bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Satisfaction and associated factors towards inpatient health care services among adult patients at Pawie General Hospital, West Ethiopia
Authors: Aga Tesgera Begize , Ferede Yohannes Mulu , Mekonen Enyew Getaneh
Published: April 2021

Introduction

Improving the quality of services is the primary goal of the Ethiopia reform program to satisfy patients. Patient satisfaction is an attitude resulting from a person’s general orientation towards a total experience of health care. According to world health organization consumer satisfaction is playing an increasingly important role in the quality of care reforms and health-care delivery more generally.

Objective

To assess patient’s satisfaction and associated factors with health care services among admitted patients in Pawie General Hospital, Benishangul Gumuze Region, West Ethiopia, 2020

Methods

Institution based cross-sectional study was conducted among adult patients admitted to Pawie General Hospital. A systematic random sampling technique was employed to recruit 334 participants and a structured interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to collect data. Data were entered into Epi Data version 3.1, analyzed using SPSS version 23, and presented in tables and graphs. Bivariable and multivariable logistic regressions were computed to identify factors associated with patient satisfaction. P-values < 0.05 and adjusted odds ratios were used to declare the significance and strength of the association.

Result

The overall patient’s satisfaction towards inpatient health care services at Pawie General Hospital was 60.8% with 95% CI (55.4, 65.9). Factors like admission ward [AOR = 2.60; 95% CI (1.34, 5.03)] and privacy [AOR = 12.5; 95% C I (2.89, 54.1)] were significantly associated with patient’s satisfaction.

Conclusion

The satisfaction level of patients admitted to Pawie General Hospitals was low. Admission ward and perceived privacy assured were factors significantly associated with patient satisfaction among patients admitted to Pawie General Hospital. The hospital administration system is better to work together to fill the gaps identified and improve the level of patient satisfaction.
Does age affect perception of the Speech-to-Song Illusion?
Authors: Mullin Hollie A. C. , Norkey Evan A. , Kodwani Anisha , Vitevitch Michael S. , Castro Nichol
Published: April 2021

The Speech-to-Song Illusion is an auditory illusion that occurs when a spoken phrase is repeatedly presented. After several presentations, listeners report that the phrase seems to be sung rather than spoken. Previous work [1] indicates that the mechanisms—priming, activation, and satiation—found in the language processing model, Node Structure Theory (NST), may account for the Speech-to-Song Illusion. NST also accounts for other language-related phenomena, including increased experiences in older adults of the tip-of-the-tongue state (where you know a word, but can’t retrieve it). Based on the mechanism in NST used to account for the age-related increase in the tip-of-the-tongue phenomenon, we predicted that older adults may be less likely to experience the Speech-to-Song Illusion than younger adults. Adults of a wide range of ages heard a stimulus known to evoke the Speech-to-Song Illusion. Then, they were asked to indicate if they experienced the illusion or not (Study 1), to respond using a 5-point song-likeness rating scale (Study 2), or to indicate when the percept changed from speech to song (Study 3). The results of these studies suggest that the illusion is experienced with similar frequency and strength, and after the same number of repetitions by adult listeners regardless of age.
Neonatal valproic acid exposure produces altered gyrification related to increased parvalbumin-immunopositive neuron density with thickened sulcal floors
Authors: Sawada Kazuhiko , Kamiya Shiori , Aoki Ichio
Published: April 2021

Valproic acid (VPA) treatment is associated with autism spectrum disorder in humans, and ferrets can be used as a model to test this; so far, it is not known whether ferrets react to developmental VPA exposure with gyrencephalic abnormalities. The current study characterized gyrification abnormalities in ferrets following VPA exposure during neonatal periods, corresponding to the late stage of cortical neurogenesis as well as the early stage of sulcogyrogenesis. Ferret pups received intraperitoneal VPA injections (200 μg/g of body weight) on postnatal days (PD) 6 and 7. BrdU was administered simultaneously at the last VPA injection. Ex vivo MRI-based morphometry demonstrated significantly lower gyrification index (GI) throughout the cortex in VPA-treated ferrets (1.265 ± 0.027) than in control ferrets (1.327 ± 0.018) on PD 20, when primary sulcogyrogenesis is complete. VPA-treated ferrets showed significantly smaller sulcal-GIs in the rostral suprasylvian sulcus and splenial sulcus but a larger lateral sulcus surface area than control ferrets. The floor cortex of the inner stratum of both the rostral suprasylvian and splenial sulci and the outer stratum of the lateral sulcus showed a relatively prominent expansion. Parvalbumin-positive neuron density was significantly greater in the expanded cortical strata of sulcal floors in VPA-treated ferrets, regardless of the BrdU-labeled status. Thus, VPA exposure during the late stage of cortical neurogenesis may alter gyrification, primarily in the frontal and parietotemporal cortical divisions. Altered gyrification may thicken the outer or inner stratum of the cerebral cortex by increasing parvalbumin-positive neuron density.
Heat-inactivated Lactobacillus plantarum nF1 promotes intestinal health in Loperamide-induced constipation rats
Authors: Park Seon-Ah , Lee Geum-Hwa , Hoang The-Hiep , Lee Hwa-Young , Kang In-Yeong , Chung Myong-Ja , Jin Jong-Sik , Chae Han-Jung
Published: April 2021

