bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ca’ Granda, Hortus simplicium: Restoring an Ancient Medicinal Garden of XV–XIX Century in Milan (Italy)
Authors: Bottoni Martina , Milani Fabrizia , Galimberti Paolo M. , Vignati Lucia , Romanini Patrizia Luise , Lavezzo Luca , Martinetti Livia , Giuliani Claudia , Fico Gelsomina
Published: November 2021

This work is based on the study of 150 majolica vases dated back to the mid XVII century that once preserved medicinal remedies prepared in the ancient Pharmacy annexed to the Ospedale Maggiore Ca’ Granda in Milan (Lombardy, Italy). The Hortus simplicium was created in 1641 as a source of plant-based ingredients for those remedies. The main objective of the present work is to lay the knowledge base for the restoration of the ancient Garden for educational and informative purposes. Therefore, the following complementary phases were carried out: (i) the analysis of the inscriptions on the jars, along with the survey on historical medical texts, allowing for the positive identification of the plant ingredients of the remedies and their ancient use as medicines; (ii) the bibliographic research in modern pharmacological literature in order to validate or refute the historical uses; (iii) the realization of the checklist of plants potentially present in cultivation at the ancient Garden, concurrently with the comparison with the results of a previous in situ archaeobotanical study concerning pollen grains. For the species selection, considerations were made also regarding drug amounts in the remedies and pedoclimatic conditions of the study area. Out of the 150 vases, 108 contained plant-based remedies, corresponding to 148 taxa. The remedies mainly treated gastrointestinal and respiratory disorders. At least one of the medicinal uses was validated in scientific literature for 112 out of the 148 examined species. Finally, a checklist of 40 taxa, presumably hosted in the Hortus simplicium, was assembled.
Two Unexpected Temperature-Induced Supermolecular Isomers from Multi-Topic Carboxylic Acid: Hydrogen Bonding Layer or Helix Tube
Authors: Li Chunyang , Tan Chunhong , Zhou Juan , Lin Yan-Yong , Wang Xiao-Feng
Published: November 2021

Under ambient conditions or 160 °C, two supramolecular isomers, namely [(H4PTTA)(H2O)2(DMF)] and [(H4PTTA)(H2O)3]··Guest (1-L and 1-H, H4PTTA = N-phenyl-N′-phenyl bicyclo[2.2.2]oct-7-ene-2,3,5,6-tetracarboxdiimide tetra-carboxylic acid, Guest = DMF and H2O), were obtained through the reaction of H4PTTA in a mixture of H2O and dimethylformamide. The single crystal structures reveal the temperature-dependent supramolecular isomerism derived from the torsion of semi-rigid of H4PTTA. The 1-L prepared at room temperature is a hydrogen bond based achiral layer, while the hydrothermal synthesized 1-H is isomer resulted in an H-bond-based chiral tubes-packed supramolecular framework.
The Compositional Aspects of Edible Flowers as an Emerging Horticultural Product
Authors: Pires Eleomar de O. , Di Gioia Francesco , Rouphael Youssef , Ferreira Isabel C. F. R. , Caleja Cristina , Barros Lillian , Petropoulos Spyridon A.
Published: November 2021

Edible flowers are becoming very popular, as consumers are seeking healthier and more attractive food products that can improve their diet aesthetics and diversify their dietary sources of micronutrients. The great variety of flowers that can be eaten is also associated with high variability in chemical composition, especially in bioactive compounds content that may significantly contribute to human health. The advanced analytical techniques allowed us to reveal the chemical composition of edible flowers and identify new compounds and effects that were not known until recently. Considering the numerous species of edible flowers, the present review aims to categorize the various species depending on their chemical composition and also to present the main groups of compounds that are usually present in the species that are most commonly used for culinary purposes. Moreover, special attention is given to those species that contain potentially toxic or poisonous compounds as their integration in human diets should be carefully considered. In conclusion, the present review provides useful information regarding the chemical composition and the main groups of chemical compounds that are present in the flowers of the most common species.
Ultra-Compact Power Splitters with Low Loss in Arbitrary Direction Based on Inverse Design Method
Authors: Xu Yanhong , Ma Hansi , Xie Tong , Yang Junbo , Zhang Zhenrong
Published: November 2021

The power splitter is a device that splits the energy from an input signal into multiple outputs with equal or uneven energy. Recently, the use of algorithms to intelligently design silicon-based photonic devices has attracted widespread attention. Thus, many optimization algorithms, which are called inverse design algorithms, have been proposed. In this paper, we use the Direct Binary Search (DBS) algorithm designed with three 1 × 3 power splitters with arbitrary directions theoretically. They have any direction and can be connected to other devices in any direction, which greatly reduces the space occupied by the optical integrated circuit. Through the simulation that comes about, we are able to get the insertion loss (IL) of the device we designed to be less than 5.55 dB, 5.49 dB, and 5.32 dB, separately. Then, the wavelength is 1530–1560 nm, so it can be used in the optical communication system. To discuss the impact of the footprint on device performance, we also designed another device with the same function as the second one from the above three devices. Its IL is less than 5.40 dB. Although it occupies a larger area, it has an advantage in IL. Through the design results, three 1 × 3 power splitters can be freely combined to realize any direction, multi-channel, ultra-compact power splitters, and can be better connected with different devices to achieve different functions. At the same time, we also show an example of a combination. The IL of each port of the combined 1 × 6 power splitter is less than 8.82 dB.
Optimized Organosolv Pretreatment of Biomass Residues Using 2-Methyltetrahydrofuran and n-Butanol
Authors: Viola Egidio , Zimbardi Francesco , Morgana Massimo , Cerone Nadia , Valerio Vito , Romanelli Assunta
Published: November 2021

