bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Vitamin D related genetic polymorphisms affect serological response to high-dose vitamin D supplementation in multiple sclerosis
Authors: Mimpen Max , Rolf Linda , Poelmans Geert , van den Ouweland Jody , Hupperts Raymond , Damoiseaux Jan , Smolders Joost
Published: December 2021

Introduction

A poor 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) status is a much replicated risk factor for developing multiple sclerosis (MS), and several vitamin D-associated single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) have been associated with a higher risk of MS. However, studies on the benefit of vitamin D supplementation in MS show inconclusive results. Here, we explore whether vitamin D-associated SNPs and MS risk alleles confound serological response to vitamin D supplementation.

Methods

34 participants from the SOLARIUM study consented to genotyping, of which 26 had vitamin D data available. The SOLARIUM study randomised relapsing-remitting MS patients to placebo or 14,000 IU vitamin D3for 48 weeks. Participants were categorised as either ‘carriers’ or ‘non-carriers’ of the risk allele for 4 SNPs: two related to D binding protein (DBP) and associated with lower 25(OH)D levels (rs4588 and rs7041), and two related to vitamin D metabolism enzymes CYP27B1 and CYP24A1 and associated with a higher risk of MS (rs12368653; rs2248359, respectively). 25(OH)D levels were determined at baseline and after 48 weeks.

Results

The DBP-related SNPs showed no difference in 25(OH)D status at baseline, but carriers of the rs7041 risk allele showed lower 25(OH)D-levels compared to non-carriers after 48 weeks of supplementation (median 224.2 vs. 332.0 nmol/L, p = 0.013). For CYP related SNPs, neither showed a difference at baseline, but carriers of the rs12368653 risk allele showed higher 25(OH)D-levels compared to non-carriers after 48 weeks of supplementation (median 304.1 vs. 152.0 nmol/L, p = 0.014).

Discussion

Vitamin D-related SNPs affect the serological response to high-dose vitamin D supplementation. The effects on more common doses of vitamin D, as well as the clinical consequence of this altered response, need to be investigated further.
Reduced neutralisation of the Delta (B.1.617.2) SARS-CoV-2 variant of concern following vaccination
Authors: Davis Chris , Logan Nicola , Tyson Grace , Orton Richard , Harvey William T. , Perkins Jonathan S. , Mollett Guy , Blacow Rachel M. ,   The COVID-19 Genomics UK (COG-UK) Consortium, Peacock Thomas P. , Barclay Wendy S. , Cherepanov Peter , Palmarini Massimo , Murcia Pablo R. , Patel Arvind H. , Robertson David L. , Haughney John , Thomson Emma C. , Willett Brian J. ,   on behalf of the COVID-19 DeplOyed VaccinE (DOVE) Cohort Study investigators
Published: December 2021

Vaccines are proving to be highly effective in controlling hospitalisation and deaths associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection but the emergence of viral variants with novel antigenic profiles threatens to diminish their efficacy. Assessment of the ability of sera from vaccine recipients to neutralise SARS-CoV-2 variants will inform the success of strategies for minimising COVID19 cases and the design of effective antigenic formulations. Here, we examine the sensitivity of variants of concern (VOCs) representative of the B.1.617.1 and B.1.617.2 (first associated with infections in India) and B.1.351 (first associated with infection in South Africa) lineages of SARS-CoV-2 to neutralisation by sera from individuals vaccinated with the BNT162b2 (Pfizer/BioNTech) and ChAdOx1 (Oxford/AstraZeneca) vaccines. Across all vaccinated individuals, the spike glycoproteins from B.1.617.1 and B.1.617.2 conferred reductions in neutralisation of 4.31 and 5.11-fold respectively. The reduction seen with the B.1.617.2 lineage approached that conferred by the glycoprotein from B.1.351 (South African) variant (6.29-fold reduction) that is known to be associated with reduced vaccine efficacy. Neutralising antibody titres elicited by vaccination with two doses of BNT162b2 were significantly higher than those elicited by vaccination with two doses of ChAdOx1. Fold decreases in the magnitude of neutralisation titre following two doses of BNT162b2, conferred reductions in titre of 7.77, 11.30 and 9.56-fold respectively to B.1.617.1, B.1.617.2 and B.1.351 pseudoviruses, the reduction in neutralisation of the delta variant B.1.617.2 surpassing that of B.1.351. Fold changes in those vaccinated with two doses of ChAdOx1 were 0.69, 4.01 and 1.48 respectively. The accumulation of mutations in these VOCs, and others, demonstrate the quantifiable risk of antigenic drift and subsequent reduction in vaccine efficacy. Accordingly, booster vaccines based on updated variants are likely to be required over time to prevent productive infection. This study also suggests that two dose regimes of vaccine are required for maximal BNT162b2 and ChAdOx1-induced immunity.
Theorizing ethical questioning for applied theatre practice
Authors: Afolabi Taiwo
Published: December 2021

This article examines ethical questioning as an inquiry process germane to making ethical choices in applied theatre research. Focusing on reflexivity through reflection before, in and on action, I consider ethical questioning as a framework to amplify resistance, promote participation and strengthen decolonization in the research process. I situate ethical questioning within critical pedagogy for applied theatre practice and construct an ethical questioning framework that rests on both individualism and collective processes. I conclude by briefly examining some processes in my doctoral research and reflecting on the implications of ethical questioning on applied theatre and the call to turn from a morality debate about ethics to a political act rooted in the awareness of oneself in relation to the other.
Process drama in Chinese education: Possibilities and challenges in governmental policy papers and the curriculum of moral education
Authors: Zheng Sisi
Published: December 2021