Constipation is a common condition that affects individuals of all ages, and prolonged constipation needs to be prevented to avoid potential complications and reduce the additional stress on individuals with pre-medical conditions. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of heat-inactivated Lactobacillus plantarum (HLp-nF1) on loperamide-induced constipation in rats. Constipation-induced male rats were treated orally with low to high doses of HLp-nF1 and an anti-constipation medication Dulcolax for five weeks. Study has 8 groups, control group; loperamide-treated group; Dulcolax-treated group; treatment with 3.2 × 1010, 8 × 1010 and 1.6 × 1011, cells/mL HLp-nF1; Loperamide + Dulcolax treated group. HLp-nF1 treated rats showed improvements in fecal pellet number, weight, water content, intestinal transit length, and contractility compared to the constipation-induced rats. Also, an increase in the intestine mucosal layer thickness and the number of mucin-producing crypt epithelial cells were observed in HLp-nF1-treated groups. Further, the levels of inflammatory cytokines levels were significantly downregulated by treatment with HLp-nF1 and Dulcolax. Notably, the metagenomics sequencing analysis demonstrated a similar genus pattern to the pre-preparation group and control with HLp-nF1 treatment. In conclusion, the administration of >3.2 × 1010 cells/mL HLp-nF1 has a positive impact on the constipated rats overall health.
The purine nucleoside phosphorylase pnp-1 regulates epithelial cell resistance to infection in C. elegans
Authors: Tecle Eillen , Chhan Crystal B. , Franklin Latisha , Underwood Ryan S. , Hanna-Rose Wendy , Troemel Emily R.
Published: April 2021

Intestinal epithelial cells are subject to attack by a diverse array of microbes, including intracellular as well as extracellular pathogens. While defense in epithelial cells can be triggered by pattern recognition receptor-mediated detection of microbe-associated molecular patterns, there is much to be learned about how they sense infection via perturbations of host physiology, which often occur during infection. A recently described host defense response in the nematodeC.eleganscalled the Intracellular Pathogen Response (IPR) can be triggered by infection with diverse natural intracellular pathogens, as well as by perturbations to protein homeostasis. From a forward genetic screen, we identified theC.elegansortholog of purine nucleoside phosphorylasepnp-1as a negative regulator of IPR gene expression, as well as a negative regulator of genes induced by extracellular pathogens. Accordingly,pnp-1mutants have resistance to both intracellular and extracellular pathogens. Metabolomics analysis indicates thatC.elegans pnp-1likely has enzymatic activity similar to its human ortholog, serving to convert purine nucleosides into free bases. Classic genetic studies have shown how mutations in human purine nucleoside phosphorylase cause immunodeficiency due to T-cell dysfunction. Here we show thatC.elegans pnp-1acts in intestinal epithelial cells to regulate defense. Altogether, these results indicate that perturbations in purine metabolism are likely monitored as a cue to promote defense against epithelial infection in the nematodeC.elegans.
Human parvovirus B19 interacts with globoside under acidic conditions as an essential step in endocytic trafficking
Authors: Bieri Jan , Leisi Remo , Bircher Cornelia , Ros Carlos
Published: April 2021

The glycosphingolipid (GSL) globoside (Gb4) is essential for parvovirus B19 (B19V) infection. Historically considered the cellular receptor of B19V, the role of Gb4 and its interaction with B19V are controversial. In this study, we applied artificial viral particles, genetically modified cells, and specific competitors to address the interplay between the virus and the GSL. Our findings demonstrate that Gb4 is not involved in the binding or internalization process of the virus into permissive erythroid cells, a function that corresponds to the VP1u cognate receptor. However, Gb4 is essential at a post-internalization step before the delivery of the single-stranded viral DNA into the nucleus. In susceptible erythroid Gb4 knockout cells, incoming viruses were arrested in the endosomal compartment, showing no cytoplasmic spreading of capsids as observed in Gb4-expressing cells. Hemagglutination and binding assays revealed that pH acts as a switch to modulate the affinity between the virus and the GSL. Capsids interact with Gb4 exclusively under acidic conditions and dissociate at neutral pH. Inducing a specific Gb4-mediated attachment to permissive erythroid cells by acidification of the extracellular environment led to a non-infectious uptake of the virus, indicating that low pH-mediated binding to the GSL initiates active membrane processes resulting in vesicle formation. In summary, this study provides mechanistic insight into the interaction of B19V with Gb4. The strict pH-dependent binding to the ubiquitously expressed GSL prevents the redirection of the virus to nonpermissive tissues while promoting the interaction in acidic intracellular compartments as an essential step in infectious endocytic trafficking.
Pulmonary insults exacerbate susceptibility to oral Listeria monocytogenes infection through the production of IL-10 by NK cells
Authors: Bortell Nikki , Aguilera Elizabeth R. , Lenz Laurel L.
Published: April 2021

Most individuals who consume foods contaminated with the bacterial pathogenListeria monocytogenes(Lm) develop mild symptoms, while others are susceptible to life-threatening systemic infections (listeriosis). Although it is known that the risk of severe disease is increased in certain human populations, including the elderly, it remains unclear why others who consume contaminated food develop listeriosis. Here, we used a murine model to discover that pulmonary coinfections can impair the host’s ability to adequately control and eradicate systemic Lm that cross from the intestines to the bloodstream. We found that the resistance of mice to oral Lm infection was dramatically reduced by coinfection withStreptococcus pneumoniae(Spn), a bacterium that colonizes the respiratory tract and can also cause severe infections in the elderly. Exposure to Spn or microbial products, including a recombinant Lm protein (L1S) and lipopolysaccharide (LPS), rendered otherwise resistant hosts susceptible to severe systemic Lm infection. In addition, we show that this increase in susceptibility was dependent on an increase in the production of interleukin-10 (IL-10) fromNcr1+ cells, including natural killer (NK) cells. Lastly, the ability ofNcr1+ cell derived IL-10 to increase disease susceptibility correlated with a dampening of both myeloid cell accumulation and myeloid cell phagocytic capacity in infected tissues. These data suggest that efforts to minimize inflammation in response to an insult at the respiratory mucosa render the host more susceptible to infections by Lm and possibly other pathogens that access the oral mucosa.
A naturalização do assédio moral no jornalismo digital
Authors: Lelo Thales Vilela
Published: April 2021

