bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Epigenomics in Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma
Authors: Manuel Alvarez Moran Aldo , Alejandro Ávila Sánchez Pablo , Alejandro Torres Ríos Jorge , Vega Castillo Lorena
Published: July 2022

Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is a tumor with a relatively low incidence, but whose carcinogenesis, for the most part, involves epigenetic factors that keep its heterogeneity and sometimes are a therapeutic target or an obstacle to the effectiveness of the newest treatments. This chapter summarizes the principal epigenetic dysregulation mechanisms involved in the MPM pathogenesis. The most studied mechanism is hypermethylation mediated by DNA methyltransferases (DNMTs) in different tumor suppressor genes, and the relation with asbestos fiber exposure, which represents the main risk factor. Physiopathology is related to chronic inflammation mediated by free radicals that produce chromosomal alterations, genomic instability, increased angiogenesis, and tumor invasion factors like EGFR, FGFR, TGF-B, and PDGF. Additionally, independent methylation pathways that produce gene silencing such as polycomb complex and SWI/SNF mutation are reviewed. Finally, other mechanisms are described such as hypomethylation with imprint loss and pro-oncogenic gene activation that induce immunological responses, as well as acetylation, deacetylation, and demethylation in the chromatin and histone context.
Biochar for Environmental Remediation
Authors: Chandola Dinesh , Rana Smita
Published: July 2022

The environment is deteriorating rapidly, and it is essential to restore it as soon as possible. Biochar is a carbon-rich pyrolysis result of various organic waste feedstocks that has generated widespread attention due to its wide range of applications for removing pollutants and restoring the environment. Biochar is a recalcitrant, stable organic carbon molecule formed when biomass is heated to temperatures ranging from 300°C to 1000°C under low (ideally zero) oxygen concentrations. The raw organic feedstocks include agricultural waste, forestry waste, sewage sludge, wood chips, manure, and municipal solid waste, etc. Pyrolysis, gasification, and hydrothermal carbonization are the most frequent processes for producing biochar due to their moderate operating conditions. Slow pyrolysis is the most often used method among them. Biochar has been utilised for soil remediation and enhancement, carbon sequestration, organic solid waste composting, water and wastewater decontamination, catalyst and activator, electrode materials, and electrode modification and has significant potential in a range of engineering applications, some of which are still unclear and under investigation due to its highly varied and adjustable surface chemistry. The goal of this chapter is to look into the prospective applications of biochar as a material for environmental remediation.
Novel Filtering Applications in Substrate-Integrated Waveguide Technology
Authors: Coves Angela , Bozzi Maurizio
Published: July 2022

The SIW technology combines complete shielding and fairly low losses with simple and cost-effective manufacturing, thus representing the ideal platform for the development of the next generation of wireless systems, including the band-pass filters among them. In this chapter, a number of novel SIW filter configurations will be presented to improve the filter performance, reduce losses, and minimize the filter footprint. To this end, different topologies of band-pass filters in SIW technology will be described based on stepped-impedance configurations (with high and low dielectric constant sections) making use of the impedance inverter model, extending this concept to half-mode SIW structures, with the aim to reduce the size of the filters.
A Review on Elemental and Isotopic Geochemistry
Authors: N. Khalef Riyam , I. Hassan Amal , M. Saleh Hosam
Published: July 2022

Geochemistry is the study of the development, and distribution of chemical elements on Earth, which are found in rock-forming minerals and their byproducts, as well as in living beings, water, and the environment. The elemental geochemical variation of sediments is used to recognize the mechanisms controlling the estuarine environment and serves as a baseline for assessing the environmental effect in the future. Geochemistry is a unique field that deals with the study of mineral deposits. It also addresses the interconnections between the structures of rock, soil, water, and air, which vary according to different places. Furthermore, groundwater is the solely accessible water supply in many desert basins, particularly in developing nations. Geochemical indicators are proper instruments for addressing a diversity of hydrological issues, particularly in arid and semi-arid settings. Thermodynamically, the fugacity of oxygen (fO2) in solid earth varies by many orders of magnitude. Enstatite chondrites can have high levels of hydrogen abundance, hydrogen, and nitrogen isotope compositions like those of the earth’s mantle. The chapter deals with the basic concept of geochemistry and its types, as well as the development of geochemistry. It also explains elemental and isotopes geochemistry, human health, and medical geochemistry.
Influence of Soil Moisture Stress on Vegetative Growth and Root Yield of Some Cassava Genotypes for Better Selection Strategy in Screen House Conditions and Different Agro-Ecologies in Nigeria
Authors: Adetoro Najimu , Mouritala Sikirou
Published: July 2022

Cassava is a vital staple crop for many African populations particularly in Nigeria. This study was conducted to determine the effect of soil moisture on the performance of selected 12 cassava genotypes that were evaluated for yield and related traits under three percentages of field capacity (75% – control, 50%, and 25%) in the screen house and field conditions in three agro-ecologies (Ibadan-Derived Savanna, Mokwa-Southern Guinea Savanna, and Zaria-Northern Guinea Savanna) and randomized complete block design was used. Data were collected on plant height, stem girth, number of nodes and leaves, shoot weight, stomata conductant, stay-green, fresh root weight, and dry matter percentage and were analyzed using descriptive statistics and ANOVA. Genotypes differed significantly across and within locations. The higher stress level (25% field capacity – F.C.) resulted in a more significant reduction in vegetative growth than the moderate stress level of 50% F.C.; moisture levels were uniform over time for plant height and stem girth. The response to moisture levels varied widely among genotypes, indicating that they experienced a higher stress condition. Genotypes IITA-TMS-IBA980581, IITA-TMS-IBA010040, and IITA-TMS-IBA010034 were identified with good drought tolerance. Integrating physiological research with breeding efforts will help in the selection of suitable varieties for release.
MicroRNAs and Pancreatic ß Cell Functional Modulation
Authors: Irfan Shahzad , Jabeen Farhat , Anwar Haseeb
Published: July 2022

