bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Kirlian Experimental Analysis and IoT
Authors: Rastogi Rohit , Saxena Mamta , Chaturvedi Devendra K. , Gupta Mayank , Rastogi Akshit Rajan , Rastogi Mukund , Sharma Ankur , Sagar Sheelu
Published: March 2021

The energy measurement of different organs of the human body is essential and can be used as a warning indication of existing and future possible health issues. The pranic energy or aura of human body does not merely affect individual to himself or herself, but also it has drastic impressions on others too in a certain extent. Few studies have been done towards this direction. The article is the second part of the total content. It is an effort by the research team to logically discuss the human bioelectricity and measure the different biophysical factors and reasons for various ill symptoms. The authors have applied health sensors to capture the massive data and process it through IoT applications and concepts and subsequently compared for two subjects.
Loss of Mitochondrial Protease CLPP Activates Type I IFN Responses through the Mitochondrial DNA–cGAS–STING Signaling Axis
Authors: Torres-Odio Sylvia , Lei Yuanjiu , Gispert Suzana , Maletzko Antonia , Key Jana , Menissy Saeed S. , Wittig Ilka , Auburger Georg , West A. Phillip
Published: March 2021

Caseinolytic mitochondrial matrix peptidase proteolytic subunit (CLPP) is a serine protease that degrades damaged or misfolded mitochondrial proteins. CLPP-null mice exhibit growth retardation, deafness, and sterility, resembling human Perrault syndrome, but also display immune system alterations. However, the molecular mechanisms and signaling pathways underlying immunological changes in CLPP-null mice remain unclear. In this study, we report the steady-state activation of type I IFN signaling and antiviral gene expression in CLPP-deficient cells and tissues, resulting in marked resistance to RNA and DNA virus infection. Depletion of the cyclic GMP-AMP (cGAS)–stimulator of IFN genes (STING) DNA sensing pathway reduces steady-state IFN-I signaling and abrogates the broad antiviral phenotype of CLPP-null cells. Moreover, we report that CLPP deficiency leads to mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) instability and packaging alterations. Pharmacological and genetic approaches to deplete mtDNA or inhibit cytosolic release markedly reduce antiviral gene expression, implicating mtDNA stress as the driver of IFN-I signaling in CLPP-null mice. Our work places the cGAS–STING–IFN-I innate immune pathway downstream of CLPP and may have implications for understanding Perrault syndrome and other human diseases involving CLPP dysregulation.
Assistenza infermieristica e wound care nel paziente affetto da insufficienza renale cronica in trattamento dialitico
Authors: Mancin Stefano , Alterchi Elena , Finazzi Silvia , Badalamenti Salvatore
Published: March 2021

Le persone affette da insufficienza renale cronica in trattamento dialitico, rappresentano un campione di popolazione ad alto rischio di sviluppo di patologie a carico della cute, in particolar modo lesioni secondarie all’uremia come xerosi e prurito, ulcere diabetiche e vascolari. Le cause sono riconducibili principalmente ai cambiamenti metabolici indotti dalla patologia quali complicanze uremiche, acidosi metabolica e alterazione del metabolismo calcio-fosforo e la concomitante presenza di patologie croniche, in primis diabete, arteriopatie e patologie cardiovascolari. Nel nostro centro dialisi tale problema incide notevolmente sulla qualità di vita della nostra utenza, rappresentando un problema serio e invalidante. Questo progetto di durata triennale 2016-2018, terminato con l’analisi del database nel 2019 ha portato a un miglioramento dell’assistenza infermieristica erogata presso il nostro ambulatorio, in termini di riduzione dell’incidenza di lesioni difficili pari al 46% durante il triennio, implementazione delle conoscenze del personale coinvolto, utilizzo ottimale di presidi di medicazione avanzata e in ultimo una soddisfazione dei nostri utenti, relativamente al trattamento delle ferite, calcolata mediante questionario di gradimento, che ha mostrato una elevata partecipazione durante l’ultima indagine (98%) e una soddisfazione per le cure prestate pari al 95%.
Iranian Patients’ Attitudes to Current and Novel Therapies: A Patient Directed Survey
Authors: Dehshal Mahmoud Hadipour , Angastiniotis Michael , Hosoya Sachiko , Bahremani Fatemeh Hashemi , Namini Mehdi Tabrizi , Eleftheriou Androulla
Published: March 2021

Thalassemia is one of the important challenges of the health system in Iran. Recently the medicinal drug of luspatercept and gene therapy have opened new horizons for thalassemia treatment. The present article aims to evaluate the attitude of thalassemics in Iran about the new treatments. In this research, data collection through the virtual space has been practiced. The patients were required to declare their opinion on the aforementioned treatments. Finally, 128 male and 204 female plus 1 who did not specify their gender answered the questions. The results showed that despite patients’ positive attitude towards new treatments, their treatment experiences as well as the expenses of the new treatment practices are cause of concern. Moreover, the social problems like unemployment among thalassemics place impact on their perspective about treatment changes. Based on the findings of the present research, providing patients with more information about new treatment regimen and making the their expenses compatible with the economic status of the developing countries would be effective in making the new treatments accessible to all eligible patients.
In memory of Prof. Waldemar L. Olszewski
Authors: Partsch Hugo
Published: March 2021

