bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Antimicrobial Susceptibility Pattern of Urinary Pathogens in a Tertiary Care Hospital
Authors: N Akshatha , Gopi Anjana , Christopher Supriya , G.K. Mangala
Published: March 2021

BACKGROUND Urinary tract Infection (UTI) are the most common clinical conditions in general practice and gynaecological department. Men and women of all age groups are affected by UTI, but its overall prevalence is higher in women. The major causative agents are Escherichia coli and other Enterobacteriaceae. In majority of the cases, empirically treatment is started with antimicrobials before the urine culture and sensitivity reports become available. This has led to an increase in antibiotic resistance in urinary pathogens. Hence, the present study was undertaken to determine the antimicrobial susceptibility pattern of uropathogens to commonly used antimicrobials in treating UTIs. METHODS A total of 200 urine samples were obtained from patients with signs and symptoms suggestive of UTIs attending Bapuji and Chigateri General Hospital which are attached to Jagadguru Jayadeva Murugarajendra Medical College (JJMMC), Davangere for a period of 3 months that is from May 2016 to July 2016. Urine samples were processed within 2 hours of reaching the laboratory. Semi quantitative urine culture was done. Isolation and identification were done by performing standard biochemical tests and the antimicrobial susceptibility testing was done using the standard disc diffusion method by Kirby-Bauer technique. RESULTS There were 170 urinary isolates from 200 samples. Children less than 10 years were more affected 54 (27 %). Female patients were more, 119 (59.5 %) compared to males 81 (40.5 %). Escherichia coli was the most predominant isolate, 71 (41.8 %) followed by Enterococcus species 22 (1.9 %). Organisms were resistant to commonly used antibiotics i.e., cotrimoxazole, ciprofloxacin, norfloxacin and amoxicillin. Both gram negative and gram-positive isolates were sensitive to amikacin and nitrofurantoin. CONCLUSIONS In present study Escherichia coli is the predominant pathogen. Uncomplicated UTIs can be empirically treated by nitrofurantoin. Occurrence of treatment failure with commonly used antimicrobials is more often in Indian setting. Hence, antimicrobial susceptibility testing must be employed routinely. KEY WORDS UTIs, Uropathogens, E. coli, Antimicrobial Susceptibility Pattern
Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Personal Safety Measures Adopted by Medical Practioners during the Covid-19 Pandemic
Authors: L Hemapriya , Tigga Maureen Prativa , M.R Anil Kumar , T Prathap , Wali Neha , Chandran Shreya
Published: March 2021

BACKGROUND A novel coronavirus (now termed as SARS-CoV-2) was detected as the causative agent of severe pneumonia in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China, in December 2019. Declared by the World Health Organization (WHO) as a global pandemic in March 2020, it has created profound changes in global economy and healthcare systems. This study evaluates the knowledge and practice with regard to various personal safety measures used by the healthcare professionals. METHODS We conducted a questionnaire study after obtaining approval, from the Institutional ethical committee. An online survey was conducted using a preformatted questionnaire consisting of multiple-choice questions which assessed the knowledge and practices adopted by various healthcare professionals. The survey was done between 1st and 30th of June 2020 and a total of 536 responses was analysed. RESULTS 58.4 % of the participants were females, 66 % of the healthcare workers worked at a private hospital / private medical college with 82.1 % being located in urban areas. Of the 536 respondents, 90.1 % practiced bathing immediately after returning home and 86.8 % sanitized their accessories. 86.9 % of the professionals used frequent sanitization with use of mask and gloves whereas only 12.3 % used full personal protective equipment. 58 % of females had used hydroxychloroquine as prophylaxis whereas only 41 % of males used it (statistically significant, P = 0.005). Healthcare workers in younger age group (23 - 40 years) were more likely to maintain distance with family members, and government doctors were significantly more likely to do so (P < 0.001) as compared to private practitioners. CONCLUSIONS With the medical professionals being at high risk for contracting the infection, the need to provide the healthcare professionals with adequate personal protective equipment is of utmost importance. There is also a need to maintain the well-being of the healthcare professionals as they are the weakest link in the chain. KEY WORDS Medical Practitioners, Personal Protective Equipment, Safety Measures
Bactérias do ácido lático potencialmente probióticas isoladas de leite não pasteurizado
Authors: Rotta Isabela Sguilla , Da Matta Marcela Fernandes , Dos Santos Celso Tadeu Barbosa , Paiva Aline Dias , Ferreira Machado Alessandra Barbosa
Published: March 2021

Algumas Bactérias do Ácido Lático (BAL), quando ingeridas em quantidades adequadas, são capazes de impactar positivamente o hospedeiro, sendo consideradas probióticas. Para serem utilizadas, essas bactérias devem ter sua identidade conhecida e apresentar características específicas. Nesse estudo, BAL foram isoladas a partir de amostras de leite não pasteurizado e caracterizadas in vitro quanto ao potencial probiótico. Após isolamento, as colônias foram analisadas por coloração de Gram e teste de catalase; DNA total foi extraído e o rDNA 16S foi amplificado e sequenciado. Análise filogenética foi realizada para reconstrução da história evolutiva dos isolados. Os isolados foram avaliados quanto à resistência ao pH ácido e à presença de sais biliares. A atividade antagonista das bactérias isoladas foi avaliada utilizando teste de sobrecamada e o perfil de suscetibilidade a antimicrobianos foi realizado pelo método de disco difusão. Do total de 13 bactérias isoladas, três foram caracterizadas como bastonetes Gram-positivos e catalase negativos, apresentando 99% de identidade com Lactobacillus casei, Lactobacillus paracasei e Weisella paramesenteroides. Os isolados apresentaram resistência in vitro ao estresse ácido e à presença de sais biliares; mostraram perfil de resistência semelhante aos antimicrobianos e capacidade de inibir o crescimento de bactérias potencialmente patogênicas, como Staphylococcus saprophitycus, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus faecalis e Enterococcus faecium. Diante das características comprovadas, as bactérias láticas isoladas neste trabalho apresentam potencial probiótico.
Persistently High Rate of Venous Thromboembolic Disease in Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Population-Based Study
Authors: Bernstein Charles N. , Nugent Zoann , Singh Harminder
Published: March 2021

INTRODUCTION:

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is known to be increased in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). We aimed to determine whether rates of VTE in IBD have reduced over the past 30 years.

