bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Does the Community Conservancy Model Work for Pastoralists? Insights from Naibunga Conservancy in Northern Kenya
Authors: Oburah Ken Ogao , Lenachuru Clement , Odadi Wilfred O.
Published: July 2021

Community conservancies are increasingly being established across African pastoral rangelands to help bolster wildlife conservation and livelihoods. Enhancing the effectiveness and sustainability of such conservancies requires better understanding of local community participation and perceptions of their socioeconomic outcomes. Working in Naibunga Community Conservancy in northern Kenya, we evaluated: (1) local community members’ perceptions of conservancy-related socioeconomic outcomes; (2) their involvement in conservancy management and conservation activities; and (3) association between these factors (perceptions and involvement) and various demographic factors. We conducted surveys in 358 households, selected using multi-stage sampling, and additionally interviewed key informants. Large proportions (65–90%) respondents perceived conservancy-related improvements in their overall socioeconomic status, security, household income, livestock numbers, and accessibility to grazing resources, schools, and health facilities. Over 75% of respondents indicated that they were involved in conservancy management and conservation activities. Involvement in these activities was positively associated with perception of socioeconomic improvements. In addition, various demographic factors shaped both perceptions of socioeconomic changes and involvement in conservancy activities. Our findings suggest that community conservancies can improve local pastoralists’ socioeconomic wellbeing. Such conservancies can achieve far greater outcomes with greater focus on maximizing socioeconomic benefits for local pastoralists and enhancing their participation in conservancy activities.
Empirical Research on Climate Warming Risks for Forest Fires: A Case Study of Grade I Forest Fire Danger Zone, Sichuan Province, China
Authors: Wang San , Li Hongli , Niu Shukui
Published: July 2021

The Sichuan province is a key area for forest and grassland fire prevention in China. Forest resources contribute significantly not only to the biological gene pool in the mid latitudes but also in reducing the concentration of greenhouse gases and slowing down global warming. To study and forecast forest fire change trends in a grade I forest fire danger zone in the Sichuan province under climate change, the dynamic impacts of meteorological factors on forest fires in different climatic regions were explored and a model between them was established by using an integral regression in this study. The results showed that the dominant factor behind the area burned was wind speed in three climatic regions, particularly in Ganzi and A’ba with plateau climates. In Ganzi and A’ba, precipitation was mainly responsible for controlling the number of forest fires while it was mainly affected by temperature in Panzhihua and Liangshan with semi-humid subtropical mountain climates. Moreover, the synergistic effect of temperature, precipitation and wind speed was responsible in basin mid-subtropical humid climates with Chengdu as the center and the influence of temperature was slightly higher. The differential forest fire response to meteorological factors was observed in different climatic regions but there was some regularity. The influence of monthly precipitation in the autumn on the area burned in each climatic region was more significant than in other seasons, which verified the hypothesis of a precipitation lag effect. Climate warming and the combined impact of warming effects may lead to more frequent and severe fires.
The Role of Public-Private Partnerships in Housing as a Potential Contributor to Sustainable Cities and Communities: A Systematic Review
Authors: Fell Terence , Mattsson Johanna
Published: July 2021

Today cities face the increasing negative consequences of the unsustainable course society is set on. Climate change, biodiversity loss and increasing spatial segregation are testament to this. The effects of these issues often exceed the coping capacity of individual urban housing developers. Thus, an antidote to the current neoliberal trend must be found in collaborations such as public-private partnerships (PPP). Here the shortcomings and limitations of PPP and its potential ability to solve the problem of unsustainable urban development are investigated. Using the Doughnut Economics (DE) model as a general guide, a systematic literature review is conducted. The results reveal evidence that PPPs are unjust and exclude local actors from collaborations. Hence, resident participation and inclusion is considered the best strategy for PPP to evolve as a future guarantor of the sustainable city. First, however, major differences in the character of issues that connect the global model of sustainability to the harsh reality of the local context need to be addressed. This gap concerns the city’s social foundation and ecological ceiling. The DE model applied herein is an excellent tool to test the scope and depth of local collaborations such as PPPs and reflect on international treaties such as SDGs.
A Service-Learning Based Computers Reuse Program
Authors: Sánchez-Carracedo Fermín , López David
Published: July 2021

Higher Education Institutions are facing a challenging situation: how to introduce concepts such as Sustainability or the Circular Economy into their curricula. This study presents how to organize a Computer Reuse Program, an educational proposal for the Reuse, Repair, Refurbishment, Remanufacture and Recycling of computers into a Curriculum and a case study. The proposal is based in the Service-Learning methodology, by which students develop technical and professional skills while undertaking a project that has a direct and real impact on society. Students work on old or broken computers provided by donors, thereby acquiring technical skills. These now flawlessly functioning computers are donated to NGOs and other non-profit organizations, thus endowing the equipment with a much longer life as well as reducing e-waste, one of the fastest-growing waste streams in the world. As a case study, this paper presents the UPC Computer Reuse Program, carried out at Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya UPC-BarcelonaTech. Since the program started in 2004, some 2500 computers have been donated to 359 different organizations in 29 countries, and more than 5200 students have participated. The paper analyzes the impact of the program on society, on the reduction of e-waste, on the environment and on student awareness regarding social justice and sustainability.
Framing Electric Mobility for Urban Sustainability in a Circular Economy Context: An Overview of the Literature
Authors: Leal Filho Walter , Abubakar Ismaila Rimi , Kotter Richard , Grindsted Thomas Skou , Balogun Abdul-Lateef , Salvia Amanda Lange , Aina Yusuf A. , Wolf Franziska
Published: July 2021

