bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Performance and Techno-economic Analysis of a Hybrid Photovoltaic/thermal System for Building Application in Turkey
Authors: Basaran Kivanc , Koç İlayda
Published: February 2021

Residential buildings need demand of energy for both heat and electricity. However, it’s not always possible to meet this need by using individual panels due to the limited roof area. In addition, performing electrical and thermal energy production by using separate panels causes loss of performance and efficiency. The hybrid photovoltaic thermal (PV/T) collectors could be used in order to meet this necessity into the same collector. This paper investigates the performance and economic analysis of a PV/T collector for a building application in Turkey climatic conditions. For this purpose, the Matlab/Simulink model of the PV/T collector was prepared. The electrical and thermal performance of the PV/T collector has been investigated by changing various parameters on this model. In addition, market survey was conducted for economic analysis. 11 different input variables such as average daily irradiation, electrical and thermal efficiency, price of electricity and heating, operation and management cost, capital cost, debt to equity ratio, interest rate, discount rate and inflation rate are used to calculate the economic evaluation parameters such as net present value (NPV), levelized cost of energy (LCOE) and payback period (PBP). The results show that, the mean value of LCOE, NPV and PBP are 0.0467 €/kWh, 7905.3 € and 6 years respectively for the project size at 8.96 m2 which is consist of 7 panels in the 25 years life cycle. Also, the average electrical and thermal efficiencies are defined as 13.4% and 69.3% respectively during.
Evidence-Based Tailored Nutrition Educational Intervention Improves Adherence to Dietary Guidelines, Anthropometric Measures and Serum Metabolic Biomarkers In Early-Stage Breast Cancer Patients: A Prospective Interventional Study.
Authors: Trestini Ilaria , Sperduti Isabella , Caldart Alberto , Bonaiuto Clelia , Fiorio Elena , Parolin Veronica , Zambonin Valentina , Zanelli Sara , Tregnago Daniela , Avancini Alice , Cintoni Marco , Pilotto Sara , Mele Maria Cristina , Gasbarrini Antonio , Scambia Giovanni , Milella Michele , Tortora Giampaolo , Bria Emilio , Carbognin Luisa
Published: February 2021

Purpose: The impact of the adherence to dietary guidelines of early-stage breast cancer (EBC) patients on body composition changes during treatment is not entirely defined. This study aimed to evaluate the role of an evidence-based nutrition educational intervention, according to adherence to dietary guidelines, in EBC patients.Methods: This prospective study included EBC patients, candidates for neoadjuvant/adjuvant therapy. Patients received an evidence-based tailored nutrition educational intervention. The adherence to dietary guidelines, anthropometric and dietary assessments, and blood glucose and lipid profile tests were evaluated at baseline and after a 12-months nutritional intervention. Results: Two hundred and forty-three patients were enrolled (median age 49 years). At baseline, 38.3% and 23.9% of patients were overweight and obese, weight gain ≥5% and central obesity were observed in 47.3% and 52.7% of patients, respectively, and adherence to dietary guidelines was low (median Med-Diet score: 6). After 12-months of nutritional intervention (median follow-up: 22 months), adherence to dietary guidelines significantly increased (median Med-Diet score: 12, p<0.0001). High adherence to dietary guidelines (defines as Med-Diet score ≥10) significantly correlated with: 1) weight loss ≥5% (21.8% vs. 2.5%, p=0.003); 2) median BMI drop (from 25.6 kg/m2 to 24.4 kg/m2, p=0.003); 3) lower prevalence of central obesity (38.2% vs. 7.2%, p=0.01); 4) improvement in blood glucose levels and lipid profile. Conclusion: This study suggests that an evidence-based tailored nutrition educational intervention during treatment for EBC significantly increases overall adherence to dietary guidelines, and it improves both anthropometric measures and serum metabolic biomarkers in patients with high adherence.
Comparative Study of Hematological and Radiological Feature of Severe/Critically Ill Patients with COVID-19, Influenza A H7N9 and H1N1 Pneumonia
Authors: Kong Jindan , Wan Shan , Shi Sensen , Cui Songchao , Zong Xiangping , Wang Jun , Jin Jun , Zhu Mo , Zou Di , Wu Depei , Fu Jianhong
Published: February 2021

