bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Detection of a spinning object with circular procession using an optical vortex beam
Authors: Ding You , Liu Tong , Liu Zengliang , Qiu Song , Xu Liyuan , Ren Yuan
Published: April 2022

The rotational Doppler effect (RDE) provides an efficient way to measure rotational frequency using an optical vortex beam. Crucially, most research based on the RDE just involves a spinning object or a spinning object coupled with a longitudinal velocity along the beam propagation. We analyze the interaction mechanism between optical orbital angular momentum and a spinning object with circular procession and experimentally demonstrate simultaneous measurements of two rotational frequencies. This technique broadens application of the RDE in optical metrology and remote detection of targets with micro-motions.
Probing electron-hole coherence in strongly driven 2D materials using high-harmonic generation
Authors: Heide Christian , Kobayashi Yuki , Johnson Amalya C. , Liu Fang , Heinz Tony F. , Reis David A. , Ghimire Shambhu
Published: April 2022

Under strong electromagnetic excitation, electron–hole (e-h) pairs may
be generated in solids, which are subsequently driven to high energy
and high momentum, producing high harmonics (HH) of the driving field.
The HH efficiency depends on the degree of coherence between the
driven electron and hole created by the laser field. Here, we disrupt
this e-h coherence in an atomically thin semiconductor by photodoping
via incoherent e-h pairs. We observe a strong, systematic harmonic
order-dependent intensity reduction. This trend is explained by an
exponential decay of the inter-band polarization, proportional to the
sub-cycle excursion time of the e-h pair. Our study provides a
platform to probe the importance of many-body effects, such as
excitation density-dependent decoherence time for strongly driven
electrons without the need of ultrashort laser pulses.
Association of trends in child undernutrition and implementation of the National Rural Health Mission in India: A nationally representative serial cross-sectional study on data from 1992 to 2015
Authors: Soni Apurv , Fahey Nisha , Bhutta Zulfiqar , Li Wenjun , Moore Simas Tiffany , Nimbalkar Somashekhar , Allison Jeroan
Published: April 2022

Background

India launched the National Rural Health Mission (NRHM) in 2005 to strengthen its primary healthcare system in high-focus and northeast-focus states. One of the NRHM objectives was to reduce child undernutrition in India.

Methods and findings

We used data from 1992, 1998, 2005, and 2015 National Family Health Survey (NFHS) of India to evaluate trends in child undernutrition prevalence before and after NRHM and across different categories of focus states. Stunting, Wasting, and Comprehensive Index of Anthropometric Failure (CIAF) were assessed using the World Health Organization (WHO) growth curves to assess chronic, acute, and overall undernutrition. The study included 187,452 children aged 3 years or under. Survey-weighted and confounder-adjusted average annualized reduction rates (AARRs) and predicted probability ratios were used to assess trends and socioeconomic disparities for child undernutrition, respectively. Nationwide, the prevalence of all types of undernutrition decreased from 1992 to 2015. However, the trends varied before and after NRHM implementation and differentially by focus states. After NRHM, acute undernutrition declined more rapidly among high-focus states (AARR 1.0%) but increased in normal-focus states (AARR −1.9% per year; p-value for the difference <0.001). In contrast, the prevalence of chronic undernutrition declined more rapidly (AARR 1.6%) in the normal-focus states in comparison to high-focus states (0.3%; p-value for the difference = 0.01). Income and caste-based disparities in acute undernutrition decreased but did not disappear after the implementation of the NRHM. However, similar disparities in prevalence of chronic undernutrition appear to be exacerbated after the implementation of the NRHM. Major limitations of this study include the observational and cross-sectional design, which preclude our ability to draw causal inferences.

Conclusions

Our results suggests that NRHM implementation might be associated with improvement in wasting (acute) rather than stunting (chronic) forms of undernutrition. Strategies to combat undernutrition equitably, especially in high-focus states, are needed.
Ruptured uterus: Frequency, risk factors and feto-maternal outcome: Current scenario in a low-resource setup
Authors: Abrar Saida , Abrar Tahira , Sayyed Ehsan , Naqvi Sidra Ali
Published: April 2022

Introduction

Pakistan is among the countries with the highest maternal death rates. Obstetric hemorrhage accounts for 41% of these deaths. Uterine rupture is a grave obstetric emergency with high maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality. It is important to identify its frequency and associated risk factors to formulate programs for its prevention and management. This study aimed to assess the frequency, associated risk factors, fetomaternal outcomes, and management of women with the ruptured uterus at our hospital.