The development of electro-mobility is one of the centerpieces of European country attempts to reduce carbon emissions and increase the quality of life in cities. The goals of reducing emissions from the transport sector and phasing out fossil-fueled vehicles in (urban) transport by 2050 present unrivaled opportunities to foster electro-mobility. This paper provides a comprehensive review of the literature and provides a detailed analysis of the current development of electro-mobility in Europe, assessing social, economic, and environmental aspects under a circular economy (CE) context. It also examines the existing challenges and suggests ways of addressing them towards improving the environmental performance of electro-mobility and the urban quality of life. The paper argues that a narrow technology-only agenda in electro-mobility will be less successful without the imperative of the CE, including not just materials and resources but also energy, to unlock the medium-term co-benefits of de-carbonization of both the transport as well as the building and energy sectors. The paper critically reviews some of the anticipated future developments that may guide the growth of this rapidly growing field into a CE.
Responding to Climate-Induced Displacement in Bangladesh: A Governance Perspective
Authors: Kisinger Chakma , Matsui Kenichi
Published: July 2021

Population displacement by extreme weather events have long plagued Bangladesh, a low-lying disaster-prone river delta. The country experiences yearly displacement of approximately one million people and losses of about 1% of its gross domestic product due to cyclones, floods, and riverbank erosion. This study examines how the Bangladesh government has managed climate-induced displacement with a particular focus on socioeconomic development policies. We analyzed the country’s 1984 Land Reform Ordinance, the 2009 climate change strategy and action plan, the 1997 agricultural Khasland settlement policy, perspective plan for 2010–2021, poverty reduction strategy paper, and five-year plans to understand governance changes for displaced communities. We found that, overall, the central government implemented four main strategies. In the first strategy, Bangladesh resettled displaced people in cluster villages on public lands. Then, it provided life skills training (e.g., leadership, disaster preparedness, income generation) to rehabilitate the residents. The third strategy was to align resettlement efforts with local-level climate change adaptation and poverty reduction activities. Here, the central government and its seventeen departments collaborated with local councils to support resettled households under the social safety program. The fourth strategy was to diversify financial resources by obtaining more fund from donors and establishing its own financial mechanism. However, we also found that the decision-making and implementation process remained top-down without need assessment and community participation. This paper intends to offer insights on how similar challenged countries and regions may respond to climate displacement in the future.
Defects Impact on PV System GHG Mitigation Potential and Climate Change
Authors: Ahmed Waqas , Sheikh Jamil Ahmed , Farjana Shahjadi Hisan , Mahmud M. A. Parvez
Published: July 2021

Solar photovoltaic (PV) systems are widely used to mitigate greenhouse gases (GHG), due to their green renewable nature. However, environmental factors such as bird drops, shade, pollution, etc., accommodation on PV panels surface reduce photons transmission to PV cells, which results in lower energy yield and GHG mitigation potential of PV system. In this study, the PV system’s energy and GHG mitigation potential loss is investigated under environmental stresses. Defects/hotspots caused by the environment on PV panel surface have unknown occurrence frequency, time duration, and intensity and are highly variable from location to location. Therefore, different concentrations of defects are induced in a healthy 12 kWp PV system. Healthy PV system has the potential to avoid the burning of 3427.65 L of gasoline by 16,157.9 kWh green energy production per annum. However, in 1% and 20% defective systems, green energy potential reduces to 15,974.3 and 12,485.6 kWh per annum, respectively. It is equivalent to lesser evasion burning of 3388.70, and 2648.64 L of gasoline, respectively. A timely solution to defective panels can prevent losses in the PV system to ensure optimal performance.
Symmetry of the Human Head—Are Symmetrical Models More Applicable in Numerical Analysis?
Authors: Ratajczak Monika , Ptak Mariusz , Kwiatkowski Artur , Kubicki Konrad , Fernandes Fábio A. O. , Wilhelm Johannes , Dymek Mateusz , Sawicki Marek , Żółkiewski Sławomir
Published: July 2021

The study of symmetrical and non-symmetrical effects in physics, mathematics, mechanics, medicine, and numerical methods is a current topic due to the complexity of the experiments, calculations, and virtual simulations. However, there is a limited number of research publications in computational biomechanics focusing on the symmetry of numerical head models. The majority of the models in the researched literature are symmetrical. Thus, we stated a hypothesis wherever the symmetrical models might be more applicable in numerical analysis. We carried out in-depth studies about head symmetry through clinical data, medical images, materials models, and computer analysis. We concluded that the mapping of the entire geometry of the skull and brain is essential due to the significant differences that affect the results of numerical analyses and the possibility of misinterpretation of the tissue deformation under mechanical load results.
Wild Zebrafish Sentinels: Biological Monitoring of Site Differences Using Behavior and Morphology
Authors: Kelly Jeffrey R. , Shelton Sierra G. , Daniel Danita K. , Bhat Anuradha , Mondal Rubina , Nipple Fahren , Amro Halima , Bower Myra E. , Isaac Gabriel , McHaney Gillian , Martins Emilia P. , Shelton Delia S.
Published: July 2021