This is Waldemar as we know him: incorruptibly believing on his own experience; which revolutionized conventional ideas concerning basic facts on physiology and pathology of tissue function. He was the first who described the contractility of normal lymphatics, and was a scientific pioneer in many other subjects, e.g. the long-term treatment of recurrent erysipelas with antibiotics, or the implantation of silicone tubing for treatment of advanced lymphedema, his broad and brilliant knowledge of bacteriology and immunology and his open mind for social problems in the whole world made him to a unique personality, far beyond the well-known lymphologist.1In spite of his interest in basic biology he was always open for problems of the basis, promoting courses how to treat lymphedema in the community and performed some important studies concerning the conservative treatment of lymphedema patients, together with his female partner, Dr. Zaleska. When the International Compression Club (ICC) invited him to support one of their educational meetings he never refused to give a presentation and to provide us with a manuscript which were all accepted a printed in Veins and Lymphatics.2,3 I had the privilege being invited to write a chapter in one of his books and, working in Vienna, to see his grandson in my practice; since Waldemar’s daughter was married to an Austrian also living there. I may express my deep condolences to his family and to Dr Zaleska and promise that we will never forget Waldemar.

Prof. Hugo Partsch, M.D. Past President of the International Compression Club (ICC) Hugo.Partsch@meduniwien.ac.at
7-day tensile strength of cement mortars using the ring test
Authors:   Canada Mines Branch
Published: March 2021

L'auteur rend compte des résultats d'un essai de l'anneau pratiqué de façon à déterminer la résistance à la tension des mortiers de ciment. Pour cette 'étude, les éprouvettes étaient des anneaux de 6 pouces de
diamétre, 1 pouce d'épaisseur et 1 pouce de hauteur; (les résultats d'une étude précédente faisaient état d'anneaux de 1 pouce 1/2 de hauteur). Les éprouvettes ont été soumises à la rupture en appliquant une pression hydrostatique radiale au
moyen d'une vessie en caoutchouc qui exerce une poussée sur toute la périphérie interne de l'anneau. Vingt-neuf gâchées ordinaires de mortier de ciment ont été préparées; les éprouvettes annulaires et les cubes de 2 pouces destinés aux essais de
compression ont été coulés à partir de chaque gâchée et éprouvés au bout de 7 jours. Les résultats des essais sont analyses par statistique, puis commentés. Les coefficients de variation de résistance a prés 7 jours, à la fois pour les
essais de tension et de compression, sont d'environ 7 p. 100, ce qui. indique que l'essai de l'anneau est un bon Moyen de déterminer la résistance à la tension des mortiers de ciment.
A mineralogical examination of niobium-bearing samples from St. André, Quebec, submitted by Soquem
Authors: Nickel E H , Owens D R
Published: March 2021

Trois séries d'échantillons de roche niobiumifére prélevés à Saint-André, au Québec, ont fait l'objet d'une étude minéralogique. La plupart des échantillons renferment une forte proportion de minéraux
carbonatés, principalement de la dolomite et de la calcite, mais contiennent aussi des quantités appréciables d'apatite et de pyrite. Plusieurs d'entre eux sont fortement indurés par des oxydes et des hydroxydes de fer. On a découvert deux minéraux niobiumiféres,
le pyrochlore et un rutile niobique, mais le pyrochlore demeure l'élément prédominant, étant de composition variable, avec des teneurs en Nb?O? allant de 55 à 67 p, 100. Quelques pyrochlores contiennent aussi des quantités relativement importantes de Ta?O? de BaO, de
SrO et de FeO. Le rutile niobique contient du niobium en quantité variable; on a relevé des teneurs allant de 4à 24 p. 100 en Nb?O?. On peut s'attendre à ce que la présence du rutile niobique rende plus difficile la récupération du niobium contenu dans le
minerai.
Cracking of copper-nickel alloy steel chain
Authors: Buhr R K
Published: March 2021

Examination of a failed 5/8-in.-diameter copper-nickel alloy test chain showed that about 80% of the recovered links contained cracks. Tensile and hardness measurements made on the chain and on samples taken from the chain and reheat treated, revealed that it
had not been tempered at 400 °F as specified. The failure mechanism was most probably stress corrosion cracking, and a sequence of events is postulated to explain the observed data.
Examination of Waverider mooring from Come-By-Chance, Newfoundland
Authors: Biefer G J , McDonald R D
Published: March 2021

Components of a Waverider mooring which had undergone 3 months of sea-water service near Come-by-Chance, Newfoundland, were examined in order to assess the extent of corrosion and other types of damage. It was found that the stranded rope of Type 302 stainless
steel was, in general, in good shape, though it had suffered a loss in strength of about 10%. Type 316 stainless steel parts in the end fittings were virtually uncorroded, but the Type 302 rope associated with the fittings showed a few broken wires. Some of this damage had occurred where the
rope was sharply bent and appeared to be due to crevice corrosion. At one thimble, abrasion of the rope appeared to have brought about a breakage of wires.
Utilization of waste: evaluation of a slag cooling-pond residue for use in concrete
Authors: Carette G G , Soles J A
Published: March 2021

Test results on both dredged and re-washed sludge samples indicate that the material does not conform to the ASTM C618 specification requirements for pozzolans and shows unsatisfactory performance as a pozzolanic admixture for use in concrete. Chemical analyses
revealed that the sludge had a relatively low silica-alumina content, less than 45 per cent, instead of the 70 per cent minimum requirement. The amount of material retained on the No. 325-mesh sieve by wet-sieving was 28.3 per cent for the dredged sample and 36.0 per cent for the re-washed one. The
pozzolanic activity indices with portland cement were 57.2 and 64.8 per cent for the above two samples, respectively, which is well below the 85 per cent specified by ASTM. There was no significant strength development when the sludge was used with lime.
Investigation of the premature failure of a mooring chain bow shackle
Authors: Ashton M C , Magny J G
Published: March 2021

