bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
PROTECTION OF PLUM FROM APHIDS IN THE REPUBLIC OF TATARSTAN
Authors: Osipov Gennadiy , Osipova Zoya , Kadyrova Fanyusya , Karpova Anna
Published: November 2022

The research was carried out for the purpose of a comparative assessment of the use of plums in plant protection against aphids by biological and chemical means in the conditions of the Republic of Tatarstan. The experiments were performed in 2020-2021. The objects of the study were varieties and forms of domestic plum (Prunus domestica L.): early fruit ripening - blue-eyed; medium term - Kazan; mid-late period - selective hybrid 8-4-52. The scheme of the experiment included the following options: control (without treatment), biological preparation Lepidocide, chemical insecticide Iskra M. In 2020-2021. in the control, in Sineokoy and Kazanskaya, average damage to leaves and shoots (25%) of plum aphids was noted, in the hybrid 8-4-52 - severe (31.7%). Four times treatment of trees of the Sineokaya variety with a biological preparation reduced damage by aphids, compared with the control, by 15%, Kazanskaya - by 2.5 ... 15%, hybrid 8-4-52 - by 5.8 ... 6.7%. Double spraying of Sineokaya and Kazanskaya varieties with Iskra M reduced damage by 5.8...15% compared to the control, hybrid 8-4-52 - by 5.8...6.7%. In 2020, on average for varieties, treatment of plants with Lepidocid was slightly (by 1.9%) more effective than treatment with Iskra M. In 2021, biological and chemical preparations showed the same effectiveness in protecting against aphids. The share of influence of factor A (preparations) on the damage of aphids was 40.6%, factor B (varieties) - 3.3%, interactions of factors A and B - 1.8%, factor C (years) - 0.2%, interactions factors A and C - 2.1%, interactions of factors B and C - 34.2%, interactions of factors A, B and C - 9.6%. The use of the biological preparation Lepidocide in the protection of plum plants from aphids will allow the production of biologically safe fruits of the crop in the Republic of Tatarstan.
Effects of regular yoga practice on neurological conditions and mental health
Authors: Zadrozna Karolina , Wysokińska Olga , Żyga Justyna , Małek Anna , Fabiś Mateusz , Wójcik Bartłomiej , Iwaniszyn-Zapołoch Klara
Published: November 2022

Introduction
Nowadays it is pointed out how important it is to take care of both mental and physical health. It is also undeniable that one affects the other and vice versa. That is why it is so important to nurture your body. Yoga as one of the physical activities has a proven effect on psychosomatic symptoms. Yoga is increasingly recommended mainly to relieve anxiety or stress. It brings great solace and even greater attentiveness. Lifestyle activities are increasingly considered an important component of treatment.
 
State of knowledge
Medical conditions such as dementia, Parkinson's disease, headaches, PTSD, depression are mainly treated with drugs. Yoga, as a non-pharmacological treatment, alleviates psychological conditions, as it reduces stress, anxiety, depressive symptoms, and enhances attentiveness to one's self, self-control and a different perspective on traumatic situations.
 
Conclusions
A review of the following works has shown the effects of yoga on mental health and common neurological conditions. With regular practice, it is possible to develop cognitive function, reduce the intensity and frequency of headaches. In Parkinson's disease, mindfulness exercises lead to an increase in muscle strength, a decrease in muscle tremors, and therefore improved rehabilitation. Most of the examples below mention a decrease in anxiety, stress, depressive symptoms and an increase in mindfulness, greater emotional and physical flexibility. The works cited point out that more in-depth research is needed to delve deeper into the effects of yoga on health.
Diagnosis and treatment of small intestinal bacterial overgrowth
Authors: Zadrozna Karolina , Wysokińska Olga , Małek Anna , Iwaniszyn-Zapołoch Klara , Wójcik Bartłomiej , Fabiś Mateusz , Żyga Justyna
Published: November 2022

Introduction:

The human digestive tract contains 38 trillion bacteria in the colon. Physiologically, there is much less of them in other parts of digestive tract. The concentration of bacterial colonies grows along the intestine. Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) is characterized by an increased number of bacteria in the small intestine that correlates with gastrointestinal symptoms. The main symptoms of SIBO are bdominal bloating and diarrhea. Diagnostic methods used in SIBO include measuring methane or hydrogen levels. However, the use of antibiotics is prevalent, there is still a necessity to search for the gold standard of treatment.

 

 

Objective:

The purpose of this paper is to review the current knowledge on the management of patients with proliferative small intestinal bacterial flora syndrome. Particular attention was paid to the types of diagnosis and treatment of this ailment in recent years.

 

Material and methods:

The review includes publications published in 2001- 2022. Data were collected using PubMed or az published online American College of Gastroenterology (ACG) 2020 guidelines.

 

Results:

SIBO is an incompletely understood disease. Its symptoms are nonspecific and found in many gastrointestinal disorders, and its diagnosis is not fully specified. The gold standard for diagnosis is the collection of a small bowel aspirate during endoscopic examination. Antibacterial treatment is given empirically, mainly rifaximin, while other types of treatment are not strongly established in the publications.

