bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Review of the Process of Producing the Motion of the Youth MPs Conference through Creative Thinking Skills
Authors:   Universiti Malaysia Kelantan, MALAYSIA, Salleh Nasrul Hakim , Ismail Marwan ,   Universiti Malaysia Kelantan, MALAYSIA
Published: March 2021

Creative thinking skills are the main foundation that needs to be applied among Youth MPs. These thinking skills will help APBM formulate the proposals for debate before being appointed as a youth development policy. In accordance with PBM which serves as a medium for youth leaders to get involved in the process of forming youth development policy. This study uses an in-depth interview method involving 9 informants representing 9 PBM Committees. APBM's creative thinking skills process consists of nine themes namely; knowledge, understanding issues, framework building, information gathering, spirituality, information enlightenment, understanding/clarity of issues, production of proposals, and review of motions. As a result, APBM is able to formulate proposals to be debated in the PBM conference.
Beneficios clínicos y de costos de un modelo de estandarización en el manejo de la apendicitis aguda
Authors: Cabrera-Rivera Paulo Andrés , Posso Valencia Héctor Jaime , Dennis-Verano Rodolfo José
Published: March 2021

Introducción. La apendicitis aguda es la patología quirúrgica más frecuente en Colombia y en el mundo, con un riesgo de presentación del 7-8 % en la población general. El tratamiento de elección es la apendicectomía, la cual puede realizarse por vía convencional o por vía laparoscópica. El objetivo de este estudio fue comparar los desenlaces clínicos y costos de un modelo de estandarización en el manejo de la apendicitis aguda versus la no estandarización.

Métodos. Estudio observacional, analítico, para comparar el manejo de atención estandarizado y no estandarizado. Se incluyeron pacientes mayores de 18 años, que ingresaron al servicio de urgencias con diagnóstico de apendicitis aguda en el período de enero de 2016 a diciembre de 2018, y quienes fueron llevados a apendicectomía convencional o laparoscópica en la institución.

Resultados. Se incluyeron 1392 pacientes, 591 que cumplieron los criterios del modelo estandarizado y 801 que cumplieron los criterios del modelo no estandarizado. Al comparar los procesos de estandarización y no estandarización, se encontraron diferencias estadísticamente significativas en los resultados crudos de estancia hospitalaria y costos totales. En los estimativos ajustados por variables de confusión no se encontraron diferencias en los costos totales.

Discusión. El modelo de estandarización demostró una disminución en los días de hospitalización. No encontró diferencias en términos de costos totales.
Divertículo de Meckel en asociación a onfalocele y tetralogía de Fallot: reporte de caso y revisión de la literatura
Authors: Sánchez Hernández Álvaro Eduardo , Mogollón Germán , Luengas Pablo , Del Rio Sergio , Rotterman Marcos , Mora Nicolás , Rueda Sergio , Holguín Diana Alejandra , Cabrera Luis Felipe , Rodríguez Manuela , Piñeros Santiago
Published: March 2021

El onfalocele o exónfalos se definen como un defecto congénito de la pared abdominal, que consiste en la herniación de las vísceras abdominales a través del anillo umbilical. Esta entidad rara vez se asocia a la comunicación del divertículo de Meckel con el saco del onfalocele. Teniendo en cuenta la escasa prevalencia de dicha entidad, compartimos el reporte de caso de un paciente recién nacido, con diagnóstico de onfalocele menor, en quien se sospechaba ruptura del saco, sin embargo, de manera intraoperatoria se encontró que la aparente ruptura del saco, correspondía a la comunicación con un divertículo de Meckel. El caso además se asoció con hallazgos ecocardiográficos de tetralogía de Fallot.
Arco axilar de Langer: serie de casos y revisión de la literatura
Authors: Bonilla Sepúlveda Óscar Alejandro
Published: March 2021

Introducción. El arco de Langer es una entidad infrecuente, cuya prevalencia depende de la técnica quirúrgica utilizada y usualmente no se asocia con síntomas de compresión vascular o neuronal. El objetivo de este estudio fue describir las características clínicas y morfológicas, y la proporción de síntomas de compresión neurovascular del arco de Langer, en mujeres con cáncer de mama llevadas a cirugía axilar.
Métodos. Estudio descriptivo del arco de Langer en mujeres con cáncer de mama, llevadas a cirugía axilar en el registro personal de un cirujano, en Medellín, Colombia, entre el 1 enero de 2017 y el 15 agosto de 2020. Se evaluaron características clínicas, morfológicas y síntomas de compresión neurovascular. Las variables categóricas se agruparon según su frecuencia como porcentajes, y para las variables continuas se calculó la mediana y su rango intercuartílico.
Resultados. Entre el 1 enero de 2017 y el 15 agosto de 2020 se realizaron 725 cirugías axilares, 479 biopsias de ganglio centinela y 246 linfadenectomías, encontrando 17 casos de arco de Langer, para una frecuencia de 2,3 %. Fue más frecuente encontrarlo en el curso de una linfadenectomía (n=11, 64,7 %). En 15 (88,2 %) casos se presentó riesgo de ocultamiento ganglionar y en 14 (82,3 %) generó dificultad quirúrgica. No hubo casos con síntomas de compresión vascular o neuronal. En ningún caso se realizó el diagnostico imagenológico prequirúrgico. La conducta quirúrgica predominante fue sección, en 88,2 %, sin presentar complicaciones quirúrgicas asociadas.
Discusión. Es importante para el cirujano el conocimiento del arco axilar como una variante anatómica de la axila, que puede ocultar los ganglios o dificultar la disección axilar, por lo que la conducta más usada es la sección.
Sepsis neonatal temprana en recién nacidos pretérminos de 30 a 34 semanas internados en el Hospital “J. R. Vidal” durante el periodo 2011–2012
Authors: Sánchez Gonzáles Mercedes Soledad , Villalba Carlos Alberto , Melis Ingrid
Published: March 2021