The article explores the potential of applying process drama in moral education in Chinese schools. By conducting a thematic review of the current national curriculum and policy documents from both historical and contemporary perspectives, the interconnection between the role of art and moral cultivation in China is discussed. Through an analysis of the national curriculum, the article suggests that applying process drama in school education can contribute to learning in the curriculum areas of both aesthetic and moral education. However, the existing commingling of concepts and definitions influences the actual drama practices in China. Consequently, a discussion of terminology is brought in, as well as an argument for the need to include drama as a discrete subject in schools, in addition to its function as a method for educational purposes. A process drama sample from the author’s drama praxis is included. The overall aim of the article is to contribute to an extended understanding of educational drama and theatre in a Chinese context and to gain new insights into possibilities and challenges for the future implementation of drama in education in China.
Geliat Desa Membangun Inovasi Kopi Subang: Status Quo
Authors:   Indonesian Institute Of Sciences, Saparita Rachmini , Soesanto Qinan Maulana Binu ,   Indonesian Institute Of Sciences, Apriliyadi Eki Karsani ,   Indonesian Institute Of Sciences, Wijayanti Febtri ,   Indonesian Institute Of Sciences, Margono Tri ,   Indonesian Institute Of Sciences, Dyah Savitri ,   Indonesian Institute Of Sciences, Carolina Carolina ,   Indonesian Institute Of Sciences
Published: December 2021

Usaha kopi di Desa Cupunagara sedang dikembangkan oleh Pemerintah Daerah Kabupaten Subang. Telah banyak intervensi dari pemerintah daerah maupun pemerintah pusat untuk meningkatkan daya saing melalui perluasan pasar. Namun baru satu kopi yang dapat menembus pasar ekspor. Ada faktor-faktor yang menjadi pembeda antar UKM kopi dilihat dari rantai nilai inovasi, baik dalam penentuan ide inovasi, proses konversi ide dan penyebaran ide. Bagaimana mendorong peningkatan inovasi iptek pada usaha kopi di Subang? Apa yang dapat dilakukan Pemerintah daerah dalam mendorong dan pengembangkan usaha kopi yang berdayasaing?
Role of Fusarium species in mycotoxin contamination of maize
Authors: Szabó Balázs , Varga Mónika , György Andrea , Mesterházy Ákos , Tóth Beáta
Published: December 2021

Mycotoxin contamination of maize and other cereals is a globally important risk for human and animal health. The most frequently detected mycotoxins in maize are trichothecenes, zearalenone and fumonisins, which are causative agents for various diseases in domestic animals and they are a threat to humans either directly or indirectly. The main producers of these mycotoxins, Fusarium species are considered the most important pathogens in the temperate climate zone of maize. Between 2011 and 2014 numerous incidence of Fusarium species and mycotoxins were assessed from Hungarian maize samples after harvest. Samples were collected from 8-10 maize growing areas of Hungary from hybrids with various resistant levels. The isolated Fusarium strains were identified using morphologic and sequence-based methods. In 2011 and 2012 14.3% and 9.2% of maize samples were found to be contaminated with potentially toxigenic isolates. The ratios of Fusarium isolates were 60.3% and 68.1%, respectively. In 2013 and in the highly humid 2014, 50.1% and 71.4% of maize grains were contaminated, while 46% and 84.9% of the isolated fungal strains belonged to genus Fusarium. F. verticillioides isolates were identified in the largest proportion of the samples, which are potential fumonisin producers. Along with these species F. graminearum, F. proliferatum, F. subglutinans and F. sporotrichioides isolates were also observed, which can produce trichothecens, beauvericin, moniliformin and toxin T-2. Representatives of Fusarium culmorum were not detected in any of the years examined.
Economic aspects and energy performance of the cooled polycrystalline solar photovoltaic technology
Authors: Zsiborács Henrik , Pályi Béla , Pintér Gábor , Hegedűsné Baranyai Nóra , Szabó Péter , Farkas István
Published: December 2021

In this paper the economic aspects of the water spraying cooling technology of polycrystalline solar modules with respect to the effect of temperature on performance was examined. The main purpose of this work was to explore the economic relations of the spraying cooling technology of solar modules. In the study 5 kW PV system for residential customers, 5 kW and 50 kW PV system for business customer were studied. In Hungarian climatic conditions, considering the inflation values used, the interest rate, the annual utilization of the cooling system, the expected profit and the maintenance costs show us that neither of the cooling solutions is capable of better payback time than the reference uncooled solar PV system. The further research goal is to determine the usability of the cooling system in such countries which have on the one hand more ideal climatic conditions, on the other hand more predictable green energy feed regulations.
The effect of fertilizer to the biogenic amines concentration in wines
Authors: Horváth Borbála , Nagy Balázs , Soós János , Nyitrainé Sárdy Diána
Published: December 2021

