bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Introductory Chapter to Microbially Induced Deterioration of Concrete – Focus on Groups of Typical Microorganisms
Authors: Pokorný Petr
Published: September 2022

This short review article describes the types of organisms associated with biocorrosion of normal strength concrete (NSC). The individual groups of organisms are listed in descending order according to the generally accepted degree of aggression towards concrete samples, and the causal links between the organisms and the type of infestation are always listed. Bacteria (especially sulfurization and nitrification), representatives of fungi, lichens and bryophytes are discussed. The provided pictorial photo documentation shows typical representatives whose aggressiveness towards concrete has been recorded by professional studies.
Chemical Analysis of the Building Material Coating from Historical Bridge in Prague
Authors: Sladká Kateřina , Pernicová Radka
Published: September 2022

This paper deals with the chemical analysis of the coating on building materials which were used for construction of Mánes bridge in Prague. It is a historical bridge which is more than a hundred years old. Using the method of infrared spectroscopy, we can determine the organic and inorganic compounds in coatings, adhesives, grout, and polymer materials. The organic compounds are added into the concrete and other building materials due to improvement of physical and mechanical properties such as compressive strength, tensile strength, modulus of elasticity or water absorption. The building materials can be covered with the coating for protection against mechanical damage. The chemical analysis of the building material is important to know before reconstruction and remediation of the historical buildings. As a result, the infrared spectrum of the coating was measured and it was determined that the coating was on the acrylate base.
Nanoparticle and Schiff Base Compound in Poly(O-Aminobenzyl Alcohol) Coating for Protection of 316L Stainless Steel against Corrosion
Authors: Ozyilmaz Ali Tuncay , Celik Cumali , Ozgen Begum
Published: September 2022

The electrochemical synthesis of poly (o-aminobenzyl alcohol) (PABA) coatings containing three different amounts of NiZnFe4O4 nanoparticle (NP) with and without 0.25 mM Schiff base (ORG) on stainless steel (SS) was carried out in 0.15 M LiClO4 containing acetonitrile (ACN) solution. The synthesis curves of PABA-NP and PABA-ORG-NP films exhibited the different current and monomer oxidation potential values indicating the presence of NP and ORG compounds. Besides, the addition of ORG to the NP-containing synthesis solution resulted in an increase in the electropolymerization rate of the PABA film compared to the NP-containing medium alone. Indeed, SEM images of PABA-NP and PABA-ORG-NP also showed that their morphological structures were different. As a result of the evaluation of the impedance analysis, it was seen that PABA-NP and PABA-ORG-NP films provided significant physical barrier behavior to the SS electrode, in 3.5% NaCl solution. PABA-NP25 and PABA-ORG-NP25 coatings exhibited more protection behavior against to the move of corrosive substances to SS. The presence of both NP and ORG in the polymer coating further improved the superior protection property of the PABA film, in a longer time.
Effect of Live Versus Recorded Music on Children Receiving Mechanical Ventilation and Sedation
Authors: Bush Hannah Ivey , LaGasse A. Blythe , Collier Elizabeth Herr , Gettis Margaret A. , Walson Karen
Published: September 2022

Background

Music is often used as a nonpharmacological pain management strategy, but little evidence is available about its role in pediatric critical care patients.

Objective

To determine the effect of a live music intervention versus a recorded music intervention on heart rate, blood pressure, and respiratory rate in pediatric critical care patients receiving mechanical ventilation and sedation.

Methods

An exploratory randomized controlled trial was performed in a pediatric intensive care unit. Participants were randomly allocated to receive a live music intervention with standard care or a recorded music intervention with standard care. Each intervention was delivered by a board-certified music therapist for 15 minutes. Heart rate, respiratory rate, and blood pressure were measured at baseline and at 15-minute intervals for 60 minutes after the intervention.

Results

A total of 33 patients aged 0 to 2 years completed the study: 17 were assigned to the live music group and 16 to the recorded music group. In the live music group, a significant reduction in heart rate was observed immediately after the intervention and was sustained at 60 minutes after the intervention. Although the live music group also exhibited a downward trend in blood pressure, those differences were not significant.

Conclusions

The results of this study indicate that live music interventions may be more effective than recorded music interventions in reducing pain and anxiety in pediatric critical care patients. The advantage of live music may be due to the adaptability of the music delivery by a trained music therapist.
Chemical vs. natural toothpaste: which formulas for which properties? A scoping review
Authors: Kanouté Aida , Dieng Serigne Ndame , Diop Mbathio , Dieng Amadou , Sene Ayotollah Khoumeyni , Diouf Massamba , Lo Cheikh Mbacké , Faye Daouda , Carrouel Florence
Published: September 2022