 

Conclusions:

The lack of standardized management and the lack of sufficient evidence for the effectiveness of current methods make SIBO a recurrent complaint. All above aspects confirm that SIBO requires a lot of research to provide better life quality for these patients.
Hypomagnesaemia – One Cause To Remember!
Authors: Viegas Ana Filipa , Moreira Lopes Andreia Ferreira , Almeida Catarina C. , Ennis Giovana , Tavares João Pedro
Published: November 2022

A 71-year-old female presented with 5 days of diarrhoea and asthenia. Past medical history of rheumatoid arthritis, arterial hypertension, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and chronic gastritis was treated with leflunomide, deflazacort, esomeprazole, carvedilol and spironolactone. At admission, the patient’s physical examination showed signs of dehydration. Lab results revealed leucocytosis, increased C-reactive protein, hypomagnesaemia, hypocalcaemia and hypokalaemia. A presumption of acute infectious diarrhoea causing hypomagnesaemia with hypocalcaemia and hypokalaemia was made. She was started on ciprofloxacin, IV hydration and electrolyte supplementation with an adequate response. However, magnesium levels fell repeatedly. After excluding other causes for hypomagnesaemia, chronic use of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) was considered a plausible cause therefore PPI was discontinued, with normalisation of magnesium levels. Hypomagnesaemia is a common disturbance, mainly caused by diarrhoea, gastrointestinal malabsorption, medications, alcoholism and volume expansion. Clinical manifestations include neuromuscular symptoms, cardiovascular manifestations, hypokalaemia and changes in calcium metabolism. PPI-related hypomagnesaemia has been described in later years particularly in chronic use cases, with a medium prevalence of 27%, but further studies remain necessary to clarify its pathophysiologic mechanism. Since PPIs are widely used, it is essential to be aware of hypomagnesaemia as a possible side effect, particularly in refractory cases and after excluding other common causes.
Impact of hidradenitis suppurativa-specific wound dressing system on patient quality of life and dressing-related pain: pilot study
Authors: Moloney Suzanne , Fitzgerald David , Roshan Davood , Gethin Georgina
Published: November 2022

Objective:

It is theorised that adhesive-free wound care developed specifically for patients with hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) can improve their quality of life (QoL). Our study aimed to investigate the impact of a novel wound care device on Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) scores, and other factors related to experienced pain, time spent changing dressings, comfort, ease of use and body image.

Method:

A 21-day, single-arm, unblinded, pilot trial was conducted to assess ease of use and the impact of effective wound care on various aspects of wound management in patients with HS. Participants were provided two trial garments and trial dressings as required, to use over a 21-day period in the home setting. A seven-item questionnaire and the DLQI questionnaire was completed on days 0, 7, 14 and 21.

Results:

All 15 participants were female, aged >18 years old and with a diagnosis of HS. Mean DLQI score at baseline (day 0) was 19.3, which was reduced to 4.53 on day 21, a significant improvement in 100% of participants (p<0.001). High levels of dressing-related pain, assessed using an 11-point Visual Analogue Scale, reduced from 5.53 at baseline to 0.8 on day 21. Other significant improvements in terms of patient comfort, time spent on changing dressings, body confidence and the dressing's ability to retain exudate were also noted.

Conclusion:

The results illustrated the improvement made to study participants' day-to-day activities and QoL when effective HS-specific wound care products were provided. Wound care is an essential component in the treatment journey of patients.
Properties of lithium aluminoborate glasses
Authors:   Alfred University, Siuzdak Weber Kathleen A. , Shelby James E.
Published: November 2022

The density, refractive index, thermal expansion coefficient, glass transformation temperature and d.c. conductivity have been determined for a number of lithium aluminoborate glasses. The glasses studied lie on lines of constant Al2O3 to Li2O concentration with values of 0 (binary lithium borate glasses), 1/2 and 1/1. The thermal expansion coefficient passes through a minimum for all three series of glasses, while the glass transformation temperature for each series passes through a maximum. This behaviour is characteristic of the borate anomaly for all three series of glasses. Replacement of B2O3 by Al2O3 in these glasses has only a slight effect on the density and refractive index. The d.c. electrical conductivity of these glasses is controlled by the Li2O concentration, with little change due to replacement of B2O3 by Al2O3.
Structural, dielectric and energy storage properties of BaO–Na2O–Nb2O5–P2O5 glass-ceramics
Authors:   Cadi Ayyad University, Ihyadn Abderrahim , Lahmar Abdelilah , Luk’yanchuk Igor , Mezzane Daoud , Bih Lahcen , Alimoussa Abdelhadi , Amjoud M’barek , El Marssi Mimoun ,   University of Picardy Jules Verne,   Southern Federal University,   Université Moulay Ismail
Published: November 2022

A series of (1−x)[(2BaO–0·5Na2O)–1P2O5] –xNb2O5 (BNPN, x=0·41, 0·43, 0·45, 0·48) glass-ceramics based on phosphate glasses have been prepared via a controlled-crystallisation route. The structure, dielectric properties, interfacial polarisation and energy storage properties were systematically investigated. The x-ray diffraction results showed the simultaneous presence of Ba2NaNb5O15 tungsten bronze structure (TTB) and the NaNbO3 perovskite. A stable dielectric constant over a temperature range from 25–200°C, low dielectric losses less than 0·03 and excellent frequency stability at room temperature were obtained. The decrease of niobium content promoted the TTB crystallisation with improvement of the high dielectric properties of the system. The optimum of the dielectric constant and recoverable energy storage density were obtained for BNP41 crystallised at 1000°C. Analyses of the complex impedance indicated that the niobium content and crystallisation temperature affect the interfacial polarisation.
Comparative studies of structural and optical properties of Nb2O5–Sb2O3–TeO2 glass and glass-ceramics
Authors:   JNTUHCEJ, Siripuram Rajesh , Satya Gopal Rao P. , Sripada Suresh ,   GRIET
Published: November 2022