Recent reports of diabetes susceptibility loci located on the non-coding regions of the genome highlight the importance of epigenetic control in health and disease. Specifically, microRNAs have shown to have an important regulatory role in pancreatic ß cell physiology. Human studies implicated that ß cell mass and function are regulated by microRNAs in health and disease. Further, the microRNAs are also implicated in ensuing diabetic complications. Delineating the peculiar role of microRNAs in ß cell physiology and pathophysiology will fill the missing gaps in our current knowledge and help to devise better treatment regimens for diabetes. This chapter will discuss multiple effects of different microRNAs on the ß cell physiology in the context of maintenance and function in Type 2 diabetes mellitus.
Prospects and Pitfalls Experienced by Social Workers Working in a Confounding Environment in a South African Setting
Authors: Murote Kang’ethe Simon
Published: July 2022

While social workers are professionally and aptly placed to facilitate a turn-around environment rife with a conglomeration of challenges such as poverty, ignorance, and diseases, the chapter discusses the developmental prospects and pitfalls that confound their practice in South Africa. Opportunely, social work interventions continue to gain developmental mileage through increased training of social workers, their increased deployment in various versatile domains of social and economic development and increased widening of the scope of social work research, especially current research in fields such as HIV/AIDS and coronavirus. On the other side of the coin, the chapter discusses social work pitfalls attributed to professional curricular gaps as social work continue to follow a western-centric curriculum; the presence of various metaphysical beliefs and myths that weaken or derail social work interventions and a weaker research environment to offer a plausible and timely solution to the prevalent problems. The chapter concludes by calling for a paradigm shift in the social work curriculum as well as its indigenization to productively respond to the South African socio-cultural and geographical milieu.
The Role of Immune Checkpoints in Cancer Progression
Authors: Aji Prasetya Rahmad , Diah Wulansari Devyani
Published: July 2022

Immune checkpoint proteins are like two-faced swords that first act as gatekeepers of the immune system to protect the host from tissue damage. In contrast, these proteins can corroborate cancer progression by inhibiting tumor-specific immune responses. Here, we summarized the regulation and signaling cascade of immune checkpoints molecules (PD-1/PD-L1, CTLA-4, TIM3, TIGIT, LAG3, and BTLA), including their role in providing co-inhibitory signals for regulating T-cell response. The involvement of immune checkpoint molecules to drive cancer growth is elaborated with explanations about various anticancer strategies, such as (1) the overexpression of immune checkpoints in cancer cells, immune cells, or the surrounding environment leading to incapabilities of the tumor-specific immune response, (2) immune checkpoints interference to metabolic pathways then deplete nutrients needed by immune cells, (3) the interaction between immune checkpoints and regulatory T cells. Lastly, future challenges of immune checkpoint inhibitors are discussed briefly to get insight into their applicability in the clinical setting.
Cannabis Medicines: Guidance for the Selection, Purchase and Supply for Clinical Trials
Authors: Galettis Peter , Barlow John , Boublik Jaroslav , Capra Stefania , Galettis Rachel , Graham Myfanwy , Hill Courtney , Mavor Paul , Nikolajevic-Sarunac Jasminka , Richards Rosemary , Schloss Janet , Thompson Melinda , Truong Linda , Urbi Berzenn , Weston-Green Katrina , K. Wong Aaron
Published: July 2022

Cannabis medicines are in demand from the public for treating a range of diseases and symptoms; however, clinicians are reluctant to prescribe these products because of limited evidence and prescribing information. To generate this evidence, quality clinical trials of cannabis medicines must be undertaken, yet their design is a complex, often uncharted territory, and involves the cooperation and sharing of knowledge of multiple stakeholders. Before designing a clinical trial, researchers require a clear understanding of the potential therapeutic benefit cannabis medicines may have, the form and formulation of the product, and the dose to be investigated. Researchers must also be aware of the applicable pharmaceutical regulations in the country or jurisdiction where the research is to be undertaken, as well as manufacturing or licensing regulations that may be imposed at the source of the cannabis product. Importantly, collaborations with industry are a key to the successful outcome of cannabis medicines clinical trials. Without funding and sponsorship of clinical trials, the ability to generate quality data will be limited and the evidence for cannabis medicines to be registered as therapeutics lacking. Collaborations between researchers, industry, and regulators, working together in sharing knowledge, are therefore critical to generate high quality cannabis medicines research.
Cyclodextrins as Bricks for Tuning Polymer Properties
Authors: Aricov Ludmila , Ruxandra Leontieș Anca , Matei Iulia , Ioniță Gabriela
Published: July 2022

