bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The “time-response” effect of Wenyang Pingchuan Formula on miR-19a in asthmatic mice experiment
Authors: Jiang Shen-hua , Piao Xiang , Yu Jian-er , Feng Qi-mao
Published: September 2022

Background: Wenyang Pingchuan Formula (WPCF) is an empirical formula for the treatment of acute childhood asthma. However, the “time-effect” relationship of this prescription is not clear. This paper explores the relationship between Janus activated kinase signal transducer and activator of transcriptions (JAK/STAT), nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB), and microRNA (miR-19a), and also preliminarily determines the best time-effect relationship of WPCF in reducing the airway inflammation in asthmatic mice.
Method: 80 BALB/c mice were randomly divided into four groups: control (CON) group, model (MDL) group, dexamethasone (DEX) group, and WPCF group. MDL group was established through intraperitoneal injection of 10% ovalbumin (OVA) and Al(OH)3 solution and the inhalation of aerosolized 5% OVA solution. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), real-time PCR and Western blot were conducted to determine the levels of interleukin (IL)-4, IL-13, interferon-γ (IFN-γ) in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF), contents of miR-19a mRNA and STAT6, phosphorylated signal transducers and activators of transcription 6 (p-STAT6), p65, phosphorylated p65 (p-p65), suppressors of cytokine signaling 1 (SOCS1), and tumor necrosis factor α-induced protein-3 (Tnfaip3) proteins after 7 and 28 days of intervention respectively.
Results: Significant down-regulation of IL-4 and IL-13 expression (P<0.05) and up-regulation of IFN-γ expression (P<0.05) in BALF have been observed for WPCF group compared with the MDL group. The significant down-regulation of miR-19a mRNA and STAT6, p-STAT6, p65, p-p65 proteins (P<0.05) and up-regulation of SOCS1 and Tnfaip3 proteins (P<0.05) in BALF was also observed for WPCF group compared to the MDL group. During the experiment, the weight of the mice in DEX group significantly decreased (P<0.05) compared with the other groups.
Conclusions: WPCF could restore Th1/Th2 balance. The longer the intervention time, the more effective the treatment. The down-regulation of miR-19a mRNA by activating JAK/STAT and NF-κB signal pathways may be a possible mechanism by which WPCF alleviates airway inflammation.
FUBP1 promotes the proliferation of lung squamous carcinoma cells and regulates tumor immunity through PD-L1
Authors: Yu Jie , Peng Wen , Xue Yingbo , Li Yun , Yang Lei , Geng Yang
Published: September 2022

Background and aim: Lung cancer is a common malignancy. Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is divided into lung squamous cancer (LUSC), large cell carcinoma, and adenocarcinoma. More than 85% of lung cancer cases are NSCLC patients. Further exploration of the pathogenesis of lung cancer is of great significance. In this study, functions of far upstream element-binding protein 1 (FUBP1) on the proliferation and tumor immunity of LUSC cells were evaluated.
Materials and methods: The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database, Western blot analysis, and immunohistochemistry (IHC) analysis were used to examine the overexpression levels of FUBP1 in LUSC and paracancerous tissues, LUSC cell line, and human normal lung cell line. Then, Western blot assay was employed to validate the transfection efficiency of FUBP1 knockdown in SK-MES-1 cells. Cell counting kit-8 and colony formation assays were used to detect the viability and proliferation of SK-MES-1 cells. Transwell assay was used to examine the migrative and invasive abilities of SK-MES-1 cells. Finally, the xenograft tumor mice model was applied to explore the role of FUBP1 in vivo. IHC assay was used to determine the expression levels FUBP1, PD-L1, and Ki-67. Flow cytometry technology was employed to detect the proportion of CD4+ and CD8+ cells in short sequence negative control (sh-NC) and sh-FUBP1 groups.
Results: Collectively, the results first indicated that FUBP1 was up-regulated in LUSC tissues and cells. It was also demonstrated that knockdown of FUBP1 suppressed cell migration, invasion, and proliferation in lung squamous carcinoma cells. Finally, knockdown of FUBP1 regulated tumor immunity in vivo.
Conclusion: This research suggested that FUBP1 promotes the proliferation of LUSC cells and regulates tumor immunity through programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1).
What is the Effect of Topical Breast Milk Application on Umbilical Cord Separation among Healthy Newborn Babies in the Middle East?
Authors: Awopileda Mary
Published: September 2022

Umbilical cord care is variable all over the world and is informed by firm traditional practices that are passed down as culture. Breast milk has been proposed as a topical substance to the umbilicus as it is full of antibacterial properties. The analysis of four studies revealed a strong correlation between the use of topical breast milk and umbilical cord separation time among newborns in the Middle East. Comparing the results of the studies included in this review, breast milk is not only effective in shortening the separation time of the umbilical cord over dry cord care but is just as effective in reducing signs of infection as the antimicrobial chlorhexidine. These findings designate breast milk as an affordable, easy, and practical method of umbilical cord care. This is particularly useful in developing countries, where the risk of neonatal death due to infection is higher. The result is generalizable to healthy neonates born in a hospital setting, so more research about its practicality in rural areas as well as among sick neonates is suggested.
Variations in marine microbiomes: from habitat to host
Authors:   , Ma Lei
Published: September 2022

