bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Living Labs for a Mobile App-Based Health Program: Effectiveness of a 24-Week Walking Intervention for Cardiovascular Disease Risk Reduction Among Female Korean-Chinese Migrant Workers: Randomized Controlled Trial (Preprint)
Authors: Kim Youlim , Lee Hyeonkyeong , Chung Misook Lee
Published: May 2021

BACKGROUND

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) accounts for one-third of the causes of death in women, and migrants are relatively more likely to be exposed to CVD risk owing to social and environmental factors.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to examine the effectiveness of a 24-week app-based walking program, using Fitbit, for CVD risk reduction among female Korean-Chinese middle-aged workers.

METHODS

Participants were recruited between April 11 and July 11, 2018 through distributing posters and flyers. They were randomly assigned to either the standard treatment (ST; n = 22) or enhanced treatment (ET; n = 28) group. All participants were provided with a mobile app linked to Fitbit Alta for 24 weeks and instructed to walk for more than 30 minutes five times a week and moderate intensity physical activity. During the 12-week adaptation period, the ET group also received a mobile app-based health program applying socio-cognitive strategies to increase walking adherence. All participants were guided to voluntary physical activity without researchers' intervention during the 12-week maintenance period. Data were analyzed by the Mann Whitney U-test and a generalized estimating equation.

RESULTS

There were significant between-group differences regarding the number of steps (B = 1.295, P < .001).and moderate physical activity time (OR = 6.396, P = .030) at week 12. ET group had significant changes in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (B = 10.522, P = .007), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol ( B = -16.178, P = .024), total cholesterol (B = -20.325, P = .039), fasting blood sugar (B = -8.138, P = -.046) over 12 weeks compared to the ST group. In addition, there was a significant reduction CVD risk for the ET group over 12 weeks compared to the ST group (B = -0.521, P <. 001).

CONCLUSIONS

The app-based walking intervention was effective in reducing CVD risk among female Korean-Chinese migrant workers during the 12-week period. In future studies, long-term studies are needed to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease in large-scale migrant workers, and it is necessary to confirm the direct and indirect effects of various socio-cognitive factors on health outcomes.
Identifying Cases of Shoulder Injury Related to Vaccine Administration (SIRVA) in the United States: Development and Validation of a Natural Language Processing Method (Preprint)
Authors: Zheng Chengyi , Duffy Jonathan , Liu In-Lu Amy , Sy Lina S , Navarro Ronald A , Kim Sunhea S , Ryan Denison S , Chen Wansu , Qian Lei , Mercado Cheryl , Jacobsen Steven J
Published: May 2021

BACKGROUND

Shoulder injury related to vaccine administration (SIRVA) accounts for more than half of all claims received by the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program. However, due to the difficulty of finding SIRVA cases in large health care databases, population-based studies are scarce.

OBJECTIVE

The goal of the research was to develop a natural language processing (NLP) method to identify SIRVA cases from clinical notes.

METHODS

We conducted the study among members of a large integrated health care organization who were vaccinated between April 1, 2016, and December 31, 2017, and had subsequent diagnosis codes indicative of shoulder injury. Based on a training data set with a chart review reference standard of 164 cases, we developed an NLP algorithm to extract shoulder disorder information, including prior vaccination, anatomic location, temporality and causality. The algorithm identified 3 groups of positive SIRVA cases (definite, probable, and possible) based on the strength of evidence. We compared NLP results to a chart review reference standard of 100 vaccinated cases. We then applied the final automated NLP algorithm to a broader cohort of vaccinated persons with a shoulder injury diagnosis code and performed manual chart confirmation on a random sample of NLP-identified definite cases and all NLP-identified probable and possible cases.

RESULTS

In the validation sample, the NLP algorithm had 100% accuracy for identifying 4 SIRVA cases and 96 cases without SIRVA. In the broader cohort of 53,585 vaccinations, the NLP algorithm identified 291 definite, 124 probable, and 52 possible SIRVA cases. The chart-confirmation rates for these groups were 95.5% (278/291), 67.7% (84/124), and 17.3% (9/52), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The algorithm performed with high sensitivity and reasonable specificity in identifying positive SIRVA cases. The NLP algorithm can potentially be used in future population-based studies to identify this rare adverse event, avoiding labor-intensive chart review validation.
Reducing Dental Anxiety in Children Using a Mobile Health App: Usability and User Experience Study (Preprint)
Authors: del Carmen María del Carmen , Cagigas-Muñiz Daniel , García-Robles Rocío , Oprescu Andreea Madalina
Published: May 2021

BACKGROUND

Dentistry interventions cause common anxiety and fear problems in children (6-11 years), and according to scientific evidence, this causes a decrease in their quality of life. Therapies mediated by IT-based tools have been shown to positively influence children’s mood based on distraction as well as relaxing activities, but there is no evidence of their use to reduce dental anxiety in children.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to answer the following research question: Does our new children-centered codesign methodology contribute to achieving a usable mobile-based product with a highly scored user experience?