In the last few years food compounds which have a physiological effect (especially wine compounds) came to the front, therefore biogenic animes have gained on importance. In our experiment we determined - for oenological conditions important - histamine, tyramine and serotonin content with HPLC technique. Biogenic amines are produced from amino-acids (precursors) during the decarboxylation procedure. Commercial fertilizers and combinations were independent factors, and biogenic amine concentrations were observed as dependent factors (the Cserszegi ffiszeres samples, vintage 2015, were homogenous form in every aspects except the fertilizer usage under alcoholic fermentation=AF). After AF - thus after various fertilizer additions - considerable changes were shown in the amount of the investigated three compounds, although we could not find an obvious pattern. Histamine and tyramine were far away from the toxic limit, serotonin presence was slightly higher than in the earlier results, however serotonin is not a poisonous compound (positive evaluation), hence the ascent was not a problem.
Maize (Zea mays L.) genebank for agriculture and food industry
Authors: Pepó Pál , Bojté Csilla , Tóth Szilárd
Published: December 2021

Com breeding can be successful only on a broad base of genetic material. The expansion of breeding aims includes the research of germplasm materials. In our experiments, we examined 11 blue, purple and red exotic com varieties on two locations in Hungary. We conducted a complex study to obtain more information. We studied several morphological and phenological features and determined the most important qualitative parameters (protein, fat, ash). Results show that there are great opportunities in exotic com varieties. Their quality exceeds that of the yellow ones in many cases. There are significant differences in yield and nutritional parameters. The favourable nutritional composition is not coupled with great productivity. Based on their flowering time and their agronomical features, they can be cultivated under Hungarian conditions as well. They match the new breeding aims, so they can be used as functional food or energy plants. The cultivation of alternative crops has an important role in world agriculture. Their market share is continuously growing in the food industry rector.
Fogyasztói magatartás vizsgálata egy új típusú turisztikai szolgáltatáson keresztül
Authors: Kökény Levente , Kökény László
Published: December 2021

A Covid19-világjárvány miatti szigorú korlátozások új, alternatív programok kialakítására kényszerítették rá az egyes turisztikai szolgáltatásokat. Kutatásunkban azt vizsgáltuk, hogy milyen, a fogyasztókra gyakorolt hatásokat lehet megfigyelni egy újfajta szolgáltatás esetében. Ez a szolgáltatás a „Flight to nowhere” nevet viselte, amely Magyarország határain belüli, utasszállító repülőgéppel történő légi közlekedést jelentett. Kutatásunkban a programon részt vett 130 fő kérdőíves megkérdezésével készítettünk elemzést arra vonatkozóan, hogy a résztvevők milyen élményeket éltek át a fogyasztás során, illetve hogyan értékelték a szolgáltatás teljesítményét és ajánlanák-e a programot. Vizsgáltuk még a Covid19-pandémia okozta bezártsággal kapcsolatos mentális problémák kapcsolódási pontjait is. Az eredmények azt mutatják, hogy a válaszadók jellemzően esztétikai és eszképista jellegű élményeket éltek át. Az élmény átélésének mértéke növelte a szolgáltatás teljesítményének magasabb színvonalú megítélését és a továbbajánlási szándékot. A negatív irányú érzelmek esetében, amelyek az élet folytonosságának érzetét mérték, az eszképizmus jellegű élmények megélése kismértékben enyhíteni tudta a bezártság okozta hátrányokat.
Road crashes and field rainfall data: mathematical modeling for the Brazilian mountainous highway BR-376/PR
Authors: Guideli Leandro Canezin , Cuenca André Lucas dos Reis , Arruda Silva Milena , Passini Larissa de Brum
Published: December 2021

Recent studies analyze the influence of rainfall on traffic crashes, indicating that precipitation intensity is an important factor, for modeling crashes occurrence. This research presents a relationship between daily-basis traffic crashes and precipitation, from 2014 to 2018, in a rural mountainous Brazilian Highway (BR-376/PR), where field rain gauges were used to obtain precipitation data. Data modeling considered a Negative Binomial regression for precipitation influence in crash frequency. Separate regression models were estimated to account for the rainfall effect in different seasons, and for different vehicle types. All models analyzed presented a positive relationship between daily rainfall intensity and daily crashes number. This can indicate that generally rainfall presence is a hazardous factor. Different critical seasons for rainfall influence were also highlighted, alerting for the possible necessity of distinct road safety policies concerning seasonality. Finally, for the vehicle type analysis, typically, rainfall seemed to have a greater effect in lighter vehicles. Moreover, results are useful for traffic control, in order to increase safety conditions.
HALLAZGO DE MÓRULAS COMPATIBLES CON ANAPLASMA PLATYS EN UN CANINO DE LA CIUDAD DE ESPERANZA
Authors: Bravo Araya L
Published: December 2021

