bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Simultaneous measurement of centre of pressure and centre of mass in assessing postural sway in healthcare workers with non-specific back pain: protocol for a cross-sectional study
Authors: Zemková Erika , Ďurinová Eva , Džubera Andrej , Chochol Juraj , Koišová Jana , Šimonová Michaela , Zapletalová Ludmila
Published: August 2021

Introduction

Low back pain (LBP) is widely prevalent in healthcare workers. It is associated with impaired postural and core stability. So far, centre of pressure (CoP) measures have been commonly recorded through the use of a force plate in order to assess postural stability. However, this approach provides limited information about the centre of mass (CoM) movement in the lumbar region in individuals with LBP. Recent developments in sensor technology enable measurement of the trunk motion which could provide additional information on postural sway. However, the question remains as to whether CoM measures would be more sensitive in discriminating individuals with mild and moderate back pain than traditional CoP analyses. This study aims to investigate the sensitivity of CoP and CoM measures under varied stable, metastable and unstable testing conditions in healthcare workers, and their relationship with the level of subjective reported back pain.

Methods and analysis

This is a cross-sectional controlled laboratory study. A group of 90 healthcare professionals will be recruited from rehabilitation centres within local areas. Participants will complete the Oswestry Disability Questionnaire. The primary outcome will be the rate of their back pain on the 0–10 Low Back Pain Scale (1–3 mild pain and 4–6 moderate pain). Secondary outcomes will include variables of postural and core stability testing during bipedal and one-legged stance on a force plate, a foam mat placed on the force plate, and a spring-supported platform with either eyes open or eyes closed. Both CoP using the posturography system based on a force plate and CoM using the inertial sensor system placed on the trunk will be simultaneously measured.

Ethics and dissemination

Projects were approved by the ethics committee of the Faculty of Physical Education and Sport, Comenius University in Bratislava (Nos. 4/2017, 1/2020). Findings will be published in peer-reviewed journals and presented at conferences.
Multiyear prospective cohort study to evaluate the risk potential of MERS-CoV infection among Malaysian Hajj pilgrims (MERCURIAL): a study protocol
Authors: Johari Jefree , Hontz Robert D , Pike Brian L , Husain Tupur , Chong Chee-Kheong , Rusli Norhayati , Sulaiman Lokman-Hakim , Verasahib Khebir , Mohd Zain Rozainanee , Azman Adzzie-Shazleen , Khor Chee Sieng , Nor"e Siti-Sarah , Tiong Vunjia , Lee Hai Yen , Teoh Boon-Teong , Sam Sing Sin , Khoo Jing-Jing , Abd Jamil Juraina , Loong Shih-Keng , Yaacob Che Norainon , Mahfodz Nur-Hidayana , Azizan Noor Syahida , Che Mat Seri Nurul Asma Anati , Mohd-Rahim Nurul-Farhana , Hassan Habibi , Yahaya Hasmawati , Garcia-Rivera Jose A , AbuBakar Sazaly
Published: August 2021

Introduction

Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) is a viral respiratory infection caused by the MERS-CoV. MERS was first reported in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in 2012. Every year, the Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca attracts more than two million pilgrims from 184 countries, making it one of the largest annual religious mass gatherings (MGs) worldwide. MGs in confined areas with a high number of pilgrims’ movements worldwide continues to elicit significant global public health concerns. MERCURIAL was designed by adopting a seroconversion surveillance approach to provide multiyear evidence of MG-associated MERS-CoV seroconversion among the Malaysian Hajj pilgrims.

Methods and analysis

MERCURIAL is an ongoing multiyear prospective cohort study. Every year, for the next 5 years, a cohort of 1000 Hajj pilgrims was enrolled beginning in the 2016 Hajj pilgrimage season. Pre-Hajj and post-Hajj serum samples were obtained and serologically analysed for evidence of MERS-CoV seroconversion. Sociodemographic data, underlying medical conditions, symptoms experienced during Hajj pilgrimage, and exposure to camel and untreated camel products were recorded using structured pre-Hajj and post-Hajj questionnaires. The possible risk factors associated with the seroconversion data were analysed using univariate and multivariate logistic regression. The primary outcome of this study is to better enhance our understanding of the potential threat of MERS-CoV spreading through MG beyond the Middle East.

Ethics and dissemination

This study has obtained ethical approval from the Medical Research and Ethics Committee (MREC), Ministry of Health Malaysia. Results from the study will be submitted for publication in peer-reviewed journals and presented in conferences and scientific meetings.

Trial registration number

NMRR-15-1640-25391.
Helmet Non-Invasive Ventilation for COVID-19 Patients (Helmet-COVID): study protocol for a multicentre randomised controlled trial
Authors: Arabi Yaseen M , Tlayjeh Haytham , Aldekhyl Sara , Al-Dorzi Hasan M , Abdukahil Sheryl Ann , Al Harbi Mohammad Khulaif , Al Haji Husain , Al Mutairi Mohammed , Al Zumai Omar , Al Qasim Eman , Al Wehaibi Wedyan , Al Qahtani Saad , Al-Hameed Fahad , Chalabi Jamal , Alshahrani Mohammed , Albrahim Talal , Alharthy Abdulrahman , Mady Ahmed , Bin Eshaq Abdulhadi , Al bshabshe Ali A , Al Aseri Zohair , Al Duhailib Zainab , Kharaba Ayman , Alqahtani Rakan , Al Ghamdi Adnan , Altalag Ali , Alghamdi Khalid , Almaani Mohammed , Algethamy Haifa , Al Aqeily Ahmad , Al Baseet Faisal , Al Samannoudi Hashem , Al Obaidi Mohammed , Ismaiel Yassin T , Al-Fares Abdulrahman A
Published: August 2021

Introduction

Non-invasive ventilation (NIV) delivered by helmet has been used for respiratory support of patients with acute hypoxaemic respiratory failure due to COVID-19 pneumonia. The aim of this study was to compare helmet NIV with usual care versus usual care alone to reduce mortality.

