bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dynamics of epidemiological indicators of thyroid pathology in the population of the Russian Federation: analytical report for the period 2009–2018
Authors: Troshina E. A. , Platonova N. M. , Panfilova E. A.
Published: May 2021

BACKGROUND: The level of iodine consumption by the population largery determines the spectrum of thyroid pathology. To date, in the Russian Federation, iodine-deficiency disorders (IDD) occupy a leading position in the structure of all thyroid diseases. Chronic ID leads to adverse health consequences and significant economic costs for their elimination on a national scale. However, the spectrum of thyroid pathology is not limited to the problem of ID, and the study of other thyroid diseases is also of interest.AIMS: to assess the dynamics of prevalence and incidence of IDD and other thyroid diseases in the entire population of the RF for the period 2009–2018, using official state statistics.MATERIALS AND METHODS: the main epidemiological indicators (incidence and prevalence) of thyroid diseases in the entire population of the RF were analyzed using official state statistics. The analyzed period is 2009–2018. There was no medical intervention. To assess the dynamics of prevalence and incidence, a linear regression models were constructed, the slope of the trend line was calculated.RESULTS: the data were analyzed in accordance with the structure of diseases presented in the statistical reporting: goiter, thyroiditis, hypothyroidism, thyrotoxicosis, congenital iodine deficiency syndrome. For the ten-year period 2009–2018 there is a statistically significant increase in the prevalence of various forms of goiter, thyrotoxicosis, congenital iodine deficiency syndrome in the entire population of the Russian Federation. During the observation period, an increase in the incidence of thyrotoxicosis was revealed. With regard to the incidence of congenital iodine deficiency syndrome, only an upward trend was revealed. Despite the fact that during the observation period the number of new cases of various forms of goiter decreased, the prevalence of goiter among the population of the Russian Federation remains high: 1.2% of the population by January 1, 2019. with the growth of autoimmune pathology, improvement of the level of diagnosis, and also, in some cases, with overdiagnosis (for example, when diagnosing autoimmune thyroiditis in individuals with asymptomatic carriage of antithyroid antibodies). The current approaches to iodine prophylaxis are not effective enough.CONCLUSIONS: the results of the analysis indicate mainly an increase in the high prevalence of thyroid pathology among the population of the RF against the background of regional events. The problem of ID remains unresolved, which dictates the need to introduce universal mandatory salt iodization in the territory of the RF.
The role of counterinsular hormones in the regulation of glucose homeostasis and the pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes mellitus in COPD
Authors: Kobylyansky V. I.
Published: May 2021

The frequent combination of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is an important socially significant and far from being studied problem. However, only a few works are devoted to it. To solve this problem, we analyzed the possible pathogenetic mechanisms from the standpoint of the impact on glucose homeostasis of the main hormones — insular and contrainsular.The analysis was carried out using various literature databases, including Index Medicus, Scopus, Pub Med, Embase, Cochrane and others for the period, with rare exceptions, for 2000–2020, of which the works devoted directly to the aspect considered in this work were published in the last 5 years.The analysis revealed a mutual aggravating effect of COPD and T2DM, in which COPD plays an initiating role. It also revealed a significant role of counterinsular hormones, which largely determines the nature of the pathogenesis of T2DM in COPD.In addition, the article draws attention to the possible role of genetic factors that can be common for COPD and T2DM and have a significant role in the comorbidity of COPD and T2DM. The data obtained can be used for both diagnostic and therapeutic purposes in the correction of disorders of carbohydrate metabolism in COPD, which is the lot of further research.
Cystic fibrosis being a polyendocrine disease (Review)
Authors: Chagay N. B. , Khayt G. Ya. , Vdovina T. M. , Shaforost A. A.
Published: May 2021

The cystic fibrosis transmembrane regulator (CFTR) gene encodes the synthesis of a protein of the same name, which functions as a direct activator of anionic transport. Chloride is the most abundant anion; as an antagonist of Na+and K+, it provides electroneutrality of cell membranes at rest; together with cations, it serves as an important osmolyte and forms water flow across cell membranes for transepithelial secretion.Glandular cells in CF trap Cl–and Na+, and the prodused secretion is excessively viscous. Subnormal CFTR activity leads to stagnation of mucociliary clearance, inhibition of intestinal transport.In addition to exocrine disorders,CFTRmutations are associated with a decrease in volume, mass, increased apoptosis of β-cells of the pancreas, a significant suppression of insulin exocytosis in response to stimulation with glucose and glucagon-like peptide-1, hyperglucagonemia against the background of a defect in the suppression of α-cell function by insulin, but a decrease in maximum capacity α-cells.Deficiency and progressive decline in bone mineral density is an expected secondary manifestation of CF due to pancreatic exocrine insufficiency with malabsorption of nutrients and fat-soluble vitamins. However, in patients with the F508del mutation, a significant decrease in the synthesis of OPG, COX-2, PGE2 in the osteoblastic formation, and an increase in the activity of the antianabolic NF-kB were found. We are talking about a defect in the canonical signaling pathway (Wnt/β-catenin), which regulates the expression of genes-activators of osteoblastogenesis, dissociation of the stages of physiological bone remodeling.In addition to congenital bilateral or unilateral aplasia of the vas deferens, an increase in the frequency of CFTR mutations is also found in non-obstructive azoospermia, oligo-, astheno- and teratospermia. CFTR is involved in the entry of HCO3–into Sertoli cells to trigger cAMP-dependent transcription and its defects lead to suppression of FSH-dependent gene expression of spermatogenesis, loss of sequence in the Wnt cascade, destruction of the PGE2-dependent transepithelial interaction and, as a consequence, the blood-testicular barrier.CF is characterized, along with classical signs, by endocrine dysfunction of the pancreas, osteoporosis with suppression of osteoblastogenesis, and a defect in spermatogenesis.
The case of late diagnosis of giant parathyroid adenoma in combination with fibrocystic osteitis and brown tumor of the upper jaw: a case report
Authors: Bersenev G. A. , Ilyicheva E. A. , Griroryev E. G.
Published: May 2021

