bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Results of the National Contraception Survey Conducted by Sociedad Española de Contracepción (2020)
Authors: Leon-Larios Fatima , Gutiérrez Ales José , Puente Martínez María José , Correa Rancel Marta , Lahoz Pascual Isabel , Silva Reus Isabel , Quílez Conde José Cruz
Published: June 2022

Background: The National Contraception Survey conducted by Sociedad Española de Contracepción intends to know the sexual and contraceptive habits of Spanish women of reproductive age. Methods: A descriptive and cross-sectional study with random sample selection was conducted with women aged from 14 to 49 years old in July and August 2020. Results: A total of 1801 women participated in the study, of which 78.7% used some contraception method during their sexual relationships. The most frequently used methods were condoms (31.3%) and combined oral contraceptives (18.5%) at their last sexual encounter. A total of 25.7% used both condoms and pills, especially younger women and those who had no steady partners (p < 0.001). Use of Long-acting Reversible Contraceptives continues to be low, although a slight increase in their use is observed, and they are recommended for 50% of the users who need contraception. Counselling on contraception was provided to 64.3% of the women, mainly by their gynaecologists. Regarding the decision to use a contraceptive method, the one suggested by health professionals was more influential, although this was not the case for women aged less than 20 years old (p < 0.001). A total of 38.4% of the women have used emergency oral contraception at least once and 66.8% of those who do not make continuous use of contraception methods do so out of personal choice. Conclusions: It is necessary to deepen work on counselling and awareness among the population towards the use of efficient contraceptive methods that prevent unplanned pregnancies.
Stroke Risk in Patients with Gout: A Nationwide Retrospective Cohort Study in Taiwan
Authors: Tsai Ping-Han , Kuo Chang-Fu , See Lai-Chu , Li Pei-Ru , Chen Jung-Sheng , Tseng Wen-Yi
Published: June 2022

Objectives: To estimate stroke risk in Taiwanese patients with gout. Methods: We enrolled patients from the Taiwan National Health Insurance Database, with gout diagnosed from 2000 to 2008, and followed them up until December 2018. This cohort was propensity score-matched according to birth year, sex, the date of diagnosis of gout, comorbidities, and co-medications with individuals without gout (controls) (n = 310,820 in each group). Stroke was defined as the primary diagnosis at discharge after the index date. To evaluate ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke risks, we calculated their incidence, hazard ratio (HR), and two-year moving average incidence rate. Results: The incidence (95% CI) and HR of ischemic stroke were lower in the gout group than in the control group in the first 3 years (incidence: 4.74 [4.60–4.88] vs. 5.17 [5.03–5.32] per 1000 person-years; HR: 0.92 [0.88–0.96]), then became significantly higher than in the control group after 3 years (incidence: 4.10 [4.04–4.16] vs. 3.81 [3.75–3.87] per 1000 person-years; HR: 1.08 [1.05–1.10]). Similarly, the incidence (95% CI) and HR of hemorrhagic stroke was lower in the gout group than in the control group in the first 3 years (incidence: 1.51 [1.43–1.59] vs. 1.70 [1.62–1.79] per 1000 person-years; HR: 0.88 [0.82–0.92]), then became significantly higher than in controls after 3 years (incidence: 1.43 [1.39–1.46] vs. 1.26 [1.22–1.29] per 1000 person-years; HR: 1.14 [1.10–1.18]). Conclusions: In Taiwan, patients with gout had higher risks of ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke after 3 years.
Hand Assisted Laparoscopic Surgery for Colorectal Cancer: Surgical and Oncological Outcomes from a Single Tertiary Referral Centre
Authors: Samalavicius Narimantas Evaldas , Kuliesius Zygimantas , Samalavičius Robertas Stasys , Tikuisis Renatas , Smolskas Edgaras , Gricius Zilvinas , Kavaliauskas Povilas , Dulskas Audrius
Published: June 2022

The aim of this study was to report overall experience, perioperative and long-term survival results in a single tertiary referral center in Lithuania with hand assisted laparoscopic surgery (HALS) for colorectal cancer. A prospectively maintained database included 467 patients who underwent HALS for left-sided colon and rectal cancer, from April 2006 to October 2016. All those operations were performed by three consultant surgeons and nine surgical residents, in all cases assisted by one of the same consultant surgeons. There were 230 (49.25%) females, with an average age of 64 ± 9.7 years (range, 26–91 years). The procedures performed included 170 (36.4%) anterior rectal resections with partial mesorectal excision, 160 (34.26%) sigmoid colectomies, 81 (17.35%) left hemicolectomies, 45 (9.64%) low anterior rectal resections with total mesorectal excision, and 11 (2.25%) other procedures. Stage I colorectal cancer was found in 140 (29.98%) patients, 139 (29.76%) stage II, 152 (32.55%) stage III and 36 (7.71%) stage IV. There were five conversions to open surgery (1.1%). The mean postoperative hospital stay was 6.9 ± 3.4 days (range, 1–30 days). In total, 33 (7.06%) patients developed postoperative complications. The most common complications were small bowel obstruction (n = 6), anastomotic leakage (n = 5), intraabdominal abscess (n = 4) and dysuria (n = 4). There were two postoperative deaths (0.43%). Overall, 5-year survival for all TNM stages was 85.7%, 93.2% for stage I, 88.5% for stage II and 76.3% for stage III. Hand assisted colorectal surgery for left-sided colon and rectal cancer in a single tertiary referral center was feasible and safe, having all the advantages of minimally invasive surgery, with good perioperative parameters, adequate oncological quality and excellent survival.
Exploring Yeast Diversity to Produce Lipid-Based Biofuels from Agro-Forestry and Industrial Organic Residues
Authors: Mota Marta , Múgica Paula , Sá-Correia Isabel
Published: June 2022

