bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of the Synthesis Coating Parameters for Metal Bipolar Plates
Authors: Asri Nur Fawwaz , Teuku Husaini Teuku Husaini , Sulong Abu Bakar , Majlan Edy Herianto
Published: December 2020

Metallic bipolar plates tendency to have high contact resistance, but also very susceptible to corrosion. This may decrease in the performance of fuel cells after several times of usage in fuel cell applications. Research has shown that after a metal plate was coated, the characteristic of materials dependent on the type, composition of the coating materials and the method. This study determines design of coating parameters including gas flow rate, DC power, and deposition time of coating for metal bipolar plates, which can be an indicator of the suitability of these plates for use as bipolar plates in proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) applications. The aim of this research was to obtain a limitation range value of parameters that can be used as a standard for the use of metal plates as bipolar plates. The optimization parameters designed by Taguchi are used to determine the characteristics of interfacial contact resistance (ICR) and corrosion current density (Icorr). The integration of the Taguchi method with simulation can show the optimal design parameters of the coating on the various materials use. The optimization feature based on Taguchi is applied to ICR and Icorr values, to determine the feasibility of metal plates as potential bipolar plates in PEMFC.
Electrodeposited WO3/Au Photoanodes for Photoelectrochemical Reactions
Authors: Jeffery Minggu Lorna , Jaafar Nurul Akmal , Ng Kim Hang , Arifin Khuzaimah , Mohamad Yunus Rozan
Published: December 2020

This work aims to study the effect of gold (Au) loading on the photoelectrochemical behavior of tungsten trioxide (WO3) photoelectrodes. The WO3 film has been fabricated via electrodeposition method with constant potential on fluorine doped tin oxide (FTO) glass substrate. The Au nanoparticle loading on WO3 films surface was also prepared by constant potential electrodeposition. Due to the small amount of Au loading, the band gap values of the plasmonized WO3 remained around 2.6 eV. However, during the photoelectrochemical analysis, the photoactivity of the plasmonized WO3 photoelectrodes improved >100% with a minimal amount of Au loading compared to the pristine WO3. The photocurrent generation was further enhanced with the presence of organic donors (methanol and formic acid). The photocurrent achieved 3.74 mA/cm2 when 1.0 M of formic acid was added. Plausible charge transfer mechanism was suggested.
Microstructure and Discharge Performance of Aluminum Al 6061 Alloy as Anode for Electrolyte Activated Battery
Authors: Pongali Priyathashiny , Wong Wai Yin , Lo Alvie Sin Voi , Chan Sammy Lap Ip , Lim Kean Long
Published: December 2020

Electrolyte activated battery finds its important use during natural disaster emergencies, such as floods and typhoons. Nevertheless, high corrosion rate will deteriorate the discharge performance of the battery and it is influenced by the type of electrolyte and discharge current. In this study, the corrosion and discharge performance of a commercial Al 6061 aluminum alloy as an anode are investigated at different discharge currents (0.001, 0.01, and 1 mA) and in different electrolytes, namely salt water, urea, and distilled water. Scanning electron microscopy results show that electrode in salt water has the most serious corrosion, followed by that of in urea and in distilled water. These electrode-electrolyte combinations are further investigated with potentiodynamic polarization, galvanostatic discharge, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) to understand their discharge potential, discharge behavior, and corrosion mechanism. Among all combinations, aluminum in water is found to have the highest discharge performance with discharge potentials ranging from 716 to 744 mV, regardless of discharge current.
İNSAN KAYNAKLARI YÖNETİCİLERİNİN BAKIŞ AÇISIYLA STRATEJİK İNSAN KAYNAKLARI YÖNETİMİ: NİTEL BİR ARAŞTIRMA
Authors: Özçelik Hayrettin , Doğan Altan
Published: December 2020

Çalışmada; insan kaynakları yöneticilerinin, stratejik insan kaynakları yönetimini nasıl tanımladıklarını ve insan kaynakları yönetiminin stratejik insan kaynakları yönetimi olabilmesi için hangi özelliklere sahip olması gerektiği hakkındaki düşüncelerini belirlemek, insan kaynakları yöneticilerine göre stratejik insan kaynakları yönetiminin işletmeye sağladığı avantajların neler olduğunu saptamak ve bazı işletmelerin insan kaynakları yönetimi fonksiyonlarını neden stratejik boyuta taşımadığı/taşıyamadığı hakkında bilgi edinmek amaçlanmıştır. Nitel bir araştırma olan bu çalışmada, genel tarama modeli ve odak grup görüşmesi yöntemi kullanılmıştır. Araştırmanın evreni; çalışan sayısı 150 ve üzeri olan, PERYÖN ile ilişkili ve özel sektörde yer alan işletmelerin insan kaynakları yöneticileridir. Odak Grup Görüşmeleri 3 oturumda toplam 12 katılımcı ile gerçekleştirilmiştir. Araştırmadaki veriler Bilgi Formu ve Odak Grup Görüşmesi ile elde edilmiştir. Veriler, Microsoft Excel programı kullanılarak önceden belirlenmiş temaların altında bir araya getirilmiş ve Betimsel Analiz yöntemi ile analiz edilmiştir. Araştırma sonucunda; İKY yöneticilerinin, Str.İKY ile ilgili görüşlerinin, literatürde yer alan ifadeler ile büyük ölçüde benzerlik gösterdiği söylenebilir.
Psychological Security and Values in Adolescents and Young People
Authors: Baeva I.A. , Gayazova L.A. , Kondakova I.V. , Laktionova E.B.
Published: December 2020

