bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An in vitro screening potential traditional medicinal plants for nephrolithiasis
Authors: Shirani Majid , Arjaki Davood , Kheiri Soleiman , Bijad Elham , Mohammadi Sareh , Lorigooini Zahra
Published: September 2020

Background

Today, the attention of researchers has been drawn to the use of medicinal plant for the treatment of kidney stones. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of five plants used in traditional medicine on the dissolution of calcium oxalate and calcium phosphate stones. Then, the ability of more effective plants to dissolve stones collected from patients after Percutaneous Nephrolithotripsy was investigated.

Methods

The aerial part of plants were extracted by maceration method. The synthesized stones in laboratory were incubated with different concentrations of the extract. Next, the concentrations of calcium oxalate and calcium phosphate were measured by a calcium kit and BT 3000. The effect of the extract with the best activity on the stones collected from the patients was also studied. The composition of clinical stones was determined by colorimetric method. The total phenolic content (TPC) of the extracts was determined.

Results

The highest dissolution of calcium oxalate stones was observed by theG. struthiumextract and the highest dissolution of calcium phosphate stones by theA. euchromaandA. officinalisroot extracts. The dissolution percentage of clinical stones by theA. euchromaextract was significantly higher than other extract (P < 0.05). The highest TPC was observed inA. euchromaextract (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

TheA. euchromaextract exhibited the greatest dissolution activity on laboratory calcium oxalate and calcium phosphate stones as well as clinical stones made of high amounts of calcium oxalate. Therefore, the extract can be effective in preventing and treating kidney stones.
Model parameterization and amplitude variation with angle and azimuthal inversion in orthotropic media
Authors: Zong Zhaoyun , Ji Lixiang
Published: September 2020

Horizontal layered formations with a suite of vertical or near-vertical fractures are usually assumed to be an approximate orthotropic medium and are more suitable for estimating fracture properties with wide-azimuth prestack seismic data in shale reservoirs. However, the small contribution of anisotropic parameters to the reflection coefficients highly reduces the stability of anisotropic parameter estimation by using seismic inversion approaches. Therefore, a novel model parameterization approach for the reflectivity and a pragmatic inversion method are proposed to enhance the stability of the inversion for orthotropic media. Previous attempts to characterize orthotropic media properties required using four or ﬁve independent parameters. However, we have derived a novel formulation that reduces the number of parameters to three. The inversion process is better conditioned with fewer degrees of freedom. An accuracy comparison of our formula with the previous ones indicates that our approach is sufﬁciently precise for reasonable parameter estimation. Furthermore, a Bayesian inversion method is developed that uses the amplitude variation with angle and azimuth (AVAZ) of the seismic data. Smooth background constraints reduce the similarity between the inversion result and the initial model, thereby reducing the sensitivity of the initial model to the inversion result. Cauchy and Gaussian probability distributions are used as prior constraints on the model parameters and the likelihood function, respectively. These ensure that the results are within the range of plausibility. Synthetic examples demonstrate that the adopted orthotropic AVAZ inversion method is feasible for estimating the anisotropic parameters even with moderate noise. The ﬁeld data example illustrates the inversion robustness and stability of the adopted method in a fractured reservoir with a single well control.
An efficient super-virtual shot encoding scheme for multisource reverse time migration
Authors: Jia Xiaofeng , Chen Wenyang , Chen Bin
Published: September 2020

Reverse time migration (RTM) is a powerful seismic imaging tool that suffers from high computational complexity when dealing with massive data. The simultaneous-shot method can effectively reduce the amount of migration by assembling several sources, although it adds crosstalk noise, which seriously affects the quality of the RTM results. To avoid this problem, we have adopted a time-domain scheme that combines time-delay encoding and amplitude encoding to reduce crosstalk artifacts in simultaneous-source imaging results. This scheme modulates the wavefields of multiple sources to fit the wavefield of a suspended super-virtual shot (SVS), which can eliminate crosstalk artifacts because they are absent in single SVS migration. Numerical examples on a steeply dipping model and the 2D SEG/EAGE salt model show the feasibility of the proposed method. SVS encoding can generate a qualified imaging result and takes less time than plane-wave encoding in the migration process.
Detection, location, and source mechanism determination with large noise variations in surface microseismic monitoring
Authors: Alexandrov Dmitry , Eisner Leo , Waheed Umair bin , Kaka SanLinn I. , Greenhalgh Stewart Alan
Published: September 2020

Microseismic monitoring aims at detecting as weak events as possible and providing reliable locations and source mechanisms for these events. Surface monitoring arrays suffer from significant variations of noise levels across receiver lines. When using a large monitoring array, we use a stacking technique to detect microseismic events through maximizing the signal-to-noise ratio (S/N) of the stack. But some receivers with a high noise level do not contribute to improving the S/N of the stack. We have derived a theoretical concept for the proper selection of receivers that best contribute to the stack for a constant strength of a signal across the array. This receiver selection criterion, based on the assumption of constant signal amplitude, provides a robust estimate of the noise threshold level, which could be used to discard or suppress contribution from the receivers that do not improve the S/N of the stack. We found that limiting the number of receivers for stacking improves the location accuracy and reduces the computational cost of data processing. Although the assumption of a constant signal never holds in real-life seismic applications, the noise level varies across the surface receivers in a significantly wider range than the signal amplitude. These noise variations can also increase the uncertainty of the source mechanism inversion and should be accounted for. Synthetic and field data examples show that weighted least-squares inversion with receiver weighting according to the noise level produces more accurate estimates for source mechanisms compared to the inversion that ignores information about noise.
Retrieval of shallow S-wave profiles from seismic reflection surveying and traffic-induced noise
Authors: Zhang Kai , Li Hongyi , Wang Xiaojiang , Wang Kai
Published: September 2020

