bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sex differences in inflammatory markers in patients hospitalized with COVID-19 infection: Insights from the MGH COVID-19 patient registry
Authors: Lau Emily S. , McNeill Jenna N. , Paniagua Samantha M. , Liu Elizabeth E. , Wang Jessica K. , Bassett Ingrid V. , Selvaggi Caitlin A. , Lubitz Steven A. , Foulkes Andrea S. , Ho Jennifer E.
Published: April 2021

Background

Men are at higher risk for serious complications related to COVID-19 infection than women. More robust immune activation in women has been proposed to contribute to decreased disease severity, although systemic inflammation has been associated with worse outcomes in COVID-19 infection. Whether systemic inflammation contributes to sex differences in COVID-19 infection is not known.

Study design and methods

We examined sex differences in inflammatory markers among 453 men (mean age 61) and 328 women (mean age 62) hospitalized with COVID-19 infection at the Massachusetts General Hospital from March 8 to April 27, 2020. Multivariable linear regression models were used to examine the association of sex with initial and peak inflammatory markers. Exploratory analyses examined the association of sex and inflammatory markers with 28-day clinical outcomes using multivariable logistic regression.

Results

Initial and peak CRP were higher in men compared with women after adjustment for baseline differences (initial CRP: ß 0.29, SE 0.07, p = 0.0001; peak CRP: ß 0.31, SE 0.07, p<0.0001) with similar findings for IL-6, PCT, and ferritin (p<0.05 for all). Men had greater than 1.5-greater odds of dying compared with women (OR 1.71, 95% CI 1.04–2.80, p = 0.03). Sex modified the association of peak CRP with both death and ICU admission, with stronger associations observed in men compared with women (death: OR 9.19, 95% CI 4.29–19.7, p <0.0001 in men vs OR 2.81, 95% CI 1.52–5.18, p = 0.009 in women, Pinteraction = 0.02).

Conclusions

In a sample of 781 men and women hospitalized with COVID-19 infection, men exhibited more robust inflammatory activation as evidenced by higher initial and peak inflammatory markers, as well as worse clinical outcomes. Better understanding of sex differences in immune responses to COVID-19 infection may shed light on the pathophysiology of COVID-19 infection.
Health determinants among refugees in Austria and Germany: A propensity-matched comparative study for Syrian, Afghan, and Iraqi refugees
Authors: Georges Daniela , Buber-Ennser Isabella , Rengs Bernhard , Kohlenberger Judith , Doblhammer Gabriele
Published: April 2021

In recent years, Germany and Austria have been among the leading European receiving countries for asylum seekers and refugees (AS&R). The two countries have cultural and economic similarities, but differ, for example, in their health care systems, with AS&R having unrestricted access to health services upon arrival in Austria, but not in Germany. This study investigates the determinants of health among refugees in Austria and Germany, and how these determinants differ between the two countries. We analyze comparable and harmonized survey data from both countries for Syrian, Afghan, and Iraqi nationals aged 18 to 59 years who had immigrated between 2013 and 2016 (Germany: n = 2,854; Austria: n = 374). The study adopts a cross-sectional design, and uses propensity score matching to examine comparable AS&R in the two receiving countries. The results reveal that the AS&R in Germany (72%) were significantly less likely to report being in (very) good health than their peers in Austria (89%). Age and education had large impacts on health, whereas the effects of length of stay and length of asylum process were smaller. Compositional differences in terms of age, sex, nationality, education, and partnership situation explained the country differences only in part. After applying propensity score matching to adjust for structural differences and to assess non-confounded country effects, the probability of reporting (very) good health was still 12 percentage points lower in Germany than in Austria. We conclude that many of the determinants of health among AS&R correspond to those in the non-migrant population, and thus call for the implementation of similar health policies. The health disadvantage found among the AS&R in Germany suggests that removing their initially restricted access to health care may improve their health.
Investigation of SARS-CoV-2 infection in dogs and cats of humans diagnosed with COVID-19 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Authors: Calvet Guilherme Amaral , Pereira Sandro Antonio , Ogrzewalska Maria , Pauvolid-Corrêa Alex , Resende Paola Cristina , Tassinari Wagner de Souza , Costa Anielle de Pina , Keidel Lucas Oliveira , da Rocha Alice Sampaio Barreto , da Silva Michele Fernanda Borges , dos Santos Shanna Araujo , Lima Ana Beatriz Machado , de Moraes Isabella Campos Vargas , Mendes Junior Artur Augusto Velho , Souza Thiago das Chagas , Martins Ezequias Batista , Ornellas Renato Orsini , Corrêa Maria Lopes , Antonio Isabela Maria da Silva , Guaraldo Lusiele , Motta Fernando do Couto , Brasil Patrícia , Siqueira Marilda Mendonça , Gremião Isabella Dib Ferreira , Menezes Rodrigo Caldas
Published: April 2021

Background

Infection by SARS-CoV-2 in domestic animals has been related to close contact with humans diagnosed with COVID-19. Objectives: To assess the exposure, infection, and persistence by SARS-CoV-2 of dogs and cats living in the same households of humans that tested positive for SARS-CoV-2, and to investigate clinical and laboratory alterations associated with animal infection.

Methods

Animals living with COVID-19 patients were longitudinally followed and had nasopharyngeal/oropharyngeal and rectal swabs collected and tested for SARS-CoV-2. Additionally, blood samples were collected for laboratory analysis, and plaque reduction neutralization test (PRNT90) to investigate specific SARS-CoV-2 antibodies.