Methods and analysis

This is a multicentre, pragmatic, parallel randomised controlled trial that compares helmet NIV with usual care to usual care alone in a 1:1 ratio. A total of 320 patients will be enrolled in this study. The primary outcome is 28-day all-cause mortality. The primary outcome will be compared between the two study groups in the intention-to-treat and per-protocol cohorts. An interim analysis will be conducted for both safety and effectiveness.

Ethics and dissemination

Approvals are obtained from the institutional review boards of each participating institution. Our findings will be published in peer-reviewed journals and presented at relevant conferences and meetings.

Trial registration number

NCT04477668.
Effect of COVID-19 on smoking cessation outcomes in a large primary care treatment programme: an observational study
Authors: Veldhuizen Scott , Selby Peter , Wong Benjamin , Zawertailo Laurie
Published: August 2021

Objectives

The COVID-19 pandemic has changed patterns of smoking, other substance use and other health-related behaviours, leading to a virtualisation of non-urgent medical care. In this study, we examine associated changes in outcomes of smoking-cessation treatment.

Design

Observational study.

Setting

Data are drawn from 221 physician-led primary care practices participating in a smoking cessation program in Ontario, Canada.

Participants

43 509 patients (53% female), comprising 35 385 historical controls, 6109 people enrolled before the pandemic and followed up during it, and 1815 people enrolled after the pandemic began.

Intervention

Nicotine-replacement therapy with counselling.

Primary outcome measure

7-day self-reported abstinence from cigarettes at a follow-up survey 6 months after entry.

Results

For people followed up in the 6 months (6M) after the pandemic began, quit probability declined with date of enrolment. Predicted probabilities were 31.2% (95% CI 30.0% to 32.5%) for people enrolled in smoking cessation treatment 6 months prior to the emergency declaration and followed up immediately after the state of emergency was declared, and 24.1% (95% CI 22.1% to 26.2%) for those enrolled in treatment immediately before the emergency declaration and followed up 6M later (difference=−6.5%, 95% CI −9.0% to −3.9%). Seasonality and total treatment use did not explain this decline.

Conclusion

The probability of successful smoking cessation following treatment fell during the pandemic, with the decline consistent with an effect of ‘exposure’ to the pandemic-era environment. As many changes happened simultaneously, specific causes cannot be identified; however, the possibility that virtual care has been less effective than in-person treatment should be explored.
Ischaemic stroke in anticoagulated patients with atrial fibrillation
Authors: Stretz Christoph , Wu Teddy Y , Wilson Duncan , Seiffge David J , Smith Eric E , Gurol M Edip , Yaghi Shadi
Published: August 2021

Anticoagulation substantially reduces the risk of stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). However, recent studies have shown that up to 22%–36% of patients on anticoagulation will suffer an ischaemic stroke (IS). In this narrative review, we provide an overview of risk factors, mechanisms, management of acute IS and strategies for secondary prevention for patients with AF with stroke despite oral anticoagulation. For this paper, we reviewed available literature from important studies (randomised clinical trials, meta-analyses, reviews and case series) on patients with IS despite anticoagulation. We focused on recent studies that examined safety and efficacy of acute stroke treatments and evaluation and management strategies for secondary prevention. The literature review suggests that patients with AF with IS despite anticoagulation are a heterogeneous group with several possible mechanisms, which may include reduced or non-adherence to anticoagulation, competing non-cardioembolic stroke aetiologies or cardioembolic mechanisms separate from AF. The identification of one or more possible mechanisms of stroke despite anticoagulation may allow for a more targeted and individualised approach for secondary prevention. There are limited data to guide management in such patients, and strategies to prevent recurrent strokes include strict risk factor control and therapies targeting the most likely stroke mechanism. In cases where AF is suspected to be the culprit, clinical trials are needed to test the safety and efficacy of left atrial appendage occlusion plus anticoagulation versus continued anticoagulation alone.
A new species of Ectenosaurus (Mosasauridae: Plioplatecarpinae) from western Kansas, USA, reveals a novel suite of osteological characters for the genus1
Authors: Willman Alexander J. , Konishi Takuya , Caldwell Michael W.
Published: August 2021

FHSM VP-5515 is a medium-sized russellosaurine mosasaur collected in the 1970s in Logan County, western Kansas, USA. A suite of cranial features are unique to this specimen at the species level. One is a conspicuous lack of a predental rostrum on the premaxilla, whose dentigerous portion is spatula shaped in dorsoventral aspect. Furthermore, the frontal of FHSM VP-5515 exhibits the following unique combination of features: (1) the median dorsal keel absent; (2) straight, long preorbital borders converging anteriorly at 30° from each other; and (3) supraorbital border thick and extensive, clearly separating the prefrontal and the postorbitofrontal above the orbit. The fifth character pertains to the uniquely square outline of the intramandibular joint surface of the splenial, resulting from a robust dorsomedial flange. Finally, hitherto unreported on any mosasaur jaws, a deep notch excavates the dorsal border of the articular immediately posterior to the glenoid fossa. Examination of preexisting Ectenosaurus specimens suggests that this articular notching diagnoses the genus. Based on the unique suite of characteristics including the articular notch, we consequently hypothesize the following for FHSM VP-5515: (1) it is most comparable with the enigmatic russellosaurine Ectenosaurus clidastoides (Merriam, 1894); and (2) it represents a new species of Ectenosaurus.
Removal of instabilities of the higher derivative theories in the light of antilinearity
Authors: Paul Biswajit , Dhar Himangshu , Saha Biswajit
Published: August 2021