An investigation has been conducted on a mooring chain bow shackle which had failed prematurely. No significant metallurgical abnormality was noted. The failure, which initiated at corrosion pits at the extrados, probably occurred as a result of severe loading
conditions. It is recommended that a lower normalizing temperature be used to provide a finer, more uniform grain size which should increase the resistance to pitting corrosion and crack propagation.
A feasibility study of the concentration of a low-grade nickel ore from Dumont Mining Corporation, Val D'Or, Quebec
Authors: Mathieu G I , Bruce R W
Published: March 2021

Les auteurs ont fait une étude d'un échantillon moyen d'une carotte de sondage qui contient 0.41% de Ni. Ils ont aussi fait des études minéralogiques qui indiquent que ce nickel apparaît sous forme de sulfuies (la pentlandite et la
hészlewoodite), d'awaruite, de magnétite nickélifère et d'olivine nickélifère. La texture des sulfures varie (1) de particules finement dispersées, généralement d'une grosseur moindre que dix microns, dans la roche serpentinisée (2) en grains
composés (avec la magnétite) d'une grosseur de cinquante à plusiers centaines de microns. Ils ont un beaucoup de difficultés à concentrer les valeurs de nickel à cause, de la faible teneur en nickel du minerai, la fine minéralisation de quelques minéraux
nickélifères et la nature des composants de gangue. En utilisant la séparation magnétique, les auteurs ont pu produire une analyse de concentré magnétique de 63.8% de Fe et de 1.52% de Ni avec une récupération dé nickel de 12.5%. Ni la
séparation magnétique â haute intensité ni le traitement de gravité par table ne peuvent concentrer efficacement les valeurs de nickel; la première méthode a montré que le rapport de concentration était moins que 2:1; la deuxième méthode n'a
donné qu'une récupération de 17% du nickel. En utilisant la flotation sous conditions optimales (i.e. en milieu acide), ils ont produit un concentré avec 22% de nickel. Cependant, la récupération de nickel était très basse à 39.1% alors que la
consommation de l'acide était très élevée.
Mineralogy of Lake Bottom Marl from Sturgeon Lake, Saskatchewan
Authors: Soles J A , James H C
Published: March 2021

A petrographic study and X-ray diffraction and thermogravimetric analyses of two samples of sediment from Sturgeon Lake, Saskatchewan, showed that the sediments are typical calcareous lacustrine clays, or marls. The analyses and thermogravimetric curves are
given.
Concentration of spodumene from Val D'Or, Quebec (Project MP-IM-7105)
Authors: Hartman F H , Wyman R A
Published: March 2021

The concentration of spodumene (removing feldspar, quartz, mica, and other iron-bearing minerals by "reverse flotation", as patented by Mines Branch) was tried on ore from Val d'Or, Quebec, supplied by Groupe Minier/SULLIVAN/Mining Group Ltd. who desired a
low-iron spodumene concentrate. Tests run with the original method were not promising. However, a simplified process, using only Armac L-10 (0.4 lb per ton) recovered, without cleaning, (a) 55% material analysing 5.76% Li?O; 0.68% Fe?O? ; 23.73% Al?O? (b) 49% material analysing
5.75% Li?O; 0.60% Fe?O? ; 24.00% Al?O? Cleaning would increase recovery.
Field observations concerning drainage from tailings disposal areas
Authors: Jongejan A
Published: March 2021

Une enquête sur le terrain a été menée afin d'étudier les processus d'altérations sur des dépôts de résidus de certaines régions du nord-ouest québécois et du nord-est ontarien. Ce travail comprenait a)
des expériences sur la cueillette d'échantillons d'eau de drainage et sur des échantillons de résidus. de différents types d'emplacements, b) la cueillette et le remisage d'échantillons de la population microbiologique des eaux, c) l'analyse chimique des
échantillons des eaux, et d) une détermination préliminaire de l'étendue de la pollution causée par la fuite de l'eau acide des résidus de la région désignée, et la possibilité d'entreprendre une étude détaillée d'un site particulier.
Les expériences faites en rapport avec la cueillette et les analyses des différents types d'échantillons se sont avérées, en général, un succès. Quelques points seulement étaient susceptibles d'améliorations. Il a été démontré que
c'était possible d'examiner l'étendue de la pollution de l'eau causée par l'acidité ou d'étudier un dépôt de résidus plus en détail. Les résultats réels les plus importants de l'étude ont été les suivants: a) une rapide diminution
de l'effect produit sur le pH par l'addition de chaux; cette observation confirme les mêmes résultats obtenus en laboratoire; b) le phénomène de laugmentation de l'acidité dans eau de drainage après qu'elle ait été filtrée des résidus semble plus
répandu qu'on le réalise. L'origine de ce phénomène est la granulométrie des minéraux résiduels; et c) même si quelques dépôts de résidus produisent de l'eau acide, l'étendue de la pollution semble limitée à cause de la petite
quantité de minéraux solubles dans l'eau.
Mineralogical report on a bulk sample from Rexspar Uranium and Metal Mining Co. LTD., Kamloops Mining Division, Birch Island, B.C. --Ref. No. 11/57-7
Authors: Hughson M R
Published: March 2021