Material and methods

It was a retrospective study of 206 women to review data collected from cases of uterine rupture managed at the WCTH Bannu, Pakistan from October 2016 to October 2018. A structured proforma was designed and used to extract data from operating theatre registers and the hospital medical records. In our hospital, there is a strong system of maintaining all information of the patients related to demographics, obstetric information, operative notes, and postoperative course during their hospital stay in the patient’s charts. Detailed information on operative procedures is further maintained in the operation theater register and all these registers are checked in the weekly statistical meetings to ensure proper documentation. Data was entered and analyzed in SPSS package version 21 (IBM Corp.; Armonk, NY, USA). Frequency and percentages were calculated for the categorical variables. For inferential statistics, chi-square or Fischer exact tests were used. A p-value of < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results

The overall incidence of the ruptured uterus was 1.71%. The important etiological factors were grand multiparity 62 (35.2%), obstructed/neglected labour 58 (32.9%), injudicious use of Oxytocin 56 (31.8%) and prostaglandins 26 (14.7%), previous cesarean section 35 (19.8%) and previous pelvic surgery (0.5%). Hysterectomy was done in 80.6% of cases, 34 (19.2%) patients underwent uterine repair and 4.5% had bladder repair. The mortality rate was 21%, mainly due to irreversible shock or disseminated intravascular coagulation. Perinatal mortality was 91.4%. Duration of surgery more than two hours and presentation to the hospital at night time was significantly associated with poor maternal outcome (p = 0.00).

Conclusion

Uterine rupture is a preventable obstetric emergency associated with high fetomaternal morbidity and mortality. The main causes were grand multigravidity, obstructed labour, previous C-sections and injudicious use of oxytocin and prostaglandins. Women with prolonged surgery and admission at night time had a poor maternal outcome.
Ethnic inequality and forced displacement
Authors: Hennicke Moritz , Brück Tilman
Published: April 2022

How does ethnic inequality shape victimization in violent conflicts? Our case study of the 2010 conflict in Kyrgyzstan tests whether communities with higher ethnic inequalities in education experienced more intense displacement. We find that local inequality in education between Kyrgyzstan’s ethnic majority and its largest minority robustly predicts patterns of forced displacement, controlling for alternative approaches like ethnic spatial segregation or polarization. By decomposing inequality, we observe that local educational advantage towards the other ethnic group is associated with a lower likelihood of displacement. Ethnic Uzbeks with low education levels relative to Kyrgyz in their area have the highest displacement rate.
Cross-cultural adaptation and psychometric properties of the Sinhala version of electronic health literacy scale: A cross-sectional validation study
Authors: Rathnayake Sarath , Liyanage Indrajith Prasanna
Published: April 2022

eHealth Literacy Scale (eHEALS) is the most widely used, valid and reliable tool to assess eHealth literacy skills, but no culturally appropriate tool exists to assess these skills among Sinhala-speaking Sri Lankans, including health professionals. This study aimed to cross-culturally adapt the original eHEALS from English to Sinhala and evaluate its psychometric properties. The study was conducted in two phases. The first phase involved translation and cross-cultural validation of the questionnaire. The second phase involved a cross-sectional survey conducted online among 268 health science students from a state university in Sri Lanka to confirm the psychometric properties of the questionnaire. An analysis of test-retest reliability was conducted with a subset of 72 students. The pre-final version of Sinhala eHEALS (Si-eHEALS) was developed following the cross-cultural adaptation process. The mean score of Si-eHEALS was 28.51±4.87. A satisfactory level of internal consistency was achieved (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.91). The test-retest reliability was acceptable (intraclass correlation coefficient -.776). Content validity index of Si-eHEALS was.97. The principal component analysis supported the unidimensionality of the scale, explaining 61.2 variance. There was a significant positive association between Si-eHEALS score with academic year (rs = .146, p = .017), self-rated internet skills (rs = .122, p = .046), usefulness of internet in health decision making (rs = .212, p < .001) and importance of ability to access health resources on the internet (rs = .230, p < .001), confirming concurrent validity. No significant difference based on gender (U = 5854, p = .550) and degree program (X2(2) = 2.965, p = .564) was found, confirming discriminant validity. In line with many previous validation studies, our study demonstrated good psychometric properties for Si-eHEALS. Si-eHEALS is a valid and reliable tool that assesses eHealth literacy in Sinhala speaking Sri Lankans, particularly health professionals.
Gonadal cycle, reproductive indices and detection of parasitism in the clam Ameghinomya antiqua in natural beds of importance for fisheries
Authors: Jaramillo Roberto , Prida Valentina , Rubilar Pedro S. , Cardenas Leyla , Prieto Valeria , Astorga Marcela P.
Published: April 2022

The clam Ameghynomia antiqua is a highly important resource for fisheries due to its high catches volume. It is the bivalve mollusc with the highest fisheries landings from natural beds on the Pacific coast of southern South America; however, studies of the reproductive conditions of this species are scarce and date back many years. The object of the present work was to evaluate the reproductive characteristics of the species, analysing its gametogenic and gonadal cycle, and reproductive indices, in fishery locations that present the natural beds with the highest fisheries catches, as well as parasite loads in the species. The gonads of the individuals were sampled monthly over a year and classified into one of three states called: “in development”, “ripe” and “spawned”. Synchrony between the sexes was observed in the indicators of the Gonadosomatic Index and Condition Index in each of the locations, although no synchrony was observed between locations. In the gametogenic cycle, the "ripe" state was observed in females in spring-summer, followed by rapid recovery to new development of the gonads; in males the "ripe" state was observed throughout the year. It was observed that males entered the “spawned” state one month ahead of females. The presence of digenean parasites in the state of metacercariae was detected in the gonads and mantle. No significant differences were found in the prevalence or intensity of infection when analysed by sex and month. The metacercariae were identified, by sequencing of three DNA regions, as belonging to the clade shared by species of the genus Parvatrema and close to the Gymnophalloides; both these genera belong to the family Gymnophallidae of the superclass Digenea. Infection was observed to reduce the gonadal tissue, in some cases causing castration. This is the first record of the presence of these parasites of A. antiqua, with genetic identification at genus level. These results are relevant for act proper management of this resource, which is important for fishing.
Acoustic approach as an alternative to human-based survey in bird biodiversity monitoring in agricultural meadows
Authors: Budka Michał , Jobda Marek , Szałański Paweł , Piórkowski Hubert
Published: April 2022