Objectives This study aimed to explore useful clinical indexes for management of severe/critically ill patients with COVID-19, Influenza A H7N9 and H1N1 pneumonia by comparing hematological and radiological characteristics between them. Methods Severe/critically ill patients with confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19, Influenza A H7N9 and H1N1 pneumonia were retrospectively enrolled. The demographic data, clinical manifestations, hematological parameters, and radiological characteristics of three groups were compared. The influenza A was divided into two groups with/without patient death.Results In this study, 16 cases of COVID-19, 10 cases of influenza A (H7N9), and 13 cases of influenza A (H1N1) who met severe/critically ill criteria were included. Compared with COVID-19, the Influenza A (H7N9 and H1N1) groups had relatively more chronic diseases (80% and 92.3% vs 25%, P＜0.05), higher APACHE Ⅱ scores (16.00 ± 8.63 and 15.08 ± 6.24, vs 5.50 ± 2.58, P＜0.05) and higher mortality rates (40% and 46.2% vs 0%, P＜0.05). The hematological finding indicated that Influenza A H7N9 and H1N1 patients had more significant lymphocytopenia (0.59 ± 0.31 × 109/L and 0.56 ± 0.35 × 109/L vs 0.97 ± 0.33 × 109/L, P < 0.05), elevated neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR; 14.67 ± 6.10 and 14.64 ± 10.36 vs 6.29 ± 3.72, P < 0.05) compared to COVID-19. Especially in influenza A patients, NLR was significant different between the patients with or without death. Compared with the H7N9 group, ground glass opacity (GGO) on chest CT was more common in the COVID-19 group (P = 0.028), while pleural effusion was relatively rare (P = 0.001).ConclusionCompared to COVID-19, patients with Influenza A (H7N9 and H1N1) had more underlying chronic diseases and higher mortality rates. The NLR can be used as a clinical parameter for the predication of risk stratification and outcome in COVID-19 and Influenza A pneumonia. Manifestations of pleural effusion or GGO in chest CT may be helpful for the identification of different viral pneumonia.
Pre-existing and post-COVID-19 immune responses to SARS-CoV-2 in cancer patients
Authors: Bilich Tatjana , Roerden Malte , Maringer Yacine , Nelde Annika , Heitmann Jonas S. , Dubbelaar Marissa L. , Peter Andreas , Hörber Sebastian , Bauer Jens , Rieth Jonas , Wacker Marcel , Berner Fiamma , Flatz Lukas , Held Stefanie , Brossart Peter , Märklin Melanie , Rammensee Hans-Georg , Salih Helmut R. , Walz Juliane S.
Published: February 2021

Cancer patients, in particular patients with hematological malignancies, are at increased risk for critical illness upon COVID-19. We here assessed antibody as well as CD4+ and CD8+ T cell responses in unexposed and SARS-CoV-2-infected cancer patients to characterize SARS-CoV‑2 immunity and to identify immunological parameters contributing to COVID-19 outcome. Unexposed patients with hematological malignancies presented with reduced prevalence of pre-existing SARS-CoV-2 cross-reactive CD4+ T cell responses and signs of T cell exhaustion when compared to solid tumor patients and healthy volunteers. Whereas SARS-CoV-2 antibody responses did not differ between COVID-19 cancer patients and healthy volunteers, intensity, expandability, and diversity of SARS-CoV-2 T cell responses were profoundly reduced in cancer patients, and the latter associated with a severe course of COVID-19. This identifies impaired SARS-CoV-2 T cell immunity as determinant for dismal outcome of COVID-19 in cancer patients.
Interpretation of 25-OH-D3, NEFA, and calcium correlations among cow and calf pairs
Authors: ERDOGAN SONGUL , URAL KEREM , ERDOGAN HASAN , URAL DENIZ ALIC , GULTEKIN MEHMET , PASA SERDAR
Published: February 2021

In the present study, the aim was to determine alteration of NEFA, calcium and vitamin D3 levels in cow and calf pairs at parturition as well as correlation between each parameter levels. For this purpose, a cow-side device employing the enzymatic colorimetric method was used for measurement of NEFA and calcium levels. On the other hand, serum 25(OH)D3 analysis was performed using the fluorescence immunochromatographic method at the laboratory in the Faculty. Blood samples were taken from Vena jugularis of 15 Simmental cow and calf pairs immediately after parturition and placed in serum and heparinized tubes. In cow and calf pairs, concentration of vitamin D3 (15.6-120 and 31.8-120 ng/mL, respectively), NEFA (0.12-1.2 and 0.09-0.8 mmol/L, respectively) and calcium (1.8 ± 0.9 and 2.2 ± 0.6 mmol/L, respectively) were determined. There was no significant correlation between NEFA, Ca, and vitamin D3 in cows and calf pairs. Taking into account several co-factors that influenced test results, which could not easily be excluded, further studies may be warranted with larger cow-calf pair populations. In conclusion, vitamin D3 concentration in calves is not affected by the negative energy balance of dams in the parturition period.
Comparison of neuroglobin expression in the retina of Tibetan sheep (Ovis ammon or argali ) and domestic sheep (Ovis aries )
Authors: DU XIAOHUA , LIU XIA , MAWOLO JAMES BLACKAR
Published: February 2021

Neuroglobin (Ngb) is a member of the globin member that is mainly expressed in the brain and retina. The expression in the retina is greater than it is in the brain because of the high demand for oxygen by the retina. This protein reversibly binds oxygen and is involved in oxygen transport or protection against oxidative stress. The study aims to explore the pattern of Ngb expression in Tibetan sheep (Ovis ammon or argali ) living in a plateau region and domestic sheep (Ovis aries) dwelling on low land. The study also provides detailed insight into the morphological characteristics of Ngb distribution closely related to oxygen metabolism in the retina of Tibetan and domestic sheep. Immunohistochemical staining procedures were performed to detect the Ngb protein expression in the retinae of both sheep, while the Inter’s integrated performance primitives (IPP) semi-quantitative analysis was employed to compare the quantities of Ngb expressed in the retinae of the two types of sheep. The outer nuclear layer and the outer segment of the photoreceptor showed a negative Ngb expression, while a weak positive expression was observed in the inner core layer and ganglion cell layer, while a strong positive expression was found in the other layers. The independent T-test revealed that the expression intensity in the nerve fiber layer, inner and outer plexus layers, inner segment of the photoreceptor, and superior pigment cortex were significantly higher in the Tibetan sheep as compared to the domestic sheep. The overall Ngb expression in the Tibetan sheep was higher than the domestic sheep. The study emphasized that the different Ngb expression in the Tibetan and domestic sheep may influence their adaptation to the respective environments. The stronger Ngb expression in the retina of Tibetan sheep may indicate that Ngb is closely related to the oxygen metabolism of these animals and has a function during oxygen transport.
Expression and distribution of neuroglobin and hypoxia-inducible factor-1α in the diencephalon of young yaks
Authors: MAWOLO JAMES BLACKAR , DU XIAOHUA , LIU XIA , MI XIAOYU , LI QIAO , WEN YONGQIANG
Published: February 2021

