bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of phenolic acids of Corylus avellana L. as potential SARS CoV-2 Main protease inhibitors
Authors: ACAR Ali
Published: September 2021

The novel human coronavirus, called SARS-CoV-2, first appeared in late 2019 in Wuhan, causing a respiratory disease termed COVID-19 in China and has been declared a pandemic worldwide. Although many different vaccine development studies against SARS-CoV-2 have reached the final stage, the protection that these vaccines will provide to society is not known for now, and therefore, effective antiviral drugs should be developed. In this study, the effects of the phenolic acids found in Corylus avellana L. on SARS-CoV-2 Main protease (Mpro) was investigated by molecular docking analysis. Also, the pharmacophore properties, biological properties, pharmacokinetics and drug-likeness properties of the compounds examined in the study were evaluated. Molecular docking of Mpro and phenolic acids was done with Autodock Vina. Many of the phenolic acids investigated in the study have interacted with the active site and catalytic residues of the Mpro. Drug similarity of phenolic acids interacting with MPro and each of the interacting compounds were found to be potential target inhibitors against SARS-CoV-2 Mpro and it was determined that its use would have limited or no side effect on the body.
Some Results for Bislant and Semi-Slant Submanifolds of Semi-Riemannian Manifolds
Authors: AYDIN ŞEKERCİ Gülşah , ÇÖKEN Abdulkadir Ceylan
Published: September 2021

This study looks into the bislant submanifolds of almost product semi-Riemannian manifolds that are Riemannian, semi-Riemannian and lightlike. We also state the theorems that provide the required conditions for constructing a slant submanifold from a bislant submanifold. Morever, we define the semi-slant submanifolds of locally product semi-Riemannian manifolds and discuss the integrability conditions of distributions that are invariants or slants that constitute a semi-slant submanifold.
Lack of nitric oxide bioavailability in early pregnancy predisposes to dyslipidemia and surges preeclampsia and fetal growth retardation
Authors: Korish Aida A.
Published: September 2021

Background: Hyperlipidemia has been reported in preeclampsia (PrE) and is linked to poor pregnancy outcome and long-term cardiovascular complications. This study aimed to elucidate the relationship between nitric oxide (NO) and blood lipids levels during normal pregnancy and in NG-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) - induced preeclampsia before and after magnesium sulphate (MgSO4) therapy and its effect on the pregnancy outcome.Methods: Forty female Wistar rats were divided into four groups: non pregnant (NP) group - non pregnant healthy rats receiving no treatment, control pregnant (Con-P) group - control pregnant rats receiving no treatment, pregnant (PE) group - pregnant animals with untreated PrE, and the pregnant MgSO4 (PE-Mg) group - pregnant animals with PrE- treated with MgSO4. The nitric oxide synthase inhibitor L-NAME was used to induce experimental model of PrE in the PE and the PE-Mg groups. The changes in total NO production, total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), low density lipoproteins (LDL-C), high density lipoproteins (HDL), LDL-C/HDL-C ratio, soluble vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-1 (sVEGFR1) also known as sFlt-1, blood pressure, kidney functions, body weight, and pregnancy outcome were assessed.Results: Decreased NO production in the PE group was associated with elevated TC, TG, LDL-C/HDL-C ratio, hypertension, proteinuria, increased urea, creatinine, and sFlt-1 levels, and poor pregnancy outcome demonstrated by high pup mortality rate and low birth weight. Increased NO production in the PE-Mg group treated with MgSO4 therapy was associated with decreased signs of preeclampsia and hypolipidemia and increased pup viability and birth weight.Conclusions: NO bioavailability is crucial for the homeostasis of the lipid profile in normal pregnancy and the prevention of preeclampsia. Routine periodic assessments of the blood lipid profile and the NO production in the pregnant females may be a helpful tool in early prediction of preeclampsia.
Pseudomonas aeruginosa transition from environmental generalist to human pathogen
Authors: Vasco Gabriela , Gabriel Trueba
Published: September 2021

Opportunistic bacteria Pseudomonas aeruginosa is one of the major concerns as an etiological agent of nosocomial infections in humans. Many virulence factors used to colonize the human body are the same as those used by P. aeruginosa to thrive in the environment such as membrane transport, biofilm formation, oxidation/reduction reaction, among others. P. aeruginosa origin is mainly from the environment, the adaptation to mammalian tissues may follow a source-sink evolution model; the environment is the source of many lineages, some of them capable of adaptation to the human body. Some lineages may adapt to humans and go through reductive evolution in which some genes are lost.  The understanding of this process may be critical to implement better methods to control outbreaks in hospitals.
Study of the Interfacial Dynamic Behavior During Slat Formation Alumina on Steel Substrate by FSI/VOF
Authors: Mekhtiche Hamid , Zirari Mounir , Lorenzini Giulio , Ahmad Hijaz , Menni Younes , Ameur Houari , Rebhi Redha , Khalilpoor Nima , Korichi Abdelkader
Published: September 2021

Thermal spraying involves surface treatment technologies in which a finely divided material is sprayed at high velocity and in a molten or semi-molten state onto the part to be covered. Their main application is the protection against wear, corrosion, and thermal effects. They also have functional properties (electrical, magnetic, etc.), which make them suitable for various industrial uses. The success and shelf life of plasma deposits depends to a large extent on the quality of the adhesion between the deposit and the substrate or between the lamella that constitute the deposit and which are generated by the impact of the powder particles crushing on the substrate. In this work, the spreading and solidification of an alumina particle on a substrate of the stainless-steel under the plasma projection conditions are investigated. The study is conducted by using the interaction fluid-structure (FSI) method in the ANSYS-code. This method is selected to determine the mechanical characteristics at the interface of the substrate particles during rolling. A focus is made on the increased role of the deformations developed during spreading at the surface interface of the substrate, the concentration of the stresses on the adhesion of the lamella, and consequently the coating quality.
Borehole Thermal Analysis for a Closed Loop Vertical U-Tube DX Ground Heat Exchanger
Authors: Tarrad Ali H.
Published: September 2021