Results

Between May and October 2020, 39 pets (29 dogs and 10 cats) of 21 patients were investigated. Nine dogs (31%) and four cats (40%) from 10 (47.6%) households were infected with or seropositive for SARS-CoV-2. Animals tested positive from 11 to 51 days after the human index COVID-19 case onset of symptoms. Three dogs tested positive twice within 14, 30, and 31 days apart. SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing antibodies were detected in one dog (3.4%) and two cats (20%). In this study, six out of thirteen animals either infected with or seropositive for SARS-CoV-2 have developed mild but reversible signs of the disease. Using logistic regression analysis, neutering, and sharing bed with the ill owner were associated with pet infection.

Conclusions

The presence and persistence of SARS-CoV-2 infection have been identified in dogs and cats from households with human COVID-19 cases in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. People with COVID-19 should avoid close contact with their pets during the time of their illness.
Structures of Foot-and-mouth Disease Virus with neutralizing antibodies derived from recovered natural host reveal a mechanism for cross-serotype neutralization
Authors: He Yong , Li Kun , Cao Yimei , Sun Zixian , Li Pinghua , Bao Huifang , Wang Sheng , Zhu Guoqiang , Bai Xingwen , Sun Pu , Liu Xuerong , Yang Cheng , Liu Zaixin , Lu Zengjun , Rao Zihe , Lou Zhiyong
Published: April 2021

The development of a universal vaccine against foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV) is hindered by cross-serotype antigenic diversity and by a lack of knowledge regarding neutralization of the virus in natural hosts. In this study, we isolated serotype O-specific neutralizing antibodies (NAbs) (F145 and B77) from recovered natural bovine hosts by using the single B cell antibody isolation technique. We also identified a serotype O/A cross-reacting NAb (R50) and determined virus-NAb complex structures by cryo-electron microscopy at near-atomic resolution. F145 and B77 were shown to engage the capsid of FMDV-O near the icosahedral threefold axis, binding to the BC/HI-loop of VP2. In contrast, R50 engages the capsids of both FMDV-O and FMDV-A between the 2- and 5-fold axes and binds to the BC/EF/GH-loop of VP1 and to the GH-loop of VP3 from two adjacent protomers, revealing a previously unknown antigenic site. The cross-serotype neutralizing epitope recognized by R50 is highly conserved among serotype O/A. These findings help to elucidate FMDV neutralization by natural hosts and provide epitope information for the development of a universal vaccine for cross-serotype protection against FMDV.
The specific features of the developing T cell compartment of the neonatal lung are a determinant of respiratory syncytial virus immunopathogenesis
Authors: Démoulins Thomas , Brügger Melanie , Zumkehr Beatrice , Oliveira Esteves Blandina I. , Mehinagic Kemal , Fahmi Amal , Borcard Loïc , Taddeo Adriano , Jandrasits Damian , Posthaus Horst , Benarafa Charaf , Ruggli Nicolas , Alves Marco P.
Published: April 2021

The human respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a major cause of severe lower respiratory tract infections in infants, possibly due to the properties of the immature neonatal pulmonary immune system. Using the newborn lamb, a classical model of human lung development and a translational model of RSV infection, we aimed to explore the role of cell-mediated immunity in RSV disease during early life. Remarkably, in healthy conditions, the developing T cell compartment of the neonatal lung showed major differences to that seen in the mature adult lung. The most striking observation being a high baseline frequency of bronchoalveolar IL-4-producing CD4+and CD8+T cells, which declined progressively over developmental age. RSV infection exacerbated this pro-type 2 environment in the bronchoalveolar space, rather than inducing a type 2 responseper se. Moreover, regulatory T cell suppressive functions occurred very early to dampen this pro-type 2 environment, rather than shutting them down afterwards, while γδ T cells dropped and failed to produce IL-17. Importantly, RSV disease severity was related to the magnitude of those unconventional bronchoalveolar T cell responses. These findings provide novel insights in the mechanisms of RSV immunopathogenesis in early life, and constitute a major step for the understanding of RSV disease severity.
Imagen, poder y periferia(s): Perspectivas actuales sobre Latinoamérica
Authors: Vásquez R Miguel E.
Published: April 2021

Esta es una introducción al volumen especial de Empedocles: European Journal for the Philosophy of Communication enfocada en estudios latinoamericanos. Los trabajos que a continuación se presentan forman parte de una selección minuciosa llevada a cabo a propósito de varias conversaciones sobre Latinoamérica llevadas a cabo durante el último año. Los artículos en cuestión recorren transversalmente diversas áreas del pensamiento latinoamericano en la actualidad, particularmente las relacionadas con la filosofía, el arte, la literatura y los estudios visuales. Del mismo modo, proponen lecturas alternativas de la realidad latinoamericana atendiendo a su autenticidad, su contexto y a la forma en la cual se interpretan y critican, implícita y explícitamente, categorías tradicionales como representación, poder, modernidad o género entre otras.
Focus Wales: A showcase festival of music performance and education
Authors: Inglis Chris
Published: April 2021

Since 2011, the town of Wrexham has hosted the annual Focus Wales festival, showcasing local and international talent across a three-day event to an audience of 15,000. What sets this festival aside from many of the other, similar events happening around the country is its emphasis on music education alongside simply performance. On top of the various shows that take place over the course of the bank holiday weekend, Focus Wales also presents interactive events featuring industry experts, film screenings, and art installations; as well as a conference that presents talks from professional musicians, promoters, radio DJs, academics and more. This article looks into the ways in which Focus Wales has approached musicological discourse over its ten-year history, and how it has contributed to popular music education in Wales.
Antibiotic resistance of Escherichia coli and Salmonella spp. strains isolated from healthy poultry farms in the districts of Abidjan and Agnibilékrou (Côte d'Ivoire)
Authors: Assoumy Moumouni A. , Bedekelabou André P. , Teko-Agbo Assiongbon , Ossebi Walter , Akoda Komlan , Nimbona Félix , Zeba Stanislas H. , Zobo Anicet A. , Tiecoura Raoul C. T. , Kallo Vessaly , Dagnogo Komissiri , Bada-Alambédji Rianatou
Published: April 2021

Background and Aim: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a serious challenge to animal and human health worldwide. Therefore, this study aims to determine levels and patterns of AMR of Escherichia coli and Salmonella spp. strains isolated from poultry farms in Côte d'Ivoire.

Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in two districts of Côte d'Ivoire with high poultry production: Abidjan and Agnibilékrou. A total of 231 fecal samples were collected in 124 poultry farms in both districts. Enterobacteria were isolated and tested for susceptibility to 14 antimicrobial agents using the disk-diffusion method.

Results: A total of 212 E. coli and 36 Salmonella strains were isolated. In Abidjan, 139 collected samples generated 101 E. coli and 23 Salmonella strains, whereas in Agnibilékrou, 92 collected samples generated 111 E. coli and 13 Salmonella strains. Variable resistance levels were recorded for the antibiotics tested. The resistance prevalence of E. coli and Salmonella, respectively, was high: Doxycycline (98%/94%), sulfonamide (84%/86%), trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (80%/41%), and streptomycin (71%/52%). Average resistance rates were recorded for flumequine (38%/66%), ampicillin (49%/33%), amoxicillin (25%/44%), colistin (26%/2%), chloramphenicol (21%/2%), and gentamicin (4%/47%). The antibiotics least affected by resistance were cefuroxime (4%/5%), ceftriaxone (2%/0.00%), and nitrofurantoin (1%/0.00%).

Conclusion: In this study, it was observed that resistance to important antibiotics is emerging in poultry production in Côte d'Ivoire. Policies promoting the rational use of antibiotics should be implemented to manage antibiotic resistance in animal production.
A Simple Solution for Refining Lake Water Temperature Profiles Data Arrayed from High-Frequency Monitoring Sensors
Authors: Santoso Arianto Budi , Triwisesa Endra , Fakhrudin Muh
Published: April 2021

The revolutionized aquatic monitoring sensors are essential in capturing environmental patterns that traditional discrete samplings might not be able to. They allow scientists to further synthesize and better conclude processes in aquatic ecosystems. These sensors produce high-frequency data that provide information on a fine temporal scale, even near real-time. The massive quantities of the streamed data, however, create challenges for scientists to grasp the concrete information. Filtering data quality, on the other hand, is another problem scientists might have encountered as sensor accuracy and precision may drift along the line. Hence, quality assurance and quality control might be quite labouring owing to the size of datasets to handle. This paper proposed a semi-mechanistic algorithm to improved false water temperature data. Using “theoretical” thermal stratification as a reference, this algorithm fixed sensors error readings. A 5-month dataset of water temperature profiles of Lake Maninjau, West Sumatra, captured every 10 minutes from a set of sensors in thermistor chain was applied. We found that most data fit to the theoretical temperature profile, R2 = 0.962, RMSE = 0.081oC. A number of errors, however, were observed in the upper layer of the lake (<20 m), the most dynamic layer in terms of its thermal variation. Sensor drifts in this active upper mixed layer can be related to the generated errors. Through this simple solution, not only improving the quality of the observed water temperature data, but was also able to identify the most probable source of errors
Study of Various Gastrointestinal Tract Lesions by Endoscopic Biopsies in a Tertiary Care Centre of Rural District of Maharashtra
Authors: Sahu Preeti Rajendra , Hiwale Kishor Madhukar , Vagha Sunita Jayant
Published: April 2021

BACKGROUND In a developing country like India, vast difference exists in people’s religion, culture, and socio-economic condition and along with it, there exists a significant difference in their dietary habits. This has led to an incidence of a large spectrum of gastrointestinal (GI) diseases which is different in different geographical locations. The study was undertaken for studying the spectrum of various histopathological lesions of gastrointestinal tract with the help of endoscopic biopsy. METHODS This cross-sectional study was carried out in a span of 2 years in the histopathology division. The study included 105 patients who had GI complains and underwent endoscopic biopsies for the same. RESULTS The present study included a total of 105 cases out of which there were 64 cases (61 %) of upper GI tract biopsies and remaining 41 cases (39 %) were of lower GI tract biopsies. Among 64 (100 %) cases of upper GI biopsies, reflux oesophagitis (4.67 %) was the most common in non-neoplastic lesions while well differentiated squamous cell carcinoma (20.31 %) was the most common neoplastic pathology. In gastric biopsies, chronic atrophic gastritis (3.12 %) was the most common condition in a non-neoplastic category, while gastric adenocarcinoma (15.61 %) was the malignant lesion which was found. Among duodenal biopsies, the most common lesion was eosinophilic enteritis / duodenitis (14.06 %). Among 41 (100 %) colonoscopic biopsies, the most common lesion was chronic non-specific inflammation (12.19 %) under non-neoplastic category, while well differentiated adenocarcinoma (46.34 %) was most common entity under malignant category in our study. Non-neoplastic lesions were more common in upper GI endoscopic biopsies whereas, neoplastic lesions were more frequently seen with lower GI endoscopic biopsies. CONCLUSIONS Performing endoscopy alone is an incomplete investigative modality for the diagnosis. While performing endoscopy and simultaneously taking biopsy for histopathological evaluation helps in giving an accurate diagnosis. KEY WORDS GIT, Endoscopy, Endoscopic Biopsy
Local Ecological Knowledge on Food Materials of Land Plant Origin in Kabola Ethnic Communities in Alor District, East Nusa Tengara Province
Authors: Laalobang Sanherip , Mudita I. W. , Mau Yosep Seran
Published: April 2021