A new, transparent antimony-tellurite glass and glass-ceramic systems doped with Nb2O5 have been prepared by using the conventional melt quenching method and heat treatment process, respectively. Various physical, optical and structural studies were reported through XRD, TEM, SEM, ultraviolet-visible, Raman, infrared and ESR investigations. XRD analysis of glass and glass-ceramic samples revealed their amorphous and crystalline natures, respectively. The Williamson-Hall approach was used to determine the average crystallite size of synthesised glass-ceramics and the values were found to be in the range of 23 to 85 nm. The SEM result reveals that glass-ceramics contain perspicuous and haphazardly distributed nanoclusters possessing sizes in the range of 45 to 120 nm. TEM analysis shows the size of particles in the glass-ceramics is in the range of 10 to 90 nm. The Eopt of the glass system has decreased from 2·873 to 2·606 eV, whereas in the glass-ceramic system it is observed to increase from 1·340 to 1·748 eV. Raman and infrared spectral analysis confirm the existence of various structural units such as TeO4, TeO3+1, TeO3, NbO6, NbO4, SbO3 in the glass and glass ceramic systems.The ESR spectral analysis reveals that the (Δg‖/Δg^) parameter seems to decrease from 4·444 to 2·453 in glass sytem, whereas in glass-ceramics it is observed to increase from 2·357 to 4·188. Glass transition temperature and onset crystalline temperatures are influenced by the Nb2O5 in both glass and glass-ceramic samples.
Two Republics in Conflict
Authors: Guanche Julio César
Published: November 2022

This text was originally published as a prologue for the new edition of Rafael Conte and José M. Capmany, Guerra de razas. Negros contra blancos en Cuba Leiden: Bokeh 2019, and reproduced by La Tizza on July 20, 2020: https://medium.com/la-tiza/dos-rep%C3%BAblicas-en-conflicto-un pr%C3%B3logo-a-guerra-de-razas-b3823d279988. It is printed here with permission and for the first time that we are aware of in English translation.
The Ékpè-Abakuá Continuum
Authors: Miller Ivor L.
Published: November 2022

Building on nearly three decades of research in Cameroon, Cuba and Nigeria, Miller articulates an active Diaspora heritage between West Africa’s Ékpè ‘leopard’ society for community justice and the Cuban Abakuá mutual-aid society. After describing a collective research methodology engaged with initiates of both groups, he articulates an overarching narrative of this trans-Atlantic civilization. Through an examination of the literature about them, he identifies historical biases towards these institutions that hinder a contemporary dialogue with State representatives in each location.
Optimized phase-only hologram generation for high-quality holographic display
Authors: Zuo Jianfeng , Leng Junmin , Fu Yiping
Published: November 2022

In holographic displays, the Gerchberg–Saxton (GS) method has been widely used to generate the phase-only hologram (POH). However, as the constraint strategy of the GS method cannot optimize the POH well enough, the display quality is degraded. Various methods have been proposed to solve this problem, such as introducing the dummy area, using an initial quadratic phase, and modifying the amplitude constraint strategy. This paper proposes a simple and effective iterative method to optimize POH for the high-quality reconstructed image, which is a combination of the above three methods. In the proposed method, the target image is padded with zeros, and the padded image is divided into the target and non-target region. The initial phase in the target region is reset to the quadratic phase, and the optimized parameters

α

and

β

are introduced to modify the amplitude constraint strategy. In the iterative process, this strategy is applied to the target region. Numerical and optical experiments were conducted to verify the effectiveness of the proposed method. The results show that the speckle noise is effectively suppressed, and the quality of the reconstructed image is improved.
Accommodation through simulated multifocal optics
Authors: Vedhakrishnan Shrilekha , de Castro Alberto , Vinas Maria , Aissati Sara , Marcos Susana
Published: November 2022

We evaluated the interaction of multifocal patterns with eye’s accommodation. Seven patterns were mapped on the spatial light modulator and the deformable mirror of an adaptive optics visual simulator, and projected onto the subjects’ eyes, representing different contact lens designs: NoLens, Bifocal Center Distance (+2.50D), Bifocal Center Near (+2.50D) and Multifocal Center Near-MediumAdd (+1.75D) and Center Near HighAdd (+2.50D), positive and negative spherical aberration (±1µm). The change in spherical aberration and the accommodative response to accommodative demands were obtained from Hartmann-Shack measurements. Positive spherical aberration and Center Distance designs are consistent with a higher accommodative response (p=0.001 & p=0.003): steeper shift of SA towards negative values and lower accommodative lag.
Protein conformation characterization via a silicon resonator-based optical sensor based on the combination of wavelength interrogation and dual polarization detection
Authors: Chen Chen , Wang Kaifei , Hou Xun
Published: November 2022

