bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Transcutaneous Electrical Acupoint Stimulation for Pregnancy Outcomes in Women Undergoing In Vitro Fertilization: A Protocol of Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Yang Han , Li Juan , Xu Guixing , Zou Zihao , Sun Mingsheng , Yu Siyi , Liu Liying , Liu Jiajia , Yang Jie , Liang Fanrong
Published: July 2021

Background

Infertility is a common health problem affecting couples at childbearing age. The proposal of in vitro fertilization (IVF) solves the problem of infertility to a certain extent. However, the average IVF success rates are low. Some studies conclude that transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation (TEAS) could improve pregnancy outcomes in women undergoing IVF. In consideration of the lack of comprehensive synthesis and evaluation of existing evidence, conducting a systematic review and meta-analysis is planned to determine whether TEAS is effective and safe to improve the pregnancy outcomes for women undergoing IVF.
Methods

Eight online databases will be searched from inception to June 2021. In addition, four clinical trial registries will also be searched, relevant references will be screened, and experts will be consulted for possible eligible studies. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) which included patients with infertility who underwent IVF and used TEAS as the main adjuvant treatment versus non-TEAS or sham TEAS control will be included. The clinical pregnancy rate will be considered as the primary outcome. Ongoing pregnancy rate, miscarriage rate, live birth rate, emotion-related indicators, adverse events related to interventions, and other relevant indicators will be regarded as secondary outcomes. The selection, data extraction, and risk of bias assessment will be conducted by two independent researchers using Endnote software V.9.1 and RevMan software V.5.3. Moreover, data synthesis will be conducted using RevMan software V.5.3 and R software V.3.6.1.
Ethics and dissemination:

Ethical approval is not necessary because the current study will not include the original information of the individuals. We plan to publish the results in a peer-reviewed journal or disseminated in relevant conferences.
Systematic review registration:
PROSPERO registration number: CRD42021238871
A Systematic Review of Substance Use and Substance Use Disorder Research in Kenya
Authors: JAGUGA FLORENCE , KIBURI SARAH KANANA , TEMET EUNICE , BARASA JULIUS , KARANJA SERAH , KINYUA LIZZ , KWOBAH EDITH
Published: July 2021

Background: The burden of substance use in Kenya is significant. The objective of this study was to systematically summarize existing literature on substance use in Kenya, identify research gaps, and provide directions for future research. Methods: This systematic review was conducted in line with the PRISMA guidelines. We conducted a search of 5 bibliographic databases (PubMed, PsychINFO, Web of Science, Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied Professionals (CINAHL) and Cochrane Library) until 20 August 2020. In addition we searched all the volumes of the official journal of the National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol & Drug Abuse (the African Journal of Alcohol and Drug Abuse). The results of eligible studies have been summarized descriptively and organized by the three broad categories: (1) Studies evaluating the epidemiology of substance use, (2) studies evaluating interventions and programs, and (3) qualitative studies exploring various themes on substance use. The quality of the included studies was assessed with the Quality Assessment Tool for Studies with Diverse Designs.Results: Of the 185 studies that were eligible for inclusion, 144 investigated the epidemiology of substance use, 23 qualitatively explored various substance use related themes, and 18 evaluated substance use interventions and programs. Key evidence gaps emerged. Firstly, vulnerable populations such as police officers, pregnant women, health care workers and persons with physical disability had been under-represented within the epidemiological and qualitative work. Secondly, no intervention study had been conducted among children and adolescents. Thirdly, most interventions had focused on alcohol to the exclusion of other prevalent substances such as tobacco and cannabis. Finally, little had been done to evaluate digital and population-level interventions. Conclusions: The results of this systematic review provide important directions for future substance use research in Kenya. Systematic review registration: PROSPERO: CRD42020203717
The Hydro, Wind and Solar Hybrid Power Generation and Balancing Energy Supply-Demand for Seyemtribua Rural Village in Northern Ethiopia
Authors: Gezahegn Getachew Tesfaye , Hatiye Samuel Dagalo , Ayana Melkamu Teshome , Ayalew Abebe Temesgen , Minda Thomas Torora
Published: July 2021

Background:Ethiopia has a wide range of renewable energy resources for the electrification of rural areas which are often disconnected from the national grid. However, these have not yet been utilized for supplying energy to the rural community. Methods:The techno-economic viability of the hydro, wind, and solar hybrid power potential of Seyemtribua village in the Geba Catchment, Northern Ethiopia was evaluated using the Hybrid Optimization Model for Multiple Energy Resources (HOMER) software package. The hydrologic, meteorological, and demographic data collected from different sources were contemplated to analyze the power output and demand of the village. The simulation and optimization techniques in HOMER were employed for the possible configuration of micro-hydro, wind, and solar power hybrid systems. Besides the standalone, two and more systems were also combined to evaluate the technical capability of the hybrid system. The hourly and daily electrical load of the community was obtained using survey data from selected households.Results:The mean annual power output that can be harnessed from the micro-hydro, solar, and wind is 272.4 kilowat, 161.8 kilowat, and 96.8 kilowat, respectively. The combination of these energy sources is sufficient to satisfy the power demand of the village. However, the mean hourly variation of power output from the hybrid system demonstrated shortage during peak load times which can be assisted by a generator output. The economic analysis revealed that the hybrid system is feasible and cheaper than other sources of energy besides its environmental benefit.Conclusions: The potential of energy production from hybrid systems (solar, wind and micro-hydro power systems) and its economic feasibility for remotely located villages in Ethiopian condition is promising. We suggest decision-makers, governmental and non-governmental agencies, power authorities, and investors consider such hybrid systems for rural electrification in Ethiopia.
Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of First Aid Among Commercial Drivers: a Case Study of Commercial Drivers at the Central Motor Park, Itam, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State
Authors: Eberendu Jasper
Published: July 2021

