bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Temperature-Dependent Electrical Characteristics of Disc-Shaped Compacts Fabricated using Calcined Eggshell Nano Powder and Dry Cassava Starch
Authors: Robert Ubong W. , Etuk Sunday E. , Agbasi Okechukwu E. , Iboh Ubong A. , Ekpo Sunday S.
Published: August 2021

Disc-shaped compacts were fabricated from two mix proportions of calcined eggshell nanopowder and dry cassava starch and then used as test samples. The electrical resistance (R), thermal sensitivity index (β) and electronic activation energy (Ea) of the samples measured over a temperature range from 35 to 75oC were found to decrease non-linearly in values with increasing temperature. It was also observed that the results obtained (R = 3.691E6 Ω – 6.210E7 Ω, β = 3812K – 5316K and Ea = 0.33 eV – 0.46 eV) fulfill market requirements by comparing very well with the established values for NTC thermistors. Hence, from manufacturing viewpoint, recycling of chicken eggshell wastes and cassava effluents can avail electronic industry with promising and alternative materials for fabrication of temperature sensing / monitoring / control devices suitable for engineering applications. This will also help to reduce environmental pollution.
The Effect of Plasma Pretreatment on the Morphology and Properties of Hitus Coatings
Authors: Kvetková Lenka , Hviščová Petra , Medveď Dávid , Lofaj František
Published: August 2021

WC coatings prepared by High Target Utilization Sputtering (HITUS), a relatively new technology, were deposited on three types of substrates. These were silicon (111), steel (100Cr6), and ceramic (WC-Co). The influence of RF plasma power pretreatment on final properties of WC coatings was investigated with two interlayer materials for bonding. The morphology, roughness, and mechanical properties of coatings were studied. The relation between plasma RF power and roughness was found. No significant change in mechanical properties was detected with change in plasma RF power. The dependence of nanohardness and scratch behavior on HITUS WC coatings was investigated.
Powder Metallurgy Manufacturing of Iron Aluminides with Different Aluminium Contents and Magnesium Addition by Reactive Hot Pressing
Authors: Konegger Thomas , Gierl-Mayer Christian , Sikora Andreas , Rojacz Harald , Fafilek Günter , Danninger Herbert , Adam Karl
Published: August 2021

In this work, iron aluminide materials, which are promising candidates for high temperature applications, are manufactured through reactive hot pressing of elemental powder mixes, facilitating a straightforward preparation of well-densified materials with a high degree of microstructural homogeneity. The impact of varying Al additions on reaction behavior, microstructural and compositional features of the resulting materials is evaluated. Furthermore, the effect of adding 1 wt. % Mg on reactivity and phase formation is illustrated. The results show that reactive hot pressing of elemental powders in the Fe-Al and Fe-Al-Mg systems at 1000 °C results in residual porosities well below 5 %. Magnesium addition significantly increased reactivity between constituents, leading to slightly improved densification without exhibiting potentially detrimental segregation phenomena. The processing approach presented in this work leads to material characteristics which are promising in the context of developing materials with favorable mechanical and tribological performance at elevated temperatures.
Calcium Phosphate Cement Modified with Silicon Nitride/Tricalcium Phosphate Microgranules
Authors: Medvecky Lubomir , Stulajterova Radoslava , Giretova Maria , Sopcak Tibor , Faberova Maria , Hnatko Miroslav , Fenclova Tatana
Published: August 2021

Tetracalcium phosphate/monetite biocement was modified with 10 and 30 wt. % addition of highly porous silicon nitride/α-tricalcium phosphate (αTCP) microgranules with various content of αTCP. A composite cement powder mixture was prepared using mechanical homogenization of basic components. The accelerated release of dexamethasone from composite cement was revealed, which indicates their possible utilization for controlled drug release. The wet compressive strength of cements (<17 MPa) was significantly reduced (more than 30%) in comparison with the unmodified cement and both compressive strength and setting time were influenced by the content of αTCP in microgranules. The addition of microgranules caused a 20% decrease in final cement density. Microgranules with a higher fraction of αTCP showed good in vitro SBF bioactivity with precipitation of hydroxyapatite particles. Microstructure analysis of fractured cements demonstrated excellent interconnection between microgranules and cement calcium phosphate matrix, but also showed lower mechanical strength of microgranule cores.
Anti-dense fine speckled (DFS) antibody: its staining pattern in indirect immunofluorescence and its clinical relevance
Authors: Karahan Samet , Emre Şerife , Hörmet-Öz Hatice T.
Published: August 2021

Background: Dense fine speckled (DFS) pattern is defined by very intense, heterogeneous speckled staining of nucleoplasms of interphase HEp-2 cells and chromosomal areas of metaphase cells. The association of Anti-DFS70 and rheumatologic signs, symptoms, and diagnosis were evaluated.

Methods: One-hundred-eight anti-DFS70 positives who got consecutively admitted to the Rheumatology clinic between January and June 2020 were analyzed. The clinical and laboratory findings of positives for anti-DFS70 antibody were compared with those with DFS pattern ANA IFA staining rates. Also, anti-DFS70 positivity rates and their correlation with the DFS staining pattern were analyzed retrospectively in 1016 CTD patients.

Results: The most common complaint was joint pain seen in 77 (71.3%) and the most common laboratory abnormality was RF-positivity observed in 10/108 (9.3%) who had anti-DFS70 positivity. The most common ANA staining pattern was DFS (72/108; 66.7%); one-third had other than DFS. No statistical significance was found for the association of any of the rheumatological complaints and laboratory findings with the DFS staining pattern. ANA analysis was performed in a total of 964/1016 (94.88%) CTD patients and 44 (4.56%) of these positive for anti-DFS70. The correlation coefficient showed good correlations between the DFS pattern staining and anti-DFS70 antibody positivity (r=+0.773, p<0.001).