METHODS

A mobile health app was developed to reduce dental anxiety in children using rapid application development following the usage-centered design methodology. Structured interviews were conducted to test the usability and user experience of the app prototype among 40 children (n=20, 50%, boys and n=20, 50%, girls; age 6-11 years) using a children-adapted questionnaire and the 7-point Single Ease Question rating scale. The Smiley Faces Program—Revised questionnaire was used to assess the level of dental anxiety in participants.

RESULTS

There were no significant differences between girls and boys. The task completion rate was 95% (n=19) for children aged 6-8 years (group 1) and 100% (n=20) for children aged 9-11 years (group 2). Group 1 found watching the relaxing video (task C) to be the easiest, followed by playing a video minigame (task B) and watching the narrative (task A). Group 2 found task C to be the easiest, followed by task A and then task B. The average time spent on the different types of tasks was similar in both age groups. Most of the children in both age groups were happy with the app and found it funny. All children thought that having the app in the waiting room during a dental visit would be useful.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings confirmed that the app is usable and provides an excellent user experience. Our children-adapted methodology contributes to achieving usable mobile-based products for children with a highly scored user experience.
Incremental planning of the location of public health facilities in a rural region
Authors: Otun Olayinka Waziri
Published: May 2021

Some people in rural areas are often excluded from using health facilities in developing nations due to political interference in facility location decision-making. Limited attention has been paid in the literature to promoting inclusiveness in public facilities usage in developing nations. Therefore, this study was designed to examine the access to Primary Health Centres (PHCs) in the Yewa region,  Nigeria. Data on the 509 settlements and 91 PHCs in the Yewa region were obtained from government directories. The p-median Location-Allocation model was used for data analyses. The study showed that the number of PHCs increased and access to them improved in the Yewa region between 1991 and 2019. It was also shown that inclusiveness in facilities could be promoted by optimally adding new PHCs. The study assessed the effectiveness of past locational decisions, similar to other studies in Bangladesh and India, and revealed that the military administration performed better than the civilian administration in facility location decision-making between 1991 and 2019. The study showed how new facilities could be optimally located to improve access and inclusiveness in public usage.
The Integrated Spatial Assessment of The Flood Hazard Using AHP-GIS: The Case Study of Gorontalo Regency
Authors: Olii Muhammad Ramdhan , Olii Aleks , Pakaya Ririn
Published: May 2021

Mapping of potential flood hazards is an important element in ensuring proper planning of development and implementing flood disaster mitigation efforts for flooded areas. Therefore, this study was conducted to assess the regional-scale flood hazard areas in Gorontalo District using an AHP-GIS integration technique with the focus on factors such as annual rainfall, elevation, slope, soil type, distance to the water bodies, and land-use. The flood hazard was divided into five classes, ranging from very low to very high, and 13.61% of the total area in Gorontalo Regency is classified as either high or very high. Moreover, the distribution of the hazard was verified and 65 events were recorded to have a level of 90.7% and this indicates the model is reliable to assess flood hazard. The results showed GIS-AHP integration is a promising method to accurately predict flood-hazard areas, especially in those with limited data.
The Victorian Age and the Other
Authors: Bălan Andreea
Published: May 2021

This paper deals with the reception of the Other in Queen Victoria’s realm – where the sun never sets. Covering an enormous surface of the known world, the Empire triggered real answers to the presence of the subjects of the worldwide British Empire in good ole’ England. Literary representations of the Other appeared in every genre, but especially in the novel, which more than any other literary form of the period attempted to analyze and represent Victorian socio-political stratification. Critics have usefully examined the novelistic representations of each form of Otherness, considering, for instance, representations of the “Oriental,” the “African,” the “Indian,” the "Irish,” the “Jew,” or the “Scot.” As we will see, while Victorians attempted to relate different kinds of Otherness to one another, they made both tremendous and subtle distinctions between different marginalized groups.
Afatinib for the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer harboring uncommon EGFR mutations: a database of 693 cases
Authors: Yang James Chih-Hsin
Published: May 2021

This Publication Perspective provides a summary of the article ‘Afatinib for the Treatment of Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Harboring Uncommon EGFR Mutations: A Database of 693 Cases’ by James Chih-Hsin Yang and co-authors. The paper, originally published in the Journal of Thoracic Oncology, comprehensively analysed the effect of afatinib treatment in 693 patients with non-small cell lung cancer harboring uncommon EGFR mutations. The results provide important information when considering optimal treatment for tumors with uncommon EGFR mutations, including compound mutations.
Verification of the numerical hydrodynamic model of the Kola bay
Authors: Anshakov Alexander S. , Kantarzhi Izmail G.
Published: May 2021

Introduction. This manuscript discusses the verification of wind fields from the NCEP-CFSR reanalysis data and the COASTOX model for calculating the fields of coastal currents, which is part of the hydrodynamic model of currents and wind waves in the Kola Bay.

Materials and methods. The comparison of the calculation results with the measurement data was carried out based on both a graphical comparison of the time curves of the analyzed parameters, and in the form of statistical processing results, with the construction of regression relationships between the measured and calculated wind and current characteristics.