Wheat straw and eucalyptus residues were pretreated in a biphasic system, constituted of butanol (n-butanol) or 2-methyltetrahydrofuran (2M-THF) and aqueous oxalic acid solutions. The pretreatments were carried out in a 300 mL Parr reactor (Autoclave Buchi Limbo-li®) with a solid load of 5 wt.%, the temperature in the range 140–180 °C, oxalic acid load from 0 to 10 wt.% and a duration of 30–90 min. The obtained slurry was then fractionated in three streams: the aqueous phase which contained solubilized hemicellulose, the organic phase which contained the solvated lignin, and the solid residue which contained cellulose. The solid was hydrolyzed using a commercial mix of enzymes to assess cellulose digestibility and glucose production. The pretreatment was optimized to maximize the purity of the cellulose and hemicellulose fractions and the glucose recovery as free sugar. The optimization was done by using an experimental design and response surface methodology. The mass flow details of the four optimized processes were obtained. In terms of biomass fractionation, butanol demonstrated significant advantages over 2M-THF in the same range of process conditions as shown by the recovery yield of free glucose which reached 98% of the theoretical value with butanol but was 67% with 2M-THF. Tests at low temperature and low enzyme loading highlighted the importance of the solvent choice over the operating conditions. 2M-THF showed interesting performances only in the delignification step, with 90% efficiency for the straw. Regarding the use of different feedstock, fractionation and recovery were generally higher for wheat straw than for eucalyptus wood residues.
A Software Emulator for the Modelling and Control of an Activated Sludge Process in a Wastewater Treatment Plant
Authors: Selișteanu Dan , Popescu Ion-Marian , Roman Monica , Șulea-Iorgulescu Constantin , Mehedințeanu Sorin
Published: November 2021

The design and implementation of a simulator, as a real-time application, for a complex process from the biological treatment stage of a wastewater treatment plant (WWTP), is addressed. More precisely, this emulator was achieved as a software tool that can be later integrated into a more complex SCADA (supervisory control and data acquisition) system of the WWTP Făcăi, Romania. The basic idea is to implement and validate a reduced-order model of the activated sludge process (ASP), initially simulated in the Matlab/Simulink environment (The MathWorks, Inc., Natick, MA, USA). Moreover, an advanced multivariable adaptive control scheme of the ASP is addressed. This software tool can be made to work in parallel with the evolution of the process and can have as input signals measured directly at the process level, possibly following parametric or model adaptations. The software emulator is developed in the LabWindows/CVI programming environment (National Instruments), which offers low-level access to hardware or software systems that have minimal open-architecture facilities. This environment provides versatile drivers and software packages that can facilitate the interaction with software tools developed within some earlier SCADA systems. The structure and the graphical interface of the emulator, some functionalities, experiments, and evolution of main variables are presented.
Tackling Food Waste in All-Inclusive Resort Hotels in Egypt
Authors: Elnasr Ahmed E. Abu , Aliane Nadir , Agina Mohamed F.
Published: November 2021

Food waste remains a serious economic, environmental, and ethical problem, whether globally or at a national level. The hospitality industry is responsible for more than one-third of food waste. This study investigated the tackling of food waste in all-inclusive hotels from an employee perspective. It explored employees’ perceptions of the causes and driving factors behind food waste, and considered why food waste occurs, and how best to reduce waste to the minimum. A total of 47 semi-structured interviews were conducted with managers and chefs employed in all-inclusive hotels in Hurghada, Egypt. Critical insights that emerged from the findings include that guest behavior, background, and eating habits, along with the nature of the unlimited pre-paid services offered by all-inclusive programs, are the main drivers for food waste. Furthermore, the operation’s routine and the practices of all-inclusive hotels contribute to food waste, with a lack of technology employed to tackle food waste practices. In addition, inappropriate practices of all-inclusive hotel employees during the food service cycle contribute negatively to food waste. The low room rate package of all-inclusive hotels obliges hotel managers to purchase food raw materials of inadequate quality. Consequently, the final products are below guest expectations and increase the level of food waste. The findings also indicate that guest attitudes and preferences are perceived as key drivers of food waste. This research presents an examination of staff perspectives of the causes of food waste and how to effectively reduce it in the context of an all-inclusive resort. The results have theoretical implications and implications for practitioners.
Influence of Moderating Effect of People Strategy on Startegic Human Resources Functions on Organizational Performance of Insurance Industry of Sri Lanka
Authors: Gannile Chandrasiri , Yajid Mohd ShukriAb , Khatibi Ali , Azam Dr. Ferdous
Published: November 2021

