bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
International investment law and labour rights protection: A standard of fair and equitable treatment and indirect expropriation in the light of changes in host country labour law
Authors: Maletić Katarina
Published: March 2021

The purpose of this paper is to answer the question whether investors may challenge domestic labour legislation by invoking breach of international investment agreements, in particular violations of fair and equitable treatment standard, as well as illegal expropriation of investments. The answer to this question is especially relevant for developing countries, such as the Republic of Serbia, which seek to harmonize their legal systems with international principles of labour rights protection. Therefore, the paper will explore the interpretations of the fair and equitable treatment standard and indirect expropriation given by arbitration tribunals and accepted among scholars, as well as their application with respect to the labour regulation changes. Particularly analysed is the relevant case law before arbitration tribunals dealing with the question whether host states may violate these standards by amending their domestic labour legislation. Research has shown that domestic labour regulation amendments may rarely be interpreted as indirect expropriation, while the fair and equitable treatment standard may be breached in case of unpredictable labour legislation changes which would significantly violate guarantees given by the state to attract foreign investments but cannot protect investors from the introduction of bona fide labour regulations.
All roads lead to Rome: Semantic priming between language and arithmetic
Authors: Castro Sofía , Macizo Pedro
Published: March 2021

This study evaluated the existence of universal principles of cognition, common to language and arithmetic. Specifically, we analysed cross-domain semantic priming between affirmative sentences and additions, and between negative sentences and subtractions. To this end, we developed and tested a new priming procedure composed of prime sentences and target arithmetic operations. On each trial, participants had to read an affirmative or negative sentence (e.g., “The circle is red”, “The square is not yellow”) and select, between two images, the one that matched the meaning of the sentence. Afterwards, participants had to solve a one-digit addition or subtraction (e.g., 7 + 4, 6 – 3), either by selecting the correct result between two possible alternatives (Experiment 1), or by verbalizing the result of the operation (Experiment 2). We manipulated the task difficulty of both the sentences and the operations by varying the similarity between the response options for the sentence (Experiment 1 and 2), and the numerical distance between the possible results for the operation (Experiment 1). We found semantic priming for subtractions, so that participants solved subtractions faster after negative versus affirmative sentences, and this effect was modulated by the difficulty of the operation. This is the first study reporting semantic priming effects between language and arithmetic. The outcomes of this work seem to suggest a shared semantic system between both cognitive domains.
El arte y la desapropiación del mundo
Authors: Espinosa Proa Sergio
Published: March 2021

Las obras de arte son objetos materiales que al mismo tiempo y de modos misteriosos son objetos espirituales (a saber: inmateriales). Utilizando a Kant y a Schiller, en este artículo se opone a la calificación platónica y aristotélica una concepción distinta del arte, que sería una manufactura humana no sometida a la lógica de la apropiación, sino de su contraria. El hombre es un ser racional, pero Kant le otorgó tres dimensiones a esta idea: la razón es conocimiento, mas también compasión y contemplación. Un ser humano tiene intereses teóricos, intereses prácticos... y desintereses múltiples. El "temple estético" al que Schiller hace referencia apunta a esta facultad de no hacer nada, a este aflojamiento de las tensiones, ocupaciones y preocupaciones, al puro deleite (o pavor) de estar meramente en el mundo. La experiencia o la emoción estética aflora cuando no esperamos nada —ni bueno ni malo— de las cosas. Es paradójico que una dimensión de nuestra racionalidad sea la facultad de no esperar, de no buscar, de no modificar o sustituir, de no mover un dedo, de simple y llanamente no hacer nada: es la facultad de dejar llegar, de dejar aparecer (y desaparecer), de dejar ser a las cosas; es la facultad de desactivar —momentáneamente— nuestras otras facultades.

Works of art are material objects that at the same time and in mysterious ways are spiritual objects (i. e. immaterial). Using Kant and Schiller, this article opposes the Platonic and Aristotelian qualification with a different conception of art, which would be a human manufacture not subject to the logic of appropriation, but of its opposite. Man is a rational being, but Kant gave this idea three dimensions: reason is knowledge, but also compassion and contemplation. A human being has theoretical interests, practical interests… and multiple interests. The “aesthetic temper" to which Schiller refers points to this faculty of doing nothing, to this loosening of tensions, occupations and worries, to the pure delight (or dread) of being merely in the world. Aesthetic experience or emotion comes to the surface when we expect nothing —neither good nor bad— from things. It is paradoxical that one dimension of our rationality is the faculty of not waiting, of not seeking, of not modifying or substituting, of not moving a finger, of simply doing nothing: it is the faculty of letting come, of letting appear (and disappear), of letting things be; it is the faculty of deactivating —momentarily— our other faculties.
El criterio artístico
Authors: Infante del Rosal Fernando
Published: March 2021

La disciplina estética se ha interesado frecuentemente por el criterio estético –aquel por el que se discrimina o se determina qué es y qué no es el arte, o bien si algo es o no arte– pero raras veces se ha preguntado qué son y cómo operan los criterios artísticos, aquellos que están implicados en la creación o la crítica. Este artículo pretende ofrecer una caracterización de tales criterios a partir de su relación con la regla y con el juicio, elementos que remiten al pensamiento de Hume y de Kant respectivamente. Se presenta también una revisión de las ideas de autores como Stanley Cavell o Yves Michaud acerca del criterio.