Exploration of yeast diversity for the sustainable production of biofuels, in particular biodiesel, is gaining momentum in recent years. However, sustainable, and economically viable bioprocesses require yeast strains exhibiting: (i) high tolerance to multiple bioprocess-related stresses, including the various chemical inhibitors present in hydrolysates from lignocellulosic biomass and residues; (ii) the ability to efficiently consume all the major carbon sources present; (iii) the capacity to produce lipids with adequate composition in high yields. More than 160 non-conventional (non-Saccharomyces) yeast species are described as oleaginous, but only a smaller group are relatively well characterised, including Lipomyces starkeyi, Yarrowia lipolytica, Rhodotorula toruloides, Rhodotorula glutinis, Cutaneotrichosporonoleaginosus and Cutaneotrichosporon cutaneum. This article provides an overview of lipid production by oleaginous yeasts focusing on yeast diversity, metabolism, and other microbiological issues related to the toxicity and tolerance to multiple challenging stresses limiting bioprocess performance. This is essential knowledge to better understand and guide the rational improvement of yeast performance either by genetic manipulation or by exploring yeast physiology and optimal process conditions. Examples gathered from the literature showing the potential of different oleaginous yeasts/process conditions to produce oils for biodiesel from agro-forestry and industrial organic residues are provided.
Triazole Derivatives Target 14α–Demethylase (LDM) Enzyme in Candida albicans Causing Ergosterol Biosynthesis Inhibition
Authors: Rather Irfan A. , Sabir Jamal S. M. , Asseri Amer H. , Wani Mohmmad Younus , Ahmad Aijaz
Published: June 2022

Candida albicans is the most dominant and prevalent cause of fungal infections in humans. Azoles are considered as first-line drugs for the treatment of these infections. However, their prolonged and insistent use has led to multidrug resistance and treatment failures. To overcome this, modification or derivatization of the azole ring has led to the development of new and effective antifungal molecules. In a previous study, we reported on the development of new triazole-based molecules as potential antifungal agents against Candida auris. In this study, the most potent molecules from the previous study were docked and simulated with lanosterol 14-alpha demethylase enzyme. These compounds were further evaluated for in vitro susceptibility testing against C. albicans. In silico results revealed favorable structural dynamics of the compounds, implying that the compounds would be able to effectively bind to the target enzyme, which was further manifested by the strong interaction of the test compounds with the amino acid residues of the target enzyme. In vitro studies targeting quantification of ergosterol content revealed that pta1 was the most active compound and inhibited ergosterol production by >90% in both drug-susceptible and resistant C. albicans isolates. Furthermore, RT-qPCR results revealed downregulation of ERG11 gene when C. albicans cells were treated with the test compound, which aligns with the decreased ergosterol content. In addition, the active triazole derivatives were also found to be potent inhibitors of biofilm formation. Both in silico and in vitro results indicate that these triazole derivatives have the potential to be taken to the next level of antifungal drug development.
Neighboring Effects on Ecological Functions: A New Approach and Application in Urbanizing China
Authors: Peng Rongxi , Cao Guangzhong , Liu Tao
Published: June 2022

Rapid urbanization has widely induced fragmented landscapes and further negatively affected ecological functions. The edge effect is an approach commonly used to investigate these negative impacts. However, edge effect research tends to focus on the impacts that a certain landscape receives from its adjacent lands rather than to assess all the influences of the landscape edges in a region, even though the latter is critical for regional ecological planning. To fill in this gap, the concept of neighboring effect is raised and analyzed in this paper with a case study of Xintai City in Northern China. Results show that the neighboring effects are generally negative for ecological functions, especially in regions that experience rapid urbanization or heavy human activities. The U-shaped relationship between the neighboring effect of a patch and its distance to the nearest township center indicates that the border region of urban and built-up areas suffers the most negative influences due to the intense interactions between different land uses. The heterogeneous effects of influencing factors in urban and rural areas were revealed by the regression results. Socioeconomic development has more important influence on neighboring effects on ecological functions in rural areas than in urban areas, and local cadres’ support of environmental protection matters only in rural areas for a less ecological functional loss. This study quantitatively examined the negative ecological effects of landscape fragmentation during rapid urbanization and calls for more attention to ecological planning at the local scale.
North–South Dialogue on Territorial Policies and Discourses: Insights for the Future of Nature Conservation
Authors: Degele Pamela E. , Pedregal Belén
Published: June 2022