People strategy simply aim to establish best practice in each of the HR policy areas, there have been attempts to describe people strategy as an internally coherent set of HR policies and practices. This endeavor has proven to be both difficult and elusive. As one might expect, there appears to be no one single ideal type of people strategy with a set of HR policies and practices that can be adopted by organizations seeking to manage their people more strategically (Lynda Gratton, Catherine Truss, 2003). People of a firm is a strategic asset and a very important element and the backbone of every firm (Anam, Rashi, Rad & Mizana, 2013). People strategy plays a critical role in harmonizing strategic human resource management implementation in an organization (Linda Gratten, Catherine Truss, 2012).
Outcome Assessment in Case of Severe COVID-19 Patients Treated with Remdesivir
Authors: Biswas Dr. Shailendranath , Ballav Dr. S K , Uddin Ahmed Dr. Sheikh Farid , Chanda Dr. Utpal Kumar , Khanom Dr. Tahmida , Haque Dr. Mohaiminul , Roy Dr. Ripon , Mridha Dr. Avijit Kumar
Published: November 2021

Background: A sudden outbreak of a novel coronavirus disease (covid-19) pandemic has thrown challenges in searching out a truly effective drug or vaccine to minimize the heavy toll of mortality and morbidity worldwide. But still, now humanity is lagging in finding such an agent that can be labelled as absolutely efficacious.
Methods: We conducted a prospective observational cohorttrial of injectable Remdesivir in the case of hospitalized patients presenting with features of respiratory tract infection and diagnosed as COVID-19 pneumonia by RT-PCR for COVID-19 test and categorized as severe COVID-19 cases as pernational guidelines criteria. Patients were treated with injectable Remdesivir (200mg on day 1, followed by 100 mg daily for up to 05 additional days) along with other standard treatment protocols. The primary outcome of the study was the time to recovery, defined by improvement in clinical and laboratory parameters whether discharge from the hospital or not (hospitalization for infection-control purposes only).
COMPARATIVE STUDY OF FUZZY C-MEANS AND K-MEANS ALGORITHM FOR GROUPING CUSTOMER POTENTIAL IN BRAND LIMBACK
Authors: Aditya Difa Lazuardi , Fitrianah Devi
Published: November 2021

The customer is a stakeholder for a business, to maintain and increase customer enthusiasm and develop it for the company's performance, it is necessary to do customer segmentation which aims to find out potential customers. This study uses purchase transaction data from Brand Limback customers in the period 2020. The use of RFM (Recency, Frecuency, Monetary) analysis helps in determining the attributes used for customer segmentation. To determine the optimal number of clusters from the RFM dataset, the Elbow method is applied. The datasets generated from RFM are grouped using the Fuzzy C-Means and K-Means algorithms, the two algorithms will compare the quality in the formation of clusters using the Silhoutte Coefficient and Davies-Bouldin Index methods. Customer segmentation from the RFM dataset that has been clustered produces 7 optimal clusters, namely Cluster 0 is a bronze customer. Cluster 1 is a silver customer. Cluster 2 is a gold customer. Cluster 3 is a platinum customer. Cluster 4 is a diamond customer. Cluster 5 is a super customer, and cluster 6 is a superstar customer. The cluster validation of k-means using the silhouette coefficient produces a value of 0.934 while the Davies bouldin index produces a value of 0.155 and the validation results of the fuzzy c-means algorithm using the silhouette coefficient produces a value of 0.921 while the Davies bouldin index produces a value of 0.145.
Bantuan Sosial Untuk Masyarakat Yang Terkena Dampak Ekonomi Selama Covid-19 di Garut
Authors: Purnama Suryari , Widayanti Riya , Edastama Primasatria , Ria Saulina Panjaitan Aropria
Published: November 2021

Warga Garut terdampak wabah Covid-19. Selama Covid-19, status sosial ekonomi warga memburuk. Situasi ini membuat warga merasa seperti terbebani masalah dalam kehidupan sehari-hari. Tantangan ini menarik untuk dilihat, dan akan menjadi dasar untuk melakukan jaringan penyedia dukungan sosial. Tujuan dari minat penyedia ini adalah untuk memberikan dukungan sosial kepada warga. Program bansos diselesaikan agar jejaring masyarakat dapat menerima bantuan sosial ekonomi selama masa epidemi, dan kesadaran mereka akan risiko Covid-19 semakin meluas. Minat ini juga berupaya untuk meningkatkan kesadaran masyarakat tentang pentingnya memiliki pola hidup bersih dan sehat. Jika kita memasukkan konsumsi makanan yang cukup, tubuh kita akan memiliki kekebalan yang diperlukan untuk hidup untuk menceritakan kisah serangan virus. Dengan memodifikasi dan mengedit strategi IPOAI (Identifying, Planning, Organizing, Acting, and Impact), kepentingan penyedia jaringan ini direkonsiliasi. Bantuan sosial yang ditawarkan juga memungkinkan peningkatan konsumsi pangan sebagai sarana menjaga kekebalan tubuh selama krisis Covid-19.
Entrepreneurial Marketing dan Jejaring Sosial dalam Usaha Kecil: Studi Kasus tentang Bisnis Petshop di Kabupaten Bandung
Authors: Ginanjar Jajang , Purnomo Margo , Maulina Erna
Published: November 2021

