bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clinical characteristics of children with epilepsy managed at an urban hospital in Africa: a retrospective study
Authors: Samia Pauline , Barr Arwen , Levi Subira B , Donald Kirsten A , Wilmshurst Jo M , Newton Charles R.
Published: December 2019

Background

Most children with epilepsy reside in resource-limited regions such as sub-Saharan Africa, where the majority of studies have been conducted in rural areas with limited investigations. Medical records from children with epilepsy seen at an urban hospital in Kenya were examined to provide a comprehensive description of epilepsy in children from this hospital.

 

Methods

A retrospective observational study was conducted which involved reviewing medical records of 426 epilepsy patients (260 males and 166 females) aged 0 - 18 years, seen at Aga Khan University Hospital, Nairobi, Kenya between February 2011 and December 2014.

 

Results

The most frequent age at presentation; documented in 29% was in infancy. Generalized seizures due to structural brain abnormalities were the most common form of epilepsy (28%). Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome was the most common electroclinical syndrome (7%). Focal seizures and focal seizures with loss of awareness were identified in 12% of the population. There were no cases of childhood absence epilepsy in this group. Brain atrophy was the most common MRI finding, occurring in a fifth of the population (20%), while cystic encephalomalacia occurred in 13%. Half (50%) of all EEG recordings performed for this cohort were abnormal. Generalized seizures due to structural brain abnormalities and Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome (LGS) were significant predictors of a treatment history of three or more AEDs. At the conclusion of the review period, 16% of the patients had not visited the clinic for more than 12 months and were considered to be lost to follow-up.

 

Conclusion

The highest frequency of epilepsy cases was documented in children less than one year of age. Generalized seizures due to structural abnormalities and Lennox-Gastaut syndrome were the most common seizure type and syndrome. Improvement of public awareness of different types of seizures in children may increase identification of children with childhood absence epilepsy.
Awareness of Parents about the Disease of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders
Authors: Bogacheva O.I. , Ivanov M.V. , Simashkova N.
Published: December 2019

This article is concerned with the issue of parental awareness of the illness of children with autism spectrum disorders. Lack of awareness of treatment options and its limitations, rehabilitation issues can cause psychological problems in the child’s parents, such as anxiety and stress from the diagnosis. The aim of the pilot study is to determine the parents' awareness of the disease of children with autism spectrum disorders in the early stages of consulting a doctor. To achieve this goal, a specially designed questionnaire was used to determine the level of awareness of the disease, treatment methods, parents` own role, etc. The study showed that most parents of children with autism spectrum disorders evaluate their knowledge as not satisfactory enough. A quarter of parents reported a lack of objective knowledge about the problem of autism in children, the second quarter of parents noted that they have sufficient knowledge about the illness of children and do not need additional information. At the same time, regardless of the level of awareness of the child’s illness, 80% of parents say that they need additional information about the child’s illness, ways and forms of helping him, as well as attending specially organized psycho-educational meetings. The results of this study allow develop effective individualized psycho-educational programs for parents (raising awareness of the problem) aimed at reducing anxiety and stabilizing the emotional background in a family raising a child with autism spectrum disorders.
The Use of Art-Therapeutic Methods in the Work on the Formation of Communication Skills in Children With Autism Spectrum Disorders
Authors: Artemova E.E. , Belosvetova D.E.
Published: December 2019

The goal of the psychological and pedagogical experiment conducted in the academic year 2018-2019 is to determine the preferred sensory channels of preschool children with autism spectrum disorders for the development of recommendations on the use of art therapy methods and techniques in the formation of communication skills. The experimental group included 10 preschoolers from 4 to 7 years old with autism spectrum disorders. At the diagnostic stage, the degree of formation of communication skills was studied, the preferred sensory modalities were determined. All children showed a low level of development of communication skills: 2 of them had no speech, 4 of them used speech only in affectively significant situations, the rest used separate words and simple phrases for communication. According to the results of a experiment, it was determined that for 4 children the tactile channel is preferred, for 3 - visual, for 3 - audio. Recommendations are given on the use of art-therapeutic methods and techniques: for preschoolers with a predominant tactile way of perceiving - exercises with sand, for children with auditory preferences - music and dance therapy, for children with a predominant visual way of perceiving - isotherapy.
Using Cultural-Historical Theory to Design and Assess a Chemistry Play-Based Learning Intervention
Authors: Vidal Carulla C. , Adbo K.
Published: December 2019

