bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analysis of Metals in Cataract Fluid of Jordanian Patients by Using the Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometry
Authors: Al-Saraireh Fawaz , R. Hamad Abdul-Wahab , Magarbeh Mousa Khames Mezel , AL-Hujran Tayel A. , Elfalah Mutasem
Published: April 2022

Background: The study was completed to determine the level of the following metals (Sodium (Na), Potassium (K), Phosphorus (P), Calcium (Ca), Manganese (Mn), Iron (Fe), Cobalt (Co), Copper (Cu), Zinc (Zn), Selenium (Se), and Cadmium (Cd)) in different cataractous human lenses. Materials and Methods: Five Samples had collected from the normal individuals healthy people and 25 suffered from cataracts at the Italian Hospital, Al-Karak, Jordan. This study had conducted between November 2020 and October 2021 on 30 individual subjects. Samples fluid from the Cataract sufferers had been gathered, the data was analyzed using Microsoft excels and SPSS software program new version. The trace elements concentration withinside the aspirated fluid were measured with the inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry – Mass (ICP-MS), best controlled with certified standards. Results: The mean values of copper were (12.9±12.4) and (7.4±9.7) for patients and control groups respectively. The average mean values of Cd were found to be (5.9 ±2.4) and (4.6 ± 2.4). The cadium, copper, manganese, magnesium and potassium levels were significantly higher in the catarctous groups. The others elements were lower in the catarctous group than control. Conclusion: Results showed significant change in some metallic elements concentration with cataract. These consequences can be beneficial for understanding and identifying the reasons that can play a function withinside the initiation and improvement of cataract. These factors deficiency may also have some suggestions to diets and diseases via its appropriate concentrations and its consequences on various organs parameters. It appears that the estimation of serum or plasma concentration of these metals may also assist in research and remedy of other diseases in both genders.
Transfer learning approach toward joint monitoring of bit rate and modulation format
Authors: Jha Dhirendra Kumar , Mishra Jitendra K.
Published: April 2022

Convolutional neural network based transfer learning (TL) is proposed to achieve joint optical performance monitoring with bit rate and modulation format identification in optical communication systems. TL is used to improve the execution of various tasks by extracting features without knowing other optical link parameters. Eye diagrams of four different modulation formats are generated at optical signal-to-noise ratios (OSNRs) varying from 15 to 30 dB for two distinct bit rates, which are then identified simultaneously with a trained deep neural network. In addition, comparisons of different TL approaches are presented. The database is divided into distinct categories with varying parameter ranges in offline mode, and prediction models are assigned to each class. The results suggest that the proposed system may greatly increase identification performance over existing strategies by utilizing TL techniques. The impacts of training, testing, and validation data size, as well as model structure based on TL, are also thoroughly investigated. The results reveal that the VGG16 achieves the highest accuracies compared to other deep learning algorithms even at low OSNR values of 20 dB. The proposed structure can intelligently evaluate the signals of future heterogeneous optical communications, and the results can be used to enhance optical network management.
Efficient generation of the 7th harmonic of Ti:sapphire (114.6 nm) vacuum ultraviolet pulses with 60 fs duration by non-collinear four-wave mixing in argon
Authors: Forbes Ruaridh , Hockett Paul , Lausten Rune
Published: April 2022

The recent advances in femtosecond vacuum UV (VUV) pulse generation,
pioneered by the work of Noack et al.,
has enabled new experiments in ultrafast time-resolved spectroscopy.
Expanding on this work, we report the generation of 60 fs VUV pulses
at the 7th harmonic of Ti:sapphire with more than 50 nJ of pulse
energy at a repetition rate of 1 kHz. The 114.6 nm pulses are produced
using non-collinear four-wave difference-frequency mixing in argon.
The non-collinear geometry increases the phase-matching pressure, and
results in a conversion efficiency of ∼10−3 from the 200 nm
pump beam. The VUV pulses are pre-chirp-compensated for material
dispersion with xenon, which has negative dispersion in this
wavelength range, thus allowing almost transform-limited pulses to be
delivered to the experimental chamber.
Knowledge, attitude, practice, and factors associated with prevention practice towards COVID-19 among healthcare providers in Amhara region, northern Ethiopia: A multicenter cross-sectional study
Authors: Ashebir Wassachew , Yimer Belete , Alle Atsede , Teshome Muluken , Teka Yohannes , Wolde Awraris
Published: April 2022