METHODS:

We used the population-based University of Manitoba IBD Epidemiology Database (1984–2018) to determine the incidence of VTE in IBD and the incidence rate ratio vs matched controls. In persons with IBD with and without VTE, we assessed for variables that were associated with an increased risk of VTE on multivariate logistic regression.

RESULTS:

The incidence of VTE in the IBD cohort was 7.6% which was significantly greater than in controls (3.3%, P < 0.0001). The overall age-standardized incidence rate of VTE was 433 per 100,000 in IBD and 184 per 100,000 in controls. The incidence of VTE was higher in Crohn's disease (8.4%) than in ulcerative colitis (6.9%, P = 0.0028). The incidence rate ratio in IBD vs controls was 2.36 (95% confidence interval 2.16–2.58). The increased risk was similar in males and females and in Crohn's disease compared with ulcerative colitis. The incidence rate among persons with IBD from 1985 to 2018 decreased very slowly, with annual percent change of −0.7% (P = 0.0003). Hospital admission, high comorbidity, use of antibodies to tumor necrosis factor for less than 3 years up until the time of the VTE, and the combination of steroid and antibodies to tumor necrosis factor increased the risk of VTE.

DISCUSSION:

Despite advancements in IBD management in the past 30 years, the rates of VTE have only been slowly decreasing and remain significantly increased compared with controls.
About Black Holes
Authors: Palchoudhury Sankar
Published: March 2021

All kinds of waves occur for the disturbances in the quiet gravitational field. Different waves powered differently and propagated in the gravitational field. A black hole is the higher GFI (Gravitational Field Intensity) area. The rays do not possess, coming from a distant source when pass by the black holes, adequate strength to disturb in the higher GFI area of the black holes. Naturally, the rays take on a curve path as the provision in a circular area depends on the radius (distance), keeping distance according to the lower GFI area around the black holes’ centre.
Identifikasi dan Karakterisasi Sifat Patogenisitas Fusarium Endofit Asal Gulma dari Pertanaman Pisang
Authors: Wardhana Vinsen Willi , Wiyono Suryo , Hidayat Sri Hendrastuti , Widodo Widodo
Published: March 2021

Fusarium oxysporum merupakan penyebab penyakit layu dan banyak mematikan tanaman pisang. Cendawan ini diketahui mampu hidup dan bertahan sebagai endofit pada gulma dan menjadi sumber inokulum yang nantinya menyebabkan penyakit pada tanaman pisang. Penelitian ini dilakukan untuk mengisolasi F. oxysporum dari akar gulma yang tumbuh di sekitar pertanaman pisang di Bogor, Jawa Barat, kemudian menguji sifat patogenisitasnya. Identifikasi morfologi dilakukan dengan mengamati koloni, konidium, dan klamidosporanya. Uji patogenisitas isolat endofit dilakukan di laboratorium menggunakan bibit pisang var. Raja Bulu. Sebanyak 9 isolat F. oxysporum berhasil diisolasi dari gulma yang tumbuh di sekitar pertanaman pisang. Semua isolat menunjukkan ciri morfologi sebagai F. oxysporum, yaitu koloni berwarna ungu, makrokonidium berbentuk kano dengan tiga sekat false head pendek, mikrokonidium berbentuk silindris atau ginjal, dan klamidospora umumnya tersusun tunggal. Semua isolat menyebabkan insidensi penyakit sebesar 100% pada bibit pisang var. Raja Bulu dengan keparahan gejala layu pada daun antara 58.33% sampai 77.78% dan nekrosis pada bonggolnya antara 50.00% sampai 69.44%.
Treatment of a Class I Malocclusion with Severe Crowding using Passive Self-Ligating Brackets Passive Self-Ligating Brackets
Authors:   Orthodontics Residency Program, Faculty of Dentistry, Universitas Indonesia, Jakarta 10430, Indonesia, Pramustika Agita , Widayati Retno ,   Department of Orthodontics, Faculty of Dentistry, Universitas Indonesia, Jakarta 10430, Indonesia
Published: March 2021

Presently, dental crowding is the most common problem among orthodontic patients. The prevalence of crowding in the dental arch is significantly increased in modern dentitions, and it is the most common reason why patients pursue orthodontic treatment. Objective: To report an advanced bracket systems, namely self-ligating brackets, to increase the efficacy of orthodontic treatment especially in patients with severe crowding. Case Report: A 22-year-old female patient presented with severe crowding of the maxillary and mandibular arches. In the upper arch, both second premolars were palatally positioned; in the lower arch, the lower right canine was lingually positioned and the lower left second premolar was extracted. The patient had a balanced facial profile with a straight profile and skeletal Class I relationship. Treatment was initiated using passive self-ligating brackets followed by extraction of the upper second premolars and the lower right first premolar. Conclusion: The use of passive selfligating brackets proved to be effective and resulted in a significant improvement in the patient’s dental and smile esthetics. The active treatment time was 11 months; this resulted in successfully alleviating the crowding of the maxillary and mandibular arches and significant improvement in the occlusal relationship.
Comparison of Medicaments Used in Regenerative Endodontics in Terms of Dentin Microhardness and Adhesion of Mineral in Terms of Dentin Microhardness and Adhesion of Mineral Trioxide Aggregate Trioxide Aggregat
Authors:   Department of Endodontics, Faculty of Dentistry, Ankara Yildirim Beyazit University, Ankara, Turkey, Saricam Esma , Bulak Neslihan ,   Endodontics Specialist, Private Practice, Ankara, Turkey, Özyurt Esra ,   Department of Restorative Dentistry, Faculty of Dentistry, Trakya University, Edirne, Turkey, Özcan Suat ,   Department of Restorative Dentistry, Faculty of Dentistry, Gazi University, Ankara, Turkey
Published: March 2021

