bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Wikipedia, friend or foe regarding information on diabetic retinopathy? A content analysis in the world’s leading 19 languages
Authors: Aguilar-Morales Kouatzin , Aguirre-Suarez Gustavo , Bowles Brigham , Lee Angel , Lansingh Van Charles
Published: October 2021

Objective

To compare the completeness and quality of information about diabetic retinopathy on Wikipedia in the world’s leading spoken languages in 2020.

Design and methods

An observational, descriptive, cross-sectional study. The information on diabetic retinopathy obtained from the free encyclopedia Wikipedia® was assessed in languages with one hundred million or more total speakers. The term "diabetic retinopathy" was accessed in the corresponding Wikipedia entry in English, while the "more languages" function gives access to other languages. The information on the sites was collected by three ophthalmologist observers. A database was created with the most important subtopics for the education of patients with diabetic retinopathy in any of its classifications, based on a 25-question survey. The results were stratified on a scale from 0 to 4. A confirming correlation was found in the statistical analysis among the observers.

Results

No language achieved the label “excellent”; 2 languages were rated as “fair “; 4 languages qualified as “substandard”; and 7 languages were scored as “poor.” No information could be found in five languages.

Conclusions

As would be expected, the quality of content is variable across different languages. However, if anyone can edit Wikipedia, health professionals can do so as well to improve the quality and quantity of information for patients.
Highly efficient UV/H2O2 technology for the removal of nifedipine antibiotics: Kinetics, co-existing anions and degradation pathways
Authors: Dong Wenping , Yang Chuanxi , Zhang Lingli , Su Qiang , Zou Xiaofeng , Xu Wenfeng , Gao Xingang , Xie Kang , Wang Weiliang
Published: October 2021

This study investigates the degradation of nifedipine (NIF) by using a novel and highly efficient ultraviolet light combined with hydrogen peroxide (UV/H2O2). The degradation rate and degradation kinetics of NIF first increased and then remained constant as the H2O2 dose increased, and the quasi-percolation threshold was an H2O2 dose of 0.378 mmol/L. An increase in the initial pH and divalent anions (SO42- and CO32-) resulted in a linear decrease of NIF (the R2 of the initial pH, SO42- and CO32- was 0.6884, 0.9939 and 0.8589, respectively). The effect of monovalent anions was complex; Cl- and NO3- had opposite effects: low Cl- or high NO3- promoted degradation, and high Cl- or low NO3- inhibited the degradation of NIF. The degradation rate and kinetics constant of NIF via UV/H2O2 were 99.94% and 1.45569 min-1, respectively, and the NIF concentration = 5 mg/L, pH = 7, the H2O2 dose = 0.52 mmol/L, T = 20 ℃ and the reaction time = 5 min. The ·OH was the primary key reactive oxygen species (ROS) and ·O2- was the secondary key ROS. There were 11 intermediate products (P345, P329, P329-2, P315, P301, P274, P271, P241, P200, P181 and P158) and 2 degradation pathways (dehydrogenation of NIF → P345 → P274 and dehydration of NIF → P329 → P315).
Impacts of pre-fire conifer density and wildfire severity on ecosystem structure and function at the forest-tundra ecotone
Authors: Walker Xanthe J. , Howard Brain K. , Jean Mélanie , Johnstone Jill F. , Roland Carl , Rogers Brendan M. , Schuur Edward A. G. , Solvik Kylen K. , Mack Michelle C.
Published: October 2021

Wildfire frequency and extent is increasing throughout the boreal forest-tundra ecotone as climate warms. Understanding the impacts of wildfire throughout this ecotone is required to make predictions of the rate and magnitude of changes in boreal-tundra landcover, its future flammability, and associated feedbacks to the global carbon (C) cycle and climate. We studied 48 sites spanning a gradient from tundra to low-density spruce stands that were burned in an extensive 2013 wildfire on the north slope of the Alaska Range in Denali National Park and Preserve, central Alaska. We assessed wildfire severity and C emissions, and determined the impacts of severity on understory vegetation composition, conifer tree recruitment, and active layer thickness (ALT). We also assessed conifer seed rain and used a seeding experiment to determine factors controlling post-fire tree regeneration. We found that an average of 2.18 ± 1.13 Kg C m-2was emitted from this fire, almost 95% of which came from burning of the organic soil. On average, burn depth of the organic soil was 10.6 ± 4.5 cm and both burn depth and total C combusted increased with pre-fire conifer density. Sites with higher pre-fire conifer density were also located at warmer and drier landscape positions and associated with increased ALT post-fire, greater changes in pre- and post-fire understory vegetation communities, and higher post-fire boreal tree recruitment. Our seed rain observations and seeding experiment indicate that the recruitment potential of conifer trees is limited by seed availability in this forest-tundra ecotone. We conclude that the expected climate-induced forest infilling (i.e. increased density) at the forest-tundra ecotone could increase fire severity, but this infilling is unlikely to occur without increases in the availability of viable seed.
Phototransduction in retinal cones: Analysis of parameter importance
Authors: Klaus Colin , Caruso Giovanni , Gurevich Vsevolod V. , Hamm Heidi E. , Makino Clint L. , DiBenedetto Emmanuele
Published: October 2021