In urban subsurface exploration, seismic surveys are mostly conducted along roads where seismic vibrators can be extensively used to generate strong seismic energy due to economic and environmental constraints. Generally, Rayleigh waves also are excited by the compressional wave profiling process. Shear-wave (S-wave) velocities can be inferred using Rayleigh waves to complement near-surface characterization. Most vibrators cannot excite seismic energy at lower frequencies (<5 Hz) to map greater depths during surface-wave analysis in areas with low S-wave velocities, but low-frequency surface waves ([Formula: see text]) can be extracted from traffic-induced noise, which can be easily obtained at marginal additional cost. We have implemented synthetic tests to evaluate the velocity deviation caused by offline sources, finding a reasonably small relative bias of surface-wave dispersion curves due to vehicle sources on roads. Using a 2D reflection survey and traffic-induced noise from the central North China Plain, we apply seismic interferometry to a series of 10.0 s segments of passive data. Then, each segment is selectively stacked on the acausal-to-causal ratio of the mean signal-to-noise ratio to generate virtual shot gathers with better dispersion energy images. We next use the dispersion curves derived by combining controlled source surveying with vehicle noise to retrieve the shallow S-wave velocity structure. A maximum exploration depth of 90 m is achieved, and the inverted S-wave profile and interval S-wave velocity model obtained from reflection processing appear consistent. The data set demonstrates that using surface waves derived from seismic reflection surveying and traffic-induced noise provides an efficient supplementary technique for delineating shallow structures in areas featuring thick Quaternary overburden. Additionally, the field test indicates that traffic noise can be created using vehicles or vibrators to capture surface waves within a reliable frequency band of 2–25 Hz if no vehicles are moving along the survey line.
Tensorial elastodynamics for isotropic media
Authors: Shragge Jeffrey , Konuk Tugrul
Published: September 2020

Numerical solutions of 3D isotropic elastodynamics form the key computational kernel for many isotropic elastic reverse time migration and full-waveform inversion applications. However, real-life scenarios often require computing solutions for computational domains characterized by non-Cartesian geometry (e.g., free-surface topography). One solution strategy is to compute the elastodynamic response on vertically deformed meshes designed to incorporate irregular topology. Using a tensorial formulation, we have developed and validated a novel system of semianalytic equations governing 3D elastodynamics in a stress-velocity formulation for a family of vertically deformed meshes defined by Bézier interpolation functions between two (or more) nonintersecting surfaces. The analytic coordinate definition also leads to a corresponding analytic free-surface boundary condition (FSBC) as well as expressions for wavefield injection and extraction. Theoretical examples illustrate the utility of the tensorial approach in generating analytic equations of 3D elastodynamics and the corresponding FSBCs for scenarios involving free-surface topography. Numerical examples developed using a fully staggered grid with a mimetic finite-difference formulation demonstrate the ability to model the expected full-wavefield behavior, including complex free-surface interactions.
Hectometer-scale, shallow buried honeycomb-like structures on the continental shelf of the Otway Basin, southeastern Australia
Authors: Niyazi Yakufu , Warne Mark , Ierodiaconou Daniel
Published: September 2020

The Plio-Pleistocene Whalers Bluff Formation (WBF) of the offshore Otway Basin is composed of mixed siliciclastic-carbonate sediments. In seismic cross sections, this formation includes an interval that consists of higher amplitude seismic reflections that display alternating depressional ponds and raised ridges. This interval is shallowly buried and lies between 40 and 150 ms two-way traveltime below the present-day seafloor. In this study, we have used 2D and 3D seismic data sets in combination with the available shallow subsurface well logs to characterize the geomorphology and investigate the origin of these enigmatic features. The ponds are expressed as densely packed, circular to polygonal, and in some cases, hexagonal-shaped features in time-slice maps, and they closely resemble previously documented honeycomb structures. In our study area, the honeycomb-like structures (HS) are comprised of large (200–800 m diameter range) depressed ponds that are separated by narrow (approximately 20 m at the top) reticulate ridges. In total, these HS cover an area of 760 km2. Geospatial analysis shows that the ponds of HS, especially those in the northeast of the study area, are aligned along the northwest–southeast trend lines. There are several possible origins for the HS. The most probable mechanism is that the HS resulted from the bulk contraction of soft sediment, associated with shallow-burial diagenesis processes such as subaqueous dewatering of the fine-grained successions within the WBF. Interestingly, irregular furrows of various lengths on the seafloor correspond to the ridges of the HS, and we hypothesize that these furrows may have formed due to differential compaction of the underlying alternating ponds and ridges. Our results demonstrate the benefits of using seismic reflection data sets in combination with geospatial analysis to investigate the buried paleogeomorphologic features and their impact on the present-day seafloor physiography.