Results. The correctness of the results obtained in the calculations using numerical models has been evaluated. To verify the wind fields from the NCEP-CFSR reanalysis, they were compared with the wind measurement data obtained from the HMS Murmansk, Polyarnoe, and Teriberka. High values of the correlation coefficient were obtained, which confirm the validity of using the NCEP-CFSR reanalysis data as the input data of the hydrodynamic model. For comparison with observations, the COASTOX model simulated currents in the Kola Bay under the influence of tidal forces and atmospheric forcing for a period of 195 days, from August 1, 2015 to February 11, 2016. The results obtained demonstrate that the current model correctly reproduces the reversal character currents in the middle knee of the Kola Bay and predicts changes in sea level quite accurately.

Conclusions. The study shows that the hydrodynamic model of the Kola Bay solves the problem of a reliable forecast of the wave and current regime in the design of port facilities.
ABOUT QUANTUM COMPUTER AND QUANTUM MEDICINE
Authors:   Vitebsk State Awarded the «Badge of Honour» Order Veterinary Medicine Academy, Borisevich M.N. , Kozlovsky V.I. ,   Grodno State Medical University
Published: May 2021

The foundations of quantum physics have been laid by Max Planck, who suggested that energy couldn’t be absorbed and radiated continuously, but only in separate portions - these portions were called quanta. His ideas were confirmed in numerous physical experiments on the photo effect, the structure of the atom and atomic nucleus, brilliantly performed by Bohr and Rutherford. All this in the aggregate made it possible to eliminate the border between matter and waves, predicted by Louis de Broil. In this way the foundations of quantum mechanics were laid = Heisenberg and Schrödinger did this work. Many manifestations of quantum physics can already be observed in everyday life. These are optical quantum generators, computer CDs, and integrated circuits and lots and lots of this. In recent years, the researchers have drawn their attention to other quantum physics applications related to queries. By their design, this work will be carried out in the future by quantum computers. The article presents a short report on the quantum computer and the prospects for its use in quantum medicine.
THE ROLE OF MRNA LEVEL OF THE NOTCH SIGNALING PATHWAY GENES IN INDUCED RAT LIVER FIBROGENESIS
Authors:   Vitebsk State Order of Peoples' Friendship Medical University, Shchastniy A.T. , Lebedeva E.I. ,   Vitebsk State Order of Peoples' Friendship Medical University, Babenka A.S. ,   Belarusian State Medical University
Published: May 2021

Objectives. To study the role of mRNA level of the Notch signaling pathway genes in induced rat liver fibrogenesis. Material and methods. Fibrosis followed by the transition to liver cirrhosis in rats of Wistar line was induced with thioacetamide at a dose of 200 mg/kg of animal body weight twice a week for 17 weeks. The rats were randomized into 9 groups of 12 animals each. The mRNA level of the Notch signaling pathway genes was assessed by real-time PCR. The notch1, notch2, yap1 and hes1 genes were used as molecular targets. Microscopic analysis of histological preparations was performed using the OLYMPUS BX51 microscope. The degree of fibrosis was assessed according to the scale of Ishak K.G. Results. The study of the classical transcription factor of the Notch signaling pathway, hes1, revealed its very low and stable activity in all studied samples. The analysis of relative dynamics of the mRNA level of the notch1, notch2, and yap1 genes made it possible to determine marked changes in their levels at the point of transition from the normal state of liver tissues to the development of fibrosis. Conclusions. Within the framework of this study, the hes1 gene is not a target of the Notch pathway and can be used as a reference gene. The noted decrease in the mRNA level of the yap1 gene, probably, inhibits the compensatory-restorative processes in the liver, activates the stellate cells, and promotes the transformation of fibrosis into cirrhosis. In addition, it has been found that the revealed fluctuations in the mRNA levels of the notch1 and yap1 genes in relation to the starting point (there are no changes in the liver tissue) quite accurately describe the period of the onset of the transition of advanced fibrosis to cirrhosis. In this regard, they can be considered as potential markers of the transition of fibrosis to cirrhosis.
SHORT-TERM RESULTS OF ENDOVASCULAR TREATMENT FOR OBLITERATING ATHEROSCLEROSIS OF THE LOWER EXTREMITIES ARTERIES IN PATIENTS OVER 70 YEARS OF AGE
Authors:   Republican Research Center «Cardiology», Yanushko V.A. , Klimchuk I.P. ,   The 4th City Clinical Hospital named after N.E. Savchenko, Mshar S.V. ,   Brest Regional Clinical Hospital, Kordzakhia G.E. ,   The 4th City Clinical Hospital named after N.E. Savchenko, Rogovoy N.A. ,   The 4th City Clinical Hospital named after N.E. Savchenko
Published: May 2021