The aesthetic theory has often been interested in aesthetic criterion – that one that discriminates or determines what art is and what is not, or whether if something is art or not – but it has rarely asked what are the artistic criteria and how they operate (understanding by artistic criteria those that are involved in creation or criticism). This article aims to provide a characterization of such criteria starting from their relationship with standard and judgement, elements that refer to the thought of Hume and Kant respectively. A review of the ideas of authors such as Stanley Cavell or Yves Michaud about the criteria is also presented.
Silencio y metáfora en Ramón Gaya
Authors: Moreno Aguirre Miriam
Published: March 2021

Este artículo propone la lectura de dos poemas escritos por Ramón Gaya, bajo el influjo del acontecimiento que marcó un punto de inflexión en la evolución de su obra, a saber: su regreso a Europa, el descubrimiento de Venecia y su decisión de instalarse definitivamente en Italia. Al considerar a Gaya como un pintor que escribe, se aprecia con claridad que sus escritos y sus pinturas se reflejan y se complementan. Aquí el diálogo entre sus poemas y su pintura permite localizar metáforas, analogías y alegorías, claves en la interpretación de su obra, tanto pictórica como escrita.

This article proposes the reading of two poems by Ramón Gaya, written under the influence of the event, which marked a turning point in the evolution of his work, namely: his return to Europe, the discovery of Venice and his decision to settle permanently in Italy. By viewing Gaya as a painter who writes, it is clear that his writings and paintings reflect and complement each other. This dialogue between his poems and his painting allows us to locate the metaphors, analogies and allegories, key in the interpretation of his work, both pictorial and written.
Juegos de perspectivas: historia y ficción en "El viento de la luna" de A. Muñoz Molina
Authors: Fiordaliso Giovanna
Published: March 2021

Este trabajo analiza El viento de la luna, novela de 2006 de Muñoz Molina: es la historia de un chico de trece años que vive en Mágina, pequeña ciudad de provincia y que, fascinado por la misión espacial del Apolo XI y por las aventuras de su comandante, Neil Armstrong, asiste, más o menos consciente, al nacimiento de una nueva época. A través del punto de vista del protagonista, la realidad histórica de 1969 adquiere matices privados; al mismo tiempo, el cruce de miradas entre tierra y luna va a desempeñar un papel esencial en la novela, que se convierte en un canto de amor del autor hacia su país y hacia la literatura, fuente de consolación y sentido último de las experiencias.

This work analyses the novel El viento de la luna, published in 2006 by Muñoz Molina: it is the story of a thirteen-year-old boy who lives in Mágina, fascinated by the Apollo XI space mission and by the adventures of its commander, Neil Armstrong. Through his point of view, the historical reality of 1969 acquires private nuances. At the same time, the exchange of the perspective between earth and moon plays an essential role in the novel, which becomes in this way a song of love of the author towards his country and towards literature, the real consolation and meaning of experiences.
ISCMA:
Authors: Dempsey Kelley , Pillitteri Victoria , Baer Chad , Rudman Ron , Niemeyer Robert , Urban Susan
Published: March 2021

This publication describes an example methodology for assessing an organization's Information Security Continuous Monitoring (ISCM) program. It was developed directly from NIST guidance and is applicable to any organization, public or private. It can be used as documented or as the starting point for a different methodology. Included with the methodology is a reference implementation that is directly usable for conducting an ISCM assessment.
Un enseignement critique du droit des contrats inspiré par la sociologie juridique de Georges Gurvitch
Authors: Belley Jean-Guy
Published: March 2021

« Un peu de sociologie éloigne du droit et beaucoup de sociologie y ramène. » Cet aphorisme résume le parcours de l’auteur comme professeur de droit. Pendant la première partie de sa carrière, à l’Université Laval, sa spécialisation en sociologie juridique et sa préférence pour une approche externe du droit l’éloignent du droit positif comme objet d’enseignement et de recherche. La seconde partie marque, au contraire, un net rapprochement avec une perspective interne. L’auteur décrit les particularités de son cours de droit des contrats donné pendant douze années dans le contexte du programme transsystémique de l’Université McGill : l’objectif de formation à la pensée juridique critique ; l’attention systématique aux faits sociojuridiques contemporains qui transforment les pratiques contractuelles ; la confrontation dialectique des théories conventionnelles et alternatives du droit des contrats. En rétrospective, l’auteur constate que cette expérience pédagogique est restée profondément inspirée par la sociologie juridique de Georges Gurvitch.
Des outils méthodologiques pour un enseignement critique du droit : revisiter la résidence familiale à partir d’une approche féministe historique
Authors: Laperrière Marie-Neige
Published: March 2021

Dans le présent texte, l’autrice propose l’utilisation d’une approche féministe historique pour un enseignement critique du droit. Après avoir exposé les spécificités de cette approche, elle utilise l’exemple de la résidence familiale et les luttes féministes qui l’entourent pour offrir un exemple concret de son application dans l’enseignement d’un cours de droit de la famille.