In daylight, cone photoreceptors in the retina are responsible for the bulk of visual perception, yet compared to rods, far less is known quantitatively about their biochemistry. This is partly because it is hard to isolate and purify cone proteins. The issue is also complicated by the synergistic interaction of these parameters in producing systems biology outputs, such as photoresponse. Using a 3-D resolved, finite element model of cone outer segments, here we conducted a study of parameter significance using global sensitivity analysis, by Sobol indices, which was contextualized within the uncertainty surrounding these parameters in the available literature. The analysis showed that a subset of the parameters influencing the circulating dark current, such as the turnover rate of cGMP in the dark, may be most influential for variance with experimental flash response, while the shut-off rates of photoexcited rhodopsin and phosphodiesterase also exerted sizable effect. The activation rate of transducin by rhodopsin and the light-induced hydrolysis rate of cGMP exerted measurable effects as well but were estimated as relatively less significant. The results of this study depend on experimental ranges currently described in the literature and should be revised as these become better established. To that end, these findings may be used to prioritize parameters for measurement in future investigations.
Genomic analysis of shiga toxin-containing Escherichia coli O157:H7 isolated from Argentinean cattle
Authors: Amadio Ariel , Bono James L. , Irazoqui Matías , Larzábal Mariano , Marques da Silva Wanderson , Eberhardt María Florencia , Riviere Nahuel A. , Gally David , Manning Shannon D. , Cataldi Angel
Published: October 2021

Cattle are the main reservoir of EnterohemorrhagicEscherichia coli(EHEC), with O157:H7 the distinctive serotype. EHEC is the main causative agent of a severe systemic disease, Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS). Argentina has the highest pediatric HUS incidence worldwide with 12–14 cases per 100,000 children. Herein, we assessed the genomes of EHEC O157:H7 isolates recovered from cattle in the humid Pampas of Argentina. According to phylogenetic studies, EHEC O157 can be divided into clades. Clade 8 strains that were classified as hypervirulent. Most of the strains of this clade have a Shiga toxin stx2a-stx2c genotype. To better understand the molecular bases related to virulence, pathogenicity and evolution of EHEC O157:H7, we performed a comparative genomic analysis of these isolates through whole genome sequencing. The isolates classified as clade 8 (four strains) and clade 6 (four strains) contained 13 to 16 lambdoid prophages per genome, and the observed variability of prophages was analysed. An inter strain comparison show that while some prophages are highly related and can be grouped into families, other are unique. Prophages encoding for stx2a were highly diverse, while those encoding for stx2c were conserved. A cluster of genes exclusively found in clade 8 contained 13 genes that mostly encoded for DNA binding proteins. In the studied strains, polymorphisms in Q antiterminator, theQ-stx2Aintergenic region and the O and P γ alleles of prophage replication proteins are associated with different levels of Stx2a production. As expected, all strains had the pO157 plasmid that was highly conserved, although one strain displayed a transposon interruption in the protease EspP gene. This genomic analysis may contribute to the understanding of the genetic basis of the hypervirulence of EHEC O157:H7 strains circulating in Argentine cattle. This work aligns with other studies of O157 strain variation in other populations that shows key differences in Stx2a-encoding prophages.
Changes in tail posture detected by a 3D machine vision system are associated with injury from damaging behaviours and ill health on commercial pig farms
Authors: D’Eath Richard B. , Foister Simone , Jack Mhairi , Bowers Nicola , Zhu Qiming , Barclay David , Baxter Emma M.
Published: October 2021

To establish whether pig tail posture is affected by injuries and ill health, a machine vision system using 3D cameras to measure tail angle was used. Camera data from 1692 pigs in 41 production batches of 42.4 (±16.6) days in length over 17 months at seven diverse grower/finisher commercial pig farms, was validated by visiting farms every 14(±10) days to score injury and ill health. Linear modelling of tail posture found considerable farm and batch effects. The percentage of tails held low (0°) or mid (1–45°) decreased over time from 54.9% and 23.8% respectively by -0.16 and -0.05%/day, while tails high (45–90°) increased from 21.5% by 0.20%/day. Although 22% of scored pigs had scratched tails, severe tail biting was rare; only 6% had tail wounds and 5% partial tail loss. Adding tail injury to models showed associations with tail posture: overall tail injury, worsening tail injury, and tail loss were associated with more pigs detected with low tail posture and fewer with high tails. Minor tail injuries and tail swelling were also associated with altered tail posture. Unexpectedly, other health and injury scores had a larger effect on tail posture- more low tails were observed when a greater proportion of pigs in a pen were scored with lameness or lesions caused by social aggression. Ear injuries were linked with reduced high tails. These findings are consistent with the idea that low tail posture could be a general indicator of poor welfare. However, effects of flank biting and ocular discharge on tail posture were not consistent with this. Our results show for the first time that perturbations in the normal time trends of tail posture are associated with tail biting and other signs of adverse health/welfare at diverse commercial farms, forming the basis for a decision support system.
Diet of a threatened endemic fox reveals variation in sandy beach resource use on California Channel Islands
Authors: Page Henry M. , Schamel Juliann , Emery Kyle A. , Schooler Nicholas K. , Dugan Jenifer E. , Guglielmino Angela , Schroeder Donna M. , Palmstrom Linnea , Hubbard David M. , Miller Robert J.
Published: October 2021

