bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Modal damping ratio of symmetric laminate composite under the effect of attached mass using experimental design
Authors: Abdelhafid Rahmane
Published: July 2021

Nowadays, the use of composite materials has taken a large place in civilian industries as well as in military and aerospace industries. Therefore, significant investigations about their mechanical and physical properties are needed. The present study addresses the effect of attached mass on damping ratio of symmetric angle ply laminate composite. Furthermore, factor influencing the effect of attached mass on damping ratio of laminate composite are studied using Taguchi method. The considered factors parameters are: attached mass locations from the clamped edge, stacking sequences and boundary conditions. The results of this study indicate that the damping ratio of the laminate composite plates is sensitive to the attached mass, where the damping ratio is found to be proportional to the locations of the attached mass. The findings of this study indicate that the attached mass decreases frequency parameter and increase the damping ratio of the composite plate, if it is inserted at a point other than a nodal line. In addition, the paper presents a good correlation between the numerical results of the fundamental frequency obtained by the ANSYS software and those obtained experimentally.
Factors associated with seasonal influenza immunization in people with chronic diseases
Authors: Arsenović Slađana , Gazibara Tatjana
Published: July 2021

Annually, at a global level, 3 to 5 million people present severe clinical forms of seasonal influenza and up to 650 000 people die of influenza-related complications. People with chronic diseases, such as cardiovascular, pulmonary, renal, hepatic, neurologic, hematologic and metabolic diseases or those reciveing immunosuppressive therapy, constitute a high-risk population group for the development of influenza-related complications, more severe clinical course and poorer health-related outcomes. Due to all of the above, people with chronic diseases are of high priority to receive the influenza vaccine. Immunization represents the key strategy to prevent influenza both in terms of effectiveness and health care costs. Based on the World Health Organization (WHO) recommendations, adequate seasonal influenza immunization coverage among people with chronic diseases is set at 75%. However, few countries achieve this threshold. Understanding predictive factors of vaccination, at different levels of health care delivery (such as individuals, service providers, health policy), is essential to secure acceptance of influenza immunization and achieve the recommended level of vaccination coverage. In this mini review, all the available evidence regarding seasonal influenza vaccination coverage is summarized, alongside factors associated with vaccine uptake in people with chronic diseases as a whole, as well as according to specific diseases such as: cardiovascular and pulmonary disorders, diabetes and cancer. Based on the reviewed empirical evidence, a wide spectrum of factors associated with immunization against influneza was found in people who have chronic diseases. Although diverse, these factors can be systematized into 4 distinctive groups: socio-demographic characteristics, individual attitudes and beliefs, health promoting behaviors and factors related to the health care system. Further efforts are needed to improve the seasonal influenza vaccination coverage. The immunization strategy needs to include the health care system and the community to support people with chronic diseases to continously accept the influenza vaccine.
Radiation toxicity in prostate cancer patients
Authors: Stanić Jelena , Stanković Vesna , Nikitović Marina
Published: July 2021

Prostate cancer (PC) is the most frequent male tumor, accounting for about one-third of all cancers in men. Since survival is often favorable regardless of therapy, treatment decisions may depend on therapy-specific health outcomes. The majority of men initially diagnosed with localized PC ultimately die with, rather than of, their disease. As a result, men who are diagnosed will live many years with the treatment's sequelae. The major therapeutic strategies include radical prostatectomy or external beam radiotherapy. Radiotherapy is one of the curative treatment options. The tumor dose-response relationship has been studied and is widely accepted. The unsatisfactory local control with doses < 70 Gy led to dose escalation using highly precise radiotherapy techniques - three-dimensional conformal radiotherapy and intensity-modulated radiotherapy enabling the delivery of high radiation doses up to 74 - 78 Gy. Bowel, rectal and urinary toxicities are the principal limiting factors in delivering a high dose. Acute symptoms include a change in bowel habits, urgency, and fecal incontinence. The most commonly reported late toxicities were chronic diarrhea, proctitis, or rectal bleeding. Several factors have been associated with increased gastrointestinal toxicity such as larger bowel volume receiving high doses, the patient's age, diabetes, and concomitant use of androgen deprivation therapy. Bladder damage resulting from acute radiation toxicity is manifested as radiation cystitis (frequent urination and dysuric disorders). Smoking, previous abdominopelvic surgeries and the use of diuretics significantly affect the occurrence of acute genitourinary toxicity grade ≥ 2. Risk factors for the development of late genitourinary complications are higher radiation dose, previous urinary problems, transurethral interventions, and acute genitourinary complications. It is essential to strike a balance between the therapeutic benefits and radiotherapy side effects. Severe late complications significantly reduce the quality of life (QOL) of PC survivors. Early detection and proper evaluation of complications are especially important in increasing the patient's QOL.
Increased astrocyte representation in the hippocampus of 5xFAD mice
Authors: Jovanović Violeta , Despotović Jelica , Balo Mario , Zaletel Ivan , Despotović Sanja , Puškaš Nela
Published: July 2021