This article aims to examine how small entrepreneurs use social networks to develop and implement marketing strategies. The type of small business studied is the Petshop business. The research method used is qualitative by conducting in-depth interviews and analysis with Petshop entrepreneurs through an entrepreneurial marketing perspective. Ultimately, we found that Petshop entrepreneurs are using social connections through market intelligence, new customer acquisition, and current customer retention to create and deliver more value to customers. Entrepreneurs take steps to build emotional attachments and carry out marketing activities through giving gifts or by approaching customers through the community, and most of the entrepreneurs in the Petshop business in Bandung Regency do marketing through physical (offline) stores and online shops. The majority of entrepreneurs stated that the application of the entrepreneurial marketing concept and strengthening social networks were important in the continuity of the Petshop business, only one Petshop entrepreneur had contradictory statements, especially in the aspect of searching for market information.
Características de la crianza democrática implementadas por padres bogotanos
Authors: Vargas Adriana , Duarte Diana , Ariza Diana
Published: November 2021

El estilo de crianza democrático se ha posicionado en los últimos años, a raíz de los beneficios que demuestra tener en los niños y adolescentes, no obstante, se ha evidenciado el desconocimiento de los padres, sobre los beneficios y características que lo componen. Con el objetivo de describir las características de la crianza democrática que implementan con mayor regularidad un grupo de padres bogotanos se utilizó una investigación cuantitativa de tipo descriptiva, con una muestra no representativa de 100 padres residentes en Bogotá. Se identificó que los padres implementan con mayor regularidad 3 características: buscar el desarrollo de la autonomía de sus hijos, comunicarse de manera clara con ellos e interesarse por su formación y educación. Muchos padres no emplean la razón como forma de corrección, datos que coinciden con las estadísticas del Observatorio de Salud de Bogotá. Se concluye que la implementación de los estilos de crianza influirá en el desarrollo de los niños y adolescentes, por esto, se considera importante promover el estilo de crianza democrático, al interior del núcleo familiar.
Shooting for the Stars: Collaborative Design for Space Education
Authors: Svedin Lina , Trew Jason
Published: November 2021

This paper demonstrates how the purposeful application of design thinking, as a participatory research method for envisioning and developing education, can shape important educational outcomes. A diverse team of scholars and practitioners used the design process to research, create, present, and re-research Professional Military Education (PME) with the newly-formed U.S. Space Force (USSF) as the community partner. As an emerging skillset in military affairs, design thinking was used to meet the USSF’s current environmental and organizational challenges, to develop and support innovators, and to emphasize key mechanisms for maintaining continuous advantage. Over ten weeks, the interdisciplinary team used a design research approach to form, develop, and refine space education concepts and systems with rapid iterations of search and research, sketching and discarding, redistributing, and incorporating community feedback. This paper presents the theoretical advantages to a design approach, challenges identified in existing PME, and how a design research process is well suited to meet the specific challenges of complex, interdisciplinary, and rapidly evolving research areas. The bulk of the paper outlines how the Research Lead assembled the Design Research Team, the rinse and repeat of the furiously-paced research process, the “undisciplined” approach to ideas, and how the Team engaged with stakeholders and the Community Partner. The case study provides a “nuts-and-bolts” account of how to successfully build a team-of-teams from networks of scholars and practitioners and, in a short amount of time, provide community partners with well-researched, stakeholder-informed, viable options for innovative education. Insights from the design research process include the lesson that strategic innovation is possible and an inherently human-centered endeavor. Furthermore, partnering with academic and practitioner networks allows community partners to focus their scarce resources on their most pressing needs. Finally, the design process is ideal for community-engaged research; however, the design process can be uncomfortable for participants accustomed to working alone, with longer timelines, or with more institutional direction.
The Effects of the Current Security System’s Transformation on the Security of the Central European Nation States
Authors: Pásztor Ladislav
Published: November 2021

The end of the bipolar world order at the end of the 20th century, which has had a strong impact on the global security system and particularly affected the Central European states to this day, gave rise to an analytical-evaluative approach to the security threats in the region. The topic of this doctoral research (‘An Analysis- and Evaluation-based Approach to the Security Threats in Central Europe’) is primarily the analysis and evaluation of the risk factors to the V-4 states, especially Slovakia and Hungary. The article analyses the external security challenges, risks, and threats identified on the basis author’s objective perception and can be primarily classified as ones within political and military dimensions. Of course, this does not dismiss the possibility that the threats not discussed in this study are non-existent. With the use of National Security and Defence Strategies and annual Security Assessment Reports the article presents the risk factors identified by Slovakia and the Czech Republic.
Design and Implementation of an Ultralow-Power ECG Patch and Smart Cloud-Based Platform
Authors: Baraeinejad Bardia , Fallah Shayan Masood , Vazifeh Amir Reza , Rashidi Diba , Saberi Hamedani Mohammad , Tavolinejad Hamed , Gorji Pouya , Razmara Parsa , Vaziri Kiarash , Vashaee Daryoosh , Fakharzadeh Mohammad
Published: November 2021

This paper reports a new device for electrocardiogram (ECG) signal
monitoring and software for signal analysis and artificial intelligence (AI)
assisted diagnosis.

The hardware
mitigates the signal loss common in previous products by enhancing the ergonomy,
flexibility, and battery life. The power efficiency is optimized by design
using switching converters, ultra-low-power components, and efficient signal
processing. It enables 14-day of uninterrupted ECG monitoring and connectivity
with a smartphone and microSD card storage.