The coastal zone provides foraging opportunities for insular populations of terrestrial mammals, allowing for expanded habitat use, increased dietary breadth, and locally higher population densities. We examined the use of sandy beach resources by the threatened island fox (Urocyon littoralis) on the California Channel Islands using scat analysis, surveys of potential prey, beach habitat attributes, and stable isotope analysis. Consumption of beach invertebrates, primarily intertidal talitrid amphipods (Megalorchestia spp.) by island fox varied with abundance of these prey across sites. Distance-based linear modeling revealed that abundance of giant kelp (Macrocystis pyrifera) wrack, rather than beach physical attributes, explained the largest amount of variation in talitrid amphipod abundance and biomass across beaches. δ13C and δ15N values of fox whisker (vibrissae) segments suggested individualism in diet, with generally low δ13C and δ15N values of some foxes consistent with specializing on primarily terrestrial foods, contrasting with the higher isotope values of other individuals that suggested a sustained use of sandy beach resources, the importance of which varied over time. Abundant allochthonous marine resources on beaches, including inputs of giant kelp, may expand habitat use and diet breadth of the island fox, increasing population resilience during declines in terrestrial resources associated with climate variability and long-term climate change.
Estimate the burden of sexual dysfunction due to non-communicable diseases in Ethiopia: Systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Abosetugn Akine Eshete , Yehualashet Sisay Shewasinad
Published: October 2021

Background

Untreated sexual dysfunction is a serious sexual problem that adversely affects the quality of life. Body of evidence indicates non-communicable diseases are common comorbid conditions associated with sexual dysfunction. Therefore, this review was aimed to synthesize and estimate the burden of sexual dysfunction and its determinant factors among patients with non-communicable diseases in Ethiopia.

Methods

Cross-sectional studies were systematically searched using PubMed, Google Scholar, African Journals Online, Cochran Library, Scopus database, and gray literature. Data were extracted using a standardized Joanna Briggs Institute form. The I2 statistic was used to check heterogeneity across the included studies. A funnel plot and Egger’s regression test were used to check the presence of publication bias. Sensitivity analysis was deployed to check the effect of a single study on the overall estimation. All statistical analyses were done using STATA version 11.0 software.

Result

A total of six studies with 2,434 study participants was included. The estimated pooled sexual dysfunction was 68.04% (95% CI: 56.41–79.67). Based on the subgroup analysis, the highest prevalence of sexual dysfunction was reported among patients with mental related illness, 73.02% (95% CI: 54.00–92.03).

Conclusion

In this review, nearly seven out of ten patients with chronic illness have sexual dysfunction, which implies sexual dysfunction was highly prevalent among non-communicable patients. Therefore, health care providers should screen and manage sexual dysfunction during follow-up for improving patient quality of life and sexual reproductive health satisfaction.
Demonstration of laser biospeckle method for speedy in vivo evaluation of plant-sound interactions with arugula
Authors: Rajagopalan Uma Maheswari , Wakumoto Ryotaro , Endo Daiki , Hirai Minoru , Kono Takahiro , Gonome Hiroki , Kadono Hirofumi , Yamada Jun
Published: October 2021

In recent years, it is becoming clearer that plant growth and its yield are affected by sound with certain sounds, such as seedling of corn directing itself toward the sound source and its ability to distinguish stuttering of larvae from other sounds. However, methods investigating the effects of sound on plants either take a long time or are destructive. Here, we propose using laser biospeckle, a non-destructive and non-contact technique, to investigate the activities of an arugula plant for sounds of different frequencies, namely, 0 Hz or control, 100 Hz, 1 kHz, 10 kHz, including rock and classical music. Laser biospeckles are generated when scattered light from biological tissues interfere, and the intensities of such speckles change in time, and these changes reflect changes in the scattering structures within the biological tissue. A leaf was illuminated by light from a laser light of wavelength 635 nm, and the biospeckles were recorded as a movie by a CMOS camera for 20 sec at 15 frames per second (fps). The temporal correlation between the frames was characterized by a parameter called biospeckle activity (BA)under the exposure to different sound stimuli of classical and rock music and single-frequency sound stimuli for 1min. There was a clear difference in BA between the control and other frequencies with BA for 100 Hz being closer to control, while at higher frequencies, BA was much lower, indicating a dependence of the activity on the frequency. As BA is related to changes from both the surface as well as from the internal structures of the leaf, LSM (laser scanning microscope) observations conducted to confirm the change in the internal structure revealed more than 5% transient change in stomatal size following exposure to one minute to high frequency sound of 10kHz that reverted within ten minutes. Our results demonstrate the potential of laser biospeckle to speedily monitor in vivo response of plants to sound stimuli and thus could be a possible screening tool for selecting appropriate frequency sounds to enhance or delay the activity of plants. (337 words)
Molecular evolution of PCSK family: Analysis of natural selection rate and gene loss
Authors: Parvaz Najmeh , Jalali Zahra
Published: October 2021