Theories with higher derivatives involve linear instabilities in the Hamiltonian commonly known as Ostrogradski ghosts and can be viewed as a very serious problem during quantization. To cure this, we have considered the properties of antilinearity that can be found inherently in the non-Hermitian Hamiltonians. Owing to the existence of antilinearity, we can construct an operator, called the V-operator, which acts as an intertwining operator between the Hamiltonian and its Hermitian conjugate. We have used this V-operator to remove the linear momentum term from the higher derivative Hamiltonian by making it non-Hermitian in the first place via an isospectral similarity transformation. The final form of the Hamiltonian is free from the Ostrogradski ghosts under some restriction on the mass term.
Growth and SHG of a 3D coordination polymer based on metallacalix[4]arenes molecular building blocks
Authors: Liu Chengyou , Yuan Gang , Cui Shu
Published: August 2021

A three-dimensional (3D) Cd-CP [Cd(H2L)]n was synthesized under hydrothermal conditions [[Formula: see text]-[2,4[Formula: see text]-biimidazole]-4,5-dicarboxylicacid]. The structure of [Cd(H2L)]n was characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction and the result shows that it exhibits a non-centrosymmetric lig(LiGe) network constructed from interconnecting C2-symmetric metallacalix[4]arenes Cd4(H2L)4 MBBs. This complex exhibits light blue fluorescence emission originated from intraligand [Formula: see text] electron transition, indicating that the d[Formula: see text] metal ions can hardly absorb energy and thus have no interference with the fluorescence of the ligand. The UV–Vis was used to investigate the optical property of the sample, which is essentially not absorbed in the visible light area and the band gap of the sample is about 2.2[Formula: see text]eV. Moreover, nonlinear optical (NLO) determination shows that the sample exhibits an obvious second-harmonic generation (SHG) response of [Formula: see text].
George Kaufman: Both Hands In; Scholar’s Work with Academia and Financial Industry Benefitted Both
Authors: Bike William S.
Published: August 2021

This paper examines the career of economist Prof. George Kaufman, whose work combined and benefited both academia and the financial industry, helping both better understand the problems of financial stability, financial regulation, and financial sector competition. In doing so, he brought together great minds from both fields and helped many economists progress in their careers. Prof. Kaufman promulgated the idea that government policy needed to foster two simple goals: proper incentives and competitive markets. He believed the combination would produce a richer society and more stable economy. He created the U.S. Federal Reserve’s Conference on Bank Structure and Competition, the leading conference in the world addressing financial regulatory issues for 50 years. Prof. Kaufman also founded the U.S. Shadow Financial Regulatory Committee in 1986 in the midst of the thrift crisis, helping to solve that crisis and inspiring the creation of other shadow financial regulatory committees around the world. Through his activities, he left behind an outstanding legacy of leadership, research, and opinion in various economic fields, providing platforms upon which many scholars will build in the coming decades.
Foreign Product Preference among Indian Consumers: The Role of Product Reviews, Word of Mouth and Quality of Shared Information
Authors: Lohan Amanish , Ganguly Anirban , Kumar Chitresh , Talukdar Asim
Published: August 2021

Decades post 1990 have seen rapid globalisation and technological advancement in the field of e-commerce, exposing consumers in emerging economies to an earlier unavailable wider range of foreign products and brands. Although the preference for both foreign and domestic products largely depends on consumer biases, studies show that shared information can influence consumer decision-making. This study aims to investigate the Indian consumers’ intentions towards foreign brands for apparel products. Using the theoretical foundation of the Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB) and Social Exchange Theory (SET), the collected primary survey of 204 Indian consumers across a single product category (apparel) was analysed using Structural Equation Modelling (SEM). The study determined that both “product reviews” and “informal word-of-mouth” discussions have a positive and significant impact on consumer’s preference towards foreign brands. Further, the quality of information shared also plays a significant role in foreign brand preference. We also found evidence that an increase in income positively influences behaviour, however, the level of education has a negative influence. The findings of the study might serve as a roadmap for any foreign apparel brand looking to establish itself in an emerging market like India.
BODIPY trimer with 1,3,5-triazine core: Facile synthesis and crystal structure
Authors: Huang Chunhua , Shen Bin , Wang Kaili , Sun Xiaofei
Published: August 2021