Conclusions: Anti-DFS70-positives have a low rate of CTD. A low anti-DFS70 positivity rate was observed in patients with CTD. As such, it can be considered that anti-DFS70 does not predict CTD or even excludes it.
The frailty phenotype in hemodialysis patients and its association with biochemical markers of mineral bone disorder, inflammation and nutrition
Authors: Mutevelić-Turković Alma , Resić Halima , Roljić Badema Čengić , Dervišević Amela , Bećiragić Amela
Published: August 2021

Introduction: Frailty is a state of increased vulnerability to physical stressors. It is common in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) who are on hemodialysis (HD).

The aim of this study was to analyze the presence of frailty phenotype among HD patients and to evaluate their interrelationship with different biochemical markers.

Methods: For the frailty assessment the Frailty Phenotype by Fried et al. was used, where frailty was reported if three of the following criteria were met: unintentional weight loss, self-reported exhaustion, weakness, slow walking speed and low physical activity. From 281 HD patients, 126 patients were frail, 58 were pre-frail (two criteria were met) and the rest of the study population were robust (97 patients). BMI was calculated for all patients and venous blood samples were taken to determine laboratory parameters for bone alkaline phosphatase (BAP), phosphate (P), potassium (K), C-reactive protein (CRP) and albumin.

Results: Patients who were on HD longer than 60 months have more characters of frailty. (p=0.019). A statistically significant positive correlations between frailty score and BAP (rho = 0.189; p = 0.001), and CRP (rho = 0.233; p < 0.001) were observed, and significant negative correlations between frailty score and albumin (rho = - 0.218; p < 0.001) and K (rho = - 0.198; p = 0.001).

Conclusions: The associations of frailty with markers of mineral bone disorder, inflammation and nutrition indicate the importance of these parameters in the indirect assessment of the frailty phenotype in HD patients.
A practical review of diabetes mellitus type 2 treatment in primary care
Authors: Call Justin T. , Cortés Pedro , Harris Dana M.
Published: August 2021

The treatment of diabetes mellitus type 2 (DM2) is becoming more complex as new medications are approved. Primary care providers must maintain their medical knowledge on emerging medications for best patient care. This review simplifies the non-insulin treatments of diabetes with an emphasis on the cardio-renal protectants, sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT-2) inhibitors and glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists (GLP-1).
Lupus-related protein-losing enteropathy associated with pseudo-pseudo Meigs’ syndrome and successfully treated with hydroxychloroquine
Authors: Horino Taro , Ogasawara Masami , Kashio Takeshi , Inotani Satoshi , Ishihara Masayuki , Ohnishi Hiroshi , Komori Masahiro , Ichii Osamu , Terada Yoshio
Published: August 2021

We herein report the first case of lupus-related protein-losing enteropathy associated with pseudo-pseudo Meigs’ syndrome. Lupus-related protein-losing enteropathy and pseudo-pseudo Meigs’ syndrome are extremely rare complications in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus, Both have a similar clinical course characterized by producing marked ascites, and respond to steroids in typical cases. However, in our case, steroid monotherapy was inadequate and the addition of hydroxychloroquine was effective for their treatment. Furthermore, no reports have previously confirmed elevated CA 125 levels with lupus-related protein-losing enteropathy or increased 99mTc-HSA activity with pseudo-pseudo Meigs’ syndrome. In addition, we are the first to report an evaluation of the histopathology of lupus-related protein-losing enteropathy. Previously reported cases have been described as being caused by either pseudo-Meigs’s syndrome or lupus-related protein-losing enteropathy as the cause of the rare pathology that causes marked pleural effusion and ascites in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus, but it has not been evaluated whether the other is co-occurring. Our case highlights that there is a potential case of overlapping lupus-related protein-losing enteropathy and pseudo-Pseudo-Meigs’s syndrome. Furthermore, it is possible that patients with marked ascites with elevated CA 125 levels were mistakenly diagnosed with Meigs’s syndrome or pseudo-Meigs’s syndrome associated with malignant or benign ovarian tumors and underwent surgery. Clinicians should not forget SLE with pseudo-Pseudo-Meigs’s syndrome as one of the differential diagnoses for marked ascites with elevated CA 125 levels.
Cancer - dysregulation of the cell cycle and transduction of cascade signals
Authors: Madaminov Akhmad , Khasanov Akbar , Khatamov Shuhrat , Abdurakhmonov Otabek , Amonov Anvar , Shukurov Zohir , Khudayorov Murod , Bekmirzaev Rahim , Nishonboev Latif
Published: August 2021

According to scientific data, cancer is a very ancient disease, and along with the perfection of humanity it becomes more progressive. The development of technologies that detect molecular changes in the pathogenesis and subsequent development of carcinogenesis has led to the beginning of a new era in oncology. The cell cycle is tightly controlled by a group of protein kinases, including cyclin and cyclin-dependent kinases. These events occur in a strictly regulated time sequence supported by consistent restriction points. p53, p21, p16, retinoblastoma (and other proteins), cyclins and cyclin-related kinases repair DNA before the cell cycle enters the phase of synthesis and mitosis. Loss of regulatory activity of p53 and pRB, stable activation of E2F stimulates uncontrolled cell proliferation, leading to neoplastic cell growth. The Ras/Raf/MEK/ERK signalling pathway is also a complex network of sequentially activated proteins that play a major role in the onset and development of cancer. It can regulate not only the biological functions, such as cell proliferation, cycle regulation, cell differentiation, apoptosis and tissue formation, but it is also associated with tumor development. Stable mutations in the genome or defects in the epigenome lead to dysregulation in the normal biological cycle of the cell, underlying DNA chain damage or dysfunction in the control system, determined by various types of carcinogenic factors, both known and unknown.
Are Lactobacillus Bulgaricus and Bacillus Calmette-Guérin vaccine suitable for patient protection against SARS-CoV-2 infection?
Authors: Avramov Toma , Vicheva Dilyana , Manolova Antoaneta
Published: August 2021