Eliminating microorganisms in the root canal system is important for the success of regenerative endodontics. Objective: This study evaluated the effects of different antibiotic pastes used for regenerative endodontic procedures on dentin microhardness and the push-out bond strength of mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) to root canal dentin. Methods: Sixty-four maxillary central incisors were instrumented and randomly divided into the following four groups (n = 16) for medicament treatment: triple antibiotic paste, amoxicillin+clavulanic acid, cefaclor, and control (no dressing). After 21 days, two root segments were obtained by sectioning the roots horizontally for push-out and microhardness evaluations. MTA was placed into the root canal of the sectioned segment for the push-out test. In the microhardness evaluation, three indentations were made at 500 and 1,000 μm from the canal lumen. The arithmetic mean was then calculated for each distance. ANOVA with post hoc Scheffe test and t test were used for the statistical analyses. The significance level was set at p < 0.05. Results: No significant difference was found between the groups in terms of push-out bond strength (p > 0.05). Cefaclor and amoxicillin+clavulanic acid reduced the microhardness values of the dentin at 500 μm (p < 0.05) while cefaclor had the lowest value at 1,000 μm (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Cefaclor reduced the microhardness value more than the other medicaments did at a depth of 1,000 μm. The pastes provided similar adhesion of MTA.
Trimming and pH Effects on Nickel Ion Release from Stainless Trimming and pH Effects on Nickel Ion Release from Stainless Steel Crowns of Primary Teeth Steel Crowns of
Authors:   Department of Toxicology and Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Islamic Azad University, Ayatollah Amoli Branch, Amol, Iran, Arab-Nozari Milad , Shokrzadeh Mohammad ,   Department of Toxicology and Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran, Zamehran Nastaran ,   Department of Pediatric Dentistry, Faculty of Dentistry, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran., Yazdani Charati Jamshid ,   Department of Biostatistics, School of Health Sciences, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran, Nahvi Azam ,   Department of Pediatric Dentistry, Faculty of Dentistry, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
Published: March 2021

Objective: Stainless steel crowns (SSCs) are preformed metal crowns used to restore severely decayed primary teeth. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effects of pH changes and SSC margin trimming on nickel release in artificial saliva solution. Methods: A total of 90 SSCs were divided into three groups and placed in 35 ml of artificial saliva of pH 6.8, 5, and 3.5. Another group consisting 30 SSCs with trimmed margins was placed in saliva of pH 6.8. All SSCs were incubated at 37°C. The concentration of released nickel was assessed on days 1, 7, 14, 21, and 28 by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Results: The highest concentrations of nickel were released on the first day in all groups. Nickel release increased with decreasing pH, and the differences observed were statistically significant on days 1, 7, 14, and 28. SSC trimming caused a significant increase in nickel release on all days except day 21. Conclusion: The concentration of nickel increased in saliva of low pH. The highest levels of nickel were released with SSC margin trimming because of the loss of integrity of the margins.
Effect of Salivary pH on Water Absorption and Solubility of Enhanced Resin- Modified Glass Ionomer Enhanced Resin- Modified Glass Ionom
Authors:   Department of Dental Material Science, Faculty of Dentistry, Universitas Indonesia, Kusuma Eriwati Yosi , Dhiaulfikri Muhammad ,   Department of Dental Material Science, Faculty of Dentistry, Universitas Indonesia, Herda Ellyza ,   Department of Dental Material Science, Faculty of Dentistry, Universitas Indonesia
Published: March 2021

The influence of immersion period and liquid pH on water absorption capacity and solubility of the resin-modified glass ionomer cement (RMGIC) raises the question of whether the critical pH of hydroxyapatite and fluoroapatite influences the water absorption capacity and solubility of enhanced resin-modified glass ionomer (ERMGI). Objective: This study was designed to investigate the effects of immersion periods and various pH levels of artificial saliva on the water absorption and solubility of RMGIC and ERMGI. Methods: Fifty-four disc-shaped specimens (15 mm x 1 mm) of enhanced RMGI (ACTIVATM BioACTIVE-RESTORATIVE, Pulpdent, Watertown, MA, USA) and 54 disc-shaped specimens (15 mm x 1 mm) of RMGIC (Fuji II LC Capsules, GC Corp, Tokyo, Japan) were prepared. Both materials were divided into 9 groups based on artificial saliva pH (pH 7, pH 5.5, and pH 4.5) and immersion time (1, 7, and 14 days). Water absorption and solubility were measured based on ISO 4049: 2009. Data were analyzed statistically using one-way ANOVA. Results: The results showed significant differences in water absorption and solubility value between RMGIC and enhanced RMGI for all the groups. Both materials showed increased water absorption and solubility when immersed in artificial saliva that exhibited a lower pH level and under higher immersion period. Conclusion: Lower pH levels and longer immersion time influence the water absorption and solubility of enhanced RMGI and RMGIC.
Sosyal Demokrasinin Yükselişi ve Düşüşü: Neoliberal Dönemde Sosyal Demokrasi Mümkün Mü?
Authors: Yıldırım Yavuz
Published: March 2021