Trimerization reaction of 8-(4′-cyanophenyl)-1,3,5,7-tetramethyl-4,4-difluoro-4-bora-3a,4a-diaza-s-indacene (CN-BODIPY) led to the isolation of a new triazine-based BODIPY trimer 2,4,6-tris(8′-phenyl-1′,3′,5′,7′-tetramethyl-4′,4′-difluoro-4′-bora-3a′,4a′-diaza-s-indacene)-1,3,5-triazine (1). This BODIPY trimer 1 have been characterized by a series of spectroscopic methods including MALDI-TOF mass, 1H NMR, electronic absorption, IR and fluorescence spectroscopy. In particular, the single crystals of 1 have be obtained by slow diffusion of methanol into the solution of this compound in CHCl3. The BODIPY trimer structure of 1 with a triazine core has been directly revealed on the basis of single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis with the intermolecular interactions investigated by Hirshfeld surface analysis. This work will be helpful for the design and synthesis of new multiple BODIPY derivatives with various application.
Stereochemistry and chiroptical properties of bimetallic single helicates of hexapyrrole-α,ω-dicarbaldimines with high diastereoselectivity
Authors: Nguyen Thi Hien Thuy , Eerdun Chaolu , Okayama Takuya , Hisanaga Satoshi , Tominaga Takumi , Mochida Tomoyuki , Setsune Jun-ichiro
Published: August 2021

Bimetallic complexes of hexapyrrole-[Formula: see text],[Formula: see text]-dicarbaldimines consisting of a pair of four-coordinate metal sites adopt a helical closed [Formula: see text]-symmetric form or sigmoidal open forms depending on whether the 2,2[Formula: see text]-bipyrrole subunit at the center of the hexapyrrole chain takes cis- or trans-conformation. X-ray crystallography of a bisNi complex having N-[([Formula: see text]-1-cyclohexylethyl]carbaldimine units at both ends of the hexapyrrole chain revealed a non-symmetric heterohelical open form where the metal coordination sites of opposite helical sense sit on opposite sides of the central 2,2[Formula: see text]-bipyrrole subunit. BisPd complexes preferred a closed [Formula: see text] form and a steric bulk at the 3,3[Formula: see text]-position of the 2,2[Formula: see text]-bipyrrole subunit improved the helical sense bias. A bisPd complex with N-[([Formula: see text]-1-cyclohexylethyl]carbaldimine units adopts a helical closed [Formula: see text] form exclusively with full bias for a [Formula: see text]-helical sense. These bimetallic single stranded helicates were reversibly oxidized to [Formula: see text]-cation radicals at 0.1∼0.3 V vs. a ferrocene/ferrocenium couple and spectroelectrochemistry revealed remarkable absorption and CD spectral changes in the Vis-NIR region.
Numerical simulation of squeezing Cu–Water nanofluid flow by a kernel-based method
Authors: Fardi Mojtaba , Khan Yasir
Published: August 2021

The main aim of this paper is to propose a kernel-based method for solving the problem of squeezing Cu–Water nanofluid flow between parallel disks. Our method is based on Gaussian Hilbert–Schmidt SVD (HS-SVD), which gives an alternate basis for the data-dependent subspace of “native” Hilbert space without ever forming kernel matrix. The well-conditioning linear system is one of the critical advantages of using the alternate basis obtained from HS-SVD. Numerical simulations are performed to illustrate the efficiency and applicability of the proposed method in the sense of accuracy. Numerical results obtained by the proposed method are assessed by comparing available results in references. The results demonstrate that the proposed method can be recommended as a good option to study the squeezing nanofluid flow in engineering problems.
Increased cerebral endothelium-dependent vasodilation in rats in the postcardiac arrest period
Authors: Hansen Frederik Boe , Esteves Gonçalo Valongueiro , Mogensen Susie , Prat-Duran Judit , Secher Niels , Løfgren Bo , Granfeldt Asger , Simonsen Ulf
Published: August 2021

This is the first study, to our knowledge, to demonstrate enhanced endothelium-dependent vasodilation in middle cerebral arteries in a cardiac arrest rat model. The increased endothelium-dependent vasodilation was a result of potentiated endothelium-derived hyperpolarization and endothelial nitric oxide pathways. Immunofluorescence microscopy confirmed the presence of relevant receptors and eNOS in cerebral arteries, whereas qPCR showed altered mRNA expression of guanylyl cyclase and eNOS. Altered endothelium-dependent vasoregulation may contribute to disturbed cerebral blood flow in the postcardiac arrest period.
Synergistic Antibacterial and Antibiofilm Activity of the MreB Inhibitor A22 Hydrochloride in Combination with Conventional Antibiotics against Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia coli Clinical Isolates
Authors: Kotzialampou Anastasia , Protonotariou Efthymia , Skoura Lemonia , Sivropoulou Afroditi
Published: August 2021