Microorganisms are the dominant life form on Earth and inextricably tied to the ecology and evolution of all multicellular life, including marine animals. As the importance of microorganisms to our conception of life gains prominence, animals (and other macroorganisms) are increasingly viewed as “holobionts”, an assemblage of the host plus all its symbiotic microbes. This dissertation examines holobiont biology from the perspective of the microbial communities that live in and around marine hosts. Using both amplicon and metagenomic sequencing, I study the microbiomes of reef-associated seawater and Atlantic killifish to better understand habitat and host effects on microbiome structure. In two Caribbean reef systems, I used examined the biogeography of reef water microbes. I found that the microbiome of reef seawater varies with reef system and individual reefs but that microbiomes within individual reefs were similar to each other and did not vary with benthic composition. The regionalism of reef seawater microbiomes was further assessed upon incorporation of global scale data from five additional studies, which revealed that microbial communities were more distinct with increasing geographic distance. These results contribute to our understanding of the coral holobiont’s microbial environment and can inform monitoring efforts for reef health. Atlantic killifish populations can be categorized as sensitive or tolerant to industrial pollutants based on history of pollutant exposure. Thus, they are an excellent “natural laboratory” for understanding the combined effect of environment and host on microbiome composition. I examined the gut microbiomes of two populations of wild fish as well as captive fish originating from each of these wild populations. I found that living in and adapting to polluted waters can impact microbiome composition and structure, resulting in a microbiome that appears more disordered. Additionally, captivity resulted in a complete turnover of dominant microbial taxa, indicating the environment plays a large role in shaping killifish gut microbiomes. This dissertation demonstrates that diverse systems, from coral reefs to killifish, can benefit from a better understanding of its associated microorganisms. For holobiont studies, these results highlight the importance of considering the context of microbial communities, from environment to host population.
Investigating the Anti-Cancer Properties of 6-Shogaol in Zingiber officinale
Authors: Hafuth Sowsan , Randhawa Sukhpal
Published: September 2022

Cancer is ranked as the first or second cause of death in 112 countries across the world with an estimated 19.3 million new cases of cancer along with 10 million deaths occurring in 2020. Colon cancer is the second most common cancer in women and the fourth most common cancer worldwide. Investigating methods to reduce or prevent cancer through natural and holistic processes are becoming more of a common research topic around the world. Influenced through traditional Chinese medical practices and Ayurvedic medicine, scientists are now exploring anticancerous compounds present in plants and foods used in these cultures. For instance, ginger (Zingiber officinale) has been used for centuries all over Asia for medicinal purposes and contains anticancer compounds. Our review focuses on one of ginger's constituents, 6-shogaol, and its role in colon cancer. We found that 6-shogaol has a significant effect on apoptosis by influencing caspase pathways and cell cycle arrest.
Cyclic liquefaction resistance of sand under a constant inflow rate
Authors: Adamidis Orestis , Anastasopoulos Ioannis
Published: September 2022

Cyclic resistance curves, derived through undrained element tests, are central to the study of liquefaction. Their use implies that water drainage is negligible during an earthquake. Nevertheless, a growing body of evidence suggests that this hypothesis is not realistic. In proximity to the interface of a liquefiable layer with an overlying lower permeability layer, upwards water flow can lead to localised, co-seismic pore volume increase. The aim of this paper is to quantify the effects of pore volume increase on cyclic resistance curves. Cyclic triaxial experiments are presented, performed under undrained conditions and under conditions of volumetric expansion. A constant inflow rate is chosen for the sake of simplicity. Results show that even small inflow rates have a detrimental effect on cyclic resistance. A simplified methodology is developed, which can estimate cyclic resistance under constant water inflow rates, by assuming a superposition of isotropic unloading and undrained cyclic shearing. The results presented add to increasing evidence on how current liquefaction susceptibility assessments might not be conservative for layered deposits. In addition, they highlight significant aspects of soil response under partially drained conditions.
Demonstração bioluminescente de ATP com luciferase recombinante de vagalume (Amydetes vivianii Silveira & Mermudes, 2014) em aulas práticas de bioenergética
Authors: Bevilaqua Vanessa Rezende , Silva Jaqueline Rodrigues da , Viviani Vadim Ravara
Published: September 2022