Objectives. To analyze short-term results of endovascular treatment for obliterating atherosclerosis of the lower extremities arteries in patients over 70 years of age. Material and methods. From 2015 to 2019, 75 lower limbs were revascularized in 72 patients. Their mean age was 74.7±4.51 years. There were 67 (93%) patients with ischemia of the 3rd - the 4th degree according to Fontaine-Pokrovsky classification. Revascularization of the iliac segment was performed in 35 (48.6%) patients, of the iliofemoral segment - in 5 (7%), the femoral-popliteal segment - in 24 (33.4%), the tibial segment - in 8 (11%) patients. Results. Technical success was attained in 97.2% of cases. The limb preservation was achieved in 100% of cases. Thrombosis of the revascularized artery developed in 2 (2.7%) cases (it was repaired endovascularly). Two patients (2.77%) died of acute cardiac failure. Conclusions. Our study has shown good early results of endovascular treatment for obliterating atherosclerosis of the lower limbs arteries in patients over 70 years of age. High amputations were avoided in 100% of cases. However, an assessment of long-term results is required.
SCORING SCALE FOR ASSESSING THE RISK OF DETECTING RIGHT VENTRICLE DIASTOLIC DYSFUNCTION OF TYPE II IN CHRONIC HEART FAILURE
Authors:   Belarusian Medical Academy of Post-Graduate Education, Zherko O.M. , Shkrebneva E.I. ,   Minsk Scientific-Practical Center of Surgery, Transplantation and Hematology, Novikov P.D. ,   Vitebsk State Order of Peoples' Friendship Medical University, Babenka A.S. ,   Belarusian State Medical University, Gorbachev V.V. ,   Vitebsk State Order of Peoples' Friendship Medical University, Kosova M.S. ,   Vitebsk State Order of Peoples' Friendship Medical University, Kabanava A.A. ,   Vitebsk State Order of Peoples' Friendship Medical University, Averchankava N.A. ,   Ziegelberg Women’s Hospital
Published: May 2021

Odjectives. To develop a scoring scale for assessing the risk of detecting right ventricle (RV) diastolic dysfunction (DD) of type II in chronic heart failure (CHF). Material and methods. In 2017-2018, a clinical and instrumental examination of 247 patients aged 40-86 years was performed on the basis of Health Care Institution «The 1st City Clinical Hospital» in Minsk, in 2019-2020, 129 patients at the age of 39-84 years were examined in the State Institution «Minsk Scientific and Practical Center for Surgery, Transplantology and Hematology». Study inclusion criteria: sinus rhythm, essential arterial hypertension (AH), chronic ischemic heart disease (IHD), CHF, informed voluntary consent of the patient to participate in the study. Exclusion criteria: primary mitral regurgitation, mitral stenosis, mitral valve repair or replacement, congenital heart defects, acute and chronic diseases of the lungs and kidneys. Results. The sum of points>52 obtained using a scoring scale that includes scientifically based ultrasound criteria for global cardiac remodelling: RV early diastolic filling index E/eʹ >4.08 (sensitivity (S) 81.1%, specificity (Sp) 56.9%) - 15 points, the amplitude of the systolic displacement of the lateral part of the tricuspid annulus in systole to the apex (TAPSE) ≤20 mm (S 74.1%, Sp 83.3%) - 49 points, pulmonary artery systolic pressure ˃32.6 mm Hg (S 85.2%, Sp 79.5%) - 31 points, indicates a high risk of detecting RV DD of type II in CHF (AUC 0.99, S 93.9%, Sp 100.0%). The reproducibility of the results is shown in an independent examination sample of patients with CHF with preserved left ventricular ejection fraction. (AUC 0.99, S 90.0%, Sp 100%, +PV 100.0%, - PV 34.5% with a cut-off threshold >52). Conclusions.When using the scale, the score is > 52, it is recommended to perform a comprehensive targeted assessment of global cardiac remodelling to determine RV DD of type II in a patient with CHF, complicating essential AH, chronic IHD.
PROMISING DIRECTIONS FOR THE APPLICATION OF PIPERIDINE DERIVATIVES AS STRUCTURAL COMPONENTS OF NEUROTROPIC DRUGS
Authors:   Grodno State Medical University, Vasilyuk A.A. , Kozlovsky V.I. ,   Grodno State Medical University
Published: May 2021

Piperidine is one of the most common heterocycles, and its derivatives are found in many pharmacological groups, including neurotropic drugs. These compounds are numerous among analgesics, and, in addition to “classical” promedol, fentanyl and its derivatives, the paper presents the results of studying new compounds with analgesic activity and piperidine cycle. Reviews of such piperidine antipsychotics as haloperidol and risperidone have been considered, and new compounds showing antipsychotic activity through their effects on dopamine and serotonin receptors have been elucidated. The data on the influence of methylphenidate on the brain in case of attention deficit/ hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) have been analyzed, which help to understand the disturbances occurring in this disease. Tiagabine has been considered as an antiepileptic agent reducing the number of seizures in resistant forms of partial epilepsy, as well as the activation of microglia and may be effective in neurodegenerative diseases. The last section is devoted to drugs for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease (AD), namely donepezil, its modifications, and some new compounds potentially capable of inhibiting AD progression through the inhibition of Aβ42 protein synthesis.
ULTRASOUND NAVIGATION IN SURGICAL TREATMENT OF PATIENTS WITH SALIVARY STONE DISEASE OF THE PAROTID SALIVARY GLAND. CLINICAL OBSERVATION
Authors:   Gomel State Medical University, Yadchenko V.N. , Pokhodenko-Chudakova I.O. ,   Belorussian State Medical University, Lastovka A.S. ,   Belorussian State Medical University, Yadchenko E.S. ,   Gomel State Medical University, Gorbachev V.V. ,   Vitebsk State Order of Peoples' Friendship Medical University, Kosova M.S. ,   Vitebsk State Order of Peoples' Friendship Medical University, Kabanava A.A. ,   Vitebsk State Order of Peoples' Friendship Medical University, Averchankava N.A. ,   Ziegelberg Women’s Hospital
Published: May 2021

