bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reskilling within Digital Lifelong Learning and Entrepreneurship in Vocational Education
Authors: Hamburg Ileana
Published: January 2021

Covid-19, following recession in 2020 and digitalization have created uncertain labor market and required rapidly change of work and education. The period of opportunity to reskill workers i.e.to have digital skills and other ones which are necessary in job and life has become shorter due to the newly constrained labor market. Education is an important component of poverty reduction efforts and economic and social development. The use of digital approaches in entrepreneurship education is necessary to prepare students for technological change, particularly digitalization nowadays; until now a digital based entrepreneurship education curriculum has seen as critical. Lifelong education is a key factor for improving knowledge, competence, working possibilities and the quality of life. The intensive use of digital technologies during the Covid-19 crisis and after it is a substantial impulse for entrepreneurship education and digital lifelong learning, i.e., lifelong learning via e-learning platforms.This paper firstly presents some requirements for entrepreneurship education to cope with disruptions due to Covid-19 and requirements like the use of digital technologies and reskilling of employees. Secondly some digital approaches within lifelong learning and learning methods used within entrepreneurship education are given as well as some examples. Conclusions and recommendations are proposed.
ANTI-MICROBIAL EFFECTIVENESS OF LEMON GRASS OIL (CYMBOPOGAN CITRATE) AGAINST AEROBIC AND ANAEROBIC ORGANISMS
Authors: S. M. AJJAI , NAIR POOJA , GRACE J. R. LILLY , VENNILA ROSY
Published: January 2021

Objective: To find the antibacterial effectiveness of lemon grass (Cymbopogan citrate) oil against aerobic and anaerobic bacteria.

Methods:This is an observational study conducted at Microbiology Clinical laboratory, Department of Microbiology, Saveetha Medical College and Hospital, Chennai. It was done over a period of 3 mo from January to March. The extracts of lemongrass leaves were investigated for its effectiveness against Staphylococcus aureus(S.aureus), Escherichia coli(E.coli) and Clostridium perfringens(C.perfringens) by Disc Diffusion assay.

Results:Our study indicates that the extract of lemongrass oil shows antibacterial activity. Among the tested organisms, aerobic organisms were sensitive.

Conclusion: This study thus provides insightful knowledge on antibacterial activity that would lead to further development of lemongrass oil for infectious diseases in the future.
COMPARATIVE STUDY OF ANTIDEPRESSANT-LIKE EFFECT OF THE LEAVES OF SAPINDUS EMARGINATUS AND ACORUS CALAMUS IN EXPERIMENTAL ANIMAL MODELS
Authors: SHOUGRAKPAM PRIYADARSHINI , BHATTACHARJEE ABHISHEK , MEDHABATI MAYANGLAMBAM , GUNINDRO NGANGOM
Published: January 2021

Objective: Depression is an affective disorder characterized by a change in mood, lack of confidence, lack of interest in surroundings and many natural products that have been tried to treat the disease. The study was aimed to evaluate and compare the antidepressant activity of methanol leave extract of SapindusemarginatusVahl. (MESE) and Acoruscalamus Linn. (MEAC) in experimental models in albino mice.

Methods: Methanol Extracts of the plants were prepared by soxhlet extraction method. Forced swimming test (FST) and Tail suspension test (TST) models were chosen to evaluate antidepressant activity.Albino mice were selected and divided into six groups of six animals for each experimental model. Group I received 1% gum acacia in distilled water (DW) at a dose of 1 ml/100 g orally. Group II received sertraline-10 mg/kg orally. Group III and IV were administered 200 and 400 mg/kg of MESE respectively. Group V and VI were treated with 200 and 400 mg/kg of MEAC, respectively.

Results: Methanol extracts of Sapindusemarginatus and Acoruscalamus at the two different doses of 200 and 400 mg/kg demonstrated a significant decrease in immobility time when compared with the control in both animal models. The extracts at the higher dose of 400 mg/kg revealed a significant reduction in immobility time compared to 200 mg/kg of the same extract.

Conclusion: The results suggest that the methanol extracts of SapindusemarginatusVahl. andAcoruscalamus Linn. possessthe anticonvulsant activityand justify their use in folk medicine.
COMPARISON OF ANTIBACTERIAL ACTIVITY OF GARLIC AGAINST AEROBIC AND ANAEROBIC BACTERIA
Authors: DHANUSH K. G. , UMAMAGESWARI S. S. M. , MALAVIKA M. , BHUVANESHWARI G.
Published: January 2021

Objective: To compare the antibacterial activity of garlic against aerobic and anaerobic bacteria.

Methods: Antimicrobial activity of garlic is performed by Agar cup diffusion technique for 3 bacteria Staphylococcus aureus, E. coli and clostridium perfringens.

Results: By performing the technique with proper guidance, it is observed that the Staphylococcus aureus specimen shows sensitivity to garlic whereas the other two specimens Escherichia coli and clostridium perfringens doesn’t show any sensitivity to garlic.