Cyclodextrins are natural cyclic oligosaccharides with a cone shape delimiting a hydrophobic cavity. The rims of cyclodextrins can be functionalized in order to improve their properties. Based on this, cyclodextrins can be linked to polymer chains, which further allows the tuning of the polymer properties. This review describes the methods of polymer functionalization with cyclodextrins and highlights the changes in the physicochemical properties of these materials. This chapter is focused on polymers in solution and in gel states. Cyclodextrin-based polymers are evaluated by various physicochemical methods, such as rheology, calorimetry, and spectroscopy (electron paramagnetic resonance, fluorescence, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR), etc.). Both natural and synthetic polymers are considered in this chapter.
The Place of Liver Elastography in Diagnosis of Alcohol-Related Liver Disease
Authors: Popescu Alina , Foncea Camelia
Published: July 2022

Harmful use of alcohol is associated with more than 200 diseases and types of injuries, the liver being one of the most important targets. Alcoholic liver disease (ALD) is the most frequent cause of severe chronic liver disease in Europe and worldwide. ALD can progress from alcoholic fatty liver to alcoholic steatohepatitis and alcoholic liver cirrhosis, the grade of fibrosis being the key prognostic factor for the severity of the diseases. This chapter will present the place of liver elastography in the noninvasive assessment of ALD. It will describe the data available in the literature regarding the different elastography techniques for liver stiffness assessment and also the potential of these techniques for screening ALD.
Studies on the Short-Term Effects of the Cease of Pesticides Use on Vineyard Microbiome
Authors: Ghiță Simona , Hnatiuc Mihaela , Ranca Aurora , Artem Victoria , Ciocan Mădălina-Andreea
Published: July 2022

In this chapter, an overview of the impact of phytosanitary treatments on the vineyard microbiome is provided, together with the results of the research we conducted. The studied plant material consisted of grapevine from the cultivars Sauvignon blanc and Cabernet Sauvignon, cultivated within the plantation of the Research Station for Viticulture and Enology from Murfatlar, Romania. For each cultivar, a treated plot and an untreated plot were established. For each of those, the phyllosphere microbiota was quantified using the epifluorescence microscopy method, followed by automated image analysis using CellC software. At the same time, the soil fungal diversity was evaluated in three stages during the year 2021, using microscopic morphological criteria. The results give useful information regarding the phytosanitary state of the studied plant, as well as the short-term effects produced by the ceasing of pesticide application on the grapevine microbiota.
Outcomes of Bariatric Surgery
Authors: Ullah Asad
Published: July 2022

The prevalence of obesity has increased globally. Management of obesity consists of medical and surgical interventions. The results of bariatric surgery are consistently more significant than medical therapy. Importantly, bariatric surgery achieves durable weight loss in more patients than medical therapy. Moreover, studies have reported improvement in most obesity-related complications after bariatric surgery. Improvement or remission of type 2 diabetes mellitus, hypertension and dyslipidemia is noteworthy. Due to better outcomes, the indications of bariatric surgery are expanding. In conclusion, bariatric surgery is a cost-effective and safer alternative for morbidly obese patients who fail to respond to non-surgical treatments. Some studies have raised concerns about the worsening of mental health problems after bariatric surgerys. It requires careful management of high-risk patients and further research.
Comparison of the Pharmacokinetics of Eflornithine after Application of Eflornithine Cream and “Eflornithine: Armenicum” Composition in Rates
Authors: Ghazaryan Hovhannes , Hovhannisyan Areg
Published: July 2022

This chapter reports the study results to determine percutaneous absorption and pharmacokinetics of eflornithine following topical treatment with eflornithine hydrochloride 13.9% cream and “eflornithine–armenicum” composition in rats. The model of aerobic wounds was developed. Eflornithine hydrochloride cream (dose of 460 mg/kg) was applied in group I, and “eflornithine–armenicum” composition was applied in group II at a same dose of Eflornithine. The plasma concentration-time profile of racemic eflornithine following frequent sampling was determined by the HPLC method (LLOQ, 1.5 ng/ml). Eflornithine concentrations were measurable at 24 h, with peak concentrations in plasma 5.3 ng/ml after cream and 3.8 ng/ml after composition application (p < 0.001) and the average time to reach the maximum concentration of eflornithine increases from 2 h to 3.3 h. The area under the pharmacokinetic curve was decreased after composition application by 25%. Eflornithine was eliminated from plasma with a mean terminal half-life of 11.6 hours. It can be assumed that the use of “eflornithine–armenicum” composition allows for maintaining the optimal concentration of two anti-inflammatory compounds at the site of application for a long time, which can improve their pharmacological effect compared to separate use of eflornithine cream.
Mesenchymal Stem/Stromal Cells in Allergic Disease Management
Authors: Zhang Leisheng , Han Zhongchao , Gao Xiaowei
Published: July 2022

Allergic diseases are a clump of disorders caused by protective or harmful immune responses to specific exogenous stimulations. To date, the worldwide prevalence of allergic diseases has caused considerable perplex to patients and guardians physically and mentally. Despite the significant advances in preclinical investigation and clinical practice, yet the effective treatment strategies for allergic diseases are far from satisfaction. State-of-the-art renewal has highlighted the involvement of mesenchymal stem/stromal cell (MSC)-based cytotherapy for various allergic disease management including atopic dermatitis, pediatric asthma, allergic rhinitis, and urticaria, which largely attributes to the unique immunomodulatory properties and mode of action via autocrine and paracrine, direct- or trans-differentiation. In this chapter, we mainly focus on the latest updates of MSC-based investigations upon allergic disease administration as well as the concomitant prospective and challenges, which will provide overwhelming new references for MSC-based cytotherapy in regenerative medicine.
Analysis of Geometric Parameters of the Nozzle Orifice on Cavitating Flow and Entropy Production in a Diesel Injector
Authors: Echouchene Fraj , Belmabrouk Hafedh
Published: July 2022

