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ABSTRACT: Background: Vitamin B12 is an essential micronutrient, aids in synthesis of neurotransmitters, and vital for cognitive function. In the current younger population with more of electronic gadgets and scientific world seems to slow down critical thinking and impairs the trick of comprehensive subjective learning. Vitamin B12 deficiency has been linked to insulin-resistant state and future cardiovascular risk. Aim: This study compared single-point insulin sensitivity estimator (SPISE) index, cognitive performance, and CVS risk in vitamin B12-adequate and -deficient young adults. Materials and Methods: Study participants were 60 young female participants, 18 to 35 years with the inclusion criteria of BMI more than 22.9 and waist circumference >85 cm. Anthropometric variables were measured. Lipid profile analytes were analyzed in an integrated Beckman Coulter AU series autoanalyzer. Based on SPISE index categorized as insulin resistant Group A <5.82 and non-insulin resistant Group B ≥5.82. Cognitive function was assessed based on Mini-Mental State Examination screening tool. Settings and Design: Analytical cross-sectional study. Results: Individuals with low vitamin B12 levels had a low SPISE index of less than 5.82 and low HDL-C levels, which indicates abnormal lipidemia and reduced insulin sensitivity. Mini-Mental State Examination was low in B12-deficient. B12 revealed positive correlation with MMSE, SPISE Index, and HDLc, whereas negative correlation with TGL and TGL/HDLc ratio. Conclusion: Individuals with low vitamin B12 levels express low SPISE index, and low performance on MMSE confirms risk of impairment of cognitive function and cardiovascular risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biometric security has been developed in recent years with the emergence of cancellable biometric concepts. The idea of the cancellable biometric traits is concerned with creating encrypted or distorted traits of the original ones to protect them from hacking techniques. So, encrypted or distorted biometric traits are stored in databases instead of the original ones. This can be accomplished through non-invertible transforms or encryption schemes. In this paper, a cancellable face recognition algorithm is introduced based on face image encryption through a fractional-order multi-scroll chaotic system. The fundamental concept is to create random keys that will be XORed with the three components of color face images (red, green, and blue) to obtain encrypted face images. These random keys are generated from the Least Significant Bits of all state variables of a proposed fractional-order multi-scroll chaotic system. Lastly, the encrypted color components of face images are combined to produce a single cancellable trait for each color face image. The results of encryption with the proposed system are full-encrypted face images that are suitable for cancellable biometric applications. The strength of the proposed system is that it is extremely sensitive to the user's selected initial conditions. The numerical simulation of the proposed chaotic system is done with MATLAB. Phase and bifurcation diagrams are used to analyze the dynamic performance of the proposed fractional-order multi-scroll chaotic system. Furthermore, we realized the hardware circuit of the proposed chaotic system on the PSpice simulator. The proposed chaotic system can be implemented on Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs). To model our generator, we can use Verilog Hardware Description Language HDL, Xilinx ISE 14.7 and Xilinx FPGA Artix-7 XC7A100T based on Grunwald-Letnikov algorithms for mathematical analysis. The numerical simulation, the circuit simulation and the hardware experimental results confirm each other. Cancellable face recognition based on the proposed fractional-order chaotic system has been implemented on FERET, LFW, and ORL datasets, and the results are compared with those of other schemes. Some evaluation metrics containing Equal Error Rate (EER), and Area under the Receiver Operating Characteristic (AROC) curve are used to assess the cancellable biometric system. The numerical results of these metrics show EER levels close to zero and AROC values of 100%. In addition, the encryption scheme is highly efficient. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Energy devices with high energy/power density are the need of the day, and to achieve the same, electrolytes with faster ion transport and wider electrochemical stability window are required. Polymer-in-salt electrolytes (PISEs) are predicted to have the better required electrochemical properties in comparison to salt-in-polymer electrolytes (SIPEs), but desired success is still to be achieved due to recrystallization problems. PISEs suffer from poor mechanical and/or electrochemical properties along with aging effects as well; hence, special efforts are required to reduce the crystallinity of PISEs. The present paper discusses a crosslinked corn starch complexed with Mg(ClO4)2 which not only has desired electrochemical properties but is also flexible. XRD study confirms the absence of crystalline nature, without any extra efforts to reduce it. Synthesized PISEs have high conductivity (~0.01 Scm−1), wide ESW (> 3 V), and low relaxation time (µs) along with being economical. Supercapacitors fabricated using this novel PISE with laboratory synthesized activated carbon (from leaves and corn starch) have shown good specific capacitance (~ 20 Fg−1 and ~ 45 Fg−1, respectively). The power density is of the order of kW kg−1, which is quite high in comparison to other reports. The shape of CV and LSV is strongly influenced by the salt concentration, i.e., by the ion-cluster size, and is also affected by the volume/size of the activated carbon pores. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Energy devices with high energy/power density are the need of the day, and to achieve the same, electrolytes with faster ion transport and wider electrochemical stability window are required. Polymer-in-salt electrolytes (PISEs) are predicted to have the better required electrochemical properties in comparison to salt-in-polymer electrolytes (SIPEs), but desired success is still to be achieved due to recrystallization problems. PISEs suffer from poor mechanical and/or electrochemical properties along with aging effects as well; hence, special efforts are required to reduce the crystallinity of PISEs. The present paper discusses a crosslinked corn starch complexed with Mg(ClO4)2 which not only has desired electrochemical properties but is also flexible. XRD study confirms the absence of crystalline nature, without any extra efforts to reduce it. Synthesized PISEs have high conductivity (~0.01 Scm−1), wide ESW (> 3 V), and low relaxation time (µs) along with being economical. Supercapacitors fabricated using this novel PISE with laboratory synthesized activated carbon (from leaves and corn starch) have shown good specific capacitance (~ 20 Fg−1 and ~ 45 Fg−1, respectively). The power density is of the order of kW kg−1, which is quite high in comparison to other reports. The shape of CV and LSV is strongly influenced by the salt concentration, i.e., by the ion-cluster size, and is also affected by the volume/size of the activated carbon pores. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AimsNon-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is closely related to type 2 diabetes (T2D), with reduced insulin sensitivity being a key factor in their disrupted metabolic processes. The single point insulin sensitivity estimator (SPISE) is a novel index. This study aims to explore the association between SPISE and NAFLD in T2D population.MethodsThis study included a total of 2,459 patients with T2D. SPISE was calculated based on high density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-c), triglycerides (TG), and body mass index (BMI). Participants were categorized into NAFLD and non-NAFLD groups based on the results of ultrasonographic diagnosis. The relationship between SPISE and NAFLD was analyzed separately for each gender.ResultsThe overall prevalence of NAFLD is 38.5%. In females and males, the SPISE was significantly reduced in the NAFLD group compared to the non-NAFLD group (both P < 0.05). The prevalence of NAFLD showed a significant reduction across quartiles of the SPISE in both genders (both P < 0.05).Additionally, univariate correlation analysis showed a negative correlation between SPISE and NAFLD (both P < 0.05). In multivariate regression analysis, a reduced SPISE was identified as an independent risk factor for NAFLD (odds ratios of 0.572 and 0.737, 95% CI of 0.477–0.687 and 0.587–0.926, respectively).Moreover, the area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve for SPISE was 0.209 in females and 0.268 in males (95% CI of 0.175–0.244 and 0.216–0.320, respectively). These results are more meaningful than those of other variables.ConclusionSPISE is significantly reduced in NAFLD patients with T2D. Compared to other indicators, SPISE demonstrates superior predictive value in diagnosing NAFLD, and it is independent of gender.

Single Point Insulin Sensitivity Estimator (SPISE) index was recently introduced as a reliable indirect indicator of insulin resistance, applicable to large population-based research. Here, we aimed to 1) examine racial/ethnic differences in SPISE index among US adults, 2) compare predictive power of SPISE index for metabolic syndrome (MetSyn) by race/ethnicity, and 3) evaluate its predictive power for MetSyn against other well-known IR indices including Triglyceride/HDL-C, Triglyceride-glucose index, homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance, and inverse fasting insulin. A total of 2168 adults (814 white, 690 black, and 664 Hispanic) from NHANES 2017-March 2020 Pre-Pandemic Data was analyzed in this study. MetSyn was defined by the AHA/NHLBI criteria. SPISE index and insulin resistance indices were calculated by using physical and cardiometabolic parameters. SPISE index was lowest in Hispanic, followed by black and white, with no difference between white vs. black. The area under the curve of receiver operating characteristics of SPISE index for predicting MetSyn was highest in white (88 %), followed by Hispanic (86 %) and black (82 %) (P < 0.05 vs. black), with optimal cutoffs of 5.03, 4.84, and 4.89, respectively. In the total cohort, the predictive power of the SPISE index for MetSyn was 85 %, higher than the other insulin resistance indices (all P < 0.05). SPISE index outperforms various insulin resistance indices for predicting MetSyn in US adults, signifying its potential in large-scale observational studies. Race/ethnicity should be stratified when using the SPISE index as its predictive power and cutoffs for predicting MetSyn vary by race/ethnicity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Heart failure (HF) is a condition caused by a malfunction of the heart's pumping function. The single-point insulin sensitivity estimator (SPISE) index is a novel indicator for assessing insulin resistance in humans. However, the connection between the SPISE index and the risk of HF in the elderly is unknown. Therefore, our study aims to evaluate the connection between the SPISE index and HF in older adults. Methods: The study was based on data collected from the 1999–2020 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey database and included 6165 participants aged ≥60 years. The multivariable linear regression model and the smooth fitting curve model were applied to investigate the connection between the SPISE index and HF in the elderly. Furthermore, the subgroup analysis was performed to investigate the interactive factors. Results: In this study, the mean age of the population was 69.38 years. After adjusting for all covariates, we observed that the SPISE index was inversely related to the prevalence of HF (OR = 0.87, 95 % CI = 0.80–0.94, P