Conclusion: Due to its vast antibacterial activity of garlic, it can be used along with other antibiotics to increase its efficiency.
PREVALENCE AND ANTIBIOTIC SUSCEPTIBILITY PATTERN OF HIGH LEVEL AMINOGLYCOSIDE RESISTANCE AMONG GRAM POSITIVE ORGANISMS IN A TERTIARY CARE CENTRE
Authors: A. DIVYA PRABHA , NAIR POOJA , UMAMAGESWARI S. S. M. , MONICA R. , VENNILA ROSY
Published: January 2021

Objective: The study is done to determine the prevalence and the antimicrobial susceptibility against the gram positive organisms with high level amino glycosides resistance.

Methods: This is a prospective study involving the analysis of clinical samples for gram positive organisms like Streptococcus species, Enterococcus species and Staphylococcus species and determining their antimicrobial susceptibility pattern.

Results: From the collected clinical samples, all the gram positive organisms show resistance to gentamicin. Most of the Staphylococcus species showed a wide resistance to erythromycin followed by ceftrioxazone and many Enterococcus species shows resistance to penicillin, erythromycin, ciprofloxacin.

Conclusion: The high level aminoglycoside resistant (HLAR) gram positive organisms showed susceptibility to few drugs that are prevalent in various clinical samples. Surveillance of antimicrobial resistance and sensitivity is essential in managing and control of infection.
PREVALENCE AND ANTIBIOTIC SUSCEPTIBILITY PATTERN OF PSEUDOMONAS SPECIES ISOLATED FROM CLINICAL SAMPLES IN A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL
Authors: RAHMAN M. ABDUR , NAIR POOJA
Published: January 2021

Objective: Pseudomonas aeruginosa is the commonest agent causing opportunistic nosocomial infections, contributing to mortality and morbidity worldwide. Along with its intrinsic and acquired resistance mechanisms, infections caused by Pseudomonas species further lead to treatment failure. This study was done to determine the prevalence and antimicrobial susceptibility pattern of different species of Pseudomonas isolated from various clinical samples by phenotypic methods.

Methods: This study involved the examination of clinical samples for various species of Pseudomonas by using different standard biochemical tests. Their antimicrobial susceptibility profile was performed by the Kirby Bauer disc diffusion method. Analysis of the antibiogram pattern was done to study the multi-drug resistance among Pseudomonas species.

Results: Out of the 1249 bacterial isolates, Pseudomonas species accounted for 12.9%. Pseudomonas species showed maximum resistance to gentamicin (31.4%), followed by ciprofloxacin (30.2%. and showed the least resistance tocolistin and polymyxin B. 46 isolates out of the 162 (28%) were found to be Multi-Drug Resistant (MDR) Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

Conclusion: The present study highlights that Pseudomonas species remains a major cause of hospital-acquired infections. Multidrug resistance was observed in most of the strains, which makes the therapeutic options more difficult. Surveillance of antimicrobial resistance and strict infection control measures are essentially to be practiced in managing and control of infections caused by Pseudomonas.
INSTRUMEN PENILAIAN BERBASIS LOTS DAN HOTS BUATAN GURU KELAS VI SEKOLAH DASAR MATA PELAJARAN IPA DI JAKARTA
Authors: Hartini Puji , Setiadi Hari , Ernawati Ernawati
Published: January 2021

The success of a learning process that is planned and implemented by the teacher can be seen through the process of assessing students. Assessment can be carried out using appropriate assessment instruments so that it is necessary for teachers to be able to understand and compile assessment instruments properly. This study aims to examine and describe the assessment instruments made by elementary school teachers in Jakarta. The type of research used is descriptive qualitative research with data collection techniques using interviews and document analysis. The subjects in this study were 8 grade VI elementary school teachers in Jakarta with science material on theme 7 about the reproductive system. Based on the results of the study, it shows variations in the ability of teachers in developing assessment instruments. There were 6 teachers who were able to make instruments proportionally according to the LOTS and HOTS categories, but there were 2 teachers who were only able to compile an assessment instrument that only measured LOTS. In this study, teachers also found errors in determining the level of cognitive items, especially at levels C4, C5, and C6. These results make the basis for the importance of teachers understanding hierarchy in depth, especially in relation to the preparation of HOTS-based assessment instruments because the quality of learning success is largely determined by the assessment instrument used.
EVALUASI RELEVANSI KEILMUAN DAN DUNIA KERJA MAHASISWA PASCASARJANA
Authors: Ernawati Ernawati , Indriyanto Bambang , Hartini Puji
Published: January 2021

Penelitian ini dilatarbelakangi oleh kepentingan evaluasi hasil pendidikan tinggi, perbaikan mutu dan penjaminan kualitas lembaga pendidikan tinggi dari alumni yang merupakan produk akhir dari proses pembelajaran. Tujuan penelitian ini adalah untuk menganalisis kompetensi kerja dan ruang lingkup kerja alumni. Penelitian ini menggunakan metode deskriptif kuantitatif dengan menggunakan survey. Adapun hasil penelitian ini menunjukkan 26% alumni yang menjadi subyek tracer menyatakan sedang kesesuaian antara bisang studi yang dipelajari dengan bidang pekerjaan yang ditekuninya saat ini dan mayoritas alumni bekerja pada institusi pemerintah.
Pharmacological Benefits of Miswak Users and Its Impact on COVID-19 Patients – A Review
Authors: Sumayya Rehaman
Published: January 2021