Anaplasma platys is a Gram-negative, intracellular obligate bacterium that is transmitted by Rhipicephalus sanguineus ticks and has been identified in most of the country. It is the causative agent of canine infectious cyclic thrombocytopenia. The objective of this work is to report the finding of morulae compatible with A. platys in the blood smear of a 10-year-old male Weimaraner canine who was treated at the Hospital de Salud Animal of the Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias of the Universidad Nacional del Litoral, in the city of Esperanza. The case could not be followed up, because the patient died a few days after his first consultation. The detection of obligate intracellular pathogens in blood smears has low sensitivity and specificity, therefore confirmation of the causative agent must be performed using PCR. Due to the severity of the condition presented in this case, it is necessary to differentiate the presence of Ehrliquia canis and confirm the finding of A. platys using PCR. Current scientific evidence reveals that the zoonotic potential of A. platys is very low or nil.
Reabilitação estética, funcional e biológica do sorriso: relato de caso clínico multidisciplinar
Authors: Kasuya Amanda Vessoni Barbosa , Faleiros Paula Lazilha , Kaiahara Fabio , Silva Cleverson de Oliveira , Delben Juliana Aparecida , Progiante Patrícia Saram , Marson Fabiano
Published: December 2021

Introdução: A longevidade dos procedimentos restauradores está intimamente rela- cionada ao adequado planejamento, viabilizando a compatibilidade e integridade do tecido dental e saúde dos tecidos periodontais adjacentes. Objetivos: O objetivo do presente trabalho é apresentar um relato de caso para demonstrar que, por meio de um planejamento detalhado e minucioso, é possível devolver estética, função e saúde, com previsibilidade de resultados. Relato do caso: Paciente jovem, sexo feminino, procurou atendimento odontológico queixando-se da aparência estética do sorriso após realização de coroa protética no dente #11, devido a trauma sofrido na infância. Durante exame clínico, foi constatada a presença de diastema entre os incisivos centrais, coroa metalocerâmica no dente #11, com cor, forma e tamanho insatisfatórios e com invasão do espaço biológico. Em virtude da presença de diastema, para que o tratamento resultasse em dentes com proporção largura/altura satisfatória, o tratamento proposto foi: 1) remoção da coroa metalocerâmica e instalação de coroa provisória no dente #11; 2) tracionamento do dente #11; e 3) confecção de laminados cerâmicos nos dentes #13 ao #23, com coping de média opacidade no #11. Conclusão: Ao fim do tratamento, ficou evidente que a saúde gengival havia sido restabelecida, que o fechamento dos espaços resultou em dentes harmoniosos com o sorriso e a face da paciente, e que as guias de desoclusão haviam se tornado efetivas. A paciente se mostrou bastante satisfeita com o seu novo sorriso e, para manutenção dele, foi estabelecido um plano de manutenção contínua, com visitas periódicas ao consultório odontológico.
Em caso de “ciência”, apertem os cintos e fiquem isentos para evitar retaliações
Authors: Lopes Murilo Baena
Published: December 2021

Acabamos de passar por dois anos vividos pela metade. Não há palavras para descrever o que foi e o quanto ainda é difícil acabar com regras inúteis criadas por “es- pecialistas” durante a pandemia. Não precisamos ir longe; basta pensarmos sobre as medições de temperatura para entrar no shopping, no mercado, no parque ao ar livre — as quais podem ser mascaradas pela dipirona, um antitérmico extremamente popular, que pode ser adqui- rido sem nenhum controle, e comercializado desde 1920.
Electrical Resistivity of Conductive Leather and Influence of Air Temperature and Humidity
Authors: Kazani Ilda , Hylli Majlinda , Berberi Pellumb
Published: December 2021

Leather is a material that has been used in different applications for centuries. Today, living in the era of high-tech­nology, we are surrounded by smart products. For this reason, traditional products must be changed or im­proved in order to support and make us more comfortable while using them. For instance, the touch screen display in electronics products is a smart phone’s or a tablet computer’s primary input device. Still, traditional leather will not function properly in a cold climate or other specific conditions. To make it conductive in such conditions, the double in-situ polymerization of the pyrrole coating method was used. The aim of this study was to observe the electrical properties of conductive leather. At the same time, it stands up to a wide range of different air temperatures, and relative and absolute humidity. These properties are essential because de­signers and textile engineers should be familiar with them when they decide to use materials in different smart products. Electricity conductivity tests were carried out in year-round temperatures from 7.5 °C to 28.1 °C, with a relative humidity from 18% to 77% and a vapor air concentration from 2.77 g/kg to 12.46 g/kg. The so-called “multiple-step method” was used to test leather’s electrical resistivity for the first time. The method considers a material’s compressional properties and provides an indicator inherent for a material’s electrical properties, regardless of the mass and shape of samples. The results showed a strong dependence between water vapor air concentration and electrical resistivity, described using the formula ρ = 1.3103 H−1.04 Ωm, with a correlation coefficient of 0.87. There was no relation between relative humidity and electrical resistivity, and resistivity and air temperature. Also, the results confirmed again that changes in the shape of the sample used during tests did not influence the measurement’s results, but supported the appropriateness of the measuring method.
Macro-Modelling of Rib-Knitted Tubular Parts
Authors: Ielina Tetiana , Halavska Liudmyla , Ausheva Nataliia
Published: December 2021

