bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hans L. Martensen on Self-Consciousness, Mysticism, and Freedom
Authors: Thompson Curtis L.
Published: August 2021

This article examines three early writings of Hans L. Martensen, Søren Kierkegaard’s teacher and the target of his criticisms. The writings focus respectively on self-consciousness, mysticism, and freedom. They each make important claims about religion, and together they disclose the young Martensen’s systematic understanding of the epistemological, mystical, and moral-ethical dimensions of human experience as shaped by the representations of Christian faith and life. The analysis reveals an agile thinker, whose creative philosophical and theological ideas are the product of imaginative speculation growing out of passionate religiosity. Some connections will be drawn from these essays to the writings of Søren Kierkegaard.
“The Greatest Sculptor”: Bertel Thorvaldsen According to Kierkegaard
Authors: Longo Giulia
Published: August 2021

The common ground where Thorvaldsen and Kierkegaard meet is Copenhagen. This essay focuses on the places—both physical and theoretical—in which the comparison between the two is made possible. First of all, the Vor Frue Kirke, where some of Thorvaldsen’s most important sculptures are displayed, as well as where Kierkegaard used to go both as a member of the community and as a preacher. This article presents a perspective on the intersection that exists in a horizontal sense for Thorvaldsen, and for Kierkegaard in a vertical sense, culminating at the feet of the altar from which their heartfelt messages emanate.
Cell population data in identifying active tuberculosis and community-acquired pneumonia
Authors: Sun Tingting , Wu Bin , Luo Zhonglan , Wang Jing , Deng Shaoli , Huang Qing
Published: August 2021

Objective

Leukocyte morphological parameters known as CPD (cell population data) is detected by hematology analyzer UniCel DxH800 with VCS technology. This study aimed to investigate the diagnostic efficacy of morphological changes in CPD parameters in distinguishing active tuberculosis from community-acquired pneumonia.

Methods

From October 2018 to February 2019, 88 patients with active tuberculosis, 78 patients with community-acquired pneumonia, and 89 healthy controls were enrolled in this study. CPD was obtained using Unicel DxH800 analyzer for all whole blood samples, one-way ANOVA (non-parametric) and area analysis under ROC curve were performed.

Results

The neutrophil mean conductivity (NMC), monocyte mean volume (MMV), monocyte mean conductivity (MMC), lymphocyte percentage (LY%), and monocyte percentage (MO%) were significantly higher in the active tuberculosis group than in the community-acquired pneumonia group. The white blood cell (WBC) count and neutrophil percentage (NE%) were significantly lower in the active tuberculosis group than in the community-acquired pneumonia group. The analysis of the area under the ROC curve proved that WBC count, neutrophil percentage (NE%), lymphocyte percentage (LY%), and monocyte percentage (MO%) did not achieve a higher area under the curve (AUC: 0.63, 0.71, 0.62, and 0.7, respectively). However, the AUC of NMC, MMV, and MMC in the CPD parameters was 0.951, 0.877, 0.98, respectively, and the simultaneous measurement of the three parameters was 0.99. The sensitivity and specificity were 98.5% and 91.1%, respectively.

Conclusion

The combined diagnosis of NMC, MMV, and MMC could assist the clinical diagnosis of active tuberculosis and community-acquired pneumonia.
Phosphoglycerate mutase 2 is elevated in serum of patients with heart failure and correlates with the disease severity and patient’s prognosis
Authors: Li Min , Gao Xiaoyuan , Wang Huiyun , Zhang Mingli , Li Xiaoying , Wang Shuya , Wang Shaoqin , Cao Chongfeng , Li Ying , Su Guohai
Published: August 2021

Background

Heart failure (HF) is a serious and advanced stage of various cardiac diseases with high mortality and rehospitalization rates. Phosphoglycerate mutase 2 (PGAM2) overexpression was identified in the serum of patients with HF.

Material/methods

One hundred and fifty-three cases of HF were included in the present work. According to New York Heart Association (NYHA) classification, 22 were grade II, 84 were grade III, and 47 were grade IV. Serum PGAM2, NT-proBNP, B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP), troponin T (TNT), and Cys-C of HF patients were detected using ELISA assay. Left ventricular ejection fraction, left ventricular end-diastolic inner diameter, and left atrium (LA) inner diameter of the included cases were also detected by the cardiac color Doppler.

Results

The number of patients with atrial fibrillation was significantly higher in NYHA IV group than in groups II and III with statistical difference (p < 0.05). The serum PGAM2, NT-proBNP, and Cys-C were significantly higher in NYHA IV group than in NYHA II and NYHA III groups (p
all < 0.05). NT-proBNP had the highest prediction efficacy of HF severity and PGAM2 was also a potential biomarker for HF severity evaluation with relatively high sensitivity, specificity, and area under the ROC. The overall survival among NYHA II, III, and IV groups were statistically different (p = 0.04) with the median survival time of 25 months for NYHA III and IV groups.