In this chapter, we investigated the effect of geometric parameters of the nozzle orifice on cavitating flow and entropy production in a diesel injector. Firstly, we analyzed the effect of some parameters of diesel injector such as the nozzle length and the lip rounding on cavitating flow. In the second parts, we studied the entropy production inside the diesel injector in several cases: -single phase and laminar flow,- single phase and turbulent flow and –tubulent cavitating flow. In the last case, the mixture model cupled with k-ε turbulent model has been adopted. The effects of average inlet velocity and cavitation number on entropy production have been presented and discussed. The results obtained show that the discharge coefficient is weakly influenced by the length of the orifice and the radius of the wedge has a large effect on the intensity and distribution of cavitation along the injection nozzle. On the other hand, the study of entropy production inside the diesel injector shows that the entropy production is important near the wall and increases whith increasing the average inlet velocity and pressure injection.
Protein and Peptide Drug Delivery
Authors: Charan Giri Nitai
Published: July 2022

Protein and peptide-based drugs have great potential applications as therapeutic agents since they have higher efficacy and lower toxicity than chemical drugs. However, difficulty with their delivery has limited their use. In particular, their oral bioavailability is very low, and the transdermal delivery faces absorption limitations. Therefore, most of the protein and peptide-based drugs are administered by the parenteral route. However, this route also has some problems, such as patient discomfort, especially for pediatric use. Extensive research has been performed over the past few decades to develop protein and peptide delivery systems that circumvent the problems mentioned above. Various strategies that have been employed during this time include nanoparticle carriers, absorption enhancers, enzyme inhibitors, mucoadhesive polymers, and chemical modification of protein or peptide structures. However, most of these strategies are focused on the delivery of proteins or peptides via the oral route since it is the most preferred route considering its high level of patient acceptance, long-term compliance, and simplicity. However, other routes of administration such as transdermal, nasal, pulmonary can also be attractive alternatives for protein and peptide delivery. This chapter will discuss the most effective approaches used to develop protein and peptide drug delivery systems.
Vyvážení konkurenční doložky v obchodním zastoupení
Authors: Placzek Ondřej
Published: July 2022

Tento článek zkoumá, zda strany obchodního zastoupení mají v případě sjednání konkurenční doložky povinnost toto ujednání určitým způsobem smluvně vyvážit. Kromě samotné existence povinného vyvážení se autor zabývá analýzou výhod a nevýhod možných podob kompenzace a zkoumáním role, jakou v souvislosti s vyvážením konkurenční doložky hraje institut zvláštní odměny. Na závěr článku je zvážena také otázka přiměřeného rozsahu sjednané kompenzační povinnosti.
Soudcovská filozofie: právní, nikoli mimoprávní vliv na soudní rozhodování
Authors: Blažková Kristina
Published: July 2022

Většina soudců je při rozhodování motivována snahou dostát požadavkům své funkce a přijmout nejlepší možné rozhodnutí ve světle toho, co si pod vlivem své profesní zkušenosti představují pod pojmem právo. Významným faktorem ovlivňujícím soudní rozhodování na mikro-úrovni je proto soudcovská filozofie. Tu lze definovat jako výslovně pojmenovatelnou a racionálně obhajitelnou metodu soudního rozhodování, kterou utváří soudcovo vnímání vlastní funkce, zásad interpretace práva, role soudní moci v ústavním systému, funkce práva a dělby moci. Je úzce spjata s axiologií práva, tj. s hodnotami utvářejícími pojem práva. Článek proto doplňuje model soudního rozhodování představený v knize Mimoprávní vlivy na rozhodování českého Ústavního soudu o faktor soudcovské filozofie. V první části text koncept soudcovské filozofie analyzuje ve vztahu k hodnotám právní jistoty, individuální spravedlnosti a účelnosti práva. Následně pak představuje tři nejvýznamnější typy soudcovské filozofie: právní formalismus, substancialismus a pragmatismus. Zaměřuje se též na soudcovský aktivismus jakožto součást pojmu soudcovské filozofie.
Eight new species of Dexosarcophaga Townsend, 1917 (Diptera, Sarcophagidae) from the Neotropical Region
Authors: Dos Santos Josenilson Rodrigues , Pape Thomas , De Mello-Patiu Cátia Antunes
Published: July 2022

Eight new Neotropical species of Dexosarcophaga Townsend, 1917 are described, five from Brazil, Dexosarcophaga phoenix sp. nov., Dexosarcophaga jandainae sp. nov., Dexosarcophaga patiuorum sp. nov., Dexosarcophaga petra sp. nov., and Dexosarcophaga sphaera sp. nov., one from Costa Rica, Dexosarcophaga limon sp. nov., one from Ecuador, Dexosarcophaga napo sp. nov., and one from Colombia, Dexosarcophaga pallida sp. nov. Male and female morphology is documented with photographs and illustrations, including details of the male terminalia for all new species and female terminalia of Dexosarcophaga phoenix sp. nov. and Dexosarcophaga sphaera sp. nov. With the addition of these new species, 58 species of Dexosarcophaga are now known, with records from the American continent spanning from the southern United States to northern Argentina.
Reflections of the Activities of the Vocal-Instrumental Chapel of the Carmelites of the Ancient Observance of Bialyničiai in Several Manuscript Sources of the Second Half of the Eighteenth–the First Half of the Nineteenth Century
Authors: Dacevič Alicja , Budzinauskienė Laima
Published: July 2022