Local Ecological Knowledge (LEK) regarding local food plants is knowledge that is owned by local communities and is passed down from generation to generation. LED is obtained through a long process of adaptation and is used by local communities to address environmental problems. The Kabola ethnic group also has LEK regarding food plants used to solve food problems on dry land, but the LEK owned by the Kabola ethnic community is in danger of being lost. The method used is a mixed method (Mixed Methodology), which combines qualitative methods and quantitative methods, data collection begins with an exploration using a qualitative case study method by means of in-depth interviews followed by a quantitative survey method of the plant species mentioned during the interview. The results showed that the Kabola ethnic group still collects wild food plants from forests, former gardens and riverbanks, even though they have cultivated various types of food crops; The Kabola ethnic group community collects food plants during the rainy season and dry season, but most food gathering activities are carried out at the end of the rainy season and during the dry season; The people of the Kabola ethnic group collect food by using simple tools while leaving certain parts of the plant from which the food is collected; The people of the Kabola ethnic group still pass on local knowledge about foodstuffs to the younger generation through stories, personal experiences and providing examples or direct practices about plants that can be used to meet food needs; The Kabola ethnic group cultivates local food plants, but these cultivation efforts are only carried out individually and have not received support from the local government.
The Effect of Activator Addition to the Compost with Biopore Infiltration Hole (BIH) Method
Authors: Ruslinda Yenni , Aziz Rizki , Arum Larasati Sekar , Sari Novita
Published: April 2021

The composition of organic waste reaches 59% of the total municipal solid waste in Indonesia. One way to process organic waste is composting by utilizing microorganisms to break down waste into compost. Naturally, the composting process took a long time but can be accelerated by adding microorganisms to the activator. This study analyzes the quality and quantity of compost using the Biopore Infiltration Hole (BIH) method with activator addition. Composting was duplicated in the yard area with clay soil type and water infiltration rate of 0,3 cm/hour. The BIH was made in a 10 cm diameter, a 100 cm depth, and the distance between the holes was 50 cm. Composting variations consist of variations in the composition of the raw materials and the activators' uses. Variations in the raw material composition consisted of 100% yard waste, 100% food waste, 50% yard waste and 50% food waste, and 70% food waste and 30% yard waste. In contrast, the activator variations consisted of no activator, EM4 activator, and Stardec activator. Compost analysis consists of maturity, quality of physical and macro elements, and quantity of compost. The results showed that all variations of composting had met the standard of maturity and quality of physical and macro elements according to SNI 19-7030-2004. The addition of activator affected composting time and compost quantity. The composting time in BIH with activator ranges from 41-60 days. In BIH without activator ranges from 65-75 days, there was a reduction in composting time by 15-25 days with the activator addition. However, the activator addition caused reducing the compost quantity by 10-20%. The selection of compost variations by scoring results in compost with a composition of 50% yard waste and 50% food waste and the addition of Stardec activators was the best variation in terms of compost maturity, quality, and quantity.
Analisis Deep Ecology Arne Naess terhadap Aktivitas Penambangan Pasir (Studi Kasus: Penambangan Pasir Merapi di Sekitar Sungai Gendol Cangkringan Sleman Yogyakarta)
Authors: Ainia Dela Khoirul , Jiarzanah Jiarzanah
Published: April 2021

Gunung Merapi merupakan gunung teraktif di Indonesia, sehingga setiap erupsi mengeluarkan material vulkanik berupa pasir dan batuan. Pada tahun 2010 Gunung Merapi mengalami erupsi dengan mengeluarkan material vulkanik sebanyak 140 juta m3 akibatnya sekitar 23 % material yang dikeluarkan memenuhi aliran Sungai Gendol. Pemerintah Kabupaten Sleman melalui kebijakannya mengeluarkan aturan untuk dilakukan normalilsasi aliran Sungai Gendol, selain bertujuan untuk menormalisasi aliran sungai potensi tersebut juga dimanfaatkan sebagai lahan mata pencaharian yaitu dengan mengambil pasir dan batu. Akibat dari adanya penambangan pasir dan batu lingkungan sekitar mengalami kerusakan, diantaranya vegetasi tumbuhan tidak dapat tumbuh, kerusakan jalan, debu yang beterbangan akibat truk pengangkut pasir dan batu.  Dalam hal ini terkait dengan permasalahan yang terjadi disekitar penambangan pasir akan dikaji menggunakan platform deep ecology Arne Naess. Tujuan dari penelitian ini yakni menganalisis secara kritis mengenai aktivitas penambangan pasir Merapi yang ada di sekitar Sungai Gendol selain itu juga merumuskan solusi terkait permasalahan yang terjadi. Data dikumpulkan dengan cara studi pustaka, wawancara mendalam dengan pejabat kecamatan, dinas lingkungan hidup, penambang pasir, maupun dengan pengamatan lapangan. Teori  Deep  Ecology  memiliki kelebihan di antaranya bertitik tolak dari ideologi keberlanjutan sistem ekologi membawa perubahan fundamental pada tatanan  kehidupan  sosial,  ekonomi  dan politik. Deep Ecology memandang bahwa makhluk hidup biotik maupun abiotik saling  terkait  sehingga harus  dihormati  dan  dihargai. Kurangnya kesadaran masyarakat penambang pasir menyebabkan terjadinya kerusakan  lingkungan. Sumberdaya pasir atau batu bukan  untuk dikuasai  dan direduksi  secara  berlebih,  namun  dapat  digunakan   sebagai sarana  memenuhi   kebutuhan kehidupan vital manusia. Perubahan  pandangan  dan  sikap  yang  arif  dalam  memperlakukan alam harus selalu dimiliki oleh seluruh masyarakat maupun pemerintah terkait.
Evaluation of yield, yield components and nutritive value in intercropping of Barley with Vetch
Authors: Kahraryan Bijan , Farahvash Farhad , Mohammadi Soleyman , Mirshekari Bahram , Rashidi Varharam
Published: April 2021