Healthcare providers (HCPs) are at an increased risk of getting COVID-19 as a result of their front-line works. Health behaviors of HCPs can influence prevention and control actions implemented in response to the pandemic. Hence, this study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) and factors associated with prevention practice towards COVID-19 among healthcare providers in Amhara region, northern Ethiopia. A multicenter cross-sectional study was conducted among 422 HCPs in selected public health facilities of Amhara region, between 20th September and 20th October 2020. Data related to HCP’s KAP and socio-demographic characteristics were collected using a pre-tested self-administered questionnaire. Bloom’s cut-off ≥ 80%, ≥90%, and ≥75% was used to determine adequate knowledge, positive attitude, and good prevention practice, respectively. Data were analyzed using SPSSS version 25.0. A multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to identify factors significantly associated with COVID-19 prevention practice. Statistical significance was determined at a p-value of < 0.05 and the presence of association was described using odds ratio (OR) with their 95% confidence interval (CI). Overall, 368 (89.8%), 387 (94.4%), and 326 (79.5%) HCPs had adequate knowledge, positive attitude, and good prevention practice towards COVID-19, respectively. Factors significantly associated with good COVID-19 prevention practice were being a Nurse in profession (AOR = 2.13, 95% CI = 1.13–3.99), having < 5 years of working experience (AOR = 0.46, 95% CI = 0.24–0.86), using social media (AOR = 6.20, 95% CI = 2.33–16.51) and television and or radio (AOR = 4.03, 95% CI = 1.56–10.38) as sources of COVID-19 information. HCPs had adequate knowledge, positive attitude and good prevention practice towards COVID-19. Being a Nurse, having < 5 years of working experiences, using social media and television and or radio were factors associated with good prevention practice. Thus, developing HCP’s professional carrier through training opportunities, sharing experiences and using verified information sources are crucial to better improve COVID-19 prevention practice.
Have Bilateral Free Trade Agreements (BFTAs) been beneficial? Lessons learned from 11 U.S. BFTAs between 1992 and 2017
Authors: Alghabbabsheh Tareg Ghazi , AlSaif Saleh Saud , Islam Md. Saiful , AlShammari Tareq Saeed , Mahmoud Ali M. A.
Published: April 2022

This study analyzes aggregate data on trade flows to examine the performance of bilateral free trade agreements (BFTAs) between the United States and 11 BFTA nations in a two-dimensional approach. In line with the literature, this study applies the gravity model and analyzes the effect of the treatment using Poisson pseudo-maximum likelihood (PPML) panel data from 1992 to 2017. We use the PPML as an alternative methodology to an ordinary least squares model, as it can treat zero trade values and lead to unbiased estimates and different consistencies. We consider the trade in goods but excluded services because of the different nature of trade for services. Moreover, this study highlights the quantitative performance of BFTAs without considering the industry level to compare the overall benefits for the trade flows from the U.S. as an exporter to BFTA countries and vice versa. It thus adds to the debate on the effect of FTAs on trade flows and conducts pre-FTA and post-FTA analyses to compare the volumes of exports and imports during both periods. Findings vary according to the direction of trade; notably, some trading partners increased their trading volume to 388%. In sum, this paper provides a collective current state assessment to demonstrate the most plausible reasons for the effects of the 11 BFTAs, in addition to informing policymakers on the lessons learned from each BFTA.
Outcome of acute bacterial meningitis among children in Kandahar, Afghanistan: A prospective observational cohort study
Authors: Rahimi Bilal Ahmad , Ishaq Niamatullah , Mudaser Ghulam Mohayuddin , Taylor Walter R.
Published: April 2022

Background

Acute bacterial meningitis (ABM) is an important cause of morbidity and mortality in children but there are no published data on the treatment outcomes of ABM in Afghanistan.

Methods

We conducted a prospective observational cohort study over one year, February 2020 to January 2021 in a tertiary care hospital in Kandahar, Afghanistan. AMB was diagnosed clinically and on lumbar puncture findings. Binary logistic regression assessed factors for death.

Results

A total of 393 ABM children of mean age 4.8 years were recruited. Most were males [231 (58.8%)], living in rural areas [267 (67.9%)] and in households of >10 inhabitants [294 (74.8%)]. Only 96 (24.4%) had received against both Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) or pneumococcal (PCV) vaccines. Children were treated with combination of ceftriaxone and ampicillin and 169/321 (52.6%) received dexamethasone. Of the 321 children with a known outcome, 69 (21.5%) died. Death was significantly associated with: not receiving dexamethasone [adjusted odds ratio (AOR) 4.9 (95% CI 2.6–9.5, p <0.001)], coma on admission [AOR 4.6 (I 2.3–9.5, p <0.001)], no PCV [AOR 2.8 (1.2–6.6, p = 0.019)] or Hib vaccine [AOR 2.8 (1.2–6.6, p = 0.019)], and being male [AOR 2.7 (1.4–5.5, p = 0.005).

Conclusions

ABM causes significant morbidity and mortality in Afghan children that may be improved by greater use of PCV and Hib vaccines. Adjunct dexamethasone should be evaluated formally in our setting.
Gender based lung cancer risks for symptomatic coronary artery disease patients undergone cardiac CT
Authors: Dalah Entesar Zawam , Obaideen Abdulmunhem , Anam Sabaa , Alzimami Khalid , Jambi Layal Khalid , Bradley David A.
Published: April 2022

We estimate the lifetime attributable risk (LAR) of lung cancer incidence in symptomatic Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) patients receiving enhanced Coronary Computed Tomography Angiography (CCTA) and the unenhanced Computed Tomography Calcium Scoring (CTCS) examination. Retrospective analysis has been made of CCTA and CTCS data collected for 87 confirmed CAD adult patients. Patient effective dose (E) and organ doses (ODs) were calculated using CT-EXPO. Statistical correlation and the differences between E and ODs in enhanced CCTA and unenhanced CTCS were calculated using the Pearson coefficient and Wilcoxon unpaired t-test. Following BEIR VII report guidance, organ-specific LARs for the cohort were estimated using the organ-equivalent dose-to-risk conversion factor for numbers of cases per 100,000 patients exposed to low doses of 0.1 Gy. Significant statistical difference (p<0.0001) is found between E obtained for CTCS and that of CCTA. The scan length was found to be greater in CCTA (17.5 ± 2.9 cm) compared to that for CTCS (15 ± 2 cm). More elevated values of dose were noted for the esophagus (4.2 ± 2.15 mSv) and thymus (9.6 ± 2.54 mSv) for both CTCS and CCTA. CTCS organ doses were lower than that of CCTA. Per 100,000 patients, female cumulative doses are seen to give rise to greater lung cancer LARs compared to that for males, albeit with risk varying significantly, noticeably greater for females, younger patients and combined CCTA and CTCS scans. While scan parameters and tube-modulation methods clearly contribute to patient dose, mAs offers by far the greater contribution.
Availability of results of interventional studies assessing colorectal cancer from 2013 to 2020
Authors: Pellat Anna , Boutron Isabelle , Ravaud Philippe
Published: April 2022