Environmental change poses a devastating risk to human and environmental health. Rapid assessment of water conditions is necessary for monitoring, evaluating, and addressing this global health danger. Sentinels or biological monitors can be deployed in the field using minimal resources to detect water quality changes in real time, quickly and cheaply. Zebrafish (Danio rerio) are ideal sentinels for detecting environmental changes due to their biomedical tool kit, widespread geographic distribution, and well-characterized phenotypic responses to environmental disturbances. Here, we demonstrate the utility of zebrafish sentinels by characterizing phenotypic differences in wild zebrafish between two field sites in India. Site 1 was a rural environment with flowing water, low-hypoxic conditions, minimal human-made debris, and high iron and lead concentrations. Site 2 was an urban environment with still water, hypoxic conditions, plastic pollution, and high arsenic, iron, and chromium concentrations. We found that zebrafish from Site 2 were smaller, more cohesive, and less active than Site 1 fish. We also found sexually dimorphic body shapes within the Site 2, but not the Site 1, population. Advancing zebrafish sentinel research and development will enable rapid detection, evaluation, and response to emerging global health threats.
Tetrodotoxin, a Potential Drug for Neuropathic and Cancer Pain Relief?
Authors: González-Cano Rafael , Ruiz-Cantero M. Carmen , Santos-Caballero Miriam , Gómez-Navas Carlos , Tejada Miguel Á. , Nieto Francisco R.
Published: July 2021

Tetrodotoxin (TTX) is a potent neurotoxin found mainly in puffer fish and other marine and terrestrial animals. TTX blocks voltage-gated sodium channels (VGSCs) which are typically classified as TTX-sensitive or TTX-resistant channels. VGSCs play a key role in pain signaling and some TTX-sensitive VGSCs are highly expressed by adult primary sensory neurons. During pathological pain conditions, such as neuropathic pain, upregulation of some TTX-sensitive VGSCs, including the massive re-expression of the embryonic VGSC subtype NaV1.3 in adult primary sensory neurons, contribute to painful hypersensitization. In addition, people with loss-of-function mutations in the VGSC subtype NaV1.7 present congenital insensitive to pain. TTX displays a prominent analgesic effect in several models of neuropathic pain in rodents. According to this promising preclinical evidence, TTX is currently under clinical development for chemo-therapy-induced neuropathic pain and cancer-related pain. This review focuses primarily on the preclinical and clinical evidence that support a potential analgesic role for TTX in these pain states. In addition, we also analyze the main toxic effects that this neurotoxin produces when it is administered at therapeutic doses, and the therapeutic potential to alleviate neuropathic pain of other natural toxins that selectively block TTX-sensitive VGSCs.
A Rapid Review on the Efficacy and Safety of Pharmacological Treatments for Chagas Disease
Authors: Malone Cody J , Nevis Immaculate , Fernández Eduardo , Sanchez Ana
Published: July 2021

Chagas disease remains a neglected tropical disease, causing significant burden in the Americas and countries that receive immigrants from endemic nations. Current pharmaceutical treatments are suboptimal, not only varying drastically in efficacy, depending on the stage of disease, but also presenting significant risk of adverse events. The objective of this review is to provide a timely update on the efficacy and safety of current trypanocidals. Eligible studies published from January 2015 to December 2020 were retrieved by one reviewer from six electronic databases. Ana-lysis was done with review management software and risk of bias was assessed using tools appropriate for the type of study (i.e., experimental or observational). Thirteen studies (10 observational and three RCTs) were included in the analysis. All 13 studies tested Benznidazole (BNZ) or Nifurtimox (NFX), and two studies also tested Posaconazole (POS) or E1224 (Ravucanazole). BNZ was found to be the most efficacious trypanocidal drug compared to Nifurtimox, POS, and E1224; it also resulted in the highest percentage of adverse effects (AEs) and treatment discontinuation due to its toxicity. Adults experienced higher frequency of neurological AEs while taking BNZ or NFX compared to children. Children had a higher frequency of general AEs compared to adults while taking BNZ. Overall, BNZ is still the most efficacious, but development of new, less toxic drugs is paramount for the quality of life of patients. Studies testing combination therapies and shorter regimens are needed, as is the devising of better clinical parameters and laboratory biomarkers to evaluate treatment efficacy. Considering the variability in methodology and reporting of the studies included in the present analysis, we offer some recommendations for the improvement and replicability of clinical studies investigating pharmacological treatment of Chagas disease. These include full disclosure of methodology, standardization of outcome measures, and always collecting and reporting data on both the efficacy of trypanocidals and on safety outcomes.
Serum Neutralizing Activity against B.1.1.7, B.1.351, and P.1 SARS-CoV-2 Variants of Concern in Hospitalized COVID-19 Patients
Authors: Trombetta Claudia Maria , Marchi Serena , Viviani Simonetta , Manenti Alessandro , Benincasa Linda , Ruello Antonella , Bombardieri Emilio , Vicenti Ilaria , Zazzi Maurizio , Montomoli Emanuele
Published: July 2021