Fransız Devrimi’nden bu yana güçlenen halk egemenliği ve cumhuriyet kavramlarının demokrasiyle birleşmesi, modern siyasal düşüncenin genel hattı olmuştur. Monarşilerden parlamenter demokrasiye geçişte sosyal demokrasi belirleyici rol üstlenmiştir. 20. yüzyıl başında Marksizm ile yolları ayrılan ve 1945 sonrası dönemde refah devleti kavramıyla güçlenen bu düşünce, değişen kapitalizme uyum sağlama adına yeni sosyal demokrasi ve Üçüncü Yol kavramları ile güç kaybetmiştir. Çalışmada refah devleti kavramı iktisadi analizlerle değil, çalışmanın bağlamı olan sosyal demokrasinin sosyal haklar bağlamında öne çıkardığı siyasal hat olarak ele alınmıştır. Çalışmanın hedefi, Avrupa siyasetinde yeni dönemde sosyal demokrasinin alabileceği rolü analiz etmektir. Bu doğrultuda düşüncenin tarihsel süreçte geçirdiği kritik dönemler ve ülke örnekleri üzerinden gelişimi incelenecektir. Bu açıdan çalışmanın argümanı, sosyal demokrasinin yeniden yükselişe geçmesi için tarihsel köklerindeki gibi temsil edilmeyen geniş halk kitleleriyle temas kurması gerekliliğidir. Gücünü kaybeden sosyal demokrasi, parlamenter demokrasinin yaşadığı temsil krizinden fazlasıyla etkilenmiştir. Sosyal demokrat partiler, sosyal talepleri temsil eden ya da bu taleplerin yöneldiği hat olmaktan 1980’ler sonu ve 1990’larla beraber büyük oranda çıkmıştır. 2000’lere bakıldığında, Avrupa’da sosyal demokrasinin hem kavram olarak etkisini yitirdiği hem de parti gücü olarak gerilediği açıkça görülebilir. Bu gerileme, ABD tarzı siyasetin yükselmesiyle siyasal gücü elinde bulunduramama, tartışmaları yönlendirme kapasitesini yitirme yönünde kendini göstermektedir. Sosyal demokrasinin hataları, tek neden olmasa da, Avrupa’nın siyasal krizine ve devamında hızla yükselen aşırı sağa zemin hazırlamıştır. Bu süreç aynı zamanda demokratik siyasetin neoliberal doğrular bağlamında şekillendiği bir tarihsel seyre tanıklık etmiştir. Bu çerçevede Almanya, Fransa, İngiltere ve İsveç örnekleri üzerinden kavramın tarihsel gelişimini anlattıktan sonra, günümüzde yine Avrupa sathında yaşadığı düşüşe çeşitli ülke örnekleri üzerinden değinilecektir.
Arendt ve Rancière’in Politik Düşünceleri Arasındaki Gerilim
Authors: Ünlü Seval
Published: March 2021

Çağdaş politika kuramında, politikanın ve politik olanın yalnızca kurumsal temsili mekanizmalara ve hükümet etmeye indirgenemeyeceğine dair güçlü bir yönelim gözlemlenmektedir. Hannah Arendt ve Jacques Rancière’i, düşünceleri farklı bağlamlarda şekillenmiş olsa da bu yönelimi temsil eden iki güçlü kaynak olarak görebiliriz. Her ikisi de politikayı “yetkin” olanların işi ya da mesleği olarak gören modern yerleşik anlayışın aksine, insanların ortak dünyalarını şekillendiren kolektif eylem olarak tanımlar. Dolayısıyla hem Arendt hem de Rancière, politikayı toplumun öz etkinliği olarak yeniden sahiplenme çağrısında bulunur. Bununla birlikte iki düşünür, politik eylemin içeriğini oldukça farklı şekillerde donatırlar. Arendt için politika, yeryüzünün yasası dediği insani çoğulluk (plurality) durumuna doğrudan bağlıdır. Onun için politika, çoğulluğun sergilendiği, yeni başlangıçların yapılabildiği, anlamı özgürlük olan, “birlikte ve uyum içinde” eylem olarak var olur. Rancière içinse politika, tek evrensellik olarak gördüğü eşitlik ön varsayımıyla, verili hiyerarşik toplumsal düzenlemelere karşı mücadele edildiğinde açığa çıkar. Ona göre politika, eşitsizlik üreten ve sürdüren toplumsal düzenlemeleri kesintiye uğratan uyuşmazlık (dissensus) anlarında gerçekleşir. Arendt ve Rancière’in politik anlayışlarındaki gerilim, “yeni bir başlangıç yapma ve “olağan gidişatı kesintiye uğratma” düşüncelerinde belirginlik kazanır. Bu çalışmanın amacı, Arendt ve Rancière’in politik düşüncesini karşılaştırmaktan öte onları, aralarındaki gerilimi ortaya çıkaracak bir diyalog içinde okumaktır. Böylelikle, Arendt ve Rancière’in politikayı yeniden sahiplenme arayışına sunduğu kuramsal olanakların yanı sıra aralarındaki gerilimin çağdaş politika kuramı açısından anlamını değerlendirebiliriz.
Adapting forest management to climate change: experiences of the Nisga'a people
Authors: Arias-Bustamante J.R. , Innes J.L.
Published: March 2021