In the era of antibiotic resistance, the bacterial cytoskeletal protein MreB is presented as a potential target for the development of novel antimicrobials. Combined treatments of clinical antibiotics with anti-MreB compounds may be promising candidates in combating the resistance crisis, but also in preserving the potency of many conventional drugs. This study aimed to evaluate the synergistic antibacterial and antibiofilm activities of the MreB inhibitor A22 hydrochloride in combination with various antibiotics. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values of the individual compounds were determined by the broth microdilution method against 66 clinical isolates of Gram-negative bacteria. Synergy was assessed by the checkerboard assay. The fractional inhibitory concentration index was calculated for each of the A22-antibiotic combination. Bactericidal activity of the combinations was evaluated by time-kill curve assays. The antibiofilm activity of the most synergistic combinations was determined by crystal violet stain, methyl thiazol tetrazolium assay, and confocal laser scanning microscopy analysis. The combined cytotoxic and hemolytic activity was also evaluated toward human cells. According to our results, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia coli isolates were resistant to conventional antibiotics to varying degrees. A22 inhibited the bacterial growth in a dose-dependent manner with MIC values ranging between 2 and 64 μg/mL. In combination studies, synergism occurred most frequently with A22-ceftazidime and A22-meropemen against Pseudomonas aeruginosa and A22-cefoxitin and A22-azithromycin against Escherichia coli. No antagonism was observed. In time-kill studies, synergism was observed with all expected combinations. Synergistic combinations even at the lowest tested concentrations were able to inhibit biofilm formation and eradicate mature biofilms in both strains. Cytotoxic and hemolytic effects of the same combinations toward human cells were not observed. The findings of the present study support previous research regarding the use of MreB as a novel antibiotic target. The obtained data expand the existing knowledge about the antimicrobial and antibiofilm activity of the A22 inhibitor, and they indicate that A22 can serve as a leading compound for studying potential synergism between MreB inhibitors and antibiotics in the future.
Development of Iron Sequester Antioxidant Quercetin@ZnO Nanoparticles with Photoprotective Effects on UVA‐Irradiated HaCaT Cells
Authors: Nisar Muhammad Farrukh , Yousaf Maryam , Saleem Muhammad , Khalid Hamad , Niaz Kamal , Yaqub Mustansara , Waqas Muhammad Yasir , Ahmed Arsalan , Abaid-Ullah Muhammad , Chen Jinyin , Chen Chuying , Rengasamy Kannan R. R. , Wan Chunpeng (Craig)
Published: August 2021

Background. Solar ultraviolet radiation A (UVA, 320‐400 nm) is a significant risk factor leading to various human skin conditions such as premature aging or photoaging. This condition is enhanced by UVA‐mediated iron release from cellular iron proteins affecting huge populations across the globe. Purpose. Quercetin‐loaded zinc oxide nanoparticles (quercetin@ZnO NPs) were prepared to examine its cellular iron sequestration ability to prevent the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and inflammatory responses in HaCaT cells. Methods. Quercetin@ZnO NPs were synthesized through a homogenous precipitation method, and the functional groups were characterized by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, whereas scanning electron microscopy (SEM) described the morphologies of NPs. MTT and qRT‐PCR assays were used to examine cell viability and the expression levels of various inflammatory cytokines. The cyclic voltammetry (CV) was employed to evaluate the redox potential of quercetin‐Fe3+/quercetin‐Fe2+ complexes. Results. The material characterization results supported the loading of quercetin molecules on ZnO NPs. The CV and redox potential assays gave Fe‐binding capability of quercetin at 0.15 mM and 0.3 mM of Fe(NO3)3. Cytotoxicity assays using quercetin@ZnO NPs with human HaCaT cells showed no cytotoxic effects and help regain cell viability loss following UVA (150 kJ/m2). Conclusion. Quercetin@ZnO NPs showed that efficient quercetin release action is UV‐controlled, and the released quercetin molecules have excellent antioxidant, anti‐inflammatory, and iron sequestration potential. Quercetin@ZnO NPs have superior biocompatibility to provide UVA protection and medication at once for antiphotoaging therapeutics.
RF Jamming Classification Using Relative Speed Estimation in Vehicular Wireless Networks
Authors: Kosmanos Dimitrios , Karagiannis Dimitrios , Argyriou Antonios , Lalis Spyros , Maglaras Leandros
Published: August 2021

Wireless communications are vulnerable against radio frequency (RF) interference which might be caused either intentionally or unintentionally. A particular subset of wireless networks, Vehicular Ad-hoc NETworks (VANET), which incorporate a series of safety-critical applications, may be a potential target of RF jamming with detrimental safety effects. To ensure secure communications between entities and in order to make the network robust against this type of attacks, an accurate detection scheme must be adopted. In this paper, we introduce a detection scheme that is based on supervised learning. The k-nearest neighbors (KNN) and random forest (RaFo) methods are used, including features, among which one is the metric of the variations of relative speed (VRS) between the jammer and the receiver. VRS is estimated from the combined value of the useful and the jamming signal at the receiver. The KNN-VRS and RaFo-VRS classification algorithms are able to detect various cases of denial-of-service (DoS) RF jamming attacks and differentiate those attacks from cases of interference with very high accuracy.
HIV-HCV Coinfection: Prevalence and Treatment Outcomes in Malaysia
Authors: Akhtar Ali , Fatima Samreen , Saeed Hamid , Soo Chow Ting , Khan Amer Hayat
Published: August 2021

Background: Around 130 million infections of hepatitis C virus with 3% overall prevalence are there worldwide. There are approximately 4–5 million persons coinfected with HIV. The main objectives of this study were to determine the prevalence of HCV among HIV-positive individuals and to assess the predictors involved in the outcomes of HIV-HCV coinfected patients. Methods: A retrospective, cross-sectional study was conducted on patients enrolled from 2007 to 2012 at Infectious Disease Unit, Hospital Palau Pinang, Pinang, Malaysia. Sociodemographic da%)ta as well as clinical data were collected with the help of a valid data collection form from the patients’ records. Data were entered and analyzed by using statistical software SPSS version 20.0, and p < 0.05 was considered significant. Results: The overall prevalence of hepatitis C among 708 HIV-infected patients was 130 (16.1 including 541 (76.4%) males and 167 (23.6%) females. High prevalence of HIV-HCV coinfection was significantly observed in males (122 [17.2%]) compared to females (8 [1.1%]) (p < 0.001). The main route of transmission among HIV-HCV coinfected patients was heterosexual contact (98 [13.8%]), followed by homosexual contact (4 [0.4%]). The statistically significant predictors involved in treatment outcomes of HIV-HCV coinfected patients are gender (OR = 2.015, p = 0.002) and intravenous drug users (OR = 2.376, p ≤ 0.001). Conclusion: The current study shows that HCV infection has an impact on the recovery of CD4 cells of the patients on HAART. Screening of HCV among HIV patients who were smokers and intravenous drug users should be monitored before starting HAART.
Photographic evidence of Red Panda Ailurus fulgens Cuvier, 1825 from West Kameng and Shi-Yomi districts of Arunachal Pradesh, India
Authors: Moktan Megha  , Sylvia Christi  , Gopal Rajesh , Kapoor Mohnish , Solanki Ridhima
Published: August 2021

