bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Brønsted and Lewis acid catalyzed conversion of pulp industry waste biomass to levulinic acid
Authors: Lappalainen Katja , Kuorikoski Eveliina , Vanvyve Elise , Dong Yue , Kärkkäinen Johanna , Niemelä Matti , Lassi Ulla
Published: March 2023

Enormous amounts of fiber sludge are generated annually by the pulp industry as a by-product. As a cellulose-rich material, its current usage, mainly as fuel, is inefficient from a material efficiency point of view. This work studied the utilization of fiber sludge from a Finnish and a Swedish pulp mill as a potential feedstock to produce levulinic acid, a valuable platform chemical. The conversion experiments of fiber sludge to levulinic acid were performed in a microwave reactor with a mixture of H2SO4 and Lewis acid as the catalyst. The reaction conditions, which included reaction time and temperature as well as the H2SO4 and Lewis acid concentrations, were studied in detail. The highest levulinic acid yield, 56%, was obtained with Swedish fiber sludge after 60 min at 180 °C with the H2SO4 concentration of 0.3 mol/L and a CrCl3 concentration of 7.5 mmol/L which indicated that the fiber sludge had the potential to be used as feedstock for levulinic acid production.
Grid Search for SARIMAX Parameters for Photovoltaic Time Series Modeling
Authors: Andrianajaina Todizara , Razafimahefa David Tsivalalaina , Rakotoarijaina Raonirivo , Haba Cristian Goyozo
Published: March 2023

The SARIMAX (Seasonal Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average with eXogenous regressors) model is a time series model that can be used to forecast future values of a time series, given its past values. It is beneficial for modeling time series data that exhibits seasonality and incorporating additional exogenous variables (variables that are not part of the time series itself but may affect it).
One way to optimize the performance of a SARIMAX model is to use a grid search approach to find the best combination of hyperparameters for the model. A grid search involves specifying a set of possible values for each hyperparameter and then training and evaluating the model using all possible combinations of these values. The combination of hyperparameters that results in the best model performance can then be chosen as the final model. To perform a grid search for a SARIMAX model, you must define the grid of hyperparameters you want to search over. This will typically include the values of the autoregressive (AR) and moving average (MA) terms and the values of any exogenous variables you want to include in the model. We will also need to define a metric to evaluate the model's performance, such as mean absolute or root mean squared error.
Once we have defined the grid of hyperparameters and the evaluation metric, you can use a grid search algorithm (such as a brute force search or a more efficient method such as random search or Bayesian optimization) to evaluate the performance of the model using all possible combinations of hyperparameters. The combination of hyperparameters that results in the best model performance can then be chosen as the final model.
In this article, we will explore the potential of SARIMAX for PV time series modeling. The objective is to find the optimal set of hyperparameters. Grid Search passes all hyperparameter combinations through the model individually and checks the results. Overall, it returns the collection of hyperparameters that yield the most outstanding results after running the model. One of the most optimal SARIMAX (p,d,q) x (P, D, Q,s) combinations is SARIMAX (0,0,1) x (0,0,0,4).
FEM for the Acoustic Modeling of Eigenmodes: Case of the Cultural Heritage Monument of Neoria, Crete
Authors: Papadakis Nikolaos M. , Stavroulakis Georgios E.
Published: March 2023

Eigenfrequencies inside a space significantly affect its acoustic characteristics, especially below the Schroeder frequency in the low-frequency range. In Architectural Acoustics, accurate detection and visualization of eigenmodes can be particularly useful in practical applications. One of the most important landmarks in Chania, Greece, is Neoria, a cluster of 16th-century Venetian shipyards. One existing Neoria will be converted and used as a multipurpose hall. For this objective, acoustic modeling and various measurements were performed in the space. One of the purposes of the measures and modeling was the investigation of the eigenfrequencies and the eigenmodes of the area. Finite Element Method (FEM) was used for the acoustic modeling, while the acoustic measurements were performed in various positions according to ISO 3382-1. Impulse responses were measured, and frequency responses of the space were extracted using Fourier analysis. The measurements and the acoustic modeling results show that the frequencies with the most significant effect on the area are 86.1 Hz, 150.7 Hz, and 204.6 Hz. Eigenmodes of the frequencies are visualized with the application of FEM and especially the positions of nodes and antinodes, which can be utilized appropriately for the optimum placement of absorbers and diffusers in the space.
Cystic Artery Control with Bipolar Electrocauterization During Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy
Authors: Iqbal Sajid , Tabassum Saima
Published: March 2023

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is a widely practiced procedure for symptomatic cholelithiasis. Haemostasis of cystic artery can be achieved with clips electrocautery and ultra modern vessel sealing energy devices. Bipolar electro coagulation of cystic artery is safe and a cost effective measure in developing countries. Our aim was to establish the feasibility of bipolar electrocautery in securing cystic artery. We conducted a prospective study on 120 patients in different age and sex groups. Correctable co morbidities were not a contraindication to inclusion criteria. Anatomical variations in size, origin and number of cystic artery were noted.
Cardioprotective Effect of Low Molecular Weight (Below 5 kDa) Fraction of Cattle Cord Blood Cryohemolysate
Authors:   Institute for Problems of Cryobiology and Cryomedicine of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, Kharkiv, Ukraine, Shcheniavsky Ivan , Kovalenko Igor ,   Institute for Problems of Cryobiology and Cryomedicine of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, Kharkiv, Ukraine, Gulevsky Oleksandr ,   Institute for Problems of Cryobiology and Cryomedicine of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, Kharkiv, Ukraine
Published: March 2023

