bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Food and Health Literacy
Authors: Sampaio Helena Alves de Carvalho , Cabral Lisidna Almeida
Published: September 2021

Food literacy is a sub-field of health literacy with a concept under construction, but corresponds to the ability to read, understand, and judge the quality of information; to seek and exchange knowledge related to the topics of food and nutrition; to buy and prepare food; to critically reflect on factors which influence personal choices about food and understand the impact of these choices on society. In turn, the ACP model is a three-factor communication model (assertiveness, clarity, and positivity) that aims to optimize education based on health literacy. The aim of this chapter is to present a proposal for food guidance which combines the foundations of the ACP model and food literacy for the different life cycles. The guidelines for each cycle were adapted to the ACP model. In conclusion, the ACP model can be applied to food literacy actions in any life cycle. However, it is worth mentioning that the professional's communicational behavior needs to be aligned with the assertiveness competence so that such actions are in fact effective.
Health Professional Communication Competences and Patient Evaluation in the Therapeutic Encounter
Authors: Rodrigues Célia Felícia Belim
Published: September 2021

This chapter focuses on the health professionals' competences and inherent evaluation by patients during the therapeutic relationship. It is grounded on a literature review and proposals on best practices to adopt in health encounters. It can be concluded that the use of communication competences by health professionals influences the patients' evaluation and their health outcomes, demonstrating that “it takes two to tango.” Results have shown that, among the communication competences, are empathy, respect, inclusion of patient in health decisions, confirmation of understanding, use of a plain language, positivity. On the patients' side, the expectations tend to be related to the communication styles of health professionals, the humanization of relationship, and the use of a personalized communication; the communication lapses are more associated with poor attitudes of health professionals, and the patients' sociodemographic attributes influence their expectations.
Usage Data for Predicting User Trends and Behavioral Analysis in E-Commerce Applications
Authors: Sathiyamoorthi V.  , Ravishankar T. Nadana , Ilavarasi A. K.  , Udayakumar Sridhar , Harimoorthy Karthikeyan , Jayapandian N.  , Saravanan V.
Published: September 2021

Reviewing and buying the right goods from online websites is growing day by day in today's fast internet environment. Numerous goods in the same label are available to consumers. It is thus a difficult job for consumers to pick up the correct commodity at a decent price under different market conditions. Therefore, it is important for owners of online shopping websites to better understand their customers' needs and offer better services. For these reasons, the access log documented a vast amount of data related to user interactions with the websites. This access log therefore plays a key role in predicting user access trends and in recommending the best product to consumers. This research work therefore focuses on one such methodology for evaluating the pattern and behavioral analysis of users in e-commerce websites.
A Low Complexity Non-Distortion Clipping Technique PAPR Reduction of MIMO-OFDM Systems
Authors: Mahmood Tahreer , Mohan Seshadri
Published: September 2021

Amplitude clipping is one of the techniques used to reduce PAPR. This technique does not demand side information; therefore, there is no reduction in the system's data throughput. However, it leads to additional distortion (in-band signal distortion and out-of-band radiation). To overcome this problem, low complexity non-distortion clipping technique is proposed for MIMO-OFDM system. The main concept of this proposed method is how to convert the generated distortion (in-band and out-of-band signals distortion) when using clipping at transmitter to impulse noise (error), which is possible by using a simple coding technique to cover error at the receiver. The proposed method does not clip the signal in time domain. The clipping use for discrete samples directly after IFFT. Simulation outcome detects that the proposed non-distortion clipping technique provides an efficient reduction in PAPR, best performance compared with conventional clipping technique, and less cost and complexity.
Knowledge Extraction in Digit Recognition Using MNIST Dataset
Authors: Rastogi Rohit , Upadhyay Himanshu , Rastogi Akshit Rajan , Sharma Divya , Bishnoi Prankur , Kumar Ankit , Tyagi Abhinav
Published: September 2021

In handwriting recognition, traditional systems have relied heavily on handcrafted features and a massive amount of prior data and knowledge. Deep learning techniques have been the focus of research in the field of handwriting digit recognition and have achieved breakthrough performance in the last few years for knowledge extraction and management. KM and knowledge pyramid helps the project with its relationship with big data and IoT. The layers were selected randomly by which the performance of all the cases was found different. Data layers of the knowledge pyramid are formed by the sensors and input devices, whereas knowledge layers are the result of knowledge extraction applied on data layers. The knowledge pyramid and KM helps in making the use of IoT and big data easily. In this manuscript, the knowledge management principles capture the handwritten gestures numerically and get it recognized correctly by the software. The application of AI and DNN has increased the acceptability significantly. The accuracy is better than other available software on the market.
Revitalizing a Traditional Campus
Authors: Samancioglu Nur , Nuere Silvia , Suz Adela Laura Acitores
Published: September 2021

Technology has become an indispensable part of contemporary society. The new vision of upcoming generations is the internet of things (IoT), which has created new interaction among individuals and the environment. IoT has permeated into higher education institutions, advancing the quality of the teaching-learning experience and the ability to customize environmental parameters. In this research, the status of the Polytechnic University of Madrid, ETSIDI campus was explored based on the post-occupancy evaluation (POE) in order to assess the status of facilities and reveal the corresponding solutions for possible enhancements. The smart campus development approach is pursuant to the occupant-based framework as a way to represent and analyze occupant state, mobility, and movement in the campus through the IoT.
A Qualitative Exploratory Study in Health Information and Health Communication Leadership in the Age of the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Springs Delores
Published: September 2021