The article analyses the relation between psychological security (PS) and values in adolescent and young age. The value-semantic sphere of an individual determines his or her social behavior, and the strategic task of the education system is to create such educational environment that would promote the development of personal potential in students. The aim of the study is to identify the features and characteristics of students’ personal values in adolescence and young age depending on the level of their PS. The hypothesis was tested that the values of adolescents and young people with different levels of PS have different significance. The sample of the study consisted of 2789 first- year and second-year college students, aged 15-21 years. Significant differences in values at the level of normative ideals were found in groups with different levels of PS. There are also significant differences in the significance of values at the level of individual priorities which, in contrast to normative ideals, have a non-linear growth depending on the level of PS – the lowest values are observed in the group with an average level of PS. Values at the level of individual priorities in the group with a low level of PS are more significant than values at the level of normative ideals.
Coping Strategies, Psychological Well-Being and Problematic Internet Use During a Pandemic
Authors: Gerasimova A.A. , Kholmogorova A.B.
Published: December 2020

Pandemic and accompanying isolation period made significant changes in the daily activities of adolescents and young people. In the changed conditions, it is of interest to study the most adaptive coping strategies that contribute to the preservation of psychological well-being. The study involved 88 girls in Russia, aged 13 to 22 (M = 17.8; SD = 3).Data collection was carried out from 6 to 7 May 2020.The scales used were: Pandemic Lifestyle Changes Questionnaire, Generalized Problematic Internet Use Scale (GPIUS3), Loneliness Scale (UCLA), Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS), Well-Being Index (WHO-5), and Symptom Check List- 90-Revised (SCL-90-R).Short and long term planning was found to be positively associated with less depressive symptoms and greater life satisfaction. Social interaction and altruism are associated with lower rates of problematic Internet use. Family interaction is associated with indicators of psychological well-being and less loneliness. Family conflicts are correlated with an increase in rates of problematic Internet use and lower levels of psychological well-being.
Students’ Science Motivation: A Cross- Country Analysis of the Relationship with the Science Literacy Level
Authors: Getman A.V. , Kersha Y.D. , Kosaretsky S.G.
Published: December 2020

The paper presents results of a comparative study of motivation for studying science in Russia and leading countries in science education. We explored the relationship and its strength between various types of motivation and the level of science literacy. The analysis was based on the data of the international study PISA-2015, represented by a sample of 15-year-olds (N = 6036).We found a significant positive correlation between intrinsic and achievement motivation and the level of science literacy almost in all analysed countries. At the same time, in case of intrinsic motivation — which is the strongest predictor for achievement in other countries — the increase in PISA results was lower for Russian students. On the other side, with an increase in motivation focused on academic achievement, Russian students have one of the most noticeable increases in results in comparison with leading countries. The nonlinear nature of the relationship between instrumental motivation and the PISA results for Russian students was also revealed — students with the highest and lowest levels of this type of motivation show the best results. The potential prospects of using different kinds of programs for raising motivation and achievement are discussed.
Teachers’ Professional Skills as a Factor in the Development of Students’ Critical Thinking
Authors: Koreshnikova J.N. , Froumin I.D.
Published: December 2020

The modern generation of students actively use technology and have access to information at any time. However, having access to information and being able to competently work with information are two different tasks. The use of information in any form is impossible without the use of critical thinking skills, therefore the level and quality of critical thinking is of paramount importance. Considering that in the modern education system, the traditional type of teaching is quite common — the classroom-lesson form of teaching, where the teacher is the leading figure, providing students with ready-made knowledge at lectures. At the same time, students take a passive position in relation to the assimilation of knowledge. Is it becoming important to understand how to develop students’ higher-order skills, including critical thinking, in this type of learning? In a study conducted on a sample of students from one of the leading national research universities in Russia (4,897 students), using the multivariate regression method, it was proved that teaching within the framework of the traditional type of education can be positively associated with the level of development of critical thinking if teachers have developed subject-logical and organizational competence.
Metasubject Competencies in the Expectations of Labor Market Participants
Authors: Vesmanov S.V. , Zhadko N.V. , Vesmanov D.S. , Akopyan G.A.
Published: December 2020

