bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Deterioration of Soil-biodegradable Mulch Films during Storage and Its Impact on Specialty Crop Production
Authors: Anunciado Marife B. , Wadsworth Larry C. , Ghimire Shuresh , Miles Carol , Moore Jenny C. , Wszelaki Annette L. , Hayes Douglas G.
Published: November 2021

Plastic mulch films contribute to improved crop yield and quality for vegetable and small fruit cropping systems. Although the single-season agronomic performance of conventional polyethylene mulches and soil-biodegradable mulches (BDMs) are similar, over time BDMs can begin to break down during storage and subsequently not provide season-long soil coverage. In this study, the changes in physicochemical properties of BDMs were investigated over 3 years of indoor storage (2015–18) under ideal environmental conditions in two laboratories. Mulches evaluated were black, 20–40 µm thick, suitable for annual vegetable production, and included three BDMs: two polybutylene adipate terephthalate (PBAT)-enriched mulches that are commercially available in North America, an experimental polylactic acid (PLA) and polyhydroxyalkanote-based film, and a conventional polyethylene mulch as a control. Tensile properties, specifically peak load and elongation at maximum tensile stress, decreased during storage, particularly for the PBAT-based BDMs, indicating a loss of strength. During year 3 of storage, the tensile properties declined extensively, suggesting embrittlement. The average molecular weight of PLA and PBAT slightly increased during year 1, perhaps due to release of monomers or oligomers, and then decreased extensively during years 2 and 3 due to hydrolysis of ester bonds (confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopic analysis). The structural integrity of BDMs was assessed during years 2 and 3 of the study (2017–18) in field trials at the locations where they were stored, Knoxville, TN, and Mount Vernon, WA, for vegetable production. The degradation of the BDMs during the cropping season was higher in 2018 compared with 2017, suggesting that degradation of mechanical and chemical properties while in storage may have contributed to rapid degradation of mulches in the field. In summary, BDMs undergo degradation even under ideal storage conditions and may perform best if deployed within 2 years of their receipt date. The farmer should verify that proper storage conditions have been used before receipt and that manufacturing date precedes the receipt date by no more than 6 months.
Zinc Phosphate Nanoparticles: A Review on Physical, Chemical, and Biological
Synthesis and their Applications
Authors: Rahimnejad Mostafa , Sadeghi-Aghbash Mona
Published: November 2021

:

Nanotechnology is considered one of the emerging fields of science that has influenced di-verse applications, including food, biomedicine, and cosmetics. The production and usage of materials with nanoscale dimensions like nanoparticles are attractive parts of nanotechnology. Among different nanoparticles, zinc phosphate nanoparticles have attracted attention due to their biocompatibility, bi-osafety, non-toxicity, and environmental compatibility. These nanoparticles could be employed in vari-ous applications like anticorrosion, antibacterial, dental cement, glass ceramics, tissue engineering, and drug delivery. A variety of physical, chemical, and green synthesis methods have been used to synthe-size zinc phosphate nanoparticles. All these methods have some limitations along with certain ad-vantages. Chemical approaches may cause health risks and environmental problems due to the toxicity of hazardous chemicals used in these techniques. Moreover, physical methods require high amounts of energy as well as expensive instruments. However, biological methods are free of chemical contami-nants and eco-friendly. This review is aimed to explore different methods for the synthesis of zinc phosphate nanoparticles, including physical, chemical, and more recently, biological approaches (using various sources such as plants, algae, and microorganisms). Also, it summarizes the practicable applica-tions of zinc phosphate nanoparticles as anticorrosion pigment, dental cement, and drug delivery agents.
Perspective on the Relationship between GABAA Receptor Activity and the
Apparent Potency of an Inhibitor
Authors: Germann Allison L. , Pierce Spencer R. , Evers Alex S. , Steinbach Joe Henry , Akk Gustav
Published: November 2021

Background :

In electrophysiological experiments inhibition of a receptor-channel, such as the GABAA receptor, is measured by co-applying an agonist producing a predefined control response with an inhibitor to calculate the fraction of the control response remaining in the presence of the inhibitor. The properties of the inhibitor are determined by fitting the inhibition concentration-response relationship to the Hill equation to estimate the midpoint (IC50) of the inhibition curve.

Objective:

We sought to estimate here the sensitivity of the fitted IC50 to the level of activity of the control response.

Methods:

The inhibition concentration-response relationships were calculated for models with distinct mechanisms of inhibition. In Model I, the inhibitor acts allosterically to stabilize the resting state of the receptor. In Model II, the inhibitor competes with the agonist for a shared binding site. In Model III, the inhibitor stabilizes the desensitized state.

Results:

The simulations indicate that the fitted IC50 of the inhibition curve is sensitive to the degree of activity of the control response. In Models I and II, the IC50 of inhibition was increased as the probability of being in the active state (PA) of the control response increased. In Model III, the IC50 of inhibition was reduced at higher PA.