This study has been performed in Sweden, where the preschool curriculum states that children’s understanding of simple chemical processes is a goal to strive towards [13]. However, uncertainty within the current preschool practice exists and has been described by B. Sundberg et al. [20]. Motivated by the lack of scientific literature on what chemistry content is suitable for preschool children and how to introduce it, this study aims to tackle how abstract concepts like “atoms” and “molecules” can be introduced to preschool children. With this purpose, a play-based learning intervention was designed, following the cultural-historical model for preschool science education proposed by M. Fleer [7], and implemented in two Swedish preschools, dividing a total of 20 three-years-old children into four groups of five children each. Data were collected in the form of video-recordings of the sessions and analysed following the principles from the experimental-genetic method summarized by N. Veresov [23]. Results are presented in the form of vignettes that illustrate significant moments from the intervention, together with discussion of how the social situation of development, the zone of actual development and the mediating tools facilitate the children in starting to talk about atoms.
Measuring Math Educational Outcomes Among Fifth Graders: Association With Self-Concept and Interest
Authors: Lebedeva N.V. , Vilkova K.A.
Published: December 2019

Students’ educational outcomes reflect their knowledge.However, besides the knowledge, self-concept and interest are having a serious effect on educational outcomes.This paper focuses on examining links between math educational outcomes, math self-concept, and interest in this discipline.The study uses a sample of 316 Russian fifth graders.They solved the math test and answered personality questionnaire items.The method of analysis for this study is structural equation modeling.One of the more significant findings to emerge from this study is that high educational outcomes in math associated with the high level of math self-concept.It was also shown that the link between these variables is not moderated by interest in math.These findings suggest an importance of self-concept’s timely measuring.The findings of this study have a number of important implications for future practice of pursuing STEM related degrees.
إضاءات بلاغية على ضمير المخاطب والتفاته بين المفرد والجمع في سورة الفاتحة
Authors: AL QAHWAJI Bashar
Published: December 2019

هذا البحث يلقي الضوء على أهم سورة في
القرآن الكريم "الفاتحة" التي اختارها الله سبحانه لافتتاح كتابه
الكريم، وليقولها المؤمن في كل ركعة في صلاته. فيعرض البحث لبعض فضائلها، كما يدعو
المؤمن إلى ضرورة التفكر والتدبر بآياتها، والتبصر لأهمية ما ورد بها من الإرشادات
والإشارات.

        وقد ركز الباحث على جملة من الحكم والفوائد
المستمدة من العدول عن ضمير الواحد إلى الجماعة من قوله تعالى: {إِيَّاكَ نَعْبُدُ
وَإِيَّاكَ نَسْتَعِينُ * اهْدِنَا الصِّرَاطَ الْمُسْتَقِيمَ}. فتم التركيز على أهمية الجماعة ووحدة الصف في الإسلام كمنهج
جماعي مطلوب للأمة، وكذلك تعليم المؤمن على نكران الذات ونبذ الأنانية
والاستقلالية ليهتم بشؤون المسلمين وبقضاء حوائجهم، كما أنها تعطي المؤمن عزة وثقة
في نفسه أمام مجتمعه فيشعر كل فرد منهم أنه يتحدث بلسان الجميع، وغير ذلك من الحكم
والفوائد التي ينبغي للمؤمن أن يجعلها نبراساً وهدفاً يسعى إليه ويتذكره في كل وقت
ومع كل صلاة لينال خيري الدنيا والآخرة.
Efectos de la personalidad de marca y rasgos culturales. Evidencia empírica para el caso de una bebida energética en Ecuador
Authors: Cabrera Castillo Estefanía Cristina , Inga Guamán Carolina , Ugalde Cecilia
Published: December 2019