Objectives. To analyze the possibility of using the technique of intraoperative ultrasound navigation on surgical treatment of patients with salivary stone disease of the parotid salivary gland (PSG). Material and methods. A retrospective analysis of three medical records of an in-patient treated at the department of maxillofacial surgery and operative dentistry in Gomel Regional Clinical Hospital during the period from 2019 to 2021 for salivary stone disease of PSG was made. Results. The results of clinical observation of treatment of a patient with sialolithiasis of the parenchymal part of the PSG are presented. Taking into consideration the complexity of surgical removal of sialolites of this localization, the patient was initially treated conservatively which was of no effect. Salivary stones were removed using intraoperative ultrasound navigation which made it possible to successfully perform the surgical intervention, reduce surgical trauma, create conditions for structural and functional recovery of the PSG and reduce the possibility of the disease relapse by improving intraoperative visual control. Conclusions. The use of the technique of intraoperative ultrasound navigation in the surgical treatment of patients with salivary stone disease of the parotid salivary gland allows to remove the concrement, minimizing the trauma to the tissues of the operated area and the organ itself, maintaining adequate blood flow and architectonics in it, which enables the reduction in the number of postoperative complications, relapses of the disease and positively affects the quality of patients’ life.
INCREASING COGNITIVE ACTIVITY AND INDEPENDENCE OF STUDENTS WHILE TEACHING TOPOGRAPHIC ANATOMY AND OPERATIVE SURGERY TO THEM
Authors:   Vitebsk State Order of Peoples' Friendship Medical University, Ovsyanik D.M. , Pokhodenko-Chudakova I.O. ,   Belorussian State Medical University, Lastovka A.S. ,   Belorussian State Medical University, Yadchenko E.S. ,   Gomel State Medical University, Gorbachev V.V. ,   Vitebsk State Order of Peoples' Friendship Medical University, Kosova M.S. ,   Vitebsk State Order of Peoples' Friendship Medical University, Kabanava A.A. ,   Vitebsk State Order of Peoples' Friendship Medical University, Averchankava N.A. ,   Ziegelberg Women’s Hospital
Published: May 2021

Objectives. To identify possible pedagogical conditions and methodological techniques of effective teaching influence on the increasing of the cognitive activity and independence (CAI) of students while acquiring and deepening their knowledge in topographic anatomy and operative surgery. Scientific analysis of psychological, pedagogical literature and personal experience shows that the problem of improving the forms and methods of educational work aimed at the increasing of the CAI of students in the process of studying the discipline is always before the teachers. While solving it, there are certain difficulties that many teachers associate with a low level of secondary education obtained, the complexity of the material studied, the admission to the university by means of testing, laziness of students, etc. The experience of the methods used and analyzed by the author shows ample opportunities for improving the cognitive activity of students, taking into account their individual interests and abilities to accumulate professional knowledge. Attention is paid to the implementation of a practice-oriented approach in teaching in combination with a systematic, creative, research, individual one, etc. to ensure the proportionate development of students’ theoretical and practical level of knowledge. A certain range of components of the conditions and factors of the educational process, in which there will be a close, bilateral, interested and productive educational activity of a student and a teacher, promoting the achievement of high educational results is shown.
Evaluation of Antioxidant Activity of Cedrela toona Roxb. Leaf Extracts
Authors: Shah Kinjal H , Patel Piyush M
Published: May 2021

Antioxidant potency of fruits of Cedrela toona Roxb. crude methanol and its fractionated extracts (hexane, acetone and water) have been investigated, employing three different established in vitro testing systems, such as scavenging activity on 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radicals, reducing power assay and β-carotene method. The methanol extract of fruits of Cedrela toona Roxb. showed the best DPPH scavenging activity with the lowest EC 50 34 μg/ml, followed by the acetone (EC 50 39 μg/ml), hexane (EC 50 48 μg/ml) and water extract (EC 50 54 μg/ml). The reducing power of Cedrela toona Roxb. fruit extracts increased steadily with increasing concentrations and varied significantly with different concentrations. The methanol and acetone extracts appeared to possess the highest significant reducing activity among the extracts. The stronger reducing power in the methanol and acetone extracts was probably due to the concentration of antioxidant compounds like flavonoids and phenolics in the extract. In the β-carotene bleaching assay, the antioxidant activities of all the fruits extracts gradually increased with increasing concentration of the extracts and varied significantly with different concentrations. The water extract showed the lowest significant antioxidant activity, while the methanol extract showed the highest significant antioxidant activity. The high antioxidant activity of methanol extract tested using β-carotene model may be correlated with the high phenolic content of the methanol extract.  In conclusion, antioxidant study suggested that fruits of Cedrela toona Roxb. are potential source of natural antioxidants. However, further investigations on in vivo antioxidant activities are highly recommended.