The borehole geometry configuration and its sizing represent great challenges to the thermal equipment designer in the field of geothermal energy source. The present work represents a piece in that direction to avoid elaborate mathematical and computation schemes constraints for the preliminary design of the U-tube ground heat exchanger operates under a steady-state condition. A correlation was built for the prediction of the borehole thermal resistance. The U-tube diameter, leg spacing, borehole diameter, and the offset configuration with respect to the center of the borehole were introduced in the present correlation. An equivalent tube formula and borehole configuration were postulated to possess the same grout volume as the original loop. A variety of geometrical configurations were tested at different U-tube and borehole sizes. The predicted total thermal resistance of the borehole was implemented into the thermal design of the (DX) ground condenser to sizing the borehole U-tube heat exchanger. A hypothetical cooling unit of (1) ton of refrigeration that circulates R410A refrigerant was chosen for the verification of the present model outcomes. The predicted thermal resistance revealed an excellent agreement with other previously published work in this category.
Enfrentando a evasão universitária: o caso do projeto tutorias no curso de Zootecnia
Authors: Velleda Caldas Nádia , Sacco dos Anjos Flávio
Published: September 2021

O sistema de ensino superior no Brasil se ampliou e se complexificou ao longo das três últimas décadas. Não obstante, no aludido período a evasão e o abandono têm sido uma constante tanto no âmbito das instituições públicas como privadas. Em boa medida a evasão escolar, em seus diversos níveis, acaba por alimentar a perversa dinâmica dos jovens que não estudam nem trabalham (fenômeno “nem-nem”) que incide no Brasil e em diversos países do planeta. O foco do presente artigo se insere no âmbito das pesquisas relacionadas com a evasão no ensino superior. Nesse estudo analisamos os dados de investigação realizada em uma universidade pública do sul do Brasil e dentro de um curso específico (Zootecnia) onde foi levado a efeito uma iniciativa concreta de enfrentamento às altas taxas de evasão. A filosofia do projeto se assentava no esforço por criar uma atmosfera de acolhimento para os alunos ingressantes, instituindo a figura do professor tutor e do aluno madrinha ou padrinho. Os dados mostram uma avaliação positiva por parte do público-alvo do projeto, bem como a geração de informações que visam aperfeiçoar o seu funcionamento.
Designing Call to Action: Users’ Perception of Different Characteristics
Authors:   Umeå University, Digital Media Lab, Sweden, Mejtoft Thomas , Hedlund Jonathan ,   Umeå University, Digital Media Lab, Sweden, Cripps Helen ,   Edith Cowan University, School of Business and Law, Perth, Australia, Söderström Ulrik ,   Umeå University, Digital Media Lab, Sweden, Norberg Ole ,   Umeå University, Digital Media Lab, Sweden
Published: September 2021

This paper aims to provide guidance when designing a call to action in a digital system with the purpose to create an intended feeling and user engagement. The paper is based on a test of four different simple call to action constructions. The users clearly prefer constructions that have a high explainability and feels intuitive. Hence, the design should have a high level of transparency and show the user straight away what it demands from the user and what the result of the action is. Furthermore, the design should have a high usability to make it clear how to use the call to action.
Smart Services for Energy Communities: Insights on Options and Priorities from a Multicriteria Mapping Study in Germany
Authors:   Social CRM Research Center/Leipzig, Germany, Viana Julio , Alt Rainer ,   Leipzig University, Information Systems Institute/Leipzig, Germany, Reinhold Olaf ,   Social CRM Research Center/Leipzig, Germany
Published: September 2021

Energy Communities are finding their way into the local energy systems as new regulations surge. However, they often lack resources due to their limited size, and depend heavily on subsidies for providing competitive offerings. In parallel, new technologies support the development of smart services for the energy market and provide chances for increasing the competitiveness of energy communities. This paper utilizes the multi-criteria mapping (MCM) method to discuss with stakeholders from energy communities in Germany the relevance and priorities for realizing specific smart services. A general ranking, as well as four perspective-based rankings, are analyzed by discussing contrasts and uncertainties. The results provide relevant insights on potentials from each service and a basis for the design of new information systems and architectures for energy communities.
Determinants of smallholder farmers’ participation in microfinance markets in Huye district, southern province, Rwanda
Authors:   University of Rwanda, Mutamuliza Eularie , Vishwanatha K ,   Mangalore University, Mbaraka SR
Published: September 2021

