bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Problemática social en salud, vivienda y educación de la comunidad afrodescendiente en el departamento de córdoba Colombia
Authors: Restrepo Jimenez Luis Carlos
Published: October 2021

Introduction: Afro-Colombian communities in our country have been subjected to violations of their rights for decades, so much so that this phenomenon is reflected in the statistics of the different censuses carried out throughout the territory. Objective: For this reason the objective of this article of reflection seeks to verify the state of the question, taking information from 2005 to 2015, aimed at the entire community in genera  getting to know more closely the situation that Af ros are experiencing. in Colombia and the cordoba department , in aspects as relevant as Health, Education, Housing, and then in a second study to verify that so much progress has been made up to the present. Method or methodology: in order to identify the problem, this researcher makes a documentary review and bibliographic consultation of primary and secondary sources that lead to the punch line of the objective. Consequently, as a result, it was possible to bring up the identification of policies, recommendations and causes that different international, state and private organizations have been working on in these aspects in order to design a solution proposal that allows improving the situation of marginality and inclusion of historically the aforementioned communities have been victims. Conclusions and results: Finally, with respect to aspects related to culture, race and customs, these communities continue to be mistreated, a phenomenon that has had an evolutionary behavior in most nations, in what has been human evolution.
La incidencia de los conceptos de división, separación y equilibrio de poderes públicos en la jurisprudencia constitucional colombiana
Authors: Cano Mendoza Cesar Alejandro
Published: October 2021

Introduction: The State has historically traced horizons towards what was considered the duty of the State. Objective: to analyze the incidence of the concepts of division, separation and balance of public powers in Colombian Constitutional Jurisprudence. Method and methodology: legal and analytical hermeneutic methodological approach. Results and Conclusions: each of the branches of government is required to exercise it autonomously. The research text is developed within the f ramework of the following research lines of the Free University of Colombia: (i) Law, State, culture and society, (ii) Social and Economic Development; and (iii) Sustainable development, technology and innovation.
Evaluating application of fractal analysis of environmental radiation monitoring data for description of characteristics of radionuclides migration in the topsoil of the observation area of JSC "SSC RIAR"
Authors:   Scientific Research Institute of Atomic Reactors (JSC “SSC RIAR”), Sharapova T.V. , Tuzov A.A. ,   Scientific Research Institute of Atomic Reactors (JSC “SSC RIAR”), Teplova T.E. ,   Interregional Entity N 172 of FMBA of the Russian Federation
Published: October 2021

The authors present their technique to describe characteristics of radionuclides migration in the topsoil. The developed method is based on the fractal analysis of spatial patterns. For the qualitative analysis Cs-137 and Sr-90 in the topsoil layer was measured. These radionuclides were selected for analysis due to their long half-life and the ability to be easily included in the food chain, that can cause internal or external exposure of the public to the radionuclides. Abnormal diffusion of the radionuclides detected with the use of the fractal analysis speaks on non-classical spatial distribution of the radionuclides. The technique allows improvement of radioenvironmental monitoring program.
Development of a Credible Virtual Clinician Promoting Colorectal Cancer Screening via Telehealth Apps for and by Black Men: Qualitative Study
Authors: Wilson-Howard Danyell , Vilaro Melissa J , Neil Jordan M , Cooks Eric J , Griffin Lauren N , Ashley Taylor T , Tavassoli Fatemeh , Zalake Mohan S , Lok Benjamin C , Odedina Folakemi T , Modave Francois , Carek Peter J , George Thomas J , Krieger Janice L
Published: October 2021

Background

Traditionally, promotion of colorectal cancer (CRC) screening among Black men was delivered by community health workers, patient navigators, and decision aids (printed text or video media) at clinics and in the community setting. A novel approach to increase CRC screening of Black men includes developing and utilizing a patient-centered, tailored message delivered via virtual human technology in the privacy of one’s home.

Objective

The objective of this study was to incorporate the perceptions of Black men in the development of a virtual clinician (VC) designed to deliver precision messages promoting the fecal immunochemical test (FIT) kit for CRC screening among Black men in a future clinical trial.

Methods

Focus groups of Black men were recruited to understand their perceptions of a Black male VC. Specifically, these men identified source characteristics that would enhance the credibility of the VC. The modality, agency, interactivity, and navigability (MAIN) model, which examines how interface features affect the user’s psychology through four affordances (modality, agency, interactivity, and navigability), was used to assess the presumed credibility of the VC and likability of the app from the focus group transcripts. Each affordance triggers heuristic cues that stimulate a positive or a negative perception of trustworthiness, believability, and understandability, thereby increasing source credibility.

Results

In total, 25 Black men were recruited from the community and contributed to the development of 3 iterations of a Black male VC over an 18-month time span. Feedback from the men enhanced the visual appearance of the VC, including its movement, clothing, facial expressions, and environmental surroundings. Heuristics, including social presence, novelty, and authority, were all recognized by the final version of the VC, and creditably was established. The VC was named Agent Leveraging Empathy for eXams (ALEX) and referred to as “brother-doctor,” and participants stated “wanting to interact with ALEX over their regular doctor.”

