bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clinical Characteristics and Prognostic Factors in H3 K27- altered Diffuse Midline Gliomas: A 64 Cases Retrospective Cohort Analysis
Authors: Zhao Liqian , Song Zibin , Fang Luxiong , Zeng Yu , Han Lei , Zhan Zhengming , Chai Peng , Ji Ke , Chen Ruizhe , He Ziting , Huang Guanglong , Pan Jun , Song Ye
Published: September 2023

Purpose
This study aims to systematically assess patient characteristics, identify clinical factors guiding treatment decisions, and predict the prognosis of H3 K27-altered Diffuse Midline Glioma (DMG/K27M).
Methods
A retrospective review of 64 consecutive DMG/K27M patients was conducted. Patient clinical profiles, treatment approaches, and follow-up data were collected from a Chinese tertiary institution between August 2016 and August 2022. Analysis of overall survival (OS) was conducted using Kaplan–Meier modeling and univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses to identify prognostic factors.
Results
Among the 64 patients included in the study, the median OS was 9 months. Thalamus was the tumor location for 53.1% (34/64), with 39.1% (25/64) presenting dizziness as their initial symptom. Patients with dizziness were younger (23.04 vs. 30.7 years, p = 0.0328), exhibited larger tumor volume (27.380 vs. 11.680 cm3, p = 0.0359), and displayed extended overall survival (13.00 vs. 8.00 months, p = 0.0017) compared to those without dizziness. In addition, univariate and multivariate analysis showed that tumor location, dizziness, Karnofsky performance status (KPS) score and treatment regimen were prognostic factors for OS (p < 0.05), whereas age was not significantly correlated with OS.
Conclusion
Patients without dizziness as the initial symptom may face a challenging prognosis compared to the dizziness (+) group. Tumor location, dizziness, KPS, and treatment regimen could serve as independent prognostic indicators. These findings contribute novel insights for evidence-based practices in DMG/K27M research.
An Innovative Method of Bracket Positioning using Augmented Reality: A Clinical Insight
Authors: Hegab Seif El-Din , Sharaby Fouad El , Eid Faten , Abd-El-Ghafour Mohamed
Published: September 2023

Background/objectives: Augmented reality (AR) might be a useful concept to change the future of the orthodontic practice. The aim of this article is to introduce a novel method integrating AR to aid in bracket placement with virtually pre-planned positions without a transfer tray.
Methods: For a 30-year-old female patient, bracket positions of the upper model are virtually planned on specialized software, the resulting data is then transferred via a smartphone application, which was used in combination with a VR headset to aid the operator in viewing markers denoting the precise positions of the brackets on the model.
Results: Brackets were successfully transferred using the AR-guided method onto the printed model, simulating the actual process in-vivo.
Conclusions: The proposed method has proven helpful in easily identifying the precise bracket positions, however further clinical testing is underway for validation of accuracy of the transfer method.
Measurement of the Spatiotemporal Disparities in the Equalization Level of Basic Medical and Health Services in China: An Empirical Study Based on Provincial Panel
Authors: Fan Hailong , Wei Haibin
Published: September 2023

Objective This study aims to explore the spatiotemporal disparities in the equalization of basic medical and health services in China, in order to provide reference and guidance for promoting the equalization process of basic medical and health services and ensuring the fair enjoyment of citizens' right to life and health.
Methods Based on the theory of Structure-Process-Outcome(SPO), a comprehensive evaluation index system of equalization level was constructed with 22 core indicators of basic medical and health services, from the three dimensions of medical and health investment, health service utilization, and medical service effectiveness. The Generalized Principal Component Analysis (GPCA) model was used to calculate the equalization level of basic medical and health services in 31 provinces, municipalities, and autonomous regions from 2011 to 2021. Furthermore, the kernel density estimation and Moran’s I model was employed to analyze the correlation and disparity at the spatial level.
Results 1. From a national perspective, the level of equalization of basic medical and health services in China has significantly improved from 2011 to 2021. The mean score of national equalization level increased from -0.605 to 0.174, with an increase of 128.75%. 2. From the perspective of spatiotemporal disparities between regions, the level of equalization shows a spatial distribution pattern of "higher in the east and lower in the west", decreasing from coastal areas to inland and from the east to the west. 3. From the perspective of spatiotemporal disparities within regions, from 2011 to 2021, there has been a certain improvement in the intraregional disparity in the Eastern and Western parts, while the intraregional disparity in the Central and Northeastern parts has further intensified. 4. From the perspective of spatial interconnection among provinces, there is a strong spatial correlation in the level of equalization of basic medical and health services in China. However, the spatial distribution of agglomeration centers and isolated points shows an east-west differentiation trend.
Conclusion From 2011 to 2021, the level of equalization of basic medical and health services in China has significantly improved, but the disparities among regions have become more evident. Disparities among regions have replaced inter-provincial disparities as the main factor influencing the level of equalization of basic medical and health services in China. It is recommended to enhance the spatial balance of the level of equalization of basic medical services in China, based on the fully utilization of spatial correlation and agglomeration among provinces.
Supported Employment, Demographic Covariates, and Adjunctive Vocational Rehabilitation Services as Predictors of Competitive Integrated Employment for Young Adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities: A Hierarchical Logistic Regression Analysis
Authors: Iwanaga Kanako , Wehman Paul , Schall Carol , Avellone Lauren , Chan Fong , Inge Katherine , McDonough Jennifer
Published: September 2023