Acoustic monitoring has been tested as an alternative to the traditional, human-based approach of surveying birds, however studies examining the effectiveness of different acoustic methods sometimes yield inconsistent results. In this study we examined whether bird biodiversity estimated by traditional surveys of birds differs to that obtained through soundscape surveys in meadow habitats that are of special agricultural importance, and whether acoustic monitoring can deliver reliable indicators of meadows and farmland bird biodiversity. We recorded soundscape and simultaneously surveyed birds by highly skilled human-observers within a fixed (50 m and 100 m) and unlimited radius using the point-count method twice in the breeding season at 74 recording sites located in meadows, in order to compare differences in (1) bird biodiversity estimation of meadow, farmland, songbird, and all bird species and (2) the detection rate of single bird species by these two methods. We found that recorders detected more species in comparison to the human-observers who surveyed birds within a fixed radius (50 and 100 m) and fewer when detection distance for human-observers was unlimited. We did not find significant differences in the number of meadow and farmland bird species detected by recorders and observers within a 100 m radius–the most often used fixed radius in traditional human based point-counts. We also showed how detection rate of 48 the most common bird species in our study differ between these two methods. Our study showed that an acoustic survey is equally effective as human observers surveying birds within a 100 m radius in estimation of farmland and meadow bird biodiversity. These groups of species are important for agricultural landscape and commonly used as indicators of habitat quality and its changes. Even though recorders rarely detect species that remain mostly silent during the observation periods, or species that are further distant than 100 m away, we recommend using acoustic soundscape recording methods as an equally effective and more easily standardised alternative for monitoring of farmland and meadow bird biodiversity. We propose adaptation of acoustic approach to long-term, large-scale monitoring by collecting acoustic data by non-specialists, including landowners and volunteers, and analysing them in a standardised way by units supervising monitoring of agriculture landscape.
Nicotine dependence and quitting stages of smokers in Nepal: A community based cross-sectional study
Authors: Timilsina Janaki Kumari , Bhatta Bimala , Devkota Amrit
Published: April 2022

Introduction

Nicotine dependence is an addiction to tobacco products caused by the chemical nicotine present in tobacco. 80% of premature deaths due to nicotine dependence come from low-and middle-income countries. Since most of the public health studies have focused solely on psychological and behavioral factors associated with tobacco smoking, this study aims to assess the nicotine dependence and stages of change of quitting smoking.

Methodology

A community based quantitative cross-sectional study was conducted among 280 smokers aged 15–69 years in Bharatpur metropolitan, Nepal. A semi-structured and validated questionnaire was used during the face-to-face interviews. Nicotine dependence among participants was assessed using the six-item Fagerstrom Test for Nicotine Dependence (FTND). Chi-square test and multivariate logistic regression analysis were performed to assess the associations between variables at the significance level α = 0.05.

Result

In the study population, the mean score of FTND was 5.15 ± 2.34. 33.9% participants had a high level of nicotine dependence and nearly half of the participants felt difficulty to refrain smoking even in No-smoking areas. Almost three out of ten respondents were prepared for smoking cessation. It was found that age group 20–39 years were more likely to have nicotine dependence (AOR 3.308, 95% CI = 1.039–10.534), those who initiated smoking before age of 15 were associated with a greater risk of nicotine dependence (AOR 3.68, 95% CI = 1.826–7.446), participants spending more on tobacco products (more than Rs 2400 monthly) were associated with an increased risk of nicotine dependence (AOR 4.47, 95% CI = 2.225–8.991), those who initiated smoking due to mental stress were more likely to have nicotine addiction (AOR 2.522, 95% CI = 1.004–6.028), and those who had no thought of quitting smoking were more associated with nicotine dependence (AOR 4.935, 95% CI = 1.458–16.699).