Before COVID-19 infection caused the global pandemic in 2020, coronavirus diseases were mainly of veterinary interest. This pandemic necessitated the development of protective and therapeutic measures against the spread of SARS-CoV-2. Foods containing representatives of the genus Lactobacillus are an integral part of the daily menu of the Bulgarian people. Our hypothesis is based on studies examining its potential for competitive inhibition of viruses and bacteria by attachment to the surface of enterocytes.

Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) is an integral part of the vaccination calendar in the Republic of Bulgaria. In the literature, many clinical studies show that the administration of BCG vaccine limits the SARS-CoV-2 antigens and, consequently, is able to induce protection for COVID-19, by activating the specific, innate immune system.

The lack of definitively approved treatment necessitates finding ways to limit the spread of COVID-19 until final drug approval. We believe that the use of dietary components in the context of competitive inhibition and the vaccination schedule for protection in coronavirus-related diseases is applicable. We hypothesize that Lactobacillus and BCG may play a protective effect against SARS-CoV-2 infection alone or in combination in healthy individuals.
Foreign body of endodontic origin in the maxillary sinus
Authors: Preda Mihai , Sarafoleanu Codrut
Published: August 2021

Displacement of foreign bodies into the maxillary sinus is still a rare pathology, but the incidence is increasing continuously with the development of dental procedures. Most cases of foreign bodies are associated with dental procedures. These can be of varying natures, such as dental implants, fractured teeth roots, endodontic materials and tools, dental burs, dental impression materials or dental fillings materials. Less frequent are the foreign bodies of non-dental origin, which are related to facial injuries in accidents or assaults. The diagnosis is based on careful clinical and radiological examinations. Foreign bodies should be diagnosed and treated on time in order to prevent complications, mainly acute or chronic rhinosinusitis.

In this article, we review the main characteristics regarding the incidence, etiology, diagnosis and treatment options – endoscopic and an external approach for the removal of a displaced foreign body into the maxillary sinus. Also, we present our personal experience and treatment options, highlighting the importance of pre-operative evaluation, proper imaging assessment, adequate access and visibility and adequate surgical technique, in order to prevent later sinonasal infectious complications.
The influence of vocal rehabilitation methods on communication in patients with total laryngectomy
Authors: Kiss Beáta , Casautanu Boris , Neagos Adriana
Published: August 2021

BACKGROUND. Considering the problematic social integration after total laryngectomy, evaluation of communicational aptitudes of patients after the surgical intervention is necessary in order to optimize their vocal rehabilitation process.

MATERIAL AND METHODS. A prospective clinical study was conducted on 24 randomly selected patients of the Otolaryngology Clinic of Targu Mures County Emergency Clinical Hospital that underwent total laryngectomy. We adapted and implemented the questionnaire for Self-Evaluation of Communication Experiences after Laryngectomy – SECEL. Three groups of patients were created: the first containing those with voice prosthesis, the second those using electrolarynx and esophageal voice, and the third with no rehabilitation. We used the Kruskal-Wallis test for the statistical analysis of the results.

RESULTS. The mean age of the patients included in our study group was 63 years (+/− 7.56 SD). 95.83% of the participants were male. 79.16% were married. The majority (87.50%) of patients were retired. In 75% of cases, 0 to 5 years have passed since the surgery. 75% reported diminished communication after surgery. The test used to determine if significant differences were present between the examined groups showed a p-value of 0.1329 (total scores), p-value of 0.3244 (the first score of SECEL), p-value = 0.6004 (the second score of SECEL) and a p-value of 0.0613 (the third score of SECEL). Given that p was higher than 0.05, the null hypotheses could not be rejected. The patients who underwent rehabilitation by tracheoesophageal prosthesis showed the best results in all tested categories.

CONCLUSION. The SECEL questionnaire adapted in Romanian language could be used as a valid screening instrument in order to improve voice rehabilitation, but it needs further testing.
Pneumosinus dilatans associated with infantile cerebral palsy and nasal polyposis: Case report
Authors: Lugo-Machado Juan Antonio , Enriquez Luis Manuel Justo , Pérez Martha Lucía Gutiérrez , Niño Natalia Barreto , Contreras David Fernando Acevedo , Bastos Luis Alfonso Paredes , Marquez Fernanda Verena Barragan , Lizarraga Lorenz Lizarraga , Rodriguez Martha Jeaneth Jimenez , Hernández Dalia Iveth Yocupicio
Published: August 2021

Pneumosinus dilatans is a rare disease characterized by air-filled expansion of a paranasal sinus. Approximately 134 cases are reported in the literature, but not only one associated with infantile cerebral palsy (ICP) and nasal polyposis. We herein present this case report aimed to further characterize this uncommon condition: a 28-year-old female diagnosed with infantile cerebral palsy and nasal polyposis, in whom the cranio-facial CT scan revealed the association of a pneumosinus dilatans involving the frontal sinus. The patient is currently undergoing a protocol for endoscopic surgery of the nose and paranasal sinuses.
Descending mediastinitis secondary to deep neck abscess in a healthy patient: Case report
Authors: Lugo-Machado Juan Antonio , Pérez Martha Lucía Gutiérrez , Quintana Óscar Said Rodríguez , Márquez Fernanda Verena Barragán , Pinelli Regina Jacobo , Lizárraga Carolina Verde , Alvarado Alejandra Pineda
Published: August 2021