In the quest of vaccine/medicine for the Covid-19, a major challenge for the intact community on the Earth, the scientists are eagerly involved in the struggle to achieve a new vision in the field of drug discovery. In meantime, we have also forgotten the usage of preexisting medicinal plants and searching the treasure in the dark. To enlighten on, and to dig the hidden boon, this review paper highlights Salvadora persica, a miracle twig’s various medicinal properties and also about major influence against the viral activities and the asymptomatic conditions in Covid-19 patients of miswak users. It also highlights the literature evidence on the isolated chemical metabolites present in the root and stem of the tree which emphasize its beneficial effects against the bacterial and viral load. This review will hopefully encourage the upcoming search to widen their research on miswak in nCoV of Covid-19 patients and the common people need to document for the regular usage of   miswak with brushing the teeth, to attain its properties.
An Observational Study to Correlate Uterine Fibroid with Vyadhi in Ayurveda
Authors: Dr. Rajni K. Gurmule  , Dr. GopalSharma  , Dr. Priti Desai
Published: January 2021

Uterine fibroid is the common type of benign tumor of uterus which affects the health of women. These are mostly asymptomatic but still cause major morbidity in women. Along with menorrhagia, dysmenorrhoea fibroid also shows symptoms such as infertility, pain in lower abdomen, anemia due to blood loss.  Hormonal therapy and symptomatic treatment are carried out to treat this disease.  . In some advance cases, surgery is carried out. But there is no absolute treatment for cure of uterine fibroid  till  today.  There  is  a  description  of  various  Ayurvedic  diseases  affecting  the  health  of  women.  There  is  somewhat resemblance between Vyadhis in Ayurveda and uterine fibroid such as RaktajaGulma, Granthi and Arbuda. But there is an evidence gap regarding correlation of uterine fibroid with disease mentioned in Ayurveda. So we have made sincere effects to correlate Ayurvedic disease with uterine fibroid with the help of an observational study. Our study will aid to treat uterine fibroid using Ayurvedic principles. For this observational , study 30 womenof the age group 30-60 having uterine fibroid after takingtheir prior consent were taken by considering inclusion and exclusion criteria. Their USG reports of abdomen and pelvis were collected. Detailed clinical examination was carried out and case report formsfilled. After hysterectomy, gross examination of fibroid was carried out and their histopathology reports were collected for further study. We found mean age of occurrence of fibroid was40.4 years.Mean of symptoms to be visible was 22.44. Avednam, Snigdha, Na-Anyavearnam, Ashmopam, Apakam,AprachalyamaLakshana was found in 80%, 90%, 100%, 66.66%, 93%,  63.33% respectively  From all the observation and results, at the end of this study, we concluded that uterine fibroid can be correlated with Arbuda and its subtype Mansarbuda.
Larvicidal Effects Of Pongamiaglabra and Syzygiumaromaticum On Aedes Aegypti Mosquito Larvae
Authors: Ananya Bar  , J. Andrew  , Akshay Botle  , Manojsingh
Published: January 2021

Mosquitoes are considered as the most nuisance causing vectors as they are responsible for a widespread of diseases.  Malaria-borne  mosquitoes  are responsible  of killing  two  to three  million  people  and infect  an estimated  two hundred million or more annually. A host of other mosquito-borne diseases including filariasis, yellow fever, dengue, and encephalitis  kill  and  debilitate  hundreds  of  millions  more.  The  present  study  investigates  the  bio  efficacy  of  two commercially  available plant oils from Pongamia glabra (Karanja) and Syzygium aromaticum (Clove). These two plant oils were tested against Aedes aegypti (Dengue fever mosquito) to determine their lethal concentration doses (LC50). A larval toxicity assay was performed where a stock solution of 10% was prepared for both the oils at a concentration range of 100 to 900 ppm and 90 to 1300 ppm was set for Pongamia glabra and Syzygium aromaticum respectively. A batch of each 10 IVth  instar larvae was subjected to the assay with test, combination and a control set for a period of 24 and 48 hrs. LC50 of two oils were determined while the combination of two oils showed a synergistic effect. The effect of P. glabra and S. aromaticum on the anterior and posterior regions of the midgut region of A. aegypti larvae were found damage to epithelial cells,  basement  membrane,  peritrophic  membrane,  fat  body  cells  and  nuclei  were  observed.  The  results  of  the  study showed  that  the synergistic  method  of using common  eco-safe  combination  of plant  oils were effective  to handle  and monitor A. aegypti larva. Pongamia glabra and Syzygium aromaticum are among the successful mosquito control agents.
Effectiveness of Muscle Energy Technique and Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation in Knee Osteoarthritis
Authors: Minal Bharat Masekar  , Dr. Amrutkuvar Rayjade  , Dr.Trupti Yadav  , Dr.Khushboo Chotai
Published: January 2021

