bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Are adults diagnosed with type 2 diabetes at a greater risk of developing depression? Integrative literature review
Authors: Coley Rebecca , Alnababtah Kal
Published: March 2022

Background:

The aim of this integrative literature review was to investigate the prevalence of depression in adults diagnosed with type 2 diabetes within Europe and to examine the link between adults with type 2 diabetes and the risk of developing depression.

Methods:

An integrative literature review using the databases CINAHL, Medline and PsycInfo to retrieve the most relevant articles on adults with type 2 diabetes and the risk of developing depression.

Results:

Gender, age and socio-economic status may increase the risk of an adult with type 2 diabetes developing depression.

Conclusion:

Adults with type 2 diabetes are at a greater risk of developing depression, and factors such as age, gender and socio-economics also play a role in predicting whether a person with type 2 diabetes will develop depression. Screening tools such as Patient Health Questionnaire-2 (PHQ-2) may be used to assess for depression within GP surgeries at the time of diagnosis with type 2 diabetes.
The diagnostic reasoning involved in interpreting blood results
Authors: Milne Lorna
Published: March 2022

Critical assessment of blood results is pivotal to a patient's management. Advanced practice involves autonomous consultation and diagnostic reasoning. The field of haematology is often an area that colleagues find daunting. But with a systematic review and analysis of results, differential diagnosis and plans for treatment or referral can be made. This is the second article in a two-part series. The first article in this two-part series examined history taking in patients with suspected haematological disease. This article will discuss common derangement in blood results and the significance relating to patient management, considering latest evidence and guidelines.
Concerns over the use of consent to remove a baby into local authority care
Authors: Griffith Richard
Published: March 2022

Richard Griffith, Head of Health Law and Ethics, School of Health and Social Care, Swansea University, examines voluntary removal of a child and how nurses can ensure that mothers are not coerced into the use of this measure
Prehospital emergency anaesthesia: an introductory guide for paramedics
Authors: Horan Alan , Hennelly David
Published: March 2022

Prehospital emergency anaesthesia (PHEA) is indicated in a relatively small number of patients. It is a complex procedure that requires an in-depth knowledge of airway management, physiology, pharmacology and human factors and should only be performed judiciously by a competent team. The aim of this article is to provide an overview of the process of PHEA and to describe its indications, practical aspects and potential complications.
Features of outstanding primary care practices
Authors: Halliwell Amanda
Published: March 2022

Inspection reports for two GP practices were published in February 2022, both rated outstanding. What does it take to be considered for this rating? Amanda Halliwell reports
On The Efficiency of Ratio Estimators of Finite Population Mean Using Auxiliary Information
Authors: Olasunkanmi Muili Jamiu , Audu Ahmed , Yunusa Adamu Ibrahim
Published: March 2022

Ratio estimation is a technique that usages available auxiliary information which is certainly correlated with study variables. In this study, a class of ratio-type estimators of finite population means has been anticipated to solve delinquent of estimation of the population mean. Properties of anticipated estimators namely Bias & Mean Square Error were acquired up to the first order of approximation & the condition for their efficiency over some existing estimators was also established. The results show that anticipated estimators are enhanced & proficient (minimum mean square errors) than other estimators with the highest precision.
Influence of Lambertian surface scattering on the spatially resolved reflectance from turbid media: a computational study
Authors: Lindner Benjamin , Foschum Florian , Kienle Alwin
Published: March 2022

The determination of the optical properties in turbid media plays an essential role in medical diagnostics and process control. The method of spatially resolved reflectance measurements is a frequently used tool to evaluate the reduced scattering coefficient as well as the absorption coefficient. In most cases a smooth interface is assumed between the medium under investigation and the surrounding medium. However, in reality, a rough surface is present at the interface, which alters the light interaction with the surface and volume of the turbid medium. Hence, the idea behind this paper was to investigate the influence of rough surfaces on the spatially resolved reflectance and thus on the determination of the optical properties of turbid media. Particularly, the influence of a Lambertian scattering surface on the result of Monte Carlo simulations of a spatially resolved reflectance setup is shown. In addition, we distinguish between the different interaction modes of surface scattering on the spatially resolved reflectance. There is a strong influence of roughness when the light enters and leaves the turbid medium. Furthermore, the simulations show that, especially for small reduced scattering coefficients and absorption coefficients, large errors in the determination of the optical properties are obtained.
Spatially strongly confined atomic excitation via a two dimensional stimulated Raman adiabatic passage
Authors: Hamedi Hamid R. , Žlabys Giedrius , Ahufinger Verònica , Halfmann Thomas , Mompart Jordi , Juzeliūnas Gediminas
Published: March 2022

We consider a method of sub-wavelength superlocalization and patterning of atomic matter waves via a two dimensional stimulated Raman adiabatic passage (2D STIRAP) process. An atom initially prepared in its ground level interacts with a doughnut-shaped optical vortex pump beam and a traveling wave Stokes laser beam with a constant (top-hat) intensity profile in space. The beams are sent in a counter-intuitive temporal sequence, in which the Stokes pulse precedes the pump pulse. The atoms interacting with both the traveling wave and the vortex beam are transferred to a final state through the 2D STIRAP, while those located at the core of the vortex beam remain in the initial state, creating a super-narrow nanometer scale atomic spot in the spatial distribution of ground state atoms. By numerical simulations we show that the 2D STIRAP approach outperforms the established method of coherent population trapping, yielding much stronger confinement of atomic excitation. Numerical simulations of the Gross-Pitaevskii equation show that using such a method one can create 2D bright and dark solitonic structures in trapped Bose-Einstein condensates (BECs). The method allows one to circumvent the restriction set by the diffraction limit inherent to conventional methods for formation of localized solitons, with a full control over the position and size of nanometer resolution defects.
Predictive performance of the standard and the modified von Kries chromatic adaptation transforms
Authors: Ma Shining , Teunissen Kees , Smet Kevin A. G.
Published: March 2022

