bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prevalence and Determinants of Overweight and Obesity among Urban School Going Adolescents in South Kerala - A Community Based Cross Sectional Study
Authors: Nair Greeshma Lathika Rajasekharan , Chellappan Vimala
Published: June 2021

BACKGROUND Obesity is being designated as a global epidemic by the world health organisation. The problem of obesity is confined not only to adults but also to children and adolescents. Various studies also indicate that the prevalence of overweight and obesity amongst children of all ages is increasing in developing countries in the past few decades. The present study was undertaken to find the prevalence of overweight and obesity among school going adolescents 13 to 17 years of age in urban wards under Government Medical College Health Unit, Thiruvananthapuram. METHODS A cross-sectional study with a sample size of 1100 selected through multistage random sampling was conducted. Physical measurements as well as data regarding sociodemographic variables, dietary behaviour, physical activity, perception of body weight, and awareness regarding overweight and obesity were obtained using a pretested semi structured questionnaire. Descriptive analysis was done, followed by bivariate and multivariate analysis to find out the major determinants of overweight and obesity. RESULTS The prevalence of overweight among adolescents aged 13 - 17 years attending schools under the medical college health unit area was found to be 11.3 % and that of obesity was 3.5 %. Girls had a slightly higher prevalence of overweight (12.3 %) as compared to boys (10.2 %) in the same age group of 13 - 17 years. Prevalence of overweight / obesity is found to be significantly associated with higher socioeconomic status, increased time spent on TV (more than 8 hours a week), increased intake of fatty foods like fish fry and chicken, family history of overweight, and mode of conveyance to school using motor vehicles. CONCLUSIONS The prevalence of overweight and obesity continues to increase even after improving our schools with more playtime periods and giving health education on healthy eating practices. Balancing interventions are of utmost necessity. There is an equal proportion of students who are underweight especially in the schools of government sector.
Retropupillary Iris Claw Lens Implantation – A Prospective Observational Study at a Tertiary Health Care Centre in Jaipur, Rajasthan
Authors: Goel Rajesh , Upadhyay Sukriti , Agarwal Akshi , Sharma Dharmesh , Goyal Sunita , Ahuja Jitendra
Published: June 2021

BACKGROUND Visual rehabilitation of aphakic patients include spectacle correction, contact lenses, and primary or secondary intra ocular lens (IOL) implantation. Spectacles are rarely used nowadays because of limited visual field, aniseikonia and peripheral refractive errors. Contact lenses are other options for correcting aphakia but can cause a lot of corneal complications. Options for correction of aphakic patients with lack of adequate capsular support include anterior chamber IOL (ACIOL), scleral fixated IOL (SFIOL), and iris fixated IOL. Implantation of a retropupillary IC-IOL provides the benefits of a PCIOL, and the duration of the surgery is also less. The retropupillary IC-IOL because of its position lowers the risk of endothelial decompensation is a better option. We wanted to evaluate the functional outcomes of retropupillary iris claw lens implantation. METHODS Secondary implantation of IC-IOL was done in 50 surgical aphakic eyes as a result of intraoperative posterior capsular rent with zonular dialysis (N = 43, 86 %) & large (> 7 clock hours) zonular dehiscence (N = 7, 14 %). Follow up was done on 1 st day, 7th day, 1 month, 3 months and 6 months. RESULTS 22 males and 28 females in the age group 40 - 78 years were operated. 78 % eyes (N = 39) had vision better than 6 / 12 while only 10 % eyes (N = 5) had < 6 / 60 vision and the remainder 12 % (N = 6) had vision between 6 / 18 & 6 / 36. Complications like acute postoperative iritis (N = 18, 36 %) pupillary distortion (N = 15, 30 %), pigment clumping (N = 10, 24 %), iris chaffing (N = 9, 21 %), secondary glaucoma (N = 5, 12 %) and IOL decentration (N = 3, 7 %) were seen. The mean difference in central endothelial counts before surgery and 6 months after surgery was 109 cell / mm2 (5.92 %). CONCLUSIONS Iris claw lens gives the dual benefit of good visual acuity and less complication rate in aphakic patients with lack of adequate capsular support. KEYWORDS Retropupillary Iris Claw Lens, Surgical Aphakia, Secondary implantation, Zonular Dialysis, Aneisokonia
Hospital Based Longitudinal Study on Artificial Snow Spray Induced Ocular Injuries and Its Correlation with the Awareness among the Study Population at Medical College Hospital, Bhubaneswar
Authors: Panda Lipika , Samal Arun Kumar , Sarangi Lisa
Published: June 2021

BACKGROUND Artificial snow spray induced ocular injuries have become common in the past two decades throughout India. There is a paucity of studies in India as well as globally on such injuries. This study was undertaken to identify such types of ocular injuries and evaluate the awareness of artificial snow spray use in the present hospital settings. METHODS This hospital based longitudinal study was carried out among 68 patients having artificial snow spray induced ocular injuries. The study period was from 01. 01. 2019 to 30. 12. 2019. A detailed history of patients was taken pertaining to the injury. A thorough ocular examination was carried out on a slit lamp biomicroscope. Visual acuity was recorded using Snellen’s test type chart. Clinical grading was done by Roper Hall classification. RESULTS The present study included 68 patients i.e. 124 eyes of which 64.7 % (44) were males, 35.3 % (24) were females. The mean age was 26.029 years. All the patients suffered from chemical conjunctivitis (100 %), superficial punctate keratitis (SPK) 82.3 %, corneal erosion (8.8 %), and corneal erosion involving limbal area (3.2 %). Most ocular injuries due to artificial foam were bilateral (82.3 %). Maximum number of patients (94.4 %) had grade I ocular injuries. 93.5 % of patients had BCVA (best corrected visual acuity) 6 / 6 within 1 week of ocular injuries. So far, no patients had any irreversible ophthalmic sequelae. Awareness among the study group was very less. CONCLUSIONS Artificial snow spray used in parties, festival celebration can cause mild to severe ocular injuries. Public awareness will reduce the use of this chemical. KEYWORDS Artificial Snow Spray, Corneal Erosion, Ocular Injury, Awareness
Влияние внеклеточных метаболитов лактобацилл на чувствительность планктонных культур и биопленок Gardnerella vaginalis к метронидазолу in vitro
Authors: Крайникова Д.А.
Published: June 2021

