bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pollination, Fertilization, and Embryo Development in Southern China Fresh-eating Jujube
Authors: Shao Fengxia , Wang Sen , Liu Zhiming , Hong Rongyan , Zhao Tianjiao
Published: July 2020

To explore the reasons for seed abortion in southern China fresh-eating jujube, improve its reproductive biology, and provide a theoretical basis for the crossbreeding of jujube, we carried out self-pollination and cross-pollination experiments with Ziziphus jujuba Mill. ‘Zhongqiusucui’ as the female parent. We observed the process of pollen tube growth in pistil and embryo development by fluorescence microscopy and paraffin section methods. The results show there were self- and cross-incompatibilities during pollination and fertilization, and there were no significant differences in pollen germination and pollen tube growth between self-pollination and cross-pollination. It took at least 4 hours for pollen and stigma to recognize each other, 6 hours for pollen to germinate on the stigma, and 12 hours for the pollen tube to penetrate the mastoid cells of the stigma. After 48 hours of pollination, the pollen tube reached one third of the style. The pollen tube remained stagnant 72 to 120 hours after pollination, and remained at one third of the stylar canal. Simultaneously, the pollen tubes on the stigma twisted and interacted with each other, and expanded into a spherical shape. A few pollen tubes reached the ovary and completed fertilization. However, some early globular embryos degenerated before forming into globular embryos and resulted in the formation of empty embryo sacs, which leads to seed abortion. In conclusion, the poor pollination and fertilization, and the blocked development of the embryo resulted in seed abortion in Z. jujuba ‘Zhongqiusucui’.
CANCER OF THE FEMALE REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM IN THE FAR EASTERN FEDERAL DISTRICT
Authors: Gordienko V. P. , Leontjeva S. N. , Korobkova T. N.
Published: July 2020

The aim of the study was to assess the incidence and mortality rates of female reproductive system cancer in the Far Eastern Federal District over the last ten years (2008–2017).

Material and Methods. In our study we used statistical reports on the female reproductive system cancer incidence and mortality rates and 10-year follow-up data.

Results. In 2017, 25155 new cases of female reproductive system cancer were diagnosed in the Far Eastern Federal District (26.6 % higher than in 2008). A total of 128776 patients (2.1 % of the population of the region) were followed up. Over the study period, there has been increase in the number of patients with stage I–II breast cancer (+4.8 %), cervical cancer (+6.3 %), uterine body (+3.9 %) and ovarian cancer (+5.7 %), with simultaneous reduction in the number of patients with advanced stages, except ovarian cancer (+5.0 %). For the past 10 years, cancer incidence rates have been steadily increasing, while cancer mortality rates have been decreasing with the exception of cervical cancer (+13.7 %). Morphological confirmation of the diagnosis (over 90 %) exceeded the national average ones. The number of patients followed-up for 5 or more years appeared to be lower than the average values in Russia; however the 1-year mortality rates after diagnosis improved. Ovarian cancer remains the most deadly of the gynecological cancers (22.9–27.9 %).

Conclusion. Over the last ten years in the Far Eastern Federal District, in contrast to the overall decline in the mortality rates, there has been a steady increase in the incidence rates of female reproductive system cancer, except for cervical cancer.
Education in the Performing Arts in Serbia Between Academic and Self-Education Practices
Authors: Ivić Milica
Published: July 2020

This paper seeks to situate the question of education in the field of the performing arts within the broader context of the epistemology of art. It looks not only at educational practices and institutions in Serbia today, but also at the dominant theories in this field in a local context. The aim is to present not only the fundamental tendencies and contradictions regarding education in the performing arts, but also the dominant and representative theoretical self-awareness of different actors on the scene. Educational practices in the fields of drama, theatre and other performing arts in Serbia today range from elite academic institutions offering undergraduate, master and doctoral degree studies, to more recent private initiatives, academies and institutes, to unstable collaborative self-education practices on the independent scene. One of the basic starting points of the study is that systems of education, production and presentation in a certain art field are interrelated, and that changes in one of the segments affect other elements in the chain.
Death in Krčmar: A Contribution to the Quantification of the Victims of the 1918 Spanish Flu Pandemic
Authors: Krivošejev Vladimir
Published: July 2020

It is estimated that the Spanish flu pandemic, which affected the entire planet from 1918 to 1919, affected about five hundred million people, or one-third of the world's population at the time, and killed about fifty million people. The disease was noticed among Serbian soldiers in Corfu in April 1918, and in May among soldiers on the Salonika Front, but without fatal consequences. During the summer, fatalities were also reported, mainly due to lung compaction. Then the epidemic was reported in occupied Serbia as well. Just at the time of the breakthrough of Salonika Front on the 15th of September, a new wave of the epidemic started, this time fatal. Many soldiers remained lying and dying in military hospitals set up along the way. Some soldiers made it home but then passed away, and some found their homes empty. In occupied Serbia, mass dying began before liberation. In the region of Valjevo, the first deaths occurred in early October, but mass deaths started in late October. This lasted less than two months. Then, by the beginning of the spring of 1919, sporadic deaths due to "pneumonia" were seen as a common complication of Spanish flu, which does not necessarily mean that the epidemic had stopped, but that its end did not have any fatal consequences. In the lowlands of the Valjevo region, mortality was relatively low (in the parish of the church in Rabrovica - 0,44%), in the hilly area the mortality rate was slightly higher (in the parish of the church in Brankovina - 1,32%), and in the high mountain areas, it was very high. An analysis of the number of recorded deaths in the books of the church in Krčmar indicates that over these two months 141 people (4.47% of the population) died in seven villages that belong to the parish of this church. That number is almost equal to the number of deaths from all possible causes over a 33month period: throughout 1917, the first 9 months of 1918, and throughout 1919.  The highest mortality rate , 9,38% of the population,  was recorded in the village of Mratišić, and the lowest, 1,61%  in the village of Gornji Lajkovac. A higher number of deaths were recorded among the female population, but this can be attributed to the decrease in the number of males due to previous years of war.
Ancient Myth in Brazilian Cinematography: Black Orpheus
Authors: Stevanović Lada
Published: July 2020