El presente estudio tiene como objetivo investigar la forma en la que los consumidores perciben la personalidad de una marca de bebida energética, e indagar cómo esta personalidad, además de los rasgos culturales de los encuestados, influye en la lealtad hacia la marca y en su intención de compra. Para este análisis se realizaron 400 encuestas a estudiantes de cuatro universidades de la ciudad de Cuenca en Ecuador, con las que se realizó un análisis factorial confirmatorio para determinar la fiabilidad y validez del instrumento de medida, y ecuaciones estructurales para despejar las hipótesis. Los resultados más importantes apuntan a que el efecto de la personalidad de marca y los rasgos culturales influyen positivamente en la intención de compra y en la lealtad hacia la marca.
Actitudes de los consumidores ante productos no éticos: diferencias sobre la percepción del precio
Authors: García Jose Antonio Martínez
Published: December 2019

El objetivo de esta investigación es analizar experimentalmente las actitudes de los consumidores hacia productos donde existe un componente poco ético asociado al coste de adquisición para el vendedor. Para ello, hemos diseñado cuatro experimentos en dos estudios de campo empleando dos productos diferentes (juguete, maletas) de industrias altamente criticadas por la explotación laboral, y con un cuidado diseño para evitar el sesgo de presentación favorable, el cual es una amenaza importante en este tipo de estudios sobre decisiones de compra éticas. El análisis de la muestra de 587 participantes concluye que, efectivamente, existe un sentimiento de preocupación por la justicia en el precio de un producto que afecta a la evaluación del atractivo del mismo, pero ese concepto de justicia está principalmente ligado a que el precio no es justo para el consumidor en lugar de que el precio no es justo para los trabajadores que lo han fabricado. De este modo, existe en el consumidor una motivación eminentemente egoísta en lugar de altruista o cooperativa, lo que podría dificultar la efectividad de las campañas de concienciación sobre la lucha contra la explotación laboral a través del consumo.
Actividades Físicas en el Medio Natural. Incidencia en la formación del Profesorado y su enseñanza en la ESO
Authors: Hurtado-Barroso Miguel , Sanabrias-Moreno Déborah , Sánchez-Zafra María , Cachón-Zagalaz Javier
Published: December 2019

El bloque de contenidos de Actividad Física en el Medio Natural (AFMN) es uno de los que menos se incluye en las programaciones de Educación Física (EF) en Enseñanza Secundaria Obligatoria (ESO), lo que, unido a la escasa preparación en dichos contenidos recibida en los estudios de formación de profesorado de EF, dificulta su enseñanza-aprendizaje en esta etapa educativa. Por tal motivo el objetivo de esta investigación es averiguar porque el profesorado de ESO no desarrolla o trabaja poco las AFMN. Para ello, se aplicó una entrevista semiestructurada de respuestas abiertas a trece docentes de diversas localidades andaluzas para averiguar cómo se trabaja el bloque de contenidos de AFMN. Los datos recogidos concluyen que la mayoría del profesorado trabaja la orientación y el senderismo como únicas actividades dentro del bloque 5º (AFMN), argumentando la falta de medios, dificultad de organización de salidas y el riesgo que suponen este tipo de actividades.
Improving Nutritional Qualities of Tomato Pomace by Pleurotus ostreatus and Phanerochaete chrysosporium Fermentation
Authors: YASAR Sulhattin , TOSUN Ramazan
Published: December 2019

In this study, it was aimed
to improve nutrient quality by fermenting tomato pomace with Pleurotus
ostreatus (P. ostreatus) and Phanerochaete chrysosporium (P. chrysosporium).
Tomato pomace was incubated for 21 days at optimized conditions of pH
(3.50-5.50), temperature (24-28 oC), moisture content (68% w w-1), aeration
(0,25 L min-1) and stirring rates (10 rpm). Three samples taken at each
incubation time were chemically analyzed. The results indicated that
fermentation with P. ostreatus and P. chrysosporium significanly increased ash
content by 25 and 21%, crude protein content by 16 and 30%, respectively (P<0.05).
Fermentation with P. ostreatus decreased ether extract content from 7.22% to
0.29% at 21th day (P<0.05). However, there was an increase of ether extract
content with P. chrysosporium fermentation (from 7.22 to 11.62% at 21 day)
(P<0.05). Crude fiber of tomato pomace with P. chrysosporium were reduced by
64% (P<0.05). Both fungal fermentations reduced total reducing sugar content
by about 30% (P<0.05). Fermentation with P. ostreatus and P. chrysosporium
significantly changed tannin and pectin levels (P<0.05). As a result, fungal
fermentation caused to nutritionally enriched tomato pomace with added active
compounds, and could be used as functional feed in animal nutrition.
Hubungan tingkat kemandirian dan kebugaran dengan kualitas hidup lansia
Authors: Ningrum Berka Phillia , Chondro Fransisca
Published: December 2019