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most frequent cancers worldwide. Our aim was to evaluate the availability of results of interventional studies studying CRC. We searched the ClinicalTrials.gov registry for all interventional studies on CRC management in adults completed or terminated between 01/01/2013 and 01/01/2020. To identify results, we searched for results posted on the ClinicalTrials.gov registry and/or published in a full-text article. Our primary outcome was the proportion of CRC interventional studies with available results (i.e. posted on the ClinicalTrials.gov registry and/or published in a full-text article). Secondary outcomes were 1) median time between primary completion and earliest date of results availability, 2) the cumulative percentage of interventional studies with results available over time 3) the cumulative percentage of interventional studies with results posted on the ClinicalTrials.gov registry over time and 4) the percentage of results available in open access. We identified 763 eligible interventional studies in ClinicalTrials.gov, which included 679 198 patients. Of these, 286 (37%) trials, including 270 845 (40%) patients, did not have any results available. Median time for results availability was 32.6 months (IQ 16.1-unreached). The cumulative percentage of interventional studies with available results was 17% at 12 months, 39% at 24 months and 55% at 36 months. Results were more likely available for trials that were randomized, completed, had one trial site in the United States, and with mixed funding. The cumulative percentage of interventional studies with results posted on ClinicalTrials.gov was 2% at 12 months. Results were available in open access for 420 (420/477 = 88%) trials. Our results highlight an important waste in research for interventional studies studying CRC.
Cardiovascular vulnerability predicts hospitalisation in primary care clinically suspected and confirmed COVID-19 patients: A model development and validation study
Authors: van Royen Florien S. , Joosten Linda P. T. , van Smeden Maarten , Slottje Pauline , Rutten Frans H. , Geersing Geert-Jan , van Doorn Sander
Published: April 2022

Objectives

Cardiovascular conditions were shown to be predictive of clinical deterioration in hospitalised patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Whether this also holds for outpatients managed in primary care is yet unknown. The aim of this study was to determine the incremental value of cardiovascular vulnerability in predicting the risk of hospital referral in primary care COVID-19 outpatients.

Design

Analysis of anonymised routine care data extracted from electronic medical records from three large Dutch primary care registries.

Setting

Primary care.

Participants

Consecutive adult patients seen in primary care for COVID-19 symptoms in the ‘first wave’ of COVID-19 infections (March 1 2020 to June 1 2020) and in the ‘second wave’ (June 1 2020 to April 15 2021) in the Netherlands.

Outcome measures

A multivariable logistic regression model was fitted to predict hospital referral within 90 days after first COVID-19 consultation in primary care. Data from the ‘first wave’ was used for derivation (n = 5,475 patients). Age, sex, the interaction between age and sex, and the number of cardiovascular conditions and/or diabetes (0, 1, or ≥2) were pre-specified as candidate predictors. This full model was (i) compared to a simple model including only age and sex and its interaction, and (ii) externally validated in COVID-19 patients during the ‘second wave’ (n = 16,693).

Results

The full model performed better than the simple model (likelihood ratio test p<0.001). Older male patients with multiple cardiovascular conditions and/or diabetes had the highest predicted risk of hospital referral, reaching risks above 15–20%, whereas on average this risk was 5.1%. The temporally validated c-statistic was 0.747 (95%CI 0.729–0.764) and the model showed good calibration upon validation.

Conclusions

For patients with COVID-19 symptoms managed in primary care, the risk of hospital referral was on average 5.1%. Older, male and cardiovascular vulnerable COVID-19 patients are more at risk for hospital referral.
Antimicrobial resistance trend of bacterial uropathogens at the university of Gondar comprehensive specialized hospital, northwest Ethiopia: A 10 years retrospective study
Authors: Kasew Desie , Desalegn Blen , Aynalem Mihret , Tila Sosina , Diriba Dureti , Afework Beimnet , Getie Michael , Biset Sirak , Baynes Habtamu Wondifraw
Published: April 2022

