bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Islamic Vector in Russian Foreign Policy
Authors: Malashenko A.
Published: September 2022

The Islamic vector is a part of Russian foreign policies. Its importance should not be exaggerated, yet it may hardly be ignored. This vector is underpinned by Russia’s striving to establish close relations with the Muslim world and to emphasize the closeness of their interests, as well as to contain the Western domination in the global politics by means of cultivating and promoting common contribution of Russia and Muslim countries to the creation of a new world order based on the principle of multipolarity. The Russian official ideology emphasizes the similarity of traditions and civilizational identities of Russia and the Islamic Ummah. In 2015, Russian president Vladimir Putin said that Russia is a Muslim country. Undoubtedly, it may be considered a propagandist declaration, however it was highly appreciated in the Muslim world. This idea of closeness of Russia and the Islamic Ummah is supported by the Russian Orthodox Church. Patriarch Kirill of Moscow has stressed that the Russian Orthodoxy is more similar to the Islamic tradition than to the Western Christianity. Nonetheless, it is impossible to establish close relations with the Muslim world as different interests of dozens of Muslim countries have to be taken into consideration. Consequently, the Islamic vector in the foreign policy of Russia plays an instrumental role and is deeply linked to its pragmatic – political and economic – goals. The Ukrainian crisis and the deterioration of the Russian–Western relations stimulate Russia’s increased interest in deepening relations with Muslim countries. Yet, there are several obstacles on this path. The first consists in Russia’s inability to provide the much needed economic and financial assistance to Muslim countries on a regular basis and in the required amounts. Russia cannot compete with the Western economies, with which Muslim countries have established long-term relations. Another problem is the pressure that the West, and first and foremost the United States, exerts on the Muslim states in an attempt to make them join the anti-Russian sanctions. In some cases, these attempts may be fruitful, in others – they fail, but they continue, leaving a negative impact on the Russian relations with the Muslim world.
American Model of Capitalism: Advantages and Challenges of 21st Century
Authors: Supyan V.
Published: September 2022

The article aims to show the evolution of the American model of capitalism and its opportunities to adapt to new challenges of the 21st century. The author reviews the basic characteristics of this model and its destinction from other market economy models. It is demonstrated that in the USA, the leading role in economic development is played by private sector, and the government occupies much more modest positions. The ideas of independence, self-reliance and individual success definitely prevail both in ideology and in economic practices. It is noted that the American model has underwent several stages in its evolution – from the 17th century until recently, and only the last 50–60 years may be regarded as a liberal period of economic development. The author demonstrates that due to the liberal model the country has reached significant economic and social results, including high economic growth and high living standards. The driving force of the American model is definitely a private sector, which generates about 90% of GDP and most investments into the economy. The liberal model is undoubtedly advantageous for the competitive part of society, for efficient workers. At the same time it is not good for a social state focused on a general welfare. However, in total, the advantages of the American model are quite obvious: commitment to high economic efficiency, development of science and innovations, economic growth and high living standards. The shortcomings of the American model are also quite evident. Among them there are: a problem of social and income inequality, the emergence of new economic challenges, including those connected with pandemics and climate change, which test the American model for its sustainability and effectiveness. Another issue is new emerging markets that are not liberal at all. Especially we can talk about China which became the real rival to the American economy. The modern stage of globalization puts several new problems before the American capitalism, such as the is exacerbation of contradictions between old industrial countries and emerging economies, between strengthened multinational corporations and the governments of the countries they came from. The author makes a conclusion that despite both internal and external challenges the existing potential of the American economic model is still not exhausted. At the same time, it is evident that the question of its adaption to all existing issues is quite real and demands solution.
Evolution of Latin American Democracy and Deconsolidation of Electoral Space
Authors: Turovskiy R. , Sukhova M. , Sinitsina A.
Published: September 2022

This article examines the processes of nationalization of party systems in Latin America. The analysis demonstrates that the evolution of party systems, resulting in various degrees of nationalization, is quite different for every country and follows separate paths. In this regard, an analysis of possible political, social and economic factors influencing nationalization is carried out. However, it is not possible to identify a clear connection between democratization and nationalization, which distinguishes Latin America from Western democracies. An analysis of country cases based on materials and authors’ assessments of elections in the 21st century does not allow to speak about any correlation that may be expected between the improvement in the democracy indicators and the growth in the level of nationalization. At the same time, there are clear problems with the institutionalization of parties, which have exacerbated in recent decades due to the crisis of many old players and the emergence of new parties and coalitions, which makes Latin American politics even more turbulent. Among all the factors, the article studies ethnic and racial diversity which has a most significant impact on the volatility and regional variety of voting patterns. It is noteworthy that social stratification does not have a sufficient effect on the processes of nationalization, despite the fact that in many states it turns into a noticeable polarization of rich and poor regions. The authors conclude that the processes of democratization in Latin America are neither long-term nor strong enough to achieve a sustainable degree of nationalization of the party systems. An obstacle to this is the complex ethnic and racial structure of Latin American societies, which also leads to the emergence of deviant regions with their own specific voting patterns.
Modeling the returns volatility of Indonesian stock indices: The case of SRI-KEHATI and LQ45
Authors: Ponziani Regi Muzio
Published: September 2022