The paper deals with two film adaptations of the myth of Orpheus that were made in Brazil in 1959 and 1999. In view of the fact that in both films Orpheus appears as Afro-Brazilian, these two versions of the myth may be related to Sartre’s concept of Black Orpheus, and the movement of Negritude that appeared in Paris in the 1930s as an answer of the black francophone intellectuals to racial myths and colonial stereotypes. Regarding the fact that the European attitude towards ancient Greece is also characteristic of another kind of colonialism that is cultural, based on the claim of exclusive right to this past, the ancient myth that often appears only as a mirror of this relationship, functions in these films as a space for subversion and resistance to different types of colonial power. The films that are the focus of this paper are Black Orpheus (1959) directed by Marcel Camus, which is a French-Italian-Brazilian co-production, and Orpheus (1999) by Carlos Diegues, an entirely Brazilian production. Both films were inspired by the theatrical play written by Vinícius de Moraes, Orfeu da Conceição (1953). Although he himself participated in the production of Camus’s Black Orpheus, in the end he refused to be credited because in the film, the main idea of his drama was lost, which was to show Afro-Brazilians as the main protagonists of the Greek myth pointing out injustices and difficulties of Afro-Brazilian people in social reality, but also in the context of cultural and racial hegemony that clearly claimed the ancient Greek myth to be the heritage of European white men.  Similarly, disappointed, Carlos Diegues decided to make another film together with Vinícius de Moraes. However, the plan was interrupted by Moraes death in 1980, but Diegues succeeded in filming it in 1999. The paper compares the two films focusing on the question to which extent these films challenge or confirm European cultural elitism, racial stereotypes and class inequalities.
Haunted Places in US Culture
Authors: Žikić Bojan
Published: July 2020

What makes a place haunted is the narrative of its ghosts: the curse of the place is expressed through the hauntings of that place by the ghosts of the people who died there. Ghosts are an expression of negative transgression, that is, a violation of social norms and cultural values that leads to the moral destabilization of the community: haunted places are places of tragedy, of deaths caused by violence and negligence. The basic features of haunted places in the US are liminality, the historical experience of what happened there, and the fact that they represent the boundary between the everyday and the impossible. The crossing of the existential boundaries by ghosts is analogous to negative transgression in social behavior. The liminality of ghosts thus corresponds to the liminality of haunted places in spatial, existential, ontological and moral terms. They appear as a kind of propaedeutic device in cultural communication, for the atrocities of their stories address what is good and bad according to the norms of cultural thought, and what is proper and improper in social behavior.

Several different types of places are featured in this discussion: private ones, like dwelling places, as well as numerous public places, including a public library, a quarry, a public park, a village lane, a teahouse, the site of one of the best-known battles in United States history, a former correction facility, a beech etc, across the entire country: Atchison, Kansas; New Orleans, Fort Leavenworth and plantations in Louisiana; Peoria, Illinois; Reelsville, Indiana; Little Bighorn, Montana; Washington DC; New York City; the San Francisco Bay area; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Portage County, Wisconsin; Baton Rouge, Louisiana; Forester, Michigan; Cape May, New Jersey; Tucson, Arizona; Mason, Ohio.
The Beer Tradition of the Chuvash
Authors: Salmin Anton
Published: July 2020

The Chuvash are the indigenous population of the Chuvash Republic, located on the Middle Volga with its capital at Cheboksary. The Chuvash brewed beer using flour, malt and hops. Barley was considered the most suitable grain. Among the Chuvash beer was a ritual beverage. They never drank it without specific cause. After the harvest had been gathered, beer was made with the fresh grain. Kinfolk would gather for the occasion. The very fact of beer-brewing speaks of this people’s agricultural way of life. Wooden tubs were used for brewing large quantities of beer, while smaller amounts were made in pots. This drink is considered sacred among the Chuvash. It is dedicated to deities of high rank and also to the spirit of ancestors. Valued guests are welcomed and seen off with it.
Povezanost teorije kritičkog mišljenja s promišljanjem o odgoju Erazma Roterdamskog
Authors: Dundić Miro , Ćurko Bruno
Published: July 2020

Erazmo Roterdamski smatrao je da obrazovanje djece treba započeti u ranoj dobi. Da bismo što bolje razumjeli Erazmove teorije o odgoju, u članku se analizira Erazmov pojam eruditio, ali i ostali pojmovi kao što su: ratio, usus i philosophia. Ukazuje se na zanimljivu poveznicu koja se može povući između suvremenog pojma kritičkog mišljenja i Erazmova pojma eruditio. Isto tako, za razumijevanje Erazmova poimanja odgoja (ali i povezanosti njegove teorije sa suvremenim teorijama kritičkog mišljenja) analiziran je Erazmov opis karakteristika dobrog učitelja. Navedeni opis dobrog učitelja, u nekim aspektima, povezuje Erazma sa suvremenim teoretičarima (i praktičarima) kao što su John Dewey i Oscar Brenifier. Erazmo za rano uvježbavanje zaključivanja nudi basne, vježbe jezika i poslovice, kao što je slučaj i kod suvremenih teoretičara i praktičara kritičkog mišljenja te filozofije s djecom.
The impact of earnings management on market liquidity
Authors: Thi Van Trang Do , Hong Linh Dinh
Published: July 2020