So far, a separate musicological work on the musical activities in the church of the Carmelites of the Ancient Observance of Bialyničiai (Belarusian Бялы́ нічы, Polish Białynicze) has not been prepared. The lack of a sheet music library prompted the study into several manuscript sources from the second half of the eighteenth century to the first half of the nineteenth century, which are stored in manuscript libraries in Vilnius and Minsk. Using the book of registration of income and expenses of the Carmelites of the Ancient Observance of Bialyničiai, which was the primary source of information, a list of the members of the chapel of the Carmelite Order of Bialyničiai, who were paid in the second half of the eighteenth century, was compiled, with their names, surnames, time of service, and positions. The exact information on the size and the composition of the chapel that used to play in the church of the Carmelites of the Ancient Observance in Bialyničiai in 1824–1825 and in 1832, found in the inventory, the visitation, and the audit, is also provided. With the help of sheet music lists, attempts were made to determine the musical genres predominant in the chapel’s performances and the composers whose vocal-instrumental works were performed. The names of the composers are often distorted in the manuscript lists found, but it is possible to identify some of them or to make assumptions. The seventeenth-to-nineteenth-century heritage of the vocal-instrumental chapels of the Catholic monasteries of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania requires further research in order to produce a synthetic summary of this phenomenon.
Integral Dimensions of Piano Accompanying: A Stable Change in Identity
Authors: - Jurkūnienė Agnė Railaitė , Budzinauskienė Laima
Published: July 2022

Ontological and epistemological polarisation between the concepts of art and craft, the aspects of their differentiation and synthesis are important in all artistic disciplines. Speaking specifically about the musical performance as a discipline, the objective, measurable, and technical means of expression are always accompanied by subjective abstract implications of individual features that characterise a certain performer or an ensemble. Creative explorations by nineteenth-century Western European composers and the romantic ideology in general provided a fruitful ground for the development of a qualitatively new type of relationship between the soloist and the accompanist. In response to the new demands posed on the accompanist, the issues of equality and collaboration between partners in a chamber ensemble first appeared in public discussion and were considered by music scholars of the time. This also led to further differentiation of distinctive sub-disciplines in the art of accompaniment. Even though the distinction between art and craft is obvious and indisputable, the notion of craftsmanship, placed in the context of practice, becomes a starting point and a prerequisite in the pursuit of fine quality in every art and profession. In the practice of the accompanying pianist, which forms a separate field of specialisation in piano performance, the “art-and-craft” dialectic is especially pronounced. This may be due to the multidimensional character of such practice. Our aim here is not to emphasise the opposition between these categories but to oppose them according to the specific areas of their manifestation and to draft a coherent structure of accompanying pianist’s profession. By synthesising various characteristics, the craft within a profession becomes a path towards transcendental art, a means to achieve symmetry between identity of creative work and fine quality.
Dementia Sufferer and Person Living with a Diagnosis of Dementia
Authors: Bös Birte , Schneider Carolin
Published: July 2022

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Boomers
Authors: Morganroth Gullette Margaret
Published: July 2022

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Vulnerable and Vulnerability
Authors: Henderson Julia , Sawchuk Kim
Published: July 2022

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Functionality
Authors: Marshall Barbara L.
Published: July 2022

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Llegir, escriure, escoltar: els paisatges sonors de Guillem Frontera
Authors: Pizà Antoni
Published: July 2022

El ensayo presenta una panorámica de las novelas y ensayos de Guillem Frontera (Ariany, Mallorca, 1945) y examina el papel de la música en su producción literaria. En sus primeras obras de los años sesenta y setenta hay una gran cantidad de referencias al jazz, el rock y el pop. Esos géneros son vistos como un signo de modernidad y cosmopolitismo normalmente traído por el turismo de masas a Mallorca. Los escritos posteriores incluyen muchas referencias a la música clásica, especialmente la música sacra, y presentan la música como un refugio espiritual, una protección contra del ruido de la vida cotidiana. El ensayo también analiza varias composiciones de Antoni Parera Fons (Manacor, Mallorca, 1943) basadas en poemas de Frontera. Finalmente, se incluye una valoración del trabajo de Frontera como comisario de festivales y eventos musicales. Con todo, la música es uno de los pilares esenciales en la obra de Frontera articulando ideas sobre la modernidad, el medio ambiente, el turismo de masas y la sociedad consumista moderna.
Análisis hermenéutico del primer movimiento de la sonata «Appassionata» de Beethoven: una propuesta de sentido
Authors: Mestre Zaragozá Salvador
Published: July 2022