Petit guide pratique sur l’approche féministe historique en cinq points :
La démarche méthodologique interdisciplinaire de Georges Gurvitch : vers l’enseignement d’un droit critique
Authors: Navarro-Ugé Garance
Published: March 2021

Par son analyse de la réalité sociale, Georges Gurvitch propose des concepts — le droit social, les faits normatifs, le « transpersonnalisme » — permettant de reconnaitre un droit préexistant dans un milieu social. Il considère que les groupes sociaux peuvent atteindre une autonomie juridique interne, sans avoir à recourir à des processus de domination. Au contraire, le droit peut, selon lui, être fait par des rapports de communion, de solidarité et d’entraide. Pour cela, Gurvitch propose une démarche méthodologique interdisciplinaire, au sein de laquelle sociologie, philosophie et science juridiques sont mobilisées en vue d’atteindre une conception du droit dépassant l’individualisme juridique, pensé par ce sociologue comme un dogme. L’interdisciplinarité fait chez lui office de méthode critique permettant de déloger des principes dogmatisés dans la science du droit, en ce qu’ils ne correspondent plus à la réalité sociale du droit. Sa pensée critique est un appel à la science du droit, notamment pour qu’elle accepte en son sein des phénomènes, analysables telles des demandes de droits nouveaux et qui, parfois, poussent à une réformation du droit. Cette vision large du droit, opposée au positivisme juridique, permet de poser la question de la place de la critique dans l’enseignement du droit. Le pluralisme des disciplines que prône Gurvitch, à l’instar d’Edmund Husserl, est aussi un appel à un enseignement critique du droit, afin de former des étudiants, futurs juristes qui devront faire face à des réalités sociales multiples.
Guía de Contenidos "Género & LGTBIQ+". Recursos: contenidos teóricos
Authors: Arroyo Lidia , Garrido Natalia , Rodó-Zárate Maria , Sainz Milagros
Published: March 2021

Este documento recoge los conceptos y discursos esenciales para la discusión sobre desigualdades y estereotipos de género y LGTBIQ+. Está dirigido a profesorado de secundaria y forma parte del proyecto SchoolBreak. Una vez realizado un Escape Room (Guía del juego y Guía de construcción del juego ) sobre el tema el profesorado puede, en esta guía, encontrar diferentes recursos con el objetivo de discutir los conceptos clave tratados en el Escape.
Toward Innovation-Driven Competitiveness Across African Countries: An Analysis of Efficiency of R&D Expenditures
Authors: Dobrzanski Pavel , Bobowski Sebastian , Chrysostome Elie , Velinov Emil , Strouhal Jiri
Published: March 2021

The main goal of this paper is to determine whether R&D funds are used efficiently in African countries. The innovativeness of a country’s economy is nowadays one of the key factors stimulating the economic growth and competitiveness. Becoming more innovative is important in particular for developing countries, whose governments are developing national innovation strategies (NIS) and assuming a steady increase in research and development spending. Efficient innovation policies are creating conditions for enterprise development and the increase of competitiveness of the country. A calculation of R&D spending efficiency for selected African economies for the years 2009-2017 was carried out using Data Envelopment Analysis methodology, which allows the evaluation of input-output efficiency. Public and private spending on R&D as % of GDP was the selected inputs indicator. The model examines three output indicators: the number of patent applications (per million inhabitants), high-technology exports (% of export), and number of technical and scientific journal articles (per million inhabitants). Among the analyzed countries, those on the efficiency frontier regarding the use of CRS methodology are South Africa and Tunisia. According to VRS methodology, the most efficient nations are South Africa, Tunisia, and Madagascar. The performed analysis has not confirmed our hypothesis regarding the non-proportional relation between higher R&D spending and innovation outputs. Considering limited innovation capacities across African countries, it appears to be reasonable to increase R&D expenditures gradually to achieve better results on the path toward innovationdriven growth and development.
The Main Drivers of Competitiveness in the EU-28 Countries
Authors: Simionescu Mihaela , Pelinescu Elena , Khouri Samer , Bilan Svitlana
Published: March 2021

During the past few decades, globalization has dramatically changed the context of competitiveness around the world. Considering the role of competitiveness in the development of the digital economy, this paper aims to highlight the role of innovation, foreign direct investment (FDI), and human capital in supporting competitive European economies. The research hypothesis is that FDI, innovation, and human capital contribute to competitiveness growth. The paper extends the Cobb-Douglas function by including other competitiveness factors in a panel data framework based on the EU-28 countries in the period 2004-2018. The results indicate that GDP per capita variation is explained by human and physical capital, FDI, and R&D expenditure. Human capital plays a crucial role in economic development due to the innovation skills of individuals, which improve the productivity of these factors. Capital formation also makes a positive contribution to economic growth. The empirical evidence suggests that the changes in the GDP per capita are explained by modifications in the labor force and capital formation, as is described in the traditional framework of the Cobb-Douglas function. R&D expenditure and FDI stock, however, also play a significant role. Moreover, human capital could determine the adoption of external technology by absorbing new equipment and ideas. On the other hand, the education index and capital formation showed a positive impact on GCI.
The Business Strategy, Competitive Advantage and Financial Strategy: A Perspective from Corporate Maturity Mismatched Investment
Authors: Wang Can , Brabenec Tomas , Gao Peng , Tang Ziyu
Published: March 2021