Necrotizing descending mediastinitis is an emergency which can be fatal in most cases. 80% to 85% of patients who develop descending necrotizing mediastinitis are young, previously healthy persons. We present the case of a healthy patient who, after a neck abscess, developed descending necrotizing mediastinitis complicated by atypical interstitial pneumonia.
The effects of microwave radiation generated by mobile phones on the tear film
Authors: Gajta Aurora , Jurca Alexandra Maria , Stănilă Adriana , Stănilă Dan
Published: August 2021

Electromagnetic radiation (ER) emitted by mobile phones and other modern devices has potentially harmful effects on ocular tissue. Their effects on the eye surface and tear film are little known so far. The aim of this paper was to investigate the effects of ER emitted by the phone mobile on the tear film. For this study, we selected a total of 50 subjects, young, healthy, without chronic treatment, who are not contact lens wearers and who have no history of ophthalmic surgery. Schirmer I test, tear pH and tear ferning test (TFT) were performed on all subjects before (“-pre”) being exposed to ER emitted by the mobile phone and after (“-post”) exposure for 5 minutes, the pH and TFT of the tears were performed. Following the analysis of the obtained results, we found that there are significant changes in tear quality and increased tear pH, which over time can lead to tear film instability, damage to the eye surface and the appearance of dry eye syndrome.
The Expression of miR-155-5p and Local Matrix Gla Protein in Meningiomas
Authors: Gheorghe Simona Roxana , Marian Cătălin , Tătăranu Ligia Gabriela , Dricu Anica , Vermeer Cees , Silaghi Ciprian Nicolae , Crăciun Alexandra Marioara
Published: August 2021

Meningiomas are classified by the World Health Organization (WHO) in three grades, based on morphological features. Independent of this grading, the presence of calcification in meningiomas influences their growth rate. The messenger RNA of matrix Gla protein (MGP), an extra-hepatic protein with different conformations involved in the homeostasis of ectopic calcification has been found in meningiomas and was shown to be regulated in breast cancer by miR-155-5p, a specific micro RNA. Therefore, we investigated the expression of miR-155-5p and its relationship with local MGP conformations in different grade meningiomas. According to the WHO classification, our 41 samples of meningiomas were stratified in groups WHO I and WHO II. Using real time polymerase chain reaction, we observed a higher miR-155-5p expression in group WHO I versus group WHO II [with a fold change (FC) of 3.83, p=0.027)]. Moreover, the expression of miR-155-5p was higher in calcified tumors compared to non-calcified tumors in all samples (FC=3.01, p=0.047) and in group WHO I (FC=3.65, p=0.048). Utilizing immunohistochemistry, we determined the concurrent presence of all MGP conformations in calcified meningiomas. This study was the first to establish higher miR-155-5p expression in grade WHO I and calcified meningiomas, which could improve molecular classification and targeted therapy and also the presence of all MGP conformations in calcified meningiomas, confirming the existence of an anti-calcification mechanism in meningiomas..
Lupus anticoagulant in children – a confounding factor in diagnosis and targeted therapy
Authors: Jinca Cristian , Serban Margit , Ursu Emilia , Pascalau Nicoleta Anamaria , Belei Oana , Savescu Delia , Lelik Mihaela , Munteanu Andrei Ioan , Tiede Andreas , Arghirescu Smaranda
Published: August 2021

Introduction: Lupus anticoagulant (LAC) belongs to a heterogeneous group of antibodies directed against negatively charged phospholipid-binding proteins, inhibiting phospholipid-dependent reactions. We assessed the frequency, etiological background, clinical and biological expression as well as the appropriate management and outcome of LAC in a pediatric population.

Patients and methods: We included 19 pediatric patients diagnosed with a positive LAC test during a period of 1 year. LAC detection was carried out according to the ISTH/SCC guidelines 2012. Coagulometric assays were performed in order to check for coagulation factor activities. The presence of specific inhibitors has been tested by the Bethesda assay.

Results: LAC was positive in 0.4% of the patients monitored for increased activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) during the study period of 1 year. In contrast to the asymptomatic clinical image presented by the majority of our patients, the biological picture was dominated by an elevated aPTT (79 %), the aPTT ratio correlating significantly with the strength of LAC. In 58 % of the patients LAC became negative within 12 weeks, in another 4 (21%) patients within 20 weeks, whereas in 4 (21%) patients LAC remained positive throughout the follow-up.

Conclusion: Albeit usually innocent in asymptomatic patients, LAC needs to be seriously taken into consideration from the diagnostic point of view in order to avoid dangerous therapeutic attitudes..
Insights into Innate Immune Response Against SARS-CoV-2 Infection
Authors: Huțanu Adina , Georgescu Anca Meda , Andrejkovits Akos Vince , Au William , Dobreanu Minodora
Published: August 2021

The innate immune system is mandatory for the activation of antiviral host defense and eradication of the infection. In this regard, dendritic cells, natural killer cells, macrophages, neutrophils representing the cellular component, and cytokines, interferons, complement or Toll-Like Receptors, representing the mediators of unspecific response act together for both activation of the adaptive immune response and viral clearance. Of great importance is the proper functioning of the innate immune response from the very beginning. For instance, in the early stages of viral infection, the defective interferon response leads to uncontrolled viral replication and pathogen evasion, while hypersecretion during the later stages of infection generates hyperinflammation. This cascade activation of systemic inflammation culminates with cytokine storm syndrome and hypercoagulability state, due to a close interconnection between them. Thus an unbalanced reaction, either under- or over- stimulation of the innate immune system will lead to an uncoordinated response and unfavorable disease outcomes. Since both cellular and humoral factors are involved in the time-course of the innate immune response, in this review we aimed to address their gradual involvement in the antiviral response with emphasis on key steps in SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Deity, love, punishment, rage, and mythonyms from head to toes. A brief history of some medical terms
Authors: Naznean Adrian
Published: August 2021