Conclusion

Our study showed that high level of nicotine dependence is a major public health problem in low-and middle-income countries like Nepal. It also highlights that effective smoking cessation programs should be developed considering the level of nicotine dependence with more focus on early interventions of its associated factors.
Using whole-genome sequence data to examine the epidemiology of antimicrobial resistance in Escherichia coli from wild meso-mammals and environmental sources on swine farms, conservation areas, and the Grand River watershed in southern Ontario, Canada
Authors: Vogt Nadine A. , Hetman Benjamin M. , Vogt Adam A. , Pearl David L. , Reid-Smith Richard J. , Parmley E. Jane , Kadykalo Stefanie , Ziebell Kim , Bharat Amrita , Mulvey Michael R. , Janecko Nicol , Ricker Nicole , Allen Samantha E. , Bondo Kristin J. , Jardine Claire M.
Published: April 2022

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) threatens the health of humans and animals and has repeatedly been detected in wild animal species across the world. This cross-sectional study integrates whole-genome sequence data from Escherichia coli isolates with demonstrated phenotypic resistance that originated from a previous longitudinal wildlife study in southern Ontario, as well as phenotypically resistant E. coli water isolates previously collected as part of a public health surveillance program. The objective of this work was to assess for evidence of possible transmission of antimicrobial resistance determinants between wild meso-mammals, swine manure pits, and environmental sources on a broad scale in the Grand River watershed, and at a local scale—for the subset of samples collected on both swine farms and conservation areas in the previous wildlife study. Logistic regression models were used to assess potential associations between sampling source, location type (swine farm vs. conservation area), and the occurrence of select resistance genes and predicted plasmids. In total, 200 isolates from the following sources were included: water (n = 20), wildlife (n = 73), swine manure pit (n = 31), soil (n = 73), and dumpsters (n = 3). Several genes and plasmid incompatibility types were significantly more likely to be identified on swine farms compared to conservation areas. Conversely, internationally distributed sequence types (e.g., ST131), extended-spectrum beta-lactamase- and AmpC-producing E. coli were isolated in lower prevalences (<10%) and were almost exclusively identified in water sources, or in raccoon and soil isolates obtained from conservation areas. Differences in the odds of detecting resistance genes and predicted plasmids among various sources and location types suggest different primary sources for individual AMR determinants, but, broadly, our findings suggest that raccoons, skunks and opossums in this region may be exposed to AMR pollution via water and agricultural sources, as well as anthropogenic sources in conservation areas.
West Nile and Usutu virus seroprevalence in Hungary: A nationwide serosurvey among blood donors in 2019
Authors: Nagy Anna , Csonka Nikolett , Takács Mária , Mezei Eszter , Barabás Éva
Published: April 2022

In Hungary, West Nile virus (WNV) has been responsible for 459 laboratory confirmed human cases between 2004 and 2019, while the first human Usutu virus (USUV) infection was confirmed only in 2018. A comprehensive serosurvey was conducted among blood donors to assess the WNV and USUV seroprevalence in 2019, one year after the largest European WNV epidemic. Altogether, 3005 plasma samples were collected and screened for WNV and USUV specific Immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies by Enzyme–Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA). All reactive samples were further tested for tick-borne encephalitis virus IgG antibodies by ELISA. Indirect immunofluorescence test and microneutralization assay were used as confirmatory methods. Overall, the WNV seroprevalence was 4.32%, and in five blood donors USUV seropositivity was confirmed. The highest seroprevalence was measured in Central, Eastern and Southern Hungary, while the Western part of the country proved to be less affected. There was a statistically strong association between the WNV seroprevalence of 2019 and the cumulative incidence in the period of 2004 and 2019 calculated for every NUTS 3 region. The last WNV serological screening was performed in 2016 and the prevalence of anti-WNV IgG proved to be 2.19%. One year after the 2018 WNV outbreak, a significant increase in seroprevalence was observed in the Hungarian population and evidence for USUV seropositivity was also obtained. The spatial pattern of seroprevalence can support the identification of high-risk areas raising awareness of the need for increased surveillance, such as screening vector, equine, and avian populations. The communication with general practitioners and other professionals in primary health care services can support the early identification of acute human cases. Education and awareness-raising on the importance of protection against mosquito vectors amongst residents are also important parts of preventive measures.
Corporate attitudes towards climate change and their implications for corporate governance
Authors: Málits Péter , Drabancz Áron , Nedim Márton El-Meouch
Published: April 2022

The position of science on climate change is quite consistent and grim, but humanity is currently not on the economic trajectory to avoid the most serious consequences. The aim of our research is to assess the financial implications of climate change based on the literature, as well as the attitudes of corporations towards the topic and the observable trends. Based on this review, we illustrate the relationships between climate risks (e.g. transitional and physical risks) and the corporate sector by building a model. According to the results of the modelling, the realization of climate change risks poses a real threat to the long-term operation of companies that are considered unsustainable by the markets.
Overview of European patents in Germany, France and Spain, with a potential application to the development of electric vehicles
Authors: Konka Boglárka , Veres Anita
Published: April 2022

Within the Green Deal’s ‘Accelerating the shift to sustainable and smart mobility’, vehicles with alternative propulsion systems will play a significant role, as the transport sector is responsible for one-fifth of the European Union’s CO2 emissions. Therefore, more and more governments are supporting the purchase and production of electric vehicles, as it can be one of the main tools for locally reducing fossil fuel consumption as well as reducing CO2 emissions. The analysis highlights that the three most important vehicle-producing countries (based on 2019 OICA data) from the European Union are Germany, France, and Spain. The development trajectory of these countries in the field of electromobility is presented using descriptive statistics. Sustainable development goals can be achieved by creating an innovative environment and overcoming barriers to innovation, which can be indicated, for example, by the number of patents in a given country. Therefore, a long-term time series based on patents related to electric vehicles will be explored using the database of the European Patent Office. The study describes the vehicle manufacturers with the most patents, and the main patent areas in the three countries analysed.
Beyond the questionnaires
Authors: Gábor Brigitta , Lukovics Miklós
Published: April 2022

