bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Non-linear links between human capital, educational inequality and income inequality, evidence from China
Authors: Xu Mo , Chen Shifeng , Chen Jian , Zhang Taiming
Published: August 2023

This study aims to reveal short-run and long-run asymmetries among human capital, educational inequality, and income inequality in China over the period 1975–2020 using a nonlinear autoregressive distributed lag (NARDL) model. The estimated long-run asymmetry parameters reflect that positive shocks to secondary education (SSE) and higher education (HE) are negatively correlated with income Gini coefficient. The adverse shocks of secondary education (SSE) and higher education (HE) stimulate the Gini coefficient of income, but the effect of secondary education (SSE) on the Gini coefficient of income is not significant, while that of higher education (HE) is significant. The results also highlight that, in the long run, there is a significant asymptotic effect of the education Gini coefficient (educational inequality) and economic growth on the income Gini coefficient (income inequality). However, physical capital stock has a significant adverse effect on income inequality in the long run. Higher education significantly promotes educational inequality, while the square of higher education significantly reduces educational inequality, thus verifying the inverted U-shaped Kuznets curve hypothesis between higher education and educational inequality. Strategically, this study suggests higher education as a powerful tool for mitigating income inequality by emphasizing educational equity.
Perceived dignity is an unrecognized source of emotional distress in patients with rheumatic diseases: Results from the validation of the Mexican version of the Patient Dignity Inventory
Authors: Pascual-Ramos Virginia , Contreras-Yáñez Irazú , Cuevas-Montoya Maximiliano , Guaracha-Basáñez Guillermo A. , García-Alanís Cesar Mario , Rodríguez-Mayoral Oscar , Chochinov Harvey Max
Published: August 2023

Introduction

Dignity has rarely been explored in patients with rheumatic diseases (RMDs), which contrasts with patients´ observations that dignity is a relevant area for research focus. The study’s primary objective was to adapt and validate the Mexican version of the Patient Dignity Inventory (PDI-Mx) in patients with RMDs, and to estimate the proportion of patients with distress related to perceived dignity (DPD) assessed with the PDI-Mx.

Methods

This cross-sectional study was developed in 2 phases. Phase 1 consisted of pilot testing and questionnaire feasibility (n = 50 patients), PDI-Mx content validity (experts’ agreement), construct validity (exploratory factor analysis), discriminant validity (Heterotrait-Monotrait correlations’ rate [HTMT]), criterion validity (Spearman correlations) and PDI-Mx reliability with internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha) and test-retest (intra-class correlation coefficients [ICC]) in 220 additional outpatients (among whom 30 underwent test-retest). Phase 2 consisted of quantifying DPD (PDI-Mx cut-off ≥54.4) in 290 outpatients with RMDs.

Results

Overall, patients were representative of typical outpatients with RMDs from a National tertiary care level center. The 25-item PDI-Mx was found feasible, valid (experts’ agreement ≥82%; a 4-factor structure accounted for 68.7% of the total variance; HTMT = 0.608; the strength of the correlations was moderate to high between the PDI-Mx, the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress scale dimensions scores, and the Health Assessment Questionnaire Disability Index score) and reliable (Cronbach’s ɑ = 0.962, ICC = 0.939 [95%CI = 0.913–0.961]). DPD was present in 78 patients (26.9%).

Conclusions

The PDI-Mx questionnaire showed good psychometric properties for assessing DPD in our population. Perceived dignity in patients with RMDs might be an unrecognized source of emotional distress.
Assessing spatiotemporal trends of total and extreme precipitation in a subtropical highland region: A climate perspective
Authors: Ghanim Abdulnoor Ali Jazem , Anjum Muhammad Naveed , Rasool Ghulam , Saifullah  , Irfan Muhammad , Rahman Saifur , Mursal Salim Nasar Faraj , Niazi Usama Muhammad
Published: August 2023

This study used a dataset of 30 years (1990–2020) of daily observations from 24 meteorological stations in the northern highlands of Pakistan to assess trends in extreme precipitation indices. The RClimDex model was used to analyze the indices, and the Modified Mann-Kendal test and the Theil-Sen slope estimator were applied to determine trends and slopes, respectively. The results showed a significant decrease in total annual precipitation amount (PRCPTOT) with varying rates of negative trend from -4.44 mm/year to -19.63 mm/year. The total winter and monsoon precipitation amounts were also decreased during the past three decades. The intensity-based precipitation indices (RX1Day, RX5Day, R95p, R99p, and SDII) showed a significant decrease in extreme intensity events over time, while the count of consecutive dry days (CDD) and consecutive wet days (CWD) indicated a significant decrease in duration at multiple stations. The annual counts of days with precipitation more than or equal to 10 mm (R10), 20 mm (R20), and 25 mm (R25) exhibited a significant decrease in frequency of extreme precipitation events, with the decrease more pronounced in the northern parts of the study domain. The findings of this study indicate a significant decline in the intensity, frequency, and extent of precipitation extremes across the northern highlands of Pakistan over the past 30 years.
Selective DNA-binding of SP120 (rat ortholog of human hnRNP U) is mediated by arginine-glycine rich domain and modulated by RNA
Authors: Miyaji Mary , Kawano Shinji , Furuta Ryohei , Murakami Emi , Ikeda Shogo , Tsutsui Kimiko M. , Tsutsui Ken
Published: August 2023