Проблема бактериальных биопленок в инфекционной патологии остается актуальной. Формирование биопленочных сообществ микроорганизмов – одна из основных стратегий выживания бактерий в организмах инфицируемых хозяев. Обнаружено, что метаболиты лактобацилл и отдельные компоненты (пероксид водорода, лактат, сурфактанты) потенцируют антимикробную активность метронидазола в отношении культур Gardnerella vaginalis, находящихся в состоянии биопленки, при этом наибольшей активностью обладали пероксид водорода и сурфактанты.
Внеклеточные метаболиты лактобацилл потенцируют антимикотическое действие флуконазола в отношении Candida albicans в биопленках
Authors: Крайникова Д.А.
Published: June 2021

В настоящем исследовании изучалось влияние нативных метаболитов вагинальных лактобацилл и отдельных их компонентов (пероксид водорода, лактат, сурфактанты) на чувствительность планктонных культур и биопленок Candida albicans к флуконазолу. Материалы и методы: У 18 клинических изолятов Candida albicans определяли способность образовывать биопленки по связыванию кристаллического фиолетового, чувствительность к флуконазолу методом серийных микроразведений, относительное количество и жизнеспособность грибов в биопленках по восстановлению 3-(4,5- диметилтиазол-2-ил)-2,5-дифенил-тетразолий бромида в формазан. Результаты: Выявлено, что метаболиты лактобацилл повышают чувствительность C. albicans к флуконазолу в биопленках, что сопровождалось уменьшением МИК. Наибольшее влияние на уменьшение минимальной ингибирующей концентрации флуконазола оказывали сурфактанты, содержащиеся во внеклеточных метаболитах лактобацилл, которые уменьшали среднее значение МИК флуконазола в отношении C. albicans в 3-4 раза. Заключение: Обнаруженное потенцирование действия флуконазола метаболитами лактобацилл может расширить арсенал методов для борьбы с биопленками, образованными условно-патогенными и патогенными микроорганизмами.
Влияние длительности этаноловой интоксикации на тимус потомства самок крыс
Authors: Круглов С.В , Пугач П.В. , Пиминова О.В. , Чуносова Т.Н. , Васильева Л.Б. , Чулочникова В.И.
Published: June 2021

С помощью морфометрических, гистологических и статистических методов исследования изучены тимусы 280 новорожденных крыс обоего пола, полученных от 50 самок белых крыс. Самки крыс, от которых было получено потомство, были разделены на 8 групп: одну контрольную и 7 экспериментальных. Животные контрольной группы находились на стандартном рационе питания. Все экспериментальные крысы получали 15% раствора этанола в качестве единственного источника жидкости во время беременности и от одного до шести месяцев до ее наступления. Изменения в тимусе новорожденных животных имеют как ряд общих черт, так и выраженные различия в количественных и качественных показателях, которые характеризуют определенную экспериментальную группу.
Применение цитокиновых препаратов в практике врача стоматолога
Authors: Орлова А.Д. , Сорокина Ю.А.
Published: June 2021

В последнее время все больше пользуется популярностью цитокинотерапия инфекционных заболеваний в практике врача стоматолога. Одним из популярных препаратов, основывающийся на такой терапии является «Straumann Emdogain». После применения данного препарата у 10 пациентов, которые имели: внутрикостные дефекты в виде остаточных карманов после полного снятия воспаления (2 человек), осложнения в виде отвержения имплантатов после его постановки (3 человека), наличие обнаженной поверхности корней- рецессия десны (5 человека), за несколько месяцев дефекты (8 из 10) заполнялись новообразованной периодонтальной связкой. По мере формирования также происходило образование новой кости. Через год после проведенных манипуляций наблюдалась полная регенерация пародонта, состоящего из цемента, периодонтальной связки и альвеолярной кости.
Профилактика стоматологических заболеваний в период беременности
Authors: Фролова К.Е. , Фролова В.В. , Сазанова Т.А.
Published: June 2021

Выявить этиологические факторы и провести анализ значимости профилактики стоматологических заболеваний в период беременности. Актуальность: В настоящее время проблема профилактики стоматологических заболеваний беременных женщин не теряет своей значимости, занимая одно из важнейших положений, позволяет избежать развития патологий и предотвратить возможные осложнения.
Изучение качества среды по асимметрии листьев в посёлке Руэм Республики Марий Эл
Authors: Желонкина Т.Ю. , Мухаметова С.В.
Published: June 2021