The purpose of this research is to model the volatility of Stock Indices in Indonesian capital market. This research focuses on two stock indices namely SRI-KEHATI and LQ45. SRI_KEHATI is a stock index that consists of companies whose operations are sustainable and environmentally friendly. This stock index is also known as â€œgreen indexâ€ due to its environment and sustainability concern. This is the novelty of this research that fills in the gap in the literature in which not much known regarding this green index. As the comparison, LQ45 stock index was modeled. The data used in this model were daily returns data of both index. The research period extended from 2 January 2019 to 1 November 2021. The research employed four models i.e. ARCH (1), ARCH (2), GARCH (1,1) and GJR-GARCH (1,1) for both indices returns. The ARCH and GARCH model were employed to capture the conditional variance of the indices return, while GJR-GARCH was specifically chosen to investigate whether there exists asymmetric effect in which return reacts more to bad news than good news. Akaike Information Criterion (AIC) and Schwarz Information Criterion (SIC) were chosen as the parameters for choosing the best models. Data analysis showed that GJR-GARCH was the best model for modeling the returns volatility of SRI-KEHATI and LQ45. This model was able to capture the essential property of asymmetric effect present in both models. The second best model was ARCH (2). Apparently, returns variance of Indonesian stock indices are affected more by lagged residuals. The limitation of this research lies in its research period that covered both pre-pandemic and post-pandemic period. Stock market behavior might be very different between these two periods. Future research may endeavor to investigate how the volatility of stock differs between pre-pandemic and post-pandemic period.
Una década de progreso de la heredabilidad de los caracteres relacionados con la calificación lineal en cabras Murciano-Granadina
Authors: Fernández Álvarez J. , González F.J. Navas , León Jurado J.M. , Iglesias Pastrana C. , Delgado Bermejo J.V.
Published: September 2022

El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar el progreso de la heredabilidad para los caracteres considerados dentro del sistema de calificación lineal en la raza Murciano-Granadina durante la década completa desde diciembre de 2011 hasta diciembre de 2021. Los valores estimados para la heredabilidad fueron obtenidos a partir de análisis multivariados utilizando la metodología BLUP y el software MTDFREML. Para el cálculo de las heredabilidades de 2021, se aplicó un modelo animal simple sobre los registros recogidos en 22727 cabras primíparas y 17111 cabras multíparas, pertenecientes a 85 ganaderías. El modelo incluyó los componentes lineal y cuadrático y lineal de las covariables edad y días en leche, respectivamente. Los efectos fijos considerados en el modelo fueron el rebaño, status reproductivo, el mes de parto y la interacción rebaño/año. Por su parte se consideró el animal como efecto aleatorio. Las variables estudiadas incluyeron cinco características relacionadas con la Estructura y capacidad; Altura a la cruz (EST), Profundidad corporal (PC), Anchura de pecho (AP), Anchura de grupa (AG) y Ángulo de la Grupa (ANG). Dos rasgos relacionados con la Estructura lechera; Angulosidad (ANGUL), Calidad de hueso (HUESO). Seis relacionados con el Sistema mamario; Inserción anterior (IA), Altura inserción posterior (AIP), Ligamento suspensorio medio (LSM), Profundidad de la ubre (PU), Colocación de pezones (CP) and Diámetro de pezones (DP). Finalmente, tres relacionados con Patas y pies; Vistas posterior y lateral de las patas traseras (VPPT y VLPT) y Movilidad (MOV). Las heredabilidades para los caracteres de estructura y capacidad progresaron desde 0,22 a 0,28 incluyendo variables no convergentes (PC y ANG) en junio de 2011 a valores de entre 0,10 a 0,41 con todas las variables convergiendo en junio de 2021. Las heredabilidades para la estructura lechera progresaron desde 0,18 con variables no convergentes (HUESO) en 2012 hasta 0,17 a 0,25 en 2021. Las heredabilidades para los caracteres del sistema mamario progresaron de entre 0,12 a 0,27 con variables no convergentes (AU) en 2011 a entre 0,10 y 0,41 en 2021. Para las patas y pies las heredabilidades progresaron de 0,16 a 0,17 con variables no convergentes (VLPT) a 0,09 a 0,22. El progreso genético no sólo es patente en los valores de la heredabilidad, sino que se ha dado una reducción notable en el error estándar de las heredabilidades desde 0,1000 (0,080-0,120) hasta 0,000 (0,000-0,001) desde 2011 a 2021. Estos resultados proporcionan evidencias de la efectividad y precisión del sistema de Calificación lineal aplicado y de su integración en el esquema de selección de la raza Murciano-Granadina.
Ethnomedicinal knowledge of plants among the Tangkhul Nagas of Manipur
Authors:   *Ph.D. , Department of Anthropology, North-Eastern Hill University, Shillong - 793022., Angkang Shimray Robert , Lungleng* Aaron ,   *Ph.D. , Department of Anthropology, North-Eastern Hill University, Shillong - 793022.
Published: September 2022