O artigo analisa a incidência de assédio moral nas redações de jornalismo digital com cobertura em tempo real. Baseado em entrevistas semiestruturadas com 15 repórteres que atuavam em veículos de comunicação brasileiros com sede no Estado de São Paulo, o estudo discute como a aceleração dos regimes de publicação produz consequências negativas à saúde dos profissionais. 12 dos 15 entrevistados relataram terem sido vítimas de assédio moral nas empresas em que trabalhavam. A pesquisa permite constatar que o encurtamento dos tempos de produção de notícia favorece a naturalização do assédio nas redações, frequentemente racionalizado pelos próprios entrevistados como efeito colateral da urgência da cobertura em tempo real. Por esta razão, reforça-se a importância de investigar as reestruturações no mercado jornalístico também a partir de seus impactos nas condições de trabalho e na saúde dos comunicadores.
A “ideia plana” e a repulsa ao Outro
Authors: De Oliveira Pedro Pinto
Published: April 2021

Buscamos analisar a forma da ideia que move o discurso do presidente do Brasil, Jair Bolsonaro, e dos seus filhos. Incluímos os filhos do presidente por conta de uma característica peculiar do atual governo brasileiro: os filhos, Flávio, Carlos e Eduardo, participam ativamente dos negócios da República, sejam influenciando o pai em decisões administrativas, por exemplo, na nomeação e queda de ministros, ou atuando juntos nas redes sociais da família com mensagens aos seus seguidores. Partimos das noções de verdade e opinião dos filósofos Leszek Kolakowski, John Dewey e Hannah Arendt; construímos a noção de “ideia plana” a partir das obras de Roland Barthes e Anselm Strauss e incorporamos a visão de autoritarismo pela literatura de Vassili Grossman, Edwin A. Abbot e Mikhail Bulgákov. Nosso trabalho apresenta a forma “plana” da ideia tanto como uma visada do populismo bolsonarista, de fácil comunicação de sentidos, quanto do seu traço autoritário, posto ser forma fechada ao diálogo democrático. Ideia no singular porque remete à verdade única, não admitindo que outras “ideias” possam conviver no mundo da vida.
Risk factors of stunting in Indonesian children aged 1 to 60 months
Authors: Wicaksono Rizki Aryo , Arto Karina Sugih , Mutiara Erna , Deliana Melda , Lubis Munar , Batubara Jose Rizal Latief
Published: April 2021

Background The Indonesian province of Aceh has a high prevalence of stunting. Identifying risk factors for stunting may help prevention efforts. The Growth Diagrams of Indonesian Children are a specific tool to diagnose stunting in Indonesian pediatric populations.

Objective To determine the risk factors of stunting in children aged 1-60 months using the Growth Diagrams of Indonesian Children.

Methods This observational, analytic study with case-control design was conducted in the Lawe Alas District, Southeast Aceh, Indonesia to compare prior risk factors exposure between stunted children (cases) and non-stunted children (controls) from January-April 2018.  Subjects were children aged 1-60 months and recruited by consecutive sampling.

Results The subjects comprised 97 cases and 97 controls, totaling 194 subjects, internal risk factors of stunting were short birth length (OR 2.87; 95%CI 1.24 to 6.61; P=0.011), inadequate calorie intake (OR 2.37; 95%CI 1.32 to 4.27; P=0.004), non-exclusive breastfeeding (OR 3.64; 95%CI 2.01 to 6.61; P<0.001), chronic diarrhea (OR 6.56; 95%CI 3.33 to 13.01; P<0.001) and upper respiratory tract infections (OR 3.47; 95%CI 1.89 to 6.35; P<0.001). External risk factors of stunting were unimproved sanitation (OR 2.98; 95%CI 1.62 to 5.48; P<0.001), unimproved water sources (OR 2.71; 95%CI 1.50 to 4.88; P=0.001), low family income (OR 2.49; 95%CI 1.38 to 4.49; P=0.002), low paternal educational level (OR 2.98; 95%CI 1.62 to 5.48; P<0.001), low maternal educational level (OR 2.64; 95%CI 1.38 to 5.04; P=0.003), and living in households with >4 family members (OR 1.23; 95%CI 0.69 to 2.17; P=0.469). Regression analysis showed that the dominant risk factor of stunting was chronic diarrhea (OR 5.41; 95%CI 2.20 to 13.29; P<0.001).

Conclusion The history of chronic diarrhea and non-exclusive breastfeeding are the main risk factors of childhood stunting.
Phototherapy and serum calcium levels in full term neonates with hyperbilirubinemia
Authors: Lidia Carissa , Kardana I Made , Nilawati Gusti Ayu Putu , Subanada Ida Bagus , Adnyana I Gusti Agung Ngurah Sugitha , Mayangsari Ayu Setyorini Mestika
Published: April 2021

Background Hyperbilirubinemia is one of the most common problems in newborns. Severe hyperbilirubinemia, known as kernicterus, can suppress O2 consumption and oxidative phosphorylation, as well as damage brain cells, resulting in neuronal dysfunction and encephalopathy. Phototherapy is a common therapy for neonatal hyperbilirubinemia, but may rarely lead to the adverse effect of hypocalcemia.