Приведена оценка уровня загрязнения окружающей среды на 4 участках посёлка Руэм в Республике Марий Эл. Исследование проводилось в октябре 2020 года по показателям флуктуирующей асимметрии листьев березы повислой. На участке 1 выявлены благоприятные условия произрастания для растений, на трёх остальных участках – крайне неблагоприятные условия.
Оценка точности цифровой модели местности полученной на основе данных беспилотных летательных аппаратов масштабе 1:1000
Authors: Ожигин Д.С. , Кубайдуллина У.А. , Шарипова К.Д. , Долгоносов В.Н.
Published: June 2021

В работе рассмотрены приемущества применения БПЛА для выполнения топографической съмки и оценка точности цифровой модели местности.
Живетский ярус среднего девона (средне и верхнеживетский подъярусы) Нахичеванской АР и его зональное расчленение
Authors: Теймурзаде Л.Т.к.
Published: June 2021

Отложения живетского яруса широко развиты в западной части Нахичеванской Автономной Республики, они представлены в основном карбонатными породами  мощными слоями известняков, часто органогенного происхождения; в верхней части довольно в большом количестве участвуют и терригенные материалы: аргиллиты, песчаники, алевролиты и кварциты. В составе живетского яруса Нахичеванской АР установлены две свиты: садаракская и арпачайская. Садаракская свита охватывает в своем стратиграфическом объеме две брахиоподовые зоны: 1) зона Stringocephalus burtini и 2) зона Crurithyris inflatus. В составе арпачайской свиты выделяются две брахиоподовые зоны: 1) зона Spinocyrtia subcuspidata и 2) зона Undispirifer undiferus  Emanuella pseudovolhynica. Kаждая из этих зон характеризуется своеобразным, стабильным, присущим только ей, фаунистическим комплексом, но в то же время они отличаются друг от друга различным литологическим составом.
Investigation of Auger Electron Emitting Radionuclides Effects in Therapy Using the Geant4-DNA Toolkit: A Simulation Study
Authors: Ahmadi Parvin , Shamsaei Zafar Ghandi Mojtaba , Shokri Aliasghar
Published: June 2021

Purpose: The biological effects of ionizing radiation at the cellular and subcellular scales are studied by the number of breaks in the DNA molecule that provides a quantitative description of the stochastic aspects of energy deposition at cellular scales. The Geant4 code represents a suitable theoretical toolkit in microdosimetry and nanodosimetry. In this study, radiation effects due to Auger electrons emitting radionuclides such as 195mPt 113mIn, 125I and 201Tl are investigated using the Geant4-DNA.
Materials and Methods: The Geant4-DNA is the first Open-access software for the simulation of ionizing radiation and biological damage at the DNA scale. Low-energy electrons, especially Auger electron from Auger electron emitting radionuclides during the slowing-down process, deposit their energy within a nanometer volume.
Results: The average number of Single-Strand Breaks (SSB) and Double-Strand Breaks (DSB) of DNA as a function of energy and distance from the center of the DNA axis are shown.
Conclusion: The highest DSBs yield has occurred at energies less than 1 keV, and  induces a higher DSBs yield.
The Commissioning and Validation of EclipseTM Treatment Planning System on a Varian VitalBeamTM Medical Linear Accelerator for Photon and Electron Beams
Authors: Yazdani Samira , Shirani Takabi Fateme , Nickfarjam Abolfazl
Published: June 2021

Purpose: Commissioning of a linear accelerator is a process of acquiring a set of data used for patient treatment. This article presents the beam data measurement results from the commissioning of a VitalBeamTM linac.
Materials and Methods: Dosimetric properties for 6,10, and 15 MV photon beams and 6, 9, 12, and 16 MeV electron beams have been performed. Parameters, including Percentage Depth Dose (PDD), depth dose profile, symmetry, flatness, quality index, output factors, and the vital data for Treatment Planning System (TPS) commissioning were measured. The imported data were checked by CIRS phantom accordingly to IAEA TRS-430, TECDOC. Eight different positions of CIRS phantom CT were planned and treated. Finally, the calculated dose at a determined position was compared with measuring data to TPS validation.
Results: After comparing 84 points in a different plan, the 83 points were in agreement with the criteria, and just for one point in 15 MV failed.
Conclusion: Commissioning of dose and field flatness and symmetry are in tolerance intervals given by Varian. This proves that the studied lines meet the specification and can be used in clinical practice with all available electron and photon energies.
Introducing the GammaPen: All-in-One Gamma Probe for Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy
Authors: Radnia Aram , Abdollahzadeh Hamed , Teimourian Behnoosh , Farahani Mohammad Hossein , Ay Mohammad Reza
Published: June 2021

Purpose: Using an itra-operative gamma probe after injection of radiotracer during surgery helps the surgeon to identify the sentinel lymph node of regional metastasis through the detection of radiation. This work reports the design and specification of an integrated gamma probe (GammaPen), developed by our company.
Materials and Methods: GammaPen is a compact and fully integrated gamma probe. The detector module consists of a thallium-activated Cesium Iodide (CsI (Tl)) scintillator, and a Silicon Photo Multiplier (SiPM), shielded using Tungsten housing. Probe sensitivity, spatial resolution and angular resolution in air and water, and side and back shielding effectiveness were measured to evaluate the performance of the probe based on NEMA NU3 standard.
Results: The sensitivity of the probe in the air/water at distances of 10, 30, and 50 mm is 18784/176800, 3500/3050, and 1575/1104 cps/MBq. The spatial and angular resolutions in the air/scattering medium are 40/47 mm and 77/87 degrees at a 30 mm distance from the probe. The detector shielding effectiveness and leakage sensitivity are 99.91% and 0.09%, respectively.
Conclusion: The results and surgeon experience in the operating room showed that GammaPen can be effectively used for sentinel lymph node localization.
The effect of food processing on the amount of trace elements and their bioavailability: a review
Authors: Neyestani Maral , Shavali Gilani Parisa , Fesahat Mohadeseh , Molaee-Aghaee Ebrahim , Shariatifar Nabi
Published: June 2021

