bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Alles schon mal dagewesen
Authors: Newiak Denis
Published: March 2021

Binnen weniger Wochen hat sich unser aller vermeintlich so sicheres Leben geändert: Lockdown, Homeoffice, Kontaktbeschränkungen, tägliche Bulletins von Virologen, Protestbewegungen und Verschwörungsfantasien.

Hätten wir darauf vorbereitet sein können? Aber ja – alles schon mal dagewesen: Im Kino!

Science-Fiction-Filme und -Serien setzen sich seit je her auf spekulative Weise mit der Zukunft und ihrem möglichen Verlauf, den sozialen Veränderungen und Konfliktfeldern auseinander, und haben viele Fragen, die mit der Viruserkrankung Covid-19 aufgeworfen wurden, bereits vorausgedacht, durchgearbeitet und versuchsweise beantwortet.

Der Blick auf einschlägige Filme wie Contagion (USA/AE 2011), Children of Men (USA/UK 2006) und Blindness (Die Stadt der Blinden, BR/CA/JP 2008) kann Handlungsoptionen aufzeigen und auf spielerischem Wege auf Konfliktlinien, die im Vorfeld, im Verlauf und im Nachgang von Pandemien gesellschaftlich relevant werden können, verweisen, sodass die aufmerksame und kritische Betrachtung Hilfestellung beim Umgang mit der Pandemie leisten kann.

Denis Newiak entziffert die von diesen Filmen aufgeworfenen Diskurse und Konfliktfelder und setzt sie in Bezug zu unseren aktuellen Erfahrungen.
Das Gebetbuch des Claus Humbracht
Authors: Reiter Melanie Naika
Published: March 2021

An outstanding piece of the handwriting collection of the Frankfurt City & University Library is the ‚Prayerbook of Claus Humbracht‘. Despite its sixteen magnificent illuminations and miniatures it has received little attention from academic research so far.

This art-historical study examines the codex extensively in a codicological, iconographical and theological manner for the very first time. It focuses on comparing the miniatures with corresponding artworks from the German-speaking and Flemish region, whereby the date of origin and place of manufacture of the manuscript can be determined for the first time. This monography provides important insights regarding the history of the manuscript and its patron.
Physicochemical Properties of Sugarcane Industry Residues Aiming at Their Use in Energy Processes
Authors: M. de O. Camargo Julia , Marcela Gallego Ríos Jhuliana , C. Antonio Graziella , T.C. Leite Juliana
Published: March 2021

According to the US Department of Agriculture, sugarcane global production for marketing year (MY) 2020/21 will forecast up 22 million tons in comparison with 2019/2020 MY, reaching 188 million tons (raw value), due to higher production in Brazil, India and Thailand. These countries alternate sugarcane uses for obtaining sugar, ethanol and other products, generating near to 152 million tons of residues. In a circular economy context, the reuse of the sugarcane industry by-products is desired. Nowadays, bagasse and, sometimes, straw are used for energy recovery through combustion, while filter cake and vinasse are commonly used for soil fertilization. However, while bagasse and straw present potential for energy recovery through the thermochemical route, vinasse and filter cake are better applied in anaerobic digestion processes to produce biogas and biofertilizer. These treatments, when correctly employed, can improve the performance of sugarcane industry by diversifying its energy sources and products. For this, the correct design of equipment and processes is essential, which requires the knowledge of physical and chemical properties of sugarcane industry’s by-products. In this context, the chapter goal is to present an updated literature review for these properties, considering their use in energy recovery processes.
Biotransformation of Pitanga Juice by Tannase from Saccharomyces cerevisiae CCMB 520
Authors: Monteiro Gustavo , Araújo Maria , Barbosa Paula , Mello Marcelo , Leite Tonny , Assis Sandra , Sena Amanda
Published: March 2021

The pitanga (Eugenia uniflora L.) is a native species to Brazil and widely used by Brazilian industry, mainly in food, to juice, ice cream, soft drinks, jellies and liqueurs production. The fruit contains a high concentration of anthocyanins, flavonoids and carotenoids, which make it a promising source of antioxidant compounds. The objective of this work was to produce and purify tannase from Saccharomyces cerevisiae CCMB 520, to apply in the integral pitanga juice and to verify its physical and chemical effects. The tannase was produced under submerged fermentation in bench bioreactor. After the fermentation process the enzyme was partially purified. The partially purified tannase was applied in the integral pitanga juice using Doehlert statistical design. The effect of the enzymatic application was analyzed by means of phenolic compounds contents and antioxidant activity. Physical–chemical analyzes were carried out to investigate the Standard Identity and Quality of the juice. The best results for partial purification were obtained by ultrafiltration. After application, the total phenolics content was 4855 mg Eq. AG/L, and for the antioxidant activity was 952 μMTrolox/L (69.41%). It has been found that it is possible by means of enzymatic treatment to improve the functional quality of the integral pitanga juice.
Molecular Mechanisms of Resistance to Antifungals in Candida albicans
Authors: Ruiz-Baca Estela , Isela Arredondo-Sánchez Rosa , Corral-Pérez Karina , López-Rodríguez Angélica , Meneses-Morales Iván , M. Ayala-García Víctor , Lilia Martínez-Rocha Ana
Published: March 2021