A human protein heterogeneous ribonucleoprotein U (hnRNP U) also known as Scaffold attachment factor A (SAF-A) and its orthologous rat protein SP120 are abundant and multifunctional nuclear protein that directly binds to both DNA and RNA. The C-terminal region of hnRNP U enriched with arginine and glycine is essential for the interaction with RNA and the N-terminal region of SAF-A termed SAP domain has been ascribed to the DNA binding. We have reported that rat hnRNP U specifically and cooperatively binds to AT-rich DNA called nuclear scaffold/matrix-associated region (S/MAR) although its detailed mechanism remained unclear. In the present study analysis of hnRNP U deletion mutants revealed for the first time that a C-terminal domain enriched with Arg-Gly (defined here as ‘RG domain’) is predominantly important for the S/MAR-selective DNA binding activities. RG domain alone directly bound to S/MAR and coexistence with the SAP domain exerted a synergistic effect. The binding was inhibited by netropsin, a minor groove binder with preference to AT pairs that are enriched in S/MAR, suggesting that RG domain interacts with minor groove of S/MAR DNA. Interestingly, excess amounts of RNA attenuated the RG domain-dependent S/MAR-binding of hnRNP U. Taken together, hnRNP U may be the key element for the RNA-regulated recognition of S/MAR DNA and thus contributing to the dynamic structural changes of chromatin compartments.
Seismic response analysis of double-trough aqueduct considering fluid-structure interaction effect
Authors: Huang Liang , Li Haotian , Lupunga Mwansa Andrew , Xu Jianguo , Zhang Chunyu
Published: August 2023

At present, the crude fluid-structure interaction analysis model cannot accurately characterize the interaction mechanism between aqueduct and water under earthquake action. In order to solve this problem, this paper analyzes the seismic response of the double-tank aqueduct under the action of earthquake by using the shaker test and the VOF (Volume of Fluid) method considering the free liquid level from the perspective of fluid-solid bidirectional coupling, explores whether the liquid movement in the double tank is consistent and the shock absorption effect of different water levels on the aqueduct, and analyzes the amplitude of free liquid level sloshing and the change of horizontal dynamic pressure caused by water level change from the generation mechanism of TLD (Liquid tuning dampers). The results show that the liquid movement in the two tanks in the double-channel aqueduct is basically the same under the action of earthquake, and the TLD effect of the liquid gradually increases with the increase of the water level in the aqueduct, and the maximum peak shock absorption rate is 63.4% at the maximum peak and 50.4% in numerical simulation. The shaking amplitude of the liquid is positively correlated with the water level height, and the magnitude of the shaking amplitude also reflects the magnitude of the moving water pressure.
Indications, techniques, and graft survival of mini and corneo-scleral tectonic keratoplasties: A retrospective single-center case series
Authors: Wiedenmann Cornelius Jakob , Böhringer Daniel , Maier Philip , Lapp Thabo , Wacker Katrin , Heinzelmann Sonja , Reinhard Thomas , Lang Stefan Johann
Published: August 2023

Purpose

Tectonic keratoplasties (TK) are used to treat corneal and scleral perforations and to prevent the loss of the eye. In this study, we retrospectively analyzed indications, surgical procedures, and outcomes of eccentric mini and corneo-scleral tectonic keratoplasties with respect to anatomical survival and clear graft survival rates to identify risk factors for graft failure.

Methods

This retrospective study includes 33 eccentric mini (graft diameter <6 mm) and/or corneo-scleral TK of 32 consecutive patients of a total of 41 TK carried out between 2005 and 2020 in the Eye Center, University of Freiburg, Germany, making up 0.7% of all keratoplasties performed during this period (n = 5557). Patient and graft specific data were extracted from medical files. Anatomical survival—defined as achieving integrity of the globe without further surgical interventions—and clear graft survival—defined as persisting graft clarity—were estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method. We also fitted Cox proportional hazard models to account for factors influencing anatomical and clear graft survival.

Results

Median duration of anatomical success was 72.5 months (95% confidence interval (CI) 18.1—infinite (inf.)) and median duration of clear graft survival was 29.6 months (95% CI 12.5-Inf.). The 1-year survival rate for anatomical survival was 67.6% (95% CI 52.2% - 87.6%) and for clear graft survival 66.4% (95% CI 50.5%– 87.1%). No enucleation was necessary during this time-period. Non-inflammatory primary causes (n = 14) presented a trend towards better anatomical survival rates (median remained above 0.75 during follow-up) compared to inflammatory primary causes (n = 19, median 18.1 months (95% CI 2.8 - inf.)) and longer clear graft survival (median 29.6 months (95% CI 12.5 - inf.) versus 13.1 months (95% CI 3.2 - inf.)). Corneo-scleral grafts (n = 18) compared to corneal grafts (n = 15) showed a trend towards better anatomical survival (more than 50% of eyes did not fail during follow-up period (95% CI 21.9-Inf. months) versus 18.1 months (95% CI 2.4-Inf.)) and clear graft survival (median 29.6 months (95% CI 12.6-Inf.) versus 6.2 months (95% CI 2.8-Inf.)). Old age (n = 11, 75.2 – 90.1 years) compared to young age (n = 11, 6.2 – 60.2 years) was the only hazard ratio (hazard ratio 0.04 (95% CI 0.002–0.8)) that reached the level of significance (p = 0.03).

