bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Patterns of Blood Products Utilization at a Tertiary Care Center in the Southern Region of Saudi Arabia
Authors: Alkhaldy Husain Y. , AlShahrani Bushra Saeed , Alkhaldi Ali Yahya M. , Alqahtani Abdullah Salman A. , Muhayya Ibrahim , Alqahtani Mohammed , Eissa Mohamed
Published: March 2021

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

A total of 457 blood transfusion requests for 244 patients were received over a 3-month period. Registered demographic characteristics (age, sex, and nationality), ward, type of blood, and hemoglobin concentration before transfusion for all the patients were collected.

RESULTS:

A total of 1328 blood products were requested, while 780 (59%) units were transfused. The cross-matched packed red cells/transfusion ratio was 1.8, while request/transfusion was 1.7 for the fresh frozen plasma and 1.23 for platelets. Packed red blood cells were the main blood product used in blood transfusion (BT). General surgery/orthopedics and intensive care unit were reported with a greater number of requests. The main indications noted for blood requisition were surgery and anemia.

CONCLUSIONS:

Current guidelines appear to be respected within services regarding BT decision criteria. However, about half of the requested blood is not transfused which suggest further improvement. Adherence to established guidelines seems variables among different departments. Elective transfusion medicine rotations for all trainees and specialized dedicated sessions for doctors may help in further betterment of utilization of blood bank services.
Cutaneous Manifestation of Sickle Cell Disease
Authors: Patnayak Rashmi , Das Prateek , Patra Sukanya , Bhola Rajesh Kumar
Published: March 2021

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is an autosomal recessive hemoglobinopathy. SCD patients commonly present with skin ulceration. This case is about a 22-year-old male whose initial presentation was reddish spots on both lower legs. Skin biopsy revealed features of leukocytoclastic vasculitis with sickled red blood cells (RBCs). He was further evaluated with sickling test which was positive. His hemoglobin electrophoresis was reported as sickle-beta thalassemia. This case is presented to emphasize the importance of RBC morphology and high index of suspicion, particularly in dealing with patients from the sickle cell belt area.
Genetics in Public Health
Authors: Rai Shilpa , Kumar Gunjan , Suresan Vinay , Sethi Alok Kumar , Bhushan Vidya
Published: March 2021

Genetics is considered a branch of science dealing with the study of heredity and variation in genes and genotype. A hybrid subspecialty of genetics and public health has come up in recent years. Public health genetics involves the application of genetics and molecular biotechnology in the improvement of community health and disease prevention. The Centers for Disease Control developed a framework comprising four essential public health functions and three critical issues associated with individual function. This review aims to highlight the integration of discoveries in genetic into public health. Scientific approach is required to study the impact of genetic discoveries on community health. Judicious assessment of the utility of genetic tests and development of standards and guidelines for reassuring superior genetic testing are critical steps in the process. Strong public health leadership to develop, implement, and evaluate disease intervention strategies is required for utilizing the advances in genetics for disease prevention. The critical issues that affect each function are partnerships and coordination; ethical, legal, and social issues; and education and training. An integrated and comprehensive scheme is required for the control of genetic diseases. Public health professionals shall help evolve, study, and propagate the scientific knowledge that would serve as a guide for public health action.
Effective Teaching Methodologies in Dental Education during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Vyas Tarun
Published: March 2021

The coronavirus (COVID-19), which evokes diverse response methods worldwide, has challenged health professionals and dentists. This article would explore possibilities for the effects of the epidemic on dental instruction and its methodologies. This is carried out by a detailed review of the literature available on the related aspects of the field. Although the COVID-19 pandemic has caused many problems in clinical dentistry, the opportunity to modernize methods is given to dental educators and adequate pedagogy with the use of modern technology concepts and online networking and the use of learning. In addition, the COVID-19 crisis revealed a significant underestimation of the role of e-oral health education and services facilities and advanced technologies, as well as teledentistry.
Incarcerated and strangulated inguinal hernias in children: A 10-year retrospective analysis
Authors: Talabi Ademola , Sowande Oludayo , Tanimola Adebayo , Adumah Collins , Adejuyigbe Olusanya
Published: March 2021

Background: In pediatric inguinal hernia, the most feared complication is incarceration, which can lead to catastrophic consequences if not resolved expeditiously. Aims: This study assessed the usefulness of manual reduction of complicated inguinal hernia in children. Settings and Design: This study was designed to study the age at presentation, gestation age at birth, duration of symptoms, success rate of manual reduction of incarcerated inguinal hernia, subsequent treatment, operative findings, and outcome of strangulated cases in pediatric patients. Materials and Methods: This is a retrospective study involving 56 children under 15 years of age with a diagnosis of complicated inguinal hernia managed between January 2009 and December 2018 at a tertiary care hospital in Nigeria. Demographic characteristics, clinical presentations, management, and outcome were retrieved. Data were analyzed using SPSS software version 22 (IBM Corp., NY, USA). The results were presented as frequencies and percentages. Categorical variables were analyzed using Chi-square test. P < 0.05 was deemed statistically significant. Results: The age of patients ranged between 8 days and 14 years, with a median of 2 months; 79% were infants. Males outnumbered females by a ratio of 27:1, and the rate of incarceration was 5.0%. Majority (89.3%) had no previous hospital visits. Those who had successful manual reduction was 80%. Time of presentation was a statistically significant factor for successful reduction, P < 0.05. One patient experienced en masse reduction, and there was no mortality. Conclusion: Majority of those with incarcerated inguinal hernias were infants, and manual reduction was associated with early presentation.
Treatment of anterior dental crossbite in adult Libyan patient
Authors: Elsheikhi Fatma
Published: March 2021