Geological feature: Honeycomb-like, soft sediment deformation associated with shallow-burial diagenesis, Otway Basin, southeastern Australia Cross-section appearance: Alternating depressional ponds and raised ridges Map view appearance: Densely packed, oval to polygonal-shaped features Features with a similar appearance: Acquisition footprints, carbonate mounds/dissolution features, polygonal faults, pockmarks, opal-A to opal-CT transition Formation: Whalers Bluff Formation, offshore Otway Basin Age: Pliocene to recent Location: Continental shelf of the Otway Basin, southeastern Australia Data sets: 2D and 3D seismic reflection data, borehole data, from Geological Survey of Victoria, Australia Analysis tools: Interpretation and visualization (Petrel 2019 and DUG Insight, v.4.7, 2020), Geospatial analysis (ESRI‘s ArcMap 10.5)
PDX: Moving Beyond Drug Screening to Versatile Models for Research Discovery
Authors: Risbridger Gail P , Lawrence Mitchell G , Taylor Renea A
Published: September 2020

Patient-derived xenografts (PDXs) are tools of the trade for many researchers from all disciplines and medical specialties. Most endocrinologists, and especially those working in oncology, commonly use PDXs for preclinical drug testing and development, and over the last decade large collections of PDXs have emerged across all tumor streams. In this review, we examine how the field has evolved to include PDXs as versatile resources for research discoveries, providing evidence for guidelines and changes in clinical practice.
Un discours « de majesté »
Authors: Vredenburgh Amanda , Bjørnstad Hall
Published: September 2020

Dans cet article, nous proposons le concept du « sublime royal » pour repenser le sublime au dix-septième siècle, avant, avec et autour de Boileau, en nous penchant moins sur l’intervention de Boileau elle-même que sur le contexte qui a rendu sa réussite possible : une situation où toute expression culturelle hégémonique avait avant tout une visée politique, celle de glorifier le monarque absolu. En tant que figure qui présente l’irreprésentable, le sublime permet l’impossible dans la représentation du roi : le présenter comme absolu. Il s’agit là d’un fonctionnement qui est, certes, paradoxal, mais selon un paradoxe qui est constitutif de l’absolutisme lui-même. C’est ce paradoxe constitutif qu’il s’agit d’examiner ici en étudiant, dans un premier temps, quelques exemples représentatifs du discours de l’auto-représentation de l’absolutisme, puis les répercussions plus larges du changement de perspective que nous proposons. En vue d’études ultérieures, nous examinons la façon dont le concept du sublime royal change notre conception de la place des Anciens dans la politique absolutiste, avant de montrer comment le concept de sublime royal contient en germe un nouveau modèle pour penser le développement de l’assentiment affectif à l’absolutisme et la manière dont les sujets y participent.
L’Année pornographique
Authors: Rexer Raisa
Published: September 2020

This essay explores the sudden popularity and redefinition of the word pornographie in France in the 1880s. Following the publication of Émile Zola’s novel Nana and the rise of a genre of cheap, bawdy newspapers in 1880, the French daily press knowingly “invented” the word pornographie to designate these sexually explicit publications. Reviving an esoteric word, the press redeployed it with a new meaning and a (concocted) origin narrative that highlighted both the word’s “newness” and Zola’s place in the “new” genre it designated. This reinvention and deployment of the word were driven by the evolving politics and economics of the daily press during the first decades of the Third Republic. Ultimately, this politically motivated, half-fabricated reinvention of the word pornographie culminated with its becoming the catchall term that would all but replace obscenity as a signifier of sexually charged representation in the twentieth century.
Demons of Analogy
Authors: Paul Zakir
Published: September 2020

Widely considered the first French-language photo narrative, the use of images in Bruges-la-Morte (1892) tends to occlude as much as it reveals. Drawing on archives and contemporary debates about the image, this article contends that photography structures the novel on a formal level by reinforcing its poetics of analogy, a project that connects Georges Rodenbach’s oeuvre to the larger symbolist movement from Baudelaire to Mallarmé. Rodenbach’s novel attempts to invent a tradition of symbolist prose, which provocatively locates a shared likeness in otherwise dissimilar literary and pictorial practices. The aura of Bruges is used to explore the nature and limits of analogy—a term shared by symbolism and photography—leading to a critique of forms of identification that conflate difference with similitude.
The Trial of Meursault
Authors: Elsayed Hanan
Published: September 2020

This essay focuses on Kamel Daoud’s “response” to Albert Camus’s L’Étranger by highlighting the differences in and implications of their writing styles and narrative voices. Daoud’s narrative refigures the concept of the absurd and his linkage of Camus’s silences to the colonial condition. However, the colonial legacy continues to pervade Daoud’s own narrative particularly in his portrayal of contemporary Algeria and Islam. There are unresolved contradictions in the fabric of Daoud’s text as well as a silence that emerges from a hyperbolic bavardage.
Skeletal manifestations in end-stage renal disease patients and relation to FGF23 and Klotho
Authors: TOMŞA Anamaria Magdalena , ALEXA Alexandru Leonard , RĂCHIŞAN Andreea Liana , PICOŞ Andrei , PICOŞ Alina Monica , CIUMĂRNEAN Lorena
Published: September 2020