Proprotein convertases subtilisin kexins are serine endoproteases, playing critical roles in the biological functions, including lipid, glucose, and bile acid metabolism, as well as cell proliferation, migration, and metastasis. Experimental studies have demonstrated the physiological functions of PCSKs and their association with diseases; however, studies on the evolutionary history and diversification of these proteins are missing. In the present research, a bioinformatics study was conducted on the molecular evolution of several PCSKs family members and gene loss events across placental mammalian. In order to detect evolutionary constraints and positive selection, the CodeML program of the PAML package was used. The results showed the positive selection to occur inPCSK1,PCSK3,PCSK5, andPCSK7. A decelerated rate of evolution was observed inPCSK7,PCSK3, andMBTPS1inCarnivorescompared to the rest of phylogeny, and an accelerated evolution ofPCSK1,PCSK7, andMBTPS1 in Muridaefamily of rodents was found. Additionally, our results indicatedpcsk9gene loss in 12 species comprisingCarnivoresand bats (Chiroptera). Future studies are required to evaluate the functional relevance and selective evolutionary advantages associated with these modifications in PCSK proteins during evolution.
Impact of Covid-19 on health-related quality of life of patients: A structured review
Authors: Poudel Ak Narayan , Zhu Shihua , Cooper Nicola , Roderick Paul , Alwan Nisreen , Tarrant Carolyn , Ziauddeen Nida , Yao Guiqing Lily
Published: October 2021

Introduction

Coronavirus disease (Covid-19) has led to a global pandemic since its emergence in December 2019. The majority of research into Covid-19 has focused on transmission, and mortality and morbidity associated with the virus. However, less attention has been given to its impact on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of patients with Covid-19.

Methods

We searched for original studies published between December 2019 and Jan 2021 in PubMed, Scopus and Medline databases using a specific search strategy. We also explored literature on websites of distinguished public health organisations and hand-searched reference lists of eligible studies. The studies were screened by two reviewers according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) flowchart using pre-determined eligibility criteria. Data were synthesised, analysed descriptively and reported in line with PRISMA guidelines.

Results

In total, 1276 studies were identified through the search strategy. Of these, 77 studies were selected for full-text reading after screening the studies. After reading full-text, 12 eligible studies were included in this review. The majority of the studies used a generic HRQoL assessment tool; five studies used SF-36, five studies used EQ-5D-5L, and three used pulmonary disease-specific HRQoL tools (two studies used two tools each). The impact of Covid-19 on HRQoL was found to be considerable in both Acute Covid and Long Covid patients. Higher impact on HRQoL was reported in Acute Covid, females, older ages, patients with more severe disease and patients from low-income countries.

Conclusion

The impact of Covid-19 on HRQoL of Acute and Long Covid patients is substantial. There was disproportional impact on patients by gender, age, severity of illness and study country. The long-term impact of Covid-19 is still in its initial stage. The findings of the review may be useful to researchers, policymakers, and clinicians caring for people following Covid-19 infection.
Exploring whole-body kinematics when eating real foods with the dominant hand in healthy adults
Authors: Nakatake Jun , Totoribe Koji , Arakawa Hideki , Chosa Etsuo
Published: October 2021

Despite the importance of eating movements to the rehabilitation of neurological patients, information regarding the normal kinematics of eating in a realistic setting is limited. We aimed to quantify whole-body three-dimensional kinematics among healthy individuals by assessing movement patterns in defined phases while eating real food with the dominant hand in a seated position. Our cross-sectional study included 45 healthy, right-hand dominant individuals with a mean age of 27.3 ± 5.1 years. Whole-body kinematics (joint angles of the upper limb, hip, neck, and trunk) were captured using an inertial sensor motion system. The eating motion was divided into four phases for analysis: reaching, spooning, transport, and mouth. The mean joint angles were compared among the phases with Friedman’s analysis of variance. The maximum angles through all eating phases were 129.0° of elbow flexion, 32.4° of wrist extension, 50.4° of hip flexion, 6.8° of hip abduction, and 0.2° of hip rotation. The mean shoulder, elbow, and hip joint flexion angles were largest in the mouth phase, with the smallest being the neck flexion angle. By contrast, in the spooning phase, the shoulder, elbow, and hip flexion were the smallest, with the largest being the neck flexion angle. These angles were significantly different between the mouth and spooning phases (p < 0.008, Bonferroni post hoc correction). Our results revealed that characteristic whole-body movements correspond to each phase of realistic eating in healthy individuals. This study provides useful kinematic data regarding normal eating movements, which may inform whole-body positioning and movement, improve the assessment of eating abilities in clinical settings, and provide a basis for future studies.
Syaman Rapongan’s ‘The mythology of Badai Bay’: A symbolic father’s legacy
Authors: Prosperi Martina R.
Published: October 2021