One hundred commercial drivers were randomly selected from the Central Motor Park, Itam, Uyo, the capital city of Akwa Ibom State in Nigeria to assess the level of knowledge, attitude and practice of first aid among the commercial drivers in the park. A questionnaire made up of two parts was used. Part A sought the demographic information while Part B sought information on knowledge, attitude and practice of first aid among commercial drivers. Three hypotheses were formulated to guide the study. Data were analyzed using chi-square statistics. The results revealed positive attitudes among the drivers towards the practice of first aid. However, the results also revealed poor knowledge and practice of first aid among the drivers. Recommendations were made for commercial drivers to be involved in first aid training programme organized periodically by the state government and transport companies. Also recommended is the inclusion of first aid training in the driving school curriculum.
Analysis of Mechanical and Tribological properties of Silicon incorporated Diamond Like Carbon Nanocomposite
Authors: Murugan V. Sakthi , Madhu S.
Published: July 2021

The Silicon (Si) contained diamond like carbon (DLC) nanocomposite were prepared by using thermal chemical vapour deposition (CVD) technique by varying the acetylene (C2H2) flowrates. The scanning electron microscope (SEM) results showed a smoother surface of nanocomposite at low C2H2 flowrates. The atomic force microscope (AFM) reveals the increase of particle size and surface roughness of the composite with respect to the C2H2 flowrates. The mechanical properties were evaluated using the nanoindentation and it is observed that the hardness (H) and young’s modulus (E) of the nanocomposite increases with increase of the C2H2 flow rate. The internal stress (𝝈) was computed by using Stoney’s equation and it is noticed that due to the incorporation of Si the residual stress significantly decreased. The tribological properties of the nanocomposite were analysed by computing the H/E, H3/E2, plasticity index (PI) and elasticity index (EI). The results showed that the Si incorporated nanocomposite (Si-DLC) has an excellent tribological properties.
Development And Validation of A Novel Hypoxia- And Immune-Related Prognostic Signature For Bone And Soft Tissue Sarcoma Patients
Authors: Li Zhehong , Wei Junqiang , Zheng Honghong , Gan Xintian , Song Mingze , Zhang Yafang , Cao Haiying , Jin Yu
Published: July 2021

Background: Hypoxia- and immune-status play an essential role in tumorigenesis and tumor development. This study sought to build a novel hypoxia- and immune-related signature to evaluate sarcoma patients' prognosis.Methods: Transcriptome data and clinicopathological characteristics of sarcoma patients were downloaded from the TARGET database. We grouped patients with three clusters by using t-SNE. We defined the three cluster as high-, medium-, and low-hypoxia clusters by K-M analysis and differential expression of target genes associated with the HIF-1 signaling pathway. Then we used the "limma" package to screen hypoxia-related differentially expressed genes (HRDEGs) in the high- and low-hypoxia clusters. We immediately assessed the immune status by using the single sample Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (ssGSEA) and divided the patients into high-, medium-, and low-immune clusters. Immune-related DEGs (IRDEGs) were filtered in the high- and low- immune groups. The intersection of HRDEGs and IRDEGs screened overlapping genes. We used a combination of Cox regression analysis and LASSO model to obtain prognosis-related genes and established a novel hypoxia- and immune-related prognostic signature for sarcoma patients. Combining clinicopathological characteristics of sarcoma patients, we evaluated the signature by univariate and multivariate Cox regression analysis. We further divided the patients into high- and low-risk groups based on the novel signature. Finally, we evaluated the differences in hypoxia status and the immune status in high- and low-risk groups.Results: We identified two genes associated with prognosis, CMA1 and IGDCC3. The novel Prognostic signature could be used as an independent prognostic factor for sarcoma patients. We distinguished patients more effectively by their different survival outcomes, immune cells' infiltration status, and immune-related markers.Conclusion: The hypoxia- and immune-related prognostic signature can be used to stratify the risk of sarcoma patients. Our study established a new prognostic signature and provides a potential prognostic markers for hypoxia- and immune-related therapy.
The Rumen Microbiome Inhibits Methane Formation Through Dietary Choline Supplementation
Authors: Li Yang , Kreuzer Michael , Clayssen Quentin , Ebert Marc-Olivier , Ruscheweyh Hans-Joachim , Sunagawa Shinichi , Kunz Carmen , Attwood Graeme , Amelchanka Sergej , Terranova Melissa
Published: July 2021