La sepsis neonatal se observa en prematuros, representando el grupo de riesgo por su inmadurez. Aparece dentro de los tres días posteriores al nacimiento, considerados días críticos en la viabilidad del neonato.
El objetivo de este trabajo fue establecer la relación entre frecuencia del control prenatal, grupo etario materno, sexo del recién nacido, Apgar a los 5 minutos del nacimiento y forma de terminación del embarazo con la sepsis neonatal temprana en el Recién Nacido de 30 a 34 semanas de edad gestacional, asistidos en el Centro Materno Neonatal del Hospital “J. R. Vidal” de Corrientes, durante los años 2011- 2012
Se realizó un estudio cuantitativo, analítico, retrospectivo y transversal de casos y controles. La muestra agrupó 90 historias clínicas distribuidas en dos grupos. Uno integrado (n=30) por recién nacidos prematuros de 30 a 34 semanas con sepsis neonatal temprana y el otro por (n=60) recién nacidos sin sepsis neonatal temprana.
Los resultados demostraron que las mujeres con control prenatal de frecuencia inadecuada tienen 1,19 probabilidades más de contraer sepsis neonatal temprana. La edad materna no demostró predisposición en ninguno de los grupos estudiados (adolescentes y no adolescentes) con la sepsis neonatal. Los recién nacidos varones no presentan un factor de riesgo con respecto a la sepsis neonatal. Los neonatos con Apgar menor a 7 puntos tienen 2,15 posibilidades más de padecer sepsis neonatal. Los prematuros nacidos por cesárea tienen 1,40 posibilidades más de padecer sepsis neonatal, que aquellos nacidos por parto vaginal.
Effects of Problem Based Learning Method and Lecture Teaching Method on Academic Achievement of Students
Authors:   Egerton University (Kenya), Ogweno Peter Oyier , Kathuri Nephat J. ,   Kenya Methodist University (Kenya), Oywaya Agnes ,   Egerton University (Kenya)
Published: March 2021

The research examined the effects of Problem Based Learning (PBL) and Lecture teaching method (LTM) on students’ achievement in agriculture subject. This research was necessitated by consistent poor performance of students in agriculture subject in the national examination, Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE). The aim was to determine and compare the achievement of students in PBL and LTM. Quasi-Experimental design, following a Non-equivalent Control Group Pre-test-Post-test was adopted. PBL was the treatment, while LTM group was control. All the students of agriculture and teachers of agriculture formed the target population. Stratified random sampling was used to sample 12 schools. Six schools were subjected to PBL while the other six schools followed LTM. The sample size was 484 Form Two agriculture students and 12 teachers of agriculture. Data were collected through agriculture achievement test. Descriptive statistics and analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) was used to analyse the data. The results established that PBL has the greatest potential in improving students’ achievement in agriculture compared with LTM. The PBL method significantly (p<.05) improved the student performance in agriculture. A statistically significant difference was found between students of PBL and LTM. The effects of PBL were more noticeable, therefore, the results are robust enough to inform practicing teachers to adopt PBL method because it has demonstrated its effectiveness in delivering content. The results may inform education experts at tertiary institutions and universities in Kenya on the benefits of implementing PBL method to pre-service teachers.
Behaviours that Support Self-Understanding for People with Autism Spectrum Disorder in Vocational Rehabilitation
Authors: Maebara Kazuaki , Yaeda Jun
Published: March 2021

This study identifies behaviours that support self-understanding for people
with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) participating in vocational rehabilitation.
The qualitative research (Study 1) used conceptual analysis to identify vocational
rehabilitation practitioners’ concept of support for self-understanding. The
quantitative research (Study 2) surveyed 155 Japanese vocational rehabilitation
practitioners using a questionnaire based on the results of Study 1.
Exploratory factor analysis of the survey data determined the structure of behaviours
that support self-understanding for people with ASD and found three behaviour
types: ‘Environmental setting of the current situation’, ‘Promoting awareness
of the current situation’, and ‘Reflection based on collected information’. A practitioner was deemed to promote self-understanding
support by using a combination of these three behaviours while heeding to the disabling
characteristics of people with ASD. Identified support behaviours could be used
as a fundamental perspective to develop a
support programme to promote self-understanding for people
with ASD.
Nosema ceranae - a new threat to honey bees (Apis mellifera)?
Authors: Odemer Richard
Published: March 2021