Introduction: Alzheimer's disease is the most common neurodegenerative disorder, characterized by the formation of amyloid plaques and the neurofibrillary tangles in the brain of an ill person, leading to neuronal damage and loss. Activation of astrocytes and astrogliosis occurs along with this process. Due to ethical limitations in working with human tissue, numerous transgenic animal models have been developed to study the pathogenesis of these processes. Early Ab deposition is observed in the cortex and the hippocampus. Aim: This study aimed to determine the difference in the presence of GFAP positive cells in the hippocampus between transgenic 5xFAD mice aged 36 weeks and their corresponding controls. Material and Methods: The 5xFAD mice model of Alzheimer's disease was used, characterized by early formation of amyloid plaques but without the presence of neurofibrillar tangles. Transgenic and control animals were sacrificed at 36 weeks of age. The visualization of GFAP-positive cells in the hippocampus of their brains was done by using immunohistochemistry and antibody for glial fibrillary acidic protein - GFAP, the major marker of astrocytes. Quantification of immuno-reactivity was done by using the Icy software system. Results: There was a statistically significant difference in the expression of GFAP in the dentate gyrus and the granular zone of the hippocampus between the transgenic and control group at 36 weeks of age, while the significant change in the CA1-3 regions was not observed between investigated groups. Conclusion: Obtained results confirm the involvement of astrogliosis in the pathophysiology of Alzheimer's disease and indicate an earlier occurrence of astrogliosis in the dentate gyrus and granular zone, in relation to other regions of the hippocampus, in the 36-week-old 5xFAD mice.
Gender violence in the rural area of Alhama de Granada (2015-2020)
Authors: Herreros Sánchez Cristiana
Published: July 2021

Various studies on gender violence emphasize the greater rootedness of patriarchal culture in rural society compared to other types of societies. This rural society is characterized by its greater masculinization and tradition, which makes it difficult to perceive and recognize macho behaviour. The violence which is the subject of this study represents a scourge which is suffered by a large sector of the female population, leaving serious economic, social, psychological and family consequences which are profound and painful, and which it is very difficult to overcome on many occasions. During the time that the author who signs this document stayed in the district of Alhama de Granada as a social worker, it became clear that there were few resources available to combat gender violence and to educate the population in this rural area. The daily life of women, and especially those who suffer from male violence in particular, is conditioned and limited by the situation of isolation, the deficit of social services, social control and pressure, stigmatisation and the family structure (close and/or extended).
Zdravljenje atrijske fibrilacije s katetrsko ablacijo
Authors: Štublar Jernej , Žižek David , Jan Matevž , Jarm Tomaž , Miklavčič Damijan
Published: July 2021

Zdravljenje atrijske fibrilacije (AF) je hitro razvijajoče se področje kardiologije, pri katerem smo priča stalnemu razvoju različnih oblik tehničnih izboljšav in multidisciplinarnega pristopa. Poleg iskanja najprimernejšega ablacijskega načina za učinkovito in varno izoliranje pljučnih ven poskušamo razumeti navidezno kaotičen mehanizem prevajanja akcijskega potenciala med samo aritmijo. Pri razumevanju nastanka AF se je uveljavila predvsem hipoteza o sprožilcih in vzdrževalcih AF. AF sprožajo prezgodnji utripi, ki večinoma izvirajo iz pljučnih ven, vzdržujejo pa jo lokalna področja z upočasnjenim prevajanjem akcijskega potenciala, ki se pretežno nahajajo na področju izraščanja pljučnih ven iz levega preddvora. Kljub številnim novim pristopom pa je izoliranje pljučnih ven s katetrsko ablacijo še vedno temelj invazivnega zdravljenja AF.
STUDY OF FOOD ADDITIVES COMPOSITION IN COMMERCIALLY PROCESSED BEEF PRODUCTS
Authors:   Department of Food Technology, Faculty of Life Science, International University Liaison, Banten, Zulkarnain Mirza Rizqi , Pricillia Glorya , Okinurshabani Yasmina ,   Program of Food Technology, Faculty of Life Science, International University Liaison, Banten
Published: July 2021

Beef is one of the favorite red meats containing various essential nutrients. In the processed beef products, food additives are used for multiple purposes including preservation, moisture and texture re-tention, improvement of flavor and stability of color. The purpose of this study is to identify the food additives composition of halal and local-based commercially processed beef products based on the label of the products and the Indonesian regulations. There were 40 various commercially processed beef pro-ducts assessed in this study. The food additives that were observed were flavor enhancers, preservatives, stabilizers, antioxidants, acidity regulators, and colorants. The types of food additives used in beef sausage products were stabilizers (30.00%), preservatives (25.56%), flavor enhancers (15.56%), colorants (14.44%), antioxidants (13.33%) and acidity regulator (1.11%). In beef balls products there were stabilizers (50.00%), flavor enhancers (20.00%), preservatives (15.00%), antioxidants, acidity regulators and co-lorants (5.00% each). The additives in beef burgers products include stabilizers (29.73%), preservatives (24.32%), colorants (21.62%), flavor enhancers (13.51%), antioxidants and acidity regulators (5.41% each). Corned beef products contain preservatives (32.00%), flavor enhancers and antioxidants (24.00% each), and stabilizers (20.00%). Additionally, smoked beef products use preservatives (50.00%), stabilizers (37.50%) and antioxidants (12.50%). The only food additives used in beef floss products was flavor enhancer (100%). The study suggests that Government Regulations on food additives should be reconsidered. Although the additives are still allowed in Indonesian regulations at the present, food additives of which are included in the list of carcinogenic agents shall be limited or even avoided. Future research to find safer alternatives for those food additives is recommended.
Presencia de Violeta Parra en la construcción del imaginario popular de la vía chilena al socialismo. La Peña de los Parra y la Carpa de La Reina: la reconstrucción de una memoria testimonial
Authors: Montealegre Iturra Jorge , Chavarría Contreras Rafael
Published: July 2021