Introduction.  The proliferation of the oral care industry has made it more challenging for shoppers to zero in on the best possible toothpaste for their preventative requirements. It also makes the toothpaste’s various components safer.Objective.  The researchers set out to evaluate the state of information about the biological properties and cytotoxicity of adult toothpaste so that they might make some informed recommendations.Methods.  A scoping review of research published between 2015 and 2020 according to PRISMA guidelines was performed.Results.  In vitro clinical trials account for 44% of the papers, in vivo clinical trials for 25%, systematic reviews for 19%, and meta-analyses for 12%. They have active chemical components that have been shown to be antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, or desensitizing. Herbal toothpaste has these characteristics and is very secure to use. Toothpaste with sodium lauryl sulfate has been found to be harmful.Conclusions.  Scientists have investigated the biological effects of a wide range of chemically active compounds and plant extracts. Herbal toothpaste, it has been discovered, is both efficient and secure. Companies making toothpaste should be required to clearly label the product’s qualities, active ingredients, and potentially harmful ingredients on the packaging.
Human herpes virus type-6 is associated with central nervous system infections in children in Sudan
Authors: Abdelrahim Nada A. , Mohamed Nahla , Evander Magnus , Ahlm Clas , Fadl-Elmula Imad M.
Published: September 2022

Background: Human herpes virus type-6 (HHV-6) is increasingly recognised as a febrile agent in children. However, less is known in sub-Saharan African countries, including Sudan.Objective: We investigated the involvement of HHV-6 in paediatric central nervous system (CNS) infections in Khartoum, Sudan.Methods: Febrile patients aged up to 15 years with suspected CNS infections at Omdurman Hospital for Children from 01 December 2009 to 01 August 2010 were included. Viral DNA was extracted from leftover cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) specimens and quantitatively amplified by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) at Umeå University in Sweden.Results: Of 503 CSF specimens, 13 (2.6%) were positive for HHV-6 (33.0% [13/40 of cases with proven infectious meningitis]). The median thermal cycle threshold for all HHV-6-positive specimens was 38 (range: 31.9–40.8). The median number of virus copies was 281.3/PCR run (1 × 105 copies/mL CSF; range: 30–44 × 103 copies/PCR run [12 × 103 – 18 × 106 copies/mL CSF]). All positive patients presented with fever and vomiting; 86.0% had seizures. The male-to-female ratio was 1:1; 50.0% were toddlers, 42.0% infants and 8.0% teenagers. Most (83.0%) were admitted in the dry season and 17.0% in the rainy season. Cerebrospinal fluid leukocytosis was seen in 33.0%, CSF glucose levels were normal in 86.0% and low in 14.0%, and CSF protein levels were low in 14.0% and high in 43.0%.Conclusion: Among children in Sudan with CNS infections, HHV-6 is common. Studies on the existence and spread of HHV-6 chromosomal integration in this population are needed.
Understanding the atheism phenomenon through the lived experiences of Muslims: An overview of Malaysian atheists
Authors: Ramli Ahmad F. , Sarifin ‎ Muhammad R. , Yaacob Norazlan H. , Zin Siti A.M.
Published: September 2022

Little is known about the background of atheism in Malaysia and how Muslims respond to the phenomenon, although provocations by Malaysian atheists often take place on social media. This study addressed the gap by exploring the atheism phenomenon in Malaysia’s ethnoreligious-oriented society. Data were collected from in-depth interviews and content analysis using the qualitative method. All data were analysed thematically using the software for qualitative analysis, ATLAS.ti. The resulting superordinate themes that emerged from the analysis include the phenomenon of Malaysian atheism, the factors for becoming atheists and the theme of arguments. The study’s findings are three-fold. Firstly, atheism started in Malaysia after globalisation began. Secondly, most Malaysian atheists were influenced by internal factors based on emotional–psychological elements rather than being scientifically oriented. Last but not least, the main themes of Malaysian atheist arguments are ‘God’s justice’, ‘the problem of evil’ and ‘science rationalism’. As a response, Muslims counter the atheism phenomenon by providing an effective approach to preserving social cohesion and harmony in an ethnoreligious society.Contribution: This article suggests that although atheism is regarded as a challenge to society since Malaysia is an ethnoreligious-oriented society, atheism needs to be countered through proper education as early prevention, besides encouraging healthy discussions.
How servant leaders navigate conflict: An analysis of Acts 15:36–41
Authors: Craun Justin R. , Henson Joshua D.
Published: September 2022

Greenleaf’s foundational work on servant leadership has evolved considerably over the past 50 years. Servant leadership has been found to have positive outcomes on group and organisational effectiveness. While servant leadership characteristics and outcomes have been measured, is a need to be better understand how servant leaders navigate when they disagree. Using a social and cultural analysis, the conflict between Paul and Barnabas is explored. Social and cultural analysis allows interpreters to understand what the characters in the narrative ‘see and hear.’ The analysis of Acts 15:36–41 yielded three emerging themes related to how these servant leaders navigated conflict: (1) the tension created by conflict, (2) leader maturity and conflict and (3) the effectiveness of servant leadership amid differences. It was found that servant leaders are not immune from conflict, and when two servant leaders disagree it creates tension between the various servant leader behaviours. Furthermore, a leader’s experience and maturity influence their responses to conflict. Lastly, it was found that servant leaders do not allow conflict to derail their mission.Contribution: This article contributes to the body of knowledge on servant leadership by exploring how servant leaders navigate conflict from a biblical perspective. By exploring servant leadership behaviours from a biblical perspective, this article contributes to the interdisciplinary focus of HTS Teologiese Studies/Theological Studies, engaging social scientific constructs through a New Testament paradigm.
Do Bashal and Hepsō really mean ‘boil’? A preliminary study in the semantics of biblical Hebrew and Septuagint Greek
Authors: Mangum Douglas T.
Published: September 2022