Trace elements are compounds that are essential in small amounts for biochemical reactions and to maintain human health. Almost all foods can contain varying amounts of these metals. In this study, the effects of food processing on the content of trace metals are investigated. Extensive interpretations of processing, including aspects of food production and specific examples of changes in metal content due to processing will be discussed. Pre-consumption food processing to improve rheological properties and increase shelf life is inevitable, which changes the bioavailability and amount of these compounds in different directions depending on the process. The amount of these trace metals in the food product can be affected by various conditions such as heating, fermentation, food additives, etc. The main factor in reducing trace elements in food, especially the use of heat in a special method and on the other hand, factors such as fermentation can also increase the bioavailability of these elements.
Exposure to acetaldehyde through food; a carcinogenic agent
Authors: Sadighara Parisa , Mohajer Afsaneh , Molaee-Aghaee Ebrahim , Zirak Mohammad Reza
Published: June 2021

The article's abstract is not available.
POLITICS AS RHETORIC: A DISCOURSE ANALYSIS OF SELECTED PAKISTANI POLITICIANS' PRESS STATEMENTS
Authors: Ramzan Muhammad , Qureshi Abdul Waheed , Samad Abdus , Sultan Neelam
Published: June 2021

Purpose of the Study: This paper aims at unveiling the linguistic repertoire through the analysis of the press statements of the leading figures of the then ruling party of Pakistan (Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz Group) - PMLN and the opposition party there (Pakistan People’s Party (Parliamentarians) - PPPP. The main focus of this research is to reveal the language game of key politicians who seem anxious to complete their tenure irrespective of the issues faced by the people and usurpation of their basic rights.

Methodology: For highlighting the hidden meanings in language usage, the researchers have deployed the approach of Gee’s (2011) seven building tasks of language, for the accomplishment of the study objective.

Main Findings: The study findings indicate the manipulation and exploitation of the public by politicians through the game of words, shrouded in manifestos of prosperity/development, leading consequently to deterioration of the law-and-order situation, unemployment, nepotism, poverty, and black-marketing.

Applications of the Study: The Study can help those working in critical linguistics, discourse studies, hermeneutics, and textual studies.

Novelty/Originality of the Study: The study is significant and unique because it is the first of its kind that makes the discourse opposition party a holistic one by focusing on the perspectives of the key figures of the opposition in government. It is not a case study related to a single politician and their outlook(s).
ACQUISITION OF WH-QUESTIONS BY SECOND LANGUAGE SPEAKERS OF ENGLISH IN PAKISTAN
Authors: Pervaiz Azhar , Ikram Abdul Ghaffar , Batool Naima , Saeed Sadia
Published: June 2021

Purpose of the study: The purpose of the current study is to investigate the acquisition of Wh-questions of English by Urdu L1 speakers in Pakistan. Acquisition of different syntactic structures has been an attractive area of interest for the scholars working in the area of second language acquisition. The study draws on approaches of Universal Grammar (UG) and Second Language Acquisition (SLA). The researchers aim at finding out whether the second language is acquired in the same way as the first language or not. Both Urdu and English allow Wh-questions formation but the placement of the Wh-word is completely at a different position. Urdu is an in-situ language that does not allow Movement of the Wh-word, and English allows the Movement of the Wh-word. So, this study highlights whether speakers of Urdu can acquire the structures of Wh-questions or not.

Methodology: The study uses a mixed-method research design, and the data was collected from the speakers of Urdu who speak it as their native language in order to draw the findings. The current research employs a questionnaire that is divided into two parts: elicitation task and grammatical judgement task. For the elicitation task, the students were provided with the statements with the underlined words of which they had to form Wh-questions and for the second, a task was designed on the basis of the lickert scale and it was designed to judge the grammar of the students. The population of this study is limited to speakers of Urdu who speak English as their second language and the sample was selected from the vicinity of Sargodha city of Pakistan.

Main Findings: The results of this mixed-method study reveal that students face problems while forming and identifying Wh-questions, despite compulsory education in English. The findings of the current study supported the partial access hypothesis.

Applications of this study: The study is very important in the area of second language acquisition and informs how the speakers of the English language as a second language acquire the Wh-question structure. The study can be applied in designing teaching materials for the learners of English as a second language besides informing the language software modulation in order to ease the language learning process.
Religião e Ciberacontecimento: A polêmica das charges sobre o projeto “Gladiadores do Altar” da Igreja Universal do Reino de Deus
Authors: Dalmolin Aline Roes , Schirmer Leandra Cohen , Paul Dairan Mathias
Published: June 2021