Conclusions

Involving Black men in the development of a digital health care intervention is critical. This population is burdened by cancer health disparities, and incorporating their perceptions in telehealth interventions will create awareness of the need to develop targeted messages for Black men.
SMART COVID Navigator, a Clinical Decision Support Tool for COVID-19 Treatment: Design and Development Study
Authors: Suraj Varun , Del Vecchio Fitz Catherine , Kleiman Laura B , Bhavnani Suresh K , Jani Chinmay , Shah Surbhi , McKay Rana R , Warner Jeremy , Alterovitz Gil
Published: October 2021

Background

COVID-19 caused by SARS-CoV-2 has infected 219 million individuals at the time of writing of this paper. A large volume of research findings from observational studies about disease interactions with COVID-19 is being produced almost daily, making it difficult for physicians to keep track of the latest information on COVID-19’s effect on patients with certain pre-existing conditions.

Objective

In this paper, we describe the creation of a clinical decision support tool, the SMART COVID Navigator, a web application to assist clinicians in treating patients with COVID-19. Our application allows clinicians to access a patient’s electronic health records and identify disease interactions from a large set of observational research studies that affect the severity and fatality due to COVID-19.

Methods

The SMART COVID Navigator takes a 2-pronged approach to clinical decision support. The first part is a connection to electronic health record servers, allowing the application to access a patient’s medical conditions. The second is accessing data sets with information from various observational studies to determine the latest research findings about COVID-19 outcomes for patients with certain medical conditions. By connecting these 2 data sources, users can see how a patient’s medical history will affect their COVID-19 outcomes.

Results

The SMART COVID Navigator aggregates patient health information from multiple Fast Healthcare Interoperability Resources–enabled electronic health record systems. This allows physicians to see a comprehensive view of patient health records. The application accesses 2 data sets of over 1100 research studies to provide information on the fatality and severity of COVID-19 for several pre-existing conditions. We also analyzed the results of the collected studies to determine which medical conditions result in an increased chance of severity and fatality of COVID-19 progression. We found that certain conditions result in a higher likelihood of severity and fatality probabilities. We also analyze various cancer tissues and find that the probabilities for fatality vary greatly depending on the tissue being examined.

Conclusions

The SMART COVID Navigator allows physicians to predict the fatality and severity of COVID-19 progression given a particular patient’s medical conditions. This can allow physicians to determine how aggressively to treat patients infected with COVID-19 and to prioritize different patients for treatment considering their prior medical conditions.
Evaluation of Novel Concentrated Interdisciplinary Group Rehabilitation for Patients With Chronic Illnesses: Protocol for a Nonrandomized Clinical Intervention Study
Authors: Kvale Gerd , Frisk Bente , Jürgensen Marte , Børtveit Tore , Ødegaard-Olsen Øystein Theodor , Wilhelmsen-Langeland Ane , Aarli Bernt Bøgvald , Sandnes Kristina , Rykken Sidsel , Haugstvedt Anne , Hystad Sigurd William , Søfteland Eirik
Published: October 2021

Background

An aging population with a growing burden of chronic complex illnesses will seriously challenge the public health care system. Consequently, novel and efficacious treatment approaches are highly warranted. Based on our experiences with concentrated treatment formats for other health challenges, we developed a highly concentrated interdisciplinary group rehabilitation approach for chronic illnesses.

Objective

We aim to explore the acceptability of the intervention and describe potential changes in functional impairment at follow-up.

Methods

The cornerstones of the intervention are as follows: (1) prepare the patient for change prior to treatment, (2) focus on health promoting microchoices instead of symptoms, and (3) expect the patient to integrate the changes in everyday living with limited hands-on follow-up. The intervention will be delivered to patients with highly diverse primary symptoms, namely patients with low back pain, post–COVID-19 symptoms, anxiety and depression, and type 2 diabetes.

Results

Recruitment started between August 2020 and January 2021 (according to the illness category). For initial 3-month results, recruitment is expected to be completed by the end of 2021.

Conclusions

If successful, this study may have a substantial impact on the treatment of low back pain, post–COVID-19 symptoms, anxiety and depression, and type 2 diabetes, which together constitute a major socioeconomic cost. Further, the study may widen the evidence base for the use of the concentrated treatment format in a diverse group of medical conditions.

International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID)

DERR1-10.2196/32216
Adoption of Preventive Measures During the Very Early Phase of the COVID-19 Outbreak in China: National Cross-sectional Survey Study (Preprint)
Authors: Lau Joseph , Yu Yanqiu , Xin Meiqi , She Rui , Luo Sitong , Li Lijuan , Wang Suhua , Ma Le , Tao Fangbiao , Zhang Jianxin , Zhao Junfeng , Hu Dongsheng , Li Liping , Zhang Guohua , Gu Jing , Lin Danhua , Wang Hongmei , Cai Yong , Wang Zhaofen , You Hua , Hu Guoqing ,   COVID-19 University Student Research Group
Published: October 2021

BACKGROUND

The outbreak of COVID-19 in China occurred around the Chinese New Year (January 25, 2020), and infections decreased continuously afterward. General adoption of preventive measures during the Chinese New Year period was crucial in driving the decline. It is imperative to investigate preventive behaviors among Chinese university students, who could have spread COVID-19 when travelling home during the Chinese New Year break.

OBJECTIVE

In this study, we investigated levels of COVID-19–related personal measures undertaken during the 7-day Chinese New Year holidays by university students in China, and associated COVID-19–related cognitive factors.