Objective: Anterior crossbite presents when one or more of the upper incisors occlude lingual to lower incisors. Several techniques were used to correct anterior crossbite. The aim of this article was to present the treatment of anterior crossbite under skeletal Class I relationship using multilooped archwire. Methods: A 24-year-old female has a complaint of anterior crossbite. She has concave profile, all her teeth present except the maxillary canines, 4 mm reverse overjet, 4 mm crowding in the lower anterior and 25% overbite. The treatment was started in the lower arch by the extraction of the lower first premolars. Different arch sequences of nickel–titanium alloys, followed by different sequences of stainless steel archwires were used. Results: The correction of crossbite was achieved successfully within 18 months. Normal overjet and overbite and orthognathic profile were accomplished. Conclusion: The treatment of anterior crossbite was achieved using retraction multilooping arch to achieve normal overjet and overbite.
Corona virus disease 2019 pandemic: Addressing the needs of refugees and migrants in the european region
Authors: Shrivastava Saurabh , Shrivastava Prateek
Published: March 2021

The Corona Virus Disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has influenced the lives of millions of people across the world and forced all the public health authorities to divert their attention towards the disease. The refugees and migrants have been recognized as vulnerable population groups and it is a must that in general, we should try to meet the needs of these population groups in this ongoing pandemic. Considering the practical concerns pertaining to the difficulty in accessing health care or residing in overcrowded settings or poor water supply, it makes them extremely vulnerable to COVID-19 infection, as all these factors play an important role in enhancing the transmission of the disease. The need of the hour is to prevent the possibility of stigma and discrimination and ensure that reliable and timely information is passed to them through trustworthy resources. Further, all steps should be taken to inform them about the need to maintain social distancing, use of personal protective equipment and strict adherence to the infection prevention and control recommendations. In conclusion, in the battle against the COVID-19 pandemic, the refugees and migrants deserve equal priority and attention like that of the general population. However, considering their vulnerability to acquire the infection due to varying environmental and social attributes, it becomes crucial to facilitate early detection and isolation of the cases and thereby interrupt the chain of transmission and thus reduce the overall caseload.
The Effect of Heat-Treated Single-File Systems on Dentinal Crack Formation
Authors: Ozlek E , Gunduz H
Published: March 2021

Objectives:

The aim of this study was to compare the formation of dentinal crack after root canal preparation performed with different heat treated single-file systems.

Materials and Methods:

Forty mandibular premolar teeth were randomly divided into four groups according to the file system to be used during the preparation (n = 10): Group 1: Reciproc Blue; group 2: One Curve; group 3: HyFlex EDM; group 4: (control group) hand files. During the cleaning and shaping, irrigation was performed with a total of 10 ml of 5.25% sodium hypochlorite and 2 mL of distilled water. Then sections were taken from the roots (3, 6 and 9 mm). Sections were examined on a stereomicroscope to determine the presence of cracks. Chi-square test was used for data analysis.

Results:

There was a significant difference between the groups in dentinal crack frequency (P <.05). HyFlex EDM (13.3%) caused less dentinal crack than One Curve (26.7%) and Reciproc Blue (30%). No cracks were observed in the control group. When 3, 6, and 9 mm were evaluated within themselves, dentinal crack formation did not differ according to the groups (P > 0.05). A statistically higher mean value was obtained in the control group compared to the other groups in terms of working time (P < 0.001).

Conclusions:

All the files used during root canal preparation formed dentin crack. Hy-Flex EDM caused less dentinal cracks than other file systems. The flexibility of nickel-titanium instruments because of heat treatment seems to have a significant influence on dentinal crack formation.
Are Saudi Healthcare Students Aware of COVID-19, and Do They Behave Safely During Viral Outbreaks?
Authors: Natto ZS , Alshaeri HK
Published: March 2021

Aims:

The purpose of this study is to understand healthcare students' knowledge of COVID-19 and the precautionary behaviors they practiced in Saudi Arabia during the MERS-CoV2 outbreak.

Subjects and Methods:

This cross-sectional study utilized an online questionnaire consisting of 29 items and three sections. The first section collected demographic information, including age, gender, location, and level of education. The second section assessed their knowledge of clinical characteristics, treatments, and disease prevention. The third section addressed the students' behaviors.

Results:

Respondents included 223 students, of which 37.2% were males and 62.8% were females. The largest group of respondents included medical students (44.8%), followed by dental students (41.3%). Overall, students demonstrated a thorough knowledge of disease transmission, diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of COVID-19. However, some of the respondents could not identify the full name of the disease, Coronavirus Disease 2019 (64.6%), or provide a current estimate of the number of cases diagnosed globally (49.8%). Additionally, most of the survey respondents (93.3%) reported that they had followed social distancing guidelines issued by the Ministry of Health.