Back in 1900 already, the Microsporidium Nosema apis was described inApis mellifera. Thereby the Nosemosis remains without symptoms in the beehive to a certain degree. Studies indicate that infected bees have a shortened lifespan, due to a series of changes in physiological parameters. The consequence of these changes are diarrheal symptoms and the spread of infectious spores in thehive. There is also a seasonal infection course observed, which has its peak in spring time (April, May). Colloquially, the Nosemosis is therefore also known as spring shrinking craze. More recently, a new Nosema species in the European honey bee has been described, where a host-switch from the Asian honey bee A. cerana to A. mellifera has occurred. N. ceranae is blamed for colony losses in the south of Spain, many general colony losses during wintertime in Europe and has also a contribution to the Colony Collapse Disorder (CCD) in the U.S. It seems likely that the original Nosema species (N. apis) is displaced more and more by N. ceranae for unknown reasons. Within the EU project „BEE DOC“, monitoring studies on colonies in southern Germany, Switzerland, southern France, Sweden and Finland were performed. Although the high prevalence of N. ceranae could be confirmed, no increased colony mortality due to Nosemosis was recorded. This was also observed by other colleagues and thus the „new threat“ is open to debate.
Holographic focusing and conformal surface integral
Authors: Kuyukov Vitaly
Published: March 2021

Holographic focusing and conformal surface integral
APCDD1 is differentially expressed in lymph node metastasis in human breast cancer.
Authors: Mamoor Shahan
Published: March 2021

Metastasis to the brain is a clinical problem in patients with breast cancer (1-3). Between the breast and the brain reside the secondary lymphoid organ, the lymph nodes. We mined published microarray data (4, 5) to compare primary and metastatic tumor transcriptomes for the discovery of genes associated with metastasis to the lymph nodes in humans with metastatic breast cancer. We found that APC down-regulated 1, APCDD1, was among the genes whose expression was most different in the lymph node metastases of patients with metastatic breast cancer as compared to primary tumors of the breast. Analysis of a separate microarray dataset revealed that APCDD1 was also differentially expressed in brain metastatic tissues. APCDD1 mRNA was present at decreased quantities in lymph node metastases as compared to primary tumors of the breast. Importantly, expression of APCDD1 in primary tumors of the breast was correlated with patient overall survival, in lymph node negative patients but not in lymph node positive patients. Modulation of APCDD1 expression may be relevant to the biology by which tumor cells metastasize from the breast to the lymph nodes and the brain in humans with metastatic breast cancer.
The Relationship between Age and Happiness Varies by Income
Authors: Toshkov Dimiter
Published: March 2021

The link between age and happiness has been the subject of numerous studies. It is still a matter of controversy whether the relationship is U-shaped, with happiness declining after youth before bouncing back in old age, or not. While the effect of age has been examined conditional on income and other socio-demographic variables, so far, the interactions between age and income have remained insufficiently explored. Using data from the European Social Survey, this article shows that the nature of the relationship between age and happiness varies strongly with different levels of relative income. People in the lowest decile of the income distribution experience a ‘hockey stick’: a deep decline in self-reported happiness until around age 50-55 and a small bounce back in old age. The classic U-curve is found mostly in the middle-income ranks. For people at the top of the income distribution, average happiness does not vary much with age. These results demonstrate the important role of income in moderating the relationship between age and happiness.
A surface mesh represented discrete element method (SMR-DEM) for particles of arbitrary shape
Authors: Zhan Ling , Chong  , Zhang Bingyin , Wu Wei
Published: March 2021

A surface mesh represented discrete element method (SMR-DEM) for granular systems with arbitrarily shaped particles is presented. The particle surfaces are approximated using contact nodes obtained from surface mesh. A hybrid contact method which combines the benefits of the sphere-to-sphere and shpere-to-surface approaches is proposed for contact detection and force computation. The simple formulation and implementation render SMR-DEM suitable for threedimensional simulations. Furthermore, GPU parallelization is employed to achieve higher efficiency. Several numerical examples are presented to show the performance of SMR-DEM. It is found that on the particle level the method is accurate and convergent, while on the system level SMR-DEM can effiectively model particle assemblies of various regular and complex irregular shapes.
A state-dependent hypoplastic model for methane hydrate-bearing sands
Authors: Liu Jun , wang shun , Jiang Mingjing , Wu Wei
Published: March 2021

The mechanical behaviors of methane hydrate-bearing sands (MHBS) are largely affected by the presence of methane hydrate, temperature, and pore pressure. In this study, we present a simple hypoplastic model for MHBS. Methane hydrate saturation is included as a state parameter affecting the mechanical behaviors of MHBS. A new phase parameter is introduced to account for the coupled effects of temperature and pore pressure on the mechanical behaviors of MHBS. The phase parameter can be determined by a simple function of temperature and pore pressure. Comparison of the predictions with experiments shows that the model is able to capture the salient behaviors of MHBS.
Unified constitutive model for granular-fluid mixture in quasi-static and dense flow regimes
Authors: Guo Xiaogang , Chong  , Wu Wei , Wang Yongqi
Published: March 2021