Enteric fermentation from ruminants is a primary source of anthropogenic methane emission. This study aims to add another approach for methane mitigation by manipulation of the rumen microbiome. Effects of choline supplementation on methane formation were quantified in vitro using the Rumen Simulation Technique. Supplementing 200 mM of choline chloride or choline bicarbonate reduced methane emissions by 97-100% after 15 days. Associated with the reduction of methane formation, metabolomics analysis revealed high post-treatment concentrations of ethanol, which likely served as a major hydrogen sink. Metagenome sequencing showed that the methanogen community was almost entirely lost, and choline-utilizing bacteria that can produce either lactate, ethanol or formate as hydrogen sinks were enriched. The taxa most strongly associated with methane mitigation were Megasphaera elsdenii and Denitrobacterium detoxificans, both capable of consuming lactate. This suggests that lactate acts as an intermediate product and a major hydrogen sink during choline metabolism. Accordingly, choline metabolism promoted the capability of bacteria to utilize alternative hydrogen sinks and collectively keep the hydrogen partial pressure low leading to the inhibition of methanogenesis. However, fermentation of fibre and total organic matter could not be fully maintained with choline supplementation, while amino acid deamination and ethanolamine catabolism produced excessive ammonia.
Evaluation of the Healthy Living after Cancer Text Message-Delivered, Extended Contact Intervention using the RE-AIM Framework
Authors: Job Jennifer R. , Eakin Elizabeth G. , Reeves Marina M. , Fjeldsoe Brianna S
Published: July 2021

Background: Text message-delivered interventions have potential to prevent weight regain and maintain diet and physical activity behaviours through extending contact with participants following initial weight loss, lifestyle interventions. This study evaluated the adoption, reach, implementation, effectiveness and maintenance of an extended contact text-message intervention following the Healthy Living after Cancer (HLaC) program. HLaC was a 6-month, telephone-delivered intervention targeting healthy diet, physical activity and weight loss for adult cancer survivors, offered by Cancer Councils (CCs) in Australia. Methods: HLaC completers (n=182) were offered extended contact via text messages for 6-months (HLaC+Txt). Text message content/frequency was individually tailored to participant’s preferences, ascertained through two telephone-tailoring interviews with CC staff. Adoption (HLaC+Txt uptake among eligible CCs), reach (uptake by HLaC completers) and implementation (intervention cost/length; text dose) were assessed. The effectiveness of extended contact relative to historic controls was quantified by pre-to-post HLaC+Txt changes in self-reported: weight, moderate-vigorous physical activity (MVPA), fruit and vegetable intake, fat and fibre behaviour. Maintenance, following 6-months of noncontact for the intervention cohort, was assessed for these same variables. Semi-structured interviews with CC staff and participants contextualised outcomes. Results: HLaC+Txt was adopted by all four CCs who had delivered HLaC. In total, 115 participants commenced HLaC+Txt, with reach ranging across CCs from 47–80% of eligible participants. The mean number of weeks participants received the text message intervention ranged across CCs from 18.5 – 22.2 weeks. Participants received (median, 25th,75th percentile) 83 (48, 119) texts, ranging across CCs from 40 to 112. The total cost of HLaC+Txt delivery was on average $AUD85.00/participant. No meaningful (p<0.05) differences in self-reported outcomes were seen between HLaC+Txt and control cohorts. After 6-months no contact the intervention cohort had maintained weight, fruit intake, fat and fibre index scores relative to end of HLaC+Txt outcomes. Participants and CC staff perceived an important intervention component was maintaining accountability. Conclusions: While feasible to implement, HLaC+Txt was not effective in the short term. However, intervention effects during the first 6-months of non-contact suggest the program supports longer term maintenance of weight and diet behaviour. Intervention delivery in this real-world context highlighted key considerations for future implementation.Trial Registration: Australian and New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ANZCTR) - ACTRN12615000882527 (registered on 24/08/2015)
Observation of Aerosol Generation by Human Subjects During Cardiopulmonary Exercise Testing Using a High-powered Laser Technique
Authors: Varga Christopher M. , Kwiatkowski Keith J. , Pedro Michael J. , Groepenhoff Herman , Rose Edward A , Gray Callum , Pinkerton Kai D. , McBride Michael G. , Paridon Stephen M.
Published: July 2021

Purpose: Human respiratory aerosols may have important implications for transmission of pathogens. The study of aerosol production during vigorous breathing activities such as exercise is limited. Data on aerosol production during cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) are lacking. Methods: We used a high-powered, pulsed Nd:YAG laser to illuminate a region of interest in front of two healthy adult subjects during CPET. Subjects exercised to the point of respiratory compensation. Images were captured with a high-speed, high-resolution camera to determine net exhaled particle (NEP) counts at different phases of CPET, including resting breathing, submaximal exercise, peak exercise, and active recovery. Experiments were performed with the room ventilation activated.Results: NEP counts remained relatively constant until late/peak exercise when they decreased prior to rebounding into recovery. NEP counts at resting breathing were higher than those reported using other methods of measurement. Exhaled particles were in the submicron size range. Conclusion: Our method of aerosol particle quantification enables measurement of significant quantities of ultrafine particles and dynamic assessment of aerosol production during CPET. The unique pattern of aerosol production observed during submaximal and peak exercise suggests that extension of results from resting breathing to CPET may not be appropriate.
Knowledge, Attitude and Practice Assessment on COVID-19 Infection: A Systematic Review Protocol
Authors: Dalawi Izzaty , Isa Mohamad Rodi , Wee Chen Xin , Azhar Zahir Izuan , Aimran Ahmad Nazim
Published: July 2021