Environmental issues such as the progressive loss of biodiversity on a global scale and climate change cannot be separated from other territorial problems caused by social injustice, economic inequality, access to natural resources, gender violence and the fight for human and nature’s rights. The evaluation of biodiversity management strategies must by necessity draw on a retrospective look at the interpretation of the problem and the conceptual approach of the general territorial management policies in which they are framed. From a critical view, these approaches have different nuances depending on the historical journey, theories and main actors involved with territorial policies in different regions of the world. In this work, we apply qualitative content analysis to contrast the key concepts on which the main European territorial policies of recent decades have been based with the main guidelines of the emerging Latin American territorial perspectives. Thus, we seek to initiate a dialogue between the northern hemisphere’s globally hegemonic notions of nature, territory, biodiversity and its management and new theories and proposals from the South, whilst simultaneously contrasting both with the content of the latest Convention on Biological Biodiversity Strategic Plan 2011–2020. We conclude with some recommendations aimed at building bridges and contributing to the construction of future global conservation strategies from a critical and territorial perspective that tends towards integrating sustainability with social and environmental justice.
Exploring Quercetin Anti-Osteoporosis Pharmacological Mechanisms with In Silico and In Vivo Models
Authors: Hu Ying , Yuan Wei , Cai Na , Jia Kun , Meng Yunlong , Wang Fei , Ge Yurui , Lu Huiqiang
Published: June 2022

Since osteoporosis critically influences the lives of patients with a high incidence, effective therapeutic treatments are important. Quercetin has been well recognized as a bone-sparing agent and thus the underlying mechanisms warrant further investigation. In the current study, the network pharmacology strategy and zebrafish model were utilized to explain the potential pharmacological effects of quercetin on osteoporosis. The potential targets and related signaling pathways were explored through overlapping target prediction, protein–protein interaction network construction, and functional enrichment analysis. Furthermore, we performed docking studies to verify the specific interactions between quercetin and crucial targets. Consequently, 55 targets were related to osteoporosis disease among the 159 targets of quercetin obtained by three database sources. Thirty hub targets were filtered through the cytoNCA plugin. Additionally, the Gene Ontology functions in the top 10 respective biological processes, molecular functions, and cell components as well as the top 20 Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathways were depicted. The most significance difference in the KEGG pathways was the TNF signaling pathway, consisting of the Nuclear Factor Kappa B Subunit (NF-κB), Extracellular Regulated Protein Kinases (ERK) 1/2, Activator Protein 1 (AP-1), Interleukin 6 (IL6), Transcription factor AP-1 (Jun), and Phosphatidylinositol 3 Kinase (PI3K), which were probably involved in the pharmacological effects. Moreover, molecular docking studies revealed that the top three entries were Interleukin 1 Beta (IL1B), the Nuclear Factor NF-Kappa-B p65 Subunit (RelA), and the Nuclear Factor Kappa B Subunit 1 (NFKB1), respectively. Finally, these results were verified by alizarin red-stained mineralized bone in zebrafish and related qPCR experiments. The findings probably facilitate the mechanism elucidation related to quercetin anti-osteoporosis action.
Vibration Control of Disturbed All-Clamped Plate with an Inertial Actuator Based on Cascade Active Disturbance Rejection Control
Authors: Zhang Luyao , Li Juan , Li Shengquan , Gu Renjing
Published: June 2022

In this paper, active disturbance rejection control (ADRC) is applied to the vibration control of the all-clamped plate structure with an inertial actuator. Knowing that modeling uncertainties, dynamic nonlinearities and multivariable couplings are often the major causes of a downgrading performance and instability, a cascade ADRC controller is, hence, utilized to mitigate the effects of these issues. The dynamics regarding the all-clamped plate structure and inertial actuator are obtained through theoretical analysis and experimental testing. Furthermore, the real-time control experimental verification is carried out on the hardware-in-the-loop platform based on the NI PCIe-6343 data acquisition card. The comparative experimental results show that the proposed cascade ADRC controller has a better vibration suppression performance, disturbance rejection performance and decoupling ability.
Virtual and Real Bidirectional Driving System for the Synchronization of Manipulations in Robotic Joint Surgeries
Authors: Qin Yanding , Ma Mingqian , Shen Lin , Wang Hongpeng , Han Jianda
Published: June 2022

Surgical robots are increasingly important in orthopedic surgeries to assist or replace surgeons in completing operations. During joint surgeries, the patient’s joint needs to be adjusted several times by the surgeon. Therefore, the virtual model, built on the preoperative medical images, cannot match the actual variation of the patient’s joint during the surgery. Conventional virtual reality techniques cannot fully satisfy the requirements of the joint surgeries. This paper proposes a real and virtual bidirectional driving method to synchronize the manipulations in both the real operation site and the virtual scene. The dynamic digital twin of the patient’s joint is obtained by decoupling the joint and dynamically updating its pose via the intraoperative measurements. During surgery, the surgeon can intuitively monitor the real-time position of the patient and the surgical tool through the system and can also manipulate the surgical robot in the virtual scene. In addition, the system can provide visual guidance to the surgeon when the patient’s joint is adjusted. A prototype system is developed for orthopedic surgeries. Proof-of-concept joint surgery demo is carried out to verify the effectiveness of the proposed method. Experimental results show that the proposed system can synchronize the manipulations in both the real operation site and the virtual scene, thus realizing the bidirectional driving.
Integrating Trajectory Planning with Kinematic Analysis and Joint Torques Estimation for an Industrial Robot Used in Incremental Forming Operations
Authors: Racz Sever-Gabriel , Crenganiș Mihai , Breaz Radu-Eugen , Bârsan Alexandru , Gîrjob Claudia-Emilia , Biriș Cristina-Maria , Tera Melania
Published: June 2022