Conclusion:

While most health students were knowledgeable about most aspects of COVID-19, others did not follow universal precautions during the outbreak, which identifies better incorporation of such information in students' academic programs.
The Relationship Between Self-Efficacy of Diabetes Management and Well-Being in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Çalli D , Kartal A
Published: March 2021

Background:

Self-efficacy is defined as the ability of an individual to perform an action successfully or her/his perception of being able to control events. The self-efficacy perception of diabetes management may affect well-being of the patient.

Aims:

This study aimed to examine the relationships between self-efficacy of diabetes management and well-being in patients with type 2 diabetes.

Subjects and Methods:

The study used a descriptive correlational design. Sample of the study included 200 patients with type 2 diabetes. Sociodemographic and disease-related questionnaire form “Self-Efficacy Scale for Diabetes Management” and “Well-Being Questionnaire” have been used as data collection tools. Multiple linear regression analysis was performed to explore the predictors of well-being in patients with type 2 diabetes.

Results:

Self-efficacy level, age, level of compliance with treatment, and state of doing exercise were found to be statistically significant predictors of well-being in type 2 diabetic patients. Self-efficacy level for diabetes management was found to be the strongest predictor of well-being in patients with type 2 diabetes.

Conclusion:

Self-efficacy level of diabetes management is a factor that affects well-being in type 2 diabetes patients and it should be considered during interventions for improving the well-being of patients.
Analysis of Root and Canal Morphology of Fused and Separate Rooted Maxillary Molar Teeth in Turkish Population
Authors: Aydin H
Published: March 2021

Aims:

To investigate the root canal anatomy and the incidence of fused roots in maxillary first molar (MFM) and maxillary second molar (MSM) teeth in the Turkish population and compare them to teeth with separate roots using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT).

Methods:

CBCT images of 616 MFMs and 703 MSMs were analyzed from 402 patients for the number of roots and the presence of fusion. The canal configuration of teeth with separate and fused roots was compared. Type of fusion and canal merging positions were determined. A P value of less than 0.05 was considered significant.

Results:

Five hundred and seventy-one (92.69%) MFMs had three separate roots, one (0.16%) had four roots and the incidence of root fusion was 7.14%. An additional mesiobuccal (MB) canal was present in 79.34% of the teeth with three separate roots. There was no merging of canals in 36 of 44 teeth with fused roots. The prevalence of fusion was higher in the MSMs (23.47%). The incidence of three and four separate roots in MSM teeth was 74.68% and 1.85%, respectively. The prevalence of additional MB canals in teeth with three separate roots was 53.14%. There was no canal merging in 60% of the fused rooted teeth. There were two-merged canals in 31.52% and multiple merged canals in 8.48% of the MSMs.

Conclusions:

In the Turkish population, the incidence of root fusion in the MFMs and MSMs was 7.14% and 23.47%, respectively, with more canal merging in the MSMs.
Psychological effects of COVID-19 on hospital staff
Authors: Guo Jianming , Liao Lianming , Wang Baoguo , Li Xiaoqiang , Guo Lianrui , Tong Zhu , Guan Qinghua , Zhou Mingyue , Wu Yingfeng , Zhang Jian , Dardik Alan , Gu Yongquan
Published: March 2021

OBJECTIVE:

This study examined the psychological impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-2019) outbreak on medical staff in China.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

In February 2020, an online survey was carried out by using an online survey tool (WeChat) to evaluate the effects of the outbreak on the mental health of medical staff in China.

RESULTS:

A total of 11,118 medical staff responded to the survey. About 4.98% of the respondents reported middle and high levels of anxiety, while 13.47% of the respondents reported middle and high levels of depression since the COVID-19 outbreak. Nurses, frontline medical staff, and younger medical staff were more likely to have anxiety and depression than physicians, nonfrontline medical staff, and older medical staff.

CONCLUSIONS:

Although the serious psychological impact of COVID-19 is not so common in medical staff in China, programs are needed to protect them against the negative impacts of COVID-19.
On the first trace formula for Schrödinger operators
Authors: Hryniv Rostyslav , Mykytyuk Yaroslav
Published: March 2021

We prove that the so-called first trace formula holds for all Schrödinger operators on the line with real-valued integrable potentials.
A note on the $\Theta$-invariant of 3-manifolds
Authors: Cattaneo Alberto S. , Shimizu Tatsuro
Published: March 2021

In this note, we revisit the

\Theta

-invariant as defined by R. Bott and the first author in [4]. The

\Theta

-invariant is an invariant of rational homology 3-spheres with acyclic orthogonal local systems, which is a generalization of the 2-loop term of the Chern–Simons perturbation theory. The

\Theta

-invariant can be defined when a cohomology group is vanishing. In this note, we give a slightly modified version of the

\Theta

-invariant that we can define even if the cohomology group is not vanishing.
Estimated incidence of juvenile-onset recurrent respiratory papillomatosis in Korea
Authors: Oh Jin-Kyoung , Choi Hwa Young , Han Minji , Jung Yuh-Seog , Lee Sang Joon , Ki Moran
Published: March 2021