The article presents results of a study of the opinions of labor market participants regarding the content of metasubject competencies as a component of modern education. The research was conducted by the Project Management Laboratory of MCU in 2019—2020.The study used a qualitative methodology and an in-depth interview tool. Forty-eight respondents representing three groups (managers, specialists and teaching staff of the university) were interviewed. In each group there were respondents working in two enlarged fields: social sciences and natural sciences. Respondents were offered cases describing the main functions of personnel management, and clarifying questions within each case. As a structure for the analysis of metasubject learning outcomes, purposeful actions were developed and proposed, presented in the form of an action, expressed by a verb, and the goal (subject) of the action. A six-step analysis of the data obtained in the course of the study showed that the expectations and perceptions of various labor market participants regarding metasubject learning outcomes in modern schools can be described by nine metasubject competencies: 1) to adapt; 2) to interact; 3) to speak and to write; 4) to achieve; 5) to compete; 6) to present; 7) to design; 8) to manage; 9) to learn. At the practical level, the description of the structure of metasubject competencies in the form of actions and subject areas allowed us to offer end-to-end structural components of educational programs in the school education and to recommend including them in educational standards.
Drama Activity as a Means of Development and Lear-ning in Adolescence: The Results of an Empirical Study
Authors: Rubtsova O.V. , Poskakalova T.A.
Published: December 2020

The article focuses on the results of the first stage of the research project: “Innovative model of organizing experimental and research activity of adolescents (“Digital Storytelling Theatre”)”, conducted by the Centre for Interdisciplinary Research on Contemporary Childhood in MSUPE. The project aims at elaborating a model of school theatre for adolescents. In the framework of the project theatre is perceived as a particular kind of communicative educational environment, where adolescents can experiment with social and psychological objects — roles, positions and relationships. On the first stage of the project (September 2019 — March 2020) an empirical study was conducted, aimed at investigating theatre activity as an efficient means of development and learning in adolescence. The research was conducted in School № 1564 in Moscow, Russia.72 adolescents aged from 13 to 14 years participated in the study. The data received testify that regular participation in theatre activity contributes to boosting adolescents’ psychological well-being, as well as helps to develop soft skills and improve academic achievement.
A POBREZA NO CENTRO-OESTE BRASILEIRO: UMA ANÁLISE PARA OS ANOS 2000 E 2010
Authors: Dal Moro Odirlei Fernando , Michellon Ednaldo , Borges Murilo José , Silva Leandro Nunes Soares da
Published: December 2020

O presente artigo analisou o comportamento da pobreza, entre os anos 2000 e 2010, em uma das regiões em que, aparentemente, o Brasil mais cresce e se desenvolve, o Centro-Oeste. A metodologia utilizada foi do tipo descritiva, baseada em dados secundários, com estimações econométricas e apresentação de mapas. Os resultados da pesquisa mostraram que a taxa de pobreza na região caiu de 20,4% da população, em 2000, para 8,7%, em 2010, ocorrida em todos os Estados. Ademais, houve redução também em números absolutos de pobres. Dentre as inúmeras variáveis que explicam essa queda na taxa de pobreza notou-se: a diminuição da concentração de renda; a redução da razão de dependência; e aumento da renda per capita.
Stability Analysis of a Discrete Time Prey-Predator Population Model with Immigration
Authors: KILIÇ Hatice , TOPSAKAL Nilüfer , KANGALGİL Figen
Published: December 2020

In this paper, a discrete-time prey-predator population model with immigration which is obtained by implementing forward Euler’s scheme has been considered. The existence of fixed points of the presented model has been investigated. Moreover, the stability analysis of the fixed points of the population model has been examined and the topological classification of the fixed points of the model has been made. Moreover, the OGY feedback control method is to implement to controlchaos caused by the Flip bifurcation. Finally, Flip bifurcation,chaos control strategy, and asymptotic stability of the only positive fixed point are verifiedwith the help of numerical simulations.
Development of Analytical Method for Sensitive Determination of Streptozotocin based on Solid Phase Extraction
Authors: KARACA Ebrar , ULUSOY Songül , MORGÜL Ümmügülsüm , ULUSOY Halil İbrahim
Published: December 2020

This study is focused on developing a sensitive analytical method for Streptozotocin (STZ) molecules which is a naturally occurring alkylating antineoplastic agent. It is also known particularly toxic to the insulin-producing beta cells of the pancreas in mammals. With this study, a separation-enrichment method based on solid phase extraction was developed for low levels of STZ. The synthetized material consist of a multi-walled carbon nanotube/CuO/Cu2O was used as an adsorbent in column type SPE. Experimental variables such as pH, ionic strength, desorption solvent, and other parameters were studied and optimized step by step. Analytical merits were obtained under the optimized conditions: linear range (100.00-1500.00 ng mL-1), limit of detection (28.57 ng mL-1), relative standard deviation (RSD) % for 250 ng mL-1 of STZ (< 4.2 %, N:3), and pre-concentration factor (125). In order to test accuracy of the method, recovery tests were applied successively by using model solutions.
The prevalence of psychiatric diagnoses and psychotropic medication in icelandic nursing homes from 2003 to 2018
Authors:   Faculty of Nursing, University of Iceland, Biering Páll , Hjaltadóttir Ingibjörg ,   Division of Clinical Services Landspítali, National University Hospital
Published: December 2020