Em março de 2015, o cartunista Vitor Teixeira publicou uma charge aludindo à polêmica sobre o projeto Gladiadores do Altar. Na imagem, um homem com capacete de gladiador e uma camiseta com o símbolo da Igreja Universal do Reino de Deus (IURD) enfia uma espada em uma mulher, vestida de mãe de santo. O cartunista foi interpelado extrajudicialmente pela Igreja, que o acusou de “incitar ao ódio religioso”. O artigo enfoca o ciberacontecimento que envolve a polêmica em torno da publicação da charge na web e a circulação dos comentários dos interagentes em sites e portais que divulgaram notícias a respeito do ocorrido. O texto reconstrói o percurso de circulação desse ciberacontecimento, a partir de notícias publicadas em nove portais brasileiros, tanto confessionais quanto não-confessionais e de diferentes orientações políticas, que redundaram em 494 comentários envolvendo o assunto. Os resultados da análise dos comentários nas redes apontam que a defesa do direito de liberdade de expressão e de culto nem sempre vem acompanhada pelo reconhecimento do outro como alguém dotado dos mesmos direitos e digno de respeito.
Algebraic Rules for the Percentage Composition of Oligomers in Genomes
Authors: Petoukhov Sergey
Published: June 2021

The article presents the author's results of studying hidden rules of structural organizations of long DNA sequences in eukaryotic and prokaryotic genomes. The results concern some rules of percentages (or probabilities) of n-plets in genomes. To reveal such rules, the author considers genomic DNA nucleotide sequences as multilayers sequences of n-plets and studies the percentage contents of n-plets in different layers. Unexpected rules of invariance of total sums of percentages in certain tetra-groupings of n-plets in different layers of genomic DNA sequences are revealed. These discovered rules are candidates for the role of universal genomic rules. A tensor family of matrix representations of interrelated DNA-alphabets of 4 nucleotides, 16 doublets, 64 triplets, and 256 tetraplets is used in the study. This matrix approach allows revealing algebraic properties of the mentioned genetic rules of probabilities, which are useful for developing algebraic and quantum biology. Some analogies of the discovered genetic phenomena with phenomena of Gestalt psychology are noted and discussed. The author connects the received results about the genomic percentages rules with a supposition of P. Jordan, who is one of the creators of quantum mechanics and quantum biology, that life's missing laws are the rules of chance and probability of the quantum world. Additional attention is paid to the algebraic features of the system of structured DNA alphabets and their relationship with the methods of algebraic holography, known in the technique of processing discrete signals. The concept of algebraic-holographic genetics is being developed for the understanding of inherited holographic properties of organisms.
A Review of SARS-CoV-2, Responsible for COVID-19: History, Biology, Infection Mechanism, Antigenic Vaccines, Their Risks and how an Alternate RBD Vaccine is Safer?
Authors: Jahangir Z.M.G. Sarwar , Marnik Arleta Helena
Published: June 2021

The SARS (severe acute respiratory syndrome)-CoV (Coronavirus)-2 S(spike)-protein mRNA/cDNA currently being used as vaccines are antigenic but not antigens against SARS-CoV-2, that causes COVID (Coronavirus Disease) -19. Furthermore, the mRNA and cDNA antigenic vaccines also have potentials for homologous as well as heterologous recombination, primarily into the somatic cell DNA of the vaccine recipients. On the contrary, a SARS-CoV-2 RBD-protein antigen, a part of the S-protein, will directly stimulate antibody production against SARS-CoV-2. Hence, a vaccine composed of SARS-CoV-2 RBD-protein as a safer, fast acting, and effective vaccine against SARS-CoV-2 and thus against COVID-19. This is also useful for some immune compromised individuals.
Climate Change Projections of Aridity Conditions in the Iberian Peninsula
Authors: Andrade Cristina , Contente Joana , Santos João Andrade
Published: June 2021

The assessment of aridity conditions is a key factor for water management and the implementation of mitigation and adaptation policies in agroforestry systems. Towards this aim three aridity indices were computed for the Iberian Peninsula (IP): the De Martonne Index (DMI), the Pinna Combinative Index (PCI), and the Erinç Aridity Index (EAI). These three indices were first computed for the baseline period 1961‒1990, using a gridded observational data (E-OBS), and, subsequently, for the periods 2011‒2040 (short-range) and 2041‒2070 (medium-range) using an ensemble of six Regional Climate Models (RCMs) experiments generated by the EURO-CORDEX project. Two Representative Concentration Pathways (RCPs) were analyzed, an intermediate anthropogenic radiative forcing scenario (RCP4.5) and a fossil-intensive emission scenario (RCP8.5). Overall, the three indices disclose a strengthening of aridity and dry conditions in central and southern Iberia until 2070, mainly under RCP8.5. Strong(weak) statistically significant correlations were found between these indices and the total mean precipitation (mean temperature) along with projected significant decreasing(increasing) trends for precipitation(temperature). The prevalence of years with arid conditions (above 70% for 2041‒2070 under both RCPs) are projected to have major impacts in some regions, such as southern Portugal, Extremadura, Castilla-La Mancha, Comunidad de Madrid, Andalucía, Región de Murcia, Comunidad Valenciana, and certain regions within the Aragón province. The projected increase in both the intensity and persistence of aridity conditions in a broader southern half of Iberia will exacerbate the exposure and vulnerability of this region to climate change, while the risk of multi-level desertification should be thoroughly integrated into regional and national water management and planning.
Are They Careful Enough? Testing the Influence of Communication Schemes on Consumers’ Perception of Alternative Processing Methods for Organic Food
Authors: Kilic Busra , Cubero Dudinskaya Emilia , Proi Migena , Naspetti Simona , Zanoli Raffaele
Published: June 2021