Although it is undoubtful that today’s Medical English is rooted in Greek and Latin, it is particularly interesting that figures from Greek mythology are the roots of words to describe conditions, body parts, feelings, substances, etc. While there are numerous medical terms that are derived from the names of Greek mythological figures, this paper will only investigate words ranging from A to H and will try to justify the relationship between the concepts and the choice of terminology.
Correction factor between two calcitonin assays: DiaSorin LiaisonXL and Cobas E601
Authors: Baetu Mara , Draghici Alexandru , Padure Adriana , Bucur Stefana , Caragheorgheopol Andra , Badiu Corin
Published: August 2021

Introduction: Calcitonin measurement is important for the diagnosis and monitoring of medullary thyroid carcinoma. Unfortunately, in clinical practice, different detection systems assays are used in the follow-up of the patients, which can be misleading.

Objective: To identify the correction factor for calcitonin measurement on two different immunoanalysers: DiaSorin-LiaisonXL (immunochemiluminescence) and CobasE601 (electro-immunochemiluminescence).

Methods: We selected 89 registered CT samples (28-from men; 61-from women), that were analysed on CobasE601 with reported values between 0.5 pg/ml and 2812 pg/ml (128.5±513.98). These CT samples were selected randomly to cover as wide a range of values as possible, and represented either basal CT (n=38) or selected from CT stimulation tests (n=51). Samples were evaluated subsequently on DiaSorin-LiaisonXL. All patients gave their informed consent.

Results: Between the two assays a segmented linear correlation was noted. We identified the following general linear regression equation: 1.108x+19.337 (p<0.05). The bias increased at high calcitonin values. Therefore, for a better accuracy we analysed the regression equation segmentally. A statistic difference (p<0.05) was noted for CT values ranged between 350-2600 pg/ml (n=31) on DiaSorin-LiaisonXL, for which the linear regression equation for CobasE601 becomes 1.009x+169.796.

Conclusions: Calcitonin correction factors are highly important in the dynamic follow up of a patient suffering from medullary thyroid carcinoma when different detection systems assays are used to determine calcitonin. We identified the correction factors for calcitonin determination between two different frequently used chemiluminescence immunoanalysers: DiaSorin-LiaisonXL and CobasE601. However, it is strongly advisable to use the same analyser in order to establish biochemical evolution of calcitonin.
Genetic Diagnostic Approaches in Familial Hypercholesterolemia Evaluation
Authors: Moldovan Valeriu , Bănescu Claudia , Dobreanu Minodora
Published: August 2021

Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) manifested as atherosclerosis is a major cause of coronary heart disease. Different scoring systems based on clinical and paraclinical data are currently used, but the FH diagnosis should be made only in the presence of the causative genetic defect. In the present study, 12 symptomatic (previously diagnosed with atherosclerosis) and asymptomatic family members were investigated. Serum lipids were measured using commercial reagents. A genetic investigation was performed by Sanger sequencing using commercial reagents and custom primers, while copy number variations and a selected set of 40 point mutations were evaluated using in vitro diagnostic medical devices. For the investigated patients, serum lipids were within the reference range, due to the fact that the subjects were following lipid-lowering therapy, and smoking was the only identifiable additional risk factor. Four benign exon variants and three intron variants situated within the low-density lipoprotein cholesterol receptor gene were identified by Sanger sequencing. No copy number variations and none of the 40 investigated point mutations were determined. Although independently considered benign, the combined effect of the identified genetic conditions could be pathogenic under the influence of additional risk factors. Even in the presence of a diagnosis made using clinical scores, the molecular diagnosis is often challenging, attesting to the complexity of FH genetic etiology.
Chemical Composition and Biological Activity of Trapa Natans L.
Authors: Corovic Rosa Cukic , Bradic Jovana , Tomovic Marina , Dabanovic Vera , Jakovljevic Vladimir , Zarkovic Gala , Rogac Zeljka
Published: August 2021

Trapa natans L., water chestnut (indian name singada, montenegrin name kasaronja) belonging to Trapaceae family is annual aquatic floating herb native to Asia but widely distributed in the Europe and in North America. The presence of two species, Trapa natans L. and Trapa longicarpa M.Jank. ssp. scutarensis M.Jank has been confirmed on the Skadar lake in Montenegro. Trapa natans is a plant demonstrating promising pharmacological activity mostly due to the presence of its constituens, phenols and flavonoids, showed hepatoprotective potential, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, antifungal and in vitro antimicrobial activity.
In the Tortuous Shadows of Ethnic Policies: Two Case Studies of Chinese Cultural Heritage in Indonesia and Malaysia
Authors: Voss Gabriella
Published: August 2021

Concurrent with the inception of the nation states of Indonesia and Malaysia in the middle of the twentieth century, ethnic policies were put into practice to destroy the Chinese cultural heritage that had hitherto been regarded as a vital part of the region’s heterogeneous cultural landscapes. Chinese language, organisations, and religious practices were banned, and architecture and artefacts with Chinese symbols or insignia either looted or destroyed. To what extent have these discriminatory agendas further influenced and shaped contemporary Chinese cultural heritage discourse? To answer this question this article starts with an introduction to the anti-Chinese agenda from Independence onwards, which is followed by two case studies from the field of cultural heritage: the organisation Boen Hian Tong in Semarang on Java in Indonesia, and the NGO Penang Heritage Trust in Malaysia. The research is based on fieldwork carried out in Indonesia and Malaysia in 2014–2015.
Kyara in Japanese Religious Spaces
Authors: Saikia Alisha
Published: August 2021