OBJECTIVES: Recurrent respiratory papillomatosis (RRP) is caused by human papillomavirus (HPV) types 6 and 11 and is potentially preventable through vaccination. This study estimated the incidence of juvenile-onset RRP before the implementation of the national HPV vaccination program in Korea.METHODS: We conducted a cohort study using claims data provided by a mandatory insurance program to estimate the incidence of RRP and associated healthcare use. Patients with juvenile RRP were defined as those aged ≤12 years with ≥2 admissions or ≥2 outpatient visits during which they received the International Classification of Diseases, 10th revision code for benign neoplasms of the larynx (D14.1).RESULTS: During 2002-2014, 123 children (74 boys and 49 girls) were diagnosed with RRP. The patients had a mean of 6.5 person-years of follow-up. The incidence was estimated at 0.30/100,000 person-years. The median age at diagnosis was 4.0 years (mean, 4.3). Thirty-six (29.3%) patients underwent surgery, including 23 patients (18.7%) who underwent 2 or more surgical procedures. Severe disease, measured by more frequent surgical procedures and shorter time intervals between consecutive operations, was associated with a younger age at diagnosis.CONCLUSIONS: The estimated incidence of juvenile-onset RRP in Korea was similar to that reported in other countries. The RRP burden should continue to be monitored using National Health Insurance Service claims data.
AVIFAUNA ASSOCIADA A MUÇUNUNGAS: COMPOSIÇÃO E USO DO HABITAT
Authors:   Universidade Federal de São Carlos, Godoy Fernando Igor de , Piratelli Augusto João ,   Casa da Floresta Ambiental Ltda
Published: March 2021

Muçunungas are vegetation formations in sandy soils, similar to restingas in structure and composition, ranging from grassy woody (GL) to low-density trees or muçununga forests (FM). Although some birds are known for this phytophysiognomy, few data are available on the structure of their communities, and on the ecological resources' use. This research aims to present the first commented list on the birdlife of muçunungas, and to describe how they share the ecological resources in different formations. Five areas of muçunungas having different vegetation structures were sampled in southern Bahia, Brazil, between 2011 and 2019. We recorded 216 species; 32 endemics to the Atlantic Forest and 14 threatened with extinction. The most abundant feeding guilds were insectivores (77 species), omnivores (53), and frugivores (32). A total of 109 species were recorded in FM and 183 in GL. Strictly forest birds prevailed in FM (66 %), and forest, semi-forest, and open-area species were detected in similar amounts in GL. Generalist birds have prevailed in muçunungas, sharing many species with the surrounding environments, as in restingas. Due to the paucity of specific public policies, and similarities of muçunungas and restingas, we suggest that similar conservationist strategies could be applied to birds in these two environments of the Atlantic Forest.
CAPTURE AND HANDLING STRESS IN INCIDENTALLY CAPTURED RAYS FROM SMALL-SCALE FISHING: A PHYSIOLOGICAL APPROACH
Authors:   Universidade de São Paulo, Rangel Bianca de Souza , Rodrigues Alexandre , Moreira Renata Guimarães ,   Universidade Estadual Paulista
Published: March 2021

Incidental capture is the most common threat to rays worldwide, by both artisanal and industrial fishing. To better understand this threat, we evaluated the capture and handling stress in three incidentally captured benthopelagic ray species: American cownose ray (Rhinoptera bonasus), Brazilian cownose ray (Rhinoptera brasiliensis), spotted eagle ray (Aetobatus narinari), and one benthic species, the longnose stingray (Hypanus guttatus). Through analyzing secondary stress physiological variables (plasma lactate and glucose), our results revealed a similar physiological stress response in benthopelagic rays, suggesting they are resilient to capture using beach seine fishing. We also demonstrated that handling for research can increase the stress in both American cownose and spotted eagle rays, suggesting that more stringent handling protocols for research should be required. Findings from this study expands on the number of ray species for which stress to capture and handling has been evaluated, providing recommendations for appropriate research and management.
Dexamethasone and COVID-19: Strategies in Low- and Middle-Income Countries to Tackle Steroid-Related Strongyloides Hyperinfection
Authors: Olivera Mario J.
Published: March 2021

COVID-19 can trigger a systemic inflammatory response that in some cases leads to severe lung involvement, multisystem dysfunction, and death. Dexamethasone therapy, because of its potent anti-inflammatory effects, has been proposed for the management of hospitalized patients with severe COVID-19. The subject of this article is to discuss potential strategies to tackle Strongyloides hyperinfection in hospitalized patients with COVID-19 receiving dexamethasone therapy in low- and middle-income countries. In this context, dexamethasone treatment has been found to be generally safe. However, its use in people coinfected with undetected Strongyloides stercoralis increases the risk for Strongyloides hyperinfection/dissemination a potentially fatal complication. Infection caused by S. stercoralis may remain asymptomatic or with mild symptoms in humans for several years. Early detection and specific treatment prevent a fatal evolution of this complication, but the challenge is to screen before corticosteroid therapy. In some cases, presumptive treatment may be justified. Ivermectin is the gold standard for treatment.
Variation in Calculating and Reporting Antimalarial Efficacy against Plasmodium falciparum in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Systematic Review of Published Reports
Authors: Plucinski Mateusz M. , Hastings Ian M. , Moriarty Leah F. , Venkatesan Meera , Felger Ingrid , Halsey Eric S.
Published: March 2021