Conclusions:

We infer that the apparent potency of an inhibitor depends on the PA of the control response. While the calculations were carried out using the activation and inhibition properties that are representative of the GABAA receptor, the principles and conclusions apply to a wide variety of receptor-channels.
One-Pot Solvent- and Catalyst-Free Synthesis of Some New Heteroarylaminonaphthoquinones from Lawsone
Authors: Olyaei Abolfazl , Rahmani Nilufar , Sadeghpour Mahdieh , Mohamadi Amir
Published: November 2021

A clean and efficient one-pot protocol for the synthesis of a series of new 2-hydroxy-3-
((3-aryl)(heteroarylamino)methyl)naphthalene-1,4-dione derivatives has been developed by the
three-component reaction of 2-hydroxynaphthalene-1,4-dione, aromatic aldehydes, and heterocyclic
amines at 90 oC under solvent- and catalyst-free conditions. The procedure avoids the use of toxic
solvents, tedious work-up, catalyst, and purification of the products by chromatographic methods.
Simple operation, short reaction times, generation of the desired compounds in high to excellent
yields, and an environmentally benign method are advantages of this protocol.
Recent Patents on Concrete Pavers of Coalmines
Authors: Yang Daolong , Cao Zhan , Ma Xiaolei , Wang Yanxiang , Wang Songquan , Chen Tianchi
Published: November 2021

Background:

Concrete pavers are self-propelled units used in concrete pavement construction
that have of paving, vibrating, and leveling functions. The existing concrete pavers have a
large size, making it difficult for them to enter underground roadways, and it is difficult to adjust the
paving equipment in real time when the width of the underground roadway is deformed.

Objective:

To realize intelligent concrete paving in coal mine roadways, based on the analysis of
recent concrete paver patents, this paper proposes an intelligent virtual paving system based on 3D
infrared scanning imaging.

Method:

The intelligent virtual paving system, which uses multiple groups of 3D infrared scanners
and signal processing systems, can collect and analyze 3D images in the roadway and perform virtual
paving in the computer. This system can obtain the required parameters of roadway paving,
such as the feeding amount, driving speed, limiter height, and width of the synovium, as well as give
the initial paving parameters.

Results:

In the actual paving process, through virtual paving parameters, the feeding amount and
accelerator can be regulated in real time, and the difference between the actual paving and virtual
paving can be judged to change the paving width in real time.

Conclusion:

Intelligent virtual paver systems have a guiding significance for the improvement of
existing paver systems.
A Review of Various Pharmacological Effects of Quercetin with its Barriers and Approaches for Solubility and Permeability Enhancement
Authors: Mishra Rakesh , Kulkarni Shweta
Published: November 2021

Background:

Quercetin, one of the most beneficial flavonoids, has been included in the human diet due to its therapeutic effect on health. Recently, quercetin has been gaining scientific attraction for its multifarious activities, including anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, anti-diabetic, anti-cancer, and anti-arthritic activities and its function in easing some cardiovascular diseases. However, these applications of quercetin in the pharmaceutical field are limited due to its poor aqueous solubility and poor permeability.

Objective:

The present review summarizes various pharmacological activities of quercetin, analyzes the barriers like solubility and permeability, which restrict the therapeutic efficiency of quercetin, and also discusses novel approaches to enhance aqueous solubility and permeability of quercetin for its effective clinical use.

Methods:

The current review information sources were peer-reviewed relevant scientific articles of recognized journals from scientific engines and databases (Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed, Science Direct, Google Scholar) using different keywords related to quercetin pharmacological effects, mechanism, solubility, permeability, absorption barriers, and formulation approaches.

Results:

Various novel approaches, including solid dispersions, inclusion complex, pro-drugs, nanoemulsion, micelles, liposomes, SNEEDS, and microspheres, have been developed to overcome the solubility and permeability barriers for efficient quercetin delivery.

Conclusion:

This review revealed that the multifaceted pharmacological activities of quercetin for the management of various diseases are enormously dependent on the development of novel and safe drug delivery systems of quercetin.
Impact of parental bonding on academic resilience
Authors: Pandoh Khushboo , Sharma Shilpa
Published: November 2021

Parent-child relationships are silent predictors for fostering the resilience in the academic arena of children. Parental bonding denotes the intensive attachment that develops between parental and their children through the process of mutual relations.  In the field of academic it removes the adversity on part of child and makes him capable to face the academic and personal challenges effectively. Parental bonding emerged as an effective temperament that influences the academic associated activities of the child. It provides an anti-maltreatment approach for shaping the physical, psychological and academic capital of students. The survival and development of the child is mainly based on parental bonding. Parental bonding provides an abundant opportunity for children to boast their own pace in the field of learning.  Parental bonding as a life span development has deeply rooted right from the infancy stage to last moments of life by establishing toddler relationship with mother father of primary caregiver. In the later stages of life, parental bonding gradually develops the resilience among children and make them enough competent to cope the stress and challenges in the field of academies.  Indian education system is at stake because there is prevalence of heavy overload of academics and tough competition.
Jakość życia pacjentów ze schizofrenią
Authors: Okroj Agnieszka
Published: November 2021

Wstęp. Schizofrenia jest chorobą psychiczną, którą charakteryzuje zróżnicowany obraz i przebieg kliniczny, charakteryzuje się przede wszystkim zakłóceniami myślenia i postrzegania, a także niedostosowanym i spłyconym afektem. Etiopatogeneza nie jest do końca znana, jedną z uznawanych teorii jest udział czynników biopsychospołecznych, w tym stresu. Wiek zachorowania przypada zazwyczaj na okres wczesnej dorosłości – u kobiet jest to 25–34 rok życia, a u mężczyzn 15 –24 rok życia.

Cel. Celem badań była ocena jakości życia w kontekście domen życia pacjentów ze schizofrenią.

Materiały i metody. Badaniem objęto grupę 100 pacjentów leczonych w Szpital Lipno Sp. z o.o. , u których zdiagnozowano schizofrenię. Wiek badanych mieścił się w zakresie  18–75 lat. Narzędziem badawczym był kwestionariusz SQLS-R4 (Schizophrenia Quality of Life Scale Revision 4) poszerzony o autorską metryczkę.