LATAR BELAKANGData kependudukan Indonesia menunjukkan peningkatkan populasi lansia setiap tahunnya. Kondisi ini berdampak pada peningkatkan prevalensi penyakit degeneratif pada lansia yang kemudian berdampak pada tingkat kemandirian dan kebugaran lansia. Penelitian yang sudah dilakukan masih menunjukkan kontroversi kedua kondisi tersebut di atas dengan kualitas hidup lansia.

METODEPenelitian ini merupakan peneliitan potong silang yang dilakukan pada 86 lansia di RW 01 Jelambar Baru, Jakarta Barat. Data dikumpulkan dengan cara wawancara menggunakan kuesioner Barthel Index untuk mengukur tingkat kemandirian, Non exercise fitness test untuk mengukur tingkat kebugaran dan WHOQOL-BREF untuk mengukur tingkat kualitas hidup responden. Analisa bivariat dilakukan untuk mengetahui hubungan tingkat kemandirian dan kebugaran dengan kualitas hidup lansia, menggunakan uji statistik Fisher's Exact Test dan Chi Square dengan tingkat kemaknaan yang digunakan besarnya 0.05.

HASILAnalisis hubungan tingkat kemandirian dengan kualitas hidup lansia menggunakan Fisher’s Exact Test, di dapatkan hasil p=0.235. Analisis hubungan tingkat kebugaran dengan kualitas hidup lansia menggunakan uji Chi-Square didapatkan hasil p=0.708.

KESIMPULANTidak terdapat hubungan antara tingkat kemandirian dan kebugaran dengan kualitas hidup lansia.
Hubungan kualitas tidur dengan excessive daytime sleepiness pada pekerja bergilir
Authors: Aziz Luthfi , Hidayat Adi
Published: December 2019

LATAR BELAKANGPekerja bergilir (shift workers) banyak dijumpai pada masyarakat industri dan mempunyai efek yang negatif terhadap kualitas tidur. Excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) adalah gejala dari gangguan tidur berupa rasa kantuk pada siang hari yang berlebihan hingga mengganggu aktivitas. Gejala ini dapat menimbulkan dampak merugikan bagi pekerja dan perusahaan. Kualitas tidur, kerja shift, gaya hidup, usia dan jenis kelamin merupakan faktor risiko dari EDS. Seorang pekerja bergilir yang mengalami EDS memiliki risiko kecelakaan kerja yang tinggi. Penelitian ini dilakukan dengan tujuan untuk menentukan hubungan antara kualitas tidur dan EDS pada pekerja bergilir.

METODEStudi ini menggunakan desain cross-sectional dengan jumlah subjek penelitian sebanyak 57 pekerja bergilir. Pengumpulan data mengenai usia dan jenis kelamin dilakukan dengan menggunakan kuesioner. Kualitas tidur diukur dengan kuesioner Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI) dan Excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) diukur dengan Epworth sleepiness scale (ESS). Data dianalisis menggunakan uji korelasi Spearman dan uji Mann Whitney.

HASILHasil uji normalitas menunjukkan data yang dikumpulkan tidak tersebar secara normal. Nilai median subjek pekerja besarnya 27 tahun dan sebagian besar subjek adalah laki-laki sebanyak 44 (77.1%) orang.Tidak didapatkan perbedaan yang bermakna antara jenis kelamin dan EDS (p=0.396). Didapatkan hubungan yang sedang dan bermakna antara kualitas tidur dan EDS (r=0.545; 0=0.000). Usia subjek tidak berhubungan secara bermakna dengan EDS (r=0.124; p=0.359).