La tesis global que dominará todo este análisis hermenéutico es comprender el primer movimiento de la Appassionata como una profunda expresión acerca de la condición trágica de la existencia humana, marcada
radicalmente por la ineluctabilidad de la muerte. Esta obra puede entenderse como la expresión de un intenso dolor que, desde el vacío existencial y la angustia, clama por descubrir el sentido de la vida y podría, por tanto, entenderse como una realización artística en la cultura occidental que anticiparía el existencialismo filosófico inaugurado por Heidegger, con su visión del ser humano como un ser-para-la-muerte y su visión del estado anímico de la angustia como el estado anímico fundamental donde se vuelve posible la patentización del ser
precisamente por su completa ausencia: la nada, experimentada a través del estado anímico de la angustia.
El primer movimiento de esta sonata constituiría un clamor angustioso producido por la conciencia de la trágica condición humana que implicaría la fatalidad de un sufrimiento tan inevitable como irremediable1, y parece contener una inherente reflexión filosófica sobre, a un tiempo, la necesidad y la carencia de un sentido integral para la experiencia vital por el modo en que Beethoven articula el discurso musical2. Desde esta perspectiva, el análisis de la sonata puede arrojar una peculiar interpretación comprensiva.
Effect of Different Levels of Vermicompost and Macro Nutrients on the Growth and Yield of Garlic (Allium sativum L.)
Authors: Alam Md. Murshedul , Khatun Khaleda , Mostarin Tahmina , Sarkar Md. Imran , Siddika Most. Jakia , Ferdousi Aysha Jannatul , Habiba Mst. Umme , Ali Reza Md.
Published: July 2022

A field experiment was conducted at the horticulture farm of Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University, Sher-e-Bangla Nagar, Dhaka during October 2019 to July 2020 to study the effect of different levels of vermicompost and macro nutrients on the growth and yield of garlic. Garlic variety ‘BARI Rashun-3’ was used as planting material in this study. The experiment consists of single factor. Twelve treatment combinations were tested in this experiment: T0 = Control, T1 = 2 t ha-1 vermicompost, T2 = 4 t ha-1 vermicompost, T3 = 6 t ha-1 vermicompost, T4 = 50% NPKS (RDF), T5 = 100% NPKS (RDF), T6 = 2 t ha-1 vermicompost + 50% NPKS (RDF), T7 = 4 t ha-1 vermicompost + 50% NPKS (RDF), T8 = 6 t ha-1 vermicompost + 50% NPKS (RDF), T9 = 2 t ha-1 vermicompost + 100% NPKS (RDF), T10 = 4 t ha-1 vermicompost + 100% NPKS (RDF) and T11 = 6 t ha-1 vermicompost + 100% NPKS (RDF). The experiment was laid out in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with 12 treatment combinations having three replications. Data on different growth and yield parameter of garlic were recorded and significant variation was recorded for different treatments. Plant height and number of leaves plant-1 value of garlic was recorded to be the maximum from treatment T10 (4.00 t ha-1 vermicompost + 100% NPKS (RDF)) at different days after sowing (DAS). But, the highest bulb diameter (3.32 cm), the longest clove (3.44 cm), the highest bulb length (2.43 cm), the maximum number of cloves bulb-1 (21.25), the maximum fresh weight of bulb (35.11 g), the maximum dry weight of bulb (4.95 g), the highest fresh clove weight (6.93 g), the maximum dry clove weight (1.89 g), the maximum fresh weight of leaves plant-1 (25.31 g), the maximum dry weight of leaves (3.31 g), the highest bulb yield plot-1 (1.45 kg) and the maximum yield of garlic (14.53 t ha-1) was recorded from T11 (6.00 t ha-1 vermicompost + 100% NPKS (RDF) treatment.
Sensory Quality and Stability of Smoked Mackerel Fish (Scromber scombrus) Stored for 20 Days as Affected by Ginger Paste Application
Authors: Onah N. T. , Attaugwu R. N. , Anyadioha J. I.
Published: July 2022

Background and Objective: This study determined the effect of ginger paste at different concentration of 1-4% on the stability and sensory quality of hot smoked mackerel (Scromber scombrus) fish stored at 28 ± 20C for 20 days.

Materials and Methods: Frozen fish samples were thawed, cut, eviscerated, cleaned and dipped in 75% brine, for 3 minutes. Cleaned and ground ginger roots pastes were applied to the fish at 0%, 1, 2, 3, 4% per weight of fish sample. The fish samples were then smoked at 80-850C for 5 hours, cooled and stored at room temperature (28±20C) for 20 days. Physical, chemical, microbiological and sensory evaluations of fish samples were determined using standard methods and data generated were statistically analyzed. Untreated sample served as control.

Results: The results showed that samples treated with 4% ginger paste had the lowest TBA (0.301 mg MDA/kg), peroxide (10.4 mEq/kg) and mold count (3.0×102cfu/g) while the highest TBA (0.548 mg MDA/kg), PV(23.67 mEq/kg) and mold count (8.5×102cfu/g) values were obtained in the control.

Conclusion: Results of this research indicate that samples treated with ginger were microbiologically more stable than the control samples as these had longer shelf-life and no visible mold growth, during the storage period. Lipid oxidation was drastically reduced in ginger treated samples. Gingerol was the active ingredient responsible for low mold count and low PV and TBA values. Sensory evaluation study revealed a general preference for ginger-treated products with samples treated with 4% ginger paste having the best acceptance.
Organizational Culture and Learning Organization: An Empirical Study of the Colleges in Bhutan
Authors: Chaudhuri Kalpak , Drakpa Dawa , Zangmo Sonam
Published: July 2022

Aims: The study assessed the learning organization (LO) dimensions, dominant culture, and the relationship between the organizational culture and learning organization dimensions of the colleges of Royal University of Bhutan (RUB).