The sample consists of a dark-coloured, fine-grained, siliceous rock rich in pyrite. The radioactivity is associated with rutile and appears to be chiefly uraninite in the A zone and uranothorite and/ or thorite in the BD zone. There is little evidence of
secondary uranium thorite minerals.
Metallurgical examination of window barrier steel from Dorchester and Collin's Bay Penitentiaries
Authors: Faurschou D K
Published: March 2021

An account is given of some metallographic observations made during an investigation on the influence of aluminium and lead additions on the structure and properties of laboratory-prepared galvanized coatings. The main investigation is described in a separate
report. It is shown that massive carbide inclusions present on the surface of steel sheet may have a pronounced effect on the structure of the galvanized coating. The behaviour of the carbides was found to be dependent on the temperature and aluminium content of the galvanizing bath. Variation in
galvanizing attack on two supposedly similar steels was found to be related to the type and degree of surface working. The surface of the more reactive sheet appeared to have been subjected to a rubbing or galling action during the final rolling operation. Observations of pore defects on the surface
of experimental coatings, and on commercial sheet prepared by the dry galvanizing technique, suggested that these were related to gas evolution accompanying the flux reaction.
Welding procedure for the repair of a large steel casting forming the main frame of a construction power shovel
Authors: Nolan M J
Published: March 2021

This report describes a welding procedure for the repair of two large cracks in a steel casting which formed the main frame of a 1 1/2 cu yd, 55 ton, power shovel. Details of joint preparation, electrode size and classification, pre-heat temperature and welding
sequence are provided. Photographs of the completed repair are shown.
Autooxidation pressure leach investigation of uranium bearing ore from Rexspar Uranium and Metals Mining Co. LTD., Birch Island, Kamloops Mining Division, B.C. Reference No. 11/57-7
Authors: Harrison V F
Published: March 2021

Twenty-three autooxidation pressure leach tests were conducted on 250 lb batches in a 10 in. diameter by 10 ft high (3 ft freeboard),tower-type, pressure vessel. Extractions of between 85-90% of the uranium were obtained in the equipment. Difficulty in
producing higher extraction was attributed to the low pulp depth which reduced the contact time of air in the pulp. Extractions of close to 90% were obtained at a pressure of 200 psig,, a temperature of 300°F and an air flow of 2250 scfm/1000 cu ft pulp in 9 hours contact time. The
stainless steel equipment showed no obvious signs of corrosion in this test program. Liquid-solid separation was effected by countercurrent decantation.
Recovery of uranium from Rexspar (Birch Island, B.C.) leach solution by solvent extraction with tri-iso-octylamine -- Reference No. 11/57-7
Authors: McNamara V M
Published: March 2021

Rexspar autooxidation pressure leach solution, assaying 0.3 g/1 U?O?, was extracted with 0.1N tri-iso- octylamine. Uranium recovery from solution was 99. 9%. Complete solvent extraction operation data are presented. Composite precipitate specification assays
are included. The precipitate grade was 88. 8% U?O?; only the fluoride content was greater than the specification limit. Solvent losses and reagent consumption are indicated.
A comparision of the British, U.S. federal and A.S.T.M. standard and tentative standard test methods for the Brinell, Diamond Pyramid and Rockwell hardness testing for metals
Authors: Todkill P J
Published: March 2021

As part of the work of the Tripartite Committee of the armies of the United States, the United Kingdom, and Canada on the Standardization of Methods of Test of Ferrous Materials, a survey has been made of the British, U. S. Federal and A. S. T. M. Standard and
Tentative Standard test methods for the Brinell, Diamond Pyramid and Rockwell hardness testing of metals. This survey attempts to show the differences which exist in these test methods, thereby pointing out areas in which agreement must be obtained in the standardization of
them.
Failure of an aricraft arrester cable on H.M.C.S. Bonaventure
Authors: Parsons D E , Smith G W
Published: March 2021

Examination of several arrester cable sockets and of a wire rope arrester cable and socket which failed in service showed that fracture occurred at the neck of the babbitted socket where the wire section had been reduced by corrosion. Indications of abrasive wear
in the wire were observed, but corrosion had acted to locate the failure in a zone of the wires which was neither protected by galvanizing, nor by tinning. The corrosive medium was probably sea-water. It was recommended that the socketing technique be changed to avoid the presence of bare steel
wires at the necks of the sockets. Socketing tests with zinc and cadmium- 17% zinc alloy were recommended in an attempt to improve the galvanic protection of the steel wires in the vicinity of the socket.
Precipitation of Eldorado Beaverlodge and synthetic leach liquors
Authors: McCreedy H H
Published: March 2021

Acceptable low barrens were produced from plant and synthetic uranium-carbonate solution by caustic precipitation methods on a laboratory scale. Sodium sulphate content of leach liquors and method of caustic addition were found to be important in obtaining lower
barren values. Of the flocculants tested, glue appeared to be the most efficient in that its use reduced the uranium loss to the barren without appreciably increasing the filtration time. Viscosity variation could not be used as a method of estimating Separan concentration in the precipitation
feed.
Experimental production of pig iron from a siliceous iron ore (performed for Monpre Mining Co., November 1958-April 1959)
Authors: Viens G E , Campbell R A , Sirianni G V , Banks G N , Rogers R
R
Published: March 2021