In this report, we have studied a cardioprotective effect of low molecular weight (below 5 kDa) fraction derived from cattle cord blood in a rat model of infarction-like cardiovasopathy. The myocardial infarction development was initiated in the animals, maintained for two months on a diet with excessive intake of fat, calcium and sodium salts, by making hypoxia-hypercapnia in them. The use of this model allowed inducing the infarction-like cardiovasopathy, comparable by many respects with the clinical picture of myocardial infarction, which was confirmed by electrocardiography, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and histological analysis. Preliminary administration of low molecular weight (below 5 kDa) fraction of cattle cord blood, as well as Actovegin did not prevent the heart attack, but increased the endurance of rats to hypoxia-hypercapnia and reduced the damage rate to myocardium. A preventive administration of low molecular weight fraction of cord blood was proven to mitigate the risk of hypoxia-induced damages to myocardium.
Primer on Machine Learning in Electrophysiology
Authors: Loeffler Shane E , Trayanova Natalia
Published: March 2023

Artificial intelligence has become ubiquitous. Machine learning, a branch of artificial intelligence, leads the current technological revolution through its remarkable ability to learn and perform on data sets of varying types. Machine learning applications are expected to change contemporary medicine as they are brought into mainstream clinical practice. In the field of cardiac arrhythmia and electrophysiology, machine learning applications have enjoyed rapid growth and popularity. To facilitate clinical acceptance of these methodologies, it is important to promote general knowledge of machine learning in the wider community and continue to highlight the areas of successful application. The authors present a primer to provide an overview of common supervised (least squares, support vector machine, neural networks and random forest) and unsupervised (k-means and principal component analysis) machine learning models. The authors also provide explanations as to how and why the specific machine learning models have been used in arrhythmia and electrophysiology studies.
Acute Decompensated Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction: Do the Asian Phenotypes Fit?
Authors: Shariff Raja Ezman Raja , Koh Hui Beng , Sulong Maizatu Akma , Quah Wy Jin , Ong Siew Hoon , Sabian Intan Safarinaz , Jaafar Jamalia , Devi Subramaniam Thulasi , Chan Jenny Ai Wei , Rahim Aizai Azan Abdul , Teoh Chee Kiang , Ghazi Azmee Mohd
Published: March 2023

Background: There is sparsity in regional data surrounding heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF)-related acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF) admissions in southeast Asia. This study aims to describe the characteristics, clinical parameters and outcomes related to HFpEF-linked ADHF admissions. Methods: A retrospective, observational study was conducted in a major cardiac tertiary centre in Malaysia over a 10-year period (2009–2018). A total of 4,198 patients were identified, of which 632 had HFpEF. Results: HFpEF patients were significantly older (mean 67.6 years) and female (52.2%). A high proportion of HFpEF patients had hypertension (73.4%), diabetes (58.1%), coronary artery disease (57.9%) and ischaemic cardiomyopathy (50.8%), although this remains significantly lower versus non-HFpEF patients. Atrial fibrillation (AF) was more common among HFpEF patients (34.7%). HFpEF patients in the study population appeared relatively stable, compared to non-HFpEF patients, supported by better blood results (suggestive of less congestion) on admission, shorter duration of inpatient stay, lower use of emergency cardiac procedures, lower in-hospital mortality rates and lower rates of HF readmission and all-cause mortality. However, when compared to other registries, specifically the ASIAN-HF cohort, HF readmission and all-cause mortality within the first year were higher in the present study cohort (37.9%, versus 12.1–23.6%). Conclusion: The present study highlights key characteristics of HFpEF patients in Malaysia and challenges the notion of the five major phenotypes of HF proposed by previous studies. Therefore, granularity in data collection and analysis is key, especially in a heterogenous condition like HFpEF, and efforts should be improved to obtain more information on local HFpEF patients.
The effect of processing and storage on Klanceng honey (Tetragonula laeviceps)
Authors: Budianto Budianto , Kusmardini Diah , Feri Zefki Okta , Arifin Muh Jaenal , Suparmi Anik , Kristiani Kiki
Published: March 2023