Microfinance markets play a significant role in enhancing socio-economic development of developing countries. In Rwanda, access to microfinance in financing agriculture is very important for future development. Despite this development, smallholder farmers still have limited access to institutional financial services. This study assessed factors that affect smallholder farmers’ participation in microfinance markets in three sectors of Maraba, Mukura and Ngoma in Huye district in Southern province of Rwanda. Primary data were collected using questionnaires and personal interviews. A total of 300 respondents were selected using a simple random sampling technique from participants and non-participants in microfinance markets. Data collected were analyzed through descriptive statistics and Probit regression model. Results from descriptive statistics revealed that major sources of income were farming and business activities. Findings revealed also that each household had an average of about five members with standard deviation of 1.901 and mean value of household land size of 1.87 ha with standards deviation of 0.758. Findings from Probit analysis revealed that household size, education, total annual income, cooperative membership, and household savings had a positive and significant effect on smallholder farmers’ participation in microfinance markets. Distance from microfinance institutions negatively influenced participation in microfinance markets. Households that were located far from to the microfinance institutions were less likely to participate in microfinance markets compared to those nearer to the institutions. This study recommends microfinance institutions in Rwanda to expand their financial systems to enable smallholder farmers access affordable agricultural finance. Further, there is need for microfinance institutions to create more awareness programs to help smallholder farmers get key information related to microfinance services. This is expected to influence smallholder farmers’ willingness to apply for microcredits for agricultural development. This will in the long-run help the smallholder farmers to adopt new practices and technologies thus increasing their agricultural production.
Performance Evaluation of Selected Banking Stocks Listed on Bombay Stock Exchange During Pre & Post Covid-19 Crisis
Authors: Kumar Dr.Vishal , Rani Ritu
Published: September 2021

Investing in the stock market has always been regarded as risky. Market sentiment is a factor that influences stock prices. The purpose of this study is to assess the performance of selected banking stocks based on risk and excess return generated by them during the study period. The study also determines the effect of certain financial variables on sample banking stocks during the time crisis of Covid’19. Economic variables such as the BSE Sensex, rate of exchange, variation in FII (Foreign Institutional Investors), and coupon rate of Government Sector (G-Sec) were analysed in conjunction with the analysis of banking stocks. The regression and correlation tests are used to determine the significance of variables using SPSS. Following the BSE’s performance provides insight into the future modifications throughout the price levels of bank shares. Following a sharp decline in the market, private sector bank stock prices are correct, but not public sector bank stock prices. Throughout the first part of the research, there is a direct relationship between the BSE, Sensex, and the selected stocks, but only a weak correlation with FII, G-Sec coupon rate, and the exchange rate. Along the second part of the research, the relationship between stock prices and economic variables varies widely between banks.
​An Economic Analysis of Chilli Production in Tripura, India
Authors: Hazari Sujoy , Kalita Mamoni
Published: September 2021

Background: Chillies are one of the most widely used spices and a commercial crop. It is the most widely used universal spice and is named as the wonder spice. Tripura is one of the largest producers of a commercial crop of chilli in the entire north eastern state. Commercial cultivation of chilli is very profitable and can expect high revenue because of high market value or market demand in local markets. Under this backdrop, the paper attempts to study the economics of chilli production in Tripura, India. Methods: This study was conducted on a sample of 150 chilli growers in Dhalai district, West Tripura and the Sipahijala district of Tripura during 2019-20 as it is the highest chilli growing area. A personal interview method was used to collect the data and suitable statistical tools were used for analyzing the data. The cost of cultivation for chilli was calculated by using the CACP (Commission on Agriculture Cost and Prices) approach. Result: The study revealed that the majority of the respondents were under the age of 54 years, belonged to the schedule tribe category i.e., 48.66 per cent (24.33) followed by the general category i.e., 34.66 (17.33) and the schedule caste category i.e., 16.66 per cent (8.33). All the respondents were from farming families, mainly belonging to marginal and small land holdings. It has been observed that the maximum cost was incurred on total family labour, i.e., Rs. 41230.11, Rs. 56769.23 and Rs. 51972.17 respectively in West Tripura, Unakoti and South Tripura, whereas in the case of total hired labour cost, no was involved by the growers of South Tripura district. The total production of chilli was 2894.45 kg/ha and the overall return over cost C was determined at Rs. 104572.94 per ha. In the different districts, the return per rupee over cost C ranged from 1.99 to 2.44.
Role of AI in Agriculture: Applications, Limitations and Challenges: A Review
Authors: Mohan S. Sai , Venkat Regatti , Rahaman S. , Vinayak M. , Babu B. Hari
Published: September 2021

Increase in the world’s population as well as decrease in the availability of agricultural labour are demanding a smarter way to fulfill the global supply chain. Defining human intelligence in such a way that a machine can easily mimic it and can execute tasks which are simplest and those that are even more complex is known as artificial intelligence (AI). Recent advances in electronics offer vast opportunities for research, development and innovation in agriculture. India is facing scarcity in labour due to people moving into urban areas as daily wage workers and also due to agriculture being unproductive now a days. As a result there is always a scope to introduce new technologies like robotic platforms, plant health detection sensors, robotic harvesters, unmanned aerial vehicles, soil nutrient mapping using MATLAB etc., which can change the phase of agriculture. Present study was undertaken to summarize all the available technologies in agriculture from sowing to post harvesting. Although there are many applications, implementing an AI based technology on Indian fields is a difficult task because of the limited land holdings and different soil types. Repair and maintenance of these systems require a technical authority who should be available now and then for quick assistance.
Comparative Efficacy of Physiological Responses and Skin Temperatures in Indigenous and Crossbred Cattle Supplemented with Chlorophytum borivilianum in Summer Season
Authors: Devi Pooja , Singh Mahendra , Somagond Yallappa M. , Roy A.K.
Published: September 2021