Wyniki. Respondenci dokonując subiektywnej oceny  jakości życia określili jako stan zadawalający. Jakość życia w sferze witalnej była na wyższym poziomie niż w domenie psychospołecznej oraz ogólnym zadowoleniu.

Wnioski. Schizofrenia to schorzenia, które w istotny sposób przyczynia się do obniżenia poziomu jakości życia głównie w domenie psychospołecznej.
Kategorie zachowań zdrowotnych pacjentów przed wystąpieniem zawału mięśnia sercowego w zależności od wybranych zmiennych socjodemograficznych
Authors: Cecot Natalia , Kańkowska Daria
Published: November 2021

Wstęp. Zawał mięśnia sercowego zalicza się do grupy ostrych zespołów wieńcowych. Jest to grupa schorzeń, która cechuje się wystąpieniem zaburzeń w krążeniu wieńcowym, co prowadzi do ograniczenia lub całkowitego ustania przepływu krwi w tętnicach wieńcowych. Ostry zawał serca są najczęstszą przyczyną zgonów osób poniżej 75 roku życia w Polsce, ale także w Europie.

Cel. Celem niniejszej pracy była ocena kategorii zachowań zdrowotnych pacjentów przed wystąpieniem zawału mięśnia sercowego w zależności od wybranych zmiennych socjodemograficznych. Czynniki ryzyka zawału mięśnia sercowego można podzielić na dwie grupy: modyfikowalne (zależne) i niemodyfikowalne (niezależne). Do czynników, które zależą od stylu życia człowieka zalicza się: zaburzenia lipidowe, palenie tytoniu, nadwagę, nadciśnienie tętnicze, cukrzycę, stres oraz nadmierne spożywanie alkoholu. Czynniki niemodyfikowalne to płeć, wiek oraz czynniki genetyczne.

Materiał i metody. Materiał badań stanowiły osoby po przebytym zawale mięśnia sercowego. Było to stu pacjentów hospitalizowanych w Oddziale Kardiologii i Oddziale Intensywnego Nadzoru Kardiologicznego w Szpitalu Wielospecjalistycznym im. dr. Ludwika Błażka w Inowrocławiu. Wybrano metodę szacowania, zastosowano technikę badawczą w postaci ankiety. Narzędziem badawczym wykorzystanym w pracy był kwestionariusz Inwentarza Zachowań Zdrowotnych oraz autorska metryczka.

Wyniki. Prawidłowe nawyki żywieniowe oraz pozytywne nastawienie psychiczne było prezentowane na takim samym poziomie zarówno wśród kobiet jak i mężczyzn. Kobiety uzyskiwały wyższe wyniki w kategorii zachowań profilaktycznych niż mężczyźni. Odwrotnie proporcjonalne wyniki uzyskano w kategorii praktyki zdrowotne. Respondenci z wykształceniem zawodowym osiągali najwyższe wyniki spośród innych respondentów w kategorii określającej prawidłowe nawyki żywieniowe. Najwyższy wskaźnik zachowań profilaktycznych odnotowano z kolei u osób z wykształceniem średnim (...).
Фазовый состав и структура пленки BiFeO-=SUB=-3-=/SUB=-, выращенной на подложке MgO(001) методом ВЧ-катодного распыления в атмосфере O-=SUB=-2-=/SUB=-
Authors: Павленко А.В. , Стрюков Д.В. , Кубрин С.П.
Published: November 2021

The crystal structure and Mossbauer spectroscopy studies results for BiFeO3 film growth on the MgO(001) single crystal substrate are present in the paper. It been shown that film have high crystal perfection and low defectiveness which results in appearing of narrow lines during the θ-2θ and φ scanning and the small (lower than 0.7°) disorientation of film and substrate crystal axes. It is been revealed that unit cell of BiFeO3/MgO(001) heterostructure possess monoclinic symmetry and deformation of unit cell is negligible. The Mossbauer study shows that magnetic subsystem of film has spatial spin-modulated structure with zero value of anharmonicity parameter (m). This indicate that at room temperature the magnetic anisotropy changes from the "easy axis" type to "easy plane" type.
Скачкообразные квантовые фазовые переходы в вихревой системе и динамическая комплексная магнитная проницаемость двойниковых YBa-=SUB=-2-=/SUB=-Cu-=SUB=-3-=/SUB=-O-=SUB=-7-x-=/SUB=- высокотемпературных сверхпроводников
Authors: Ростами Х.Р.
Published: November 2021

A nonlocal high-frequency method for measuring the dynamic complex magnetic permeability with enhanced spatial resolution is developed to simultaneously determine the bulk and local character of stepwise penetration of a magnetic flux through twin boundaries (TBs) into a YBa2Cu3O7-x HTSC sample during its stepwise decomposition into twins. By the values of fields corresponding to the regions of steps, the thermodynamic first critical magnetic fields are determined: the penetration of a flux into a sample – a Josephson medium; the development of a critical state in the Josephson medium; the penetration of a flux into twins; and the values of the critical fields of phase transitions in the vortex system of the HTSC sample, such as the melting fields of a vortex crystal, the formation of a superconducting glass state in the sample, and the transition to the vortex glass and Bragg glass states.
Рекомбинация в бесщелевой квантовой яме в гетероструктуре HgTe/CdHgTe
Authors: Алешкин В.Я. , Дубинов А.А. , Гавриленко В.И. , Павлов С.Г. , Hubers H.-W.
Published: November 2021