To evaluate some agronomic properties and forage characteristics in the intercropping of barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) and vetch (Vicia ervilia L.), an experiment was conducted during 2014-2016 cropping seasons. A randomized complete block design with four replications was used. Intercropping patterns included 80% barley+ 20% vetch, 60% barley+ 40% vetch, 40% barley + 60% vetch and 20% barley + 80% vetch along with the sole culture of both crops (100% barley and100% vetch). The result showed that the highest value of plant height, grain number, thousand-grain weight, biological yield, grain yield and harvest in barley was observed from 80% barley + 20% vetch intercropping ratio, however, for vetch, it was detected from 100% vetch. Furthermore, the highest land equivalent ratio was obtained from 80% barley+ 20% vetch. Based on the results, the highest crude protein content and dry matter digestibility were observed in sole cropped vetch, whereas the highest neutral detergent fiber and acid detergent fiber were recorded in sole cropped barley. These results suggested that intercropped barley and vetch as 80% barley + 20% vetch ameliorated the grain yield and yield components, and forage quality compared to other intercropping ratios.
Collaborative approach and lessons learnt from transitioning to remotely invigilated online examinations
Authors: Tran Vinh , Chu Justin , Cheng Jasmine
Published: April 2021

The global pandemic in 2020 has spurred the rapid transition to remote learning for higher education providers in terms of course delivery and assessments. Final examinations which play an important role in summarily assessing students’ attainments of course intended learning outcomes are traditionally conducted in a physical invigilated environment. This paper discussed the transition from paper-based physically invigilated final examinations into remotely invigilated online examinations. It highlights the collaborative approach across different parts of the organisation to bring together a smooth experience for students to undertake their final examinations while the academic integrity of the examinations is still maintained. It also sheds lights on some measures of the success of the transition including feedback from teaching staff and students who participated in the process from which lessons are learnt as feedforward for future undertakings.
Diatomaceous Earth: Characterization, thermal modification, and application
Authors: Reka Arianit A. , Pavlovski Blagoj , Fazlija Emira , Berisha Avni , Pacarizi Musaj , Daghmehchi Maria , Sacalis Carmen , Jovanovski Gligor , Makreski Petre , Oral Ayhan
Published: April 2021

The diatomaceous earth (DE), collected from the Mariovo region in North Macedonia, was characterized and thermally modified. The material represents a sedimentary rock of biogenic origin, soft solid that can be easily disintegrated, with white to grayish color, with bulk density of 0.51–0.55 g/cm3, total porosity of 61–63%, and specific gravity of 2.25 g/cm3. The chemical composition is as follows: SiO2,86.03; Al2O3, 3.01; Fe2O3, 2.89; MnO, 0.06; TiO2,0.20; CaO, 0.76; MgO, 0.28; K2O, 0.69; Na2O, 0.19; P2O5, 0.15; and loss of ignition, 5.66 (wt%). The mineralogy of the raw DE is characterized by the predominant presence of amorphous phase, followed by crystalline quartz, muscovite, kaolinite, and feldspar. Significant changes in the opal phase are observed in the 1,000–1,200°C temperature region. At 1,100°C, the entire opal underwent solid–solid transition to cristobalite. Further ramp of the temperature (1,100–1,200°C) induced formation of mullite. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy depict the presence of micro- and nanostructures with pores varying from 260 to 650 nm. SEM analysis further determined morphological changes in terms of the pore diameters shrinkage to 120–250 nm in comparison to the larger pores found in the initial material. The results from this investigation improve the understanding of mechanism of silica phase transition and the relevant phase alterations that took place in DE upon calcination temperatures from 500 to 1,200°C.
Dynamic strength properties and structural integrity of wood modified with cyclic N-methylol and N-methyl compounds
Authors: Emmerich Lukas , Brischke Christian , Bollmus Susanne , Militz Holger
Published: April 2021

Cyclic N-methylol compounds have been used for cell wall impregnation modifications of wood. Besides an improved decay resistance and dimensional stability, the modifications resulted in a decrease of wood’s dynamic strength properties. However, the mechanisms behind a significant loss in dynamic strength are not fully understood yet. In this study, wood blocks were treated with the N-methylol compounds 1,3-dimethylol-4,5-dihydroxyethyleneurea (DMDHEU) and methylated DMDHEU (mDMDHEU) and the N-methyl compound 1,3-dimethyl-4,5-dihydroxy-ethyleneurea (DMeDHEU). In order to study the factors that control the changes of wood performance under dynamic loads, single (impact bending strength, IBS) and multiple dynamic impact (resistance to impact milling, RIM) tests were applied. It became evident, that reductions in IBS and RIM increased with increasing solid content, formaldehyde content and catalyst concentration of the impregnation solutions, but were not affected by a cold-water leaching. Differences in structural integrity of wood modified with N-methylol and N-methyl compounds were more pronounced than those of IBS. Therefore, RIM appeared more sensitive to changes on cellular level, as a higher degree of co-condensation of the N-methylol compounds with cell wall polymers was expected in comparison with the N-methyl compound.
Application of 3D digital image correlation for the measurement of the tensile mechanical properties of high-strength steel
Authors: Zhu Feipeng , Gu Xiaoxia , Bai Pengxiang , Lei Dong
Published: April 2021