Invasive Candidiasis (IC) presents a global mortality rate greater than 40%, occupying the fourth place worldwide as the most frequent opportunistic nosocomial disease. Although the genus Candida consists of around 200 species, only 20 are reported as etiological agents of IC, being Candida albicans the most frequent causal agent. Even when there is a broad range of antifungals drugs for Candida infections, azoles, polyenes, and echinocandins are considered among the most effective treatment. However, there is some incidence for antifungal resistance among some Candida strains, limiting treatment options. Several molecular mechanisms with antifungal agents have been reported for C. albicans where insertions, deletions, and point mutations in genes codifying target proteins are frequently related to the antifungal drug resistance. Furthermore, gene overexpression is also frequently associated to antifungal resistance as well as an increase in the activity of proteins that reduce oxidative damage. This chapter summarizes the main molecular mechanisms to C. albicans antifungal drug resistance, besides offering an overview of new antifungal agents and new antifungal targets to combat fungal infections.
Quantitative Approximation of Geothermal Potential of Bakreswar Geothermal Area in Eastern India
Authors: Maji Chiranjit , Chaudhuri Hirok , Khutia Saroj
Published: March 2021

Proper utilization of geothermal energy for power generation is still overlooked in India even after having enough potential as much as the equivalent to its other nonconventional energy resources. The source of geothermal energy is the decay of the radio-nuclei present inside the Earth’s crust apart from the primordial heat source. The noble gas 4He is also produced during the radioactive disintegration process. Therefore, measuring the amount of 4He gas along with some other geochemical parameters in an Indian geothermal area, the potential of the reservoir can be evaluated. Mathematical calculations relating to the radioactive disintegration to estimate the geothermal potential of Bakreswar geothermal reservoir utilizing the concept of the 4He exploration technique has been described here. The study showed that the heat (radiogenic) energy generated by the radioactive decay of 232Th, 238U, and 235U inside the reservoir was evaluated as 38 MW. This value raises to 76 MW when primordial heat is included. The detail calculations suggest that a Kalina cycle based binary power plant using ammonia–water mixture as working fluid is supposed to be installed at the identified locations with a drilling depth of about 1,100 m and the plant would be capable of delivering the power of 9.88 MW to 40.26 MW.
Light and Phages on Tackle of Infectious Diseases
Authors: de Paula Nogueira Cruz Felipe , Cristina Bogas Andréa , Paiva de Sousa Cristina
Published: March 2021

There has been an important increase in the emergence of resistance in microbial population worldwide. This trajectory needs, necessarily new approaches to treat infectious diseases. The ability to detect and prevent the evolutionary trajectories of microbial resistance would be of value. Photodynamic inactivation (PDI) represents an efficient alternative treatment for diseases caused by viruses, which can cause infections well documented in various mammals. PDI can kill cells after exposure with the appropriate photosensitizer (PS), light of adequate wavelength combined with the presence of oxygen, without inducing resistance. Cytotoxic reactive species formed interaction with vital biomolecules leading to irreversible microbial inactivation. Bacteriophages can act on delivering antimicrobial agents into bacteria, which consist in a likely instrument for the treatment of infectious diseases. Non-enveloped bacteriophages are more difficult to tolerate photoinactivation than enveloped phages, which makes them an important model tool to evaluate the efficiency of PDI therapy against viruses that cause diseases in humans. Combination of photosensitizers and bacteriophage therapy can be employed to eradicate biofilms, contributing to control of infections also caused by drug-resistant bacteria.
Reducing Disease Burden in Rural Populations: Case Studies in Europe and Africa
Authors: Henrique das Neves Martins Pires Paulo
Published: March 2021

In 1984, Portugal was a middle-income country, developing the primary health care system, based on family doctors, health centres and health posts, reaching almost all population, with infectious diseases as one of the main health problems. In 2006, Mozambique was a low-income country, with a national health service attaining 60% of the population (40% in rural areas), with a double burden of disease (infectious and non-communicable diseases). Working in primary health care in Europe and Africa, we compare several experiences of family medicine practice in rural populations, different in context, time, and methods: Portugal 1984–2006 and Mozambique 2007–2020, all with a strong component of community health education. Our descriptive case studies, summarise strategies, interventions, and results, reviewing reports and articles. Population’ health indicators, and quality of life have improved, in different contexts with culturally tailored approaches. Participative societal diagnosis and multidisciplinary interventions are necessary to improve rural population health. Different rural populations and cultures are ready to learn and to participate in health promotion; empowering rural populations on health issues is an affordable strategy to better health indicators and services. Family Medicine is effective to extend primary health care to all rural populations, aiming universal health cover.
Extracellular Matrix in Cardiac Tissue Mechanics and Physiology: Role of Collagen Accumulation
Authors: LeBar Kristen , Wang Zhijie
Published: March 2021