This paper investigates the viability of using a commercially available liquid polymer (LP) in lieu of ordinary cement to stabilize soil during rammed earth (RE) construction. The scope of this study includes modifying and testing the locally available natural soil with two different LPs at various percentages. Once the optimum moisture content (OMC) of the soil with LPs was determined using the Proctor test, test samples were prepared by chemical and mechanical stabilizations. Following the curing process in an unconfined open-air laboratory environment for 7 days, soil samples were tested to determine the unconfined compressive strength (UCS) and California bearing ratio (CBR) values. The results demonstrate that the lubrication effect of polymers is different than that of water. The first polymer type yields a lower OMC compared to water, while the second polymer achieves a higher OMC. The CBR and UCS values of polymer-stabilized soils are improved for both polymer types at all dosages. The CBR values of polymer-modified soils showed as high as a 10-times improvement compared to Portland cement (PC) stabilization. A similar trend is observed for the UCS results as well. The UCS value of polymer-stabilized soils reached over 1900 psi (13 MPa), which was over 3-times higher than the UCS of PC-stabilized soil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Jacques Derrida coined the term “transcendental violence” to account for a kind of violence that begins as soon as the other appears to us. This “original” violence is paired with a betrayal of the other’s singularity since language and phenomenality impose meaning upon them. Despite Derrida’s efforts to question the idea that violence stems from an originally peaceful state, his account does not provide any explanation of violence as a lived experience, nor does it elaborate on how it is lived by the ego. In this essay, I will try to reappropriate the concept of transcendental violence and link it with that of shame, which I will define here as an objectifying glance that has consequences on the ego’s behavior. I will argue that the link between violence and shame can be appreciated by paying attention to the way the ego assumes the objectifying glance.

Earthen construction is one of the world's oldest and most popular construction methods, and it is still the target of prejudice due to the loss of ancestral knowledge. Due to the need for more effective and healthy building solutions, this study conducted a survey to determine the interest and knowledge of construction professionals regarding sustainable and natural materials and building techniques to understand how open these professionals are to changes in their working methods and if they identify urgency in that change. With the intent of proving the durability of earthen construction materials, laboratory research was developed which involved the preparation and performance evaluation of samples of earthen elements from the most-used techniques: rammed earth and compressed earth blocks. This evaluation was performed using the accelerated erosion test, simulating periods of rainfall and drying, and the post-test loss of resistance was also evaluated. According to the results obtained from the research survey, there is a predominant lack of knowledge about earthen construction and other traditional and sustainable materials. On the other hand, the experiments demonstrated that earthen construction can be durable when using either a small percentage of stabilizing material or a covering plaster. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recently, the single-point insulin sensitivity estimator (SPISE) has been developed as a simple surrogate of insulin resistance based on BMI, triglycerides (TG), and HDL-C. However, no studies have focused on the predictive power of the SPISE index for identifying metabolic syndrome (MetSyn) in Korean adults. Here, this study aimed to estimate the predictive power of the SPISE index for determining MetSyn and to compare its predictive power with other insulin sensitivity/resistance indices in South Korean adults. A total of 7837 participants from the 2019 and 2020 Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys were analyzed in the present study. MetSyn was defined by the AHA/NCEP criteria. In addition, HOMA-IR, inverse insulin, TG/HDL, TyG index (triglyceride-glucose index), and SPISE index were calculated based on the previous literature. Predictive power of the SPISE index for determining MetSyn (ROC-AUC [95 % CI] = 0.90 [0.90–0.91], sensitivity = 83.4 %, specificity = 82.2 %, cut-off point = 6.14, p <.001) was higher than that of HOMA-IR (ROC-AUC: 0.81), inverse insulin (ROC-AUC: 0.76), TG/HDL-C (ROC-AUC: 0.87), and TyG index (ROC-AUC: 0.88), the P value for ROC-AUC comparison <.001. SPISE index has demonstrated superior predictive value for diagnosing MetSyn regardless of sex and is strongly correlated with blood pressure compared with other surrogate indices of insulin resistance, attesting to its utility as a reliable indicator of insulin resistance and MetSyn in Korean adults. • The predictive power of the SPISE index is superior to that of HOMA-IR, inverse insulin, TG/HDL-C, and TyG index for MetSyn. • SPISE index correlates with anthropometric measurements and cardiometabolic disease risk factors. • SPISE index has a very large effect size profile between non-obese individuals and obese individuals regardless of sex. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The influence of hydric state on the elasto-viscoplastic behaviour of a unstabilised rammed earth (URE) wall has yet to be studied in the literature. This paper presents an experimental campaign on a rammed earth wall. The aim is to evaluate the link between the mechanical properties (including viscosity) and the varying hydric state inside the drying wall after manufacture. Cyclic axial compression and stress relaxation tests were carried out for this purpose. A compression test was conducted up to 0.1 MPa, followed by a stress relaxation test. These tests were periodically performed over 32 weeks. In addition, the hydric state inside the wall was monitored by humidity sensors. The results show that both the elastic modulus and the dynamic viscosity coefficient increase as the structure dries. A dependence of the mechanical behaviour on time is therefore found in these samples in the transient state. This can occur when the sample is in the drying or wetting phase. As rammed earth is a material particularly sensitive to water, this result is crucial for the durability of earthen constructions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Single Point Insulin Sensitivity Estimator (SPISE) is a novel surrogate marker for insulin sensitivity and was found comparable to the gold standard clamp test as well as for predicting the Metabolic Syndrome (MetS) in several populations. The present study aimed to assess for the first time, the validity of SPISE in predicting MetS among Arab adolescents. In this cross-sectional study, 951 Saudi adolescents aged 10–17 years were randomly recruited from different schools across Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Anthropometrics were measured and fasting blood samples were collected for the assessment of glucose, lipid profile, adipokines, C-reactive protein and 25 hydroxyvitamin (OH) D. MetS was defined using the National Cholesterol Education Program's (NCEP) criteria with age-specific thresholds for adolescents. The SPISE as well as insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) indices were calculated. The over-all prevalence of MetS was 8.6% (82 out of 951). SPISE index was significantly lower in MetS than non-MetS participants in both sexes (5.5 ± 2.5 vs. 9.4 ± 3.2, p < 0.001 in boys and 4.4 ± 1.4 vs. 8.6 ± 3.2, p < 0.001 in girls). The SPISE index showed a significant inverse correlation with resistin, leptin, and C-reactive protein, and a significant positive correlation with adiponectin and 25(OH) D. Areas under the curve (AUC) revealed fair and good accuracy for predicting MetS 84.1% and 90.3% in boys and girls, respectively. The sex-specific cut-off proposed was SPISE index ≤6.1 (sensitivity 72.2% and specificity 83.9%) for boys and ≤6.46 (sensitivity 96.3% and specificity 73.4%), for girls. This study suggests that the SPISE index is a simple and promising diagnostic marker of insulin sensitivity and MetS in Arab adolescents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Revista Estudios de Filosofía is the property of Universidad de Antioquia, Instituto de Filosofia and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Media4u Magazine is the property of Ing. Jan Chromy, Ph.D. and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The prevalence of obesity and metabolic syndrome (MetS) in the pediatric population has increased globally. We evaluated the impact of childhood obesity and sarcopenic obesity on the risk of MetS in adolescence using the Ewha Birth and Growth Cohort study data. In this study, we analyzed data from 227 participants who were followed up at the ages of 7–9 and 13–15 years. Overweight and obesity were defined as a body mass index of the 85th percentile or higher based on national growth charts, and sarcopenic obesity was defined using body composition data. Metabolic diseases in adolescence were identified by calculating the pediatric simple metabolic syndrome score (PsiMS), continuous metabolic syndrome score (cMetS), and single-point insulin sensitivity estimator (SPISE) as MetS indices. The prevalence of overweight was approximately 15% at both 7–9 and 13–15 years old, and that of sarcopenic obesity (7–9 years old) was 19.5%. Boys aged 13–15 years had a significantly larger waist circumference (WC) and higher systolic blood pressure (SBP) than girls. The MetS indices (PsiMS, cMetS, and SPISE) showed no significant differences by gender. Overweight and sarcopenic obese people have a higher overall risk of MetS components than normal people. The overweight group had a significantly higher prevalence of PsiMS and cMetS than the normal group, while the SPISE was significantly lower and the MetS indicator was worse in the overweight group than in the normal group. Similar results were obtained in the group with sarcopenic obesity. Both overweight and sarcopenic obesity remained significantly associated with MetS indicators, even after adjusting for covariates. Furthermore, metabolic health assessed by the cMetS in adolescence was affected not only by childhood overweight but also by adolescence, which showed an interaction effect. The results of this study emphasize the importance and need for early detection of childhood obesity and effective public health interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The single point insulin sensitivity estimator (SPISE) is a recently developed fasting index for insulin sensitivity based on triglycerides, high density lipoprotein cholesterol, and body mass index. SPISE has been validated in juveniles and adults; still, its role during childhood remains unclear. To evaluate the age- and sex-specific distribution of SPISE, its correlation with established fasting indexes and its application as a prognostic marker for future dysglycemia during childhood and adolescence were assessed. We performed linear modeling and correlation analyses on a cross-sectional cohort of 2107 children and adolescents (age 5 to 18.4 years) with overweight or obesity. Furthermore, survival analyses were conducted upon a longitudinal cohort of 591 children with overweight/obesity (1712 observations) with a maximum follow-up time of nearly 20 years, targeting prediabetes/dysglycemia as the end point. The SPISE index decreased significantly with age (−0.34 units per year, p < 0.001) among children and adolescents with overweight and obesity. Sex did not have an influence on SPISE. There was a modest correlation between SPISE and established fasting markers of insulin resistance (R = −0.49 for HOMA-IR, R = −0.55 for QUICKI-IR). SPISE is a better prognostic marker for future dysglycemia (hazard ratio (HR) 3.47, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.60–7.51, p < 0.01) than HOMA-IR and QUICKI-IR (HR 2.44, 95% CI 1.24–4.81, p < 0.05). The SPISE index is a surrogate marker for insulin resistance predicting emerging dysglycemia in children with overweight or obesity, and could, therefore, be applied to