Chronic kidney disease affects patients of all ages and, as it progresses, it greatly affects their lives, especially with the complications it causes. One major complication is renal osteodystrophy (ROD) which starts to develop from the early stages of the disease, but becomes most apparent in patients in need of renal replacement therapy. Diagnosing ROD in the early stages remains a challenge, which brings up the need to find novel biomarkers. Studies are focusing on the role of fibroblast growth factor 23 and Klotho in the bone and mineral homeostasis, but the results are conflicting. ROD remains a major complication in CKD patients, therefore we need to gain a better understanding from the pathophysiological point of view, in order to be able to adjust the medical therapy.
Comparison of Therapeutic Efficacy of Spa Mud and Bath Applications in the Treatment of Experimentally Induced Psoriasis and Eczema in Rats
Authors: ELITOK Bülent , ULUSOY Yavuz , KİLİC Bahadir
Published: September 2020

Psoriasis and eczema are most common diseses of human and seen some animals. In this research project, a total of 49 Albino rats, 25 of which were psoriasis and 24 of eczema, were used. The back of all the animals were shaved 3 cm x 2 cm in size, and were deepilated using a 50% barium sulfate solution and deepillation tape. Then, 5% imiquimod was applied to the area for 5-6 days in the rats in psoriasis group, whereas 2%, 4-dinitrochlorobenzene was performed 2 times per day for one week in eczema group animals along with 150 μg of mite extract (Dermatophagoides farinae). After diseases formation in both groups, animals were divided into control and study groups, and then treatment period was started. In the rats with psoriasis and eczema, clinical, hematological, blood biochemical and histopathological findings were determined. In the light of the data obtained; it was concluded that a 21-day spa treatment in rats with psoriasis and eczema was very successful and could be considered as an option in the treatment of these diseases or it would increase the success of the treatment when combinated with classical medical treatments.
Investigation of the Healing Effects of Afyonkarahisar Region Hot Spring Waters' Inhalation on Experimentally Induced Asthma in Mice
Authors: ELITOK Bülent , ULUSOY Yavuz , KİLİC Bahadir
Published: September 2020

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease of the airways observed exclusively in humans and sometimes animals. In this study, 40 Albino rats of the same age were used. After 6 weeks of ovalbumin-induced asthma in all animals, 40 rats were randomly divided into two groups as control and study groups for a 21-day treatment period. At the treatment stage, the control group animals were treated with normal tap water, while the study group animals were treated with hot spring water. Clinical, hematological, blood biochemical and histopathological examinations were performed before starting the study, after asthma formation, and on days of 1st, 7th, 14th and 21st after treatment. Total leukocyte, neutrophil, monocyte, AST, ALT, GGT, total cholesterol, triglyceride levels were significantly decreased (p <0.05) in the study group animals which treated with hot spring water. These normalization changes were confirmed by histopathological findings. Consequently, it was concluded that hot spring water of Afyonkarahisar Region provide a very successful treatment in asthma, and it should be considered as a supportive option for the treatment of asthma.
Respiratory rehabilitation techniques used for the treatment of COPD patients
Authors: PATRASCA Georgeta , POPESCU Gilda , TOFOLEAN Doina Ecaterina , MAIEREAN Anca , DOGARU Gabriela , CHIS Ana , MOTOC Nicoleta Stefania , FILDAN Ariadna Petronela
Published: September 2020

Introduction. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality throughout the world. At present, the pharmacological therapy is not enough for a patient with COPD in regard to heath status and exercise tolerance. It requires additional therapies aimed to improve the quality of life, delay the lung function decline, increase exercise capacity, and reduce the respiratory symptoms and the number of exacerbations. Pulmonary rehabilitation program (PRP) has been shown to improve respiratory muscle, to optimize functional, psychosocial, behavioral and nutritional status. The aim of the present study was to asses the impact of PRP on COPD patients, focusing on the clinical benefits of PRP, which may further provide to the patients a good support for change. Material and method. Sixty-seven patients with clinically stable COPD were enrolled in this prospective study, consisting in a 6-weeks of PRP. There were recorded demographic data, smoking and medical history, and abnormal findings at the physical examination. All patients completed CAT (COPD Assessment Test) questionnaire and dyspnea on Borg scale, they performed spirometry, and six minutes walking test (6MWT), before and after the completion of the rehabilitation program. Results and Discussions. After the 6-week period of PRP, a large proportion of patients presented higher values of spirometric parameters, although the change was no statistically significant. The impact of COPD on the patient’s health was significantly improved, 58.2% of patients registered < 10 points of CAT questionnaire after PRP (p<0.05). 75% of patients reported a 0-5 points of dyspnea on Borg scale comparing with 29% before the PRP (p=0.0147), and 56% a 0-5 points of fatigue while only 25% of patients had the same score before the rehabilitation programme (p=0,022). Only 8 patients (11.94% vs 31.34%, p<0.05) reported a SaO2 lower than 90% after the PRP. The 6MWD was longer than 250m at the end of the 6-weeks of PRP for 38 patients (56.7% vs 22.38%, p<0.05). Conclusions. The present study showed that a PRP added to pharmacological treatment had a beneficial role of increasing the patient’ health status and exercise tolerance for COPD patients.
A rare case of spinal epidural abscess: diagnostic challenges and rehabilitation outcomes
Authors: VĂCĂRAȘ Vitalie , ABRUDAN Cristian , ILUȚ Silvina , RAHOVAN Imelda , POPA Ronela , MUREȘANU Fior Dafin
Published: September 2020