La presencia de Violeta Parra y su legado como folclorista/artista, aportó con su testimonio al germen de una cultura popular transformadora que se evidenció durante la llamada vía chilena al socialismo y en las reivindicaciones conmemorativas de la post dictadura. La Peña de los Parra y la Carpa de La Reina, fueron artefactos culturales creados desde la práctica artística de la familia Parra. Su reconstrucción desde la memoria testimonial informa sobre el complejo proceso sociocultural en que estaban insertos. Ambos artefactos contienen memorias que connotan formas de participación artística que prefiguran un imaginario que será asociado simbólicamente al proceso político encabezado por la Unidad Popular y cancelado tras el golpe de Estado de septiembre de 1973. El presente artículo ensaya una lectura ex post de ambos casos, recurriendo a la reconstrucción testimonial de esa memoria, relacionando y aplicando nociones surgidas desde los estudios culturales y las memorias. La diacronía reconstruida, mediante diversos testimonios, permite reconstituir el quehacer de las experiencias representadas por la Peña y la Carpa; así, deviene un ejercicio pertinente para indagar en la significativa participación en el proceso histórico de la icónica familia de artistas, encabezada por Violeta Parra.
Lectores de imágenes en tiempos de revolución: 'Descomedidos y chascones' (1973) de Carlos Flores
Authors: Hochberg Elizabeth L.
Published: July 2021

Este artículo estudia el filme Descomedidos y chascones (1973) de Carlos Flores. Dividido en tres partes, la cinta está dedicada a explorar diversos sectores de la juventud chilena y su relación con los medios masivos durante la Unidad Popular. La segunda parte de la película, la cual será el principal foco de mi interés, muestra a cuatro grupos de jóvenes que pueden ser considerados “lectores fílmicos”, debido a que se les presentan secuencias de imágenes de otros jóvenes que deben discutir e interpretar frente a la cámara. Dos de estos grupos de espectadores están compuestos por jóvenes trabajadores textiles y pobladores. Propongo que estos trabajadores y pobladores en el filme participan de los mismos tipos de procesos críticos hacia la cultura hegemónica que Flores y su equipo buscan promover entre los espectadores. Al mostrar a estos miembros de la clase obrera con un alto grado de conciencia política en sus actividades educativas, Flores logra apuntar al obrero como el “lector” y militante ideal del futuro.
La figura del lector popular en Quimantú: placer, trabajo y revolución
Authors: Anwandter Donoso Christian
Published: July 2021

A pesar de que Quimantú es una de las políticas culturales más relevantes de la Unidad Popular, la figura del lector popular ha sido poco estudiada. Proponemos indagar en los contornos de esta figura a través del análisis de la producción editorial de Quimantú. Se revelan así las fronteras de la experiencia de lectura pensada por la editorial. Veremos emerger el complejo lugar que ocupa el placer en esta experiencia y cómo la definición del lector popular se debate entre una conciencia individual y la pertenencia a una masa volcada hacia la acción política revolucionaria. La figura del lector popular no solo permite explicar una serie de decisiones en distintas revistas y libros publicados por la editorial, sino que también sugiere una explicación acerca de la imposibilidad de articular la literatura como discurso propiamente revolucionario durante la Unidad Popular.
Analogías impertinentes. Voces, canciones y artefactos tecnológicos en la revisión de los setenta del cine argentino reciente
Authors: Dufays Sophie , Piedras Pablo
Published: July 2021

Este artículo propone un análisis comparado de dos películas argentinas de 2017 que revisan los primeros años setenta (o sea, los años previos al golpe cívico-militar de 1976) de un modo que nos parece sintomático de sus circunstancias políticas, culturales y cinematográficas: Sinfonía para Ana (Ernesto Ardito y Virna Molina) y Desearás al hombre de tu hermana (Diego Kaplan). Más allá de sus diferencias evidentes —las que distingue un cine de autor de un cine comercial de estética publicitaria—, ambas obras basan su reconstrucción afectiva de los setenta en el papel de la voz grabada y de algunas canciones populares de la época. Después de una introducción contextual, concentramos nuestro análisis en estos dos componentes, vinculándolos con la puesta en escena de las miradas (de deseo o de control) y del espacio (marcadamente clausurado), para mostrar cómo desde esas instancias se anudan sensualidad y violencia en las nuevas versiones mnemónicas de los setenta que ofrecen ciertos films argentinos recientes. Al mismo tiempo, subrayamos la (tec)nostalgia asociada a la presencia insistente de aparatos analógicos de grabación y reproducción en los planos fílmicos, señalando cómo dichos objetos contribuyen a auratizar esa época predigital, reconstruyéndola como un tiempo “caliente” de la historia.
La vía cultural al socialismo. Políticas de la cultura en el Chile de la Unidad Popular
Authors: López Loreto , Peris Blanes Jaume
Published: July 2021