A vida na Terra depende de energia. O ATP é a molécula universal que armazena e transporta energia nas células. Entre as reações que requerem a energia inicial do ATP, está a bioluminescência do vagalume. Nesta reação catalisada pela enzima luciferase, um composto chamado de luciferina é oxidado produzindo luz. Devido à dependência da reação bioluminescente pelo ATP, a luciferina e a luciferase têm sido utilizadas para de quantificação analítica desta molécula. Nesta aula prática, utilizamos uma luciferase recombinante do vagalume Amydetes vivianii para detectar e quantificar visualmente e fotograficamente a presença do ATP em amostras biológicas, por meio da bioluminescência. Ao misturar luciferina e luciferase às amostras de bactérias lisadas e corpo gorduroso da larva de Zophobas morio, a bioluminescência produzida pode ser facilmente visualizada em ambientes escuros e fotografada com câmeras fotográficas de telefones celulares, propiciando ao estudante um registro fotográfico dos resultados para análise. Na presença de padrões de concentração conhecida de ATP, o estudante pode estimar a concentração deste composto na amostra analisada.  Ciências Biológicas e Engenharia Florestal, podendo ser utilizada também em aulas de Biofísica e Microbiologia.
Sequência de Ensino Investigativa Contextualizada com Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Magalhães Prislaine Pupolin , De Oliveira Rodrigo Cardoso , Iano Flávia Godoy , Ferraz Isabela Pereira , Zuliani Silvia Regina Quijadas Aro
Published: September 2022

As Sequências de Ensino Investigativas (SEI) buscam auxiliar e incentivar a construção do conhecimento, onde o aluno é protagonista em uma proposta ativa de aprendizagem. Este artigo apresenta a proposta de uma SEI contextualizada e interdisciplinar, que contempla conceitos básicos e clínicos em seu desenvolvimento. A SEI foi validada e aplicada para a disciplina de Bioquímica de um curso de Medicina de uma Universidade Pública, utilizando como problematização e contexto a Diabetes Melittus. A SEI é uma metodologia ativa de aprendizagem, fundamentadas teoricamente. Constitui-se por uma sequência bem planejada de ações, onde em um primeiro momento os alunos se apropriam do problema. Com os materiais e aparatos disponíveis, ocorre em grupo o levantamento de hipóteses, seguido do planejamento experimental. Supervisionados pelo professor r, realizaram as testagens experimentais, seguida de análise dos resultados obtidos e suas discussões. Desta maneira, compartilhamos essa SEI, enfatizando a experimentação, uma vez que a resposta frente a atividade realizada foi bem aceita pelos estudantes. Esta SEI estabeleceu relações entre conteúdos teóricos e experimentais, básicos e clínicos, visando formar sujeitos autônomos e críticos.
The Financial Stability Implications of Digital Assets
Authors: Azar Pablo D. , Baughman Garth , Carapella Francesca , Gerszten Jacob , Lubis Arazi , Perez-Sangimino JP , Rappoport David E. , Scotti Chiara , Swem Nathan , Vardoulakis Alexandros , Werman Aurite
Published: September 2022

The value of assets in the digital ecosystem has grown rapidly, amid periods of high volatility. Does the digital financial system create new potential challenges to financial stability? This paper explores this question using the Federal Reserve’s framework for analyzing vulnerabilities in the traditional financial system. The digital asset ecosystem has recently proven itself highly fragile. However adverse digital asset markets shocks have had limited spillovers to the traditional financial system. Currently, the digital asset ecosystem does not provide significant financial services outside the ecosystem, and it exhibits limited interconnections with the traditional financial system. The paper describes emerging vulnerabilities that could present risks to financial stability in the future if the digital asset ecosystem becomes more systemic, including: run risks among large stablecoins, valuation pressures in crypto-assets, fragilities of DeFi platforms, growing interconnectedness, and a general lack of regulation.
Feiras de economia solidária como alternativa ao desenvolvimento socioeconômico local no município de Santa Maria, RS
Authors: Rodrigues Renata Gonçalves , De Aguiar Patrícia Dornelles
Published: September 2022

Atualmente, as feiras de economia solidária surgem como uma alternativa das comunidades para o desenvolvimento socioeconômico local. Considera-se cada vez mais relevante a participação da sociedade em projetos empreendedores locais com intuito de valorizar a comunidade através do incentivo ao comércio, ao serviço, ao lazer e à cultura, estimulando assim, um ambiente favorável à solidariedade. A partir dessa perspectiva, percebe-se que é importante considerar os bairros periféricos que fazem parte do espaço urbano e as relações sociais e econômicas inseridas neste ambiente, a fim de articular uma dinâmica que promova o desenvolvimento local com a participação destas comunidades. A economia solidária, por meio das feiras, favorece a integração social, cultural e econômica sustentável no sentido de uma economia simples, em que a solidariedade e a comercialização de produtos artesanais caracterizam o projeto. O desenvolvimento desta pesquisa utilizou-se da metodologia qualitativa em que, partindo da análise de dados socioeconômicos e de fatos circunstanciais, buscou-se elaborar uma árvore de problemas que facilitasse a compreensão e a importância socioeconômica desta proposta. O resultado esperado parte do entendimento de que é possível a implementação de feiras de economia solidária nos bairros periféricos do município de Santa Maria, RS, se houver a colaboração ativa da Prefeitura Municipal, instituições e da comunidade local.
Trabajo docente en tiempos de pandemia: agudización de las desigualdades e intensificación de la tarea en la provincia de Buenos Aires
Authors: Gluz Nora Beatriz , Vecino Luisa , Martínez-del-Sel Valeria
Published: September 2022