The diencephalon, or interbrain, is a primary relay and processing center for sensory information and autonomic control. It connects structures of the endocrine system with the nervous system and works with the limbic system to generate and manage emotions and memories. Neuroglobin (Ngb) is a member of the vertebrate globin family involved in cellular oxygen homeostasis and reactive oxygen/nitrogen scavenging, while hypoxia-inducible factor (Hif-1α) is a transcription factors that respond to decreases in available oxygen in the cellular environment or hypoxia. The study explored the expression of Ngb and Hif-1α in the diencephalon of young yaks and examined factors that influenced the levels of Ngb and Hif-1α. Immunohistochemistry (IHC), quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR), and Western blot (WB) were employed to investigate the expression of Ngb and Hif-1α in the diencephalon of young yaks. Ngb and Hif-1α are significantly expressed in all tissues of the diencephalon except the hypothalamus and epithalamus. The thalamus, cerebellar cortex, the white matter of the cerebellum, basal ganglia, and cerebrum showed significant levels of expression, and each plays an important role in the diencephalon. The overall expression of Ngb was higher than that of Hif-1α. Both Ngb and Hif-1α participate in oxygen transport throughout the telencephalon and have functions in neuroprotection. The results suggest that Ngb and Hif-1α influence the mechanism of adaptation of young yaks to their high altitude environment. Further studies on the mechanism of adaptation are recommended.
Evaluation of the Relationship Between Schneiderian Membrane Thickness and Sinus Floor Cortication Using Cone Beam Computed Tomography
Authors: BAYRAK Seval , USTAOĞLU Gülbahar , SERİNDERE Gözde , DEMİRTÜRK KOCASARAÇ Hüsniye
Published: February 2021

Aim: In this study, we aimed to investigate the relationship between sinus floor cortication (SFC) and Schneiderian membrane thickness (SMT) through cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) images. Materials and Methods: A total of 292 maxillary sinuses of 146 patients (61 males, 85 females) who underwent a CBCT scan for dental implant treatment were evaluated. SFC was classified as follows: type-1: sinus floor exhibiting similar or higher density than the surrounding cortical areas, type-2: sinus floor exhibiting lower density than the surrounding cortical areas, type-3: sinus floor exhibiting no cortical bone, and type-4: sinus floor exhibiting fusion of sinus floor bone and native crestal bone. We also investigated the relationship between the SFC types and SMTs measured from the highest border of the membrane to the sinus floor on cross-sectional images.Results: Type-1, type-2, type-3, and type-4 SFC were seen in 114, 102, 48, and 28 cases, respectively. The Schneiderian membrane was found to be thinner in type-1 SFC than in type-2 SFC. No significant difference was found between type-3 and type-4 SFC in terms of SMT. Discussion and Conclusion: Evaluation of SFC and SMT using CBCT can provide information about implant stability and survival in treatment after sinus grafting. Although type-1 SFC is favorable for implant placement, it may also be associated with an increased risk of membrane perforation.
Learn to Unlearn for Transformative Learning, an Epistemological Look
Authors: Salum Tomé , PhD José Manuel
Published: February 2021

The present work corresponds to a reflection about several theories and approaches of the learning and their relevance in the training of social agents, reflection that emerges from the practice of the training, and attending to the fact that the meaning of what it implies to learn and how it is that is learned is not at the center of the discussion in universities in Latin America, which emphasizes more what to teach rather than how to teach.
Международно-правовое положение Внутренней Монголии на рубеже XIX–XX вв. глазами ее правителя (записка хорчинского князя Удая, 1910 г.)
Authors:   National Research University Higher School of Economics (17, Promyshlennaya St., St. Petersburg 198099, Russian Federation), Pochekaev Roman Yu.
Published: February 2021

Introduction. The article publishes and provides a historical legal analysis of one letter by Prince Uday, ruler of Khorchin Khoshun (Horqin Banner) in Inner Mongolia at the end of 19th – first quarter of 20th century, who sent it to Pyotr Stolypin, the Prime-Minister of the Russian Empire, in 1910. This letter is a part of a file kept in the Russian State Historical Archive (St. Petersburg, Russia) in original Mongolian as well as in its Russian translation. As is known, the document was not published before. Goals. The aim of research is to extract from the Uday’s note — the information on the international legal status of Inner Mongolia which is given from the local ruler’s point of view. Results. The results of the research confirm the value of the note as a source, although its author attempted to emphasize his own significance in the eyes of the Russian authorities. Coupled with materials of other contemporaries (Russian and Western diplomats, intelligence officers, missionaries, merchants and scientists) it allows to give an authentic view on the status of Inner Mongolia at the international scene at the edge of 19th – 20th centuries. The utmost interest should be paid to the dynamics of relations of rulers of Inner Mongolia with the Qing imperial authorities that initiated a forced colonization of Mongolian lands through resettlement of Chinese peasant colonists, changes in relations of Manchu administration and Mongol feudal lords with Russian regional authorities and merchants, as well as strengthening of the Japanese influence in the region.
Национальные движения восточных регионов России в 1918–1919 гг.: степень и формы вовлечения в конфликты внутри антибольшевистского лагеря
Authors:   Institute of History, Language and Literature of the Ufa Federal Research Centre of the RAS (71, Oktyabrya Ave., Ufa  450077, Russian Federation), Kazanchiev Alexander D.
Published: February 2021