In this case report the authors inform about late diagnosis of giant adenoma of the parathyroid gland with primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) and the development of fibrocystic osteitis with a «brown» tumor of the upper jaw. The patient has been under the care endocrinologist with type 2 diabetes mellitus and multinodular goiter for 8 years.The last 5 years there was a clinical manifestation of PHPT, but the diagnosis was made by an oncologist after the detection of a «brown» tumor of the upper jaw. According to multispiral computed tomography and scintigraphy with 99mTc-MIBI, a focal lesion was found in the upper jaw on the right, lytic foci in the bones of the cranial vault, pelvis, lower extremities, ribs on the right, as well as a giant parathyroid adenoma on the right. According to the increased risk of the patient having a malignant neoplasm of the parathyroid gland, an extended surgical treatment of PHPT in the enblock volume was carried out with the achievement of remission of the PHPT. This clinical case illustrates a variant of the severe course of PHPT with the development of such a rare complication as fibrocystic osteitis and demonstrates the importance of timely diagnosis.
Clinical practice guidelines for acute and chronic thyroiditis (excluding autoimmune thyroiditis)
Authors: Troshina E. A. , Panfilova E. A. , Mikhina M. S. , Kim I. V. , Senyushkina E. S. , Glibka A. A. , Shifman B. M. , Larina A. A. , Sheremeta M. S. , Degtyarev M. V. , Rumyanstsev P. O. , Kuznetzov N. S. , Melnichenko G. A. , Dedov I. I.
Published: May 2021

Acute and chronic thyroid diseases are the most frequently detected disorders being second only to diabetes mellitus.The World Health Organization points out that thyroid diseases’ incidence tends to grow every year. The present paper consists of clinical practice guidelines that consider etiology, clinical course, diagnostics and treatment of acute and chronic inflammatory thyroid diseases (except those of autoimmune type).The clinical practice guidelines provide an important working tool for clinicians including specialty physicians and medical experts. Containing structured and concise information on the specific nosology, diagnostic methods and treatment tips these guidelines allow medical specialists to quickly resolve difficulties and choose the most efficient and personalized treatment (following strict principles of evidence-based medicine at the same time).The clinical practice guidelines were drawn up by highly-skilled professional team of specialty physicians approved by the Expert Council of Russian Federation’s Health Department. These guidelines contain the most complete and up-to-date information required to diagnose acute and chronic thyroiditis, provide patient care and treatment.The working group publishes the present paper in the professional journal dealing with endocrinology topics to improve healthcare quality and refine treatment of acute and chronic thyroiditis (autoimmune thyroiditis excluded). It is advisable to acquaint as many endocrinology and general (family) medicine specialists as possible with the full text of these clinical guidelines.
INIMITABLE VILEN I. KANDROR
Authors: Troshina E. A.
Published: May 2021

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Vulnerabilidade e riscos Socioecológicos: uma perspectiva integrada dos riscos na Região de Guaratiba (Rio de Janeiro - Brasil)
Authors: Lima Maria Luciene da Silva , Solórzano Alexandro , Rego Luiz Felipe Guanaes , Freitas Marcelo Motta de , Porto Bianca Pereira Alvim
Published: May 2021

Na região de Guaratiba, ao longo de quase cinco séculos de ocupação e consequentes processos de transformação da paisagem, cenários ecológicos tornaram-se áreas produtivas, residenciais e de transição urbana. Essa historicidade constitui elemento-chave para a compreensão das vulnerabilidades locais e riscos associados. Nesse sentido, no âmbito da gestão da paisagem, sob uma abordagem integradora de vulnerabilidade e riscos, temos como objetivo mapear e analisar as vulnerabilidades e riscos socioecológicos na área de estudo. O trabalho se estruturou na investigação da história de uso, ocupação e transformação da paisagem, na identificação de áreas vulneráveis, bem como na classificação dos riscos socioecológicos. Assim, estabeleceram-se três etapas metodológicas para tal compreensão: (1) análise dos processos históricos de uso e ocupação das terras em Guaratiba; (2) delimitação das Unidades Socioecológicas da Paisagem (USEP), com o intuito de compreender os níveis atuais de heterogeneidade da área estudada; e por fim, (3) a modelagem e categorização dos riscos socioecológicos identificados. Essa análise, baseada na técnica de geoprocessamento conhecida como lógica fuzzy, levou ao entendimento de uma classificação socioecológica dos riscos, reconhecendo que tais fenômenos só podem ser compreendidos a partir da presença humana perante a pertinência de eventos que possam ferir os grupos expostos. Como resultado desta investigação, quatro das seis unidades de paisagem delimitadas apresentaram locais com tendência a riscos: USEP 2, USEP 4, USEP 5 e USEP 6. Tais áreas sugerem riscos socioecológicos do tipo físico relacionados a dinâmicas geomorfológicas (deslizamentos e de enchentes) e de saúde ambiental.
Cambiando de roles en la clase de matemáticas: posibilidades desde la educación matemática crítica
Authors: Fresneda Patiño Edna Paola
Published: May 2021