Given the increasing public interest in how ingredients are processed and the growing demand for organic food products, it is critical to understand consumers’ expectations about the process-related quality of organic products. In the minds of consumers, organic food is a concept related to either natural or less processed food, which leads them to prefer products obtained with careful processes. The main objective of this paper is to propose a working definition of "careful processing" for organic products and test its consistency while being used in scoring different processing methods by consumers. Results show that the proposed definition allows to consistently rate alternative processing methods. Consumers tend to score novel processing methods such as pulsed electric fields and microwave as less careful, supporting the idea that organic consumers want the least man-made interference with their food products. Results show that a simple but effective definition of careful processing may help consumers to distinguish further organic food products from conventional ones, no matter which communication scheme is used.
Cash Holding and Firm Value in the Presence of Managerial Optimism
Authors: Habib Ashfaq , Bhatti Muhammad Ishaq , Khan Muhammad Asif , Azam Zafar
Published: June 2021

Cash holding is important for Chinese manufacturing firms coping with the increasing cost of financing and stiff market conditions. This study examines the impact of cash holding on the firm value of Chinese manufacturing firms. We find evidence that a non-linear relationship exists between cash holding and firm value in manufacturing firms of China. The study reveals that financially constrained firms having a higher level of cash holding negatively affects the firm value, while the unconstrained firms having a lower level of cash holding positively influences the firm value. Finally, this research is enriched by adopting the novel measure of managerial op-timism and reveals the interactive role of cash holding and optimism on firm value. The study concludes that managerial optimism influences the firm’s cash holding decisions and this is more costly for unconstrained firms.
Research into the Disintegration of Abrasive Materials in the Abrasive Water Jet Machining Process
Authors: Perec Andrzej
Published: June 2021

The size and distribution of abrasive particles have a significant influence on the effectiveness of the cutting process by the high-speed abrasive water jet (AWJ). The paper deal with the abrasive materials disintegration intensity in AWJ cutting during the creation of the abrasive jet. An evaluation of the abrasive materials grabbed after forming in the cutting head was carried out and its grain distribution was evaluated. Used here the arithmetic, geometric and logarithmic method of moments and Folk and Ward method. The influence of abrasive concentration of abrasive materials as alluvial garnet, recycled garnet, corundum, and olivine on grain distribution was studied. A recovery analysis was also carried out and the recycling coefficient for each tested abrasive material was determined.
Targeting Tat-TAR RNA Interaction for HIV-1 Inhibition
Authors: Alanazi Awadh , Ivanov Andrey , Kumari Namita , Lin Xionghao , Wang Songping , Kovalskyy Dmytro , Nekhai Sergei
Published: June 2021

HIV-1 Tat protein interacts with TAR RNA and recruits CDK9/cyclin T1 and other host factors to induce HIV-1 transcription. Thus Tat-TAR RNA interaction, which is unique for HIV-1, represents an attractive target for anti-HIV-1 therapeutics. To target Tat-TAR RNA interaction, we used a crystal structure of TAR RNA with acetylpromazine bound to the bulge of TAR RNA, to dock compounds from Enamine database containing 1.6 million individual compounds. Docking identified 173 compounds that were analyzed for the inhibition of HIV-1 infection. Top ten inhibitory compounds with IC50 ≤ 6 µM were selected and the three least toxic compounds, T6780107 (IC50=2.97 μM), T0516-4834 (IC50=0.2 μM) and T5628834 (IC50=3.46 μM), were further tested for HIV-1 transcription inhibition. Only T0516-4834 compound showed selective inhibition of Tat-induced HIV-1 transcription, whereas T6780107 compound inhibited equally basal and Tat-induced transcription and T5628834 compound only inhibited basal HIV-1 transcription. The T0516-4834 compound also showed strongest inhibition of HIV-1 gag RNA expression and p24 production in CEM T cells infected with HIV-1 IIIB. Of the three compounds, only the T0516-4834 compound disrupted Tat-TAR RNA interaction indicating that it might target TAR RNA. Also, of the three tested compounds, T5628834 but not T6780107 or T0516-4834 disrupted Tat-CDK9/cyclin T1 interaction. Taken together, our study identified novel compound T0516-4834 that disrupted Tat-TAR RNA interaction and inhibited Tat-induced transcription and HIV-1 infection suggesting that this compound might serve as a new lead for anti-HIV-1 therapeutics.
Effects of Clinical Characteristics on Sleep Quality in Patients with Chronic Temporomandibular Disorders
Authors: Lee Yeon-Hee , Auh Q-Schick , An Jung-Sub , Kim Tae
Published: June 2021

Objectives: This study aimed to investigate and compare sleep quality between patients with chronic temporomandibular disorder and healthy controls, and to analyze the association of sleep quality with disease characteristics, obstructive sleep apnea risk factors, and excessive daytime sleepiness. Methods: Chronic temporomandibular disorder patients (n=503) and 180 age- and sex-matched healthy controls were included, who completed well-organized clinical report and answered questions on sleep quality (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index), sleep apnea risk factors (STOP-Bang questionnaire), and excessive daytime sleepiness (Epworth sleepiness scale). Results: Mean global Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index scores were significantly higher in the patients (6.25±2.77) than in healthy controls (6.25±2.77) (p<0.001). Poor sleep was significantly more prevalent in the patient group (56.9%) than in healthy controls (22.2%) (p<0.001). Compared with healthy controls, chronic temporomandibular disorder patients had a higher likelihood of obstructive sleep apnea. (STOP-Bang total score ≥3; 7.2% vs. 16.1%; p<0.01) and higher excessive daytime sleepiness (Epworth sleepiness scale score ≥10; 12.8% vs. 19.7%; p<0.05). Age (odds ratio=2.551; p<0.001), female sex (odds ratio=1.885; p=0.007), total Epworth sleepiness scale score (odds ratio=1.839; p=0.014), and headache attributed to temporomandibular disorder (odds ratio=1.519; p=0.049) were the most powerful predictors of poor sleep (global Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index score ≥5) in chronic temporomandibular disorder patients. Conclusion: Chronic temporomandibular disorder patients had sleep quality impairment. Various factors, including peripheral and central factors, affect the patient's sleep quality. Therefore, in addition to sleep quality and sleep-related problems, the underlying central mechanism for poor sleep quality should be assessed when treating chronic temporomandibular disorder patients.
Both Classical and Quantum Information: Both Bit and Qubit. Both Physical and Transcendental Time
Authors: Penchev Vasil
Published: June 2021