This  study was undertaken  to  determine  the effectiveness of techniques such  as  muscle  energy technique  and proprioceptive  neuromuscular  facilitation  in  reduction  of  pain  levels,  improvement  in  flexibility  of  hamstring  muscle  and functional mobility, in patients with osteoarthritis of knee. An experimental study was carried out using a pre test and post test study  design.  The  study  was  carried  out  in  Krishna  Hospital,  Karad  with  a  sample  size  of  36  individuals  suffering  from osteoarthritis of knee using a random sampling method. Individuals with Osteoarthritis of knee within the age group 40-60 years have been included. The collected data was analysed using paired and unpaired ‘t’ tests.  When the data was analysed, the results showed that   the patients in Group A and B receiving PNF stretching and MET respectively, the pain levels measured using NPRS shows more improvement in group A(7.66 ±1.02 ) as compared to group B (3.44 ±0.92).  Hamstring flexibility in group A (10.63 ±4.89) was also found to be higher than in group B (4.37±2.01) when Active knee extension test was performed as a measure for hamstring flexibility, when functional mobility was measured using Western Ontario and McMaster universities arthritis index, improvement seen in group A (27.21 ±12.31) was significantly higher than in group B (14.11±7.88). The primary finding was that the patients of group A receiving PNF stretching along with the baseline protocol showed better improvement in pain levels, hamstring flexibility and level of functional mobility as compared to the patients in group B receiving MET along. with baseline protocol
Socio-Economic Conditions and Occupational Health Hazards of Fish Hook Makers in Rural Bengal
Authors: Animesh Mandal  , Rajendra Prasad Mondal
Published: January 2021

Fish hook making is subject to health risks In the rural areas of West Bengal, a notable part of population is engaged in fish related activities in diverse ways either instantaneously or incidentally. The sector of activity of fish hook making is essentially rural and it being most haphazard, no focus has been given to the occupational health problems of these workers by politicians,  planners, administrators and scientists.  The objectives of our study is to  access the occupational  health hazards of fish hook makers and to give essential suggestions for the mitigation measures of those hazards resulting in a more desirable quality of life for the countryside inhabitants. A standardized structured questionnaire, with modification to suit the local context was used to collect the data. Data was analyzed in the form of percentage (%),mean and standard deviation. Out of the total 51 respondents 15 weremale and 36 were female. It revealed that in supreme number of cases hook workers experience hazards due tomachinery induced injury, musculo-skeletal disease, eye disease, skin disease due to working in unhealthy workplaces, manual handling of machines and not using personal protective equipments. So, fish hook makers need a notable degree of consciousness through regular safety training for minimizing their occupational health hazards.,
Effect of Calf Stretching Versus Heel Walking in Nocturnal Leg Cramps in Older Individuals
Authors: Vijay Pawar Ashwini , Bathia Dr. Khushboo , Rayjade Dr. Amrutkuvar , Patil Dr. Smita
Published: January 2021

Nocturnal leg cramps are sudden, episodic, painful, sustained and involuntary muscle contractions of the calf muscles, hamstrings, or foot muscles. The objective of this study was to find out the effect of calf stretching versus heel walking in nocturnal leg cramps in older individuals and aware them about this condition to avoid further complications. To find the effect of calf stretching versus heel walking in nocturnal leg cramps in older individuals. Study was conducted with 50 subjects in and around Karad. Subjects were selected as per inclusion and exclusion criteria and consent was taken. Included participants will be divided in 2 groups by simple random sampling method. Pre, and post assessment will be taken before treatment and after 6 weeks of the treatment respectively with the help of outcome measures. Group A was instructed to perform calf stretching and group B was instructed to perform heel walking. After pre-post assessment data was analysed with help of appropriate statistical methods. Statistical analysis of the recorded data was done by using the software SPSS version20. Arithmetic mean and standard deviation was calculated for each outcome measure. Arithmetic mean was derived from adding all the values together and dividing the total number of values. MS Excel was used for drawing various graphs with given frequencies and the various percentages that were calculated with the software. According to pre-test and posttest analysis the result showed that calf stretching is statistically significant in reducing nocturnal leg cramps than heel walking in older individuals. Calf stretching is more effective than heel walking in older individuals having nocturnal leg cramps. The impact of calf stretching on nocturnal leg cramps needs to be taken into consideration
Pharmacognostic Characterization for Taxonomic Identification of Bacopa monnieri (L.) Wettst. for Quality Control
Authors: Naureen Shaba Khan  , Bhaskar Chaurasia  , Ashwini Kumar Dixit
Published: January 2021

Pharmacognostic  studies  played  a crucial  role  in checking  the possibilities  and threat  of adulteration  among natural drugs by macroscopic and microscopic examination of plant materials. Organoleptic characters, macroscopic and microscopic  studies,  physicochemical  and  fluorescence  analysis  of  Bacopa  monnieri  (L.)Wettst.  has  been  carried  out  to determine  the anatomical  and pharmacognostic  portrayal.  The organoleptic  studies revealed that B. monnieri  is green in colour, bears a characteristic smell, leaves have smooth soft texture and bitter in taste. Stomata of anomocytic type and stomatal index was 17.77 and 18.18 in upper and lower epidermis respectively. Glandular trichome was present on the leaf surface and petiole. Study of powder microscopic analysis and fluorescence characteristics reveals round and oval starch granules, sclerenchymatous cells, lignified fibres, vascular bundles, spherical oil globules, raphides, druses, thin fibres and compounds oil droplets, xylem vessels with spiral and reticulates thickenings in the powder of different part of the plant. Observations  revealed  that  the  study  has  a  great  potential  in  unraveling  the  identification  keys  of  plants  species  by highlighting various pharmacognostic aids.
Determination of Probiotic Properties of L. fermentum MT308789 and L.oris MT308790 Isolated from Mother Breast Milk
Authors: Shradhdha M Gondaliya  , Vimal M Ramani
Published: January 2021