Este artículo es el resultado de una investigación sobre las condiciones y los condicionantes de la tarea docente en el nivel secundario de la provincia de Buenos Aires, Argentina, durante la pandemia por la covid-19. El objetivo es analizar cómo se cruzan las desigualdades de género, tecnológicas y sociosanitarias en el quehacer educativo, en un contexto signado por la intensificación de la labor docente y la profundización de las distancias sociales. Consideramos el período comprendido entre marzo de 2020 y marzo de 2021, y analizamos las siguientes particularidades: las regulaciones oficiales, las condiciones laborales docentes, la composición y situación social del hogar de profesoras y profesores, los recursos tecnológicos disponibles y los soportes institucionales que condicionaron la labor pedagógica. Nos basamos en las normativas del período, la estadística oficial, y las encuestas y entrevistas abiertas a docentes de secundaria de cuatro municipios, que reflejan la heterogeneidad de esta provincia argentina. Entre los hallazgos sobresalen la intensificación de la labor de enseñar durante la pandemia y su particular impacto en el nivel secundario por la estructura del puesto de trabajo; en las docentes mujeres la situación se complejiza por la asimetría en el reparto de las tareas de cuidado. La emergencia del trabajo colectivo para afrontar estas condiciones se constituyó como alternativa y soporte a fin de superar el aislamiento.
Do Fathers Effects the Social Skills of Preschool Children: An Experimental Study
Authors: UZUN Halil , BARAN Gülen
Published: September 2022

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of a Father Training Program (FTP) on the social skills of pre-school children. The study was carried out in two preschools in the central province of Kilis in Turkey. A pretest-posttest control group experimental design was implemented in this study. Both the study group and the control group consisted of 40 preschool children and their fathers from different preschools. The FTP was implemented with fathers in the experimental group for twelve weeks, but the FTP was not applied to the fathers in the control group. In this study, Social Skills Assessment Scale (SSAS) was used. Data were collected by preschool teachers before and after FTP. Covariant analysis with one factor (ANCOVA) and t test were used to analyze the data. At the end of the FTP, it was observed that there were statistically significant differences between the children in the control group and experimental group in terms of their level of social skills (p<.01). It was observed that the difference between the mean scores of post-test and retention tests of the children in the experimental group was insignificant and the effect of the FTP was continuing. This shows that training program including fathers has an effect on children's social skills.
Identifying Professional Development Practices and Needs of The English Language Teachers Teaching at Anatolian High Schools in The County of Antakya, Turkey
Authors: KOŞAR Gülten , DOLAPÇIOĞLU Sevda , AKBANA Yunus Emre
Published: September 2022

Teacher professional development is to be continuous to ensure its sustainability, indicating the need for unceasing scaffolding provided to the teacher for their professional learning staring with the pre-service teacher education program and going on till their retirement. In-service teacher professional development programs/activities could lead to anticipated outcomes, improved teaching and learning performance, providing they are structured around the real professional development needs of the teacher rather than the ones determined by professional development units of ministries of education or school administration. That is to say, bottom-up professional development activities are more likely to generate desired impacts than top-down ones. In light of this premise, this explanatory sequential mixed methods study aims to identify the professional development needs of in-service English teachers teaching at Anatolian High Schools in the county of Antakya, Turkey. In addition, this study reports on the English teachers’ professional development practices. With these purposes in mind, a web survey was distributed to the teachers and the data it yielded were analysed running descriptive statistics. To gain deeper insights into the teachers’ professional development practices and needs, a semi-structured telephone interview was conducted and the data provided by it was subjected to inductive content analysis. The findings demonstrated that the teachers had been taking a number of steps for their professional development and were mostly in need of taking part in professional development activities that aimed at improving their skills of teaching and assessing speaking. Additionally, the findings pointed to the high value the teachers attached to bottom-up professional development activities.
National Science Curriculum Documents in Türkiye and The United States: Comparison in terms of Scope and Detail
Authors: YUMUŞAK Güngör
Published: September 2022

The processes of educational planning and program development at the local and national levels differ in centralized and decentralized educational systems. In Türkiye, there is a centralized education system, and curricula are created centrally to include all students. In the United States of America, there is a nationally disseminated curriculum framework for science education and a set of standards developed in accordance with these frameworks, while curriculum development continues at the local level based on these two national documents. Seeing how the curricula are designed in the different systems and what details they provide to teachers would be a source for designing curriculum development policies. The purpose of this study is to provide a comparative description of the scope of curriculum documents and the details of the information they contain in two different systems. The research is a comparative, holistic, multi-case study conducted by analyzing curriculum documents at the national level. As a result of the research, national curriculum documents for science education in the United States contain comprehensive descriptions of expected outcomes and content, even as curriculum development continues to occur at the local level. In contrast, Türkiye's science curriculum describes expected outcomes and content in less detail. The outcomes are discussed in terms of curriculum elements, system diversity, and literature.
On some problems in economic dynamics are solved using reliable computing experiment
Authors: VP Maksimov
Published: September 2022