Рассмотрены три механизма рекомбинации неравновесных носителей в бесщелевой нелегированной квантовой яме в гетероструктуре HgTe/CdHgTe. Вычислены зависимости средней по ансамблю вероятности рекомбинации (обратного времени рекомбинации) от концентрации неравновесных носителей для рекомбинации с испусканием оптических фононов, рекомбинации с испусканием двумерных плазмонов и излучательной рекомбинации. Ключевые слова: бесщелевая квантовая яма HgTe, механизмы рекомбинации неравновесных носителей.
Determination of the prevalence of blaoxa-like gene and ISAba1 elements among extensiveــdrug resistant (XDR) Acinetobacter boumannii isolates
Authors: Mohsin Salah , Abdul-Elah Bakir Wasan , Arsheed Majeed
Published: November 2021

The capacity of Multiـdrug resistant (MDR) Acinetobacter baumannii to survive in any state of affairs concerning the gaining of various gene types of virulence and antimicrobial agent resistance are the main anxiety in the hospital’s environments. So, it is very crucial to determine the prevalence of insertion sequences in A. baumannii. In the hospitals. Detecting the blaoxa-51 gene through the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was performed to confirm Acinetobacter baumannii and the search for ISAba1 element. Between October 2020 and February 2021, 540 distinct clinical specimens were gathered from five hospitals in Baghdad. Thirty-eight A. baumannii isolates were obtained from various clinical specimens. The isolates were initially identified phenotypically using standard microbiological techniques and by the Vitek2 compact automated machine. Isolates of A. baumannii were identified genotypically by amplification of the blaoxa-51-like gene. Antimicrobials are studied by Kirby-Bauer (disc diffusion) technique on Muller-Hinton agar as specified by the recent clinical and laboratory standard institute (CLSI) guidelines (2020). The actual results of the current study indicated that from total isolated (38) A.baumannii isolates, 23 isolates (61%) were resistant to meropenem and 25 isolates (66%) were resistant to imipenem. The blaoxa-51 gene was identified in all strains examined, ISAba1 was also present in all A. baumannii isolates. ISAba1 has a high predominance between drug-resistant A. baumannii. Identifying these parameters can assist in the control of infection and decreasing the microorganism’s prevalence rate.
A review on emerging micropollutants: sources, environmental concentration and toxicity
Authors: K.T Vadiraj , Ram Achar Raghu , Siriger Sindhuja
Published: November 2021

Every minute, the environment is filled with pollutants of various types, including physical, chemical, and biological. A new threat has emerged in recent years due to human activity, which is of significant concern. These pollutants are not like conventional pollutants but can alter the physiology of living things, and hence these are named emerging pollutants. The pollutant sources include crop protection chemicals, personal care products, antimicrobial mixtures, active pharmaceutical ingredients (API). These compounds are biologically crucial because their minute quantity can also disrupt an individual's endocrine system, and hence they are also called endocrine disruptors. This current work reviews many aspects, including source, problems, and legislative solutions that have been farmed to cope with the current situation of emerging micropollutants.
Reasons for Nonuse, Discontinuation of Use, and Acceptance of Additional Functionalities of a COVID-19 Contact Tracing App: Cross-sectional Survey Study
Authors: Walrave Michel , Waeterloos Cato , Ponnet Koen
Published: November 2021

Background

In several countries, contact tracing apps (CTAs) have been introduced to warn users if they have had high-risk contacts that could expose them to SARS-CoV-2 and could, therefore, develop COVID-19 or further transmit the virus. For CTAs to be effective, a sufficient critical mass of users is needed. Until now, adoption of these apps in several countries has been limited, resulting in questions on which factors prevent app uptake or stimulate discontinuation of app use.

Objective

The aim of this study was to investigate individuals’ reasons for not using, or stopping use of, a CTA, in particular, the Coronalert app. Users’ and nonusers’ attitudes toward the app’s potential impact was assessed in Belgium. To further stimulate interest and potential use of a CTA, the study also investigated the population’s interest in new functionalities.

Methods

An online survey was administered in Belgium to a sample of 1850 respondents aged 18 to 64 years. Data were collected between October 30 and November 2, 2020. Sociodemographic differences were assessed between users and nonusers. We analyzed both groups’ attitudes toward the potential impact of CTAs and their acceptance of new app functionalities.

Results

Our data showed that 64.9% (1201/1850) of our respondents were nonusers of the CTA under study; this included individuals who did not install the app, those who downloaded but did not activate the app, and those who uninstalled the app. While we did not find any sociodemographic differences between users and nonusers, attitudes toward the app and its functionalities seemed to differ. The main reasons for not downloading and using the app were a perceived lack of advantages (308/991, 31.1%), worries about privacy (290/991, 29.3%), and, to a lesser extent, not having a smartphone (183/991, 18.5%). Users of the CTA agreed more with the potential of such apps to mitigate the consequences of the pandemic. Overall, nonusers found the possibility of extending the CTA with future functionalities to be less acceptable than users. However, among users, acceptability also tended to differ. Among users, functionalities relating to access and control, such as digital certificates or “green cards” for events, were less accepted (358/649, 55.2%) than functionalities focusing on informing citizens about the spread of the virus (453/649, 69.8%) or making an appointment to get tested (525/649, 80.9%).