Most granular materials encountered in nature and industry lie either in the quasi-static regime or the intermediate dense flow regime. Debris materials are a typical granular material with viscous interstitial fluid, and shows solid-like behaviors before failure and fluid-like behaviors after failure. Based on Bagnold’s pioneering work on granular-fluid flows, we propose a framework for constitutive model development, which has an additive form. Based on this framework, a unified constitutive model for granular-fluid material in the quasi-static and dense flow regimes is developed. The main intergranular interactions and granular-fluid interactions controlling the mechanical behaviors are taken into account using the Mohr-Coulomb model and a Bagnold-type relation. Dry granular flows in three simple configurations, i.e., plain shear, vertical chute flow and flow on an inclined plane, are studied. Analytical solutions based on the presented unified model are obtained. Comparisons between results from the presented model and the mu(I) model indicate that the explicit partition of frictional and collisional stress components provides insights in dense granular flows. In addition, the new model is used to predict the stress-strain relations in two annular shear tests. The applicability and advantages of the unified model are discussed.
Did Students Learn Less During the COVID-19 Pandemic? Reading and Mathematics Competencies Before and After the First Pandemic Wave
Authors: Schult Johannes , Mahler Nicole , Fauth Benjamin , Lindner Marlit Annalena
Published: March 2021

The first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted regular classes in spring 2020. Temporary school closures supposedly led to a considerable learning loss, particularly for low-achieving students. Schools in Baden-Württemberg, Germany, were closed for two months. Although distance learning was implemented, students spent less time learning. Additionally, teachers were faced with organizational and technological challenges of remote learning environments. The present study investigates the competencies of fifth-graders, using large-scale assessment results in reading and mathematics from annual mandatory tests in September (each n > 80,000). In line with studies from other countries, competence scores were slightly lower in 2020 compared with the three previous years (–0.07 standard deviations for reading comprehension, –0.09 for operations, and –0.03 for numbers). Low-achieving readers managed to attain pre-pandemic competence levels. Regarding mathematics competencies, low-achieving students seem to have a learning backlog that deserves attention in future education. School characteristic such as the average socio-cultural capital and the proportion of students with migration background played a minor role in mediating the schools' learning loss. Still, lower socio-cultural capital was positively associated with larger learning loss in mathematics.
Telephone-based Behavioral Activation with Mental Imagery for depression: a pilot randomized clinical trial in isolated older adults during the Covid-19 pandemic
Authors: Pellas Johnny , Renner Fritz , Ji Julie Lin , Damberg Mattias
Published: March 2021

ObjectivesTo shield vulnerable persons, particularly the eldery, during the Covid-19 pandemic governments around the world have adviced to use social distancing and self-isolation. Social isolation might put older adults at an increased risk for mental health problems such as depression. There is a need for brief, easy-accessible psychological treatments for depressive symptoms that can be delivered remotely. The aim of this study was to investigate the feasibility, acceptability and preliminary efficacy of telephone-delivered Behavioral Activation with Mental Imagery for the treatment of depressive symptoms in individuals 65 years and older living in isolation during the covid-19-pandemic.MethodsIn this open-label pilot randomized clinical trial, N = 41 individuals aged 65 years or older with clinically significant symptoms of depression were randomly assigned to either a Behavioral Activation with Mental Imagery treatment condition, or an Attention-Assessment control condition delivered over the telephone over a four week period.ResultsDepressive symptoms decreased more in the treatment condition compared to the control condition. At post treatment 2 out of 16 participants in the treatment condition met diagnostic criteria for depression compared to 9 out of 13 in the control condition. Most participants in the treatment condition were satisfied with the treatment and few adverse effects were observed.ConclusionsThis pilot study suggests that behavioral activation with mental imagery delivered over the telephone is feasible, acceptable and potentially efficacious for the treatment of depressive symptoms in older individuals living in isolation. Replication in larger samples is needed.
Inside the Pool of Gibeon. 3D model reconstruction and some observations about finds
Authors: TAMBURRINI MARIA
Published: March 2021

Excavated in the mid-1900s, the site of Gibeon, modern el-Jib, was studied and published by the American team of the University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology of Philadelphia led by James Bennet Pritchard.A renovate analysis conducted during my PhD on part of the finds and excavation reports, brought to attention new details of material and architectural culture and therefore to the formulation of different observations on the site and on the structures previously recognized.This poster will briefly outline the main features of the site with particular attention to the first water system, the so-called cylindrical pool, dated back to the 10th century BC and its contents. A conspicuous group of artifacts, dated between the eighth and sixth centuries BC, has in fact been found as fragmentary in the same spot of the pool, suggesting perhaps not a simple accumulation. A 3D model reconstruction of the structure together with a reassessing of the earthy filling's stratigraphy will help to understand the general discovery background more closely.
“My daughter is not like that”: A qualitative study of parental perception on child sexual abuse risk
Authors: Eelmaa Simone
Published: March 2021