Competitive advantage is the key to a company’s success, and the business strategy represents a long-term plan to achieve a competitive advantage by affecting the company’s financial behavior. This research studies the interaction of business strategy, competitive advantage, and financial strategy to explore whether companies choose different financial strategies based on their business strategies as well as what role competitive advantage plays in their decision-making. By building a composite index and observing maturity mismatched investment, this research quantifies the risk level of business strategies and financial strategies. Using text analysis of a company’s annual report, the research builds a dummy variable to measure the competitive advantage. Based on the samples of A-shares listed on the China Shanghai and Shenzhen stock exchanges from 2007 to 2016, the research shows that the risk level of business strategy and financial strategy tends to move in opposite directions. If a company embraces an aggressive business strategy, it is more likely to choose a conservative financial approach in terms of lower overall risks, but for the company with a competitive advantage, the negative correlation between these two strategies is weakened. Further analysis found that company ownership, free cash flow, and the quality of internal control also play a significant role in the interaction between business strategy and financial strategy. Our findings not only enrich research on business strategy and financial behavior, but also deepen the understanding of competitive advantage and corporate financial strategy theoretically.
The Constitution of Algorithms
Authors: Jaton Florian
Published: March 2021

A laboratory study that investigates how algorithms come into existence.

Algorithms—often associated with the terms big data, machine learning, or artificial intelligence—underlie the technologies we use every day, and disputes over the consequences, actual or potential, of new algorithms arise regularly. In this book, Florian Jaton offers a new way to study computerized methods, providing an account of where algorithms come from and how they are constituted, investigating the practical activities by which algorithms are progressively assembled rather than what they may suggest or require once they are assembled.

Drawing on a four-year ethnographic study of a computer science laboratory that specialized in digital image processing, Jaton illuminates the invisible processes that are behind the development of algorithms. Tracing what he terms a set of intertwining courses of actions sharing common finalities, he describes the practical activity of creating algorithms through the lenses of ground-truthing, programming, and formulating. He first presents the building of ground truths, referential repositories that form the material basis for algorithms. Then, after considering programming's resistance to ethnographic scrutiny, he describes programming courses of action he attended at the laboratory. Finally, he offers an account of courses of action that successfully formulated some of the relationships among the data of a ground-truth database, revealing the links between ground-truthing, programming, and formulating activities—entangled processes that lead to the shaping of algorithms. In practice, ground-truthing, programming, and formulating form a whirlwind process, an emergent and intertwined agency.

The open access edition of this book was made possible by generous funding from Arcadia – a charitable fund of Lisbet Rausing and Peter Baldwin.
Blockchain and smart contract for IoT enabled smart agriculture
Authors: Pranto Tahmid Hasan , Noman Abdulla All , Mahmud Atik , Haque AKM Bahalul
Published: March 2021

The agricultural sector is still lagging behind from all other sectors in terms of using the newest technologies. For production, the latest machines are being introduced and adopted. However, pre-harvest and post-harvest processing are still done by following traditional methodologies while tracing, storing, and publishing agricultural data. As a result, farmers are not getting deserved payment, consumers are not getting enough information before buying their product, and intermediate person/processors are increasing retail prices. Using blockchain, smart contracts, and IoT devices, we can fully automate the process while establishing absolute trust among all these parties. In this research, we explored the different aspects of using blockchain and smart contracts with the integration of IoT devices in pre-harvesting and post-harvesting segments of agriculture. We proposed a system that uses blockchain as the backbone while IoT devices collect data from the field level, and smart contracts regulate the interaction among all these contributing parties. The system implementation has been shown in diagrams and with proper explanations. Gas costs of every operation have also been attached for a better understanding of the costs. We also analyzed the system in terms of challenges and advantages. The overall impact of this research was to show the immutable, available, transparent, and robustly secure characteristics of blockchain in the field of agriculture while also emphasizing the vigorous mechanism that the collaboration of blockchain, smart contract, and IoT presents.
eDNAir: proof of concept that animal DNA can be collected from air sampling
Authors: Clare Elizabeth L. , Economou Chloe K. , Faulkes Chris G. , Gilbert James D. , Bennett Frances , Drinkwater Rosie , Littlefair Joanne E.
Published: March 2021

Environmental DNA (eDNA) is one of the fastest developing tools for species biomonitoring and ecological research. However, despite substantial interest from research, commercial and regulatory sectors, it has remained primarily a tool for aquatic systems with a small amount of work in substances such as soil, snow and rain. Here we demonstrate that eDNA can be collected from air and used to identify mammals. Our proof of concept successfully demonstrated that eDNA sampled from air contained mixed templates which reflect the species known to be present within a confined space and that this material can be accessed using existing sampling methods. We anticipate this demonstration will initiate a much larger research programme in terrestrial airDNA sampling and that this may rapidly advance biomonitoring approaches. Lastly, we outline these and potential related applications we expect to benefit from this development.
Knowledge, Awareness and Anxiety towards Coronavirus Pandemic among Indian Parents: A Web-Based Survey
Authors: Kumar Rakesh , Agarwal Neha , Gupta Alpa
Published: March 2021