This study examines and characterizes the potential impacts of climate change on the lands of the Nisga'a Nation in British Columbia, Canada, and how these impacts might affect traditional forest practices. The study results were integrated with a review of current Nisga'a forest policy.
The current forest policy has developed an inflexible approach to forest management that perpetuates a top-down decision-making framework inherited from the past relationship with the provincial government. Building from the experiences of the Nisga'a Nation, it is revealed that inflexible
forest policies coupled with climate change impacts could lead the forest ecosystems to ecological thresholds. No approach by itself will be sufficient to meet the challenges these changes will bring to Indigenous peoples and society in general. An integrative approach, where the forest management
is undertaken from a resilience point of view, is needed if current conditions are to be improved.
Diabetes and COVID-19
Authors: Gazzaz Zohair Jamil
Published: March 2021

Several factors are linked with a higher risk of mortality from Coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19), including male gender, increased age, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, obesity, cardiovascular diseases, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and cancer. Hyperglycemic COVID-19 patients have severe clinical problems, increased ICU admittance, machine-driven ventilation, and a substantial rise in inflammatory markers. Among all patients, those with diabetes or hyperglycemia have a two- to four-fold increase in mortality and severity of COVID-19 than those without diabetes. The primary cause of mortality in COVID-19 patients with diabetes is compromised immune response to viral infections. Increased blood sugar level probably affects intracellular degradation of bacteria, neutrophil chemotaxis, and phagocytosis, thus improving viral binding affinity and entry and decreasing virus clearance. In addition, it has significant effects on the proteins by inducing glycosylation and altering the composition of complements, and glycosylation renders cells susceptible to viral inflammation and damage. The treatment of COVID-19 in patients with diabetes requires an integrated team approach to minimize the risk of medical complications and mortality. Moreover, physicians should adopt proactive strategies to care for persons with comorbidities. This strategy would help reduce the frequency of complications and mortality among patients and load on the healthcare system.
Modelling the interdependent relationships among epidemic antecedents using fuzzy multiple attribute decision making (F-MADM) approaches
Authors: Abellana Dharyll Prince
Published: March 2021

With the high incidence of the dengue epidemic in developing countries, it is crucial to understand its dynamics from a holistic perspective. This paper analyzes different types of antecedents from a cybernetics perspective using a structural modelling approach. The novelty of this paper is twofold. First, it analyzes antecedents that may be social, institutional, environmental, or economic in nature. Since this type of study has not been done in the context of the dengue epidemic modelling, this paper offers a fresh perspective on this topic. Second, the paper pioneers the use of fuzzy multiple attribute decision making (F-MADM) approaches for the modelling of epidemic antecedents. As such, the paper has provided an avenue for the cross-fertilization of knowledge between scholars working in soft computing and epidemiological modelling domains.
More than meets the eye: research and practice in Italian foreign language policies and education
Authors: Lopriore Lucilla
Published: March 2021

This contribution aims at offering an overview of the main foreign language policies implemented in the Italian educational system in the last decades as well as of the role that research in Italian foreign language education has played. Main changes and innovations introduced through institutional – curriculum renewals, pre- and in-service education, European recommendations and implementation, language teacher education, university reforms – and through unofficial paths offered by publishers, professional associations, international exchange programs, will be explored and discussed. Some of the changes introduced at curriculum level (e. g. Content and Language integrated Learning (CLIL)) and in teacher education have added new perspectives in language teaching and are currently informing classroom practice in the Italian growingly multilingual scenarios. The impact of national and international research on foreign language teaching, carried out in the Italian language classrooms by scholars and, in some cases, by teachers themselves, will be described and illustrated through examples and language teachers’ contributions.
When-clauses and temporal meanings across languages
Authors: Guerrero Lilián
Published: March 2021

Typological studies have tended to take for granted the default interpretation for English and imposed ‘simultaneity’ as the basic meaning ofwhen-clauses for all languages. This in opposition to the approach taken in reference grammars, which generally report temporal linkage markers likewhenas encoding one or several meanings. Data from languages other than English show that comparative studies should also be open to the possibility thatwhen-clauses do not always, or only, denote simultaneity. To support this claim and argue against the default interpretation of simultaneity, in this study I explore the range of temporal meanings ofwhen-clauses across languages and provide evidence from Spanish and Yaqui corpora. Unlike English, corpus-based studies show that Spanish equivalentcuando-clauses equally introduce simultaneous and sequential readings, while Yaquio-/kai-clauses predominantly express sequential meanings. Furthermore, a convenience sample of 28 unrelated languages reveals that, if there is awhen-clause in a language, it can locate the event of the adverbial clause earlier, later, or around the same time as the main clause. The analysis of the semantic side ofwhen-clauses demonstrates that there are language-specific tendencies regarding their temporal meanings. On these grounds, I propose that a better understanding ofwhen-clauses can be arrived at by classifying them as ‘unspecific’ temporal clauses. This categorization would motivate a richer analysis of new data and a systematic comparison between unspecific, simultaneous and sequential clauses. Finally, I advance a four-way classification regarding general versus specific markers, and the temporal relations they encode, two of which account for most languages analyzed.
A Comparative Viewpoint on Illegal Contracts: In Favor of Flexibility and Proportionality
Authors: Cerchia Rossella Esther
Published: March 2021

In today’s society, a dense network of laws and regulations presides the actions of all people. And it is so extensive that any number of activities – including the formation of contracts – is capable of breaking the law. This is why it is even more important, nowadays, to reconsider the issue of contracts that violate legal rules. The trend in favor of flexible remedies reveals that the rigidity of the more traditional solutions might not be the best choice in this day and age.
Phase equilibrium inn-octane/water separation units: vapor pressures, vapor and liquid molar fractions
Authors: Kong Jeonghoon , Escobedo Salvador , Lopez-Zamora Sandra , de Lasa Hugo
Published: March 2021