The extracellular matrix (ECM) forms a mesh surrounding tissue, made up of fibrous and non-fibrous proteins that contribute to the cellular function, mechanical properties of the tissue and physiological function of the organ. The cardiac ECM remodels in response to mechanical alterations (e.g., pressure overload, volume overload) or injuries (e.g., myocardial infarction, bacterial infection), which further leads to mechanical and functional changes of the heart. Collagen, the most prevalent ECM protein in the body, contributes significantly to the mechanical behavior of myocardium during disease progression. Alterations in collagen fiber morphology and alignment, isoform, and cross-linking occur during the progression of various cardiac diseases. Acute or compensatory remodeling of cardiac ECM maintains normal cardiac function. However, chronic or decompensatory remodeling eventually results in heart failure, and the exact mechanism of transition into maladaptation remains unclear. This review aims to summarize the primary role of collagen accumulation (fibrosis) in heart failure progression, with a focus on its effects on myocardial tissue mechanical properties and cellular and organ functions.
A Social Platform for Fostering Ethical Education through Role-Playing
Authors: Alvarez Claudio , Zurita Gustavo , Hasbún Beatriz , Peñafiel Sergio , Pezoa Álvaro
Published: March 2021

Nowadays the complexity of knowledge, the specialization of labor and the pervasiveness of ICT in human activity, lead individuals to frequently make complex decisions with ethical implications. The educational system has a fundamental role in preparing specialized human capital in every discipline, however, it also faces the challenge of educating individuals with ethical discernment capabilities and behavior. In this book chapter, we describe the design, implementation and validation of EthicApp-RP, a social platform aimed at higher education settings, for fostering reflection and moral reasoning around ethical cases through a role-playing activity. We present an application of EthicApp-RP involving a cohort of undergraduate business students (N = 85), based on a case in which students play political and public leadership roles in the midst of the COVID-19 crisis. The results indicate that students and teachers acknowledge the learning environment’s capacity to stimulate reflection and argumentation around ethical issues, while providing all students with equal opportunities for participation. In addition, the tool offers high technical and pedagogical usability, based on the Systems Usability Scale and the Pedagogically Meaningful Learning Questionnaire. EthicApp-RP can contribute to the improvement of ethics education, especially in scientific and technological disciplines, wherein students are quantitatively inclined by nature, in spite that ethics, a humanistic subject often foreign to them, must live at the core of their preparation.
Application of Artificial Neural Networks to Chemical and Process Engineering
Authors: Machado Cavalcanti Fabio , Emilia Kozonoe Camila , André Pacheco Kelvin , Maria de Brito Alves Rita
Published: March 2021

The accelerated use of Artificial Neural Networks (ANNs) in Chemical and Process Engineering has drawn the attention of scientific and industrial communities, mainly due to the Big Data boom related to the analysis and interpretation of large data volumes required by Industry 4.0. ANNs are well-known nonlinear regression algorithms in the Machine Learning field for classification and prediction and are based on the human brain behavior, which learns tasks from experience through interconnected neurons. This empirical method can widely replace traditional complex phenomenological models based on nonlinear conservation equations, leading to a smaller computational effort – a very peculiar feature for its use in process optimization and control. Thereby, this chapter aims to exhibit several ANN modeling applications to different Chemical and Process Engineering areas, such as thermodynamics, kinetics and catalysis, process analysis and optimization, process safety and control, among others. This review study shows the increasing use of ANNs in the area, helping to understand and to explore process data aspects for future research.
The Basic Science of Radiofrequency-Based Devices
Authors: Kreindel Michael , Mulholland Stephen
Published: March 2021

This chapter outlines the basic science and specific principles of operation for radiofrequency (RF) technologies with a focus on minimally-invasive applications enhancing liposuction procedure. Before discussing the parameters, settings and techniques for radiofrequency-assisted lipolysis (RFAL) and fractional RF subdermal treatment, it is important to understand the fundamentals of the basic science of RF technologies and applications. The chapter accurately describes the physics of the processes occurring during RF-based treatment, and the factors affecting its safe and efficacious outcome. The discussion of RF-based devices will use terminology and definitions provided by FDA guidance for electrosurgical devices. Measurements and computer simulations conducted by the authors to illustrate importance of different parameters for the specific treatments of skin and subcutaneous fat are also presented.
Human Cultural Dimensions and Behavior during COVID-19 Can Lead to Policy Resistance and Economic Losses: A Perspective from Game Theory Analysis
Authors: Oraby Tamer , G. Tyshenko Michael , Bhattacharyya Samit
Published: March 2021

The recent COVID-19 pandemic has caused significant societal impacts. Besides loss of life there were large additional costs incurred by every country including the treatment of patients and costs to implement response plans. The pandemic resulted in major economic disruptions and stalled growth worldwide due to travel bans, lockdowns, social distancing, and non-essential business closures. Public health officials in almost every country implemented and encouraged Nonpharmaceutical Interventions (NPIs) such as contact tracing, social distancing, masks, and isolation. Human behavioral decision-making concerning social isolation was a major hindrance to the success in curbing the pandemic worldwide. In many developing countries individuals’ choices were motivated by the competing risk of losing jobs, and daily income. In this chapter we focus on human behavior concerning social isolation in the context of decision-making during the pandemic. We developed a conceptual framework and deterministic model that integrated evolutionary game theory within our disease transmission model. We illustrate scenarios numerically simulating the model. This study highlights the idea that human behavior is an important component in successful disease control strategies. Economic resilience, especially in low-income countries, can improve public understanding and uptake of NPIs.
Sacha Inchi Seed (Plukenetia volubilis L.) Oil: Terpenoids
Authors: Valencia Alexandra , L. Romero-Orejon Frank , Viñas-Ospino Adriana , Barriga-Rodriguez Dayana , María Muñoz Ana , Ramos-Escudero Fernando
Published: March 2021