Four different methods were investigated for the extraction of iron from a low-grade siliceous iron ore from the Port Arthur, Ontario area. The methods used were (1) direct smelting of the ore in an electric furnace; (2) magnetic concentration followed by
sintering of the concentrate and smelting of the sinter in an electric furnace; (3) preheating and prereduction of the ore in a rotary kiln, followed by smelting; mi (4) a two-stage smelting process. The last-named method appeared to offer important advantages compared to the first
three.
Condensed data on the 105 mm and 4.2-in. cast magnesium and forged aluminum mortat base plates
Authors: Wlodek T W , Bott W H
Published: March 2021

The Physical Metallurgy Division of the Mines Branch, Department of Mines and Technical Surveys, Ottawa, Canada, in co-operation with. the Canadian. Directorate of Armament Development, D.N.D., Ottawa, and the Canadian Armament Research and Development
Establishment (CARDE), Valcartier, Quebec, has designed and developed lightweight cast magnesium and forged aluminum base plates that combine good manoeuvrability with easy interchangeability for use in the 105 mm U. S. A. mortar and the British 4.2-in , heavy infantry mortar . In this development
and design work, ZK61-T6 magnesium alloy was used for the cast magnesium alloy base plate, and CS41-T6 (Alcan 26S-T6) aluminum alloy for the forged aluminum alloy base plate. The total weights of these two base plates, including socket and rings, are approximately 71.5 lb for the cast magnesium base
plate and 83.5 lb for the forged aluminum base plate. As a result of laboratory-type simulated service tests, specifically developed for this project, and of preliminary field firing tests, it is recommended that both the cast magnesium base plate and the forged aluminum base plate should undergo
full field firing tests, to be conducted in Canada.
A comparison of the explosibility characteristics of some Canadian coal mine, base metal mine and industrical dusts
Authors: Montgomery W J
Published: March 2021

This report compares the relative explosibility hazards of a few dusts produced in both the mining and milling industries, and points out the possible dangers of each. Methods by which explosion hazards may be reduced or eliminated are also
suggested.
Investigation of durability of concrete for Manicouagan-2 project
Authors: Malhotra V M , Zoldners N G
Published: March 2021

Les auteurs ont étudié la durabilité du béton, dans des conditions dé gel-dégel, au cours de 8 sériés d'essais faits pour juger du comportement relatif de différents mélanges à béton pour l'entreprise
Manicouagan 2. Ils ont constaté qu'après avoir subi 1,000 cycles de geldégel, les échantillons d'essai de béton n'ont pas été gravement endommagés. A la. fin de ces expériences, les résistances résiduelles à la flexion de ces
échantillons variaient de 83.5 à 108.9 p. 100, sauf ceux de la série 580 qui contenaient du Cyrigel (70.1 p. 100) et de la série 644 qui contenaient du Darex (59.7 p. 100). Les modules (coefficients) d'élasticité dynamiques relatifs des échantillons d'essai
dés différentes séries, avaient un taux supérieur à. 96 p. 1 .00. C'est là l'indice de l'excellente durabilité du béton.
Table of Contents Vol 8, No 1 (2020)
Authors: Office Editorial
Published: March 2021

No abstract available.
Effect of coating on the color and surface hardness of the surface of dental ceramics
Authors: Kul Esra , Bayindir Funda , Gül Pinar , Yesildal Ruhi , Matori Khamirul Amin
Published: March 2021

Background:

The aim of this study was to investigate whether boron nitride (BN) and BN–chromium (BN–Cr) coatings applied with the sputtering method would change the characteristics of hardness and discoloration of the ceramic veneer surface.

Materials and Methods:

In this experimental study, thirty disc-shaped cores (10 mm in diameter and 0.8 mm in thickness) were prepared. Three different ceramic systems, IPS Empress (E) (Ivoclar Vivadent, Schaan, Liechntenstein), IPS e.max Press (EP) (Ivoclar Vivadent, Schaan, Liechntenstein), and Turkom Cera (T) (Turcom-Ceramic SDN-BHD, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia), were tested, each with n = 10. The specimens were divided into two subgroups (n = 5) according to the coating on the veneering ceramic: BN or BN–Cr. The Vickers hardness and color differences (ΔE) values were measured before and after coating. Surface analysis was performed with X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopic. The Wilcoxon signed-rank test was performed to compare hardness values. The Kruskal–Wallis test was performed to compare ΔE values among all groups. The post hoc tests was used after Kruskal–Wallis, with level of statistical significance set at P ≤ 0.05.

Results:

BN–Cr coating statistically significantly increased the hardness of all types of ceramics (P < 0.05). BN coating did not change the hardness statistically significantly (P > 0.05). The mean ΔE values indicated clinically noticeable (over the limit of 3.7) color change in all groups except for the EP-BN and T-BN groups.

Conclusion:

Although BN–Cr coating in this thickness had a negative effect on color, it increased the hardness of the ceramics and could be useful in the palatal region.
Effect of casein-phosphopeptide amorphous calcium phosphate and fluoride with/without erbium, chromium-doped yttrium, scandium, gallium, and garnet laser irradiation on enamel microhardness of permanent teeth
Authors: Ghelejkhani Arezoo , Nadalizadeh Sareh , Rajabi Mansoureh
Published: March 2021

Background:

Laser therapy, along with the use of fluoridated compounds is a novel technique suggested for caries prevention. Casein phosphopeptide amorphous calcium phosphate (CPP-ACP) is another product suggested for this purpose. This study compared the effect of CPP-ACP and fluoride with/without Erbium, chromium-doped yttrium, scandium, gallium, and garnet laser irradiation on enamel microhardness of permanent teeth.