Introduction. Klanceng honey (Tetragonula laeviceps) is in great demand because of its benefits. There is no information on the expiration date of the Klanceng honey. Objective. To predict the shelf life of Klanceng honey by evaluating the effect of heating (40 ºC / 48 h and 70 ºC / 7 h) and storage for two years. Materials and methods. The analysis was carried out three times (2020, 2021, and 2022) at the National Innovation Research Agency Laboratory, Jakarta, Indonesia. Samples of Klanceng honey (Tetragonula laeviceps) were taken from a bee farm in Magetan, East Java, Indonesia. The sample (5 kg) was divided into 3: without heating process (UT), heating at 40 ºC / 48 h (T1), and heating at 70 ºC / 7 h (T2). Then analyzed the activity of HMF, diastase, invertase, acid phosphatase (AP), glucose oxidase (GO), DPPH, honey color, and phenolic at 0, 12 and 24-months. Results. The results showed that short heating at high temperature (70 ºC / 7 h) had a greater impact on decreasing enzyme activity compared to prolonged heating at low temperature (40 ºC / 48 h). Storage had a major impact on the increase of 5-hydroxymethyl (furan)-2-carbaldehyde (HMF) compared to the heating process. During storage (24-months) the HMF value exceeded the maximum limit. Conclusions. The HMF value (55.33 ± 0.57 mg/kg) exceeded the maximum allowable limit (max 40 ppm), this was due to the significant effect of heating on T2 and the storage process. The shelf life of Klanceng honey was two years, as long as it was not heated to high temperatures (70 ºC).
Towards better understanding of the complex industrial systems: Case of production systems
Authors: Jemai Hajer , Badri Adel , Fredj Nabil Ben
Published: March 2023

Growth of the world population and the globalization of trade are the origins of the fourth industrial revolution, called “Industry 4.0”. What engineers call systems are becoming more and more complex as businesses strive to stay competitive and meet ever-changing demand. While automation and information digitization and transmission technologies are increasingly becoming major assets in modern industries, the changes they bring are having an impact on the management of occupational health and safety.

The aim of this article is to provide an overview of the progress achieved in the understanding of complex systems and to test some of the published theory by comparing it to a case study. The major scientific databases were searched to retrieve the literature on complexity, and a large company in the steel products business was queried to determine how its complexity as perceived by its managerial staff compares to the theory of complex systems.

Our main conclusion is that, based on the data gathered in the case study, the perception that the managerial staff has of the company corresponds closely to the current definition of complex systems as proposed by researchers. However, it remains to be determined whether this correspondence holds over the range of business sizes.
Using Electronic Patient Record Systems to Enhance Spiritual Care for Patients
Authors: Tromans Kevin
Published: March 2023

There is a significant minority of the hospital population for whom hospitalization raises profound existential questions: the meaning and purpose of a dramatic life change or the realization of one’s own mortality. This can impact on the spirit – the sense of inner well-being and contentment of the individual. The realization of mortality impacts more widely, both on the patient and those in their wider circle. The opportunity to receive care which permits the exploration of existential questions and unconditionally embraces the anguish they evoke can be of real benefit. Nervecentre is an electronic patient care record administration system, which has been recognized for its benefits in improving access to and provision of spiritual care. The implementation of Nervecentre has increased the visibility of chaplains, strengthening the relationships supporting the delivery of spiritual care at the end of life.
Effects of Limiting the Number of Ball Touches on Physical and Technical Performance of the Junior Football Players during Small-sided Game
Authors: Kim Namyong , Lee Sewon , Byun Kyeongho
Published: March 2023

PURPOSE: We aimed to examine the effects of limiting the number of ball touches on the physical and technical performances of junior football players during small-sided games (SSGs), which are widely used to improve football-specific physical and technical performances.METHODS: Nineteen middle-school football players participated in the study and took a pretest for their physical and technical skills to be evaluated before the main experiment. During the SSG, to balance teams according to the players’ levels of physical fitness and skill, we selected players with the highest to lowest total scores and organized them in an ABBA order. Ten players who obtained the highest scores participated in the SSG once a week for 5 weeks under the limitation of a certain number of ball touches (one, two, three, four, or free touches). Players could only play with a set number of touches. Each SSG consisted of 4-min sets with 4-min breaks after each set on a pitch with a goal.RESULTS: As the number of possible touches increased, the total distance and average speed of the players increased, and the distance ratio covered by running (over 13 km/h), but not walking or jogging, also increased. Regarding technical factors, as the number of touches a player could make increased, the number of passes decreased, whereas the rates of dribbles and defensive tackles increased.CONCLUSIONS: As the number of ball touches increased during the SSG, the young players covered a greater distance with a higher speed, unlike professional players, and the frequency of skills mostly used, such as passing and dribbling during the SSG, showed different results.
Influence of Physical Activity Level on Cardiovascular and Autonomic Nerve Function
Authors: Park Shin-Young , Kim Jin-Su , Lee Seungho , Lee Ruda , Lee Eui-Young , Hwang Moon-Hyon
Published: March 2023

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to demonstrate differences in cardiovascular and autonomic nerve function among physical activity levels and associations between physical activity level and cardiovascular and autonomic nerve function.METHODS: Sixty-six healthy young adults voluntarily participated in this cross-sectional study. Physical activity levels were assessed using triaxial accelerometers for 7 consecutive days. Central hemodynamics and arterial stiffness were measured using the Sphygomo-Cor Xcel system. Autonomic nerve function was assessed by heart rate variability.RESULTS: The highest tertile group of the total quantity of physical activity had higher lnRMSSD than did the lowest tertile group (p=0.047). The augmentation index adjusted for heart rate at 75 beats per min (AIx@75) was lower in the highest tertile group of vigorous-intensity physical activity than in the lowest tertile group (p=0.012). Moreover, AIx@75 was negatively associated with vigorousintensity physical activity (r=-0.27, p=0.028).CONCLUSIONS: High levels of physical activity contribute to the dominance of parasympathetic nerve activity at rest. Increased engagement in vigorous-intensity physical activity can help reduce arterial pulse wave reflection, an independent risk factor for cardiovascular diseases, even in healthy young adults.
Effect of Exercise on Sleep in the Middle-aged and Older adult: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Eun Hong-Bum , Baek Seung-Soo
Published: March 2023