In the present study, the antioxidant potency of Cedrela toona Roxb. crude methanol and its fractionated extracts (hexane, acetone and water) have been investigated, employing three different established in vitro testing systems, such as scavenging activity on 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radicals, reducing power assay and β-carotene method. There is no antioxidant study reported for Cedrela toona Roxb.Thus, antioxidant activity of Cedrela toona Roxb. was evaluated as it had not been determined previously.
Development and In-Vitro Evaluation of Budesonide Mucoadhesive Microspherefor Pulmonary Drug Delivery
Authors: Journal Jddtadmin
Published: May 2021

Thepurpose of the study was to develop and evaluatemucoadhesive microspheres of Budesonide for pulmonary drug delivery systemhaving prolonged residence time and sustained drug release. Microspheres were prepared by emulsificationsolvent evaporation technique using HPMC, carbopol as polymers in varying ratios. The microspheres were evaluated for its percentage yield, drug entrapment efficiency, particle size and shape, in vitro mucoadhesion study and in vitro drug release studies.The FTIR studies revealed no chemical interaction between the drug molecule and polymers and found that drug was compatible with used polymer. The mucoadhesive microspheres showed particle size, drug entrapment efficiency and yield in the ranges of148 - 164 μm, 68.0 - 85.0%and67.52 - 87.25% respectively. In vitro drug release and mucoadhesion study confirms thatformulationF5 was the best formulation as it releases 81.8 % at the end of 12 hr. in controlled manner and percentage mucoadhesion of 75.2 % after 10 hr. This confirms the developed budesonidemucoadhesive microspheres are promising for pulmonary drug delivery system.

 

Keywords: Budesonide, Mucoadhesion, Microspheres, Drug entrapment efficiency.
Development and Validation of Q-Absorbance Ratio by UV-Spectrophotometric Method for Simultaneous Estimation of Metformin and Empagliflozin in Bulk and Combined Dosage Form
Authors: Sharma Pushpendra , Kosanam Srinivasarao , Rao Surendra Singh
Published: May 2021

Advantages of simultaneous stability studies are the identification of new degradation products, to understand mutual induction and/or inhibition of rates of degradation and to analyze the degradation products of both drugs. Various ultraviolet spectroscopic and high performance liquid chromatographic assay methods were reported for the estimation of metformin, sitagliptin, pioglitazone, glimepiride and simvastatin individually and in combination with other drugs. All the above reported methods were based on the estimation of metformin, sitagliptin, pioglitazone, glimepiride and simvastatin alone or in combination with other drugs. The degradation products were generated and successfully separated by the developed and validated high performance liquid chromatographic methods for the estimation of the selected anti-diabetic drug combinations. The aim of the study was to develop and validate of Q-Absorbance Ratio UV-Spectrophotometric Method for Simultaneous Estimation of Metformin and Empagliflozin in Bulk and Combined Dosage Form.

Keywords: Metformin, Method Development, Validation, Empagliflozin, UV-Spectrophotometer.
The case of left loin pain and aneurysm of the splenic artery
Authors: El-Reshaid Kamel , Al-Bader Shaikha , Markova Zhaneta
Published: May 2021

True splenic artery aneurysms (SAA) are rare, but potentially fatal, lesions. They account for 60% to 70% of patients diagnosed with visceral artery aneurysms.  They should be differentiated from pseudo ones since the etiology is different.  They risk of rupture is high if diameter is > 2 cm and in child-bearing years.  In this case report; we describe an encounter of SAA in a patient presenting with severe left loin pain and shock due to acute pyelonephritis.  The aneurysm was 1.2 cm and was partially thrombosed and calcified indicating its stability and chronicity.  The etiology, types and management of SAAs is discussed. 

Keywords: abdominal pain, aneurysm, pseudoaneurysm, rupture, splenic artery.
Antibacterial Activity of Haematococcus pluvialis Crude Astaxanthin Extract
Authors: Rather Ashaq Hussain , Singh Surendra , Choudhary Sameer
Published: May 2021

H. pluvialis is the potential source of natural astaxanthin, which is considered as super antioxidant. In the present investigation, astaxanthin was extracted from the encysted cells of H. pluvialis with acetone, methanol, DMSO and hexane, the crude extracts were tested for four strain (Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhi, Vibrio cholera and Staphylococcus aureus)of bacteria for the antibacterial activity. Highest antibacterial activity was observed as 10.2 ±0.20 mm extracted with acetone on Escherichia coli while as least antibacterial activity was found as6.1±0.0 mm extracted with hexane on Vibrio cholera.