pediatric cohorts that lack direct insulin assessment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Insulin resistance (IR) plays an important role as a major determinant of Metabolic syndrome (MetS). Various methods are available for measuring insulin resistance but they are laborious, time-consuming, and costly. Therefore various surrogate markers and indices have been devised to simplify and improve the determination of insulin resistance. Recently, a new index, single point insulin sensitivity estimator (SPISE) was proposed in the European population and was found comparable to the gold standard test (hyperinsulinemic euglycemic glucose clamp).This study was planned to evaluate whether SPISE could be a useful potential low-cost indicator for predicting MetS with IR patients in Indian population. Eighty-three participants from outpatient care of AIIMS Rishikesh were evaluated after informed consent. They were divided into Metabolic syndrome (n = 56) and Non Metabolic Syndrome(n = 27), using South Asian Modified National Cholesterol Education Program- ATP-III criteria for metabolic syndrome. SPISE index, HOMA-IR, Insulin Resistance Index, Triglycerides to high-density lipoproteins cholesterol ratio (TG/HDL-C) were calculated for all the subjects. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was plotted to assess discriminatory ability of SPISE, HOMA-IR, TG/HDL-C ratio, IRI and hs-CRP to differentiate between IR(Metabolic syndrome) and non-IR (Non-Metabolic syndrome) subjects. SPISE has greater area under curve with better sensitivity and specificity compared to HOMA-IR, IRI, TG/HDL-C ratio and hs CRP. So, SPISE has better predictive ability than HOMA-IR, IRI, TG/HDL-C ratio and hs CRP to discriminate IR from non-IR cases. SPISE could be a useful potential low-cost indicator with high sensitivity and specificity for predicting IR in MetS patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research is focused on tulou, collective dwellings of Fujian (China), built with rammed earth and wood. Except for the evident variation in size and in shape between different tulou, all of them apparently share a similar design and layout features and also the scientific literature on this topic does not highlight substantial differences among them. Despite the generic uniformity, it is however possible to clearly distinguish two groups of tulou, built by different populations and reflecting different life styles and dwelling ideas: the Minnan and Hakka tulou. Starting from this new assumption and through a systematic analysis of eight significant case studies, in this paper it is proved for the first time that the functional differences, already partly recognized by previous studies, can be clearly linked to the typological and construction ones as well as. Thanks to this new methodological approach, in the future it will be possible to set up the analysis of this vast heritage in a more orderly manner, allow a greater integration of various disciplinary research and plan a "Manual on tulou restoration", intended as a guide for restoration and dissemination of the knowledge regarding the original materials and techniques of tulou. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent discoveries from pre-Roman and Roman archaeological sites in the Maghreb reveal the use of unbaked earth in local architecture. This article reviews Algerian data through a historiographical investigation, focused mainly on excavation reports and archives. A provisional list is presented of the discoveries belonging to domestic buildings and military architecture. It is observed that the attitude of excavators at the beginning of the twentieth century regarding unbaked earth construction was quite negative. This in part explains the small number of attestations of earth architecture from Algeria in antiquity.

This article discusses the design and evaluation of secondary power sources using simulation models. In a set of circuit experiments, the models allow various parameters to be measured and visualized and aid in the analysis of the results. The models were developed using "NI MultiSim" (for simulation experiments); "Micro-Cap" (for functional experiments) and "LTspise" (for process control). Simulation helps to understand the basic concepts, analysis and tuning of circuit processes and parameters of secondary power supplies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The single point insulin sensitivity estimator (SPISE) is a recently developed fasting index for insulin sensitivity based on triglycerides, high density lipoprotein cholesterol, and body mass index. SPISE has been validated in juveniles and adults; still, its role during childhood remains unclear. To evaluate the age- and sex-specific distribution of SPISE, its correlation with established fasting indexes and its application as a prognostic marker for future dysglycemia during childhood and adolescence were assessed. We performed linear modeling and correlation analyses on a cross-sectional cohort of 2107 children and adolescents (age 5 to 18.4 years) with overweight or obesity. Furthermore, survival analyses were conducted upon a longitudinal cohort of 591 children with overweight/obesity (1712 observations) with a maximum follow-up time of nearly 20 years, targeting prediabetes/dysglycemia as the end point. The SPISE index decreased significantly with age (−0.34 units per year, p < 0.001) among children and adolescents with overweight and obesity. Sex did not have an influence on SPISE. There was a modest correlation between SPISE and established fasting markers of insulin resistance (R = −0.49 for HOMA-IR, R = −0.55 for QUICKI-IR). SPISE is a better prognostic marker for future dysglycemia (hazard ratio (HR) 3.47, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.60–7.51, p < 0.01) than HOMA-IR and QUICKI-IR (HR 2.44, 95% CI 1.24–4.81, p < 0.05). The SPISE index is a surrogate marker for insulin resistance predicting emerging dysglycemia in children with overweight or obesity, and could, therefore, be applied to pediatric cohorts that lack direct insulin assessment.