METHODS

A cross-sectional anonymous web-based survey was conducted during the period from February 1 to 10, 2020. Data from 23,863 students (from 26 universities, 16 cities, 13 provincial-level regions) about personal measures (frequent face-mask wearing, frequent handwashing, frequent home staying, and an indicator that combined the 3 behaviors) were analyzed (overall response rate 70%). Multilevel multiple logistic regression analysis was performed.

RESULTS

Only 28.0% of respondents (6684/23,863) had left home for >4 hours, and 49.3% (11,757/23,863) had never left home during the 7-day Chinese New Year period; 79.7% (19,026/23,863) always used face-masks in public areas. The frequency of handwashing with soap was relatively low (6424/23,863, 26.9% for >5 times/day); 72.4% (17,282/23,863) had frequently undertaken ≥2 of these 3 measures. COVID-19–related cognitive factors (perceptions on modes of transmission, permanent bodily damage, efficacy of personal or governmental preventive measures, nonavailability of vaccines and treatments) were significantly associated with preventive measures. Associations with frequent face-mask wearing were stronger than those with frequent home staying.

CONCLUSIONS

University students had strong behavioral responses during the very early phase of the COVID-19 outbreak. Levels of personal prevention, especially frequent home staying and face-mask wearing, were high. Health promotion may modify cognitive factors. Some structural factors (eg, social distancing policy) might explain why the frequency of home staying was higher than that of handwashing. Other populations might have behaved similarly; however, such data were not available to us.

CLINICALTRIAL
Remote Blood Pressure Monitoring With a Wearable Photoplethysmographic Device (Senbiosys): Protocol for a Single-Center Prospective Clinical Trial (Preprint)
Authors: Schukraft Sara , Boukhayma Assim , Cook Stéphane , Caizzone Antonino
Published: October 2021

BACKGROUND

Wearable devices can provide user-friendly, accurate, and continuous blood pressure (BP) monitoring to assess patients’ vital signs and achieve remote patient management. Remote BP monitoring can substantially improve BP control. The newest cuffless BP monitoring devices have emerged in patient care using photoplethysmography.

OBJECTIVE

The Senbiosys trial aims to compare BP measurements of a new device capturing a photoplethysmography signal on the finger versus invasive measurements performed in patients with an arterial catheter in the intensive care unit (ICU) or referred for a coronarography at the Hospital of Fribourg.

METHODS

The Senbiosys study is a single-center, single-arm, prospective trial. The study population consists of adult patients undergoing coronarography or patients in the ICU with an arterial catheter in place. This study will enroll 35 adult patients, including 25 patients addressed for a coronarography and 10 patients in the ICU. The primary outcome is the assessment of mean bias (95% CI) for systolic BP, diastolic BP, and mean BP between noninvasive and invasive BP measurements. Secondary outcomes include a reliability index (Qualification Index) for BP epochs and count of qualified epochs.

RESULTS

Patient recruitment started in June 2021. Results are expected to be published by December 2021.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings of the Senbiosys trial are expected to improve remote BP monitoring. The diagnosis and treatment of hypertension should benefit from these advancements.

CLINICALTRIAL

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04379986; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04379986

INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT

PRR1-10.2196/30051
Evaluation of Novel Concentrated Interdisciplinary Group Rehabilitation for Patients With Chronic Illnesses: Protocol for a Nonrandomized Clinical Intervention Study (Preprint)
Authors: Kvale Gerd , Frisk Bente , Jürgensen Marte , Børtveit Tore , Ødegaard-Olsen Øystein Theodor , Wilhelmsen-Langeland Ane , Aarli Bernt Bøgvald , Sandnes Kristina , Rykken Sidsel , Haugstvedt Anne , Hystad Sigurd William , Søfteland Eirik
Published: October 2021

BACKGROUND

An aging population with a growing burden of chronic complex illnesses will seriously challenge the public health care system. Consequently, novel and efficacious treatment approaches are highly warranted. Based on our experiences with concentrated treatment formats for other health challenges, we developed a highly concentrated interdisciplinary group rehabilitation approach for chronic illnesses.

OBJECTIVE

We aim to explore the acceptability of the intervention and describe potential changes in functional impairment at follow-up.

METHODS

The cornerstones of the intervention are as follows: (1) prepare the patient for change prior to treatment, (2) focus on health promoting microchoices instead of symptoms, and (3) expect the patient to integrate the changes in everyday living with limited hands-on follow-up. The intervention will be delivered to patients with highly diverse primary symptoms, namely patients with low back pain, post–COVID-19 symptoms, anxiety and depression, and type 2 diabetes.

RESULTS

Recruitment started between August 2020 and January 2021 (according to the illness category). For initial 3-month results, recruitment is expected to be completed by the end of 2021.

CONCLUSIONS

If successful, this study may have a substantial impact on the treatment of low back pain, post–COVID-19 symptoms, anxiety and depression, and type 2 diabetes, which together constitute a major socioeconomic cost. Further, the study may widen the evidence base for the use of the concentrated treatment format in a diverse group of medical conditions.

INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT

DERR1-10.2196/32216
Agustín de Iturbide: El recuerdo de la consumación de independencia durante el siglo XIX
Authors: Zárate Toscano Verónica
Published: October 2021

El texto analiza cómo se realizaron los festejos por la Consumación de Independencia en el siglo XIX. A partir de la propuesta de los lieux de mémoire [lugares de la memoria] y con base en hemerografía, discursos cívicos y documentación oficial, se considera el proceso de construcción del calendario cívico mediante la inclusión o exclusión de ciertos hechos. Se constata cómo los grupos en el poder utilizaron la festividad para patentizar su filiación política en los momentos en que se llevó a cabo, lo cual contribuye a la conformación de la memoria histórica, seleccionando los recuerdos y relegando los olvidos.
Combining Blood Gene Expression and Cellfree DNA to Diagnose Subclinical Rejection in Kidney Transplant Recipients
Authors: Park Sookhyeon , Guo Kexin , Heilman Raymond L. , Poggio Emilio D. , Taber David J. , Marsh Christopher L. , Kurian Sunil M. , Kleiboeker Steve , Weems Juston , Holman John , Zhao Lihui , Sinha Rohita , Brietigam Susan , Rebello Christabel , Abecassis Michael M. , Friedewald John J.
Published: October 2021

Background and objectives

Subclinical acute rejection is associated with poor outcomes in kidney transplant recipients. As an alternative to surveillance biopsies, noninvasive screening has been established with a blood gene expression profile. Donor-derived cellfree DNA (cfDNA) has been used to detect rejection in patients with allograft dysfunction but not tested extensively in stable patients. We hypothesized that we could complement noninvasive diagnostic performance for subclinical rejection by combining a donor-derived cfDNA and a gene expression profile assay.

Design, setting, participants, & measurements

We performed a post hoc analysis of simultaneous blood gene expression profile and donor-derived cfDNA assays in 428 samples paired with surveillance biopsies from 208 subjects enrolled in an observational clinical trial (Clinical Trials in Organ Transplantation-08). Assay results were analyzed as binary variables, and then, their continuous scores were combined using logistic regression. The performance of each assay alone and in combination was compared.

Results

For diagnosing subclinical rejection, the gene expression profile demonstrated a negative predictive value of 82%, a positive predictive value of 47%, a balanced accuracy of 64%, and an area under the receiver operating curve of 0.75. The donor-derived cfDNA assay showed similar negative predictive value (84%), positive predictive value (56%), balanced accuracy (68%), and area under the receiver operating curve (0.72). When both assays were negative, negative predictive value increased to 88%. When both assays were positive, positive predictive value increased to 81%. Combining assays using multivariable logistic regression, area under the receiver operating curve was 0.81, significantly higher than the gene expression profile (P<0.001) or donor-derived cfDNA alone (P=0.006). Notably, when cases were separated on the basis of rejection type, the gene expression profile was significantly better at detecting cellular rejection (area under the receiver operating curve, 0.80 versus 0.62; P=0.001), whereas the donor-derived cfDNA was significantly better at detecting antibody-mediated rejection (area under the receiver operating curve, 0.84 versus 0.71; P=0.003).

Conclusions

A combination of blood-based biomarkers can improve detection and provide less invasive monitoring for subclinical rejection. In this study, the gene expression profile detected more cellular rejection, whereas donor-derived cfDNA detected more antibody-mediated rejection.
Strategies to Prevent Acute Kidney Injury after Pediatric Cardiac Surgery
Authors: Van den Eynde Jef , Cloet Nicolas , Van Lerberghe Robin , Sá Michel Pompeu B.O. , Vlasselaers Dirk , Toelen Jaan , Verbakel Jan Y. , Budts Werner , Gewillig Marc , Kutty Shelby , Pottel Hans , Mekahli Djalila
Published: October 2021

Background and objectives

AKI is a common complication after pediatric cardiac surgery and has been associated with higher morbidity and mortality. We aimed to compare the efficacy of available pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic strategies to prevent AKI after pediatric cardiac surgery.

Design, setting, participants, & measurements

PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Controlled Trials Register, and reference lists of relevant articles were searched for randomized controlled trials from inception until August 2020. Random effects traditional pairwise, Bayesian network meta-analyses, and trial sequential analyses were performed.

Results

Twenty randomized controlled trials including 2339 patients and 11 preventive strategies met the eligibility criteria. No overall significant differences were observed compared with control for corticosteroids, fenoldopam, hydroxyethyl starch, or remote ischemic preconditioning in traditional pairwise meta-analysis. In contrast, trial sequential analysis suggested a 80% relative risk reduction with dexmedetomidine and evidence of <57% relative risk reduction with remote ischemic preconditioning. Nonetheless, the network meta-analysis was unable to demonstrate any significant differences among the examined treatments, including also acetaminophen, aminophylline, levosimendan, milrinone, and normothermic cardiopulmonary bypass. Surface under the cumulative ranking curve probabilities showed that milrinone (76%) was most likely to result in the lowest risk of AKI, followed by dexmedetomidine (70%), levosimendan (70%), aminophylline (59%), normothermic cardiopulmonary bypass (57%), and remote ischemic preconditioning (55%), although all showing important overlap.