Background: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is an emerging respiratory disease caused by a novel coronavirus named severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). It has been declared a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC) by the World Health Organisation (WHO) on 30 January 2020. We aim to systematically review the tool used for the assessment of the knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) on Covid-19 infection. Methods: We will conduct a systematic review of knowledge, attitude, and practice assessment on COVID-19 infection. The search will cover the period December 2019 to January 2021. Study selection will follow the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Study quality will be assessed using the STROBE checklist for a cross-sectional study. Data will be analysed using descriptive statistics. The numerical outcome will be analysed using mean and standard deviation. The categorical outcome will be analysed using absolute number and percentage. The range number of items, reliability, and validity of each domain will be assessed descriptively. Discussion: This systematic review of KAP measurement tools will provide a detailed summary of the existing tools used to assess the KAP levels towards COVID-19 and its’ reliability and validity in different settings and populations. Also, the review will provide evidence on the importance of the reliability and validity of the assessment tools in ensuring quality data from future research. Systematic Review Registration: International Platform of Registered Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis Protocols (INPLASY), number INPLASY202150039
Safety Strategies for Women Experiencing Intimate Partner Violence During the COVID-19 Pandemic: a Scoping Review Protocol
Authors: Tipa Zoe , Barbarich-Unasa Te Wai , Nada-Raja Shyamala , Koziol-McLain Jane
Published: July 2021

IntroductionThe health and social impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic evident internationally are mirrored in New Zealand.1With reports of escalating Intimate Partner Violence (IPV), there is a need for services supporting women and families to adapt to the changing COVID-19 environment. An interactive, individualised web-based safety-decision aid called isafe is being redeveloped to reflect these changes across Aotearoa New Zealand. Due to the social distancing requirements and fluidity of COVID-19 alert levels, safety strategies supporting women experiencing IPV need to align with the latest evidence within the context of COVID-19. This scoping review is designed to identify the range of extant safety strategies for women experiencing IPV suggested as effective during the COVID-19 pandemic.Methodology and method We will follow the scoping review methodology framework proposed by Johanna Briggs Institute (JBI),2 originally developed by Arksey and O’Malley3 and further refined by Levac4. The search strategy includes all study designs, and editorials and grey literature. Two reviewers will screen each article title and abstract against inclusion and exclusion criteria before independently screening the full text of eligible articles. Grey literature will be searched using existing websites and organisations that provide links to resources focussed on family violence (Table 1). Culturally informed strategies supporting Māori women and their whānau (family) will be specifically identified within the full text screening process. Data will be analysed using qualitative narrative synthesis to consider the strategies and their application to the New Zealand context. This will inform the development of isafe to support women experiencing violence during COVID-19 and beyond.Ethics and disseminationEthical approval was not required for this study. Results will be used to inform a future study in which key stakeholder groups will evaluate the usability of isafe in preparation for deployment. Findings of this review will be published in journals and validated with stakeholders connected with the isafe project.
Six Year Trend Analysis of Malaria Prevalence at University of Gondar Specialized Referral Hospital, Northwest Ethiopia, from 2014-2019
Authors: Mulugeta Amanuel , Assefa Atsede , Eshetie Atsede , Asmare Birhanie , Birhanie Meseret , Gelaw Yemataw
Published: July 2021

Background: Malaria is disease caused by plasmodium species and transmitted by the bite of female anopheles mosquito. Globally, it is still the major public health problem that causes morbidity and mortality especially in tropical and sub-tropical African countries including Ethiopia. The objective of this study was to assess the Six year trend of malaria at University of Gondar Specialized Referral Hospital, northwest Ethiopia, from 2014-2019Method: A retrospective study was conducted by reviewing the laboratory registration logbook at University of Gondar Specialized Referral Hospital by using data extraction tool. The data was analysized by SPSS version 20. Descriptive statistics was used to summarize the socio-demographic characteristics of study participants and presented by graphs, tables and texts. The binary logistic regression was also used test the association of trend of malaria and different factors like sex, age, year, and season. Result: From a total 17,500 malaria suspected patients, 1341 (7.7%) were confirmed for malaria and (47.2%), (45.6%) and (7.2%) were P.vivax, P. falciparum and mixed infection, respectively. P.vivax was the predominant species in the first three years and P. falciparum became the predominant species in the last three years. The trend prevalence was showed a fluctuated significantly decrement. It decreased by 68%, 60% and 69% in the year of 2017, 2018 and 2019 compare to 2014, respectively. The positivity rate were significantly higher in the males (1.41 times higher) than females. It was also significantly higher in lower age groups compare to the older age groups (> 54 years old). It was 1.60, 1.64, 2.45 and 1.82 times higher in the age group of < 5, 5-14, 15-24 and 25-54 years old, respectively.Conclusion: There has been a significant declining trend of malaria in the study area. However, it is still a major health problem and requires extra efforts for further reduction. Even, autumn was the season when the highest peak of malaria cases in was observed, there was high fluctuation from year to year. Therefore, control activities should be continued and strengthened manner in the study area considering these variability.
Potential Toxic levels of Cyanide and Heavy Metals in Cassava Flour Sold in Selected Markets in Oke Ogun Community, Oyo State, Nigeria
Authors: Jacob Omotoso Ayodele , Anuoluwa Omotoso Elizabeth , Raimi Morufu Olalekan
Published: July 2021