To investigate chromatic adaptation and develop chromatic adaptation transforms (CATs), many psychophysical experiments have been conducted to collect corresponding colors (CC) under various illumination conditions. Most modern CATs have been developed based on a database of CC sets collected in the 20th century. More recently, several additional CC sets have been collected by Smet et al., Wei et al., and Ma et al. using memory color matching or achromatic matching methods. The analysis of these CC data indicates that for yellowish (located on or close to the Planckian locus) and greenish illuminations, the short-wave (S) sensitive cones show a lower degree of adaptation compared to the long-wave (L) and medium-wave (M) sensitive cones. This can result in a large prediction error of the standard von Kries CAT, which adopts a single degree of adaptation value for all three cone types. A modified von Kries CAT is proposed that accounts for these differences between the L-, M- and S-cone signals by applying a compression to the rescaling factor for the S-cones. It outperforms the standard von Kries CAT for the Breneman-C, Smet, Wei, and Ma data, while for other data sources the two CATs have similar performance.
Fast non-line-of-sight imaging based on first photon event stamping
Authors: Li Zhupeng , Liu Xintong , Wang Jianyu , Shi Zuoqiang , Qiu Lingyun , Fu Xing
Published: March 2022

Non-line-of-sight (NLOS) imaging enables people to see a hidden scene based on multiple interaction information between the object and the carrier. There have been numerous studies focusing on the physical modeling of photon scattering, but few have explored the detection process, which also plays a vital role. In this paper, we put forward a novel, to the best of our knowledge, detection methodology for NLOS imaging based on time-sequential first photon (TSFP) data. We verify the method with both synthetic and experimental data, showing a dramatic reduction in acquisition time cost compared with traditional methods for the same reconstruction quality. This work may contribute to real-time and photon-starved NLOS imaging for practical applications.
Attenuation coefficients of selected organic and inorganic solvents in the mid-infrared spectral domain
Authors: Junaid Saher , Huang Wenqin , Scheibinger Ramona , Schaarschmidt Kay , Schneidewind Henrik , Paradis Pascal , Bernier Martin , Vallée Réal , Stanca Sarmiza-Elena , Zieger Gabriel , Schmidt Markus A.
Published: March 2022

Knowledge of the light attenuation by a material is essential for any photonic device, while liquids are insufficiently quantified, especially in the mid-infrared range. Here, we present a quantitative spectroscopic study reporting concrete attenuation values of the regions of low attenuation of selected organic and inorganic solvents up to 20 µm that is useful for light transport and nonlinear frequency conversion. In addition to prominent liquids, the study presents CBrCl3 as a promising candidate for optofluidics. Our study uncovers the potential of these solvents for waveguiding applications at long wavelengths and highlights the importance of careful liquid selection.
Study of nonlinear analysis methods for spectral detection of mixed gases
Authors: Jian Zhang
Published: March 2022

Data analytic methods are required in detecting gas concentrations using spectroscopic techniques, especially for absorption spectra of mixed gases. However the common analytic methods, such as multivariate linear regression, principal component regression etc. are limited to deal with non-linear and uncorrelated variables. In the case of multi-component gases, these methods are able to meet expected accuracy and reliability. In this paper, a simple and effective method is proposed.This method is based on spectral cases of single-component gases, it determines the concentration of each component using linear superposition principle of the spectra in Beer’s law. The experimental results show that the detection error of this method is less than 1% in the known gas mixture case and 3% in the unknown gas mixture case.
Prinzipien für die ethische Nutzung künstlicher Intelligenz
Authors: Barton Marie-Christin , Pöppelbuß Jens
Published: March 2022

Die voranschreitende Digitalisierung im Allgemeinen und die zunehmende Anwendung von künstlicher Intelligenz (KI) im gesellschaftlichen Alltag bietet einige Vorteile. Allerdings werden von verschiedenen Interessensgruppen ethische Bedenken geäußert. Damit KI langfristig angewendet und KI-Lösungen erfolgreich vertrieben werden können, ist es daher unerlässlich, dass Organisationen eine ethisch-angemessene Richtung einschlagen. So erhält das relativ neue Feld der KI-Ethik wachsendes Interesse sowohl in der Wissenschaft als auch in der Praxis. Dieser Beitrag skizziert ethische Herausforderungen, denen Organisationen begegnen und somit auch Bedenken, die in der Gesamtgesellschaft durch die Digitalisierung im KI-Zeitalter aufkommen. Diese werden auf Basis verschiedener ethischer Modelle untersucht. Zudem wird ein modifiziertes Modell mit sechs Prinzipien für die ethische Nutzung künstlicher Intelligenz vorgeschlagen. Dieses umfasst die sechs KI-Ethik-Prinzipien: Wohltätigkeit, Transparenz, Nicht-Boshaftigkeit, Autonomie, Gerechtigkeit und Datenschutz. Basierend auf diesen sechs Prinzipien werden Handlungsanweisungen im Umgang mit KI-Anwendungen skizziert.
Poor adult tuberculosis treatment outcome and associated factors in Gibe Woreda, Southern Ethiopia: An institution-based cross-sectional study
Authors: Mengesha Melkamu Merid , Gebremichael Mathewos Alemu , Watumo Desta , Hallström Inger Kristensson , Jerene Degu
Published: March 2022