PURPOSE: This study evaluated the influence of exercise on improving sleep quality in middle-aged and older patients with sleep disorders using subjective (PSQI and ISI) and physiological indicators (ActiGraph). The relationships between various moderators by which exercise affects sleep-disorder improvement were investigated.METHODS: From the study’s inception to December 31, 2021, the PubMed, ScienceDirect, MEDLINE, and Google Scholar databases were searched for relevant studies. A meta-analysis was conducted with Comprehensive Meta-Analysis 2.0, using the random-effects model.RESULTS: The meta-analysis of 21 studies showed that exercise improves sleep quality (ES=-0.42, p=.00), insomnia severity (ES= -0.54, p=.00), and sleep efficiency (ES=0.37, p=.00). A walking-based exercise was effective in improving sleep quality (ES=-0.38, p=.00), insomnia severity (ES=-0.55, p=.03), and sleep efficiency (ES=-0.39, p=.00) in middle-aged and older patients with sleep disorders. A mind–body exercise was effective in improving sleep quality (ES=-0.52, p=.00). Regardless of exercise frequency, 90-120 min of exercise per week was important, and moderate-intensity exercise of more than 30 min/day improved sleep in middle-aged and older adults.CONCLUSIONS: Exercise is an effective intervention for improving sleep quality in middle-aged and older adults with sleep disorders. The walking-based and mind–body exercises were effective, and differences according to the exercise intervention components were observed. Customized exercise interventions are possible depending on individuals’ physical strength and can be safe and economical.
Menopause Induces Physical Inactivity through Brain Estrogen Receptor and Dopamine Signaling
Authors: Kang Nyeonju , Kim Dong-Il , Park Young-Min
Published: March 2023

PURPOSE: Genes had selectively evolved to enhance the motivation for physical movement in human during the Paleolithic era. To prepare for a potential forthcoming food deficiency, high physical activity was essential for survival in the environment where hunting wild animals and gathering plants. In modern society, however, developing technology and engineering has made human life easier to accomplish tasks with not much movement and effort, resulting in a profound deficiency in physical activity (i.e., physical inactivity).METHODS: In this review, the authors summarized previous studies searched by the PubMed, Google Scholar, and Science Direct databases.RESULTS: Reduced physical activity is significantly associated with the high prevalence of various diseases including metabolic syndrome, obesity, sarcopenia, and cancer. Unfortunately, in women, menopause negatively impacts their body and physiology mainly due to the loss of estrogens, which also contributes to behavioral changes such as a significant reduction of physical activity levels during menopausal transition. In this review, the author focused to describe the underlying brain mechanism by which menopause results in reduced levels of physical activity through estrogens, estrogen receptors, and dopamine signaling in the nucleus accumbens, the main controller for exercise motivation.CONCLUSIONS: Estrogen receptor, specifically ERα, and dopamine receptors are the main controllers for voluntary physical activity. Furthermore, high running motivation is associated with enhanced dopamine activity. More studies are needed to verify whether enhanced dopamine activity can protect against menopause-associated reduction in physical activity.
Effects of Aquabike Exercise on Gait Ability, Cardiovascular and Fall-related Fitness in Older Women with Obesity
Authors: Lee Chae-Bin , Baek Seung-Soo
Published: March 2023

PURPOSE: This study aimed to verify the effects of aquabike exercise on the gait ability and cardiorespiratory and fall-related fitness of older women with obesity.METHODS: The participants were divided into 65–74 years old and 75–82 years old groups. Verified cardiorespiratory fitness and physical changes were compared between the groups. The aquabike exercise used in this study was a combination of water exercise and a fixed bicycle on the ground. A 50-min aquabike exercise was performed three times weekly for 12 weeks.RESULTS: Our study’s results revealed that cardiorespiratory fitness did not show any significant changes between the groups × period of forced expiratory volume, maximum 80% exercise duration, maximum heart rate, and pedals per minute. The number of revolutions increased significantly after the exercise. In relation to gait, there was no significant change between the group × period of time required for walking 6 m and the number of steps, whereas the time required and the number of steps required to walk for 6 m within the groups significantly decreased after exercise. There were no significant changes between the groups × period in 3-m round-trip, five chair-standing, 30-s chair-standing, and relative grip strength of fall-related physical variables; however, the time required to walk a 3-m round-trip and five chair-to-stand within the groups decreased after aquabike exercise.CONCLUSIONS: Aquabike exercise is an effective mediation strategy for older women with obesity, as it is an exercise method that maintains a vibrant life in older age groups as well as walking ability by improving cardiopulmonary and fall-related physical strength.
The Comparison of Physical Fitness Factors between Korea Water Polo National-team and Reserve-team Athletes
Authors: Zhou Yuezhu , Kim Changsun , Lee Seungjae , Min Seokki
Published: March 2023