Purpose
Compelling evidence strongly supports competitive integrated employment (CIE) as a driving force for improving the economic well-being, as well as the physical and mental health, and overall quality of life for individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD). However, the employment participation rate for those with IDD remains notably lower than those without IDD. Supported Employment (SE) is evidence based vocational rehabilitation intervention, which offers personalized workplace support necessary for successful performance within CIE settings. This study aims to predict CIE outcome for youth and young adults with IDD by evaluating demographic variables, SE, and adjunctive state vocational rehabilitation agency (SVRA) services.
Methods
This study sample included 67,884 youth and young adults with IDD extracted from the U.S. Department of Education's Rehabilitation Services Administration Case Service Report dataset. Our analytical approach was logistic regression analysis.
Results
The findings indicated that SE had a highly significant association with positive CIE outcomes. Participants who received SE were considerably more likely to achieve CIE compared to those who didn't. Adjunctive SVRA services also played a crucial role, with notable differences in CIE odds between those who received workplace support, job placement assistance, and job search assistance and who didn’t. The final model explained 27% variance in a CIE outcome.
Conclusions
These findings underscore the efficacy of SE in supporting youth and young adults with IDD in achieving CIE. Consequently, this study's insights hold potential to guide vocational rehabilitation professionals in optimizing SE delivery alongside adjunctive SVRA services.
Taurine an ecofriendly bioorganic catalyst for the synthesis of dihydropyrido [2,3-d] pyrimidine and pyrimido[4,5-b]quinoline derivatives under ultrasonication
Authors: Polke Bhavana G. , Bhosle Manisha R. , Bondle Giribala M.
Published: September 2023

Ultrasound-assisted multicomponent reaction in aqueous taurine as an efficient and green method developed for the synthesis of 5-phenyl-5,6-dihydropyrido [2,3-d] pyrimidine-2,4,7(1H,3H,8H)-triones and 5-(phenyl)-8,9-dihydro-8,8-dimethylpyrimido[4,5-b]quinoline-2,4,6(1H,3H,5H,7H,10H)-triones in excellent yields with high purity. In the present work, 2-amino ethane sulfonicacid (Taurine) as green bio-organic catalyst is used for the cyclocondensation of substituted aldehydes, 6-amino uracil and meldrum acid/dimedone in water under ultrasonication. The key benefits of the present methodology are the use of cheap universal solvent water, recyclability of bioorganic catalyst, less reaction time, high yields of the product and avoiding toxic chemicals.
Perception of livestock farmers towards occupational health and hazards in Ibadan, Nigeria
Authors: Busari Ibukun
Published: September 2023

Aim
The National Safety Council categorises the agrifood sector as the industry with the highest death rate per 100,000 workers in 2021. Ibadan, a major hub of livestock and micro-livestock production in Nigeria, has little or no documentation on farmers' perceptions of occupational health and safety.
Methods
A field survey was carried out among 151 livestock producers in Ibadan between July and September 2022, using open- and closed-ended questionnaires. A cross-tabulation was used to quantitatively compare the variables using Pearson’s Chi square to determine the level of significance.
Results
More than 78% of the male farmers agree and/or strongly agree that they could forego a few workplace safety precautions, while 66% strongly disagree that personal safety is important. Prior to this study, 76% and 23.5% of livestock farmers, male and female, respectively, claimed they had not heard about workplace health and safety. On a scale of 0.0 to 4.5, the average perception index score of respondents on occupational safety and health (OSH) revealed that 2.01 indicated that the OSH Act is not useful, 1.88 stated that the OSH Act is ineffective at reducing injuries and illnesses, and 1.72 opined that the OSH Act is not applicable to their job. Close to 100% of the farming population in Ibadan had access to media and smart devices, which could be explored in the dissemination of health and safety information to improve occupational safety and health awareness.
Conclusion
Smart technological channels should be harnessed to disseminate occupational health and safety information to workers in the agrifood sector.
Wildfire worsens population exposure to PM2.5 pollution in the Continental United States
Authors: Zhang Danlu , Wang Wenhao , Xi Yuzhi , Bi Jianzhao , Hang Yun , Zhu Qingyang , Pu Qiang , Chang Howard , Liu Yang
Published: September 2023

As wildfires become more frequent and intense, fire smoke has significantly worsened ambient air quality, posing greater health risks. To better understand the impact of wildfire smoke on air quality, we developed a modeling system to estimate daily PM2.5 concentrations attributed to both fire smoke and non-smoke sources across the Continental U.S. We found that wildfire smoke has the most significant impact on air quality in the West Coast, followed by the Southeastern U.S. Between 2007 and 2018, fire smoke affected daily PM2.5 concentrations at 40% of all regulatory air monitors in EPA's Air Quality System (AQS) for more than one month each year. People residing outside the vicinity of an EPA AQS monitor were subject to 36% more smoke impact days compared to those residing nearby. Lowering the national ambient air quality standard (NAAQS) for annual mean PM2.5 concentrations to between 9 and 10 µg/m3 would result in approximately 29% to 40% of the AQS monitors falling in nonattainment areas without taking into account the contribution from fire smoke. When fire smoke impact is considered, this percentage would rise to 35% to 49%, demonstrating the significant negative impact of wildfires on air quality.
Combined experimental and theoretical approach to improve measurement accuracy of temperature-dependent reflectance of copper
Authors: Mattern Manuel , Kukreja Lalit Mohan , Ostendorf Andreas
Published: September 2023