Introduction. From mid-1918 to mid-1919, Russia’s East was a scene of tough military-political confrontation. National movements were also involved in this confrontation. Goals. The article aims to show the place of national movements in the all-Russian alignment of political forces. Materials and Methods. The materials investigated are documents from the National Archive of Bashkortostan, State Archive of the Russian Federation, articles from periodicals issued during the Russian Civil War, other published sources and memoirs. Results. The paper shows the position of national movements on the most important issues of the anti-Bolshevik camp, reveals the similarities and differences between different currents within national movements, their relationships with various groups of the anti-Bolshevik camp. Conclusions are drawn regarding the place of national movements in the all-Russian alignment of political forces.
Об этнической идентификации ойратов и калмыков в тибетской религиозной традиции: мицаны Дрепунг Гоманга
Authors:   Kalmyk Scientific Center of the RAS (8, Ilishkin St., Elista, 358000, Russian Federation), Bakaeva Elza P.
Published: February 2021

Introduction. Contemporary Kalmyk studies are characterized by that there are still a number of insufficiently explored issues dealing with the shaping of the Kalmyk ethnos, including that of identities of their ancestors within materials related to the religious tradition. Goals. The article seeks to reveal the ties between identities of Kalmyks and Oirats ― and fellow countrymen communities of Drepung Gomang Monastery at earliest stages of Buddhist history among the Mongolic peoples. Results. The work clarifies the specific features of identifying Oirats and Kalmyks through the prism of the Tibetan monastic tradition, and shows the historical changes of identity-related terms. Currently, Drepung Gomang comprises a total of 16 countrymen communities-kangtsens (Tib. khang-tshan) further divided into 22 mitsans (Tib. mi-tshang), i. e. local communities. Representatives of Mongolia and students from Russia’s Buryatia and Tyva are included in Samlo Kangtsen (Tib. bSam-blo Khang-tshan), and the latter’s ten mitsans comprise one referred to as Khalkha Mitsan. As for Kalmyk students, they are affiliated to Hardong Kangtsen (Tib. Har-gdong Khang-tshan) that numbers nine mitsans, and those related to Oirats, Southern Mongols and Kalmyks are Tsokha, Joorche, and Thorgo (Torghut) ones. The emergence of Thorgo and Tsokha Mitsans is closely tied to the history of Oirats and Kalmyks. The paper concludes the name of Thorgo Mitsan is historically related to the identity of prominent Kalmyk monks within Drepung Gomang Monastery, and up to the late 18th century served to denoted the community of monks from the Kalmyk Khanate proper. After the exodus of Kalmyks from the Volga and their resettlement across Xinjiang, Thorgo Mitsan was largely inhabited by the newly arrived ethnic Kalmyks of Torghut descent. Such historical transformations may have introduced structural changes within mitsans, which resulted from ethnic identities of Oirat or Kalmyk monks admitted.
О новом источнике «устной истории» бурят о паломничестве по Внутренней Азии в начале XX в.
Authors:   Kalmyk Scientific Center of the RAS (8, Ilishkin St., Elista 358000, Russian Federation), Namsaraeva Sayana B.
Published: February 2021

Introduction. Research on Buryat and Kalmyk pilgrimage to Buddhist worshiping sites in Tibet and wider in Inner Asia at the late imperial period mostly focuses on biographies and travel writings of Buddhist clergy, while experience of ordinary pilgrims ― especially of the lay people (Mong. khara khün) who were actors of this social phenomena ― received limited attention. However, some of the Buryat ‘oral histories’ about long distance travels to Tibet were recorded later by Buryat intellectuals (e. g., B. B. Baradiin) to name but a few. Goals. The article aims to introduce one such record made in 1968 by a rural community school teacher and amateur historian B. B. Namsaraev. Results. The latter wrote down a life story (Mong. namtar) of Bato Badmaev, an elder from the village of Suduntui, about his pilgrimage to Tibet between 1901 and 1904. This travelogue by a lay person presents unique first-hand observations about hardships of the long distance foot pilgrimage to worshiping places in Urga, Amdo and Tibet ― a wide social phenomenon among Buryats at the beginning of the 20th century. This ‘oral history’ together with extensive information about infrastructure along the pilgrim routes (Mongolian and Tibetan families hosting pilgrims and providing meals to them, travel tips they shared of how to pass the most dangerous hostile deserts and mountain passes, encountering a yeti snowman (Mong. almaz), etc.) contain emotional remarks about things experienced and bodily hardships pilgrims faced (thirst, physical exhaustion, extreme temperatures, and so on) ― aspects which are not covered in travelogues of Buddhist clergy and professional explorers (e. g., merchants, military specialists) who were in much more privileged travel conditions hiring horses and camels to carry their goods and belongings. Therefore, the recent publication (2012) of this unique travelogue made it more accessible and available to a wider audience.
Семантика, генезис и аспекты бытования культовой лексики в традиционной культуре бурят
Authors:   East-Siberian State Institute of Culture (1, Tereshkova St., Ulan-Ude 670031, Russian Federation), Nemanova Eleonora A.
Published: February 2021