Keywords: Haematoccoccus pluvialis; Astaxanthin; Antibacterial.
Bringing back the debate on mediated and unmediated science communication: the public's perspective
Authors: Delicado Ana , Rowland Jussara , Estevens João
Published: May 2021

When analysing the actors of the science communication ecosystem, scholarly research has focused on the perceptions and attitudes of scientists, science journalists, and science communicators. How the public envisages the roles of science producers and mediators is mostly uncharted territory. We address this gap, by examining the results of a public consultation in Portugal concerning science communication. We show that the public demonstrates a clear preference for science communication performed by scientists, over journalists, although credibility and trust depend on multiple factors. We also ascertain that professional science communicators are mostly invisible, though the public recognises the value of `translators'.
Communicating astronomy with the public: perspectives of an international community of practice
Authors: Anjos Sara , russo Pedro , Carvalho Anabela
Published: May 2021

Communities of practice in science communication can make important contributions to public engagement with science but are under-researched. In this article, we look at the perspectives of a community of practice in astronomy communication regarding (relations with) their public(s). Most participants in this study consider that public(s) have several deficits and vulnerabilities. Moreover, practitioners have little to no contact with (and therefore make no use of) academic research on science communication. We argue that collaboration between science communication researchers and practitioners could benefit the science-public relationship and that communities of practice may be critical to that purpose.
Reorienting science communication towards communities
Authors: Orthia Lindy A. , McKinnon Merryn , Viana John Noel , Walker Graham
Published: May 2021

Communities are rarely seen as the ideal level at which to focus science communication efforts, compared to the individual, psychological or mass, societal levels. Yet evidence from allied fields suggests building interpersonal relationships with specific communities over time is key to meaningful engagement, so orienting science communication towards communities is warranted. In this paper, we argue this case. We review previous studies, identifying three existing models of community-oriented science communication, which we label ‘neighbourly’, ‘problem-solving’ and ‘brokering’. We illustrate the effectiveness of the ‘problem-solving’ approach and the desirable ideal of ‘brokering’ using recent examples of community-oriented science communication from Australia.
Rethinking science communication as the social conversation around science
Authors: Bucchi Massimiano , Trench Brian
Published: May 2021

In this essay the authors reflect on some recent trends in science communication research, celebrating it as an inherently interdisciplinary endeavour. Some current tendencies in science communication are more limiting, however: they present theoretical and strategic prescriptions that do not adquately reflect the variety and cultural diversity of science communication internationally. Rethinking science communication in the context of such diverse practices and cultural reorientations, the authors revise some of their own views and revisit notions of communication as conversation to propose an inclusive definition of science communication as the social conversation around science.
Variações materiais, manutenções de forma e conteúdo: distopias infantojuvenis
Authors: Gontijo Rosa Carlos , Brait Beth
Published: May 2021

Este estudo visa legitimar as distopias enquanto um gênero discursivo que coloca criadores e auditório em diálogo profundo sobre as condições sociais em que vivem. Ele parte das distopias enquanto gênero literário com projeção na produção artística contemporânea direcionada ao público infantojuvenil, conectando objetos estéticos produzidos em diferentes materialidades, como cinema, romance e quadrinhos. Para melhor comparar objetos distintos entre si, coletamos como corpus distopias infantojuvenis de temática ambiental. A distopia, então, é uma narrativa contada com determinada estrutura e organização dos acontecimentos: há de início a descrição de um futuro catastrófico, mas possível; no seu decorrer, surgem indícios de como as coisas passaram do presente do leitor ao futuro proposto pela distopia, com culpabilização da humanidade; um final apaziguador; e, permeando tudo, um herói cuja identificação com o leitor é imediata. A estabilidade formal percebida nesses enunciados nos levou à teoria bakhtiniana, especialmente ao texto O problema do conteúdo, do material e da forma na criação artística (1924). Por não perceber o objeto estético fechado em sua materialidade, Bakhtin valoriza o conteúdo como indispensável, o qual se manifesta através de uma forma que se imprime sobre uma materialidade. Como a forma distópica descrita acima enuncia um conteúdo que se relaciona de maneira única com o exterior do enunciado, também discutimos o problema da materialidade e porque ela toma frente nas análises críticas de objetos artísticos ainda hoje. Concluímos que a distopia, como gênero discursivo, faz com que o objeto estético reverbere nos âmbitos éticos e cognitivos da sua realidade.
Enhancing the adoption of climate-smart technologies using public-private partnerships: lessons from the WEMA case in South Africa
Authors: Senyolo Mmapatla Precious , Long Thomas B. , Omta Onno
Published: May 2021

Climate-smart agricultural technological innovations have the potential to reduce climate change impacts on agriculture. Due to several barriers, their current rate of adoption and diffusion is low. Public-private partnerships (PPPs) have the potential to facilitate technology development and dissemination to smallholder farmers. The aim of this paper is to examine the role of the water efficient maize for Africa (WEMA) project in enhancing technology adoption by smallholder farmers in South Africa. This study explores how PPPs enhance technology adoption and highlights the challenges faced within PPPs using WEMA case. A critical analysis, involving iterative process helped to construct a comprehensive narrative. We found that disputed outcomes, stakeholder concerns, shortage of seeds, disinclination of local companies to market new seeds, upkeep of previous relationships, contractual arrangements and high level of expertise and skills required from farmers were the main factors that affected the efficacy and impact of WEMA on the targeted output and beneficiaries.
Determinants of product innovation in food and agribusiness small and medium enterprises: evidence from enterprise survey data of India
Authors: Ali Jabir , Reed Michael R. , Saghaian Sayed H.
Published: May 2021