En este artículo se presenta una discusión con relación al cambio en los roles del profesor y los estudiantes en una clase de matemáticas a partir de las posibilidades que ofrece la Educación Matemática Crítica y el enfoque metodológico de la Investigación Crítica. El objetivo es mostrar que los roles de los participantes en la clase cambian sustancialmente al posibilitar un escenario donde el estudio de situaciones sociales del contexto se convierte en el insumo de la actividad matemática. En este espacio, el docente no posee la autoridad y el dominio único sobre la clase, sino que los estudiantes se convierten en protagonistas de esta, mejorando sus procesos de comunicación, participación y consolidación de conocimientos dentro y fuera de las matemáticas. Para generar la discusión, se muestra el proceso de investigación realizado por un grupo de estudiantes de grado octavo que da cuenta de la interpretación de un modelo matemático establecido y su relación con el cuidado de sí: en el uso de la motocicleta; situación del contexto que posibilitó el desarrollo del escenario de aprendizaje. Allí, las matemáticas que los estudiantes construyen desde su trabajo autónomo, colaborativo y comprometido, donde el profesor actúa como un orientador, se convierten en una herramienta que permite tomar una postura frente a las situaciones que los involucra. Para matizar estas nuevas posibilidades que se dan en el aula, se realiza una caracterización de la competencia democrática a partir de dos elementos fundamentales: la alfabetización matemática —crítica— y el conocer reflexivo. Estas categorías teóricas que se pueden evidenciar en el desarrollo del escenario de aprendizaje se convierten en asuntos constitutivos que aportan a la formación ciudadana de los estudiantes con la premisa fundamental de contribuir a la consolidación de una sociedad más humana, democrática y justa; desde la clase de matemáticas.
El rol del tutor escolar en el practicum de ciencias al implementar una propuesta de enseñanza por indagación
Authors: Herrera Edith Del Carmen , Izquierdo  Aymerich Mercè , Espinet Blanch Mariona
Published: May 2021

El objetivo de la investigación es caracterizar el impacto positivo que tuvo en la formación inicial de profesores de ciencias una innovación en el Practicum, en la cual interactuaron los profesores en formación, su profesor universitario y el profesor guía en la escuela de prácticas. La innovación consistió en aplicar en la clase de ciencias, unidades didácticas basadas en la indagación científica utilizando el diagrama de Gowin como instrumento para sostener los procesos de argumentación y diálogo que son propios de la actividad científica. En el marco de esta propuesta didáctica se generó un clima de diálogo y reflexión en la triada formativa que permitió llegar a algunas conclusiones sobre el rol del profesor guía o tutor de prácticas desde el análisis del discurso de los participantes, mediante el uso de redes sistémicas. Como resultado de la reflexión sobre la acción emerge la caracterización del rol del profesor tutor de prácticas en: proporcionar apoyo emocional, pedagógico-didáctico y retroalimentación, también las limitaciones percibidas por la escasa relación entre la Escuela y la Universidad. Por ello, se aportan datos a favor de que la labor del profesor tutor incluya conversaciones profesionales transformadoras para dar lugar a una “mentoría reflexiva”
Concepção de saúde incorporada pela Base Nacional Comum Curricular Brasileira
Authors: Conterno Solange de Fátima , Stelle Cássia Aparecida Corna Stelle
Published: May 2021

Refletir como a temática de saúde tem sido abordada em instituições escolares é fundamental, pois não há uma única concepção do processo saúde-doença. A saúde como conteúdo escolar emergiu no Brasil em 1971 e nas últimas décadas, por meio de diferentes reformas educacionais, ganhou espaços nos currículos divulgando diferentes conceitos. Em 2017 o Ministério da Educação apresentou a versão final da Base Nacional Comum Curricular, a qual indica os conteúdos que devem ser ensinados nas escolas da educação básica do Brasil. Assim sendo, o estudo teve como objetivos: apreender a concepção de saúde divulgada no texto legal da Base Nacional, identificar quais conteúdos escolares vinculam-se a temática da saúde e sistematizar em quais séries de conteúdos de saúde são trabalhados. Trata-se de um estudo descritivo, de caráter documental de fontes escritas primárias. A saúde no ensino fundamental é trabalhada nos conteúdos: higiene pessoal, diversidade, acidentes domésticos, manutenção da saúde auditiva e visual, alterações corporais nos ciclos de vida, transmissão de micro-organismos, nutrição, sistemas corporais, uso de substâncias psicoativas, imunoprevenção e métodos contraceptivos e doenças de transmissão sexual. As habilidades a serem adquiridas pelos alunos no campo da saúde reforçam um conceito restrito de saúde intensificando a cultura de uma assistência baseada na prevenção e não na promoção de saúde. A disseminação de uma educação pautada em um conceito restrito de saúde constitui um retrocesso na construção de sujeitos autônomos e críticos, na medida que abstém a responsabilidade do Estado de cumprir o que já é determinado pela legislação brasileira.
Método de aprendizagem cooperativa Co-Op Co-Op no ensino de química: uma possibilidade para o estudo de funções orgânicas
Authors: Furtado Raimundo Kauê Monteiro , Cantanhede Leonardo Baltazar , Cantanhede Severina Coelho da Silva
Published: May 2021