The aim of this study was to explore parental beliefs on the risk of CSA, specifically victim- and perpetrator-specific risk of child sexual abuse to their children, as well as parents' approaches to protecting their children. Data were collected from 22 parents during focus group interviews (n=6) combined with activity-oriented questions. Based on data, four perpetrator and two victim-specific risk profiles were created. When parents find similarities between their children and perceived victims or perpetrators, it triggers the defensive othering effect, which acts as a subconscious protection mechanism, yet often creates inaccurate risk assessment and false confidence. The findings also tender that most parents do not teach their children the necessary skills related to CSA since they determine the risk to be low. This study adds to our understanding of CSA-related risk perception and prevention approaches, offering a conceptual addition to the defensive attribution theory. Further investigation is needed on the impacts of the cognitive processes and psychological protection mechanisms in relation to CSA risk assessment. The data from this study will be useful in developing CSA prevention programs and materials.
The Two Faces of World Society: Formal Structures and Institutionalized Informality
Authors: Holzer Boris
Published: March 2021

Postprint. Please cite as: Holzer, Boris (2015): The two faces of world society: formal structures and institutionalized informality. In: Boris Holzer, Fatima Kastner, Tobias Werron (Eds.): From Globalization to World Society. London/New York: Routledge, pp. 37–60.
Understanding Bureaucracy: A Concept and Scale Development of Citizens’ Administrative Literacy
Authors: Döring Matthias
Published: March 2021

Administrative Literacy is the capacity to obtain, process, and understand basic information and services from public organizations needed to make appropriate decisions. Citizens’ competencies necessary for successful interactions with public administration are an important resource that remains widely neglected. While interactions with public organizations impose a considerable administrative burden on citizens, that burden may differ quite significantly depending on their available resources to cope with such a burden. Research from other fields such as data or health literacy suggests that these concepts influence a variety of outcomes for both the individual and society. Such competence may change behavior and perception when interacting with public organizations, indicating its potential as an important factor influencing behavior such as compliance, and other outcomes. Citizens with high administrative literacy have a better understanding of procedures, structures, and rules. The article develops a concept and scale for measuring administrative literacy using data from a citizen survey.
Vectorizing maps to generate geo-spatial data on territories of the Holy Roman Empire
Authors: Roller Ramona
Published: March 2021

Geo-spatial factors were a major driving force for the European Reformation.Power relations between neighboring territorial states, travel routes of scholars,and locations of cultural exchange contributed to the spread of Protestantism.However, researchers cannot study these factors quantitatively because spatialdata on territories in the 16th century does not exist. I develop a manual andan automatic method to extract the geo-coordinates of territories from politicalmaps and enrich them with non-spatial attributes gathered from Wikipedia. Themanual method extracts unambiguous territories and the automatic method is re-producible and time saving. The generated data can be used to study confessional-ization and other aspects of the Reformation. The methodology can be generalizedto other geographic areas and historical periods.
Wirkungslogik als Kommunikationsinstrument an den Schnittstellen zwischen Bildungsverwaltung, Bildungswissenschaft und Bildungspraxis
Authors: Jungermann Anja
Published: March 2021

A shared understanding is an important precondition for cooperation between educational science, administration and practice. This article argues that a theory of change approach which is part of impact-oriented planning could be a useful tool for communication. The author proposes a theory of change for cooperation in area-based education networks and gives insights into how science and practitioners can complement each other using this tool and approach. While the approach seems promising, some limitations are also discussed.
Data science methods in political science research: analyzing protest activity in social media
Authors: Stukal Denis , Belenkov Vadim , Philippov Ilya
Published: March 2021

The advent of social media and increased digitization of social processes have had a dramatic impact on politics and, particularly, on political mobilization and communication. The political science methodology and toolkit have also adapted to these changes and absorbed a variety of new approaches and methods from the burgeoning field of data science. This paper provides an overview of some of the key methodological innovations to the political science toolkit drawn from data science and discusses the advantages and limitations of these new methods for studying protest activity and political mobilization in social media. We focus on supervised and unsupervised learning as two major groups of methods that can be applied to either facilitate data collection in almost real time or the analysis of big data on protest activity. We discuss overfitting, regularization, and hyperparameter selection via cross-validation in the context of supervised methods, and present topic modeling and social network analysis techniques within unsupervised methods. The strengths and weaknesses of these methods are illustrated with references to recent articles published in peerreviewed journals. We conclude the paper with a discussion of the emerging methods that have not been used in political mobilization research yet and are open for further exploration by political scientists.
Time-series analysis in political sciences: opportunities and limitations
Authors: Semenov Andrei
Published: March 2021

In this paper, I consider opportunities and limitations of modelling the political dynamics with the time-series instruments. Using the examples of the president Putin’s approval rating and readiness to join the collective actions with economic demands I demonstrate the analytical potential of autoregressive integrated moving average model (ARIMA), autoregressive distributed lag model (ADL), and error correction model (ECM). Modelling the political dynamics faces a string of analytical dilemmas. This paper aims at identifying the basic choices in application of the statistical instruments to dynamic processes and helping the other researchers to navigate through them. While it is hard to account in a single paper for all the developments in the discipline, which has been substantially advanced substantially and technically i the last three decades, this text also aims at stimulating the discussion on the opportunities and limitations when applied to Russian politics.
Methods of causal inference in contemporary political science
Authors: Sedashov Yevgeniy
Published: March 2021