Syaman Rapongan (1957–present) is a Tao Indigenous author from the Orchid Island (Taiwan) and Badaiwan de shenhua, a collection of his tribe’s myths, was his first publication. In its introduction, he explains how these myths’ intrinsic value system allows him to face the difficulties of our modernized and globalized society, where individuals often lose their sense of belonging and life’s meaning. The Lacanian psychoanalyst Massimo Recalcati traces this lack of meaning back to a loss of the ‘symbolic father’, who once provided the individual with both the interdicting function of a symbolic law and the recognition – thus, the word – to participate and speak in society. After a few years in Taiwan, where he studied and worked until the 1980s, Syaman Rapongan returned to Orchid Island and rediscovered this sense of belonging by re-appropriating Tao legends, rituals, productive skills, thus receiving his own father and the other tribe members’ recognition. The father figure as the storyteller par excellence passing on that symbolic word is the giver of Badaiwan de shenhua. Moreover, father-like characters and father-related emblematic images (e.g. the house), significantly recur both in these myths and in several subsequent stories. Taking advantage of Recalcati’s reflection, this article integrates an ecocritical approach to Syaman Rapongan’s literature by interpreting its recovery of the Indigenous paradigm as a recovery of the symbolic father. Through the analysis of examples from Badaiwan de shenhua and other stories, it demonstrates how the cosmopolitan value of his narrative does not reside so much in the revival of an ante-litteram ‘ecological’ lifestyle, but in its sine qua non, or the recovery of the ‘symbolic father’.
Mahjong, Chinese diaspora cinema and identity construction
Authors: Qi Xiangu
Published: October 2021

Through a comparative study of two films, The Joy Luck Club and Crazy Rich Asians, the article elaborates how Chinese diaspora films use Mahjong’s cinematic symbolism and cultural significations to negotiate Chineseness in different ways. In particular, three differences between the two films are analysed. The first one is the different attitudes of the female protagonists towards Mahjong as well as the Chineseness embodied by it. The second concerns the disparate presences of Mahjong in films made by mainland China-based filmmakers and Chinese diasporic filmmakers due to Mahjong’s differed historical trajectories and sociocultural implications. The last one is about the distinct goals the two film directors set when they employ Mahjong to (re)construct their identity and Chineseness on the part of the Chinese diaspora. This article concludes that Chineseness is not a monolithic and rigid category, but rather a chameleonic formation that is contextually and individually determined; moreover, in the age of globalization when coexistence and interdependence are valued more than mutual-resistance, the dynamic nature of Chineseness necessitates a more hybrid and critical identity framework: in-betweenness.
Attack on normativity: A queer reading of Shingeki no Kyojin (Attack on Titan)
Authors: Fanasca Marta
Published: October 2021

Isayama Hajime’s Shingeki no Kyojin (Attack on Titan 2009–present, hereafter SnK) has gained huge resonance since its first release, a popularity by no means limited to Japan, and enhanced by the high-quality animation series by the same name (2013–present), directed by Araki Tetsurô (first season) and Koizuka Masashi, which has followed from the manga storyline. Without doubt, this success is due to a gripping narrative, focusing on fierce fights between the apparently invincible titans and the numerous characters that aim to save humanity, whose different aesthetic and behavioural characteristics unfailingly appeal to very mixed audiences. In this sense, there are three very notable features of SnK. First, the female characters subvert, redraw or re-interpret stereotypes about femininity both aesthetically and behaviourally, and they can be read as queer. Second, the text presents a lesbian subtext that enriches the narrative in queer terms. Ultimately, the ability of some main characters to shift between the two categories of ‘human’ and ‘titan’ contributes to destabilizing binary divisions in terms of normative or non-normative bodies, providing an additional layer to a queer reading of this text. Through an analysis of the manga and anime versions of SnK, this article investigates how gender stereotypes, heteronormativity and the dichotomy normalizing normative identities vis-à-vis non-normative identities are portrayed. This analysis sheds light on the (lack of) alternatives to binary models in terms of gender and sexuality in the shōnen manga genre, problematizing the contemporary relationship between dominant and oppositional identities. I argue that the non-normative characteristics of the main characters in SnK represent a significant case of non-normative and counter-hegemonic representation in a typically heteronormative genre, which potentially offers a means of identification for the female and queer audiences of shōnen manga.
Religion, Tradition and the Popular: Transcultural Views from Asia and Europe, Judith Schlehe and Evamarie Sandkühler (eds) (2014)
Authors: Boman Björn
Published: October 2021

Review of: Religion, Tradition and the Popular: Transcultural Views from Asia and Europe, Judith Schlehe and Evamarie Sandkühler (eds) (2014)

Bielefeld: Transcript Verlag, 286 pp.,

ISBN 978-3-83762-613-1, p/bk, €35.99

 

Japanese Popular Culture and Globalization, William M. Tsutsui (2010)

Ann Arbor, MI: Association for Asian Studies, 96 pp.,

ISBN 978-0-92430-462-0, p/bk, $15

 

The Dream of East Asia: The Rise of China, Nationalism, Popular Memory, and Regional Dynamics in Northeast Asia, John Lie (2018)

Ann Arbor, MI: Association for Asian Studies, 138 pp.,

ISBN 978-1-95263-610-3, p/bk, $15.99
Avaliação da qualidade da água para consumo humano proveniente de poços rasos e do risco de infecção desta por exposição a patógenos emergentes em um bairro de Goiânia, Goiás
Authors: Moreira Marília Honorato , Kopp Katia Alcione , Nardocci Adelaide Cassia
Published: October 2021