Urinary tract infection and antimicrobial resistance remains the major problem, with significant health and socioeconomic burden, particularly in developing countries. This infection is commonly caused by Gram-negative bacteria, principally by Escherichia coli. So, this study aimed to determine bacterial isolates and antimicrobial resistance trend among patients with urinary tract infection at the University of Gondar Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Northwest Ethiopia. A retrospective study was conducted from January 1st to February 28th. A ten years (2010–2019) record of urine culture results, the biochemical test and antimicrobial susceptibility test results of isolates were collected from the medical microbiology laboratory register using a checklist. Data quality was checked, entered, and analyzed using SPSS version 23. We have presented results through descriptive tables and graphs. The overall prevalence of urinary tract infection among 4441 patients was 24.1%. Escherichia coli (37.7%), Klebsiella pneumoniae (11.4%), and Staphylococcus aureus (9.1%) were the predominant uropathogens. The infection rate was nearly similar across both sexes but highest in the age group above 60 years. Above 75% of Gram-negative isolates were resistant to ampicillin (92.5%), amoxicillin-clavulanate (80.1%), tetracycline (79.3%), cefuroxime (79.2%), and Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (78.3%). Over 2/3 of Gram-positive isolates also showed increased resistance to tetracycline (84.8%) and penicillin (71.6%). Moreover, more than 44% of the isolates were multidrug-resistant (MDR). We have seen an inconsistent trend of antimicrobial resistance, with an overall resistance rate of above 50%. In conclusion, the overall prevalence of urinary tract infection was high and elderly patients were most affected. More than 70% of both Gram positive and gram-negative isolates were resistant to penicillin, ampicillin, amoxicillin-clavulanate, tetracycline, cefuroxime, Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole. Above than 44% of the isolates were multidrug-resistant (MDR). The increasing rate of antimicrobial resistance calls for routine diagnosis and antimicrobial susceptibility testing. A prospective multicenter study indicating the status of resistance should be encouraged.
FOREWORD
Authors: ABRAMOVIC MARINA
Published: April 2022

Performance is one of the most difficult art forms… but why so difficult? You can’t really touch it, you can’t hang it on the wall like a painting; you have to have the experience. It’s a time-based art form; you have to be there at the place and time it’s happening, otherwise you miss it. Any kind of documentation afterwards is second-hand information.
SINCE 1995
Authors: FRENCH REBECCA
Published: April 2022

This collection of audience responses aims to give a sense of what Kira O’Reilly’s work has left behind in the memories of the people who have watched, touched, and participated in her work, over the last 20+ years.
A MOMENTARY COHABITATION: KIRA O’REILLY MEETS ANOTHER SPECIES
Authors: FRENAIS ROB LA
Published: April 2022

I first met Kira O’Reilly under a dead pig. Or rather, encountered, as she was lying silently, naked underneath an un-named porcine carcass in Laura Godfrey-Isaacs’ HOME project in Camberwell. The pig had no name, just a number, and had been acquired from an abattoir, a place of death, for a performance of an encounter between dead and live flesh. inthewrongplaceness (2005) was an intense, one-to-one encounter with the artist. I had not had any warning of what I was going to find behind the closed door in HOME, separated from the cosy atmosphere of friends drinking wine in Laura’s house. There had not yet been the media storm that accompanied the second showing of the work in Tract, at Penzance; and the lack of a seedy Soho-style entrance, as there was in Cornwall, left me completely unprepared for the spectacle of Kira coiled with the corpse of a pig. There were many unanswered questions after seeing inthewrongplaceness, but for me, as a curator, preparing an exhibition which became known as Interspecies, my first question to the artist was: ‘Why not a live pig?’
SHOWWOMEN: KIRA O’ILLY IN CONVERSATION WITH
Authors: CARNESKY MARISA
Published: April 2022

MARISA CARNESKY: I’d like to ask you about a work that is specifically relevant for the Showwomen book. In particular I want to talk about the performance you did for SPILL Festival – Untitled (Syncope) (2007) – where you worked with the image of a showgirl; it was very moving. Having been around a lot of showgirls – and I’m making the case that they are in fact showwomen – to see the imagery of the showgirl placed in a very different context really resonated with me. Let’s talk about that SPILL piece, the image of the showgirl, and how you played with it.
SYNCOPE: I/W MEDUSA
Authors: KELLY TRACI
Published: April 2022

There is a makeshift dressing table along a poorly lit wall. Placed in the fashion of order are a few items of make-up and props. There is little privacy in this shared area. Upon a small mat the form of a female goes through mental and physical paces… it’s nearly show time.
WHAT DOES IT MEAN FOR YOU TO DANCE?
Authors: GEORGE DORAN
Published: April 2022

28 February 2008

As requested. Invoice and short writing for the sharing. Don’t hesitate to edit out whatever you like to use however you want next Friday. It’s brought out all kinds of feelings of affection writing this.
INTRODUCTION
Authors: CURTIS HARRIET
Published: April 2022

Human subjects never simply have a body; rather, the body is always necessarily the object and subject of attitudes and judgments. It is psychically invested, never a matter of indifference.
SYNCOPAL ACTIONS AND FALLING STATES
Authors: HUNTER HELENA
Published: April 2022

WORDS THAT STAND OUT FROM YOUR RESEARCH NOTES
The dynamic and interactive capacity of drawing in dialogue with other artforms, technology and their relationship with its audience
Authors: Steenhauer Kate
Published: April 2022