Robot manufacturing involves continuous path control, which is now available for both robotic controllers and CAM software packages. However, CAM solutions are focused on generating the code for the robotic structure to follow the toolpath, without taking into consideration the dynamics and energy consumption. In this study, robot incremental forming was considered as the manufacturing process, and a simulation model, based upon Matlab-Simulink Simscape Multibody technology, was developed. The proposed model was fed with the trajectory information generated by the CAM program, and using an inverse kinematics function, it was able to generate the commands to drive the robotic structure on the technological toolpaths. The model was also used to study the dynamic behavior of the robot; external experimental data from a 3D force sensor were fed to the model to include the influence of the technological forces which appeared during the incremental forming process. Thus, using the proposed model in conjunction with the external CAM software, the influence of the workpiece position upon the joint torques could be estimated, opening the way for future optimization. The shortcomings of the model, mainly involving inaccurate information with regard to the physical properties of the robotic structure, were addressed by subtracting the dry-run joint torques from those obtained from the technological process.
Non-Existence of Real Hypersurfaces with Parallel Structure Jacobi Operator in S6(1)
Authors: Antić Miroslava , Kocić Djordje
Published: June 2022

It is well known that the sphere S6(1) admits an almost complex structure J which is nearly Kähler. If M is a hypersurface of an almost Hermitian manifold with a unit normal vector field N, the tangent vector field ξ=−JN is said to be characteristic or the Reeb vector field. The Jacobi operator with respect to ξ is called the structure Jacobi operator, and is denoted by l=R(·,ξ)ξ, where R is the curvature tensor on M. The study of Riemannian submanifolds in different ambient spaces by means of their Jacobi operators has been highly active in recent years. In particular, many recent results deal with questions around the existence of hypersurfaces with a structure Jacobi operator that satisfies conditions related to their parallelism. In the present paper, we study the parallelism of the structure Jacobi operator of real hypersurfaces in the nearly Kähler sphere S6(1). More precisely, we prove that such real hypersurfaces do not exist.
Role of Natural Compounds and Target Enzymes in the Treatment of Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Wang Shanshan , Kong Xianbo , Chen Zhangjing , Wang Guopin , Zhang Juan , Wang Jing
Published: June 2022

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a progressive neurological condition. The rising prevalence of AD necessitates the rapid development of efficient therapy options. Despite substantial study, only a few medications are capable of delaying the disease. Several substances with pharmacological activity, derived from plants, have been shown to have positive benefits for the treatment of AD by targeting various enzymes, such as acetylcholinesterase (AChE), butyrylcholinesterase (BuChE), β-secretase, γ-secretase, and monoamine oxidases (MAOs), which are discussed as potential targets. Medicinal plants have already contributed a number of lead molecules to medicine development, with many of them currently undergoing clinical trials. A variety of medicinal plants have been shown to diminish the degenerative symptoms associated with AD, either in their raw form or as isolated compounds. The aim of this review was to provide a brief summary of AD and its current therapies, followed by a discussion of the natural compounds examined as therapeutic agents and the processes underlying the positive effects, particularly the management of AD.
Flexible Image Reconstruction in the Orbital Angular Momentum Holography with Binarized Airy Lens
Authors: Wang Feili , Zhang Xiangchao , Xiong Rui , Ma Xinyang , Yuan He , Li Leheng , Jiang Xiangqian
Published: June 2022

The orbital angular momentum (OAM) holography has been marked a path to achieving ultrahigh capacity holographic information systems. However, the practical applicability of the OAM holography is limited by the complicated optical setup and unadjustable image intensity and position. Here, a decoding method is proposed by using a binarized phase map derived from an autofocusing Airy beam. By adjusting the parameters of the phase map, the position and intensity distribution of the reconstructed image become flexibly adjustable. In addition, the cross-talk between different image channels can be effectively reduced thanks to the abruptly autofocusing capability of the Airy beams. As a result, the quality and practicability of the OAM holography can be greatly enhanced.
Changes in the Activity of the CLE41/PXY/WOX Signaling Pathway in the Birch Cambial Zone under Different Xylogenesis Patterns
Authors: Galibina Natalia A. , Moshchenskaya Yulia L. , Tarelkina Tatiana V. , Chirva Olga V. , Nikerova Kseniya M. , Serkova Aleksandra A. , Semenova Ludmila I. , Ivanova Diana S.
Published: June 2022

The balance between cell proliferation and differentiation into other cell types is crucial for meristem indeterminacy, and both growth aspects are under genetic control. The peptide-receptor signaling module regulates the activity of the cambial stem cells and the differentiation of their derivatives, along with cytokinins and auxin. We identified the genes encoding the signaling module CLE41-PXY and the regulator of vascular cambium division WOX4 and studied their expression during the period of cambial growth in the radial row: the conducting phloem/cambial zone and the differentiating xylem in two forms of Betula pendula, silver birch and Karelian birch. We have shown that the expression maximum of the BpCLE41/44a gene precedes the expression maximum of the BpPXY gene. Non-figured Karelian birch plants with straight-grained wood are characterized by a more intensive growth and the high expression of CLE41/44-PXY-WOX4. Figured Karelian birch plants, where the disturbed ratio and spatial orientation of structural elements characterizes the wood, have high levels of BpWOX4 expression and a decrease in xylem growth as well as the formation of xylem with a lower vessel density. The mutual influences of CLE41-PXY signaling and auxin signaling on WOX4 gene activity and the proliferation of cambium stem cells are discussed.
High Pollination Deficit and Strong Dependence on Honeybees in Pollination of Korla Fragrant Pear, Pyrus sinkiangensis
Authors: Li Qian , Sun Mengxiao , Liu Yangtian , Liu Bing , Bianchi Felix J. J. A. , van der Werf Wopke , Lu Yanhui
Published: June 2022