High-strength steel plays an important role in engineering fields such as infrastructure. For this reason, an accurate determination of its mechanical properties is of critical importance. Considering the inconvenience of conventional mechanical extensometers for the deformation measurement of small-scale specimens, 3D digital image correlation (3D-DIC) was used to measure the deformation of Grade 8.8 bolts and Q690 high-strength steel specimens by means of a uniaxial tensile test, and in this way, stress–strain curves, elastic modulus, yield strength, tensile strength, percentage elongation after fracture, and percentage reduction of area were obtained. Experimental results show that Grade 8.8 bolts and Q690 steel result in higher yield strength and tensile strength than common steel. Moreover, owing to the phenomenon that stress remains constant with strain increase in the yielding stage, the evolution process from elastic deformation to plastic deformation of the specimens during the yielding stage could be studied. Experimental results show that the axial strain of Grade 8.8 bolts increases from 0.3 to 1 % during the yielding stage and for Q690 specimens the corresponding strain increases from 0.4 to 1.8 %.
Algebraic conditions and the sparsity of spectrally arbitrary patterns
Authors: Deaett Louis , Garnett Colin
Published: April 2021

Given a square matrix A, replacing each of its nonzero entries with the symbol * gives its zero-nonzero pattern. Such a pattern is said to be spectrally arbitrary when it carries essentially no information about the eigenvalues of A. A longstanding open question concerns the smallest possible number of nonzero entries in an n × n spectrally arbitrary pattern. The Generalized 2n Conjecture states that, for a pattern that meets an appropriate irreducibility condition, this number is 2n. An example of Shitov shows that this irreducibility is essential; following his technique, we construct a smaller such example. We then develop an appropriate algebraic condition and apply it computationally to show that, for n ≤ 7, the conjecture does hold for ℝ, and that there are essentially only two possible counterexamples over ℂ. Examining these two patterns, we highlight the problem of determining whether or not either is in fact spectrally arbitrary over ℂ. A general method for making this determination for a pattern remains a major goal; we introduce an algebraic tool that may be helpful.
THE EFFECT OF BOVINE LACTOFERRIN ON THE MICROBIOLOGICAL PROPERTIES OF RAW MILK
Authors: DURAN Ayhan
Published: April 2021

Milk is a foodstuff that is very open to contamination depending on the way it is obtained. Also, it is a microbiologically perishable product in terms of the nutritional components it contains. Regarding both regulations and consumer awareness, it cannot be intervened substantially until the process of raw milk in the dairy farms. Therefore, due to the proliferation of Coliforms, especially Pseudomonas spp. and lactic acid bacteria, various problems may arise in both product and technology. The present study aimed to investigate the effect of lactoferrin, a natural inhibitor, on the microbiological properties of raw milk kept in the cold chain. As a result of the study, no inhibitory effect of lactoferrin on lactic acid bacteria was observed. However, it showed a significant antibacterial effect by inhibiting the growth of Pseudomonas spp. and Coliform (P<0.05). As the lactoferrin concentration increased, the antimicrobial effect increased significantly. This showed that lactoferrin can be used as a natural antimicrobial agent in cold systems of liquid foods.
Economic Games: An Introduction and Guide for Research
Authors: Thielmann Isabel , Böhm Robert , Ott Marion , Hilbig Benjamin E.
Published: April 2021

Prosocial behaviors constitute vital ingredients for all types of social interactions and relationships as well as for society at large. Corresponding to this significance, the study of prosocial behaviors has received considerable attention across scientific disciplines. A striking feature of this research is that most disciplines rely on economic games to measure actual prosocial behavior in controlled experimental settings. However, empirical research often fails to fully exploit the richness of this class of paradigms. The current work aims to overcome this issue by providing a theory-driven overview of and introduction to the variety of economic games for researchers in psychology and beyond. Specifically, we introduce prominent theories of games (Game Theory and Interdependence Theory) and show how the concepts from these theories can be integrated in a unifying theoretical framework considering games as providing specific situational affordances for behavior. Additionally, we describe several games in detail, including their structural features, the affordances they involve, the social motives that may guide behavior, the flexibility they entail to manipulate specific situational aspects and, thus, affordances, and typical research findings. We conclude that tailored selection and combination of games and game variants allows to obtain a unique understanding of the underlying psychological processes involved in prosocial behavior. As a practical tool for researchers, we also provide standardized game instructions and guidelines for the implementation of games in future research. Ultimately, the review can foster optimal use of economic games in future work and thereby set the stage for high-class, replicable, and innovative research on human prosociality.
The Impact of Personality and Lifestyle Change on Distress During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Balling Caroline E. , Napolitano Skye C. , Lane Sean P. , Samuel Douglas B.
Published: April 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic provided a unique opportunity for quantifying the impact of Five Factor Model personality domains (i.e. neuroticism, extraversion, openness, agreeableness, and conscientiousness) and COVID-related lifestyle changes on psychological distress. To examine these relationships, we designed and preregistered the present study (https://osf.io/qfw9h). We assessed a large, heterogeneous sample including undergraduates, graduate students, faculty, and staff of a large, public, Midwestern university (n = 1055) to ascertain whether personality domains uniquely predicted distress in response to COVID-19 shelter-in-place orders. This was a three-panel study in which the same potential participant pools were invited to participate at each survey announcement. Data collection occurred between early March through late May 2020, from within days of local shelter-in-place order onset to within days of reaching 100,000 COVID-related deaths in the USA. Domain and distress scores were determined from self-reported ratings on the Big Five Inventory and the 21-Item Depression Anxiety and Stress Scales, respectively. Participants also reported personal experiences with six COVID-specific lifestyle impacts: insufficient outdoor or indoor living space, job insecurity, income insecurity, or taking care of or homeschooling school-aged children during working hours. Zero-order correlations revealed that all personality domains except openness had statistically significant correlations with distress, and all correlations were negative except for that of neuroticism. When entered simultaneously, neuroticism was the predominant risk factor of distress that held across all preregistered and exploratory analyses. Our expectation that extraversion would be negatively associated with distress was not supported broadly, while agreeableness was a unique potential risk factor (though this effect was mostly limited to exploratory analyses). The results especially highlight the link between employment and income uncertainty with psychological distress, while also identifying insufficient indoor and outdoor space as potential risk factors. We hope these findings inform future public health action and further emphasize the utility of personality trait models in general.
A Hashtag Revolution in Nigeria
Authors: Obadare Ebenezer
Published: April 2021