The meaning of any given lexical item emerges from an analysis of its contextual usage, but with biblical languages, often a traditional gloss will be accepted as if it were the clear meaning of a lexical item. Lexicons and dictionaries rarely go all the way back to a fresh analysis of the actual usage of a lemma, so the traditional meaning is rarely reconsidered. Those learning biblical languages accept the lexicon’s judgement without stopping to reflect on how the lexicon reached its conclusion. The acceptance of a traditional gloss as the meaning then gets assumed as more and more texts are read, reinforcing the assumption that the meaning is the gloss learned early on as the equivalent for that lexical item. This study focuses on the biblical Hebrew root בשׁל and the Greek verb ἕψω, both traditionally understood to denote the activity of preparing food by boiling in liquid. These lexemes appear in the Old Testament in some exegetically challenging texts, so clarifying the range of meaning may help to illuminate the interpretation of difficult passages. The full context of the usage of these lexical items in the Hebrew Bible and Septuagint is examined using cognitive semantics with the goal of identifying the semantic and pragmatic clues that point to the conceptual meaning evoked by these lexical items in biblical Hebrew and Greek.Contribution: The re-analysis of the data serves to re-evaluate traditional assumptions about the meanings of these words. Clarifying the meaning may illuminate some exegetical difficulties.
Vulnerability, impact and adaptation strategies of female farmers to climate variability
Authors: Dibakoane Siphosethu , Siyongwana Pakama , Shabalala Ayanda N.
Published: September 2022

In Africa, agriculture, particularly crop production, is a vital livelihood practice for women, who provide a larger proportion of the labour force. However, the high reliance on rain-fed agriculture, coupled with other socio-economic constraints, exposes female farmers to climatic risks. This paper investigates the participation of women in crop production, key challenges and their coping strategies for climatic disturbances. Drawing on the experiences of female farmers of Thaba Chweu Local Municipality (TCLM) in Mpumalanga, South Africa, the study blended qualitative and quantitative approaches to gather data on their vulnerability and adaptation strategies to climatic shocks. A questionnaire administered through face-to-face interaction and online surveys was the main instrument used to obtain data. This study revealed diverse challenges faced by female farmers in the form of high susceptibility to climatic disruptions, limited funding and gaps in accessing agricultural inputs and equipment (machinery, seeds and fertilisers) and pests. The effects of climate variability manifest in low crop outputs and inferior yields, food insecurity and loss of revenue. The most preferred coping strategies are changing planting and harvesting dates, followed by eating less food, looking for jobs and crop rotation. Although the main source of support comes from both family and government, the majority of the female farmers do not use modern scientific-based and input-intensive agricultural coping strategies such as the use of irrigation systems because of lack of livelihood assets and lower literacy levels.
Determinants of choice between equity issuance, equity repurchase and debt issuance of South African companies listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange
Authors: Mvita Mpinda F. , Brummer Leon M. , Hall John H.
Published: September 2022

Purpose: The introduction of dual decisions (such as the issue of shares and the issue of debt; the repurchase of shares and the repayment of debt; and share issues and share repurchases) has provided an order of preference of financing decisions influenced by company-specific attributes. The aim of this study is to investigate determinants of choice of South African companies listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) between different financing decisions.Design/methodology/approach: Data were obtained from Integrated Real-time Equity System (IRESS), a reliable supplier of financial data. Data of 90 companies were analysed. A logistic regression model (fixed effect) was used, and multinomial logistic regression (fixed effect) was done using a generalised structural equation model.Findings/results: The research findings highlight the significance of the trade-off theory, the pecking order theory and models based on asymmetric information in elucidating financing decisions in a developing country. The findings extend empirical evidence of determinants of choice between equity issuance, equity repurchase, the no-transaction alternative and debt issuance decisions in South Africa’s emerging economy. The findings also suggest that South African companies listed on the JSE must evaluate company-specific variables and theories that correspond to such variables if they wish to make better financing decisions.Practical implications: The findings will help corporate decision-makers decide between equity issuance, equity repurchase and debt issuance. The findings will also help shareholders make better investment decisions.Originality/value: The article investigates the determinants of choice between four financing decisions and the no-transaction alternatives within the same framework.
Supply chain challenges in public schools in the uMzinyathi district, KwaZulu-Natal
Authors: Langa Nkanyiso , Naude Micheline J.
Published: September 2022