Sacha inchi oil is a product obtained from oilseed (Plukenetia volubilis L.) and is an excellent source of bioactive compounds, especially in polyunsaturated fatty acids, tocopherols, and sterols. These compounds are causally related to their positive impact on human health. In this study summarizes some monoterpenes, sesquiterpenes, and triterpenes reported in Sacha inchi oil seeds and reviews their sensory properties. The terpenoids that characterize Sacha inchi seed oil are: α-pinene, sabinene, limonene, aristolene, cycloartenol, 24-methylene cycloartenol, lanosterol, β-sitosterol, stigmasterol, campesterol and phytol. The sensory properties of this oil are due to a set of volatile compounds including terpenoids, the odor descriptors of monoterpenes, sesquiterpenes and diterpenes are: flower, pine, turpentine, pepper, wood, lemon, orange, and sweet. These compounds were characterized by gas chromatography with different detectors.
Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy Animal Models
Authors: V. Egorova Tatiana , I. Galkin Ivan , V. Ivanova Yulia , V. Polikarpova Anna
Published: March 2021

Duchenne muscular dystrophy is a complex and severe orphan disease. It develops when the organism lacks the expression of dystrophin - a large structural protein. Dystrophin is transcribed from the largest gene in the human genome. At the moment, there is no cure available. Dozens of groups all over the world search for cure. Animal models are an important component of both the fundamental research and therapy development. Many animal models reproducing the features of disease were created and actively used since the late 80’s until present. The species diversity spans from invertebrates to primates and the genetic diversity of these models spans from single mutations to full gene deletions. The models are often non-interchangeable; while one model may be used for particular drug design it may be useless for another. Here we describe existing models, discuss their advantages and disadvantages and potential applications for research and therapy development.
Present Challenges of Robotics in Gynecology
Authors: H. Desai Pranjal , J. Gillentine Ryan
Published: March 2021

Hysterectomy is one of the most common operations performed in gynecology. In the last decade and a half, the da Vinci robotic system has gained widespread acceptance in gynecology due to enhanced visualization and excellent dexterity compared to conventional laparoscopic techniques. The rapid adoption of the technology comes with unique challenges. Excluding initial acquisition cost and maintenance cost, surgery performed robotically is expensive than laparoscopic surgery. Higher cost on each case questions many about the viability of the robotic platform. Several hospitals have successfully established the robotic program, but many are reluctant to acquire expensive technology, and some are rolling back on their decision due to various reasons. This chapter expands on those challenges, mainly needs assessment, team building, culture of safety, learning curve, business strategy, and return of investment.
Litigando por el derecho a una vida maridable.
Authors: Ntsame Ondo Dalyas
Published: March 2021

Partiendo del análisis de una serie de demandas formuladas por los esclavos ante los tribunales eclesiásticos sobre sus derechos a llevar una vida maridable, este artículo arroja luz sobre los conflictos que enmarcaron las relaciones entre esclavos casados y sus amos en el México de los siglos XVII y XVIII. Amparándose en las providencias de la legislación sobre el matrimonio como derecho y deber sacramentales de cualquier cristiano sin discriminación de condición jurídica y el empeño de las autoridades eclesiásticas en la estricta aplicación de estas últimas, los esclavos desarrollaron una batería de estrategias destinadas a proteger y consolidar su vida conyugal y por la misma ocasión limitar el dominio de sus amos.

By analyzing a series of demands formulated by the slaves before the ecclesiastical courts about their rights to lead a marvelous life, this article sheds light on the conflicts that framed the relations between married slaves and their masters in the Mexico of the XVII and XVIII. Under the provisions of legislation on marriage as a sacramental right and duty of any Christian without discrimination of legal status and the commitment of the ecclesiastical authorities in the strict application of the latter, the slaves developed a battery of strategies designed to protect and consolidate his conjugal life and for the same occasion limit the domain of their masters.
Advanced feature selection to study the internationalization strategy of enterprises
Authors: Herrero Álvaro , Jiménez Alfredo , Alcalde Roberto
Published: March 2021

Firms face an increasingly complex economic and financial environment in which the access to international networks and markets is crucial. To be successful, companies need to understand the role of internationalization determinants such as bilateral psychic distance, experience, etc. Cutting-edge feature selection methods are applied in the present paper and compared to previous results to gain deep knowledge about strategies for Foreign Direct Investment. More precisely, evolutionary feature selection, addressed from the wrapper approach, is applied with two different classifiers as the fitness function: Bagged Trees and Extreme Learning Machines. The proposed intelligent system is validated when applied to real-life data from Spanish Multinational Enterprises (MNEs). These data were extracted from databases belonging to the Spanish Ministry of Industry, Tourism, and Trade. As a result, interesting conclusions are derived about the key features driving to the internationalization of the companies under study. This is the first time that such outcomes are obtained by an intelligent system on internationalization data.
Strategies to Implement Big Data Analytics in Telecommunication Organizations
Authors: Aneato Dr. Delton , Castellanos Dr. Cesar
Published: March 2021