A Química geralmente é vista pelos alunos como uma disciplina de difícil aprendizado. Isso pode ser atribuído, muitas vezes, pela forma como o conteúdo químico é ministrado pelo professor, pois, quase sempre, as estratégias de ensino utilizadas são aquelas em que o conteúdo ministrado é pouco contextualizado. Como consequência, os alunos assumem uma posição passiva na aprendizagem e a teoria se distancia da prática. Torna-se necessária, então, a utilização de estratégias ou metodologias de ensino que propiciem uma maior participação do aluno no processo de ensino-aprendizagem. Nesse contexto, os métodos cooperativos de aprendizagem podem assumir esse papel no ensino de Química, além de favorecer o desenvolvimento de habilidades interpessoais. Neste trabalho, buscou-se verificar as contribuições do método de aprendizagem cooperativa Co-Op Co-Op no processo de ensino-aprendizagem para o conteúdo químico Funções Orgânicas, em uma turma do 3º ano do ensino médio. Para tanto, foram aplicados questionários no formato Likert, com o objetivo de verificar tanto o aprendizado do conteúdo químico, como o desenvolvimento socioeducacional dos alunos. Os resultados apontam que cerca de 64% dos alunos conseguiram assimilar melhor o conteúdo químico trabalhado, além do desenvolvimento de habilidades sociais, como o relacionamento aluno-aluno e professor-aluno.
Psychological Space-time Reinforcement Sensitivity Hypothesis & Mental Disorders: From Special to General Relativity Interpretation
Authors: Mebarki Meriama Hansali
Published: May 2021

The reinforcement sensitivity theory lacks basic sources of any human experience :time, place, and learning contexts that have shaped the reinforcement; therefore I have assumed a missing link in Gray's framework based on special relativity relying on the «what, where, and when of happenning»? as major resources of human conscious experience, which under punishment or reward exceed the sensitivity to pleasant or unpleasant stimuli transcending therefore the Weber law, that's why I called it: Psychological Space-Time Reinforcement Sensitivity “PSTRS” axis. The lasts explains BAS and BIS systems sensitivity to reinforcement across the cognitive space-time continuum of episodic memory, and not only across the two great dimensions of fear/anxiety and defensive distance of the McNaughton & Corr model of 2004. So, based on the disruption of the high-sensitivity information processing system in the brain, the four-dimensional conscious experience is distorted by its underlying sources and context. Thus, one of the timedominating records prevents the individual from overcoming the present., such in depression, obsessive compulsive disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder (psychological sensitivity to the past). These temporal records clearly lose their sequence and associative nature in dissociative symptoms due to the disruption of the most important milestone on which Einstein's physics was based. Consequently, psychological space-time reinforcement sensitivity supposes that psychological disorders can be interpreted according to the laws of special relativity (acceleration / deceleration), but this seems more complicated when it comes to mental disorders where the self is disturbed on its spatio-temporal axis as observed in schizophrenia. Schizophrenia looks like a three-componements disorder characterized by a disruption of the experience of time, place and self, which could be asummed up as a “self space-time disturbance". Notably schizophrenic patients appear losing the ability to gather in a dynamic way these componements, as if the world seemed missig the gestalt characteristic or fragmented. The past felt like an inevitable destiny inhibits the direction towards the future; sometimes disorient the self to the point of feeling lost, as if the psychological time slows down to the point of feeling separated from the « now » the physical time. So are we dealing with an Euclidian space? The article attempts to provide a non-traditional interpretation of mental disorders by including general relativity in psychological studies, based on the neurobiological bases involved in the spatio-temporal processing of the conscious experience in the quantum brain.
Going virtual, staying face-to-face: trajectory of ELT classes during the
pandemic
Authors: Nkemleke Daniel A.
Published: May 2021

COVID-19 caught everyone by surprise, and even the most advanced higher
education institutions around the world probably had challenges moving from
Face-to-Face (F2F) to online teaching and learning. For Cameroon, where
internet connectivity is still very low, both teachers and students have had
a hard time switching to virtual classrooms. This chapter discusses the
challenges they have faced in navigating this trajectory in the department
of English at the Ecole Normale Supérieure (ENS) of the University of
Yaoundé 1 (UYI) during the period of lockdown. Based on the experience of 14
teachers who grappled with 14 online courses and F2F mode, the study
concludes that due to students’ inability to access the internet with ease,
any online teaching/learning at ENS has to be largely complemented with F2F
activities.
The University of Rwanda response to COVID-19
Authors: Uwizeyimana Valentin
Published: May 2021

The universities in Rwanda, like in other countries, experienced
uncertainty created by restrictions and lockdowns imposed to contain the
spread of Coronavirus. None of the universities were prepared to face
disruptions of this scale, however, learning had to continue irrespective of
the COVID-19 pandemic. Based on the case of the University of Rwanda (UR),
this chapter discusses the Rwandan university’s response to COVID-19,
presents the lessons learnt, and provides recommendations that might help
universities and researchers in the future. This chapter reports on a
qualitative study that analysed the university’s news articles and official
communications with regards to COVID-19 that were collected during a
seven-month period. The findings revealed that the university was not indeed
prepared to continue its teaching and learning activities remotely online,
and that the decision to go online was top-down. Furthermore, it pointed out
the lack of access to the required infrastructure and tools, the lack of
technical support and training, and the digital divide that exists among
students, as the major challenges to a successful remote online teaching and
learning process.
Online training of prospective language teachers: exploring a new
model
Authors: Zheng Hang , Zhang Lianyue
Published: May 2021