Camera-trap photos of Red Panda Ailurus fulgens were obtained from three locations in the state of Arunachal Pradesh in northeastern India during a survey conducted from March to July 2019. Two of the locations are in West Kameng district and one location is in Shi-Yomi district (formerly West Siang). These records are important additions to the currently limited information available for species distribution in the state, and was gathered as part of a tri-country study on the status of tiger habitats in high altitude ecosystems of Bhutan, India, and Nepal.
Jaguar Panthera onca (Linnaeus, 1758) (Mammalia: Carnivora: Felidae) presumably feeding on Flathead Catfish Pylodictis olivaris (Rafinesque, 1818) (Actinopterygii: Siluriformes: Ictaluridae) at Aros and Yaqui rivers, Sonora, Mexico
Authors: Gallo-Reynoso Juan Pablo
Published: August 2021

Despite the abundant literature on the feeding preferences of the Jaguar Panthera onca throughout its range in America, few studies report fish consumed as prey by Jaguars. This paper reports two accounts of Jaguars presumably feeding on the introduced Flathead Catfish Pylodictis olivaris at the Aros and Yaqui rivers in Sonora, northwestern Mexico.
Species delimitation of the northeastern Anatolian Symphytum (Boraginaceae) taxa
Authors: ÖZGİŞİ KURTULUŞ , TARIKAHYA-HACIOĞLU BURCU
Published: August 2021

Symphytum is regarded one of the most complicated genera in terms of the classification of its members among the Boraginaceae. In addition to different infrageneric classification methods, several species complex or aggregates have been proposed to deal with the taxonomical problem of genus members. Symphytum asperum aggregate was first introduced by Kurtto, who proposed six taxa within this aggregate. However, according to further studies by different researchers based on morphological data, total number of species of the complex was variable. The number of species was reduced to three, comprising S. asperum, S. savvalense, and S. sylvaticum, after the phylogenetic and morphological studies of Tarıkahya-Hacıoğlu and Erik. However, the taxonomical status of some of these species (i.e., S. savvalense and S. sylvaticum, and S. sepulcrale), which was assigned as a member of this complex by Kurtto, has been regarded as unresolved. To solve this uncertainty, different species delimitation methods were used, including statistical parsimony network analysis (TCS), generalized mixed Yule coalescent (GMYC), and Bayesian Phylogenetics and Phylogeography (BPP) of the ITS, trnL-F and trnS-G sequence data. In addition to members of this complex, S. ibericum, which is phylogenetically nested within the S. asperum aggregate, was also used. The TCS and GMYC analyses demonstrated more complicated clusters, whereas high posterior probabilities of BPP clusters were more compatible with the morphological data. In accordance with the morphological approach of Tarıkahya-Hacıoğlu and Erik, the species delimitation analyses based on molecular data support the recognition of S. asperum, S. ibericum, S. savvalense, and S. sylvaticum as different species.
Quercus ngochoaensis (Fagaceae), a new species from Ba Vi National Park, northern, Vietnam
Authors: BINH HOANG THI , NGOC NGUYEN VAN , SON HOANG THANH , TAGANE SHUICHIRO , YAHARA TETSUKAZU
Published: August 2021

A new species of Quercus (Fagaceae), Q. ngochoaensis, from Ba Vi National Park, Ha Noi, northern Vietnam is described and illustrated. This species is morphologically similar to Q. glauca in having glabrous twigs, cuneate leaf base, two or three fruits per infructescence, almost entire margin of lamellate rings on cupule except the lowest three rings, slightly convex scar at the base of a nut. However, it differs from Q. glauca in having smaller leaves, cup-shaped cupule enclosing 1/2–2/3 of the nut, 7–8 lamellate rings on cupule, and subglobose nut. In addition to the description, DNA barcodes of the two partial plastid regions of matK, rbcL and the nuclear region of ITS of the new species are provided.
Punctastriata altera sp. nov. (Bacillariophyta, Fragilariophyceae), a diatom from the United States of America
Authors: MORALES EDUARDO A.
Published: August 2021

The genus Punctastriata D.M.Williams & Round (1988: 278) contains 10 species that are difficult to identify under light microscopy (LM) (Wetzel & Ector 2021, Morales et al. 2021). The difficulty lies in the differentiation of the overall valve outline and striation pattern of these species from members of Staurosirella D.M.Williams & Round (1988: 274). Under scanning electron microscopy (SEM), the striae of species of Punctastriata are typically multiseriate, the consequence of a profuse formation of viminules. In Staurosirella, the striae are composed of long and slender vimines delimiting apically oriented lineolae (Morales et al. 2021), while the production of viminules is incomplete and rare (Morales 2005).
Proficient Technique for High Performance Very Large-Scale Integration System to Amend Clock Gated Dual Edge Triggered Sense Amplifier Flip-Flop with Less Dissipation of Power Leakage
Authors: Duraivel A. N. , Paulchamy B. , Mahendrakan K.
Published: August 2021