In this brief overview, we give examples of economic dynamics problems with references to works in which such problems are studied using modern computer technologies, as well as to works that provide a theoretical basis for such studies. Following [1, 657], by reliable computing experiment (RCE) we mean such purposeful computer calculations combined with analytical studies that lead to the strict establishment of new facts (theorems).
Intentionality, Qualia, and the Stream of Unconsciousness
Authors: Coleman Sam
Published: September 2022

According to Brentano, mentality is essentially intentional in nature. Other philosophers have emphasized the phenomenal-qualitative aspect of conscious experiences as core to the mind. A recent philosophical wave – the ‘phenomenal intentionality programme’ – seeks to unite these conceptions in the idea that mental content is grounded in phenomenal qualities. However, a philosophical and scientific current, which includes Freud and contemporary cognitive science, makes widespread use of the posit of unconscious mentality/mental content. I aim to reconcile these disparate, influential strands of thought concerning mentality’s essence, by defending a conception of the mark of the mental as consisting in content-carrying qualitative character (or mental qualities) – but understood as properties that can exist both in conscious (i.e. phenomenal) form and unconsciously. I describe this conception, deal with major historical objections to the notions of unconscious qualitative character and mentality, and explain the virtues of construing the mark of the mental in this way.
Youths and Political Allegory: Nader Omran’s A Theatre Company Found a Theatre and Theatred Hamlet
Authors: Bessami Hanane , Amrieh Yousef Abu
Published: September 2022

This paper investigates Jordanian playwright Nader Omran’s adaptation of Shakespeare’s Hamlet. It examines Omran’s dramatization of the struggle of Arab youths in a region ruled by corrupt leaders. In particular, the paper focuses on how Omran transforms Shakespeare’s Ophelia into an assertive and dynamic character to reflect the contemporaneous circumstances and conditions of the Arab World in A Theatre Company Found a Theatre and Theatred Hamlet (1984). In Omran’s adaptation, Ophelia’s suicide is an act of self-immolation which anticipates Tunisian fruit and vegetable vendor Mohammed Bouazizi’s act of burning himself in December 2010 since both acts awaken dormant hopes for change and trigger a process of transformation as an inevitable result of years of political oppression and marginalization. In this respect, Omran’s play anticipates and predicts recent Arab uprisings that were initiated and led by Arab youths in protest against years of social injustice and exclusion from the political life.
Cathleen ni Houlihan: A Dual Perspective of Disability Studies and Postcolonial Studies
Authors: Jin Minna
Published: September 2022

Disability studies generally registers disability as a social and political phenomenon; as against one of personal affliction, and it aids us in understanding the power and oppression in diverse contexts, whereas postcolonial studies allows for a wider-ranging investigation into power relations as to how they occurred. Recent studies have found, in terms of empowerment and inferiority, there is a notable convergence between disability studies and postcolonial studies. The image of crippled Ireland has been formed in the lengthy history of colonization through the practice of othering, and this image of disempowerment has already been extensively represented in the annals of Irish and British literature. The play Cathleen ni Houlihan, by William Butler Yeats, conveys a national call to promote national identity. The story-line of the play is very dramatic and emotional by the famous transformation of Cathleen, from a feeble old woman to a vibrant young girl, which symbolically manifests a re-establishment of not only Ireland’s youthful vigor, but also its native powers of creativity and capability, as an independent nation state. As the play contains numerous representations of physical and mental disability, an interpretation of the dual perspective of disability studies and postcolonial studies provides a new understanding of how literary works present complex and intricate insights into the politics of disability and provide multifaceted illustrations of the disabled images.
Cardiometric support of visual kinetic modeling
Authors: Zernov V.A. , Lobanova E.V. , Likhacheva E.V. , Nikolaeva L.P. , Ognev A.S. , Ogneva N.A. , Rudenko M.Y.
Published: September 2022

The article presents an experimental confirmation of the validity of the hypothesis that there are optimal combinations of such VKM varieties as GSM, KS and MAC. The results of the performed cardiometric measurements and the variants of subjective self-reports made by the examinees are described herein, which have shown that such optimal combinations include tasks, where and when the clients, acting as patients, first work with kinetic sand and only thereupon use metaphorical associative cards, followed by game sand modeling. In addition, the data obtained have demonstrated that the least comfortable work sequences include options that first use the techniques of game sand modeling, and then as those the varieties of VKM as KS and MAC. In addition, it has been found that the cardiometric support of visual kinetic modeling significantly increases the confidence therein by all its participants. It has been shown that the cardiometric support also successfully serves as an element of bio-feedback and contributes to a meaningful, substantive, dialogue between the client and the psychotherapist, aimed at increasing the level of awareness of what is happening and raising the effectiveness of the therapeutic process.
A study to assess the effectiveness of Intradialytic Stretching Exercises on Leg Muscle Cramp among Hemo Dialysis
Authors: Bhuvaneswari P.G. , Tamilselvi S. , Harini J. , Harshini J. , Parameshwari R.
Published: September 2022