Antimalarials, in particular artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACTs), are critical tools in reducing the global burden of malaria, which is concentrated in sub-Saharan Africa. Performing and reporting antimalarial efficacy studies in a transparent and standardized fashion permit comparison of efficacy outcomes across countries and time periods. This systematic review summarizes study compliance with WHO laboratory and reporting guidance pertaining to antimalarial therapeutic efficacy studies and evaluates how well studies from sub-Saharan Africa adhered to these guidelines. We included all published studies (January 2020 or before) performed in sub-Saharan Africa where ACT efficacy for treatment of uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum infection was reported. The primary outcome was a composite indicator for study methodology consistent with WHO guidelines for statistical analysis of corrected efficacy, defined as an article presenting a Kaplan–Meier survival analysis of corrected efficacy or reporting a per-protocol analysis where new infections were excluded from the numerator and denominator. Of 581 articles screened, we identified 279 for the review. Molecular correction was used in 83% (232/279) to distinguish new infections from recrudescences in subjects experiencing recurrent parasitemia. Only 45% (99/221) of articles with therapeutic efficacy as a primary outcome and performing molecular correction reported corrected efficacy outcomes calculated in a way consistent with WHO recommendations. These results indicate a widespread lack of compliance with WHO-recommended methods of analysis, which may result in biases in how antimalarial effectiveness is being measured and reported from sub-Saharan Africa.
Microcephaly Outcomes among Zika Virus–Infected Pregnant Women in Honduras
Authors: Alger Jackeline , Buekens Pierre , Cafferata Maria Luisa , Alvarez Zulma , Berrueta Mabel , Bock Harry , Bustillo Carolina , Calderón Alejandra , Callejas Allison , Castillo Mario , Ciganda Alvaro , Fúnes Jenny , García Jorge , García Kimberly , Gibbons Luz , Gilboa Suzanne M. , Harville Emily W. , Hernández Gustavo , López Raquel , López Wendy , Lorenzana Ivette , Tulio Luque Marco , Maldonado Carlos , Moore Cynthia A. , Ochoa Carlos , Parham Leda , Pastrana Karla , Rico Fátima , Rodríguez Heriberto , Stella Candela , Valencia Diana , Varela Douglas , Wesson Dawn M. , Zúniga Concepción , Tong Van T.
Published: March 2021

The impact of Zika virus (ZIKV) infection on pregnancies shows regional variation emphasizing the importance of studies in different geographical areas. We conducted a prospective study in Tegucigalpa, Honduras, recruiting 668 pregnant women between July 20, 2016, and December 31, 2016. We performed Trioplex real-time reverse transcriptase–PCR (rRT-PCR) in 357 serum samples taken at the first prenatal visit. The presence of ZIKV was confirmed in seven pregnancies (7/357, 2.0%). Nine babies (1.6%) had microcephaly (head circumference more than two SDs below the mean), including two (0.3%) with severe microcephaly (head circumference [HC] more than three SDs below the mean). The mothers of both babies with severe microcephaly had evidence of ZIKV infection. A positive ZIKV Trioplex rRT-PCR was associated with a 33.3% (95% CI: 4.3–77.7%) risk of HC more than three SDs below the mean.
Images of ancient Calabrian-Sicilian earthquakes from a stereoscopic viewer of the early 20th century. The ethics behind a natural disaster photo-gallery
Authors: Foresta Martin Franco , Peppoloni Silvia , Tosi Patrizia , De Rubeis Valerio , Sbarra Paola , Topazio Sonia
Published: March 2021

This research was inspired by an old stereoscopic viewer from the early 1900s, containing 42 glass slides depicting scenes from two Italian earthquakes that struck Southern Calabria and Eastern Sicily in the years 1894 and 1905, causing hundreds of deaths, but whose memory was blurred by the subsequent, great earthquake of the Messina Straits of December 28, 1908. The sequence of three-dimensional images shown by the viewer gave a deep and realistic visual impact to scenes of collapses, debris, and victims, arousing feelings of dismay. In this work, we describe the viewer apparatus; the places depicted in the stereoscopic plates, and the seismic phenomena that caused the disasters. But above all, we investigate the social and cultural aims that pushed to show the effects of local earthquakes through this kind of primitive multimedia mechanism. We exclude that the viewer, with its photographic equipment, was merely an instrument of entertainment. We rather assume that it carried out an educational task. The repetition of the sequence of tragic images of earthquakes through the stereoscopic viewer had the purpose of contributing to give awareness of the looming seismic risk and to accept rationally those recurring disasters.
Research and Application of Rayleigh Wave 3-D Phase Velocity Imaging Based on Wavelet Transform
Authors: Min Xiang , Xinghua Qi , Fengwei Zhang
Published: March 2021