Conclusion

Eccentric TK is helpful in the successful treatment of a variety of severe eye diseases. Patients at young age, with pre-existing inflammatory conditions or corneal TK are at higher risk for anatomical failure as well as clear graft failure and therefore need to be monitored closely.
The interaction of ammonia and manganese in abnormal metabolism of minimal hepatic encephalopathy: A comparison metabolomics study
Authors: Liu Xue-Fei , Lu Jing-Jing , Li Ying , Yang Xiu-Ying , Qiang Jin-Wei
Published: August 2023

This study was to investigate the effects of ammonia and manganese in the metabolism of minimal hepatic encephalopathy (MHE). A total of 32 Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into four subgroups: chronic hyperammonemia (CHA), chronic hypermanganese (CHM), MHE and control group (CON). 1H-NMR-based metabolomics was used to detect the metabolic changes. Sparse projection to latent structures discriminant analysis was used for identifying and comparing the key metabolites. Significant elevated blood ammonia were shown in the CHA, CHM, and MHE rats. Significant elevated brain manganese (Mn) were shown in the CHM, and MHE rats, but not in the CHA rats. The concentrations of γ-amino butyric acid (GABA), lactate, alanine, glutamate, glutamine, threonine, and phosphocholine were significantly increased, and that of myo-inositol, taurine, leucine, isoleucine, arginine, and citrulline were significantly decreased in the MHE rats. Of all these 13 key metabolites, 10 of them were affected by ammonia (including lactate, alanine, glutamate, glutamine, myo-inositol, taurine, leucine, isoleucine, arginine, and citrulline) and 5 of them were affected by manganese (including GABA, lactate, myo-inositol, taurine, and leucine). Enrichment analysis indicated that abnormal metabolism of glutamine and TCA circle in MHE might be affected by the ammonia, and abnormal metabolism of GABA might be affected by the Mn, and abnormal metabolism of glycolysis and branched chain amino acids metabolism might be affected by both ammonia and Mn. Both ammonia and Mn play roles in the abnormal metabolism of MHE. Chronic hypermanganese could lead to elevated blood ammonia. However, chronic hyperammonemia could not lead to brain Mn deposition.
A data-driven model for early prediction of need for invasive mechanical ventilation in pediatric intensive care unit patients
Authors: Bose Sanjukta N. , Defante Andrew , Greenstein Joseph L. , Haddad Gabriel G. , Ryu Julie , Winslow Raimond L.
Published: August 2023

Rationale

Acute respiratory failure is a life-threatening clinical outcome in critically ill pediatric patients. In severe cases, patients can require mechanical ventilation (MV) for survival. Early recognition of these patients can potentially help clinicians alter the clinical course and lead to improved outcomes.

Objectives

To build a data-driven model for early prediction of the need for mechanical ventilation in pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) patients.

Methods

The study consists of a single-center retrospective observational study on a cohort of 13,651 PICU patients admitted between 1/01/2010 and 5/15/2018 with a prevalence of 8.06% for MV due to respiratory failure. XGBoost (extreme gradient boosting) and a convolutional neural network (CNN) using medication history were used to develop a prediction model that could yield a time-varying "risk-score"—a continuous probability of whether a patient will receive MV—and an ideal global threshold was calculated from the receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve. The early prediction point (EPP) was the first time the risk-score surpassed the optimal threshold, and the interval between the EPP and the start of the MV was the early warning period (EWT). Spectral clustering identified patient groups based on risk-score trajectories after EPP.

Results

A clinical and medication history-based model achieved a 0.89 area under the ROC curve (AUROC), 0.6 sensitivity, 0.95 specificity, 0.55 positive predictive value (PPV), and 0.95 negative predictive value (NPV). Early warning time (EWT) median [inter-quartile range] of this model was 9.9[4.2–69.2] hours. Clustering risk-score trajectories within a six-hour window after the early prediction point (EPP) established three patient groups, with the highest risk group’s PPV being 0.92.

Conclusions

This study uses a unique method to extract and apply medication history information, such as time-varying variables, to identify patients who may need mechanical ventilation for respiratory failure and provide an early warning period to avert it.
Predictors of help-seeking behaviors in women with urinary incontinence: Based on Iranian women’s lens
Authors: Rashidi Fakari Fahimeh , Hajian Sepideh , Darvish Soodabeh , Alavi Majd Hamid
Published: August 2023

Urinary incontinence has an undeniable impact on the quality of life of affected women; however, talking about incontinence is not comfortable for many women, and they often hide it and do not seek treatment. Predictors affecting women’s decisions to seek treatment in communities can be different. This study was designed to identify predictors of help-seeking behaviors among Iranian women with urinary incontinence.

Methods

This cross-sectional, analytical study was conducted on 199 women with urinary incontinence who met the inclusion criteria by convenience sampling from the beginning of 2020 to the middle of 2021. The Incontinence Severity Index, Bradley’s Questionnaire for Urinary Incontinence Diagnosis, Medical Embarrassment Questionnaires, Brief-Illness Perception Questionnaire, Incontinence Quality of Life Questionnaire, Barrier to Incontinence Care Seeking Questionnaire, Medical Help Seeking Scale, and Medical Outcomes Study Social Support Survey were all self-administered data collection tools used in this study. Multiple linear regression was used to investigate the relationship and prediction of help-seeking behaviors by other variables. To analyze the data, SPSS software version 20 was used.