Clocked flip flops are used to memory in synchronous or clocked series networks, adjusting the individual clock signal status. Therefore, at these times of clock signal transfer, the state of the memory unit and the state of the whole electrical structure change. It’s only during
signal transfer that the key to a flip-flop being correctly operated. Two transitions from 0 and 1 are followed by a clock pulse, and 1 to 0. The pulse shift is defined by the positive and negative sides of the pulse. The data on or off the clock cycle edges are recorded by a single-edge trigger
flip flop (SETFF), but the flip flop with the double-edge sensor amplifier (DETSAFF). Another common technique for dynamic energy consumption reduced when the device is idle is the clock gating. In this document. Sleep is used to reduce the power of the leakage Here are the following: High
threshold voltages sleep transistors are used. Among the supply voltage and VDD the sleep pMOS transistor and the pull-up system and between the network and the ground GND a sleep NMOs Transistor is located. With sleep transistors, CG-SAFF can save up to 30% of its power during zero input
switching operation. For different sequential device architecture, the proposed flip-flop may be used.
A Unique Bamboo Leaf-Like Nanostructure Based Gas Sensor and Its Potential Application in Indoor Formaldehyde Monitor
Authors: Huang Jinfei , Lou Yingcai , Wang Kaifang , Wang Rongjie , Bai Hubin , Yin Jun , Shang Bei , Wang Chen , Liu Shanyu
Published: August 2021

Indoor air is significant for human health, and formaldehyde (HCHO) is deemed as the major pollutant in indoor environment. Therefore, the effective detection of HCHO has aroused widespread concern increasingly. In this work, a unique bamboo leaf-like sensing material assembled by nanorods
was reported and investigated their potential application in HCHO sensing. It was found that the size of nanorod which was acted as the basic unit of the bamboo leaf-like architecture could be controlled via changing the synthesis temperature. The sensing results demonstrated that the bamboo
leaf-like architectures with smaller nanorods in diameter exhibited better HCHO gas response which might be attributed to the smaller size and could offer more surface adsorption sites for HCHO and oxygen molecules.
Prophecy, Polemics, and Spiritual Exegesis: Interpretive Warrants for Ruptures in American Anglicanism
Authors: Guidero Kirsten Laurel
Published: August 2021

Spiritual exegesis of Hebrew Bible texts fuels the divide between two ecclesial instantiations of Anglicanism in the United States. This exegesis, engaged in strikingly similar manners by both organizations, remains bereft of its traditional controls that, if followed, would allow it to more productively shape ecclesial life. A look at four of these controls sets the stage for a detailed analysis of representative texts, which demonstrates how leaders in both organizations fail to properly hold their interpretive strategies accountable to the larger Christian narrative. In conclusion, brief consideration is given to how adherence to these controls could reshape the conflicts at hand by the exegesis of a Hebrew Bible text of liturgical significance to Anglicanism.
A Call for a Theology of Theologies to Address Increasing Income Inequality in Mainline Protestant Congregations
Authors: Renaud Myriam
Published: August 2021

The dramatic rise in income inequality in the United States over the past several decades is likely having a significant impact on mainline Protestant congregations. The financially-comfortable tend to look to their religious traditions for a sense of meaning, while the financially-precarious tend to look for help in meeting the daily challenges of insufficient earnings. Wide differences in income can separate congregants into two groups: one with the means to participate in advocacy work and another in need of the reforms produced by this work. The non-traditional and unreliable hourly schedules of low-wage workers make church participation difficult, undermining integration into congregational life and class-bridging. Income gaps in congregations call for a thoughtful, proactive response and a sturdy theology of theologies spacious enough to embrace the distinct, but not necessarily antithetical, theologies of the financially-comfortable and of the financially-precarious.
Responding to Small Island Nations Imperiled by Human-Forced Climate Change: An Ethical Imperative for Christians
Authors: Schaefer Jame
Published: August 2021

Small island nations are increasingly imperiled by larger nations that are emitting most of the greenhouse gases, forcing changes in the global climate, and causing catastrophic ecological and social problems. Among the most adversely affected people are islanders who are suffering immense health, economic, and cultural injustices that should be addressed at all levels of governance. Leaders of Anglican, Eastern Orthodox, and Roman Catholic denominations have been responding meaningfully to the plight of the small island nations by drawing motivation from their theological traditions for mitigating the problems and calling all Christians to act individually, collectively within their parishes, and collaboratively in the public square.
The Eucharist and the Church in the Thought of Henri De Lubac and Rowan Williams: Sacramental Ecclesiology and the Place of the Church in the World
Authors: Irving Alexander J. D.
Published: August 2021

Henri de Lubac and Rowan Williams have, in different ways, insisted upon the bond between the eucharist and the church. For both theologians, the eucharist is not simply the product of the ecclesial gathering but rather is instrumental in the realization of the ecclesial body of Christ. Likewise, both theologians have, in different ways, asserted that the church must resist introversion but recognize its responsibilities to the world beyond it. This essay examines the connection of the eucharist and the church in the thought of de Lubac and Williams and traces aspects of their resultant ecclesiologies before considering how their thought might facilitate the church's ongoing interaction with the wider world.
The Power of Proclamation in the New Testament
Authors: Mohrmann Douglas C.
Published: August 2021