INTRODUCTION: Hemodialysis is a continuous treatment that might result in problems such as hypotension, leg muscle cramps, disequilibrium syndrome, and nausea. The most effective treatment is passive stretching of the shortened muscle. Stretching has numerous health benefits, including increasing stamina, relaxing the body and mind, improving focus and concentration, and lowering the chance of injury. OBJECTIVE: The goals of this study were to determine the severity of leg muscle cramps in Hemodialysis patients before and after intradialytic stretching exercises, to assess the effectiveness of intradialytic stretching exercises on leg muscle cramps in Hemodialysis patients, and to link the severity of leg muscle cramps with selected demographic variables following intradialytic stretching exercises. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Qualitative research approach was conducted at Saveetha Medical College and Hospital by using quasi experimental research design, the Sample size was 30 patients with leg muscle cramps undergoing Hemodialysis by using Purposive sampling technique. The muscle cramp questionnaire scale was created to determine the severity of leg muscle cramps before and after Hemodialysis. Pain Scores ranged from 0 to 10 on a numerical scale. Before the individuals were given the intradialytic stretching exercise, demographic data, clinical variables and muscle cramp status were measured as a pre-test. Then, every day after the intervention, the posttest muscle cramp was measured. RESULTS: The demographic and clinical variables data was analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The majority of the patients 17(56.7%) reported no pain during the post-test. There was no correlation between the severity of leg muscle cramping and any of the demographic variables. Data were categorized and analysed using descriptive (mean, percentage, and standard deviation) and inferential statistics (independent paired t test’, chi-square analysis). CONCLUSION: This study showed that regular stretching exercises on legs during the hemodialysis can help alleviate the leg muscle cramps.
Very Rapid Improvement in Extended Nitric Oxide Parameters Is Associated With Clinical and Functional Improvement in Patients With Chronic Rhinosinusitis With Nasal Polyps Treated With Dupilumab
Authors: Paoletti G , Casini M , Malvezzi L , Pirola F , Russo E , Nappi E , Muci GQ , Montagna C , Messina MR , Ferri S , Racca F , Lamacchia D , Cataldo G , Puggioni F , De Virgilio A , Ferreli F , Mercante G , Spriano G , Canonica GW , Heffler E
Published: September 2022

Background: Dupilumab, an anti–IL-4 receptor a monoclonal antibody, was recently approved for the treatment of chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) and moderate-to-severe asthma. Onset of its clinical effects is rapid. CRSwNP is characterized by extended type 2 inflammatory involvement that can be assessed using extended nitric oxide analysis. Objectives: We investigated whether dupilumab was associated with a rapid improvement in extended nitric oxide parameters, lung function, and clinical outcomes in patients with CRSwNP. Methods: Consecutive patients with CRSwNP and an indication for dupilumab were evaluated for extended nitric oxide analysis (exhaled, FeNO; bronchial, JawNO; alveolar, CalvNO; nasal, nNO) and lung function 15 and 30 days after initiation of treatment and for clinical outcomes (nasal polyps score [NPS], quality of life questionnaires, visual analog scale [VAS] for the main symptoms, and the Asthma Control Test [ACT]) 30 days after initiation of treatment. Results: We enrolled 33 patients. All extended nitric oxide and lung function parameters improved significantly after 15 days of treatment, remaining stable at 30 days. Scores on the NPS, VAS for the main CRSwNP symptoms, quality of life questionnaires, and the ACT improved significantly 30 days after initiation of treatment. Conclusions: Dupilumab is associated with very rapid improvement in type 2 inflammation in all airway areas. This is associated with improved lung function and clinical parameters in patients with CRSwNP.
The Effect of Health Expenditure on Life Expectancy
Authors: Morina Fisnik , Komoni Ajshe , Kilaj Duresa , Selmonaj Durim , Grima Simon
Published: September 2022

With this paper, we aim to analyse the effect of health expenditures and funding on the national life expectancy of OECD countries. We considered the influence of exogenous factors such as health expenditure, GDP per capita and productivity, population, infant mortality rates, potential years of life lost, deaths from cancer and the suicide rate. We used secondary data gathered between 2005 to 2018 from the annual reports of the OECD, the IMF and the World Bank. To derive the empirical results, econometric models such as linear regression, random effect, fixed effect, Hausman - Taylor Regression, GMM Model - Arellano Bond Estimation, Generalized Estimating Equations (GEE Model) and linear trend analysis through the historical and comparative method were used. Results show that health expenditures positively affect the national life expectancy of OECD countries, showing the impact and causality of national longevity in OECD countries.
Analysis of the Main Threats to the System of Sustainable Development and Planning of the Region in the Context of Ensuring the Economic Security of the State
Authors: Lošonczi Peter , Britchenko Igor , Sokolovska Olena
Published: September 2022

The main purpose of the study is to identify and analyze the main threats to the system of sustainable development and planning of the region in terms of ensuring the economic security of the state. To do this, we applied a methodology that allows us to establish the dependence and connection between threats and to determine the level structure of measures to counter the negative impact of these threats on a particular region. The relevance of the study is given by the fact that the regions of Europe today are also suffering from military actions on the territory of Ukraine. As a result of the study, a multi-level matrix of the hierarchy of the negative impact of threats on the system of sustainable development and planning of the region was formed in the context of ensuring the economic security of the state. The use of this matrix is a relatively new and more effective way to determine the measure of the impact of certain phenomena. The study has limitations and they concern the selection of only one region therefore further research needs to expand and apply our matrix to more regions.
Secure Optical Communication Using a New 5D Chaotic Stream Segmentation
Authors: Al-Saidi Nesreen M. , Ali Mudhafar H. , Al-Azzawi Waleed K.H. , Abass Abdulla K.H.
Published: September 2022