Information technology (IT) leaders who do not invest in big data projects may struggle to gain a competitive advantage and business insights to improve performance. Grounded in Kotter’s change and Six Sigma models, the purpose of this qualitative multiple case study was to explore strategies IT leaders use to implement big data analytics successfully. The participants comprised 4 IT leaders from 2 telecommunication organizations in the United States of America, who expertly used big data analytics strategies to promote and maximize competitive advantage. Data were collected from semistructured interviews, company documents, and project-related documents. The collected information was examined by utilizing a thematic analysis approach. Four themes emerged from the data analysis process communication, training, employee involvement in decisions, and teamwork strategy. A key recommendation from these findings is for IT leaders to use successful communication strategies to convey the vision and objectives to all organizational levels. The successful communication-strategy can help evaluate business trends, forecasts, improve overall organizational performance and competitive advantage. The implications for positive social change include the potential for job creation, thus catalysing economic growth within communities.
Multiple Keratocyst Glimpses Falx Cerebri and Bifid Rib- A Case of Gorlin-Goltz Syndrome
Authors: Zamare Vrushali Baburao , Bhowate Rahul , Lohe Vidya , Meshram Mrunal
Published: March 2021

Multiple Odontogenic keratocysts with multi-organ abnormalities are a feature of Gorlin-Goltz Syndrome (GGS) which is an autosomal dominant inherited disorder. The most common oral manifestation of GGS is odontogenic keratocyst. Early diagnosis of GGS without cutaneous manifestations is important as this syndrome has basal cell carcinoma as one of its major criteria. This paper includes a case report of a 24-year-old female who reported with swelling and pus discharge in lower right posterior region. The swelling was clinico-radiologically diagnosed as odontogenic keratocyst on a panoramic radiograph which revealed the presence of multiple cystic lesions in symphysis, parasymphysis, and bilateral maxillary region. Postero-Anterior (PA) chest showed bifid ribs and PA skull showed calcification of falxcerebri. Histopathological diagnosis confirmed the Odontogenic keratocyst. Ultrasonography (USG) abdomen revealed a simple ovarian cyst on the right side. Clinical examination findings and radiological imaging evaluation with histopathological examination of cystic lesion confirms Gorlin-Goltz. Surgical enucleation of the keratocyst, peripheral ostectomy followed by bone graft substitute, and primary closure under General Anaesthesia (GA) were done in the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. Follow-up healing was uneventful after one month.
Lipoprotein (a) as a Predictor of Steroid Dependence in Paediatric Steroid Sensitive Nephrotic Syndrome
Authors: Basu Surupa , Banerjee Sushmita , Roy Pranab , Ghosh Apurba
Published: March 2021

Introduction: Lipoprotein a {Lp(a)} increases in Nephrotic Syndrome (NS). Although the majority of paediatric NS are steroid sensitive, relpase and steroid dependence are commonly seen in this cases. Lp(a) is an LDL-like lipoprotein that consists of an LDL particle to which the glycoprotein apolipoprotein(a) {apo(a)} is attached. Aim: To evaluate the potential of Lp(a), measured on admission, for the prediction of relapse/steroid dependency. Materials and Methods: Children (n=36) with first episode NS were recruited in this prospective observational case-control study and followed up for one year. They were tested at presentation for Lp(a) (mg/dL) and standard tests such as haemoglobin, albumin, protein, cholesterol, triglyceride, and urine protein. Children received standard therapy for NS, and were followed for a period of one year from diagnosis to record days to initial remission, relapse episodes, steroid dependence etc. Patients were categorised as: no relapse (NR), Infrequent Relapse (IFR), frequent relapse (FR) and Steroid Dependent (SD) as per standard definitions. Fifteen healthy volunteers were also tested for lipid profile and Lp(a) levels. Results: Of 36 cases (median age 3 years, 19 males), there were 15NR, 7IFR, 2FR and 12SD. The mean Lp(a) of the NS group (165.2±120.4 mg/dL) was higher than controls (30.52±21.9 mg/dL) (p<0.0001). All the lipid parameters except HDL-cholesterol were significantly higher in the NS group. Within the NS group, Lp(a) showed significant correlation (Spearman-rho) with albumin (p=0.0062,r=0.47), but no correlation with lipid parameters or urine protein. Comparison of Lp(a)levels in the NS groups revealed that the SD patients had a high Lp(a)(222.0±115.7 mg/dL) compared to NR (129.7±120.1 mg/dL) (p=0.02). Conclusion: Concentration of plasma Lp(a) in patients with SDNS was higher compared to patients who did not suffer any relapse, and this concentration may serve as a marker for prediction of SDNS.
Resumption to Swimming Post COVID-19 Lockdown
Authors: Ramya G , Guru Chandra Sekara , Banodhe Gagan Kumar , Dominic Dobson , Sharma Hanjabam Barun
Published: March 2021