The aim of the research was to improve the process of knitted products design. The use of modern software helps us predict the physical and mechanical behaviour of materials, using their three-dimensional models. A macro-model of rib-knitted tubular parts was developed in the study. This model allows its implementation into algorithms, describing the peculiarities of the stretching process. Recent findings in the field of 3D modelling and simulation of knitwear behaviour aim at working with models of different scales of structural hierarchy. The use of macro-models provides the opportunity to simplify the geometry and significantly reduce the time required for simulation. Rib stitch structures are among the most popular weft-knitted ones. When using threads of usual stretchability (with breaking elongation that does not exceed 10–12%), the stretchability of some rib stitch structures in the course-wise direction can reach up to 350% and even more. When stretched in the course direction, rib-knitted stitches undergo a number of stages. The stretching process includes: decreasing the width-wise curling; mutual shifting of knit and purl stitches; reducing the curvature of the loop feet and loop heads; pulling the yarn from the loop legs to the loop feet; stretching of the yarn. The assumption was made that such parts of knitted garments as cuffs and borders on sweaters, cuffs on socks, where rib stitch patterns are used, can be described as thin-walled elastic shells. A part of a human body surface, covered with a rib-knitted garment part, can be approximated by a truncated cone. The mid-surface of the shell can be represented as a ruled surface created upon a set of Bezier curves, located along the circumference of the upper and lower bases of the truncated cone. The mathematical description, elaborated in the course of the research, was used for the computer program LastikTube, which was developed to create 3D macro-models of ribbed tubular garments.
Factors Affecting Apparel Pattern Grading Accuracy: Existing Software Solutions Comparison and Development of New Solution
Authors: Islam Md. Mazharul , Repon Md. Reazuddin , Parvez Md. Shohan , Haque Md. Mahbubul , Jalil Mohammad Abdul
Published: December 2021

Every so often, grading is not 100% accurate due to the conventional system for calculating the grading incre­ment. The aim of this study was to develop a new calculation system of grading increment provided by different software, e.g. Lectra, Gerber, Optitex, Boke CAD etc., and to develop a new mathematical solution that enhances grading precision. For this experiment, three different spec sheets of different buyers were collected, and then combined and drawn to a solitary sketch for both front and back including all points of measures (POM) for a more easy comparison. The solutions for the presence of diagonal and curve measurements were provided with examples using various tools and techniques of different professional garment CAD software. The benefit of the new approach is not only reduced errors of grading but also guaranteed garment fit without distorting style features. However, the drawbacks of the measurement method are complicated and time-consuming. They revolve around the fact that iterative fitting and adjustments are mandatory to improve the fit before bulk production. The study revealed that this new system slightly increases calculation time, whereas the sample approval time for order execution reduces considerably.
Case Report: Early Recognition and Repair of Distal Iatrogenic Ureteral Injury During Laparoscopic Rectal Surgery
Authors: Mughni Abdul , Fuadi Ahmad Fathi , Daniswara Nanda
Published: December 2021

Background: Ureteral injury is an uncommon complication of the colorectal procedure. The colorectal procedure is the second most common cause of ureteral injury. The laparoscopic approach for colorectal surgery has contributed to the increase of ureteral injury. Delayed diagnosis of the iatrogenic ureteral injury is associated with higher morbidity. However, the early diagnosis of ureteral injury during the operation is difficult. We presented an early recognition and laparoscopic repair of iatrogenic ureteral injury during laparoscopic rectal cancer surgery cases and the strategy for recognizing and managing that injury for the surgeon.Case Presentation: A Male, 34 years old, had an iatrogenic ureteral injury during laparoscopic low anterior resection for rectal cancer. The left distal ureter was transected by an energy device. The diagnosis of ureteral injury was prompt. The repair of the ureter was done endo-laparoscopically. The patient had an uneventful recovery and was discharged on day 6 after surgery.Conclusion: The iatrogenic ureteral injury, although uncommon, is a serious complication of laparoscopic colorectal surgery. Direct visual identification of the distal ureter is mandatory in every rectal surgery. The iatrogenic ureteral injury is not an indication for open conversion when there is an adequate resource to do the endo-laparoscopic ureteral repair.
The Relationship Between Severity of Periodontitis With the Degree of Atherosclerosis in Ischemic Stroke Patients
Authors: Tikalaka Elisabeth Romana , Husni Amin , - Retnaningsih , Tugasworo Dodik , Hartono Jimmy Eko Budi , Rahmawati Maria Belladonna , Puspitasari Iva
Published: December 2021

AbstractBackground : Periodontal diseases affect up to 80% of the global population. Periodontitis is a long-term inflammatory disease that affects the soft and hard tissues around the teeth. It may also play a role in the pathogenesis of atheroma formation and is associated with cerebrovascular disease. The Carotid Intima Media Thickness (CIMT) is a good marker for detecting early and progressive atherosclerosis. Several hypotheses link chronic infectious diseases, including periodontal tissue disease, to the atherosclerosis process and are risk factors for stroke.Objective : To determine the relationship between the severity of periodontitis and the degree of atherosclerosis in ischemic stroke.Methods : This is an analytic observational study with a case-control approach. Subjects were ischemic stroke patients with inclusion criteria. Analyzed the severity of periodontitis with Miller’s Mobility Index (MMI), the degree of progression of atherosclerosis assessed by measuring the CIMT using an ultrasound device or B mode to detect the presence and progression of atherosclerosis.Results : 54 subjects with a mean age were 63,43 ± 7,19 years, and the dominant sex was male. There was a significant relationship between severity of periodontitis  ( P : 0,011, OR : 3,425, CI 95% 1,332-8,807) and type of profile lipid triglyceride ( P : 0,027, OR : 6,840, CI 95% 1,242-37,676)  to Carotid intima media thickness.Conclusion :  There is an association between the severity of periodontitis and the degree of atherosclerosis. Severe periodontitis is related to the increases of CIMT, which is a marker of atherosclerosis, a risk factor for stroke.
La nueva configuración del delito político en Colombia a partir del acuerdo final de paz de 2016
Authors: Saldarriaga González Yuri Shirley
Published: December 2021