According to its complex properties like ergodicity, unpredictability, and sensitivity to its initial states, chaotic systems are ‎attracting more and more attention and are widely used for security purposes. Moreover, ‎the chaotic signals are considered suitable for spread spectrum modulation due to their wideband properties. It is able to reduce the peak to average ‎power ratio (PAPA). This paper presents a new Dynamic Diffeo-Difference Multi-Dimensional (DDD-MD) system. It is used as ‎a key for a new cryptosystem designed based on the chaotic stream segmentation (CSS) method. The proposed ‎system provides the best trade-off between efficiency, robustness, and high data rate transmission. The behavior of the ‎proposed chaotic system is evaluated numerically by analyzing the Lyapunov exponent spectrum, complexity, and attractor ‎phase diagram. Besides, it is practically assessed based on the principle of system ‎circuit design; the circuit diagram of the system is prepared and simulated by Multisim, which shows high consistency with ‎the numerical simulation. These evaluations show that the proposed system has a rich dynamics behavior to be realized in ‎an encryption system and provides a foundation for many engineering and physical applications‎.
Impact of Innovation Types on Enterprises Sales Growth: Evidence from Kosovo
Authors: Elezaj Shaqir , Livoreka Ramiz
Published: September 2022

This paper aims to analyze the impact of the types of innovations in increasing the sales of Kosovo's enterprises. The findings of this paper confirm the hypotheses that organizational innovations, product/process innovations and marketing innovations have a positive impact on increasing the level of sales. This empirical research was conducted with enterprises in Kosovo, so the main limitation of this research is the non-inclusion of enterprises of Albania, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, etc. The involvement of enterprises from these countries would provide a broader picture of the research issues for transition countries. This empirical research is of particular importance because it studies the impact of types of innovation on increasing the sales level of enterprises in transition countries. Kosovo suffer from weak enterprises sector and underdeveloped entrepreneurship sector. Without the development of an innovative system of the private sector and the entrepreneurial sector, Kosovo cannot overcome the transition process. Therefore, this paper could be a reference point for the government policies of Kosovo, which should support all enterprises in the development of all types of innovations.
Power Relations Urang Pandai and Candidate on Regional Head Election in West Sumatra, Indonesia
Authors: Efendi Hary , Dienaputra Reiza , Sofianto Kunto , Asnan Gusti
Published: September 2022

The transformation in the election of regional heads from indirect to direct since 2005 brought many changes to the dynamics of local politics in Indonesia. One of these changes is the opening up of opportunities for community members as candidates for regional heads and the strengthening of power relations between candidates and urang pandai. A clearer understanding of the position of urang pandai in West Sumatra will help stakeholders in the election to map out the forces that will support a higher-quality election. This research uses the historical method. There are four stages in the historical method, namely; heuristics, source criticism, interpretation, and historiography. The results of this study reveal two typologies of urang pandai in Minangkabau culture involved in the election of regional heads, namely the sufi healer, and orang berakuan. Direct regional head election regulations lead to intense competition between candidates. The amount of material sacrifice and strong pressure to win encourages candidates to find someone who has magical abilities and is placed as a spiritual mentor and political advisor. Wirid, tahlilan (reading prayers), pilgrimage to the grave, giving prayers, terawangan (divination) and the use jimat (amulets) are the practice of power relations between people and candidates.
Detection of artificial fragments embedded in remote sensing images by adversarial neural networks
Authors:   Samara National Research University, Gashnikov M.V. , Kuznetsov A.V. ,   Samara National Research University
Published: September 2022

We investigate algorithms for detecting artificial fragments of remote sensing images generated by adversarial neural networks. We consider a detector of artificial images based on the detection of a spectral artifact of generative-adversarial neural networks that is caused by a layer for enhancing the resolution. We use the detecting algorithm to detect artificial fragments embedded in natural remote sensing images using an adversarial neural network that includes a contour generator. We use remote sensing images of various types and resolutions, whereas the substituted areas, some being not simply connected, have different sizes and shapes. We experimentally prove that the investigated spectral neural network detector has high efficiency in detecting artificial fragments of remote sensing images.
Młody człowiek nie pachnie współczesnością. O portretowaniu postaci w filmie Jana Komasy na podstawie obrazów „Boże Ciało”, „Miasto 44” i „Sala samobójców”
Authors: Sławek-Czochra Małgorzata
Published: September 2022