Conclusion

PGAM2 is a new promising biomarker for evaluation of the severity of HF. Combination detection using multiple serum factors such as PGAM2, NT-proBNP, BNP, TNT, and Cys-C can improve the HF severity differential diagnosis performance.
COVID-19: Lessons from Norway tragedy must be considered in vaccine rollout planning in least developed/developing countries
Authors: Bari Razmin , Bepari Asim Kumar , Reza Hasan Mahmud
Published: August 2021

All governments, regulatory authorities, and vaccine-related committees are under tremendous pressure to roll out vaccines to safeguard the people against COVID-19. To be noted that all COVID-19 vaccines have been developed hurriedly, some with new technologies being used on humans for the first time ever. Most clinical trials did not include elderly patients with comorbidities, hence a careful and logical rollout planning, especially for elderly people, is necessary.
Autopsie einer Graphic Novel: Dostoevskijs Prestuplenie i nakazanie (1866) in der Adaption von Alain Korkos und David Zane Mairowitz (2008)
Authors: Schultze Brigitte , Weinhagen Beata
Published: August 2021

This study offers a comprehensive comparative analysis between F. M. Dostoevskij’s classic Prestuplenie i nakazanie (PSS 6, 1973) and the black-and-white adaptation Crime and Punishment created by Alain Korkos and David Zane Mairowitz (2008). According to author and artist, the adaptation is meant for recipients acquainted with the novel and first readers of the graphic novel alike. With 417 pages of close-printed canonic text turned into a picture-dominated graphic novel of 118 pages, the adaptation – paying attention to the sequence of crucial fictional scenes – follows the storyline from the beginning of the canonic text to the Epilogue. About 95 % of the precisely and densely formulated verbal material contained in captions can easily be traced back to Dostoevskij’s classic. In this respect, the adaptation is „true to the source material“ (Kick 2012). However, as large portions of text concerning Sonja or Sonja and Raskol’nikov are – discernibly purposefully – eliminated, the adaptation turns out to be a revised version of the canonic novel. E.g., Sonja neither reads the Lazarus-chapter to Raskol’nikov nor follows him to Siberia. In contrast to Sonja, Raskol’nikov – with his emotional-mental instability, rebellion against the state of the world, self-authorization to commit crimes – is represented in accordance with the source text. The hermeneutic gain caused through verbal-pictorial reproduction of the classic text – i. e. through meaningful handling of panels and graphic design within the panels – is significantly enlarged through verbal-pictorial material not inspired by the classic text, e. g. a poster showing Edvard Munch’s graphics The Cry. In view of the 21st century’s preference for visual and multimedial presentation, the study encourages the coexistence and ‚co-reception‘ of the literary classic and the graphic novel as well as further forms of cultural processing.
A window into interpersonal relations inJane Eyrefrom the perspective of imperatives
Authors: Li Yisong , Wang Changsong
Published: August 2021

This paper explores the correlations between imperative sentences and interpersonal relations inJane Eyre. The imperatives uttered by Rochester, St. John, and Mrs. Reed to Jane are examined from four perspectives: quantity, imperative force, addressing, and Jane’s corresponding responses. It is found that the variation in these aspects matches well with the development of interpersonal relations. Specifically, when the addresser and Jane get more intimate in relationship, the quantities of the imperatives tend to decline, the imperative force tends to soften, the addressing becomes more personal, and Jane’s compliance to the imperatives tends to decrease and her non-compliance tends to increase. It is proposed that new indicators in imperatives (i.e. vocatives, personal pronouns and directional verbs likecomeandgoin imperatives) can be adopted to evaluate interpersonal relations in a literary work.
A Split Decision: Welche Auswirkungen hätte die Abschaffung des Ehegattensplittings auf das Arbeitsangebot und die Einkommensverteilung?
Authors: Bachmann Ronald , Jäger Philipp , Jessen Robin
Published: August 2021

In this paper, we use a microsimulation model to examine the labor supply implications of switching from joint taxation (“Ehegattensplitting”) to individual taxation. We show that the switch to individual taxation would increase labor supply by more than half a million full-time equivalents. However, such a reform also leads to financial losses for some groups of the population, which should be taken into account by economic policy makers.
The Interplay Between Fear of Falling, Balance Performance, and Future Falls: Data From the National Health and Aging Trends Study
Authors: Garbin Alexander J. , Fisher Beth E.
Published: August 2021

Background and Purpose:

Fear of falling is common in older adults and greatly increases their risk for falls. Interventions aimed at reducing fall risk in older adults with a fear of falling typically aim to improve balance. However, this approach has limited success, and the idea that balance performance impacts fall risk in this population is largely based on research in the general older adult population. The aim of this study was to assess whether presence of fear of falling modifies the relationship between balance performance and future falls in a sample of nationally representative older adults.

Methods:

We analyzed data from 5151 community-dwelling Medicare beneficiaries (65 years or older) from waves 1 and 2 of the National Health and Aging Trends Study. In this prospective cohort study, balance performance and fear of falling were recorded during wave 1, while a report of a fall was recorded during wave 2 (1-year follow-up). The interplay between fear of falling, balance performance, and fall risk was analyzed using logistic regression with fear of falling as a moderating variable while controlling for common confounding variables.

Results:

Twenty-seven percent of participants reported a fear of falling at wave 1 while 32.7% reported a fall at wave 2. Reduced balance performance was significantly associated with increased future fall likelihood in individuals with and without a fear of falling (P = .008). Further, the presence of fear of falling did not modify the association between balance and future falls (P = .749). Fear of falling was associated with increased future fall likelihood independent of balance performance (P < .001).