El Acuerdo Final para la terminación del conflicto y la construcción de una paz estable y duradera (Acuerdo Final) introdujo múltiples modificaciones al ordenamiento jurídico colombiano. Algunas expresas, como la creación de un nuevo tribunal para la investigación y juzgamiento de delitos cometidos en el marco del conflicto armado. Otras tácitas, como la modificación sustancial del concepto de delito político en Colombia. El presente escrito se ocupa de esta última, a partir de un análisis de fuentes doctrinales, normativas y jurisprudenciales. En este sentido, el objetivo del documento es analizar las principales modificaciones de la categoría de delito político surgidas después del Acuerdo Final, a la luz de los criterios sobre concesión de amnistías. El artículo concluye que la modificación al concepto puede ser entendida en dos dimensiones: (i) una dimensión de derechos, que involucra la afectación de víctimas individualmente consideras del conflicto armado colombiano y (ii) una dimensión anti-altruista, donde la motivación del sujeto activo para cometer la conducta no es el asunto principal de análisis para determinar la conexidad de un delito común con un delito político.
Supply Chain Practices and Marketing Performance of SMEs: A Field Study on Furniture Manufacturing in Egypt
Authors: Said Yasser
Published: December 2021

The study aimed to investigate the effect of supply chain practices on the marketing performance of small and medium-sized furniture manufacturing enterprises in Egypt. The study applied to 67 enterprises in Damietta, Egypt.   Accordingly, the study population was represented by two top directors of furniture companies either. Two 39-item- questionnaires of a five-point Likert-type scale were used for each enterprise with a total of 134 questionnaires.  Internal consistency of 120 valid questionnaires by using Pearson correlation revealed that the questionnaire was stable and valid. Descriptive statistics for all items of the questionnaire were carried out. The relationship between supply chain practices and marketing performance by Pearson correlation revealed there was a positive relationship between supply chain practices parameters; (supplier relationship management, intermediaries and distributers' relationship management, and customer relationship management) and marketing performance. The correlation coefficients of marketing performance were 0.609, 0.539, and 0.794, respectively.  Estimation of differences in supply chain practices and marketing performance by one-way ANOVA and T-test revealed significant differences (p < 0.05) in age and size of the capital of supply chain and job title and experience of marketing performance. In conclusion, this study provides the top managers in SMEs the power to make decisions under normal and abnormal circumstances, as in the COVID 19 crisis, which may be crucial in the survival and existence of SMEs.
The impact of Islamic portfolio on risk and return
Authors: Maryiam Farid Maryiam Farid , Dr. Amjad Ali Dr. Amjad Ali , Dr. Wajid Alim Dr. Wajid Alim
Published: December 2021

The purpose of this study is to investigate the comparative impact of conventional and Islamic bonds over returns. It provides useful insights to investors to diversify investment by lowering the risk to the optimum level. This study examines the impact of the conventional and Islamic portfolios on returns through simple OLS regression, suggesting that Sukuk returns are positive and significant. Simultaneously, conventional bonds show a negative trend, but in the long run, the returns are significant. It indicates that the market is volatile due to macroeconomic factors that can reduce risks through portfolio diversification. Thus, this research suggests that investment can be secured by taking a rational portfolio decision that confirms robustness. Therefore, it is a good opportunity for the investors to get high margins over the investment tenure.
A stylometric investigation across genders and individual authors based on a specialized Vietnamese corpus
Authors: Nguyen Nhung , Dinh Dien
Published: December 2021

Recently, there has been renewed interest in stylometry, a branch of forensic linguistics evaluating linguistic features which affect an author’s writing style. However, no known empirical research has attempted to explore relationships between word-level features in Vietnamese texts and writing style, both across genders and individual authors. Using two series of correspondence analysis, the current study thus seeks to analyze the most significant linguistic features across genders and individual authors based on a rich-annotated specialized Vietnamese corpus. In terms of genders, the most significant associations on writing style were identified for the combination of personal pronouns and negative words, whereas the seperated feature sets have less discriminating ability. For individual authors, negation words demonstrate their significant associations, and personal pronouns again have insignificant relationships with individual writing style. As a result of these investigations, suggestions were identified for future research.
Przemysław Gębal / Władysław Miodunka. Dydaktyka i metodyka nauczania języka polskiego jako obcego i drugiego. / Didactics and methodology of teaching Polish as a foreign and second language. Warszawa: Wydawnictwo Naukowe PWN. 2020. Pp. 454
Authors: BANACH MAŁGORZATA
Published: December 2021

Book review. Przemysław Gębal / Władysław Miodunka. Dydaktyka i metodyka nauczania języka polskiego jako obcego i drugiego. / Didactics and methodology of teaching Polish as a foreign and second language. Warszawa: Wydawnictwo Naukowe PWN. 2020. Pp. 454.
Grażyna Zenderowska-Korpus. Phraseme in Textsorten. Landau: Verlag Empirische Pädagogik. 2020. S. 233
Authors: SKOWRONEK BARBARA
Published: December 2021