This article investigates the impact of earnings management on market liquidity measured by the depth of the market. Managers have desired to provide amazing performance of companies, manage their earnings through non-discretionary accruals. Consequently, investors have trouble evaluating the stock value and misunderstanding of the market liquidity because of manipulated information.To this aim, the fixed-effect model (FEM) is implemented to analyze the financial information of 170 listed firms on the Vietnam Stock Exchange over the period 2013–2016. The empirical results emphasized that market liquidity is influenced by earnings management that means the higher level of earnings management, the better equity liquidity. The findings provide additional insight into the determinants of stock liquidity such as earnings management, firm size, daily trading dollar volume of stock, average daily trading dollar volume of the firm, daily returns of stock, daily stock returns, average closing stock price of the firm.
Tasnif Edilmiş İnşaat Yıkıntı Atıklarından Elde Edilen Harman Tuğlası, Delikli Tuğla ve Çatı Kiremitinden Oluşan İkili Karışımların Geopolimer Hamur Üretiminde Değerlendirilmesi
Authors: BAYER Raci , ULUGÖL Hüseyin , DEMİR İlhami , YILDIRIM Gürkan , ŞAHMARAN Mustafa
Published: July 2020

Çimento endüstrisinin yüksek CO2 salımı, enerji ve doğal kaynak tüketimi gibi sebeplerden dolayı araştırmacılar alternatif bağlayıcı malzeme arayışına girmişlerdir. Alkali-aktive malzemeler ve geopolimer bu alternatif bağlayıcı malzemeler içerisinde son zamanlarda oldukça popülerdir. Söz konusu çalışma kapsamında tasnif edilmiş inşaat yıkıntı atıkları (İYA) 10 ve 15 M NaOH çözeltileri ile aktive edilerek geopolimer hamurlar üretilmiştir. Aktive edilen inşaat yıkıntı atıkları çatı kiremiti, delikli ve harman tuğlanın ayrı ayrı %75 ya da %25 oranlarında kullanıldığı ikili karışımlardır. İkili karışımlarla elde edilecek iyi sonuçlar hem üçlü karışımların kullanımını cesaretlendirecek hem de yıkıntı atıklarının, içerisindeki malzeme oranlarına göre optimum aktivatör ve kür koşullarıyla, tasnif edilmesine gerek kalmadan karışık şekilde kullanımının önünü açacaktır. Hamurların 24, 48 ve 72 saat süreyle 95, 105, 115 ve 125 oC sıcaklıklarda kür edildiği bu çalışmada, en yüksek basınç dayanım değeri 83,1 MPa değeriyle 72 saat 115 oC’de kür edilen %75 delikli tuğla ve %25 harman tuğlasından oluşan numuneden elde edilmiştir.
Feeding Electricity Ring Grids with Minimum Interruption Using Fuzzy Logic Based Relay Coordination Scenarios Under Interruption Conditions
Authors: CUMA Mehmet Uğraş , DEMİRAY İrfan , SAVRUN Murat Mustafa
Published: July 2020

In order to secure continuous and high quality supply of electricity, it is essential to protect end users’ devices and network equipments against malfunction from production to consumption. Therefore, the protection of electrical equipment is essential and one of the devices performing the protection task is called the protection relay.

Industrial plants and large consumers that possess a high variation in loads and variable generation resulting from the widespread implementation of distributed generation requires the adaptive operation of relays in protection systems to prevent undesired malfunctions.

In this study, a novel fuzzy logic based adaptive relay coordination strategy with the advantages of reduced computational load and fast computing for distribution networks is proposed. In order to evaluate the performance of the developed relay coordination strategy, a real-world sample line for a ring-type distribution network has been simulated in PSCAD/EMTDC environment. The performance of the proposed system is validated with simulation results for different case studies.
Dökme Demir Malzemelerin Karbür Uçlarla Delme İşleminde Proses Parametrelerinin Optimizasyonu
Authors: ERTUĞRUL Onur , GÜZELİPEK Oğuzcan , SOYUSİNMEZ Tuğrul , AKDOĞAN Ali Tuğberk , GÜNEŞ Aziz Burak
Published: July 2020

Takım aşınmalarının, parça üretim maliyeti ve üretim verimliliğine doğrudan etkisi mevcuttur. Takımlarda meydana gelen aşınmalar, üretim kalitesini doğrudan etkileyen bir faktördür. Bu çalışmada, farklı matkap çapları ve kesme parametrelerinin takım aşınmasına etkisi araştırılmıştır. Deneyler, farklı çapta matkaplar ve farklı kesme parametreleri ile 9 farklı kombinasyonda 20 tekrar seklinde yapılmıştır. Deneysel çalışmada imalat sektöründe sıkça kullanılan 6,8 mm, 9 mm ve 9,6 mm çapa sahip yekpare karbür matkap uçlar kullanılmıştır. İş parçası olarak üretimde sıkça kullanılmakta olan GG25 ve GGG40 standartlı dökme demir malzemeler belirlenmiştir. Taguchi tekniği kullanılarak en yüksek takım ömrü değerlerini veren optimum kontrol faktörleri belirlenmiştir. Ayrıca her deneyden sonra matkap uçlarındaki aşınma durumları ve tipleri takım ölçme ve ayarlama makinası yardımı ile tespit edilmiştir. GGG40 malzemenin GG25 standartlı malzemeye göre, matkap ucunda daha çok aşınmaya sebebiyet verdiği ve matkap ucunun çapı arttıkça aşınma miktarlarında da arttığı belirlenmiştir.
Enhancement of overloaded waste stabilization ponds using different pretreatment technologies: a comparative study from Namibia
Authors: Sinn Jochen , Lackner Susanne
Published: July 2020