Pollination deficits can compromise fruit yield and quality and have been reported in several fruit crops. It is unknown whether there is a pollination deficit in the production of Korla fragrant pear, Pyrus sinkiangensis, in China, and if so, whether this deficit can be mitigated by the use of managed honeybees (Apis mellifera). We assessed insect communities, flower visitation, pollination deficit and honeybee contribution to pear pollination in Korla fragrant pear orchards in Xinjiang, China. Insect communities were monitored using colored pan traps, and pollination deficit was assessed by comparing fruit set with open pollination to that with hand pollination in orchards without beehives from 2018 to 2021. The contribution of honeybees to pollination was assessed by comparing flower visitation, fruit set and fruit quality in pear orchards with and without beehives in 2020 and 2021. In orchards without beehives, wild bees (72%) were the dominant pollinator group in pan traps, followed by honeybees (15%), moths, hoverflies, butterflies and wasps (Vespidae). Fruit set in these orchards was much lower with open pollination (8 ± 2%) than with hand pollination (74 ± 4%). When comparing pollination in orchards with and without beehives in 2020 and 2021, we found that honeybees were responsible for most of the flower visits in orchards with (96%) and without beehives (66%). Wild bees were responsible for 1% and 6% of flower visits in orchards with and without beehives, respectively. Fruit set was significantly higher in orchards with beehives (38 ± 9%) than in orchards without beehives (12 ± 3%), while fruit set and sugar content were positively associated with pollinator visitation rate. The findings reveal a large pollination deficit in Korla fragrant pear orchards, and show that this deficit can be mitigated using managed honeybees.
Leaf Eco-Physiological Profile and Berries Technological Traits on Potted Vitis vinifera L. cv Pinot Noir Subordinated to Zeolite Treatments under Drought Stress
Authors: Cataldo Eleonora , Fucile Maddalena , Mattii Giovan Battista
Published: June 2022

In Mediterranean areas, extreme weather conditions such as high diurnal temperatures during the growing season could tweak vine physiology and metabolism, affecting grapes’ quality. Moreover, uncertainty in spatial and temporal distribution precipitation is an issue for the water resources of the vineyards, forcing the winemakers to continuously face an increasing water demand in recent decades, which has led them to non-sustainable choices for ambient (i.e., irrigation solutions). The aspiration of this experiment was to explore the effects of zeolite treatments (clinoptilolite type) on Vitis vinifera L. (potted vines) ecophysiology and berry metabolism under two water regimes. The plants were subordinated to two different predawn water potential regimes (0 ≤ ΨPD ≤ −0.4, WWCtrl and −0.4 ≤ ΨPD ≤ −0.9, WSCtrl), both associated with zeolite treatments (WWt and WSt). Gas exchanges, predawn and midday stem water potential, chlorophyll fluorescence, temperature, and relative water content were overseen on leaves at veraison, maturation, and harvest. Technological analyses were performed on the berries. Moreover, data were analyzed with principal component analysis and Pearson’s correlations. This experiment supplies new evidence that zeolite applications could impact both physiological profiles (higher photosynthesis and stomatal conductance) as well as berry skin metabolism (sugar and size) of vines, giving a better skill to counteract low water availability during the season and maintaining a better hydraulic conductivity.
Experimental Study of a Gas-Liquid-Solid Three-Phase Flow in an Aeration Tank Driven by an Inverted Umbrella Aerator
Authors: Hu Siyuan , Dong Liang , Hua Runan , Guo Jinnan , Liu Houlin , Dai Cui
Published: June 2022

The three-phase flow in a aeration tank driven by an inverted umbrella aerator is relatively complex, including the processes of the hydraulic jump, air entrainment, and sludge particle sedimentation. A three-phase flow test bench for an inverted umbrella aerator is established for studying its influence on aeration performance. The experiment mainly studies the changed law of aeration performance under different immersion depths or sludge concentrations and measures the flow rate and sludge concentrations in the aeration tank in different working conditions. The results are as follows. (1) The total oxygen transfer coefficient, standard oxygenation capacity, and standard power efficiency increase with the increase in rotational speed. The total oxygen transfer coefficient and standard-charge oxygen capacity first increase and then decrease with the decrease in immersion depth, reaching a maximum at −20 mm immersion depth. The standard dynamic efficiency has a similar trend and reaches a maximum at −8 mm immersion depth. (2) In the aeration tank, the flow velocity near the impeller is faster and has greater turbulence. The shallow water is more profoundly affected by the impeller compared with the deeper water. (3) The shallow-water sludge varies greatly, and the deep-water sludge is distributed uniformly when the inverted umbrella aerator works stably.
The Relationship between Sources of COVID-19 Vaccine Information and Willingness to Be Vaccinated: An Internet-Based Cross-Sectional Study in Japan
Authors: Yoda Takeshi , Suksatit Benjamas , Tokuda Masaaki , Katsuyama Hironobu
Published: June 2022