En el 2020 se cumplieron cincuenta años de la llegada al poder de la Unidad Popular en Chile. Unos meses antes, en octubre de 2019, el país se vio sacudido por una movilización social y popular que parecía carecer de precedentes cercanos, cuya magnitud recordaba a las grandes movilizaciones de principios de los años setenta. La vinculación no se acababa ahí: el estallido social de finales de 2019 trataba de impugnar los marcos ideológicos, económicos y vitales que se habían construido en la dictadura de Pinochet y se habían consolidado en los largos años de la postdictadura. Y para ello, reconocía en los símbolos culturales del periodo de la UP una posible genealogía: las múltiples reinterpretaciones de “El derecho de vivir en paz” y otros emblemas culturales de ese tiempo son solo la punta del iceberg de un proceso más amplio, por el que la extraordinaria movilización popular del periodo allendista apareció como el referente histórico más claro de algunas de las dinámicas surgidas con tras el estallido social. El estallido de la imaginación política que tuvo lugar en los últimos meses de 2019 encontró, así, un antecedente simbólico en el estallido de la imaginación que caracterizó al periodo de la Unidad Popular y que la dictadura cívico-militar cortó radicalmente. Porque, efectivamente, la batalla de Chile a principios de los setenta fue, además de una batalla política y social, una batalla cultural: una disputa por los significados compartidos que trataba de llevar a cabo una compleja redefinición de las formas de vida.
Analysis of velocity and trajectory in the group pursuit tasks
Authors: Dubanov Alexander Anatol'evich
Published: July 2021

This article discusses how to the goal pursuers can simultaneously achieve their goals in the group pursuit task. The proposed pursuit model suggests the pursuer to follow the set motion pattern, which is structured at each point of time. Such trajectory is a compound curve that takes into account the curvature constraints. The time of achieving the goal of each pursuer depends on the velocity and minimum radius of curvature of the trajectory. Multi-factor analysis of velocity modules and minimum radius of curvature of the trajectories of each pursuer for simultaneous achievement of their goals is the focus of this research
Sensory coding and the causal impact of mouse cortex in a visual decision
Authors: Zatka-Haas Peter , Steinmetz Nicholas A , Carandini Matteo , Harris Kenneth D
Published: July 2021

Correlates of sensory stimuli and motor actions are found in multiple cortical areas, but such correlates do not indicate whether these areas are causally relevant to task performance. We trained mice to discriminate visual contrast and report their decision by steering a wheel. Widefield calcium imaging and Neuropixels recordings in cortex revealed stimulus-related activity in visual (VIS) and frontal (MOs) areas, and widespread movement-related activity across the whole dorsal cortex. Optogenetic inactivation biased choices only when targeted at VIS and MOs,proportionally to each site's encoding of the visual stimulus, and at times corresponding to peak stimulus decoding. A neurometric model based on summing and subtracting activity in VIS and MOs successfully described behavioral performance and predicted the effect of optogenetic inactivation. Thus, sensory signals localized in visual and frontal cortex play a causal role in task performance, while widespread dorsal cortical signals correlating with movement reflect processes that do not play a causal role.
Multiple neuronal networks coordinate Hydra mechanosensory behavior
Authors: Badhiwala Krishna N , Primack Abby S , Juliano Celina E , Robinson Jacob T
Published: July 2021

Hydra vulgaris is an emerging model organism for neuroscience due to its small size, transparency, genetic tractability, and regenerative nervous system; however, fundamental properties of its sensorimotor behaviors remain unknown. Here, we use microfluidic devices combined with fluorescent calcium imaging and surgical resectioning to study how the diffuse nervous system coordinates Hydra's mechanosensory response. Mechanical stimuli cause animals to contract, and we find this response relies on at least two distinct networks of neurons in the oral and aboral regions of the animal. Different activity patterns arise in these networks depending on whether the animal is contracting spontaneously or contracting in response to mechanical stimulation. Together, these findings improve our understanding of how Hydra’s diffuse nervous system coordinates sensorimotor behaviors. These insights help reveal how sensory information is processed in an animal with a diffuse, radially symmetric neural architecture unlike the dense, bilaterally symmetric nervous systems found in most model organisms.
Developmental instability in wild Nigerian olive baboons (Papio anubis)
Authors: Hoover Kara C. , Gelipter Emily , Sommer Volker , Kovarovic Kris
Published: July 2021

Background

Developmental instability in archaeological samples can be detected through analysis of skeletal and dental remains. During life, disruptions to biological internal homeostasis that occur during growth and development redirect bodily resources to returning to homeostasis and away from normal processes such as symmetrical development. Because dental enamel does not remodel in life, any deviations from normal development are left behind. Even subtle disturbances to developmental trajectory may be detected in asymmetrical development of traits, specifically a random variation in sides termed fluctuating asymmetry. Human dental fluctuating asymmetry studies are common, but here we investigate the permanent dentition of a non-human primatePapio anubis, for potential fluctuating asymmetry relative to sex, weaning, and reproductive maturity. The sample stems from an outlier population that lives in the wettest and most humid habitat of any studied baboon group.