Rayleigh wave detection is a recently developed method for shallow seismic exploration. Current Rayleigh wave data processing and interpretation methods can only provide the transverse average wave velocity of rock-soil bodies under the geophone array range, resulting in a low lateral resolution of wave velocity. To solve this problem, this paper presents a Rayleigh wave data processing method based on wavelet transform. First, the Hankel matrix is constructed from the intercepted Rayleigh wave, and the effective singular value is preserved by singular value decomposition to filter the Rayleigh wave. Then, the appropriate center frequency is selected and the corresponding relationship between the time and frequency of the Rayleigh wave is obtained via wavelet transform. The waveform of each frequency component can be extracted and the complete time difference of each frequency component between two geophones will be obtained and used to calculate the phase velocity-depth profile of the Rayleigh wave in a rock-soil body. This method is applied to examine unfavorable geological bodies that are underground in a yard. By combining the phase velocity-depth profiles of several survey lines, the 3-D image of phase velocity of Rayleigh wave underground can be obtained. This method can provide the phase velocity distribution of the formation below the survey line by only one measurement, which greatly improves upon the work efficiency and lateral resolution of the traditional Rayleigh wave data processing method.
Odysseus – Trickster and the Issue of the Compatibility of the Image of the Hero with Its Function in the Traditions of the Oral Epic
Authors: Zieliński Karol
Published: March 2021

In the Greek epic tradition associated with the Trojan cycle, the protagonists are played by Achilles and Odysseus, two heroes with contrasting characteristics. The Homeric poems endeavor to approximate the character of Odysseus to Achilles. They cannot, however, break with his traditional image in which he represents the trickster type. Both preservation of the traditional image and its reinterpretation is typical of the oral tradition. Comparison with other traditions of the oral epic reveals a connection between the trickster character and the antagonist of the hero-protagonist. Both polarized characters represent two types of behavior assessed by the listening audience in terms of their usefulness for the survival of the community. In his readiness for sacrifice, the hero represents an altruistic attitude, positively valorized as moral behavior. The trickster’s egoistic behavior moves away from moral principles, but it can also ultimately bring benefit to the whole community. Similarly to the behavior of the trickster-antagonist, that of the hero-protagonist is also ambivalent, as it brings harm to the community, which –though temporary – often takes on the dimension of a disaster.
Between Myth and Brand. Aspects of Myth in Marketing Communication
Authors: Czeremski Maciej
Published: March 2021

The article is aimed at presenting that the features of a myth (known from literature in the field of anthropology, semiotics, and cognitive science) are also present in marketing communication related to shaping the image of brands. However, they are used in a scattershot manner, as specific marketing messages usually use only certain selected features of a myth. The article shows techniques of brand mythologization by combining three features of myths (permanent structure of events, bricolage, counter-intuitiveness) with three possible ways of their application for marketing communication (modeling, export, import).
A farewell to ears: Hearing the call and answering
Authors: Brown Anne Marie
Published: March 2021

A semi-humorous autobiographical account of one first-year MSOT student trying to do their part to support the local healthcare community and its clients during the time of COVID-19 and self-quarantine.
Impacto do exercício físico na aptidão física de adultos: uma coorte retrospectiva
Authors: Ovando Ramon Gustavo Moraes , Santos Lorena Laira Morais dos , Oliveira Leonardo Pestillo de , Bertolini Sonia Maria Marques Gomes
Published: March 2021

O objetivo do estudo foi analisar os impactos da prática de exercícios físicos na aptidão física relacionada a saúde. Trata-se de um estudo de coorte retrospectiva, quantitativo, exploratório, comparativo e longitudinal com intervalo de 12 anos. Foram coletadas informações de 198 pessoas matriculadas em academia de ginástica entre 2007 e 2009, sendo que em 2019, 40 destes indivíduos, com idade entre 40 e 60 anos, foram novamente entrevistados e avaliados com os mesmos instrumentos de coleta de dados anteriormente utilizados. Foram coletadas variáveis antropométricas e de aptidão física. Os resultados evidenciaram que os indivíduos que continuaram praticando exercícios físicos regularmente nos últimos dozes anos, quando comparados aqueles que não se mantiveram ativos são mais aptos em relação a saúde, embora com significância estatística apenas nas variáveis peso (p=0,004), índice de massa corporal (p=0,001); percentual de gordura (p=0,039) e circunferência abdominal (p= 0,006). Dessa forma conclui-se que indivíduos ativos fisicamente por períodos prolongados são mais aptos fisicamente com relação à saúde e que o exercício regular instituído causa impacto positivo na aptidão física relacionada à saúde comprovando ser essa prática uma importante estratégia para promoção da saúde.
Composição corporal, função pulmonar e força muscular respiratória em pessoas com Síndrome de Down
Authors: Barros Jônatas de França , Azevedo Monique de , Costa Valeria Sovat de Freitas , Soares Jitone Leônidas , Almeida Hélio Franklin Rodrigues de , Morais Maryana Pryscilla Silva de , Lima Flávio Anselmo Silva de , Neto Leônidas de Oliveira , Silva Vinicius Zacarias Maldaner da , Silva André Ribeiro da
Published: March 2021