The low process stability of laser welding of copper with near infrared lasers leads to the requirement of precise input data for process control and meaningful simulations. But at the same time, available datasets of temperature-dependent reflectance or absorptance for near infrared lasers on copper do not show good agreement between the different sources and often do not include the fusion process, which is of crucial importance for realistic laser welding simulations. Additionally, most of the datasets are only calculated. We recently performed temperature-dependent reflectance measurements on copper using a near infrared laser. The measurements revealed a reflectance drift, which is induced by the setup behavior during heating, and the time-dependence of chemical reactions like the redox-reaction as possible error sources. In this study, we performed experiments on laser melting as the fundamental process of laser welding, and we conducted corresponding simulations using our measured reflectance values for oxide-reduced and for untreated copper. We then compared the simulations with the experiments to estimate the accuracy of our reflectance measurements. To provide context, we also conducted the same simulations using reflectance datasets from other authors. In a second step, we corrected our reflectance data with respect to the reflectance drift and adapted the effects of redox reactions to the conditions of our laser melting experiments. Using the resulting reflectance curves, we achieved an improved agreement of simulation results and the experiments over a range of different test cases, without the necessity of correction factors in the simulation model.
Clinical Spectrum of Adult-Onset Still’s Disease in Patients Presenting At A Tertiary Care Hospital in Pakistan: A 16-Year Follow-Up Study
Authors: Riaz Mehmood , Arshad Ainan , Baqir Syed Mujtaba , Isra Ahmed , Karim Zohair
Published: September 2023

Objectives
Adult-onset Still’s Disease (AOSD) is a rare systemic auto-inflammatory disorder with a low incidence rate and limited data. This study aims to lay down the clinical and laboratory spectrum, associated complications, and outcomes of patients who presented to a tertiary care center – in order to identify any regional variation in the presentation and enable physicians to develop a thought process in patients without characteristic features.
Materials and Methods
We reviewed the records of patients from January 2005 - February 2021 who presented with symptoms consistent with AOSD, using the Yamaguchi criteria. The patients’ clinical symptoms, laboratory values, therapeutic management, complications, and outcomes were analysed. Descriptive statistics were produced to illustrate the pattern of the disease.
Results
The mean age of patients was 37.7 years, with a male to female ratio of 1:1. Fever and arthralgia was seen in 90%, a salmon-coloured rash in 60%, and leukocytosis in 80%. 30% presented with a sore throat and recent lymphadenopathy, 40% with hepatomegaly and/or splenomegaly on imaging, 100% with abnormal liver function tests. Steroids were used as first-line treatment. Most patients did not present with common, previously reported, complications of AOSD.
Conclusions
The clinical aspects in this study are, to a large part, comparable to those seen in other parts of the world. Thus, a comprehensive analysis of AOSD would enable physicians to broaden their minds and keep it as a top differential in atypical presentations – enhancing patient care by preventing a delay in diagnosis and initiation of prompt management.
Die Angst des Tyrannen? Zu Blitz und Donner in Suetons Viten des Augustus, des Tiberius und des Caligula
Authors: Deeg Philipp
Published: September 2023

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Do Nonstructural Carbohydrates Contribute to Pecan (Carya illinoinensis) Secondary Budburst?
Authors: Zhang Lu , Kaur Amandeep , Sun Yanwei , Ferguson Louise
Published: September 2023

Spring freeze is among the problems threatening pecan bloom and production. Pecan tree height and structure make them difficult to protect from spring freezes. Some cultivars can compensate because the secondary buds can produce healthy flowers if the primary buds freeze. The mechanism that precipitates secondary budbreak is unknown. Our results show a correlation between successful secondary budbreak and 1-year-old shoot carbohydrate levels. ‘Kanza’ and ‘Pawnee’, with the higher secondary budburst, also had higher carbohydrate levels than ‘Maramec’. This suggests higher carbohydrate levels in the bud-bearing 1-year-old shoots promote successful secondary bud burst after spring freeze destruction of the primary buds.
Schinopsis brasiliensis BARK METABOLOMIC PROFILING BASED ON NMR: EVALUATION OF METABOLIC VARIATIONS OF DIFFERENT MICROENVIRONMENT AND SEASONAL PERIODS
Authors: Luz Licia , Alves Filho Elenilson , Soares Maria , Porto Diogo , Becker Helena , Zocolo Guilherme
Published: September 2023

Schinopsis brasiliensis Engl. (braúna) is a tree species of the Anacardiaceae family. It is native to Brazil, Paraguay, and Bolivia. It is a candidate for agro-industrial system that can be used to produce phytotherapeutics and bioproducts. However, to comprehensively understand the characteristics of plant within the framework of sustainable development for agro-industries, exploring the chemical and phenotypic diversity of samples from various microenvironments across different collection periods is essential. Accordingly, herein, the influence of different environmental factors and sample collection durations on braúna samples was investigated over several years using multivariate statistical analyses associated with nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. Bark samples from different areas and environmental data from different locations were analyzed. Distinct chemical profiles were observed across reserve, forest, and management areas, all marked by elevated sugar levels suggesting water stress adaptation. High radiation and low rainfall correlated with increased sugar and amino acids. Each microenvironment responded uniquely to these environmental conditions. Consequently, plant samples from different microenvironments collected over different periods were observed to respond differently to environmental factors, such as solar radiation and temperature. We correlated the metabolomic data with climatic data evaluating the influence of abiotic factors on the production of metabolites in braúna bark samples.
BOAS PRÁTICAS E EQUÍVOCOS NAS MEDIDAS DE ATIVIDADE CATALÍTICA DE MATERIAIS EM TERMOCATÁLISE
Authors: Martins Leandro , Silva Laura , Possato Luiz
Published: September 2023