Methods

The skulls of adult baboons were collected after their natural death in Gashaka Gumti National Park, Nigeria. The permanent dentition of antimeric teeth (paired) were measured for maximum length and breadth using standard methods. The metrics were analyzed to assess the presence of fluctuating asymmetry in adult permanent mandibular and maxillary dentition. Measurement error and other forms of asymmetry (antisymmetry, directional asymmetry) were considered and dental measures expressing true fluctuating asymmetry were used to address three research questions.

Results

Males exhibit greater fluctuating asymmetry than females, suggesting that males experience greater overall instability during the developmental period. While weaning is not more stressful than other life history stages for males and females (using the first molar fluctuating asymmetry index as a proxy compared to other teeth), it is more stressful for females than males. The onset of reproduction is also not more stressful than other life history stages for males and females (using the third molar fluctuating asymmetry index as a proxy compared to other teeth), but it is more stressful for males than females. We explore possible explanations for these findings in the discussion.
CASPredict: a web service for identifying Cas proteins
Authors: Yang Shanshan , Huang Jian , He Bifang
Published: July 2021

Clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) and their associated (Cas) proteins constitute the CRISPR-Cas systems, which play a key role in prokaryote adaptive immune system against invasive foreign elements. In recent years, the CRISPR-Cas systems have also been designed to facilitate target gene editing in eukaryotic genomes. As one of the important components of the CRISPR-Cas system, Cas protein plays an irreplaceable role. The effector module composed of Cas proteins is used to distinguish the type of CRISPR-Cas systems. Effective prediction and identification of Cas proteins can help biologists further infer the type of CRISPR-Cas systems. Moreover, the class 2 CRISPR-Cas systems are gradually applied in the field of genome editing. The discovery of Cas protein will help provide more candidates for genome editing. In this paper, we described a web service named CASPredict (http://i.uestc.edu.cn/caspredict/cgi-bin/CASPredict.pl) for identifying Cas proteins. CASPredict first predicts Cas proteins based on support vector machine (SVM) by using the optimal dipeptide composition and then annotates the function of Cas proteins based on the hmmscan search algorithm. The ten-fold cross-validation results showed that the 84.84% of Cas proteins were correctly classified. CASPredict will be a useful tool for the identification of Cas proteins, or at least can play a complementary role to the existing methods in this area.
Endoscope-Assisted Reduction of Zygoma Arch Fractures
Authors: Khattab A. M. , Gamea A. M. , Hamad M. H.
Published: July 2021

Aims: To compare the effectiveness of the endoscope-assisted approach with the open surgical technique for reduction of zygoma arch fractures.

Study design: Randomized controlled study.

Place and Duration of Study: Maxillofacial surgery unit, Otolaryngology department, Tanta University hospital, Tanta, Egypt, between April 2019 and October 2020.

Methodology: We included 18 patients (15 men, 3 women; age range 16-63 years) with fracture of zygoma arch. Ten cases were operated by the endoscope-assisted approach while the other 8 cases were operated by the open surgical technique. Operative time, intraoperative blood loss, adequacy of reduction and any complications were recorded and documented.

Results: The endoscope assisted group showed a statistically significant lower risk of complications with risk reduction rate of 67.5%. In other terms, the number needed to treat was 1.5, that is to say we must treat 1.5 patients with the endoscope-assisted method to prevent 1 adverse event that would have happened with the traditional open approach. Other outcome measures of operative time and blood loss showed no statistically significant difference (P value equals .25 and .52 respectively). The outcome of rate of inadequate reduction has quite wide 95% CI (-19.38 to 19.38) that reflects imprecision due to lack of events.

Conclusion: The endoscope-assisted method showed statistically significant superiority in the domain of incidence of complications risk reduction (67.5%). No statistically significant difference was recorded in other outcome measures. Thus, the endoscope assisted approach for the zygoma arch fracture is in our opinion a better option than the traditional open incision approach.
Repair and Maintenance Cost Estimation for Two Power Sizes of Agricultural Tractors as Affected by Hours of Use and Age in Years: A Case Study, Dongola Area, Sudan
Authors: Dahab Mohamed H. , Gafar Montasir A. , Rahman Abdul Gadir M. Abdul
Published: July 2021

Repair and maintenance cost is considered as one of important items for machinery management and selection especially agricultural tractors. The present study was carried out in Dongola area for tractor repair and maintenance costs estimation. The data was collected from records of Elshimalya Company for Agricultural services. Forty-four tractors representing two powers sizes, 75hp and 150hp used in the area were selected for this study. Based on the data collected, regression correlation analysis was carried out and mathematical models were derived to predict the accumulated repair and maintenance (R and M) costs as percent of purchase price in relation to accumulated hours of use and age (years) for each tractor size, and for the two sizes collectively. Five model forms (linear, logarithmic, polynomial, power and exponential) were derived and the power function was found the best fit to explain the relation. The accumulated Rand M costs as percent of purchase price (Y) was increased as the accumulated hours of use (x) and age (g) of the tractor in years were increased. A high correlation was found between the accumulated R and M cost and both accumulated hours of use and tractor age in years (Average R2 = 0.93).