Mother milk is a complete food for the child. It contains vital nutrients and biomolecules required for the growth and development of a child. It mainly contains carbohydrates, proteins, fats and minerals. Recently, it was also found that it contains certain different microorganisms which play a vital role in the body. Most of the microorganism of milk belongs to the Lactobacilli family. Knowing the importance of Lactobacilli  in health, certain food industries have focused on these microorganisms to be used as a health supplement nowadays called probiotics. Here in this study, Lactobacilli were isolated from mother breast milk and their probiotic characteristics were studied to determine their potential for probiotic. Strains were isolated using MRS medium and analyzed for their biochemical properties, pH resistance, bile salt tolerance, NaCl concentration and antimicrobial activity. Results of the study have shown that out of two strains, one strain was L. fermentum MT308789 and other was L oris MT308790. Both the species have shown good resistance to acidic pH and bile salt. They were also having good antimicrobial activity. Based on the study it was found that both strains have potential to be used as probiotic.
A Review on the Development of Spectroscopic Sensors for the Detection of Creatinine in Human Blood Serum
Authors: Krishanu Sarkar
Published: January 2021

Creatinine measurement is the key parameter in detecting renal, muscular and thyroid dysfunction. The accurate detection of creatinine level may be informative regarding the functional processes of these systems and help in early detection of acute diseases.There are lots of techniques available for detecting creatinine in human blood serum, most of them are of mainly   based   on   spectroscopic   (spectrophotometry,   colorimetry   and   fluorimetric).   Other   techniques   are   based   on electrochemical, impedometrical, Ion Selective Field-Effect Transistor (ISFET) and chromatography techniques. Each method has its own advantages and few limitations(limitation would be better word) regarding selectivity, sensitivity, reproducibility, cost effective,  point-of-care  level  detection  etc.  Few  methods  based  on  electrochemical  techniques  are  recently  promising  in detecting creatinine at the point-of-care level with adequate sensitivity and selectivity. On the other hand some biosensors based on spectroscopic techniques are recognized as the most promising substitute in recent years. As creatinine levels in the blood serum offer better information about patient status, here in this review it is thoroughly discussed over other biological samples such as urine, saliva.
In silico search for planar hexacoordinate Silicon atom: A kinetically viable species
Authors: Kalita Amlan , Rohman Shahnaz , Kashyap Chayanika , Ullah Sabnam , Baruah Indrani , Mazumder Lakhya , Guha Ankur
Published: January 2021

In silico search for planar hexacoordinate silicon center has been
initiated by global minimum screening with density functional theory and
energy refinement using coupled cluster theory. The search resulted in a
local minimum of SiAl3Mg3H2+ structure which contains a planar
hexacoordinate silicon center (phSi). The phSi structure is 5.8 kcal/mol
higher in energy than the global minimum. However, kinetic studies
reveal that the local minimum structure has enough stability to be
detected experimentally. Born-Oppenheimer molecular dynamics (BOMD)
simulations reveal that the phSi structure can be maintained up to 400
K. The formation of multiple bonds between the central silicon atom and
framework aluminium atom is the key stabilizing factor for the planar
structure.
Nonnegative solutions to the reaction-diffusion equations for prey-predator models with the dormancy of predators
Authors: Novrianti Novrianti , Sawada Okihiro , Tsuge Naoki
Published: January 2021

The time-global unique solvability on the reaction–diffusion equations
for preypredator models and dormancy on predators is established. The
crucial step is to construct time-local nonnegative classical solutions
by using a new approximation associated with time-evolution operators.
Although the system does not equip usual comparison principles, a priori
bounds are derived, so solutions are extended time-globally. Via
observations to the corresponding ordinary differential equations,
invariant regions and asymptotic behaviors of solutions are also
investigated.
Rill morphological change characteristics and influencing factors on different soil types in the Loess Plateau, China
Authors: he zimiao , yu xinxiao , Cai Qiang , He Jijun , hao shilong , fang haiyan , jia guodong , Sun Liying
Published: January 2021

Soil properties play an important role in rill development and erosion.
In this investigation, rill morphology developmental processes under
sandy loam (SL), light loam (LL), medium loam (ML) and heavy loam (HL)
soils on the Loess Plateau, China, were compared using laboratory
experiments. Experimental analysis included two rainfall intensities (90
and 120 mm/h) and four slope treatments (0°, 15°, 20° and 25%). Results
indicate that HL is the most prone to rill development, and SL, LL and
ML are prone to rill development under heavy rain, with SL rill erosion
being the most sensitive to heavy rain. The development of rills in SL
are mainly characterized by an increase in rill width and merging nodes;
rills in HL were mainly characterized by an increase in rill length,
merging nodes and rill number. LL and ML rill development indices were
between SL and HL. Differences in runoff collection caused by rill
morphology differences further promoted differences in soil erosion.
Rainfall intensity has a positive effect on rill shape parameters of all
soils; slope has a positive and negative double effect on SL, LL and ML
rill shape parameters, and only a positive effect on HL rill shape
parameters. The sensitivity of rill parameters to rainfall intensity and
slope angle depends on soil infiltration performance, surface soil
stability and soil structure stability. Based on soil characteristic
factors and rill morphological parameters, an empirical model of slope
erosion in the loess region was established.
Existence of axially symmetric solutions for a kind of planar Schr\”{o}dinger-Poisson system
Authors: Zhang Qiongfen , Chen Kai , Fan Jinmei , Liu Shuqin
Published: January 2021