Background: Heat stress causes oxidative stress and declines milk production potential of cows. The physiological responses and skin temperature of heat stressed animals are good indices for deterring the heat stress. The efficacy of medicinal herb Chlorophytum borivilianum (CB) was tested in lowering the rise in values of physiological responses and skin temperature in crossbred vis a vis Indigenous cows. Methods: Eighteen Tharparkar (TP) and Crossbred KF cows in mid-lactation were given; No supplement (control), a low (T1, n=6) and a high dose (T2, n=6) of CB @ 40 and 80 mg/kg BW/day, respectively for 90 days during hot-humid season. Respiration rate (RR), pulse rate (PR), rectal temperature (RT) and skin temperature (ST) was recorded at the site of forehead, neck, rear body, and udder surface in the morning and afternoon at weekly intervals. Temperature-humidity index (THI) was calculated to assess the degree of thermal stress in animals. Result: Physiological responses and skin temperatures were higher (p less than 0.01) in the afternoon than morning intervals in TP and KF cows. CB feeding significantly lowered physiological responses and ST (p less than 0.01) in high dose as compared to low dose. It was concluded that CB feeding @ 80 mg/kg BW/day effectively alleviates the heat stress. Indigenous cows were found more heat tolerant in comparison to crossbred cows.
OS MÚLTIPLOS ESTILOS DE APRENDIZAGEM E AS METODOLOGIAS ATIVAS
Authors: Da Silva Isac Neto , Anadam Mello Marco Aurélio , Dos Santos Rebolças Gleiv Aparecida , Alves Gomes Irley
Published: September 2021

Modificar metodologias educacionais frente as novas assertivas sociais constituem-se como desafio frequente para gestores e educadores. Os Estilos de Aprendizagem não representam uma inovação nas teorias de aprendizagens, mas resultados de estudos que demonstram que cada indivíduo apresenta uma forma inata para ensinar e aprender. Objeto desse estudo os múltiplos estilos de aprendizagem e as metodologias ativas discutidos frente sua identificação e aplicabilidade para uma escola que mesmo dizendo-se moderna, oculta sua característica tradicional. Tem-se como objetivo analisar as propostas de intervenção de acordo com as metodologias ativas, os contextos e sua possível aplicação, mesmo antevendo um cenário pouco favorável para elas, principalmente, no sentido de aplicação em uma escola de educação pública gratuita. Este trabalho foi realizado seguindo os critérios de pesquisa básica do tipo bibliográfica com uma abordagem qualitativa. O objetivo exploratório do trabalho foi alcançado com sucesso através da pesquisa bibliográfica. Em resumo, no atual contexto educacional que vivemos as metodologias ativas são tendências de ensino que podem ser utilizadas no processo ensino-aprendizagem com o objetivo de desenvolver a autonomia e a participação dos alunos de forma integral. Resultando benefícios às práticas pedagógicas e para todo o processo educativo que recebe um upgrade. É importante que toda equipe trabalhe junto para o reconhecimento dos estilos de aprendizagem de cada indivíduo para poder escolher quais as metodologias utilizar em sala de aula para uma aprendizagem significativa.Palavras-chave: Docente. Educação. Práticas pedagógicas.
EDMXP: uma ferramenta para mineração de dados em educação híbrida desenvolvida segundo a abordagem CCS
Authors: Yoshio Tamae Rodrigo , Schlünzen Junior Klaus
Published: September 2021

A ampla utilização dos AVAs (Ambientes Virtuais de Aprendizagem) na Educação, podem contribuir para a utilização de TDIC (Tecnologias Digitais da Informação e da Comunicação), das Metodologias Ativas de Aprendizagem e que favorecem a abordagem CCS (Construcionista, Contextualizada e Significativa), na qual o cursista utiliza a tecnologia como instrumento para produzir algo que parte da sua vivência e realidade e o professor atua como mediador para ajudar este cursista a formalizar conceitos. Nesse contexto, a Internet e os dispositivos móveis têm contribuído para a proliferação de grande quantidade de dados em formato digital, mas ainda são pouco utilizados para gerar a descoberta de conhecimento. É onde se destaca a área de MDE (Mineração de Dados Educacionais), que consiste no desenvolvimento de métodos e técnicas orientados a explorar tais dados para melhor compreender o comportamento dos cursistas e em quais condições eles aprendem. O argumento norteador da pesquisa foi descobrir como as técnicas de MDE poderiam ser usadas para identificar indícios da abordagem CCS nos cursos da modalidade híbrida. O delineamento metodológico baseia-se na abordagem Ex Post Facto, pois a investigação foi realizada após a conclusão dos fatos. Para responder as questões norteadoras, o curso de pós-graduação em Educação Especial na Perspectiva Inclusiva do programa Redefor-Unesp foi analisado a partir das categorias CCS, sistematizados em um software experimental denominado EDMXP (Educational Data Mining eXPeriment). Os resultados foram compilados em uma linguagem que possibilita aos profissionais de Educação compreenderem melhor os dados para que, ao final, fosse possível constatar que a MDE pode ser um fator transformador em Educação, pois permite a tomada de decisão com base em dados e em fatos e não apenas de forma intuitiva ou por meio de experiências vivenciadas. Representa, portanto, uma nova forma de fazer e pensar a Educação.Palavras-chave: Mineração de Dados Educacionais. Abordagem CCS. Educação híbrida.
Metastatik akciğer tümörlerinin alışılmadık prezentasyonu: sekonder spontan pnömotorakslı iki olgu
Authors: KEÇECİ ÖZGÜR Gizem , ERGÖNÜL Ayşe Gül , TURHAN Kutsal , ÇAKAN Alpaslan
Published: September 2021