Book review. Grażyna Zenderowska-Korpus. Phraseme in Textsorten. Landau: Verlag Empirische Pädagogik. 2020. S. 233.
Bericht über die Jubiläumsfeier zum 70. Geburtstag von Prof. Dr. habil. Izabela Prokop
Authors: JUREWICZ MAGDALENA , KUBIAK PAWEŁ
Published: December 2021

Bericht über die Jubiläumsfeier zum 70. Geburtstag von Prof. Dr. habil. Izabela Prokop
Odegrać przeszłość. Szkic o powieści Götz i Meyer Davida Albahariego
Authors: Putyńska Urszula
Published: December 2021

This paper is the analysis of Götz and Meyer (Gec i Majer, 1998) by David Albahari (b. 1948), the writer of Serbian and Jewish origin. His novel belongs to the Holocaust-literature and its metanarrative structure calls into question the problem of transferring radical historic moment into fiction. The article focuses on the interrelations between fiction and fact, imagination and history, as well as the traumatic experience recognized as the opportunity to identify with the experience of Holocaust victims. Albahariʼs novel proves that remembering of dramatic events from the past can be activated both by imagination and traumatic experience.
Conventions of Radka Denemarková’s Novel Peníze od Hitlera (Money from Hitler) along with its Reception
Authors: Holý Jiří
Published: December 2021

Radka Denemarková’s Peníze od Hitlera (Money from Hitler), edited in 2006, is a succesful novel. It has been perceived by critics as a significant work and traslated into ten languages. Despite this positive response, it is my belief that the novel is not an outstanding work. The construction of the text is full of stereotypes. It uses well-worn narrative procedures, conventional images and symbols as well as banal metaphors. That is why the credibility of the characters and situations presented in Peníze od Hitlera disappears very often. There is also a preexisting model of this novel, the play Der Besuch der alten Dame (1956, The Visit of the Old Lady), written by Friedrich Dürrenmatt. Unlike Dürrenmat, Denemarková emphasizes the dark scenes and the melodramatic emotionality of her novel. Therefore, her work is close to conventional clichés.
Blood sampling frequency as a proxy for comorbidity indices when identifying patient samples for review of reference intervals
Authors: Lykkeboe Simon , Andersen Stine Linding , Nielsen Claus Gyrup , Vestergaard Peter , Christensen Peter Astrup
Published: December 2021

Objectives

Indirect data mining methods have been proposed for review of published reference intervals (RIs), but methods for identifying patients with a low likelihood of disease are needed. Many indirect methods extract test results on patients with a low frequency blood sampling history to identify putative healthy individuals. Although it is implied there has been no attempt to validate if patients with a low frequency blood sampling history are healthy and if test results from these patients are suitable for RI review.

Methods

Danish nationwide health registers were linked with a blood sample database, recording a population of 316,337 adults over a ten-year period. Comorbidity indexes were defined from registrations of hospital diagnoses and redeemed prescriptions of drugs. Test results from patients identified as having a low disease burden were used for review of RIs from the Nordic Reference Interval Project (NORIP).

Results

Blood sampling frequency correlated with comorbidity Indexes and the proportion of patients without disease conditions were enriched among patients with a low number of blood samples. RIs based on test results from patients with only 1–3 blood samples per decade were for many analytes identical compared to NORIP RIs. Some analytes showed expected incongruences and gave conclusive insights into how well RIs from a more than 10 years old multi-center study (NORIP) performed on current pre-analytical and analytical methods.

Conclusions

Blood sampling frequency enhance the selection of healthy individuals for reviewing reference intervals, providing a simple method solely based on laboratory data without the addition of clinical information.
The Role of Political Elites in Eliciting Mass-Level Political Anger
Authors: Webster Steven W.
Published: December 2021

Contemporary American politics is notable for its high levels of anger and partisan antipathy. While these developments are attributable in large part to societal-level sociopolitical trends, I argue that they are also the result of politicians’ deliberate and strategic attempts to elicit mass-level anger. In this paper, I analyze over one million tweets sent by members of the 116th Congress to demonstrate that political elites do appeal to anger and that the angriest of these appeals are most likely to come from the most ideologically extreme Members of Congress – that is, the most liberal Democrats and the most conservative Republicans. I further show that this relationship is stronger for Democratic politicians, and that authoring tweets with a greater amount of anger generates more engagement. The results suggest that as long as politicians have an incentive to appeal to mass-level anger, the divisions characterizing American politics are likely to persist.
What Do We Mean by Negative Partisanship?
Authors: Lelkes Yphtach
Published: December 2021

Negative partisanship is one of the most popular explanations for current levels of dysfunction in American politics. Yet, the term is used inconsistently in both academic research and the popular press. It is sometimes referred to as negative affect towards the out-party that is a more important predictor of political behavior than positive affect towards the in-party. It is also sometimes referred to as a negational identity, wherein identification with one party is founded upon not being identified with the other party. In this essay, I first review the two definitions of negative partisanship and their preponderance in the mass public. Counter some reports, disdain is not more prevalent than warmth. Next, I discuss new evidence which shows that partisan disdain and negational partisanship are mutually exclusive concepts. Finally, in a reanalysis of published work, I reexamine the evidence that purportedly shows that negative partisanship is a better explanation for political behavior than positive partisanship.
The Tribal Economy: Economic Perceptions, Economic Anxiety and the Prospects for Political Accountability
Authors: Mutz Diana C.
Published: December 2021