This study addresses the basic phenomena of preaching in the New Testament. Those who formed the New Testament bear testimony to the power of preaching, both by the rhetoric of their own texts and by their record of the church's earliest preachers. There was never one simple kerygmatic formula, because each audience was uniquely situated in a setting in place and time, and accordingly preachers from Jesus to John responded with timely proclamations to shape their communities in those settings. Even while the composition of the assemblies changed so also the proclamation and its manifest power changed. Rather than merely describe the kingdom of God, proclamation worked to deliver it too. It was the conviction of these early preachers, however, that God was with them, guiding them in the creation of that new social reality, the church. Simple bread and wine became the body and blood of Christ through their speech acts. The power of preaching arises at the junction of human and divine inspiration.
State and trait anxiety among medical staff during the first month of COVID-19 pandemic: A sample from Turkey
Authors: Şahan Ebru , Tangılntız Aise
Published: August 2021

Objectives

During the COVID-19 pandemic, excessive workload, a rapidly changing workplace environment, the danger of carrying the virus and transmitting the disease to their families, relatives and those they live with creates stress for the medical workers. In our study, we aimed to evaluate the state and trait anxiety levels of healthcare professionals who encounter patients with suspected COVID-19 infection and related factors.

Method

Data were collected from healthcare professionals working with patients diagnosed or suspected with COVID-19 via online self-report questionnaire between 9–19 April 2020. The state (STAI-S) and trait anxiety (STAI-T) scale was used to measure anxiety.

Results

A total of 291 healthcare professionals, 216 women and 75 men, participated in the study. Women's state and trait anxiety were significantly higher than men's. 11 participants without any lifetime psychiatric illness experienced psychiatric symptoms and consulted to a psychiatrist. The state anxiety of those who have children, nurses and those working in branches directly related to the pandemic (Infectious Diseases, Respiratory Diseases, Emergency Medicine, Internal Medicine, Radiology, Anesthesiology and Reanimation) was higher than others. The state anxiety of those who thought they were not protected with personal protective equipment and those who did not stay in their own home was higher than others.

Conclusions

At the forefront of the fight against COVID-19, there are medical personnel who pay a serious psychological cost. Especially in terms of anxiety, we should pay attention to women, workers with children, nurses and people working in branches that are directly related to pandemics.
The Pedagogy of Vulnerability and Marketing Education: Cultivating Self-expansion in a Time of Separation
Authors: Syrdal Holly A. , Vander Schee Brian A. , VanMeter Rebecca A. , Woodroof Parker J.
Published: August 2021

Applying the pedagogy of vulnerability and self-expansion theory, the exercise known as the Know Me Activity (KMA) enhances self-expansion by encouraging connections between students and the instructor. The pedagogy of vulnerability is premised on risking self-disclosure as an act of courage. Self-expansion theory is grounded in personal relationships whereby individuals are motivated for personal growth and identify with others to gain access to their resources. In the context of marketing education, self-expansion stems from enhancing student self-awareness for personal growth as well as perceived vulnerability and relatedness of the instructor to encourage access to expertise. The KMA was conducted at three universities and assessed to determine its usefulness as a self-expansion exercise. Survey results indicate that students found the activity contained self-expansion characteristics, and they recommend it for future use. The results of the pretest and posttest analyses also demonstrated an increase in student self-awareness, perceived instructor vulnerability, and perceived instructor relatedness. Self-expansion activities enhance relationships by design and participating in them can lead to increased student effort and persistence. Marketing educators can, therefore, have confidence in utilizing the KMA as a means for mitigating social isolation and encouraging perseverance.
Element-Based Multi-Objective Optimization Methodology Supporting a Transportation Asset Management Framework for Bridge Planning and Programming
Authors: Naji Karim , Santini-Bell Erin , Kwiatkowski Kyle
Published: August 2021

The U.S. Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act (MAP-21) mandates the development of a risk-based transportation asset management plan and the use of a performance-based approach in transportation planning and programming. This paper introduces a systematic element-based multi-objective optimization (EB-MOO) methodology integrated into a goal-driven transportation asset management framework to improve bridge management and support state departments of transportation with their transition efforts to comply with these MAP-21 requirements. The methodology focuses on the bridge asset class and is structured around five modules: data processing, improvement, element-level optimization, bridge-level optimization, and network-level optimization modules. It relies on a leading-edge forecasting model, three separate screening processes (i.e., the element deficiency, alternative feasibility, and solution superiority screening processes) to overcome computer memory and processing time limitations, and a simulation arrangement to generate life-cycle alternatives (series of improvement actions). Additionally, the EB-MOO methodology consists of three levels of optimization assessment based on the Pareto optimality concept: element-level, bridge-level, and network-level (following either a top-down or bottom-up approach). A robust metaheuristic genetic algorithm handles the different multi-objective optimization problems. A prototyping tool was developed for the implementation of the methodology through several examples of unconstrained and constrained (by budget, performance, or both) scenarios. Results reveal the capability of the methodology to generate Pareto optimal or near-optimal solutions, predict performance, and determine funding requirements and short- and long-term intervention strategies detailed at the bridge-element level for planning and programming. The EB-MOO methodology can also be expanded to accommodate other asset classes or modes.