Mascots in Japan are called kyara. They are utilised by almost all organisations, institutions, and administrative divisions and are accepted, embraced, and consumed by people of all walks of life, making them immensely popular. Although constituting an element of Japanese popular culture, they are also embedded in certain religious spaces in Japan, making them an interesting topic of research. This article will examine the reason behind the embeddedness of kyara in certain religious spaces in Japan and their impact on the practice of religion in those spaces.
BIOCHEMICAL PARAMETERS OF CANNED MOUNTAIN ASH
Authors:   Bunin Yelets State University, Narkhova A.G.
Published: August 2021

The research is devoted to the biochemical parameters of different canned rowan products differ-entiated for fruits and solution and will complement the work carried out by fruit growers, bio-chemists and technologists of Michurinsk. The content of ascorbic acid, organic acids, tannin, ca-rotenoids and catechins in mountain ash fruits is best preserved when frozen compared to com-potes, jam and rubbing with sugar. The preservation of tannins and coloring substances, protopec-tin and pectin acid in rowan fruits is the highest if they were stored in the form of compotes. The best preservation of anthocyanins, carotene and the amount of pigments in rowan fruits is record-ed when they are frozen and stored in the form of compote. Flavonols are best preserved in rowan fruits when frozen and in the form of jam. Water-soluble pectins of rowan fruit are best preserved when rubbed with sugar. The dry matter content in rowan fruits is best preserved when frozen, rubbed with sugar and in the form of jam. In the process of cooking rowan fruits with sugar, the acidity of the medium decreases, and the content of some BAS may increase due to an increase in the concentration of the product.
INFLUENCE OF VARIETAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS ON MORPHOLOGICAL PARAMETERS OF PARSNIP SEEDS
Authors:   All-Russian research Institute of vegetable growing – branch of the Federal state budgetary scien-tific institution ", Bukharov A.F. ,   Federal research center of vegetable growing",   (branch of the Federal state budg-etary institution), Eremina N.A. ,   All-Russian research Institute of vegetable growing – branch of the Federal state budgetary scien-tific institution "Federal research center of vegetable growing" (branch of the Federal state budg-etary institution)
Published: August 2021

In 2016-2019, the All-Russian Research Institute of Vegetable Growing – a branch of the Federal State Budgetary Research Institution of the Russian Academy of Sciences-conducted studies of parsnip seeds of the Kulinar and Round varieties grown in the open ground in the conditions of the Moscow region. The length of each seed, endosperm, and germ was analyzed sequentially. The average values of the parameters, the coefficient of variation, the significance of differences be-tween the variants, the contribution of factors and the relationship between the parameters were calculated using the Pearson coefficient. Since a significant part of the variability of the morpho-metric parameters of parsnip seeds is hereditary, and there is a real possibility of their selective improvement.
YIELD AND QUALITY OF SPRING WHEAT GRAIN DEPENDING ON CHEMICAL PROPERTIES OF SOIL IN LLC «TERBUNY-AGRO» OF THE LIPETSK REGION
Authors:   Bunin Yelets State University, Gavrilenko E.G.
Published: August 2021

The article is devoted to the study of the influence of chemical properties of the soil on the yield and quality of the grain of spring wheat. The highest yield of grain of spring wheat of Aquilon va-riety is observed at very high nitrification capacity of soil. As the amount of nitrate nitrogen in the soil increases, the protein content of the spring wheat grain increases. The higher the hydrolytic acidity of the soil, the lower the vitreousness of the spring wheat grain. As the sum of the soil ex-change bases increases, the nature of the egg wheat grain increases. As the yield of spring wheat grain increases, the weight of 1000 seeds and the gluten strain index decrease. As the percentage of weed impurity increases, the natural weight of the grain decreases. As the gluten content of the grain increased, the gluten strain index and the vitreous of the grain increased.
THE INFLUENCE OF METHODS AND TECHNIQUES OF THE MAIN PROCESSING OF ORDINARY CHERNOZEM ON THE HUMIDITY, DENSITY OF SOIL COMPOSITION AND YIELD OF OILSEED FLAX IN THE CENTRAL ZONE OF THE KRASNODAR TERRITORY
Authors:   Stavropol State Agrarian University, Osaulenko S.N. , Polous V.S. ,   Agro-industrial complex Kuban Agro
Published: August 2021

The aim of the research was to study the complex influence of methods and techniques of the main processing of ordinary chernozem, its agrophysical indicators on the yield of oilseed flax. It was found that surface (6-8 cm) and zero tillage did not significantly affect the dynamics of soil moisture in comparison with plowing at 22-24 cm (control). In the spring of productive moisture in the layer of 0-100 cm accumulated 151,5-150-152, mm, respectively. During the growing sea-son of the crop, its number decreased to 60 mm. The density of soil addition on plots without me-chanical treatment before sowing oilseed flax in a layer of 0-10 cm was 1.03 g / cm3, which was 0.01 g/cm3 higher than the variant with surface treatment and 0.04 g/cm3 higher than the control. In the horizon of 20-30 cm, the indicators increased to 1.15 g / cm3 for plowing and 1.23 g/cm3 for zero processing. Before harvesting flax in this horizon, the density of the soil composition cor-responded to the values of 1.27-1.30 g / cm3 and did not significantly exceed the optimal values. Optimal agrophysical values of the soil, as well as the use of fertilizers, pesticides and growth stimulators, provided an average yield of oilseed flax in 2014-2016: 1.75 t/ha at surface and 1.70 t/ha at zero tillage. In relation to the control, this was less by 3% and 6%, respectively. For ener-gy-saving treatments, the conditional net income was 18.3 thousand rubles/ha, and the profitabil-ity was 70%.
NFLUENCE OF METHODS AND TECHNIQUES OF BASIC PROCESSING ON SOIL MOISTURE, DENSITY OF ADDITION AND YIELD OF PEAS
Authors:   Stavropol State Agrarian University, Osaulenko S.N. , Polous V.S. ,   Agro-industrial complex Kuban Agro
Published: August 2021