Tuberculosis (TB) remains a major medical and public health problem throughout the world, especially in developing countries including Ethiopia. Its control program is currently being challenged by the spread of drug-resistant TB, which is the result of poor treatment outcomes. Hence, this study assessed poor adult TB treatment outcomes and associated factors in Gibe Woreda, Southern Ethiopia. An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted from March 1, 2020 to March 30, 2020, using a standard checklist to review clinical charts of TB patients who enrolled on first-line TB treatment under DOTS between June 2016 and June 2019. Poor treatment outcomes constituted death during treatment, treatment failure, and loss to follow-up (LTFU). Descriptive statistics were used to describe the characteristics of study participants. A binary logistic regression model was fitted to identify factors influencing treatment outcome and adjusted odds ratios with a 95% confidence interval were reported. The statistical significance of all tests in this study was declared at P-value <5%. A total of 400 adult TB patients were participated. The mean age of study participants was 39.2±16.7 years, 55.5% were males and 79.8% were pulmonary tuberculosis cases. Regarding the treatment outcomes, 58% completed treatment, 27.5% cured, 9.3% were LTFU, 3.2% died, and 2.0% failed. The overall poor treatment outcome was 14.5% (95% CI: 11.1–17.9). Age (aOR = 1.02; 95%CI: 1.01–1.04), male gender (aOR = 1.82; 95% CI: 0.99–3.73), travel ≥ 10 kilometres to receive TB treatment (aOR = 6.55; 95% CI: 3.02–14.19), and lack of family support during the course of treatment (aOR = 3.03; 95% CI: 1.37–6.70), and bedridden baseline functional status (aOR = 4.40; 95% CI: 0.96–20.06) were factors associated with poor treatment outcome. Successful TB treatment outcome in this study area was below the national TB treatment success rate. To improve positive treatment outcomes, remote areas should be prioritized for TB interventions, and stakeholders in TB treatment and care should give special emphasis to adults over the age of 45 years, males, those who travel more than 10 kilometres to receive TB care, having bedridden baseline functional status and those who had no family support.
The impact of local government debt on urban environmental pollution and its mechanism: Evidence from China
Authors: Qi Zhenyu , Yang Siying , Feng Dawei , Wang Wenzhi
Published: March 2022

As an important financial means for governments to improve the quality of economic development, government debt greatly affects the quality of local environmental governance. Based on a theoretical mechanism analysis that uses the pollutant emissions panel data and new caliber urban investment bond data of 273 cities in China, this paper empirically tests the impact of local government debt on urban emission reduction and the mechanism that drives this impact. We find that local government debt significantly promotes urban emissions reduction, and as urban pollution becomes more aggravated, this promoting effect has a dynamic path, first strengthening and then weakening. The role of local government debt in promoting urban emission reduction is characterized by both temporal and spatial heterogeneity. A mechanistic analysis shows that local government debt can promote urban emission reduction by promoting urban environmental innovation, with green invention patents demonstrating a stronger intermediary role than green utility model patents.
The antipyretic effectiveness of dipyrone in the intensive care unit: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Gillmann Hans-Jörg , Reichart Jessica , Leffler Andreas , Stueber Thomas
Published: March 2022

Introduction

Dipyrone (metamizol) is regularly used in critical care for pain and fever treatment, especially in Germany and Spain. However, indication for antipyretic therapy in critically ill patients is currently unclear and data for both the risk and benefit of dipyrone treatment in the intensive care environment are scarce. We hypothesized that antipyretic efficiency of dipyrone would not exceed antipyretic efficiency of acetaminophen. We therefore aimed to compare temperature courses in critically ill patients receiving either intravenous dipyrone, acetaminophen or no antipyretic medication.

Material and methods

We included 937 intensive care unit (ICU) patients with body temperature recordings of at least 37.5°C. We investigated temperature decrease associated with dipyrone or acetaminophen and additionally compared it to an untreated control group.

Results

Within the eight-hour study interval, maximum body temperature decrease in patients without antipyretic medication was -0.6°C (IQR: -1.0 to -0.4°C; n = 315). Maximal decrease in body temperature was higher both with dipyrone (-0.8°C (IQR: -1.2 to -0.4°C); p = 0.016; n = 341) and acetaminophen (-0.9°C (IQR: -1.6 to -0.6°C); p<0.001; n = 71), but did not differ between dipyrone and acetaminophen (p = 0.066). As compared to untreated patients, dipyrone only led to a marginal additional decrease in body temperature of only -0.1°C. Maximum of antipyretic effectiveness was reached four hours after administration.

Conclusion

Antipyretic effectiveness of dipyrone in ICU patients may be overestimated. Given the lack of prospective data, clinical evidence for antipyretic dipyrone therapy in the ICU is insufficient and warrants further critical evaluation.
Genome-wide association study reveals candidate genes relevant to body weight in female turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo)
Authors: Abdalla Emhimad A. E. , Makanjuola Bayode O. , Wood Benjamin J. , Baes Christine F.
Published: March 2022