Sekonder spontan pnömotoraks kronik obstrüktif akciğer hastalığı, akciğer enfeksiyonu ve nadiren primer ya da sekonder akciğer malignitelerine ikincil olarak ortaya çıkabilmektedir. Akciğerdeki metastatik tümörlerin pnömotoraks oluşturma mekanizması hakkında farklı görüşler bulunmaktadır. Genellikle kemoterapi sırasında veya sonrasında izlenebilen bu tablo biri pleomorfik sarkomun diğeri germ hücreli tümörün akciğere metastazı nedeniyle sekonder spontan pnömotoraks gelişen iki olgu eşliğinde sunulmuştur.
Sıcak iklim değişiklikleri çocuklarda nefrolitiazis riskini arttırır mı?
Authors: RENDA Rahime
Published: September 2021

Amaç: Çocuklarda nefrolitiazis oluşumunda çevresel, genetik risk faktörleri ile metabolik bozuklukların de yer aldığı ve sıklığı gittikçe artan bir hastalık grubudur. En sık saptanan metabolik bozukluklar hiperkalsiüri ve hipositratüridir. Çalışmamızın amacı, Akdeniz bölgesindeki pediatrik yaş grubunda nefrolitiazisli hastaların başvuru tarihleri, demografik, metabolik ve klinik özelliklerini değerlendirerek risk faktörlerini belirlemektir.
Gereç ve Yöntem: Ocak 2015 ile Mart 2018 arasında hastanemiz çocuk nefroloji polikliniğinde nefrolitiazis tanısı almış 129 hasta (55 kız,74 erkek) çalışmaya alındı. Bu hastaların başvuru tarihleri, demografik parametreleri, klinik semptomları, metabolik ve radyolojik tetkikleri retrospektif olarak incelendi.
Bulgular: Toplam 129 hasta, 55’i kız (%42,6) ve 74’ü erkek (%57,4), yaş ortalaması 4,2±4,7 yıl idi. Hastaların %71,3’ünde tek taraflı, %24,8’inde ise iki taraflı renal yerleşimli taş saptandı. En sık görülen klinik semptom huzursuzluk, renal kolik ve hematüri idi. Metabolik değerlendirmeler incelendiğinde hastaların 39’unda hiperürikozüri, 29’unda hiperkalsiüri, 14’ünde hipositratüri ve hiperoksalüri, üçünde sistinüri saptandı. İdrar yolu enfeksiyonu 23 hastada tespit edilirken, 15 hastaya medikal tedaviye ek olarak cerrahi tedavi gerekli görüldü. Geliş tarihleri incelendiğinde hastaların büyük kısmının (%67,4’ü) sıcak mevsimlerde (ilkbahar ve yaz) başvurduğu ve tanı aldığı saptandı.
Sonuç: Sıcak iklimde yaşamanın, dehidratasyon nedeniyle böbrek taşı oluşma riskini arttırdığını düşünmekteyiz. Sıvı alımının yetersiz olması, infant grubunda, böbrek taşlarının büyümesini destekleyen idrar ürik asit ve kalsiyumun yüksek atılımına yol açmaktadır.
Kongenital katarakt vaka serisi
Authors: AYGIT Ebru Demet
Published: September 2021

Amaç: Bu çalışmamızda konjenital katarakt nedeniyle hastanemize başvuran hastaların başvuru yaşı, operasyon zamanı, uygulanan cerrahi teknik ve intraoküler lens implantasyonu, posterior kapsül kesafeti ve elde edilen görsel sonuçların değerlendirilmesi amaçlanmıştır.

Gereç ve Yöntem: Hastanemizde, 2016-2017 yılları arasında konjenital katarakt cerrahisi geçirmiş hasta dosyaları retrospektif olarak incelenmiştir. Çalışmamıza 25 (16 erkek, 9 kız) hastanın 42 (24 sağ, 18 sol) gözü dahil edilmiştir. Altı aydan kısa takip süresi olan hastalar çalışmaya dahil edilmemiştir. Vakaların demografik özellikleri, elde edilen en iyi düzeltilmiş görme keskinlikleri ve ön segment bulguları kaydedilmiştir. İstatistiksel analizler SPSS programı ile yapılmıştır.

Bulgular: Yaş ortalaması 6,5±3 yıl (3-12) ve ortalama takip süreleri 2,7 yıl (2-3,5) idi. Bir yıllık süre içinde 17 hastaya bilateral, sekiz hastaya unilateral konjenital katarakt cerrahisi yapılmıştır. Tüm hastalara ko-aksiyel irrigasyon aspirasyon ile lens aspirasyonu, primer posterior kapsüloreksis, anterior vitrektomi ve intraoküler lens implantasyonu uygulanmıştır. Takiplerde 23 hastada ambliyopi tespit edilmiştir.

Sonuç: Kongenital katarakt gelişmekte olan ve az gelişmiş ülkelerde çocukluk çağı körlüklerinin önemli bir nedenidir. Bu nedenle görme gelişimi açısından konjenital katarakt hastalarının tespit edilmesi, cerrahi zamanlama, cerrahi teknik ve hastaların düzenli takiplerinin yapılması önemlidir.
F18 FDG PET/CT findings in cat-scratch disease: a case report
Authors: ÇETİN AVCI Neslihan , AVCI Mehmet Taha , AKGÜN Aysegül
Published: September 2021