Among the technological novelties of the digital revolution, the self-driving car is considered to be a radical innovation stand-out which will revolutionize the habits of people living in civilization. The technological development of these cars is in its last stages, but the preparedness of consumers is lagging behind. General impression is not uniform by gender: women in developed nations tend to be unenthusiastic about self-driving cars, which could threaten their entrance on the market. Furthermore, in mainstream research (TAM, UTAUT), attitude towards the technology has been measured by questionnaire and less than 10% of respondents can respond based on real experience. The aim of our research is, on the one hand, to explore methods by which subjects express their attitudes towards self-driving cars based on their own experiences, and, on the other hand, to examine the impact of their own experiences on the opinions of rejecting groups.
The impact of digitalization on unemployment
Authors: Ivanitskaia Violetta
Published: April 2022

The topic of digitalization has a high relevance in the literature
nowadays, where many authors try to figure out the impact of digitalization
on the labour market in the short and long terms. Some authors argue that
the process of digitalization creates new jobs, whereas others claim that
it increases unemployment. The Nordic countries, such as Iceland, Finland,
Norway, Denmark and Sweden are the leading countries in terms of
digitalization on the European continent, and the estimation of an impact
of digitalization on unemployment has a high relevance for these countries.
The paper assesses the impact of digitalization on the unemployment rate in
the Nordic countries with help of the robust OLS regression in STATA, for
the period of 1991–2019. Results show that digitalization on average has a
high significance and a negative association with the variable of
unemployment. The increase of the variable of digitalization by 1% on
average leads to a decrease in the unemployment rate by 0.025% in the
Nordic countries.
Auctions as a measure in meeting renewable energy targets
Authors: Tanvir Alam Shahi Md.
Published: April 2022

With the determination to achieve 100% carbon free energy generation by
2050, renewable energy has been widely accepted as a feasible option for
environmentally friendly and inclusive economic growth. Giving priority to
this support mechanism is vital to upholding a steady and conducive
atmosphere for investment in this sector while meeting the anticipated
target in the energy system in an economical way, and policy makers reveal
that auctions have reached their pinnacle in due course of time. Merely 29
states had applied renewable energy auctions up to the end of 2017 and
their number increased to 41 in 2019. The present study aims to prepare a
roadmap for achieving the carbon free green energy production target within
the stipulated period while meeting future energy demand through a
cost-effective auctioning scheme. The research outlines the feasibility of
suggested auctioning schemes, highlighting some country-specific empirical
evidence and potential benefits for countries. For this, qualitative
research has been conducted to summarize and assess the necessary
conditions to develop an auctioning model. The results indicate that for
the emerging economics that are provided with renewable energy sources,
technology-neutral site-specific volume auctions systematically scheduled,
together with socio-economic development instruments under qualification
requirement, result in diversified gains.
Vivencias en pandemia: miradas de las experiencias pedagógicas en la carrera Licenciatura en Educación en Primeras Infancias (FHUC-UNL)
Authors: Odetti Cecilia Ángela , Fernández Aldana Camila , Fruttero Marina Guadalupe , Fantini Marianela Rosario , D´Argenio Giuliana Rocío
Published: April 2022

El objetivo de este trabajo es compartir experiencias pedagógicas en pandemia desarrolladas en el marco de la Licenciatura en Educación en Primeras Infancias (FHUC-UNL, Argentina) ancladas en su doble condición: estudiantes de esta carrera y, además, docentes de nivel inicial. Se recuperan las vivencias, en primer lugar, como estudiantes para poner en escena el paso de lo presencial a lo virtual con el trabajo en las aulas virtuales y las implicancias de estar en la pantalla como otra forma de encontrarse. Se presentan los obstáculos y posibilidades que se generaron a partir de marzo de 2020. Como docentes, en segundo lugar, se problematiza sobre las vivencias de la educación con niños/as pequeños, las situaciones que atravesaron y las decisiones institucionales de las que formaron parte, para poner en tensión la importancia del compromiso docente y las familias frente a las diversas situaciones atravesadas por la pandemia.
Continuous Arrhythmia Monitoring in Pediatric and Adult Patients With Left Ventricular Noncompaction
Authors: Jefferies John L. , Spar David S. , Chaouki A. Sami , Khoury Philip R. , Casson Paula , Czosek Richard J.
Published: April 2022

Patients with left ventricular noncompaction (LVNC) are at risk of clinically significant arrhythmias and sudden death. We evaluated whether implantable loop recorders could detect significant arrhythmias that might be missed in these patients during annual Holter monitoring.