It was concluded that the power function was the best fit for repair and maintenance cost estimations and this relation may be used as an average of the two tractor powers, for estimation of the accumulated R and M costs as percent of purchase price (Y) with accumulated hours of use (x) and age (g): Y=0.028x0.662 (mean) Y=12.294g1.276 (mean).
Effect of Egg Shell Composition on the Flexural and Hardness Properties of Epoxy Resin/ Egg Shell Particles Composite
Authors: Iloabachie I. C. C. , Ajina O. T. , Chime A. C.
Published: July 2021

The effect of calcined egg shell particles on the mechanical properties of epoxy resin had been studied. The egg shell was sun dried for 3 days and calcined at 800oC in an electrically fired furnace model KGVB. The calcined egg shell was ground in a locally fabricated pulverized machine and sieved using Sieve Model 567924/173281Endecotts in accordance with ASTM standard. Microwave digestion system and an inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer (ICP-MS) were used to determine the chemical composition of the egg shell. The egg shell particles were mixed with epoxy resin to develop a composite casted by open mold casting. The flexural and hardness properties of the developed composite was determined using Universal Testing Machine model TUE-C-100, observing ASTM D790 standard and Rockwell Scale K hardness testing machine according to ASTM D785 respectively. The results showed that the calcined egg shell contained mostly CaO. Maximum flexural strength of 12MPa was observed at 25 wt. % egg shell particles. The highest hardness value of HRN 393 was observed at 20 wt. % egg shell particles. The produced composites may be applied where moderate strength is required.
Lived Experiences of Diabetes Patients in Rural Areas of Ghana: Discovering the Forces that Determine Psychosocial Care
Authors: Kwakye Isaac Nyarko , Antwi James , Hormenu Thomas
Published: July 2021

Aim: Diabetes has been identified to cause prolonged ill health in many people living in rural communities in Ghana where access to health care delivery appears to be inadequate and of low quality due to financial constraints, limited health resources, poor road network, low literacy levels and limited access to specialist care. Individuals diagnosed with diabetes often express varied psychological and emotional imbalances. Therefore, immediate psychosocial care is needed to prevent patients living in rural areas from getting into severe depression mode and other mental health complications. Yet, understanding how people diagnosed with diabetes should react in order to prevent severe psychological implications has not been adequately explored in Ghana. This study explored the lived experiences of diabetes patients living in rural areas of the Eastern Region of Ghana with the aim of discovering the forces that determine appropriate psychosocial care for patients.

Study Design: Using the Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA), 31 diabetes patients were purposively selected from four hospitals in the region, and interviewed using a semi-structured interview guide to investigate participants’ perceptions, thoughts, feelings, and experiences about the disease and how the participants own experiences could be used to construct a framework of immediate care applicable in their own social certain.

Results: The study generated themes along productive and unproductive lines to demonstrate the lived experiences of diabetes patients. Psycho-emotional reactions, psychological shock and emotional outbursts constitute unproductive forces. This caused some of the patients to express suicidal ideations at the extreme point. On the other hand, individual resilience and disposition, guidance and support from care providers, family and community members constitute the productive forces that provide an appropriate framework for psychosocial care for diabetes patients.

Conclusion: The study has shown the need to adequately address the psychological and emotional needs of diabetes patients to prevent extreme forms of psychological distress (anxiety and depression). The authors, therefore, recommend an integrated care model for diabetes patients’ in rural areas that encompass a psychosocial therapy built around the primary healthcare concept with the establishment of counseling units in all Primary Health Care facilities. This will offer a platform to generate personal and community actions and decisions to adequately address the immediate psychological and emotional needs of diabetes patients in rural areas.
Nanoparticle’s Significance as Antibacterial Agents & Other Pharmaceutical Applications and Their Limitations: A Critical Review
Authors: Nath Ranajit , Roy Ratna , Mondal Banani , Bhattacharya Barshana , Ravi Lokesh
Published: July 2021

Nanoparticles (NPs) a potential next generation candidate for human well-being in the world of healthcare, have been observed to be effective anti-bacterial agents. The significance of nanoparticles as anti-bacterial agents has taken spotlight, due to the inability of pathogenic bacteria to develop resistance against NPs. In this review, mode of action of some scientifically important anti-bacterial NPs were discussed, along with summary of recent pre-clinical and clinical studies reported on anti-bacterial NPs are discussed. Some of the current hurdles and barriers that should be addressed to complete marketability and human applications, in regards to NPs as nanomedicines are also critically discussed along with focus on reported toxicity in NPs. Some additional pharmaceutical effects of NPs, reported in the recent years, such as antidiabetic and anticancer are also included for discussion. This review provides significant information on recent discoveries in the field of nanomedicines as antibiotics, that show promising future for drug development and drug delivery. As in every human domain, evidence begins to point to the actual undeniable fact that in conjunction with the existing medicine, nanomedicines could be the future of the healthcare that replace or enhance the potential current pharmaceutical drugs.
The Upsurge and Impact of COVID 19 in India: Health Issues and Remedial Measures
Authors: Isswani Kanchi
Published: July 2021