Results

The variables of shame, barriers to care, social support, quality of life, and age were found to be predictors of help-seeking behavior in the research population of women with urinary incontinence. Help-seeking had a direct relationship with quality of life and an inverse relationship with other factors. Among these factors, shame has the greatest impact (P = 0/001, β = - 0/37).

Conclusions

The extracted predictors, especially the variable of "shame" as the most important negative factor related to the treatment decisions of women with urinary incontinence, will help to health service providers to take into account these factors in the regular service provision programs that promote women’s health, which are effective in facilitating the help-seeking of sufferers and correct guidance towards treatment or rehabilitation.
The thigmophiliac composting stove
Authors: Persoone Manon
Published: August 2023

This investigation into the author’s master’s thesis in architecture starts from an observation that our current ways of coping with waste sustain an obliviousness and feed a lack of responsibility towards the waste we produce and the way it is treated. Moving towards more effective ecological living patterns, but deviating from a strong adherence to technology, raises the question of how architecture can trigger a shift in mindsets on how we deal with waste. While ecological thinking and acting in the field of architecture are often focused on materials and their cycles of re-use and durability, the waste this research consciously takes interest in is of a more uncanny kind. Human bodily waste is the waste exchanged by mediation of the architectural element of the toilet. Instead of focusing on a fast and total removal of waste from our home, can architecture apply principles of care for waste as a vibrant matter? Aspiring to evoke ecological awareness, a low-tech toilet design is scrutinized in this article for its potential to perform care from a thigmophiliac point of view, as well as for producing compost.
Kinetics Study of Leaching Ore Nickel Laterite Using Hydrochloric Acid in Atmosphere Pressure
Authors: Wahab Wahab , Deniyatno Deniyatno , Saranga Marthines , Supriyatna Yayat Iman
Published: August 2023

Leaching of nickel laterite ore at atmospheric pressure is a leaching method that can be operated at >100⁰C temperatures in an atmospheric pressure, which is applicable to a low-grade laterite ore. This research aimed to study the effect of temperature, acid concentration, and leaching time on nickel extraction percentage and the leaching kinetics. Hydrochloric acid (HCl) was used as a leaching agent and several variables were applied, i.e., temperature (80⁰C, 90⁰C, 100⁰C), HCL concentration (5 M, 6 M, 7 M), and leaching duration (120 minutes, 150 minutes, 180 minutes) to investigate their effect on nickel extraction percentage. In addition, the kinetics of the leaching process was studied using a Shrinking Core Model. The results showed that the percentage of nickel extraction increased with increasing temperature, HCl concentration, and leaching time. The lowest percentage of nickel extraction of 51.29% was obtained when 80⁰C, five molar HCl, and 120 minutes leaching duration were applied. In contrast, The highest percentage of nickel extraction of 97.22% was obtained at 100⁰C, seven molar HCl, and 180 minutes of leaching time. The kinetics study results show that diffusion through the unreacted solid product layer controls the nickel leaching rate.
Safety Of BBIBP-CorV (Sinopharm) COVID-19 Vaccination In People With Multiple Sclerosis: A Report From Iran
Authors: Nabavi Seyed Massood , Mehrabani Mehrnoosh , Ghalichi Leila , Nahayati Mohammad Ali , Ghaffari Mehran , Ashtari Fereshteh , Mohammadianinejad Seyed Ehsan , Karimi Shahedeh , Salari Mehri , Faghani Leila , Yazdanbakhsh Sepide , Najafian Abbas , Vosough Massoud
Published: August 2023

Introduction: Vaccination against SARS CoV-2 started on March 2020 in Iran and people with multiple sclerosis (pwMS) have a priority to be vaccinated in line of other high-risk population. Up to now, BBIBP-CorV (Sinopharm) is the main vaccine which have been used in Iranian population, and in high risk population such as pwMS.
Method: In this survey, the safety and possible side effects of this vaccine after the first or/and second doses in 520 pwMS have been assessed from July to August 2021. MS Patients who have received one or two doses of Sinopharm vaccine were evaluated.
Results: Around 44% of pwMS who received Sinopharm reported few minor side effects, whereas its side effect have been reported in 60% of patients who received the second dose. All side effects have begun within the first 24 hours and subsided between 48-96 hours afterward. No serious side effects or mortality have been reported. There was no correlation between the side effects and age, the disability status, and the type of first or second line DMDs (disease modifying drugs). Only some side effects were significantly higher in the progressive form of the disease.
Conclusion: MS patients can receive Sinopharm vaccine safely and the minor side effects should not scare them.