This chapter reports on a language teaching practicum course of a Master
of Teaching Chinese to Speakers of Other Languages (MTCSOL) program in China
in Fall 2020. Driven by the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, this report
presents a model to guide practice in online language teacher training via
virtual learning communities. In the course, native and nonnative students
in the MTCSOL program formed study groups in which they conducted
discussions regarding the lectures and completed teaching demonstrations
through videoconferences. All students provided online feedback on their
peers’ teaching demonstrations. The content analysis of post-task interviews
revealed that both native and nonnative students benefited from online
interactions. Nonnative students had opportunities to practice language and
professional skills, while native students developed intercultural
communication competence. Peer feedback was also highly rated, as feedback
receivers had different perspectives on how to improve their teaching, and
feedback providers learned from their peers’ strengths and weaknesses. We
argue that the model can (1) promote learning autonomy and cultural exchange
and (2) boost teachers’ self-confidence, which could thus become a desirable
new model for language teacher training.
Tracks for Russian university students’ multilingual development within
remote education during the pandemic
Authors: Atabekova Anastasia , Belousov Alexander , Yastrebov Oleg
Published: May 2021

The chapter explores language and non-language university students’
practices of foreign language learning within the unscheduled shift to
remote studies in Russia due to the COVID-19 emergency. The RUDN University
Law Institute experience is considered as an example. The paper explores
common and specific features of foreign language, translation, and
interpreting skills training within the Law Institute language and
non-language programmes. The research rests on the case study methodology,
considered from the policy-making and managerial point of view. The findings
reveal both common features and specificities of multilingual university
education of non-language and language students. The study also confirms the
need for the educational institutions to draft specific guidelines on
language courses implementation for different target audiences during the
COVID-19 pandemic.
University of Cambridge Asian, Middle Eastern and Persian studies during
the pandemic
Authors: Ghaffari Mahbod
Published: May 2021

This case study will focus on the COVID-19 lecturers’ experience in the
Faculty of Asian and Middle Eastern Studies (FAMES) at the University of
Cambridge. After a brief background about how the academic year works in the
University of Cambridge and an introduction about the situation after the
outbreak of COVID-19 in the UK, the author will discuss about the measures
taken by the faculty and the way the teaching was conducted in the FAMES in
general and Persian language courses in particular. Then, the challenges and
problems regarding online teaching in Department of Middle Eastern Studies
(DMES) will be highlighted. Finally, a short explanation about the way the
examination and assessment were handled in the faculty will be provided. The
findings show excellent management and steady leadership turned the classic
classroom-based teaching to remote and online teaching. Also, professional
collaboration and performance of lecturers along with the ongoing technical
and training support were the main factors to go through the critical phase
of the pandemic’s impact successfully. It seems that the language teachers
have gained valuable experience and skills in teaching languages
differently, which can be deployed in future post pandemic
situations.
Useful City or the truth about systemic context of depopulation and shrinking cities
Authors: Kaczmarek Jacek , Dąbrowski Adam
Published: May 2021

In recent years, the phenomenon of depopulation and shrinkage of cities has been observed. The depopulation of large cities is undoubtedly a demographic fact. The process of urban depopulation has recently become the theme of numerous reports and alarmist research works. However, it can be concluded that the diagnostic background of this phenomenon has got a narrow methodical foundation. As a measure of depopulation, the number of permanent residents is usually taken (according to the place of residence). Thus, the diversity, complexity and dynamics of processes taking place in contemporary cities are ignored. Postmodern reality appears as a segregated, separated world. Therefore, the diagnostic approaches currently used should be discussed. Going further, one can conclude that the measurement of depopulation and shrinkage of cities by the number of permanent residents is a simplification, because it ignores the essence of urbanity, which is the diversity of values offered by the urban space of exchange (i.e. the utility value). The article presents therefore the new concept of the measurement for shrinking of cities. Ideas discussed in the paper are expected to stimulate critical exchange of views among urban researchers. In the authors’ opinion, the sin of social-economic geography and spatial economics consists in boiling down great human affairs to aspects of correct representativeness.
Zaangażowanie społeczne w procesie odnowy wsi i miasta na przykładzie gminy Międzybórz
Authors: Wrembel Karolina , Kamzol Anna
Published: May 2021

W gminie Międzybórz na skutek inicjatywy oddolnej zaczęło ponownie funkcjonować partnerstwo lokalne, które zrzesza m.in. burmistrza, sołtysów, lokalne fundacje i organizacje pozarządowe. Projekty społeczne stały się impulsem do próby podjęcia współpracy ze wszystkimi aktorami na obszarze jednostki. Odpowiedzią na potrzebę zrzeszania się okazało się partnerstwo lokalne, którma służyć współdziałaniu różnych podmiotów na rzecz danego obszaru. Celem publikacji jest przedstawienie procesu powstawania partnerstwa lokalnego w gminie Międzybórz i jego wpływu na proces odnowy wsi oraz rozwój lokalny gminy. Wyniki badań zwracają uwagę na rangę aspektu społecznego w rozpoczęciu i kontynuowaniu procesu odnowy wsi oraz rozwoju lokalnego ze szczególnym uwzględnieniem zaangażowania społecznego.
Turystyka uzdrowiskowa w Polsce – rozważania nad istotą, determinantami i przyszłością
Authors: Królak Sylwia
Published: May 2021