INTRODUCTION: Research shows a high prevalence of mental disorders and psychotropic medication among older people, especially in nursing homes. Knowledge of this concerning issue among Icelandic nursing homes residents is limited, despite its importance for mental health policymaking. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of psychiatric diagnoses and psychotropic medication in Icelandic nursing homes, the relationship between these factors and how they have evolved from 2003 to 2018. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The research data comes from interRAI MDS 2.0 assessments for nursing home residents in Iceland, for the period 2003-2018. The study uses the last assessment of each year (N=47,526). RESULTS: Approximately half of the residents were diagnosed with anxiety and/or depression; 49.4% in 2003 and 54.5% in 2018. The use of psychotropic drugs increased from 66.3% to 72.5%. Antidepressants were most commonly utilized, with an increase from 47.5% to 56.2%. The use of antipsychotics drugs has remained nearly unchanged, at around 26%. Inconsistency was found between psychotropic medication and psychiatric diagnoses; on average, 18.2% of the residents took psychotropic drugs without being diagnosed and 22.3% took antipsychotics in other cases than recommended. CONCLUSION: Age related changes influence the effect of psychotropic drugs and studies have not supported their positive long-term effects for older people who are also sensitive to associated adverse effects, especially in cases of polypharmacy. Therefore, it is important that psychotropic drugs use is based on accurate mental health assessment. To reduce psychotropic medication, other mental health interventions need to be developed.
Catamenial pneumothorax due to pulmonary endometriosis
Authors:   Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Iceland, Kristjánsdóttir Ásdís , Mýrdal Gunnar ,   Department of Surgery, Landspitali University Hospital, Sigurðardóttir Margrét ,   Department of Pathology, Landspitali University Hospital, Geirsson Reynir Tómas ,   Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Women´s Clinic, Landspitali University Hospital
Published: December 2020

Endometriosis is a chronic condition causing menstrual pain, irregular bleeding and infertility among women. Although usually in the pelvis, it can manifest in atypical places. We describe a 39-year old woman with a previous endometriosis diagnosis who presented three times on the second menstrual day with dyspnea and chest pain. Imaging showed right-sided pneumothorax on all three occasions. Thoraco­scopy revealed endometriosis-like lesions. Histology was suggestive of endometriosis. After treatment with chemical pleurodesis and hormonal suppression she has remained symptom-free. Diagnosis should be obtained by concomitant thoraco- and laparoscopy with biopsies to verify the disease and give a basis for appropriate treatment.
INFLUENCE OF LIGHT AND HEAVY LANTHANIDES ON THE PHYSIOLOGICAL PROCESSES OF Taraxacum hybernum
Authors:   Institute of Fundamental Medicine and Biology, Kazan Federal University, Kazan, Russia, Vorob’ev Vladimir Nikolaevich ,   Kazan Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics, FRC Kazan Scientific Center, Russian Academy of Sciences, Kazan, Russia, Kotov Sergei Fedorovich ,   Faculty of Biology and Chemistry of the Taurida academy of the Crimean federal university named after V.I. Vernadsky, V.I. Vernadsky Crimean Federal University, Simferopol, Russian Federation, Nikolenko Vera Vladimirovna ,   Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology and Chemistry of the Taurida academy of the Crimean federal university named after V.I. Vernadsky, V.I. Vernadsky Crimean Federal University, Simferopol, Russian Federation, Tishin Denis Vladimirovich ,   Department of Biological Sciences, Institute of Ecology and Nature Management, Kazan Federal University, Kazan, Russia, Mikhailov Alexander Loenidovich ,   Department of Biological Sciences, Institute of fundamental medicine and biology, Kazan Federal University, Kazan, Russia
Published: December 2020

The current study was carried out to study the influence of light and heavy lanthanides on the physiological process of Crimean-Sagyz/ Krim-saghyz (dandelion - Taraxacum hybernum). Lanthanide belongs to the group of light or heavy; infiltration of dandelion (Crimean saghyz) seeds with light and heavy lanthanides solutions increased the germination energy by 26%. The differences in the influence of light (cerium) and heavy (lutetium) were manifested in the quantum efficiency change of the photosystem 2 (PS II). Treatment of leaves with high concentrations (100 µM) led to a decrease of Y (II), moreover, under the influence of light lanthanide, the decrease was greater by 21%. It is assumed that the effect of the used lanthanides on the dandelion photosynthetic apparatus is multidirectional. Cerium influenced the PS II antenna complex, and lutetium influenced the reaction centers. A 10-fold decrease in the concentration did not change the nature of cerium action, except that Y (II) was restored already on the second day after treatment. The effect of lutetium became noticeable only by the 8th day after treatment when Y (II) became higher than that of untreated plants. Thus, the results of the study suggested that in dandelion leaves, lanthanides with a concentration of 10 µM increased the quantum efficiency of PS II in contrast to cerium.
Optical Properties of Nematic Liquid Crystal Composites with Semiconducting Quantum Dots
Authors: Osipova V. V. , Kurilov A. D. , Galyametdinov Y. G. , Muravsky A. A. , Kumar S. , Chausov D. N.
Published: December 2020