Introduction: Spinal epidural abscess is a rare clinical entity with considerable morbidity. Even with prompt diagnosis and treatment, many patients are left with persistent residual neurological deficits.
Case report: The purpose of this article is to report a rare case of primary pyogenic spinal epidural abscess. The patient admitted to our clinic because of lumbar pain of increasing severity and fever. Case management consisted of surgical and medical treatment with antibiotics. Postoperatively, with proper rehabilitation program, he markedly improved.
Conclusions: Despite a correct management, spinal epidural abscess is associated with a high degree of morbidity and mortality. Proper treatment, rehabilitation programs and long-term follow-up is critical for a better outcome.
Physical therapy in adolescents with knee injuries treated with arthroscopy: our experience and literature review
Authors: CATAN Liliana , NEGRU Marius
Published: September 2020

If not treated adequately, the knee injuries in adolescents can cause long-term functional impairments. The aim of our study was to quantify the functioning capacity in children who suffered soft tissues and/or bone lesions of the knee treated by arthroscopy. We reviewed the medical charts of 5 adolescent patients diagnosed with sport knees injuries, admitted in our clinic in the last two years. Arthroscopy was made three weeks after the injury. Afterwards, they were addressed to the Rehabilitation Department and followed the physical exercise programme. The patients were assessed at the beginning of rehabilitation and after 3 months: knee ROM (flexion and extension deficit) and International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) subjective evaluation. At the final assessment all patients presented significantly improvements in knee range of motion and functional capacity. Arthroscopic surgery, followed by a tailored rehabilitation programme, is important in the management of adolescents with knee injuries.
EFFECTS OF KINETIC MEANS IN RECOVERING PUBALGIC SYNDROME TO FOOTBALL PLAYERS
Authors: ROTARIU Mariana , RATA Gloria , TURNEA Marius , IONITE Catalin
Published: September 2020

Pubalgic syndrome is a growing disease with an incidence of 10% -13% of all injuries suffered during a competitive year in 2011. Once installed, it has negative repercussions on the spatial-temporal parameters, eliminating them from the competitive activity and implicitly having a negative effect on the socio-economic situation of the athlete, but also on the capital of the club where he operates. The study was conducted on a batch of football players affected by the pubalgic syndrome (pubis osteitis). All study participants were evaluated both initially and finally. Between the two evaluations, they benefited from a kinetic treatment protocol. At the end of the initial evaluation, the data obtained were compared and processed using statistical programs. Both in comparison of the results and their processing with the help of the statistical programs showed that the treatment protocol had positive effects on the symptomatology generated by the pubalgic syndrome, but also to the socio-economic situation of the athlete.
Artificial intelligence applied to model the sulphur absorption process - a possible application in cure with sulphurous mineral water
Authors: AROTARITEI Dragos , TURNEA Marius , IONITE Catalin , ROTARIU Mariana
Published: September 2020

The presence of Sulphur in human body is estimated to be around .25 percent from total body weight. The modern therapy includes among others the usage of Sulphur us spring waters as crenotherapy or external use like - therapeutic and preventive treatment for a large category of diseases. High levels of hydrogen sulphide are extremely toxic and as result the model of absorption of Sulphur could be useful as predictor in a daily treatment during a cure with sulphurous mineral water.
This quantity of chemical elements from a specific diet rich in these elements absorbed in human organism is one of the most important characteristics of a benefic cure in medical diseases. The most studied mechanisms of absorption were studied for Zinc, Magnesium, Iron and Calcium. The most common way to develop a mathematical model is to use the pharmacokinetic equations based on Michaelis-Menten approach (first order model) and to develop it thereafter for quantitative relations. In some cases, only experimental data can exists and the pharmacokinetic model is not completely elucidated or a simplified model doesn’t exist yet. A model based on genetic programming is proposed in order to discover a mathematical relationship between dietary sulphate (mmol/day) and total sulphate in ileostomy fluid (mmol/day) using experimental data published in literature.
The set of terminals that are used in genetic programing – GP (using Polish notation) is reduced to basic operation (sum, difference, multiplication and division) along with the most plausible operations that could have physical meaning: rooted square, exponential and power. The formulas discovered by GP using experimental proved a good fit of data with discovered mathematical formula, e.g. the rooted mean square error below 1.5% and R2  94.36%.
Mathematical formulas discovered by genetic programming can be used as an alternative to pharmacokinetic model in order to predict sulphate and sulphite absorption and excretion. The usage of this method is especially efficient when the mechanism of absorption in not elucidated enough to provide a compartmental model given by a set of equations. A correlation with pharmacokinetic equations in the case that these exist will help the improvement of terminals and alphabet used by genetic programming in order to have a model closer to one that have a physical meaning
The importance of balance and postural control in the recovery of stroke patients
Authors: SILIŞTEANU Sînziana Călina , ANTONESCU Elisabeta , DUICĂ Lavinia
Published: September 2020