Despite considerable interest in the Japanese population in receiving the vaccine for COVID-19 when it first became available, a sizable percentage of people remain unwilling or hesitant to be vaccinated. Concerns among both the vaccinated and the unwilling center on the vaccine’s efficacy and its safety. Thus, this study aimed to identify whether the willingness to receive COVID-19 vaccination is related to the sources of information people use to learn about the vaccine. A cross-sectional study was conducted on 800 participants registered in an Internet research panel across Japan who completed a questionnaire on their sources of information about the vaccine, demographics, and vaccination status. Vaccine willingness/hesitancy and refusal were set as dependent variables in the logistic regression analysis, with sources of vaccine information and other socio-demographic variables set as independent variables. The results of the analysis found that the information sources significantly associated with willingness to vaccinate were TV (AOR 2.44 vs. vaccine refusal/hesitation), summary websites of COVID-19 by non-experts (AOR 0.21, vs. vaccine refusal/hesitation), Internet video sites (AOR 0.33, vs. vaccine refusal/hesitation), and the personal websites of doctors (AOR 0.16, vs. vaccine refusal/hesitation). Given the likelihood of misinformation in non-traditional sources of information, it is important that health communications be accurate and persuasive.
Pathogenicity of Avibacterium paragallinarum Strains from Peru and the Selection of Candidate Strains for an Inactivated Vaccine
Authors: Caballero-Garcia Melanie , Mendoza-Espinoza Alfredo , Ascanio Silvia , Chero Paula , Rojas Rober , Huberman Yosef Daniel
Published: June 2022

Worldwide, Avibacterium paragallinarum is the aetiological agent of infectious coryza in poultry. Vaccines are the best means of control, helping reduce clinical signs and colonization of this bacterium. Most vaccines are based on international reference strains, or, lately, regional strains, but, generally, without any information regarding their virulence. The characterization of the pathogenicity of 24 Av. paragallinarum strains of the three Page serogroups, including four variant strains of serogroup B, all isolated from infectious coryza outbreaks in Peru, was performed. After experimental inoculation into the infraorbital sinuses, information regarding their capacity to induce infectious coryza typical clinical signs, spreading, and colonization was recorded. Furthermore, after intraperitoneal inoculation, septicaemia and death were registered. Differences among strains in these parameters were observed, even within strains from the same serogroup. Finally, the four most pathogenic strains, one from each serogroup, were chosen to formulate an experimental vaccine that was tested successfully against homologous challenges in reducing clinical signs and colonization in vaccinated birds compared to unvaccinated ones. This is the first time that Av. paragallinarum strains from Peru were studied thoroughly for their virulence in a search for improving vaccine formulation.
A Comparative Analysis of a Self-Reported Adverse Events Analysis after Receiving One of the Available SARS-CoV-2 Vaccine Schemes in Ecuador
Authors: Ortiz-Prado Esteban , Izquierdo-Condoy Juan S. , Fernandez-Naranjo Raul , Simbaña-Rivera Katherine , Vásconez-González Jorge , Naranjo Eddy P. Lincango , Cordovez Simone , Coronel Barbara , Delgado-Moreira Karen , Jimbo-Sotomayor Ruth
Published: June 2022

The COVID-19 pandemic has put a lot of pressure on health systems worldwide. Mass vaccination against SARS-CoV-2 has reduced morbidity and mortality worldwide. Despite their safety profiles, vaccines, as with any other medical product, can cause adverse events. Yet, in countries with poor epidemiological surveillance and monitoring systems, reporting vaccine-related adverse events is a challenge. The objective of this study was to describe self-reported vaccine adverse events after receiving one of the available COVID-19 vaccine schemes in Ecuador. A cross-sectional analysis based on an online, self-reported, 32-item questionnaire was conducted in Ecuador from 1 April to 15 July 2021. Participants were invited by social media, radio, and TV to voluntarily participate in our study. A total of 6654 participants were included in this study. Furthermore, 38.2% of the participants reported having at least one comorbidity. Patients received AstraZeneca, Pfizer, and Sinovac vaccines, and these were distributed 38.4%, 31.1%, and 30.5%, respectively. Overall, pain or swelling at the injection site 17.2% (n = 4500) and headache 13.3% (n = 3502) were the most reported adverse events. Women addressed events supposedly attributable to vaccination or immunization [ESAVIs] (66.7%), more often than men (33.2%). After receiving the first dose of any available COVID-19 vaccine, a total of 19,501 self-reported ESAVIs were informed (87.0% were mild, 11.5% moderate, and 1.5% severe). In terms of the vaccine type and brand, the most reactogenic vaccine was AstraZeneca with 57.8%, followed by Pfizer (24.9%) and Sinovac (17.3%). After the second dose, 6776 self-reported ESAVIs were reported (87.1% mild, 10.9% moderate, and 2.1% severe). AstraZeneca vaccine users reported a higher proportion of ESAVIs (72.2%) in comparison to Pfizer/BioNTech (15.9%) and Sinovac Vaccine (11.9%). Swelling at the injection site, headache, muscle pain, and fatigue were the most common ESAVIs for the first as well as second doses. In conclusion, most ESAVIs were mild. AstraZeneca users were more likely to report adverse events. Participants without a history of COVID-19 infection, as well as those who received the first dose, were more prone to report ESAVIs.
On the Evidence that Confirms the Continuity of Georgian Chant Tradition
Authors: TSERETELİ Zaal
Published: June 2022