Materials and Methods:

This in vitro experimental study evaluated 35 extracted third molars. The teeth were decoronated, and the crowns were split into buccal and lingual halves. The samples were randomly divided into seven groups (n = 10) of GC Tooth Mousse, MI Paste Plus, laser, fluoride varnish, laser + GC Tooth Mousse, laser + MI Paste Plus, and laser + fluoride varnish. The baseline microhardness was measured before the intervention. After the intervention, the samples were kept in artificial saliva for 1 h and were then immersed in the demineralizing solution for 3 h followed by 21 h of immersion in the remineralizing solution for a total period of 12 days. Finally, the teeth were kept in the remineralizing solution for 2 more days. The secondary microhardness of the teeth was then measured. Data were analyzed using the Shapiro–Wilk test, two-way ANOVA, and Tukey's Honestly Significant Difference test.

Results:

The fluoride varnish (14.31%) and laser + fluoride varnish (18.79%) groups experienced minimum reduction in microhardness, while the GC Tooth Mousse group experienced maximum reduction in microhardness (91.64%) (P < 0.001). Laser irradiation before the application of remineralizing agents increased the microhardness only in laser + GC Tooth Mousse group (P < 0.001).

Conclusion:

Fluoride varnish increased the enamel microhardness, while GC Tooth Mousse had no such effect. Laser therapy before the application of remineralizing agents did not significantly enhance enamel resistance to demineralization.
Quantitative analysis of herpes simplex virus-1 transcript in suspected viral keratitis corneal buttons and its clinical significance
Authors: Anjum Shahzan , Sen Seema , Agarwal Rinky , Sharma Namrata , Kashyap Seema , Sharma Anjana
Published: March 2021

Purpose:

The evaluation of Herpes Simplex virus-1 (HSV-1) transcript by different investigative methods (qPCR, PCR and IHC) in corneal buttons from suspected viral keratitis patients and the comparison of results with histopathological findings and clinical diagnosis.

Methods:

Sixty corneal buttons, 30 suspected viral keratitis, and 30 controls (keratoconus and bullous keratopathy) obtained after primary penetrating keratoplasty, were included in the study. All the corneal buttons were subjected to reverse transcriptase quantitative PCR (qPCR) for the detection of latency-associated transcript (LAT) gene, conventional PCR for polymerase (pol) gene, and immunohistochemistry (IHC) for HSV-1 antigen respectively. After obtaining baseline preoperative clinical data, all the patients were followed up for three years. The results obtained were correlated with clinicopathological features and follow-up data.

Results:

Of the 30 suspected viral keratitis patients there were 6 females and 24 males with mean age 46.5 ± 24.62 years (3-80 yrs). There was a marked male preponderance (80%). HSV-1 LAT transcript was detected in 23% (7/30) corneal buttons by qPCR, HSV-1 DNA in 6.7% (2/30) and HSV-1 antigen in 30% (9/30) cases by conventional PCR and IHC respectively. A statistically significant association was found between qPCR and DNA PCR (P = 0.04). All the 30 control corneas were negative for HSV-1 LAT gene, DNA and antigen.

Conclusion:

Detection of HSV-1 LAT transcript by qPCR may be superior to HSV-1 DNA PCR (conventional) and IHC, which has low sensitivity. However, the utility of HSV-1 LAT mRNA analysis as a diagnostic modality by qPCR needs to be validated on a larger patient cohort.
Ocular manifestations in renal allograft recipients
Authors: Ginu PM , Sati Alok , Murari T , Kaushik Jaya , Mishra Sanjay Kumar , Sharma Vijay Kumar
Published: March 2021

Purpose:

The aim of this study was to report the ocular findings in renal allograft recipients in India.

Methods:

A cross-sectional, comprehensive ophthalmic evaluation was performed, at least three months postrenal transplant, in 152 renal allograft recipients for the ocular findings. In addition, ocular findings were assessed for an association with the clinical variables like major etiologies of end-stage renal disease, pre-transplant dialysis duration, post-transplant duration, and dosage of immunosuppressive drugs.

Results:

72.36% of the recipients (mean age, 38.16 ± 10.04 years) had at least one ocular finding at 3 ± 2.6 years (range, 0.3-14 years), postrenal transplant. Hypertensive retinopathy was the commonest ocular finding followed by posterior subcapsular cataract (20.4%), nuclear sclerosis (19.7%), diabetic retinopathy (15.1%), dry eye (11.2%), allergic conjunctivitis (9.9%), pterygium (6.6%), open-angle glaucoma (3.3%), meibomitis (3.3%), pinguicula (2.6%), chalazion (1.3%), subconjunctival haemorrhage (1.7%), central serous chorioretinopathy (1.7%), healed ocular toxoplasmosis (1.7%), papilledema (1.7%), and dry ARMD (1.7%). In addition, a significant association existed between some of the ocular findings with major aetiologies of ESRD, post-transplant duration, and dosage of immunosuppressive drugs. However, no association existed between the ocular findings and pre-transplant dialysis duration.

Conclusion:

Ocular findings are seen in 72.36% of the renal transplant recipients with hypertensive retinopathy being the commonest one. Hence, a mandatory regular ophthalmic screening of the recipients is recommended for an early detection and timely intervention to improve the quality of life.
Merits of conjunctival frill incision in reducing trabeculectomy-induced astigmatism and patient discomfort
Authors: Singh Kirti , Bhattacharyya Mainak , Kumar Sumit
Published: March 2021

Purpose:

To compare results of a novel “conjunctival frill/smile incision” on surgically induced astigmatism (SIA) and patient discomfort vs conventional trabeculectomy in the initial postoperative period.