The software is
implemented in Android app and web-based platforms via Internet of Things
(IoT). This component provides cloud-based and local storage and uses AI for
arrhythmia detection. The arrhythmia detection algorithm shows 98.7% accuracy
using Artificial Neural Network and K-Nearest Neighbors methods, and 98.1%
using Decision Tree method on test data set.
Design and Implementation of an Ultra-Low-Power ECG Patch and Smart Cloud-Based Platform
Authors: Baraeinejad Bardia
Published: November 2021

This paper reports a new device for electrocardiogram (ECG) signal
monitoring and software for signal analysis and artificial intelligence (AI)
assisted diagnosis.

The hardware
mitigates the signal loss common in previous products by enhancing the ergonomy,
flexibility, and battery life. The power efficiency is optimized by design
using switching converters, ultra-low-power components, and efficient signal
processing. It enables 14-day of uninterrupted ECG monitoring and connectivity
with a smartphone and microSD card storage.

The software is
implemented in Android app and web-based platforms via Internet of Things
(IoT). This component provides cloud-based and local storage and uses AI for
arrhythmia detection. The arrhythmia detection algorithm shows 98.7% accuracy
using Artificial Neural Network and K-Nearest Neighbors methods, and 98.1%
using Decision Tree method on test data set.
From crisis to a sustainable future. Processes of technology transfer from Europe to the MENA region
Authors: Antoniol Emilio , Ferrari Margherita
Published: November 2021

Crisis contexts such as the MENA region allow us to envision effective scenarios of sustainable development based on local production systems supported by digital innovation. The constant exchange of know-how between the MENA area and the European continent represents a fundamental tool in which processes of technology transfer help to accelerate the transformation processes currently underway and make them more effective. This paper investigates the effectiveness of using local resources for producing building components by means of innovative technologies based on circular economy processes. The objective of this analysis is to evaluate the possibilities of transferring enabling technologies from the Italian context to that of MENA as a tool for economic reactivation directed towards circularity.
Aesthetic Appearance of External Dacryocystorhinostomy Scar: A Comparison between W and C Shaped Incision
Authors: Kamil Zeeshan , Qurban Qirat , Mahmood Khalid
Published: November 2021

Purpose:  To compare the post-operative appearance of external Dacryocystorhinostomy scar resulting from W and C shaped incisions.

Study Design:  Interventional case series.

Place and Duration of Study:  Khalid eye clinic, Karachi, from July 2018 to June 2019.

Methods:  We recruited ninety-six patients of nasolacrimal duct obstruction by convenience sampling technique. Age ranged from 20 to 50 years and both genders were included. Two groups were made. Group A comprised of patients who underwent external Dacryocystorhinostomy (Ex-DCR) surgery through W shaped incision and group B patients underwent Ex-DCR with curvilinear C shaped incision. Main outcome measure was to observe minimal to no visible scarring at wound site after six months of follow up. All patients were explained about the difference in incision technique and consent was obtained from each patient.

Results:  Mean age was 34.3 ± 6.897 years. There were thirty-six (37.5%) males and sixty (62.5%) females. Right side was affected in forty-six (47.9%) cases whereas left side was involved in fifty (52.1%) cases. In Group A, 20 (41.6%) out of 48 patients, whereas in Group B, 38 (79.2%) out of 48 patients had no visible scar at all and it was statistically significant with a p-value of < 0.05. Suture abscess developed in four (8.3%) patients in group A, no other serious complications were observed in either group.

Conclusion:  Curvilinear C shaped incision in Ex-DCR has better cosmetic outcome.

Key Words:  External dacryocystorhinostomy, C shaped incision, W shaped incision.
Comparison of Endonasal Endoscopic Dacryocystorhinostomy with External Dacryocystorhinostomy
Authors: Tariq Muhammad , Jamil Ahmad Zeeshan , Ali Shahid , Khalid Muhammad , Akash Ali
Published: November 2021

Purpose:  To compare anatomical and functional success of Endonasal Dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) with that of External Dacryocystorhinostomy.

Study Design:  Quasi-experimental study.

Place and Duration of Study:  Department of Ophthalmology and Otolaryngology, District Headquarter Teaching Hospital, Sahiwal, from July 2018 to July 2019.

Methods:  Sixty patients with nasolacrimal duct obstruction were selected by convenient sampling technique and were divided into two groups. Group 1 underwent endonasal DCR while group 2 underwent external DCR. Detailed history with regard to symptoms and duration of the obstruction was taken. Detailed ophthalmological and otolaryngological examination was performed. Patients were followed up for three months. Chi-square test was used to compare the success between two groups. Confidence level of 95% was used and p value of less than 0.05 was considered significant.

Results:  Male to female ratio was 4:11. The most common presenting symptoms was epiphora that was present in all patients. Regurgitation of lacrimal sac was present in 75%, conjunctivitis was present in 53.33% and dacryocystitis was present in 41.66% patients. Anatomical success rate for endonasal DCR was 25 (83.33%) and for external DCR was 27 (90%). Functional success rate for endonasal DCR was 23 (76.67%) and for external DCR was 22 (73.33%). There was no statistically significant difference in the short term success of surgery between the two groups.

Conclusion:  Endonasal DCR offers minimal invasive approach with comparable anatomical and functional results to the external DCR.

Key Words:  Conjunctivitis, Dacryocystorhinostomy, Dacryocystitis, Epiphora.
Relationship between HbA1c Levels and Severity of Diabetic Retinopathy
Authors: Jamshed Saima , Hanif Ayesha , Malik Irfan Qayyum , Zahid Nukhba , Imtiaz Hafiza Sadia
Published: November 2021

Purpose:  To determine the relationship between HbA1c and severity of retinopathy in diabetic patients.