Conclusion:

These findings demonstrate that fear of falling did not modify the relationship between balance performance and future fall risk, thus suggesting that balance training is appropriate to reduce falls in older adults with a fear of falling. However, balance training alone may be insufficient to optimally reduce falls in older adults with a fear of falling, as the presence of this fear increased future fall risk independent of balance performance.
Practical Strategies for Integrating Strength and Conditioning Into Early Specialization Sports
Authors: Moeskops Sylvia , Oliver Jon L. , Read Paul J. , Cronin John B. , Myer Gregory D. , Lloyd Rhodri S.
Published: August 2021

Early sport specialization involves physically immature children participating in intensive year-round training and/or competition for a single sport. The lack of sport exposure and diversification during the developmental years may underlie the increased risk of overuse injuries, blunting of motor skill development, psychosocial issues, overtraining syndrome, burnout, and potential dropout from sport. With increasing number of youth choosing, or being encouraged, to specialize at an early age, we aim to provide evidence-based recommendations for the integration of strength and conditioning into the development programs of young athletes who participate in sports with a culture of early specialization. In addition to the principles of programming, strategies are provided relative to monitoring of growth, maturation, and training load to illustrate the potential complexities of attempting to optimize long-term athletic development in early specializing athletes.
Prevalence and factors associated with low birth weight in full-term newborns
Authors: Santos Rubia Mariana de Souza , Marcon Sonia Silva , Marquete Verônica Francisqueti , Gavioli Aroldo , Silva Ana Maria Nunes da , Vieira Viviane Cazetta de Lima , Marques Andrea Grano
Published: August 2021

Objective: to estimate the prevalence and verify the factors associated with low birth weight in full-term newborns. Methods: this is a retrospective study conducted with 24,744 newborns. Data were retrieved from the Sistema de Informação sobre Nascidos Vivos (Information System on Live Births). For the analysis, multiple logistic regression was used using the hierarchical model with maternal, gestational, and care variables. Results: the prevalence of low birth weight was 2.4%, with 51.0% of cases in male newborns, 73.7% in women aged 20-34 years; 56.5% were multiparous and 95.0% had eight years of education or more. In the multiple analysis, the association of low weight with the number of prenatal consultations, newborn’s birth order, and sex were observed. Conclusion: the factors associated with low birth weight in full-term newborns were male sex, multiparity, and less than seven prenatal consultations.
Breast adipose regulation of premenopausal breast epithelial phenotype involves interleukin 10
Authors: Alhallak Iad , Wolter Keith G , Castro Munoz Ana , Simmen Frank A , Ward Richard J , Petty Stacy A , Li Lin-Xi , Simmen Rosalia C M
Published: August 2021

Epidemiological studies inversely associate BMI with breast cancer risk in premenopausal women, but the pathophysiological linkage remains ill-defined. Despite the documented relevance of the ‘local’ environment to breast cancer progression and the well-accepted differences in transcriptome and metabolic properties of anatomically distinct fat depots, specific breast adipose contributions to the proliferative potential of non-diseased breast glandular compartment are not fully understood. To address early breast cancer causation in the context of obesity status, we compared the cellular and molecular phenotypes of breast adipose and matched breast glandular tissue from premenopausal non-obese (mean BMI = 27 kg/m2) and obese (mean BMI = 44 kg/m2) women. Breast adipose from obese women showed higher expression levels of adipogenic, pro-inflammatory, and estrogen synthetic genes than from non-obese women. Obese breast glandular tissue displayed lower proliferation and inflammatory status and higher expression of anti-proliferative/pro-senescence biomarkers TP53 and p21 than from non-obese women. Transcript levels for T-cell receptor and co-receptors CD3 and CD4 were higher in breast adipose of obese cohorts, coincident with elevated adipose interleukin 10 (IL10) and FOXP3 gene expression. In human breast epithelial cell lines MCF10A and HMEC, recombinant human IL10 reduced cell viability and CCND1 transcript levels, increased those of TP53 and p21, and promoted (MCF10A) apoptosis. Our findings suggest that breast adipose-associated IL10 may mediate paracrine interactions between non-diseased breast adipose and breast glandular compartments and highlight how breast adipose may program the local inflammatory milieu, partly by recruiting FOXP3+ T regulatory cells, to influence premenopausal breast cancer risk.
La integración curricular como experiencia de aprendizaje: Hoja de ruta para su aplicación en dos cursos de formación docente en el área de educación primaria
Authors: Arguedas-Ramírez Ana , Camacho-Oviedo Maureen
Published: August 2021

Introducción. Este artículo sistematiza la experiencia de integración curricular, efectuada por las profesoras del curso DBJ 402 Didáctica de las Ciencias y las Matemáticas para la Educación Básica y DBJ 403 Desarrollo de la Niñez en I y II Ciclo, de la carrera de Pedagogía con énfasis en I y II Ciclo de la Educación General Básica de la División de Educación Básica (DEB), en el año 2018. La organización del proceso, su implementación, la valoración por parte de las docentes y la percepción estudiantil se desarrolla en este documento. Objetivo. Enriquecer la formación del estudiantado y fortalecer los objetivos y temáticas de ambos cursos. Metodología. Se explican las fases con las diferentes acciones que se efectuaron para poner en práctica la integración curricular; implementando tres estrategias que favorecieron la vinculación entre saberes y el aprendizaje, tanto para las académicas como para el grupo estudiantil. Como parte del proceso de sistematización de la experiencia se aplicó un cuestionario para recabar la percepción de las personas estudiantes acerca de la experiencia, así como determinar las fortalezas y las recomendaciones, expresadas por el estudiantado, con respecto a las estrategias llevadas a cabo. Análisis de resultados. Ejecutar esta práctica integradora requirió compromiso, planificación y una nueva mirada del quehacer docente por parte del profesorado universitario, además de la participación activa de sus estudiantes. Conclusión. Implementar estas prácticas representa un reto para el profesorado universitario.
Estrategias de intervención educativa en el área de inglés en educación primaria para estudiantes con trastorno por déficit de atención e hiperactividad
Authors: Moro-Ramos Sandra
Published: August 2021