Protein conformational abnormality causes cell malfunction. Conformational change of amyloid protein causes neuron malfunction, which renders “protein conformational disease” Alzheimer’s disease. Dual polarization interferometry enables to provide one-dimensional structure of a protein biolayer via deconvolution of interference patterns, which in turn is interpreted as the protein molecule conformation. However, it is still challenging to avoid interference patterns becoming faint and obscure sometimes. Resonance wavelength response to the biolayer structure can achieve a very low detection limit due to inherent high Q factor of an optical resonator. Here, we introduce the concept of combining dual polarization detection with wavelength interrogation via a simple and compact resonator-based optical biosensor. Biolayer were probed by the wave of dual polarization and its opto-geometrical parameters were resolved into resonance wavelength shift. Because protein molecule with distinct conformation produced a biolayer with unique thickness and mass density. Amyloid proteins in monomeric and dimeric morphology were respectively characterized. This concept enables protein conformation characterization in an easy and direct paradigm and provides a desirable sensing performance due to sensitive resonance response in the form of the sharp resonance profile occurring in a nonoverlapping spectrum.
Perceptions and priorities for the development of multiplex rapid diagnostic tests for acute non-malarial fever in rural South and Southeast Asia: An international modified e-Delphi survey
Authors: Chew Rusheng , Lohavittayavikant Salisa , Mayer Matthew , Day Nicholas Philip John , Lubell Yoel
Published: November 2022

Background

Fever is a common presenting symptom in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). It was previously assumed that malaria was the cause in such patients, but its incidence has declined rapidly. The urgent need to develop point-of-care tests for the most important causes of non-malarial acute febrile illness is hampered by the lack of robust epidemiological data. We sought to obtain expert consensus on analytes which should be prioritized for inclusion in fingerprick blood-based multiplex lateral flow rapid diagnostic tests (LF-RDTs) targeted towards four categories of patients with acute non-malarial fever in South and Southeast Asian LMICs, stratified by age (paediatric vs. adult) and care setting (primary vs. secondary care).

Methodology/Principal findings

We conducted a two-round modified e-Delphi survey. A total of 84 panellists were invited, consisting of seven each from 12 countries, divided into three regional panels (Mainland Southeast Asia, Maritime Southeast Asia, and South Asia). Panellists were asked to rank their top seven analytes for inclusion in LF-RDTs to be used in each patient category, justify their choices, and indicate whether such LF-RDTs should be incorporated into algorithm-based clinical decision support tools. Thirty-six panellists (43%) participated in the first round and 44 (52%) in the second. There was consensus that such LF-RDTs should be incorporated into clinical decision support tools. At a minimum, these LF-RDTs should be able to diagnose dengue and enteric fever in all patient categories. There was a clear preference to develop LF-RDTs for pathogens not readily detected by existing technologies, and for direct diagnosis through antigen detection. Pathogen biomarkers were prioritized over host inflammatory biomarkers, with CRP being the only one ranked consistently highly.

Conclusions/Significance

Our results provide guidance on prioritizing analytes for inclusion in context-specific multiplex LF-RDTs and similar platforms for non-malarial acute febrile illness, for which there is an urgent unmet need.
Influence of public hesitancy and receptivity on reactive behaviours towards releases of male Wolbachia-Aedes mosquitoes for dengue control
Authors: Lwin May O. , Ong Zoe , Panchapakesan Chitra , Sheldenkar Anita , Soh Li Ting , Chen Irene , Li Xiaoxi , Niah Weixin , Vasquez Kathryn , Sim Shuzhen , Ng Lee-Ching
Published: November 2022

Singapore, a highly urbanized Asian tropical country that experiences periodic dengue outbreaks, is piloting field releases of male Wolbachia-carrying Aedes aegypti mosquitoes with the aim of suppressing urban populations of the primary dengue vector Aedes aegypti. This study proposes and assesses a model to explain the roles of hesitancy and receptivity towards Project Wolbachia–Singapore in influencing reactive mosquito prevention behaviors (reactive behaviors) towards the release of Wolbachia-Aedes mosquitoes for residents living in the release sites. Interestingly, both hesitancy and receptivity predicted greater instances of reactive behaviors. The model also examines the roles of general knowledge about Wolbachia technology, perceived severity of mosquito bites, perceived density of mosquitoes, and social responsibility as predictors of hesitancy, receptivity, and reactive behaviors towards the release of Wolbachia-Aedes mosquitoes. Hesitancy towards the project mediated the effects of general knowledge, perceived severity of mosquito bites, and perceived density of mosquitoes on reactive behaviors towards the releases, although receptivity towards the project did not. Having less knowledge about Project Wolbachia–Singapore was associated with higher hesitancy towards the project and higher likelihood of performing reactive behaviors towards the releases. Individuals who perceive mosquito bites to be more severe and think that there are more mosquitoes in their living environments were also more likely to be hesitant about the project and practice reactive behaviors. However, both hesitancy and receptivity towards the project mediated the effect of social responsibility on reactive behaviors. Receptivity towards the project was driven by social responsibility, which was also associated with reduced hesitancy towards the project. Our findings suggest that, to address the hesitancy reported by a minority of participants, future outreach efforts should focus on strengthening the public’s sense of social responsibility and on tailored education campaigns targeting groups with low levels of knowledge of the project.
Advancing community-engaged research during the COVID-19 pandemic: Insights from a social network analysis of the trans-LINK Network
Authors: Du Mont Janice , Lebel Nicholas , Coelho Madelaine , Friedman Burley Joseph , Kosa Sarah Daisy , Macdonald Sheila
Published: November 2022