One of the most promising aspects of research into the cult tradition of the Buryats is the study of the concepts of ‘cult’ and ‘sacred’. Goals. The paper aims to analyze the issue of applying the category of ‘sacred’ developed by European religious studies to the lexical material associated with the category of the sacred in the traditional culture of the Buryats on the basis of etymological and historical-genetic research. Results. Description of the scope of application of the concept of ‘sacred’ in Buryat culture, as well as semantic analysis are necessary to avoid inadequate interpretations and extrapolations while using respective lexemes. By virtue of their conservatism, ritual terms contain invaluable evidence of the cultural and historical perspectives, preserve the valuable information that allows us to reconstruct the ethnography of the past, its social structures, spiritual culture, including the cult tradition.
Газетные фотографии: использование приема гиперболизации (на материале публикаций в газете «Хальмг үнн» («Калмыцкая правда») в 1957–1961 гг.)
Authors:   Kalmyk Scientific Center of the RAS (8, Ilishkin St., Elista 358000, Russian Federation), Kukanova Viktoriya V. , Bayanova Aleksandra T. , Mandzhikova Larisa B.
Published: February 2021

Introduction. Photography is a visual source of information, and its unique character has been recognized by numerous researchers. Newspaper photographs tend to mirror both a historical era proper and daily life of its inhabitants. Goals. The paper aims at analyzing the ‘essential messages’ of photographs published by Khalmg Ünn (‘The Kalmyk Pravda’) newspaper in 1957–1961. The periodical is an ethnic-oriented print media to have published — and still does — Kalmyk language materials. Materials and Methods. The continuous sampling method was employed to extract photographs from newspaper issues of 1957–1961. So, a total of 4,000 units were analyzed, but the study primarily focuses on pictures that were taken by local photographers in the territory of the Kalmyk ASSR. Photographs by TASS were involved to trace similar trends through comparison with regional photographic images. Conclusions. The study shows that photographic materials of Khalmg Ünn (‘The Kalmyk Pravda’) highlight different artistic trends manifested in the eclectic patterns compiled from both Socialist realism and the ‘severe style’ (the latter characterized by romantic heroification of strenuous laborers). Just in two years the newspaper images rapidly evolutionized from mere shots to photographic pictures created through the use of diverse means and methods, e.g., that of hyperbolization achieved via different camera angles and glass prism techniques. Newspaper photographers turned to common laborers to show their joys and hardships, everyday life of citizens not involved in party or any other administrative activities. The Khrushchev era gave rise to most essential changes in newspaper photography and the images examined. Further analysis of newspaper materials shall facilitate the development of both regional print media and anthropological studies at large.
Тексты Монгольского Ганджура из коллекции О. М. Дорджиева (Тугмюд-гавджи) как источник изучения буддийской литературы
Authors:   Kalmyk Scientific Center of the RAS (8, Ilishkin St., Elista 358000, Russian Federation), Muzraevа Delyash N.
Published: February 2021

Introduction. The article examines a range of dharani (Mong., Kalm. tarni) texts included in the 108-volume canonical collection of Mongolian-language Kangyur. This xylographic edition of the Mongolian Kanjur had been delivered from China by the Indian scholar Raghu Vira to be further published by the renowned Buddhist scholar Lokesh Chandra in the Śata-Piṭaka Series in the 1970s. The whole set of this canonical edition was acquired by Ven. O. M. Dordzhiev (Kalm. Tügmüd Gadji), and is currently stored at the Scientific Archive of the Kalmyk Scientific Center (RAS) as part of the Collection of this Buddhist cleric. Goals. The paper aims to analyze the texts of prayers against diseases, similar in name and content, presented in different volumes of this canonical collection. Materials. To facilitate this, the study investigates a number of texts from the category of dharani (tarni) aimed at eliminating various diseases and their consequences. Those are included in the 14th and 24th volumes of Kangyur, which corresponds to the ‘Dandr-a’ (‘Tantra’) section. Results. The publication transliterates and translates works from the category of dharani (tarni), pacifying various diseases and epidemics.
‘Booklore’ Talismans in Daily Life of the Mongols: A Case Study of Two Collections of Mongolian Manuscripts
Authors:   National Research University Higher School of Economics (Bldg. 1, 21/4, Staraya Basmannaya St., Moscow 105066, Russian Federation), Tsendina Anna D. ,   Kalmyk Scientific Center of the RAS (8, Ilishkin St., Elista 358000, Russian Federation)
Published: February 2021

Introduction. By the beginning of the 20th century, the Mongols had widely used texts on apotropaic magic in their daily life. Among them there are writings with pictures and descriptions of talismans aimed at averting diseases and mishaps, attracting wealth and good favour. All this sort of writings resembles heterogeneity of traditions. Goals. The paper aims at examining various types of ‘booklore’ talismans in magic practices of the Mongols. Results. Like other spheres of Mongolian culture those represent pre-Buddhist, Buddhist and Chinese layers. That was conditioned by the history of the Mongols, their neighbourhood with civilizations they had been integrated with during the course of their existence. As for ‘booklore’ talismans, there are two groups of them: one includes pictures originated from Taoist talismans, the other includes Indian and Tibetan dharanis, texts and Buddhist symbols. They penetrated into the Mongolian culture in different periods and in different ways. Thus, usage of ‘booklore’ talismans by the Mongols resulted in complicated multi-layer complexes which assembled Hindu, Tibetan pre-Buddhist, Mongolized Buddhist and Chinese Taoist elements in different combinations. Conclusions. The work reveals several clusters of  ‘booklore’ talismans once popular among the Mongols and originated from pre-Buddhist, Buddhist and Taoist beliefs.
Гадание по нагару лампады
Authors:   Kalmyk Scientific Center of the RAS (8, Ilishkin St., Elista 358000, Russian Federation), Mitruev Bembya L.
Published: February 2021