In this paper, we study the following kind of
Schr\”{o}dinger-Poisson system in
${\R}^{2}$ \begin{equation*}
\left\{\begin{array}{ll}
-\Delta u+V(x)u+\phi
u=K(x)f(u),\ \ \
x\in{\R}^{2},\\
-\Delta \phi=u^{2},\
\ \ \ \
\ \ \ \
\ \ \ \
\ \ \ \
\ \ \ \
\ \ \ \
\ \ \ \
\ \ \
x\in{\R}^{2},
\end{array}\right.
\end{equation*} where $f\in
C({\R}, {\R} )$, $V(x)$ and
$K(x)$ are both axially symmetric functions. By constructing a new
variational framework and using some new analytic techniques, we obtain
an axially symmetric solution for the above planar system. our result
improves and extends the existing works.
Plant flexible stoichiometry and herbivore compensatory feeding drive population dynamics across temperature and nutrient gradients
Authors: Marx Jori , Brose Ulrich , Gonzalez Angélica , Gauzens Benoit
Published: January 2021

Global change drivers like warming and changing nutrient cycles have a
substantial impact on ecosystem functioning. In most modelling studies,
organism responses to warming are described through the temperature
dependence of their biological rates. In nature, however, organisms are
more than their biological rates. Plants are flexible in their elemental
composition (stoichiometry) and respond to variance in nutrient
availability and temperature. An increase in plant carbon-to-nutrient
content means a decrease in food quality for herbivores. Herbivores can
react to this decrease by compensatory feeding, which implies higher
feeding rates and higher carbon excretion to optimize nutrient
acquisition. In a novel model of a nutrient-plant-herbivore system, we
explored the consequences of flexible stoichiometry and compensatory
feeding for plant and herbivore biomass production and survival across
gradients in temperature and nutrient availability. We found that
flexible stoichiometry increases plant and herbivore biomasses, which
results from increased food availability due to higher plant growth.
Surprisingly, compensatory feeding decreased plant and herbivore
biomasses as overfeeding by the herbivore reduced plants to low
densities and depleted their resource. Across a temperature gradient,
compensatory feeding caused herbivore extinction at a lower temperature,
while flexible stoichiometry increased its extinction threshold. Our
results suggest that compensatory feeding can become critical under warm
conditions. In contrast, flexible stoichiometry is beneficial for plants
up to a certain temperature threshold. These findings demonstrate the
importance of accounting for adaptive and behavioural organismal
responses to nutrient and temperature gradients when predicting the
consequences of warming and eutrophication for population dynamics and
survival.
Opioid medicines management in primary care settings: a scoping review of quantitative studies of pharmacists’ activities
Authors: Jordan Margaret , Latif Asam , Mullan Judy , Chen Timothy
Published: January 2021

Aim To undertake a scoping review of pharmacists’ activities in opioid
medicines management in primary care settings, including those developed
or led by pharmacists, or in which pharmacists were members of broader
multi-disciplinary teams; and to collate the activities, models of care
and settings, and reported outcomes. Methods The bibliographic databases
MEDLINE, EMBASE, International Pharmaceutical Abstracts, CINAHL, SCOPUS
and Web of Science were searched. Studies with quantitative evaluation
and published in English were eligible. Participants were patients with
any pain category or an opioid use disorder, and healthcare providers.
Studies originating in hospitals or involving supply functions were not
included. Screening of literature and data charting of results were
undertaken by two researchers. Results The 47 studies included in the
scooping review occurred in primary care settings collated into four
categories: general practice or primary care clinics; healthcare
organisations; community pharmacies and outreach services. Studies were
primarily of opioid use in chronic, non-cancer pain. Other indications
were opioid use disorder, cancer and dental pain. Pharmacist activities
targeted risk-mitigation, patient and provider education and broader,
strategic approaches. Patient-related outcomes included reduced opioid
load, improved functionality and symptom management, enhanced access to
services and medication-assisted treatments, and engagement in
risk-mitigation strategies. Behaviour change of providers was
demonstrated. Conclusion The review has identified the significant
contribution that pharmacists working in primary care settings can make
to minimise harm from opioids. Strategies implemented in isolation have
the potential to further reduce adverse clinical outcomes with greater
collaboration and coordination, such as opioid stewardship.
Radiogenomics prediction for MYCN amplification in Neuroblastoma: a hypothesis generating study
Authors: Giannatale Angela Di , Paolo Pierluigi Di , Curione Davide , Lenkowicz Jacopo , Napolitano Antonio , Secinaro Aurelio , Toma Paolo , Locatelli Franco , Castellano Aurora , Boldrini Luca
Published: January 2021