Exploding in October 2020 and reverberating internationally, protests against police brutality under the hashtag #EndSARS exposed enduring patterns and emergent trends in Nigerian politics and society. This article examines various elements of the protests to advance hypotheses about the culture of social media, the weakening of old forms of solidarity, and the rise of a new generation of activists steeped in new rules and technologies of civic engagement. #EndSARS marks the possible ascent of an inorganic civil society with profound implications for Nigerian democracy.
Who Is an African Jew?
Authors: Miles William F. S.
Published: April 2021

A new book explores how a community in southern Africa has turned to genetic testing to advance a claim to Jewish ancestry. The reviewer puts the episode in the broader context of diverse Jewish groups across the continent for whom religion is a matter of practice, not just identity.
Enfermedad mental y prisión: análisis de la situación penal y penitenciaria de las personas con trastorno mental grave (TMG)
Authors: Hava García Esther
Published: April 2021

La reforma psiquiátrica que acabó con los manicomios pretendía sustituir los planteamientos segregacionistas en el tratamiento de la enfermedad mental por un enfoque comunitario, pero las altas tasas de prevalencia de personas con TMG en prisiones indican que su segregación se produce ahora en el sistema carcelario. Las fuentes documentales, bibliográficas y jurisprudenciales consultadas parecen demostrar que el abordaje actual de esta problemática se caracteriza por el voluntarismo del personal de instituciones penitenciarias (que intenta paliar la escasez de recursos y la descoordinación entre administraciones implementando programas de tratamiento e intervención específicos), la indolencia de las comunidades autónomas (que se resisten a integrar la asistencia sanitaria de estas personas en sus respectivos servicios de salud mental, lo que perjudica gravemente su atención penitenciaria y post-penitenciaria), y la severidad de los aplicadores de los órganos judiciales (que parecen excesivamente proclives al internamiento de estas personas, ya sean o no declaradas inimputables).
Titreşimin Ortodontik Diş Hareketi Hızına Etkisi : Literatür Derlemesi
Authors: NORÇİNLİ Zeynep , BAKA Zeliha Müge
Published: April 2021

Ortodontik diş hareketi periodonsiyuma iletilen dış kuvvetlerin ve bu kuvvetlerin etkilediği alana nüfuz etmiş enflamatuvar mediyatörlerin alveol kemiğinde başlattığı yeniden şekillenme olayının bir sonucu olarak meydana gelmektedir. Günümüzde her yaşta ortodontik tedavi görmek isteyen hasta sayısının artmış olmasıyla birlikte kısa süre içerisinde sonuçlanan ortodontik tedavi talebinin de artması, ayrıca uzun süreli ortodontik tedavilerin beyaz nokta lezyonları, diş çürükleri, periodontal sorunlar ve kök rezorpsiyonu gibi yan etkilerinin bulunması nedeniyle diş hareketini hızlandırmaya yönelik yöntemler önem kazanmaktadır. Bu yöntemler; girişimsel olan cerrahi yöntemler, girişimsel olmayan farmakolojik uygulamalar ve mekanik-fiziksel uygulamalardır. Girişimsel olan cerrahi uygulamalar her ne kadar etkili ve öngörülebilir olsa da post-operatif ağrı, periodontal doku hasarına sebep olabilmeleri ve hasta kabul edilebilirliğinin düşük olması araştırmacıları girişimsel olmayan yöntemlerin etkilerinin araştırılmasına yöneltmiştir. Titreşim uygulamaları yakın zamanda ortodontide diş hareketinin hızlandırılması amacıyla kullanılmakta olan girişimsel olmayan uygulamalardan birisidir. Titreşim uygulamasının girişimsel bir yöntem olmaması, periodontal dokulara zarar vermemesi, ortodontik tedavi kaynaklı diş ağrılarını azaltabilmesi, hasta açısından kolay uygulanabilmesi ve rahatsızlık vermemesi gibi özellikleri ortodonti açısından önemini artırmıştır. Literatürdeki çalışmalara bakıldığında genel olarak titreşimin diş hareketi hızını artırdığına yönelik bulgular olduğu gibi diş hareketi üzerinde etkili olmadığını belirten çalışmalar da bulunmaktadır. Optimal bir vibrasyon protokülün belirlenebilmesi, vibrasyonun diş hareketi üzerindeki etkisinin moleküler ve hücresel mekanizmalarının aydınlatılabilmesi amacıyla gelecekte daha çok çalışmaya ihtiyaç duyulmaktadır.Anahtar Kelimeler: ortodontik diş hareketi, titreşim, enflamatuar mediyatör
KLİNİK KOŞULLARDA ETKİLENMİŞ DENTİN VE ENFEKTE DENTİN AYRIMI
Authors: KAYA Seren , TULGA ÖZ Firdevs
Published: April 2021