Conclusions

Current evidence from randomized controlled trials does not support the efficacy of most strategies to prevent AKI in the pediatric population, apart from limited evidence for dexmedetomidine and remote ischemic preconditioning.
PHYTOCHEMICAL SCREENING, TOXICITY EVALUATION OF POLYCARPAEA CORYMBOSA LAMK AND ITS EFFECT ON CANCER BIOMARKERS OF EHRLICH ASCITES CARCINOMA-INDUCED MICE COMPARED WITH THE REFERENCE STANDARD DRUG 5- FLUOROURACIL
Authors: ABIRAMI M SAKTHI , P MUTHUSAMY
Published: October 2021

Objective: The current investigation focuses on the study of efficacy of whole plant of Polycarpaea corymbosa Lamk in Ehrlich ascites carcinoma (EAC) inoculated Swiss albino mice. Methods: The whole plant of P. corymbosa Lamk (WPC) was extracted with solvents of increasing polarity and their percentage yields were calculated. The major phytoconstituents present in the plant extracts were determined by standard chemical tests. Tumor was induced in mice by intraperitoneal injection of EAC cells (1×106 cells/mouse). The in vivo antitumor effect of extracts was assessed by monitoring the mean survival time, tumor volume, effect on hematological parameters, determination of lysosome specific cancer markers (cathepsin-D), β-D glucuronidase and acid phosphatase, liver marker enzymes (5’-nuclotidase and lactate dehydrogenase), membrane bound ATPase (Na+/K+ ATPase and Mg2+ ATPase), DNA, and RNA content. Results: The percentage yield obtained were 9.87%w/w, 7.88%w/w, and 16.56% w/w for petroleum ether, ethyl acetate, and ethanol extract, respectively. The phytochemical screenings of those extracts were performed. The order of activity of extracts was ethanol extract > ethyl acetate > petroleum ether. Among the extracts, Ethanol extract of P. corymbosa Lamk. showed a significant increase in life span and decrease in viable cancer cell number and tumor volume. The protective effect of the extract on the hemopoietic system at the dose 200mg∕kg was noted. The alterations in the hematological profile, lysosome-specific cancer markers, liver-specific cancer markers, and membrane-bound ATPases DNA and RNA were restored. Conclusion: The ethanolic extract of P. corymbosa Lamk. possesses in vivo anticancer activity when compared to the tumor control group.
A STUDY OF SEVERITY OF STROKE AND HOMOCYSTEINE LEVEL IN SOUTHERN PART OF RAJASTHAN, INDIA
Authors: MEHTA VINOD KUMAR , BASU ABHIJIT , H PATHAK PRAHARSH , JAIN AYUSHI , SHARMA NEHA
Published: October 2021

Objective: Till date, a very few prospective studies have examined the association between serum homocysteine levels and the risk of stroke and stroke subtypes in Indian populations.
Methods: A prospective, case - control study of Indian subjects 10–90 years of age was conducted using frozen serum samples from 103 participants in cardiovascular risk surveys collected from December 2017 to November 2018. By the end of 103, we identified 55 incidents of severe strokes, one control subject per case was selected by matching for sex, age, community, year of serum storage, and fasting status. Serum total homocysteine levels were measured by Cobas c-311.
Results: Compared with control subjects, total (n_206), hemorrhagic (n_106), and ischemic (n_87) strokes had higher geometric mean values of total homocysteine and higher proportions of homocysteine −25.0 μ mol/L. Homocysteine was estimated after adjustment for body mass index, smoking, alcohol intake, hypertension, and other cardiovascular risk factors. The excess risk of total and ischemic strokes did not vary significantly according to sex, age, smoking status, or hypertensive status.
Conclusion: High total homocysteine concentrations were associated with the increased risk of total stroke, more specifically ischemic stroke) Capsuloganglionic and frontoparietal infarct (8 each)., among Indian men and women.
OUTCOMES OF CIRCUMFERENTIAL V/S ANTERIOR TUCKING TYMPANOPLASTY TECHNIQUE IN INACTIVE MUCOSAL CHRONIC OTITIS MEDIA WITH SUBTOTAL PERFORATIONS: A PROSPECTIVE OBSERVATIONAL STUDY
Authors: Rulania Sultan Singh , Mahich Sushma , Harshvardhan Rekha
Published: October 2021

Objective: The objective of the study is to compare circumferential versus anterior tucking underlay tympanoplasty technique.
Methods: In this prospective observational study, 100 patients with chronic otitis media (Inactive mucosal type) were included, who were randomly allocated in two groups; Group I which comprised of 50 patients in which tympanoplasty with anterior tucking was done, and Group II comprised of 50 patients in which circumferential flap tympanoplasty was done. Improvement in the hearing gain and graft uptake success rate was compared.
Results: The mean air-bone gap (ABG) changed from 28.74 dB to 11.52 dB after anterior tucking with a mean change of 17.22 dB and this change was found to be statistically significant (p<0.001). Similarly, the mean ABG changed from 28.92 dB to 11.86 dB after a circumferential flap with a mean change of 17.06 dB and this change was also found to be statistically significant (p<0.001). There was a slightly better improvement (17.22 dB) in the anterior tucking group as compared to the circumferential flap (17.06 dB). This difference was, however, not found to be statistically significant (p=0.830). Three-month graft uptake rate in the anterior tucking group was found 92% and in the circumferential group was 94%. (p>0.05).
Conclusions: Our study concluded that both techniques have almost the same results with good graft uptake. Results of hearing improvements in both techniques were also comparable.
A STRUCTURED FRAMEWORK FOR RELIABILITY AND RISK EVALUATION IN THE MILK PROCESS INDUSTRY UNDER FUZZY ENVIRONMENT
Authors: Gopal Nand , Panchal Dilbagh
Published: October 2021