PURPOSE: The purpose of the study was to evaluate isokinetic muscle strength (IMS), anaerobic power, basic physical fitness, and body composition of Korean water polo athletes in the national team (NT) and reserve team (RT).METHODS: Twenty-nine male water polo athletes (aged 22.2±1.9 years) including 14 NT and 15 RT athletes participated in this study. The participants were evaluated for physiological parameters such as body composition, physical fitness, IMS, and anaerobic power. The IMS of the knees and shoulders (60°/s, 180°/s, and 240°/s, indicating maximal muscle strength, muscle power, and muscle endurance, respectively) and trunk (30°/s and 120°/s) were measured using a dynamometer (NORM, CSMI, USA). Anaerobic parameters were also measured using the 30-s maximal ergometer cycling Wingate test (Monark, Sweden).RESULTS: No significant differences in the IMS of the knee were found between two groups. Although the IMSs of shoulder flexion at 180º/s and 60°/s were not significantly different between the two groups, the IMSs of shoulder extension at 180º/sec and 60°/s in NT athletes were higher than those in RT athletes (p<.05, p<.01). There were no significant differences between the NT and RT (NS) groups in the left and right knee flexion/extension ratios (H/Q ratio, 60º/sec, 180º/sec). However, a significant difference was found in the right shoulder extension/flexion ratio (E/F ratio) between the two groups. Although height, muscle mass, fat mass, and Wingate anaerobic power were not significantly different between the two groups, the FEV1 and FVC of NT athletes were higher than those of RT athletes, respectively (p<.05, p<.01).CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest the athletic characteristics of water polo players who pass and shoot and make swimming movements. The difference in the shoulder extensor muscle strength was one of the determining factors for the performance of water polo athletes.
Difração e o olho humano
Authors: Helene Otaviano , Fernandes Ícaro Salerno , Martins Thiago Gonçalves dos Santos
Published: March 2023

Este trabalho apesenta alguns aspectos da difração no olho humano, tanto na pupila como nas células do cristalino e em estruturas no seu interior. As deduções relevantes são feitas em um Apêndice. Para complementar o entendimento dos fenômenos ópticos, são examinados alguns aspectos fisiológicos do olho, especialmente da retina. O objetivo do trabalho é fornecer exemplos que possam ajudar no ensino da óptica e motivar os estudantes a examinarem mais detalhadamente a difração, incluindo cálculos numéricos. Os exemplos incluem a visibilidade de estruturas como a Muralha da China quando observadas de longas distâncias, os pingos dos is das antigas bulas de remédio, a forma de moscas volantes e a razão pela qual vemos estrelas com pontas. Este artigo tem como objetivo atingir não apenas físicos e estudantes de física, mas, também, profissionais de outras áreas relacionadas à visão humana, como oftalmologistas, optometristas e técnicos e tecnólogos em oftálmica.
Os direitos das gestantes sob a ótica da “ideologia de gênero” na Câmara dos Deputados
Authors: Potechi Bruna
Published: March 2023

Resumo Este artigo explora, a partir da tramitação do PL 853 de 2019 propondo uma “Semana Nacional de Conscientização dos Direitos das Gestantes” na Comissão de Seguridade Social e Família, como determinados direitos têm sido disputados na Câmara dos Deputados. Os debates durante a tramitação do projeto de lei na comissão, assim como as diversas versões de substitutivos apresentados, mostram que, apesar de a proposta ser considerada meritória pelos parlamentares, eles fomentavam disputas sobre direitos de “cunho ideológico”. Ou seja, ainda que o projeto não prescrevesse novos direitos às gestantes, alguns parlamentares acusavam-no de resgatar os direitos sexuais e reprodutivos e promover o aborto. Ao acompanhar sua tramitação, vemos como os direitos sexuais e reprodutivos têm sido descritos como ameaça a determinados valores defendidos no Legislativo e como o discurso sobre uma “ideologia de gênero” parte desse mesmo debate e, no caso da proposta acima, foi vencedor na Comissão de Seguridade Social e Família.
Inconsistent condom use with casual partners among men who have sex with men in Brazil: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Hentges Bruna , Knauth Daniela Riva , Vigo Alvaro , Teixeira Luciana Barcellos , Leal Andréa Fachel , Kendall Carl , Magno Laio , Dourado Inês , Kerr Ligia
Published: March 2023

ABSTRACT Objective: This study aimed to evaluate factors associated with inconsistent condom use with casual partners in a population of men who have sex with men (MSM) in Brazil. Methods: In 2016, 4,176 MSM >18 years were enrolled in 12 capitals of Brazil using a Respondent Driven Sampling (RDS) method. For the construction of the outcome, we evaluated questions about condom use in all anal intercourse (receptive and insertive) in the previous six months and the last sexual intercourse. Estimates were calculated using a weighted complex sample design. We performed a logistic regression analysis to determine the associations between sociodemographic and behavioral factors and inconsistent condom use in sexual relationships with casual male partners. Results: More than half of our sample (50.8%) had not used condoms consistently with casual partners in the previous six months. Inconsistent condom use was significantly associated with: low education (weighted odds ratio — wOR: 1.55; 95% confidence interval — CI 0.99–2.40), lack of counseling on sexually transmitted infections STI (wOR: 1.51; 95%CI 1.05–2.17), non-use of condoms at sexual debut (wOR: 3.05; 95%CI 2.12–4.40) and moderate and high perceived risk for HIV (wOR: 1.51; 95%CI 1.07–2.14). Higher age was negatively associated with inconsistent condom use (wOR=0.97, 95%CI 0.89–0.99). Conclusion: Despite being an individual behavior, condom use is related to factors beyond the individual scope. HIV/Aids prevention policies should focus on younger MSM, providing qualified information about condom use, preferably before the beginning of their sexual life.
Práticas pedagógicas no ensino superior com Internet das Coisas: metodologias, ferramentas e perspectivas futuras
Authors: Rocha Lucio Agostinho
Published: March 2023