The use and the knowledge of medicinal plants exist throughout the world, where human beings have been using these plants in curing all types of diseases and ailments in their traditional methods since the beginning of their very lives. While, its effectiveness have been proven beyond doubt and documented throughout several ethnic communities of the world, it has not been documented in the case of Tangkhul Naga community. Therefore, the present study is an attempt to identify and compile the knowledge of medicinal plants traditionally used by the Tangkhul Naga community of Manipur. Methods: An extensive questionnaire based survey was conducted among 80 key informants from 15 Tangkhul villages, along with the help of interview schedule. The informants included village elders, ‘medicine men’ or ‘traditional healers’, ‘bone setters’, ‘divine healers’ and health workers. Result: As many as 72 species of plants distributed in 69 genera belonging to 44 families were identified and reported by the informants. Out of which, highest number of plants belong to the Asteraceae family, followed by Lamiaceae, Solanaceae and Zingiberaceae families. While, leaves were found to be the most common parts used, decoction and juice were the most common method of preparing medicines and treatment to various ailments and diseases. Conclusion: The primary health care facilities provided by the government are virtually in a dysfunctional state in the overwhelming majority of the rural villages. Hence, people would still rely on their crude and traditional knowledge of using medicinal plants to treat various minor diseases and ailments. It still provides not only basic health care to an individual living in the rural villages, but also to the large section of the people of this community.
Prevalence of Sickle Cell Anemia: A Study on Bastar Region
Authors:   Research Scholar School of Anthropology & Tribal Studies, Bastar University, Jagdalpur: 494001, Dist: Bastar, Chhattisgarh, India., Ravi Kumar Konuri , Kumar Kolay Swapan ,   Associate Professor & Head, School of Anthropology & Tribal Studies, Bastar University, Jagdalpur: 494001, Dist: Bastar, Chhattisgarh, India.
Published: September 2022

Sickle Cell Anemia is a complex inherited autosomal recessive Hemoglobin disease/disorder. It is not only generate the illness but also responsible for stigma in the society. Through the stigma the patients and their family members become more sufferers throughout their life. The mismanagement causes death before medication of the patients. So, there is a need of awareness about sickle cell anemia for various groups of the people like medical personal, researcher, social workers, psychologists, family members and patients. This paper reflects the sickle cell anemia history, origin and distribution in Bastar district of Chhattisgarh. This paper also highlights the knowledge and attitude of the patients with Sickle Cell Disease. The patients’ level to policy level recommendations would be the vital for the need of the patients and their families as well as will create an approach to medical attention.
Demographic Profile of Tribal Population of Kodagu District, Karnataka
Authors:   Post-Doctoral Fellow, Department of Studies in Anthropology, University of Mysore, Manasagangotri, Mysuru, Karnataka 570006, India., ML Doreraj , MR Gangadhar ,   Professor and Chairman, Department of Studies in Anthropology, University of Mysore, Manasagangotri, Mysuru, Karnataka 570006, India.
Published: September 2022

India has several socially disadvantaged communities and Scheduled Tribes are the most deprived ones. In Census 2011 the Government of India identified 10,42,81,034 citizens as Scheduled Tribes constituting 8.6% of the total population of the India (As per 2001 Census, it was 8.2% of the total population of India). In India, each state is practically equivalent to a country with its own specific socio-economic level, different ethnic groups, food habits, health infrastructures and communication facilities. Kodagu is one such district located on the eastern slopes of the Western Ghats in Karnataka and is home to many communities with diverse ethnic origins, and tribes such as the Yeravas, Kurubas and Kudiyas, who are of hunter-gatherers of forest origin. The present study focuses on the socio demographic and economic conditions of the Yerava, Jenu Kuruba and Malekudiya tribes. There have been changes especially in the social and economic life of these tribal people though, differences were found in their social, demographic and economic conditions.
Death-Defying Game Cock Fight among the Santals: A Case Study in Paschim Medinipur, West Bengal
Authors:   Junior Research Fellow, Anthropological Survey of India, Field Station Ranchi, Kadru, Jharkhand 834002, India And Research Scholar, Dept. of Anthropology, University of Calcutta, Kolkata, West Bengal 700073, India., Chakraborty Parikshit
Published: September 2022