The prevalence of obesity and metabolic syndrome (MetS) in the pediatric population has increased globally. We evaluated the impact of childhood obesity and sarcopenic obesity on the risk of MetS in adolescence using the Ewha Birth and Growth Cohort study data. In this study, we analyzed data from 227 participants who were followed up at the ages of 7–9 and 13–15 years. Overweight and obesity were defined as a body mass index of the 85th percentile or higher based on national growth charts, and sarcopenic obesity was defined using body composition data. Metabolic diseases in adolescence were identified by calculating the pediatric simple metabolic syndrome score (PsiMS), continuous metabolic syndrome score (cMetS), and single-point insulin sensitivity estimator (SPISE) as MetS indices. The prevalence of overweight was approximately 15% at both 7–9 and 13–15 years old, and that of sarcopenic obesity (7–9 years old) was 19.5%. Boys aged 13–15 years had a significantly larger waist circumference (WC) and higher systolic blood pressure (SBP) than girls. The MetS indices (PsiMS, cMetS, and SPISE) showed no significant differences by gender. Overweight and sarcopenic obese people have a higher overall risk of MetS components than normal people. The overweight group had a significantly higher prevalence of PsiMS and cMetS than the normal group, while the SPISE was significantly lower and the MetS indicator was worse in the overweight group than in the normal group. Similar results were obtained in the group with sarcopenic obesity. Both overweight and sarcopenic obesity remained significantly associated with MetS indicators, even after adjusting for covariates. Furthermore, metabolic health assessed by the cMetS in adolescence was affected not only by childhood overweight but also by adolescence, which showed an interaction effect. The results of this study emphasize the importance and need for early detection of childhood obesity and effective public health interventions.

Microplasma schmidti Dybowski, 1874 (Rugosa: Stauriida: Cystiphyllidae) is briefly described. The species is characterized by a primitive septum zone, dissepiments that occupy the central corallite zone and the frequent occurrence of pseudocolonies. Based on the material from the collection of the Tallinn University of Technology from the Wenlock of Estonia (Sepise Section, Jaagarahu Stage), the mechanism of the pseudocolony formation by regenerative budding of the maternal corallite is described and the main reasons of its appearance are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Fasting insulin resistance indexes are used extensively nowadays. We intended to analyze a new recently presented fasting index, SPISE (sensitivity formula: 600 × HDL-cholesterol0.185/triglycerides0.2/BMI1.338), in comparison with three previously known fasting indexes, regarding correlation with the insulin clamp index, and for the predictive effects of future long-term risks of coronary heart disease (CHD) or manifest type 2 diabetes. Methods: A total of 1049 71-year-old male subjects from the Swedish ULSAM study, median follow-up 8 years, were included. All subjects performed the euglycemic insulin clamp, and analyses of four fasting insulin resistance indexes: SPISE-IR (= 10/SPISE), QUICKI-IR, Log HOMA-IR, and Revised QUICKI-IR. Results: Spearman correlation coefficients with the insulin clamp were 0.60–0.62 for all indexes. Area under curve at ROC analysis was 0.80 for SPISE-IR, and 0.84 for QUICKI-IR, Log HOMA-IR, and Rev QUICKI-IR. Adjusted hazard ratios per 1 SD index increase for long-term risk CHD were similar in all patients: 1.20–1.24 (p = 0.02–0.03). However, comparing the highest quartile (recommended to define insulin resistance) with the lower quartiles, SPISE-IR was the strongest and the only statistically significant insulin resistance index: HR 1.53 (p = 0.02). Adjusted odds ratios per 1 SD index increase for long-term risk of type 2 diabetes were fairly similar (p

يدرس هذا البحث، كما هو ظاهر من العنوان التمثيل القنصلي للتجار والدول المسيحية في المدن والموانئ في دول الغرب الإسلامي. ويركز بصفة خاصة على الدولة الحفصية لأنها تمثل بامتياز النموذج الذي تتوفر فيه الوثائق التي تسمح لنا بدراسة هذا الموضوع. تعتمد الدراسة في أساسها على الوثائق وهي في مجملها المعاهدات المبرمة بين أطراف العلاقات، مسلمين من جهة ومسيحيين من جهة أخرى، والمراسلات المتبادلة بينهم على اختلاف وتنوع مواضيعها واغراضها. وهي وثائق تزخر بالمعلومات التي تخص الموضوع بالدرجة الأولى

The article is focused on design of mixture of rammed earth, producing, testing and determination of fracture energy of unfired rammed earth and its stress-strain curve in tensile bending test. Three different mixtures of rammed earth were designed and tested. The amount of water and binder is one of the key properties of the rammed earth, the amount of the water is expressed by the water-clay ratio. Mechanical properties of the earth material highly depend on the composition of sand, clay and water. The prescription AGL III with 80 % of sand, 20 % of clay and 0.400 water-clay ratio reached the maximum value of fracture energy 4.858±0.002 J/m2 and set AGL V had the minimum value 1.934±0.310 J/m2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper we discuss Egyptian fractions, i.e. representations of positive fractions as sums of unit fractions, in their historical context. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The original artistic aesthetics of Huxley fiction is not accidental. It follows from the imperative of bringing literary art closer to the modern philosophy of Schopenhauer, Nietzsche, and Kierkegaard that this thesis draws. The problem of human existence, of human destiny from birth to death, of the human enigma, of the good and bad aspects of life, and the tragedies and comedies of human life, have been a constant preoccupation in Huxley's prose. This research paper enriches the critical analysis of Huxley's dystopian fiction. Moreover, it also contributes to the study of extra-textual, historical, and psychological factors that have influenced and will continue to influence the creation of a dystopian and totalitarian society. Huxley compares economic wealth to spiritual poverty. Rather, it is precise because spirituality is almost non-existent, that material poverty is defined as the real treasure in the novel that brings full human experience. In the same context, death is not a loss, but salvation from a miserable and terrible life. The selected study addresses the representative elements of utopian and dystopian fiction, as well as the social problems that are also the object of consideration in the novel. The forces of life's absurdity face man with many either-or situations. Thus, one must decide whether to distance oneself and stop watching them, playing the game of Hamlet - humanist who, paralyzed by doubt, is unable to act, or participate in the absurd game, by taking the role of a Don Quixote, who is caught in the endless circle of his adventures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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This article presents some findings from the French-Moroccan archaeological mission to Siğilmāsa. Given the poor preservation and visibility of the archaeological remains, which makes their interpretation particularly difficult, we first proposed a geomorphological study of the site. This was then completed by geoarchaeological test pits in order to better understand the topography of the site. The observation of two different qualities of «pisé», one orange and one gray, together with direct radiocarbon dating, suggests some technological evolution of the construction material and enables us to place it in a clear stratigraphic framework. Finally, we posited the existence of a relationship between the process of site formation and availability of the raw materials (gravel, loam, earth…) used in different pisés observed.

To compare the effects of maxillary sinus elevation with simultaneous implant placement using hydrodynamic piezoelectric internal sinus elevation(HPISE) with endoscopy and lateral window osteotomy (LWO) .16 consecutive patients withing residual crestal height of 2 to 5 mm were randomly divided into two groups based on the technique. 8 patients with 15 implants were allocated to the LWO group, the other 8 patients with 14 implants were allocated to the HPISE group. Clinical examination, radiographic assessment, resonance frequency analysis (RFA), surgical duration and patients' evaluation of postoperative swelling and pain were assessed between two groups at different time points. 2 membrane perforations in the LWO group and 1 membrane perforation in the HPISE group were noted. After an average 9-month' healing, mean bone height gain in the LWO group was 5.37±1.16 mm while that of the HPISE group was 5.27±1.07mm. Osstell values increased over time and no differences of the mean ISQ changes between groups were found at any time points. No significant difference was recorded concerning the duration of the surgery. However, the patients showed a preference for the HPISE technique on behalf of the postoperative swelling and pain (P <0.05=. After mean 3- year post-loading, no implants and prostheses failed in both group. HPISE technique could be an alternative method to traditional sinus augmentation using LWO technique for reducing postoperative swelling and pain. Frequent membrane perforations in HPISE could be avoided when endoscopy was used. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Fasting insulin resistance indexes are used extensively nowadays. We intended to analyze a new recently presented fasting index, SPISE (sensitivity formula: 600 × HDL-cholesterol0.185/triglycerides0.2/BMI1.338), in comparison with three previously known fasting indexes, regarding correlation with the insulin clamp index, and for the predictive effects of future long-term risks of coronary heart disease (CHD) or manifest type 2 diabetes. Methods: A total of 1049 71-year-old male subjects from the Swedish ULSAM study, median follow-up 8 years, were included. All subjects performed the euglycemic insulin clamp, and analyses of four fasting insulin resistance indexes: SPISE-IR (= 10/SPISE), QUICKI-IR, Log HOMA-IR, and Revised QUICKI-IR. Results: Spearman correlation coefficients with the insulin clamp were 0.60–0.62 for all indexes. Area under curve at ROC analysis was 0.80 for SPISE-IR, and 0.84 for QUICKI-IR, Log HOMA-IR, and Rev QUICKI-IR. Adjusted hazard ratios per 1 SD index increase for long-term risk CHD were similar in all patients: 1.20–1.24 (p = 0.02–0.03). However, comparing the highest quartile (recommended to define insulin resistance) with the lower quartiles, SPISE-IR was the strongest and the only statistically significant insulin resistance index: HR 1.53 (p = 0.02). Adjusted odds ratios per 1 SD index increase for long-term risk of type 2 diabetes