Dünya genelinde en yaygın görülen hastalıklardan olan diş çürüğü, ağrı ve hassasiyet gibi semptomlarla ortaya çıkabilmekte ve diş dokusunun yıkımına, çiğneme fonksiyonu kaybına ve estetik olmayan görünüme sebep olabilmektedir. Günümüzde artan çürük oranıyla beraber süt ve sürekli dişlerde derin dentin çürükleriyle karşılaşılma sıklığı da artmıştır. Derin dentin çürüğü terimi; çürüğün tamamının kaldırılmasıyla pulpanın ekspoz olma riskinin bulunduğu durumlarda kullanılmaktadır. Süt dişlerinin, sürekli dişler sürene kadar yer tutucu olarak görev yapmaları ve genç sürekli dişlerin kök gelişimlerinin devam edebilmesi amacıyla bu dişlere uygulanacak tedavilerin mümkün olduğunca vital tedaviler olması gerektiği vurgulanmaktadır. Bu sayede pulpa dokusunun canlılığını koruması ve devam ettirmesi amaçlanmaktadır. Derin çürük tedavisi sırasında çürüğün tamamının temizlenmesi pulpa perforasyonlarının ortaya çıkmasına yol açmaktadır. Meydana gelen pulpa perforasyonu dişin uzun dönem prognozunu olumsuz yönde etkilemektedir. Bu nedenle, etkilenmiş ve enfekte dentin ayrımı konservatif tedavide koruyucu yönlendirme sağlaması açısından önemlidir. Laboratuvar çalışmalarında, enfekte dentin ile etkilenmiş dentin arasındaki sınır gözle ayırt edilebilirken klinikte diş hekimleri belli rehber kriterler kullanarak, bu sınırın nerede ortadan kalktığına ve uzaklaştırılması gereken dentin miktarına subjektif olarak karar verirler. Bu nedenle hekimler arasında kaldırılan dokunun nitelik ve miktarında varyasyonlar olabilmektedir. Sonuç olarak, ideal bir tedavi için tüm hekimlerin etkilenmiş ve enfekte dentin ayrımını ve klinik özelliklerini iyi bilip ne kadarının uzaklaştırılması gerektiğine doğru olarak karar verebilmesi gerekmektedir.
Papillon LeFèvre Sendromlu Hastalarda Alveoler Soket Koruma Yöntemi Olarak İmplant Yerleştirilmesi; İki Olgu Sunumu
Authors: MUTAFCİLAR Emine Elif , İNÖNÜ Elif , DURSUN Recep , HAKKI Sema Sezgin
Published: April 2021

Papillon-Lefèvre sendromu, süt ve daimî dentisyonda erken diş kaybı ve palmaplantar hiperkeratoz ile karakterize otozomal resesif geçişli genetik bir hastalıktır. Bu olgu raporunda, Papillon-Lefèvre sendromlu (PLS) iki hastada, alveolar kemiği korumak için diş köklerinin dişeti altında bırakılması ve çekimlerini takiben çekim soketinin implant ile korunması sunuldu. PLS tanısı konmuş 18 yaşında erkek ve 29 yaşında kadın hasta Selçuk Üniversitesi Periodontoloji Anabilim Dalı kliniğinde 11-12 yaşlarından itibaren takip edilerek periodontal tedavi ile dişlerin ağızda tutulmasına çalışılmıştır. Şiddetli mobilitesi olan dişler çekildikten sonra birçok kez protezleri yenilenmiştir. 43 ve 33 nolu diş köklerinin diş eti altında bırakılmasının ardından kökler yaklaşık 5 yıl boyunca ağızda tutulabilmiştir. Dişlerin ağız ortamına açıldıktan sonra kaybedilmesinin ardından alveolar kemiğin korunması amacıyla aynı bölgelere dental implant yerleştirilerek alveolar kemik rezorpsiyonu riski nedeniyle dişeti altında bırakılmıştır. Klinik ve radyografik olarak kontrol edilen hastalarda yumuşak doku komplikasyonu gözlenmeksizin ve dişsiz sahalara kıyasla kemik seviyesi korunabilmiştir.
RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN BODY MASS INDEX AND HALITOSIS AMONGST LATE ADOLESCENTS
Authors: SEZEN ERHAMZA Turkan , ERKMEN ALMAZ Merve , TULUMBACI Fatih
Published: April 2021

Background: To the best our knowledge there is no study evaluating relationship between only body mass index (BMI) and halitosis. The aim of our study is to examine whether there is a relationship between BMI and halitosis. Material-Methods: For the study population, 200 undergraduate students in the late adolescent period (17-21 years) were evaluated. After the students completed a questionnaire; individuals with good oral hygiene habits (i.e. regular tooth brushing, no caries or filled teeth, no gum bleeding, no systemic diseases, and no drug use) were included in the study. After all the criteria were applied, 61 participants (Male:23, Female:38) were found suitable for the study and BMI of the participants was calculated. Halitosis was determined using organoleptic assessment and a portable sulfur monitor. T-test and simple linear regression model was used for statistical analysis. Results: The average BMI value was 21.71±3.09 for all participants. Linear regression analysis showed that participants’ organoleptic value increases by 0.008 times for each unit increase of BMI, however, the relationship was found not statistically significant (p= 0.829). A one unit increase of BMI value increases the halimeter measurements value by 0.573 times, but this result was not statistically significant (p= 0.893). Conclusion: We conclude that halitosis is independent of high BMI in itself. However, high BMI may be still a risk factor for halitosis due to problems associated with high BMI and related to halitosis, such as systemic diseases, increased risk of periodontitis, xerostomia, etc.