Introduction: Nation-wide lockdown imposed to curtail the COVID-19 infection spread is possibly, a source of anxiety among general public. Effectiveness of these measures depends upon people’s knowledge and awareness. Aim: To determine knowledge, awareness and anxiety towards coronavirus pandemic among Indian parents of children aged less than eighteen years, and behavioural changes in the children. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional online survey was conducted from 4th May to 16th May 2020. Online questionnaire consisted of demographic details, items on knowledge and awareness, Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD 7) score, parental reporting of behaviour changes in children. Descriptive statistics, analysis of variance (ANOVA) was conducted. The p-value less than 0.05 was considered as significant. Results: Of the 121 individuals accessing the survey, 85 (54 males; mean age 38.1±5.9 years) and 31 females; mean age 37.9±7.4 years consented to participate. The mean age of their children was 7.5±4.7 years. The major source of information was internet (84.7%). Mild anxiety was observed in a significant proportion of the participants 76.5% while severe anxiety in 8.2%. Around 41.2% parents noticed behavioural changes in their children; with addiction to mobile and video games (61.2%) being the most common change. Among the various coping methods, finding preventive ways to getting infected was opted by the majority (83.5%). The mean GAD 7 score was 7.4±4.0. Statistically significant difference in the GAD was observed among parents differing in the gender {F(2, 82)=3.275, p- value 0.043} and their opinion on behavioural changes observed in their children {F(2, 82)=4.697, p-value 0.012}. Conclusion: High level of increased awareness among general public towards the current pandemic and the ways to tackle the situation calmly is crucial in preventing both the short- and long-term mental health complications anxiety among Indian parent’s influences child’s mental health.
Neonatal Outcomes in Meconium Stained Amniotic Fluid Delivery: A Rural Perspective
Authors: Surewad Gajanan Venkatrao , Ambatipudi Khyathi , Kalavakuri Nageswara Rao
Published: March 2021

Introduction: Presence of meconium in amniotic fluid is a potentially serious sign of foetal compromise and has demonstrated that the incidence of MSAF rises with gestational age. The incidences of admission to Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) with various neonatal disorders were higher in pregnancies complicated by MSAF. Aim: To study clinical profile and outcomes in neonates born through MSAF at tertiary care hospital in rural area of Andhra Pradesh. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional, descriptive study included a total of 4462 infants who were admitted in the NICU of Nimra Institute of Medical Sciences and Hospital, Andhra Pradesh from December 2017 to January 2020. All pre-term, term and post-term infants, delivered normally or by caesarean section or instrumental delivery, with MSAF, were included in the study. A detailed ante-natal, natal and postnatal history was taken for the neonates to detect the aetiology of MSAF, type and duration of delivery and any complications Post delivery. All the clinical assessment and lab investigations, X-ray assessments were done for the subjects as and when required. The observations were noted along with the treatment given. Results: Out of 4462 infants admitted in study period, 436(9.78%) had MSAF and 96 (22.01%) developed Meconium Aspiration Syndrome (MAS). MSAF infants born by Normal Vaginal Delivery (NVD) formed 220 (50.46%), Lower Segment Caesarean Section (LSCS) 176 (40.37%) and 40 (9.17%) instrumental delivery. MAS infants born by LSCS formed 38 (21.59%), NVD 52 (23.63%) and instrumental delivery 6 (15%).The mean gestational age was 38-40 weeks. MAS developed in 18 (50%) infants with gestational age >42 weeks, 12 (12%) between 40-42 weeks and 50 (23.36%) between 38-40 weeks (significant relationship, p-value 0.012). The mean birth weight was 2.599±441 kg. MAS developed more in infants of birth weight 2-2.499 kg and least were of birth weight between 1.5-1.999 kg. Male to female ratio was 1.27:1. Thick MSAF was seen in 160 (36.69%) and thin MSAF in 276 (63.31%) infants (p-value 0.001). In MAS infants, 82 had thick and 14 thin MSAF. Among MSAF alone infants (n=340), 142 (41.75%) were associated with birth asphyxia. Among MAS infants, incidence of birth asphyxia was 66 (68.75%). Thirty eight MAS infants developed complications. Pneumothorax was the most common complication. Overall, mortality was 160 (36.69%). MAS contributed to 22.5% of these deaths. A 60 (62.5%) MAS infants were discharged and 36 (37.5%) died. Conclusion: MAS was most consistently associated with thick MSAF. Preventive measures like timely evaluation of high risk factors, preparedness for untoward intrapartum events and close monitoring of MSAF infants can be taken to minimise the mortality and morbidity rates, because it is a global problem especially in under-developed countries.
Dexmedetomidine vs Fentanyl for Awake Fiberoptic Intubation in Paediatric Patients with Temporomandibular Joint Ankylosis: A Retrospective Analysis
Authors: Mahajan Reena , Kaur Depinder , Laxmy Vijay , Singh Shiv Kumar , Malhotra Suchitra , Sharma Amita
Published: March 2021