The underlying genetic mechanisms affecting turkey growth traits have not been widely investigated. Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) is a powerful approach to identify candidate regions associated with complex phenotypes and diseases in livestock. In the present study, we performed GWAS to identify regions associated with 18-week body weight in a turkey population. The data included body weight observations for 24,989 female turkeys genotyped based on a 65K SNP panel. The analysis was carried out using a univariate mixed linear model with hatch-week-year and the 2 top principal components fitted as fixed effects and the accumulated polygenic effect of all markers captured by the genomic relationship matrix as random. Thirty-three significant markers were observed on 1, 2, 3, 4, 7 and 12 chromosomes, while 26 showed strong linkage disequilibrium extending up to 410 kb. These significant markers were mapped to 37 genes, of which 13 were novel. Interestingly, many of the investigated genes are known to be involved in growth and body weight. For instance, genes AKR1D1, PARP12, BOC, NCOA1, ADCY3 and CHCHD7 regulate growth, body weight, metabolism, digestion, bile acid biosynthetic and development of muscle cells. In summary, the results of our study revealed novel candidate genomic regions and candidate genes that could be managed within a turkey breeding program and adapted in fine mapping of quantitative trait loci to enhance genetic improvement in this species.
Biodegradable gelatin-based films with nisin and EDTA that inhibit Escherichia coli
Authors: Abarca Romina L. , Medina Javiera , Alvarado Nancy , Ortiz Pablo A. , Carrillo López Bernardo
Published: March 2022

In this study, we developed gelatin-based films for active packaging with the ability to inhibit E. coli. We created these novel biodegradable gelatin-based films with a nisin-EDTA mix. FT-IR, TGA, and SEM analysis showed that nisin interacted with the gelatin by modifying its thermal stability and morphology. The use of nisin (2,500 IU/mL) with concentrations of Na-EDTA (1.052 M stock solution) distributed in the polymer matrix generated a significant decrease in the growth of E. coli when compared to the control. In freshly made films (t0), the growth of E. coli ATCC 25922 was reduced by approximately 3 logarithmic cycles. Two weeks after the films were made, a reduction in antimicrobial activity was observed in approximately 1, 1 and 3 logarithmic cycles of the films with 5%, 10% and 20% of the compound (nisin/Na-EDTA) distributed in the polymer matrix, respectively. This evidences an antimicrobial effect over time. Also, biodegradation tests showed that the films were completely degraded after 10 days. With all these results, an active and biodegradable packaging was successfully obtained to be potentially applied in perishable foods. These biodegradable, gelatin-based films are a versatile active packaging option. Further research on the barrier properties of these films is needed.
A prevalence study in Guadalajara, Mexico, comparing tuberculin skin test and QuantiFERON-TB Gold In-Tube
Authors: Plascencia Hernández Arturo , González Sánchez Rodrigo M. , Hernández Cañaveral Iván I. , Luévanos Velázquez Antonio , Martínez Arce Pedro A. , González Díaz Alexander , Sandoval Díaz Manuel , de Armas Rodríguez Yaxsier , González Ochoa Edilberto , Pérez Gómez Héctor Raúl
Published: March 2022

Background

Tuberculosis (TB) is a prevalent disease throughout the world. The extent of TB illness in childhood is not clear; recent data shows that 10–20% of the cases are found in children under 15 years old. In 2017, 1 million children developed the disease, of which 9% were co-infected with HIV.

Methods

A cross-sectional study that analyzed 48 children diagnosed with HIV-infection in Guadalajara, Mexico. The tuberculin skin test (TST) and QuantiFERON-TB Gold In-Tube test (QFT) were performed and compared to diagnose latent TB infection (LTBI).

Results

The average age was 9 years old (± 4), with an age range of 1–16 years; the 6-12-year-old group predominated with 50% of cases. 27 patients (56%) were male; 83% had received the BCG vaccination and 23% had a history of being contacts of TB cases. In the study, 40 patients (83%) were without immunosuppression; seven (15%) with moderate immunosuppression, and only one patient had severe immunodeficiency. Overall, 3 of the 48 children (6.2%) had a positive TST, while 8 out of 48 (16.6%) had a positive QFT. The concordance between the two tests was 89.6% (43/48) with Kappa = 0.5 (95% CI, 0.14–0.85).

Conclusions

The QFT test represents an opportunity in the diagnosis of LTBI, particularly in pediatric HIV- patients. This is the first study that compares the two tests (TST and QFT) in children with HIV-infection in Guadalajara, Mexico.
Clinical evaluation of Elecsys PIVKA-II for patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Kaneko Shun , Kurosaki Masayuki , Tsuchiya Kaoru , Yasui Yutaka , Hayakawa Yuka , Inada Kento , Tanaka Yuki , Ishido Shun , Kirino Sakura , Yamashita Koji , Nobusawa Tsubasa , Matsumoto Hiroaki , Kakegawa Tatsuya , Higuchi Mayu , Takaura Kenta , Tanaka Shohei , Maeyashiki Chiaki , Tamaki Nobuharu , Takahashi Yuka , Nakanishi Hiroyuki , Izumi Namiki
Published: March 2022

Background

Prothrombin induced by vitamin K absence-II (PIVKA-II) was reported as a diagnosis and prognosis marker for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Although the development of systemic therapies for advanced HCC has been remarkable, the role of PIVKA-II is unclear. This prospective study aimed to verify Elecsys PIVKA-II compared with Lumipulse PIVKA-II in a cohort with advanced HCC undergoing systemic therapy.

Methods

A total of 62 HCC patients who were treated with atezolizumab and bevacizumab (ATZ+BEV) and molecular targeted agents (MTAs) were prospectively enrolled at Musashino Red Cross Hospital from January 2020 to December 2020. A total of 208 serum samples from 52 patients were tested using Elecsys PIVKA-II and Lumipulse PIVKA-II assays. Furthermore, the relationship of Elecsys PIVKA-II and progression-free survival (PFS) was investigated with 48 patients (24 ATZ+BEV and 24 MTAs) whose Lumipulse PIVKA-II levels were >40 mAU/mL.