Background: MYCN amplification represents a powerful prognostic factor
in neuroblastoma (NB) and may occasionally account for intratumoral
heterogeneity. Radiomics is an emerging field of advanced image analysis
that aims to extract a large number of quantitative features from
standard radiological images, providing valuable clinical information
Procedure: In this retrospective study, we aimed to create a
radiogenomics model by correlating computed tomography (CT) radiomics
analysis with MYCN status and overall survival (OS). NB lesions were
segmented on pre-therapy CT scans and radiomics features subsequently
extracted using a dedicated library. Dimensionality reduction/features
selection approaches were then used for features procession and logistic
regression models have been developed for the considered outcome.
Results: Seventy-eight patients were included in this study, 24
presented MYCN amplification. In total, 232 radiomics features were
extracted. Eight features were selected through Boruta algorithm and 2
features were lastly chosen through Pearson correlation analysis: mean
of voxel intensity histogram (p=0.0082) and zone size non-uniformity
(p=0.038). Five-times repeated 3-fold cross-validation logistic
regression models yielded an Area Under the Curve (AUC) value of 0.879
on the training and 0.865 on the testing set for MYCN. No statistical
significant difference has been observed comparing radiomics predicted
and actual OS data. Conclusions: CT based radiomics is able to predict
MYCN amplification status and OS in NB, paving the way to the in depth
analysis of imaging based biomarkers that could enhance outcomes
prediction.
Social Deprivation and Incident Diabetes-Related Foot Disease in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes: A Population-Based Cohort Study
Authors: Riley Jenny , Antza Christina , Kempegowda Punith , Subramanian Anuradhaa , Chandan Joht Singh , Gokhale Krishna , Thomas Neil , Sainsbury Christopher , Tahrani Abd A. , Nirantharakumar Krishnarajah
Published: January 2021

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the relationship between social deprivation and incident diabetes-related foot disease (DFD) in newly diagnosed patients with type 2 diabetes.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

A population-based open retrospective cohort study using The Health Improvement Network (1 January 2005 to 31 December 2019) was conducted. Patients with type 2 diabetes free of DFD at baseline were stratified by Townsend deprivation index, and risk of developing DFD was calculated. DFD was defined as a composite of foot ulcer (FU), Charcot arthropathy, lower-limb amputation (LLA), peripheral neuropathy (PN), peripheral vascular disease (PVD), and gangrene.

RESULTS

A total of 176,359 patients were eligible (56% men; mean age 62.9 [SD 13.1] years). After excluding 26,094 patients with DFD before/within 15 months of type 2 diabetes diagnosis, DFD incidentally developed in 12.1% of the study population over 3.27 years (interquartile range 1.41–5.96). Patients in the most deprived Townsend quintile had increased risk of DFD compared with those in the least deprived (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] 1.22; 95% CI 1.16–1.29) after adjusting for sex, age at type 2 diabetes diagnosis, ethnicity, smoking, BMI, HbA1c, cardiovascular disease, hypertension, retinopathy, estimated glomerular filtration rate, insulin, glucose/lipid-lowering medication, and baseline foot risk. Patients in the most deprived Townsend quintile had higher risk of PN (aHR 1.18; 95% CI 1.11–1.25), FU (aHR 1.44; 95% CI 1.17–1.77), PVD (aHR 1.40; 95% CI 1.28–1.53), LLA (aHR 1.75; 95% CI 1.08–2.83), and gangrene (aHR 8.49; 95% CI 1.01–71.58) compared with those in the least.

CONCLUSIONS

Social deprivation is an independent risk factor for the development of DFD, PN, FU, PVD, LLA, and gangrene in newly diagnosed patients with type 2 diabetes. Considering the high individual and economic burdens of DFD, strategies targeting patients in socially deprived areas are needed to reduce health inequalities.
The Jewish Blogosphere and the Heretical Counterpublic
Authors: Fader Ayala
Published: January 2021

This chapter ethnographically traces the contemporary crisis of authority to the Jewish blogosphere or “Jblogosphere” in the mid-2000s, which created an alternative, anonymous heretical public both online and in person. It analyzes the public that referenced an earlier crisis of authority, the Jewish Enlightenment from mid-eighteenth to mid-nineteenth centuries in Europe. The chapter describes the generation of Jewish men that were exposed to the European Enlightenment and used innovations in print culture to take on traditional Judaism and its leadership. It looks into the connection between secret life-changing doubt and the internet that began roughly in 2002 or 2003 when disillusioned Modern Orthodox and ultra–Orthodox Jews began to blog. It also discusses the Jblogosphere that gave anonymous public voice to a range of private interior life-changing doubt.
Forgiveness Work
Authors: Osanloo Arzoo
Published: January 2021

Iran's criminal courts are notorious for meting out severe sentences—according to Amnesty International, the country has the world's highest rate of capital punishment per capita. Less known to outside observers, however, is the Iranian criminal code's recognition of forgiveness, where victims of violent crimes, or the families of murder victims, can request the state to forgo punishing the criminal. This book shows that in the Iranian justice system, forbearance is as much a right of victims as retribution. Drawing on extended interviews and first-hand observations of more than eighty murder trials, the book explores why some families of victims forgive perpetrators and how a wide array of individuals contribute to the fraught business of negotiating reconciliation. Based on Qur'anic principles, Iran's criminal codes encourage mercy and compel judicial officials to help parties reach a settlement. As no formal regulations exist to guide those involved, an informal cottage industry has grown around forgiveness advocacy. Interested parties—including attorneys, judges, social workers, the families of victims and perpetrators, and even performing artists—intervene in cases, drawing from such sources as scripture, ritual, and art to stir feelings of forgiveness. These actors forge new and sometimes conflicting strategies to secure forbearance, and some aim to reform social attitudes and laws on capital punishment. The book examines how an Islamic victim-centered approach to justice sheds light on the conditions of mercy.
The Fast and the Slow
Authors: Christin Angèle
Published: January 2021