The human occurred cockfight as different to those cockfights which are occur naturally like any other traditional game and is governed by some rules with customary ethnic tradition. Though, importance of cockfight varied from place to place and also as time to time. However, in India, in last few decades’ blood sports events like Cockfight have been popularized where animal may harmful during the events. While, most of the time cockfight is closely associated with continuation of ‘ethnic tradition’ and ‘culture’. Cockfight is common in ethnic community like Santal. History of cockfight pointed out that the fight have bottomless outline in rural India especially in tribal communities. However, present study, carried out in a selected village named Foringdanga under Paschim Medinipur district of West Bengal, India. In the studied village the game cockfight occurred regular basis in every week during winter season. Winter season is the time of the cockfight and during this season the game occurred two days in every week and also occurred in especial holidays like Saraswati Puja, Republic day, Sankranti and so on. The Foringdanga village also dominated by Santal tribes thus the present author select the village as study area and focused on the death-defying game cockfight which arranged and practiced by the the Santals people. In the study area not only the santal tribal people participated; here also participated other caste people. The present study try to demonstrate that one of the scary game is cock-fight where one cock fights against another cock until the death. Where cock-fight is completely illegal but the fight frequently happened during the winter season in an open public place like weekly market, village fair, festival days in rural areas of Paschim Midinipur district of West Bengal. The fight owing with the prohibited in several jurisdictions and to essential ethical selflessness which exclude becoming visibly participative in the present research, therefore, I developed conscious point of view through "observation method" with some case studies. However, the present paper exposed the death-defying views on Cockfight where the fighter cock flow the blood of opposite cocks until unless the victory or defeat. The study also pointed out that Cockfight is a strictly male event that contains socialistic and aggressive where women are not welcome.
Attitudes in Values in Life among Rural PU College Students
Authors:   Professor & Head, Dept. of Community Health Nursing, KLES Institute of Nursing Sciences, Hubballi, Karnataka 580031, India., R Devangamath Meenaxi
Published: September 2022

The study was undertaken to explore the attitudes of rural PU college students regarding values in life. Objectives: 1. To explore the values in life among rural PU College students. 2. To find out an association between attitude scores of values in life among rural PU College students with their socio – demographic variables. Methodology: to achieve the objectives of the study quantitative approach was used with descriptive design. The setting of this study was government PU College of Byahatti, Dharwad district of Karnataka. Study population was —PU college students. Non Probability Purposive sampling technique was adopted and the sample size was 30. Findings— Regarding the socio-demographic variables majority 53.33% belongs to 17 years, 56.66% of participants were males, 53.33% of participants are from first year PUC, among the participants 83.33 were Hindus and were vegetatrians, majority 50% of participant’s fathers education was primary whereas 66.66% of their mothers had primary education. About the occupation of the father 73.33% of them doing agriculture and 90% of the mothers were home maker. Majority 53.33% of participants belonged to joint family. 63.33% of participants had school/college as their source of information. Majority 63.33% of participants were neutral in their attitudes regarding values in life. The assessment of association of attitude on values in life with demographic variables revealed that their no significant association except occupation of mother.
A Study on the Development of Tribal Children of Mysore District, Karnataka
Authors:   Student, Department of Anthropology, University of Mysore, Manasagangotri, Mysore, Karnataka 570006, India., Dakshayani B , R. Gangadhar M ,   Professor, Department of Anthropology, University of Mysore, Manasagangotri, Mysore, Karnataka 570006, India.
Published: September 2022

The present study was carried out to evaluate the developmental levels of the pre-school children. The all round development of the child has long since received global recognition. Experts in the field of education and child development emphasize the need to provide the proper environment for the physical, emotional, social and intellectual development of the child during the first six years of its life. The data collected using the development tools and collected data were then scored and statistically analyzed.
Livelihood Strategies of Male to Female Transsexuals in Karnataka State, India
Authors:   Research Scholar, Department of Studies in Anthropology, University of Mysore, Manasagangotri, Mysuru 570006, Karnataka, India., Swamy S Nanjunda , MR Gangadhar ,   Professor, Department of Studies in Anthropology, University of Mysore, Manasagangotri, Mysuru 570006, Karnataka, India.
Published: September 2022

The transgender people present themselves to the world in a wide variety of ways. Transgender is an umbrella term used to describe gender variant people who have gender identity expressions or behaviors not traditionally associated with their birth sex. Transsexuals are those who got surgery of their genital organs. The male to female transsexuals are subjected to a series of social constraints and hazards which have made their lives miserable in Karnataka the respondents are also economically marginalized sections of Indian society since they are deprived of basic needs, infrastructure, education, properties, self employment opportunities, public employment opportunities and other economic resources.
Design and Appraisal of Hydraulic Fractures
Authors: Jones Jack , Britt Larry K.
Published: September 2022

Using an interdisciplinary approach, Design and Appraisal of Hydraulic Fractures offers a basic yet comprehensive introduction to the completion and reservoir engineering aspects of hydraulic fracture stimulation. The book is divided into three sections. Section 1 covers the design and placement of a hydraulic fracture stimulation; topics include the basics of the hydraulic fracturing process, stress issues, fracture geometry, controls on generated length and width, fluid and proppant selection, quality control, and quality assurance. Section 2 introduces the use of dynamic data to characterize the in-place hydraulic fracture, outlining the methods of pressure-transient analysis for both pressure-drawdown and pressure-buildup tests. The discussion includes effective wellbore radius, effective fracture half-length, equivalent skin, and their relationships; simulated and field examples illustrate the basic analysis procedure and many common pitfalls. The final section covers the prediction of long-term rate performance and recoverable volumes. Three approaches are discussed: rate-decline type curves, analytical and semianalytical methods, and numerical simulation. Essential elements are given for each and illustrated with field examples.