The present study reports result from research into vapor–liquid–liquid phase equilibrium forn-octane highly diluted in water and water highly diluted inn-octane blends, using a dynamic method implemented in a constant volume CREC-VL-Cell. In the CREC-VL-Cell, a very high level of mixing is achieved, allowing for dispersions to be formed in the liquid phase and good mixing in the gas phase. This VL-Cell and its auxiliary equipment provide an increasing temperature ramp in the 30–110 °C range. It is found that the CREC-VL-Cell is of special value, for studying immiscible or partially miscible blends, such as is the case ofn-octane in water. With the data obtained, which includes vapor pressures and temperatures, data analyses involving mass and molar balances, allow establishing overall liquid and vapor molar fractions. The recorded vapor pressures together with the calculated liquid and vapor molar fractions offer valuable data for VL thermodynamic model discrimination. For instance, it can be shown that vapor pressures, vapor and liquid molar fractions, as calculated with the Aspen-Hysys Peng Robinson Equation of State (Hysys-Aspen PR-EoS) provide only a first approximation of the experimental data, with significant discrepancies in the prediction of ann-octane disengagement temperatures. Thus, the determination of combined measured vapor pressures and calculated overall liquid molar fractions in the CREC-VL-Cell, offers a valuable and accurate procedure for thermodynamic model validation and discrimination.
Cardiac well-being indexes: a decision support tool to monitor cardiovascular health
Authors: Duarte Ana , Belo Orlando
Published: March 2021

Despite the increasing awareness about its severity and the importance of adopting preventive habits, cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death worldwide. Most people already recognize that a healthy lifestyle, which includes a balanced diet and the practice of physical activity, is essential to prevent this disease. However, since few simple mechanisms allow a self-assessment and a continuous monitoring of the level of cardiac well-being, people are not conscious enough about their own cardiovascular health status. In this context, this paper presents and describes a tool related to the creation of cardiac well-being indexes that allow a quick and intuitive monitoring and visualization of the users’ cardiovascular health level over time. For its implementation, data mining techniques were used to calculate the indexes, and a data warehouse was built to archive the data and to support the construction of dashboards for presenting the results.
The function of non-coding RNAs in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis
Authors: Zhang Hui , Song Miao , Guo Jianing , Ma Junbing , Qiu Min , Yang Zheng
Published: March 2021

Non-coding ribonucleic acids (ncRNAs) are a diverse group of RNA molecules that are mostly not translated into proteins after transcription, including long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) with longer than 200 nucleotides non-coding transcripts and microRNAs (miRNAs) which are only 18–22 nucleotides. As families of evolutionarily conserved ncRNAs, lncRNAs activate and repress genes via a variety of mechanisms at both transcriptional and translational levels, whereas miRNAs regulate protein-coding gene expression mainly through mRNA silencing. ncRNAs are widely involved in biological functions, such as proliferation, differentiation, migration, angiogenesis, and apoptosis. Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a progressive lung disease with a poor prognosis. The etiology of IPF is still unclear. Increasing evidence shows the close correlations between the development of IPF and aberrant expressions of ncRNAs than thought previously. In this study, we provide an overview of ncRNAs participated in pathobiology of IPF, seeking the early diagnosis biomarker and aiming for potential therapeutic applications for IPF.
Die amerikanischen Wahlen vom 3. November 2020 und das unwürdige Ende der Ära Trump
Authors: Krause Joachim
Published: March 2021

Am 3. November 2020 wurde der amerikanische Präsidenten Donald Trump deutlich abgewählt. Dieser behauptete jedoch ohne konkrete Beweise vorzulegen, die Wahl sei gefälscht gewesen und konnte Millionen seiner Wähler und einen Großteil der Republikaner damit überzeugen. Sein Versuch, Joseph Biden die Wahl zu stehlen, scheiterte mit dem Sturm seiner Anhänger auf das Kapitol. Während die Erleichterung weltweit groß ist, dass mit Joseph Biden ein Präsident regiert, der wieder Normalität, Professionalität und Verantwortungsbewusstsein in die amerikanische Politik bringen wird, bleibt die Sorge groß, dass die von Trump aufgeheizte Stimmung anhalten und die Politik in den USA vergiften wird.
Der Kampf ums Wasser – Pakistan und die Folgen des Klimawandels
Authors: Lukas Stefan
Published: March 2021

Pakistan wird in Folge von Wetterextremen und dauerhaften meteorologischen Veränderungen zunehmend stärker vom Klimawandel betroffen sein. Die klimatischen Veränderungen werden dabei insbesondere die Wasserversorgung des Landes vor große Herausforderungen stellen. Wie auch in anderen Teilen der Erde wirkt der Klimawandel als Brandbeschleuniger bereits bestehender Probleme im Land, wie etwa Landflucht, gesellschaftliche Spaltung und religiöse Radikalisierung. Auch außenpolitisch wird die zukünftige Entwicklung des Landes in Folge der Klimaveränderungen neue Risiken mit sich bringen, da nahezu alle Himalaya-Anrainer von zunehmender Wasserknappheit in Folge der Gletscherschmelze betroffen sein werden. Während die Regierung in Islamabad vor allem auf neue, klimafreundliche Technologien und ein Umdenken bei der Nachhaltigkeit von Großprojekten setzen muss, können sich die europäischen Akteure durch eine einheitliche Klimapolitik sowie der Erweiterung von Partnerschaftsprojekten und technologischen Transfer mit Pakistan einsetzen.
Association of CYP2D6*4 gene polymorphism with early papillary thyroid carcinoma
Authors: Dağlar Aday Aynur , Öztürk Tülin , Akadam Teker Başak , Aksoy Figen , Aydoğan Hülya Yılmaz , Öztürk Oğuz , İsbir Turgay
Published: March 2021

Objectives

CYP2D6 is highly polymorphic and a common variant CYP2D6*4 results in the generation of poor metabolizer enzyme. The CYP2D6*4 variant has been associated with altered susceptibility to several cancers. The aim of the present case-control study aims to investigate the association between CYP2D6*4 polymorphism and the risk of papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC).