Keywords: Sinopharm BBIBP-CorV, multiple sclerosis, disease modifying drugs, safety
O poder da leitura na Ortodontia
Authors: Almeida Marcio
Published: August 2023

Eu costumo dizer para meus alunos que não se esqueçam que o sucesso da sua Ortodontia de amanhã é resultado dos seus estudos, suas leituras e sua dedicação de hoje! Como Philip Pullman já dizia: “Nós não precisamos de uma lista de certos e errados, tabelas do que fazer e o que não fazer. Precisamos de livros, tempo e silêncio”. A leitura, outrossim, abre as janelas do entendimento e desperta do sono à sabedoria. Às vezes, a leitura nos transforma até em super-heróis, não é verdade? Será? Já tive a oportunidade de escrever, em outro editorial, sobre o super-herói da Ortodontia: o superortodontista1. Todos nós sabemos que não existe superortodontista. Existem ortodontistas dedicados à profissão e que conhecem muito bem a importância de ler, de ter acesso à informação, quer seja por meios digitais ou impressos.
Impressão direta 3D de alinhadores: a nova era da Ortodontia?
Authors: Almeida Marcio
Published: August 2023

Ninguém duvida que os alinhadores causaram uma enorme revolução e acabaram por revirar o mundo da Ortodontia de cabeça para baixo. Mas o que talvez poucos saibam é que a tecnologia de impressão e o material dos alinhadores estão mudando rapidamente. E aí eu faço uma pergunta: Será que já estamos preparados para imprimir nossos próprios alinhadores diretamente (direct-printed aligners, DPA), substituindo a trabalhosa fase de termoplastificação (thermoformed aligners, TFA), que acaba por demandar muito mais tempo e esforço? Pergunto, ainda: Será que a previsibilidade dos movimentos dentários obtidos com essa nova tecnologia de impressão direta, usando uma resina especial nos alinhadores, aumentará a um nível clinicamente significativo? Perguntas e mais perguntas, não é mesmo? Mas cabe, aqui, aquele ditado: “Quando a gente acha que já tem todas as respostas, vem a vida e muda todas as perguntas”.
Anel esquelético: um novo recurso para casos complexos
Authors: André Cristiane B.
Published: August 2023

OBJETIVO: Apresentar uma alternativa, chamada anel esquelético, para casos complexos de ancoragem esquelética com variações anatômicas — que, antes, poderiam ter insucesso ou, mesmo, ser contraindicados em diversos tipos de terapias. Além de ser o guia para os mini-implantes, é um sistema com sessão única de instalação (aparelho e mini-implantes na mesma sessão), sem o uso de guias prototipados. Esse sistema conta com a precisão do planejamento virtual, que é CRISTIANE B. ANDRÉ1,2,3 Anel esquelético: um novo recurso para casos complexos https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7756-7986 transferido ao modelo impresso por um sistema de guias (guide) e, posteriormente, reproduzido em boca com extrema precisão. CONCLUSÃO: O anel esquelético, somado ao planejamento digital, amplia as opções de inserção de mini-implantes, aumentando as chances de sucesso em casos complexos, além de trazer a praticidade da instalação em sessão única.
Prozesse und Produkte
Authors: Haps Silke
Published: August 2023

In the mid-1950s the Hoesch steel company invested in the diversification of its products and started to develop plastic-coated steel. This composite material was named Platal, meaning ›plated steel‹. The trademark was registered in the early 1930s and is valid until today; production in the post-war era ranged from powder compacts and containers for the chemical industry to construction elements for prefabricated houses. During a phase of generally intensified advertised building with prefabricated elements in West Germany in the late 1950s/early 1960s, Hoesch started cooperative ventures with companies, engineers and architects experienced in system construction, like Ernst Neufert, and to expand existing production facilities. This chapter discusses the planning, decision-making and production processes of these prefabricated houses from a material and fabrication point of view.
Methodological considerations in determining sex steroids in children: comparison of conventional immunoassays with liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Ankarberg-Lindgren Carina , Becker Charlotte , Svala Emilia , Ryberg Henrik
Published: August 2023

Objectives

In laboratory medicine, external quality assessment (EQA) schemes have become versatile tools for detecting analytical flaws. However, EQA schemes are lacking for pediatric sex steroid levels. We aimed to investigate the suitability of different estradiol and testosterone immunoassays in a pediatric setting in comparison with clinical liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) assays.

Methods

The study was conducted by staff and the advisory group on endocrinology at Equalis, the Swedish provider of EQA schemes for laboratory medicine. The test material consisted of five pooled serum samples from children who were either prepubertal or in puberty. Clinical laboratories enrolled in Equalis EQA schemes for estradiol and testosterone were invited to participate, as were clinical laboratories using LC-MS/MS-assays. Samples were analyzed by either routine immunoassays (n=18) or in-house LC-MS/MS assays (n=3).

Results

For estradiol, LC-MS/MS assays showed a high degree of conformity with interlaboratory coefficients of variation (CV) below 24.2 %. Reported levels were between 4.9 ± 1.2 and 33.9 ± 1.6 pmol/L (group mean ± standard deviation). The direct immunoassays had lower precision; their CVs were up to 81.4 %. Reported concentrations were between 25.3 ± 18.1 and 45.7 ± 19.4 pmol/L, an overestimation compared to LC-MS/MS. Testosterone LC-MS/MS also showed a high degree of conformity, CVs were below 13.4 %, and reported concentrations were from 0.06 ± 0.00 to 1.00 ± 0.11 nmol/L. The direct immunoassays had a larger discrepancy between results; CVs were up to 95.8 %. Concentrations were between 0.12 ± 0.11 and 0.85 ± 0.23 nmol/L.