COVID-19 pandemic has severely affected sports worldwide. Usual practice can’t be done due to high viral transmission, yet prolonged inactivity leads to detraining and deconditioning and threatens ending of sporting career. Depending on the present guidelines of the government, a safe and evidence based gradual resumption of training and sports is essential. The cardiorespiratory- neuromuscular system involvement among others in COVID-19 directly affects exercise-sports performance and health, and the possibility of sub-clinical transmission poses immense challenge. Like other games, swimming is also heavily affected. Although COVID-19 is transmitted by droplets, the prolonged presence of virus in the air currents, commonly-touched surfaces and in stool of those infected should be kept in mind. Importance of hand hygiene, cough and sneeze etiquette, social distancing, use of mask while not exercising hard, other good public hygiene practices, staying home if sick, frequent cleaning and disinfection of pool and frequently touched surfaces, early detection, isolation and adequate treatment for the positive cases and strictly following government guideline should be compulsory. Awareness program and continued education for athletes, parents, coaches, support staff and other management team should be done. This review is intended to understand the course of COVID-19 and to formulate guidelines for resumption of swimming in India, based on recommendations by various organisations like WHO, CDC etc. The aim being to act as a key support for safely resuming swimming yet reducing the risk of COVID-19 infection.
A Morphometric and Morphological Study on Dry Adult Cuboid Bones
Authors: MOITRA SREYA
Published: March 2021

Introduction: Precise biometric data of cuboid and calcaneocuboid joint are not discussed very distinctly in the text books of Anatomy. A better knowledge of the joint surfaces of cuboid and biometric data would generate a three dimensional modeling of the calcaneocuboid joint and would help in the management of Cuboid Syndrome. Aim: To study about morphological and morphometric analysis in adult dry cuboid bone. Materials and Methods: This study was conducted in the Department of Anatomy of a Medical College using 60 dry cuboid bones from museum. Each bone was observed for its morphometric analysis as well as its pattern of calcaneal and metatarsal articular facets. Results were statistically analysed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS)software, version 19. Students t-test was applied to find the difference between the mean values of the parameters. Results: Mean medial length of cuboid was 33.41 mm, lateral length was 19.73 mm, height was 26.17 mm, length index was 169.33, vertical and transverse diameters of calcaneal articular facet were 24.24 mm and 16.45 mm respectively, vertical and transverse diameters of metatarsal articular facet were 21.32 mm and 13.85 mm respectively, depth of peroneal groove was 0.63mm. Concavo-convex facet with posteromedial projection and oval or reniform in shape (Type 1A) was the most common calcaneal articular facet and convex pattern was the most common metatarsal articular facet of cuboid. Conclusion: Morphological characterisation of articular facet of cuboid and its morphometric analysis help to understand the degree of movement at calcaneocuboid joint, its associated pathologies and instabilities.
Impact of Print Media on Student’s Academic Performance of Varanasi City, India
Authors: Gautam Minakshi , Gautam Diksha , Bishnoi Indira
Published: March 2021

The print media have assumed an essential role in our students’ daily lives. Print media has demonstrated an intense effect on students/school-going children. Print media is not necessary to have negative impact to children but also has a positive value to them. This study investigates that print media helpful in the academic performance of students selected from two different (one public and one private) schools of Varanasi city using a self-structured questionnaire as a tool for obtaining data while frequencies distribution and percentages of data were conducted to know comprehensively about data. It targeted 120 students between 11 to 19 years age group and find out that the print media helpful for their academic performance and the study also recorded the student’s subject stream, access print media sources, helpful in their academic achievements, encourage students to do something new, innovative, creative and different with their academic projects and assignments and got help from the print media sources. The result of the study revealed that cent percent of the selected students’ for the study were accessed print media sources by both public and private schools students. The majority of the students from both schools were encouraged by print media to do new and innovative things with their academic projects and assignments and also the majority of the student stated that print media sources were helpful in their academic performance in most of the cases. So, it was concluded from this study that printed sources are still prefered first in compare comparison to electronic mediums. Print media sources are useful in their academics because it covers so many educational and informative issues.
A New Discrete Distribution Arising from a Generalised Random Game and Its Asymptotic Properties
Authors: Frühwirth R. , Malina R. , Mitaroff W.
Published: March 2021

The rules of a game of dice are extended to a ``hyper-die'' with \(n\in\mathbb{N}\) equally probable faces, numbered from 1 to \(n\). We derive recursive and explicit expressions for the probability mass function and the cumulative distribution function of the gain \(G_n\) for arbitrary values of \(n\). A numerical study suggests the conjecture that for \(n \to \infty\) the expectation of the scaled gain \(\mathbb{E}[{H_n}]=\mathbb{E} [{G_n/\sqrt{n}\,}]\) converges to \(\sqrt{\pi/\,2}\).

The conjecture is proved by deriving an analytic expression of the expected gain \(\mathbb{E} [{G_n}]\).