Seed peas were sown in 2016-2018 after plowing to a depth of 22-24 cm, as well as with surface (6-8 cm) and zero tillage with the introduction of mineral fertilizers at a dose of N6P26 for the predecessor of mogar (crop sowing). The productive moisture in the 0-100 cm layer before sowing was 167.2 mm when plowing to a depth of 22-24 cm and 158.4 mm-without mechanical tillage. Its content was determined by 18% of the precipitation for November-February and by 2% - the depth of the main tillage. Before harvesting, 64.1 mm of available moisture was preserved on the plowed plots. The density of addition of ordinary chernozem in a layer of 0-30 cm with zero treatment before sowing was 1.15 g / cm3, before harvesting-1.18 g/cm3. This exceeded the con-trol version by 0.07 g/cm3 and 0.03 g/cm3, respectively. The average yield of peas in 2016-2017 was 3.79 t / ha for plowing, 3.71 t / ha for surface treatment (by 6-8 cm), 3.61 t / ha with direct sowing technology, providing a conditional net income 12,9-13,7-14,0 thousand rubles / ha, re-spectively.
DETERMINING THE OPTIMAL PARAMETERS OF THE REEL COMBINE HARVESTER
Authors:   Bunin Yelets State University, Buneev S.S. , Shubkin S.Yu. ,   Bunin Yelets State University, Eletskikh S.V. ,   Bunin Yelets State University, Klapp A.V. ,   Bunin Yelets State University
Published: August 2021

The purpose of the research was to analyze the technological scheme of the KZS-10 combine har-vester. According to its results, the structural and technological scheme of the working process of the combine harvester was compiled and studied. The parameters of the reel are defined. As a re-sult of the analysis and calculations carried out, the coefficient of impact of the reel h on the stems is analytically determined, which depends on the width of the strip of stems that the knife cuts when exposed to the reel bar and the path that the machine passes (the movement of the reel shaft) during the immersion of the next reel bar in the grain stand (the step of the bar).
Agenesis of corpus callosum, severe developmental delay, recurrent infections, and cutaneous hypopigmentation: a case of Vici syndrome
Authors: Rauf Fatima , -Haq Mansoor-ul , Sidra Rauf
Published: August 2021

Background:

Vici syndrome is a rare, autosomal recessive multisystem disorder, first described in 1988 by Dionisi-Vici. This syndrome is characterized by corpus callosum agenesis, oculocutaneous hypopigmentation, cataracts, immunodeficiency, and cardiomyopathy with additional variable multisystem manifestations.

Case Presentation:

We present a case of a 2-month-old infant, born preterm via Spontaneous vaginal delivery (SVD). He presented with fever, fits, and developmental delay. His weight and head circumference were below the third percentile for age and sex. In addition, he had hypopigmented skin and hair, a long philtrum, micrognathia, and high-arched palate. He had generalized hypotonia and hyporeflexia and his eyes showed horizontal nystagmus. His brain magnetic resonance imaging showed agenesis of corpus callosum, colpocephaly, and periventricular necrosis of white matter. He was admitted as a case of Vici syndrome and was treated for infections and seizures. He presented to emergency afterward as well for sepsis and eventually died of cardiopulmonary arrest at an age of 6 months.

Conclusion:

Vici syndrome is a rare disease and around 80 cases have been reported so far. This is a first reported case in Pakistan. It has variable presentation but agenesis of corpus callosum, recurrent infections, microcephaly, cardiomyopathy, cataracts, seizures, developmental delay, and hypopigmentation remain the most common features.
AndroidTrack: An Investigation of Using Social Networks’ Applications in Android Platforms
Authors: Mostfa Ahmed A. , Abdulahad Fedaa Noeel , Sharkawy Abdel-Nasser
Published: August 2021

In this paper, time spent and the repetition of using the Social Network Sites (SNS) in Android applications are investigated. In this approach, we seek to raise the awareness and limit, but not eliminate the repeated uses of SNS, by introducing AndroidTrack. This AndroidTrack is an android application that was designed to monitor and apply valid experimental studies in order to improve the impacts of social media on Iraqi users. Data generated from the app were aggregated and updated periodically at Google Firebase Real-time Database. The statistical factor analysis (FA) was presented as a result of the user’s interactions.
A Decision Tree-Aware Genetic Algorithm for Botnet Detection
Authors: Alhijaj Thurayaa B. , Hameed Sarab M. , Attea Bara'a A.
Published: August 2021

In this paper, the botnet detection problem is defined as a feature selection problem and the genetic algorithm (GA) is used to search for the best significant combination of features from the entire search space of set of features. Furthermore, the Decision Tree (DT) classifier is used as an objective function to direct the ability of the proposed GA to locate the combination of features that can correctly classify the activities into normal traffics and botnet attacks. Two datasets  namely the UNSW-NB15 and the Canadian Institute for Cybersecurity Intrusion Detection System 2017 (CICIDS2017), are used as evaluation datasets. The results reveal that the proposed DT-aware GA can effectively find the relevant features from the whole features set. Thus, it obtains efficient botnet detection results in terms of F-score, precision, detection rate, and  number of relevant features, when compared with DT alone.
Computer Simulation for the Effects of Optical Aberrations on Solar Images Using Karhunen-Loeve polynomials
Authors: Hassan Raaid Noffi , Ali Huda Shaker , Wadee Wafaa Hikmat
Published: August 2021