A análise da água permite levantar informações que garantam segurança hídrica e prevenção de doenças de veiculação hídrica. O presente estudo visou a avaliar a qualidade da água e empregar a Avaliação Quantitativa de Risco Microbiológico (AQRM) como uma ferramenta para definir o risco de infecção, associado à exposição a patógenos emergentes na água subterrânea de um bairro da Região Sudoeste de Goiânia. Foram analisadas amostras de água de 30 pontos em relação aos parâmetros físico-químicos e microbiológicos. A AQRM foi obtida por meio de abordagens nas etapas de identificação do perigo, na avaliação da exposição, avaliação dose-resposta e caracterização do risco de infecção. Os resultados demonstraram que a água subterrânea do bairro não está de acordo com os padrões de potabilidade, principalmente referente aos parâmetros microbiológicos, que em todas as amostras apresentaram valores fora do limite estabelecido pela legislação. A AQRM mostrou valores de risco anual elevados, acima do limite definido pela U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) para exposições que ocorrem com a ingestão de água. O estudo evidenciou a urgência de se estabelecer ações de gerenciamento de risco para a água do local estudado. Adicionalmente, medidas de conscientização da população local, por meio de programas ou projetos de educação ambiental, podem ser importantes para que os moradores entendam os riscos de se consumir a água dos poços rasos sem nenhum tratamento.
Prolonged Thrombin Time in Asymptomatic Patient with Hypo Dysfibrogememia Tucson
Authors: Katakkar Suresh B
Published: October 2021

A 61 years female patient with known diagnosis of the breast cancer in remission for more than 10 years has Renaud’s disease. During her work up for lupus and lupus anticoagulant which both were negative a prolonged thrombin time was noted which was done by mistake. She has no history of bleeding or thrombosis and last recent surgery was 5 years ago for spinal stenosis and was uncomplicated. Her clinical examination is normal without evidence of any spontaneous bruises but colder hands. The thrombin time was greater than 125 seconds on two different occasions and correction of it by addition of normal plasma was down to 56 seconds and was thus incomplete. Her prothrombin time and PTT were normal and there was no evidence of FDP or D-Dimers. There was no evidence of circulating heparins. The fibrinogen level was normal. The para proteinmia was excluded by normal serum protein electrophoresis and by immunofixation . Thus it is felt that this patient has dysfibrinogenemia or hypo dysfibrinogenemia without bleeding or thrombotic complication. The literature review shows approximately 55% of dysfibrinogenemia patients do not have bleeding or thrombotic complications.
Einleitung
Authors: Buchberger Julia , Kohn Patrick , Reiniger Max
Published: October 2021

Julia Buchberger, Patrick Kohn und Max Reiniger entwickeln aus den Begriffen Radikalität und Performativität einen ganzheitlichen Zugriff auf Arbeit im Kontext von Theaterfestivals. Sie richten so den Fokus auf die Bereiche von Arbeit jenseits vertraglich geregelter Aufgabenprofile oder intentionsgeleiteten Handelns. Damit werfen sie nicht zuletzt ästhetische und kulturpolitische Fragen um Teilhabe und Mitbestimmung auf, die den Rahmen der hier versammelten Texte bilden.
Bewerbung, Profilierung, Networking: Festivals und künstlerische Selbstvermarktungsarbeit
Authors: Hoesch Benjamin
Published: October 2021

Benjamin Hoesch untersucht die künstlerische Selbstvermarktungsarbeit im Rahmen des Bewerbungsverfahrens zum Nachwuchsfestival PLATEAUX (2000-2011) am Künstlerhaus Mousonturm Frankfurt/Main. Zurückgegriffen wird auf das Archiv des Festivals, Performativitäts-, Subjekt- und Netzwerktheorien sowie das Modell des Arbeitskraftunternehmers. Der Beitrag schließt mit Empfehlungen an Festivalorganisationen für eine verantwortungsvolle künstlerische Koproduktionsarbeit.
Intereses en conflicto. El caso actual de la reserva de biósfera El Tuparro en el escudo guayanés colombiano
Authors: Rivera Angel Fredy Alexis , Lopes Simonian Ligia Terezinha
Published: October 2021

La cuestión central de este artículo dice respecto a la comprensión del proceso de gobernanza de la Reserva de la Biosfera El Tuparro (RBT) localizada en la región fronteriza entre Colombia y Venezuela. Se objetiva de esa forma, analizar, el proceso de gobernanza ambiental de la RBT y se pretende investigar el proceso de gestión y los posibles problemas tangentes a esta RB que interfieren en la conservación ambiental. Las bases metodológicas de esta actividad se sustentan en la investigación cualitativa – investigación de campo y observación participante – teniendo como auxilio fuentes documentales y bibliográficas. Se concluye, en síntesis, que son muchos los problemas enfrentados especialmente pela ausencia de una estructura clara y eficiente, que permita guiar y clarificar las responsabilidades de cada uno de los actores legales, pero también por la presencia de una variedad de actores bastante heterogéneo con diferentes intereses colocando en riesgo el equilibrio entre conservación y desarrollo.
De “juez de aguas” a la cuantificación del recurso: transformaciones en la gestión del Departamento General de Irrigación (Mendoza, 1932-1943)
Authors: Ortega Laura L.
Published: October 2021