The synthetic route to obtain stable composites of liquid crystal ZhK-777 with semiconductor quantum dots CdSe/CdS and CdSe/CdS/ZnS has been proposed. The dependents of fluorescence intensity of the composites on size and concentration of used quantum dots has been established. The shift of the luminescence band and decrease of its intensity has been observed both for liquid crystal and quantum dots. This effect indicates that quantum dots interaction with liquid crystals caused by a nonradiative excitation energy transfer from liquid crystal molecules to quantum dots. The dielectric spectroscopy of ZhK-777 and composites revealed that doping with quantum dots results in change of molecular relaxation frequencies in composites.
Significance of evaluation of CD69 expression by peripheral blood lymphocytes for predicting pregnancy outcome in women with recurrent pregnancy loss
Authors: Krechetova L.V. , Vanko L.V. , Vtorushina V.V. , Nikolaeva M.A. , Inviyaeva E.V. , Tetruashvili N.K.
Published: December 2020

The aim of this work was to characterize phenotypically peripheral blood T- and NK lymphocytes expressing an early marker of activation, CD69, and assess the significance of CD69 expression for predicting pregnancy outcome in women with idiopathic reccurent pregnancy loss (IRP) before and after immunocytotherapy (ICT). The study group consisted of 36 patients with IRP who became pregnant after pre-gestational allimmunization, in 30 patients the pregnancy was prolonged to the full term and ended with the birth of a viable baby, in 6 — it was terminated before 12 weeks of gestation. In the control group, 15 fertile women outside pregnancy and 11 women at 12 weeks of physiological pregnancy were examined. Assessment of the CD69 expression in women with prolonged pregnancy revealed the absence of significant differences with the control group in the content and proportion of activated lymphocytes (CD69+). In women with aborted pregnancy after pre-gestational ICT, an increase in the number of almost all analyzed lymphocyte subpopulations responding to the activation stimulus, with a clear tendency to increase the proportion of activated T- but not NK-lymphocytes was found. At 5-6 weeks, the proportion of activated lymphocytes among a subpopulation of cytotoxic T-lymphocytes (CD3+CD8+/CD3+CD8+CD69+) in these women was significantly higher than in women with prolonged pregnancy, which confirms the leading role of effector cytotoxic T-lymphocytes in rejection reactions. Thus, the studies showed the promise of evaluating the expression of the early activation marker CD69 as an additional laboratory criterion for the personable appointment of immunocytotherapy to women with a common reccurent pregnancy loss.
Dielectric Properties and Heating Properties of Aniseed Powder with Radio Frequency Heating
Authors:   Wuxi Institute of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine at the Affiliated Hospital of Jiangnan University (Wuxi Third People’s Hospital), Wuxi, China, Zhang Feng , He Fang , Zhou Xiaojin , Zhao Wei , Cao Hong , Hua Yurong
Published: December 2020

Microbial contamination is currently a major safety issue in low moisture foods. Current sterilization and pasteurization practices, such as conventional thermal processing involving conductive heat transfer to inactivate pathogens, appear inadequate to address the contamination problem in low-moisture foods, which require long time heating, leading to quality deterioration with significant loss of colour and flavour. Radio Frequency (RF) heating has great potential in pasteurization of low moisture foods and offers the possibility to rapidly inactivate microorganisms while maintaining the food quality. Aniseed powder as one of typical low moisture foods possesses significant risk of microbial contamination. This study was to develop RF heating process to inactivate microorganisms in aniseed powder. The dielectric properties (i.e. dielectric constant (ε') and dielectric loss factor (ε'')) of aniseed powder, the influences of processing conditions on heating properties and the inactivation of microorganisms in aniseed powder were all studied in this research. Results showed that ε' and ε'' of aniseed powder decreased with an increase in frequency from 6.78 MHz to 47.46 MHz but then fluctuated between 300 and 2745 MHz. The overall change of ε' and ε'' ultimately exhibited a downward trend. Under a constant frequency treatment, ε' and ε'' of aniseed powder increased with an increase in moisture content, whereas the penetration depth decreased. Particle size showed no significant effects on the dielectric properties, heating rate and penetration depth. With an increase in RF processing time, the heating rate of the sample increased and adding the rolling-over operation step helped to improve the uniformity of RF heating. After processing for 100 s, the temperature of aniseed powder could increase to 60 °C, and the number of microorganism in aniseed powder was reduced by 6.18 logs when time extended to 150 s.
Polianthes Tuberosa as Edible Flower: In Vitro Propagation and Nutritional Properties
Authors:   CREA Research Centre for Vegetable and Ornamental Crops, Corso Inglesi 508, Sanremo, Italy, Copetta Andrea , Marchioni Ilaria , Mascarello Carlo , Pistelli Laura , Cambournac Laurent , Dimita Rosanna , Ruffoni Barbara
Published: December 2020