The recent spreading of new SARS-CoV-2 variants, carrying several mutations in the spike protein, could impact immune protection elicited by natural infection or conferred by vaccination. In this study, we evaluated the neutralizing activity against the viral variants that emerged in the United Kingdom (B.1.1.7), Brazil (P.1), and South Africa (B.1.351) in human serum samples from hospitalized patients infected by SARS-CoV-2 during the first pandemic wave in Italy in 2020. Of the patients studied, 59.5% showed a decrease (≥2 fold) in neutralizing antibody titer against B.1.1.7, 83.3% against P.1, and 90.5% against B.1.351 with respect to the original strain. The reduction in antibody titers against all analyzed variants, and in particular P.1 and B.1.351, suggests that previous symptomatic infection might be not fully protective against exposure to SARS-CoV-2 variants carrying a set of relevant spike mutations.
Characterization of Anti-Bacterial Effect of the Two New Phages against Uropathogenic Escherichia coli
Authors: Slobodníková Lívia , Markusková Barbora , Kajsík Michal , Andrezál Michal , Straka Marek , Liptáková Adriána , Drahovská Hana
Published: July 2021

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are among the events that most frequently need medical intervention. Uropathogenic Escherichia coli are frequently their causative agents and the infections are sometimes complicated by the presence of polyresistant nosocomial strains. Phage therapy is a tool that has good prospects for the treatment of these infections. In the present study, we isolated and characterized two bacteriophages with broad host specificity against a panel of local uropathogenic E. coli strains and combined them into a phage cocktail. According to genome sequencing, these phages were closely related and belonged to the Tequatrovirus genus. The newly isolated phages showed very good activity on a panel of local clinical E. coli strains from urinary tract infections. In the form of a two-phage cocktail, they were active on E. coli strains belonging to phylogroups B2 and D, with relatively lower activity in B1 and no response in phylogroup A. Our study is a preliminary step toward the establishment of a national phage bank containing local, well-characterized phages with therapeutic potential for patients in Slovakia.
Bispecific Anti-HIV Immunoadhesins That Bind Gp120 and Gp41 Have Broad and Potent HIV-Neutralizing Activity
Authors: Pincus Seth H. , Craig Ryan B. , Weachter Lauren , LaBranche Celia C. , Nabi Rafiq , Watt Connie , Raymond Mark , Peters Tami , Song Kejing , Maresh Grace A. , Montefiori David C. , Kozlowski Pamela A.
Published: July 2021

We have constructed bispecific immunoglobulin-like immunoadhesins that bind to both the HIV-envelope glycoproteins: gp120 and gp41. These immunoadhesins have N terminal domains of human CD4 engrafted onto the N-terminus of the heavy chain of human anti-gp41 mAb 7B2. Binding of these constructs to recombinant Env and their antiviral activities were compared to that of the parental mAbs and CD4, as well as to control mAbs. The CD4/7B2 constructs bind to both gp41 and gp140, as well as to native Env expressed on the surface of infected cells. These constructs deliver cytotoxic immunoconjugates to HIV-infected cells, but not as well as a mixture of 7B2 and sCD4, and opsonize for antibody-mediated phagocytosis. Most surprisingly, given that 7B2 neutralizes weakly, if at all, is that the chimeric CD4/7B2 immunoadhesins exhibit broad and potent neutralization of HIV, comparable to that of well-known neutralizing mAbs. These data add to the growing evidence that enhanced neutralizing activity can be obtained with bifunctional mAbs/immunoadhesins. The enhanced neutralization activity of the CD4/7B2 chimeras may result from cross-linking of the two Env subunits with subsequent inhibition of the pre-fusion conformational events that are necessary for entry.
Neutralizing Activity of Sera from Sputnik V-Vaccinated People against Variants of Concern (VOC: B.1.1.7, B.1.351, P.1, B.1.617.2, B.1.617.3) and Moscow Endemic SARS-CoV-2 Variants
Authors: Gushchin Vladimir A. , Dolzhikova Inna V. , Shchetinin Alexey M. , Odintsova Alina S. , Siniavin Andrei E. , Nikiforova Maria A. , Pochtovyi Andrei A. , Shidlovskaya Elena V. , Kuznetsova Nadezhda A. , Burgasova Olga A. , Kolobukhina Liudmila V. , Iliukhina Anna A. , Kovyrshina Anna V. , Botikov Andrey G. , Kuzina Aleksandra V. , Grousova Daria M. , Tukhvatulin Amir I. , Shcheblyakov Dmitry V. , Zubkova Olga V. , Karpova Oksana V. , Voronina Olga L. , Ryzhova Natalia N. , Aksenova Ekaterina I. , Kunda Marina S. , Lioznov Dmitry A. , Danilenko Daria M. , Komissarov Andrey B. , Tkachuck Artem P. , Logunov Denis Y. , Gintsburg Alexander L.
Published: July 2021