Introduction: For successful management of difficult paediatric airway intubation, proper preparation of airway along with a calm and sedated child with titrated doses of sedative agents is paramount. Aim: To compare two different classes of sedative agents (Dexmedetomidine vs Fentanyl) regarding intubating conditions and comfort score of paediatric population at the time of awake fiberoptic intubation. Materials and Methods: This retrospective study was carried out among 40 paediatric patients, aged between 5-14 years those who underwent surgery for Temporo-Mandibular Joint (TMJ) ankylosis. Clinical data relevant for this study was collected from the pre-format sheets of anaesthesia technique, attached with case files of the patients. Inj. dexmetedomidine bolus of 1 mcg/kg for 10 minutes followed by infusion at the rate 0.6 mcg/kg/hr in group A and Inj. fentanyl bolus dose of 2 mcg/kg followed by infusion 1 mcg/kg/hr in group B were compared in terms of intubating conditions and patient co-operation. For data analysis Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20 (IBM Inc.) was used. Patient characteristics in the two groups were compared using mean±SD and chi-square test. Results: All the patients had successful intubation in first attempt in both the groups. In terms of airway preparation, out of total, 14 (35%) patients in group A had no secretions as compare to 4 (10%) patients of group B (p-value was 0.002). In terms of cough score, 13 (32.5%) patients in group A had no cough as compared to 3 (7.5%) patients in group B. Patients in group A were more comfortable at the time of insertion of Flexible Fiberoptic Bronchoscopy (FOB) with no or less resistance to FOB insertion (p-value was 0.043). Vocal cord conditions were favourable in both the groups and there was no difference. Conclusion: Fiberoptic nasal intubation was found to be easier and safe in terms of patient comfort and preservation of patent airway with the use of dexmedetomidine, in paediatric TMJ ankylosis.
Analysis of Covariance of Gleason Score: A Case Study of 100 Prostate Cancer Patients Undergoing Treatment at the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital, Rivers State, Nigeria
Authors: Ligeiaziba Sylva , Ijoma Maxwell A. , Biu Emmanuel I.
Published: March 2021

Prostate cancer is the second most common cause of cancer related deaths in men. It is detected using many screening methods. Like every other cancer, there are risk factors associated with prostate cancer. This include but not limited to, Family History (FH) of the disease, smoking habit, alcohol intake, age and Body Mass Index (BMI).  The survival of prostate cancer patients is dependent on many factors such as, early detection of the disease, age of patient and the aggressiveness of the cancer.  Gleason score is used to measure the level of aggressiveness of a prostate cancer in a patient. the score ranges from 6 to 10. It is made up of two Gleason grades that ranges from 3 to 5. This study was carried out to determine whether there are significant differences in the mean of Gleason score by the various categories of BMI and FH of patients while controlling for the number of hospital visits. Gleason score was used as the dependent variable while FH and BMI and Number of hospital visits were used as the independent variables. Descriptive statistical measures were used to summarize the basic features of the data. Spearman correlation coefficient was used to measure if there is a significant statistical relationship between the Gleason score, age and BMI, while Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA) was used to measure the differences in the mean of Gleason score by the categories of FH and BMI while controlling for number of hospital visits. The analysis was done using Statistical Programme for Social Science (SPSS 25.0) and Intellectus Statistics software. Results from the analyses were presented in tabular form. The results showed a significant effect of Body Mass Index (BMI) on Gleason score and   that Gleason score increases, as age tends to increase.
Investigating the Level of the Tenth-grade Students’ Self-Efficacy in Mathematics and its Impact on their Performance: A Study in Pemagatshel District
Authors: Norbu Pema , Dukpa Pema
Published: March 2021

The study aimed at finding out the level of Mathematics self-efficacy and its relationship with the Mathematics performance of tenth-grade students. The study used a quantitative method.  The data was collected from one middle secondary school and three central schools under the Pemagatshel district from 3rd March to 16th March 2020.  A total of 300 students comprising 150 males and females each were included for the study. The data was collected using Mathematics Self-Efficacy Scales and analyzed using SPSS. The overall finding indicated that students had an average level of Mathematics self-efficacy (M=3.25; SD= 0.60). Among the four sources of self-efficacy, the study revealed that the students had high Mathematics self-efficacy in vicarious experience (M= 3.67; SD= 0.62). The Pearson correlation indicated a moderate positive correlation (r= .467, P=.05) between Mathematics self-efficacy and Mathematics performance. Higher the Mathematics self-efficacy, better the Mathematics performance, and lower the Mathematics self-efficacy, poorer the Mathematics performance. Therefore, it is imperative to strengthen the skills and strategies that enhance the Mathematics self-efficacy of the students.
Evaluation of Psychiatric Disorders in Spouse of Patients with Alcohol Dependence Syndrome
Authors: Tilwani Mahesh
Published: March 2021

Background and Aim: Alcohol Dependence Syndrome has deleterious consequences not only on the patient with Alcohol Dependence Syndrome but also on the members of his family. The psychopathology in wives of patients with Alcohol Dependence Syndrome is a largely neglected area in psychiatric research. Aim of the present study was to evaluate the frequency and nature of psychiatric disorders in wives of patients with Alcohol Dependence Syndrome.