Introducción. El siguiente artículo presenta el análisis que se realizó sobre la pedagogía de una maestra de lengua extranjera (inglés) en un colegio de educación primaria. Objetivo. El objetivo de esta actuación es analizar la pedagogía de la especialista en lengua extranjera (inglés); concretamente, examinar las medidas llevadas a cabo con el alumnado con trastorno por déficit de atención e hiperactividad (TDAH). Se pretende plantear un modelo realista en el paradigma de la enseñanza y el aprendizaje de la lengua anglosajona como segunda lengua con escolares con TDAH. Metodología. A través de la técnica de investigación documental, se revisará la práctica educativa, se analizarán y pondrán en práctica diversas metodologías y se modificará la praxis educativa para añadir los ajustes de intervención necesarios para que todo el alumnado, con TDAH o sin este, aprenda inglés como ESL (del inglés English as a Second Language). Resultados. A partir de este análisis, se mostrarán una serie de estrategias para trabajar el área de inglés con escolares con TDAH. Discusión. Partiendo de que este es un trastorno neurobiológico en el que la repercusión que tiene en cada persona es distinta y las áreas en las que pueden presentar problemas difieren de unas a otras, se proponen diversas actividades y tácticas basadas en el análisis del discurso para dotar a estas personas de las destrezas necesarias para la adquisición del inglés como segundo idioma. Asimismo, en el presente artículo se muestran dos modelos para el entrenamiento cognitivo de niños y niñas con hiperactividad o sin esta para actividades orales y escritas en inglés como L2.
Una propuesta de estrategias y recursos didácticos por competencias en respuesta a los estilos de enseñanza-aprendizaje de la población estudiantil
Authors: Valverde-López Lizeth , Ureña-Hernández Mariam
Published: August 2021

Objetivo. Diseñar estrategias y recursos didácticos por competencias para la asignatura de Administración de Documentos II de las carreras Administración de Oficinas y Educación Comercial impartidas por la Escuela de Secretariado Profesional. Metodología. El proceso se llevó a cabo con un enfoque cualitativo y por medio de los estudios descriptivo y exploratorio que permitieron conocer la opinión del estudiantado y personal académico; se utilizaron instrumentos semiestructurados para consultar sobre la predominancia de sistemas sensoriales, la aplicación de las estrategias y los recursos didácticos dentro del curso. Análisis de resultados. Los principales hallazgos demuestran que la población estudiantil que matricula el curso se encuentra entre los 19 y 24 años con una predominancia de los sistemas sensoriales: visual y kinestésico. Se resalta que los estilos de enseñanza integrador y laissez-faire, así como los estilos de aprendizaje acomodador y pragmático son los dominantes en esta población. Además, dentro de los recursos didácticos recomendados por el estudiantado, se encuentra el uso de la tecnología y la implementación de giras y visitas educativas, al igual que la resolución de casos y problemas. Conclusiones. Se manifiesta el requerimiento de la población estudiantil por aprender a hacer, formular y solucionar actividades, por eso se plantean estrategias didácticas que propicien las competencias. Se espera que esta investigación sirva de soporte para la labor docente y, a su vez, permita desarrollar una gestión encaminada a las necesidades educativas de cada dicente.
Una aproximación al estudio de los trabajos prácticos de laboratorio desde las representaciones de futuro personal docente de biología
Authors: Zorrilla Erica , Mazzitelli Claudia
Published: August 2021

Introducción. En este artículo se presenta un estudio realizado con 111 estudiantes de la carrera de Formación Docente en Biología de la provincia de San Juan, Argentina, con el objetivo de conocer las opiniones de estudiantes, indagar sus representaciones sociales vinculadas con los trabajos prácticos de laboratorio y analizar su incidencia en el proceso actual de formación y en su futuro desempeño docente. Metodología. El estudio se desarrolló desde un enfoque cualitativo. Se implementó un instrumento que incluyó una técnica de evocación y jerarquización y una técnica de frases incompletas. Resultados. Los resultados obtenidos muestran que las representaciones tienden a centrarse en elementos vinculados a la enseñanza, al aprendizaje y a aspectos procedimentales. A su vez, las opiniones del estudiantado señalan la escasa realización de prácticas experimentales y la insuficiente vinculación con conceptos teóricos estudiados. Conclusión. Estos resultados invitan a reflexionar acerca de la necesidad de incrementar y diversificar el trabajo experimental en la formación docente de Biología para contribuir con el futuro desempeño profesional de estos estudiantes en el nivel secundario.
Assessment of the application of a SMART THUMPER™ as a low-cost and portable device used for stiffness estimation of timber products
Authors: Kumar Chandan , Redman Adam , Leggate William , McGavin Robert L. , Dakin Tony
Published: August 2021