Conclusions

For the safe diagnosis and determination of sex steroids in children, analysis with mass spectrometry-based methods is recommended.
Planting spacing influences radial variation of basic density and chemical composition of wood from fast growing young Eucalyptus plantations
Authors: Pimenta Emanuella Mesquita , Brito Emilly Gracielly dos Santos , Gomes Paola Freitas , Ramalho Fernanda Maria Guedes , Vidaurre Graziela Baptista , Couto Allan Motta , Campoe Otávio Camargo , Hein Paulo Ricardo Gherardi
Published: August 2023

Planting spacing plays an important role in tree growth and wood formation. Thus, the aim of this study was to determinate how planting spacing and genetic material affect the radial variation of basic density and chemical composition of wood. The sampling of this study was based on 4 clones of Eucalyptus urophylla × Eucalyptus grandis at 5 years of age planted in four spacings (3 × 1, 3 × 2, 3 × 3 and 3 × 4 m). To determine the basic density (BD), extractive (EXT) and lignin (LT) content, wood discs were removed at breast height, which were sectioned in three radial positions (pith, intermediate and sapwood). The results showed that genetic material, planting spacing and radial position affected the values of BD, EXT and LT content. The BD and EXT content tended to increase with increased planting spacing, while the LT content tended to decrease. In relation to the radial variation, the basic density showed an increase in the pith-bark direction, while the EXT content showed a decrease in this direction. For LT, no significant difference was observed in the pith-bark direction. In general, the largest planting spacings promoted the highest rates of variation of the properties studied.
Urban and peri-urban bats (Mammalia: Chiroptera) in Manizales, Colombia: exploring a conservation area in sub-Andean and Andean ecosystems
Authors: Rosero-Taramuel Janeira Liseth , Mejía-Fontecha Ingrith Yuliany , Marín-Ramírez Alexandra , Marín-Giraldo Valentina , Ramírez-Chaves Héctor E.
Published: August 2023

In Colombia, 217 bat species have been recorded of which at least 22 species occur in Andean and sub-Andean ecosystems. To evaluate the richness of bats in an Andean elevational range at the Municipality of Manizales, Central Andes of Colombia, we performed surveys supplemented with incidental captures from 2018 to 2022 at different urban and peri-urban areas, and reviewed specimens in biological collections. We evaluated the perception and knowledge that local people have about bats using an online survey. We reported 33 species in the study area. Phyllostomidae showed the highest richness (20 species), followed by Vespertilionidae (11 species), and Molossidae (2 species). For the survey, we obtained responses from 219 people who showed a good knowledge about bats and their ecological importance. We did not find significant differences between ages and levels of schooling in the perception about bats. Our results highlight the relevance of conserving the green areas of Manizales and the need for environmental education programs to reduce possible bat-human conflicts and negative perceptions. Manizales has the potential as an Area of Importance for the Conservation of Bats, due to its high bat richness and that reproduction is occurring within the study area.
A Note on Special Subsets of the Rudin-Frolík Order for Regulars
Authors: Jureczko Joanna
Published: August 2023

We show that there is a set of 22
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ultrafilters incomparable in the Rudin-Frolík order of βκ\κ, where κ is regular, for which no subset with more than one element has an infimum.
Memoryless Properties on Time Scales
Authors: Cuchta Tom , Niichel Robert J.
Published: August 2023

The classical memoryless property is well-known to induce the geometric distribution for discrete random variables and the exponential distribution for continuous random variables. When the range of the random variable is just an arbitrary closed subset of the real line, significant difficulties arise as to the interpretation of the memoryless property itself. Multiple proposals have been made, and we explore their consequences. In particular, we consider whether a given definition of “memoryless” will induce a specific distribution.
A New Series Space Derived by Absolute Generalized Nörlund Means
Authors: Güleç Canan Hazar
Published: August 2023

In a way different from traditional methods, recently, new series spaces have been established by using absolute summability methods. Among these absolute summability methods, the absolute generalized Nörlund summability method |N, p

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|

k

${\left| {N_p^\theta } \right|_k}$

and

|

E
r
θ

|

k

${\left| {E_r^\theta } \right|_k}$

, and to investigate its topological structure, α-, β- and γ-duals. Beside this, some matrix transformations related to these spaces have been characterized.
Examples of Weinstein Domains in the Complement of Smoothed Total Toric Divisors
Authors: Marinković Aleksandra
Published: August 2023

In [ACG+1] and [ACG+2], it is shown that a complement of a neighborhood of a partially smoothed total toric divisor of a closed toric symplectic 4-manifold is a Weinstein domain. In this article, we extend the family of Weinstein domains that can be realized as such complements by producing an infinite family of new examples.
The Uniform Effros Property and Local Homogeneity
Authors: Macías Sergio
Published: August 2023

Kathryn F. Porter wrote a nice paper about several definitions of local homogeneity [Local homogeneity, JP Journal of Geometry and Topology 9 (2009), 129–136]. In this paper, she mentions that G. S. Ungar defined a uniformly locally homogeneous space [Local homogeneity, Duke Math. J. 34 (1967), 693–700]. We realized that this notion is very similar to what we call the uniform property of Effros [On Jones’ set function 𝒯 and the property of Kelley for Hausdorff continua, Topology Appl. 226 (2017), 51–65]. Here, we compare the uniform property of Effros with the uniform local homogeneity. We also consider other definitions of local homogeneity given in Porter’s paper and compare them with the uniform property of Effros. We show that in the presence of compactness, the uniform property of Effros is equivalent to uniform local homogeneity and the local homogeneity according to Ho. With this result, we can change the hypothesis of the uniform property of Effros in Jones’ and Prajs’ decomposition theorems to uniform local homogeneity and local homogeneity according to Ho. We add to these two results the fact that the corresponding quotient space also has the uniform property of Effros.
An Extended Gamma-Lindley Model and Inference for the Prediction of Covid-19 in Tunisia
Authors: Masmoudi Afif , Laribi Dorsaf , Boutouria Imen
Published: August 2023