Conclusions

Our results show that app users were more convinced of the CTA’s utility and more inclined to accept new app features than nonusers. Moreover, nonusers had more CTA-related privacy concerns. Therefore, to further stimulate app adoption and use, its potential advantages and privacy-preserving mechanisms need to be stressed. Building further knowledge on the forms of resistance among nonusers is important for responding to these barriers through the app’s further development and communication campaigns.
Understanding the Predictors of Missing Location Data to Inform Smartphone Study Design: Observational Study (Preprint)
Authors: Beukenhorst Anna L , Sergeant Jamie C , Schultz David M , McBeth John , Yimer Belay B , Dixon Will G
Published: November 2021

BACKGROUND

Smartphone location data can be used for observational health studies (to determine participant exposure or behavior) or to deliver a location-based health intervention. However, missing location data are more common when using smartphones compared to when using research-grade location trackers. Missing location data can affect study validity and intervention safety.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to investigate the distribution of missing location data and its predictors to inform design, analysis, and interpretation of future smartphone (observational and interventional) studies.

METHODS

We analyzed hourly smartphone location data collected from 9665 research participants on 488,400 participant days in a national smartphone study investigating the association between weather conditions and chronic pain in the United Kingdom. We used a generalized mixed-effects linear model with logistic regression to identify whether a successfully recorded geolocation was associated with the time of day, participants’ time in study, operating system, time since previous survey completion, participant age, sex, and weather sensitivity.

RESULTS

For most participants, the app collected a median of 2 out of a maximum of 24 locations (1760/9665, 18.2% of participants), no location data (1664/9665, 17.2%), or complete location data (1575/9665, 16.3%). The median locations per day differed by the operating system: participants with an Android phone most often had complete data (a median of 24/24 locations) whereas iPhone users most often had a median of 2 out of 24 locations. The odds of a successfully recorded location for Android phones were 22.91 times higher than those for iPhones (95% CI 19.53-26.87). The odds of a successfully recorded location were lower during weekends (odds ratio [OR] 0.94, 95% CI 0.94-0.95) and nights (OR 0.37, 95% CI 0.37-0.38), if time in study was longer (OR 0.99 per additional day in study, 95% CI 0.99-1.00), and if a participant had not used the app recently (OR 0.96 per additional day since last survey entry, 95% CI 0.96-0.96). Participant age and sex did not predict missing location data.

CONCLUSIONS

The predictors of missing location data reported in our study could inform app settings and user instructions for future smartphone (observational and interventional) studies. These predictors have implications for analysis methods to deal with missing location data, such as imputation of missing values or case-only analysis. Health studies using smartphones for data collection should assess context-specific consequences of high missing data, especially among iPhone users, during the night and for disengaged participants.
COVID 19 and Mental Health Experience in Kenya: Reflections for Change (Preprint)
Authors: Islam Md. Nazmul
Published: November 2021

BACKGROUND

Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, a number of vulnerable groups in Kenya and other developing ‎countries are facing a double tragedy. The direct threat from SARS-CoV-2 and indirect ‎consequences of government responses are creating new challenges, as well as worsening ‎existing socio-economic public health aspects. One of the vulnerable groups are people with ‎existing and newly acquired mental health problems. This policy brief seeks to examine the ‎relationship between COVID-19 and mental health in Kenya. It finds that COVID-19 has an ‎overreaching impact on a person’s mental health and if the government does not offer urgent and ‎well thought out measures to cushion these patients from the negative experiences of the ‎pandemic, then the country could find itself with a bigger burden during and after COVID-19 ‎crisis. ‎

OBJECTIVE

This policy brief seeks to examine the relationship between COVID-19 and mental health in ‎Kenya. It finds that COVID-19 has an overreaching impact on a person’s mental health and if the ‎government does not offer urgent and well thought out measures to cushion these patients from ‎the negative experiences of the pandemic, then the country could find itself with a bigger burden ‎during and after COVID-19 crisis. ‎

METHODS

A secondary descriptive method has been applied for this policy brief

RESULTS

The paper seeks to raise concern on the low attention mental health has received during the ‎pandemic. ‎Collaborating with regional and international actors to improve research in mental health as ‎well as sensitization programs to dilute the stigma currently existing can also go a long way.‎

CONCLUSIONS

In conclusion, the paper seeks to raise concern on the low attention mental health has received ‎during the pandemic. The government of Kenya has developed measures to try and contain the ‎spread of the virus in the country, but its strategies have failed to address some of the worst-hit groups such as individuals with mental health disorders. We recommend that the government ‎urgently embarks on a nationwide exercise of documenting mental health cases so as to make ‎an informed policy decision. During this pandemic, mental health patients especially those who ‎live in the streets need to be accorded shelter to protect them from the disease while ‎medication for mental health ought to be subsidized. In the long run, the government can ensure ‎that mental health is integrated with the national health insurance programs, facilities and ‎hospitals for mental health to be upgraded and made more conducive. Collaborating with regional ‎and international actors to improve research in mental health as well as sensitization programs ‎to dilute the stigma currently existing can also go a long way.‎
Interiores en tiempos de covid
Authors: De la Fuente Mariana
Published: November 2021

Aquí va el resumen.
Evaluation of bunch quality components in Dura x Dura progenies of Zambia and Camaroon sources of oil palm germplasm
Authors:   ICAR- Indian Institute of Oil Palm Research, Pedavegi-534 450, India, Pedapati A. , Mathur R.K. ,   Crop Improvement, ICAR-Indian Institute of Oil Palm Research, Pedavegi-534 450, India, Ravichandran G. ,   Crop Improvement, ICAR-Indian Institute of Oil Palm Research, Pedavegi-534 450, India, Babu B.K. ,   Crop Improvement, ICAR-Indian Institute of Oil Palm Research, Pedavegi-534 450, India, Bhagya H.P. ,   Crop Improvement, ICAR-Indian Institute of Oil Palm Research, Pedavegi-534 450, India
Published: November 2021