Background: The South African Schools Act No. 84 of 1996 states that all learners should be provided with a high-quality education and in this way lays a strong foundation for the development of their talents and capabilities. The education sector faces many challenges that undermine the quality of education, particularly in public schools. Unless these challenges are identified and addressed, learners’ education will continue to be impacted negatively.Objectives: This study investigated supply chain challenges in public schools in the uMzinyathi district and explored strategies for managing and addressing these challenges so as to benefit the public education sector as a whole.Method: The study is exploratory, and a case study approach was used. Data were collected through semistructured interviews with 20 stakeholders in the Department of Education. The stakeholders were selected by means of a nonprobability purposive sampling method. The collected data were analysed using thematic analysis.Findings: The findings revealed that the main supply chain challenges centre around three themes, namely procurement, service delivery and logistics and demand. These challenges negatively impact on learners’ education.Conclusion: The contribution of this study is twofold. Firstly, it adds to the existing body of literature by identifying the challenges experienced in the country’s public education sector, and secondly, the findings and recommendations could be useful in order to address the supply chain challenges faced by public schools for stakeholders in the South African public education sector.
Reforming procurement standards in order to effectively deliver public infrastructure: Rethinking the regulatory environment in post-pandemic South Africa
Authors: Klaaren Jonathan , Watermeyer Ron
Published: September 2022

This research study identifies a specific layer of regulation within the governance regime which is a key factor impeding the procurement and delivery of public infrastructure in South Africa. We first identify current weaknesses of conflict and confusion at the level of soft law in the procurement and delivery of public infrastructure projects. Then we present a detailed case study of a successful South African megaproject (the procurement and delivery of the public infrastructure for two new universities, the New Universities Project) to demonstrate that these weaknesses can be avoided. The research note’s regulatory account focuses on the key element of quality in the South African public procurement regime, distinguishing that concept from the often conflated notion of value-for-money. We discuss how the problems identified could be addressed by means of changes to soft law prior to the finalisation of the current and ongoing public procurement legislative reform process.Contribution: Through a case study of the on-time and with-budget public procurement and delivery of two new universities for South Africa, the article demonstrated that national policy on public infrastructure can be successfully implemented, with attention to the key soft law layer of regulation.
Adoption of digital strategies across the human resource value chain
Authors: Chapano Munodani , Mey Michelle R. , Werner Amanda
Published: September 2022

Orientation: Digital technologies are transforming the way business functions operate, and this also applies to the human resource management (HRM) function.Research purpose: The purpose of this study is to determine the extent to which South African organisations have adopted digital HRM strategies across the human resource (HR) value chain and the extent to which these digital strategies are perceived to contribute to the achievement of business objectives.Motivation for the study: This study provides an indication of the trend of the adoption of digital HRM strategies and whether the digital strategies support business goals.Research approach/design and method: A quantitative research design using a cross-sectional survey was used. Data were collected by means of a survey with a questionnaire from 312 HRM professionals and line managers in the automotive industry in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. Purposive and snowball sampling was used, and data were analysed using exploratory factor analysis (EFA), descriptive, paired-sample tests, Pearson correlations and regression analysis.Main findings: The findings of this study indicate that Digital HRM Strategies have been moderately adopted across the HR value chain. The perceived contribution of these digital strategies towards attainment of business objectives was high.Practical/managerial implications: Constraints such as lack of digital skills by HRM practitioners, which hinder the adoption of digital HRM strategies across the HR value chain, should be addressed.Contribution/value-add: This research assists HRM practitioners and leaders in South Africa regarding which digital strategies to adopt to contribute to the achievement of organisational objectives.
Isolation, screening, and molecular identification of pectinase producers from fruits, vegetables, and soil samples
Authors: Kh Abd-El-Aal S. , Attallah A.G. , Abdel-Aziz Nagwa M. , Khalil Bigad E.
Published: September 2022

Background and objective

In this work, isolation, identification (morphological and chemical), and molecular characterization were done of local isolates of some pectinase-producing microorganisms such as bacteria, actinomycetes, fungi, and yeast.

Materials and methods

A total of 22 local bacterial isolates were obtained from various sources and were assayed for pectinolytic activity after optimization of conditions for pectinase production. Isolate no. 19 showed the highest pectinase-specific activity (6.73 U/ml) on glucose-supplemented medium, whereas isolate no. 5 gave the lowest pectinase productivity (3.21 U/ml). The identification of isolate no. 19 revealed that it belonged to the genus Bacillus based on morphological and biochemical characteristics. Based on molecular identification (16 S rRNA technique), isolate no. 19 was named Bacillus sp. strain NRBANKI-4 (with 99% similarity), with Gene Bank accession number OM540351.

Results and conclusion

A total of 14 local actinomycete isolates were obtained from soil samples. Isolate no. 13 showed the highest pectinase-specific activity (6.48 U/ml), whereas sample no. 10 gave the lowest pectinase-specific activity (3.07 U/ml). Based on molecular identification (16 S rRNA technique), isolate no. 13 was named Streptomyces sp. KP 12 (90.63% similarity), with Gene Bank accession number OM403596. A total of 10 fungal isolates were obtained from crop waste soil. Isolate no. 2 gave the highest pectinase productivity (21.20 U/ml). Based on molecular identification (internal transcribed spacer-PCR technique), isolate no. 2 was named Aspergillus niger F8121 (99.47% similarity), with Gene Bank accession number OM392061. Following the same trend, 10 yeast isolates were isolated from crop waste soil. The isolate that gave the highest pectinase productivity was no. 7, which gave 22.03 U/ml. The isolate that gave the lowest was no. 9 (20.74 U/ml). Isolate no. 7 was named Pichia barkeri Y1 (90.91% similarity), with Gene Bank accession number OM392066.
Hemodynamic Changes during Pneumoperitoneum and Reverse Trendelenburg Position in Bariatric Surgery
Authors: Poudel Deepak , Pandey Ravinder Kumar , Bhalla Amar Pal , Sharma Ankur , Ray Bikash Ranjan , Punj Jyotsna , Darlong Vanlalnghaka , Aggarwal Sandeep
Published: September 2022

Background:

Patients undergoing bariatric surgeries are at higher perioperative risk due to multiple comorbidities. We studied the hemodynamic changes during pneumoperitoneum and reverse Trendelenburg position in bariatric surgery, using noninvasive cardiac output (CO) monitoring.