Objetivo: investigar se há correlação nas variáveis da composição corporal com a função pulmonar e com a força muscular respiratória em pessoas com Síndrome de Down. Método: Analítico transversal, com 26 pessoas com Síndrome de Down, sendo 14 do sexo feminino e 12 do masculino. Foi realizada a espirometria para a obtenção do Volume Expirado Forçado no primeiro segundo (VEF1), Capacidade Vital Forçada (CVF) e Pico de Fluxo Expiratório (PFE); a manovacuometria para a mensuração da Pressão Inspiratória máxima (PImáx) e Pressão Expiratória máxima (PEmáx) e para a avaliação do percentual de gordura corporal (%GC) por meio da Dual Energy X-Ray Absormetry (DXA). Foi aplicado o teste de normalidade de Shapiro-Wilk, considerando p<0,05 e o teste paramétrico por meio do coeficiente de correlação de Pearson. Resultados: Correlação negativa (%GC-VEF1), sem diferença significativa para os homens (p<0,5244), com diferença altamente significativa para mulheres (p<0,0045); % GC-CVF correlação negativa com diferença significativa (p<0,0137) para mulheres, sem diferença significativa para homens (p<0,4910); PFE correlação negativa, sem diferença significativa nas mulheres (p<0,3165) e nos homens (p<0,7165); %GC-PImáx correlação negativa para mulheres sem diferença significativa (p<0,7871) e correlação positiva para os homens sem diferença significativa (p<0,8307); %GC-PEmáx correlação negativa sem diferença significativa nas mulheres (p<0,9070) e nos homens (p<0,11369). Conclusão: Pessoas com Síndrome de Down apresentam %GC mais elevado frente aos valores de referência para a população brasileira sem a Síndrome de Down.
Ancient and Medieval Authors on Georgian- Ossetian and Ossetian-Abkhazian Relations
Authors: Дзидзоев В.Д.
Published: March 2021

Рассматриваются древние и средневековые письменные источни-
ки, в которых отражаются взаимоотношения народов Кавказа, а именно грузин и
осетин, с одной стороны, осетин и абхазов – с другой. За многие века в их отно-
шениях были периоды не только дружбы и взаимопонимания, но также времена-
ми напряженность в силу различных объективных и субъективных причин. Автор
пытается анализировать их с учетом возможностей журнальной статьи.

The article considers ancient and medieval written sources, which refl ect the
relationship between the peoples of the Caucasus, namely the Georgians and Ossetians,
on the one hand, and the Ossetians and Abkhazians, on the other. For many centuries, in
their relationship there were periods of not only friendship and mutual understanding, but
also at times tension due to various objective and subjective reasons. The author tries to
analyze them taking into account the possibilities of the journal article.
Alans and islam
Authors: Туаллагов А.А.
Published: March 2021

Статья посвящена некоторым примерам интерпретаций находок
исламских артефактов в аланских погребениях. Материалы данных погребений
свидетельствуют о приверженности их хозяев традиционным аланским веро-
ваниям. Поэтому попытки некоторых авторов трактовать их как отражение
принятия ислама аланами следует признать ошибочными.

The article is devoted to some examples of interpretations of the fi nds of
Islamic artifacts in Alanian burials. The materials of these burials testify to the adherence
of their owners to the traditional Alanian beliefs. Therefore, the attempts of some authors
to interpret them as a refl ection of the acceptance of Islam by the Alans should be
recognized as erroneous.
Deciphering Babel: Dis/locations of the Professional Self and the Second Language Curriculum
Authors: Barros Sandra
Published: March 2021

In the following (auto) ethnographic study, I draw from Burdick’s (2012) analogy of qualitative research as “auto - archeology” and from parrhesia (Foucault, 1988) as a rhetorical device of self - definition and preservation to explore the interplay of power and identity within the context of second language education discourses. Specifically, I focus on the ways in which, through the creation of particular performative strategies, two educators working within the context of Liberal Arts institutions negotiate, construct and resist the everyday pressures and implied prejudices often associated with the curriculum and instruction of second languages in the United States. I conclude this study by arguing that the examination of how institutional power is reflected in teachers’ narratives is essential to the achievement of a better understanding of the lack of solidarity among the professoriate as well as the disconnect between authority, theory and praxis in the exercise of the second language profession.
Collaboration vs. Individualism: What Is Better for the Rising Academic?
Authors: Kemp Andrew
Published: March 2021

In academia, scholarship and research productivity is the lifeblood of success. The question is, “What is the best way to be productive and more forward in an academic career — collaboration or individualism?” Obviously, the final choice is personal. However, for the purpose of this paper, the two sides will be discussed regarding the strengths and weaknesses of each avenue. Recommendations regarding the viability of collaboration and competition will be discussed in relation to personal attributes, career goals, and rank. In addition, a new methodology, tentatively called Layered Narrative, will be piloted with this project.
Three Ethical Issues in Narrative Research of Women Coaches’ Lifelong Learning
Authors: Callary Bettina
Published: March 2021

It is important to reflect upon ethical issues in conducting narrative research beyond what may be considered in Research Ethics Board applications. Ethical issues were identified in a dissertation study that utilized a narrative research approach to explore the process of lifelong learning for five women coaches. Using journal reflections and participant and researcher conversations, three ethical issues are discussed. These issues arose during the process of collecting narratives from participants and in creating narrative analyses of the data. While there exists a broad range of views on narratives, all narrative researchers can benefit from reflecting on ethical issues within their research.
Five Vignettes: Stories of Teacher Advocacy and Parental Involvement
Authors: Goss Adrienne
Published: March 2021