This paper aims at proposing a novel integrated framework for studying reliability and risk issues of the curd unit in a milk process industry under uncertain environment. The considered plant’s complex series-parallel configuration was presented using the Petri Net (PN) modeling. The Fuzzy Lambda-Tau (λ-τ) approach was applied to study and analyze the reliability aspects of the considered plant. Failure dynamics of the curd unit has been analyzed with respect to increasing/ decreasing trends of the tabulated reliability indices. Availability of the considered plant shows a decreasing trend with an increase in spread values. For improving the system’s availability, a risk analysis was done to identify the most critical failure causes. Using the traditional FMEA approach, the FMEA sheet was generated on the basis of expert’s knowledge/experience. The Fuzzy-Complex Proportional Assessment (FCOPRAS) approach was applied within FMEA approach for identification of critical failure causes associated with different subsystem/components of the considered plant. In order to check the consistency of the ranking results, the Fuzzy Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (FTOPSIS) was applied within the FCOPRAS approach. Ranking results are compared for checking consistency and robustness of critical failure causes related decision making which would be useful in designing the finest maintenance schedule for the considered curd unit.  Overheating/moisture lead to winding failure (MSCP5), visible sediment of milk jam in filter (MBFP3), improper quality of oil (H4), blade breakage (CTK4), wearing in gears (PFM11), and cylinder leakage (CFM7) were recognized as the most critical failure causes contributing to system unavailability. The analysis results were supplied to the maintenance manager for framing a suitable time-based maintenance intervals policy for the considered unit.
FRACTAL APPROACH TO MECHANICAL AND ELECTRICAL PROPERTIES OF GRAPHENE/SIC COMPOSITES
Authors: Zuo Yu-Ting , Liu Hong-Jun
Published: October 2021

Graphene and carbon nanotubes have a Steiner minimum tree structure, which endows them with extremely good mechanical and electronic properties. A modified Hall-Petch effect is proposed to reveal the enhanced mechanical strength of the SiC/graphene composites, and a fractal approach to its mechanical analysis is given.  Fractal laws for the electrical conductivity of graphene, carbon nanotubes and graphene/SiC composites are suggested using the two-scale fractal theory. The Steiner structure is considered as a cascade of a fractal pattern. The theoretical results show that the two-scale fractal dimensions and the graphene concentration play an important role in enhancing the mechanical and electrical properties of graphene/SiC composites. This paper sheds a bright light on a new era of the graphene-based materials.
EXCEL VBA-BASED USER DEFINED FUNCTIONS FOR HIGHLY PRECISE COLEBROOK’S PIPE FLOW FRICTION APPROXIMATIONS: A COMPARATIVE OVERVIEW
Authors: Brkić Dejan , Stajić Zoran
Published: October 2021

This review paper gives Excel functions for highly precise Colebrook’s pipe flow friction approximations developed by users. All shown codes are implemented as User Defined Functions – UDFs written in Visual Basic for Applications – VBA, a common programming language for MS Excel spreadsheet solver. Accuracy of the friction factor computed using nine to date the most accurate explicit approximations is compared with the sufficiently accurate solution obtained through an iterative scheme which gives satisfying results after sufficient number of iterations. The codes are given for the presented approximations, for the used iterative scheme and for the Colebrook equation expressed through the Lambert W-function (including its cognate Wright ω-function). The developed code for the principal branch of the Lambert W-function has additional and more general application for solving different problems from variety branches of engineering and physics. The approach from this review paper automates computational processes and speeds up manual tasks.
Ser trabajador transfronterizo
Authors: Córdoba Ramírez Irina
Published: October 2021

Este testimonio se basa en la entrevista realizada a Antonio González, en noviembre de 2009, en el Centro de los Trabajadores Agrícolas Fronterizos (CTAF) de la ciudad de El Paso, Texas. La entrevista se enmarcó en una investigación sobre la forma como se llevaba a cabo la contratación de trabajadores en el Programa Bracero (1942-1964). Las remembranzas de don Antonio ofrecen la singularidad de referir las experiencias que vivió al haber firmado varios contratos de trabajo en el marco del programa y continuar, luego de su conclusión, en un proceso de migración circular por varias décadas, hasta acceder a la residencia y a la ciudadanía que promovió la Ley Simpson-Rodino. Su experiencia, al igual que la de otros trabajadores temporales, muestra la complejidad del proceso migratorio frente a los marcos legales que procuran regularlo.
Sobre Ariel Rodríguez Kuri, Museo del universo: los Juegos Olímpicos y el movimiento estudiantil de 1968
Authors: Rodríguez Israel
Published: October 2021

Reseña sobre Ariel Rodríguez Kuri. Museo del universo: los Juegos Olímpicos y el movimiento estudiantil de 1968. México: El Colegio de México, 2019, 457 p.
Systemic Review of Application of Six Sigma Approaches in Small and Medium Scale Industries: A Review in Respect of India
Authors: Yadav Neeru
Published: October 2021