Methods:

Sixty trabeculectomy cases were subjected to either conjunctival frill incision, performed 1.5–2.0 mm from the limbus (study group) or conventional fornix-based conjunctival flap (control group). Corneal astigmatism and suture-induced discomfort were assessed by keratometry and a self-devised patient questionnaire, respectively.

Results:

Both groups generated a “with the rule” SIA, which was 1.77 vs 2.42 at 1 week and reduced to 1.27 vs 1.8 in the study vs control group, after removal of sutures – both scleral flap releasable and conjunctival at 1 month. Patient discomfort score revealed enhanced comfort in 37% of patients (study group) vs 17% (control group) during the early postoperative period. After 1 month of surgery, good comfort was regained in all cases.

Conclusion:

This novel suturing technique results in reduced SIA, patient discomfort during the 1st month after trabeculectomy.
Unilateral inferior altitudinal visual field defect related to COVID-19
Authors: Sharma Akanksha , Kudchadkar Urvashi Sinai , Shirodkar Rohit , Usgaonkar Ugam P S , Naik Aparna
Published: March 2021

Ocular manifestations of COVID-19 are still being studied. Posterior segment involvement in viral entities is either direct viral involvement or a delayed immune response to the antigen. A 22-year-old woman presented with history of perceiving absolute inferior scotoma in the right eye for 4 days and history of fever and sore throat 10 days ago. Fundus examination revealed disc edema and vessel tortuosity. Humphreys Field Analyzer confirmed inferior field defect and Optical Coherence Tomography showed superior, nasal and inferior retinal nerve fiber layer thickening in the right eye. Patient was positive for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) testing. Patient received three doses of injection methylprednisolone over 3 days. There was subjective resolution of scotoma reported 3 weeks posttreatment. We bring forward the first reported case of parainfectious optic neuritis associated with COVID-19.
Prognostic Analysis of Hyponatremia for Diseased Patients Using Multilayer Perceptron Classification Technique
Authors: Theerthagiri Prasannavenkatesan , Krishnan C Gopala , A H Nishan
Published: March 2021

INTRODUCTION: The sodium electrolyte deficiency in the human serum is known as Hyponatremia. The deficiency of sodium in the blood indulges many problems for the patients. If the sodium range in human serum not managed and treated it creates difficulties such as longer hospital stays and mortality.OBJECTIVES: This paper focuses on forecasting the sodium ranges of patient using the machine learning algorithm supported by the past health records of the patients.METHODS: The vital patient information including the disease history, age, gender, and serum sodium level before and after hospital admission are analysed using the logistic regression, k-nearest neighbour, multilayer perceptron, and extra-trees ensemble classification algorithm.The results of the classification algorithm show that the proposed MLP algorithm produces higher prediction results as compared to other machine learning algorithms. Also, the confusion matrix, Kappa score, R square value and error metrics.CONCLUSION: The results show that the MLP classification is more suitable prognostic analysis of the hyponatremia for diseased patients.
Review on the Role of Macular Edema in Retinopathy, Blindness and Automated Diagnosis Methods
Authors: Barman M. J. , Deb D. , Hassan M. K. , Choudhury B.
Published: March 2021

INTRODUCTION: Macular edema is not a disease itself, but, a very common condition in most of the retinal diseases, such as diabetic retinopathy, retinal vein occlusion, hypertensive retinopathy, age-related macular edema, etc. and post-ocular surgery.OBJECTIVES: We have discussed how macular edema plays an important role in blindness in case of various retinal blood vascular diseases and post-ophthalmic surgery. We have analyzed vast state-of-the-art methods for retinal abnormality detection.METHODS: The proposed method uses a semi-automated macula segmentation approach and Local Binary Pattern features to train k-Nearest Neighbor classifier and performs binary classification.RESULTS: We have achieved 80% accuracy and 90% sensitivity in classifying normal and abnormal retina.CONCLUSION: We justified the notion that it will be beneficial to have a method that can analyse the macula region and alert if there is any abnormality near that region to prevent vision loss.
VC density of definable families over valued fields
Authors: Basu Saugata , Patel Deepam
Published: March 2021

We prove a tight bound on the number of realized 0=1 patterns (or equivalently on the Vapnik–Chervonenkis codensity) of definable families in models of the theory of algebraically closed valued fields with a non-archimedean valuation. Our result improves the best known result in this direction proved by Aschenbrenner, Dolich, Haskell, Macpherson and Starchenko, who proved a weaker bound in the restricted case where the characteristics of the field

K

and its residue field are both assumed to be 0. The bound obtained here is optimal and without any restriction on the characteristics.