An analytic expression of the variance of the gain \(G_n\) is derived by a similar technique. Finally,  it is proved that \(H_n\) converges weakly to the Rayleigh distribution with scale parameter~1.
Post Harvest Management of Bael Fruit: A Review
Authors: Srinivas M. Sai , Jain S. K. , Lakhawat S. S. , Jain N. K. , Kumar Arun , Jain H. K.
Published: March 2021

The bael tree is very hardy and can grow under adverse agro-climatic conditions; unlike other delicate fruit trees. The postharvest system for these fruits is not yet adequately developed, and therefore several handling problems are still common. Bael is a seasonal fruit. Spoilage of bael fruit is mainly due to fungal attack. The stem end of the fruit is very vulnerable to infection. The fruit is presently underutilized but has an important role to play in satisfying the demand for nutritious and delicious natural foods of high therapeutic value. This fruit is rich in anti oxidants and phytochemicals besides some essential nutrient components like vitamins, minerals and dietary fibres etc. No other fruit has such a high content of riboflavin. There is need for processing of bael in to different value added products to reduce the post harvest losses. This paper reviews the literature on post harvest management of bael fruit most notably it covers various facets of post harvest processing, different fruit varieties and its features, handling operations and processed products of bael fruit.
Determinants of Fallow Land in Different Districts of Madhya Pradesh
Authors: Bareliya Rajendra Singh , Thakur Satyendra S. , Sharma H. O. , Pandey P. R. , Mehta Vishal
Published: March 2021

The research study based on time series secondary data (2001-02 to 2015-16) of 51 district which were related to net area sown, rainfall, total fallow land, area under non agricultural uses and net irrigated area. The whole Madhya Pradesh was subdivided into two head i.e. major (14) and other fallow land (37) districts for the study. The area under fallow land showed decreasing trend by -19.26 percent from 601.90 thousand ha (The base year) to 485.99 thousand ha (The current year) with fluctuation of 9.94 percent (56.80 thousand ha) and magnitude of -8.97 thousand ha per year this also showed a negative compound growth of 0.98 percent per year during the period under study. The 1.00 per cent increase in net area irrigated to net area sown resulting highly significant decrease in share of total fallow land to total net sown area by 0.27 per cent. The aim of study was find out the fallow land in various districts of Madhya Pradesh.
Students’ Satisfaction on Academic Services in Higher Education: Public and Private Universities of Bangladesh
Authors: Sultana Farha , Nasrinq Sunita
Published: March 2021

Student satisfaction is an outcome of the insight of service quality provided by the university. Government of Bangladesh introduces private universities in 1992 because of huge demand in higher education. Currently, there are 103 private universities, forty-three public universities and three international universities in Bangladesh. But it is a matter of sorrow that, universities are increasing day by day but the qualities of universities are not satisfactory. This study is a comparative study conducted on two universities (one is Rangamati Science and Technology University (public) and another one is Premier University (private). The study was pointed out academic services in the private and the public universities. Based on the review of literature a questionnaire was developed and it was distributed among 120 students. The total 120 respondents have been drawn probabilistically from 2 universities. Descriptive analysis, factor analysis have been used to analyze the data and to draw the findings. It has been found that satisfaction level of the private university students is not up to the mark. Finally, few suggestions have made to increase satisfaction of the university students in Bangladesh. Results revealed that students from Rangamati Science and Technology university (public) and Premier University (private) hold different opinion whether their expectation met or not.
Identification of Potential Zones for Solid Waste Disposal in Jos South Local Government Area of Plateau State, Nigeria
Authors: Stephen Kulokom , Olutayo Balogun Bolarinwa , Mofoluso Fagbeja
Published: March 2021

Disposal is a critical phase in the management of municipal solid waste, due to unavailability of suitable facilities to treat and dispose of the large amount of municipal solid waste generated daily in metropolitan cities. Improper municipal solid waste disposal locally, cause environmental impacts such as contamination of soil, water pollution, and increase methane emissions. In this study, an attempt has been made to use GIS and remote sensing to identify high potential zones for solid waste disposal in Jos South Local Government Area of Plateau State between 2019 and 2020. Primary data and secondary data were used for this study. The position data of the existing dumpsites in the study area were acquired in-situ with a handheld Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver. The secondary data consists of NigeriaSAT-X, geological, administrative maps, Google map, hydro-geophysical data and Shuttle Radar Topographic Mission (SRTM) images. Thematic layers considered in this study include drainage, road and land use/land cover, lithology and geology. The dumpsite point (X, Y) was imported as shapefile and superimposed on the study area boundary to show the existing location. Digital image segmentation of NigeriaSAT-X and geology dataset was carried out to derive the land use/ land cover and geology classifications of the study area. Lithological analysis was carried out using Kriging Method to interpolate the hydro-geophysical data. The slope, land/use, geology, drainage, road, waterbody, built-up and lithology were reclassified and overlaid using Weighted Sum Overlay Method a Spatial Analyst tool in ArcGIS 10.4 to generate the potential zones for solid waste disposal. The result shows the potential zones for solid waste disposal and characterized into unsuitable, less suitable, moderately suitable, suitable and highly suitable.
Light-Harvesting Metal-Organic Frameworks (MOFs) La-PTC for Photocatalytic Dyes Degradation
Authors: Zulys Agustino , Adawiah Adawiah , Gunlazuardi Jarnuzi , Yudhi Muhammad Derry Luthfi
Published: March 2021