Waste stabilization ponds (WSP) are a well-established wastewater treatment technology in Namibia. However, they are often overloaded and we still lack concepts and technologies for improvement. Therefore, this study presents the full-scale implementation of two pretreatment technologies to reduce the inflow of organic and solid loads into a facultative pond. We specifically compared the effects of anaerobic biological and mechanical pretreatment by an upstream anaerobic sludge blanket (UASB) reactor and a 250 μm micro sieve (MS). Not only in Namibia but also in most sub-Saharan countries, there is little experience with these technologies for the treatment of municipal wastewater in small and fast-growing local communities. Both technologies were tested in parallel for a period of 17 months and proved operational. While the UASB achieved better removal results with respect to chemical oxygen demand (COD) and suspended solids (TSS), the MS was more flexible in handling changing inflow patterns and had a much smaller footprint. The average total COD reductions of the MS and the UASB were 22 and 50%, respectively. TSS were removed by 45% with the MS and by 57% with the UASB reactor. Therefore, UASB and MS are viable options for the enhancement of existing WSP to reach better effluent values of the facultative pond.
Evaluation of advanced oxidation processes for the treatment of nanofiltration membrane concentrate considering toxicity and oxidation by-products
Authors: Balcik-Canbolat Cigdem , Olmez-Hanci Tugba , Sengezer Cisel , Sakar Hacer , Karagunduz Ahmet , Keskinler Bulent
Published: July 2020

This paper offers a feasible solution for the treatment of membrane concentrate produced from the textile industry, using the Fenton, Advanced Fenton (AF), ozonation and hydrodynamic cavitation (HC) and combination of these processes. The study investigated the optimum oxidant and catalyst concentrations, optimum operational conditions and comparison of these processes. The potential formation of chlorinated organic compounds after oxidation of membrane concentrate was also investigated by analyzing total organic halogen (TOX) and polychlorinated biphenyl (PCBs). Also, toxicity analysis was performed with Vibrio fischeri photobacteria to identify the production possibility of oxidation intermediates that are more toxic and difficult to treat than the targeted contaminants. Maximum removal efficiencies in chemical oxygen demand (COD) and color were 18.8% and 60.7% respectively using HC alone at a cavitation number (CN) of 0.1. Maximum COD, total organic carbon (TOC), and color removal efficiency at molar concentrations of 175 mM H2O2 and 35 mM Fe2+ and pH 3 after 30 min was 87.1, 80.8 and 99%. Combined HC with Fenton showed the highest removal efficiency in terms of COD, TOC, and color. It was also stated that the use of high oxidant concentrations masks the synergistic effect of HC on Fenton processes due to the scavenging effect.
Pseudoprogression in a patient with relapsed medulloblastoma after intensive chemotherapy and craniospinal irradiation. A clinical observation and literature review
Authors: Yukhta T. V. , Kazantsev I. V. , Zheludkova O. G. , Kushel Yu. V. , Zvyagintseva D. A. , Gevorgyan A. G. , Tolkunova P. S. , Kozlov A. V. , Nikolaev I. Yu. , Morozova E. V. , Punanov Yu. A. , Ryzhova M. V. , Pronin I. N. , Panina T. N. , Skvortcova T. Yu. , Slobina E. L. , Khokhlova E. V. , Zubarovskaya L. S. , Afanasyev B. V.
Published: July 2020

High-dose chemotherapy (HDCT) with autologous hemopoietic stem cell transplantation (auto-HSCT) is currently an integral part of a standard of care for younger medulloblastoma (MB) patients and MB patients with relapse. As HDCT regimens are characterized by neurotoxicity, it may add to the one of radiation therapy. Therefore, some patients may develop post-irradiation clinical symptoms and MRI changes characteristic for disease progression, pseudoprogression. We report on a case of a 16-year old patient with relapsed MB treated by standard chemotherapy with consequent HDCT and craniospinal irradiation with a boost to cranial fossa posterior. One month after the radiation therapy was finished she developed focal neurological symptoms. The MRI and PET scan have shown cerebellar changes characteristic for disease progression. However, the therаpy with corticosteroids and bevacizumab was able to resolve most clinical symptoms. The MRI scan have also shown evident positive dynamics. Therefore, the clinical course and imaging dynamics corresponded to pseudoprogression. The probability of pseudoprogression may be higher in patients with MB relapse receiving second irradiation and HDCT with auto-HSCT. As we often do not have a morphological proof of relapse, we have to distinguish between progressive disease and pseudoprogression by a complex of clinical course and imaging data.
Results of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in patients with chronic granulomatous disease at the Russian Children’s Clinical Hospital
Authors: Machneva E. B. , Pristanskova E. A. , Olkhova L. V. , Mezentseva A. V. , Konstantinova V. V. , Burya A. E. , Blagonravova O. L. , Nikolaeva Yu. A. , Filina O. A. , Sidorova N. V. , Kirgizov K. I. , Vakhlyarskaya S. S. , Kondratenko I. V. , Skorobogatova E. V.
Published: July 2020

Relevance. Chronic granulomatous disease (CGD) belongs to the group of primary immunodeficiencies. Patients with CGD have an impaired quality of life, severe infections and inflammatory organ damage. Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is an effective treatment method for CGD. The authors of the article presented the experience of HSCT in patients with CGD in the Russian Children’s Clinical Hospital.