Since the beginning of the 2021 year, all the main six vaccines against COVID-19 have been used in mass vaccination companies around the world. Virus neutralization and epidemiological efficacy drop obtained for several vaccines against the B.1.1.7, B.1.351 P.1, and B.1.617 genotypes are of concern. There is a growing number of reports on mutations in receptor-binding domain (RBD) increasing the transmissibility of the virus and escaping the neutralizing effect of antibodies. The Sputnik V vaccine is currently approved for use in more than 66 countries but its activity against variants of concern (VOC) is not extensively studied yet. Virus-neutralizing activity (VNA) of sera obtained from people vaccinated with Sputnik V in relation to internationally relevant genetic lineages B.1.1.7, B.1.351, P.1, B.1.617.2, B.1.617.3 and Moscow endemic variants B.1.1.141 (T385I) and B.1.1.317 (S477N, A522S) with mutations in the RBD domain has been assessed. The data obtained indicate no significant differences in VNA against B.1.1.7, B.1.617.3 and local genetic lineages B.1.1.141 (T385I), B.1.1.317 (S477N, A522S) with RBD mutations. For the B.1.351, P.1, and B.1.617.2 statistically significant 3.1-, 2.8-, and 2.5-fold, respectively, VNA reduction was observed. Notably, this decrease is lower than that reported in publications for other vaccines. However, a direct comparative study is necessary for a conclusion. Thus, sera from “Sputnik V”-vaccinated retain neutralizing activity against VOC B.1.1.7, B.1.351, P.1, B.1.617.2, B.1.617.3 as well as local genetic lineages B.1.1.141 and B.1.1.317 circulating in Moscow.
Producing Vaccines against Enveloped Viruses in Plants: Making the Impossible, Difficult
Authors: Peyret Hadrien , Steele John F. C. , Jung Jae-Wan , Thuenemann Eva C. , Meshcheriakova Yulia , Lomonossoff George P.
Published: July 2021

The past 30 years have seen the growth of plant molecular farming as an approach to the production of recombinant proteins for pharmaceutical and biotechnological uses. Much of this effort has focused on producing vaccine candidates against viral diseases, including those caused by enveloped viruses. These represent a particular challenge given the difficulties associated with expressing and purifying membrane-bound proteins and achieving correct assembly. Despite this, there have been notable successes both from a biochemical and a clinical perspective, with a number of clinical trials showing great promise. This review will explore the history and current status of plant-produced vaccine candidates against enveloped viruses to date, with a particular focus on virus-like particles (VLPs), which mimic authentic virus structures but do not contain infectious genetic material.
Improved Cardiovascular Tolerance to Hemorrhage after Oral Resveratrol Pretreatment in Dogs
Authors: Davis Jennifer , Raisis Anthea L. , Sharp Claire R. , Cianciolo Rachel E. , Wallis Steven C. , Ho Kwok M.
Published: July 2021

Resveratrol has been shown to preserve organ function and improve survival in hemorrhagic shock rat models. This study investigated whether seven days of oral resveratrol could improve hemodynamic response to hemorrhage and confer benefits on risk of acute kidney injury (AKI) without inducing coagulopathy in a canine model. Twelve greyhound dogs were randomly allocated to receive oral resveratrol (1000 mg/day) or placebo for seven days prior to inducing hemorrhage until a targeted mean blood pressure of ≤40 mmHg was achieved. AKI biomarkers and coagulation parameters were measured before, immediately following, and two hours after hemorrhage. Dogs were euthanized, and renal tissues were examined at the end of the experiment. All investigators were blinded to the treatment allocation. A linear mixed model was used to assess effect of resveratrol on AKI biomarkers and coagulation parameters while adjusting for volume of blood loss. A significant larger volume of blood loss was required to achieve the hypotension target in the resveratrol group compared to placebo group (median 64 vs. 55 mL/kg respectively, p = 0.041). Although histological evidence of AKI was evident in all dogs, the renal tubular injury scores were not significantly different between the two groups, neither were the AKI biomarkers. Baseline (pre-hemorrhage) maximum clot firmness on the Rotational Thromboelastometry (ROTEM®) was stronger in the resveratrol group than the placebo group (median 54 vs. 43 mm respectively, p = 0.009). In summary, seven days of oral resveratrol did not appear to induce increased bleeding risk and could improve greyhound dogs’ blood pressure tolerance to severe hemorrhage. Renal protective effect of resveratrol was, however, not observed.
McKittrick-Wheelock Syndrome: A Case Series
Authors: Villanueva Maureen Elvira P. , Onglao Mark Augustine S. , Tampo Mayou Martin T. , Lopez Marc Paul J.
Published: July 2021

McKittrick-Wheelock syndrome is a rare and life-threatening disease characterized by the triad of (1) chronic mucous diarrhea, (2) renal function impairment with hydroelectrolyte imbalance, and (3) a giant colorectal tumor. Often, the tumor is a rectal adenoma. With the mortality being certain, if left untreated, it is important to raise awareness on the presentation, diagnosis, and management of this disease entity. Here, we presented 3 cases of McKittrick-Wheelock syndrome that were successfully managed with surgical resection at the Philippine General Hospital from August 2018 to May 2019. Resolution of their symptoms, reversal of their renal impairment, and correction of their electrolyte depletion were noted after removal of the tumor with a sphincter-saving operation.
Longer prolapsed rectum length increases recurrence risk after Delorme’s procedure
Authors: Tanabe Taro , Yamaguchi Emi , Nakada Takuya , Nishio Risa , Okamoto Kinya , Yamana Tetsuo
Published: July 2021