The novel Coronavirus was something that nobody was prepared for. It was that part of the syllabus which was always neglected. The contagious disease which started in the Wuhan region of China had started to settle in various parts of the World. The outbreak of this disease has reached such a huge number that all the countries witnessed lockdown in some form or the other. Some people have witnessed destruction of mankind while some have even leisured this time to their fullest but as it has been always said “Prevention is better than cure”. Prevention of covid 19 in all the nations was one of the major steps which was taken in the year 2020. In India it all started in the year of 2019 December when the first ever case of covid 19 was reported in the state of Kerala followed by Rajasthan, Maharashtra and Delhi. Following such a situation and then sudden increase in the no of cases all over the country a major decision was taken that was of Complete lockdown excluding the emergency and essential services. Before taking the step of lockdown, as a gesture of respect to the frontline workers, government of India announced Tali Bajao movement. In the period of lockdown Certain norms were even made mandatory that were wearing a mask, maintenance of hand sanitation and following social distancing of 1.5 meters in public places. All the educational institutes and teachings were even suspended during the time period of lockdown as it could have become a hub for the virus to spread. With time, the restrictions which were laid down in lockdown were started to be reduced in the phase wise manner and finally India noticed its very first Unlock period. In all this scenario mankind has dealt with various situations and have emerged to be a better person. All these steps were crucial to control the spread of Novel Coronavirus and prevention from the already spread cases.
A Comparative Study of Alcohol Estimation in Different Samples of Draksharishta
Authors: Bore Ravindra , Wadnerwar Nilima
Published: July 2021

Background: Among all Arishta, Draksharishta is manufactured and sold on large amount by various pharmaceutical companies and widely prescribed by the physicians. Due to its effective properties and pleasant test resembling to that of Alcohol, Draksharishta is used by the patients in over dose for longer duration irrespective of the physician’s prescription.

Hence, to estimate and compare the level of alcohol and to detect the absence/presence of Methanol content in self-prepared and market samples of Draksharishta, this study was undertaken by comparing the permissible limits of alcohol in all the samples so as to inhibit alcohol intoxication due to Draksharishta. Draksharishta was prepared by two methods.

Methodology: In method 1, Dhataki (Woodfordia floribunda) flowers and in method 2, Yeast was used for inducing fermentation. Analytical study of two self prepared and five market samples of Draksharishta was conducted to estimate the level of alcohol, reducing sugar, non reducing sugar and to detect the absence/presence of Methanol content. The detected values of the parameters were compared among all the samples.

 Results: The data reveal that there is difference in the physicochemical values of the Draksharishta samples. The alcohol content in samples M-E (2.8 %), S-A (3.40 %) and S-B (3.80 %) is low as compared to other sample of Draksharishta. Alcohol content in self prepared and market samples of Draksharishta is within permissible limits. Methanol is absent in all the sample of Draksharishta. Draksharishta prepared according to reference (S-A and S-B), satisfy the standard parameters of Arishta kalpana.

Conclusion: Draksharishta sample S-A and S-B can be easily used in all age groups even in higher dose. As alcohol contents is less and methanol is absent in self-prepared samples, they are safe to use.
Stress Induced Cardiomyopathy (Takotsubo) in a Post-Operative Pregnancy Induced Hypertension Patient Operated for Caesarean Section: A Case Report
Authors: Takalkar Shweta , Deshmukh Pratibha , Pasari Sweety , Deshmukh Priyanka , Chakole Vivek
Published: July 2021

This is a case of a 30 year old female, with Pregnancy Induced Hypertension and history of psychiatric illness in the past, subsequently developed TCM in the intra-operative period. ECG showed subtle fresh changes. There were multiple stressors for our patient namely acute blood loss, spinal anaesthesia and history of psychiatric illness. The decision on the timing and mode of delivery should be guided by obstetrical reasons. A multidisciplinary team of cardiologists, obstetricians, neonatologists, and psychologists should be involved. This case highlights the importance of being extra vigilant in patients having psychiatric disorders undergoing any surgical procedure especially caesarean section.
Impact of Pesticide Awareness module (PAM) in Improving the knowledge of Farmers Community about Pesticide Poisoning: A Pre- and Post- Intervention Study in Wardha District in Maharashtra, India
Authors: Chalakh S. , Desai P. , Rajput D.
Published: July 2021

Background:Pesticide poisoning is a major concern in developing countries like India due to a                    lack of knowledge about its hazardous effect. It can be minimised by creating awareness                    among the farmers .This study was conducted to assess the impact of pesticide awareness              module in improving the awareness among the farmers' community about pesticide                  poisoning.

Methodology: This was a pre and Post-intervention study in six villages in the Wardha district in Maharashtra. Forty farmers from six villages were interviewed regarding the knowledge, about pesticide poisoning before and after the sensitization with pesticide awareness module with the predesigned questionnaire.

Result: Statistically high significant difference is detected in pre and post-test. It was found that average Pre-test score was 1.84 (out of 10) which was increased in post-test score to 6.52(out of 10). The observed change was 46.79%.