Tuberose (Polianthes tuberosa) is a bulbous species belonging to Asparagaceae family, characterized by a very high ornamental value, pleasant flower scent and taste. For all these reasons, flowers are currently used to produce perfumes or valorized as actual ingredient of different recipes, since they are completely edible. P. tuberosa is one out of 40 species studied in INTERREG ALCOTRA “ANTEA” project, which aim is to extend the use of edible flowers as functional food and enlarge the number of the species used for the supply chain of the edible flowers. Fresh flowers were analyzed in order to characterize them from the nutrition point of view. They show good polyphenols content and antioxidant activity (DPPH assay), while flavonoids, anthocyanins and carotenoids amounts are low. On the other hand, P. tuberosa flowers can be a real source of vitamin C, because of the high quantities of this molecule in the petals. Soluble sugars are present in small amount. High quantities of P. tuberosa flowers are difficult to obtain due to low bulb multiplication rate and poor seed germination. For these reasons, in vitro culture was performed to facilitate plant propagation. Bulbs were surface-sterilized for 30’’ in ethanol 70 % and then for 20’ in NaClO 2.5 % solution, while seeds were surface-sterilized for 20’in NaClO 1 % solution. Both were rinsed twice with autoclaved distilled water for 10 minutes after sterilization. The bulbs were cultured in jars containing MS agarized substrate enriched with 3% sucrose, 1.5 mg/L BA, 0.5 mg/L IAA and 0.7% agar (pH 5.8). Seeds were germinated in Petri dishes with agar-water substrate and then 14 different clones were selected and cultured in jars. The multiplication rate of the clones was very variable but some of them reached a good multiplication rate.
The Correlation between Critical Thinking Skills and Academic Achievement in Biology through Problem Based Learning-Predict Observe Explain (PBLPOE)
Authors:   Universitas Negeri Malang, Indonesia, Fitriani Apriza , Zubaidah Siti , Susilo Herawati , Muhdhar Mimien Henie Irawati Al
Published: December 2020

This study aimed to investigate the correlation between critical thinking skills and academic achievement in Biology through the implementation of problem-based learning-predict observe explain (PBLPOE) learning model. The study was conducted from February to June 2018 in the even academic year of 2017/2018. A correlational design was employed in this study. The participants consisted of tenth graders from Public Senior High School (SMAN) Number 5 in Bengkulu, Indonesia. The students’ critical thinking skills and academic achievement were measured using essay tests. The result of the regression analysis showed that there was a significant correlation between students’ critical thinking skills and academic achievement in biology, where Y=7.383 + 0.500x. The regression equation suggests that students’ academic achievement may improve as the students’ critical thinking increases. Therefore, it is advisable for the educator to promote critical thinking skills in the classroom in order to improve students’ academic achievement by, for example, implementing PBLPOE learning model.
The Children’s Congress: A Benefit to All Levels of Schooling by Strengthening Computational Thinking
Authors:   Johannes Kepler University Linz STEM Education, Linz, Austria, Hinterplattner Sara , Skogø Jakob S. , Kröhn Corinna , Sabitzer Barbara
Published: December 2020

The Children’s Congress is an event, developed to meet a demand for strengthening computational thinking and to increase the interest in STEAM subjects. This congress brings teachers, university students and pupils together to work interdisciplinary on real-life problems. During these proceedings, the pupils slip into the role of researchers and scientists, supported by their teachers, university staff and university students. In every project team, at least one student from the Honors program of the Johannes Kepler University in Linz takes part. This support helps the pupils both in their projects and in their personal development, through mentoring by the talent students of the university. To find out more about these benefits and to improve the congress for the next years the Honors students were asked to give feedback after the congress. In these interviews, the Honors students described the Children’s Congress as a very inspiring and motivating project for all the participants. The results show that the students experienced a lot of appreciation through the work with the pupils, and that they faced many new challenges. They see many benefits for the pupils, starting from the increasing academical knowledge to skills like team- and time management. Furthermore, the benefit of getting used to computational thinking was described. Besides the advantages for the pupils, benefits for teachers were mentioned. Overall, the results show that the Children’s Congress successfully combines computational thinking, real-life problems, interdisciplinarity, project work and mentoring, benefitting all participants involved.
Teaching Arabic Syntax for Non-Speakers: A Pragmatic Approach
Authors:   Arabic Department, University of Tabuk, Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, Najjar Manal
Published: December 2020

In spite of the noticeable progress witnessed in the research fields of modern linguistics, the process of teaching syntax to Non- native speakers still relies on traditional and formal methods and does not properly benefit from the linguistic research outcome with regard to “contextual pragmatics”. At the present, context is considered the center of pragmatics where meaning is emphasized in relation to its actual use in a specific situation, i.e. pragmatics deals with the interpretation of meaning in its specific context, establishing a relation between language and context towards a deeper understanding of language. In other words, interpreting the meaning of an utterance requires not only its direct and referential meaning but also equating the utterance with its context (the communicative situation, time, place, participants of the communicative event plus all factors that build up the environment of the utterance) to be able to conclude all aspects of the explicit as well as the implicit intended meaning of a well–formed syntactic construct. This paper endeavors to establish a new approach that makes a distinction between two syntactic concepts: “linguistic syntax” and “contextual syntax”. Understanding these two concepts means understanding a wide range of language meanings and functions expressed in a specific situational context. Contextual syntax in particular enrich syntactic interpretation with deeper, more comprehensive and elaborate understanding. This approach will help language users to use proper constructs in their proper situations to avoid ambiguity or misinterpretation of the message intended. The Non- native speakers today are in dire need for a new philosophy and approach in dealing with language, being equipped with more comprehensive competence that could enable them use the language properly as a means of expressing the linguistic functions, each in its syntactic form as well as contextual situation proper.
Clinicoepidemiological profile and outcome in patients of covid 19 with normal chest x-ray: study of 51 patients
Authors: Firdaus Huma , Khan Nafees Ahmad , Reza Maqsumi , Khan Mansoor Ahmad , Krishnan Gishnu , Razak Nader Abdul , Verma Arushi , Shameem Mohammad , Bhargava Rakesh
Published: December 2020