El accionar de la dirigencia conservadora en años ´30 en Mendoza en materia de gestión hídrica implicó desarrollar un proyecto de modernización. Un aspecto del mismo constituyó la realización de importantes obras hidráulica, muy necesaria para dar respuesta a las necesidades productivas de entonces. Pero la voluntad modernizante implicó además otras estrategias hacia adentro de la agencia encargada de gestionar el agua. Una profunda y prolija reconstrucción bajo la perspectiva de análisis que observa el accionar del Estado y sus agencias de forma heterogéneo, por momentos fragmentado, con intereses contradictorios, y muchas veces permeable en su relación con la sociedad, permitirá advertir cómo el Departamento General de Irrigación asumió un rol más relacionado a la planificación hidráulica que con el arbitrio de pleitos entre usuarios del recurso. Este cambio implicó reorganizar funciones, crear nuevas estructuras, rediseñar procesos administrativos nodales, producir información e incorporar instrumentos de medición de la oferta de agua. Todos estos aspectos de la modernización en el DGI le otorgaron notas distintivas al proceso de profesionalización estatal característico de los años ´30.
Numerical simulation of the influence of pores sizes on moisture migration dynamic in masonry wall
Authors: M. Nde N. , Fokwa D. , Mbessa M. , T. Tamo T. , Pettang C.
Published: October 2021

The sometimes extreme hydro-climatic stresses that buildings undergo can lead to significant deterioration which can lead to their collapse. The concern to realize durable works and ensuring a comfortable framework for the life of occupants leads to seek effective solutions, as well for the new construction as for the renovation of old construction, answering the sempiternal problem of harmful action of water on buildings materials. This paper proposes a numerical simulation of moisture migration in concrete building walls, the aim being to highlight the influence of pore size on the kinetics of moisture migration, and its gradient in the wall. A mathematical model taking into account the mechanisms of moisture migration due to liquid moisture gradient and by vapor diffusion is proposed; the discrete formulation of the equa-tion by the numerical scheme of Crank Nicolson is then carried out, and results from computer modeling using Matlab software version 7.10.0.499 (R2010a), show that pore size is a key parameter that influences the dynamics of moisture migration in the wall. Indeed, this parameter qualitatively and quantitatively influences the kinetics of moisture migration, as well as it gradient in the concrete wall. It appears a greater migration dynamic when the pores sizes decrease, means a greater kinetics of moisture migration and lower moisture gradient in the walls at the hygrometric equilibrium, for a decreasing pore size.Â
Analysis of traffic density onthree-way junction in Jalan Sukabangun 2 using Vissim simulations model
Authors: Agusri Erny , Arfan Muhammad , Arfan Muhammad
Published: October 2021

VISSIM is a Simulations model which means a city traffic simulation model. VISSIM is a simulation software used by professionals to create simulations from dynamic traffic scenarios before making real plans. This research was conducted to determine how traffic performance and traffic performance optimization at the junctions between the existing conditions and the Vissim program caused by congestion. An effective method for overcoming non-jammed junctions can be made using the VISSIM method. This study was conducted at THREE-WAY JUNCTION in Jl. Sukabangun 2 (South) - Jl. R.A Abusamah (West) - Jl. Sukabangun 2 (Utara) - Jl. BeringinSukabangun 2 (East). In this study, three variations were used, namely the traffic light method, the method of forbidden turning right, and the method of dividing the road and turning signs. The results of PTV Vissim simulation showed that the traffic light method has a quite high queue length, namely 79m compared to the existing condition of 63m, for the vehicle delay in this method is 98.954s. On the method of forbidden turning right from the direction of Jl. BeringinSukabangun 2 (East) has a low queue length of 0.287m compared to the existing condition of 63m. The vehicle delay in this method is 13.307s. The method of dividing the road and turning signs, the queue length is quite low at 1.147m compared to the existing condition of 63m. The vehicle delay in this method is 30,169s. The results of the simulation revealed that the most effective method at THREE-WAY JUNCTION in jalanSukabangun 2 is method of forbidden turning right, dividing the roads and turning signs.Â Â
Ameilorative effect of lycopine against cisplatin toxicity in rats
Authors: Ehgendy Fatma , Waheed Rania M. , Ibrahim Samer , Said Elshaimaa , Elsayed Faten
Published: October 2021

The following study aimed to investigate the hepato and neuro protective efficacy of Lycopine against Cisplatin which induced hepatotoxicity and neurotoxicity. Twenty Five male Wister rats were used for this experiment they were equally divided into 5 groups (5 rats per group): group (1) served as control group they were injected 1ml saline orally once daily for 20 day, group (2) served as Corn Oil group and they were administrated 1 mL Corn Oil orally once daily for 20 days, group (3) served as Lycopine group and they were administrated (10 mg/kg b.wt) Lycopine orally once daily for 20 days. , group (4) served as Cisplatin treated group and they were injected (6 mg/kg b.wt.) intrapertonialy once at day 10 of experiment and group (5) Lycopine+Cisplatin group and were administrated 10 mg/kg b.wt Lycopine orally once daily for 20 days and injected 6 mg/kg b.wt.) intraperitonialy once at day 10 . Result revealed that Cisplatin induced liver damage indicated by significant increase in liver biomarkers ALP, AlT, AST along with significant decrease in albumin, Moreover marked increase increase in tissue concentrations of malondialdehyde(MDA) and Total antioxidant(TAC) and reduce tissue Glutathione reductase(GSH),that indicated oxidative stress Also results revealed up regulation IL-6 and down regulation IL-10 in liver and brain tissue in compared to control group . However, interestingly concurrent adminsteration of the Lycopine orally at dose level of 10mg/kg b.wt for 20 days with Cisplatin can mitigate these toxic effects caused by Cisplatin.So it is concluded that the antioxidant and the anti-inflammatory effects of Lycopine moderate the Cisplatin-induced hepato and neurotoxicity.
Belajar dari Kemenangan Jepang pada Perang Tsushima: Pembangunan Kekuatan Militer Melalui Industri Strategis
Authors: Rusdiana Dede , Octavian Amarulla , Ali Yusuf , Thamrin Suryono , Sarjito Aris
Published: October 2021