Study Design:  Cross sectional study.

Place and Duration of Study:  Eye department of DHQ-UTH Gujranwala, from July 2020 to Dec 2020.

Methods:  An observational cross-sectional study including 100 patients was conducted at eye department of DHQ-UTH Gujranwala from January 2018 to December 2018. After approval from institutional review board, written informed consent with demographic variables was collected from every patient. Patients of either gender between 40-80 years of age with both types I and type II diabetes were included in this study. Complete ophthalmic examination including Best Corrected Visual Acuity, slit lamp biomicroscopy, Goldmann Applanation tonometry and fundus examination carried out. Diabetic retinopathy was classified from grade 0 to grade 5.

Results:  Out of 100 patients, 46 (46%) were males and 54 (54%) were females. Mean age was 60 ± 2.4 years with a range of 40 – 80 years among males and 40 – 70 years among females. Forty patients presented with grade 1 diabetic retinopathy and 4% presented with grade 5. Thirty two patients had good glycemic control while 20% had glycemic control of grade III. Patients with grade 4 diabetic retinopathy had the worst glycemic control of HbA1c level of 11.5.

Conclusion:  This study concluded that patients with poor glycemic control had severe diabetic retinopathy as compared to the patients with good diabetic control. There is a direct relation between HbA1c level and severity of diabetic retinopathy.

Key Words:  HbA1C, Diabetic retinopathy, Non proliferative diabetic retinopathy, Proliferative diabetic retinopathy, Vitreous hemorrhage.
Comparative Analysis of Retinal Nerve Fiber Layer Thickness between Normal and Mild to Moderately Myopic Eyes
Authors: Nasreen Gul , Sarwar Shaheer Suhail , Bibi Irfana , Ashraf Muhammad Arslan
Published: November 2021

Purpose:  To determine the difference between mean retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness in myopic eyes (up to -6.00D) and normal eyes.

Study Design:  Descriptive observational study.

Place and Duration of the Study:  Eye department of Mayo hospital Lahore, from February 2019 to April 2019.

Methods:  We compared the mean RNFL between 58 myopic eyes (up to -6.00 D) and age matched 60 normal eyes. The age of the participants was between 12 to 42 years. Complete ocular examination was done and RNFL thickness was measured by using Optical coherence tomography (NIDEX RS-33.0, software-ex 1.5.2).Data was analyzed by independent sample t-test by using SPSS; with P < .05 as significant.

Results:  The mean difference among these groups was 5.852 µm with (SE: 1.929). Mean RNFL thickness in myopic group was (95.93 ± 10.158µm) with (SE: 1.334). The result for mean RNFL thickness in myopic eyes was distributed normally as P < .03. Mean RNFL in normal group was (101.78 ± 10.774 µm) with (SE: 1.391), and the result of mean RNFL thickness measured in normal eyes was not distributed normally as P < .20. The results showed that there is a statistically significant difference between mean RNFL thickness measured in normal versus myopic eyes as (P < .003).

Conclusion:  There is a significance difference between mean RNFL thickness between myopic eyes and normal eyes as measured by OCT. Careful interpretation of RNFL data in myopic eyes is recommended to avoid misdiagnosis with glaucoma.

Key Words:  Retinal Nerve Fiber Layer thickness, Myopia, Optical Coherence Tomography.
Surgical Outcome of Dacrystorhinostomy in Fistulous Dacryocystitis
Authors: Ahmed Noman , Shaikh Arsalan Ahmed , Ahmed Munawar , Narsani Ashok Kumar , Ali Bahoo Muhammad Luqman
Published: November 2021

Purpose:  To study the surgical outcomes of Dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) in fistulous dacryocystitis.

Study Design:  Quasi Experimental study.

Place and Duration of Study:  The detailed study was carried out in the Institute of Ophthalmology, Liaquat University Hospital Jamshoro, between September 2018 to August 2020.

Material and Methods:  We analyzed the histories of 30 patients taking the DCR procedure and noted their mean age, standard deviation, follow-up time, complications and other details. We also reported the intraoperative anatomical results, postoperative analysis, and variable groups vs. outcomes post-surgery using SPSS Version 20.

Results:  The mean patient's age was 44.2 ± 4.13years, where males to female percentages were 27% to 73%. We noted significant changes in patients with a success rate of 87% displayed by no relieved epiphora and lacrimal patency in 1 month, 3 months, and 6 months. The mean time of the patients was 4 months varying between 1 to 8 (months) and the variable group values vs. surgical outcomes showed no significant association between the variables (p-value ranging from 0.195 to 0.935).

Conclusion:  Complications resulting in some patient’s post-surgery are manageable and the surgical technique has a good success rate.