Information can be considered as the most fundamental, philosophical, physical and mathematical concept originating from the totality by means of physical and mathematical transcendentalism (the counterpart of philosophical transcendentalism). Classical and quantum information, particularly by their units, bit and qubit, correspond and unify the finite and infinite. As classical information is relevant to finite series and sets, as quantum information, to infinite ones. A fundamental joint relativity of the finite and infinite, of the external and internal is to be investigated. The corresponding invariance is able to define physical action and its quantity only on the basis of information and especially: on the relativity of classical and quantum information. The concept of transcendental time, an epoché in relation to the direction of time arrow can be defined. Its correlate is that information invariant to the finite and infinite, therefore unifying both classical and quantum information.
Base-Mediated Claisen Rearrangement of CF3-Containing Bisallyl Ethers
Authors: Hamada Yoko , Matsunaga Rio , Kawasaki-Takasuka Tomoko , Yamazaki Takashi
Published: June 2021

We have previously clarified that the strongly electron-withdrawing CF3 group nicely affected the base-mediated proton migration reactions of CF3-containinig propargylic or allylic alcohols to afford the corresponding a,b-unsaturated or saturated ketones, respectively, which was applied this time to the Claisen rearrangement after O-allylation of the allylic alcohols, followed by isomerization to the corresponding allyl vinyl ethers, enabling the desired rearrangement in a tandem fashion, or in a stepwise manner where a palladium catalyst attained an excellent diastereoselectivity.
Newly Proposed Matrix Reduction technique Under Mean Ranking Method for Solving Trapezoidal Fuzzy Transportation problems Under Fuzzy Environment
Authors: Ashale Tekalign Regasa
Published: June 2021

In this paper, improved matrix Reduction Method is proposed for the solution of fuzzy transportation problem in which all inputs are taken as fuzzy numbers. Since ranking fuzzy number is important tool in decision making, Fuzzy trapezoidal number is converting in to crisp set by using Mean techniques and solved by proposed method for fuzzy transportation problem. We give suitable numerical example for unbalanced and compare the optimal value with other techniques. The Result shows that the optimum profit of transportation problem using proposed technique under robust ranking method is better than the other method. Novelty: The numerical illustration demonstrates that the new projected method for managing the transportation problems on fuzzy algorithms.
A Face Serum Containing Bakuchiol, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-38, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid and a Polyherbal and Vitamin Blend Improves Skin Quality in Human Volunteers and Protects Skin Structure In vitro
Authors: West Brett J , Alabi Ifedayo , Deng Shixin
Published: June 2021

A face serum composed of a combination of biologically active compounds was evaluated for safety and efficacy in vitro, in a repeat insult patch test and in a human clinical efficacy trial. The serum inhibited tyrosinase activity modestly, decreased collagenase activity and exhibited notable free radical scavenging activity in vitro. It is gentle to the skin, as the serum did not irritate the skin or produce symptoms of allergic contact dermatitis in the 55 healthy adults that participated in the repeat insult patch test. In the efficacy trial, daily application of the face serum for 30 days significantly increased skin hydration, with all 35 volunteers experiencing improvement. Substantial improvements in skin elasticity, roughness (fine lines and wrinkles), and brightness also occurred during the trial. Dermatological examination also revealed a trend for reduced comedone count with use of the serum. Self-assessment responses revealed that all volunteers experienced improvements in multiple skin quality parameters and that participant perceptions are consistent with the results of the instrumental analyses. These findings indicated that the measured improvements in skin quality are not only statistically significant but are also clinically relevant as they were great enough for users of the face serum to feel and recognize.
Simultaneous Clavicle Fracture and Acromioclavicular Joint Dislocation: Novel Surgical Technique
Authors: López Palacios Cristina , Sanchez-Munoz Enrique , Pipa Muñiz Iván , Rodríguez García Nicolas , Maestro Fernández Antonio
Published: June 2021

Case:

A 41-year-old man sustained a midshaft clavicle fracture with associated type IV ipsilateral acromioclavicular joint (ACJ) dislocation. The clavicle was fixed with a locking plate and ACJ stabilized with a novel technique: 2 metal anchors with preloaded suture fixed at the coracoid process, looping the sutures over the clavicle, and passing through the plate holes without clavicle bone drilling. Excellent functional outcomes for range of motion, pain, and functional scores persisted 2 and a half years after surgery.