BEST PRACTICES AND PITFALLS IN THE MEASUREMENTS OF THE CATALYTIC ACTIVITY OF MATERIALS IN THERMO-CATALYSIS. As catalysis grows as a multidisciplinary research area, many questions arise regarding the procedures used to determine the activity of materials in different chemical reactions. To correct inconsistencies, whether in definitions, concepts, or experimental methods, some catalysis science journals have been publishing editorials warning less-aware authors. In this work, we present some common concepts and procedures in thermo-catalysis, reviewing good practices and pointing out frequent failures that make it difficult to reliably compare the activity between materials of the same family and results from the scientific literature.
MODIFIED MAGNETITE NANOPARTICLES WITH THE JUICE OF PLANTAIN PSEUDOSTEM: AN OPTION FOR WATER DECONTAMINATION
Authors: García Henao Camilo , Salamanca Grosso Guillermo , Valencia Sánchez Hoover , Guarnizo Franco Anderson
Published: September 2023

In recent years, various methods for surface functionalization of magnetite nanoparticles with emerging modifications have been explored and reported. Green nano-chemistry aims to synthesize nanomaterials using bio-based resources, providing new materials for biological and environmental applications. Surface modification of magnetite nanoparticles using phytochemicals extracted from plants is a fundamental principle of green synthesis routes. Agricultural waste from different crops, such as plantain pseudostem, is of particular interest as a renewable resource due to its abundant availability, low toxicity, and economic feasibility. In this study, the juice extracted from plantain pseudostem was utilized for the phytofunctionalization of magnetite nanoparticles. Characterization techniques including transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) confirmed the nanometric dimensions of the composite (size range of 12.6 ± 3.17 nm) and established its organic-inorganic nature. The superparamagnetic properties of the composite were also demonstrated. Moreover, the potential application of this nanohybrid in bioremediation for the immobilization of cadmium(II) and lead(II) showed promising results, highlighting its efficacy in managing water pollutants.
MODELOS E ELETRONEGATIVIDADE: UMA PROPOSTA DE SEQUÊNCIA DIDÁTICA PARA O ENSINO DE QUÍMICA
Authors: Galavotti Joana , Bim Luís , Cebim Marco
Published: September 2023

MODELS AND ELECTRONEGATIVITY: A PROPOSAL OF DIDACTIC SEQUENCE FOR CHEMISTRY TEACHING. Electronegativity is a useful chemical bonding property related to determining the polarity of molecules and formation of partial charges. In the 1930s, Linus Pauling studied the differences between theoretical and experimental binding energy values when he established that ionic contributions in covalent bonds were pertinent to elucidate these differences. The association of the nature of the elements present in the chemical bond with the discordance of results led to the quantitative determination of electronegativity, creating the first scale of this property. In addition, other scales were developed, such as by Robert Mulliken (1934), Albert Allred and Eugene Rochow (1958) and Leland Allen (1989). Although present in undergraduate Chemistry courses, the teaching of electronegativity is little explored in the literature and treated in a fragmented way in many materials. In this way, a didactic sequence is proposed for the approach of electronegativity and the scales designed by Pauling, Mulliken, Allred, Rochow and Allen directed to the first year of undergraduate in Chemistry. For a dynamic study of electronegativity models along with historical basement, modelling-based teaching is used so that students can assess scope, limitations and be able to participate in the creation of a model.
Constructed wetland for landfill leachate treatment
Authors: Mishra Sudeep Kumar , Chowdhury Sanket Dey , Bhunia Puspendu , Sarkar Arindam
Published: September 2023

Due to complex chemical composition and high recalcitrance, the treatment of landfill leachate becomes challenging. The conventional wastewater treatment processes employed to remediate the landfill leachate necessitate huge operation and maintenance costs. For more than two decades, constructed wetlands (CWs) have been successfully used to treat landfill leachate. These systems mimic the natural wetland process and eliminate pollutants from wastewater. For effective landfill leachate treatment, a comprehensive understanding of its chemical composition and the quantitative and qualitative changes in its characteristics, and the factors that influence them is essential. This chapter reviews the pollutant removal mechanisms, application and performance, and the factors affecting the performance of the CW systems during landfill leachate management. Furthermore, a detailed analysis of the compatibility of various types of CWs for landfill leachate treatment has also been incorporated in this chapter.
Treatment of landfill leachate containing emerging micropollutants
Authors: Tawfik Ahmed , Tyagi Vinay Kumar
Published: September 2023