This paper discusses the dynamic and interactive capacity of drawing in dialogue with other artforms, technology and their relationship with its audience. The drawing evolves live via relatively traditional materials and techniques. Multiple collaborative productions viewed through the mediums of theatre, film and (live) audio-visual installations have put this into practice. Here, live drawing is transposed, presented and integrated through technology. However, technology is also deployed to explore cross-disciplinary relations by means of Artificial Intelligence. Drawing in a performative setting resolves a story in space ‘and’ time and constantly considers audience engagement. A diverse range of artist ability and skill is required, with room and reason for representational (gestural) drawing, conceptual and contemporary ideas, such as dramaturgical drawing. Artist’s competency in dramaturgy, choreography and videography is vital. Several performances with writers, dancers, composers and Artificial Intelligence engineers signify the virtue and artistry of drawing process and product in a live setting. The cross-disciplinary stage production The Shelter is used however as a specific example in demonstrating drawing as a dynamic, interactive temporal, transient and transformational artform.
Mayautics
Authors: Gibellini Laura F. , Horcajada González Ricardo
Published: April 2022

Through analysis and codification of some images created by a 2-year-old child, the authors discuss the performative aspect of drawing as an embodied form of thinking that creates cognitive objects rather than images. We consider an enactive form of knowledge, based on the idea that the practitioner learns and understands while doing, while executing a movement. The ‘objects’ that are obtained in such process, which are constitutive of any graphic practice, would also need the totality of the body for its understanding.
The Impact of COVID-19 on Women’s Health in Bangladesh
Authors: Alam Dil Ware , Zebeen Faiza , Masud Sumaya Binte , Ferdous Sungida
Published: April 2022

The planet has been greatly influenced by Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and Bangladesh is no difference. The pandemic has resulted in a decline in the availability of health care, notably for women's health problems, leading to an increase in difficulties for an increasingly marginalized group. Maternity care, maternal health programs, medical interventions, nutritional counseling and mental health care are not discussed and women's health and well-being in Bangladesh is vulnerable with a spike in domestic violence and needs to be resolved urgently.
Evidence-Based and Emerging Diet Recommendations for Small Bowel Disorders
Authors: Rej Anupam , Potter Michael D. E. , Talley Nicholas J. , Shah Ayesha , Holtmann Gerald , Sanders David Surendran
Published: April 2022

Diet plays a key role in the manifestation and severity of gastrointestinal symptoms, with increasing research interest on the role of diet in small bowel disorders. There are predominantly 3 small bowel conditions that have potential dietary interventions. Self-reported nonceliac gluten/wheat sensitivity is prevalent. Although gluten is believed to be a potential trigger for symptoms, other components of wheat may also be triggers, including fructans, alpha-amylase trypsin inhibitors, and wheat germ agglutinins. The diagnosis can be challenging, given the lack of validated biomarkers. A gluten-free diet that excludes the abovementioned triggers is the cornerstone of treatment; however, unlike celiac disease, there is uncertainty about the level of adherence or whether the gluten-free diet is a lifelong intervention. Several primary gastrointestinal disorders are associated with an increase in inflammatory cells including eosinophils. Diet seems to be an important driver of disease pathogenesis in eosinophilic gastroenteritis, with elimination and elemental diets showing promise in management, with further robust trials required. Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth is an example of microbial dysbiosis, with renewed interest in diet being postulated to cause an adaptive change of the microbes colonizing the small intestine. However, the diagnosis of small intestinal bacterial overgrowth is limited by a lack of sensitive and specific tests, with significant knowledge gaps in relation to therapeutic measures to manage and cure small intestinal bacterial overgrowth. Currently, antimicrobials are the established management option. There have been significant clinical advances in dietary interventions related to the small bowel, but this area is currently a novel and advancing field for both patients and clinicians.
Religious Revival of Vietnamese Buddhists in the Czech Republic: A Possible Example of Post-Secular Tendencies in an Immigrant Community
Authors: Vojtíšek Zdeněk
Published: April 2022

Thirty years passed between the arrival of the Vietnamese minority in the Czech Republic and the dedication of the first shrine of the Vietnamese version of Mahayana Buddhism in 2007. This paper studies the growing activity of Buddhists of Vietnamese origin in the Czech Republic and places it in a social and religious context. It provides a summary of information about the Vietnamese minority in the Czech Republic and Buddhism in Vietnam, emphasising the tradition practised by Czech Buddhists of Vietnamese descent. In the research part, the paper describes the community of Buddhists of Vietnamese descent in the Czech Republic, analyses trends in its development, describes the places where religious practices occur, and presents data acquired by a questionnaire survey distributed to participants at religious services. The data interpretation suggests that the Vietnamese minority is becoming increasingly more religious. This can be viewed as a part of post-secular tendencies in secular Czech society.
Soutenir l’équité en santé pour les Premières Nations, les Inuits et les Métis
Authors: Greenwood Margo , Sutherland Donna , Sutherland Julie
Published: April 2022

Le Centre de collaboration nationale de la santé autochtone (CCNSA) est unique parmi les centres de collaboration nationale, car il est le seul centre axé sur la santé d’une population. Dans ce cinquième article de la série du Relevé des maladies transmissibles au Canada sur les Centres de collaboration nationale et leur contribution à la réaction de la santé publique du Canada à la pandémie de maladie à coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19), nous décrivons le travail du CCNSA. Nous commençons par un aperçu du mandat et des domaines prioritaires du CCNSA, en décrivant son mode de fonctionnement, les personnes qu’il sert et la manière dont il est resté souple et s’est adapté à l’évolution des besoins en matière de santé publique autochtone. Les principales activités d’application et d’échange de connaissances entreprises par le CCNSA pour lutter contre la désinformation liée à la COVID-19 et pour favoriser l’utilisation opportune des données et des connaissances autochtones dans la prise de décisions en matière de santé publique pendant la pandémie sont également abordées, en mettant l’accent sur l’application des leçons apprises à l’avenir.
Canadian blood suppliers: An expanding role in public health surveillance?
Authors: O’Brien Sheila F , Drews Steven J , Lewin Antoine , Osiowy Carla , Drebot Michael A , Renaud Christian
Published: April 2022