Celem artykułu jest przedstawienie podstawowych zagadnień z zakresu turystyki uzdrowiskowej, elementów oferty uzdrowisk, determinantów i perspektyw rozwoju turystyki uzdrowiskowej. Turystyka uzdrowiskowa staje się jedną z najdynamiczniej rozwijających się dziedzin turystyki. Związane jest to z pewnością ze starzeniem się społeczeństwa, rosnącą świadomością seniorów i modą na zdrowy styl życia oraz wzrostem zamożności społeczeństwa. Największym wyzwaniem, przed jakim stoją polskie uzdrowiska, jest wyjście poza świadczenie usług stricte leczniczych i przygotowanie się na nowego odbiorcę – nie tylko pacjenta, ale i turysty. W artykule dokonano analizy piśmiennictwa krajowego i zagranicznego oraz danych statystycznych i wniosków z własnej obserwacji.
On ve-degree- and ev-degree-based topological properties of crystallographic structure of cuprite Cu2O
Authors: Chen Shu-Bo , Rauf Abdul , Ishtiaq Muhammad , Naeem Muhammad , Aslam Adnan
Published: May 2021

In the study of chemical graph theory, an enormous number of research analyses have confirmed that the characteristics of chemicals have a nearby connection with their atomic structure. Topological indices were the critical tools for the analysis of these chemical substances to consider the essential topology of chemical structures. Topological descriptors are the significant numerical quantities or invariant in the fields of chemical graph theory. In this study, we have studied the crystal structure of copper oxide (

Cu

2

O

{{\rm{Cu}}}_{2}{\rm{O}}

) chemical graph, and further, we have calculated the ev-degree- and ve-degree-based topological indices of copper oxide chemical graph. This kind of study may be useful for understanding the atomic mechanisms of corrosion and stress–corrosion cracking of copper.
New trends in visual inspection of buildings and structures: Study for the use of drones
Authors: Falorca Jorge Furtado , Miraldes João P. N. D. , Lanzinha João Carlos Gonçalves
Published: May 2021

Visual inspection is a very simple, non-destructive technique and usual in diagnosing buildings and structures’ conditions. It also plays an important role in the rapid assessment of constructive problems as well as in the definition of an appropriate way for eventual remedial interventions. However, the use of this methodology often meets difficulties, especially when places to be inspected are difficult to access; it involves security risks for inspectors or even when a reactive inspection of urgent nature becomes unfeasible due to the high costs and the necessary means involved. In this context, the introduction of new technologies, such as drones, can bring substantial benefits. Currently, great focus has been put on this type of device as an emerging technology in the construction industry. This article treats about a reflexion on the adaptability and versatility of using drones, within a framework for monitoring the condition of buildings’ envelope, just as for other kinds of structures (e.g. bridges, viaducts, dams, chimneys, etc.). The interest lies, for now, in devices with a multirotor configuration, integrating high-definition cameras for both photography and video. In order to verify these assumptions, several field tests are being performed, of which some examples are presented.
Effect of coupling agents on the olive pomace-filled polypropylene composite
Authors: Aljnaid Malek , Banat Raid
Published: May 2021

The effect of the olive pomace flour (OPF) addition on the mechanical, water uptake, morphological, and thermal properties of polypropylene (PP) with and without the use of two coupling agents was investigated. A higher percentage of a coupling agent yielded a greater impact strength of 141 J/m. Tensile and flexural properties of the OPF/PP composite were improved with the two coupling agents. The addition of OPF to pure PP had reduced these properties, thus proving the utility of the coupling agents. While the addition of the OPF to PP increased the water uptake property by 1.36%, the subsequent addition of a coupling agent decreased it to 0.78%. For the neat PP, the enthalpy of melting (∆Hm= 123 J/g), the enthalpy of crystallization (∆Hc= 133 J/g), and the percent of crystallinity (Xc= 59%) values showed a declining trend down to 91, 103 J/g, and 44%, respectively, when the filler and coupling agents added to the composite. The results of this study demonstrated that the OPF could be used as a viable reinforcement for the PP, providing good mechanical and morphological properties, as long as an appropriate coupling agent proportion is added to the composite.
Barriers and Mitigating Strategies of Entrepreneurial Business Growth: The Role of Entrepreneur Race and Gender
Authors: Conley Natasha , Bilimoria Diana
Published: May 2021

In this study, we investigate the obstacles to growth and the mitigating strategies of high-performing (over $1 million in revenues) entrepreneurial businesses, and how these differ between businesses owned by Black and White entrepreneurs and between female and male entrepreneurs. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and qualitatively analyzed using grounded theory and thematic analysis methods. Findings reveal that the lack of access to capital is faced by all groups of entrepreneurs, but that Black and female entrepreneurs additionally faced racial discrimination and gender bias obstacles to their business growth. While all entrepreneurs used social capital strategies to mitigate the barriers to growth that their businesses faced, Black and female entrepreneurs additionally employed faith and prayer as well as business engagement in governmental and corporate diversity initiatives as strategies to overcome the obstacles. Implications of the findings for the entrepreneurial business growth of racial/ethnic minority and female-owned firms are discussed.
Evolution regularity of temperature field of active heat insulation roadway considering thermal insulation spraying and grouting: A case study of Zhujidong Coal Mine, China
Authors: Yao Weijing , Lyimo Happiness , Pang Jianyong
Published: May 2021