Key Words:  (DCR) Dacryocystorhinostomy, lacrimal Patency, fistulous Dacryocystitis, Scarring.
MAPPING LEADING LOCAL CULTURE OF CIREBON TOURISM SECTOR USING GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEM (GIS)
Authors: Nas Chairun , Ilham Wanda
Published: November 2021

The tourism sector is able to increase regional income, one of them is local cultural tourism. Cirebon as a cultural heritage city, it makes cultural tourism as leading regional tourism. Cirebon government always promote the leading cultural tourism of Cirebon city to tourists. However, the limited presentation of information to tourists has made some sectors of local cultural tourism untouched by tourists. The purpose of this research is to map the leading cultural tourism objects to be implemented into a system that can provide information of location and description for cultural tourism objects. In this research, the data was used the map of Cirebon city and 15 types of research object data in the tourism sector. They were processed and implemented into a Geographical Information System (GIS) and will be able to become a medium for Cirebon government to promote its leading cultural tourism.
Evaluation and Irony in Text in the Light of Speech Act Theory
Authors: Kukowicz-Żarska Katarzyna
Published: November 2021

This article focuses on the issue of valuation and discusses the role and textual properties of irony in the light of speech act theory. The research material used for the analysis comes from the novel by Philip Kerr "March Violets", which is a representative of the historical detective novel genre. The article does not aim to criticize the book's translations, but focuses on the message itself, which, through them, reaches the recipient and makes a specific impression on him/her. This specific impression, evoked by said speech acts and thoughtfully encoded in the text, is subject to the analysis here. Sociolinguistic assumptions have been adopted as the basis for these considerations, which seems to be justified in so far as language within such analytical framework can be treated as a binder across social groups, nations, communities, and may, therefore, play a significant role both in shaping them, shaping their collective beliefs, ideas, and cultural norms.
O roli kodu kulturowego i jego komponentów w procesie konstytuowania znaczenia w języku obcym
Authors: Szeluga Adam
Published: November 2021

The article analyses the notion of the so-called cultural code, understood as a complex interweaving of culturally and socially conditioned elements, through the prism of which we give (most often unconsciously) things and phenomena their particular meanings. The native language user acquires this code in the process of upbringing and socialisation in the society and during acquisition of the first language. However, the process of mastering a foreign language is subject to far greater constraints. Hence, the main problem addressed in the text is the issue of ‘learnability’ of the cultural code, which is specific for each language. Although the foreign-language specific elements have a negative impact on the processes of understanding and expressing the intended meanings in the foreign language, they can at the same time positively shape the awareness of native culture as well as the bi-cultural relations between the native and the foreign culture.
PROBABILISTIC ANALYSIS OF RELIABILITY SLIDING WOODEN ROAD BRIDGE
Authors: Сафронов В. С. , Габриелян Г. Е. , Киселев Д. А. , Антипов А. В.
Published: November 2021

Описываются методика, алгоритм и программа определения параметров надежности длительно эксплуатируемого неразрезного деревянного автодорожного моста с учетом выявленных при обследовании дефектов и повреждений и разброса прочностных характеристик материалов, действующих нагрузок, размеров конструкции. Приводятся результаты численных исследований зависимостей логарифмических показателей надежности несущих прогонов в среднем сечении многоэлементных пролетных строений от совместного действия постоянных и временных нагрузок.

The paper describes a methodology, an algorithm, and a program for determining the reliability parameters of a continuous wooden road bridge in operation for a long time, taking into account the defects and damages identified during the examination and the scatter of strength characteristics of materials, acting loads, and dimensions of the structure. The results of numerical studies of the dependences of the logarithmic indicators of the reliability of bearing girders in the typical sections of multi-element span structures on the combined action of permanent and temporary loads are presented.
ЦИФРОВЫЕ ТЕХНОЛОГИИ В СИСТЕМЕ ПЕНСИОННОГО ОБЕСПЕЧЕНИЯ
Authors: Гаджиев Н.Г. , Коноваленко С.А. , Ахмедова Х.Г.
Published: November 2021

В современном мире объективными причинами поступательного развития цифровой трансформации управленческих технологий являются совершенствование и развитие информационной инфраструктуры, повышение технологического уровня конкретных подсистем и технологий, социальные последствия цифровой экономики. Цифровой менеджмент в системе управления бизнес-процессами государственными органами выводит экономическую деятельность на новый эффективный уровень. Изменяется структура государственных услуг, качество и скорость их оказания, повышается надежность управления различными объектами и системами. Необходимость развития цифровых технологий в системе пенсионного обеспечения граждан, доступность услуг и своевременный контроль за накоплением пенсионного капитала – важная и актуальная задача государственного менеджмента. Авторами определены основные направления совершенствования цифровизации технологий в системе пенсионного обеспечения.
ПРОБЛЕМЫ СТАНОВЛЕНИЯ И РАЗВИТИЯ ГРАЖДАНСКОГО ОБЩЕСТВА В РОССИЙСКОЙ ФЕДЕРАЦИИ
Authors: Чажаев М.И. , Чажаева М.М.
Published: November 2021