Cat-scratch disease is a bacterial infection caused by Bartonella Henselae which affects lymph nodes that drain the sites of inoculation. Axillary, cervical and inguinal lymph nodes are the most common regions being involved. The disease can be considered as an FDG-avid disease, given the granulomatous nature of the infection. We herein report F18 FDG PET/CT findings of a 49-year-old woman, who has abdominal lymphadenopathy revealed on ultrasonography (USG). PET/CT scan demonstrated bilateral axillary and abdominopelvic hypermetabolic enlarged lymph nodes with SUVmax value of 6.2 to 18.5. Moreover, a hypermetabolic hypodense lesion in the spleen with SUVmax value of 11.3 was detected. Excisional biopsy of the axillary lymph node performed. Based on clinical-histopathological findings and the history of being scratched by a cat recently, the patient was diagnosed with cat-scratch disease. In conclusion, cat-scratch disease represents a cause of false-positive results in oncological PET/CT scans. Furthermore, PET/CT may have a role in revealing the applicable biopsy area and showing the additional involvement sites. Keywords: Cat-Scratch Disease, PET-CT, Lymphadenopathy.
A Meta-Analysis on the Effects of Synchronous Online Learning on Cognitive and Affective Educational Outcomes
Authors: Martin Florence , Sun Ting , Turk Murat , Ritzhaupt Albert
Published: September 2021

Synchronous online learning (SOL) provides an opportunity for instructors to connect in real-time with their students though separated by geographical distance. This meta-analysis examines the overall effect of SOL on cognitive and affective educational outcomes, while using asynchronous online learning or face-to-face learning as control groups. The effects are also examined for several moderating methodological, pedagogical, and demographical factors. Following a systematic identification and screening procedure, we identified 19 publications with 27 independent effect sizes published between 2000 and 2019. Overall, there was a statistically significant small effect in favor of synchronous online learning versus asynchronous online learning for cognitive outcomes. However, the other models were not statistically significant in this meta-analysis. The effect size data were normally distributed and significantly moderated by course duration, instructional method, student equivalence, learner level, and discipline. Implications for educational practice and research are included.
Instructor Impact on Differences in Teaching Presence Scores in Online Courses
Authors: Fiock Holly , Maeda Yukiko , Richardson Jennifer C.
Published: September 2021

Using three interdependent constructs: social, cognitive, and teaching presence, the Community of Inquiry framework is a theoretical process model of online learning. Specifically, teaching presence contains three sub-elements—(a) facilitation of discourse, (b) direct instruction, and (c) instructional design and organization—that work together to create a collaborative-constructivist learning environment. Data from the Community of Inquiry survey from 160 learners in 11 course sections were analyzed using a one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) to determine whether statistically significant differences existed in teaching presence scores between sections of two online courses with identical course design taught by different instructors. Results showed significant differences between individual instructors’ teaching presence scores for each of the two courses. Specifically, significant differences were found in each sub-element of teaching presence except for one course’s instructional design and organization. Conceptual and methodological explanations of the findings are provided, and implications and suggestions for future research are discussed.
New Challenge for Initial Training of Mathematics Teachers: The Planning Phase of Mathematics Distance Learning
Authors: Nongni Gaël
Published: September 2021

The scientific literature identifies five challenges related to training teachers: the basics of the constructivist approach, the problematization of mathematical knowledge to be taught, the promotion of interdisciplinarity, the use of digital pedagogical resources in planning teaching, and new skills to be developed due to the arrival of artificial intelligence. Considering the COVID-19 pandemic, it is appropriate to consider a sixth challenge, notably, training teachers capable of delivering mathematical distance learning courses focused on students’ conceptual understanding. It therefore is necessary to link the stakes of initial training with that of distance learning, which can enhance conceptual understanding. Linking the need to construct knowledge among students with technological tools used for distance learning allows new challenges faced in the planning of mathematics teaching to be highlighted. These new challenges give rise to the anticipation genesis that helps in situating the planning of mathematics teaching between three variables: artifact variables, arrangement variables, and variables related to the nature of the data to be used. These variables are a major asset for the training of the preservice mathematics teacher. Their study in this article allows us to recognize that the choice of technological tools to be used in mathematics distance learning depends greatly on the conceptual analysis of the mathematical knowledge to be taught. This study shows that it is important to rethink and question distance learning for each mathematical concept.
Instructor Presence and Student Satisfaction Across Modalities: Survey Data on Student Preferences in Online and On-Campus Courses
Authors: Glazier Rebecca A. , Harris Heidi Skurat
Published: September 2021

Post-COVID-19, many, if not most, college and university instructors teach both online and face-to-face, and, given that online courses historically have higher attrition rates, designing and facilitating effective online courses is key to student retention. Students need online and on-campus courses that are well designed and facilitated, but even well-designed classes can be ineffective if students feel lost in the course or disengaged from the instructor. We surveyed 2,007 undergraduate students at a public, metropolitan university in the United States about the best and worst classes they had taken at the university. The resulting data revealed important consistencies across modalities—such as the importance of clear instructions and instructor availability. However, students responded that instructors matter more in face-to-face courses, where they can establish personal relationships with students, whereas assignments “stand in” for instructors in online classes. These findings support the need for increased faculty professional development in online course design and facilitation focused on student experience as well as faculty expertise.
Video Lectures: An Analysis of Their Useful Life Span and Sustainable Production
Authors: Santos Espino José Miguel , Guerra Artal Cayetano , González Betancor Sara María
Published: September 2021

The learning effectiveness of video lectures has been extensively studied by the scientific community, but research on their cost-effectiveness and sustainable production is still very scarce. To shed light on these aspects, this study has measured the useful life span and cost-effectiveness of a large catalog of video lectures produced for undergraduate courses at a Spanish university. A Kaplan–Meier survival analysis has been performed to identify factors linked to video longevity. The analysis accounted for variables such as the video production style (screencast, slideshow, chalk and talk, talking head, and on-location film) and others such as the instructional purpose and field of knowledge. The teachers involved in video production and integration have been surveyed to discover causes of video obsolescence. In addition, using life span and production cost data, the cost-effectiveness of each production style over time was estimated. The results suggest that production style affects video longevity, and in particular, dynamic visuals are more related to longer life spans compared with static contents. Screencast stands out as the most cost-effective production style, having the best ratio of life span to production effort. Some practical suggestions are provided for producing video lectures with higher longevity expectations.
In search of developmental capitalism institutions:
Authors: Balestro Moises , Junqueira Botelho Antonio
Published: September 2021