The purpose of this article is to show the genre continuity of portraiture in the next medium and to identify its new features and elements based on three pictures directed by Jan Komasa: Corpus Christi, Warsaw 44, and Suicide Room. The research used content analysis, comparative analysis, and analysis of the structure of the film work. The semantic trend indicating the importance of portrayal in the film was also used. The above analysis showed that film portraiture based on elements of film language still has much in common with classical painting or photographic portraiture. It characterizes the protagonist, his likeness, and description, and at the same time, the action of the film is a dramatic element. The way it is used reinforces the aesthetic and genre style of the film story, and portraits are not only a registration of the character's image but have artistic functions.
Self-Esteem and Communication in the Perception of Women After the First and Subsequent Childbirth
Authors: Gwiazdowska-Stańczak Sylwia , Okoniewska Ewelina
Published: September 2022

The aim of the research is to increase the knowledge of self-esteem and quality of communication in marriage in women after childbirth, taking into account the number of their children. The research group included 95 women after childbirth who completed the authors’ own sociodemographic questionnaire and two psychological standardized measures, the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (SES) and Marriage Communication Questionnaire by Kaźmierczak and Plopa. It was found that self-esteem proved to be a positive predictor of perceived support and commitment provided by the partner only among mothers of two or more children, whereas in single mothers perceived support did not depend on the woman’s self-esteem. At the first birth, the support from the partner is not related to the mother’s level of self-esteem.
A Cross-Cultural Pragmatics Study of Request Strategies and Politeness in Javanese and Sundanese
Authors: Chintawidy Permas Adinda , Sartini Ni Wayan
Published: September 2022

This study aims to examine and compare request strategies and politeness of two groups of native speakers from two different ethnic groups in Indonesia, i.e., Javanese and Sundanese. The data were collected by using Discourse Completion Task (DCT) with 60 participants from 30 Javanese (East Java) and 30 Sundanese (West Java) speakers. The data were analyzed by using the classification of request strategies by Blum-Kulka et al., 1989) and social contexts in terms of social power, social distance, and degree of imposition by Brown and Levinson (1987) to reveal the levels of directness and politeness of request employed by each group of speakers. The result of this study indicates that Direct Strategy in the form of mood derivable and Conventionally Indirect Strategy in the form of query preparatory are two request strategies that are mainly employed by both Javanese and Sundanese speakers. In particular, Javanese speakers employ a more Direct Strategy than Sundanese speakers. However, the patterns of request strategies employed by Javanese and Sundanese speakers in most social contexts are similar. In addition, both groups of speakers can also adapt to the situations and employ appropriate requests to the hearer. Therefore, politeness and appropriateness in requests employed by each group of speakers in their DCT responses can reflect the local wisdom of each culture.Keywords: requests; social contexts; politeness; Javanese; Sundanese
Power and Communication Strategy in a Modernizing Society: in Conditions of Risks
Authors:   Saratov State University, Danilov S. A.
Published: September 2022

The article analyzes the communication strategies of the authorities in the conditions of modernization of the society. Communication is the base of modernization. We should speak about decision-making and consensus models in the conditions of growing riskogenicity changes.
Specific Character of Humanitarian Paradigm in the Study of Professional World View of Expert in the Field of Physical Culture and Sports
Authors:   Volgograd State Academy of Physical Culture, Tyaglova E. V.
Published: September 2022

This article is dedicated to specific humanitarian paradigm in the study of professional ideology of expert in physical culture and sports. The forming of professional ideology of expert in physical culture and sports supposes the formation of a functional system based on values of physical activities: health, body, movement, which will be shown in all spheres of life.
Features of Ethnic Tolerance of Residents of Frontier Areas of Russia and Kazakhstan
Authors:   Volgograd branch of the Russian Academy of National Economy and Public Administration under the President of the Russian Federation, Guslyakova A. V.
Published: September 2022

This article presents results of the study of interethnic relations in two border areas: polyethnic area of Russia and monoethnic area of Kazakhstan. The social psychological factors and peculiarities of personality examined and correlated with the manifestation of ethnic tolerance / intolerance.
Primary School Age: Development of Mental Action Organizing
Authors:   Saratov State Law Academy, Kuptsova Natalya V.
Published: September 2022

A content of the article is a summary of the empirical study. We are interested in the question: is there a connection between the age of a junior student’s and between a success of solving tasks for the systematization of polygonal geometric figures. The model examination of mental activities which we chose pay attention to factors such as «age» and «classroom».
Critical Review on Synthetic Routes and Catalytic Applications of Hollow Nanomaterials
Authors: Azam Tayyaba , Ahmad Fawad , Ahmad Zaheer
Published: September 2022

The significant trend for the improvement of material’s performance is increasing of their surface area, pore volume and surface to volume ratio. That leads huge attention from various fields and scientists. Hollow nanomaterials are unique materials to evolve because of special attributions like surface area as these materials have wide surfaces than their solid counterparts. Synthesis of hollow nanomaterials (HNMs) is very challenging and important in the grown era of industrialization. The common synthetic strategies are hard-template, self-template, soft template, template free and simple methods. The characterization tools are scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Hollow nanomaterials have wide range applications in catalysis, sensors, lithium ion batteries, water treatment, drug delivery, nanoreactors and dye sensitized solar cells etc. Herein we had summarized the strategies for preparation of HNMs and their applications.