Whether American citizens hold presidents accountable for changes in the condition of the economy has increasingly been questioned. At the same time, the outcome of the 2016 election has been widely interpreted in economic terms. Press and pundits on both sides of the aisle have endorsed the “left behind” voter thesis suggesting that those who were economically dissatisfied or anxious voted against the incumbent party and thus elected Donald Trump. Likewise, some have argued that Trump would have won again in 2021 if not for the economic downturn caused by the COVID19 pandemic. In this study I use seven waves of nationally-representative panel data to examine change over time in individuals’ perceptions of the economy across the two most recent presidential election periods. I compare the magnitude of change from partisan rationalization of the economy to the magnitude of changes in perceptions due to the record-breaking decline in GDP during the year that COVID19 hit the US. My results provide little to no evidence that changes in perceptions due to real economic change were strong enough to overcome the effects of partisan rationalization. Given that the COVID19 recession was unusually severe, these results provide little reason for optimism that voters can hold leaders accountable for economic change.
A positive urine pregnancy test with haemoperitoneum: misdiagnosed postpartum choriocarcinoma with uterine rupture mimicking ruptured ectopic pregnancy
Authors: Yeoh Shakti , Yong Soon-Leong , Teoh Pak-Inn , Kang Marcus
Published: December 2021

Objectives

Choriocarcinoma after a term pregnancy is rare and can be life-threatening, especially when it perforates the uterus, resulting in massive haemoperitoneum. As uterine rupture due to choriocarcinoma is uncommonly encountered in the clinical practice, its diagnosis is often missed or delayed.

Case presentation

We present a case of a 41-year-old para 4 + 1 who had acute abdomen and hypovolaemic shock secondary to haemoperitoneum at three months postpartum period. The urine pregnancy test was positive, and, therefore, a provisional diagnosis of a ruptured ectopic pregnancy was made. She was managed aggressively with fluids and blood product transfusion at the emergency department to achieve haemodynamic stability. Subsequently, she underwent an emergency laparotomy where intraoperatively noted a perforation at the left posterior uterine cornu with purplish tissue spillage. A wedge resection was performed, and the histopathological examination (HPE) was reported as atypical trophoblastic cells, in which choriocarcinoma could not be ruled out. The patient then underwent a total abdominal hysterectomy three weeks later. The final HPE confirmed the diagnosis of choriocarcinoma.

Conclusions

The clinical presentation of postpartum choriocarcinoma can be indistinguishable from a ruptured ectopic pregnancy. A high index of suspicion is crucial to allow early diagnosis.
Modelling, control and supervisory optimization of generalized predictive control in catalytic cracking reactor
Authors: Mani Mythily , Deivasigamani Manamalli , Panda Rames Chandra , Ramasami Raja Nandhini
Published: December 2021

As gasoline demand increases, the efficiency of operation of Fluidized Catalytic Cracking Unit (FCCU) becomes paramount importance. In this paper, a dynamic model for FCCU is simulated and integrated with yield model in order to estimate the yield of products namely gasoline, light gases and coke. Conventional PI controllers are designed for the control of reactor and regenerator temperature. Since, the complete reaction occurs in a very short duration, the controllers are tuned so as to achieve shorter settling time and minimum overshot. Further in order to increase the yield, optimization of FCCU using Generalized Predictive Controller (GPC) at supervisory level is attempted. Through optimization of objective function, the GPC will provide optimized set point for the PI controller in order to maintain maximum gasoline yield.
Impact of muscle mass on blood glucose level
Authors: Taha Murtada , AlNaam Yaser A. , Al Maqati Thekra , Almusallam Lenah , Altalib Gharam , Alowfi Deema , Haider Nafish
Published: December 2021

Objectives

At present, diabetes is one of the leading causes of mortality across the world. It was hypothesized that muscle mass could have a significant influence on blood glucose level and this corelation if established successfully could pave way for novel treatment modalities for type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). In the present study, the association between muscle mass and blood glucose level was examined in a healthy population who was not having T2DM at baseline and was undergoing a regular course of exercise.

Methods

The clinical study was performed involving 53 healthy male populations between 10 and 60 years of age. The participants were sampled in accordance with the quantitative experimental study design, using nonprobability sampling techniques. The independent variable measured among the subjects included muscle mass and blood glucose level, using bioelectrical impedance and a simple glucometer respectively. Subgroup analysis amongst different substantial parameters including body mass index (BMI), myostatin inhibitor usage, and age factor that could affect the muscle mass and glucose level correlation were also studied simultaneously.

Results

The study findings demonstrated a negative correlation between muscle mass and glucose utilization levels. There was a significant difference in the mean muscle mass of the participants which was 36.2453, and the mean glucose utilization level which was 15.1493%. Pearson correlation between the muscle mass and percentage of glucose utilization of the participants indicated a significant difference (since p-value <0.05) between these two studied parameters.

Conclusions

The study finding suggests an inverse association of the skeletal muscle mass with blood glucose level which encourages the implication of muscle-building exercises as the preventive measure for T2DM.