Non-destructive evaluation methods for timber stiffness are gaining increased interest as an alternative to static testing since they can be fast, cost-effective, and transportable, as well as non-destructive. The objective of this study was to evaluate the accuracy and limitations of a newly developed smartphone application (SMART THUMPER™) for the non-destructive evaluation of timber stiffness properties. The study determined the effect of the length, density (species), and cross-section sizes of the timber samples on the stiffness results. The results were compared to beam identification by non-destructive grading (BING©), an existing commercial non-destructive testing technology for evaluating the mechanical quality of wood and other materials. It was found that the application can be used to reliably estimate the stiffness of various timber products with a resonance frequency value below 2000 Hz. Frequencies greater than 2000 Hz were found to induce errors due to the smartphone microphone, which is engineered to acquire a lower frequency range. A reliability matrix providing an indication of the accuracy of SMART THUMPER™ estimation was presented, which may also prove useful in selecting appropriate sample lengths prior to testing. The sample length or dimensions can be manipulated to lower the frequency, and hence, to improve the results.
Design and performance of amphiphilic lignin derivatives in enzymatic hydrolysis of sweet sorghum bagasse for bioethanol production
Authors: Solihat Nissa Nurfajrin , Raniya Rika , Fajriutami Triyani , Iswanto Apri Heri , Fatriasari Widya , Fudholi Ahmad
Published: August 2021

Sweet sorghum bagasse (SSB) is potential feedstock for bioethanol production due to its natural abundance and high cellulose content (> 40%). This work compared the impact of three variables relative to the enzymatic hydrolysis of SSB kraft pulp. The three variables were the biosurfactant from lignin derivative known as amphiphilic lignin derivatives (A-LD), the enzyme loading level, and the hydrolysis time. These variables were optimized by response surface methodology (RSM) with a Box-Behnken design (BBD). The concentration of polyethylene glycol (PEG) 4000 was also optimized to compare it with the A-LD performance in the enzymatic hydrolysis process. After optimization, the A-LD produced a higher reducing sugar yield (RSY) (99.45%) than the PEG 4000. The difference in the predicted versus experimental values of the RSY was less than 4%, which means that the model was highly predictive. The adequacy of the model was confirmed by a regression value close to 1 for the A-LD assisted test. The result implies that the A-LD significantly improved the enzymatic hydrolysis performance to enhance the RSY. Moreover, the BBD is adequate and useful to identify the optimum concentration of surfactant.
Profiling of volatile compounds with characteristic odors in Bambusa oldhamii shoots from Taiwan
Authors: Chung Minjay , Cheng Sensung , Lin Chunya , Chang Shangtzen
Published: August 2021

This study focuses on volatile aromatic constituents extracted using solid-phase microextraction (SPME) from underground and aboveground Bambusa oldhamii shoots. Analysis was conducted using the extracts after heating at various temperatures and for various durations. Results of gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) revealed six SPME-extracted volatile aromatic compounds in underground B. oldhamii shoots and eleven in aboveground B. oldhamii shoots. Methyl salicylate with a characteristic mint aroma and methoxy-phenyl oxime that gives a smell of fresh shrimp and crabs are the main volatile compounds found in underground and aboveground shoots of B. oldhamii, respectively. Moreover, the two types of shoots tested also contain volatile compounds including fatty acids: n-hexadecanoic acid (27.94%) and aliphatic aldehyde: trans-2-nonenal (16.31%), respectively. The GC-MS analysis of underground and aboveground B. oldhamii shoots steamed at 100 C for 60 min revealed n-hexadecanoic acid as the main fatty acid compound.
Distribution and migration of moisture in round bamboo in response to microwave drying
Authors: Lv Huang-fei , Chen Mei-ling , Lian Cai-ping , Li Hui , Yang Shu-min , Xu Bin , Fei Ben-hua
Published: August 2021

Characterized by its light weight, high strength, and good flexibility, round bamboo is a natural functional biomaterial with a multi-level structure. Cracking is a key factor hindering its wider application. Moisture changes cause cracking when the round bamboo is dried. Therefore, studying moisture variations in the drying process of round bamboo can effectively reduce or solve the cracking problem. In this study, microwave drying with computer tomography (CT) imaging technology was used to understand the distribution and migration of moisture in round bamboo in the course of drying. The results indicated that water content has a significant correlation with the CT value, which can be used to achieve rapid determination of water content. The radial water content of samples gradually decreased from bamboo green (outer) to bamboo yellow (inner). The axial water content was high in the middle and low on both ends. As the water content decreased, the axial moisture distribution was consistent. The internode moisture mainly moved from the junction of bamboo yellow and bamboo partition, entered the adjacent cavity, and then gradually moved outward. Thus, the microwave drying method can effectively achieve industrial drying of round bamboo and prevent cracking.
Decomposition characteristics of long-established Salix psammophila sand barriers in an arid area, Northwestern China
Authors: Wang Ruidong , Yang Xia , Gao Yong , Dang Xiaohong , Liang Yumei , Qi Shuai , Zhao Chen , Duan Xiaoting
Published: August 2021