Landfills of industrial and municipal solid wastes are popular methods for environmental and ecosystem protection in most of the advanced and developing countries. Nevertheless, dumping of such wastes in landfills creates serious problems particularly hazardous industrial wastes containing recalcitrant compounds. However, landfilling of hazardous industrial wastes is still the appropriate method from an economic point of view. The leachate generated from landfilling of hazardous industrial wastes is of great concern due to its toxic rich and refractory emerging micropollutants (EMs). The hazardous leachate composition is highly variable and depends on the waste composition, density, quantities, temperature, and precipitation. The leachate contains macro and micropollutants that might be potential toxic agents as well as carcinogens. The landfills are recently developed to minimize the leachate; however, recalcitrant micropollutants still are of great concern and remain the main source of pollution in nearby aquatic areas and ecosystems. This highly deteriorates the quality of surface and groundwater that subsequently causes harmful effects for human and animal health. Removal of EMs from the leachate has been a major challenge to overcome their deleterious effects and risks to the environment. Physico-chemical treatment processes such as adsorption, advanced oxidation, and non-thermal plasma are introduced. Biological treatment methods such as constructed wetlands, anaerobic degradation and membrane bioreactors (MBRs) for treatment of landfill leachate are comprehensively reviewed. Integration of MBRs with other biological technologies, that is, anaerobic/aerobic/anoxic is cost effective for degradation of EMs from the leachate. The removal efficiency of 97.4% for di-n-butyl phthalate (DBP) and 98.8% for di (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) was achieved in the integrated system. DBP was removed by microbial degradation and 70.1% of DEHP was eliminated due to filtration processes. The MBR removed phthalic acid esters and phenolic compounds by values of 77–96% via filtration, biodegradation, and adsorption processes. However, their efficiencies highly depend on the biomass retention time and loading of EMs. The MBR module removed alkylphenols by 60–80% and pesticides by 59–74%.
Microplastics in landfill leachate and its treatment
Authors: Premarathna K. S. D. , Ramanayaka Sammani , Atugoda Thilakshani , Sewwandi Madushika , Vithanage Meththika
Published: September 2023

Landfill leachate is a prominent source for microplastics into the environment. Various polymer types have been detected in leachate collected from landfills and among those polyethylene and polypropylene were the most prominently detected polymer types, with a size ranged from 20 to 5,000 μm. Fibers, foams, films, beads, and fragments were the mostly detected shapes, and a majority was transparent and yellow colored. The abundance of microplastics in leachate varied with the type of waste present in landfills. Microplastics present in leachate migrated to the surrounding soil, groundwater, and open waters located nearby landfills. The main migration pathways are direct leaching and usage of treated leachate as a soil conditioner, and usage of microplastic-contaminated sludge released from leachate-treatment facilities as fertilizers. To reduce the risks associated with microplastics released from landfill leachate, treatment of landfill leachate using proper treatment strategies is mandatory. The main techniques used to remove microplastics from landfill leachate are physical, chemical, biological, and land-based processes. After the treatment, abundance, size, and chemical composition of microplastics were altered considerably. However, the complexity and composition of leachate decreased the efficiency of treatment techniques substantially. This chapter provides a descriptive overview of the occurrence, abundance, and properties of microplastics extracted from leachate, the main migration pathways that reintroduce microplastics into the surrounding environment, the main treatment techniques, and challenges associated with the treatment strategies.
Aerobic and anaerobic methods of landfill leachate treatment: limitations and advantages
Authors: Singh Sandeep , Malyan Sandeep K. , Singh Rajesh , Tyagi Vinay Kumar , Kashyap Sujata
Published: September 2023

Landfilling is the most common and popular method to dispose of solid waste. The production of leachate from landfill sites is a major problem associated with the landfill technique of solid waste disposal. This chapter presents a general idea of the technical applicability of aerobic and anaerobic treatment of landfill leachate. This chapter reviews the performance, mechanism, application, limitations, and upgradation of various existing aerobic and anaerobic treatment techniques such as activated sludge (AS), sequencing batch reactors (SBRs), aerated lagoons, rotating biological contactors, upflow anaerobic sludge blanket (UASB) reactors, and constructed wetlands. The designing parameters such as hydraulic retention time (HRT) and organic loading rate and performance indicators are discussed. Among the aerobic and anaerobic treatment processes, AS, SBRs, and UASB are the most often used techniques. These techniques are effective in reducing chemical oxygen demand up to 90% and NH3-N up to 80%. Generally, the selection of the effective treatment technique for landfill leachate depends on leachate characteristics, technical applicability, HRT, economics, and further environmental impacts.
Evaluating the impact of ponds on flood and drought mitigation in the Bagmati River Basin, Nepal
Authors: Gautam Kabita , Corzo Gerald
Published: September 2023

This study investigates the effectiveness of ponds as a nature-based solution (NBS) to concurrently ameliorate flood and drought impacts, emphasizing the need for an integrated response to multi-extreme hydrological events. We incorporate ponds into agricultural landscapes in the Bagmati River Basin of Nepal and assess their performance using the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT+). Six different scenarios are thoroughly explored to see how these interventions affect the main components of the water balance, such as surface run-off, lateral flow, percolation, and evapotranspiration. The spatial efficiency of the ponds, particularly in their immediate surroundings and downstream areas, has been proven to be a crucial factor in their overall efficacy in attenuating extremes, which increases with the size of the intervention area. Although the effects of ponds on floods and droughts are minor, they could be significantly magnified by a synergistic use of other NBS tactics, such as conservation tillage or soil conservation techniques. Future studies should establish the most appropriate sites and volumes for these interventions, as well as further investigate the possible advantages of several NBS, to optimize flood and drought management in the Bagmati River Basin and other similarly susceptible places.
Medical Emergencies in Children Introduction
Authors: Fernandes Sarita , Kodal Esha
Published: September 2023