Abstract: Six Sigma is a tool which helps industries to control the defects and all other issues which can be possible factors to reduce the growth of the company. It was seen that in large scale industries, the Six Sigma is used form previous decades but when goes to small and medium scale industries, there is lack of implementation of Six Sigma and its tools, so in present review paper, various research papers selected in which small and medium scale industries are selected. In this paper all possible aspects of the Six Sigma is presented in detail. Keywords: Six Sigma, Tools, Small Scale Industries, DMAIC approach, Manufacturing Industries
Research into the Dynamic Characteristics of the Planetary Cob­Separating Device
Authors: Pogosyan V. M. , Chaplygin M. E.
Published: October 2021

Abstract. In the article, the authors propose a methodological approach to calculating the planetary cob-separating device used in corn harvesters and specialized headers. The dynamic characteristics of the planetary cob-separating device operation were investigated. The authors found out that the machine dynamics research problems are rather diverse due to the complexity of the dynamic processes occurring in them. The theoretical research methods prove to be of particular importance, since they make it possible to define the laws of machine unit motion, even at the stage of designing the planetary cob-separating device. (Research purpose) To propose a method for calculating the main kinematic and dynamic parameters of the vertical cob-separating device operation. (Materials and methods) The authors studied the methodological approaches and mathematical tools used to determine the main kinematic and dynamic parameters of the vertical cob-separating device operation; examined the scheme of a single-drum planetary cob-separating device in a corn harvester and built a differential equation of motion. (Results and discussion) After a step-by-step mathematical calculation with the use of the proposed methodological approach to studying the dynamic characteristics arising during the planetary cob-separating device operation, the following equations were obtained: starting the device at idle; starting the device with a load; feeding stems after starting the device; sudden interruption of the supply. When conducting the laboratory studies, it was determined that the cob-separating device showed the greatest effect at an angular speed of the drum within the range of 52.1-62.2 radians per second. (Conclusions) The authors considered four modes of the cob-separating device operation in a corn harvester and obtained the equations for them. The authors created a diagram of the vertical cob-separating device and proposed a methodological approach and an algorithm for calculating the main dynamic and kinematic indicators of its operation.
Entangled symmetric states and copositive matrices
Authors: Marconi Carlo , Aloy Albert , Tura Jordi , Sanpera Anna
Published: October 2021

Entanglement in symmetric quantum states and the theory of copositive matrices are intimately related concepts. For the simplest symmetric states, i.e., the diagonal symmetric (DS) states, it has been shown that there exists a correspondence between exceptional (non-exceptional) copositive matrices and non-decomposable (decomposable) Entanglement Witnesses (EWs). Here we show that EWs of symmetric, but not DS, states can also be constructed from extended copositive matrices, providing new examples of bound entangled symmetric states, together with their corresponding EWs, in arbitrary odd dimensions.
Persuasive technique analysis of jakarta post daily e-paper
Authors: Novionita Made Linda , Jayantini I Gusti Agung Sri Rwa , Suastini Ni Wayan
Published: October 2021

In this era, the news is a medium to share the information and some newspaper companies had already made the E-Paper. There are some problems discussed in this article such as the type of persuasive technique and its function used in The Jakarta Post daily e-paper and meaning consists in the persuasive technique. The collected data were analyzed by applying descriptive qualitative method. In the analysis, persuasive language technique and its function were comprehensively analyzed based on theory from Walton (2005) and the meaning used theory from Leech (1981). There were seven types of persuasive language techniques found in The Jakarta Post daily e-paper. The use of adjective is a persuasive language technique that is often used in The Jakarta Post’s news that published on 21st September 2020 until 25th November 2020.
An analysis of semiotic found in the selected skincare advertisement
Authors: Suwitri Ni Luh Nita , Santika I Dewa Ayu Devi Maharani , Pratiwi Desak Putu Eka
Published: October 2021

Advertisement is a media that use to promote a product or service for the public. In the advertisement there are signs.. This study concern to analyze the verbal and non-verbal signs found in the skincare advertisement. There two aims of this study such as: (1) to find out the verbal and non-verbal signs in the skincare advertisement, (2) to analyze the meaning of verbal and non-verbal signs of the skincare advertisement. This study use descriptive qualitative method. The data were analyzed based on theory proposed by Barthes (1964) about the signifier and signified and about the meaning. The researcher used supporting theory by Wierzbicka (1996) about six color terms. The result of this study showed the verbal sign in form of written text and for the non-verbal sign showed in form of image. In this research the researcher found twenty (20) verbal signs and seven (7) non-verbal signs. And this sign also contains the denotative and connotative meaning
DOSTOEVSKY’S THEOLOGY: A DESCRIPTION FROM THE INSIDE
Authors:   A.M. Gorky Institute of World Literature of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Kasatkina Tatyana A.
Published: October 2021