Purpose: Risk factors for recurrence of rectal prolapse after surgery remain unclear. Delorme’s procedure is often selected for relatively small-sized rectal prolapse, but there are few reports discussing the association between prolapsed rectum length and prolapse recurrence after Delorme’s procedure. We hypothesized that patients with longer rectal prolapses are at a higher risk of recurrence after Delorme’s procedure.Methods: The study population comprised patients with rectal prolapse who underwent Delorme’s procedure between January 2014 and December 2019 at Tokyo Yamate Medical Center. We extracted data on patient age, sex, body mass index, previous history of anal surgery, previous history of surgery for rectal prolapse, and length of prolapse, to identify risk factors for prolapse recurrence.Results: Altogether, 96 patients were eligible for analysis. The median length of the prolapsed rectum was 3.0 cm (range, 1.0–6.6 cm). Twenty-four patients (25.0%) experienced recurrence after Delorme’s procedure after a median of 7.5 months (interquartile range, 3.2–20.9 months). Multivariate analysis revealed that longer prolapsed rectum length increased the risk of recurrence after Delorme’s procedure (hazard ratio, 6.28; 95% confidence interval, 1.83–21.50; P<0.001).Conclusion: The length of the prolapsed rectum should be measured before Delorme’s procedure for rectal prolapse, because length is associated with a risk of recurrence after the surgery.
Comparison of the oncological outcomes of stenting as a bridge to surgery and surgery alone in stages II to III obstructive colorectal cancer: a retrospective study
Authors: Uehara Hiroaki , Yamazaki Toshiyuki , Iwaya Akira , Kameyama Hitoshi , Komatsu Masaru , Hirai Motoharu
Published: July 2021

Purpose: We evaluated the oncological outcomes of bridge to surgery (BTS) using stent compared with surgery alone for obstructive colorectal cancer.Methods: Consecutive patients who underwent curative resection for stages II to III obstructive colorectal cancer at our institution from January 2009 to March 2020, were registered retrospectively and divided into 43 patients in the BTS group and 65 patients in the surgery alone group. We compared the surgical and oncological outcomes between the 2 groups.Results: Stent-related perforation did not occur. One patient in whom the stent placement was unsuccessful underwent emergency surgery with poor decompression (clinical success rate, 97.7%). The pathological characteristics were not significantly different between the groups. The following surgical outcomes in the BTS group were superior to those in the surgery alone group; nonemergency surgery (P<0.001), surgical approach (P=0.006), and length of hospital stay (P=0.020). The median follow-up time was 44.9 months (range, 1.1–126.5 months). The 3-year relapse-free survival rates were 68.4% and 58.2% (P=0.411), and the overall survival rates were 78.3% and 88.2% (P=0.255) in the surgery alone and BTS groups, respectively. The 3-year locoregional recurrence rates were 10.2% and 8.0% (P=0.948), and distant metastatic recurrence rates were 13.3% and 30.4% (P=0.035) in the surgery alone and BTS groups, respectively.Conclusion: This study revealed that BTS with stent may be associated with a higher frequency of distant metastatic recurrence. Stent for stages II to III obstructive colorectal cancer potentially worsens oncological outcomes.
Presentación
Authors: Goldman Noemí , Djenderedjian Julio
Published: July 2021

Presentación al dossier especial sobre el centenario del Instituto de Historia Argentina y Americana "Dr. Emilio Ravignani"
Los orígenes del Instituto de Investigaciones Históricas de la Facultad de Filosofía y Letras de la Universidad de Buenos Aires
Authors: Buchbinder Pablo
Published: July 2021

El objetivo del artículo consiste en analizar los orígenes del Instituto de Investigaciones Históricas, dependiente de la Facultad de Filosofía y Letras de la Universidad de Buenos Aires. Se analizan sus primeros proyectos y colecciones editoriales en el marco de la profesionalización de los historiadores. Se estudian también los cambios experimentados por el Instituto desde su fundación hasta la década de 1930.
Compositional optimization for molding of bioactive glasses in the SiO2-Na2O-CaO-P2O5 system/ Otimização da composição para moldagem de vidros bioativos no sistema SiO2-Na2O-CaO-P2O5
Authors: Lara Nícolas , Bernardi Maria Inês Basso
Published: July 2021

This paper shows the determination of the most energy efficient composition for molding of bioglasses in the SiO2 -Na2O-CaO-P2O5 system. Ten compositions were formulated in the range where the glass has a bioactivity index greater than 8 and the curves of viscosity as a function of temperature were drawn using the Vogel-Fulcher-Tammann (VFT) equation. Analyzing the curves, the composition 43SiO2 -30CaO-21Na2O-6P2O5 has the lowest viscosity over the entire working temperature range, requiring less heat to be molded and consequently consuming less energy in the ovens.
Impact of Temperature on Absorption Coefficient of Pure Seawater in the Blue Wavelengths Inferred from Satellite and
In Situ
Measurements
Authors: Wei Guomei , Lee Zhongping , Wu Xiuling , Yu Xiaolong , Shang Shaoling , Letelier Ricardo
Published: July 2021

There has been a long history of interest on how (if) the absorption coefficient of “pure” fresh water (

a

fw

λ

) and “pure” seawater (

a

sw

λ

) changes with temperature (

T

), yet the impact of

T

reported in the literature differs significantly in the blue domain. Unlike the previous studies based on laboratory measurements, we took an approach based on ~18 years (2002–2020) of MODIS ocean color and temperature measurements in the oligotrophic oceans, along with field measured chlorophyll concentration and phytoplankton absorption coefficient, to examine the relationship between

T

and the total absorption coefficient (

a

λ

) at 412 and 443 nm. We found that the values of

a

412

and

a

443

in the summer are nearly flat (slightly decreasing) for the observed

T

range of ~19–27 °C. Since there are no detectable changes of chlorophyll during this period, the results suggest that