Methods:

In this prospective observational study, 60 patients of the American Society of Anesthesiologists Grade I–II, aged between 18 and 60 years, planned for elective laparoscopic bariatric surgery were included. During the intraoperative period, hemodynamic monitoring was done using an estimated continuous CO (esCCO) monitor. We noted oxygen saturation (SpO2), heart rate, blood pressure (BP), and CO values obtained before induction of general anesthesia and were compared with values obtained after induction, postintubation, after pneumoperitoneum, after reverse Trendelenburg, and every 10 min during the procedure and postextubation.

Results:

The mean baseline SpO2, pulse rate (PR), systolic BP (SBP), diastolic BP (DBP), and CO was 99.17 ± 1.7, 99.9 ± 1.35 bpm, 136.3 ± 14.5 mm Hg, 83.11 ± 10.5 mm Hg, and 7.59 ± 1.44 L/min, respectively. There was a significant fall in PR, SBP, DBP, and CO after induction of anesthesia and intubation (P = 0.001). After creating pneumoperitoneum and reverse Trendelenburg, the fall in hemodynamic parameters was also significant (P = 0.001).

Conclusions:

The esCCO noninvasive CO monitor can be used in patients undergoing bariatric surgeries and predict CO during surgery.
Alcohol Septal Ablation in Hypertrophic Obstructive Cardiomyopathy- Is Myocardial Contrast Echocardiography Mandatory?
Authors: Sastry Sridhar Lakshmana , Shivashankarappa Arun B. , Bhat Prabhavathi , Manjunath Satvic C. , Nanjappa Manjunath C.
Published: September 2022

Alcohol septal ablation (ASA) is an effective treatment for symptomatic hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy (HOCM). Although routine use of myocardial contrast echocardiography (MCE) in guiding ASA has been recommended by guidelines, it has not come into common clinical practice. Here, we present three cases of HOCM where MCE helped in decision-making.
Atrial Septostomy and Atrial Septal Stenting
Authors: Mishra Jayashree
Published: September 2022

An unrestricted interatrial septal orifice is required in many heart diseases in order to maintain hemodynamics. A variety of interventions have been described to achieve the above goal. This review summarizes each of them briefly. Of these, balloon atrial septostomy and interatrial stenting are the most commonly performed procedures. Echocardiography plays a pivotal role not only in the preprocedural evaluation and patient selection but also in intraprocedural guidance. The outcome of the procedure can also be evaluated immediately by echo on table allowing further attempts or changes in strategy. This review highlights the role of echocardiography in improving accuracy, feasibility, and safety of these procedures.
Perioperative Mortality Among Surgical Patients in a Low-Resource Setting
Authors: Ogbuanya AU , Nnadozie UU , Enemuo VC , Ewah RL , Boladuro EO , Owusi OM
Published: September 2022

Background:

The perioperative mortality rate (POMR) has been recognized as a useful indicator to measure surgical safety at an institutional or national level. The POMR can thus be used as a tool to identify procedures that carry the highest mortality rates and provide hindsight based on past surgical experiences.

Aim:

To document the pattern of perioperative mortality and the factors that influence it at district hospitals in southeast Nigeria.

Patients and Methods:

This was a retrospective study of cases of perioperative mortality at district hospitals in southeast Nigeria between January 2014 to December 2018. All perioperative mortalities from surgical admissions in both elective and emergency set-ups were included. During analysis, we computed P values for categorical variables using Chi-square and Fisher's exact test in accordance with the size of the dataset. Furthermore, we determined the association between some selected clinical variables and mortality using logistic regression analyses.

Results:

During the period under review, 254 perioperative deaths occurred from 2,369 surgical operations, giving a POMR of 10.7%. Of the 254 deaths, there were 180 (70.9%) males and 74 (29.1%) females. Nearly one-third (31.2%) were farmers and 64.2% of the deaths occurred in those 50 years and below. Delayed presentation was two-pronged: delay before presentation and in-hospital delay. The POMR was the highest among general surgery emergencies and least among those with plastic surgery conditions. The observed factors associated with mortality were time of presentation (early or late), type of surgery (emergency or elective), category of surgery (general surgery or others), American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score (high or low), place of admission after surgery (intensive care unit or general ward), level of training of doctors who performed the surgery (specialist or general duty doctor) (P < 0.05).