The present study assessed the potential toxic levels of Cyanide and heavy metals in cassava flour sold in selected township markets in Oke Ogun community. It aimed to determine the levels of Cyanide, Lead, Chromium and Arsenic, assess their health implications on the consumers as well as evaluation of allowable dietary concentrations according to WHO. Samples of finely ground fermented cassava flour were purchased from five (5) selected township markets (Igbeti, Kishi, Iseyin, Igboho and Shaki) using stratified sampling method. The sample were firstly digested appropriately and further analyzed using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS). Data collected were analyzed using statistical package. Results obtained ranged showed that Cyanides (0.010Mg/L − 0.018Mg/L), Lead (0.028Mg/L-0.053Mg/L], Arsenic (0.006Mg/L-0.012Mg/L), and Chromium (0.034Mg/L-0.065Mg/L) respectively. In conclusion, Cassava flour presently sold in Oke Ogun community markets were safe and suitable for human consumption without any dietary risk effects due to less concentration of these metals. It is therefore, recommended that cassava flour sold should be frequently monitored and evaluation on a regular basis.
Impact of Prior Cerebrovascular Disease and Glucose Status on Incident Cerebrovascular Disease in Japanese
Authors: Oe Momoko , Fujihara Kazuya , Yamada Mayuko Harada , Osawa Taeko , Kitazawa Masaru , Matsubayashi Yasuhiro , Sato Takaaki , Yaguchi Yuta , Iwanaga Midori , Seida Hiroyasu , Yamada Takaho , Sone Hirohito
Published: July 2021

Background: Although both a history of cerebrovascular disease (CVD) and glucose abnormality are risk factors for CVD, few large studies have examined their association with subsequent CVD in the same cohort. Thus, we compared the impact of prior CVD, glucose status, and their combinations on subsequent CVD using real-world data. Methods: This is a retrospective cohort study including 363,627 men aged 18-72 years followed for ≥3 years between 2008 and 2016. Participants were classified as normoglycemia, borderline glycemia, or diabetes defined by fasting plasma glucose, HbA1c, and antidiabetic drug prescription. Prior and subsequent CVD (i.e. ischemic stroke, transient ischemic attack, and non-traumatic intracerebral hemorrhage) were identified according to claims using ICD-10 codes, medical procedures, and questionnaires. Results: The subjects’ mean age was 46.1 ± 9.3, and median follow up was 5.2 (4.2, 6.7) years. Cox regression analysis showed that prior CVD+ conferred excess risk for CVD regardless of glucose status (normoglycemia: hazard ratio (HR) , 8.77; 95% CI, 6.96-11.05; borderline glycemia: HR, 7.40, 95% CI, 5.97-9.17; diabetes: HR, 5.73, 95% CI, 4.52-7.25). Compared with the normoglycemia, borderline glycemia did not influence risk of CVD, whereas diabetes affected subsequent CVD in those with CVD- (HR, 1.50, 95% CI, 1.34-1.68). In CVD-/diabetes, age, current smoking, systolic blood pressure, HDL cholesterol, and HbA1c were associated with risk of CVD, but only systolic blood pressure was related to CVD risk in CVD+/diabetes.Conclusions: Prior CVD had a greater impact on risk of CVD than glucose tolerance and glycemic control. In diabetes with prior CVD, systolic blood pressure was a stronger risk factor than HbA1c. Individualized treatment strategy should consider glucose tolerance status and prior CVD.
Novel Eco-friendly Roasting and Leaching Process Development to Recycle Valuable Metals from Spent SCR deNOX Catalyst
Authors: Jeon Jong Hyuk , Sola Ana Belen Cueva , Lee Jin-Young , Jyothi Rajesh Kumar
Published: July 2021

Spent catalyst, containing vanadium and tungsten oxide in a TiO2 glass fiber matrix, pose a risk of environmental contamination due to the high toxicity of its metal oxides if leached into the soil when disposed in landfills. Due to the increasing demand of metals and the continuous depletion of primary resources there is an growing necessity for recycling and reprocessing of spent catalysts and other secondary metal sources for environmental and economical reasons. Study of spent SCR catalyst soda roasting process with dissolved NaOH compared with the usual NaOH dry roasting and its influence in the subsequent water leaching. After optimization, the ideal parameters are roasting with 40% NaOH solution for 2h at 973K and DI water leaching for 30minutes, at 298K with a pulp density of 30%. The research results show an important reduction of the roasting temperature and leaching time during the processing of spent SCR catalyst with the objective to recover vanadium and tungsten. Silicon compounds are one of the main impurities leached alongside the valuable metals and in this work, the silicon compounds leached are reduced significantly avoiding the de-silication post-processing of the leach liquor. The main advantage of the proposed process is the increase of the leaching efficiency of vanadium and tungsten in a shorter time regardless of the leaching temperature.
Analysis of the Shear Characteristics of a Deep, Anchored Rock Mass Under Creep Fatigue Loading
Authors: Li Xiaofeng , Yin Zhixiang
Published: July 2021

To study the influence of earthquakes and engineering disturbances on the deformation of deeply buried rock masses, shear tests were carried out on sandstone, marble and granite anchored specimens under creep fatigue loading, and a new creep fatigue model was established to characterize the deformation characteristics of anchored rock masses under creep fatigue loading. The creep fatigue curves of different lithologies clearly show three stages: creep attenuation, steady-state creep and accelerated creep. Fatigue loading can increase the creep of anchored specimens, and the lower the rock strength is, the higher the creep variable under fatigue loading. However, for the same rock strength, with the increase in load level, the creep variable produced by creep fatigue load presents a linear downward trend. Considering the changes in the mechanical properties of the anchored rock mass under creep fatigue loading, the creep fatigue model of anchored rock masses is established by introducing a function of the fatigue shear modulus, and the accuracy and applicability of the model are verified by laboratory creep fatigue test data. The model provides a theoretical basis for the study of anchored rock mass support under low-frequency earthquakes or blasting loads.
Four-band non-Abelian topological insulator and its experimental realization
Authors: Jiang Tianshu , Guo Qinghua , Zhang Ruo-Yang , Zhang Zhao-Qing , Yang Biao , Chan Che Ting
Published: July 2021