Background: Covid 19 was declared a pandemic by WHO on 11 March 2020. Patients usually have pneumonia on chest x-ray at time of presentation however many patients also do not develop pneumonia and have normal chest x-ray.Methods: A total of 51 patients above the age of 15 years diagnosed with covid 19 by RT PCR of nasopharngeal/oropharyngeal samples were included in the study. History of symptoms onset was recorded, chest x-ray and haematological investigations were done of all patients.Results: A total of 51 patients >15 years of age were included in the study. 28 were male and 23 were female patients. Maximum number of patients were in age group 15-30 years. Most common presenting complain was fever (49% patients). Most common comorbidity was diabetes mellitus. There was no mortality reported in patients with normal chest x-ray.Conclusions: We conclude from the current study that patients with normal chest x-ray at the time of presentation have a very good outcome.
Changing patterns of first medical contact management profile of corneal ulcers in a developing country: a hospital-based study
Authors: Kumar Santosh , Sharma Vijay K.
Published: December 2020

Background: Infectious keratitis is a major cause of corneal blindness throughout the world. There are guidelines and protocols for management of infectious keratitis, but these are rarely practiced by the treating physician. The aim of this study is to find the first medical contact management profile in a tertiary care Centre in north India and compare it to the previous studies to see the changing patterns of first contact management in our country.Methods: The data for the study was collected by retrospective data review of 100 consecutive patients with infectious keratitis. Various parameters were studied and statistical correlation established, where it was felt necessary. The parameters were age and sex distribution, first medical contact, initial treatment prescribed, time interval for first medical contact, inciting factors for corneal ulcer, bacterial and fungal culture spectrum, visual recovery after medical and surgical treatment.Results: Data review of 100 consecutive patients with infectious keratitis was done. More than 70% of patients were above 40 years of age. In 54% of patients, no inciting agent could be identified. The first medical contact for majority of patients was ophthalmologists in independent practice (48%). Time interval for first contact to any health professional varied from one day to 75 days with mean 4.63 days. Moxifloxacin hydrochloride   eye drops was the most commonly used drug.   Staphylococcus epidermidis was the commonest isolate grown in the culture (38.9%).Conclusions: Early diagnosis and appropriate management of infectious keratitis is important and role of first medical contact of patient is most crucial in final outcome.
The effect on glycemic status in type 2 diabetes mellitus after gastric cancer surgery
Authors: Radhakrishnan Lakshmi , Haridas T. V.
Published: December 2020

Background: Gastric cancer is a leading cause of cancer death worldwide. With progress in the field of gastric cancer treatment, as indicated by the improved survival rate, postoperative quality of life as well as the appropriate surgical treatment for a cure has become very important. Recently, metabolic surgery has become an appealing treatment option for patients with type 2 DM. Although the purpose of metabolic surgery and gastric cancer surgery is completely different, they are related clinically and technically. Thus organized evaluation of the impact of gastric cancer surgery on diabetes is necessary.Methods: 30 patients with gastric cancer and type 2 DM who underwent curative gastrectomy were selected. Patients were followed up till 12 months, the study population grouped depending upon the glycemic status and results compared using chi square test.Results: Three out of 30 patients had complete remission of diabetes at 12 months, 17 patients improved and 10 patients remained stationary. Short duration (<5 years) had a median reduction in insulin by 8.9 units versus 2.5 units in long duration (>10 years) diabetes. Maximum reduction (>10 U/day) and remission occurred in those who underwent total gastrectomy. The results were compared using chi square test and the p value was 0.048428 (<0.05) proving significant.Conclusions: The glycemic status was found to improve following gastric cancer surgery which was found to be related to the extent of gastrectomy and the diabetes duration and was found to be statistically significant.
Superiority of RIPASA over modified ALVARADO scoring systems for the diagnosis of acute appendicitis
Authors: Singhal Pragati , Deolekar Sandesh , Goel Dipesh
Published: December 2020

Background: Acute appendicitis is the most common abdominal emergency. The diagnosis is primarily clinical. Various scores have been established based on clinical, laboratory and radiological investigations for the accurate diagnosis and to reduce the negative appendicectomy rates.Methods: A prospective observational study in the Department of General Surgery was conducted from February 2018 to September 2019. A total of 50 cases were studied. Alvarado and Ripasa scores were calculated and accordingly decision was taken to operate or conserved. Diagnosis was confirmed on histopathological evaluation and the scores were compared on the basis of their sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value.Results: RIPASA score is a more valuable tool for diagnosing acute appendicitis with 78.72% sensitivity and specificity 33.33%, in spite of sophisticated investigations like CT, thus reducing the cost of treatment especially in developing countries. In our study. Negative appendicectomy rate was 6% (3 cases out of 50) which is appreciably less than traditional literature.Conclusions: Our study concludes that in the diagnosis of acute appendicitis Ripasa score is more specific than Modified Alvarado score. It helps in categorization for the proper management. It not only reduces the number of "missed appendicitis" but also reduces the cost of treatment by avoiding imaging modalities.
The efficacy of intralesional injection of autologous platelet rich plasma versus normal saline dressing in chronic non-healing ulcers
Authors: Singh Narender , Rathore Shaitan S. , Choudhary Garima , Purohit Lakhan K.
Published: December 2020