A medical emergency is a serious concern in the dental office. It may lead to
a life and death situation, and prompt early response has a profound effect on the
morbidity and mortality of the patient. A dental surgeon is expected to be a first
responder in any medical emergency until appropriate medical help arrives. The office
staff should be adequately trained and assigned proper individual roles in an emergency
to ensure a smooth and efficient response. They should have basic knowledge of
resuscitation and drugs used in emergencies. The dental clinic should be equipped with
a basic armamentarium and drugs cart.
ATOPİK DERMATİTLİ ÇOCUKLARDA SÜT ÇOCUKLUĞU DÖNEMİNDE BESLENMENİN DEĞERLENDİRİLMESİ
Authors: GÜÇLÜ Aslı , AYDOĞAN Ümit , DOĞANER Yusuf Çetin , BOLAT Ahmet
Published: September 2023

Giriş: Atopik dermatit (AD); kronik, kaşıntılı, tekrarlayıcı ataklarla giden inflamatuar bir cilt hastalığıdır. AD, astım ve alerjik rinokonjonktivit gibi alerjiye bağlı hastalıkların bebeklik döneminde değişen immün sistem gelişimiyle ilgili olduğu düşünülmektedir. Yenidoğan döneminden itibaren beslenme immun sistem gelişimini etkileyerek, bireyin sağlığını uzun vadede etkilemektedir.1 Bu çalışmamızda, AD tanısı alan çocuklarda hayatın ilk 6 aylık sürecinde anne sütü ve/veya formül mama ile beslenme oranlarının değerlendirmesi amaçlandı.
Yöntem: Çalışma, Gülhane Eğitim ve Araştırma Hastanesi Çocuk Sağlığı ve Hastalıkları Polikliniği’ne müracaat eden ve AD tanısı konulan çocukların ebeveynleri ile yapılmıştır. Çalışmaya toplam 75 ebeveyn dahil edilmiştir. Ebeveynlere yazılı onamları alınarak, araştırmacılar tarafından hazırlanılan, katılımcıların ve çocukların sosyodemografik özellikleri, özgeçmişi, ilk 6 ay beslenme şekli, annenin laktasyon dönemindeki beslenme şekli gibi bilgileri içeren anket formu uygulanmıştır. Veriler SPSS programı ile uygun testlerle analiz edilmiştir.
Bulgular: Ebeveynleri çalışmaya dahil edilen AD tanılı çocukların ilk 6 ayda %73,3’ü sadece anne sütü ile, %24’ü anne sütü ve formül mama ile geri kalan %2,7 çocuk ise sadece formül mama ile beslendiği saptanmıştır. AD tanı yaşı ile AD tanılı çocukların sosyodemografik özellikleri, soy geçmişi, ilk 6 ay beslenme şekilleri, emzirme döneminde annenin beslenme şekli ve tıbbi özgeçmişleri arasındaki fark incelendiğinde istatistiksel olarak anlamlı fark olmadığı gözlenmiştir (p>0,05).
Sonuç: AD tanısı alan hastaların hayatın ilk 6 aylık döneminde beslenme şekillerinin incelendiği çalışmamızda hastaların en fazla sadece anne sütü ile beslendiği tespit edilmiştir. AD tanı yaşı ile hayatın ilk 6 ayında beslenme şekli ve annenin laktasyon döneminde beslenme biçimi arasında anlamlı fark bulunmamıştır.
The Potential of Bitter Leaf (Vernonia amygdalina) in Herbal Medicine as Anti-Inflammatory Agent
Authors:   Universitas Muslim Indonesia, Fawwaz Muammar , Pratama Mamat ,   Universitas Muslim Indonesia, Latu Saparuddin ,   Universitas Megarezky, Rahayu Rita ,   Universitas Muslim Indonesia, Nurkamilah Andi ,   Universitas Muslim Indonesia
Published: September 2023

The inflammatory process involves increased vascular permeability, protein denaturation, and membrane alteration. Flavonoids are a class of secondary metabolites with biological and pharmacological activities, including anti-inflammatory. The bitter leaf, Vernonia amygdalina (VA), are used in various alternative medicine in several countries, including Indonesia. Chemical components in VA leaf are polyphenolic compounds, flavonoids, terpenes, and coumarins. The previous study exhibited that the anti-inflammatory activities of plants are closely related to the levels of polyphenols and flavonoids. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the anti-inflammatory activity of VA leaf and determine the total flavonoid-phenolic content of VA leaf ethanolic extract. The extraction method used maceration by ethanol as a solvent. The anti-inflammatory activity was measured by protein denaturation inhibition properties. The total flavonoid and phenolic content were determined by colorimetric and Folin-Ciocalteu methods, in which both procedures were measured by UV-Visible spectrophotometry at maximum wavelength. The results showed that VA leaf ethanolic extract has an anti-inflammatory effect with a half inhibition concentration (IC50) of 346.23 μg/mL. The total flavonoid and phenolic content of the ethanolic extract of VA leaves were 25.62 mgQE/g extracts and 21.47 mgGAE/g extract, respectively. Thus, the ethanolic extract of VA leaves can potentially be developed as an anti-inflammatory agent in herbal medicine.
Narrating Paradox Affects: Unaccompanied Minor Asylum-Seekers in Austria
Authors: Dursun Ayşe , Sauer Birgit
Published: September 2023