Resumo As tecnologias digitais aplicadas na educação de nível superior são importantes para a melhoria da qualidade do ensino. Uma das mais recentes tecnologias digitais é a Internet das Coisas, com inúmeras aplicações para a formação de redes colaborativas de objetos digitais conectados através da Internet. A aplicação desses objetos digitais em práticas acadêmicas é um desafio em razão de envolver uma miríade de recursos de diferentes especificidades. Além disso, as atividades práticas interdisciplinares têm o potencial de melhorar o foco na área de estudo, ampliar a colaboração entre os estudantes em sala de aula e reduzir os níveis de evasão nos primeiros anos de cursos de graduação nas engenharias. Nesse sentido, este artigo apresenta uma revisão sistemática de metodologias de ensino com Internet das Coisas através de práticas interdisciplinares. É esperado que o conteúdo deste artigo desperte o interesse de educadores em aplicar novas tecnologias digitais na educação com metodologias ativas.
Booktubers brasileiros: canais literários de incentivo à leitura
Authors: Fiuza Fialho Lia Machado , Neves Vanusa Nascimento Sabino
Published: March 2023

Resumo Booktubers são produtores de vídeos com conteúdo literário que incentivam a leitura de livros e compartilham as produções no espaço virtual do YouTube. Objetivou-se investigar os principais canais literários e o conteúdo veiculado pelos booktubers mais influentes do Brasil. Realizou-se uma pesquisa quantiqualitativa na plataforma YouTube com os descritores “booktubers Brasil”, “booktuber Brasil” e “booktubers brasileiros”, para localizar canais nacionais com número de inscritos igual ou superior a 100 mil e acessar os vídeos e as estatísticas correspondentes. Os resultados revelaram seis canais – “Bel Rodrigues”, “Ler antes de morrer”, “Tatianagfeltrin”, “Ler até amanhecer”, “Vá ler um livro” e “Melina Souza” – e 18 vídeos. Verificou-se que, em conjunto, congregam 2.910.000 inscritos, com média anual de 624 postagens e de 34.783.434 visualizações. Todas as influenciadoras são mulheres jovens e brancas, que, com notável fluência verbal e corporal, resenham diferentes gêneros literários, adensados por dados históricos, jornalísticos, sociais e outros. Elementos verbo- -visuais, como cenas cinematográficas, fragmentos musicais, fotografias e textos em destaque, ilustram os relatos. Conclui-se que os booktubers transformam o YouTube em um atrativo cenário de aprendizagem e de incentivo à leitura. Apesar de ter expressivo número de acesso, ainda é inacessível aos carentes de Tecnologias Digitais de Informação e Comunicação.
Are educational robots any good for communicative English learning for primary school students?
Authors: Yu Xiaotong , Garcia Maria Angeles Gutierrez , Soto-Varela Roberto
Published: March 2023

Abstract This paper presents a pilot study that focuses on the exploratory and rapid prototyping within the humanin- the-loop control of a self-constructed and developed educational robot in assisting communicative English learning in primary Education in Madrid, Spain. The study sample was composed of 37 3rd graders that attended four English learning program sessions in November 2021, in which robot integration plays a leading role as learning material. To achieve the above, an easy-to-build, programmed and economical LEGO Education Mindstorms EV3 package was optioned. Pre-and-post questionnaires, classroom observations, and an evaluation sheet that measures self-evaluation, peer evaluation, and teacher evaluation were applied. The result reveals students’ perception of the pioneering robot and although preliminary, presents validation of the technology for English class assistance. Another finding suggests that students’ stress generated from communication in English among peers was reduced with the companion of the robot. Due to the nature of a pilot study, both the number of sessions and the sample size are limited to determine if the robot is helpful in students’ vocabulary acquisition in the long run. Further study is to be conducted with the pioneer model to teach vocabularies of different categories for a longer period. The findings of this pilot study will serve as a reference in the attempt to develop and reproduce promising robots to assist English teaching and learning that are accessible to public schools.
Promoción de la lectura y transmedia. De la creación editorial al book-trailer como epitexto ficcional
Authors: Oliva Manuel Francisco Romero , Ponce Hugo Heredia , Claudio Carmen Romero
Published: March 2023