Conclusion: The intervention of PAM was highly effective in knowledge gaining of farmer community
Innovation in Indian Pharmaceutical Industry: Impact of Changing Regulatory Regime
Authors: Sethi Divya , Chaturvedi Vijit , Sethi Anju
Published: July 2021

Background: The Pharmaceutical industry has always been fostered with a culture of radical innovation. Nevertheless, the significance of radical innovation is yet unrealized by the Indian pharmaceutical firms. 

Introduction: The Indian pharma companies often seek immediate profit avenues rather than investing in radical innovation. They lead by imitation than innovation. This has been majorly due to the lax intellectual property laws in the country.

Objectives: This paper ruminates on the significance of a stringent intellectual property regime and its impact on profitability and innovation.

Result: The findings of the study indicate that increased R&D intensity enhances innovation. Furthermore, this relationship is bolstered in the presence of a stringent intellectual property regime. The findings also indicate that enhanced innovation activity increases the profitability of the firms.

Conclusion: Innovation activity is enhanced in presence of a stricter intellectual property regime, and this indeed has a positive impact on the firm profitability as well. Hence, as the results of the study indicate, the pharmaceutical firms in India should be encouraged to invest in research and development, especially considering the stricter patent laws. It will help firms bolster their profitability and have a sustained competitive advantage in the industry.
Development of an Improved Whole Blood Assay for Diagnosis of Latent and Active Tuberculosis Cases
Authors: Nashine Rupam R. , Nayak Amit R. , Husain Aliabbas , Mudey Gargi D. , Daginawala Hatim F. , Singh Lokendra , Kashyap Rajpal S.
Published: July 2021

Background: Latent TB infection (LTBI) is an infection where the presence of disease causing organism M. tuberculosis is there without any sign and symptoms of the disease hence mostly remains undiagnosed, though Tuberculin skin test (TST) and Interferon Gamma Release Assay (IGRA) were used to diagnose the LTBI. They have their limitations, TST gives major cross-reactivity with BCG vaccine and gives inaccurate results in individuals who have taken BCG and IGRA are very costly and variable sensitivity is repeated in various populations hence the modifications are needed in the IGRA for proper diagnosis of LTBI.

Objectives: In the proposed study we aimed to develop an improved whole blood assay                    towards a diagnosis of latent and active TB infection as an alternative to the Quantiferon QFT assay

Methodology: Synthetic antigenic peptides against latency specific antigens will be designed and synthesized. Designed peptides will be screened for LTBI specific cytokine by in-vitro experiments. Development & production of Whole assay using selected peptides evaluation of developed assay through ELISA in clinical samples.

Expected Results: Latent specific peptides will be identified and peptide-based whole blood assay for detection and diagnosis of tuberculosis will be developed as an indigenous alternative for the existing QFT assay.

Conclusion: An improved whole blood assay will be developed for screening of LTBI in the Indian population.
Genome‐wide analysis of the mouse LIM gene family reveals its roles in regulating pathological cardiac hypertrophy
Authors: Wang Fangfang , Zhao Jieqiong , Zhang Mingming , Yang Jingxiao , Zeng Guangwei
Published: July 2021

LIM‐domain proteins have been shown to be associated with heart development and diseases. Systematic studies of LIM family members at the genome‐wide level, which are crucial to further understand their functions in cardiac hypertrophy, are currently lacking. Here, 70 LIM genes were identified and characterised in mice. The expression patterns of LIM genes differ greatly during cardiac development and in the case of hypertrophy. Both Crip2 and Xirp2 are differentially expressed in cardiac hypertrophy and during heart failure. In addition, the hypertrophic state of cardiomyocytes is controlled by the relative expression levels of Crip2 and Xirp2. This study provides a foundation for further understanding of the special roles of LIM proteins in mammalian cardiac development and hypertrophy.
Siglec‐15 promotes the migration of liver cancer cells by repressing lysosomal degradation of CD44
Authors: Liu Weitao , Ji Zhi , Wu BingRui , Huang Sijing , Chen Qihang , Chen Xiaoning , Wei Yuanyan , Jiang Jianhai
Published: July 2021

Sialic acid‐binding immunoglobulin‐like lectin‐15 (Siglec‐15) has been identified as a novel potential target for cancer immunotherapy. Here, we explored the role of Siglec‐15 in human hepatoma cells. In this study, we found that the expression of Siglec‐15 is substantially upregulated in liver cancer tissues in comparison with the nontumor tissues. Functionally, in vitro experiments show that Siglec‐15 promotes the migration of hepatoma cells. Furthermore, the data demonstrated an interaction between Siglec‐15 and CD44, a transmembrane glycoprotein that mediates tumor progression and metastasis. In addition, we show that CD44 is modified by α2,6‐linked sialic acids on N‐glycans in hepatoma cells and that CD44 sialylation affects its interaction with Siglec‐15. Removal of the sialic acid residues from CD44 resulted in suppressed interaction between Siglec‐15 and CD44. We further demonstrate that Siglec‐15 interacts and promotes the stability of CD44 by preventing its lysosomal‐mediated degradation. Taken together, our findings demonstrate that Siglec‐15 promotes the migration of hepatoma cells by regulating the CD44 protein stability.