Low health literacy is a public health scourge. Health information and health literacy around COVID-19 is a miscalculated public health conundrum. Zarocostas referred to the COVID-19 not as a pandemic, but an info-demic because of the need for patients to be more health literate when they are being bombarded by inaccurate or misleading information from social media, public officials, and family. During a global pandemic, the need to understand and explore the nuances of health literacy has never been more pressing. This qualitative exploratory study uses the expertise of subject matter experts on health literacy to classify the barriers to health information literacy, the best practices for improving health information literacy, and the additional measures taken by medical providers during the COVID-19 outbreak ensure that patients have the most accurate and useful health information.
The Detection of Fake Reviews in Bestselling Books
Authors: Krishnan Kavita , Wan Yun
Published: September 2021

This study detected the possible manipulation of reviews for bestseller books. The authors first used clustering analysis to identify the cluster of bestselling books and patterns of manipulated reviews and ratings. They then used an artificial neural network to predict the possibility of review manipulation in bestselling books based on the patterns identified. The prediction outcome has an accuracy rate of 89%. They found that fake or manipulated reviews for bestselling books could be identified by analyzing abnormal rating fluctuations. The findings could help e-commerce platforms identify review manipulations and thereby help customers make prudent purchase decisions.
Portable Abdominal Insufflation Device for Stopping Uncontrolled Abdominal Bleeding in Trauma Cases
Authors: Coman Daniela , Gruionu Lucian Gheorghe
Published: September 2021

Needle insertion in biological tissue has attracted considerable attention due to its application in minimally invasive procedures such as laparoscopy or transcutaneous biopsy. In this paper the force of the Veress needle insertion into the abdominal wall and the von Mises stress were studied, demonstrating the ability of finite element models to provide additional understanding of the processes taking place. Veress needle insertion force may cause complications during surgery, the most common being vascular lesions, thus affecting the precision and duration of surgery assisted by a portable abdominal insufflation device. This study was the first step in developing a force feedback for needle insertion into the abdominal wall assisted by a portable abdominal insufflation device. The CAD model of the prototype of a portable abdominal insufflation device was made. Then the prototype of a portable abdominal insufflation device was developed. For testing purposes an artificial silicone model was made. The paper also includes the experimental results obtained by measuring the maximum pressure inside the artificial silicone model after the penetration of the wall.
Aspects about the Environmental Quality Assessment in Urban Areas by Applying Multi-Criteria Analysis Methods
Authors: Grecu Luminița
Published: September 2021

The aim of this paper is to make an assessment of the quality of the environment in urban areas based on multi-criteria analysis methods. Three important aspects of the quality of the environment in urban areas are considered in this paper, and an integrated AHP-SAW method is used to assess the quality of the environment. An indicator associated with the quality of the urban environment is proposed. This indicator is used to make a hierarcy of the environmental quality of an urban area over two periods of time. For the case study a city from the south - west region of Romania is chosen.
Influence of the Shape of Composites Materials on the Stability of Microwave Heating Processes
Authors: Marin Robert Cristian , Ştefan Iulian , Predescu Mihaela Cristina , Savu Sorin Vasile
Published: September 2021

This paper aims to present preliminary researches on the influence of the shape and dimensions of composites materials on the stability of microwave heating. The research was focused on cordierite composite material, which is used as ceramic substrate in selective catalytic reaction for reduction of nitrogen oxide emissions from combustion engines. For experimental program were used different shapes for cordierite material, such as cubic, cylindrical, sphere and rectangular. Based on previous researches where it was demonstrated that an injected microwave power between 600 W and 1200 W, the samples were heated in order to establish which shape is more suitable for fast heating, thermal stability in terms of thermal runaway as well as for avoiding the unwanted microwave plasma initiation.
Comparative Analysis for the Anti-Vibration Isolation of a Foundation in the Case of an Elevating Mechanism
Authors: Radu Carmen Elisabeta , Rășchitor Edward , Tempea Iosif
Published: September 2021

To study the vibrations of a Multiparker lift lift model, use various models for the lifting mechanism. In order to increase the number of parking spaces in the center of the Romanian capital, it is intended to design a parking lot on several levels above the Dâmbovița river, which would include two elevators for lifting and lowering cars. One of the elevators works as a system of translating cam and roller translating follower and thus, due to transmitting the torque from the electric drive motor to the cam, respectively changing the travel direction at the end of the route, upon starting and stopping, vibrations may occur within the elevator. This system must be supported on a foundation in order to achieve anti-vibration isolation. There are several possibilities to achieve this anti-vibration isolation, among which one can mention the elastic suspensions mounted on springs, rubber mats or standardized elastic rubber elements
Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Students’ Perceptions of a Debriefing Experience After a Cardiac Emergency High-Fidelity Simulation: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Ali Abeer Alhaj , Miller Elaine , Musallam Eyad , Ballman Kathleen
Published: September 2021