Materials and methods

A study population of 97 cases with PTC and 120 controls were included in the study. Genotyping was done by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) method to detect the presence of CYP2D6*4.

Results

The CYP2D6*4 was associated with significantly increased PTC risk when compared with controls (odds ratio [OR]=1.995, 95% confidence interval [CI]=1.060–3.752, p=0.031). Besides, CYP2D6*4 allele frequency was higher in PTC patients with age ≤50 years when compared to those with age >50 (OR=2.380, 95% CI=1.191–4.755, p=0.013). CYP2D6*4 allele frequency was higher in patients who had encapsulated tumors, but it was not statistically significant (p=0.111). No relationship was found between CYP2D6*4 and PTC variants or between early (I/II) and late (III/IV) tumor stages.

Conclusions

Our findings indicate that the poor metabolizer CYP2D6*4 genotype may be a risk factor, especially in early PTC development. Further research with larger groups is required for the confirmation of our consequences.
Attractive fluorine···fluorine interactions between perfluorinated alkyl chains: a case of perfluorinated Cu(II) diiminate Cu[C2F5–C(NH)–CF=C(NH)–CF3]2
Authors: Khrustalev Victor N. , Savchenko Anna O. , Zhukova Anna I. , Chernikova Natalia Yu. , Kurykin Michael A. , Novikov Alexander S. , Tskhovrebov Alexander G.
Published: March 2021

A synthesis of the perfluorinated copper diiminate complex Cu[C2F5–C(NH)–CF=C(NH)–CF3]2 (3) and its self-assembly into infinite 1D chains in the crystal via Type II C(sp3)–F···F–C(sp3) contacts between perfluoroethyl substituents is reported. Rare Type II F···F interactions were studied by DFT calculations and topological analysis of the electron density distribution within the formalism of Bader’s theory (QTAIM method). This is the first report which discusses Type II contacts between perfuoroalkyl chains.
Prognose produktionstechnischer Defizite
Authors: Dobler Richard , Hofer Andreas , Martin Michael , Reinhart Gunther
Published: March 2021

Produzierende Unternehmen befinden sich in einem intensiven Wettbewerbsumfeld, das sowohl durch Kosten als auch durch Innovation definiert wird. Um die Produktionsfähigkeit der Unternehmen erhalten und effizient auf das sich dynamisch verändernde Wettbewerbsumfeld reagieren zu können, bedarf es einer frühzeitigen Identifikation produktionstechnischer Defizite. In diesem Beitrag wird ein entsprechender Ansatz basierend auf der Szenario-Analyse und Megatrends vorgestellt.*)
Blockchain für KMU
Authors: Reimers Sven , Hackius Niels , Petersen Moritz , Kersten Wolfgang
Published: March 2021

Blockchain-Lösungen für Supply Chain und Logistik können die Wettbewerbsfähigkeit von Unternehmen stärken. Aber wie sollten sich insbesondere KMU diesem Thema nähern? Basierend auf 26 Experteninterviews arbeiten wir in diesem Beitrag zunächst Einsatzpotenziale für Blockchain heraus. Zur Realisierung der Potenziale leiten wir anschließend drei idealtypische Rollen ab. Diese Typologie kann Praktiker bei der Entwicklung eines unternehmensindividuellen Blockchain-Ansatzes unterstützen.**)
Shared Traditions for Living in the Sundarbans
Authors: Uddin Sufia
Published: March 2021

Communities of landless Hindus and Muslims in the Sundarbans, a mangrove-forested river delta sprawling across the Bangladesh–India border, have common class-based grievances and concerns for the imperiled ecosystem that transcend their religious differences. Their shared beliefs and practices include veneration of the same Muslim saint, Bonbibi (the Lady of the Forest), who is regarded as a protector of the forest and the landless poor who depend on it to eke out a livelihood. Their ecumenical practices reflect religious ideals shaped by the complex, delicate ecosystem that sustains them. This tradition is not a muddled synthesis of Islam and Hinduism; it is rooted in the history of settlement in the region.
Sukob stare i nove kemije u Hrvatskoj
Authors: Raos Nenad
Published: March 2021

Nova kemija, koja je u 20. stoljeću nastala kroz četiri revolucije (instrumentalnu, teorijsku, biološku i informatičku), pojavila se nakon Drugog svjetskog rata i u Hrvatskoj, ponajviše zahvaljujući školovanju naših kemičara u inozemstvu. To je dovelo do sukoba starih (tradicionalnih) i novih kemičara, ponajviše kemičara-teoretičara. Sukob se očitovao u dva vida: fundamentalnom, jer stari kemičari nisu prihvaćali da se u kemiji može istraživati bez laboratorija, i pragmatičnom, jer se pojavio problem vrednovanja znanstvenog rada brojem publikacija. Također se analiziraju posljedice sukoba kemičara-teoretičara i kemičara-eksperimentatora kao i razlozi njegova jenjavanja u 21. stoljeću.
Novel Approach for Predicting Direct and Open Solar Drying Using Artificial Neural Network for Medicinal Plant
Authors: Sadadou Ahmed , Hanini Salah , Laidi Maamar , Rezrazi Ahmed
Published: March 2021