To study the active heat insulation roadways of high-temperature mines considering thermal insulation and injection, a high-temperature −965 m return air roadway of Zhujidong Coal Mine (Anhui Province, China) is selected as a prototype. The ANSYS numerical simulation method is used for the sensitivity analysis of heat insulation grouting layers with different thermal conductivities and zone ranges and heat insulation spray layers with different thermal conductivities and thicknesses; thus, their effects on the heat-adjusting zone radius, surrounding rock temperature field, and wall temperature are studied. The results show that the tunneling head temperature of the Zhujidong Mine is >27°C all year round, consequently causing serious heat damage. The heat insulation circle formed by thermal insulation spraying and grouting can effectively alleviate the disturbance of roadway airflow to the surrounding rock temperature field, thereby significantly reducing the heat-adjusting zone radius and wall temperature. The decrease in the thermal conductivities of the grouting and spray layers, expansion of the grouting layer zone, and increase in the spray layer thickness help effectively reduce the heat-adjusting zone radius and wall temperature. This trend decreases significantly with the ventilation time. A sensitivity analysis shows that the use of spraying and grouting materials of low thermal conductivity for thermal insulation is a primary factor in determining the temperature field distribution, while the range of the grouting layer zone and the spray layer thickness are secondary factors. The influence of the increased surrounding rock radial depth and ventilation time is negligible. Thus, the application of thermal insulation spraying and grouting is essential for the thermal environment control of mine roadways. Furthermore, the research and development of new spraying and grouting materials with good thermal insulation capabilities should be considered.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI) and DOI Services: An Overview
Authors: Liu Jia
Published: May 2021

In the establishing anniversary of the two biggest Digital Object Identifier (DOI) registration agencies all over the world, Crossref and DataCite, the paper intends to provide an overview of the development and approaches and of DOI and DOI services, from which scholarly communication has benefited greatly. At first, the author explores the initiation of DOI and differences of DOI from other persistent identifiers. After that, DOIs for different kinds of objects and DOIs’ value in enhancing scholarly communication is discussed; then, in the second part, DOI services at different levels in a pyramid and those particularly in Germany are described. The active involvement of the library world are also introduced here; finally, the current situation and prospects as well as some issues dealing with DOIs and DOI services are investigated in the last part of the paper.
A nomogram for predicting metabolic steatohepatitis: The combination of NAMPT, RALGDS, GADD45B, FOSL2, RTP3, and RASD1
Authors: Liao Shenling , He He , Zeng Yuping , Yang Lidan , Liu Zhi , An Zhenmei , Zhang Mei
Published: May 2021

Objective

To identify differentially expressed and clinically significant mRNAs and construct a potential prediction model for metabolic steatohepatitis (MASH).

Method

We downloaded four microarray datasets, GSE89632, GSE24807, GSE63067, and GSE48452, from the Gene Expression Omnibus database. The differentially expressed genes (DEGs) analysis and weighted gene co-expression network analysis were performed to screen significant genes. Finally, we constructed a nomogram of six hub genes in predicting MASH and assessed it through receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, calibration plot, and decision curve analysis (DCA). In addition, qRT-PCR was used for relative quantitative detection of RNA in QSG-7011 cells to further verify the expression of the selected mRNA in fatty liver cells.

Results

Based on common DEGs and brown and yellow modules, seven hub genes were identified, which were NAMPT, PHLDA1, RALGDS, GADD45B, FOSL2, RTP3, and RASD1. After logistic regression analysis, six hub genes were used to establish the nomogram, which were NAMPT, RALGDS, GADD45B, FOSL2, RTP3, and RASD1. The area under the ROC of the nomogram was 0.897. The DCA showed that when the threshold probability of MASH was 0–0.8, the prediction model was valuable to GSE48452. In QSG-7011 fatty liver model cells, the relative expression levels of NAMPT, GADD45B, FOSL2, RTP3, RASD1 and RALGDS were lower than the control group.

Conclusion

We identified seven hub genes NAMPT, PHLDA1, RALGDS, GADD45B, FOSL2, RTP3, and RASD1. The nomogram showed good performance in the prediction of MASH and it had clinical utility in distinguishing MASH from simple steatosis.
Influence of extrusion screw speed on the properties of halloysite nanotube impregnated polylactic acid nanocomposites
Authors: Venkatesh Chaitra , Chen Yuanyuan , Cao Zhi , Brennan Shane , Major Ian , Lyons John G. , Devine Declan M.
Published: May 2021