Very recently, increasing attention has been focused on non-Abelian topological charges, e.g. the quaternion group Q8. Different from Abelian topological band insulators, these systems involve multiple tangled bulk bandgaps and support non-trivial edge states that manifest the non-Abelian topological features. Furthermore, a system with even or odd number of bands will exhibit significant difference in non-Abelian topological classifications. Up to now, there is scant research investigating the even-band non-Abelian topological insulators. Here, we both theoretically explored and experimentally realized a four-band PT (inversion and time-reversal) symmetric system, where two new classes of topological charges as well as edge states are comprehensively studied. We illustrate their difference from four-dimensional rotation senses on the stereographically projected Clifford tori. We show the evolution of bulk topology by extending the 1D Hamiltonian onto a 2D plane and provide the accompanying edge state distributions following an analytical method. Our work presents an exhaustive study of four-band non-Abelian topological insulators and paves the way to other even band systems.
Nephrotic syndrome as adverse event induced by ramucirumab: A case report
Authors: Ito Tadao , Yasuda Takashi , Taniguchi Yuki , Hirotani Nagisa , Tada Hiroyuki , Takeshita Hiroki , Ishii Hiromichi , Izumi Hiroyuki , Nakanishi Masayoshi , Yamaguchi Masahide , Noguchi Akinori , Yamane Tetsuro
Published: July 2021

We report a case of nephrotic syndrome as an adverse event induced by ramucirumab and consider the previous literature. A 76-year-old man diagnosed with sigmoid colon cancer underwent laparoscopic sigmoidectomy. Because of the recurrence of sigmoid colon cancer, FOLFIRI (fluorouracil, leucovorin, and irinotecan) plus ramucirumab was selected as the second-line chemotherapy after the first-line chemotherapy of five cycles of mFOLFOX6 (modified fluorouracil, leucovorin, and oxaliplatin) plus bevacizumab. Thirty-five days after the initial administration of ramucirumab, weight gain and severe edema of both legs were noted, and he was diagnosed with nephrotic syndrome. Since the nephrotic syndrome developed within a short period after the administration, a ramucirumab-induced adverse event was strongly suspected. After starting trichlormethiazide, urinary output markedly increased and the body weight promptly decreased. He was discharged on the 17th day after admission with significant weight loss and recovery from nephrotic syndrome. Nephrotic syndrome may develop immediately after ramucirumab administration even after switching from multiple doses of bevacizumab. Physicians must be aware of clinical signs such as edema and weight gain as well as laboratory data in daily clinical practice.
Outcomes of COVID-19 patients that needed emergency general surgery: predictors of mortality and postoperative complications
Authors: Bozada-Gutiérrez Katya , Trejo-Avila Mario , Valenzuela-Salazar Carlos , Herrera-Esqu Jesús , Moreno-Portillo Mucio
Published: July 2021

Purpose
There is limited data about the perioperative outcomes of COVID−19 patients that needed emergency general surgery. The aims of the present study were to describe the perioperative outcomes of COVID−19 patients that underwent emergency general surgery and to determine possible predictors of mortality and postoperative complications.
Methods
A prospective study of positive COVID−19 patients that needed an emergency general surgery procedure at our center was performed.
Results
From March 2020 to February 2021, 44 patients were included. We found that patients with SARS-CoV−2 symptomatic disease have increased postoperative complications, higher ICU admissions, prolonged length of stay, and decreased 90-day survival as compared with asymptomatic COVID−19 patients. The 90-day survival probability of the entire cohort was 70.1% (60.3–79.9) and was significantly lower in patients with COVID−19 symptoms 63.4% (50.5–76.2). We found the following cut-off values for the prediction of mortality: ferritin ≥ 438.5 ng/mL (AUC = 0.908), CRP value ≥ 12.5 mg/dL (AUC = 0.715), leukocyte ≥ 13.8 x103/µL (AUC = 0.706), and albumin ≤ 2.78 g/dL (AUC = 704,). Also, a cut-off value of CRP of ≥ 12.5 mg/dL yielded an accuracy of 82.9% for the prediction of postoperative complications (p < 0.001).
Conclusion
Patients with symptomatic COVID−19 that needed emergency surgery have increased postoperative complications, higher ICU admissions, prolonged length of stay, and decreased 90-day survival as compared with asymptomatic COVID−19 patients. Preoperative ferritin, CRP, leukocytes, and albumin could be used as predictors of mortality.
Zwischen Optimierung und ludischen Gegenstrategien
Authors: Flasche Viktoria , Carnap Anna
Published: July 2021