Objective To investigate serum calcium levels in full term neonates with hyperbilirubinemia, before and after phototherapy.

Methods This cohort study compared total serum calcium level before and after phototherapy in full term neonates with hyperbilirubinemia. Subjects were full term neonates aged 2-14 days with high total serum bilirubin levels, according to the Bhutani curve, and were treated with phototherapy at Sanglah Hospital, Denpasar, Bali, Indonesia. Paired T-test was used to compare serum calcium levels before and after phototherapy.

Results There were 35 subjects in this study. Paired T-test revealed that subjects’ serum calcium significantly decreased after phototherapy [before: 9.47 mg/dL vs. after: 9.23 mg/dL; mean difference 0.24; (95%CI 0.03 to 0.46; P=0.025)]. None of our subjects had hypocalcemia after phototherapy.

Conclusion Full term neonates with hyperbilirubinemia have reduced serum calcium levels after phototherapy.
Music for pain in healthy neonates
Authors: Ramli Nessie Amelia , Ramadanti Afifa , Indrayady Indrayady , Memy Yuli Doris
Published: April 2021

Background The neonatal pain threshold is 30-50% lower than in adults and older children because of immature pain inhibition function in nervous centers. Acute pain in neonates results in behavioral, physiological, and cerebral blood flow changes that may lead to intraventricular bleeding and periventricular leukomalacia. Music is believed to reduce pain perception as it distracts, influencing the parasympathetic and sympathetic nervous system by decreasing pulse rate, blood pressure, and breathing, hence, promoting a relaxed state.

Objective To evaluate effects of music intervention on physiological parameters and pain perception in healthy newborns undergoing a painful medical procedure (immunization injection).

Methods This was a double-blind, randomized control trial study. A recorded instrumental lullaby “Nina Bobo” was given for 5 minutes to the music group and no music for control, prior injection of Hepatitis B 0. The evaluation of heart rate and SpO2 were performed at baseline, 30 seconds, and 5 minutes after injection. Pain perception were measured by Neonatal Infant Pain Scale (NIPS) at 30 seconds and 5 minutes after injection.

Results Total of 51 subjects were enrolled. There were no difference of SpO2 and NIPS between both music and control groups. Music improved heart rate after 30 seconds and 5 minutes after injection,  median 126 (range 55-149) bpm from median 136 (range 78-154) bpm, and even lower than baseline [mean 128.9 (SD 12.5) bpm; P=0.019]. The control showed no improvement of heart rate mean 124,34 (SD 18,45) from 124,73 (SD 18,39); P=0.875There were no significant differences between the 2 groups.

Conclusion Music is not effective in improving oxygen saturation, heart rate, and is not effective in reducing the degree of pain.
Szervezeti kultúra típusok a magyar vállalatok körében
Authors: Karácsonyi András
Published: April 2021

A kutatás megkíséreli feltárni, hogy a magyar szervezetek besorolhatók-e olyan kisebb csoportokba, amelyek jól megragadható, homogén szervezeti kultúrával rendelkeznek. A kutatás során a GLOBE (Global Leadership and Organizational Behavior Effectiveness) kutatási módszerére építve többváltozós statisztikai eljárások segítségével három szervezeti kultúra klasztert (piacorientáltak, közszolgálatiak, tradicionálisak) sikerült elhatárolni. A három klaszter vállalatai szignifikánsan különböznek a legtöbb szervezeti kultúra változó mentén.
Refrigerated storage period of Rhizophores for Yacon propagation
Authors: Quaresma Mateus Augusto Lima , Oliveira Fabio Luiz de , Parajara Magno do Carmo , Silva Diego Mathias Natal da , Dalvi Leandro Pin , Teixeira Ariany das Graças
Published: April 2021

Yacon, is known for its tuberous roots, which are consumed as functional food and is propagated mostly in the vegetative form, via propagules, so-called rhizophores. However, they are organs with little durability in its propagation form. Storing them in cold chamber conditions, can be a viable alternative for the seedlings production of the culture. The objective of this study was to verify the influence of the refrigerated storage period of yacon rhizophores in the initial plant development. The experimental design was completely randomized with eight replicates and six treatments and the rhizophores were place in the refrigerated storage for: 7, 14, 21, 28 and 35 days; and time zero (planting without storage). The results show that the rhizophores in the refrigerated storage in a temperature of 8 to 10°C, for a period between 21 to 35 days had better sprouting rate (speed and vigor), reducing mortality, which favored the initial yacon growth. The refrigerated storage between 21 and 35 days showed to be an alternative that resulted in a uniform plant stand in crops, also reflecting the uniformity in the harvest, and minimizes the problem of seasonality offering culture propagation material.
Metode Eksperimen: Upaya Meningkatkan Keterampilan Proses Sains Pada Kelompok B2 RA Masyithoh X Karangmojo Gunungkidul
Authors: Kinanti Adha , Purnama Sigit , Rohinah Rohinah
Published: April 2021