Results

In the test accuracy analysis, the Elecsys assay has a correlation coefficient (R) of 0.92 compared with that of the Lumipulse assay (ATZ+BEV, 0.95; MTAs, 0.91). In the PFS analysis, the number of patients who received ATZ+BEV and MTAs as first- and late-line therapy were 9 and 13, and 15 and 11, respectively. The PIVKA-II response was defined for patients who had a reduction in the Elecsys PIVKA-II level on the first month of treatment evaluation. The PFS of patients with Elecsys PIVKA-II response was significantly longer than that of nonresponse patients (5.8 months vs 3.8 months, p = 0.0205).

Conclusion

The Elecsys PIVKA-II was not only as useful as the Lumipulse PIVKA-II but also for stratifying the PFS of patients with advanced HCC.
Seroprevalence of COVID-19 infection among vaccine naïve population after the second surge (June 2020) in a rural district of South India: A community-based cross-sectional study
Authors: George Carolin Elizabeth , Inbaraj Leeberk Raja , Rajukutty Shon , Joan Roshni Florina , Suseeladevi Arun Karthikeyan , Muthuraj Sangeetha , Chandrasingh Sindhulina
Published: March 2022

Objective

To determine the seroprevalence of the SARS Cov 2 infection among vaccine naive population in a rural district of South India post-second surge.

Methodology

We conducted a cross-sectional study in the five villages of a randomly chosen sub-district in the Bangalore rural district. We did house to house surveys and recruited 831 vaccine naive adults in July 2021. We tested samples for the presence of antibodies (including IgG & IgM) to SARS CoV-2 using the Roche Elecsys SARS-CoV-2 –S assay that quantifies antibodies against the receptor-binding domain (RBD) of the spike (S) protein.

Results

We estimated an overall prevalence of 62.7% (95% CI: 59.3–66.0) and an age-and gender-adjusted seroprevalence of 44.9% (95% CI: 42.5–47.4). When adjusted for test performance, the seroprevalence was 74.64% (95% CI: 70.66–78.47). The case-to-undetected-infected ratio (CIR) was 1: 8.65 (95% CI 1:8.1–1:9.1), and the Infection Fatality Rate (IFR) was 16.27 per 100,00 infections as of 13 July 2021. A history of at least one symptom suggestive of COVID-19 or a positive COVID-19 test of self or a family member in the past were significantly associated with seropositivity.

Conclusion

We report a high seroprevalence of COVID-19 infection despite the advantages of low population density and well-ventilated landscapes in rural areas. CIR and IFR were higher than the previous serosurvey conducted in the same population during the first surge. The thought of achieving herd immunity comes with relief. However, it’s vital to put efforts into building population health and rural health infrastructure to avert future health catastrophes.
Utilization of insecticide-treated bed nets among pregnant women in Myanmar–analysis of the 2015–2016 Demographic and Health Survey
Authors: Aung Pyae Linn , Win Kyawt Mon , Show Kyaw Lwin
Published: March 2022

Background

Due to the effectiveness of insecticide-treated nets (ITNs), most malaria-endemic countries resort to free distributions in the population with particular attention to pregnant women, a more vulnerable group. However, the mere issuance of ITNs does not usually translate to proper utilization. This study aimed to examine the utilization of ITNs and its associated factors among pregnant women in Myanmar.

Methods

The data analyzed in this cross-sectional study were extracted from available survey datasets of the 2015–16 Myanmar Demographic Health Survey. The secondary data were presented using a chart, descriptive statistics and inferential statistics including simple and multiple logistic regression models. All analyses were performed using STATA, Version 15. A p-value <0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results

Of 466 currently pregnant women, the majority (96%) possessed bed nets for sleeping. Among them, 15.9% slept without a bed net the night before the survey, while 65.7% slept with untreated nets. Only about 1 in 5 (18.4%) slept under ITNs. In the multivariate logistic regression analysis, pregnant women residing in delta and lowland regions [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 7.70, 95% confidence interval (CI): 3.62, 16.38], plains (aOR = 7.09, 95%CI: 3.09, 16.25) or hilly areas (aOR = 4.26, 95%CI: 1.91, 9.52) were more likely to report non-utilization of ITNs than those residing in coastal regions.

Conclusion

Relatively poor ITN utilization was observed among pregnant women in Myanmar. Health promotion activities for ITN utilization should be implemented especially for pregnant women residing in the delta, lowland, plain and hilly regions. Other social-behavioral factors including perceived susceptibility to malaria, knowledge of ITNs, and attitude towards ITN that might favor the non-utilization of ITNs need to be further explored.
Evaluation of Computational Thinking using four educational robots with primary school students in Peru
Authors: Paucar-Curasma Ronald , Villalba-Condori Klinge , Arias-Chavez Dennis , Le Nguyen-Thinh , Garcia-Tejada Gino , Frango-Silveira Ismar
Published: March 2022

The Development of Computational Thinking skills in elementary school students can be done through different activities, with or without the use of computers or technological devices. In this sense, the use of programmable robots brings many of the advantages of educational robotics for teaching fundamental aspects of Computing. This paper describes an educational intervention that evaluates the use of four educational robot models to improve Computational Thinking with primary school students in the Huancavelica region in Peru, South America. This Peruvian region is known for its low human development rates, where the population still faces some important barriers regarding access to education and technology. The study was conducted with 6 to 13 years-old children for four weeks. Computational Thinking was evaluated using computational concepts like sequences, cycles, events, parallelism, conditionals, operators, and data manipulation. The evaluation results showed that children preferred robots that have more interaction, connectivity, and programming features, and they could contribute significantly to the development of Computational Thinking skills.
Genetic relationship of Staphylococcus aureus isolated from humans, animals, environment, and Dangke products in dairy farms of South Sulawesi Province, Indonesia
Authors: Juwita Sartika , Indrawati Agustin , Damajanti Retno , Safika Safika , Mayasari Ni Luh Putu Ika
Published: March 2022

Background and Aim: Staphylococcus aureus is a bacterium that causes several infectious diseases, including mastitis, endocarditis, and osteomyelitis, and poses a threat to human and animal health. This study aims to phenotypically and genetically identify S. aureus from the isolates collected from humans, animals, environment, and Dangke products in the dairy farms of South Sulawesi Province, Indonesia, as well as to establish a genetic relationship among the isolated S. aureus strains.