This chapter explores the consequences of distinct understandings of metrics on the daily life of news organizations. It looks into two key aspects of metrics: editorial production and compensation systems, and analyzes the editorial routines associated with online news production. The chapter assesses how TheNotebook and LaPlace websites handled the tension between “fast” and “slow” news and highlights contradictory views on the bureaucratic and disciplinary dynamics that structured the daily life of the two websites. It also reveals the differences in the distinct strategies of TheNotebook and LaPlace for handling the tension between click-based and editorial modes of evaluation. By showing how digital metrics become integrated in broader organizational dynamics, the chapter reveals the dialectical relationship between algorithms and their contexts.
Early Democracy Was Widespread
Authors: Stasavage David
Published: January 2021

This chapter begins with the democratic history of Athens. It explains how early democracy was more likely to flourish in small-scale settings, in instances where rulers lacked the coercive potential provided by a state bureaucracy, and when rulers found it difficult to monitor economic production and population movements. The chapter draws attention to ancient Mesopotamia during the third and second millennia BCE as one of the oldest examples of early democracy. It mentions the Danish Assyriologist named Thorkild Jacobsen who asserted that governance by assemblies was common in Mesopotamia before centralizing rulers destroyed this pattern. It also discusses debates about the ancient Indian republics that became colored by the colonial context.
When Technology Undermined Democracy
Authors: Stasavage David
Published: January 2021

This chapter reviews the advancement of democracy and forward march of technology that has often been seen as a sign of human progress. It highlights how new technologies allowed increased production and improved standards of living while aiding attempts to communicate and cooperate more effectively. In contrast, it also points out instances where advances in production and communication undermined early democracy. The chapter covers Europe's initial technological backwardness compared to China and the Middle East. It describes the seemingly mundane inventions like soil maps that appeared in China and the Middle East a millennium or more before they appeared in Europe.
The Spread of Modern Democracy
Authors: Stasavage David
Published: January 2021

This chapter reviews modern democracy that spread first to other lands inhabited by Europeans then into further areas as people freed themselves from European colonial rule. It focuses on the global spread of democracy. It also analyzes modern democracy that has been more likely to take root in places where there is a legacy of state weakness and where rulers need their people. The chapter clarifies the broader definition of democracy, which concludes that the initial share of people living under some form of democracy actually started out quite high. It recounts how democracy fell subsequently as a result of colonization, only to rise again as colonies became independent.
What Is Political Philosophy?
Authors: Larmore Charles
Published: January 2021

What is political philosophy? What are its fundamental problems? And how should it be distinguished from moral philosophy? This book redefines the distinctive aims of political philosophy, reformulating in this light the basis of a liberal understanding of politics. Because political life is characterized by deep and enduring conflict between rival interests and differing moral ideals, the core problems of political philosophy are the regulation of conflict and the conditions under which the members of society may thus be made subject to political authority. We cannot assume that reason will lead to unanimity about these matters because individuals hold different moral convictions. The book therefore analyzes the concept of reasonable disagreement and investigates the ways we can adjudicate conflicts among people who reasonably disagree about the nature of the human good and the proper basis of political society. Challenging both the classical liberalism of Locke, Kant, and Mill, and more recent theories of political realism proposed by Bernard Williams and others, the book argues for a version of political liberalism that is centered on political legitimacy rather than on social justice, and that aims to be well suited to our times rather than universally valid. It proposes a new definition of political philosophy and demonstrates the profound implications of that definition. The result is a compelling and distinctive intervention from a major political philosopher.
Political Liberalism and Legitimacy
Authors: Larmore Charles
Published: January 2021

This chapter explores the phenomenon of reasonable disagreement, which is an idea that can seem paradoxical because of the philosophical tradition that leads inevitably to the convergence of opinion. It analyzes the conception of political legitimacy that follows the fundamental principles of political society as they are coercive in nature. It discusses liberalism that is seen more clearly than past conceptions about the true task of political philosophy due to the reflective culture imbued with historical self-awareness. The chapter also provides a clear view of the fundamental problems confronting political society. It reviews political liberalism, which is understood as a form of liberal theory that is different from classical liberalism and becomes a vigorous area of philosophical reflection.
Deportation in an Era of Militarized Borders and Mass Incarceration
Authors: Goodman Adam
Published: January 2021

This chapter discusses the Immigration Reform and Control Act (IRCA) that was signed by President Ronald Reagan in the fall of 1986. It explains how IRCA provided legal status to anyone who could prove continuous residency in the United States since January 1, 1982. The chapter discusses the Special Agricultural Workers provision for people who had toiled over perishable crops for at least ninety days between May 1, 1985 and May 1, 1986. It focuses on the Márquez familys' story, which offers insights into some of the core elements of immigration enforcement in the mid- to late 1980s and beyond. It also highlights how the Immigration and Naturalization Service targeted the vast majority of people for deportation because they entered the country without authorization or overstayed a visa.