The chapter attempts to describe Dostoevsky’s theology as a cohesive system of worldview, figurative principles, and methods of text organization which aim to transform the reader. A system that is not borrowed but rather created by the author himself, who recurs to something alien only when it meets his deep internal demand — which means, essentially, when what he found outside himself corresponds to what was generated inside. The work describes the basic features of Dostoevsky’s theology: its foundations, i.e. what constantly, and yet in different ways, appear through his oeuvre — his literary works, A Writer’s Diary, articles about literature and arts, commentaries on politics. Dostoevsky-theologian proposes a view of the world and the human being as both related to God; he also introduces an interpretation of the qualities of the Divine, which is normally impeded by our everyday conscience. Moreover, he does not impose this new worldview aggressively or tyrannically but leaving to the reader the possibility to turn away from the final acceptance of it and of the consequences that follow this completely different way of seeing. Dostoevsky’s writing strategy is on principle retreat, not advancement. Because of this, the description of Dostoevsky’s theology and philosophy as a system whose coherence lies within itself, which is irreducible to our own expectations, and which refuses to be forcibly interpretated within the frameworks of other worldviews or systems, is a difficult aim that can be achieved only through reliable skills of philological analysis and hermeneutical interpretation.
DOSTOEVSKY’S THEOLOGY AND THE PROBLEM OF THE MORAL INTERPRETATION OF DOGMA IN RUSSIAN THEOLOGICAL AND PHILOSOPHICAL THOUGHT IN 19TH–20TH CENTURIES
Authors:   A.M. Gorky Institute of World Literature of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Gacheva Anastasya G.
Published: October 2021

The chapter analyses Fyodor Dostoevsky’s artistic theology within the context of the tradition of the moral interpretation of dogmas, which developed in Russia during the 19th and the first third of the 20th century. A typical feature of this tradition was the desire to bridge the gap between the temple and the outside of it, between dogmatics and ethics, making the truth of faith the rule of life. The Author shows the development of the idea of the unity of dogmas and commandments in the works of Aleksey Khomiakov, Ivan Kireevsky, Nikolay Fedorov, Vladimir Solov’ev, metropolitan Antony (Khrapovitsky), while simultaneously drawing parallels with Dostoevsky. The work takes into account Dostoevsky’s understanding of two main dogmas of Christianity: the dogma of Trinity and the two-natures dogma. The unconfused and inseparable unity of the Divine hypostases appears in Dostoevsky as an image of perfect interaction between personalities, a rule for social relations, a model of all-encompassing unity of humanity, where the right of personality is reconciled with the right of the whole. Two diary fragments dated 1864 — “Masha is lying on the table…” and “Socialism and Christianity” — are analyzed from the point of view of the Trinitarian question. Dostoevsky holds that when a personality moves towards another and enters in a relation “I” — “you”, considering the other as a face and not as a function, thus giving something to rather than taking something from the other, this personality realizes in his life the mystery of Trinity, professing it in deeds not only in words. Atomicity, antinomy, dualism are corruptions of the Trinitarian principle, while its realization is the idea of “an expanding family, a society-Church, a world that is temple. The Christology of Dostoevsky is analyzed. It is shown that Dostoevsky’s perception of Christ as “the ideal of man in flesh” should be understood not in the context of utopian thought, but as a manifestation of the idea of the deification of man, as expressed in the patristic aphorism: “For the Son of God became man so that we might become God”. The essay shows how the assertion of the equality of Christ’s two natures, Divine and human, affects Dostoevsky’s anthropology and historiosophy. Views of the writer’s contemporaries, as well as of other 20th-Century philosophers and theologians who developed the idea of a moral interpretation of the dogma of Trinity and of the Divine-humanity of Christ (archimandrite Fedor (Bukharev), bishop Ioann (Sokolov), Nikolay Fedorov, Vladimir Solov’ev, archimandrite Antony (Khrapovitsky), Viktor Nesmelov, Sergey Bulgakov, Boris Vysheslavtsev, Nikolay Lossky, Aleksandr Gorsky, Mother Maria (Elizaveta Kuz’mina- Karavaeva)) are considered.
“One of the most interesting peoples of the Caucasus...” lectures by Anatoliy Genko of Abkhazians ethnography
Authors:   Institute of Ethnology and Anthropology, Anchabadze Yuri D. ,   D. I. Gulia Abkhazian Institute for Research in the Humanities, Abkhazian Academy of Sciences
Published: October 2021

The Author for the first time introduces into scientific circulation lectures about Abkhazia by the outstanding scientist, linguist, ethnologist, and kavkazologist A. N. Genko, read by him in the autumn of 1940 to students of the ethnographic Department of the Geographical faculty of Leningrad University. The publication of this unique material is preceded by a preamble that includes the history of the creation of authorized typewriting and its preservation by Genko’s family in the difficult situation of his arrest and death in custody. Text preparation and scientific commentary complement the publication of this valuable source. As the only professional ethnographer who worked in Abkhazia in the late 1920s–1930s, Genko collected information that is invaluable today as unique evidence of the era of actively transformed ethnographic reality, which appears in the history of Abkhazia in the first decades of Soviet power. The scientist had the opportunity to observe the living existence of patriarchal “remnants,” which invariably posed the problem of their functionality in a fairly successfully modernizing Abkhaz society. The text of Genko’s lectures reflects the heuristic interests of ethnographic knowledge of the modern era; it is based on the author’s direct and deep acquaintance with the Abkhaz ethnocultural society, on a voluminous generalization of the material at his disposal, a thorough knowledge of the sources and historiography of the problem. This makes it possible to consider Genko’s lectures as an example of the Russian scientific narrative about Abkhazia in the middle of the last century.