Acute care nurse practitioners need specialized training to prepare for their advanced role. Limited research investigates acute care nurse practitioners’ leadership skills related to team dynamics and evidence-based practices. This study explored students’ perceptions of a simulation and debriefing experience and the effects of debriefing on their ability to transfer their leadership-related learning. A qualitative exploratory approach was used. Students (N = 28) were divided between a video-assisted debriefing group (n = 16) and a verbal debriefing group (n = 12). Focus group interviews were conducted in order to explore students’ experience of acting as team leader when managing emergency dysrhythmias during high-fidelity simulation code scenarios. Three themes emerged: leadership training, video-assisted debriefing and verbal debriefing, and transferability. This study adds valuable information about how simulation technology could be used in leadership skills learning by and training for nurse practitioners.
Mechanical Properties and Interface Microstructure of SAC305 Solder Joints Made to an Ag-Pd-Pt Thick Film Metallization: Part 1—Processing Effects
Authors: Vianco Paul T. , Kilgo Alice C. , McKenzie Bonnie B. , Williams Shelley , Ferrizz Robert , Co Curtis
Published: September 2021

The processibility was document for interconnections made between the 96.5Sn-3.0Ag-0.5Cu (wt.%, abbreviated SAC305) Pb-free solder and an Ag-Pd-Pt thick film conductor on an alumina substrate. The Sheppard’s hook pull test was used to assess the solder joint strength. Microanalysis techniques documented the corresponding microstructures. Excellent solderability was observed across the process parameters defined by the soldering temperatures of 240–290°C and soldering times of 15–120 s. Molten SAC305 solder dissolved the Ag-Pd-Pt thick film, leading to the precipitation of Ag (trace of Pd) and (Pd, Pt)xSny intermetallic compound (IMC) particles upon solidification. The mechanical strengths of the solder joints were excellent (10–15 N) and remained largely insensitive to the processing conditions. The failure mode was ductile fracture in the solder. These findings confirmed that the SAC305 solder/Ag-Pd-Pt thick film interconnection system had the necessary process window for use in high reliability, hybrid microcircuit (HMC) applications.
Mechanical Properties and Interface Microstructure of SAC305 Solder Joints Made to a Ag-Pd-Pt Thick Film Metallization: Part 2—Isothermal Aging Effects
Authors: Vianco Paul. T. , Kilgo Alice. C. , McKenzie Bonnie. B. , Williams Shelley , Ferrizz Robert , Co Curtis
Published: September 2021

The performance and reliability were documented for solder joints made between the 96.5Sn-3.0Ag-0.5Cu (wt.%, abbreviated SAC305) Pb-free solder and a Ag-Pd-Pt thick film conductor on an alumina substrate. The Sheppard’s hook pull test was used to assess the solder joint strength. The Part 1 study confirmed that the solder joint fabrication process had a wide process window. The current study determined that the SAC305 solder joints maintained that robustness after accelerated aging at temperatures of 70–205°C and time durations of 5–200 d. Short-term aging of 5–10 d caused a peak in the pull strength peak that resulted from precipitation hardening by Ag-Pd and (Pd, Pt)xSny intermetallic compound (IMC) particles. The pull strengths did not decrease significantly after longer aging times at 70°C and 100°C; those conditions were accelerations of typical service lifetimes. Longer aging times at temperatures of 135–205°C resulted in a gradual, albeit not catastrophic, strength decrease when the precipitation hardening mechanism was lost to dissolution of the particle phases and their reprecipitation at the solder/alumina interface. The failure modes were ductile fracture in the solder except for the most severe aging conditions. These findings confirmed that the SAC305 solder/Ag-Pd-Pt thick film interconnections have excellent long-term reliability for hybrid microcircuit and high-temperature electronics applications.
SYSTEMIC MASTOCYTOSIS: RADIOLOGICAL POINT OF VIEW
Authors: LEONE ANTONIO , MACAGNINO SILVIA , D'AMBRA GIULIA , PERLA DANIELE
Published: September 2021

Radiological diagnosis of systemic mastocytosis (SM) can be hard to establish. This is mainly due to the variable radiological features involving many organ systems (e.g., respiratory, cardiovascular, lympho-reticular, digestive systems, and most commonly skin), and the broad spectrum of skeletal findings, in particular. Skeletal involvement is the most common and prominent imaging feature in patients with SM and represents a prognostic factor as it may entail an aggressive course of the disease. Diagnosis, which is largely established by histological evaluation of a bone marrow trephine biopsy specimen supplemented by imaging modalities such as radiography, CT, and magnetic resonance imaging, requires a team approach between the hematologist, radiologist, and pathologist. The general radiologist needs to be familiar with the imaging findings because they may be the first to suggest the correct diagnosis. The primary purposes of this article were to equip clinicians with pertinent radiological semiotics and present relevant radiological features that assist early diagnosis and selection of an effective treatment.
Wide circulation of peste des petits ruminants virus in sheep and goats across Nigeria
Authors: Mantip Samuel E. , Sigismeau Anthony , Nanven Maurice , Joel Atuman , Qasim Abayomi M. , Aliyu Sada , Musa Ibrahim , Ezeanyika Ogechukwu , Faramade Ibikunle , Ahmed Garba , Woma Timothy Y. , Shamaki David , Libeau Genevieve , Farougou Souaibou , Bataille Arnaud
Published: September 2021