Design and Appraisal of Hydraulic Fractures is a valuable reference for all members of the geotechnical and surface engineering communities who need to understand the important issues around and the full impact of hydraulic fracture stimulation on well performance.
Waterflooding: Surveillance and Remediation
Authors: Chappell Dave
Published: September 2022

Used successfully for more than a century, waterflooding remains the most widely performed process relying on an external energy source to maximize reservoir recovery. Multiple factors across a wide range of disciplines contribute to the delivery of a fully optimized project, but not all of these critical success factors have been well-documented. A focus on further optimizing all the varying parts of the process has emerged over time to deliver project success. Waterflooding: Surveillance and Remediation describes the various elements that could be included as components in a waterflood-management surveillance plan and reviews the options available to improve flood performance.
Case Histories of Tight Gas Reservoir Development
Authors: Holditch Stephen A. , Spivey John , Wang John Y.
Published: September 2022

This eBook contains twenty-three SPE articles of case histories on evaluation, stimulation, and development of tight gas reservoirs. These articles demonstrate how to develop and apply the technologies and practices in geological analysis and fomration evaluations and to include log interpretation, coring and core analysis, special core analysis, formation test, correlation of log and core analyses, in-situ stress, permeability distribution and correlations, and estimating net-pay and gas-in-place.
Cognitive Behavior Therapy for Diabetes Distress, Depression, Health Anxiety, Quality of life and Treatment Adherence among patients with Type- II Diabetes Mellitus: A Randomized Control Trial
Authors: Abbas Qasir , Latif Sana , Habib Hina Ayza , Shahzad Salman , Sarwar Uzma , Shahzadi Mafia , Ramzan Zoobia , Washdev Washdev
Published: September 2022

Objective
Diabetes distress typically causes depression common comorbidity of diabetes unpleasantly affects patients' medical and mental functions. Psychotherapeutic interventions are effective treatments to treat depressive disorders and improve the quality of life in chronic diseases as well as in patients with diabetes. The present study aimed to investigate the efficacy of cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) with experimental and waitlist control conditions to treat depression in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).
Materials and Methods
A total of 130 outpatients with diabetes and depression were assessed in this randomized control trial and 90 patients were randomized to CBT with experimental (n = 45) and waitlist control (n = 45) conditions. All the patients completed clinical interviews and assessment measures at pre-and post-assessment 16 weeks intervals. Diabetes Distress Scale (DDS) and Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ) were used to assess primary outcomes. Short Health Anxiety Inventory (SHAI), Revised Version of Diabetes Quality of Life Questionnaire (DQLQ), and General Medication Adherence Scale (GMAS) were used to investigate secondary outcomes.
Results
The findings indicated that patients received CBT significantly decreased the level of diabetes distress F(1,60) = 222.710, P < 0.001, η2 = .788), depression F(1,60) = 94.436, P < 0.001, η2 = .611), health anxiety F(1,60) = 201.915, P < .0.001, η2 = 771) as compared to waitlist control condition. Moreover, participants received CBT significantly improved the quality of life F(1,60) = 83.352, P < 0.001, η2 = .581), treatment adherence F(1,60) = 67.579, P < 0.001, η2 = .566) and physical activity schedule F(1,60) = 164.245, P < .0.001, η2 = .736 as compared to a waitlist control condition.
Conclusion
It is concluded that cognitive behavior therapy is an effective and promising intervention for depressive symptoms, diabetes distress, and health anxiety which also help the person to promote quality of life, treatment adherence and physical activity.
An unusual cause of acute ischemic cardioembolic stroke in a middle aged lady: An incidentally detected large Left Atrial Myxoma – A Case Report.
Authors: Bhattacharya Sudipto , Bandyopadhyay Ashok , Pahari Satyabrata , Das Sankha , Dey Ashim Kumar
Published: September 2022