Selected pediatric and adult patients with LVNC who consented to implantable loop recorder placement were monitored for 3 years (study duration, 10 April 2014–9 December 2019). Fourteen subjects were included (age range, 6.5–36.4 yr; 8 males). Of 13 patients who remained after one device extrusion, one underwent implantable cardioverter-defibrillator placement. Four patients (31%) had significant arrhythmias: atrial tachycardia (n=2), nonsustained ventricular tachycardia (n=1), and atrial fibrillation (n=1). All 4 events were clinically asymptomatic and not associated with left ventricular ejection fraction. In addition, a high frequency of benign arrhythmic patterns was detected.

Implantable loop recorders enable continuous, long-term detection of important subclinical arrhythmias in selected patients who have LVNC. These devices may prove to be most valuable in patients who have LVNC and moderate or greater ventricular dysfunction.
Technikfolgenabschätzung an Hochschulen für angewandte Wissenschaften: Zum Lückenschluss zwischen Handlungswissen und Erfüllungskompetenz
Authors: Jerchel Paul , Kleine Nadine , Mulzer Tasso
Published: April 2022

Technology assessment (TA) has become an essential tool for dealing with wicked problems. TA institutions cover many areas of the research landscape; however, the question arises to what extent TA is incorporated by universities of applied sciences. These are supposed to act as local drivers of innovation in addition to providing education. This article examines the dissemination of TA approaches at technically oriented state universities of applied sciences in German-speaking countries. Using a systematic content analysis of online information, it provides an overview of the different manifestations. The aim is to review the current state of TA embedding and to identify needs for and potential opportunities through a thorough implementation of TA instruments in education and research.
Technology assessment in the STEM curriculum: Teaching responsible research and innovation skills to future innovators
Authors: Mehlich Jan
Published: April 2022

This article describes and evaluates a novel approach to incorporating technology assessment (TA), responsible research and innovation as well as science and technology ethics into STEM curricula (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) by the example of the online course ‘Good Chemistry – Methodological, Ethical, and Social Dimensions.’ Based on the evaluation of extensive student feedback, this article answers positively to three major reservations (Is it possible? Is it necessary? Does it make a difference?) that often preclude such contents from STEM curricula: first, understanding the normative dimensions of chemists’ professional agency is a skill, like many others, that requires adequate teaching and training; second, engaging with TA issues not only teaches discourse and critical thinking skills, but increases students’ professional competences to collaborate in highly interdisciplinary settings; third, though this is less evidential and needs to proof in the future, it may enhance chemists’ responsibility as drivers of innovation.
Mediacje rówieśnicze jako forma reakcji na konflikt w środowisku szkolnym
Authors: Rajewska de Mezer Joanna
Published: April 2022

Conflict is inseparable from human everyday life. Inscribed in the functioning of an individual who enters various social interactions, its occurrence at some stage of life is inevitable. It is based on the divergent interests of the parties striving to achieve a specific goal. Many conflict situations, destructive in their effects and causing a sense of instability and frustration, appear in the school environment among young people. Peer mediation offers a constructive approach to peer conflict, resolving it through conversation, exchange of thoughts and views by parties representing different positions, in the presence of an impartial and neutral mediator, who is their adequately prepared and trained peer. Peer mediation offers a chance for active participation in the search for a mutually satisfactory solution, teaches responsibility for the decisions taken and creates a sense of agency, which is so important in adulthood.
Is styrene competitive for dopamine receptor binding?
Authors: De Santis Emiliano , Minicozzi Velia , Rossi Giancarlo , Stellato Francesco , Morante Silvia
Published: April 2022

The potential role of styrene oxide in altering the dopaminergic pathway in the ear is investigated by means of molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations. We estimate the binding affinity of both styrene oxide and dopamine to the dopaminergic receptor DrD2 by computing the free-energy difference, ∆G, between the configuration where the ligand is bound to the receptor and the situation in which it is “infinitely” far away from it. The results show that the styrene oxide has a somewhat lower affinity for binding with respect to dopamine, which, however, may not be enough to prevent exogenous high concentration styrene oxide to compete with endogenous dopamine for DrD2 binding.
Prenatal diagnosis of ectrodactyly-ectodermal dysplasia clefting syndrome ‒ a case report with literature review
Authors: Savukyne Egle , Machtejeviene Egle , Bajeruniene Kotryna , Asmoniene Virginija
Published: April 2022

Objectives

The ectrodactyly-ectodermal dysplasia clefting (EEC) syndrome is a rare genetic anomaly described as ectrodactyly (hands and feet), ectodermal dysplasia, and facial cleft with an incidence of around 1 in 90,000 in the population. This syndrome belongs to the TP63 gene’s mutation family. Ectrodactyly is described as the absence of the central toes or fingers or parts of these appendages. Ectodermal dysplasia usually includes changes in the skin, teeth, hair, nails, endocrine glands, nasolacrimal ducts, genitourinary system, conductive hearing loss.