Materials and methods. 20 (19 primary and 1 repeated) HSCT during the period from 2009 to 2020 were performed in nineteen patients with CGD. All patients had a long history of infections, three or more foci of chronic infection, 9 patients had a generalized BCG infection. Bone marrow (ВМ) from a related HLA-identical donor was the source of hematopoietic stem cells (HSC) for 4 (21 %) patients, peripheral blood stem cells (PBSC) for 2 (10.5 %). ВМ from a unrelated fully HLA-identical donor was performed in 9 (47.4 %) patients, PBSC – 2 (10.5 %). ВМ from a unrelated 9/10 HLA-compatible donor was performed in one (5.3 %) patient. In one case (5.3 %) the HSC source became PBSC from a unrelated 9/10 HLA-compatible donor after TcRαβ/CD19+ depletion. In 68.5 % (n = 13) cases the conditioning regimen included threosulfan, fludarabine, melphalan, and antithymocyte globulin. In 2 (10.5 %) patients, melphalan was excluded from the conditioning regimen; in 4 (21 %), it was replaced by thiotepa.

Results. The overall survival (OS) was 88.9 ± 10.5 %, the event-free survival (EFS) was 88.1 ± 7.9 %, and there was no transplant mortality. Transplant rejections were observed in two patients who received HSC from a unrelated 9/10 HLA-compatible donor with a previous conditioning regimen that included only one alkylating agent. In 4 patients (21 %) there was a prolonged persistence of mixed chimerism after HSCT without clinical and laboratory signs of CGD. After successful transplantation all patients were cured of the infectious and inflammatory diseases characteristic of CGD.

Conclusion. Results of HSCT in patients with CGD can be considered satisfactory, the OS and EFS are high. Failure of HSCT is associated with transplant rejection, which is most likely due to the donor and patient mismatch, as well as the use of conditioning modes with reduced intensity.
Optimization of methods for collecting peripheral hematopoietic stem cells in children with cancer: literature review
Authors: Stepanyan N. G. , Sidorova N. V. , Rubanskaya M. V. , Tupitsyn N. N. , Matinyan N. V. , Kirgizov K. I. , Varfolomeeva S. R.
Published: July 2020

Autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (auto-HSCT) is a standard for the treatment of oncological, hematologic, and also some immune diseases, ensuring the restoration of blood counts after high-dose chemotherapy. In children, the success of mobilization and collection of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) is especially important. Mobilization schemes for children are decided on an individual basis, which requires the development and implementation of recommendations for improving the efficiency of mobilization and collection of HSCs. Mobilization schemes include the use of granulocyte colony-stimulating factor in the form of monotherapy or in combination with CXCR4 antagonists. These schemes are ineffective in some children, which requires re-mobilization or rejection of transplantation, which negatively affects the prognosis. When preparing a patient for HSCs collection, it is necessary to take into account all previous therapy, the patient’s age, weight and height indicators, and general somatic state. Harvesting the required amount of HSCs will allow for high-dose therapy followed by auto-HSCT, and thereby increase the effectiveness of treatment. It is necessary to optimize the protocol for mobilization of HSCs with a large bias for pediatric patients, which will clearly define the criteria for mobilization, give indications for this procedure and determine the criteria for technical collection, which will allow to obtain the optimal number of CD34+ cells, which will ensure the success of the treatment.
Assortment of Human Amniotic Membrane and Curcumin: a Potential Therapeutic Strategy for Burn Wound Healing
Authors: Siddika Ayesha , Arifuzzaman Md. , Hossain Liakat , Adnan Md. Hasib , Diba Farzana , Hasan Md. Zahid , Asaduzzaman S.M. , Uddin Md. Jamal
Published: July 2020

Burn wound associated injury management is one of the major unresolved clinical concerns.
Most of the drugs and dressing materials available in the market cause dose escalation and
even exert side effects. Besides, a severe burn injury is susceptible to microbial infection that leads
to the prolonged hospital stay, which ultimately causes a financial crisis to the victims. To get rid of
this problem, researchers are being interested in developing such materials that are cost-effective,
easily available and accelerate faster healing. Human amniotic membrane (AM) and various herbal
extracts like curcumin are a potential source of burn wound healing. AM has various healing properties
and is being used as the best burn wound dressing material for centuries. Similarly, curcumin
has been proven as a faster dressing material for the treatment of burn injury. Since both AM and
curcumin are a potential source of burn and wound healing, if a gel/agent could be formulated by
mixing these two things, this combination may be a potential therapeutic strategy to treat burn
wound healing.
Elucidating the Pivotal Role of Immune Players in the Management of COVID-19: Focus on Mesenchymal Stem Cells and Inflammation
Authors: Richard Seidu A. , Kampo Sylvanus , Sackey Marian , Hechavarria Maite Esquijarosa , Buunaaim Alexis D.B. , Kuugbee Eugene Dogkotenge , Anabah Thomas Winsum
Published: July 2020