Materials and Methods: The total number of samples was 142, comprising 30 humans (skin swab), 58 animals (raw milk), 14 dairy products (Dangke), and 40 environmental samples (water). S. aureus was phenotypically identified using the culture method, followed by Gram staining, catalase test, and coagulase test. Simultaneously, genotypic identification of S. aureus was performed using the conventional polymerase chain reaction and sequencing methods. Sequencing data were analyzed using the MEGA X software by comparing BLAST National Center for Biotechnology Information databases.

Results: The phenotypic methods revealed that 56/142 (39.4%) animal, human, and Dangke samples grew on culture, and 56/56 (100%) were Gram stain positive, 56/56 (100%) catalase-positive, and 23/56 (41.1%) coagulase positive. The genotypic method revealed that 32/56 (57.1%) samples amplified the nuc gene. The phylogenetic analysis of 12 isolates revealed that they are all closely related and do not belong to distinct clades.

Conclusion: It indicates that S. aureus isolates from animals (S30) are probably the same strain as human isolates (H2, H3, H4, and H5). The findings of this study can be used as information regarding the importance of preventing and controlling diseases caused by S. aureus using a health approach involving the human, animal, and environmental sectors. This study was limited to the sequencing analysis of the nuc gene.
The Butterflies of Jambi (Sumatra, Indonesia): An EFForTS Field Guide
Authors:   Universitas Papua, Panjaitan Rawati , Purnama Purnama ,   IPB University, Peggie Peggie ,   Indonesian Institute Of Sciences, Buchori Damayanti ,   IPB University, Stefan Stefan ,   University of Göttingen, Jochen Jochen ,   University of Göttingen
Published: March 2022

Planet Earth hosts an astonishing degree of biodiversity, spread across the globe. Much of this biodiversity is still unknown to science and remains poorly documented, like butterflies. As an insect facing rapid species loss and population declines due to habitat conversion and climate change, the need to document butteries has become more urgent than ever. Butteries of Jambi contains names, occurrence data and images of almost 200 buttery species found in rainforest and three agroforest systems Jambi Province, central Sumatra. This book is an excellent starting point for researchers, forest managers and private enthusiasts interested in the butteries of Southeast Asia in general, and Sumatra in particular. It can also be used by students and scientists as an inspiration on how to study butteries taxonomically and ecologically. Overall, this book oers an up-close, scientic view on one of the most attractive and extraordinary insects on planet Earth.
A Ruthenium(II) Nitrosyl Complex of N-Dehydroacetic Acid-Sulfadiazine: Synthesis, DFT Studies and in silico ADME Properties
Authors: Jaget P.S. , Vishwakarma P.K. , Parte M.K. , Maurya R.C.
Published: March 2022

A sulpha drug-derived Schiff base ligand N-dehydroacetic acid-sulfadiazine was synthesized by treatment of dehydroacetic acid and sulfadiazine. A mononuclear Ru(II) nitrosyl complex of the Schiff base ligand cis-[RuCl2(NO)(PPh3)(dha-sdz)] was synthesized. The complex was characterized by spectral (IR, 1H NMR and UV/visible) techniques and physico-chemical studies. A cyclic voltammetric technique observed the electrochemistry of the complex compound. Therefore, the Gaussian 09 programme has been used to optimized molecular structure, electronic surface analysis, NLO properties through DFT approaches via mixed basis set at B3LYP/LANL2DZ level of theory. The 1H NMR spectrum of complex compound was computed with the GIAO method and correlated to experimental chemical shift. The TD-DFT based electronic absorption spectrum was computed using the PCM model. Additionally, the synthesized compound was predicting its in silico ADME properties, showing good physico-chemical and bioactivity. Finally, the in vitro antioxidant activity of the studied compound was monitored via two radical scavenging inhibitors.
Mononuclear Manganese(IV) Complexes Derived from Polyfunctional Fumaryldihydrazone
Authors: Mahanta P. , Sarma P. , Basumatary D. , Medhi C.
Published: March 2022

A series of mononuclear manganese(IV) complexes of disalicylaldehyde fumaroyldihydrazone (slfhH4)
were synthesized by reacting manganese acetate tetrahydrate with dihydrazone in absence and presence
of various pyridine bases in methanol medium. Pyridine (py) and its derivatives like 2-picoline (2-pic),
3-picoline (3-pic), 4-picoline (4-pic), 2,2′-bipyridine (bpy) and 1,10-phenanthroline (phen) were added
to the reaction mixture of metal salt and dihydrazone to explore the binding possibilities of these
molecules to manganese center. The elemental analysis, mass spectral and thermal studies were used
to derive their composition. Study of magnetic moment, molar conductances, electronic, EPR and
infrared spectroscopy have led to interpretation of their tentative structures. Magnetic moment and
EPR studies correspond to their Mn(IV) oxidation state. The dihydrazone functions as tetradentate
ligand chelating the manganese(IV) ion present in octahedral geometry with anti-cis configuration in
enol form. Electrochemical and antimicrobial studies were also performed.
Microwave Irradiated Eco-friendly Synthesis of
Pyrimidine Derivatives as Potential Antitubercular Agents
Authors: Panda Krishna Chandra , Ravi Kumar Bera Venkata Varaha , Sahoo Biswa Mohan , Banik Bimal Krishna , Tiwari Abhishek
Published: March 2022

