a laboratory for a neofascist project. The country’s long and deeply rooted tradition of Peronism, its Nazi and Fascist connections, and the authoritarian and totalitarian regimes that took hold in the country during the second half of the twentieth century all help explain why Argentina offered fertile ground for this neofascist project. This article explores how Italians who migrated to Argentina for political reasons, and in search of a new fatherland, as described by Federica Bertagna, Marco Tarchi and other scholars, shaped the political debate in Argentina during the period between 1946 and the beginning of the dictatorship. It also considers how this political community established relations with other neofascist actors, individuals and groups, around the globe and with former fascist and Nazi militants who lived in Argentina.
Long progression-free survival with cabozantinib in a heavily pretreated patient with metastatic renal cell carcinoma: a case report
Authors: Nasso Cecilia , Sabbatini Roberto , Baldessari Cinzia , Dominici Massimo , Vitale Maria Giuseppa
Published: February 2021

Renal cell carcinoma accounts for 3% of all tumors. Over the last decades, the prognosis of metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) has improved owing to the approval of several drugs such as tyrosine kinase inhibitors and immunotherapy. The median progression-free survival (PFS) does not exceed 8 months with the available drugs in pretreated patients with mRCC. We present a case of a patient with a long-term response to fourth-line treatment with cabozantinib. Our patient obtained a PFS of 33 months, which is much higher than that reported in literature.
The Second National Canadian Homeless Youth Survey: Mental Health and Addiction Findings: La Deuxième Enquête Nationale Auprès des Jeunes Sans Abri : Résultats en Matière De Santé Mentale et de Toxicomanie
Authors: Kidd Sean A. , Gaetz Stephen , O’Grady Bill , Schwan Kaitlin , Zhao Haoyu , Lopes Katrini , Wang Wei
Published: February 2021

Objective:

Youth experiencing homelessness represent a major social problem in Canada and, as demonstrated in the first national survey of this population conducted in 2015, are experiencing significant mental health challenges. The present study examines the findings of a second national survey completed in 2019. These findings afford the opportunity to examine the reliability of the findings of the first study with another large, representative sample and to attempt to articulate the unique characteristics of youth experiencing the greatest distress among this at-risk population.

Methods:

This study analyzed the mental-health-related data from the 2019 Without a Home–National Youth Homelessness Survey that was administered through convenience sampling at 98 agencies serving homeless youth in 49 communities across Canada. The survey was cross-sectional and self-administered, assessing a range of demographic information, pre- and post-homelessness variables, and mental health indicators. Multinomial logistic regression and linear regression were implemented to evaluate associations with distress level.

Results:

Survey data were obtained from 1,375 youth accessing Canadian homeless services in 9 provinces. Thirty-five percent reported at least 1 suicide attempt, and 33.1% reported a drug overdose requiring hospitalization. The findings of this survey replicated most of the key findings from the 2015 survey. The current findings emphasized, for this high-risk population, the heightened adversity faced by young women, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Two-Spirit (LGBTQ2S), and Indigenous subpopulations, as well as the centrality of violence exposure in determining risk and distress. Sexual violence, in particular, emerged as a key factor in the identification of youth experiencing the greatest distress with risk buffered by contact with family.

Conclusions:

These findings can inform prevention and intervention policies and services and reinforce the importance of attending to violence exposure and trauma as central to the mental health trajectories of youth who have experienced homelessness.