Conclusion:

The POMR was higher in male patients and in those with general surgery emergencies compared to other conditions. Delayed presentation, high ASA scores, and operations performed under emergency set-ups were associated with elevated POMRs.
Infection-Control Knowledge, Attitude, Practice and Risk Perception of Occupational Exposure to COVID-19 Among Dentists
Authors: Almarghlani AA , Alshehri MA , Alghamdi AA , Sindi MA , Assaggaf MA , Al-Dabbagh NN
Published: September 2022

Background:

COVID-19 is a potentially fatal disease that was announced as a global pandemic at the beginning of the year 2020.

Aim:

The purpose of our cross-sectional study was to evaluate the infection-control knowledge, attitude, practice, and risk perception of occupational exposure to COVID-19 among multinational dentists.

Patients and Methods:

A self-designed, 33-item, English questionnaire was created and distributed through social media and digital communication platforms. The questionnaire covered the demographic data, knowledge and perception of the occupational risk of the COVID-19 infections, and compared some infection control measures taken before and after this global pandemic. The results were analyzed, and four scores were used to assess the aforementioned parameters.

Results:

A total of 300 multinational dentists answered our survey, with the majority being females (59%) and aging from 25 to 44 years old (68%). We found that a statistically significant relationship exists between attitude and nationality, country of practice, medical condition, and the practicing specialty (P < 0.05). In addition, risk perception had a statistically significant correlation with nationality, smoking habits, education level, and specialty (P < 0.05). Furthermore, there was a statistically significant correlation between the practice score and the gender, age, smoking habits, education level, nature of the practice (private or governmental), and academia affiliation (P < 0.05).

Conclusions:

The study sample had good compliance with the instructions and guidelines of the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Centre for Disease Control (CDC), with most of them improving their infection control precautions after the virus's emergence according to the said guidelines. Furthermore, our participants were fearful of the COVID-19 virus and the fact of being potential transmitters. Despite saying that, the significant majority of them reported being confident in treating COVID-19–positive patients.
Spectrum of Skin Disorders Among Primary School Children in Umuahia, South-East Nigeria
Authors: Ewurum O , Ibeneme CA , Nnaji TO , Ikefuna AN
Published: September 2022

Background:

Skin disorders among primary school children are common in many countries, with a variable spectrum. They can constitute major health problems, resulting in considerable discomfort, parental anxiety, and embarrassment to the child.

Aim:

To determine the prevalence and pattern of skin diseases among primary school children in the Umuahia South local government area.

Subjects and Methods:

This was a descriptive cross-sectional study carried out over a 4-month period from December 2016 to March 2017 among school children consecutively recruited from their various primary schools.

Result:

A total of 1560 children aged 5 to 15 years with a mean age of 8.74 ± 2.079 years were studied. The overall prevalence of skin diseases was 40.2%. The prevalence in public schools was 46.0%, whereas the prevalence in private schools was 33.2% (P < 0.001). Skin eruptions and itchy skin were the most common presentations, whereas tinea capitis, pityriasis versicolor, and scabies were the most common skin diseases noted among the school children.

Conclusion:

The prevalence of skin diseases in the population studied is high, especially in public schools. The most common manifestation of skin disease is rash, and the most common type of skin disease is tinea capitis. It is recommended that standard hygienic practices should be maintained by primary school children and their parents/caregivers to prevent skin diseases.
Does Shelf Preparation have Efficacy on Immediate Loading of 4 Implants Supporting Screw-Retained Full-Arch Dental Prosthesis?
Authors: Aslan U , Gocmen G , Özkan Y , Özkan Y
Published: September 2022

Background:

Bone reduction and shelf preparation is a common procedure to establish a new alveolar plane before implant surgery, which might effect the primary stability.

Aim:

Primary stability was questioned in terms of bone reduction and shelf preparation. The suitability of immediate loading was compared between the implants placed on crests, which underwent alveoloplasty, and the implants placed on a naturally healed alveolar bone.

Patients and Methods:

We designed and implemented a retrospective cohort study. Twenty patients (mean age 49.2 years) were treated with 160 dental implants. The primary predictor variable was extraction and bone reduction. The secondary predictor variables were bone density and the implant surface. The outcome variables were resonance frequency analysis (RFA) and insertion torque (IT) values.

Results:

There was no statistically significant difference between groups regarding RFA and IT (P > 0,05). Interactions of surface area with the RFA and IT in both groups were not statistically significant; however, bone density presented a statistically significant effect on outcome variables for both groups.

Conclusion:

IT and RFA are not influenced by bone reduction, shelf preparation, or the implant surface. Primary stability is mostly affected by bone density in the immediate load of 4 implants to support a full-arch prosthesis.
Comparison of the Effects of Exenatide and Insulin Glargine on Right and Left Ventricular Myocardial Deformation as Shown by 2D-Speckle-Tracking Echocardiograms
Authors: Akyay OZ , Sahin T , Cakmak Y , Tarkun İ , Selek A , Canturk Z , Cetinarslan B , Karakaya D
Published: September 2022

Background:

Exenatide is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) analogs. The effects of GLP-1 analogs on myocardial function are controversial.

Aims:

The purpose of this study is to compare the effects of exenatide and insulin glargine on subclinical right and left ventricular dysfunction.