T

has a negligible impact on

a

sw

412

and

a

sw

443

in this

T

range. As a complement, the impact of salinity on

a

fw

λ

was also evaluated using three independent determinations of

a

sw

λ

and

a

fw

λ

, where good agreements were found from these observations.
Avances en la implementación de la Zona de Amortiguamiento del Parque Nacional Campos del Tuyú / Progress in the implementation of the Buffer Zone of the Campos del Tuyú National Park
Authors: Martín Guillermo , Beade Mario , Martínez Lorena Verónica , Carusi Lorena Pérez , Lipori Mariana
Published: July 2021

Las áreas protegidas son proyectos de conservación ejecutados en el territorio, bajo las limitaciones resultantes de llevar la teoría a la práctica. Las 3.040 ha del Parque Nacional Campos del Tuyú (PNCDT) son insuficientes para cumplir los objetivos para los que fue creado: conservar una población relictual de venado de las pampas (Ozotocerus bezoarticus) y el pastizal pampeano. Este parque integra una extensa red de reservas que protegen los humedales costeros estuariales de la Bahía de Samborombón y alrededores, dependientes de tres niveles estatales: nacional, provincial y municipal; y privadas. Desde el PNCDT se han promovido alianzas e iniciativas sobre su zona de amortiguación para insertarse dentro de la matriz socioambiental circundante, interactuando con el municipio de General Lavalle, otras instituciones y propietarios privados. En este artículo se hace un análisis crítico de acciones y perspectivas, reconociéndose muy necesario sumar superficie, mejorar el hábitat del venado amenazado por especies invasoras y fragmentación, entre otras causas, y sumar nuevos valores de conservación de enorme significado internacional.
HEALTH PRECAUTIONS WHEN USING RADIATING MOBILE DEVICES
Authors: Зубарев Ю.Б. , Григорьев Ю.Г. , Григорьев О.А.
Published: July 2021

Показано, что рост числа пользователей мобильными телефонами повышает вероятность влияния электромаг- нитного поля (ЭМП) на здоровье человека в масштабах населения страны. Обоснованы практические решения для снижения персонального риска здоровью при использовании мобильных телефонов и смартфонов. Предложены практические рекомендации по соблюдению элементарных гигиенических принципов при работе с мобильным телефоном, которые необходимо доводить до каждого пользователя, что поможет ему осознанно выбирать режим работы мобильных устройств.

It is shown that an increase in the number of users of mobile phones increases the probability of the influence of the electromagnetic field on human health across the countrys population. Practical solutions to reducing personal risk to health when using mobile phones and smartphones are substantiated. Practical recommendations are offered for observing basic hygiene principles when working with a mobile phone, which must be brought to each user, which will help him to consciously choose the mode of use of mobile devices.
INFLUENCE OF A PRIORI INFORMATION ON THE MULTIPLE MODEL ALGORITHM CONVERGENCE DURING TRACKING A BALLISTIC TARGET
Authors: Голенко Д.С. , Сычев М.И.
Published: July 2021

Рассмотрена задача сопровождения маневрирующего баллистического объекта на этапе входа в атмосферу с помощью пассивной антенной решетки. Предложено использовать многомодельный алгоритм на основе расширенного и сигма-точечного фильтров Калмана. Проанализировано влияние точности априорной информации на сходимость многомодельного алгоритма. С помощью математического моделирования проведено сравнение с одиночными фильтрами Калмана.

The problem of reentry ballistic target tracking with a passive antenna array is considered. Multiple model algorithm based on extended and sigma-point Kalman filters is proposed. A priori information accuracy influence on the convergence of multiple model algorithm is analyzed. Using mathematical modeling, the results were compared with regular extended Kalman filters.
COLUMBUS OF RADIO ENGINEERING. TO THE 125th ANNIVERSARY OF RADIO INVENTION. PART I
Authors: БОРИСОВА Н.А.
Published: July 2021

Приведены доказательства того, что изобретение, публично продемонстрированное русским ученым-физиком А.С. Поповым 7 мая 1895 г., положило начало беспроводной связи. Рассмотрены следующие вопросы: что произошло в эту знаменательную дату на чьих работах базировался Попов, создавая схему беспроводной связи. Показаны сущность и новизна технического решения. Опровергается ошибочное мнение о том, что 25 апреля (7 мая) 1895 г. А.С. Попов официально пред- ставил грозоотметчик. Для сравнительной оценки вклада Попова и его предшественников в изобретение радио использован синергетический подход кроме того, возникновение и развитие радиосвязи представлены в виде последовательности этапов инновационного процесса. В условиях, когда национальные интересы и общий скепсис в отношении того, что у радио есть изо- бретатель, привели к появлению понятий коллективный разум , пионеры радиосвязи и их список с годами растет (в наши дни во многих странах есть свой Попов ), популяризация научно обоснованных сведений о Попове как о первооткрывателе радио Колумбе радиотехники приобретает особую важность.

The article presents the evidence that the invention, publicly demonstrated by the Russian physicist A.S. Popov on May 7 (new style), 1895, marked the beginning of wireless communication. The following questions are discussed. What happened on that date On whose works Popov was based, creating a wireless communication scheme The core and novelty of the technical solution are described. A misconception that on May 7, 1895, A.S. Popov publicly presented the lightning detector is disputed. For a comparative analysis of Popovs and predecessorss contribution to the radio invention a synergetic approach is used.
DOPPLER FREQUENCY SHIFT ESTIMATION BASED ON THE FIRST- AND SECOND-ORDER DIFFERENCE PHASES
Authors: Егоров В.В. , Лобов С.А. , Маслаков М.Л. , Мингалев А.Н.
Published: July 2021

Рассмотрена задача оценки доплеровского смещения несущей частоты информационного одночастотного фа- зоманипулированного сигнала, если информационная последовательность неизвестна. Приведено описание метода оценки с использованием разности фаз первого и второго порядков. Представлены результаты численного моделирования.