We obtain the aforementioned bound as a consequence of another result on bounding the Betti numbers of semi-algebraic subsets of certain Berkovich analytic spaces, mirroring similar results known already in the case of o-minimal structure and for real closed as well as algebraically closed fields. The latter result is the first result in this direction and is possibly of independent interest. Its proof relies heavily on recent results of Hrushovski and Loeser on the topology of semi-algebraic subsets of Berkovich analytic spaces.
Migrant inflows, capital outflows, growth and distribution: should we control capital rather than immigration?
Authors: Brancaccio Emiliano , Califano Andrea , De Cristofaro Fabiana
Published: March 2021

Liberalization policies of international movements of capital and labour have represented a crucial feature of the so-called ‘globalization’ era. More recently, however, several restrictions on migratory movements have been adopted to face the alleged negative effects of immigration. On the contrary, free movement of capital has almost always been preserved. This paper aims to verify whether this current framework of international economic policy can be justified in economic terms. We propose an unprecedented direct comparison between the macroeconomic and distributive impacts of ‘extreme’ episodes of net capital outflows and net migrant inflows in OECD countries between 1970 and 2017. Applying a fixed-effects approach and an event-study approach, we show that GDP growth and functional income distribution have null or even positive statistical relationships with immigration, while they have largely negative statistical relationships with capital flights. More specifically, extreme migrant inflows are not related or in some cases are positively related to real GDP growth, real GDP per capita growth and the wage share, while extreme capital outflows are negatively related to real GDP growth and real GDP per capita growth. These results contrast with current policy agendas and seem to suggest that controls should concern capital movements rather than migratory flows of people.
Getting under your skin(s): a legal-ethical exploration of Fortnite's transformation into a content delivery platform and its manipulative potential
Authors: Sax Marijn , Ausloos Jef
Published: March 2021

This article investigates the ethical and legal implications of increasingly manipulative practices in the gaming industry by looking at one of the currently most popular and profitable video games in the world. Fortnite has morphed from an online game into a quasi-social network and an important cultural reference point in the lifeworld of many (young) people. The game is also emblematic of the freemium business model, with strong incentives to design the game in a manner which maximizes microtransactions. This article suggests that to properly understand Fortnite's practices – which we predict will become more widely adopted in the video game industry in the near future – we need an additional perspective. Fortnite is not only designed for hyper-engagement; its search for continued growth and sustained relevance is driving its transformation from being a mere video game into a content delivery platform. This means that third parties can offer non game-related services to players within Fortnite's immersive game experience. In this paper, we draw on an ethical theory of manipulation (which defines manipulation as an ethically problematic influence on a person's behaviour) to explore whether the gaming experience offered by Fortnite harbours manipulative potential. To legally address the manipulative potential of commercial video game practices such as the ones found in Fortnite, we turn to European data protection and consumer protection law. More specifically, we explore how the European Union's General Data Protection Regulation and Unfair Commercial Practices Directive can provide regulators with tools to address Fortnite's manipulative potential and to make Fortnite (more) forthright.
The Effects of Digital Game-based STEM Activities on Students’ Interests in STEM Fields and Scientific Creativity: Minecraft Case
Authors: Saricam Ugur , Yildirim Mehtap
Published: March 2021

This research is determined to investigate the effects of STEM activities practiced by using digital games in 6th-grade science classes on students’ level of interest in STEM fields and their scientific creativity. As a digital game, Minecraft Education Edition was applied. As a data collecting tool for this survey, the STEM Career Interest Survey and Scientific Creativity Scale were used in the quantitative part and semi-structured interview forms were used in the qualitative part of the study. As a result of the research, it was seen that there is a statistically significant difference between the scientific creativity and STEM interest levels of students in favor of the posttest. In order to investigate the results obtained from the quantitative data more deeply, the students' remarks on STEM education were scrutinized. Students have stated that they were constantly in communication with each other as they had been working as teams throughout the application process inside the Minecraft world, shared decision making processes and that this situation enabled them to learn to respect different ideas; they were fully active during the application of the lessons and thus the information was more consistent; and that the education process was both instructing and informative.
Formative Assessment with Game-based Technology
Authors: Grier Donovon , Lindt Suzanne F. , Miller Stacia C.
Published: March 2021

The purpose of the current research was to determine the types of educational technology preferred by students and instructors, and to compare formative and summative scores within student classes. During a unit of study within a semester-long class, 44 volunteer student participants were administered four technology-based assessments designed to help them prepare for the summative exam. Following the summative assessment, students were asked to complete a feedback form to explain what type of technology assessment they felt was most helpful in providing them with feedback on their knowledge and which was most interesting to use. Instructors also provided feedback on ease of use and collected students’ scores on formative and summative assessments. The results of this study suggest that technology-based formative feedback can be effective in helping students prepare for summative exams and that students mostly preferred competitive and fun tools that provide immediate feedback.
Potency, Hubris and Susceptibility: The Disease Mongering Critique of Pharmaceutical Marketing
Authors: Doran Evan , Hogue Clare
Published: March 2021

The phrase “disease mongering” has become a prominent feature of the wider critique of pharmaceutical marketing. Disease mongering refers to drug companies’ involvement in informing the lay public and health professionals about the illnesses targeted by their products. Typically, drug promotion is claimed to intentionally distort perceptions of the seriousness or treatability of disease or condition to sell drugs. The main concern is that drug promotion results in excessive drug demand. “Disease mongering” is clearly aimed at drug companies, however, the phrase reaches further and extends to us all with its often implicit critical commentary on contemporary social life. In this report, describe the results of an interview study with critics of pharmaceutical marketing. We explore what disease mongering implies or assumes about the contemporary world, particularly the doctors and consumers who inhabit it, and why such a critique is considered necessary. The potency of the drug promotion, the hubris of doctors the susceptibility of consumers were the main themes interpreted in the data. The disease mongering critique can be seen as part of a more general critique of the processes of “biomedicalisation” and “pharmaceuticalisation.”