Study Design: It was a correlational study.

Place and Duration of Study: The sample consisted of teaching and non-teaching staff of the colleges of RUB. The survey was conducted in Bhutan between February and April 2022.

Methodology: The study participants were 201 teaching (161) and non-teaching (40) staff of the colleges of RUB. The Organizational Culture Assessment Instrument (OCAI) was used to analyze the culture of the colleges. The Dimensions of the Learning Organization Questionnaire (DLOQ) was used to examine the LO characteristics of the colleges. IBM SPSS (Statistical Product and Service Solutions) version 21 was used for data analysis.

Results: RUB can be considered as a learning organization, as the average (4.051) of the DLOQ dimensions’ ratings by the staff is higher than the DLOQ scale average. The DLOQ dimension, connect the organization to its external environment, achieved the highest score. The DLOQ dimension, foster inquiry and dialogue, achieved the lowest score. The dominant culture of the colleges of RUB is clan culture. Clan culture significantly positively predicted, and hierarchy culture significantly negatively predicted the dimensions of a learning organization – continuous learning, inquiry and dialogue, team learning, strategic leadership for learning, systems to capture learning, empower people, and connect the organization. These predictors predicted 17.86 percent to 25.72 percent of the variance in the learning organization dimensions.

Conclusion: The dominant culture of the colleges can promote or act as a barrier to the LO practices in the organization. The colleges need to shift orientation from control to collaboration to promote LO characteristics in the colleges.
A Study on Correlates of Profile Characteristics and Adoption Behaviour of Rythu Bharosa Kendra (RBK) Beneficiaries in Anantapur District, Andhra Pradesh
Authors: Anuhya Pola , Kisku Upali , Khare N. K.
Published: July 2022

Rythu Bharosa Kendras (RBK) or Farmers Assurance Centres are the one-stop-shop for the farmers’ welfare introduced by the Andhra Pradesh government at every panchayat to cater for their needs at the grass-root level. These centres provide a range of services like e-Crop booking, Crop health monitoring, CMAPP, Polambadi (Farmers Field School) programmes, Product procurement, financial assistance, field assistance etc. The present study highlights the correlates of adoption behavior of RBK beneficiaries in the Ananthapur district of Andhra Pradesh. Simple random sampling method was used and a sample size of 90 was selected from 18 villages under 6 RBKs of two blocks. Descriptive research design was used for the purpose of the study. The findings specify that the variables viz., age, education, land holding, social participation, extension agency contact, mass media exposure, extension participation, economic motivation had a positive and significant relationship with the level of adoption. Occupation, family size, farming experience and annual income had non-significant relationship with adoption of technologies disseminated by  RBKs.
Antifungal Effect of Henna (Lawsonia inermis) Extract on Pathogenic Fungi
Authors: Hassan M. , Fadayomi V. K. , Innocent I. G. , Suleiman M.
Published: July 2022

The study aimed at undertaking preliminary phytochemical studies and antifungal activities of Lawsonia inermis leaf extracts against clinical Candida isolates from female patients attending Dalhatu Araf Specialist Hospital (DASH) Lafia, Nasarawa State. HVS (High Vaginal Swab) samples were collected from 185 subjects and transported to the laboratory for analysis. Microbial culture and isolations were done on Sabouraud dextrose agar (SDA), Blood agar, Potato dextrose agar (PDA) and Sabouraud dextrose broth. Identification of clinical isolates was done following standard guideline for Candida identification including microscopic, cultural and biochemical characteristics (sugar utilization and fermentation). Antifungal susceptibility tests of the plant extracts at different concentrations were carried out against Candida isolates. Distilled water and ketoconazole drug served as negative and positive control respectively. Zones of inhibitions, the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and the minimum fungicidal concentration (MFC) of the extracts were determined. Data were analysed on the Minitab 16.0 software for descriptive (mean with standard error) and inferential statistics and Chi Square at 95% confidence limit. In conclusion, L.inermis leaf has been shown to have antifungal properties since it contained quality phytochemicals in sufficient quantity that may be explored in the synthesis of drugs against some species of Candida. This finding is crucial in the management and control of candidiasis in the study.
Leonardo Africano Ferreira
Authors: Freitas Idalina Maria Almeida
Published: July 2022

Este artigo analisa a trajetória de Leonardo Africano Ferreira, médico negro e “filho de Angola”. O personagem fala em primeira pessoa, a partir de fontes, tais como sua tese apresentada à Escola Médico-Cirúrgica de Lisboa e uma representação endereçada ao Governador-Geral de Angola em 1864. O argumento central do texto é de que a identidade africana e o componente racial mediaram as experiências do chamado “pluralismo médico” no qual Africano estava inserido, sobretudo dentro de um contexto burocrático e hierarquizado, que, em meados do século XIX, que se assentou como uma política sanitária para o continente. As práticas profissional e pessoal desse personagem como médico-cirurgião vivenciadas em diferentes espaços – África, Europa e América – proporcionam elementos para perceber a inflexão para o Atlântico Sul de sujeitos frente às tentativas de soberania portuguesa no território angolano na segunda metade do século XIX.
África em perspectiva africana, global e brasileira
Authors: Krause Thiago
Published: July 2022