How can we explain that some emerging economies grow faster than others? What explains the sustainability of their growth? Not all types of capitalism in emerging markets contribute equally to sustainable growth rates that undergird development. Comparative capitalism research on European economies temporary growth models aims to more properly grasp change in the varieties of capitalism approach. Adoption of the growth models in emerging markets capitalism research requires attention to integration into the global economy and to political coalitions, and the need to deal with the methodological challenges, given high labor market informality and political instability. This article seeks to make sense of changes in the components of successive growth models throughout a path-dependent capitalist variety, expand the growth model analytical framework by testing elements alongside demand (and supply) based on a case study of Brazil, and explore coalitions in economic reform to identify growth model’s social blocs. The article’s results unveil challenges to the employment of existing concepts and analytical framework; the need to build bridges between growth models and the political economy of development; and an exploratory assessment of growth model contributions to Brazil's postwar development. Thereof, in the long term, interest shifts of economic elites between liberal and non-liberal economic regimes suggest a fragility of repeated attempts to form a durable developmental coalition, a process dynamic that frays state-permeated capitalism positive externalities. It concludes that both path dependent developmental institutions, which hinder change, and growth instability limit the possibilities of designing institutional reforms out of the middle-income trap.
Variedades de capitalismo nos BRICS
Authors: Escher Fabiano
Published: September 2021

Desde os anos 2000, observa-se a difusão do programa de pesquisas em Capitalismos Comparados (CC), envolvendo três gerações de estudos interdisciplinares nos campos da economia política e da sociologia econômica sobre Variedades de Capitalismo (VoC). Com foco quase que exclusivo nos países desenvolvidos nas duas primeiras gerações, em sua terceira geração os estudos em CC passaram a se ocupar também dos países em desenvolvimento, principalmente dos países emergentes, como os BRICS (Brasil, Rússia, Índia, China e África do Sul). Contudo, apesar de os mais importantes estudiosos comparatistas nas ciências sociais sempre terem se preocupado com a questão agrária nas grandes transformações que deram origem e definiram os rumos do mundo moderno, é notável a ausência de temas agrícolas, rurais e alimentares nos estudos em CC. No intuito de superar parte dessa lacuna, o artigo explora o lugar da “questão agroalimentar” nas variedades de capitalismo dos BRICS e o papel desempenhado por esses países no reordenamento do “regime alimentar internacional”.
SY-1530, a highly selective BTK inhibitor, effectively treats B-cell malignancies by blocking B-cell activation
Authors: Wang Liao , Sun Yinghui , Liu Xijie , Li Hongjuan , Lu Chang , Yang Ronghui , Yang Chuanzhen , Li Binghui
Published: September 2021

Objective: B-cell antigen receptor (BCR) signaling is required to maintain the physiological functions of normal B cells and plays an important pathogenic role in B-cell malignancies. Bruton tyrosine kinase (BTK), a critical mediator of BCR signaling, is an attractive target for the treatment of B-cell malignancies. This study aimed to identify a highly potent and selective BTK inhibitor. Methods: Homogeneous time-resolved fluorescence assays were used to screen BTK inhibitors. Typhoon fluorescence imaging and Western blot analysis were used to confirm the effects of SY-1530 on the BCR signaling pathway. Additionally, the anti-tumor activities of SY-1530 were evaluated in TMD8 xenografts and spontaneous canine B-cell lymphoma. Results: We found a novel irreversible and non-competitive inhibitor of BTK, SY-1530, which provided dose-dependent and time-dependent inhibition. SY-1530 selectively bound to BTK rather than inducible T-cell kinase; consequently, it did not significantly affect T-cell receptor signaling and caused limited off-target effects. SY-1530 blocked the BCR signaling pathway through down-regulation of BTK activity, thus leading to impaired phosphorylation of BTK and its downstream kinases. Moreover, SY-1530 induced apoptosis in a caspase-dependent manner and efficaciously inhibited tumor growth in mouse xenograft models of B-cell malignancy (P < 0.001). SY-1530 also induced positive clinical responses in spontaneous canine B-cell lymphoma. Conclusions: SY-1530 is an irreversible and selective BTK inhibitor that shows inhibitory effects on B-cell malignancies by blocking the BCR signaling pathway. Therefore, it may be a promising therapeutic approach for the treatment of B-cell malignancies.
Prognostic significance of a combined and controlled nutritional status score and EBV-DNA in patients with advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma: a long-term follow-up study
Authors: Lu Hui , Guo Shanshan , Liu Liting , Chen Qiuyan , Liang Yujing , Liu Sailan , Sun Xuesong , Tang Qingnan , Li Xiaoyun , Guo Ling , Mo Haoyuan , Tang Linquan , Mai Haiqiang
Published: September 2021