В статье освещается одна из дискуссионных тем общей теории государства и права – гражданское общество. Исследуются понятие, отличительные признаки, сущность, основные этапы развития гражданского общества, его структура, соотношение институтов государства и права с институтами гражданского общества, проблемы функционирования гражданского общества в Российской Федерации. Рассматриваются возможности реформирования институтов гражданского общества.
На взгляд авторов, в рамках обозначенной темы становление полноценного гражданского общества во многом зависят от успешного функционирования и взаимодействия гражданина и государства. Общество становится гражданским в том случае, если высшей ценностью в нём выступают права и свободы личности, порядок их реализации и защиты, а государству отводится роль средства для развития человека.
Kuntien lakisääteiset velvoitteet ja niiden laiminlyönnit tilintarkastuskertomusten perusteella
Authors: Paukku Eelis , Paukku Jyrki
Published: November 2021

his article studies misconducts and neglects detected by auditors in Finnish municipalities in years 2017-2019. This article uses auditor’s reports to evaluate how common these misconducts and neglects are in Finland. The study is conducted by collecting all auditor’s reports in municipalities in mainland Finland from years 2017–2019 and analysing whether the auditor’s reports are unmodified or modified and if they were modified, why they were modified. This study concludes that 20 % of Finnish municipalities neglect their public economy or administration duties every year. These neglects are most common when requirements are related to the principal-agent problem in cases where the municipality should monitor their employees or electeds. These neglects and misconducts are, however, not quite severe. Severe cases were extremely rare in the reports.
Faith Community Nursing: A Home-and-Community-Based Partner in Long-Term Care
Authors: Johs-Artisensi Jennifer
Published: November 2021

Rural seniors face many barriers to care, but faith community nurses (FCNs) could be a cost- effective partner in promoting wellness and managing chronic and post-acute care needs. In an exploratory study of faith community nursing in a rural area, the prevalence of such programs was assessed and information regarding characteristics, activities, and supports for and barriers to such programs were identified. Results suggest that seniors comprise a large proportion of FCNs’ clientele, and those interactions often include home visits. FCNs are knowledgeable about community resources, serve as advocates, and promote education about advance directives and death and dying. This paper suggests faith community nursing programs, in mutually beneficial partnership with long-term care providers, can offer an additional layer of support to meet rural seniors’ health and long-term care needs within a fragmented, and sometimes difficult to access health care system
Manulea hokopo, a new species from Taiwan (Lepidoptera: Erebidae: Arctiinae: Lithosiini)
Authors: Volynkin Anton V.
Published: November 2021

A new species of the genus Manulea Wallengren, 1863, M. hokopo sp. n. is described from the island of Taiwan. The new species is similar to M. costipuncta Leech, 1890 widely distributed in mainland China, Hainan Island and North Vietnam. Adults, male and female genitalia of both species are illustrated.
Stavovi studenata učiteljskog studija i učitelja razredne nastave o nastavi na daljinu
Authors: Kostović-Vranješ Vesna , Bulić Mila , Periša Viktorija
Published: November 2021

Prelazak s učioničke nastave na nastavu na daljinu u cijelom odgojno-obrazovnom sustavu Republike Hrvatske započeo 13. ožujka 2020. godine zbog pandemije novog zaraznog koronavirusa COVID-19. Navedeno je uvjetovalo nagli prelazak na nastavu na daljinu i niz poteškoća tijekom njene realizacije pa je stoga provedeno istraživanje kojem je cilj bio utvrditi stavove studenta, budućih učitelja razredne nastave, i učitelja praktičara o nastavi na daljinu u kojoj su sudjelovali. Rezultati provedenoga istraživanja pokazuju značajne razlike u percepciji prelaska s učioničke nastave na nastavu na daljinu koja je učiteljima praktičarima bila teža za organizirati i realizirati. Istraživanjem su utvrđeni stavovi o nastavi na daljinu te stavovi o nastavi na televiziji. Dobiveni rezultati istraživanja mogu poslužiti za unapređenje nastave na daljinu koja će se provoditi po potrebi izmjenjujući se s nastavom u učionici.
A Comprehensive Study of Multiflare GRB Spectral Lag
Authors: Chang X. Z. , Peng Z. Y. , Chen J. M. , Yin Y. , Wang D. Z. , Wu H.
Published: November 2021

We select 48 multiflare gamma-ray bursts (GRBs) (including 137 flares) from the Swift/XRT database and estimate the spectral lag with the discrete correlation function. It is found that 89.8% of the flares have positive lags and only 9.5% of the flares show negative lags when fluctuations are taken into account. The median lag of the multiflares (2.75 s) is much greater than that of GRB pulses (0.18 s), which can be explained by the fact that we confirm that multiflare GRBs and multipulse GRBs have similar positive lag–duration correlations. We investigate the origin of the lags by checking the E
peak evolution with the two brightest bursts and find the leading models cannot explain all of the multiflare lags and there may be other physical mechanisms. All of the results above reveal that X-ray flares have the same properties as GRB pulses, which further supports the observation that X-ray flares and GRB prompt-emission pulses have the same physical origin.
Hidden Water in Magma Ocean Exoplanets
Authors: Dorn Caroline , Lichtenberg Tim
Published: November 2021

We demonstrate that the deep volatile storage capacity of magma oceans has significant implications for the bulk composition, interior, and climate state inferred from exoplanet mass and radius data. Experimental petrology provides the fundamental properties of the ability of water and melt to mix. So far, these data have been largely neglected for exoplanet mass–radius modeling. Here we present an advanced interior model for water-rich rocky exoplanets. The new model allows us to test the effects of rock melting and the redistribution of water between magma ocean and atmosphere on calculated planet radii. Models with and without rock melting and water partitioning lead to deviations in planet radius of up to 16% for a fixed bulk composition and planet mass. This is within the current accuracy limits for individual systems and statistically testable on a population level. Unrecognized mantle melting and volatile redistribution in retrievals may thus underestimate the inferred planetary bulk water content by up to 1 order of magnitude.