Case presentation

This is a unique case of a 40-year-old second gravida, suspected of having a sporadic form of EEC syndrome. Routine transabdominal ultrasound at 14 weeks of gestation revealed malformation of the limbs. The two-dimensional and three-dimensional ultrasound at 16 weeks showed a fetus with ectrodactyly of right hand and foot and cleft palate presence. Diagnostic amniocentesis was performed at 17 weeks of gestation. A molecular genetics test using the Sanger sequencing method from amniotic fluid was performed by scanning TP63 gene sequences and revealed a heterozygous pathogenic variant in TP63. The patient decided on feticide.

Conclusions

The heredity of the syndrome is autosomal dominant with high variable expression. More than 300 clinical cases of this syndrome are described in the literature, including both sexes, but the actual etiology is unknown.
Design and analysis of a multiple notched UWB-BPF based on microstrip-to-CPW transition
Authors: Ghazali Abu Nasar , Sazid Mohd , Pal Srikanta
Published: April 2022

The manuscript presents a broadside coupled ultra-wideband (UWB) bandpass filter with quasi-elliptic response having multiple transmission zeros (TZs) in/out of the UWB spectrum. Developed on a low cost substrate (FR4), the basic geometry consists of a short-circuited co-planar waveguide (CPW) in ground coupled to the back-to-back arranged microstrip lines on the top. This broadband balun architecture leads to a 3rd order bandpass filter (BPF) with good quasi-elliptic frequency characteristics. Later, split ring resonators (SRRs) and folded SRRs (FSRRs) are placed adjacent to the input/output (I/O) feeding lines to develop the multiple in/out band TZs. The proposed structure is fabricated and measured for its frequency characteristics. The notched-BPF occupies an area of 21.6 × 16 mm2.
Calcium oxide addition and ultrasonic pretreatment-assisted hydrothermal carbonization of granatum for adsorption of lead
Authors: Geng Jinfeng , Tang Xiangchao , Xu Jie
Published: April 2022

Hydrochar is a promising adsorbent for the removal of heavy metals, but the low surface area limits the removal efficiency and practical application. Therefore, improving the surface area of the hydrochar is critical to increasing the adsorbent removal. In this study, the ultrasonic pretreatment of biomass (10‒30 min) and CaO addition (5‒15%) were adopted to assist the hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) of granatum at 220°C. The properties of the modified hydrochar and the removal efficiency for Pb2+ in the aqueous solution were investigated. Results showed that the porosity of hydrochar was obviously improved by the CaO addition, and the largest surface area of 21.86 m2·g−1 was obtained during HTC with 15% CaO addition. Meanwhile, the functional groups of ‒OH and C═O increased and the pH of the hydrochar increased from weakly acidic to alkaline by CaO addition. The Pb2+ adsorption capacity of raw hydrochar was 10.03 mg·g−1, and it was enhanced by 80.76‒171.58% after CaO addition. The ultrasonic pretreatment of granatum had little effect on the characteristics of hydrochar except to improve the surface area from 8.27 to 9.06 m2·g−1, resulting in a 1.30‒6.78% increase in the adsorption capacity.
Impact of Obesity on Bone Metabolism in Children
Authors: Korkmaz Hüseyin Anıl , Özkan Behzat
Published: April 2022

Obesity is an epidemic disease that can increase the incidence of type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, malignancy, hypertension, and other health problems that affect the musculoskeletal system. There is a complex interaction between obesity and bone metabolism. In children with obesity, the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma pathway causes the differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells into adipocytes via osteoblasts, in which results in low bone mass and osteoporosis. Systemic inflammation in obesity has negative effects on bone metabolism. An increase in the number and size of adipose tissue and adipocytokines secreted from adipocytes affect the bone mass of the whole body with hormonal and biochemical effects. The skeletal effects of obesity are mediated by higher oxidative stress and increased production of proinflammatory cytokines. Osteoporosis due to obesity has increased morbidity and mortality in recent years, resulting in important health problems in developed and developing countries.
Anglicismos coloquiales en la toponimia española
Authors: Lillo Antonio
Published: April 2022

English is the source of many of the colloquial, unofficial names we use for towns, cities, regions and the like in Spain today. Yet, due to the special (some might even say marginal) linguistic status of proper names and the ever-changing, fluid nature of informal Spanish, the importance and extent of this particular kind of influence of English on the Spanish lexicon have gone unnoticed in studies on Anglicisms. Based on a corpus of European Spanish tweets containing colloquial alternatives for traditional place names, this article examines some two hundred unconventional toponyms borrowed from or somehow inspired by English. Not surprisingly, only a few of these toponyms qualify as genuine Anglicisms. Most are faux-English pronunciations, spellings or names translated, often quite badly, from Spanish. The inherent oddity and humour of these loanwords, be they authentic or faux, hinge on an incongruity between their anglicised forms and the cultural affiliation of their referents and serve to create a sense of social closeness between participants in conversation.
An Uncertain Secularisation: Reproductive Rights in Contemporary Italy
Authors: Hanafin Patrick
Published: April 2022