Conclusion:

The described surgical technique achieved exceptional short-term outcomes, sparing clavicle bone stock and allowing an early return to sports.
Water Quality Assessment of Tigris River Using Overall Index of Pollution (OIP)
Authors: Al-Sudani Ibrahem Mahdi
Published: June 2021

This study was performed on the Tigris River (Baghdad city section) during the period between December 2016 and December 2018 to assess seasonal variation in water quality using the Overall Index of Pollution (OIP). The OIP is one of the reliable tools for the assessment of surface water quality. To calculate OIP-values, eight parameters were measured ( pH, Dissolved Oxygen "DO", Biological Oxygen Demand "BOD", Total Dissolved Solid "TDS", Total Hardness "TH", calcium "Ca", Sulphate "SO4" and Alkalinity). The results showed the anthropogenic activities impact of Baghdad population that directly discharge of "inadequate treated" waste water to the river.  OIP values were acceptable (1˃OIP˃ 1.7) in 2011, 2012, 2013 and 2018. However, in 2014 and 2017,the OIP recorded values that were acceptable and tend to be slightly polluted (1.7˃OIP˃2.5). The impairment of water quality during 2014 and 2017 might be caused by the decrease in the water share feeding Tigris River from Turkey due to the construction of many dams. Also, markedly reduced rain precipitation rates were recorded in these periods.  The study suggests conducting continuous monitoring programs and establishing a reliable Iraqi classification system for water quality by a specialized scientific panel.
OCT-Angiographic Findings in Intermediate Uveitis-related Refractory Macular Edema
Authors: Ghavidel Leila Alizadeh , Mousavi Farideh , hashemi Hesam Sadat , Bagheri Masood
Published: June 2021

Objective : To assess the microvascular structure of macula in uveitic refractory macular edemaMethod:In a cross-sectional observational study fifty-five patients in all were assessed for macular microvascular structure using Optuve OCT angiography: 30 patients with intermediate uveitis-related refractory macular edema (RME group), and 25 patients with intermediate uveitis without macular edema (control group).Results:Superficial layer density in RME and control group were significantly different in whole image and parafovea (P=0.027 , P= 0.001), however there was no significant differences between the two groups in fovea superficial density (P=0.711).There was no significant difference in deep layer density between the two groups (P>0.05).Conclusion:The density of superficial vessels is lower in refractory macular edema. Micro-cystic changes in inner retina and ischemia can be the cause of alteration in superficial layer density in refractory macular edema.
Study Protocol for a Randomised Controlled Trial to Investigate the Enhancement of Diabetic Foot Ulcer Healing Using Low-Magnitude High-Frequency Vibration Treatment
Authors: Ling Samuel Ka Kin , Hung Natalie Cheuk Lam , Cheung Wing-Hoi , Yung Patrick Shu-Hang
Published: June 2021

Background: Diabetes has a prevalence of 11.6% in China with diabetic foot ulcerations affecting over 30 million Chinese. 85% of these patients require amputation and 5-year mortality for diabetics is 70% when associated foot ulcers. Clinical trials have shown that standing on whole-body vibration platforms, specifically low-magnitude high-frequency vibration (LMHFV); promotes angiogenesis, enhances muscle bulk and accelerates epithelization. Investigation on diabetic rats with foot wounds found accelerated wound healing, increased perfusion and upregulation of factors such as VEGF, PECAM-1 and PCNA. Hypothesis: We postulate LMHFV will enhance diabetic foot ulcer healing.Methods: Prospective, single-centre, randomised control trial to treat 106 subjects with diabetic foot ulcers.Interventions: The intervention group will stand on LMHFV whole-body vibration platforms for 20min on alternate days for 20 weeks, together with conventional dressing by a trained wound-care nurse as in the control group.Main Outcome Measures: Ulcer size will be measured at multiple time points, the incidence of amputations/infections will be recorded, perfusion via ankle-brachial pressure index will be calculated and foot function via the foot and ankle outcome score will be analysed.Data analysis: Repeated measure of ANOVA to analyze time-point differences and student’s t-test for same time-point comparison.Discussion: This is the first clinical trial to investigate the effect of whole-body vibration on diabetic foot ulcers. It will show us if the results from animal studies will translate into clinically significant results. If positive effects are established, whole-body vibration can be a valuable treatment regime to tackle diabetic foot ulcers.Trial registration: NCT04275804 clinicaltrials.gov (19 Feb 2020)
Data-driven based logistic function and prediction-area plot for mineral prospectivity mapping: a case study from the eastern margin of Qinling orogenic belt, central China
Authors: Bai Hongyang , Cao Yuan , Zhang Heng , Wang Wenfeng , Jiang Chaojun , Yang Yongguo
Published: June 2021

he present work combines data-driven based logistic function with prediction-area plot for delineating target areas of orogenic gold deposits in eastern margin of Qinling metallogenic belt, central China. Firstly, the values of geological and geochemical information layer were transformed into a series of fuzzy numbers with a range of 0-1 through a data-driven based logistic function on the basis of mineralization theory of the orogenic gold deposits. Secondly, the prediction-area(P-A) plot was performed on the above evidence layers and their corresponding fuzzy overlay layers to pick out a proper prediction scheme for mineral prospectivity mapping(MPM) based on the known gold occurrences. What’s more, to further prove the advantages of this method, we also used a knowledge-driven approach for comparison purpose. Finally, with the concentration-area(C-A) fractal model, the fractal thresholds were determined and a mineral prospecting map was generated. The result, five of the six known gold deposits are located in high and moderate potential areas (accounts for 18.6 % of the study area), one in low potential area (accounts for 38.4 % of the study area) and none in weak potential area (accounts for 43 % of the study area), confirmed the joint application of data-driven based logistic function and prediction-area plot a simple, effective and low-cost method for mineral prospectivity mapping, which can be a guidance for further work in the research area.