This paper analyzes the nature and determinants of product innovation for food and agribusiness firms in India. The study is based on the World Bank’s Enterprise Survey and the India Innovation Follow-up Survey from 2014. These surveys included 294 Indian food and agribusiness firms operating in different regions of the country. Simple statistical tools, such as chi-square test and logistic regression, are used for analyzing the raw data. It is evident from the analysis that there is a significant difference in the adoption of product innovations across enterprise sizes. Product innovation is more prominent in large enterprises than small and medium scale enterprises (SMEs). Results of regression analysis indicate that product innovation in SMEs is more likely to be influenced by a variety of internal, collaborative, and external factors. The findings of the study suggest that SMEs should diversify their product innovations to include new inputs, improved product features, and enhanced technologies to strengthen their place in the market. This research is valuable because there is limited evidence on the nature and determinants of product innovation in food and agribusiness SMEs of emerging economies like India.
Broadening the scope of instrumental motivations for CSR disclosure: an illustration for agroholdings in transition economies
Authors: Gagalyuk Taras , Chatalova Lioudmila , Kalyuzhnyy Oleksandr , Ostapchuk Igor
Published: May 2021

Large firms operating in underdeveloped institutional environments of transition economies tend to invest in seemingly unrewarded corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives. To explain this phenomenon, we extend the literature on the motives behind CSR disclosure in agribusiness from the institutional perspective on organizational legitimacy. The thesis is that self-interest rationales for CSR disclosure, as advocated by the strategic-legitimacy perspective, fall short of explaining the full scope of instrumental motivations for the proactive and excessive transparency initiatives of agribusiness companies. Using the example of internationally listed Ukrainian agroholdings, we show that firms faced with institutions that do not appropriately support access to market transactions not only adapt to fluctuations in the business environment but also proactively address key institutional bottlenecks by engaging in higher transparency and nonmarket initiatives. The case study analysis of the voluntary CSR disclosure of four agroholdings is conducted based on in-depth interviews with corporate managers and complemented with information from corporate reports and websites. This analysis offers insights into the development of corporate farming and its economic and social repercussions in Ukraine and, more generally, expanding the concept of CSR itself.
Rod eutectic growth in bulk undercooled melts
Authors: Xu Junfeng , Zhang Tao , Galenko Peter
Published: May 2021

This article proposes an analytical model to understand the rod-growth
of eutectic in the bulk undercooled melt. Based on the previous
derivations of the lamellar eutectic growth models, relaxing the
assumptions of small Peclet numbers, the model is derived by considering
melt kinetic and thermal undercoolings. The intent of this model is to
predict the transitions in eutectic pattern for conditions of the low
and high growth velocity. In addition to investigation of the transition
between lamellar and rod eutectic pattern, mathematical simplifications
of solving Bessel function are presented as well, which is the most
important priority to model calculation.
Predictive Continuum Constitutive Modeling of Unfilled and Filled Rubbers
Authors:   APD Optima Study, Lake Forest, CA 92630, USA, Zhao Fuzhang
Published: May 2021

The general CSE model fits Treloar’s uniaxial extension test and predicts unfitted uniaxial compression, equibiaxial extension, biaxial extension, pure shear, and simple shear tests. As a newly proposed method, the general CSE model, along with the stress-softening ratio, the residualstretch ratio, and the weighted piecewise two-point interpolation function, fits the Cheng–Chen’s test and the Diani–Fayolle–Gilormini’s test in cyclic uniaxial extension at different pre-stretches and predicts corresponding responses at untested pre-stretches. Physical mechanisms of the Mullins effect have also been predicted based on the evolution of constitutive parameters.
Narcissus Garden, corpo-imagem: território insólito entre o simbólico e o imaginário de Yayoi Kusama
Authors: Pereira Adriana Camargo
Published: May 2021

Resumo  O presente estudo apresenta a obra Narcissus Garden de Yayoi Kusama em dois momentos: na sua primeira edição, em 1966 e em um segundo momento, no ano de 2009 em que a mesma recebe um novo formato e caráter permanente no instituto de arte contemporânea, Inhotim. O texto sugere um diálogo sobre a obra diante dos binômios: espetacularização da imagem do corpo e os padrões dominantes de representação do corpo narcísico; a construção imagética do Eu e do Outro através da imagem especular. E termina com a problemática suscitada entre a presença tanto de um corpo imaginário, quanto simbólico como território insólito instaurado por meio das perturbações e obsessões do inconsciente da artista, convertido, em prática artística que determinam a marca intrínseca da sua escritura.
Atualidade do pensamento de Ermínia Maricato: velhos desafios em contextos mutantes
Authors: Santos Raphael Bischof dos
Published: May 2021

O artigo apresenta uma síntese de três momentos do trabalho de Ermínia Maricato. Utiliza-se da distinção entre teoria de planejamento, prática e práxis para retratar como a autora recorre com maestria de tais conceitos para extrair formulações normativas a partir da realidade observada. Ao mesmo tempo, destaca-se neste texto a forma como problemas estruturais da sociedade urbana persistem de acordo com uma práxis bastante negligenciada. Nos três contextos distintos trazidos, as práticas de planejamento tornam-se mais complexas, sendo a autora responsável por uma leitura crítica e sempre atual de seu tempo.