The problem of Doppler frequency shift estimation of the single-tone information signal with phase-shiftkeying modulation under conditions when the information sequence is unknown is considered. The description of the estimation method using the firstand second-order phase difference is given. The results of the numerical simulation are presented.
ANALYSIS OF INVERSE CLASS-F POWER AMPLIFIER WITH FORMING LINE
Authors: Воронович В.В. , Гадзиковский А.Г. , Потапов А.Ю.
Published: July 2021

Приводятся результаты исследования усилителя мощности (УМ) инверсного класса F с отрезком формирующей линии. В нормированном (обобщенном) виде устанавливается связь энергетических и диапазонных характеристик с параметрами схемы. Показано, что в области высоких частот данный УМ по энергетическим характеристикам превосходит УМ других классов.

Results of the study of the inverse class-F power amplifier with forming line segment are given. The connection of energy and band characteristics with the circuit parameters in normalized form is established. The results show that this power amplifier is superior in energy characteristics in the high-frequency band to power amplifiers of other classes.
Estudo comparativo de rede de drenagem na SABESP Oeste com auxílio de provedores SIG
Authors: Pereira Toniolo Bruno , Collins da Cunha e Silva Darllan , Lourenço Roberto Wagner
Published: July 2021

As propriedades geomorfométricas de uma bacia hidrográfica servem como parâmetros para planejamento ambiental e ordenamento territorial, em especial o manejo de recursos hídricos. Esta pesquisa objetiva comparar as variáveis morfométricas da rede de córregos e microbacias extraídas do Modelo Digital de Elevação (MDE) da Unidade de Negócio Oeste (MO) da Companhia de Saneamento Básico do Estado de São Paulo (SABESP), por meio de quatro ferramentas de geoprocessamento: SAGA, TauDem, GRASS e ArcGIS. Foi usado como base o MDE Topodata do Instituto Nacional de Pesquisas Espaciais (INPE). Os resultados obtidos mostraram que as quatro redes de drenagem extraídas possuem relativa similaridade geométrica, apesar dos indicadores morfométricos apresentarem valores diferentes, como por exemplo a Densidade de Drenagem (Dd) e Ordem Hídrica (Strahler) que foram maiores para o provedor TauDem. Os algoritmos TauDem e GRASS delimitaram as microbacias com maior detalhamento, já os provedores ArcGIS e o SAGA mapearam as áreas de contribuição de forma mais generalizada.
THE PREVALENCE OF NON-CARIOUS TOOTH DEFECTS ASSOCIATED WITH INDUSTRIAL EXPOSURE IN RESIDENTS OF PENZA REGION (RUSSIA)
Authors: Suvorova Marina , Emelina Galina , Teplova Anna , Belousova Anna
Published: July 2021

— Aim of the study: to assess the level of dental pathology in Penza Region (Russia) and estimate the impact of the industrial environment. Materials and methods: A clinical examination and analysis of the frequency of enamel erosion, fluorosis and hypoplasia, wedge-shaped defect and multiple enamel cracks were carried out among the main professional groups of the region's population — workers of the machine-building and timber processing industries in the Penza region. Results and Discussion. Among the residents of Penza region, the frequency of enamel erosion was 4.0%, pathological tooth wear — 7.1%, wedge-shaped defect — 6.1%, multiple enamel fractures — 11.1%. There is a high frequency of noncarious tooth defects that occur before teething. In patients working in the machine-building industry, a high frequency of pathological tooth wear was noted (24,5%); in workers of the timber processing industry, it was 2 times lower (12,6%), as well as a high frequency of wedge- shaped defects, enamel erosion and multiple enamel cracks — all this was 2–2.5 times higher compared to similar indicators in patients from agricultural populations. However, the prevalence of dental fluorosis and hypoplasia was almost the same as in the agricultural population. Conclusion: Penza region has a high prevalence of dental fluorosis and hypoplasia. At the same time, the influence of industrial environment on the incidence of various types of non-carious dental pathology in workers of machine-building and timber processing industries in Penza region was established.
CLINICAL COURSE OF PERIODONTAL DISEASES IN PATIENTS WITH POSTMENOPAUSAL OSTEOPOROSIS TREATED WITH BISPHOSPHONATES
Authors: Sukhorukikh Marietta , Kozlova Marina , Gorbatova Ekaterina , Dzikovitskaya Larisa , Bashtovoy Alexey
Published: July 2021

The aim of the study was to assess the state of the clinical course of periodontal diseases in patients with postmenopausal osteoporosis (OP), depending on the long-term oral administration of various groups of bisphosphonates (BP). The study included 120 women aged 55–65 years with postmenopausal OP for at least three years who took complex antiosteoporetic therapy, including BP in tablet form. The dental examination included an examination of the oral cavity, the study of the pH of the oral fluid, the hygienic state of the mouth (the "Florida Probe" system). According to the results of the study, it was revealed that prolonged treatment of BP in tablets can provoke the development of inflammatory reactions in periodontal tissues. This phenomenon is associated with a shift in the pH of saliva to the acidic side, at which its buffer properties change.