Wie lassen sich post-digitale Regime der Optimierung beforschen? Insbesondere Social Media Plattformen arbeiten in ihren diversen Anwendungsoptionen mit Konzepten des kollektiv und algorithmisch hergestellten Optimums der permanenten, potentiellen Verbesserung. Die Optimierungsappelle sind strukturell und dezentral in algorithmisch gesteuerte Prozesse eingelagert und erzeugen spezifische Affizierungsrelationen und Selbstbezüglichkeiten. Welche digital grammatisierten Positionierungspraktiken finden aktuell an der Schnittstelle zwischen digitaler Plattform und Jugendlichen statt? Mit dieser Fragestellung fokussieren wir in dem vorliegenden Beitrag exemplarisch das Medienhandeln von zwei 12-jährigen Mädchen mit und auf der Plattform TikTok, das im Rahmen der BMBF-geförderten DiKuJu-Studie (2016-2019) erhoben und analysiert wurde. Es konnte herausgearbeitet werden, wie an der Schnittstelle Freund*innenschaft gleichzeitig in Prozesse der Optimierung und ludischen Gegenstrategien eingebettet ist.
Developing a Professionalism Education Framework at the Institutional Level with
Multidisciplinary Consensus
Authors: Sow Chew Fei , MN Chandratilake , VD Nadarajah
Published: July 2021

The varying opinions in defining professionalism have constrained teaching, learning and assessing
professionalism in the medical curriculum. The literature shows that professionalism is sensitive to
cultural, socio-economic factors with subtle differences between healthcare professions from various
disciplines. Therefore, in conceptualising professionalism, there is a need to develop a professionalism
framework at an institutional level for the basis of transparency and consistency in teaching, learning
and assessment of professionalism. While institutions can adopt various methods to understand
professionalism within their sociocultural context, they need to be aware that prioritisation of
professionalism attributes may change over time due to changes in the social environment. Using the
consensus meeting approach, we describe a defining framework that aligns with our institution’s core
values and the respective health professions programme educational outcome with the flexibility to
include/exclude and define/redefine professionalism attributes. Flexibility is the key difference in this
framework, which is different from other frameworks in the literature
Challenges and Adaptation in Otorhinolaryngology Practice During Pandemic Lockdown: Experience from a Malaysian COVID-19 Hospital
Authors: Sultan Abdul Kader Mohamed Iliyas , Razak Siti Sarah , Ramanna Vijayaprakas Rao , Esa Nor Kamaruzaman , Ahmad Abdul Razak , Mohamad Irfan
Published: July 2021

COVID-19 has taken the world by storm: since the first few cases appeared in Wuhan, China in December 2019 and by June 2020 there were more than 10 million cases of COVID-19 cases worldwide. Malaysia had its first case in January 2020 and acted promptly by implementing several drastic measures to contain the disease. Subsequently, the Ministry of Health Malaysia has implemented guidelines and recommendations on the management of COVID-19. The Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery (ORL-HNS) provides services for patients with ear, nose, throat, head and neck diseases and provides audiology, speech and language therapy, as well as undergraduate and postgraduate training. As the department’s staff is heavily involved in examinations and interventions of upper aerodigestive tract problems, the challenges are distinctly different from other specialties. This article discusses how COVID-19 affected ORL-HNS services and what measures were taken in Hospital Melaka, Malaysia.
lugar do BRICS na Política Externa da Índia
Authors: Cardozo Sandra
Published: July 2021

O artigo apresenta a participação da Índia no mecanismo BRICS, um grupo de países heterogêneos. Diante das diversidades dos componentes, o objetivo é mostrar elementos da política externa da Índia por demandas e interesses no agrupamento. Para isso, são examinados aspectos do conceito de não alinhamento e multilateralismo; a Índia na primeira década do mecanismo e a construção de agendas; a relação da Índia com os demais países do BRICS e com a China, particularmente. Por fim, conclui-se que a troca de governos, nesse período, não alterou os princípios do multilateralismo seletivo e da autonomia estratégica.
três dimensões da guerra comercial entre China e EUA
Authors: Pautasso Diego , Nogara Tiago Soares , Ungaretti Carlos Renato , Prestes Rabelo Ana Maria
Published: July 2021

O artigo argumenta que a Guerra Comercial entre EUA e China engloba três dimensões: num nível mais superficial, representa o recrudescimento do protecionismo estadunidense voltado à base eleitoral de Trump e à consequente barganha em relação à China para diminuir os déficits comerciais; no nível intermediário, a disputa pela liderança de importantes segmentos tecnológicosprodutivos; e no nível mais profundo, a própria contenda pela liderança do sistema internacional. Consequentemente, demonstramos que a disputa tecnológica sino-estadunidense no setor da infraestrutura 5G da empresa chinesa Huawei reflete uma competição mais abrangente pela própria liderança do sistema internacional.
Niveles de apropiación tecnológica en docentes de educación media superior, propiedades de una escala para su medición
Authors: Campa Rubio Lizeth Esmeralda , Zavala Guirado Martha Alejandrina , García Vázquez Fernanda Inez
Published: July 2021

En México según el acuerdo 447 del Sistema Nacional de Bachillerato indica que todo profesor que imparta en el nivel medio superior deberá emplear en forma didáctica, las tecnologías de la información y la comunicación para ofrecer una educación de calidad e integral para los estudiantes. De ahí surge el objetivo del presente estudio de validar y determinar las propiedades psicométricas de una escala, basada en un modelo teórico, para medir la integración de las TIC en docentes de media superior, mediante un análisis factorial confirmatorio. De una población de 290 se seleccionaron mediante un muestreo no probabilístico a 139 profesores de preparatorias descentralizados de los subsistemas estatales del centro y sur de Sonora. Se encontró́ que la escala que mide la integración de las TIC (α= .93) presenta índices de ajuste aceptables (X2 = 115,395, gl = 84, p = 0.013; SRMR = 0.04; AGFI = 0.86; CFI = 0.98; TLI = 0.97; RMSEA = 0.05, IC 90 [.02;.07]). Se concluye que la escala cuenta con las propiedades psicométricas que permiten su uso para conocer los niveles de apropiación en los procesos de enseñanza y aprendizaje en docentes de nivel medio superior
Competencia digital y necesidades formativas del profesorado de Educación Infantil. Un estudio antes y despu´és de la Covid-19
Authors: García-Zabaleta Esther , Sánchez-Cruzado Cristina , Santiago Campión Raúl , Sánchez-Compaña Teresa
Published: July 2021

El objetivo del presente artículo es examinar el nivel de percepción de competencia digital del profesorado de Educación Infantil, así como analizar si se han producido diferencias en ese nivel antes y después de la Covid-19.