This paper serves as an exposition of the causal inference methods that are most popular in political science. Rather than focusing on technical details we present a brief summary of main ideas behind each method with the goal of making them accessible to a broad audience of researchers. We also provide a research design algorithm for each method. First, we focus on a general motivation behind causal inference methods. We discuss how the problem of causality arises in hypothesis testing and describe the relationship between democracy and economic development as a case in point. Second, we give an exposition of a general causality problem within the framework of Rubin Causal Model (RCM). We provide all basic definitions and then demonstrate how the problem of causal inference arise within RCM. Third, we describe the most frequently used methods of causal inference such as randomized experiments, regression discontinuity design, difference-in-difference design, and instrumental variables. For each method we give a reader a general description as well as steps of a research design. We also briefly discuss advantages and disadvantages of each method. Armed with this knowledge, a reader can use it to find the method that is the most appropriate for a research problem at hand. We conclude by arguing that the ideas of causal inference are useful for both quantitative and qualitative research.
Migration model of peripheral ideological concepts: possibilities of system-dynamic analysis
Authors: Podshbyakina Tatyana
Published: March 2021

The work is devoted to the urgent problem of the danger of the growth of extremist sentiments among young people caused by unpredictable changes in ideological attitudes (attitudes) in the group consciousness. Objectives: study of the dynamics of peripheral ideological concepts – one of the structural elements of ideology; identifying the trend of changes in the ideological attitudes of student youth on the example of the South of Russia; assessment of the predictive capabilities of the system dynamic analysis methodology for calculating the dynamics of ideological processes. An attempt was made to approbate the author's method of studying ideological attitudes, which could be conditionally called quantitative narrative analysis. The empirical base was made up of data from a survey of 2500 students in the South of Russia and the results of a five-year monitoring of the development of the ideological situation. The theoretical basis is the morphological approach to the study of ideologies by Michael Frieden and the concept of the cognitive-ideological matrix. In the development of this concept, the focus of the study was shifted from the morphology (structure) of ideologies to implicit processes occurring at the border of the cognitiveideological matrix and the social environment. As a result, a descriptive mental model of peripheral ideological concepts and a conceptual model of their migration based on the Bass diffusion model were built, performed in the AnyLogic simulation system. The result of the study was the identification of a left-liberal trend using narrative analysis, which had replaced the significant predominance of conservative and national-patriotic ideological attitudes in the group youth consciousness. It is concluded that the model of migration of peripheral ideological concepts, created using the method of system dynamics and mathematical statistics, significantly expands the possibilities of forecasting ideological processes, but has some limitations.
Synthesis, Characterization and Antimicrobial Evaluation of Mannich Bases of 4-(Furan-2-yl-methyleneamino)-3-(2-hydroxyphenyl)-1H-1,2,4-triazole-5-thione
Authors: Deo Prem Shankar , Rawat Rhambus , Shakya Bhushan
Published: March 2021

Triazole nucleus has drawn much attention since the last decade because of its various potent biological activities. The pharmacological application of triazoles has been widely recognized and well documented. Schiff and Mannich bases are both considered as bioactive compounds, however, there are not much of documentation about the Mannich bases as their study has begun lately. The main aim of this study was to synthesize new Mannich bases from Schiff base bearing 1,2,4-triazole nucleus to access their antimicrobial activities. The newly synthesized compounds 1,2,4-triazole-5-thione, Schiff base (4) and Mannich bases (5a & 5b) were characterized by spectral techniques like UV, FT-IR, and NMR. Mannich bases were tested against various bacterial (gm +ve and gm –ve) as well as fungal strains. The synthesized Mannich bases showed good to moderate activities against the tested bacterial and fungal strains.
An Overview of Synthesis Based Biomedical Applications of Hydroxyapatite Nanomaterials
Authors: Bhandari Netra Lal , Bista Sunita , Gautam Tika Ram , Bist Kabita , Bhandari Ganesh , Subedi Sumita , Dhakal Kedar Nath
Published: March 2021

Hydroxyapatite (HAp) is the mineral phase of animal bones embedded in a collagen-containing organic matrix. It is a naturally optimized material for the physical support of the bones. Synthetic Hydroxyapatite based biomaterials, hence, find wide applications in orthopedics, dentistry, and tissue engineering due to their biocompatibility, bioactivity, osteoconductivity, and similar chemical composition to that of HAp present in animal bones. Different physicochemical synthetic methods and natural biogenic sources have been reported for the synthesis of nano-hydroxyapatite. However, particle size, aspect ratio, and the distribution of HAp in biomaterials have significant effects to use as bone substitutes and implants. This paper has summarized some synthetic methods of preparing nano-HAp from different biogenic approaches. Further, it focuses on some facile synthetic routes of preparing nano-HAp with controlled particle size with higher crystallinity and native bone architectures. This review article aims to correlate some simplistic and cost-effective biosynthetic approaches of nano-HAp, their size-dependent properties characterization, and biomedical applications.
Genesis Exploration of White Clays Deposited in Thimi Area of Kathmandu Valley
Authors: Dhakal Madhusudan , Duwal Nirjan , Adhikari Narendra Mani , Joshi Susan , Bhattarai Jagadeesh
Published: March 2021