KESIMPULANPenelitian ini menunjukkan hubungan bermakna antara kualitas tidur dan excessive daytime sleepiness pada pekerja, tetapi tidak terdapat perbedaan nilai median EDS antara laki-laki dan perempuan.
The prognostic value of the method for determining the estimated glomerular filtration rate in chronic heart failure with a preserved left ventricular ejection fraction: focus on cystatin C
Authors: Nikiforova T. A. , Shchekochikhin D. Yu. , Manaa H. , Lomonosova A. A. , Kozlovskaya N. L. , Kopylov F. Yu. , Syrkin A. L.
Published: December 2019

The aim of the present study is to determine the prognostic value of GFR reduction according to the CKD-EPI formula, taking into account blood creatinine and a formula that simultaneously takes into account creatinine and cystatin C in patients who were hospitalized for the first time due to decompensation of chronic heart failure with a preserved left ventricular ejection fraction (HFSA) observation within 24 months. Materials and methods. The study included 117 patients (women – 65.8%, mean age 71.6 ± 9.1 years) hospitalized due to debugging of CHF and having a preserved left ventricular ejection fraction according to echocardiography. The study was a prospective observation for 2 years after the inclusion of each patient. On the first day of hospitalization, all serum samples were taken to determine the level of cystatin C. The estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was determined using the CKD-EPI formula, taking into account blood creatinine and the combined formula, including creatinine and cystatin C. The combination was used as an end point death and re-hospitalization within two years of follow-up. To determine the effect of a decrease in eGFR on the forecast, the Kaplan–Maer method and the log-rank test were used. Differences were considered statistically significant at p<0.05. The study was approved by the local ethics committee. Results. During the observation period, the mortality rate was almost 12%. At the same time, every third patient was repeatedly hospitalized within two years. In order to determine the effect of reducing GFR on reaching the end points, all patients were divided into groups with eGFR values of more or less than 45 ml/min/1.73 sq.m according to both formulas. When separating patients using the CKD-EPI formula, which includes only creatinine, the groups did not differ in terms of the frequency of reaching the combined end point, as well as its components: death and re-hospitalization. However, patients with eGFR values less than 45 ml/min/1.73 sq. M according to the combined formula data significantly more often reached the combined end point, mainly due to an increase in mortality. Conclusion. The data obtained suggest that adding cystatin C to the CKD-EPI formula and appropriately identifying patients with reduced eGFR has a high prognostic value for stratifying the risk of an unfavorable outcome after the first decompensation of HFSSFV.
Tactical approaches to the treatment of arterial hypertension in the European part of the Russian Federation. EPOHA study 2017
Authors: Badin Yu. V.
Published: December 2019

Aim.Analysis of antihypertensive treatment among different groups of patients with arterial hypertension from “EPOCHA” study 2017.Materials and methods.EPOCHA study is a representative sample of the European part of the Russian Federation was created in 2002 and re-examined in 2017.Results.34.6% of the effectively treated (ET) patients had one antihypertensive drug and 32,2% of the ineffective treatment (IT) patients, p=0.16. Two-component antihypertensive therapy was 45.9% and 44.9%, respectively, p=0.56. Three antihypertensive drugs had 17.9% of the ET patients and 20.7% of the IT patients, p=0.05. Four antihypertensive drugs had 1.6% of the ET patients and 2.2% of the IT patients. The frequency of use of renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system blockers in the group of ET patients was 85.0%, which was significantly lower than 91.6% in the group of IT patients, р<0.0001.Conclusion.EPOCHA study shows that structure of antihypertensive therapy does not differ between ET and IT patients what is caused lack of medical supervision for patients with hypertension in real clinical practice.
An algorithm for detecting intense anomalous changes in the time dependence of ionospheric parameters
Authors:   Institute of Cosmophysical Research and Radio Wave Propagation FEB RAS, Fetisova N.V.
Published: December 2019