In this research paper, we introduce an extension of the Gamma-Lindley distribution using a particular exponentiation of its cumulative distribution function, which offers a more flexible model for lifetime data. Another attractive feature of this extension is that it has several particular cases: Weibull, generalized Pareto, Lindley, exponential and Gamma-Lindley distributions. Different statistical properties of this distribution are explored, such as the density, failure rate and the r
th moments. We attempt to prove that the extended Gamma-Lindley distribution is characterized by its truncated moment of order statistics. One of the main merits of this work lies in the fact that it provides the ability of this characterization to simulate the new distribution compared with the inverse transform sampling method. Estimation of the parameters using the tailed regression method is investigated. The COVID-19 real data evolution in Tunisia illustrates the performance of the EGL distribution compared with its special cases through some criteria such as the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test, Mean Squared error and Kullback-Leibler divergence. The predictive ability of the extended Gamma-Lindley distribution proved to provide a better fit to expect the number of deaths by Corona-virus in Tunisia in the future period.
A review of microscopic characterization and related properties of fiber-incorporated cement-based materials
Authors: Han Guansheng , Xiang Jiahao , Lu Shuaijie , Zhou Yu , Tang Qiongqiong , Li Guangzhi , Cheng Zhangjianing , Zhang Tao , Chen Weiqiang , Gao Yuan , Liu Yanming
Published: August 2023

Fiber-reinforced concrete (FRC) has apparent benefits over traditional cementitious composites and possesses a great prospect in civil engineering projects. Previous studies reported that fiber admixtures could effectively enhance the mechanical properties, impermeability, and durability of cementitious composites. Nevertheless, the trade-off of the reinforcing efficiency, cost, and properties of the cementitious composites in different aspects has been a challenge in the application of FRC to practical engineering. This article summarizes a review concerning the recent development of FRC enhanced by different fibers and mainly focused on the fiber-reinforcing effects on the microstructure and the corresponding properties of cementitious composites. The addition of a small amount of fiber material has a significant change in the microstructure and related properties of cement-based materials, but the presence of fibers also causes structural damage and other problems. The direction of future development of some cutting-edge technologies such as coating and hybridization methods on fiber modification was concluded to assist further research in FRC. This review will further enhance the understanding of fiber for reinforcing cementitious composites.
Verbraucherschutz aus institutionen- und verhaltensökonomischer Sicht
Authors: Döring Thomas
Published: August 2023

From an economic point of view, there is a consensus that sufficient consumer protection cannot be achieved solely through effective competition policy aimed at limiting the abuse of market power to the detriment of consumers. However, the economic justification for an explicit policy of consumer protection is far less uniform. In the past, the standard approach to explain consumer behavior and to justify government consumer protection derived from information economics. However, the fact that consumer protection based solely on information economics has been repeatedly criticized in recent years points to the need for a broader theoretical foundation of consumer protection policy. Against this background, the article aims at broadening the perspective of an economically based consumer policy by resorting to institutional economic as well as behavioral economic considerations, which will be contrasted with each other in their respective insights.
Effect of chip thickness, wood cross-sections, and cutting speed on surface roughness and cutting power during up-milling of beech wood
Authors: Piernik Magdalena , Pinkowski Grzegorz , Krauss Andrzej
Published: August 2023

The aim of the conducted experiments was to determine the effect of selected machining parameters on power consumption and surface quality obtained during the milling of beech wood using a computerized numerical control woodworking machine. Surface roughness was tested using the contact roughness measurement method, while roughness parameters Ra and Rz were recorded and cutting energy was determined. Tests were conducted for two variants of cutting speed (7.5 and 15 m·s-1) as well as three variants of chip thickness (0.10, 0.06, and 0.02 mm); additionally, the tests examined different cross-sections of wood. It was found that greater chip thickness and feed speed caused an increase in surface roughness and cutting power. In turn, cutting speed had no effect on surface roughness, whereas its increase resulted in increased cutting power. Surface roughness at the radial and tangential cross-sections was comparable, while it was greater at the transverse cross-section. It was also found that cutting power was lowest at the radial cross-section, while it was greater at the tangential and the greatest at the transverse cross-section.
Hormonal changes in the first 24 postoperative hours after cardiac surgical procedures
Authors: Szécsi Balázs , Tóth Krisztina , Szabó András , Eke Csaba , Szentgróti Rita , Dohán Orsolya , Benke Kálmán , Radovits Tamás , Pólos Miklós , Merkely Béla , Gál János , Székely Andrea
Published: August 2023

Background

Hormone level changes after heart surgeries are a widely observed phenomenon due to neurohormonal feedback mechanisms that may affect postoperative morbidity and mortality. The current study aimed to analyze the changes in thyroid and sex hormones in the first 24 postoperative hours after heart surgery.