Materials and Methods: A total of 177 wives, 100 wives of patients with Alcohol Dependence Syndrome and 77 wives of patients with Bipolar Affective Disorder- current episode mania were evaluated. Tools used were ICD-10 AM symptom checklist and modules for assessment of psychiatric morbidity and diagnosis was made based on The International Classification of Diseases – (Diagnostic Research Criteria DCR-10).

Results: Psychiatric disorders are diagnosed in 75% of the wives of patients with alcohol dependence syndrome out of which 45% have dysthymia, 12% have mild depressive episode, 8% have adjustment disorder- prolonged depressive reaction, 5% have moderate depressive episode and 5% have anxiety disorder unspecified.

Conclusion: The present study concludes that the wives of patients with Alcohol Dependence Syndrome have significant psychiatric morbidity when compared to wives of patients with Bipolar Affective Disorder-current episode mania. The most common psychiatric disorder is dysthymia.
Immobilization Potential of Cow Manure for Heavy Metal Remediation from Refuse Dump Soil
Authors: Christian Ezeudu Emeka , Chukwuemeka Oli Christian , Enenche . , Daniel Elaigwu , Juliana Anekwe Ozioma , Chudi Okoye Patrice-Anthony , Egbulefu Ajiwe Vincent Ishmael
Published: March 2021

Aims: The present study investigated the effect of cow manure amendment on fractionation and availability of some heavy metals (Cd, Cu, Cr, Mn, Pb and Zn) in refuse dump soil.

Study Design: A greenhouse study experiment was conducted to determine the uptake of the metals by Ricinus communis in dump soil treated with 0%, 5%, 10% and 20% cow manure.

Place and Duration of Study: The study was carried out at the Department of Pure and Industrial Chemistry, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka, Anambra State, Nigeria, between May and October 2018.

Methodology: Experimental pots were filled with 2.0kg refuse dump soil in a green house and treated with 5%, 10% and 20% of Cow manure in three replicates per treatment. The seeds of Ricinus communis were planted in each pot and analysed after 12 weeks of planting for heavy metals using AAS. Sequential extraction was carried out on the treated soil after the harvest with each extract further analysed for heavy metals using AAS.

Results: Application of cow manure significantly (p ˂ 0.05) affected the redistribution and the mobility of the heavy metals in the dump soil; as the concentration of the amendment increased, heavy metals in the mobile fractions reduced. 20% amendment had the best immobilization effect as the mobility factor decreased with increasing manure amendment. The mobility factors at 20% amendment were 18.34%, 15.82%, 5.23%, 15.86%, 25.56% and 12.81% for Cd, Cr, Cu, Mn, Pb and Zn respectively with the general trend of metal forms given as: residual > bound to organic > bound to Fe-Mn oxide > bound to carbonate > exchangeable.

Conclusion: Cow manure amendment of the dump soil decreased the availability of heavy metals for plant uptake; and the metal uptake generally decreased as percentage amendment increased. Cow manure is therefore a good immobilizing agent for remediation of Cd, Cr, Cu, Mn, Pb and Zn in polluted soils.
Pharmacokinetics Evaluation of Acamprosate Tablets in Healthy Human Volunteers
Authors: Chaudhari Kiran S. , Bagul Milind , Shah Ketan
Published: March 2021

Pharmacokinetic data of acamprosate tablets was not accessible on large number of human. Rationale to examine the pharmacokinetic properties of acamprosate calcium in healthy male subject, on single or multiple dosage administration, to evaluate the bioequivalence of two formulations of acamprosate calcium tablets in fast or fed environment. This work engross the study of pharmacokinetic property of Acamprosate calcium tablets in single dosing under fasting condition.

Methods: Bioequivalence study of delayed release acamprosate tablets 333 mg for a randomized, single dose, open label, two treatment, two periods, two sequences and crossover design in 12 healthy, adult human subjects under fasting condition was conducted. The wash out period within the each treatment and each stage was 1 week. The quantification of acamprosate was done by LCMS/MS method. Accessibility was evaluated by monitoring adverse events, physical examinations and ECG and laboratory tests.

Results: The entire study was conducted by using 12 male subjects to fulfill all stages in the study. The pharmacokinetic calculations for test and reference formulations are as follows: single dosing, Tmax 8.54 ± 5.24 and 10.71 ± 5.41 h, Cmax 146.06 ± 99.73 and 115.01 ±86.26 ng · mL−1, AUC0-t 1391.95 ± 731.24 and 1557.03 ± 960.98 ng·mL−1·h, AUC0–∞ 1987.40 ± 962.84 and 2720.21 ± 1931.79 ng·mL−1·h, respectively. In all three stages, 90% CIs for the test/reference ratio of AUC0–t and AUC0–∞ was to be found within 80% –125% of acamprosate calcium.