Introduction.According to the criteria of WHO, stroke is a health condition that causes focal or global brain disorders (1), but without an apparent nonvascular cause. Stroke is considered the third leading cause of death in industrialized countries and accounts for 9% of all deaths, being considered one of the largest cases of disability in the world. Due to the medical, social and economic consequences that it causes, stroke is considered a public health issue. Purpose of research. The study starts from the idea that in the recovery of stroke patients it is important to have an individualized physiotherapy program adapted to the functional parts of each patient, having the role of improving the static and dynamic balance, of achieving postural control and finally functional independence. Material and method. The study included a number of 22 patients with sequelae stroke. They made physiotherapy, occupational therapy and occupational therapy sessions in the ambulatory, with the length of 1 hour, 3 times a week, in total 15 sessions. The evaluation of the patient was performed in the beginning of the treatment and at the end of it. Scales were used to assess mobility, static and dynamic balance, gait and functional independence. Results. The application of individualized treatment adapted to the functional body of each patient allowed a rapid recovery for the vast majority of the studied patients. The values obtained in the tests and evaluation scales are in accordance with the clinical evolution of the patients. Conclusions.The application of the treatment by kinetic therapy, work therapy and occupational therapy to the 22 patients, for a period of 3 weeks pointed out the reduction of pain, the improvement of movements, the recovery of transfers and gait, the postural improvement.
Elements of biomechanics correlated to the body mass index in knee osteoarthritis
Authors: ANTONESCU Elisabeta , SILIŞTEANU Sînziana Călina , TOTAN Maria
Published: September 2020

Introduction. Osteoarthritis is considered a complex biopsychosocial condition, with consequences for the patient, the family, society and public health. Age is considered the main risk factor in the occurrence of osteoarthritis. Studies show that 2 out of 3 obese individuals associate knee osteoarthritis whereas the incidence of the latter increases at the same time with increasing body mass index. Obesity contributes to the initiation of the process of osteoarthritis by the mechanical overload of the joint, causing cartilage damage with increasing horizontal cracks and the increased incidence of the osteophites in the knee. Purpose. We conducted a study in patients with knee osteoarthritis and body mass index with normal and high values, evaluating pain, functional capacity and maximum travel distance by applying electrotherapy and kinesiotherapy. Material and method. We studied a number of 68 patients diagnosed with knee osteoarthritis, who received as therapy electrotherapy and physiotherapy. The VAS scale, the WOMAC scale, the joint balance and the Lequesne scale were used to evaluate patients.The objectives of the study were: pain reduction, improved postural control and coordination, control of the gravity center, correction of alignment at the lower limbs, re-education of gait, obtaining a body mass index as close to normal. Results and discussions.The total group of patients was homogeneous according to age and gender. The evaluation of patients based on scales recorded superior values in the study group, with statistically significant results, worth p <0.05, which means that the hypothesis was validated. Conclusions. The use of the recovery treatment was individualized and took into account the condition of the affection, the body mass index, the ability of patients' mobility and algic symptoms.
The effectiveness of ergo- and psychotherapy in the process of sanatorium-resort treatment of spinal patients
Authors: Mikhaylenko Vladimir , Fedorchenko Ruslana , Komissarova Olha , Plakida Alexander
Published: September 2020

The aim is to explore the possibilities of improving motor and sensitive disorders to ensure the highest possible social adaptation - the expansion of self-service skills, opportunities for affordable employment, or the restoration of professional activity flax. Methods: To study the possibilities of improving the social reintegration of patients during rehabilitation in a mud resort, we observed 240 patients who had an injury to the cervical spine 24 years. Disease duration ranged before 3 years, 4-7 years, more 7 years. We studied the occupational therapy method and group psychotherapy method. All patients were divided into three representative groups: 91 patients (group 1) received a course of balneoplasty therapy in the form of mud applications on the spine and lower limbs at a temperature 42-44 0C, exposure time 20 min, placement of procedures - every other day, for a total of 12-15 procedures per treatment; on days free of mud cure, hydrokinesitherapy was performed in a pool with warm (29-32 0С) brine water, 12-15 procedures, and also apparatus physiotherapy procedures, massage and exercise therapy. In addition to the course of balneopedotherapy, 149 patients also received ergo-therapy and psychotherapy (90 people - group 2) and only occupational therapy - 59 people (group 3). Results: Improvement of post-traumatic organic neurological disorders caused by balneo-mud therapy creates a favorable basis for conducting training activities that expand patients’ functionality. The inclusion of ergotherapy in the rehabilitation process of spinal patients in a balneo-mud resort is appropriate and justified. It allows not only to expand the functionality of patients but also to reduce the time to master the essential self-care skills and consolidate them. Conclusion: The inclusion of psychotherapy in the complex of occupational therapy is desirable. It allows you to influence the psycho-emotional state of the patient and improve the effectiveness of training activities, especially in male patients. Changing the hospital and closed home atmosphere to the conditions of the resort, the possibility of broad communication, participation in various social events significantly change the psycho-emotional state of patients, increasing their activity, causing an increase in the setting for inclusion inactive life.
The effect of a group exercise program on functional performance of patients with moderate knee osteoarthritis
Authors: Varga Mihaela Giorgiana , Rata Andreea Luciana
Published: September 2020