Resenha de:
REGINALDO, Lucilene; e FERREIRA, Roquinaldo (orgs.). África, margens e oceanos: perspectivas de história social. Campinas: Ed. Unicamp, 2021. 560 p.
Abolição sagrada para alguns
Authors: Graden Dale T.
Published: July 2022

Resenha de:

Needell, Jeffrey D. The Sacred Cause: The Abolitionist Movement, Afro-Brazilian Mobilization, and Imperial Politics in Rio de Janeiro. Stanford: Stanford University Press, 2020. 361 p.
Automated development of the contrast–detail curve based on statistical low‐contrast detectability in CT images
Authors: Anam Choirul , Naufal Ariij , Fujibuchi Toshioh , Matsubara Kosuke , Dougherty Geoff
Published: July 2022

Purpose

We have developed a software to automatically find the contrast–detail (C–D) curve based on the statistical low‐contrast detectability (LCD) in images of computed tomography (CT) phantoms at multiple cell sizes and to generate minimum detectable contrast (MDC) characteristics.

Methods

A simple graphical user interface was developed to set the initial parameters needed to create multiple grid region of interest of various cell sizes with a 2‐pixel increment. For each cell in the grid, the average CT number was calculated to obtain the standard deviation (SD). Detectability was then calculated by multiplying the SD of the mean CT numbers by 3.29. This process was automatically repeated as many times as the cell size was set at initialization. Based on the obtained LCD, the C–D curve was obtained and the target size at an MDC of 0.6% (i.e., 6‐HU difference) was determined. We subsequently investigated the consistency of the target sizes for a 0.6% MDC at four locations within the homogeneous image. We applied the software to images with six noise levels, images of two modules of the American College of Radiology CT phantom, images of four different phantoms, and images of four different CT scanners. We compared the target sizes at a 0.6% MDC based on the statistical LCD and the results from a human observer.

Results

The developed system was able to measure C–D curves from different phantoms and scanners. We found that the C–D curves follow a power‐law fit. We found that higher noise levels resulted in a higher MDC for a target of the same size. The low‐contrast module image had a slightly higher MDC than the distance module image. The minimum size of an object detected by visual observation was slightly larger than the size using statistical LCD.

Conclusions

The statistical LCD measurement method can generate a C–D curve automatically, quickly, and objectively.
Effect of Additive Manufacturing on β‐Phase Poly(Vinylidene Fluoride)‐Based Capacitive Temperature Sensors
Authors: Fan Jinsheng , Newell Brittany , Garcia Jose , Voyles Richard M. , Nawrocki Robert A.
Published: July 2022

Additive manufacturing, commonly known as 3D printing, significantly simplifies the manufacturing process for soft electronics. This work demonstrates the feasibility of a fully 3D‐printed flexible poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVdF) capacitive temperature sensor. The sensor is constructed using fused deposition modeling (FDM)‐printed PVdF film as the dielectric (thickness ≈180–280 μm) sandwiched between two parallel Direct Ink Writing (DIW) printed silver electrodes (entire device thickness ≈200–380 μm). The motion of the nozzle can facilitate mechanical drawing to the molten PVdF filament, which is a necessary condition to increase the β‐phase content (critical for the sensitivity of the sensor). With optimized printing parameters, the highest β‐phase content (21.30%) is achieved when printing with a nozzle temperature of 200 °C and a print speed of 70 mm s−1. The research demonstrates the application of the device as a temperature sensor by applying heating‐and‐cooling cycles from room temperature (25 °C) up to 140 °C while measuring the capacitance as a function of frequency under different temperatures. The sensor exhibits a stable sensitivity of 3 pF °C−1 at 102 Hz and higher frequencies and improved sensitivities at frequencies higher than 102 Hz after dielectric polarization via the corona poling method.
3D Co3O4‐RuO2 Hollow Spheres with Abundant Interfaces as Advanced Trifunctional Electrocatalyst for Water‐Splitting and Flexible Zn–Air Battery
Authors: Gao Yuxiao , Zheng Debo , Li Qichang , Xiao Weiping , Ma Tianyi , Fu Yunlei , Wu Zexing , Wang Lei
Published: July 2022

Exploiting efficient and stable electrocatalysts with trifunctional catalytic activity toward hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), oxygen evolution reaction (OER), and oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) act has a crucial role with sustainable energy development. Therefore, this study fabricates Co3O4‐RuO2 hollow spheres using a facile and eco‐friendly solvothermal and low temperature oxidation procedure followed by ice water treatment (IW‐Co3O4‐RuO2‐HS). The specific hollow nanostructure could provide sufficient active sites and channels in the electrocatalytic procedure. Then, the IW‐Co3O4‐RuO2‐HS presents small overpotentials toward HER (40 mV@ 10 mA cm−2) and OER (250 mV@ 10 mA cm−2), and high half‐wave potential for ORR (E1/2@ 0.79 V). Remarkably, the IW‐Co3O4‐RuO2‐HS also presents superior catalytic performances toward water‐splitting and flexible rechargeable Zn–air batteries. Furthermore, the water electrolysis can be driven by sustainable energy, including solar, wind, thermal energy, and the assembled flexible rechargeable Zn–air battery. This study provides a valid path to synthesize multifunctional electrocatalysts on energy‐related devices.