Introduction. Oil lamp snuff divination practices used to be widespread enough in Tibet, Mongolia, Kalmykia, and other regions. Goals. The paper introduces into scientific discourse texts thereof in Chinese, Tibetan, and Mongolian. The analysis of the practices reveals values, logic, symbols, and structural patterns inherent to traditional societies. Materials. The article examines a number of sources, namely: 1) a Chinese text published in Hohhot (Inner Mongolia, PRC), 2) a Tibetan text posted on the website of Buddhist Digital Resource Center, 3) a Beijing xylograph of one Mongolian text stored at the Institute of Oriental Manuscripts of the RAS (St. Petersburg, Russia). The latter was checked against another copy of the Beijing xylograph submitted by Demberel Sükhee, a lecturer at the National University of Mongolia (Department of Philosophy and Religious Studies). Results. The article analyzes the traditional oil lamp snuff divination method and provides a comparative study of texts in three different languages, translating and transliterating the employed sources.
Табу и эвфемизмы, связанные с рождением ребенка, в башкирском языке
Authors:   Institute of History, Language and Literature of the Ufa Federal Research Centre of the RAS (71, Oktyabrya Ave., Ufa 450054, Russian Federation), Karimova Gulnaz R.
Published: February 2021

Introduction. This article examines the use of taboos and euphemisms in birth-related vocabulary of the Bashkir language. Goals. The paper reveals both linguistic facts and those of traditional ritual culture, ethnic worldviews. The Bashkir birth-related taboo vocabulary has not been a subject of special research yet. Materials and Methods. Actual meanings of lexemes were identified through the use of author’s field materials collected during comprehensive expeditions (2004 to 2008), lexical and phraseological data from dictionaries of the Bashkir and other Turkic languages, dialectal materials stored by the Institute of History, Language and Literature (Ufa Federal Research Centre of the RAS). The work employs a number of linguistic research methods, such as the ethnolinguistic and comparative-descriptive ones, component analysis method, and that of lexicographic selection. Results. As is known, this group of words is mainly tabooed in the Bashkir language. The vocabulary associated with birth rites is sacred and reflects a complex set of ideas about a pregnant woman. Ritual actions, magical prohibitions are aimed at protecting the health of women and at the birth of a healthy offspring. In this case, the vocabulary denoting a childless woman, a pregnant woman and the concepts of ‘childbirth’ and ‘obstetric aid’ were tabooed. The paper clarifies that the concepts associated with birth rites in the Bashkir language are expressed by euphemisms to protect the mother and child from evil spirits and the evil eye. The author has recorded a large number of euphemisms denoting a pregnant woman (auyrly, auyrғakalyu, auyrayҡly, auyry bar, auyrkүtүreә, auyrlau, yөklө, etc), a childless woman (balakүrmәgәn, biҙәү, tүlһeҙ, ҡyҫır, irғoraҡ and others), and those denoting the concept of ‘childbirth’ (bala tabyu, kureneү, bәpeslәү, bәpәilәү, ҡotolou, bushanyu, donyaғa keileү, etc.). Taboos and euphemisms of birth rites play an important role in the development of the vocabulary of the Bashkir language. The available materials on this topic require further systematization with the involvement of linguistic analysis. Over time, many archaisms disappeared from the modern vocabulary, while others have been used only in certain dialects of the Bashkirs. Almost all euphemistic vocabulary is represented by word combinations from common Turkic lexemes used in figurative meanings. The latter reflect the ethnic ritual traditions, good manners, politeness, observance of the rules of decency ― rules of ethics. They represent the speech etiquette and identity of the Bashkir people, being a valuable linguistic and cultural source for the study of the traditional folk beliefs of the Bashkirs.
Некоторые пути грамматикализации глагола болох / болохо / болха / болх ‘становиться, делаться; быть’ в монгольских языках
Authors:   Gorodovikov Kalmyk State University (11, Pushkin St., Elista 358000, Russian Federation), Lidzhieva Liudmila A. , Shirnen Tsolmon , Badmatsyrenova Nadezhda B. ,   Mongolian State University of Education (8, Baga Toyruu-14, Ulaanbaatar 210648, Mongolia),   Banzarov Buryat State University (24A, Smolin St., Ulan-Ude 670000, Russian Federation)
Published: February 2021