Collaboration across sectors is critical to address complex health problems, particularly during the current COVID-19 pandemic. We examined the ability to collaborate during the pandemic as part of a baseline evaluation of an intersectoral network of healthcare and community organizations established to improve the collective response to transgender (trans) persons who have been sexually assaulted (the trans-LINK Network). A validated social network analysis survey was sent to 119 member organizations in Ontario, Canada. Survey respondents were asked, ‘Has COVID-19 negatively affected your organization’s ability to collaborate with other organizations on the support of trans survivors of sexual assault?’ and ‘How has COVID-19 negatively affected your organization’s ability to collaborate within the trans-LINK Network?’. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Seventy-eight member organizations participated in the survey (response rate = 66%). Most organizations (79%) indicated that the pandemic had affected their ability to collaborate with others in the network, citing most commonly, increased workload (77%), increased demand for services (57%), and technical and digital challenges (50%). Survey findings were shared in a stakeholder consultation with 22 representatives of 21 network member organizations. Stakeholders provided suggestions to prevent and address the challenges, barriers, and disruptions in serving trans survivors experienced during the pandemic, which were organized into themes. Seven themes were generated and used as a scaffold for the development of recommendations to advance the network, including: increase communication and knowledge exchange among member organizations through the establishment of a network discussion forum and capacity building group workshops; enhance awareness of network organizations by developing a member-facing directory of member services, their contributions, and ability to provide specific supports; strengthen capacity to provide virtual and in-person services and programs through enhanced IT support and increased opportunities for knowledge sharing and skill development; and adopt a network wide syndemic approach that addresses co-occurring epidemics (COVID-19 + racism, housing insecurity, transphobia, xenophobia) that impact trans survivors of sexual assault.
Full-waveform inversion based on generalized Rényi entropy using patched Green’s function techniques
Authors: Barbosa Wagner A. , da Silva Sérgio Luiz E. F. , de la Barra Erick , de Araújo João M.
Published: November 2022

The estimation of physical parameters from data analyses is a crucial process for the description and modeling of many complex systems. Based on Rényi α-Gaussian distribution and patched Green’s function (PGF) techniques, we propose a robust framework for data inversion using a wave-equation based methodology named full-waveform inversion (FWI). From the assumption that the residual seismic data (the difference between the modeled and observed data) obeys the Rényi α-Gaussian probability distribution, we introduce an outlier-resistant criterion to deal with erratic measures in the FWI context, in which the classical FWI based on l2-norm is a particular case. The new misfit function arises from the probabilistic maximum-likelihood method associated with the α-Gaussian distribution. The PGF technique works on the forward modeling process by dividing the computational domain into outside target area and target area, where the wave equation is solved only once on the outside target (before FWI). During the FWI processing, Green’s functions related only to the target area are computed instead of the entire computational domain, saving computational efforts. We show the effectiveness of our proposed approach by considering two distinct realistic P-wave velocity models, in which the first one is inspired in the Kwanza Basin in Angola and the second in a region of great economic interest in the Brazilian pre-salt field. We call our proposal by the abbreviation α-PGF-FWI. The results reveal that the α-PGF-FWI is robust against additive Gaussian noise and non-Gaussian noise with outliers in the limit α → 2/3, being α the Rényi entropic index.
Vitamin D deficiency in low-birth-weight infants in Uganda; a cross sectional study
Authors: Chebet Martin , Piloya Thereza , Ameda Faith , Mukunya David , Kiguli Sarah
Published: November 2022

Background

Vitamin D deficiency affects 7–86% of infants globally and results in recurrent infections, impaired growth and nutritional rickets. Low-birth-weight infants in Uganda are at risk of vitamin D deficiency due to limited sunlight exposure and dependence on breastmilk. We aimed to determine the prevalence and factors associated with vitamin D deficiency among low-birth-weight infants aged 6 weeks to 6 months at Mulago national referral hospital in Uganda.

Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional study at Mulago Hospital between September 2016 and March 2017. We enrolled infants born with low birth weight between six weeks and six months whose mothers were available and willing to provide informed consent. Upon obtaining informed consent, we administered a structured questionnaire and performed a physical examination on the participants. Blood was drawn for calcium, phosphorus and vitamin D estimation. We measured serum 25 hydroxy vitamin D (25(OH)D) using the electrochemiluminescence method. Vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency were defined as (25(OH)D) < 20ng/ml and from 20ng/ml to <30 ng/ml respectively. To determine factors associated with vitamin D deficiency, we fit multivariable logistic regression models with exposure factors determined a priori. Data were analysed using Stata version 14.

Results

We enrolled 297 participants, 49.2% (167/297) of whom were males. The median infant age was nine weeks (interquartile range 7–13). All infants had less than one hour of sunlight exposure and over 90.6% (269/297) had received multivitamin supplements containing vitamin D. The prevalence of vitamin D deficiency was 12.1% (36/297): 95% CI (8.9%-16.4%). The prevalence of vitamin D insufficiency was 19.9% (59/297): 95% CI (15.7%-24.8%). Boys had higher odds of vitamin D deficiency compared to girls [adjusted odds ratio 2.8: 95% CI 1.3–6.1].