Aim: The present study was conducted to evaluate oil palm dura progenies developed from Zambia and Cameroon germplasm sources for bunch components for the selecting of high oil yielding mother palms. Methodology: Total 77 dura genotypes were evaluated by considering 15 different bunch components. Bunch analysis data were collected from tenth year onwards after planting. The genetic diversity, Principal component analysis, correlation and path analysis of the genotypes were estimated. Results: Study revealed that oil-to bunch ratio depends on fruit-to-bunch ratio and mesocarp-fruit ratio. The ANOVA value showed a significant variability among the genotypes for most of the bunch traits and the identified genotype P35 (24.53 %) was highest oil yielder. Positive significant correlation (p≤ 0.01) of mesocarp-to-fruit ratio and oil-to-dry mesocarp with oil-to-bunch ratio were noted in this study. Based on path analysis, the information obtained from this study is the oil-to-wet mesocarp ratio (0.697) showed the highest significant positive direct effect on oil-to-bunch ratio followed by mesocarp-to-fruit ratio (0.570). Interpretation: This study may support for the future selection of mother palms to utilize in oil palm improvement programmes. Introgression into existing breeding materials and breeding for seed production utilising selected palms.
A ARTE NO ENSINO DA GERONTOLOGIA: O ENVELHECIMENTO NA VISÃO DOS PINTORES RENASCENTISTAS
Authors: Azevedo Filho Elias Rocha , Gomes Lucy , China Bezerra Armando José
Published: November 2021

Ao usar a arte no ensino da gerontologia, foram pesquisadas obras de pintores renascentistas que abordassem a temática velhice e envelhecimento. Utilizou-se o enfoque qualitativo descritivo, realizando-se busca nas bases de dados Europeana, Britannica Academic, Scholarpedia, Yale Arts database, Web Gallery of Art e Art Source – Ebsco, e em livros de texto sobre arte. Foram utilizados os seguintes termos na pesquisa em português, francês e inglês: as três idades; as três idades na arte; as idades da vida; as idades na pintura; as idades do homem na pintura; a arte da velhice; alegoria do tempo; velhos na pintura renascentista; velhice na pintura renascentista. Encontraram-se cinco obras que destacavam os contrastes de beleza entre corpos jovens e idosos: A Velha (1505), de Giorgione; As Três Idades do Homem (1512), de Ticiano; As Três Idades do Homem (1515), de Dosso Dossi; Três Idades da Mulher e a Morte (1510) e As idades e a morte (1539), de Hans Baldung Grien. Estas figuras, em alguns casos, eram realçadas por pinceladas que tornaram mais evidente a diferença entre as idades do ser humano. Os pintores renascentistas reproduziam em suas obras a visão de que o envelhecimento era o último estágio da vida humana, portanto, época de decadência física e, muitas vezes, de solidão.
IMPACTO DA ATIVIDADE FÍSICA NA QUALIDADE DE VIDA E SOBREVIDA DE IDOSOS COM CÂNCER: UMA REVISÃO SISTEMÁTICA
Authors: Melhem Abrão José Jr , Cordeiro Gabriel Ribeiro , Mascarenhas Luis Paulo Gomes , Figueiredo David Livingstone Alves
Published: November 2021

Objetivo: avaliar o impacto da atividade física (AF) em qualidade de vida (QV) e sobrevida (SV) de idosos com câncer. Método: revisão sistemática nas bases de dados Medline-Bireme, PubMed, Cochrane-Embase e SciELO. Os estudos passaram por critérios de seleção e análise, com base nas escalas de PRISMA e PEDro. Resultados: foram selecionados dez estudos ao final do processo, sete relacionados à QV e três relacionados à SV. Os resultados mostraram que intervenções realizadas após o diagnostico oncológico trazem benefícios para a QV, como aumento da funcionalidade, da força muscular, da densidade mineral óssea, da flexibilidade, do bem-estar e da massa magra. Houve também impacto positivo na SV. Conclusão: os resultados desta revisão sistemática ajudam a compreender que a prática de AF pode trazer benefícios tanto para a QV quanto para a SV de pessoas acima de 60 anos com diagnósticos oncológicos.
Analysis of Cruciferin Content in Whole Seeds of Brassica napus L. by Near-Infrared Spectroscopy
Authors: Ammeter Ashley , So Kenny , Duncan Rob
Published: November 2021

Globally, there is an increasing demand for sources of plant-based
protein. While Brassica napus L. is an important oilseed crop
worldwide, there is also interest in improving its ability to serve as a
valuable source of plant-based protein. Cruciferin, a seed storage
protein that makes up 60% of the protein found in mature seeds of
B. napus, is of interest for human consumption as a source of
protein and as an ingredient in food products due to its functional
properties. Existing methods for quantification of cruciferin protein
are often time consuming and destroy the seed. This study explored the
potential for the measurement of cruciferin protein content in whole
seeds of B. napus by near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS), to allow for
efficient and non-destructive screening of breeding material. An
enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA)-based reference method was
utilized to assess cruciferin content in a diverse population of
B. napus. Scanning of whole seed samples produced spectra that
were used to develop NIRS calibration equations. Statistical analysis of
the calibration results indicated that the NIRS equations developed are
poorly suited for prediction of cruciferin content.
Effect of General Adiposity and Central Body Fat Distribution on the Circulating Metabolome: A Multicohort Nontargeted Metabolomics Observational and Mendelian Randomization Study
Authors: Ahmad Shafqat , Hammar Ulf , Kennedy Beatrice , Salihovic Samira , Ganna Andrea , Lind Lars , Sundström Johan , Ärnlöv Johan , Berne Christian , Risérus Ulf , Magnusson Patrik K.E. , Larsson Susanna C. , Fall Tove
Published: November 2021