Introduction. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of a weekly group exercise program on the functional performance of patients with knee osteoarthritis. Material and methods. Patients (aged 51-78 years) with knee osteoarthritis Kellgren-Lawrence grade II-III were included in an exercise program. The exercise sessions were held once-a week, for six months, being supervised by a physical therapist. The scope of the program was to increase the mobility, muscular strength and balance. The physical function outcome was assessed using the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) in two moments – before and after participating in the exercise program. Results. All patients completed the group exercise program. The SPPB score at the time of inclusion in the study was 8.33 ± 1.9. After six months of exercising in the weekly group exercise program, the score increased significantly at 9.07 ± 1.73 (p<0.0001). Conclusions. In conclusion, participating in a group-based exercise program for six months have been proved to have beneficial outcomes in physical performance in patients with knee osteoarthritis.
Ambulatory electrocardiographic monitoring as a diagnostic tool for ischemic heart disease in women
Authors: POP Lacramioara-Eliza , POP Dana , PANTELEMON Cristina
Published: September 2020

Introduction. Ischemic heart disease(IHD) is currently the leading cause of mortality in women. In this study we aimed to evaluate ambulatory electrocardiographic monitoring(AECGm) as a diagnostic test for IHD in women. Material and method. The study included 225 female who underwent AECGm divided into 2 groups: 136 previously diagnosed with IHD(IHD+) and 89 controls(IHD-). The IHD+ group was subdivided into AECGm ischemia subgroup(I+) and AECGm non-ischemia subgroup(I-). AECGm was assessed for presence of myocardial ischemia (ST segment depression >5mm), duration and ischemic load (the percentage that episodes of myocardial ischemia accounted throughout the recording). Results and discussions. Patients mean age was 62.31±12.51years. The IHD+ and IHD- groups were similar regarding associated risk factors (hypertension, obesity, dyslipidemia, diabetes mellitus), echocardiographic parameters (left ventricular size, ejection fraction, kinetic disorders), minimum and maximum heart rates(MaxHR) on AECGm. Statistically significant differences were identified regarding presence of atrial fibrillation episodes(AFibE) (IHD+:21.3% vs IHD-:8.9%), myocardial ischemia (IHD+:55.14% vs IHD-:42.69%), ischemic load (IHD+:15.23±30.54% vs IHD-:4.7±15.65%), duration of ischemia (IHD+:174.16±380.75 minutes vs IHD-:59.44 ± 209.02 minutes). In multivariate analysis, ischemia episodes, ischemic load and duration of ischemia were predicted by obesity, MaxHR and AFibE. Statistically significant differences were also identified regarding presence of AFibE (I+:30% vs I-:8.9%), MaxHR (I+:120 vs I-:111beats/minute), obesity (I+:20% vs I-:41%), diabetes mellitus (I+:16% vs I-:69%), hypertension (I+:76% vs I-:90%). Conclusions. Although myocardial ischemia was also present in IHD- group, our study demonstrated that the diagnosis of IHD can be established by AECGm using the threshold values of ischemic load (> 27%) and ischemic duration (> 315minutes).
ANALYSIS OF THE DOMESTIC AND FOREIGN RANGE OF COSMETIC CREAMS-SOUFFLES FOR SKIN CARE OF THE FACE AND BODY
Authors: Voskanyan Olga , Slavyanskij Anatolij , Linnichenko Valerij , Feoktistova Elizaveta
Published: September 2020

The information about the functions performed by the human skin and factors affecting its condition, as well as data on the results of marketing research to identify the preferences of each person to preserve the youth of the skin of the face and body is presented in the article. To achieve this goal, it is necessary to use both creams with a high fat content, soothing components, and moisturizing milk with a minimum fat content. The Russian and foreign range of cosmetic cream-souffle was analyzed by component composition, price, regulatory documents and shelf life. The study revealed the presence of a large number of synthetic additives from many manufacturers. The development of a new natural moisturizing cream-souffle for the skin of the face and body is an urgent task for the perfume and cosmetics industry.
BOOK ART YARD: AUTHOR'S PROJECT IN PROMOTING READING
Authors: Plakhutina Ekaterina
Published: September 2020