The texts of Georgian polyphonic chants (heirmoi), written down in the 19th century using the European notational system, can be found in mediaeval musical manuscripts as well. Is there any connection between these two sources with at least ten century-long time difference? The article reveals nine heirmoi with the final cadences of their last clauses having similar patterns of neume symbol arrangement and similar melodies in corresponding musical scores. The correlation between the earliest and latest melody types has been established. By obtaining the exact probability of occurring this kind of correspondence the strength of the relationship has been assessed. Based on the fact, that the probability obtained proved to be very small, the hypothesis of pure chance has been rejected. The following conclusion has been drawn: it is very likely that despite the faults of the oral transmission method mediaeval hymns safely reached the 19th century due to the non-interrupted musical tradition.
THE EFFECT OF JICAMA ON CHANGES IN SALIVA ORAL CAVITY
Authors: Ulliana Ulliana , Wijayanti S Shinta , Setyawati Baby Prabowo , Winarno Winarno
Published: June 2022

Saliva is a complex fluid in maintaining healthy teeth and mouth. One of the ingredients based on local wisdom that can be used as a natural cleanser from plaque and debris on teeth is Jicama. Jicama has a very large content of water and fiber, Chewing Jicama can stimulate and increase salivation. This study aims to determine the effect of Jicama on changes saliva in the oral cavity.The type of research used is Quasi-Experimental using pre and post design with non control group design. The population of this study is all level II students of AKG Puskesad. The total sampling was 36 respondents. Data analysis using the Wilcoxon and Kruskal Wallis Tests.The results of the results of the analysis test of this study showed that the average pH value of saliva before and after chewing Jicama decreased with a value of 18.90 to 16.50 (p-value = 0.001), a saliva viscosity value of 18.00 to 0.00 (p-value = 0.001) and a buffer capacity value increased from a value of 12.00 to 12.55 (p-value = 0.001). The correlation test between saliva Ph and saliva viscosity obtained a value of r = 0.526 (p-value = 0.001). The Effect of Jicama on Changes in pH, Viscosity and Saliva buffer capacity.
Description Of Parents' Knowledge About Dental Growth And Prevention Of Tooth Carries
Authors: Hidayah Noorrahma Nova , Ningrum Nining , Sirait Tiurmina , Laela Dewi Sodja
Published: June 2022

Parents' knowledge about the period of tooth growth, both primary and permanent teeth, is very important, but in fact, parents often don't care about their children's teeth. The role of parents is very necessary for guiding, providing understanding, reminding, and providing facilities to children so that children can maintain oral hygiene. Parents also have an important role in preventing caries in children. This study aims to describe the knowledge of parents about dental growth and prevention of dental caries in TK Kemala Bhayangkari 42 Bandung. This type of research uses descriptive research methods. The place and time of this research were carried out at Kemala Bhayangkari 42 Kindergarten, Bandung City. The population in this study were all parents of Kemala Bhayangkari 42 Kindergarten students in Bandung, amounting to 35 people. The research sample is total sampling and the research instrument uses a questionnaire. Parents' knowledge of dental growth in the less category is 51.4% and the level of parental knowledge about caries prevention is in the sufficient category, which is 48.6%. Parental knowledge about dental growth is still in the poor category, while parental knowledge about caries prevention is in the sufficient category.
Description Of Pregnant Women's Knowledge About Nutrition Information For The Development Process Of Dental Seed
Authors: Wahyuni Putri Sri , Herijulianti Eliza , Fatikhah Nurul , Utami Ulfah
Published: June 2022

Dental and oral health is important for overall health and quality of life so that the oral cavity cannot be separated from its function with other parts of the body. Nutrition is an important thing that must be fulfilled by pregnant women during pregnancy because it can affect the development of the fetus. Adequate nutritional intake is closely related to the formation and development of bones and teeth in the fetus. This study aims to describe the knowledge of pregnant women about nutritional intake for the process of developing tooth seeds in PKM Sumbersari Village, Ciparay District, Bandung Regency. The research method is descriptive. The research was carried out at PKM Sumbersari Village, Ciparay District, Bandung Regency. The study population was pregnant women who came to check their pregnancy at PKM Sumbersari Village, Bandung Regency. Sampling with Accidental Sampling as many as 28 respondents. The results showed that knowledge about nutritional intake for the development process of tooth germ as a whole was 53.6% of respondents had good criteria, and 46.6% had poor criteria. Respondents in this study had good knowledge of nutritional intake for the development of tooth germs.
Description of mother's knowledge about brushing a child of 6-12 years old at the dental poly of health center
Authors: Aini Habibah Nurul , Supriyanto Irwan , Octaviana Devy , Herijulianti Eliza
Published: June 2022