Conclusion

Vitamin D deficiency was 12.1% among low-birth-weight infants in Uganda although almost all of them had received multivitamin supplements containing vitamin D. We recommend that more studies are done in low-birth-weight infants to assess the risk factors for vitamin D in these population in Uganda.
Impact of the COVID-19 lockdown on lifestyle behaviors and their association with personality among adults in Qatar: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Al-Abdi Tamara , Heraclides Alexandros , Papageorgiou Alexia , Philippou Elena
Published: November 2022

The coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19) resulted in lockdowns and social distancing measures enforced by governments around the world. This study aimed to identify changes in adherence to the Mediterranean diet (MD) and physical activity (PA) and associations with personality during lockdown. Using a cross-sectional design, a convenient sample of 543 adults in Qatar completed an online questionnaire consisting of validated tools to measure adherence to MD (MEDAS questionnaire, score ranges 0–13), PA (IPAQ, assessing light, moderate high intensity PA) and personality (BFI-10, categorizing individuals’ personalities). The majority of the participants were female (89%), aged between 21 and 29 years (45%). The overall MD adherence decreased during lockdown (5.9 vs. 6.1, p < 0.001). There was an increase in olive oil (9% vs. 12%; p < 0.001), vegetables (54.3% vs. 58.7%; p = 0.005), legumes (11.8% vs. 15.3%; p = 0.007), sofrito (70.9% vs. 77.3%; p < 0.001) and fat (45.9% vs. 53.8%; p < 0.001) consumption and a decrease in fresh fruit (39.4% vs. 15.8%; p < 0.001) and fish/seafood (5.9% vs. 3.9%; p = 0.0035) consumption during lockdown. Met-min/week values of total PA (1330.5 vs. 1836.7), vigorous activity (711.5 vs. 867.4), moderate activity (208.3 vs. 301.3), and walking (410.7 vs. 668.0) all decreased during lockdown (p < 0.001, p = 0.010, p = 0.010 p < 0.001, respectively), while sitting increased (3837.3 vs. 2896.4 p < 0.001). The extraversion personality dimension had a higher MD adherence (p = 0.039) compared to agreeableness before lockdown. No changes in MEDAS scores were observed during lockdown in those with high levels of openness. Openness was positively associated with all PA (p = 0.027), including walking (p = 0.026), and negatively associated with sitting (p = 0.038) before lockdown, while participants with high scores for neuroticism were less likely to be sitting during lockdown (p = 0.042). The findings can be used to guide the development of appropriate personality-tailored lifestyle interventions.
Genealogical analysis of European bison population revealed a growing up population despite very low genetic diversity
Authors: Machová Karolína , Štruncová Pavla , Calta Jan , Tichý Ladislav , Vostrý Luboš
Published: November 2022

In 1919, the European bison population became extinct in the wild. The rescue of the lowland subspecies and the whole species was achieved mainly thanks to individuals from the Białowieża Forest (Polish-Belarusian border). There are currently two breeding lines—the lowland (purebred B. b. Bonasus) founded by 7 individuals and the lowland-Caucasian (hybrids of B. b. Bonasus and B. b. caucasicus) founded by 12 individuals. This genealogical study was conducted on 15,071 individuals recorded in the pedigree book between 1881 and 2020. Its objective was to determine the level of genetic variability and inbreeding almost 100 years after the rescue measures were initiated. The completeness of the pedigree of the reference population was 77% in the fifth generation backwards. A maximum of 23 generations can be traced back in the pedigree. The average inbreeding coefficient and the mean average relatedness of the reference population were very high, about 17% and 16% respectively. No significant amount of new inbreeding was discovered. The reference population has lost 9.11% of the total genetic diversity compared to the population of founders. A male of the Caucasian subspecies Kaukasus was discovered among the ancestors of the lowland lineage reference population. The effective population size calculated based on the increase in inbreeding was 23.93 individuals, based on complete generations equivalent it was 16.1 individuals. Wright’s F-statistics showed very small differences in genotypic frequencies between individuals within the two lineages in the reference population (FIS = 0.10), between individuals and the total population (FIT = 0.04) and low differentiation between lineages (FST = 0.06). The population of the European bison from the Białowieża Forest is generally very uniform but still shows good fitness.
Observations of genetic differentiation between the fall armyworm host strains
Authors: Nagoshi Rodney N.
Published: November 2022

The threat of invasive species is increasing with the expansion of global trade and habitat disruption. A recent example is the establishment of fall armyworm (FAW), a noctuid moth native to the Americas, into most of the Eastern Hemisphere with projections of significant economic losses on a global scale. The species has traditionally been subdivided into two populations that differ in their propensity to use different plant hosts, a phenotype with clear relevance for identifying crops at risk. However, inconsistencies in the genetic and phenotypic descriptions of these “host strains” has led to controversy about their composition and even existence. In this study, the locus for the Triosephosphate isomerase gene (Tpi) is used both as a host strain marker and for phylogenetic analysis. Association of the host choice phenotype with the Tpi-derived phylogenetic tree uncovered genetic differentiation between populations that supports the existence of the host strains and provided evidence that they are subject to different selection pressures. This correspondence of differential host use with Tpi was demonstrated for populations from a broad geographical range and supports the involvement of one or more Z-chromosome functions controlling the phenotype. Comparisons of collections from multiple locations identified significant differences in the efficacy of different molecular markers that implicate regional variations in host strain behavior.
Social, psychological and health characteristics associated with stability and change in adult alcohol consumption
Authors: Michelsen Martin Ekholm , Grønkjær Marie , Mortensen Erik Lykke , Wimmelmann Cathrine Lawaetz
Published: November 2022

Background

Many studies analyzing health effects of alcohol consumption have operationalized alcohol intake from a single baseline measure without further follow-up. Consequently, there is a lack of knowledge about stability and change in alcohol consumption over the life course and the social, psychological, lifestyle, and health characteristics associated with different alcohol consumption trajectories.