Salix psammophila has been extensively used as a sand barrier material for various desertification control applications. Elucidating the long-term decomposition characteristics and nutrient cycling process of this sand barrier in desert environments is of great importance. In this study, which was conducted for 1 to 9 years, changes in the mass loss percentage and the residual percentage in the decomposition process were explored of S. psammophila sand barriers in arid Northwestern China. In addition, the S. psammophila analysis nutrient elements release rule and its influence on soil properties were evaluated. The results showed that the decomposition process of S. psammophila sand barriers exhibited a “slow-fast” trend. After decomposition time for 9 years, mass decreased remarkably, and the residual percentage was 33.6%. Further, the nutrient release characteristics differed. C, P, and K were in the release state, whereas N was in the enrichment state. The decomposition percentage of the sand barriers was significantly correlated with N, P, K, C/N, C/P, and N/P (p < 0.05). The soil nutrient contents of C, P, and K contents increased 3.43, 2.23, and 2.08 g/kg compared to the initial values, respectively. The soil nutrient contents of N contents decreased 0.19 g/kg.
Anti-NMDAR Encephalitis After Neonatal HSV-1 Infection in a Child With Low TLR-3 Function
Authors: Manglani Monica , Poley Marian , Kumar Ashutosh , McSherry George , Ericson Jessica E.
Published: August 2021

Neonatal herpes simplex virus encephalitis (HSVE) often results in long-lasting neuro-disability in affected children. In addition to primary HSVE and HSVE relapses, children with herpes simplex virus are at increased risk of developing anti–N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor encephalitis (NMDARe), an autoimmune encephalitis. In this study, we describe a patient with neonatal disseminated herpes infection, who developed HSVE after discontinuation of 2 years of acyclovir suppressive therapy. After resolution of HSVE, the patient rapidly deteriorated with significant behavioral and neurologic changes including emotional outbursts, fearfulness, involuntary movements, and focal seizures. The patient was diagnosed with anti-NMDARe and was later found to have low toll-like receptor-3 function. In this study, we review published pediatric cases of anti-NMDARe after HSVE as well as previous literature and primary data examining the presentation, predisposing risk factors, predictive outcomes, future directions, and the role of immunodeficiency in HSVE-mediated anti-NMDARe. The neonatal immune system and developing brain are disproportionately vulnerable to early viral exposure; therefore, it is important to recognize the value of early immunodeficiency screening in patients with neonatal herpes simplex virus. By understanding the immune landscape within this patient population, we can mitigate long-term neurologic disability and improve the quality of life of affected children.
Cálculo de la rentabilidad financiero-fiscal de una operación de capital diferido a prima periódica. Un enfoque estocástico
Authors: Pérez María José , Alegre Escolano Antonio
Published: August 2021

En este trabajo se determina la rentabilidad financiero-fiscal de un seguro de capital diferido a prima periódica, pura y comercial, incorporando también aspectos relativos a su fiscalidad (bonificaciones y tasas impositivas). Dado el carácter aleatorio de la operación actuarial considerada, el parámetro de decisión rentabilidad de la operación no puede ser un único valor numérico. Por ello, además de obtener las expresiones analíticas de las distribuciones de probabilidad de la rentabilidad real y de la rentabilidad esperada de la operación, se calcularán unos indicadores de riesgo que complementen la información disponible para el asegurado, facilitando de esa forma su elección. El artículo finaliza presentando un análisis de sensibilidad de las rentabilidades real y esperada bajo diferentes escenarios de duración de la operación y edad del asegurado, lo que muestra la utilidad de las rentabilidades e indicadores de riesgo obtenidos como instrumento para establecer comparaciones entre los distintos productos ofrecidos por las aseguradoras.
Mortality evolution in Algeria: What can we learn about data quality?
Authors: Flici Farid , Hammouda Nacer-Eddine
Published: August 2021

Mortality in Algeria has declined significantly since the country declared its independence in 1962. This trend has been accompanied by improvements in data quality and changes in estimation methodology, both of which are scarcely documented, and may distort the natural evolution of mortality as reported in official statistics. In this paper, our aim is to detect these methodological and data quality changes by means of the visual inspection of mortality surfaces, which represent the evolution of mortality rates, mortality improvement rates and the male-female mortality ratio over age and time. Data quality problems are clearly visible during the 1977–1982 period. The quality of mortality data has improved after 1983, and even further since the population census of 1998, which coincided with the end of the civil war. Additional inexplicable patterns have also been detected, such as a changing mortality age pattern during the period before 1983, and a changing pattern of excess female mortality at reproductive ages, which suddenly appears in 1983 and disappears in 1992.
Prevalence and antifungal drug resistance of dermatophytes in the clinical samples from Pakistan
Authors: Usman Bakhtawar , Rehman Abdul , Naz Iffat , Anees Muhammad
Published: August 2021