Peste des petits ruminants (PPR) is a highly contagious viral disease that mainly affects goats and sheep in Asia, Africa and the Middle East, and threatens Europe [R.E.1]. The disease is endemic on the African continent, particularly in West Africa, and is a major factor driving food insecurity in low-income populations. The aim of this research study was to carry out surveillance, genetic characterisation and isolation of recently circulating PPR viruses (PPRV) in sheep and goats from the six agro-ecological zones of Nigeria. A total of 268 post-mortem tissue samples of lung and mesenteric ganglia were collected from clinically suspected sheep and goats in 18 different states, of which five never previously sampled. The presence of PPRV was confirmed using a reverse-transcription coupled with a polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) assay. A total of 72 samples, 17 sheep (6%) and 55 goats (21%), were found to be PPR positive. Positive samples were distributed in almost all states, except Kano, where PPR was detected in previous studies. The PPRV-positive samples were further confirmed by sequencing or virus isolation in areas where the infection had never previously been detected. These results confirm the active circulation of PPRV across all six agro-ecological zones of Nigeria, and consequently, the need for introducing strict measures for the control and prevention of the disease in the country.
Efficacy of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation on salivary flow rates in normal healthy adults according to gender and age groups
Authors: Ramesh C , Sawant Sharad , Kolte Deepak , Kumar Barun , Kranthi Kosuru , Patil Tejal , Babu J , Swarnalatha C , Nayyar Abhishek
Published: September 2021

Introduction: Salivary gland hypofunction might be associated with various local and systemic conditions and is managed with a plethora of therapeutic options with associated side effects. Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) is one such option with no known systemic side effects for dealing with this crippling condition. The present study was planned with a similar intent of assessing impact of TENS on salivary flow rates in normal healthy adults according to gender and age groups. Materials and Methods: The present study was designed as a cross-sectional study on 130 healthy adults wherein unstimulated and stimulated saliva was collected for 5 min in graduated test tubes fitted with a funnel while mean salivary flow rates were calculated. The data were analyzed using SPSS version 17.0 (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA). Results: In the present study, differences between mean unstimulated and stimulated salivary flow rates with TENS were found to be statistically significant for both genders (P < 0.001). Furthermore, in relation to age groups included, maximum increase in salivary flow rate was seen in 20–29 years of age group, though significant results were seen in all three age groups included namely 20–29 years, 30–39 years, and 40–49 years (P < 0.001). Conclusions: Based on results from the present study, it could be concluded that TENS comes out to be a safer, nonpharmacological therapeutic option for treating patients with xerostomia.
Clinical outcome following multisegmental cervical spinal fixation in patients who recovered partially following injury
Authors: Goel Atul , Lunawat Aditya , Shah Abhidha , Dandpat Saswat , Hawaldar Akshay , Darji Hardik , Trivedi Nishit
Published: September 2021

Objective:

The clinical outcome following multilevel stabilization in patients who suffered cervical spinal injury and developed severe neurological deficits and then gradually partially recovered is evaluated. The basis of the surgical concept was that cervical spinal degeneration is a result of single or multilevel spinal instability and that spinal trauma exaggerates the instability.

Materials and Methods:

During the period 2015–2020, 14 patients who suffered severe cervical spinal injury and could be included in the classification of spinal cord injury without computed tomography evidence of trauma were surgically treated. There were 11 males and 3 females. The ages ranged from 45 to 67 years, average being 53 years. Cervical canal stenoses related to degenerative spinal changes were observed in all patients. All patients suffered severe neurological deficits and within few days or weeks had shown significant but incomplete neurological recovery. The identification of the levels of unstable spinal segments was done on the basis of radiological and clinical parameters and direct observation of spinal instability in adjoining spinal segments. Transarticular fixation was done by Camille's transarticular fixation technique. Using ASIA score, modified JOA score, and Goel Clinical Grading Scale, the clinical course of the patients was monitored.

Results:

All patients showed recovery in the neurological status. Recovery started in the immediate postoperative period and the improvement progressed during the period of follow-up.

Conclusions:

Surgery for spinal stabilization can be indicated even in cases that improve in the neurological function.
Outcomes and survival of spinal metastasis with epidural compression
Authors: Candido Priscila Barile Marchi , Peria Fernanda Maris , Pinheiro Rômulo Pedroza , Costa Herton Rodrigo Tavares , Defino Helton Luiz Aaparecido
Published: September 2021

Objective:

The goal of the study was to retrospectively evaluate the demographics, clinical manifestation, outcomes, treatment result, and survival of patients with spinal metastasis with epidural metastasis who underwent surgical treatment.

Materials and Methods:

A retrospective evaluation of 103 patients with spinal metastasis and epidural compression who underwent surgical treatment between 2009 and 2015 was performed. The recorded parameters selected for the study were general demographic data (gender, age, and educational level) and clinical data (primary tumor, performance status according to Karnofsky score, neurological status according to Frankel scale, pain, surgical treatment outcomes, and patient survival).

Results:

The mean age of the patients was 55.28 ± 15.79 years, and spinal metastasis was more frequent in males (61.7%). The two most frequent tumors were malignant breast cancer (26.21%) and prostate cancer (22.33%). Preoperative pain was presented in 96 (94.12%) patients and improvement was observed in 44 (47.31%) patients. Symptoms of spinal cord compression were the initial clinical manifestation of the primary tumor in 35 (33.98%) patients. Neurological deficit was observed in 66 (64.07%) patients, and improvement was observed in 43 (41.74%) patients. Improvement of functional outcome and pain was observed in 34 (37.38%) patients. The mean survival was 12.26 months. Longer survival (mean 19.13 months) was observed in patients who showed improvement in their ability to walk or kept it preserved (Frankel D or E).