Objectives

The aims of the study were to describe the prevalence of different adult-life alcohol consumption trajectories among Danish men and to analyze social, psychological, lifestyle and health characteristics associated with these trajectories.

Methods

For 2510 Danish men, retrospective decade-based information on alcohol consumption during life period 26–60 years was obtained in late midlife and information on individual characteristics was obtained in young adulthood, late midlife and from national hospital registries. The men were allocated to one of six a priori defined alcohol consumption trajectories.

Results

About 65% of Danish men had a stable moderate consumption, drinking 1–21 units weekly while the five other consumption trajectories were comparatively rare: 3% stable abstainers, 4.7% stable high-risk drinkers, 10.9% with increasing and 12.7% with decreasing consumption. Moderate consumption over the adult life-course was associated with the most favorable social, psychological, lifestyle and health characteristics while the other trajectories were generally associated with less favorable characteristics to varying degrees–e. g. this was the case for the stable abstaining trajectory and in particular the trajectory with decreasing consumption.

Conclusion

The findings suggest that the majority of Danish men drink moderately in the life period from young adulthood to late midlife, and deviance from this ‘normal’ moderate consumption trajectory is associated with less favorable social, psychological, lifestyle and health characteristics. Some of these characteristics may influence alcohol consumption patterns, but for some of the trajectories, alcohol consumption may influence health as well as social and psychological functioning.
Validation of the PICC length prediction formula based on anteroposterior chest radiographs for bedside ultrasound-guided placement
Authors: Cho Youngjong , Lee Sangjoon , Park Sung-Joon , Lee Hyoung Nam , Chung Hwan Hoon
Published: November 2022

This study aimed to validate the accuracy of the peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) length prediction formula using only anteroposterior chest radiographs (AP-CXR) and the technical feasibility of bedside ultrasound-guided PICC placement. This study included 156 Asian adult patients who underwent bedside PICC placement at three hospitals from September 2021 to March 2022. The shortest straight-line distance from the cubital crease to the puncture point (CP) was measured first. Using the formula of a previous study, the CP + estimated PICC length (eCL) was calculated with the parameters measured on AP-CXR. The formula was as follows: 19.409 + 0.424 × (MHTD, maximal horizontal thoracic diameter) + 0.287 × (CL, clavicle length) + 0.203 × (DTV, distance of thoracic vertebrae) + (2VBUs, two vertebral body units below the carina inferior border) (if from the left, 3.063cm was added; if female, 0.997cm was subtracted). Catheters were pretrimmed according to calculated eCL prior to the procedure. Technical success was evaluated, and the validation success of catheter length prediction was classified according to the catheter tip position as follows: optimal position or suboptimal position. Technical success was achieved in 153 cases (98.1%). Evaluation of validation success revealed that the position was “optimal” in 108 cases (70.6%) and “suboptimal” in 45 cases (29.4%). There was no validation failure. There was no case where the catheter was inserted too deep as to wedge into the right atrial wall. In conclusion, the PICC could be positioned accurately using the formula based on only AP-CXR. Furthermore, this bedside procedure was technically feasible.
Film Review - Hostel (2005)
Authors: Palmer Lakkaya
Published: November 2022

A film review of Eli Roth's Hostel (2005).
Las cifras del último exilio argentino: usos políticos, judiciales y memoriales desde la contemporaneidad dictatorial al presente
Authors: Jensen Silvina
Published: November 2022

Este trabajo historiza las disputas por las cifras del exilio de la última dictadura militar, identificando diferentes escenarios políticos, judiciales y memoriales entre 1976 y la actualidad. Escenarios que permiten reconocer tanto una variedad de narrativas en pugna acerca de las causas y motivaciones de la expatriación de ciudadanos y habitantes de la Argentina de los años setenta, como una pluralidad de usos de la magnitud de ese peculiar drenaje poblacional por parte de los gobiernos argentinos y los poderes del estado, las organizaciones internacionales y locales humanitarias, o los medios de comunicación. El trabajo plantea que la pregunta por el cuántos nacionales y extranjeros salieron del país como consecuencia de la violencia estatal ilumina algunos debates centrales no sólo de la historiografía del pasado reciente (el “terrorismo de estado”, la “fuga de cerebros”), sino de la de los dos últimos siglos (el relato canónico de la Argentina “país de inmigración”).
Estudios sobre las actitudes lingüísticas en el contexto colombiano: una revisión
Authors: Mahecha Ovalle Andrés
Published: November 2022