Learning at RA Masyithoh X Karangmojo is still fixed on the teacher as the center so that children's interactions in the learning process are still lacking and the scientific process skills possessed by the child are still abstract. This research is a classroom action research with 31 subjects of B2 RA Masyithoh X Karangmojo Gunungkidul children. The study was conducted in 2 cycles. Each cycle consists of 4 stages, namely planning, implementing, observing, and reflecting. Data collection methods in this study used observation sheet guides and interview sheets. Data analysis techniques using qualitative data and quantitative data. Success criteria in improving children's science process skills through the application of experimental methods are 80% of the number of children. The results showed: 1) the results of science process skills before taking action in either category are 0% of the number of children; 2) the application of the experimental method is proven to be able to improve the science process skills of the first cycle The application of the experimental method falls into the sufficient category (C) then the application of the experimental method in the second cycle belongs to either category (B); 3) the improvement of science process skills respectively in cycle I and cycle II reached the good category (B), in cycle I action increased to 38.71% of the number of children, so that there was an increase in before cycle I action amounted to 38.71% and cycle II reached the good and very good categories of 93.54% of the number of children, an increase of 54.83% from the actions of cycle I to cycle II.
microRNA-9-5p protects liver sinusoidal endothelial cell against oxygen glucose deprivation/reperfusion injury
Authors: Duan Yi , Meng Yuanyuan , Gao Zhifeng , Wang Xiaoyu , Zhang Huan
Published: April 2021

Background

Maintenance of the function and survival of liver sinusoidal endothelial cells (LSECs) play a crucial role in hepatic ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury, a major cause of liver impairment during the surgical treatment. Emerging evidence indicates a critical role of microRNAs in I/R injury. This study aims to investigate whether miR-9-5p exerts a protective effect on LSECs.

Methods

We transfected LSECs with miR-9-5p mimic or mimic NC. LSECs were treated with oxygen and glucose deprivation (OGD, 5% CO2, and 95% N2), followed by glucose-free Dulbecco’s modified Eagle’s medium (DMEM) medium for 6 h and high glucose (HG, 30 mmol/L glucose) DMEM medium for 12 h. The biological role of miR-9-5p in I/R-induced LSEC injury was determined.

Results

In the in vitro model of OGD/HG injury in LSECs, the expression levels of miR-9-5p were significantly downregulated, and those of CXC chemokine receptor-4 (CXCR4) upregulated. LSEC I/R injury led to deteriorated cell death, enhanced oxidative stress, and excessive inflammatory response. Mechanistically, we showed that miR-9-5p overexpression significantly downregulated both mRNA and protein levels of CXCR4, followed by the rescue of LSECs, ameliorated inflammatory response, and deactivation of pro-apoptotic signaling pathways.

Conclusions

miR-9-5p promotes LSEC survival and inhibits apoptosis and inflammatory response in LSECs following OGD/HG injury via downregulation of CXCR4.
Synergistic promoting effect of ball milling and Fe(ii) catalysis for cross-dehydrogenative-coupling of 1,4-benzoxazinones with indoles
Authors: Sharifi Ali , Babaalian Zahra , Abaee M. Saeed , Moazami Maryam , Mirzaei Mojtaba
Published: April 2021

In this work, a novel C(sp3)–C(sp2) cross-dehydrogenative-coupling method is developed to react benzoxazin-2-one derivatives with various indoles. As a result, combined use of ball milling and Fe(ii) catalysis leads to rapid coupling of 1,4-benzoxazinones with derivatives of indole. Under the conditions, derivatives of1couple with various indoles at room temperature to produce good yields of the desired compounds within 0.5–2 h time period. Thus, derivatives of both starting materials couple smoothly under relatively mild conditions to give good yields of3.
Preparation and cutting performance of nano-scaled Al2O3-coated micro-textured cutting tool prepared by atomic layer deposition
Authors: Tang Siwen , Liu Pengfei , Su Zhen , Lei Yu , Liu Qian , Liu Deshun
Published: April 2021

Al2O3 nano-scaled coating was prepared on micro-textured YT5 cemented carbide cutting tools by atomic layer deposition ALD. The effect of Al2O3 nano-scaled coating, with and without combined action of texture, on the cutting performance was studied by orthogonal cutting test. The results were compared with micro-textured cutting tool and YT5 cutting tool. They show that the micro-texture and nano-scaled Al2O3 coated on the micro-texture both can reduce the cutting force and friction coefficient of the tool, and the tools with nano-scaled Al2O3 coated on the micro-texture are more efficient. Furthermore, the friction coefficient of the 100 nm Al2O3-coated micro-texture tool is relatively low. When the distance of the micro-pits is 0.15 mm, the friction coefficient is lowest among the four kinds of pit textured nanometer coating tools. The friction coefficient is the lowest when the direction of the groove in strip textured nanometer coating tool is perpendicular to the main cutting edge. The main mechanism of the nanometer Al2O3 on the micro-textured tool to reduction in cutting force and the friction coefficient is discussed. These results show that the developed tools effectively decrease the cutting force and friction coefficient of tool–chip interface.
Fabrication, characterization, and photocatalytic performance of ternary cadmium chalcogenides CdIn2S4 and Cd7.23Zn2.77S10-ZnS thin films
Authors: Daraz Umar , Ansari Tariq Mahmood , Arain Shafique Ahmad , Mansoor Muhammad Adil , Mazhar Muhammad , Hussain Fayyaz
Published: April 2021