Asylum-seeking unaccompanied children and youngsters are situated at the crossroads between exclusionary and repressive asylum policies, on the one hand, and relatively inclusive and caring child welfare policies, on the other. This is the ‘asylum-child welfare paradox’ (Dursun and Sauer 2021). In this article, we explore the role of affect, feelings, and emotions in how unaccompanied minors respond to and process but also co-construct and resist this structural paradox through their ‘affective narratives’ (Bargetz and Eggers 2022). Based on qualitative interviews conducted with (former) unaccompanied minors in Austria in 2015, we observe that minors mobilize a set of feelings of fear, disappointment, frustration, and uncertainty due to experiences of rejection or loss of control; but unaccompanied minors also express feelings of confidence, joy, hope, and solidarity vis-à-vis their new environment and their future. Furthermore, the highly affective issues of belonging and non-belonging to their host country, of proximity and distance to other human beings hold an important place in their narratives as well as the ordering of time. We conclude that, rather than merely reacting to paradoxes that structure their social positions, minors actively shape such paradoxes and render them tangible and workable by means of narrating contradictory feelings and emotions and by mobilizing affectivity.
Flyktpodden: Migrant and Minority Voices that Matter?
Authors: Gustafsson Jessica
Published: September 2023

In recent years, podcasting has frequently functioned as a tool ‘to tell stories emanating from routinely marginalized lived experiences’ (Vrikki and Malik, 274). Flyktpodden is a podcast aiming to facilitate intergenerational dialogue about escape, persecution, and migration, thereby challenging mainstream stereotypes and generating understanding of different people’s lives. This article examines the podcast through the theoretical concepts of voice (Couldry) and listening (Bassel), addressing how the podcast uses life stories to broaden the cultural awareness of escape, persecution, and migration. This article further asks whether migrant and minority voices are ascribed agency and allowed to matter. Based on a qualitative content analysis, this article concludes that the podcast offers an eclectic collection of life stories on migration and persecution through which migrants and minorities are allowed to be both vulnerable and agentive. The podcast’s intergenerational and dialogic format gives their voices legitimacy and recognition, thus challenging the hierarchy of value and attention. Moreover, it enables marginalized groups to formulate counter-narratives (Vrikki and Malik) on the historic and present-day situation in Sweden rarely heard in the public sphere.
Potential Determinants Contributing to COVID-19 Vaccine Acceptance and Hesitancy in Taiwan: Rapid Qualitative Mixed Methods Study
Authors: Lin Li-Yin , Lin Chun-Ji , Kuan Chen-I , Chiou Hung-Yi
Published: September 2023

Background

Although vaccination has been shown to be one of the most important interventions, COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy remains one of the top 10 global public health challenges worldwide.

Objective

The objective of this study is to investigate (1) major determinants of vaccine hesitancy, (2) changes in the determinants of vaccine hesitancy at different time periods, and (3) the potential factors affecting vaccine acceptance.

Methods

This study applied a mixed methods approach to explore the potential determinants contributing to vaccine hesitancy among the Taiwanese population. The quantitative design of this study involved using Google Trends search query data. We chose the search term “疫苗“ (vaccine), selected ”台灣” (Taiwan) as the location, and selected the period between December 18, 2020, and July 31, 2021. The rising keywords related to vaccine acceptance and hesitancy were collected. Based on the responses obtained from the qualitative study and the rising keywords obtained in Google Trends, the 3 most popular keywords related to vaccine hesitancy were identified and used as search queries in Google Trends between December 18, 2020, and July 31, 2021, to generate relative search volumes (RSVs). Lastly, autoregressive integrated moving average modeling was used to forecast the RSVs for the 3 keywords between May 29 and July 31, 2021. The estimated RSVs were compared to the observed RSVs in Google Trends within the same time frame.

Results

The 4 prevailing factors responsible for COVID-19 vaccine acceptance and hesitancy were doubts about the government and manufacturers, side effects, deaths associated with vaccination, and efficacy of vaccination. During the vaccine observation period, “political role” was the overarching consideration leading to vaccine hesitancy. During the peak of the pandemic, side effects, death, and vaccine protection were the main factors contributing to vaccine hesitancy. The popularity of the 3 frequently searched keywords “side effects,” “vaccine associated deaths,” and “vaccine protection” continued to rise throughout the pandemic outbreak. Lastly, the highest Google search queries related to COVID-19 vaccines emerged as “side effects” prior to vaccination, deaths associated with vaccines during the period when single vaccines were available, and “side effects” and “vaccine protection” during the period when multiple vaccines were available.

Conclusions

Investigating the key factors influencing COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy appears to be a fundamental task that needs to be undertaken to ensure effective implementation of COVID-19 vaccination. Google Trends may be used as a complementary infoveillance tool by government agencies for future vaccine policy implementation and communication.
Effect of Individual Virtual Reality Cognitive Training Programs on Cognitive Function and Depression in Middle-Aged Women: Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Kim Du-Ri , Moon EunSoo , Shin Myung-Jun , Yang Yeong-Ae , Park Jong-Hwan
Published: September 2023

Background

Given the increasing incidence of early-onset Alzheimer disease, strategies for early diagnosis and swift treatment interventions are crucial for mitigating cognitive problems in women and middle-aged individuals who face a high risk of cognitive impairment.

Objective

This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of individual cognitive training programs based on virtual reality (VR), a nonpharmacological intervention, on cognitive function and depression in middle-aged women at risk of cognitive impairment. It used VR technology, which has recently been recognized as a promising tool.