Background: Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) can potentially enhance healing of chronic non-healing ulcer by increasing the delivery of various growth factors from the α-granules contained in platelets. Aim of this prospective randomized study was to evaluate the efficacy of autologous PRP versus normal saline (NS) at chronic non healing ulcer in relation to wound healing on the basis of ulcer size reduction, duration of healing, complete or partial healing and side effectsMethods: Fifty four patients with chronic non-healing ulcer were randomly divided into two equal groups: PRP group (treated with PRP) and NS group. Observations were made regarding pain, slough, discharge, granulation, reduction in ulcer size and volume on every 7th day till 4 weeks.Results: Reduction in area and volume of ulcers at the end of treatment was 12.27±4.10 cm2 and 6.88±5.26 cm3 in PRP group and 9.25±1.89 cm2 and 4.25 ±1.05 cm3 in NS group. In PRP group 59.25% had no discharge, 74.08% had no slough, 62.97% had no pain while in NS group no patient was without discharge, 14.81% patient had no slough, 74.07% had minimal pain on 28th day. In PRP group 22.22% ulcers were completely healed while in NS groups all ulcers were partially healed.Conclusions: PRP is more effective than NS on chronic non-healing ulcers as it causes more rapid healing, rapid relief from pain and early decrease in discharge and slough in all age groups and sex; irrespective of type, size, site, duration and etiology of ulcer.
A study to assess the effect of a single pre-operative dose of steroid in major abdominal surgery outcomes
Authors: Sarasijakshan Ajai Kunnath , Sadanandan Sunil , Francis Joseph
Published: December 2020

Background: Abdominal surgeries are associated with an appreciably high rate of post-operative nausea, vomiting and pain due to the severity of the proinflammatory cytokine response arising from peritoneal trauma. This study was designed to study the efficacy of single pre-operative dose of dexamethasone in reducing the incidence of post-operative nausea, vomiting and pain after major abdominal surgeries.  Methods: The study was prospective, randomized and double blinded. 60 adult patients of either sex, scheduled for elective laparotomy from March 2012 to October 2013 were included in the study. Results: In this study 86.7% of patients in the saline group experienced nausea, whereas only 13.3% of patients in dexamethasone group experienced nausea. Chi square value is 32.67 and p value is<0.05. Among the patients who received dexamethasone only 10% experienced vomiting, where as in the saline group 33.3% developed vomiting. Chi square value is 4.812 and p value is 0.029. This is statistically significant as p value is<0.05. Among the patients who experienced very severe pain 100% were from the saline group, whereas none of the patients in dexamethasone group experienced very severe pain. Among the patients who experienced severe pain 85.7% belonged to saline group, and only 14.3% were from the dexamethasone group. The p value is<0.05.  Conclusions: It was found that single pre-operative dose of dexamethasone (8 mg) reduces post-operative nausea, vomiting, pain significantly after abdominal surgery.
Pyloric perforation in situs inversus totalis and Ladd’s band with dextrocardia: a collection of rare anomalies and associated operative challenge
Authors: Syed Tausif Kamal , Fareed Ikram , Awati Jilani , Mudhol Sajid
Published: December 2020

Situs inversus totalis with dextrocardia is a rare entity where the liver and gall bladder are on the left side and the spleen on the right. It is an autosomal recessive mode of inheritance and the patients are usually asymptomatic with a normal life span. Ladd’s band on the other hand is a fibrous band of peritoneum lying over the duodenum to the caecum, which usually presents as intestinal malrotation and is most commonly diagnosed and treated with Ladd’s procedure in infancy itself. Asymptomatic adult cases presenting later in life are rarely seen. Here we present a case of a 22-year-old male who presented with symptoms of perforation peritonitis and was diagnosed on clinical and radiological examination to have situs inversus. Intra-operative findings later revealed presence of a Ladd’s band too.
The difference between preserving and non-preserving left colonic artery for low rectal cancer: a meta-analysis
Authors: Shaibu Zakari , Chen Zhihong
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Object: The aim of this study is to compare the superiority and safety of preserving and non-preserving left colonic artery.
Method: PubMed, Google scholar and Medline were searched for eligible studies between 1965 to 2018. Operative time, blood loss, number of resected lymph nodes, anastomotic leakage, and ileus, and morbidity, hospital length of stay, wound infection and mortality were the main outcome study.
Result: 23 studies involving 10,644 patients were included in the analyses. Compared with the preserving approach, the non-preserving approach had less operative time (weighted mean difference [WMD]=9.37 min, 95% CI [8.92,9.81], p