were fairly similar (p < 0.001) in all patients: 1.62 for SPISE-IR, 1.97 for QUICKI-IR and Log HOMA-IR, and 2.04 for Rev QUICKI-IR, and also when comparing the highest versus the lower quartiles: 2.8–3.1 (p < 0.001). Conclusion: SPISE, easily applicable, performed equally well as other fasting insulin indexes previously recommended for clinical use, regarding correlation with the insulin clamp, and as predictor for future long-term risks of CHD or type 2 diabetes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Properties of rammed interface layers of earthen structures were analyzed. • Tensile and shear strengths of these layers were lower than compressive strength. • The rammed pit interface showed superior properties compared to other types. Layer interfaces are the weakest parts of traditional rammed earthen structures. Different ramming technologies for the interfaces between layers were found to have a significant effect on the level of destruction. Accordingly, four interface treatment methods were simulated to reveal the mechanism and damage mode for the interfaces between different layers: no interface, fine interface, coarse interface and rammed pit interface. Moreover, elastic wave velocity, tensile strength, compressive strength and shear strength tests were performed to explore the effects of different interface treatment technologies on different layers. The results showed that the tensile and shear strengths of the rammed earthen layer interfaces were much lower than the compressive strength. The tensile strength was only 1/30 of the compressive strength, which was the decisive factor in the ultimate destruction of such sites. An effective measure to improve the shear strength of rammed earthen sites is to increase the depth and uniform area of friction of the layer interface, and the roughness of the contact surface between layers. The interface treatment with the rammed pit layer provided superior results to the coarse and fine layers. The abovementioned results provide a theoretical basis for the scientific cognition of traditional ramming and consolidation technologies of earthen sites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Design, construction and operation of built environments emit 40% of global anthropogenic greenhouse gases. Search for alternative building materials is imperative for ensuring sustainable habitat for world's increasing population. Rammed earth is one such material with dramatically lower embodied energy and emission than concrete or brick. This paper explores further reduction of operational emission of rammed earth by improving its thermal resistance by recycling industrial by-products such as crumb rubber. The dividend from the introduction of the filler material is examined. The results have been validated with experimental data. Effect of volume fraction, size, shape and spatial distribution of the filler has been presented. It is noted that the recycled fillers considerably improve the thermal insulation. However, they induce increased thermal stress on rammed earth. Thus, a trade-off between strength and thermal resistance needs to be reached. The results would be useful for arriving at an optimal spatial design of the filler to achieve the target thermal resistance and strength. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphical abstract Highlights • Non-destructive ultrasonic wave velocity was used to assess the RE materials. • Thermal and mechanical properties of sustainable stabilizers were experimented. • Sustainable additives were considered as replacement for industrial stabilizers. • A simple method for evaluating the sensitivity to humidity was introduced. • SEM was considered to check reaction and bond between aggregates and binders. Abstract The overall behavior of rammed earth (RE) as a low embodied energy construction method can be enhanced by using stabilizers. Several studies have been performed on cement and lime stabilized RE. However, studies on other additives, especially the sustainable ones, are limited. In this research, the effect of stabilizers including cement, pozzolan, microsilica, fiberglass, guar gum and phase change material (PCM) was evaluated on the performance of RE mixtures. The mixtures were assessed by considering the durability, shrinkage, thermal conductivity, mechanical properties and their sensitivity to the humidity. Then, the correlations were determined between the mechanical properties and the non-destructive wave velocity. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) used to analyze the reaction and the bond between the stabilizers and aggregates. The improvement in ductility and energy absorption of RE is significant by limiting the guar gum content. Pozzolan, especially used in conjunction with microsilica, improved the mechanical behavior of the RE mixtures. Fiberglass significantly enhanced the ductility, the tensile strength, and the energy absorption. It was concluded that aggregate volume fracture and admixture type are the most effective parameters on the thermal conductivity. Furthermore, the wave velocity is a proper tool to evaluate the suitability of the RE. More durable, sustainable and eco-friendly mixtures can be achieved by using a sufficient amount of guar gum and pozzolan with microsilica to improve the mechanical behavior of RE materials and also reduce the carbon footprint of RE materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]