The paper presents a modified multicomponent model of ionospheric parameter time series. The model describes regular variations and anomalous changes of a multi-scale structure that characterize the occurrence of ionospheric irregularities. Identification of the model components is based on a combined application of the wavelet transform and autoregressive-integrated moving average models. An algorithm for analyzing ionospheric parameters has been developed on the basis of the proposed model. The algorithm allows the intensive ionospheric anomalies characterizing the occurrence of strong ionospheric storms to be detected on-line. Results of the evaluation of the algorithm performance are presented. The evaluation is performed by the example of processing and analyzing hourly and 15-minute data on the ionospheric critical frequency (foF2) during magnetic storms in 2015 – 2017. The performed estimations showed the efficiency of the algorithm and the possibility of its application for space weather forecasting.
A Configuração da Narrativa Historiográfica na Escrita de Eduardo Galeano
Authors: Miranda Heloisa Helena Ribeiro , Reis Célia Maria Domingues da Rocha , Rodrigues João Paulo
Published: December 2019

Neste artigo objetivamos demonstrar como Eduardo Galeano configura sua narrativa, adequando-a a exigências próprias da historiografia.  Procedemos a uma análise formal e de conteúdo, investigando a maneira como o escritor uruguaio, em seu texto “La reconquista de Brasil”, da obra Memoria del fuego (2010), consegue atender a imperativos do fazer historiográfico, como a datação dos fatos, o registro documental, a crítica das fontes, os agentes históricos e a objetividade da linguagem. Os resultados da análise revelaram que Galeano compõe uma outra perspectiva narratológica para abordar o Golpe Militar de 1964, no Brasil. Nesse sentido, concluímos que a forma como Galeano compõe o seu texto pode ser vista como uma narrativa historiográfica que não se afasta da Teoria da Literatura, mas agrega sua metodologia.
ترقية نتيجة تعلم النحو باستخدام طريقة دورة الألعاب الجماعية في المدرسة المنزلية شعائر الله بيكاسي
Authors: Bin Abdul Hakim Muhammad Kamal , Romdani Romdani , Priandini Dian
Published: December 2019

The purpose of this research was to know the enhancement of learning results  of Arabic grammar by using the Teams Games Tournament method in 10th grade at Home Schooling Sya'airullah Bekasi. The method used was the classroom action research with the study  the student of Home Schooling Sya’airullah Bekasi 10th grade which amounted to 40 students as the sample. The research was conducted at  Home Schooling of Sya’airullah Bekasi in March - April 2019. The classrom action research was conduct by using the Kemmis and Mc Taggart cycle model through four stages: planning, action, observation and reflection. The instruments used were learning results tests and observation sheets. Learning results tests were used to measure the success of students in understanding arabic grammar, while the observation sheet was used to measure teacher and student performance in learning. The result obtained by the students during the research was average 70.87 in the first cycle and 88.52 in the second one. Then, the enhancement from the first cycle to the second cycle was 17.65. Based on the results above, the researcher concluded that the Teams Games Tournament method can improve students' ability to understand the science arabic grammar and can improve the learning results of arabic grammar in 10th grade students at Home Schooling Sya'airullah Bekasi.
احتياجات مجتمع مصر ما بعد ثورة 25 يناير 2011 في قصة هم وهؤلاء لأحمد فرج (دراسة النقد الأدبي)
Authors: Wicaksono Imam , Maizida Karlina
Published: December 2019

This study aimed at revealing the needs of Egyptian people after the 2011 revolution and how they could meet their needs amidst increasingly difficult economic conditions. This was literary study by analyzing Arabic literary works. It used Abraham Harold Maslow's humanistic psychology theory which holds that human needs are described in a hierarchy. To meet the needs at the top level, the needs at the previous level must first be satisfied. In the context of Egyptian society, they have freedom of expression as the highest hierarchical need of self-actualization. This becomes very interesting when told in the material object of research: people have freedom of expression but they still feel hungry and insecure, the most basic need for humans. The results showed that after the fall of Husni Mubarak, Egypt underwent a change in the political field that the Egyptian people get freedom of expression as citizens. Unfortunately, the progress of democracy was not followed by the progress of other fields such as social and economic fields. After leadership change in 2011, life was increasingly difficult with rising prices for basic necessities and Egyptian society was increasingly difficult to find work. This made them far from a decent life such as owning a house, vehicle or marriage.
Impact of developmental origin, niche mechanics and oxygen availability on osteogenic differentiation capacity of mesenchymal stem/stromal cells
Authors: Bryniarska Natalia , Kubiak Andrzej , Anna Łabędź-Masłowska  , Ewa Zuba-Surma
Published: December 2019