Dermatophytosis is a major health problem all over the world including Pakistan. This is the first report of detection of dermatophytes and their antifungal drug resistance in the Northern and Western parts of Pakistan. A total of 154 samples were collected from different hospitals of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and out of them 136 samples were found positive. Tinea corporis (35%) was the most predominant type of infection followed by Tinea capitis (22%). The fungi identified in Tinea corporis infection types were identified as Trichophyton rubrum, Trichophyton mentagrophytes, Epidermophyton floccosum. The fungi identified in Tinea capitis included Trichophyton violaceum, T. mentagrophytes, Microsporum ferrugineum. The gender wise distribution showed both males (52%) and females (48%) were infected with the fungi. More cases belonged to the rural parts of the country. Age wise distribution showed that the infection was more prevalent in the children and the prevalence decreased with the increase in age. The positive samples were checked against two antifungal agents: fluconazole and nystatin. Among 136 positive samples, none of the isolates showed resistance to nystatin while 7% of the samples showed resistance to fluconazole. The resistant isolates were then identified by amplifying the 18S rRNA gene, using universal primers (ITS1, ITS4). Among the 9 resistant isolates, 5 isolates were identified as Trichophyton spp., 3 as Microsporum spp. and 1 as Epidermophyton spp.
ISOLATION AND IDENTIFICATION OF BIOFLOCCULANT-PRODUCING BACTERIA FROM CASSAVA CULTIVATED SOIL OF VIET NAM
Authors: Hong Tran Thi , Cường Phạm Việt
Published: August 2021

Microorganisms are found everywhere in the environment and play a leading role in countless natural processes, and amongst them, soil microorganisms play important roles in plant performance by improving mineral nutrition. Soil bacteria possess different biological activities; for example, producing bioactive compounds such as bioflocculant which makes soil smoother and more breathable, as plant growth stimulants or compounds with antibiotic activity. Beside this, the same soil bacteria could also be able to fix atmospheric nitrogen, converting it into the form that plants can use. In order to make a microbial formula from local bacteria capable of producing bioflocculant as well as IAA and fixing nitrogen towards microbial organic fertilizer production for application in cassava cultivation, the bacteria were isolated from cassava cultivated soils and screened for above mention activities. From 37 cassava root and cassava cultivated soil samples collected at different provinces in the North, Central and South regions of Vietnam, 80 strains of bacteria with bioflocculant activity over 50% were screened. In which 3 strains (ĐQT1 Po6, ĐTAN6 Po2 and ĐSBV Po1) possess not only high bioflocculant and IAA producing capacities, but also the ability to fix atmospheric nitrogen. The flocculant rate of these strains was 80÷90% and can produce 6÷11 µg/mL IAA. The selective strains were identified by having an analysis of 16S rRNA gene sequence. The obtained results showed that the 16S rRNA sequence of ĐQT1 Po6 was 100% identifiable to corresponding sequence of Bacillus aryabhattai FORT 21 (Ass.No MG561348.1); and the 16S rRNA sequences of ĐTAN6 Po2 and ĐSBV Po1 had 100% homology with those of Enterobacter sp. (Ass.No KJ184880.1) and Bacillus subtilis SAN1.5 (Ass.No KX098457.1), respectively. These strains are potential candidates as perfect inoculant for biofertilizer.
PIPERINE-LOADED CHITOSAN NANOPARTICLES: PREPARATION AND CHARACTERIZATION
Authors: Nhi Tran Thi Y , Trinh Cong Duc , Truong Thien Do , Quang Tuan Le , Pham Hanh Bich , Lai Thuy Thi , Le Ha Thi Thanh
Published: August 2021

Abstract – HCTN7. Plasma cholesterol level plays an important role in atherosclerosis and cardiovascular diseases. Piperine, an alkaloid form of black pepper is known to reduce cholesterol uptake. In this paper, piperine-loaded chitosan nanoparticles (CTS-PIP NPs) were prepared by ionic gelation method. Molecular interactions among the components were confirmed by FT-IR spectroscopy. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) images revealed spherical-shaped nanoparticles with diameter of <100 nm. CTS-PIP NPs displayed positive ζ-potential(ZP) of about 31.6 mV. Dynamic light scattering (DLS) particle size (PS) distribution analysis indicated the mean particle size of CTS-PIP NPs was 245.9 nm, polydispersity index of 31%
VIRTUAL SCREENING STATEGIES IN DRUG DISCOVERY – A BRIEF OVERVIEW
Authors: PHAM Quan Minh , PHAM Long Quoc
Published: August 2021

Computer-aided drug design has now become a compulsory tool in the drug discovery and development process which uses computational approaches to discover potential compounds with expected biological activities. Firstly, this review provides a comprehensive introduction of the virtual screening technique, knowledge and advances in both SBVS and LBVS strategies also presented. Secondly, recent database of compounds provided worldwide and drug-like parameters which are helpful in supporting the VS process will be discussed. These information will provides a good platform to estimate the advance of applying these techniques in the new drug-lead identification and optimization.
LIMONOIDS FROM FRUITS OF Melia dubia Cav. IN VIETNAM
Authors: Tran Hieu Trung , Nguyen Tuan Ngoc , Nguyen Tien Quyet , Nguyen Thanh Tan , Vu Hoang Dinh , Nguyen Trinh Thi Nu , Tran Thang Dinh
Published: August 2021