Qualitative research can, and sometimes should, utilize fictional representations, particularly when attempting to connect to and collaborate with communities outside of the academy. This work utilizes an arts - informed methodology of representation to communicate the importance and potential consequences of teacher advocacy and parental involvement. Specifically, I use fiction as a mode of representing the interview data that my research participant and I generated. After analyzing the data using grounded theory methods, I chose to represent the data with five vignettes. Vignette 1 introduces the reader to Ms. Abeni, a public school teacher who is passionate about educating every child. Vignettes 2 - 4 illustrate challenges that Ms. Abeni faces in working with parents, students, and school personnel. The final vignette shows one of the consequences that Ms. Abeni faces for being such a radical change agent in her school. The vignettes are fictional representations of the real life of a teacher who I interviewed. I detail my process for creating the vignettes and offer justification for why the use of fiction is appropriate for this research study.
Parental Perspectives of a Childhood Obesity Intervention in Mississippi: A Phenomenological Study
Authors: Moore Kristi , Bailey Jessica
Published: March 2021

Family - based, community intervention s have been suggested as effective methods of modifying unhealthy behaviors of overweight children. To avoid unsuccessful completion rates, understanding motivating factors and potential barriers for participating families is important. The purpose of this study was to investigate influencing factors that either promote or deter successful completion of a childhood obesity intervention. In - depth interviews were conducted with 10 parents whose child participated in an intervention conducted in central Mississippi. Interviews were audio - taped, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed by a two - person coding team. The research question driving this study was: What do parents perceive as motivators or barriers for completion of an intervention for childhood obesity? Motivating factors of parents included desire to reverse the family’s obesity cycle and desire for their child to realize full potential. They perceived their children were motivated by social aspects of the group setting, improved self - confidence, and supportive staff. Scheduling conflicts and lack of complete family support were identified as main barriers. By understanding the experience of parents, programs can tailor instructive materials to meet family needs throughout the intervention. Emphasis should be placed on parental education for sustained promotion of a healthy lifestyle. Continued support and follow - up are also warranted to ensure long - term success.
Understanding Quantitative Design: A Resource for Qualitative Researchers
Authors: Bronson Carroll
Published: March 2021

Quantitative Research for the Qualitative Researcher is a concise text written for students from a qualitative orientation. It provides connections between both quantitative and qualitative research processes, and helps students understand quantitative research design more completely. It highlights the structure and purpose of research design so students understand how to create and carry out effective research projects.
Before You Graduate, Read this Book–Research Design: Creating Robust Approaches for the Social Sciences (Gorard, 2013)
Authors: Clancy Michael
Published: March 2021

Research Design: Creating Robust Approaches for the Social Sciences (Gorard, 2013) provides an easy - to - use design typology, as well as good practices and warnings, to help social scientists improve their research skills. Based on his experience, the author explains the concept of research design (as opposed to research methods), and shows the importance of carefully selected sample groups, appropriate research claims, and logical research warrants. The target audience is primarily social science researchers, but the subjects covered are applicable to any research field. The reviewer recommends Research Design as both a textbook and a reference.
Brand Equity Planning with Structuralist Rhetorical Semiotics: A Conceptual Framework
Authors: Rossolatos George
Published: March 2021

This paper furnishes a structuralist rhetorical semiotic conceptual framework for brand equity planning. The main source of brand equity that is employed for exemplification purposes is the advertising filmic text. The conceptual framework assumes as its general blueprint Greimas’s generativist model of the trajectory of signification. Structuralist operations and operations of rhetorical transformation are posited as the basis for the generation of superior brand associations. The conceptual model put forward challenges the Greimasian assumption that a depth semantic structure is reducible to a binarist rationale, while adopting a connectionist approach in the form of associative networks. At the same time, the proposed framework deviates from the application of conceptual graphs in textual semiotics, while portraying in the form of associative networks how the three strata of a brand’s trajectory of signification interact with view to generating brand associations.
2010 British General Election Leader Evaluations: Replicating Electoral Focus Group Research
Authors: Winters Kristi , Carvalho Edzia
Published: March 2021

This research replicates and expands upon the qualitative electoral research of Winters and Campbell by using data from focus groups conducted in Essex, England to coincide with three leadership debates during the 2010 British general election. The Qualitative Election Study of Britain (QES Britain) broadly replicated Winters and Campbell’s research design but includes innovations in data collection to more accurately capture assessments. This innovation means the data coding are based entirely on the evaluations of the participants. In our analysis we innovate in the way we display each leader’s unique evaluation structure. To capture the salience and direction of leadership assessments, we convey the dimensionality of popular perceptions for Brown, Cameron and Clegg using colour and scaling. Our results produce qualitatively informed evaluation structures for each party leader that contextualize quantitative survey findings. Although this case study is limited to a geographically specific group of participants, our results mirror the quantitative BES results. Such similarity in the qualitative and quantitative results increases our confidence that our results provide useful insights into the associations and evaluations ordinary people used in their assessments of the main political party leaders.