Introduction
Primary cardiac tumors are rare but are surgically curable. Incidence of primary cardiac tumors varied between 0.0017% and 0.03 % in previous studies. Left atrial (LA) myxoma is the most common primary cardiac tumor, locally invading heart or lung tissue, causing left ventricular dysfunction, arrhythmia, pericardial effusion or cardiac tamponade. Again, tumor fragment breakdown or tumor thrombi can result in embolic manifestations, the most deadly manifestations being neurologic. Here we report an unusual cause of acute ischemic cardio-embolic stroke in a middle-aged lady, an incidentally detected large LA myxoma.
Case presentation
A 45-year-old hypertensive lady presented at the Emergency Department (ED) with acute onset aphasia, right facial droop, right sided hemiplegia and left sided subconjunctival haemorrhage. A large LA myxoma was incidentally detected through Transthoracic Echocardiography, which was the cause for the stroke. Excision of LA myxoma was done through a standard median sternotomy, under cardiopulmonary bypass, using the right atrial approach. Histopathology examination of the excised jelly-like mass confirmed it to be an LA myxoma. The patient has been doing well at a follow up period of six months.
Conclusions
Cardiac tumors are rare, but embolic complications can prove to be devastating, especially neurologic. A strong clinical suspicion followed by a thorough physical examination is mandatory as the history can often be misleading, with non-specific signs and symptoms. Trans-esophageal Echocardiography remains the gold standard for diagnosis. Once detected, the tumor needs to be excised at the earliest to prevent further complications.
The immunological profile of SARS-CoV-2 infection in children is linked to clinical severity and age
Authors: Vanetti Claudia , Stracuzzi Marta , Lampasona Vito , Fenizia Claudio , Biasin Mara , Saulle Irma , Limanaqi Fiona , Abdelsalam Ahmed , Loretelli Cristian , Paradiso Laura , Longoni Emma , Barcellini Lucia , Piemonti Lorenzo , Marzinotto Ilaria , Dispinseri Stefania , Amendola Antonella , Fappani Clara , Tanzi Elisabetta , Clerici Mario , Scarlatti Gabriella , Zuccotti Gian Vincenzo , Giacomet Vania , Trabattoni Daria
Published: September 2022

Coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) is clinically less severe in children, even if the large variety and degree of severity of symptoms reported in children pose a still unresolved challenge to clinicians. We performed an in-depth analysis of immunological profiles in 18 hospitalized SARS-CoV-2-infected children; results were compared to those obtained in 13 age- and sex-matched healthy controls (HC). Patients were categorized as paucisymptomatic/moderate (55.6%) or severe/critical (44.5%), according to established diagnostic criteria, and further stratified into infants (1–12 months, 39%), children (1–12 years, 44%), and adolescents (> 12 years, 17%). We assessed SARS-CoV-2-specific RBD antibodies (Ab), neutralizing antibodies (nAb) and circulating cytokines/chemokines in plasma; SARS-CoV-2-specific immune response was measured in peripheral blood mononuclear cells by gene expression and secretome analyses. Our results disclose peculiar circulating cytokine/chemokine profiles in patients sharing a similar clinical phenotype. A cluster of patients consisted of infants with severe symptoms who presented a hyperinflammatory profile, and extremely polarized antibody profiles, ranging from patients who were negative for Abs and nAbs to those who displayed very high levels of both. In a second cluster consisting of paucisymptomatic patients, a less pronounced increase of inflammatory cytokines along with an association between selected cytokines and humoral responses emerged. A third cluster still consisting of paucisymptomatic patients showed a circulating cytokine/chemokine profile which substantially overlapped with that of HC. SARS-CoV-2-stimulated production of pro-inflammatory proteins (IL-1β, IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-7, IL-8, IL-17, MIP-1β, and TNF-α), as well as T lymphocytes activation and migration-specific proteins were significantly increased in SARS-CoV-2 infected children compared to HC. Our findings suggest that immune response activation is directly correlated to clinical severity and to a lesser extent to age.
Impact of pre-pregnancy BMI and gestational weight gain on adverse pregnancy outcomes in Chinese women with gestational diabetes mellitus: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Yu Zhu , Yu-Qing Pan , Xiu-Min Jiang , Qing-Xiang Zheng
Published: September 2022

Background Pre-pregnancy BMI and gestational weight gain are associated with pregnancy outcomes. This review aimed to explore pregestational BMI and gestational weight gain and their association with pregnancy complications in Chinese women with gestational diabetes mellitus. Moreover, the prevalence of inappropriate weight gain during pregnancy among them was estimated.
Methods Nine databases including PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, Embase, Scopus, CNKI, Wangfang, VIP, and China Biology Medicine disc were searched from inception to March 2022. Outcomes evaluated were macrosomia, large for gestational age (LGA), small for gestational age (SGA), low birth weight (LBW), preterm birth, cesarean section (CS), and gestational hypertension (GH). Two researchers independently assessed the eligibility and quality of included studies and extracted data. Fixed and random effect models were used to pool the results. I2 index was used to assess the statistical heterogeneity. All analyses were performed using Stata software.
Results 13,831 potential studies were identified, and 19 studies remain after removing duplicate and unrelated articles. Pregestational obesity and excess gestational weight gain are association with a higher risk of macrosomia (OR=2.83[2.13 to 3.77]; OR=2.13[1.92 to 2.38]), LGA (OR=3.38[2.71 to 4.23]; OR=2.15[1.82 to 2.53]), CS (OR=2.46[2.04 to 2.98]; OR=1.38[1.41 to 1.66]), and GH (OR=4.42[1.72 to 11.34]; OR=2.20[1.71 to 2.82]). Pregestational underweight and insufficient gestational weight gain are related to a higher risk of SGA (OR=1.90[1.63 to 2.22]; OR=1.34[1.22 to 1.48]) and LBW (OR=2.48[1.41 to 4.36]; OR=1.89[1.38 to 2.60]). As to preterm birth, the conclusion remains unclear. The prevalence of excess and below the weight gain recommendations of the Institute of Medicine is up to 35.5% and 27.3%. Gestational diabetes may have a potential synergistic effect with inappropriate weight changes, which needs to be further explored. Conclusion Weight management before and during pregnancy is crucial for all women including Chinese women with gestational diabetes.
Iranian Scorpion (Odontobuthus bidentatus) Venom Induces Apoptosis in the Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cell Line (HepG2) in 3D Cell Culture
Authors: keshavarz hani , Zargan Jamil , Bidmeshkipour Ali , Heydari Ahmad , Kamran Mohamad Reza , Hajinoormohammadi Ashkan , Zamani Ehsan
Published: September 2022