The various wars that have been passed have had implications for the development of Japanese combat conditions. One of the wars that sparked the rise of Japanese combat technology was the Tsushima War of 1905, marked by the use of new weaponry such as torpedoes and telegraphs. Japan's victory in the Tsushima War has proven that Japan has advanced weapons technology and has proven to be able to compete with Russia. This study provides a very important lesson and can be a reflection for Indonesia in the development of a naval military force. By using historical methods and defense economic theory approaches, this study discusses efforts to increase the strength of the main weapon system of the Japanese special navy. The results of the study show that the efforts made by Japan put a lot of emphasis on the strategy of developing the defense industry. The rise of the defense industry has become an integral part of military power building. In that context, Japan does not only involve the military, but also develops human resource capacity and increases research in the field of technology. The existence of good cooperation between the government, industry players, and academia is also the main pillar in the effort to build a naval military force.
Znaczenie kategorii „zaufanie” oraz „ryzyko” dla współczesnej młodzieży
Authors: Peret-Drążewska Paulina
Published: October 2021

This article presents theoretical considerations on the category of trust and risk as constructs particularly important for an individual participating in contemporary socio-cultural realities, especially for young people. Theoretical analyses of the concepts of trust and risk are presented. The basis for these analyses was the concept of the sense of ontological security set in the context of contemporary socio-cultural conditions and globalization processes. Trust and risk are categories of particular importance to young people at present, which is why this age group was emphasized in the theoretical analyses undertaken.
E-learning as a university challenge of the 21st century
Authors: Stradomska Marlena
Published: October 2021

The article is one of several articles summarizing research carried out with a group of foreign students who come to Poland to participate in the Erasmus+ program. Method and research group: Research has been taking place since 2016 and is conducted using an interactive Google survey. The study group consists of 128 people aged 18 to 25 years. The respondents chose Poland, specifically the Maria Curie-Skłodowska University, in order to complete a semester or an academic year. This article will also present structured interviews that were conducted with foreign students. Aim of the study: To learn about the attitude of foreign students towards modern teaching methods (e-learning). An additional goal was to verify the knowledge regarding this method of education and to compare Poland with the respondents’ home countries. Results: The respondents come from European countries such as Spain, Portugal, Germany, France, as well as, Braziland India. Most of them appreciate the possibilities of e-learning (87%). Over half of the respondents (62%) say that in Poland distance learning was rather not implemented until 2020. What changed this situation was the coronavirus outbreak. In social sciences, they also appreciate the possibility of classes in the traditional form due to the possibility of participating in workshops and specialist training, or giving presentations.
Review of the book by Marta Jadwiga Kędzia: ‘Musical orientations among youth from 2nd-level secondary music schools’
Authors: Sadowska Katarzyna
Published: October 2021

Review of the book by Marta Jadwiga Kędzia: ‘Musical orientations among youth from 2nd-level secondary music schools’ (‘Orientacje muzyczne młodzieży z ogólnokształcących szkół muzycznych II stopnia’), Wydawnictwo Naukowe UAM, Poznań 2020, pp. 230
Predyspozycje i możliwości zatrudnienia a motywacja wyboru kierunku studiów przez studentów nauk humanistycznych Uniwersytetu Rzeszowskiego i nauk ścisłych Politechniki Rzeszowskiej
Authors: Chodkowski Zbigniew
Published: October 2021

Motivation accompanies various human activities from an early age. The basic ones include fun, education and work. These activities are combined in different proportions and depend on the living environment and the interests of the individual. Care, upbringing, family environment and family atmosphere shape the child’s perceptions of the world. These factors also affect the individual in terms of making important decisions, which include undertaking education in a university. The human environment, objects, and the same places also imply various motives in creating human behaviour that translates into aspirations to achieve different life goals. The article is an attempt to present the impact of humans’ predispositions in their fields of interest, their self-assessment of intellectual possibilities, prospects for high -level earnings, employment opportunities in the country and abroad, as well as the curriculum covering subjects that were not difficult in high school and in which the pupil was good on the motives for choosing a major study of students of humanities at the University of Rzeszów and students of exact sciences from Rzeszów University of Technology.
Typology of opening scenes in the new generation of TV series
Authors: Borowiecki Artur
Published: October 2021

The product of quality TV, modern TV series have undergone significant changes compared to traditional productions. TV series used to have a closed episodic structure, contained within a single episode. These days, the format marked by a narrative continuity prevails. The types of sequences that open TV series have changed, too. Filmmakers employ various ‘opening strategies’ to make their productions stand out and attract audiences’ attention. The initial scenes highlight dynamic action, set the tone and express the central conflict. Other types of opening aim to explicate the main protagonist to make them intriguing. This article will provide the definition of ‘opening scenes’, and their typology will be discussed based on selected examples.