Obesity is associated with adverse health outcomes, but the metabolic effects have not yet been fully elucidated. We aimed to investigate the association between adiposity and circulating metabolites and to address causality with Mendelian randomization (MR). Metabolomics data were generated with nontargeted ultraperformance liquid chromatography coupled to time-of-flight mass spectrometry in plasma and serum from three population-based Swedish cohorts: ULSAM (N = 1,135), PIVUS (N = 970), and TwinGene (N = 2,059). We assessed associations of general adiposity measured as BMI and central body fat distribution measured as waist-to-hip ratio adjusted for BMI (WHRadjBMI) with 210 annotated metabolites. We used MR analysis to assess causal effects. Lastly, we attempted to replicate the MR findings in the KORA and TwinsUK cohorts (N = 7,373), the CHARGE Consortium (N = 8,631), the Framingham Heart Study (N = 2,076), and the DIRECT Consortium (N = 3,029). BMI was associated with 77 metabolites, while WHRadjBMI was associated with 11 and 3 metabolites in women and men, respectively. The MR analyses in the Swedish cohorts suggested a causal association (P value <0.05) of increased general adiposity and reduced levels of arachidonic acid, dodecanedioic acid, and lysophosphatidylcholine (P-16:0) as well as with increased creatine levels. The results of the replication effort provided support for a causal association of adiposity with reduced levels of arachidonic acid (P value = 0.03). Adiposity is associated with variation of large parts of the circulating metabolome; however, further investigation of causality is required in well-powered cohorts.
Haptoglobin Phenotype Modifies the Effect of Fenofibrate on Risk of Coronary Event: ACCORD Lipid Trial
Authors: Warren Rachel A. , Carew Allie S. , Andreou Pantelis , Herman Christine , Levy Andrew P. , Ginsberg Henry N. , Sapp John , Rimm Eric B. , Kirkland Susan , Cahill Leah E.
Published: November 2021

OBJECTIVE

The haptoglobin (Hp)2-2 phenotype (∼35–40% of people) is associated with increased oxidation and dysfunctional HDL in hyperglycemia and may explain why drugs designed to pharmacologically raise HDL cholesterol and lower triglycerides have not reliably prevented cardiovascular disease in diabetes. We aimed to determine whether the effect of adding fenofibrate versus placebo to simvastatin on the risk of coronary artery disease (CAD) events depends on Hp phenotype in the Action to Control Cardiovascular Risk in Diabetes (ACCORD) lipid trial.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Cox proportional hazards regression models quantified the relationship between fenofibrate therapy and CAD events in the ACCORD lipid trial in participants with the Hp2-2 phenotype (n = 1,795) separately from those without (n = 3,201).

RESULTS

Fenofibrate therapy successfully lowered the risk of CAD events in participants without the Hp2-2 phenotype (multivariable adjusted hazard ratio 0.74 [95% CI 0.60–0.90] compared with no fenofibrate therapy) but not in participants with the Hp2-2 phenotype (1.16 [0.87–1.56]; P interaction = 0.009). Subgroup analyses revealed that this protective effect of fenofibrate against CAD events among the non–Hp2-2 phenotype group was pronounced in participants with severe dyslipidemia (P interaction = 0.01) and in males (P interaction = 0.02) with an increased CAD risk from fenofibrate treatment observed in females with the Hp2-2 phenotype (P interaction = 0.002).

CONCLUSIONS

The effect of fenofibrate added to simvastatin on risk of CAD events depends on Hp phenotype in the ACCORD lipid trial.
Clinical features and outcomes of elderly patients with antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-positive vasculitis: a single-center retrospective study
Authors: Kim Hyo Jin , Han Miyeun , Song Sang Heon , Seong Eun Young
Published: November 2021

BackgroundWe aimed to investigate the clinical characteristics and outcomes of patients aged ≥65 years with antineutrophil cytoplasmic autoantibody (ANCA)-positive ANCA-associated vasculitis (AAV) in Korea.MethodsSeventy patients diagnosed with ANCA-positive AAV from 2006 to 2019 at a single center were analyzed and categorized into younger (aged <65 years) or elderly (aged ≥65 years) groups. Initial induction treatments were investigated according to age group. All-cause mortality and kidney outcomes were evaluated.ResultsAfter categorization by age, 34 (48.6%) and 36 patients (51.4%) were in the younger and elderly groups, respectively. In the elderly group, more patients were treated with oral cyclophosphamide (CYC) (30.6%) than with intravenous CYC (19.4%). During a median follow-up of 14.6 months (range, 3.0-53.1 months), 13 patients died (elderly group: 11 patients, 84.6%). In the elderly group, older age (hazard ratio [HR], 1.44; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.09-1.90; p = 0.01), lower hemoglobin (HR, 0.21; 95% CI, 0.08-0.60; p = 0.003), and higher serum creatinine level (HR 14.17; 95% CI, 1.29-155.84; p = 0.03) were significant risk factors for all-cause mortality after adjustment. Oral CYC + steroid treatment was associated with decreased all-cause mortality compared to untreated induction immunosuppressants (HR, 0.01; 95% CI, 0.0003-0.47; p = 0.02). Kidney failure or renal recovery outcomes were not significantly different between the younger and elderly groups.ConclusionPatients aged ≥65 years had higher mortality rates than younger patients, and mortality was associated with older age, lower hemoglobin, higher serum creatinine level, and nontreatment compared to oral CYC + steroids.
Feminisme dan Kebebasan Perempuan Indonesia dalam Filosofi
Authors: Ilaa Dhiyaa Thurfah
Published: November 2021