Background:Scorpion venom has anticancer properties and induces apoptosis in mammalian cells considered as an anticancer agent. Generally, the 3D cell models characteristically and architecturally mimicked by the natural tumors, which are a suitable system for investigating cytotoxic and apoptotic induction effects of scorpion venom on cancer cells. In this study, the cytotoxicity and apoptotic induction effects ofOdontobuthus bidentatusscorpion venom on HepG2 cells in 3D cell culture investigated.Methods and Results:To create a 3D cell culture, HepG2 cells encapsulated using alginate hydrogel. Then, the cytotoxicity effect of scorpion venom investigated using MTT and neutral red uptake assays. Changes in the redox potential of HepG2 cells evaluated by determination of accumulated NO in cell culture media, glutathione (GSH) levels, and catalase activity. To determine apoptosis induction in the cells treated with scorpion venom, alkaline comet, caspase-3 enzyme activity and cytochrome c release assays exploited and the expression of pro-apoptotic geneBAXand anti-apoptotic geneBCL-2 evaluated using RT-PCR. The results of MTT and neutral red uptake assays showed thatO. bidentatusvenom has cytotoxic effects on HepG2 cells in 3D cell culture. The concentration of NO released to culture media was increased, but the amount of reduced glutathione and catalase were decreased dose-dependently in 3D culture. The results of caspase-3 enzyme activity, cytochrome c release assay, comet assay, andBax/Bcl-2genes expression ratio confirmed that theO. bidentatusscorpion venom induces apoptosis through the mitochondrial pathway.Conclusions:Overall, the results showed that the scorpion venom induce apoptosis in HepG2 cells in 3D culture and thus could be a potential therapeutic option for further research in the treatment of HCC.
Possible chiral spin liquid state in the S = 1/2 kagome Heisenberg model
Authors: Sun Rong-Yang , Jin Hui-Ke , Tu Hong-Hao , Zhou Yi
Published: September 2022

The nature of the ground state for the S = 1/2 kagome Heisenberg antiferromagnet (KHAF) has been elusive. We revisit this challenging problem and provide numerical evidence that its ground state might be a chiral spin liquid. Combining the density matrix renormalization group method and analytical analyses, we demonstrate that the previously observed chiral spin liquid phase in the KHAF with longer-range couplings is stable in a broader region. We characterize the nature of the ground state by computing energy derivatives, revealing ground-state degeneracy arising from spontaneous breaking of time-reversal symmetry, and targeting the semion sector. We further investigate the phase diagram in the vicinity of the KHAF and observe a √3 × √3 magnetically ordered phase and two valence-bond crystal phases.
Applications of Multi Criteria Decision Techniques and Nature based algorithm to identify the Coastal Vulnerability Index based on Performance, Uncertainty and Reliability of Coastal Surrounding Systems
Authors: Saha Satyabrata , Majumder Mrinmoy , Pal Manish
Published: September 2022

The Coastal management systems are mainly constitute different subcomponents. The performance of the Coastal surrounding system depends on the performance of these subcomponents. But as pet the previous related studies no attempt was made in identification of the optimal ratio of subcomponent contributions to ensure maximum productivity. Again, there is a lack of scientific endeavors in relation to the determination of the priority of the components in ensuing the coastal vulnerability in coastal management system. The present study will try to identify the priority and optimal ration of contribution required from the components of a Coastal Vulnerability of Coastal Surrounding system. In this regard the advantages of Multi Criteria Decision Making and nature-based algorithms were used and once identified the outcome was validated by a physical model. According to the results of Potential Hydraulic Energy from Wave (PE) and Distance of sea from Coast of a coastal management system most effective for total output. The benefit of adopting this procedure is it approximate the solution not only based on technical aspect but also considering the economic aspect. The results were validated in physical model and concluded that the results has yielded feasible value and the procedure can maximize the performance and minimize the cost requirement to produce a design ensuing maximum productivity. This study also depicts the capacity of Failure Mode Effect Analysis based Multi Criteria Decision Making techniques for the first time which may increase the objectivity and analyticity of an investigation.
The Implementation Of A New Optimization Method For Multi-Reservoir And Single Reservoir systems
Authors: Moghani Abbas , Karami Hojat
Published: September 2022