The world is currently engulfed with a viral disease with no cure. Thus, far, millions of people
are infected with the virus across the length and breadth of the world, with thousands losing their
lives each passing day. The WHO in February 2020 classified the virus as a coronavirus and the name
Coronavirus-19 (CoV-19) was offered to the virus. The disease caused by the virus was termed
coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19). The pathogenesis of COVID-19 is associated with elevation of
several immune players as well as inflammatory factors which contribute to cytokine storms. Currently,
the detection of CoV-19 RNA is through reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RTPCR).
Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are capable of suppressing several kinds of cytokines via the
paracrine secretion system. Therefore, MSCs therapy could be game changer in the treatment of the
current COVID-19 pandemic. Moreover, intravenous IG may be capable of suppressing the high expression
of IL-6 by the CoV-19 resulting in lessen disease burden. Anti-inflammatory medications like,
corticosteroids, tocilizumab, glycyrrhetinic acid, as well as etoposide may be very advantageous in
decreasing the COVID-19 burden because their mode of action targets the cytokine storms initiated by
the CoV-19. It is important to indicate that, these medications do not target the virus itself. Therefore,
potent CoV-19 anti-viral medications are needed to completely cure patients with COVID-19. Furthermore,
a vaccine is urgently needed to stop the spread of the virus. This review, therefore, elucidates
the immune players in the management of COVID-19; focusing principally on MSCs and inflammatory
mediators.
Identification of Critical Functional Modules and Signaling Pathways in Osteoporosis
Authors: Jiang Xiaowei , Ying Pu , Shen Yingchao , Miu Yiming , Kong Wenbin , Lu Tong , Wang Qiang
Published: July 2020

Background:

Osteoporosis is the most common bone metabolic disease. Abnormal
osteoclast formation and resorption play a fundamental role in osteoporosis pathogenesis. Recent
researches have greatly broadened our understanding of molecular mechanisms of osteoporosis.
However, the molecular mechanisms leading to osteoporosis are still not entirely clear.

Objective:

The purpose of this work is to study the critical regulatory genes, functional modules, and
signaling pathways.

Methods:

Differential expression analysis, network topology-based analysis, and overrepresentation
enrichment analysis (ORA) were used to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs), gene
subnetworks, and signaling pathways related to osteoporosis, respectively.

Results:

Differential expression analysis identified DEGs, such as POGLUT1, DAPK3 and NFKBIA,
associated with osteoclastogenesis, which highlighted Notch, apoptosis and NF-kB signaling
pathways. Network topology-based analysis identified the upregulated subnetwork characterized by
EXOSC8 and DIS3L from the RNA exosome complex, and the downregulated subnetwork
composed of histone deacetylases and the cofactors, MORF4L1 and JDP2. Furthermore, the
overrepresentation enrichment analysis highlighted that corticotrophin-releasing hormone signaling
pathway might affect osteoclastogenesis through its component NR4A1, and suppressing osteoclast
differentiation and osteoclast bone resorption with urocortin (UCN).

Conclusion:

Our systematic analysis not only discovered novel molecular mechanisms but also
proposed potential drug targets for osteoporosis.
Nitrogen-Containing Heterocycles as Anticancer Agents: An Overview
Authors: Lang Damanpreet K. , Kaur Rajwinder , Arora Rashmi , Saini Balraj , Arora Sandeep
Published: July 2020

Background:

Cancer is spreading all over the world, and it is becoming the leading cause of major
deaths. Today’s most difficult task for every researcher is to invent a new drug that can treat cancer with minimal
side effects. Many factors, including pollution, modern lifestyle and food habits, exposure to oncogenic
agents or radiations, enhanced industrialization, etc. can cause cancer. Treatment of cancer is done by various
methods that include chemotherapy, radiotherapy, surgery and immunotherapy in combination or singly along
with kinase inhibitors. Most of the anti-cancer drugs use the concept of kinase inhibition.

Objective:

The number of drugs being used in chemotherapy has heterocycles as their basic structure in spite of
various side effects. Medicinal chemists are focusing on nitrogen-containing heterocyclic compounds like pyrrole,
pyrrolidine, pyridine, imidazole, pyrimidines, pyrazole, indole, quinoline, oxadiazole, azole, benzimidazole,
etc. as the key building blocks to develop active biological compounds. The aim of this study is to attempt
to compile a dataset of nitrogen-containing heterocyclic anti-cancer drugs.

Methods:

We adopted a structural search on notorious journal publication websites and electronic databases
such as Bentham Science, Science Direct, PubMed, Scopus, USFDA, etc. for the collection of peer-reviewed
research and review articles for the present review. The quality papers were retrieved, studied, categorized into
different sections, analyzed and used for article writing.

Conclusion:

As per FDA databases, nitrogen-based heterocycles in the drug design are almost 60% of unique
small-molecule drugs. Some of the nitrogen-containing heterocyclic anti-cancer drugs are Axitinib, Bosutinib,
Cediranib, Dasatanib (Sprycel®), Erlotinib (Tarceva®), Gefitinib (Iressa®), Imatinib (Gleevec®), Lapatinib (Tykerb
®), Linifanib, Sorafenib (Nexavar®), Sunitinib (Sutent®), Tivozanib, etc. In the present review, we shall focus
on the overview of nitrogen-containing heterocyclic active compounds as anti-cancer agents.
Resveratrol and other Stilbenes: Effects on Dysregulated Gene Expression in Cancers and Novel Delivery Systems
Authors: Poltronieri Palmiro , Xu Baojun , Giovinazzo Giovanna
Published: July 2020