In this study, an artificial neural network (ANN) was developed to obtain a generalized model for predicting the direct and open sun drying process for some medicinal plants. Since the quality of the experimental dataset can lead to a very performant model, in this study the dataset was collected from previously published papers and divided randomly into three subsets, namely 70 %, 15 %, and 15 % for training, testing, and validation. Based on the complex solar drying behaviour, ten parameters were considered as inputs: time, global solar radiation (GSR), outside temperature, inclination, emissivity, altitude, longitude, latitude, inside temperature, and nutritional value, to predict moisture content (MC), and drying rate (DR). Based on a trial and error method, the best ANN model was found with a topology of 10-28-14-2, with regression coefficient and root mean square error of (R = 97.044 %. RMSE = 4.589 %) and (R = 99.968 %, RMSE = 1.185 %) for MC and DR, respectively. It can be concluded that the obtained ANN model provides the best method for solar dryer modelling which can be generalized for any location in the world.
Povijesni razvoj znanstvenog polja metalurgije od Tehničke visoke škole do osnivanja Metalurškog odjela Tehnološkog fakulteta Sveučilišta u Zagrebu
Authors: Gojić Mirko
Published: March 2021

Ovaj rad je pregled povijesnog razvoja znanstvenog polja metalurgije u području tehničkih znanosti od Tehničke visoke škole do osnivanja Metalurškog odjela Tehnološkog fakulteta Sveučilišta u Zagrebu. Prikazan je razvoj nastavne, znanstvene i stručne aktivnosti uključujući nastavnike koji su predavali predmet Metalurgija u Republici Hrvatskoj u razdoblju od 1919. do 1960. godine. Prikazan je također i doprinos razvoju polja metalurgije industrijskog metalurškog sektora u Republici Hrvatskoj.
Efficacy of adavosertib therapy against anaplastic thyroid cancer
Authors: Lu Yu-Ling , Huang Yu-Tung , Wu Ming-Hsien , Chou Ting-Chao , J Wong Richard , Lin Shu-Fu
Published: March 2021

Wee1 is a kinase that regulates the G2/M progression by the inhibition of CDK1, which is critical for ensuring DNA damage repair before initiation of mitotic entry. Targeting Wee1 may be a potential strategy in the treatment of anaplastic thyroid cancer, a rare but lethal disease. The therapeutic effects of adavosertib, a Wee1 inhibitor for anaplastic thyroid cancer was evaluated in this study. Adavosertib inhibited cell growth in three anaplastic thyroid cancer cell lines in a dose-dependent manner. Cell cycle analysis revealed cells were accumulated in the G2/M phase. Adavosertib induced caspase-3 activity and led to apoptosis. Adavosertib monotherapy showed significant retardation of the growth of two anaplastic thyroid cancer tumor models. The combination of adavosertib with dabrafenib and trametinib revealed strong synergism in vitro and demonstrated robust suppression of tumor growth in vivo in anaplastic thyroid cancer xenograft models with BRAFV600E mutation. The combination of adavosertib with either sorafenib or lenvatinib also demonstrated synergism in vitro and had strong inhibition of tumor growth in vivo in an anaplastic thyroid cancer xenograft model. No appreciable toxicity appeared in mice treated with either a single agent or combination treatment. Our findings suggest adavosertib holds the promise for the treatment of patients with anaplastic thyroid cancer.
A Left Pulmonary Artery Sling in an Asymptomatic Adult Patient, A Case Report and Review of Literature
Authors: Huang Fang , Lai Qing-Quan , Wu Hong , Ke Xiao-Ting
Published: March 2021

Pulmonary artery sling (PAS) is a rare congenital vascular anomaly. Ninety percent of patients with PAS have respiratory distress and need surgical correction. Asymptomatic adult presentation of PAS is rare. We report the case of a 56-year-old female with an asymptomatic left pulmonary artery sling.
On the question of the ambivalent nature of "Protestant ethics"
Authors: Finko Anton
Published: March 2021

The article emphasises that Max Weber’s works, counselled by Bohdan Kistiakivskyi and dedicated to the analyses of revolutionary events of 1905 in the Russian Empire, contain somewhat controversial conclusions. On the one hand, a prominent German thinker believed that Russian social-reformist liberal democracy has embarked on the path of self-renunciation by virtue of the fact that its only historical chance laid within the system of zemstvo and under the conditions of the implementation of a way more moderate agricultural programme than the one advocated by cadet liberalism. On the other hand, he substantiated a view that Russian society turned to the Western European model, renouncing patriarchal “agrarian communism” and narodnichestvo (Russian populism). The comparison between Weber’s and Kistiakivskyi’s standpoints is then made, as of thinkers who, together with Simmel and Sombart, considered social relations in terms of social rationalisation. The convergence of views of these theorists is demonstrated through a deliberately positive attitude to anti-centralism of Mykhailo Drahomanov, criticism of the democratic intelligentsia radicalisation, and condemnation of its pan-moralism (focus on the total struggle for “truth”; non-recognition of ethical neutrality in assessments; assumption that human consciousness is focalised around ethics). The difference is said to be particularly demonstrated by the fact that Bohdan Kistiakivskyi was much less concerned with the role of the Protestant-Reformation factor in the genesis of liberal ideology. The article instantiates that sectarian Protestant puritanism, especially the heterodoxy of Protestant ethics of the Reformation, can be characterised as a phenomenon with a fundamentally dual and ambivalent nature. The aforementioned phenomenon formed a dual causal connection with both the “spirit of capitalism” and the “spirit of agrarian communism” condemned by Weber. That is the worldview of the bourgeois-liberal social class as well as the socially disadvantaged groups of the peasantry. Some of Weber’s references to Müntzer (f.e., that peasant riots headed by Thomas Müntzer had a decisive influence on the evolution of Luther’s views) allow us to believe that Weber himself understood the full extent of the ideological ambiguity of the Protestant phenomenon.