Methods and Material:

In this study, 27 patients with type 2 diabetes were randomized into exenatide and insulin glargine treatment groups. The patients were monitored for six months by conventional echocardiography (ECHO) and 2D-speckle-tracking echocardiography (2D-STE) to evaluate right and left ventricular functions.

Results:

ECHO parameters did not change significantly pre- and post-treatment, except for the tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) values. Post-treatment TAPSE values significantly increased in both groups compared to pre-treatment values. In the insulin group, values for 2D-STE parameters of the left ventricular global longitudinal strain (LVGLS) based on apical long-axis (ALA) images increased significantly (p: 0.047) compared to pre-treatment values; however, apical 4-chamber (A4C), apical 2-chamber (A2C), LVGLS, and right ventricular global longitudinal strain (RVGLS) values did not change. In the exenatide group, LVGLS based on A4C values improved (p: 0.048), while ALA, A2C, and LVGLS values did not change. Moreover, the RVGLS values improved significantly after exenatide treatment (p: 0.002). Based on 2D-STE parameters the two treatments did not differ statistically in either pre- or post-treatment periods.

Conclusions:

Glp-1 treatment can improve left ventricular regional and right ventricular global subclinical dysfunction. Therefore, early GLP-1 treatment may be recommended in diabetic patients with a high risk of cardiac dysfunction.
Management of Calcaneus Fractures by a new “Below-the-Ankle” Ilizarov Frame
Authors: Li D , Yin S , Wu P , Gao M , Wen S , Xu Q , Mao J
Published: September 2022

Background:

The optimal management of intra-articular calcaneal fractures is still controversial. Open reduction and internal fixation are always associated with serious complications.

Aim:

Various alternative methods have been used with variable effects. This retrospective study aimed to analyze the clinical efficacy and safety of a new “below-the-ankle” Ilizarov frame in patients with calcaneal fractures caused by high-energy trauma.

Patients and Methods:

We retrospectively explored ten patients with calcaneal fractures, of which four, five, and one were Sanders type II, III, and IV, respectively. All fractures were caused by high-energy trauma and were followed up for an average period of 21 months (range: 9–29 months). Clinical outcomes were primarily assessed by radiological criteria, functional scores of the foot and ankle, rate of complications, and ankle range of movement.

Results:

The Ilizarov frame was removed after an average period of 12 weeks (range: 11–15 weeks). Only two patients developed pin-tract infections, and none developed osteomyelitis, deep infections, neurovascular injury, malunion, and ankle arthrodesis. Based on the radiological assessment of the reduction of the subtalar joint and fracture fragments, all patients had excellent restored joint structure, with eight and two patients having good-to-excellent and fair ankle scores, respectively. The ranges of plantarflexion and dorsiflexion were 25°–43° and 8°–22°, respectively.

Conclusion:

The Ilizarov frame could be safe and effective for calcaneal fractures caused by high-energy trauma. This treatment protocol provides an effective approach to treat severe calcaneal fractures caused by high-energy events; however, long-term outcomes are still unknown.
The Views of Adult Married Women Living in Villages on Early Marriage and its Relation with the Perception of Health
Authors: Önen C , Öcal NÜ
Published: September 2022

Background/Aim:

Early marriage is a preventable public health problem that brings along social and health problems as well. This study was performed to determine the views of adult married women, who live in the villages located in the central district of Bitlis which is situated in the eastern region of Turkey, on early marriage and compare their views with their perception of health.

Subjects and Methods:

Adult married women, who live in the villages located in the central district of Bitlis which is situated in the eastern region of Turkey, constitute the population of this cross-sectional study.

Results:

Customs and traditions, helping with household chores or agricultural tasks, and bride price are the main factors in preferring these marriages. It has been determined that age (r = 0.100; P = 0.047) and number of children (r = 0.153; P = 0.002) are positively related with health perception, albeit weakly. The median (score: 49) of women having five or more children is significantly higher than women (score: 45) with children in the range of 0-2.

Conclusion:

Women living in rural areas have a high rate of early marriage, and traditions and customs determine the decision to marry. Age and number of children were found to be positively correlated with perception of health, though weakly. Increasing the perception of health before and during the initial years of marriage could help in preventing many adverse effects that are caused by early marriage. With the increase in age and number of children, women might seek more health. This can increase women's health perception.
Post Native Uvulo-Tonsillectomy Hemorrhage as a Cause of Acquired Long QT Syndrome in a Nigerian Girl
Authors: Okpokowuruk FS , Bassey K
Published: September 2022

Long QT syndrome (LQTS) is a rare disease entity which until recently was not readily recognized as one of the causes of sudden cardiac death in children. It is a syndrome which can be congenital or acquired and is characterized by the prolongation of the QTc interval, the presence of some electrocardiographic abnormalities and other clinical parameters together with suggestive or definitive family history (Schwartz criteria). The index case is a 4-year-old female who initially presented for management on account of post native tonsillectomy hemorrhage with secondary severe anemia and associated sepsis who subsequently developed bradycardia and marked prolongation of the QTc interval on electrocardiogram. Possible factors implicated as a cause of the prolongation of the QTc include severe anemia and anesthetic drugs with a probability of an underlying genetic cause. This case highlights a rare cause of sudden cardiac death in children in our environment with the attendant difficulties in making a genetic diagnosis due to inadequate laboratory facilities.
On the spectral properties of the Hilbert transform operator on multi-intervals
Authors: Bertola Marco , Katsevich Alexander , Tovbis Alexander
Published: September 2022