The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic galvanized blood donor seroprevalence studies, which continue to inform public health policy. We propose that the two Canadian blood suppliers, Héma-Québec and Canadian Blood Services, expand their role in public health surveillance in the post-pandemic period. Together blood suppliers have near-national reach, collecting blood donations nearly every day in all larger cities and many smaller municipalities. Blood donors are a healthy subset of the general population. Demographic data, routine infectious disease testing and screening questionnaire data are collected for all donations. Close to one million blood samples per year could be made available for surveillance. With 90% repeat donors, longitudinal sampling is possible. Current blood donor surveillance includes monitoring infectious marker rates in low risk (e.g. HIV, hepatitis C virus) or asymptomatic (e.g. West Nile virus) populations, and ad hoc studies to monitor transfusion-transmissible infections. These include tick-borne infections such as Babesia microti and foodborne infections such as hepatitis E. Canadian Blood Services and Héma-Québec are actively seeking to engage with public health professionals to further develop a role in public health surveillance.
Prescription d’antibiotiques pour les infections des voies respiratoires dans un réseau national de soins primaires en 2019
Authors: Wong Sabrina , Rajapakshe Shan , Barber David , Patey Andrea , Levinson Wendy , Morkem Rachael , Hurwitz Gillian , Wintermute Kimberly , Leis Jerome A
Published: April 2022

Contexte : L’infection des voies respiratoires est la principale raison de l’utilisation évitable d’antimicrobiens dans le cadre des soins primaires. Pourtant, la rétroaction des prestataires sur cette utilisation n’est disponible que dans certaines provinces. L’objectif de cette étude était de valider les définitions de cas pour les infections des voies respiratoires dans l’ensemble du Réseau canadien de surveillance sentinelle en soins primaires (RCSSSP) et de déterminer la variabilité de base des prestataires dans la prescription d’antimicrobiens en 2019. Méthodes : Les définitions de cas d’infections des voies respiratoires ont été élaborées à partir des données démographiques, du codage des diagnostics et des mots-clés du dossier médical électronique. Une extraction manuelle des dossiers a été effectuée pour déterminer les cas d’otite moyenne aiguë. Les définitions des infections des voies respiratoires restantes ont été validées à l’aide d’un échantillon aléatoire de 5 164 patients ayant eu des rencontres en 2019. La proportion de patients présentant une infection des voies respiratoires traitée par antibiotiques a été déterminée par prestataire, par patient, par épisode et par rencontre de patients. Résultats : La valeur prédictive négative, la valeur prédictive positive et la prévalence étaient les suivantes : 1,00 % (0,99–1,00), 0,99 % (0,96–0,99) et 4,14 % (4,10–4,19) pour le rhume; 1,00 % (0,99–1,00), 0,94 % (0,88–0,98) et 1,09 % (1,07–1,12) pour l’otite moyenne aiguë; 0.98 % (0,96–1,00), 0,93 % (0,87–0,97) et 1,2 % (1,18–1,22) pour la pharyngite aiguë; 0,99 % (0,99–1,00), 0,88 % (0,81–0,93) et 1,99 % (1,96–2,02) pour la sinusite; 0,99 % (0,97–0,99), 0,95 % (0,89–0,98) et 4,01 % (3,97–4,05) pour la bronchite aiguë/l’asthme. Par prestataire, la proportion médiane (écart interquartile [ÉI]) de patients traités par antibiotiques (par patient) était de 6,72 (14,92) pour le rhume, 64,29 (40,00) pour l’otite moyenne aiguë, 20,00 (38,89) pour la pharyngite, 54,17 (38,09) pour la sinusite, 8,33 (20,00) pour la bronchite aiguë /l’asthme et 21,10 (20,56) pour l’ensemble des infections des voies respiratoires. Conclusion : Le RCSSSP peut assurer une surveillance nationale des pratiques de prescription d’antimicrobiens pour les infections des voies respiratoires dans le cadre des soins primaires. La variabilité de base souligne la nécessité d’une rétroaction des prestataires et d’une amélioration de la qualité.
Impact of the first vaccine dose on COVID-19 and its complications in long-term care facilities and private residences for seniors in Québec, Canada
Authors: Fortin Élise , De Wals Philippe , Talbot Denis , Ouakki Manale , Deceuninck Geneviève , Sauvageau Chantal , Gilca Rodica , Kiely Marilou , De Serres Gaston
Published: April 2022