The geological genesis of the Thimi-Sanothimi white clay deposits of Kathmandu Valley was explored employing mineralogical and chemical analyses in this research. For the study, two sample specimens of the clay having two types of particle size, i.e., about < 63 µm (bulk) and < 2 µm (fine), were separated with the help of standard sieve mesh which further modified using high-temperature heat, and 1 M HCl and 1 M KCl solution treatments. For the most part, both the clay fractions constituted of 2:1 type of vermiculite and mica (mainly of K-mica type) clay minerals with different feldspars and quartz phases as clay admixtures from the results of the mineralogical phase analysis. The chemical constituents of the clay particles with < 63 µm, < 2 µm, and the HCl-treated sample specimens confirmed the existence of a high quantity of SiO2 with comparatively low Al2O3 which indicates the presence of fewer amounts of the vermiculite and mica minerals comparatively with feldspars and quart admixtures in the analyzed white clay samples. Moreover, the clay sample contained a considerable quantity of Fe2O3 and MgO chemicals which are not favorable raw material constituents for good quality porcelains and white-wares products without refining and chemical-modifications. The present work could be the first step to explore its potentiality in various industrial sectors like table-ware, sanitary-ware, brick and tile ceramics, paper and pulp, petrochemical, pharmaceutical including environmental pollution controlling agents in Nepal.
Chemical Constituents of the Essential Oil of Invasive Chromolaena odorata leaves in Central Nepal
Authors: Thapa Lal B , Pathak Seeta , Pal Khadka Bahadur , Miya Tayer Mohamad , Darji Tej Bahadur , Pant Gunanand , Pant Ramesh Raj
Published: March 2021

Chromolaena odorata is one of the widely distributed invasive alien plants in the tropical to subtropical regions of Nepal. It has the ability to impact native species in its invaded range by multiple modes such as allelopathy including volatilization. This study aims to identify volatile chemical components in the essential oil of C. odorata. The leaf samples of C. odorata were collected from the Radha Krishna Community Forest, Chitwan district of Nepal. The essential oil from the leaves of C. odorata was extracted and the chemical composition of the oil was analyzed by gas chromatography (GC) and GC–mass spectrometry (GC–MS). A total of 19 chemical components from the oil were identified. The major components identified were linalool (21.64%); β-pinene (9.43%); 1,3-cycloheptadiene (8.92%); β-cubebene (7%); cinnamaldehyde (5.30%) and caryophyllene oxide (4.94%). O-methoxy cinnamaldehyde and isoeugenyl acetate were not listed by previous studies as the components in the essential oils of C. odorata. The components identified by this study have allelopathic effects on native plant species, anti-herbivory properties, and medicinal values. Therefore, this study could be important to understand plant invasiveness and utilization of the plant for the extraction of bioactive compounds may contribute to control and manage the plants in the invaded areas.
A Comparative Study: Is Misoprostol as Effective as Oxytocin in Active Management of Third Stage of Labor?
Authors: Pangeni Prem Raj , Dhungana Padma Raj , Adhikari Rajesh
Published: March 2021

Background: The third stage of labor is that period from birth of the infant until the delivery of the placenta. Active management of the third stage of labor plays an important role in reducing maternal morbidity and mortality. Oxytocin is an effective drug in preventing postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) however; it requires a controlled environment and intramuscular administration. Misoprostol is an orally active uterotonic agent,stable at room temperature.The purpose of this study was to compare the efficacy of misoprostol with oxytocin in active management of third stage of labor.

Materials and Methods: This was a hospital based study carried out in Paropakar Maternity and Women Hospital, Kathmandu, Nepal during six months period from February 2012 to July 2012. One hundred patients fulfilling inclusion criteria were recruited to receive either 10 unit of IM oxytocin or 600 mcg of oral misoprostol for the management of the third stage of labor.

Results: The mean blood loss in misoprostol and oxytocin group was 209±76.7ml and 197±68.8 ml respectively with p value-0.41 which was insignificant. Similarly mean hemoglobin change was also not significant. The additional uterotonics needed in misoprostol was higher (9 cases) than that in oxytocin (5 cases) but it was also not significant. Shivering and fever were significantly high among misoprostol group than in oxytocin group.

Conclusion: Efficacy of oxytocin and misoprostol is equal in active management of third stage of labor.
Evaluation of Malnutrition in Children Admitted in Nutritional Rehabilitation Home of Pokhara Academy of Health Sciences- A Retrospective Cross-sectional Hospital Based Study
Authors: Paudel Amrita Ghimire , Ghimire Gita , Shrestha Shreekrishna , Bastola Ramchandra , Sigdel Yagyaraj , Gurung Nirmaya
Published: March 2021

Introduction: The burden of malnutrition is of significant concern in Nepal. The objectives of this study are to classify the nutritional status in children admitted in nutritional rehabilitation home of Pokhara Academy of Health Sciences and to relate the demographic characteristics and the effectiveness of the nutritional intervention measures on status of malnutrition which can help in the policy formulation to tackle the burden of malnutrition.