Let

J,E\subset\mathbb{R}

be two multi-intervals with non-intersecting interiors. Consider the operator

A\colon L^2( J )\to L^2(E),\quad (Af)(x) = \frac 1\pi\int_J \frac {f(y) d y}{{y-x}},

and let

A^\dagger

be its adjoint. We introduce a self-adjoint operator

\mathscr K

acting on

L^2(E)\oplus L^2(J)

, whose off-diagonal blocks consist of

A

and

A^\dagger

. In this paper we study the spectral properties of

\mathscr K

and the operators

A^\dagger A

and

A A^\dagger

. Our main tool is to obtain the resolvent of

\mathscr K

, which is denoted by

\mathscr R

, using an appropriate Riemann–Hilbert problem, and then compute the jump and poles of

\mathscr R

in the spectral parameter

\lambda

. We show that the spectrum of

\mathscr K

has an absolutely continuous component

[0,1]

if and only if

J

and

E

have common endpoints, and its multiplicity equals to their number. If there are no common endpoints, the spectrum of

\mathscr K

consists only of eigenvalues and

0

. If there are common endpoints, then

\mathscr K

may have eigenvalues imbedded in the continuous spectrum, each of them has a finite multiplicity, and the eigenvalues may accumulate only at

0

. In all cases,

\mathscr K

does not have a singular continuous spectrum. The spectral properties of

A^\dagger A

and

A A^\dagger

, which are very similar to those of

\mathscr K

, are obtained as well.
Propagation of polyhomogeneity, diffraction, and scattering on product cones
Authors: Yang Mengxuan
Published: September 2022

We consider diffraction of waves on a product cone. We first show that diffractive waves enjoy a one-step polyhomogeneous asymptotic expansion, which is an improvement of Cheeger and Taylor’s classical result of half-step polyhomogeneity of diffractive waves in [4,5]. We also conclude that on product cones, the scatteringmatrix is the diffraction coefficient,which is the principal symbol of the diffractive half wave kernel, for strictly diffractively related points on the cross section. This generalize the result of Ford, Hassell and Hillairet in 2-dimensional flat cone settings [6]. In the last section, we also give a radiation field interpretation of the relationship between the scattering matrix and the diffraction coefficient.
A semiclassical Birkhoff normal form for symplectic magnetic wells
Authors: Morin Léo
Published: September 2022

In this paper we construct a Birkhoff normal form for a semiclassical magnetic Schrödinger operator with non-degenerate magnetic field, and discrete magnetic well, defined on an even-dimensional Riemannian manifold

M

. We use this normal form to get an expansion of the first eigenvalues in powers of

\hbar^{1/2}

, and semiclassical Weyl asymptotics for this operator.
Bounds on orthogonal polynomials and separation of their zeros
Authors: Levin Eli , Lubinsky Doron S.
Published: September 2022

Let

\{ p_{n}\}

denote the orthonormal polynomials associated with a measure

\mu

with compact support on the real line. Let

\mu

be regular in the sense of Stahl, Totik, and Ullmann, and

I

be a subinterval of the support in which

\mu

is absolutely continuous, while

\mu'

is positive and continuous there. We show that boundedness of the

\{ p_{n}\}

in that subinterval is closely related to the spacing of zeros of

p_{n}

and

p_{n-1}

in that interval. One ingredient is proving that “local limits” imply universality limits.
Spectral fluctuations for the multi-dimensional Anderson model
Authors: Grinshpon Yoel , White Moshe J.
Published: September 2022

In this paper, we examine fluctuations of polynomial linear statistics for the Anderson model on

\mathbb{Z}^d

for any potential with finite moments. We prove that if normalized by the square root of the size of the truncated operator, these fluctuations converge to a Gaussian limit. For a vast majority of potentials and polynomials, we show that the variance of the limiting distribution is strictly positive, and we classify in full the rare cases in which this does not happen.
Poisson transforms for trees of bounded degree
Authors: Bux Kai-Uwe , Hilgert Joachim , Weich Tobias
Published: September 2022

We introduce a parameterized family of Poisson transforms on trees of bounded degree, construct explicit inverses for generic parameters, and characterize moderate growth of Laplace eigenfunctions by Hölder regularity of their boundary values.
Construction of quasimodes for non-selfadjoint operators via propagation of Hagedorn wave-packets
Authors: Arnaiz Víctor
Published: September 2022

We construct quasimodes for some non-selfadjoint semiclassical operators at the boundary of the pseudo-spectrum using propagation of Hagedorn wave-packets. Assuming that the imaginary part of the principal symbol of the operator is non-negative and vanishes on certain points of the phase-space satisfying a subelliptic finite-type condition, we construct quasimodes that concentrate on these
non-damped
points. More generally, we apply this technique to construct quasimodes for non-selfadjoint semiclassical perturbations of the harmonic oscillator that concentrate on non-damped periodic orbits or invariant tori satisfying a weakgeometric- control condition.