Las investigaciones sobre las valoraciones lingüísticas de los diversos hechos lingüísticos han aumentado en las últimas décadas en el escenario colombiano. Estas recogen las percepciones, evaluaciones, creencias y valoraciones de los usuarios frente a las variedades y situaciones lingüísticas concretas de las comunidades de habla en el territorio nacional. Este estudio revisa, de manera sistemática y descriptiva, las publicaciones relacionadas con las actitudes lingüísticas adelantadas en Colombia desde 1999 hasta 2021. La revisión describe las temáticas de investigación, los enfoques metodológicos y los principales hallazgos de cada estudio. En las investigaciones se emplea mayoritariamente un enfoque cualitativo, y son pocos los estudios con un enfoque mixto o cuantitativo. La obtención de datos se adelanta a través de la escala de Likert, el cuestionario y las entrevistas semiestructura y estructurada. En el caso de las variables extralingüísticas, priman el lugar de procedencia, la edad, el nivel educativo y el sexo o género. Se concluye que la variedad bogotana obtiene una valoración positiva y se toma como referencia normativa. Los trabajos investigativos sobre las actitudes lingüísticas se centran en las diversas variedades dialectales, en especial los dialectos propios de los superdialectos andino y costeño. En cambio, son pocos los trabajos en los dialectos llanero y amazónico. También se encuentran deficiencias en la investigación sobre la percepción de los hablantes nativos y no nativos ante las lenguas indígenas, las criollas y la lengua de señas colombiana.
Nilai-Nilai Pancasila Sebagai Pedoman Dalam Menepis Kejahatan Terorisme
Authors: Anggraeni Novita , Pradita Rachel Cantika Redias , Giyantari Risma Wahyu , Fitriono Riska Andi
Published: November 2022

Terrorism is one of the serious threats to the sovereignty of every country because it has posed a danger to the security of world peace and harmed the welfare of the people. This article intends to study the values of Pancasila as a guide in dismissing the crime of terrorism in Indonesia and formulate its application in people's lives. The research method used in writing this article is to use a literature study approach, namely journals, books, and a number of related articles. This paper aims to find out the factors that cause terrorism, the role of Pancasila in overcoming cases of terrorism in Indonesia, and how to prevent the influence of terrorism crime.
Synthesis, Characterization of Ag2s from AgCl Waste of Argentometry Titration with Heating Temperature Variations and Its Application as a Temperature Sensor Based on Negative Temperature Coefficient (NTC)
Authors: Gunawan Gunawan , Megawati Sarahtrinita Glikeria Like , Prasetya Nor Basid Adiwibawa , Wijaya Roni Adi
Published: November 2022

Synthesis of Ag2S from AgCl waste of argentometric titration with heating temperature variations as a temperature sensor has been done. This study aims to synthesize Ag2S and examine the effect of heating temperature on crystal quality and electrical characteristics as a temperature sensor based on the Negative Temperature Coefficient (NTC). Ag2S synthesis was carried out by precipitation in a water bath with various heating temperatures of 40°C, 60°C, and 80°C. The success of the synthesis was confirmed by X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) with a typical peak of 2θ from Ag2S standard at 29.07°, 31.60°, 36.97°, 37.81°, and the highest crystallinity was obtained at a heating temperature of 60°C. Meanwhile, UV-Vis Diffuse Reflectance Spectroscopy (DRS UV-Vis) showed a band gap corresponding to Ag2S (0.9-1.05 eV). Furthermore, the Ag2S powder was made into pellets and applied as a temperature sensor. Then the resistance value and the electrical characteristics of the resulting sensor were measured. The best resistance was obtained from Ag2S synthesized at a temperature of 60°C with constant (B) and sensitivity (α) values of 2974 K and −3.35%, respectively. This indicated that Ag2S had been successfully synthesized, and the best sensor quality was obtained from Ag2S heated at a temperature of 60°C.
Judenfeindschaft und Gefühl: Emotionsreflexion als notwendige methodische Ergänzung antisemitismuskritischer Bildung
Authors: Meier Moritz Y.
Published: November 2022

Antisemitism today is omnipresent, yet mostly misunderstood, underestimated and trivialized. In schools as well, antisemitic acts are becoming increasingly aggressive and expressible. To combat and prevent Jew-hatred has been the ongoing commitment of antisemitism-critical education. Nevertheless, a (critical) theory-driven insight into the functionality of antisemitism raises why the current educational practice that can be stated as merely imparting knowledge and facts is not sufficient but, urgently, must be supplemented by a self-related and emotion-reflective approach developed in this paper in order to be able to achieve more sustainable success on the educational level. The need to deeper reflect on emotions and the subconsciousness as major roots of antisemitism leads the author to the proposal of specific dialogical-introspective methods, which will be critically contextualized in the end.
Der Mythos vom »Import«. Islamische Codes und europäische Ideologie im muslimischen Antisemitismus
Authors: Henning Philipp
Published: November 2022

Today’s anti-Semitism in European societies is often said to have been imported on a large scale by Muslim immigrants. It needs to be revealed that this is a historically abbreviated representation useful for particular political purposes – especially from the right. The influence of medieval European-Christian anti-Judaism and modern anti-Semitism on the Muslim world has a centuries-old history and is usually disregarded in the debate. Nevertheless, there are clear anti-Jewish terms and conventions in Islamic tradition. However, some of these codes are not immediately recognizable as anti-Jewish to a European audience. They are still widely used in today’s politics and popular culture of Muslim societies both in the Middle East and the West. The article aims to provide orientation on the genesis and development of this cultural exchange of hate and refute one-sided accusations.