Objective: Several studies have reported that the controlling nutritional status (CONUT) score is a prognostic predictor for survival among patients with different types of cancer. We assessed the prognostic value of changes in the CONUT score during treatment and the ΔCONUT-EBV DNA score in patients with advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 433 patients with advanced NPC having no evidence of metastasis from January 2007 to June 2011; the patients underwent radical concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT) at Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center and were grouped based on their ΔCONUT and ΔCONUT-EBV DNA scores. Kaplan-Meier curves were used to compare the patient outcomes according to the cut-off ΔCONUT score and the ΔCONUT-EBV DNA scoring system. Results: Among all patients, overall survival (OS) was independently predicted by a high ΔCONUT score (P = 0.031) and high EBV DNA (P < 0.001). The ΔCONUT-EBV DNA score [OS area under the curve (AUC) = 0.621; progression free survival (PFS)-AUC = 0.612; distant metastasis-free survival (DMFS)-AUC = 0.622] was more predictive of OS, PFS, and DMFS in patients with advanced NPC than the ΔCONUT score (OS-AUC = 0.547; PFS-AUC = 0.533; DMFS-AUC = 0.522) and pretreatment plasma EBV DNA levels alone (OS-AUC = 0.600; PFS-AUC = 0.591, DMFS-AUC = 0.610). The ΔCONUT-EBV DNA score was significantly correlated with OS, PFS, and DMFS in patients with advanced NPC treated with CCRT. Conclusions: The ΔCONUT-EBV DNA score may be useful in clinical practice as a convenient biomarker for predicting the outcomes in patients with advanced NPC treated with CCRT.
Is adjuvant chemotherapy necessary for early gastric cancer?
Authors: Mei Yu , Feng Tienan , Yan Min , Zhu Zhenggang , Zhu Zhenglun
Published: September 2021

Objective: To quantify the potential benefit of adjuvant chemotherapy (ACT) with respect to survival, and to identify factors for predicting prognoses in early gastric cancer patients. Methods: Patients with pT1 gastric cancer (GC) who underwent radical resection with D2 lymphadenectomy were retrospectively analyzed. Based on lymph node metastasis (LNM) status and treatment regimens, patients were classified into groups, and clinicopathological variables, overall survival (OS), and disease-specific survival (DSS) were compared. Results: Of 1,050 enrolled patients, 151 patients (14.4%) had a positive LNM status. Submucosal invasion, undifferentiated state, tumor size > 2 cm, ulceration, and lymphovascular invasion were independent risk factors for LNM using multivariate analyses. The 5-year OS of all patients was 96.4%. HER2 positive, perineural invasion, and LNM were independent factors for worse survival. Patients with pT1N3 GC had a worse 5-year OS and DSS than pT1N0, pT1N1, and pT1N2 patients (P < 0.001). The 5-year OS and DSS for pT1N1 patients showed no significant difference between ACT and surgery only patients. For pT1N2 patients, the 5-year OS and DSS showed no significant difference between S-1 and Xelox treatments. For pT1N3 patients, 7 (36.8%) received S-1, while 12 (63.2%) received Xelox treatment. Patients receiving Xelox treatment showed a better 5-year OS (75.0% vs. 14.3%) and DSS (81.8% vs. 20.0%) than patients receiving S-1 (P < 0.05). Conclusions: Curative surgery only was adequate for patients with pT1N0 and pT1N1. Xelox showed no survival benefits for pT1N2 patients. Therefore, S-1 is the optimal choice for pT1N2 patients, when considering adverse effects. Xelox is recommended for pT1N3 patients.
Fotemustine-based therapy in combination with rituximab as a first-line induction chemotherapy followed by WBRT for newly diagnosed primary central nervous system lymphoma: a prospective phase II trial
Authors: Wu Jingjing , Gao Fenghua , Wang Wenhua , Zhang Xudong , Dong Meng , Zhang Lei , Li Xin , Li Ling , Sun Zhenchang , Wang Xinhua , Fu Xiaorui , Zhu Linan , Ding Mengjie , Niu Songtao , Li Zhaoming , Chang Yu , Nan Feifei , Yan Jiaqian , Yu Hui , Wu Xiaolong , Zhou Zhiyuan , Zhang Jieming , Zhang Mingzhi
Published: September 2021

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the safety, efficacy, and feasibility of the rituximab, fotemustine, pemetrexed, and dexamethasone (R-FPD) regimen followed by whole-brain radiotherapy (WBRT) for patients with primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL). Methods: A prospective, single-center phase II clinical trial was conducted. Patients with PCNSL newly diagnosed at the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University between July 2018 and July 2020 were studied. The R-FPD regimen consisted of rituximab (375 mg/m2 i.v. on D0), fotemustine (100 mg/m2 i.v. on D1), pemetrexed (600 mg/m2 i.v. on D1), and dexamethasone (40 mg i.v. on D1-5). Patients 60 years or younger who showed a complete response (CR) were treated with 23.4 Gy of WBRT after the end of chemotherapy; those older than 60 years with CR were treated with a wait-and-see approach; and those who did not show CR after the 4th cycle of chemotherapy were given salvage WBRT 30 Gy + local tumor field irradiation up to 45 Gy, regardless of age. Results: A total of 30 patients were included. After 2 cycles, the objective response rate (ORR) was 96.5% (28/29, 1 CR, 27 PR, 0 SD, and 1 PD). After 4 cycles, the ORR was 73.1% (19/26, 11 CR, 8 PR, 4 SD, and 3 PD). After WBRT, the ORR was 90.9% (10/11, 7 CR, 3 PR, and 1 SD). The grade III and IV toxicity responses were mainly leukopenia (20.0%), thrombocytopenia (23.3%), and anemia (10.0%). Conclusions: Fotemustine-based therapy in combination with rituximab chemotherapy followed by WBRT can improve outcomes, providing ORR benefits and favorable tolerability in patients newly diagnosed with PCNSL.