Dithiocarbamate complexes [Cd(S2CNCy2)2(py)] (1), [In(S2CNCy2)3]·2py (2) and [Zn(S2CNCy2)2(py)] (3) were synthesized and toluene solution of (1) and (2) was used as dual source precursor for the synthesis of CdIn2S4 (CIS), while that of (1) and (3) was applied for the deposition of Cd7.23Zn2.77S10–ZnS composite (CZS-ZS) thin film photoan-odes by employing single step aerosol assisted chemical vapor deposition (AACVD) technique. Deposition experiments were performed at 500°C under an inert ambient of argon gas. The structural properties of deposited films were evaluated by using X-ray diffraction (XRD), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and Raman spectroscopy. The field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) exposed surface morphologies while UV-Visible spectrophotometry revealed that CIS is low band gap photoanode in comparison to CZS-ZS. The comparison of photoelectrochemical (PEC) responses measured in identical conditions in terms of linear sweep voltammetry (LSV) depicts photocurrent density of 4.4 mA /cm2 and 2.9 mA/cm2 at applied potential of 0.7 V under solar light intensity of 100 mW/cm2 for CIS and CZS-ZS respectively. Further, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) confirms that PEC properties of CIS are superior to CZS-ZS photoanode as the former offer less charge transfer resistance (Rct) 0.03 MΩ in comparison to CZS-ZS having Rct value of 0.06 MΩ.
Dynamic-head space GC-MS analysis of volatile odorous compounds generated from unbleached and bleached pulps and effects on strength properties during ageing
Authors: Alam Izhar , Sood Swati , Sharma Chhaya
Published: April 2021

Mixed hardwood unbleached (UB) and final bleached (FB) pulp along with the pulp of intermediate bleaching stages from an integrated paper mill have been undertaken for this study. Headspace GC-MS analysis of these pulps was made to identify the odorous compounds which are volatile organic compounds (VOCs), generated during ageing for 60 days. The result showed that a number of pre-generated VOCs such as aliphatic hydrocarbons and aldehydes are observed in the pulp sample which might be came from the process and it has been observed that upon ageing at ambient conditions, some acid functionalized VOC were generated in the pulp. The generation of these VOCs were established by ATR-FTIR analysis and the results showed that intensity of peak absorbance near 3340 

cm

−
1

{\text{cm}^{-1}}

and 1641 

cm

−
1

{\text{cm}^{-1}}

which represents the –OH stretching of acidic functional group and C=O stretch of aldehyde and acidic functional groups increased after ageing. Generation of acid functionalized volatile compounds were observed more in bleached pulp than in unbleached pulp. Degree of polymerization (DP) is pretty much related to the strength of paper. DP of both unbleached and bleached pulp gets reduced upon ageing while more reduction were observed in bleached pulp. Bleached pulps are more prone to degrade as compared to the unbleached pulp in terms of strength properties such as tensile index, breaking length, burst and double fold were observed. 12.3 % and 21.8 % reduction in tensile index was observed for UB and final bleached FB pulp respectively. Burst index of UB and FB pulp were found reduced to 23.8 % and 41.9 % respectively due to ageing. Reduction in the mechanical and optical properties was also observed in intermediate bleaching stages. There is much evidence for the contribution of VOCs to the degradation of paper. The results are strongly suggested that acid functionalized volatile compounds can have strong effects on degradation of cellulosic paper.
Zinc oxide pigments
Authors: Pfaff Gerhard
Published: April 2021

Zinc oxide pigments belong besides titanium dioxide and zinc sulfide pigments to the most important inorganic whites. The pigments are mostly used in paints, coatings, artists’ colors, and cosmetics. Zinc oxide pigments are synthesized using various processes. The direct process (American process), the indirect process (French process), and the wet process have the greatest industrial importance for the production of ZnO pigments.
Sanktionierungsvorstellungen und Einstellungen des deutschen Justizpersonals im Strafrecht
Authors: Habermann Julia , Singelnstein Tobias
Published: April 2021

Die Punitivitätsforschung der jüngeren Vergangenheit hat sich vor allem mit Sanktionierungsvorstellungen von Bürger*innen befasst, kaum mit solchen des Justizpersonals. Vor diesem Hintergrund untersucht der Beitrag – der auf Daten aus dem Forschungsprojekt „Punitivität im Vergleich“Die Forschung wurde von der Mission de recherche droit et justice 2015 (2/6.02.02.27) des französischen Justizministeriums gefördert. Gegenstand der Förderung war die Umfrage, die Kirstin Drenkhahn, Fabien Jobard und Tobias Singelnstein zusammen mit einem Projekt von Sozialpsychologen der Universitäten Grenoble (Laurent Bègue) und Paris-Nanterre (Oulmann Zerhouni) durchgeführt haben. und des daran anschließenden deutsch-französischen DFG/ANR-Projekts „Strafkulturen auf dem Kontinent“Das deutsch-französische Forschungsprojekt „Strafkulturen auf dem Kontinent“, das Tobias Singelnstein gemeinsam mit Kirstin Drenkhahn und Fabien Jobard durchführt, geht in qualitativer und quantitativer Perspektive unter anderem der Frage nach, wie Strafeinstellungen und Strafwürdigkeitsvorstellungen in der Bevölkerung und der Justiz ausgestaltet sind. Nähere Informationen zu dem Projekt, das von DFG und ANR gefördert wird, sind unter http://cpc-strafkulturen.eu/de/projekt.html zu finden. basiert – anhand einer Vignetten-Befragung von 800 Richter*innen und Staatsanwält*innen deren Sanktionierungsvorstellungen zu sieben unterschiedlichen Delikten der leichten und mittelschweren Kriminalität sowie deren Einstellungen zu ihrem Beruf und zu kriminalpolitischen Fragen. Die Ergebnisse zeigen, dass das deutsche Justizpersonal recht gezielt und gleichförmig sanktioniert. Wie erwartet kommt der Vorstrafenbelastung für die Sanktionierungsvorstellungen erhebliche Bedeutung zu. Aber auch der soziale Hintergrund der Täter*innen beeinflusst die Sanktionierung eines Teils der Befragten. Abschließend wurden anhand des Sanktionierungsverhaltens Gruppen milder und strenger Sanktionierender gebildet und untersucht, ob diese Gruppen anhand von Einstellungen und Merkmalen klarer zu bestimmen sind.
Vom kollektiven zum individualisierten Aufstieg?
Authors: Böning Anja , Blome Frerk , Möller Christina
Published: April 2021