Introduction. The article discusses some ways of grammaticalization of the verb bolokh / bolokho / bolha / bolh ‘become, make; be’ in Mongolic languages (Mongolian, Buryat, Oirat and Kalmyk). This verb acts as an auxiliary component in composite predicates, and also functions in the system of service parts of speech to form postpositions and conjunctions. The phenomenon of grammaticalization reflects the dynamics of linguistic processes occurring at the junction of the significant and official functioning of words. The results of studying various lexical units as sources of grammatical indicators significantly expand the understanding of the functioning of grammatical systems in a language. Goals. The research aims at describing the ways of grammaticalization of verbs in Mongolic languages through the example of the verb bolokh / bolokho / bolha / bolh ‘become, make; be’. Materials. The paper analyzes literary, folklore, journalistic texts extracted from the corpora of the examined national languages ​​(Mongolian, Buryat and Kalmyk), as well as data from respective dictionaries. Results. The study shows that the verb bolokh / bolokho / bolha / bolh ‘become, make; be’ is undergoing various changes. In the formation of compound nominal and verbal predicates, it is used as an auxiliary verb. As a result of grammaticalization, there are indicators of the categories of time and modality, classes of words that denote various semantic concepts. The verb can express various modal meanings (assumption, obligation, intention, opportunity, prohibition, etc.). As a result of grammaticalization, modal words derived from the given verb are quite often in Mongolic languages. The adverbial and participial forms of this verb are actively used as official words. The analysis reveals that the meanings of most postpositions and conjunctions in Mongolic languages coincide. But there are also those characteristic only of certain languages. Some words lose their ancient primordial meanings, while others acquire additional ones that rest on their main seme.
Синтетические и аналитические аспектуальные формы монгольского глагола в количественном освещении
Authors:   Institute of Oriental Studies of the RAS (12, Rozhdestvenka St., Moscow 107031, Russian Federation), Krylov Sergej A.
Published: February 2021

Goals. The article attempts to analyze the synthetic and analytical aspectual forms of the Mongolian verb in a quantitative perspective. Materials. The calculation was done on the materials of the General Corpus of the Mongolian Language, and the degree of use of aspectual forms is studied. Results. The paper discusses the issue of distinguishing between synthetic and analytical forms is discussed, delineates certain classes of forms. The following subsystems are distinguished in the system of synthetic forms: 1) subsystem of synthetic verb forms of participial representation, 2) subsystem of synthetic verb forms of predicative-indicative representation, 3) subsystem of synthetic verb forms of adverbial (converbial) representation, 4) subsystem of synthetic verb forms of stem-formation. Within the framework of the generalized system of verbal grammatical forms, analytical aspectual forms are also distinguished. The work characterizes some most common analytical aspectual forms. The most common of them is the analytical form of the ‘progressive’ (// ‘continuative’) formed by combining the synthetic taxis form of the congressional participle (with - ж) (CVB.CNGR) with the connective (existential) verb бай-(х) (lit. ‘ be’). A fragment of the table of the frequency of grammatical forms included in the (analytically expressed) grammeme ‘progressive’ is shown.
Мотив богатырского поединка в эпическом репертуаре джангарчи Телтя Лиджиева
Authors:   Kalmyk Scientific Center of the RAS (8, Ilishkin St., Elista 358000, Russian Federation), Mandzhieva Bayrta B.
Published: February 2021

In the epic repertoire of the famous jangarchi Teltya Lidzhiev (1906–1970) who belonged to the epic school of the rhapsodist Eelyan Ovla, the motif of heroic duel is a plot-forming one. Goals. The article examines the motif of heroic duel in the repertoire of jangarchi Teltya Lidzhiev in order to identify the preservation and sequence of its narrative units. Methods. When it comes to analyze the epic songs of Teltya Lidzhiev against similar songs of the rhapsodist Eelyan Ovla, the comparative method is employed. Results. The comparative analysis reveals that the motif of heroic duel, associated with the presentation of an ultimatum to the hostile ruler and the raiding of the enemy’s herd, retains the same sequence of narrative units as that in the source text of the predecessor. Conclusions. The research has shown that the motif of heroic duel associated with the enemy’s ultimatum, being an important part of the narrative, appears in the form of a predicative construction where all elements are interconnected. The motif of the heroic duel, associated with the presentation of an ultimatum by Jangar himself to the hostile khan and the raiding of the latter’s herd, being a plot-forming element, is characterized by a stable sequence. In the songs of Teltya Lidzhiev, the epic narrative is always centered around the hero whose heroification is emphasized in the course of the development of the motif of heroic duel.
A Cross-sectional Study on Chronic Fungal Rhinosinusitis in a Tertiary Care Hospital in Central Delhi, India
Authors: Songara Prafulla , Saxena Gaurav , Agrawal Ramesh
Published: February 2021

Chronic Rhinosinusitis is a common disorder, and its prevalence vary from 1-20% globally. The incidence of fungal sinusitis has increased to such extent in recent years that fungal infection is a common diagnosis in patients with Chronic Rhinosinusitis. The objectives of this current research were objectives of estimating the prevalence of Fungal aetiology in chronic sinusitis patients and their drug sensitivity pattern with common antifungal drugs. A total of 61 Cases present with Chronic Rhinosinusitis (CRS), visited in a tertiary care hospital based in Central Delhi, were included in our study. Excision of sinus tissue, including polyps and masses, were collected in the operation theatre during Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (FESS) procedure in a sterile manner. All the tissues brought in sterile normal saline were processed for bacteriological and mycological examination. Tissues, obtained in 10% formalin were processed for histopathological and cytological analysis. A total of 14 (22.9%) cases of Chronic Rhinosinusitis were affected by fungal etiologies. By E test, the MIC range for isolates of Rhizopus arrhizus after 24 hr of incubation was 1-2 μg/mL, and the mean was 1.5 μg/Ml. Similarly, the MIC range for isolates of Aspergillus flavus after 48 hr of incubation was 0.5-16 μg/mL, and the mean was 4.09μg/mL. By the M38-A broth dilution method, the MIC range for the isolates of Rhizopus arrhizus after 24 hr of incubation was 0.5-2 μg/mL, and the mean was 1.25 μg/ml. Similarly, the MIC range for isolates of Aspergillus flavus after 48 hr of incubation was 0.5-4 μg/mL, and the mean was 1.95 μg/mL.
APPLICATION OF DENAVIT HARTENBERG METHOD IN SERVICE ROBOTICS
Authors: Prada Erik , Murali Srikanth , Miková Ľubica , Ligušová Jana
Published: February 2021