A novel porous metal organic framework, La-PTC was synthesized by solvothermal method using a perylene-3,4,9,10-tetracarboxylate ligand and lanthanum metal ion. The FTIR analysis showed that La-PTC has a different structure with PTCDA and Na4PTC. The La-PTC MOF has high crystallinity, bandgap energy of 2.21 eV with a maximum absorption area at 561 nm. A rod shape structure of La-PTC has been obtained with the surface area of 22.2364 m2.g−1 and classified into mesoporous material. The La-PTC was relative stable up to 376.93 °C. The La-PTC can degrade 64.76% of MO within ca. 240 min under visible light irradiation with the amount of 30 mg La-PTC. The addition of H2O2 improved the photocatalytic activity of La-PTC with degradation efficiency of 67.02%, 70.00%, and 99.60% for MB, RhB, and MO, respectively. This study presents the fabrication of the light-harvesting metal organic framework, La-PTC and its potential in dyes degradation. Copyright © 2021 by Authors, Published by BCREC Group. This is an open access article under the CC BY-SA License (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0).
Investigation of Chlorophyl-a Derived Compounds as Photosensitizer for Photodynamic Inactivation
Authors: Oktavia Listiana , Mulyani Irma , Suendo Veinardi
Published: March 2021

Chlorophyll has unique physicochemical properties which makes them good as photosensitizer of Photodynamic Inactivation (PDI). The physicochemical properties of chlorophyll as photosensitizer can be optimized through several routes.  One of the possible route is by replacing the metal ion center of chlorophyll with other ions. In this research, the effect of coordinated metal ion in the natural chlorophyll-a was studied for bacterial growth (S. aureus) inhibition. The replacement of metal in the center of chlorophyll hopefully can improve the intensity of Intersystem Crossing Mechanism (ISC) lead to the formation of singlet oxygen species. The chlorophyll a and b were isolated from spinach via precipitation technique using 1,4 dioxane and water. The chlorophyll a and b were separated using sucrose column chromatography. The thin layer chromatography result showed that chlorophyll a (Rf: 0.57) had been well separated with chlorophyll b (Rf: 0.408). The absorption spectra of chlorophyll a and b showed that the Soret band was observed at 411 and 425 nm, while the Q band appeared at 663 and 659 nm. Replacement of metal ion center shifted the Soret band of chlorophyll- a derivatives to lower energy region, while Q-band was slightly shifted to the higher energy region. The absorption and the fluorescence intensity were  also observed decreasing after ion replacement. The Inhibition activity investigation over S. aureus showed the highest inhibition activity was exhibited by Zn-pheophytin-a (66.8%) followed by chlorophyll a (30.1 %) and Cu-pheophytin-a (0%). The inhibition activity is correlated with decreasing fluorescence intensity. The formation of singlet oxygen by ISC mechanism is hypothesized to deactivate the excitation state of Cu-pheophytin-a. Copyright © 2021 by Authors, Published by BCREC Group. This is an open access article under the CC BY-SA License (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0).
Mass Incarceration
Authors: Rice Stian
Published: March 2021

Mass incarceration has become a prominent feature of modern society and an essential tool of statecraft. As a set of conditions, spatial practices, and discourses, incarceration is deeply integrated into everyday social relations and practices of government. In addition to inmates in traditional prisons, carceral practices affect migrants and asylum‐seekers, parolees, juvenile offenders, “undesirable” ethnic and religious minorities, former inmates, family members, and others involved in their care. Work in carceral geography has made three broad contributions. First, “the carceral” extends beyond the traditional prison in space and time through circuits that move people, objects, and practices. Second, contrary to narratives of a totalizing institution, the experience of incarceration is relational, subjective, and embodied. And finally, systems of incarceration reflect the societies, social histories, and political economies from which they emerge.
Cutaneous alpha‐synuclein deposition in postural tachycardia patients
Authors: Levine Todd D. , Bellaire Bailey , Gibbons Christopher , Freeman Roy
Published: March 2021

Objective

To report a case series of patients with neuropathic POTS and cutaneous phosphorylated alpha‐synuclein (P‐SYN) deposition on skin biopsy and compare these to neuropathic POTS patients without P‐SYN deposition.

Methods

The medical history, physical examination findings, autonomic function testing, and skin biopsy neuropathology of patients under the age of 50 with a postural tachycardia and a diagnosis of POTS were retrospectively reviewed. Included patients completed the composite autonomic severity score (COMPASS 31), the Wood Mental Fatigue Inventory, the Epworth Sleepiness scale, the REM Behavior Disorder Questionnaire, the Patient‐Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS‐10), and the Gastroparesis Cardinal Symptom Index.

Results

Of 296 patients seen with POTS, 22 patients with suspected neuropathic POTS had skin biopsies performed during their evaluation. Seven of 22 patients had P‐SYN present on skin biopsy, while 15 individuals did not. Those with P‐SYN on biopsy: (1) were more likely to be male; (2) had features of REM sleep behavioral disorder; (3) reported less sleepiness and cognitive impairment; and (4) noted greater symptoms of gastroparesis. On autonomic testing, the group with P‐SYN deposition was more likely to have a hypertensive response to tilt‐table testing and abnormal QSART responses.

Interpretation

Phosphorylated alpha‐synuclein deposition is present in some postural tachycardia patients with neuropathic features. Individuals with a postural tachycardia and cutaneous phosphorylated alpha‐synuclein deposition may be distinguished from other patients with neuropathic POTS.