Background: Residents of long-term care facilities (LTCFs) and private residences for seniors (PRSs) were given priority for vaccination against coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Given the shortage of vaccine in the winter of 2021, the Comité sur l’immunisation du Québec recommended postponing the administration of second doses to ensure more rapid and widespread administration of first doses. The objective of this study was to measure the impact of first-dose vaccination on 1) the incidence of cases and complications in LTCFs and PRSs and 2) the frequency of outbreaks in LTCFs. Methods: In this ecological study, COVID-19 incidence and complications in residents of LTCFs and PRSs in Québec were compared with the general (community) population at a point in time when there was still only limited eligibility for vaccination. Results: After vaccination in LTCFs, the incidence rate of COVID-19 decreased by 92% compared with 49% in the community, and deaths decreased by 95%. By six weeks post-vaccination, almost no facility reported five or more cases per 100 beds per week. The incidence rate decreased by 91% in PRSs compared with 2% in the community. Hospitalizations and deaths in PRSs decreased by 94% and 90%, respectively. Conclusion: As a result of 1) vaccination of residents with one dose, 2) natural immunity already acquired in LTCFs and PRSs, 3) vaccination of healthcare workers and 4) other non-pharmaceutical prevention measures implemented, the circulation of the coronavirus in these settings was largely interrupted.
Are floral characters efficient in the phenotypic differentiation of cassava landraces?
Authors: Moreno de Pedri Eliane Cristina , Vicente Tiago Auana , Dos Santos Cardoso Elisa , Soler Sobreira Hoogerheide Eulalia , Bandini Rossi Ana Aparecida
Published: April 2022

Manihot esculenta Crantz assumes a prominent role in the world for being one of the most cultivated foods in the tropics. The aim of this study was to verify whether floral characters are efficient to detect phenotypic variability among cassava landraces cultivated in the northern region of Mato Grosso state, Brazil. For this, at six months after planting, the period of the first flowering, the phenotypic characterization of the female and male flowers of 20 cassava landraces was carried out, using the characters: color of the sepals, color of the disc, color of the ovary, color of the stigma and color of the anthers. The relative frequency of the phenotypic classes of each descriptor was analyzed. Qualitative data were subjected to genetic diversity analysis by the procedure for multicategorical data (multiple classes). The floral characters were efficient in the phenotypic differentiation of the cassava landraces. The color of the sepals, color of the disc and color of the ovary were the characters that contributed to the variation found, therefore, they are useful for preliminary evaluations of the species. The UPGMA method grouped the cassava landraces into four distinct groups, which showed the phenotypic variability and confirmed the efficiency of the floral characters in separating the landraces evaluated in different groups and subgroups. With the analyses carried out, it was possible to propose a new phenotypic class for the color of the sepals (greenish purple), going from three to four classes, which allowed a better distinction among the evaluated material.
Pharmacological modulation of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) EP receptors improves cardiomyocyte function under hyperglycemic conditions
Authors: Bosma Karin J. , Ghosh Monica , Andrei Spencer R. , Zhong Lin , Dunn Jennifer C. , Ricciardi Valerie F. , Burkett Juliann B. , Hatzopoulos Antonis K. , Damron Derek S. , Gannon Maureen
Published: April 2022

Type 2 diabetes (T2D) affects >30 million Americans and nearly 70% of individuals with T2D will die from cardiovascular disease (CVD). Circulating levels of the inflammatory signaling lipid, prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), are elevated in the setting of obesity and T2D and are associated with decreased cardiac function. The EP3 and EP4 PGE2 receptors have opposing actions in several tissues, including the heart: overexpression of EP3 in cardiomyocytes impairs function, while EP4 overexpression improves function. Here we performed complementary studies in vitro with isolated cardiomyocytes and in vivo using db/db mice, a model of T2D, to analyze the effects of EP3 inhibition or EP4 activation on cardiac function. Using echocardiography, we found that 2 weeks of systemic treatment of db/db mice with 20 mg/kg of EP3 antagonist, beginning at 6 weeks of age, improves ejection fraction and fractional shortening (with no effect on heart rate). We further show that either EP3 blockade or EP4 activation enhances contractility and calcium cycling in isolated mouse cardiomyocytes cultured in both normal and high glucose. Thus, peak [Ca2+]I transient amplitude was increased, while time to peak [Ca2+]I and [Ca2+]I decay were decreased. These data suggest that modulation of EP3 and EP4 activity has beneficial effects on cardiomyocyte contractility and overall heart function.
Experimental and Theoretical Approach to the Extrusion of Rubber Compounds with a Two-Stage Screw**
Authors: Vergnes B. , Bennani N. , Guichard C.
Published: April 2022

The extrusion of EPDM compounds with a two-stage vented screw has been studied. Experimentally, the pressures and temperatures were measured at the end of each stage, for different processing conditions (screw speed, die geometry etc.). Screw pulling experiments have allowed to observe the partially filling of the different screw sections. Assuming a power-law pseudoplastic behaviour for the rubber compound, the flow in each stage of the screw has been computed. The evolutions of the pressure and the temperature all along the screw, as well as the filling length of the second stage are then obtained. The theoretical results are in good agreement with the experimental measurements.
Simulation of Balancing Multi-Cavity Molds
Authors: Ghoneim H.
Published: April 2022

A finite element program is developed for simulating the non-isothermal flow of non-Newtonian liquids in a multi-cavity mold with convergent runners and gates of any arbitrary cross-sectional shape. The program is used to investigate the problem of balancing multi-cavity molds. Results of simulating an actual mold filling show that balancing can be achieved by using a straight runner together with convergent gates having successively increasing angles of convergence. In addition, a strategy for approximating those angles of convergence is suggested.
Late Roman emperorship in Constantinople: embodiment and ‘unbodiment’ of Christian virtues
Authors: Destephen Sylvain
Published: April 2022