Conclusions:

Surgical treatment of spinal metastasis can improve pain and functional activities. Longer survival was observed in patients that keep or recovery the walking ability.
Autonomous lumbar spine pedicle screw planning using machine learning
Authors: Siemionow Kris B. , Forsthoefel Craig W. , Foy Michael P. , Gawel Dominik , Luciano Christian J.
Published: September 2021

Introduction:

Several techniques for pedicle screw placement have been described including freehand techniques, fluoroscopy assisted, computed tomography (CT) guidance, and robotics. Image-guided surgery offers the potential to combine the benefits of CT guidance without the added radiation. This study investigated the ability of a neural network to place lumbar pedicle screws with the correct length, diameter, and angulation autonomously within radiographs without the need for human involvement.

Materials and Methods:

The neural network was trained using a machine learning process. The method combines the previously reported autonomous spine segmentation solution with a landmark localization solution. The pedicle screw placement was evaluated using the Zdichavsky, Ravi, and Gertzbein grading systems.

Results:

In total, the program placed 208 pedicle screws between the L1 and S1 spinal levels. Of the 208 placed pedicle screws, 208 (100%) had a Zdichavsky Score 1A, 206 (99.0%) of all screws were Ravi Grade 1, and Gertzbein Grade A indicating no breech. The final two screws (1.0%) had a Ravi score of 2 (<2 mm breech) and a Gertzbein grade of B (<2 mm breech).

Conclusion:

The results of this experiment can be combined with an image-guided platform to provide an efficient and highly effective method of placing pedicle screws during spinal stabilization surgery.
Pott's puffy tumor: as a very rare and unpredicted complication of ipsilateral pan sinusitis - case presentation and review of articles
Authors: Bofares K.M. , Haqqar Z.A. , Ali I.M.
Published: September 2021

Pott's puffy tumor is considered as a rare clinical entity. It is developed as a rare complication of frontal sinusitis. In addition, the trauma to the frontal area is another suggested cause. The Pott's puffy tumor is presented as a forehead swelling due to sub-periosteal collection. Although, the Pott's puffy tumor is a rare condition but at the same time, it can be serious because it may lead to life threatening complications namely, extradural abscess, subdural abscess, meningitis, encephalitis, and brain abscess. Thus, the Pott's puffy tumor is classified as a very significant surgical emergency.
Factors Associated with Unsuccessful Outcomes of Tuberculosis Treatment in 125 Municipalities in Colombia 2014 to 2016
Authors: Paniagua-Saldarriaga Lizeth Andrea , Pelissari Daniele Maria , Rueda Zulma Vanessa
Published: September 2021

Our aim was to identify the risk factors associated with unsuccessful outcomes of tuberculosis (TB) treatment in patients diagnosed between 2014 and 2016 in the 125 municipalities of Antioquia, Colombia. We studied a retrospective cohort of patients with TB diagnosed between 2014 and 2016, from national routine surveillance systems, in 125 municipalities of Antioquia. Factors associated with unsuccessful tuberculosis treatment outcomes (treatment failed, lost to follow up, or death) were identified utilizing a Poisson regression with robust variance. Over 3 years, of the 6,739 drug-susceptible tuberculosis patients, 73.4% had successful treatment and 26.6% unsuccessful outcomes (17% lost to follow up, 8.9% deaths, and 0.7% treatment failures). Patients with subsidized health insurance (Relative risk [RR]: 2.4; 95% CI: 2.1–2.8) and without health insurance (RR: 2.5; 95% CI: 2.1–3.0) had a higher risk for unsuccessful tuberculosis treatment compared to those with contributive health insurance. Other risk factors included age over 15 years, male sex, homelessness, people living with HIV, previous treatment, and primary diagnosis during hospitalization. Protective factors were living in a rural area and extrapulmonary disease. It is important to generate strategies that improves tuberculosis diagnosis in primary healthcare institutions. In addition, it is imperative to initiate new research about the barriers and obstacles related to patients, healthcare workers and services, and the health system, including the analysis of urban violence, to understand why the goal of TB treatment success has not been reached.
Prevalence and Factors Associated with Maternal Group B Streptococcus Colonization in Madagascar and Senegal
Authors: Jung Yu-Jin , Huynh Bich-Tram , Seck Abdoulaye , Bercion Raymond , Sarr Fatoumata Diene , Herindrainy Perlinot , Diouf Jean-Baptiste , Andrianirina Zafitsara Zo , Firon Arnaud , Trieu-Cuot Patrick , Goyet Sophie , Collard Jean-Marc , Delarocque-Astagneau Elisabeth , Guillemot Didier , Vray Muriel , _ _
Published: September 2021

Maternal group B Streptococcus (GBS) colonization is a major risk factor for neonatal GBS infection. However, data on GBS are scarce in low- and middle-income countries. Using sociodemographic data and vaginal swabs collected from an international cohort of mothers and newborns, this study aimed to estimate the prevalence of GBS colonization among pregnant women in Madagascar (n = 1,603) and Senegal (n = 616). The prevalence was 5.0% (95% CI, 3.9–6.1) and 16.1% (95% CI, 13.1–19.0) in Madagascar and Senegal, respectively. No factors among sociodemographic characteristics, living conditions, and obstetric history were found to be associated independently with GBS colonization in both countries. This community-based study provides one of the first estimates of maternal GBS colonization among pregnant women from Madagascar and Senegal.
Bite Injuries among Vaccination Staff Participating in a Mass Canine Rabies Vaccination Campaign, Haiti 2016–2017
Authors: Kirkhope Rudy T. , Gibson Andrew D. , Augustin Pierre Dilius , Crowdis Kelly , Fénelon Natael , MacLeod Ewan T. , Vigilato Marco A. N. , Pieracci Emily G. , Wallace Ryan M.
Published: September 2021