Trans-resveratrol (RESV), pterostilbene, trans-piceid and trans-viniferins are bioactive stilbenes
present in grapes and other plants. Several groups applied biotechnology to introduce their synthesis in plant
crops. Biochemical interaction with enzymes, regulation of non-coding RNAs, and activation of signaling pathways
and transcription factors are among the main effects described in literature. However, solubility in ethanol,
short half-life, metabolism by gut bacteria, make the concentration responsible for the effects observed in cultured
cells difficult to achieve. Derivatives obtained by synthesis, trans-resveratrol analogs and methoxylated
stilbenes show to be more stable and allow the synthesis of bioactive compounds with higher bioavailability.
However, changes in chemical structure may require testing for toxicity. Thus, the delivery of RESV and its
natural analogs incorporated into liposomes or nanoparticles, is the best choice to ensure stability during administration
and appropriate absorption. The application of RESV and its derivatives with anti-inflammatory and
anticancer activity is presented with description of novel clinical trials.
Green Synthesis of Copper Oxide Nanoparticles using Cucumis Sativus (Cucumber) Extracts and their Bio-Physical and Biochemical Characterization for Cosmetic and Dermatologic Applications
Authors: Vats Monika , Bhardwaj Shruti , Chhabra Arvind
Published: July 2020

Background & Objective:

Nanoparticles are used in cosmetic and dermatologic products,
due to better skin penetration properties. Incorporation of natural products exhibiting medicinal properties in nano-preparations could significantly improve the efficacy of these products and improve the
quality of life without the side effects of synthetic formulations.

Methods:

We here report the green synthesis of Copper Oxide nanoparticles, using Cucumber extract,
and their detailed bio-physical and bio-chemical characterization.

Results:

These Copper Oxide-Cucumber nanoparticles exhibit significant anti-bacterial and anti-fungal
properties, Ultra Violet-radiation protection ability and reactive-oxygen species inhibition properties.
Importantly, these nanoparticles do not exhibit significant cellular toxicity and, when incorporated in
skin cream, exhibit skin rejuvenating properties.

Conclusion:

Our findings have implications for nanoparticle-based cosmetics and dermatologic applications.
Lipoidal-Nano Architecture for Parental Drug Delivery: Formulation Development and Regulatory Concerns
Authors: Jhawat Vikas , Sharma Anil Kumar , Garg Vandana , Gulia Monika , Dutt Rohit
Published: July 2020

The nanoparticles as drug carriers have demonstrated enhanced targeting, and sustained/-
controlled drug release, as evident from numerous investigations that have shown promising outcomes
facilitating the wellbeing of humans in the desired manner. The lipid-based nanoparticles
are biodegradable and considered biocompatible by virtue of being composed of lipid moieties
mimicking physiological lipids of biological systems which is their prime advantage over the other
polymeric systems. A variety of such lipid carriers have been reported to be delivered from the parenteral
route. However, there are certain pitfalls which are associated with lipid nanoparticles such
as toxicity, poor scale up potential, immunological reactions and absence of straight forward regulatory
guidelines that address the issues of lipoidal nanocarriers such as their classification, approval
and compliance of governmental policies. Therefore attention must be given to address the technological
and regulatory challenges associated with lipoidal nano-formulations for parenteral administration
to smoothen the approval process throughout the world and bringing the same to the terminal
users on time.
Surgical treatment of refractory incontinence in the bitch
Authors: Timmermans J. , Van Goethem B. , De Rooster H.
Published: July 2020

Urinary incontinence is a common condition in spayed, female dogs with a reported prevalence between 3.1% and 20.1%. In the majority of dogs with acquired urinary incontinence, urethral sphincter mechanism incompetence is the underlying cause. Approximately 15% of bitches that initially respond to medical therapy ultimately become refractory. Surgical intervention is indicated when patients do not respond or become refractory to medical treatment. Based on the current literature, placement of an artificial urethral sphincter, i.e. an inflatable cuff around the proximal urethra connected to a subcutaneous injection port, provides a very reliable and longterm incontinence resolution in bitches and has a low complication rate.
‘And writing […] will preserve his memory’: Laman Blanchard’s Afterlife in Letters and Ledgers
Authors: Scott Heather
Published: July 2020

This article examines the historical fragments of cemetery records and monumental masonry for the poet and journalist Laman Blanchard, who was interred in West Norwood Cemetery, London, in 1845, and whose monument was cleared a century later by Lambeth Council. It focuses on Blanchard’s role in the Dickens literary circle and his relation to mid-Victorian writers, situating his untimely death in light of changing legislation on suicide. His lost grave marker is recovered by scrutinising his burial record, obituary, epitaph, and periodicals to ferret out connections amongst the archival sources of his death. The nebulous association, between what is written-by a person in life and what is written-about that person after death, is contemplated throughout.
Risk Management Challenges in Malaysia’s Landscape Architecture Project
Authors: S.Muthuveeran Adam Aruldewan , Mohd Tahir Osman , Ibrahim Roziya , Mohd Noor Mohd Zairul
Published: July 2020

This study aims to review current risk management challenges in Malaysia landscape architecture projects. This subject found to be lacking and yet essential to strategies for effective application. The data collection conducted through a semi-structured interview with twenty-four landscape architect professional based in the Klang Valley region. Then analysed using content and thematic analysis method. The research found that multiple challenges factor permits effective risk management application in the project. The study suggests for an extensive strategy to risk management application into the project to be formulated in enabling effective management of risk to improve project performances.
Keywords: managing risk; risk management; risk challenges; landscape architecture project.
eISSN: 2398-4287© 2020. The Authors. Published for AMER ABRA cE-Bsby e-International Publishing House, Ltd., UK. This is an open access article under the CC BYNC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/). Peer–review under responsibility of AMER (Association of Malaysian Environment-Behaviour Researchers), ABRA (Association of Behavioural Researchers on Asians) and cE-Bs (Centre for Environment-Behaviour Studies), Faculty of Architecture, Planning & Surveying, UniversitiTeknologi MARA, Malaysia.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.21834/ebpj.v5i14.2162
Exploration of Microalgae Photobioreactor (PBR) in Tropical Climate Building Envelope
Authors: Mohd Tajul Hasnan Mohd Tajul Izrin , Zaharin Puteri Mayang Bahjah
Published: July 2020