This work focuses primarily on the D-H method, as one of the most important methods used in the process of designing robotic structures. In the introduction, the history of the D-H method and its general use is briefly mentioned. In the following section, the algorithm for applying D-H in the form of mathematical formalism is explained. In this part, the individual steps of creating transformational relationships are explained in more detail. The next chapters deal in more detail with individual application types within service robotics. The first type deals with the application deployment of the mobile robotic platform, the second deals with the mobile humanoid robotic structure, the other deals with the fourlegged robotic mechanism and the last type with the application of the robotic arm.
DESIGN AND FABRICATION OF RUNNING CHEETAH MECHANICAL TOY USING FOUR-BAR LINKAGE
Authors: Wicaksana Adimas
Published: February 2021

Four-bar is the simplest planar 1-DOF closed loop linkage. It has been studied for centuries for its versatility and simplicity. In this paper a novel design method to obtain a four-bar linkage given a path and its endpoints will be presented. This method will then be applied to a case study of making a model that produces a specified movement based on reference animation. The mechanism obtained had an average root-mean-square of position error of roughly 14.3 pixels for front leg and 25.9 pixels for hind leg. This number is quite small compared to the perimeter of the traced path, which are 530 pixels and 617 pixels for front leg and hind leg respectively. A prototype model of the designed mechanism was fabricated to verify its manufacturing viability and to confirm the correctness of the path generated.
Practical Strategies for Improving Men’s Health: Maximizing the Patient-Provider Encounter
Authors: Leone James E. , Rovito Michael J. , Gray Kimberly A. , Mallo Ryan
Published: February 2021

An inconsistent or lack of access to a healthcare provider (HCP) can lead to advanced morbidity and is an oft-cited barrier to advancing health, particularly in the U.S. Review of select literature consistently suggests men are far less likely to engage within the healthcare system, which is particularly problematic relating to preventive service access. As many health conditions are preventable and/or treatable in earlier stages, delay in screening and treatment often leads to long-term adverse health outcomes. Lack of early and frequent preventive healthcare may even be perceived as “normative” where poorer health outcomes in males are expected. Some evidence demonstrates a clear connection that seeking help via healthcare runs contrary to masculinity and dominant masculine principles, such as being strong/sturdy, working through pain, avoiding weakness, and/or perceptions of femininity, among other psychosocial phenomena.

Changing healthcare “culture” concerning the care of males (i.e., gender-sensitive care) may provide a salient avenue to encourage more consistent and preventive contact, or “touch points,” in the patient-provider dynamic. There is a need to understand how social norms and practices in healthcare and medical settings can be effectively leveraged to address life-long male health outcomes versus focusing on late(r)-stage palliative care.

The purpose of this article is to advance dialogue concerning practical considerations, such as resources (e.g. time, money) and methods (e.g., practitioners considering whether men respond best to immediate efforts to establish rapport versus a traditional power-based dynamic during the medical interaction) to inform gender-sensitive touchpoints in the healthcare of men. Location and types of facilities where men are willing to seek care (preventative or palliative) also need to be considered in a holistic, gendersensitive patient-provider healthcare model. Implications, policies, and evidence-based practical strategies for leveraging medical education, prevention programming, proper and improper recognition, and health management, and long-term treatment are presented and discussed with the practitioner in mind. Although there is a U.S.-focus with our proposed strategies, we aim to provide a more global context with our future work on this topic.
Men’s Health Promotion in Waiting Rooms: An Observational Study
Authors: Whitehead Michael , Chok Harrison N.G. , Whitehead Christina , Luck Lauretta
Published: February 2021

Issue addressed

Currently, in Australia, male health outcomes are poorer than that of females, with males experiencing a lower life expectancy, accounting for 62% of the premature deaths. Exploring male-specific health promotional material in health facility waiting rooms provides an opportunity to examine available health information. There are few studies on health-related education for patients, families and carers in general practitioner (GP) waiting rooms, and no studies on male-specific health material content in waiting rooms.

Methods

This prospective observational study audited all printed health promotional materials in all health facility waiting rooms within a single local government area. A total of 24 sites were surveyed, which included general practice centres, community health centres and hospitals. The surveyed health literature included posters, brochures and booklets.

Results

There were 1143 health materials audited across the sites. Of these, 3.15% (n = 36) were male-specific literature, 15.31% (n = 175) were female-specific health literature and 81.54% (n = 932) were neutral/others. Overwhelmingly, the audited health literature evidenced a 5:1 ratio favouring female-specific literature versus male-specific literature.

Conclusions

This research highlighted that despite the known outcomes of lower male life expectancy and higher burden of disease, male-specific literature was observed to be significantly under-represented within the audited health facility waiting room spaces. There remains potential for health clinicians to provide targeted male health education and thereby improve male health literacy.