Materials and Methods: This is a hospital based retrospective study in which total of 238 children with malnutrition admitted in nutritional rehabilitation home of Pokhara Academy of Health Sciences during July 2014 to July 2018 were followed. The socio-demographic factors and nutritional status were analyzed at admission and at discharge using the available record. Data was analyzed using SPSS 16.

Results: Out of 238 malnourished children, 167(70.2%) were cases of moderate acute malnutrition and 76(29.8%) were cases of severe acute malnutrition. The mean weight at admission was 7.18±1.73 kg, mean weight at discharge was 7.82±1.82 kg and mean weight increased after nutritional intervention was 0.62 kg±0.40. The average weight gain in severe acute malnutrition was 4.7gm/kg/day. A statistically significant difference was obtained between mean weight (p=0.00, t= - 24.62) of children at admission and discharge. There was significant statistical difference between mean weight gain (p<0.05, t= -3.1) in severe acute malnutrition (0.76±0.49 kg) and in moderate acute malnutrition (0.59±0.34 kg).

Conclusion: Nutritional rehabilitation homes are effective in improving the nutritional status of undernourished children, more effective in severe acute malnutrition. However it is important to reassess the management protocol to meet the intake targets so that the rate of weight gain is improved.
Rethinking the Refugee Experience in Verbatim Theatre: Hospitality and Translation in Jessica Blank and Erik Jensen’s Aftermath
Authors: Atasoy Merve
Published: March 2021

Focusing on Jessica Blank and Erik Jensen’s 2010 play Aftermath to conceptualize verbatim theatre more broadly, this essay explores problems of mediation among refugees, which mostly stem from their linguistic exchanges. While scholarship on verbatim theatre about refugees has tended to analyze encounters between refugees and dramatists (and through the dramatists, audiences), I demonstrate that power relations inherent in the language of hospitality can also be observed between refugees belonging to the same nation. I turn to Derrida’s philosophy of hospitality and gift-giving to provide a theoretical framework for my inquiry. Especially when some refugees operate as mediators or translators who collaborate with dramatists, the reactions and opinions of other refugees can disclose the frictions among them and can foreground historical and cultural specificity within broader concerns about intercultural understanding. By challenging homogeneous depictions of refugees, this account offers an alternative to binary approaches to verbatim theatre.
Medals and Metals: Speculating Freedom in Suzan-Lori Parks’sFather Comes Home from the Wars
Authors: Eccleston Sasha-Mae
Published: March 2021

This article argues that Suzan-Lori Parks situates metal discursively in Father Comes Home from the Wars (Parts 1, 2 & 3) (2015) to highlight speculation’s emancipatory potential. Throughout American history, essentializing logics of value have connected metal, money, and racial difference. Critiquing these essentialisms, Wars dramatizes how imagining alternative futures motivates communities to operationalize logics of value that resist racist strictures in the present. A brief coda summarizes how the concluding gesture of this play set in the Civil War period looks to a time where speculative finance’s racialization of homeownership prompts reconsideration of (neo-)liberal multiculturalism’s principles.
Jesse Rae Archibald-Barber, Kathleen Irwin, and Moira J. Day, eds., Performing Turtle Island: Indigenous Theatre on the World Stage
Authors: Hughes Bethany
Published: March 2021

Performing Turtle Island curates experiences with and philosophies of Indigenous theatre. Critical Companion to Native American Theatre and Performance provides brief overviews of important events, artists, and organizations in North American Indigenous theatre. The former ranges in tone and topic; the latter is introductory and especially useful in undergraduate classrooms.
ОБРАЗ-СИМВОЛ «ВОДА» В МЕНТАЛЬНОСТІ, КУЛЬТУРІ ТА ЕТИЦІ УКРАЇНСЬКОГО НАРОДУ
Authors:   доктор медичних наук, професор, Одеська національна академія харчових технологій, м. Одеса, Україна, Стрікаленко Т. В.
Published: March 2021

The article analyzes the features in mentality, culture and ethics of the Ukrainian people in theirs attitude to image-symbol of "water". Opoetization of water, of the water world is some kind of narodnopoetichesky dominant which is shown in folklore, the art word. Opoetization of water often defines outlook of Ukrainians, gets into national consciousness, speaks about valid and her even solemn perception. The respect of water and its mystified image can be tracked in all components of spiritual culture of Ukrainians: in folklore, ceremonial songs, Christmas carols, etc. It is proved that such relation has historical roots, but today it is necessary to create new ethics of relationship of the person and water. It is of great importance taking into account new relationship of the person with the nature in general. This relationship demands new responsibility of the person to the nature, new culture of the relations of the person with water and its sources, new ethics of relationship of the person and water.