Elimination of dog-transmitted human rabies worldwide will require large-scale dog vaccination campaigns. However, this places participating vaccinators at increased risk. Data from the 2016–2017 Haitian mass rabies vaccination campaign was analyzed to determine dog bite incidence among vaccinators. A survey was then developed for completion by all identifiable bitten vaccinators covering demographics; experience and training; bite episode details; attitudes toward dogs and rabies; and medical care. A parallel group of unbitten vaccinators was also surveyed. Dog bite incidence was 0.03% (43/127,000) of all dogs vaccinated. The capture, vaccinate, and release method of vaccination carried a significantly higher risk of dog bite (0.35%, 6/1,739 vaccinations) than other methods (P < 0.001). Twenty-seven bitten vaccinators, and 54 control vaccinators were included in the survey analysis. No differences were found between groups in demographics, experience, or training. However, bitten vaccinators were significantly more likely than the control group to have experienced a dog bite before the study period (P < 0.001). This may be associated with a lesser appreciation of dogs, and/or a poorer ability to interpret dog behavioral signals within this group. Although 98% of the control group indicated they would seek medical care for a dog bite, only 35% of bitten vaccinators sought such care. On a yearly basis, for the Haitian campaign, a full series of postexposure rabies vaccinations for all bite victims would prove more cost-effective than preexposure vaccination of all vaccinators. These findings may prove useful for the planning and safety of future mass dog vaccination campaigns.
A Systematic Review of the Evidence on the Effectiveness and Cost-Effectiveness of Mass Screen-and-Treat Interventions for Malaria Control
Authors: Kim Sooyoung , Luande Verah Nafula , Rocklöv Joacim , Carlton Jane M. , Tozan Yesim
Published: September 2021

Malaria elimination and eradication efforts have stalled globally. Further, asymptomatic infections as silent transmission reservoirs are considered a major challenge to malaria elimination efforts. There is increased interest in a mass screen-and-treat (MSAT) strategy as an alternative to mass drug administration to reduce malaria burden and transmission in endemic settings. This study systematically synthesized the existing evidence on MSAT, from both epidemiological and economic perspectives. Searches were conducted on six databases (PubMed, EMBASE, CINALH, Web of Science, Global Health, and Google Scholar) between October and December 2020. Only experimental and quasi-experimental studies assessing the effectiveness and/or cost-effectiveness of MSAT in reducing malaria prevalence or incidence were included. Of the 2,424 citation hits, 14 studies based on 11 intervention trials were eligible. Eight trials were conducted in sub-Saharan Africa and three trials in Asia. While five trials targeted the community as a whole, pregnant women were targeted in five trials, and school children in one trial. Transmission setting, frequency, and timing of MSAT rounds, and measured outcomes varied across studies. The pooled effect size of MSAT in reducing malaria incidence and prevalence was marginal and statistically nonsignificant. Only one study conducted an economic evaluation of the intervention and found it to be cost-effective when compared with the standard of care of no MSAT. We concluded that the evidence for implementing MSAT as part of a routine malaria control program is growing but limited. More research is necessary on its short- and longer-term impacts on clinical malaria and malaria transmission and its economic value.
O vere ius summum, summa malitia: Poskus žanrske opredelitve in namembnosti Hieronimove Ep. 1
Authors: Iljaš Domen , Špelič OFM Miran
Published: September 2021

Razprava se ukvarja z analizo prvega pisma iz Hieronimove korespondence. Avtor je imel do njega očitno ambivalenten odnos, kar kliče k iskanju večplastne sporočilnosti spisa. Po poskusu datacije, retorični in slogovni analizi ter predstavitvi osnovne zgodbe, ki je vključena vanj, se pokaže, da je pismo kljub navidezni hagiografski šablonskosti vsebinsko bogato. Analiza se zato nadaljuje na dveh področjih. Kraj dogajanja, poznoantično mesto, ne more preživeti brez nove vodilne osebnosti, škofa. Je s pismom Hieronim želel tlakovati pot na vercelski škofovski sedež prijatelju Evagriju iz Antiohije? Ob analizi nejasnih spolnih identitet obeh glavnih oseb iz zgodbe, nemoškega mladeniča in moško neuklonljive ženske, se pokaže, da je Hieronim v novem času iskal nov krščanski ideal, meništvo, ki ga je preko te zgodbe umestil v kontinuiteto z mučeništvom.
Laconicum Europae speculum – Lakonsko ogledalo Evrope
Authors: Decker mlajši Paul , Janžekovič Izidor
Published: September 2021