Resumen Este trabajo 1 pretende analizar el perfil de los epitextos virtuales que aparecen en cuatro plataformas editoriales de ámbito educativo para la promoción del libro. Siendo conscientes de que estamos inmersos en una sociedad gaseosa ( SCOLARI, 2021)en donde predomina lo breve, las modas y lo viral; el nuevo paradigma de la lectura se corresponde con una hibridación analógico-digital en la que los book-trailer, se convierten en ejemplo claro de producto transmedia del texto original por parte de las editoriales. Nuestra investigación de corte cualitativo se basa en un análisis de corpus de 70 epitextos ficcionales, mediante una lista de contenidos dimensionada en tres categorías de estudio. Los resultados evidencian su presencia tanto en los libros de literatura infantil como juvenil para el fomento de la lectura y generar la curiosidad y el disfrute del prosumidor. Sin embargo, también es necesario resaltar que este tipo de técnicas y lenguajes multimodales no puede suplantar el protagonismo del hecho literario y la lectura en sí misma.
A Vibrational Spectroscopic Investigation of 2,2'-Bithiophene Using Experimental and DFT Methods
Authors: KARAKAŞ SARIKAYA Ebru , DERELİ Ömer , BAHÇELİ Semiha , ÖZTURAN Feride Pınar
Published: March 2023

Organic compounds like 2,2’-Bithiophene (with a synonym. 2,2'-bithienyl, 2,2'-dithienyl)-containing bis(dioxaborin) have drawn significant concern in the area of materials science because of their electron affinity and luminescent properties. With this motivation, we have been concentrating on the properties and functions of 2,2'-Bithiophene. The vibrational frequencies of the molecule 2,2'-Bithiophene in the solid phase were recorded using the Fourier Transformed-Infrared (FT-IR) and FT-Raman spectrometers. Meanwhile, the molecular geometric parameters, the spectral wavenumbers, HOMO-LUMO analysis and the molecular electrostatic potential (MEP) of the 2,2'-Bithiophene molecule were computed at the B3LYP/ 6-311++G (d,p) level of the theory. Furthermore, a comparison between experimental and calculated values for the vibrational frequencies of the 2,2'-Bithiophene molecule exhibits a good agreement.
Electrospun PVDF Membranes Incorporated with Functionalized Carbon-based Material for Removal of Cationic Dyes
Authors: DEMİRCİ Fatma , KAYA ÖZSEL Burçak
Published: March 2023

In this study, polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) polymeric membranes with addition of functionalized carbon-based material (CBM) were fabricated by using electrospinning technique for the removal of cationic dyes from wastewater. CBM was prepared through a two-step carbonization process from cotton linter as an agricultural waste biomass. The characterization of CBM was performed by using Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) surface analysis, fourier transform infrared spectrometry (FTIR) and elemental analysis. The morphologies of electrospun membranes were observed by scanning electron microscope (SEM) which clearly revealed that nanofibers with a smooth surface were produced by incorporation of CBM. According to the results obtained from FTIR and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), crystallization behavior of PVDF membranes was promoted by increasing the percentage of CBM in the membrane. PVDF membrane prepared with the addition of 3 wt % CBM exhibited the highest water flux performance with a dye rejection of 74.6 % in comparison with the pure PVDF one.
Reseña del libro: Coeducación y Masculinidades: hacia la construcción de sociedades cívicas y democráticas
Authors: Lucas Palacios Laura
Published: March 2023

Reseña del libro: Coeducación y Masculinidades: hacia la construcción de sociedades cívicas y democráticas
Patrimonio controversial, identidad, territorio y emociones: el lugar de los “miedos identitarios”
Authors: De la Montaña Conchiña Juan Luis
Published: March 2023

En el presente artículo de fundamento teórico tratamos de introducir el concepto de “miedo identitario” en el ámbito de las Ciencias Sociales escolares, especialmente en la Educación Patrimonial y relacionarlo con la línea de investigación que se centra en el estudio en las aulas de los patrimonios controversiales. El patrimonio controversial busca fomentar el pensamiento crítico del alumnado con respecto al pasado histórico, representado en el patrimonio, y otras cuestiones socioambientales relevantes. La tipología de este patrimonio fomenta la crítica y el debate, pero además tiene conexiones con identidades, territorios y emociones.

Los miedos identitarios agrupan los posibles miedos sociales individuales o colectivos subyacentes en la sociedad y surgen cuando se considera que elementos identitarios y territoriales son cuestionados. Además, suelen responder a intensas emociones. Patrimonio controversial y miedos identitarios aparecen asociados toda vez que el elemento patrimonial posee una elevada carga identitaria e incluso emocional. Las sociedades de la posverdad, el fácil y acrítico acceso a una información deformada al trabajar este tipo de patrimonio en el aula puede generar en el alumnado tensiones, conflictos, un cuestionamiento no fundamentado e incluso resistencias que pueden alterar o reducir el valor de una educación patrimonial integral.
Hematological and Inflammatory Parameters Effective on Inflammation and Insulin Resistance in Obesity
Authors: SARIÇAM Orkun
Published: March 2023