Conclusions: As per regulatory guidelines, pharmacokinetics parameters for acamprosate calcium were found to be within the acceptance criteria.
PAPP‐A functions as a tumor suppressor and is downregulated in renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Lu Yanxin , Li Shi , Wang Tongyu , Liao Ximian , Mao Longyi , Li Zesong
Published: March 2021

Pregnancy‐associated plasma protein A (PAPP‐A) is a proteolytic enzyme produced by the placenta. The expression and role of PAPP‐A in renal cell carcinoma (RCC) remain elusive. The aim of this study was to investigate the role and the molecular mechanisms of PAPP‐A in RCC. Initially, we evaluated the expression of PAPP‐A in samples from patients with RCC and cell lines by quantitative PCR, western blot and immunohistochemical staining, and examined the role of PAPP‐A in RCC cells by cell viability, colony formation and Transwell assays. Next, we investigated the molecular mechanisms regulating the tumor suppressor function of PAPP‐A. Our results demonstrated that PAPP‐A is expressed at low levels in RCC tissues and cells. Clinical data analysis revealed a significant correlation between PAPP‐A expression and RCC‐related death (P < 0.0115). Overexpression of PAPP‐A inhibited viability, proliferation, migration and invasion of RCC cells. Furthermore, PAPP‐A overexpression significantly increased phosphorylation of c‐Jun N‐terminal kinase and decreased the expression of cyclin D1, phosphorylated glycogen synthase kinase‐3β and β‐catenin. This study is the first to report that downregulation of PAPP‐A is associated with poor prognosis in patients with RCC. In conclusion, PAPP‐A may serve as a novel prognostic marker and potentially as a therapeutic target in patients with RCC.
A connectome‐based approach to assess motor outcome after neonatal arterial ischemic stroke
Authors: Al Harrach Mariam , Pretzel Pablo , Groeschel Samuel , Rousseau François , Dhollander Thijs , Hertz‐Pannier Lucie , Lefevre Julien , Chabrier Stéphane , Dinomais Mickael ,   the AVCnn study group
Published: March 2021

Objective

Studies of motor outcome after Neonatal Arterial Ischemic Stroke (NAIS) often rely on lesion mapping using MRI. However, clinical measurements indicate that motor deficit can be different than what would solely be anticipated by the lesion extent and location. Because this may be explained by the cortical disconnections between motor areas due to necrosis following the stroke, the investigation of the motor network can help in the understanding of visual inspection and outcome discrepancy. In this study, we propose to examine the structural connectivity between motor areas in NAIS patients compared to healthy controls in order to define the cortical and subcortical connections that can reflect the motor outcome.

Methods

Thirty healthy controls and 32 NAIS patients with and without Cerebral Palsy (CP) underwent MRI acquisition and manual assessment. The connectome of all participants was obtained from T1‐weighted and diffusion‐weighted imaging.

Results

Significant disconnections in the lesioned and contra‐lesioned hemispheres of patients were found. Furthermore, significant correlations were detected between the structural connectivity metric of specific motor areas and manuality assessed by the Box and Block Test (BBT) scores in patients.

Interpretation

Using the connectivity measures of these links, the BBT score can be estimated using a multiple linear regression model. In addition, the presence or not of CP can also be predicted using the KNN classification algorithm. According to our results, the structural connectome can be an asset in the estimation of gross manual dexterity and can help uncover structural changes between brain regions related to NAIS.
Diminished muscle oxygen uptake and fatigue in spinal muscular atrophy
Authors: Montes Jacqueline , Goodwin Ashley M. , McDermott Michael P. , Uher David , Hernandez Feliz Marie , Coutts Kayla , Cocchi Julia , Hauschildt Margarethe , Cornett Kayla M. , Rao Ashwini K. , Monani Umrao R. , Ewing Garber Carol , De Vivo Darryl C.
Published: March 2021

Objective

To estimate muscle oxygen uptake and quantify fatigue during exercise in ambulatory individuals with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) and healthy controls.

Methods

Peak aerobic capacity (VO2peak) and workload (Wpeak) were measured by cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET) in 19 ambulatory SMA patients and 16 healthy controls. Submaximal exercise (SME) at 40% Wpeak was performed for 10 minutes. Change in vastus lateralis deoxygenated hemoglobin, measured by near‐infrared spectroscopy, determined muscle oxygen uptake (ΔHHb) at rest and during CPET and SME. Dual energy X‐ray absorptiometry assessed fat‐free mass (FFM%). Fatigue was determined by percent change in workload or distance in the first compared to the last minute of SME (FatigueSME) and six‐minute walk test (Fatigue6MWT), respectively.

Results

ΔHHb‐PEAK, ΔHHb‐SME, VO2peak, Wpeak, FFM%, and 6MWT distance were lower (P < 0.001), and Fatigue6MWT and FatigueSME were higher (P < 0.001) in SMA compared to controls. ΔHHb‐PEAK correlated with FFM% (r = 0.50) and VO2peak (r = 0.41) only in controls. Only in SMA, Fatigue6MWT was inversely correlated with Wpeak (r = −0.69), and FatigueSME was inversely correlated with FFM% (r = −0.55) and VO2peak (r = −0.69).

Interpretation

This study provides further support for muscle mitochondrial dysfunction in SMA patients. During exercise, we observed diminished muscle oxygen uptake but no correlation with aerobic capacity or body composition. We also observed increased fatigue which correlated with decreased aerobic capacity, workload, and body composition. Understanding the mechanisms underlying diminished muscle oxygen uptake and increased fatigue during exercise in SMA may identify additional therapeutic targets that rescue symptomatic patients and mitigate their residual disease burden.