V prvi polovici 18. stoletja je bila objavljena serija devetih oziroma desetih latinskih tiskov z naslovom Lakonsko ogledalo Evrope (Laconicum Europae speculum). Podobe z napisi je zasnoval Paul Decker mlajši (1685-1742), Johann Wolfgang Baumgartner (1709-1761) je postavil le tisk za Nizozemca, same bakroreze so izdelali različni bakrorezci (Christian Friedrich Lottes, Johann Georg Pinz, Philipp Andreas Kilian, Andreas Hoffer), uredil in izdal pa jih je Martin Engelbrecht (1684–1756) v Augsburgu okrog leta 1730. Celotni naslov je daljši, Lakonsko ogledalo Evrope, v katerem je brez predsodkov, posmehovanja ali zaničevanja predstavljenih njenih devet posebej uglednih narodov in ljudstev, ki se v določenih lastnostih in znamenjih razlikujejo, vse zaradi radovednosti in zabave (Laconicum Europae speculum: quo IX. illius praecipuae nationes et populi, absque omni praeiudicio, ludibrio et opprobrio, saltem curiositatis et oblectationis gratia, certis characteribus et symbolis discernuntur, ob oculos positum).1 V naslovu je torej pojasnjen tudi razlog za nastanek teh tiskov, izšli so ≫zaradi radovednosti in zabave≪ (curiositatis et oblectationis gratia). Podobno kot ostale razpredelnice ljudstev ti bakrorezi niso bili mišljeni kot predstavitev realnih podob, temveč so bili namenjeni tudi zabavi.
Homerske himne v slovenščini
Authors: Šinigoj Boris
Published: September 2021

Integralni komentirani prevod Homerskih himn, ki jih zdaj prvikrat lahko beremo v slovenskem jeziku, je sredi prevladujočega trivialnega slovstva in pojemajočega duha v slovenski kulturi nedvomno izjemen dosežek tako na področju navdihnjenega oživljanja antičnega izročila kot tudi subtilnega ohranjanja in negovanja zbornega poetičnega jezika. V njem izpričuje osupljiv prevajalski talent in redko dovzetnost za religiozno intonacijo grških himničnih poezij, ki se sicer slogovno vpisujejo v Homerjevo epsko izročilo, najmlajša generacija klasičnih filologinj in filologov, ki so smelo zastavili skupni prevajalski projekt pod mentorstvom profesorja in urednika izdaje Braneta Senegačnika, tudi avtorja poglobljenih spremnih besedil ≫Homerske himne: mostovi med ljudmi in bogovi≪ in ≫Misteriji, ki so za zmeraj ostali misteriji≪.
Antimicrobial Activity of Bidens pilosa Leaves Extracts Against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli
Authors: Mohamed S.A. , Mathew C.
Published: September 2021

Resistance against synthetic antimicrobial agents is one of the major global public health challenges that compel scientists to search for alternatives including those of plants origin. Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli are bacteria responsible for a variety of infections and diseases that causes significant morbidity and mortality in humans and animals. E. coli is widely distributed in nature and commonly found in lower gastro intestinal tracts of most warm-blooded animals associated with urinary tract infections and enterocolitis in humans and colibacillosis in poultry. This study was carried out to investigate antimicrobial activity of methanolic leaf extracts of Bidens pilosa against S. aureus and E. coli. Agar well diffusion method was used to assess antimicrobial activity of the leaf extracts at 20%, 50% and 70% concentrations respectively based on measured zone of inhibition. The leaf extracts of Bidens pilosa produced significant zone of inhibition indicating its antimicrobial activity against E. coli and S. aureus. The antimicrobial activity was demonstrated in all concentrations however, the highest zone of inhibition (18.5mm and 32mm) for E. coli and S. aureus respectively was at 70% concentration. The results shows that Bidens pilosa leaf extracts have antimicrobial activity against the tested bacteria and have the potential for further development including identification of active components that can be tested for treatment of E. coli and S. aureus associated conditions.
„Wyprawa egzotyczna o charakterze odkrywczym” albo „wyniosła pielgrzymka”. Andyjskie szczyty, polski alpinizm i opowieści o eksploracji gór w I połowie XX wieku
Authors: Kaliszuk Przemysław
Published: September 2021

“Exotic Mountaineering Exploration” or “Solemn Pilgrimage.” Andean Peaks, Polish Mountaineering and Stories of Mountain Exploration in the First Half of the 20th Century The article concerns the stories of two Polish expeditions to the Andes in the 1930s as described in expedition books and personal diaries published between 1934 and 1961. The author analyzes the selected texts in terms of sincerity and authenticity. He considers the extent to which the specific discourses of mountaineers, stretched between personal perspective and the equirements of objectification, fit into modernity’s conceptualizations of sincerity as a paradoxical notion defined by the modern self.
European Agenda on Migration Towards Vulnerable Persons
Authors: Półtorak Magdalena
Published: September 2021

The purpose of the paper is to analyse the European Agenda on Migration from the perspective of people who, for some reason, are susceptible to harm or have found themselves in a challenging situation (i.e. are “vulnerable”), and answer the question of whether the Agenda has taken notice of this issue in any way. The analysis proceeds in five parts. It begins by outlining the complexity of vulnerability with particular emphasis on the role of the adopted perspective and the situation of migrants. Next, it describes the EAM objectives in terms of vulnerable persons. On the basis of several communications, proposals, working documents and reports that the EU has formulated since May 2015, the Agenda’s theoretical assumptions have been compared with their implementation in practice. Part four attempts to answer whether the influence of the COVID-19 pandemic on the situation of vulnerable migrants has been reflected in EU operational documents. The final part presents the New Pact on Migration and Asylum (as the latest achievement in the discussed area) with particular attention paid to vulnerable persons. The research was based predominantly on official EU documents, binding and non-binding, and the latest literature on the subject.
Przerzut migrantów przez polską wschodnią granicę – studium przypadku
Authors: Perkowska Magdalena
Published: September 2021