Kebebasan seharusnya adalah hal yang absolut untuk dimiliki seluruh individu terlepas dari jenis kelaminnya. Namun, sejak terciptanya masyarakat, kebebasan perempuan selalu dibatasi. Hak dan kesempatan laki-laki hingga kini masih tidak setara dengan perempuan. Perempuan Indonesia sejak dahulu sudah mulai memperjuangkan kesetaraannya, didorong dengan berkembangnya zaman dan globalisasi, perjuangan perempuan Indonesia akan kesetaraan semakin berkembang. Gerakan feminisme bertujuan untuk membantu perempuan memperjuangkan hak dan kebebasan perempuan di masyarakat Indonesia yang masih dominan patriarki. Tujuan penelitian ini yaitu untuk mempelajari filosofi dari feminisme dan kebebasan perempuan. Metode penelitian adalah dengan studi literature deskriptif dan interpretif. Hasil studi literatur menunjukkan bahwa beberapa ahli filosofis feminis menjelaskan bahwa guna mencapai kesetaraan, laki-laki dan perempuan harus diberikan pendidikan yang sama, serta tidak diberi perlakuan yang diskriminatif. Ahli filosofis feminis lainnya meyakini bahwa perempuan dan laki-laki hakikatnya berbeda, namun memiliki hak yang sama dalam hal kebebasan. Kebebasan memiliki dua jenis, yakni kebebasan positif dan negatif. Keduanya merupakan hal yang bertolak belakang yang perlu dikritisi lebih lanjut, serta masih perlu dipertimbangkan sebab dan akibat yang ditimbulkan bagi perempuan khususnya di Indonesia.
Fabrication Of Aquaponic System For Integrated Freshwater Fish And Vegetables Cultivation
Authors: Yohandri Yohandri
Published: November 2021

The Community Partnership Program (PKM) activity has been carried out in Nagari Sunua, Padang Pariaman District, West Sumatra. As for Sunua's diversity, many young people drop out of school and do not have permanent jobs. This activity aims to provide training in the manufacture of aquaponic systems that combine freshwater fish cultivation with vegetable cultivation simultaneously. Partners will be given training on how to use freshwater aquaculture pond water to grow vegetables. Pool water will be flowed in the pipes where the vegetable seeds are grown. Pond water becomes fertilizer and nutrition for vegetables. Water that has passed through vegetables in the next pipe will be flowed back into the pond. This aquaponic cultivation pattern is very beneficial because it can produce vegetables and fish simultaneously in one activity. This can be a new type of business for partner groups that have not. In general, these activities can be carried out well and increase the knowledge and skills of the members of the partners involved.
Methods of Data Collection: A Fundamental Tool of Research
Authors:   Professor & Chairperson, Department of Tahaffuzi wa Samaji Tib (PSM), Faculty of Unani Medicine, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh, India, Mazhar Syeda Ayeman
Published: November 2021

For conducting research, it is a must to collect data. Data is basically the information that is required for investigating a research problem after proper designing. The importance of data collection lies in the fact that without gathering the particular information the research could not be carried out. The data may be primary or secondary. Usually, the methods of primary data collection in behavioural sciences include observation methods, interviews, questionnaires, and through database. The sources of secondary data include the previously published books, magazines, journals, etc. and unpublished autobiographies and biographies, etc. Thus, data collection is mandatory to accomplish the research process and therefore, it is the fundamental tool of research. This paper reviews, in detail, the various methods and different ways of gathering the information for undertaking research.
The Legal Implications of Public Support Policies Targeting Research, Development and Innovation in the European Union
Authors: Dutt Pawan Kumar , Nyman-Metcalf Katrin
Published: November 2021

The research problem of this article focuses on how the public support system in Estonia can help small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to acquire and commercialise their intellectual property rights (IPR) in a sustainable and legally permissible manner. The study aims to analyse and determine which specific public support measures are needed by SMEs for acquiring and commercialising IPR and how to design such public support within the legal boundaries set under European Union (EU) laws. The theoretical framework used in this study is built around the social system as defined by Parsons. The 4S Model (based on scope, scale, skill and social networking) derived by researchers from the said social system is considered. Further, 19 key attributes were devised by the authors in conjunction with the role of motivation to form a revised framework. The analysis employs qualitative research methods. To apply the framework of social systems theory, the authors used semi-structured interviews as a method to study the public support measures required by Estonian stakeholders. This was also analysed in the framework of EU State aid law, which poses both restrictions and exemptions. This research presents several desired support measures. Although the public support systems for acquiring and commercialising IPR by SMEs are restrained by legal frameworks within the EU, the analysis of the relevant laws and cases shows that State aid for RDI purposes is legally permissible within the EU, depending on the state’s willingness and availability of funds.