Numerical simulations were carried out to evaluate the effects of different aberrations modes on the performance of optical system, when observing and imaging the solar surface. Karhunen-Loeve aberrations modes were simulated as a wave front error in the aperture function of the optical system. To identify and apply the appropriate rectification that removes or reduces various types of aberration, their attribute must be firstly determined and quantitatively described. Wave aberration function is well suitable for this purpose because it fully characterizes the progressive effect of the optical system on the wave front passing through the aperture. The Karhunen-Loeve polynomials for circular aperture were used to describe wave front deviations and to predict the initial state of adaptive optics corrections. The results showed that increasing the aberration modes causes an increase in the blurring of the observed image. Also, we conclude that the optical phase error is increased significantly when aperture’s radii are increased.
Enhancement of Spectrum Sensing Performance via Cooperative Cognitive Radio ‎Networks at Low SNR
Authors: Kotb Kotb A. , Shalaby Ahmed S. , Yahya Ahmed
Published: August 2021

The inefficient use of spectrum is the key subject to overcome the upcoming spectrum crunch issue. This paper presents a study of performance of cooperative cognitive network via hard combining of decision fusion schemes. Simulation results presented different cooperative hard decision fusion schemes for cognitive network. The hard-decision fusion schemes provided different discriminations for detection levels. They also produced small values of Miss-Detection Probability at different values of Probability of False Alarm and adaptive threshold levels. The sensing performance was investigated under the influence of channel condition for proper operating conditions. An increase in the detection performance was achieved for cognitive users (secondary users) of the authorized unused dynamic spectrum holes (primary users) while operating in a very low signal-to-noise ratio  with the proper condition of minimum total error rate.
الإطار القانوني لعقد استثمار الطاقة الكهربائية (عقد استثمار الطاقة الكهربائية بين حكومة اقليم كوردستان وشركة ماس العالمية نموذجا)
Authors: S. Ismail Heval , S. Othman Omed
Published: August 2021

يعد عقد استثمار الطاقة الكهربائية من العقود المهمة في الوقت الحاضر، وذلك لكونه من العقود ذات الصلة بالتنمية الاقتصادية من جانب ومن جانب اخر لها علاقة بالمرافق الخدمية التي لا يمكن الاستغناء عنها،   وعليه تسعى الدول النامية  التي تعجز عن توفير الطاقة الكهربائية الى القطاع الخاص من خلال ابرام عقود مع المستثمرين الاجانب المختصين في هذا المجال، مع توفير بيئة استثمارية ملائمة لهم، وعادة يفضل المستثمر الاجنبي الى التعاقد مع الدولة بأسلوب عقد B.O.O. (البناء، التشغيل، والتمليك) لان مثل هذا الاسلوب لاتنتقل ملكية المشروع الى الدولة بعد انتهاء من مدة العقد، ونظراً لكون الدولة طرفأ في العقد والطرف الاخر شخص اجنبي فقد اختلف الفقه حول تحديد الطبيعة القانونية لمثل هذا العقد فمنهم من يرى بان مثل هذه العقود هي عقود ادارية ويخضع احكامه الى القانون العام، بينما هناك اتجاه حديث يستبعد مثل هذه العقود للقانون العام ويعطيه الطبيعة الخاصة، كما ان لهذه العقود لها خصوصياتها من حيث الالتزامات المترتبة عليها والالية المختارة لتسوية المنازعات الناشئة عنه. وعليه قامت حكومة اقليم كوردستان بالتعاقد وفق ذلك الاسلوب مع احدى الشركات الاجنبية لتقوم هذا الاخير بتجهيز الطاقة الكهربائية لوزارة الكهرباء ليتسنى هذا الاخير بتجهيزها الى المواطنيين.
التكاليف الاقتصادية للإرهاب وأثره في النمو الاقتصادي لمجموعة من دول مختارة للمدة (2004-2018)
Authors: M. Saeed Hashim , S. Yousif Akram
Published: August 2021

تناقش الدراسة أهم الدوافع الاقتصادية للإرهاب وتكاليفها المباشرة وغير المباشرة واثرها في النمو الاقتصادي لمجموعة من الدول المختارة في اسيا وافريقيا خلال المدة (2004-2018) وذلك باستخدام طريقة البيانات المدمجة (Panel Data) ضمن النموذج القياسي المقدر لتحليل وتقدير اثر الإرهاب في النمو الاقتصادي، وبالاعتماد على بعض المتغيرات الاقتصادية لهذه الدول منها نسبة الانفاق العسكري من أجمالي الانفاق العام وصافي تدفقات الاستثمار الأجنبي المباشر الى البلد، ونسبة إيرادات القطاع السياحي من إجمالي الإيرادات العامة، بالإضافة إلى متغير نسبة الصادرات الى الناتج المحلي الإجمالي للدلالة على مدى الانفتاح الاقتصادي للدول المختارة  وتأثير كل هذه المتغيرات في نصيب الفرد من الناتج المحلي الإجمالي، كما تبحث الدراسة في الاثار الاقتصادية المترتبة على هذه الظاهرة وسبل مواجهتها من المنظور الاقتصادي، وتبين من نتائج الدراسة ان العلاقة بين الإرهاب والنمو الاقتصادي علاقة سلبية بحيث كلما ازدادت حدة العنف والحروب أدى إلى انخفاض معدلات النمو الاقتصادي لدول مختارة ضمن عينة الدراسة.