This research tries to find the best operation strategies for a reservoir system with the Flow Direction Algorithm (FDA), which was recently introduced. This study evaluates the implementation of the Flow Direction Algorithm (FDA), for the first time, for optimizing the hydropower operation of the Karun-4 reservoir in Iran for 106 months (from October 2010 to July 2019) and for the multi-reservoir systems for 12 months. Multi-Reservoir systems which are hypothetical 4 and 10-reservoir systems are studied to demonstrate the effectiveness and robustness of the algorithms. The results are compared to those of the three most commonly used evolutionary algorithms, namely the Particle Swarm Optimization Algorithm (PSO), the Weed Algorithm (WA), and the Genetic Algorithm (GA). The multi-reservoir results indicated that the absolute optimal solution was 308.292 in the FRBS and 1194.441 in the TRBS, and according to these results, FDA outperformed three other algorithms. In the Karun-4 reservoir, the best approach was chosen with the analytical hierarchy process (AHP) method, and according to the results, the FDA outperformed PSO, WA, and GA. The reliability percentage for FDA, PSO, WA, and GA was 95%, 86%, 78%, and 64%, respectively. The average optimal objective function value generated by FDA was 0.138, compared with PSO, WA, and GA, with the values of 0.322, 0.631, and 1.112, respectively, being better. The hydropower produced by FDA was more than three other algorithms in less time, with the lowest coefficient of variation value, which demonstrates the power of the FDA.
Screening intention of MTs-DNA test for Colorectal Cancer screening and associated factors among hospital-based populations in southeastern China
Authors: Sun Xiaoyan , Fan Jinqing , Zhao Wangfang , Lu Qiwen , Gu Jundi , Lv Lebin , Gao Hanlu , Ye Guoliang
Published: September 2022

Background
Multi-target stool DNA (MT-sDNA) test can reduce colorectal cancer (CRC) incidence and mortality as a simple, noninvasive screening method. It is crucial to understand people's willingness to accept and willingness to pay for MT-sDNA test for CRC screening.
Methods
A hospital-based study was conducted in the affiliated hospital of medical school of Ningbo University in southeastern China between June 2021 to March 2022. Individuals aged ≥ 40 years from outpatient department, endoscopy center and inpatient department were included. All participants completed a questionnaire to collect detailed information by a face-to-face interview. Characteristics of individuals were described using frequency and percentage. Group comparisons were performed with chi-square test for categorical variable. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to estimate the associations of social-demographic characteristics, lifestyle factors, CRC risk and medical history with screening intention.
Results
Of the 977 participants who completed the interview, 85.06% were willing to accept MTs-DNA test for CRC screening, 82.29% were willing to pay for it. Individuals came from non outpatient source (OR = 3.16, 95% CI: 2.14, 4.68), with moderate risk of CRC (OR = 1.66, 95% CI: 1.10, 2.52) were more likely to accept MTs-DNA test for CRC screening. Those came from non outpatient source (OR = 2.56, 95% CI: 1.79, 3.67), with moderate risk of CRC (OR = 1.98, 95% CI: 1.34, 2.91), with history of polypectomy (OR = 2.20, 95% CI: 1.31, 3.68) and with middle/high school education and graduated from college or above (OR = 1.62, 95% CI: 1.07, 2.46, OR = 2.67, 95% CI: 1.27, 5.60, respectively) were more willing to pay for MTs-DNA test for CRC screening.
Conclusion
The present study found that individuals from non outpatient source, with moderate risk of CRC, with higher education and history of polypectomy were more likely to accept MTs-DNA test or pay for it. It is worth noting that individuals with high risk of CRC were less likely to accept MTs-DNA test and pay for it. Health education interventions should be developed to emphasise the significance of screening and introduce the simple, noninvasive MT-sDNA test to the public, especially those with above characteristics.
Simultaneous emergence of active turbulence and odd viscosity in a colloidal chiral active system
Authors: Mecke Joscha , Gao Yongxiang , Ramírez-Medina Carlos , Aarts Dirk , Gompper Gerhard , Ripoll Marisol
Published: September 2022

The simultaneous emergence of active turbulence and odd viscosity for a colloidal rotors system is here shown. Rod-like colloidal particles with a ferromagnetic head and magnetic moment perpendicular to the rod axis, precess vertically to the substrate under an externally rotating field. The colloid rotation drags the adjacent fluid inducing the translation of neighbouring colloids, behaviour which is also captured by hydrodynamic simulations of discs rotating in sync. Experiments and simulations reveal that multi-scale eddies emerge with an energy spectrum following a power-law decay: this feature of self-similar dynamics without the emergence of a dominant vortex size is characteristic of active turbulence. Moreover, the particles are dragged to the center of the vortices, a telltale sign of systems with odd viscosity, which is explicitly measured. Our findings are relevant for the understanding of biological systems and for the design of microrobots with collective self-organized behavior.