Der Beitrag stellt die Ergebnisse einer Interviewstudie mit aus statusniedrigen Herkunftsgruppen stammenden Juraprofessoren vor. In der Analyse wurden die Aufstiegsnarrative der Professoren fokussiert, die, so der zentrale Befund, eng mit der Kohortenzugehörigkeit der Erzählenden verknüpft sind. Dabei lässt sich feststellen, dass sich die biographischen Narrative mit gesellschaftlichen Transformationsprozessen und veränderten normativen Leitbildern im Zeitverlauf wandeln. Während die Professoren älterer Kohorten in ihren Narrativen vor allem Gelegenheitsstrukturen eine hohe Relevanz zuschreiben, sind es Professoren jüngerer Kohorten, die individuumsbezogene Narrative bemühen, indem sie die Bedeutung von Begabung und Ehrgeiz für den gelingenden Aufstieg herausstellen.
Comparative spasmolytic effect between Cinnamomum tamala and Cinnamomum verum leaf essential oils and eugenol through in vitro and in silico approaches
Authors: Chakraborty Anubhav , Sankaran Vishwam , Murugan Ramar , Chellappan David Raj
Published: April 2021

Cinnamomum tamala and Cinnamomum verum are known for their folk medicinal usage in treating gastrointestinal ailments. The spasmolytic activity of essential oils was studied using isolated rat ileum. The results indicate that C. tamala, despite having a lower content of eugenol (60%), shows a spasmolytic potential of 68.01 ± 2.63% (EC50 = 110.12 ± 13.58 μg/mL) while C. verum with rich eugenol (80%) shows lesser spasmolytic potential (38.96 ± 0.63%) and fails to attain an EC50 value. Upon comparison with standard eugenol’s percentage of spasmolytic (35.68 ± 2.57%), it is evident that the action of these essential oils does not solely rely on the major component but the synergistic role in association with other components of the mixture influences the pharmacological action of the essential oils. In silico docking of phytochemicals of leaf essential oils with M2 (M2AChR) and M3 muscarinic (M3AChR) and nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) was carried out to determine the type of receptors through which the essential oils had spasmolytic potential. The binding affinity for eugenol with nAChR shows a better docking score than M2AChR and M3AChR.
Developing a qualitative chemotaxis-sensitive assay for bacteriophage-host interactions on E. coli BW2511
Authors: Meducator The , Wen Aaron , Rakab Esra
Published: April 2021

To better understand the interactions between bacteriophages and host bacteria, one factor to observe is chemotaxis. Chemotaxis describes the biased directional movement of bacteria either towards or away from a substance. This phenomenon is created by the inhibition or potentiation of tumbling events, which randomize the direction of the host every few seconds. The presence of chemoattractants and chemorepellents can modify the number of tumbling events that occur. In order to elucidate the role of bacteriophages in bacterial chemotaxis, this project aimed to optimize an assay to qualitatively observe chemotaxis within E. coli BW2511 (WT) in comparison to a mutant strain with cheA deletion. Three main assay methods were tested: Tris HCl plate assays, Tris HCl microcapillary assays, and TTC Eppendorf assays. Of all the methods tested, only TTC Eppendorf assays with TTC indicator consistently showed chemotaxis. This study continued to use the Eppendorf assay and determined if various bacteriophages could attract E. coli BW2511 to chemotactically move up a layer of 0.4% PBS-based agar and against gravitational pull.
Animal-assisted activities: Justifying a mental health program at McMaster University
Authors: Li Terry , Cheung Leland , Zhang Jeff
Published: April 2021

Animal-assisted activities: Justifying a mental health program at McMaster University
A History of the Coronaviruses
Authors: Wong Adrian , Zeng Aisling
Published: April 2021

A History of the Coronaviruses
Do socioeconomic factors and primary care model affect early breast cancer diagnosis in a cohort of breast cancer patients in an urban Canadian centre?
Authors: Li Jennifer , Cornacchi Sylvie , Farrokhyar Forough , Forbes Shawn , Reid Susan , Hodgson Nicole , Lovrics Sarah , Lucibello Kristen , Lovrics Peter
Published: April 2021

Objectives: Studies have shown an association between socioeconomic status (SES) and breast cancer (BC) treatment and diagnosis. We examined the relationship between SES, primary care physician (PCP) model and early detection of BC, as defined by asymptomatic screening and early stage at diagnosis, in a universal healthcare system.

Methods: Data were collected for consecutive patients diagnosed with BC from January 2010 to December 2011.Variables included patient and disease factors, type of PCP, stage at diagnosis and method of tumour identification. Area-level SES variables were obtained from 2006 Canadian census data. Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify predictors of early BC diagnosis. Odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals were reported.

Results: Results: A total of 721 patients were treated for breast cancer during the 2-year period. Predictors of early diagnosis through screening included: patients aged 51-70 (OR 4.3, 95% CI:2.6-7.2), BMI > 30 (1.5, 1.0-2.3), not employed (0.5, 0.3-0.8), and previous screening within 2 years (3.0, 2.0-4.4). Predictors of diagnosis at an early stage were having a 1st degree relative with breast cancer (2.2, 1.3-3.8) and having screening at an Ontario Breast Screening Program (2.9, 1.6-5.2).