Objective: Obesity is one of the predominant risk factors associated with insulin resistance (IR), type 2 diabetes, and many metabolic syndromes. In this
study, we aimed to investigate inflammatory parameters and their relationship with IR and blood groups in obese individuals.
Materials and Methods: The demographic characteristics, body mass index (BMI), biochemical parameters, hemogram values, and blood group types of
individuals in the obesity and control groups were recorded and compared.
Results: The mean age was 37.37±11.43 years in obese individuals and 41.8% (n=77) of them had IR. Neutrophil and monocyte counts of the obese individuals
with IR were significantly higher than those of the individuals without IR in the control and the obesity groups (p<0.001). The neutrophil/lymphocyte
ratio (NLR), the monocyte/high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio (MHR), and the systemic immune-inflammation index (SII) were significantly higher
in obese individuals with IR compared to obese individuals without IR. IR was more common and neutrophil ratios were significantly higher in obese individuals
with B blood type compared to those with O blood type (p=0.023).
Conclusion: We found that the values of hematological inflammatory parameters and the levels of NLR, MHR, and SII as indicators of systemic chronic
inflammation were increased in obese individuals with IR. We think that our study shows the relationship between inflammation due to excess adipose tissue
and the development of IR in obese individuals. We are of the opinion that future studies investigating this subject will help to develop processes for early
diagnosis and treatment.
Eating Attitude in Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: İNANÇ Yılmaz , TURGUT Celaleddin , KAYA Tuğba
Published: March 2023

Objective: To examine attitudes to eating in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients.
Materials and Methods: The study included 64 cases diagnosed with MS according to the 2017 McDonald criteria and a control group of 64 healthy volunteers
of similar age, gender, and education level. All the study participants underwent a detailed neurological examination and were then administered the
Eating Attitudes Test (EAT), the Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), and the Beck Depreession Inventory (BDI).
Results: In the comparisons between the groups of the EAT results, a score of ≥30 was obtained by 24 (37.5%) MS patients and 14 (21.8%) of the control
group. When the MS patients were compared in two groups according to the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) score of ≤3 and ≥4, an EAT score of
≥30 was obtained by 11 (25%) patients with EDSS score ≤3 and by 13 (68.5%) patients with EDSS ≥4.
Conclusion: The frequency of eating disorders in the MS patients in this study was found to be higher than the overall frequency in the general population.
This rate reached statistical significance in patients with high EDSS scores. When it is considered that some vitamin and mineral deficiencies are among
the triggers of MS attacks, the presence of eating disorders or poor eating behaviour is important in the follow-up and treatment processes of MS patients.
Management of Intussusception: Follow-up or Reduction?
Authors: KATI Ömer , GÜNGÖR Şükrü , KANDUR Yaşar , GÜLER Ahmet Gökhan
Published: March 2023

Objective: In this study, we describe the management and outcome of children with intussusception and analyze the sonographic findings that can be used to differentiate transient, self-limited small bowel intussusception from the cases with an indication for surgery.
Material and Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of pediatric patients with the diagnosis of invagination who had been followed up in the pediatric surgery service between 2012-2017.
Results: The median age was 39.5±35.9 (range 2-171) months. Among these patients, 57 (64%) had been followed up without surgery, and the remaining patients (n= 32, 36%) had undergone surgery. The median age of patients who had not undergone surgery was significantly greater than that of the patients who had undergone surgery (52.2±38.4 vs. 16.75±12.6; p<0.001). Twenty (35.1%) patients in the non-surgical group had developed abdominal pain after discharge, whereas none of the patients in the surgical group had developed abdominal pain postoperatively. An analysis of the differences between the groups with respect to the length of the invaginated segment revealed that length of that segment were significantly greater in the surgically managed cases (p=<0.001). A ROC curve based on the length of the invaginated intestinal segment revealed that, 41.5 mm was the best cutoff point for invaginated intestinal length, which resulted in a sensitivity of 68.8% and a specificity of 96.5%.
Conclusion: In our study, unlike other studies, the surgical threshold of the invagination length was revised as 4.15 cm. Thus, patients below this value may not have an immediate indication for surgery.
Status of Hepatitis B Virus Serological In Patients With Multipl Sclerosis Using Ocrelizumab
Authors: İNANÇ Yılmaz , NAZİK Selçuk
Published: March 2023

Objective: B-cell depleting treatments are associated with potential risks of viral infections. Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is the most common chronic viral infection and it is estimated that 30% of the world population has serological evidence of current or past infection.
Material and Methods: Our study is a single-center, cross-sectional study. We retrospectively reviewed the clinical records of MS patients receiving ocrelizumab. Demographic and clinical characteristics of patients, Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS), drug history before ocrelizumab for MS; Mean ocrelizumab intake times, smoking status, hepatitis C virus, HIV serological status, HBV serological status, HBV treatment status were recorded.
Results: The study included 64 MS patients treated with Ocrelizumab. The mean age was 41.6±9.8 years (min-max: 21-62 years). 75% of the cases were female (n:48), 25% were male (n:16). HIV and hepatitis C virus serological tests were negative in all cases. HBsAg was found to be positive in 1.6% (n:1) and Anti-HBcIgG in 12.5% (n:8). The number of patients who were started on hepatitis B treatment was 12.5% (n:8), and tenofovir disoproxil was started in 2 patients (25%), entecavir in 5 patients (62.5%), and tenofovir alafenamide in 1 patient (12.5). The mean duration of taking ocrelizumab for the patients was 28.5±13.1 months (min-max: 6-46 months).
Conclusion: In conclusion, all patients should be screened for HBV before starting ocrelizumab therapy. Both HBsAg and Anti-HBcIg G tests should be used. The isolated presence of Anti-HBcIg G may cause HBV reactivation. Therefore, Anti-HBcIg G should be screened before immunosuppressive therapy