Health Teeth and mouth are very important for everyone, but there are still many people who still ignore it and think that dental and oral health are trivial things. This is related to the mother's knowledge about brushing teeth. This study aims to describe the mother's knowledge about brushing teeth in children aged 6-12 years in the dental polyclinic of Tanjungsari Public Health Center, Sumedang Regency. This research is descriptive quantitative with Questionnaire method. The research was carried out at the Dental Polyclinic of Tanjungsari Public Health Center, Sumedang Regency. The study was conducted on mothers who have children aged 6-12 years with a sample of 28 respondents who were determined using the slovin formula. Primary data obtained from the questionnaire will be presented in the form of a frequency distribution table with the results of the study showing knowledge about brushing teeth as a whole, namely 21.4% of respondents have good criteria, 46.4% have sufficient criteria, and 32.1% have poor criteria. Although almost most mothers who have children aged 6-12 years have sufficient knowledge of the criteria, there are still some who have less criteria. In order to achieve optimal dental and oral health, the knowledge of brushing teeth at the dental clinic at the Tanjungsari Public Health Center needs to be improved through various efforts, one of which is by providing counseling about brushing teeth.
Aplikasi Kamus Simplisia Dan Resep Obat Tradisional (Sidota) Berbasis Android
Authors: Lutfiah Lailatul
Published: June 2022

Simplicia is a natural ingredient used in the manufacture of traditional medicine, in this pandemic era, many families prefer to consume herbal medicine instead of going to the doctor because they are worried about contaminated by Covid. By utilizing an Android Smartphone that almost all people have, SIDOTA's goal is to provide information on the correct processing of simplicia and can get maximum medicinal effects. In addition, SIDOTA can facilitate the learning process of Pharmacy students or students majoring in Pharmacognosy subjects or subjects. In this paper, the writer  used the Waterfall method for the development method, with the Analysis, Design, an Implementation of the design. This application displays simplicia information data as well as recipes and ways of making traditional medicines.
Din Unsurunun Dış Politika Etkileri: Trump Dönemi ABD-İsrail İlişkilerinde Evanjelizmin Rolü Örneği
Authors: COBANOGLU Ali
Published: June 2022

Öz: Westphalia Barış Antlaşması ile birlikte Batı’da yaşanan sekülerleşme sürecinin küresel çapta etki göstermesiyle “din etkisi” uluslararası sahada önemini yitirmiştir. Uluslararası ilişkilerdeki köklü değişikliklerin sebebi olarak görülen, “küreselleşme” ile birlikte uluslararası politikanın Westfalen ayrılığı son bulmaya başlamıştır. Din etkisi yeniden yükselişe geçmiştir. Din, uluslararası ilişkilerde beklentilerin dışına çıkarak demokratik ortam, teknoloji ve küreselleşmenin de etkisi ile siyasi nüfuzunu artırmaktadır. Din, devletlerin, toplumun ve bireylerin kendi kimliklerini tanımalarında en önemli unsurlardan biridir. Dini inançlar, inanç merkezli yapılar ve çıkar grupları dış politika karar alma süreçlerinde dikkate değer katkıları olduğu gibi yalnızca stratejik boyutta değil dış politikanın icrası safhasında da yer almaktadırlar. Bunun günümüzde en çarpıcı örnekleri, Amerikan Evanjelist dini gruplarının etki ve ilgi alanında olan “ABD-İsrail Dış Politika” ilişkisinde yaşanmaktadır. Evanjelizm, Amerika Birleşik Devletleri’nin kuruluş yılları itibariyle, Amerikan ulusal kimliğinin inşası aşamalarında çok köklü bir yer edinmiştir. Evanjelistler ABD’de her geçen gün artan siyasi güçleri ile ülkenin uluslararası politikalarına yön verebilecek bir unsuru haline gelmişlerdir. Evanjelistlerin ortak norm, kimlik ve kültür bağları kurdukları Yahudilerle olan ilişkileri de çok kuvvetlidir. Özellikle, kendini bir Protestan ve bir Presbiteryen olarak tanımlayan Başkan Donald Trump döneminde, ABD’nin Kudüs’ü İsrail’in başkenti olarak tanıması ve İsrail’i Golan Tepeleri’nde egemen ülke olarak nitelendirmesi gibi somut gelişmeler Evanjelik dış politik gücün birer göstergesi haline gelmiştir. Bu makale “Sosyal İnşacı” perspektiften ABD-İsrail ilişkilerinde din unsurunun etkisini araştırmayı amaçlamaktadır.

Anahtar Kelimeler: Din, Sosyal İnşacılık, Evanjelizm, Dış Politika, Kimlik, Küreselleşme.
President’s Message for the 2nd Edition of the ISAK Journal
Authors: Marfell-Jones Mike
Published: June 2022

It is with pleasure that ISAK announces the second edition of the International Journal of Kinanthropometry which will showcase research in the area of Anthropometry and its applications.  As with the first issue, significant COVID pressures continue to hamper the production sequence. Thus, contributions have once again been by invitation and evaluated for acceptability by the editorial team. Henceforward, a formal review process will be strictly adhered to and the Journal will only publish refereed scientific papers plus research reviews and case studies.

Once again, we have an interesting selection of papers for you to read and I thank all contributors for both their research and their willingness to share it with us.

Our sincere gratitude for this production goes to the Journal’s Editor-in-Chief, Dr Anup Adhikari and the publication team led by Dr Babu Balraj from IOR Press all of whom have had to deal with significant challenges posed by the pandemic.