Methods

We administered a VR-based cognitive training program for 30 minutes daily, twice a week, for 12 weeks (24 sessions). This study included middle-aged women residing in older adults’ welfare facilities in G-gu, Busan, from May to August 2021. A total of 60 participants were randomly divided into the training (n=30) and control (n=30) groups. Cognitive and depressive functions were assessed using the Korean versions of the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (K-MoCA), Digit Span Test (DST), Korean-Color Word Stroop Test (K-CWST), and Short Form of the Geriatric Depression Scale (SGDS-K) before the intervention. The training group underwent a VR-based cognitive training program, whereas the control group was educated to maintain regular daily activities. The same assessments were performed 12 weeks after treatment.

Results

A comparison of the mean scores before and after K-MoCA in the training group revealed a significant increase from 24.87 (SD 2.62) to 27.50 (SD 1.70; P<.01), indicating substantial cognitive improvement. Similarly, the mean DST forward scores increased significantly from 6.97 (SD 1.10) to 7.90 (SD 1.18; P<.01), suggesting enhanced short-term auditory memory and attention. The mean DST backward scores also showed a significant improvement from 4.10 (SD 0.71) to 4.77 (SD 1.2; P=.01). Notably, the mean SGDS-K scores decreased significantly from 3.97 (SD 2.51) to 2.13 (SD 1.87; P<.01), indicating a reduction in depression within the training group.

Conclusions

The VR-based cognitive training programs significantly enhanced cognitive function and reduced depression in middle-aged women. Consequently, these programs are considered beneficial nonpharmacological cognitive training interventions for middle-aged women at high risk of cognitive impairment.

Trial Registration

UMIN Clinical Trials Registry UMIN000049752; https://tinyurl.com/z5du989z
Changes in Infectious-Disease-Specific Health Literacy in the COVID-19 Post-Pandemic Period: A Two-Round Cross-Sectional Survey (Preprint)
Authors: Zhao Yusui , Yue Xu , Dingming Yao , Qingqing Wu , Heni Chen , Xiujing Hu , Yu Huang , Xuehai Zhang
Published: September 2023

BACKGROUND

Infectious-disease-specific health literacy (IDSHL) is a crucial factor in the development of infectious diseases. It plays a significant role not only in mitigating the resurgence of infectious diseases but also in effectively averting the emergence of novel infections such as COVID-19. Since the three-year COVID-19 pandemic, there has been a dearth of research concerning IDSHL and its subsequent focal points for health education.

OBJECTIVE

The study aimed to (1) identify the IDSHL scores of residents in 2019 (before the COVID-19 pandemic) and 2022 (the post-epidemic period of COVID-19), (2) evaluate the changes in IDSHL between the two scores, and (3) explore the risk factors affecting IDSHL among residents using multivariate logistic regression analysis.

METHODS

A multiple-stage stratified random sampling technique was used to select study participants from 30 counties in Zhejiang Province, China. We used a standardized questionnaire consisting of 12 closed-ended questions to measure the IDSHL scores before and after the COVID-19 pandemic. Participants were excluded if they were foreigners; residents of Hong Kong, Macau, or Taiwan; or unable to communicate in Mandarin. Two-round cross-sectional survey data were obtained for 2019 and 2022 using the same methodology. Standard descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and t-tests were used to analyze the data.

RESULTS

The two-round cross-sectional surveys conducted in 2019 and 2022 yielded 19,257 and 18,857 valid questionnaires, respectively. In terms of IDSHL scores, when comparing 2022 to 2019, there were notable statistical differences in both the overall scores (t=16.789, P<.001) and the scores across the three dimensions of knowledge (t=6.731, P<.001), behavior (t=20.096, P<.001), and skills (t=13.537, P<.001). With regard to the questions, all but two exhibited statistical differences (P<.001). Multivariate logistic regression analyses indicated that the 2022 year group had a higher likelihood of possessing acquired IDSHL than the 2019 group (OR=1.323, 95% CI: 1.264-1.385, P<.001).

CONCLUSIONS

When conducting health education, it is imperative to enhance efforts in non-respiratory infectious disease health education as well as education in respiratory infectious diseases such as COVID-19. Health education interventions should prioritize minority populations with poor self-health status and low education.
Modifikasi Proses Pemanasan dalam Metode Maserasi untuk Analisis Serat Kayu
Authors: Prihatini Esti , Ismail Rohmat
Published: September 2023

Penelitian ini mempelajari metode maserasi kayu baru yang dimodifikasi dari metode Schultze.  Metode ini dibuat untuk mengurangi waktu maserasi dan risiko serat patah. Perbedaan antara metode ini dengan metode Schultze adalah pada sumber pemanas.  Metode baru ini menggunakan panas dari penangas air untuk mencegah larutan maserasi kayu dari pemanasan langsung.  Panjang serat dari serat yang rusak dan tidak rusak dari metode schultze dan metode baru dibandingkan dan dianalisis secara statistik. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa metode baru dapat diterima sebagai metode yang dapat diandalkan dalam maserasi kayu, dengan kesalahan sebesar 10% dan variasi koefisien yang lebih kecil dari variasi koefisien Howirtz.  Persentase serat patah yang dihasilkan dari metode baru ini lebih rendah dibandingkan dengan metode Shcultze. Nilai   rata-rata serat patah kayu sengon pada metode Schultze adalah 30,23%, sedangkan pada metode modifikasi adalah 20,14% serta pada kayu jabon dengan metode Schultze adalah 33,04% sedangkan metode modifikasi adalah 22,31%.