Para ello, se aplicó como instrumento de recogida de información el cuestionario ACDC (Análisis de Competencias Digitales Comunes) a una muestra de 237 docentes de Educación Infantil. Asimismo, se realizó una entrevista semiestructurada a 9 profesoras de Educación Infantil para conocer en profundidad su perspectiva acerca de la formación recibida en TIC y su aplicación en las aulas.

Los resultados obtenidos muestran que el nivel general del profesorado de Educación Infantil en competencias digitales es básico, y han sido conscientes de sus mayores carencias tras la época de confinamiento y docencia virtual forzada.
Disruption Faces, Inequality, and Its Appearance in Religion: An Integrated Paradigm
Authors: Jazila Syukron
Published: July 2021

Since the industrial revolution in England around the 18thcentury, the world changed in very fast motion. Sequentially steam engine was found, printing machines, computers, and finally the internet network—a forerunner of the digital era. These all affect without exception, including Indonesia. We live in a world connected one another through communication technology. Departing from this issue, this study focused on the face of religious thought, educational patterns, and culture—especially in Muslims society. Trying to integrate William F. Ogburn's Cultural Lag theory and Disruptive Innovation of Clayton Cristensen, this study found the symptom connection between them. Civilization which consists of two elements: material (technology) and non-material (culture; education) are clearly separated by the abyss. One element flies very fast, and the other crawls slowly. These two things ultimately influence the Muslim religious thinking today. Overlapping the information in digital media every day made religious people did not have time to digest or analyze it. In fact, we found unilateral truth claims from certain groups—in the name of a complete understanding of religion, which is deeply turned out to be ahistorical. Here; disruption is caused by the movement of information that coming so fast—unstoppable and created a shallow, instant and hasty knowledge.
Becoming a Meaningful Human in The Contemporary Era: Isyari's Interpretation of Human Fiṭrah in Risālah Al-Nūr According to Said Nursi
Authors: Asroor Zaimul , Sahin Cemal
Published: July 2021

This paper wants to prove how Said Nursi's efforts to persuade humans to become meaningful (ma’nawi) humans through his interpretation of Risālah al-Nūr. This tafsir, which is more Kalam and Isyāri (Sufi) in style, was Nursi's answer to his anxiety in facing the challenges of modernity in Turkey at that time (and is still relevant today). In the context of human nature, Nursi is aware that modernity has made humans fall into an attitude which he calls tafrid and ifrat in using his every senses (outer and inner senses). Therefore, with the characteristics and originality of his interpretation, he describes how people can return to their nature, namely by behaving 'adl or tawasut in all things. This is the man that he later calls as a meaningful human being. The methods that the author used in this research are descriptive-analysis methods and library research, by making tafsir Risālah al-Nūr and tafsir Isyārāt al-I’jāz as primary sources, then supported by other secondary books which are still related to the theme.
Üsküdar Hacı Selim Ağa Kütüphanesi Kemankeş Koleksiyonundaki Bazı Ebrulu Ciltler
Authors: Genç Havva , Bilen Yusuf
Published: July 2021

Kültürel mirasımızın önemli unsurlarından olan el yazması eserler, kütüphane, müze ve özel koleksiyonlarda muhafaza edilmektedir. Kütüphaneler kıymetli yazma ve matbu eserleri barındıran, koruyan ve bugüne taşıyan merkezlerdendir. Üsküdar’da bulunan Hacı Selim Ağa Kütüphanesi de bünyesinde çeşitli eserler ve koleksiyonlar bulundurmaktadır.
Çalışmada Hacı Selim Ağa Kütüphanesi Kemankeş koleksiyonunda yer alan ebru ciltli eserler incelenmiştir. İncelenen eserler ebru sanatı açısından değerlendirilecektir. Geçmişten günümüze ebru sanatı ve kitap sanatlarındaki kullanımı ile ilgili kaynakların değerlendirilmesi yapılmıştır.
Yöntem olarak, literatür taraması ve yerinde inceleme yapılarak hazırlanmış ve kütüphane yetkililerinin bilgilerine başvurulmuştur. Kemankeş koleksiyonunda yer alan eserler incelenmiş çok yıpranmış ve tahlili yapılamayanlar dahil edilmemiştir. İncelenen örnekler sonucunda ebru sanatının geçmiş dönemlerde uygulanma şekilleri ve renk kullanımı konusunda bize fikir vermiş ve günümüze nasıl ulaştığını anlamamızı sağlamıştır. Kültürel mirasımıza katkı sağlayan, geçmiş ve gelecek arasında köprü olan bu değerlerimizin korunması, gelecek kuşaklara ak aktarılmasının önemine değinilmiştir.