Poly (lactic acid)/halloysite nanotube (PLA/HNT) nanocomposites have been studied extensively over the past few years owing to the interesting properties of the polymer, PLA, and the nanoclay, HNT, individually and as composites. In this paper, the influence of the screw speed during extrusion was investigated and was found to have a significant impact on the mechanical and thermal performance of the extruded PLA/HNT nanocomposites. To determine the effect of screw speed on PLA/HNT nanocomposites, 5 and 10 wt% of HNTs were blended into the PLA matrix through compounding at screw speeds of 40, 80, and 140 rpm. Virgin PLA was compounded for comparison. The resultant polymer melt was quench cooled onto a calendar system to produce composite films which were assessed for mechanical, thermal, chemical, and surface properties. Results illustrate that in comparison to 40 and 80 rpm, the virgin PLA when compounded at 140 rpm, indicated a significant increase in the mechanical properties. The PLA/HNT 5 wt% nanocomposite compounded at 140 rpm showed significant improvement in the dispersion of HNTs in the PLA matrix which in turn enhanced the mechanical and thermal properties. This can be attributed to the increased melt shear at higher screw speeds.
Alpha track registration and revelation in CR-39 using new etching method for ultratrace alpha radioactivity quantification in solution media
Authors: Chavan Sushma S. , Mhatre Amol M. , Pandey Ashok K. , Bagla Hemlata K.
Published: May 2021

A CR-39 based method was developed for measuring the ultra-trace alpha radio activities in aqueous samples having curie levels of γ/β-radio activities. The chemical etching method was optimized to reveal the alpha tracks in CR-39. This new chemical etching method involved the use of a phase transfer catalyst tetraethylammonium bromide which reduced the track revelation induction time without deteriorating the track-etch parameters. The alpha track-etch parameters such as bulk-etch rate, track-etch rate, induction time, and the critical angle of alpha track registration were measured at 60 and 70 °C, with and without using a phase transfer catalyst in the chemical etching for the comparison and optimization. The track registration efficiency of CR-39 in the solution medium was measured using the samples having known alpha activity of mixPu, and value obtained was found to be (4.42 ± 0.12) × 10−4 cm. The registration efficiency value thus obtained was corroborated with the expected efficiency expected from the calculated range of alpha particles in the solution. This CR-39 based method was employed to quantify the alpha activity, as low as 0.2 Bq mL−1, in the aqueous radiopharmaceutical samples having the curie levels of γ/β radio activities.
Naringin attenuates cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury in rats by inhibiting endoplasmic reticulum stress
Authors: Wang Li , Zhang Zhe , Wang Haibin
Published: May 2021

Objective

This investigation was carried out with an aim of exploring neuroprotection by naringin (Nar) in rats with cerebral ischemia-reperfusion (CI/R) injury and its mechanism.

Methods

Rats were grouped into ischemia-reperfusion (I/R), sham operation (Sham), nimodipine control (NIM), and different doses of Nar (Nar-L, Nar-M, Nar-H) groups. With Zea Longa score for assessment of neurological deficits, dry and wet method for measurement of brain tissue water content, and (2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride) TTC staining for determination of cerebral infarction volume, the related parameters were obtained and compared. Subsequently, ELISA was introduced to detect levels of proinflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-8) and anti-inflammatory cytokine (IL-10) in the serum as well as superoxide dismutase (SOD) and malondialdehyde (MDA) activities in brain tissue. Western blot was applied to evaluate endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS)-related proteins expression, including glucose-regulated protein 78 (GRP78), C/EBP homologous protein (CHOP), caspase-12, and activating transcription factor 6 (ATF-6).

Results

Nar significantly alleviated nerve injury and decreased brain tissue water content and brain infraction volume in CI/R injury rats in a concentration-dependent manner. Reduction of TNF-α, IL-8 as well as MDA content and elevation of IL-10 as well as SOD activity were confirmed to be caused by Nar treatment in a concentration-dependent manner. Meanwhile, ERS-related proteins also markedly decreased in the Nar groups.

Conclusion

Nar may achieve neuroprotection and alleviation of CI/R injury by anti-inflammation, anti-oxidation, and inhibiting ERS, and its efficacy is concentration-dependent.
Flavonolignan 2, 3-dehydroderivatives from Oenanthe javanica and their anti inflammatory activities
Authors: Wei Rong-Rui , Ma Qin-Ge
Published: May 2021

Flavonolignans, for example, silymarin and silybin, have interesting biological activities. For the first time, three new flavonolignans named oenanthenoid A-C (1–3) and nine known flavonolignan derivatives (4–12) were isolated from Oenanthe javanica. Comprehensive spectroscopic data analysis and references were used to identify all of the compounds. The anti inflammatory activities of these isolates (1–12) on RAW264.7 macrophage cells were investigated. Three new compounds (1–3) demonstrated anti inflammatory activity with IC50 values ranging from 6.5 ± 0.6 to 14.7 ± 1.6 µM. Furthermore, two compounds (11 and 12) demonstrated moderate anti inflammatory activity, with IC50 values ranging from 24.1 ± 1.2 to 62.5 ± 1.9 µM.
A fenntartható fejlődés megjelenése Magyarország és Anglia földrajztanterveiben
Authors:   Pécsi Tudományegyetem, Földtudományok Doktori Iskola, Varjas János
Published: May 2021

The emerging global problems of our world have led to the development of the concept of sustainable development. Sustainable development today no longer deals only with the effects of human activities on the environment, but also, more broadly, with issues of social equality and responsibility. Sustainable development issues are integrated into the teaching and learning process through the Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) initiative. The subject of geography can be a pioneer in the implementation of sustainable development and sustainability topics in schools. The study aims to examine the role of geography in teaching sustainable development in Hungary and England. It examines the emergence of the Sustainable Development Goals, launched by the United Nations in 2015, in the geography curricula. It also analyzes the appearance of the components of skill development and attitude formation related to the topic. The study was performed using the MAXQDA 2020 software.