The microwave irradiation method is applied for the efficient synthesis of pyrimidine derivatives. The
synthetic protocol involves Knoevenagel condensation followed by Michael addition reaction and
cyclization of equimolar quantities of aromatic aldehydes, ethyl cyanoacetate and guanidine in the
presence of ethanolic NaOH solution to produce corresponding pyrimidine derivatives. The reaction
mixture was allowed to reflux under microwave radiation at power level-2 for 7-12 min. The microwave
heating technique offers a cleaner reaction with a shorter reaction time and improved product yield as
compared to conventional synthesis. The newly synthesized compounds were characterized by their
FT-IR, 1H NMR and LC-MS spectral data. All the synthesized pyrimidine derivatives were evaluated
in vitro for their antitubercular activity in vitro by using the luciferase reporter phage (LRP) assay
method. The antimycobacterial activity was determined in terms of the percent reduction in the relative
light unit (RLU). The test compounds exhibited promising antitubercular activity against Mycobacterium
tuberculosis H37Rv and clinical isolates, S, H, R and E resistant M. tuberculosis in comparison with
the standard drug (isoniazid).
Synthesis of Castor Oil based Pristine and Silver Nanoparticle Embedded Polyurethanes and their Characterization by Thermal and Antibacterial Activity Analysis for Biomedical Applications
Authors: Subramanian K. , Somachandran R.S.
Published: March 2022

Ecofriendly and sustainable pristine and silver nanoparticle embedded polyurethanes (PUs)/polyureas were synthesized by using the renewable castor oil as the main component, 1,6-hexane diol, poly(propylene glycol) and poly(propylene glycol)-bis-2-amino propyl ether as chain extenders, trimethylolpropane/or glycerol as cross linkers and toluene diisocyanate and dibutyltindilaurate as curator and catalyst, respectively. The prepared PUs were characterized for their thermal degradation by simultaneous TGA/DTA, structural features by FT-IR and antibacterial activity against Bacillus subtilis and E. coli. The onset degradation temperature (265-269 ºC) of the PUs was much lower than the onset weight loss temperature of castor oil. In air, the thermal degradation was exothermic at temperatures beyond 300 ºC. Unlike the pristine PUs, AgNPs embedded PUs displayed antibacterial activity and comparatively lower degradation temperature due to the catalytic effect of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). These PUs may be used for various biomedical applications such as antibacterial foam, antibacterial scaffold, body implant, food packaging, wound dressing, etc.
a recepción del exemplum mitológico de níobe desde la poesía helenística a la literatura latina imperial
Authors: Plaza Salguero Sandra
Published: March 2022

El relato mitológico de Níobe es un motivo constante en la literatura antigua que se remonta a la Ilíada de Homero. Así, esta primera referencia textual sobre Níobe ha sido reutilizada, remodelada e incluso reinterpretada a lo largo de los siglos hasta la literatura latina de época imperial. No solo nos referimos aquí al relato mítico, en términos de forma o contenido, sino también a la conexión entre el uso y función del propio episodio. Todo ello indica el dinamismo de los textos, es decir, que ni estos ni su interpretación eran fijos, sino que podían cambiar dependiendo de la necesidad del autor en su obra.
Prevalensi Penyakit Karang di Pulau Menjangan Besar Karimunjawa
Authors: Nursalim Nining , Trianto Agus , Bahry Muhammad Syaifudien , Haryanti Dwi , Ario Raden , Siagian Raja Aditia Sahala , Prasetyo Akhmad Tri
Published: March 2022

Coral disease can cause coral damage on Menjangan Besar Island, Karimunjawa. Floating net cages adjacent to coral reefs can affect coral health. Floating net cages can affect water quality by adding nutrients, such as nitrate (205.6 and phosphate 39.2/ton fish production). Nutrients and environmental factors can trigger and cause coral disease. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of the existence of floating net cages on the prevalence of coral disease on Menjangan Besar Island, Karimunjawa. The research was conducted using a survey method, data collection using a proportional method, the results of the data will be analyzed descriptively. The results of the study found Black Band Disease, Brown Band Disease, Ulcerative White Pox, White syndrome, Yellow Bloch Disease, Pigmentation responses, White Plague and White Band Disease. Water parameters such as temperature ranged from 30.71-30.750C, salinity 32.7-33.20/00, current velocity 0.03-0.06 m/s, nitrate 0.586-1,128 mg/L and phosphate 0.064-0.133 mg/ L. The most common disease is Ulcerative White Pox. The prevalence of coral disease is influenced by the presence of floating net cages, it can be seen in A1, A2 and A3 with prevalence values (39.85, 43.61 and 33.14) which are higher than B1 and B2 (14.41 and 10,6).  Penyakit karang dapat menyebabkan kerusakan karang di Pulau Menjangan Besar Karimunjawa. Karamba jaring apung yang berdampingan dengan terumbu karang dapat mempengaruhi kesehatan karang. Karamba jaring apung dapat mempengaruhi kualitas air dengan menambah nutrien, seperti Nitrat (205,6 dan fosfat 39,2/ton produksi ikan. Nutrien dan faktor lingkungan dapat menjadi pemicu dan penyebab penyakit karang. Tujuan penelitian ini untuk mengetahui pengaruh keberadaan karamba jaring apung terhadap prevelensi penyakit karang di Pulau Menjangan Besar Karimunjawa. Penelitian dilakukan dengan metode survei, pengambilan data dengan metode porposif, hasil data akan disanalisis secara deskiptif. Hasil penelitian ditemukan penyakit Black Band Disease, Brown Band Disease, Ulcerative White Pox, White syndrome, Yellow Bloch Disease, Pigmentation responses, White Plague dan White Band Disease. Parameter perairan  seperti temperatur berkisar 30,71-30,750C, salinitas 32,7-33,20/00, kecepatan arus 0,03-0,06 m/s, nitrat  0,586-1,128 mg/L dan fosfat 0,064-0,133 mg/L. Penyakit paling banyak ditemukan adalah Ulcerative White Pox. Prevelensi penyakit karang dipengaruhi oleh keberadaan karamba jaring apung, dapat terlihat pada A1, A2 dan A3 dengan nilai prevalensi (39,85, 43,61 dan 33,14) yang lebih tinggi jika dibandingkan dengan B1 dan B2 (14,41 dan 10,6).
Právní úprava ochrany přírody a krajiny ve vztahu k umisťování pozemních komunikací
Authors: Chaloupková Alena
Published: March 2022