Methods

This prospective, observational study (registered on ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT03736499; 09/11/2018) included 49 patients who underwent elective cardiac surgical procedures at a tertiary heart center between March 2019 and December 2019. Thyroid hormones, including thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), triiodothyronine (T3), and thyroxine (T4), and sex hormones, including prolactin (PRL) and total testosterone, were measured preoperatively and at 24 h postoperatively.

Results

Significant decreases in serum TSH (P < 0.001), T3 (P < 0.001) and total testosterone (P < 0.001) levels were noted, whereas T4 (P = 0.554) and PRL (P = 0.616) did not significantly change. Intensive care unit (ICU) hours (P < 0.001), mechanical ventilation (P < 0.001) and Vasoactive-Inotropic Score (VIS) (P = 0.006) were associated with postoperative T3 level. ICU hours were associated with postoperative T4 level (P = 0.028). Postoperative and delta testosterone levels were in connection with lengths of stay in ICU (P = 0.032, P = 0.010 respectively). Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD) scores were associated with thyroid hormone levels and serum testosterone.

Conclusions

T3 may represent a marker of nonthyroidal illness syndrome and testosterone may reflect hepatic dysfunction. In addition, PRL may act as a stress hormone in female patients.
An Embodied Reading of the Shepherd of Hermas: The Book of Visions and its Role in Moral Formation
Authors: Harkins Angela Kim
Published: August 2023

The Shepherd of Hermas (70–150 CE) is one of the oldest Christian writings from a major urban center. While the majority of manuscript evidence of the Shepherd is concentrated in North Africa, the work has a long-standing association with the city of Rome. It consists of three major sections: the Book of Visions, the Mandates, and the Similitudes. The Shepherd was enormously popular during the early centuries as a catechetical text used for moral formation. Its manuscript evidence during the early centuries far exceeded that of the Gospels. This book focuses on the first section of the Shepherd known as the Book of Visions, which narrates Hermas’s visionary experiences in first-person voice. The book argues that enactive reading can help to generate immersive experiences of Hermas’s visions and explain the success of the Book of Visions among ancient readers. Cognitive approaches also highlight how modern scholars, who are trained to read apocalypses ‘against the grain’ in their search for historical or theological information, fail to notice and appreciate the very things that made apocalypses engaging to a broad range of ancient readers and hearers.
INTERAÇÃO DIALÓGICA COMO MEDIAÇÃO NO PROCESSO DE AQUISIÇÃO DA LINGUAGEM ESCRITA POR SURDOS
Authors: SOUZA CHRISTIANNE THATIANA RAMOS DE , LACERDA CRISTINA BROGLIA FEITOSA DE
Published: August 2023

RESUMO: O objetivo deste estudo foi investigar o processo de apropriação, pelo surdo, da língua portuguesa como segunda língua em interlocução com uma professora bilíngue por meio do diário de aprendizagem. Especificamente, foram caracterizadas as estratégias pedagógicas usadas pela professora para mediar o ensino da linguagem escrita e analisado o processo de apropriação da escrita pelos estudantes surdos. Foram coletados diários de aprendizagem produzidos por estudantes surdos do Ensino Fundamental II de uma escola inclusiva e que fazia parte de um Programa de Educação Bilíngue para surdos. A partir de uma análise indicial dos diários focamos na interlocução entre a professora e os estudantes presentes no texto dos diários atentando para as características e intenções contidas nos diálogos, bem como para as mudanças ocorridas nos textos dos estudantes. Os resultados indicaram que os diários se constituíram como meios de enunciação e de aprendizagem da linguagem escrita pelos surdos. A escrita, como meio semiótico de constituição e expressão do sujeito, favoreceu tanto a comunicação quanto a elaboração de conhecimentos sobre a escrita de uma segunda língua, além de mediar a conversão de processos de significação em processos internos que formam a base da consciência.
FATORES ASSOCIADOS À EVASÃO DE CURSO NA UFRJ: UMA ANÁLISE DE SOBREVIVÊNCIA
Authors: KLITZKE MELINA , CARVALHAES FLAVIO
Published: August 2023

RESUMO O objetivo deste artigo é analisar se fatores educacionais e de escolha de curso, origem sociodemográfica e integração acadêmica formal estão associados à evasão nos três primeiros anos do estudante na Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ). Empregou-se o conceito de evasão de curso, que é a saída definitiva do estudante do curso de origem. A evasão foi analisada por meio de modelos estatísticos de sobrevivência em tempo discreto, que permitiu tratar os dados em sua estrutura longitudinal. Foram utilizados os microdados da instituição, de caráter censitário, para o acompanhamento de três anos da coorte que ingressou no primeiro semestre de 2014. Os resultados apontam que, durante o tempo analisado, os momentos de maior risco de evasão foram o primeiro, o segundo e o quinto semestre das trajetórias dos estudantes nos cursos. A origem sociodemográfica do estudante não se mostrou associada à evasão de curso. Os fatores educacionais e de escolha de curso se mostraram associados à evasão, principalmente no primeiro ano. A hipótese é de que o processo de escolha de curso, através do atual formato de acesso à UFRJ, possivelmente, esteja estruturando uma evasão precoce nos cursos. O Coeficiente de Rendimento acumulado (CRa), que foi utilizada como proxy de integração acadêmica formal, se mostrou associada à evasão de curso . Os estudantes com CRa baixo apresentaram um risco maior de evadir do que aqueles com CRa alto. Esses achados revelam a importância de entender processos decisórios de entrada e continuação dos estudos.