Conclusion: Certain patient variables such as age and family history, predicted the likelihood of early detection of BC by asymptomatic screening and diagnosis at an early stage. In our urban cohort of BC patients, SES factors were not found to be predictors of early detection of BC
An interactive after-school nutrition and culinary education program for primary school students: The evaluation and efficacy of changing food-related knowledge, attitudes and behaviour
Authors: Lovrics Olivia , Plourde Hugues , Hendrickson Mary , Frasier Beccah
Published: April 2021

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of a 10-week afterschool nutrition and culinary education program in changing the culinary and nutritional behaviour, attitudes and knowledge of its 9-11-year-old participants, as assessed by parents and children. 

Methods: Retrospective matched-pairs analysis of secondary pre-post survey data collected by Boîte à Lunch (BàL). Children (n=165-197; grades 4 and 5) and parents (n=53-57) who signed-up for the BàL workshops. The program was comprised of ten-week (2 hours/week) bilingual (French and English) themed sessions led by trained educators with focus on culinary skill development, nutrition education and hands-on cooking. Secondary objectives include: team-work, kitchen hygiene, compost, understanding of food systems. Workshops were held in community centres and schools in Montreal, Canada. Changes were analyzed using the expanded exact McNemar-Bowker test with a Bonferroni-adjusted significance level of 0.001631.

Results: Culinary skill and knowledge improved based on all 23 measures (all p<0.001631). Of the six measures assessed for change in attitude, three were significantly improved. Of the two items used to asses a change of behaviour, one was significantly improved. 2 stand-alone post-workshop questions suggest a positive trend for improvements in each.

Conclusion: Knowledge and culinary skill of youth can be improved through nutrition education and hands-on cooking. Culinary and nutritional attitudes and behaviours may be improved; further research is needed.
Multiple Sclerosis: Unraveling the Neuropathology and Mechanisms of Neurodegeneration
Authors: Visva Samantha , Oliveria John Paul
Published: April 2021

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a debilitating autoimmune disease affecting the central nervous system, and has been the focus of intense research for the past 20 years. A better understanding of immune-related pathogenic mechanisms is necessary for the development of: (1) novel methods to monitor disease progression, (2) earlier diagnoses through unveiling new biomarkers, and (3) the invention of more effective and personalized MS treatments therapies. Several disease modifying treatments (e.g., natalizumab, fingolimod and beta interferons) have been approved for MS; however with no cure, the current treatment paradigm has shifted to the notion of ‘no evident disease activity’. While many of these Food and Drug Administration approved MS treatments have been shown to reduce the number of relapses and lesions, the paradox concerning MS treatments, namely the overuse of T cell activation as a target, necessitates the need for identifying entirely new contributors to disease pathology. MS pathogenesis has been

associated with many theories, ranging from the release of proinflammatory cytokines from macrophages and microglial cells to B cell-derived demyelinating antibodies. As such, these hypotheses should be considered in addition to the role of T cells when developing novel MS treatment plans and identifying aligning biomarkers. Recently, clinical trials (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT00040482, NCT00342134, and NCT00342134) investigating autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation have demonstrated success in MS. Future research should focus on identifying non-invasive biomarkers, such as blood concentrations of miRNAs, as an indication of underlying pathology and to aid in early diagnosis, tracking disease progression and identifying more effective and personalized MS treatments.
The Structural and Electrophysiological Properties of Progesterone Receptor-Expressing Neurons Vary along the Anterior-Posterior Axis of the Ventromedial Hypothalamus and Undergo Local Changes across the Reproductive Cycle
Authors: Dias Inês C. , Gutierrez-Castellanos Nicolas , Ferreira Liliana , Lima Susana Q.
Published: April 2021

Sex hormone levels continuously fluctuate across the reproductive cycle, changing the activity of neuronal circuits to coordinate female behavior and reproductive capacity. The ventrolateral division of the ventromedial hypothalamus (VMHvl) contains neurons expressing receptors for sex hormones and its function is intimately linked to female sexual receptivity. However, recent findings suggest that the VMHvl is functionally heterogeneous. Here, we used whole recordings and intracellular labeling to characterize the electrophysiological and morphologic properties of individual VMHvl neurons in naturally cycling females and report the existence of multiple electrophysiological phenotypes within the VMHvl. We found that the properties of progesterone receptor expressing (PR+) neurons, but not PR– neurons, depended systematically on the neuron’s location along the anterior-posterior (AP) axis of the VMHvl and the phase within the reproductive cycle. Prominent among this, the resting membrane potential of anterior PR+ neurons decreased during the receptive phase, while the excitability of medial PR+ neurons increased during the non-receptive phase. During the receptive phase of the cycle, posterior PR+ neurons simultaneously showed an increase in dendritic complexity and a decrease in spine density. These findings reveal an extensive diversity of local rules driving structural and physiological changes in response to fluctuating levels of sex hormones, supporting the anatomic and functional subdivision of the VMHvl and its possible role in the orchestration of different aspects of female socio-sexual behavior.
Coffee on a Hot Planet
Authors: Vieira Katy , Lequieu Amanda McMillan
Published: April 2021

Researchers are predicting that the spatially uneven distribution of climate change risks will further exacerbate the inequalities of environmental change in the coming decades. This case study of coffee offers a window into the feedback loops of ecological health, agricultural economies, and social well-being on a quickly warming planet. Drawing from a review of research across disciplines, we explore three human-driven factors that have increased the risks of loss for coffee producers in the face of climate change. These three characteristics of the coffee commodity chain—geographical consolidation, genetic variation, and market factors—enmesh social, ecological, and economic expectations of coffee as a high-value agricultural product. Considering the impact of climate change on coffee production sheds light on how climate change interacts with preexisting ecological, social, and economic challenges of global, agricultural production.