This article contains a brief summary and conclusions of the dissertation of the same name, which was written within a doctoral study at the Faculty of Law, Charles University (Department of Environmental law). The issue at hand has not yet been comprehensively addressed in the Czech legal science. It, however, includes the following important questions: How is the route of a planned road located according to Czech law? How are nature and landscape protection requirements integrated into the location process? How is the issue of landscape fragmentation addressed in the process? What might be the implications of the current changes to the applicable law? The objective of the dissertation has been to create a foundation for a formulation of recommendations aimed at the optimization of the legal framework of nature and landscape protection in the relevant processes in order to ensure the most effective protection of this important public interest even if it has been decided to carry out the construction. The text of the dissertation was completed on 1 August 2021.
Právní regulace nakládání s primárními mikroplasty na úrovni eu a v některých evropských zemích
Authors: Novák Adam
Published: March 2022

The author deals with the legal regulation of the management of primary microplastics at the EU level. The article is mainly devoted to the comparison of the already existing legal regulation of some EU Member States, which have already adopted measures concerning the handling of so-called microbeads. Furthermore, the author deals with the comparison of these legal regulations with the prepared amendment to the REACH Regulation, which should fundamentally affect the management of primary microplastics within the EU and also serves as a harmonization regulation. Following this comparison, the author also briefly discusses the possibility of member states retaining their national legislation, especially if this legislation is broader than European legislation.
Hak, Jan – Vícha, Ondřej. Právo na informace o životním prostředí ve středoevropském kontextu
Authors: Mrkývková Nikola
Published: March 2022

Book review on Hak, Jan – Vícha, Ondřej. Právo na informace o životním prostředí ve středoevropském kontextu. Praha: Wolters Kluwer ČR, 2020, 230 s.
Radecki, Wojciech. Prawna ochrona środowiska w Polsce, Czechoslowacji, Czechach i Slowacji. Studium prawnoporównawcze
Authors: Stejskal Vojtěch
Published: March 2022

Radecki, Wojciech. Prawna ochrona środowiska w Polsce, Czechoslowacji, Czechach i Slowacji. Studium prawnoporównawcze. Warszawa: Prokuratura Krajowa, 2020, 432 s.
Distributed optimization methods for N-cluster games
Authors: Tatarenko Tatiana , Zimmermann Jan
Published: March 2022

This work provides methodological approaches to solve convex optimization problems arising in multi-agent systems which can be reformulated in terms of a so called N-cluster game. We consider different settings of information available to each agent in the system. First, we present a centralized algorithm, which requires a central coordinator having full access to information about agents’ actions and gradients of their cost functions, to demonstrate how the standard gradient descent method can be applied to achieve an optimal output in N-cluster games. After that we relax the full information setting and assume that only partial information is available to each agent. Focus lies on the following two cases. In the first case, the agents have access to their gradient functions and are allowed to exchange information with their local neighbors over a communication graph that connects the whole system. In the second case, the agents do not know the functional form of their objectives/gradients and can only access the current values of their objective functions at some query point. Moreover, the agents are allowed to communicate only with their local neighbors within the cluster to which they belong. For both settings we present the convergent optimization procedures and analyse their efficiency in simulations.
Dynamische visuelle Passermarken
Authors: Acuna Raul , Willert Volker
Published: March 2022

In diesem Beitrag wird ein Design für eine visuelle Passermarke zur Posenschätzung von Kameras vorgestellt, die sogenannte Dynamische Passermarke. Die Passermarke wird auf einem Anzeigegerät dargestellt und passt ihr Aussehen an die räumlichen und zeitlichen Anforderungen der visuellen Wahrnehmungsaufgabe an. Dies ist vor allem für mobile Roboter von Vorteil, die eine Kamera als Sensor verwenden. Es wird eine Regelung entworfen, die das Aussehen der Passermarke in Abhängigkeit der aktuellen Pose der Kamera verändert, um den Erfassungsbereich der Kamera für die Posenschätzung zu vergrößern und eine höhere Genauigkeit der Posenschätzung im Vergleich zu herkömmlichen passiven Passermarken zu erreichen.