The question of the documentary value of the last statues of Late Antiquity has been much debated in many recent publications. This article contributes to this debate and addresses emperors’ statuary and its relation to the development of a Christian theology of the Late Roman emperorship. Traditionally, statues demonstrated the military, legal and economic power of Roman emperors, who were depicted as generals, judges or benefactors. Surprisingly, the Christianisation of imperial power seems to have had a limited influence upon the official iconography of emperors. The religious dimension rarely appeared on statues even though they became rarer in Late Antiquity. Whilst literary sources, especially Christian sources, increasingly mentioned emperors’ personal piety and demonstrative humility, particularly in the monumental context of Constantinople, imperial statues remained faithful to the traditional iconography of power that obliterated physical weakness and embodied autocratic power.
A list of village payments and the bouleutic career of Theodoros
Authors: Kotyl Marcin
Published: April 2022

The article discusses the bouleutic career of certain Theodoros, son of Komasios flourished in fourth-century Hermopolis. Based on an edition of a new papyrus fragment (P.Giss. inv. 307), it argues that Theodoros - before he was the riparius in 362 CE - served as the praepositus pagi. Also, a revision of CPR VIII 36,7 reveals that at a certain point in his career Theodoros was called the prototypos poleos, which is a forerunner of the later proteuon or the honorary titulature for members of the city council.
“A statue of bronze, by which times of old used to honor men of rare example”: Materials of honorific statues in Late Antiquity
Authors: Öğüş Esen
Published: April 2022

It is the purpose of this article to present the archaeological, epigraphic and literary evidence on the materials of honorific statues in Late Antiquity with a fresh outlook to delve into their cultural meaning and potential for manipulation and power display. The article questions how material choice and employment fits the conventions of state tradition and social customs, whether certain materials were deemed more prestigious and appropriate for the statues of the imperial family versus other honorands, and whether this prestige depended on the cost of the material or other visual/cultural factors. The results of the inquiry show that the choice of materials depended on a mix of factors and diverse local practices, and of all the available materials, bronze remained as the most widely-manipulated one.
Justinianus Eponymus: Überlegungen zur letzten Glanzzeit kaiserlicher Namensverleihungen an Städte
Authors: Ritter Max
Published: April 2022

The emperor Justinian’s (527-565) penchant for naming institutional bodies after himself is a well-known feature of his reign - not only to modern scholarship but already for his contemporaries. The present study takes a closer look at the cities which were conferred the name of Justinian and Theodora since it may shed light on the emperor’s vision for the empire and his relations to the cities. The study sets off with an investigation of the various contexts, incentives and initiators for the grant of Justinian’s appellation to the cities. In brief, the confer of imperial epithets concerned the relation between the emperor and his subjects, who petitioned with him for this honour and received his name as a token of benevolence. The emperor’s favour conveyed power, and those below him strove to get his attention. In passing, the study also considers the longevity of the imperial eponyms. They did not usually stick in the subsequent centuries, partly because there were far too many cities named after the couple than was handy for the central administration, but also because the eponyms lost their function in the course of time.
Islamicate alchemy in Greek letters on the first page of Marcianus graecus 299
Authors: Roberts Alexandre
Published: April 2022

The famous middle Byzantine alchemical manuscript Marcianus graecus 299 contains annotations from the late Byzantine period, most prominently in its opening quire. This article examines a text on the very first page of the manuscript, a text written in a late Byzantine Greek script, but in a language other than Greek. A number of words in this undeciphered text can be correlated with Arabic technical vocabulary that would also have been used in other Islamicate languages such as Persian and Ottoman Turkish. Certain features such as accentuation on the final syllables of words make Turkish or Persian the most likely candidates.
The silk industry around Naupaktos and its implications
Authors: Wu Gang
Published: April 2022

The silk production around Naupaktos is better documented than other examples of the silk industry in Byzantine Central Greece, especially in terms of its organisation, industrial layout and technical parameters. However, in comparison with its much better-known Theban counterpart, the Naupactian silk industry remains underexplored in current scholarship. This article focuses on synthesising the information about the industry provided by the surviving writings of John Apokaukos, the metropolitan of Naupaktos c.1200-1232. It also seeks to evaluate how the result of this investigation may complement or revise our current knowledge of the silk industry in Byzantine Central Greece.
The Real Exchange Rate Policy Trilemma in Surplus-Labor Developing Economies
Authors: Razmi Arslan
Published: April 2022

This paper discusses some of the intertemporal political economy issues that arise in the pursuit of real undervaluation to achieve more rapid development. Policy makers face a trade-off between achieving a capital stock target in a given amount of time on the one hand and boosting real wages in the short-run, on the other. This generates a trilemma whereby development-focused policy makers can choose to pursue two out of three desirables: (1) use the real exchange rate as an instrument of development policy, (2) meet the development target within a politically relevant time frame, and (3) maintain political stability. The optimal path under a policy with “unambitious” aims will resemble the typical electoral business cycle trajectory whereby policy makers maintain real overvaluation over much of the cycle. By contrast, achieving ambitious capital stock/development targets within a relatively short time requires the potentially unpopular strategy of choosing a highly undervalued real exchange rate at the beginning of the planning horizon and gradually increasing the degree of undervaluation thereafter as wages rise. Relevant structural differences between countries imply different initial levels of real undervaluation, distinct optimal trajectories over time, and hence, varying degrees of trade-offs.