A phytochemical study on fruits of Melia dubia Cav. collected in Nghe An province led to the isolation of three secondary metabolites, including 21α-O-methylmelianodiol (1), 21β-O-methylmelianodiol (2) and (21S,23R,24R)-21,23-epoxy-24-hydroxy-21β-methoxytirucalla-7,25-dien-3-one (3). The chemical structures of these compounds were determined on the basis of 1D, 2D NMR, UV, IR and MS analytical results and comparison with reported data. All three compounds (1–3) were isolated from this plant for the first time.
Vacinas no Brasil: Análise Histórica do Registro Sanitário e a disponibilização no Sistema de Saúde
Authors: Peres Kaite Cristiane , Buendgen Fabíola Bagatini , Prates Ediana Adriano , Bonetti Norberto Rech , Soares Luciano , Peláez Claudia Marcela Vargas , Farias Mareni Rocha
Published: August 2021

Com a pandemia da COVID-19 e a importância das políticas públicas de proteção social, questões sanitaristas incluindo as imunizações se tornaram destaque. O estudo tem o objetivo de analisar a dinâmica dos registros sanitários de vacinas no país e as vacinas disponibilizadas por meio do Programa Nacional de Imunização (PNI), com destaque para o calendário vacinal no período entre 2004 e 2018. Realizou-se um estudo descritivo, documental e exploratório dos processos de registro sanitário na Agência Nacional de Vigilância Sanitária (Anvisa) e a incorporação dos produtos no PNI. Como base da pesquisa foram utilizados o banco de dados de registro sanitário disponibilizado pela Anvisa, a análise documental de publicações oficiais/normativas e dados da literatura. Os dados demonstram a incorporação das vacinas no PNI, assim como um país com potencial industrial para a produção das vacinas, no entanto ainda centrado na transferência de tecnologias, necessitando de investimentos e atenção pública no desenvolvimento de novas tecnologias, garantindo a independência do setor.
A REORGANIZAÇÃO DO CONVÍVIO FAMILIAR COM CRIANÇAS EM PANDEMIA PELA COVID-19 NO BRASIL
Authors: Zanotto Luana , Sommerhalder Aline , Pentini Anna Aluffi
Published: August 2021

O estudo decorre de pesquisa ampla derivada de parceria de convênio científico internacional entre duas Universidades Públicas, sendo uma italiana e uma brasileira. Objetiva discutir o convívio doméstico cotidiano de famílias com crianças em idade escolar diante da pandemia pelo COVID-19. Intenciona, ainda, problematizar possíveis mudanças na rotina de vida de crianças brasileiras, em detrimento da ausência de frequência presencial nas escolas e ampliação de tempo diário em contextos domésticos. O trato crítico-interpretativo ofertado aos dados pautou-se nas concepções de convívio familiar, em acordo com o pensamento teórico sócio-humanista. Com aplicação de método misto (quantitativo e qualitativo), este artigo apresenta parte de resultados brasileiros obtidos por meio de questionário on-line, e-survey, em formato de opinião pública. Participaram 478 famílias brasileiras, majoritariamente, residentes em municípios do estado de São Paulo. Os resultados indicaram que a estruturação familiar acompanha mudanças propostas pelos adultos como sujeitos protagonistas de um saber fazer no cotidiano doméstico transformado pela pandemia. À luz da teoria sócio-humanista e da dialogia freireana, as mudanças indicadas pelos adultos ocorreram pela ampliação do sentimento de proximidade e reconhecimento dos filhos, para além da inserção na rotina das atividades escolares e recriação de novas formas de educação diante dos limites impostos. As alterações ocorridas na esfera domiciliar perpassam pela compreensão de novas configurações que estabeleçam relações educativo-dialógico-cooperativa entre os diferentes membros, crianças e adultos.
Synthesis and application of eleostearic acid based plasticizer
Authors: Chu Hong-ying , Li Hua-bei , Sun Xiao-yan , Zhang Yao-wang
Published: August 2021

This study reports the synthesis of a kind of biomass-based plasticizer: epoxy eleostearic acid catechol ester (EEAE), originating from biomass resources eleostearic acid and catechol by way of esterification and epoxidation. Its effect on the plasticization, mechanical properties and migration resistance of poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) film was investigated. The results showed that epoxy groups were covalently bonded on the branched chains of EEAE and the epoxy groups and ester groups of EEAE formed hydrogen bonds with the α-hydrogen of PVC, which had a better plasticizing effect on PVC than commercial diisobutyl phthalate. When the mass of EEAE increased from 0.2 to 0.8 g in PVC films, the glass transition temperature (T g) decreased from 86.7 to 54°C and the elongation at break of the PVC films increased from 124.24 ± 6.00 to 321.12 ± 6.13%, while the tensile strength decreased from 40.12 ± 1.23 MPa to 19.67 ± 2.33 MPa, which illustrated that EEAE had an efficient plasticizing effect on PVC. The plasticizer showed marginal resistance to volatilization and solvent extraction. The thermal stability and compatibility of PVC films plasticized with EEAE were also improved.
Spatial relationship of air and rail transport to transportation carbon dioxide emissions
Authors: Atalay Ahmet
Published: August 2021

The aim of the study reported in this paper was to determine the spatial relationship between air and rail transport and national carbon dioxide emissions (CDE). Indicators for air transport, rail transport and transport CDE for 41 countries were examined. A spatial analysis method was then used to determine the spatial autocorrelations between airline and railway indicators and transport CDE indicators to examine their spatial distribution. Spatial autocorrelation was determined by using the local indicators in the spatial association analysis method. It was determined that there is less carbon dioxide emitted in countries where rail transport is used effectively, while countries with much air transport have high CDE.