Celem artykułu jest przedstawienie mechanizmu działania zorganizowanych grup przestępczych, które podejmują się ułatwiania przekraczania granicy państwa wbrew przepisom. Rozważania oparto o analizę dokonaną na podstawie studium przypadku sprawy karnej, w której sprawcy zostali skazani za organizowanie innym osobom przekraczania wschodniej granicy Polski wbrew przepisom, podjęte w ramach zorganizowanej grupy przestępczej. Zweryfikowano, czy zgodnie z doniesieniami Straży Granicznej oraz Komisji Europejskiej w analizowanym przypadku mamy do czynienia z działaniem międzynarodowej transgranicznej grupy przestępczej, czy jedynie siatki lokalnych grup przestępczych funkcjonujących na obszarze poszczególnych państw i współpracujących ze sobą. Na podstawie przyjętej metody badawczej ukazano strukturę oraz sposób działania grupy. Część rozważań poświęcono reakcji prawnokarnej na zjawisko głównie w oparciu o wysokość orzeczonych kar przez wymiar sprawiedliwości. Dokonano analizy orzeczonych kar w przedmiotowej sprawie i porównano je z polityką karną polskiego wymiaru sprawiedliwości w zakresie art. 264 § 32 i 2583 kk. Wysokość orzeczonych kar zestawiono z postulatami wynikającymi z implementacji prawa Unii Europejskiej. Migrant Smuggling Through Poland’s Eastern Border – the Case Study The aim of the article is to present a mechanism for the operation of organised crime groups which undertake to facilitate the crossing of a state border against the rules. The deliberations were based on an analysis made on the basis of a case study of a criminal case in which the perpetrators were convicted of organising the crossing of Poland’s eastern border by other people in contravention of regulations, undertaken as part of an organised criminal group. It was verified whether, according to reports from the Border Guard and the European Commission, we are dealing with the activity of international cross-border criminal group or only with network of local criminal groups operating on the territory of individual countries and cooperating with each other. On the basis of the research method adopted, the structure of the group, its mode of operation and the characteristics of foreigners were shown. Part of the deliberations was devoted to the criminal law reaction to the phenomenon mainly based on the level of penalties imposed by the justice system. The penalties imposed in the case in question were analysed and compared with the criminal policy of the Polish justice system within the scope of Article 264 § 3 and 258 of the Criminal Code. This was juxtaposed with the postulates resulting from the implementation of European Union law.
The Impact of Popular Culture Fandom on the Quality of Life of Visitors to Comic Con Africa 2019
Authors: Venter Dewald , Erasmus Tanya
Published: September 2021

This study aimed to establish the effects that travel motives and life domains have on visitors’ quality-of-life. Based on the setting, a convenience sampling technique was used in which fieldworkers administered the questionnaire to visitors at Comic Con Africa 2019. Data from 433 (N) completed questionnaires were captured regarding their travel motives, life domains, life domains overall, and quality-of-life affect, and analysed. A structural equation modelling analysis indicated a positive linear relationship between the visitors’ travel motives, life domains measured, life domains overall, and quality-of-life; all of which attained good composite reliabilities. The findings indicate that travel motives have an influence on visitors’ life domains, positive and negative, relevant to their perceived importance. Overall, a visit to this pop culture event had a positive effect on visitors’ quality-of-life. Based on the visitor demographics, social media marketing should be aimed at niche lifestyle aspects that are most enticing to visitor’s pop culture life. The approach would most likely appeal to the markets’ higher-order needs, which could increase visitor numbers and help improve their quality-of-life overall. This research opened the door to the new pop culture life domain, and contributes to the literature and methodology in tourism, life domains and quality-of-life.
Aspek Reproduksi Ikan Nyalian (Barbodes binotatus Valenciennes, 1842) di Danau Tamblingan
Authors: Putri Ni Made Sita Aditya , Pertami Nyoman Dati , Kartika Gde Raka Angga
Published: September 2021

Aspek reproduksi ikan nyalian (Barbodes binotatus Valenciennes, 1842) di Danau Tamblingan belum diketahui, sehingga upaya pengelolaan sumber daya ikan ini belum dapat dilakukan. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui aspek reproduksi ikan nyalian di Danau Tamblingan. Sampling dilakukan kurun waktu Januari-Juni 2019. Penelitian ini menggunakan metode deskriptif dan kuantitatif. Pengambilan sampel menggunakan metode purposive sampling di lima titik stasiun. Pengambilan sampel dilakukan satu kali pada setiap bulan. Alat tangkap yang digunakan adalah jaring insang yang memiliki ukuran mata jaring 0,5; 1,0; 1,5; 2,0; 2,5; 3,0 cm. Sampel ikan nyalian yang ditemukan selama pengambilan data sebanyak 208 individu. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa perbandingan antara nisbah kelamin ikan nyalian jantan dan betina yaitu 1,17:1 yang menunjukkan nisbah kelamin seimbang. Tingkat kematangan gonad (TKG) ikan jantan lebih bervariasi (I-IV), dibandingkan ikan betinanya (III dan IV). Rata-rata indeks kematangan gonad (IKG) tertinggi (jantan dan betina) ditemukan pada bulan Maret dan terendah pada bulan Januari. Fekunditasnya berkisar antara 57-23.897 butir.