The building sector in Malaysia consumes up to half of the electricity generated in the country. Therefore, there are needs to have a continuous effort to promote microalgae as part of an innovative building envelope system. This paper intends to investigate the potentiality of implementing the microalgae photobioreactor (PBR) in building envelopes in Malaysia. The findings from the precedent studies are synthesised into ten (10) parameters and translated into four (4) design modules. In conclusion, the suggested parameters are crucial in establishing microalgae photobioreactor (PBR) as a suitable prospect for energy efficiency in building envelopes in the tropical climate.
Keywords: energy consumption; microalgae; photobioreactor; building envelope.
eISSN: 2398-4287© 2020. The Authors. Published for AMER ABRA cE-Bs by e-International Publishing House, Ltd., UK. This is an open access article under the CC BYNC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/). Peer–review under responsibility of AMER (Association of Malaysian Environment-Behaviour Researchers), ABRA (Association of Behavioural Researchers on Asians) and cE-Bs (Centre for Environment-Behaviour Studies), Faculty of Architecture, Planning & Surveying, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Malaysia.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.21834/ebpj.v5i14.2166
Water as a Natural Element for Children’s Preferred Visual Landscape
Authors: Abdullah Marina , Ghani Izham Abdul , Teh Mohd Zulhaili , Jasmi Muhammad Falihin
Published: July 2020

A child needs the best environment for the formation of themselves. Water elements may inject interest among children to be closer to their natural environment. This study focuses on the impact of water elements as an attraction to children. This study focuses on the pictorial investigation of water at outdoor spaces for six-year-old children. This study adapted the technique by Miskell (2011) in dividing places through a spectrum of naturalness helps to differentiate places from the pristine to the developed. Moreover, it guides parents towards knowing the children needs in their environment and improving happiness for their future growth.
Keywords: children; children experience; water element; visual landscape.
eISSN: 2398-4287© 2020. The Authors. Published for AMER ABRA cE-Bsby e-International Publishing House, Ltd., UK. This is an open access article under the CC BYNC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/). Peer–review under responsibility of AMER (Association of Malaysian Environment-Behaviour Researchers), ABRA (Association of Behavioural Researchers on Asians) and cE-Bs (Centre for Environment-Behaviour Studies), Faculty of Architecture, Planning & Surveying, UniversitiTeknologi MARA, Malaysia.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.21834/ebpj.v5i14.2177
The Application of HIRARC on Attitude towards Safe Driving Scale (ASDS) according to PreSiM Model
Authors: Masuri Mohamad Ghazali , Dahlan Akehsan , Md Isa Khairil Anuar , Hashim Rugayah
Published: July 2020

The level of hazard identification (HI) determined based on ASDS mean cut off. The risk assessment (RA) and risk control (RC) later translate into PreSiM model. The process of transformation into the matrix table shows promising result in assessing human factors in term hazard, risk and possible RTA control. This scale will enable the Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) team to evaluate the level of severity and action needed to prevent further injury. However, caution should be made where human components and occupational performance of drivers may change over time, and the risk controls are yet to be further analyzed.
Keywords: Human factors; Transportation; HIRARC; ASDS46.
eISSN: 2398-4287© 2020. The Authors. Published for AMER ABRA cE-Bs by e-International Publishing House, Ltd., UK. This is an open access article under the CC BYNC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/). Peer–review under responsibility of AMER (Association of Malaysian Environment-Behaviour Researchers), ABRA (Association of Behavioural Researchers on Asians) and cE-Bs (Centre for Environment-Behaviour Studies), Faculty of Architecture, Planning & Surveying, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Malaysia.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.21834/ebpj.v5i14.2182
The Effects of Moral Norms, Social Norms and Pro-Environmental Attitude on Travel Behavior In Malaysia
Authors: Ngah Rohana
Published: July 2020

Public transportation helps to reduce air pollution that creates negative impacts on work performance, work quality, and productivity. The study investigates the effects of moral norms, social norms, and pro-environmental attitudes on the travel behavior of public transport commuters. A survey was carried in Greater Kuala Lumpur, and a total of 904 usable questionnaires were analyzed using Partial Least Squares. The findings showed that a pro-environmental attitude had a weak relationship to travel behavior, but moral norms played a strong instrumental influence when commuters chose public transport. Recommendation and suggestions provided.
Keywords: Travel Behavior; Moral Norms; Social Norms; Pro-environmental Attitude.
eISSN: 2398-4287© 2020. The Authors. Published for AMER ABRA cE-Bs by e-International Publishing House, Ltd., UK. This is an open access article under the CC BYNC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/). Peer–review under responsibility of AMER (Association of Malaysian Environment-Behaviour Researchers), ABRA (Association of Behavioural Researchers on Asians) and cE-Bs (Centre for Environment-Behaviour Studies), Faculty of Architecture, Planning & Surveying, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Malaysia.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.21834/ebpj.v5i14.2196