The area of reproductive politics in Italy demonstrates both a process of secularisation and desecularisation. On the one hand the highly conservative Assisted Reproduction Act of 2004 has been challenged in the courts leading to a resecularisation of this area of law. On the other hand the Abortion Act of 1978 has been descularised by the high usage by doctors of the conscientious objection clause of the Act. This article looks at this parallel movement of both secularisation and desecularisation.
Law’s Dark Clarity: Hugo and the ‘Misery’ of Legal Categorizations
Authors: Vazquez Melisa Liana
Published: April 2022

Laws punish delinquents after having made them such, and yet this is not inevitable. At work in this phenomenon is a melding of ‘ought’ and ‘is’ in which the law renders criminal behavior perpetually determinative by recognizing only a duty to abide by statutes while simultaneously losing site of the magma of meanings and behaviors that constitute human lives. Using the core of Hugo’s epic Les Misérables as a kind of mirroring illustration, this paper will explore how categorical rigidity and blindness to the changing contours of identity and subjectivity constitute one dark side of the law. Hugo’s work demonstrates the importance of literature as a parallel narrative that can illuminate law’s limitations, specifically, its tendency to conceal through certainty, ignoring the actual possibilities of becoming for the subjects it is charged to rule and protect. I will argue that in Les Misérables we can see an inversion in the order of priority between narrative commitment and social criticism, specifically a meta-legal criticism that has specific insights regarding how law obfuscates the ought/is divide and, in so doing, loses legitimacy and collapses in on itself. Issues of human dignity, social responsibility and the very purpose and legitimacy of law can be constructively addressed through parallel analysis of Hugo’s world of ‘the wretched’ and those the law renders wretched even today.
Effects of alum, soda ash, and carbon dioxide on 40–50 year old concrete wastewater tanks
Authors: Maundu Mutua , Ouma Linda , Maingi Francis
Published: April 2022

Concrete is among the foremost used construction materials around the world, however, there is limited information to determine how aging concrete is affected by chemicals. Concrete is used in the construction of domestic and industrial infrastructure including walls, beams, roof slabs, pipes and drainage systems. With increasing industrialization, chemicals are continuously released contributing to concrete degradation. Sulfuric acid is one of the most detrimental chemicals to concrete, yet it is commonly used in most industries. The effects of carbon dioxide, alum, and soda ash on 40–50 year old concrete structures were determined. Results showed the presence of Fe3+ ions with a mean concentration of 3.24 ± 0.02 mg/L in the residuum on the alum tank. This was due to the slightly acidic alum solution reacting with calcium hydroxide and iron in the concrete matrix over years thus depriving concrete of its binding power. The high amount of soda ash, a strong base, corrodes the concrete walls and surfaces hence creating cracks on the concrete matrix. Carbonation effects brought about by carbon dioxide were also observed at the time of the study.
The “Digital Turn” in Transitional Justice Research: Evaluating Image and Text as Data in the Western Balkans
Authors: Kostovicova Denisa , Kerr Rachel , Sokolić Ivor , Fairey Tiffany , Redwood Henry , Subotić Jelena
Published: April 2022

The “digital turn” has transformed the landscape of transitional justice research. A wealth of data has been created through social media channels, and new digitisation tools have made existing data more easily accessible. This article discusses the ethical and methodological dimensions of using digital data and novel technologies in transitional justice research based on innovative research using digital archives, digitised transcripts, social media (Facebook) content and digital images. The authors review and evaluate how, in each of these domains, new digital technologies have enabled scholars to expand empirical evidence to understand the mechanics of transitional justice by analysing how data is produced and curated, to interrogate ethical dilemmas involved in those processes and to shift the focus from the ability of transitional justice to fulfil normative goals to how transitional justice is enacted and articulated as a process.
Working Class Women’s Activism in Socialist Yugoslavia: An Exploration of Archives from Varaždin, Croatia
Authors: Bonfiglioli Chiara , Žerić Sara
Published: April 2022

The authors address working class women’s activism in socialist Yugoslavia, focusing on archives produced at both factory and municipal levels by local društva žena or aktivi žena (women’s societies/sections) in the industrial town of Varaždin, Croatia. Their critical exploration of archival sources produced between the mid-1950s and the late 1980s has enabled the authors to challenge dominant interpretations of women’s activism during state socialism, particularly the idea that no relevant activism existed after the dissolution of the Antifascist Women’s Front (AFŽ) in 1953. To counter that view the authors highlight the continuities between the AFŽ and subsequent women’s organizations, the Union of Women’s Societies (SŽD) and the Conference for the Social Activity of Women (KDAŽ), in terms both of discursive narratives and of biographical trajectories. They argue that local archival collections provide new and differentiated insights into past gender and labour conflicts and into working class women’s activism.
DUONOS TRAKTUOTĖ LIETUVIŲ PATARLĖSE
Authors: Maslauskienė Lina
Published: April 2022

The article analyses proverbs that mention bread. The aim is to reveal how bread is treated in Lithuanian proverbs, and to provide an analysis of the image of bread. It analyses Lithuanian proverbs in which bread is treated as a meal, as well as symbolic meanings and the personification of bread. Stylistic analysis, interpretation and description methods are used in the preparation of the article. Material published in the compendium ‘Lithuanian Proverbs and Sayings’ was mostly used.