In a modern urbanistic society, the urban environment is not only an element of improvement, but also a factor of human impact. The book art courtyard allows you to decorate the courtyard area according to the appropriate theme. Dedicated to books and reading, the art courtyard is an effective means of promoting reading
Wearable and wireless time-domain near-infrared spectroscopy system for brain and muscle hemodynamic monitoring
Authors: Lacerenza Michele , Buttafava Mauro , Renna Marco , Mora Alberto Dalla , Spinelli Lorenzo , Zappa Franco , Pifferi Antonio , Torricelli Alessandro , Tosi Alberto , Contini Davide
Published: September 2020

We present a wearable time-domain near infrared spectroscopy (TD-NIRS) system (two wavelengths, one detection channel), which fits in a backpack and performs real-time hemodynamic measurements on the brain and muscle tissues of freely moving subjects. It can provide concentration values of oxygenated hemoglobin (O2Hb), deoxygenated hemoglobin (HHb), total hemoglobin (tHb = O2Hb + HHb) and tissue oxygen saturation (StO2). The system is battery-operated and can be wirelessly controlled. By following established characterization protocols for performance assessment of diffuse optics instruments, we achieved results comparable with state-of-the-art research-grade TD-NIRS systems. We also performed in-vivo measurements such as finger tapping (motor cortex monitoring), breath holding (prefrontal cortex monitoring and forearm muscle monitoring), and outdoor bike riding (vastus lateralis muscle monitoring), in order to test the system capabilities in evaluating both muscle and brain hemodynamics.
213 nm laser written waveguides in Ge-doped planar silica without hydrogen loading
Authors: Gow Paul C. , Ahmed Q. Salman , Mennea Paolo L. , Bannerman Rex H. S. , Jantzen Alexander , Holmes Christopher , Gates James C. , Gawith Corin B. E. , Smith Peter G. R.
Published: September 2020

In this paper we present the first example of waveguides fabricated by UV writing in non-hydrogen loaded Ge-doped planar silica with 213 nm light. Single mode waveguides were fabricated and the numerical apertures and mode field diameters were measured for a range of writing fluences. A peak index change of 5.3 x 10−3 was inferred for the waveguide written with 70 kJ cm−2. The refractive index change is sufficient to match the index structure of standard optical fiber. Uniformity of the written structures was measured and a propagation loss of 0.39 ± 0.03 dB cm−1 was determined through cutback measurements.
Creative practice for sustainability: A new materialist perspective on artivist production of eco-sensitive knowledges1
Authors: Golańska Dorota , Kronenberg Anna Katarzyna
Published: September 2020

Situated within a new materialist paradigm, this article looks at instances of educational nature-creative artivism for sustainability. Connecting art and activism, artivism mobilizes creative means to embrace political or social intervention. Underlining the importance of practices, and employing the concept of creative practice, we point out that a detailed inspection of the processes involved in artistic production sheds a different light on the nature of all knowledge-generating practices, letting us engage more thoroughly with the ‘how-question’ of producing knowledge. Focusing on two geoartistic/geopoetic educational initiatives, we argue that the eco-sensitive creation of artivists may serve as an example of what forms the entanglements of art and activism could take in the context of educational projects aimed at mobilizing thorough reflections of audiences. This may encourage the development of a more resilient environment based on horizontal relations of different forms of matter.
Of the Akan people: Colour and design education in Ghana
Authors: deGraft-Yankson Patrique
Published: September 2020

This article digests some of the general ideas that constitute the concept of colour among the Akan people of Ghana and how their proper understanding and desirable consideration will enhance effective visual communication in the Ghanaian visual arts curriculum. The investigation, which involved a number of conversations with knowledgeable personalities in the teaching and speaking of the Akan language, sought to bring out the perceptions, beliefs and functions of colour among the people. The outcome of the study pointed to how colour resides deeply within the traditional lives of the Akan people, not only as aesthetical experience but also as an ‘object’ of cultural and spiritual signification. The study therefore recommends a proper understanding of and conscious respect to the perceptions and meanings of colour among contemporary Akan designers and design educators to improve the design experience of teachers, learners and practitioners.
Exploring the relationship between making and teaching art
Authors: Garber Elizabeth , Beckles Khaffi , Lee Sangmin , Madan Anjana , Meuschke Gustav , Orr Harrison
Published: September 2020

The central questions of this study, ‘how does making influence art teaching?’ and ‘how does teaching art influence making?’, were explored through interviews and maker journals. Findings indicate that making inspires teaching in providing inspiration, interest and confidence to teach as well as increased self-acceptance and happiness. Participants who indicated affects of teaching on making cited learning new skills, materials and styles, and that teaching stimulated reflection and encouraged them to make art that is relatable to others. Our conclusions suggest that the roles of maker and teacher are porous, intertwined and complex. Implications for teacher education suggest the importance of exploring and nurturing the interconnections between making and teaching in a reflective, supportive environment.
Leap into Action: Critical Performative Pedagogies in Art and Design Education, Lee Campbell (2020) (ed.)
Authors: Hudson-Miles Richard
Published: September 2020

Review of: Leap into Action: Critical Performative Pedagogies in Art and Design Education, Lee Campbell (2020) (ed.)

New York: Peter Lang, 290 pp.,

ISBN 978-1-43316-640-2, h/bk, £64.00