Mesenchymal Stem/Stromal Cells (MSCs) have been widely considered as a promising source of cells for tissue regeneration. Among other stem cells, they are characterized by a high osteogenic potential. Intensive studies in this field had shown that even if basic osteogenic differentiation is relatively simple, its clinical application requires more sophisticated approaches to prepare effective and safe cell therapy products. The aim of this review is to underline biological, physical and chemical factors which play a crucial role in osteogenic differentiation of MSCs. Existence of two distinct mechanisms of ossification (intramembranous and endochondral) indicate that choosing a proper source of MSCs may be critical for successful regeneration of a particular bone type. In this context, Dental Pulp Stem Cells representing a group of MSCs and originating from neural crest ( a structure responsible for development of cranial bones) are considered as the most promising for skull bone defect repair. Factors which facilitate osteogenic differentiation of MSCs include changes in forces exerted on cells during development. Thus, culturing of cells in hydrogels or on biocompatible three-dimensional scaffolds improves osteogenic differentiation of MSCs by both, the mechanotransductive and chemical impact on cells. Moreover, atmospheric oxygen concentration routinely used for cell cultures in vitro does not correspond to lower oxygen concentration present in stem cell niches. A decrease in oxygen concentration allows to create more physiological cell culture conditions, mimicking the ones in stem cell niches, which promote the MSCs stemness. Altogether, factors discussed in this review provide exciting opportunities to boost MSCs propagation and osteogenic differentiation which is crucial for successful clinical applications.
Secretion, migration and adhesion as key processes in the therapeutic activity of mesenchymal stem cells
Authors: Kot Marta , Musiał-Wysocka Aleksandra , Lasota Małgorzata , Ulman Aleksandra , Majka Marcin
Published: December 2019

The MSCs are immature cells that can be found in numerous different tissue types. In recent years, they have gained considerable attention, particularly with regard to their regenerative properties. Due to their paracrine activity, ability to migrate, adhesion and homing, MSCs currently appear to be the most relevant for therapeutic use. Numerous bioactive molecules secreted by MSCs exert paracrine effects and modulate many physiological processes, such as angiogenesis, immunomodulation and neuroprotection. Cell-cell communication may be also mediated by extracellular vesicles released from the cells. Due to these properties, MSCs have been widely studied for evaluation of their therapeutic benefits expected in the clinical applications. For effective tissue regeneration, transplanted MSCs have to exit the circulation and locate at the site of damage, which is possible because of their ability to migrate, adhere and engraft at the target site. Accumulating evidence suggests that MSCs recruitment from remote sites is similar to leukocytes’ migration. All of these biological features make MSCs highly investigated stem cells and the most commonly used cells in regenerative medicine. Since environmental factors affect the MSCs behavior, we discuss importance of oxygen concentration as a one of the key factors affecting MSCs properties.
Sulfane sulfur – new findings on an old topic
Authors: Iciek Malgorzata , Bilska-Wilkosz Anna , Górny Magdalena
Published: December 2019

Sulfane sulfur is a divalent sulfur atom bonded to another sulfur which is very reactive and labile. Compounds containing this reactive sulfur include persulfides, polysulfides, thiosulfate, thiosulfinates, polythionates, and elemental sulfur. Sulfane sulfur appears in a number of biologically important compounds, including thiocysteine, thiocystine and thiotaurine, products of the cysteine metabolism, as well as glutathione persulfide. Sulfane sulfur compounds can modify cysteine residues in proteins via an S-sulfhydration reaction to produce protein persulfides. It has been also postulated that cysteine persulfides can be incorporated into proteins during translation. Recently, the sulfane sulfur compounds, especially the persulfides and polysulfides, have attracted increasing interest due to their regulatory and antioxidant properties. Compounds containing sulfane sulfur are also regarded as a form of H2S storage, which can easily release this gasotransmitter in response to biological signals. Both reactive sulfur species (H2S and sulfane sulfur) always coexist in biological systems. This review is focused on new findings in the field of sulfane sulfur’s biological role, and disruption of its level in some patho/physiological conditions. A few sulfane sulfur donors with potential applications are presented. In recent years, in parallel to increasing interest in biological importance of sulfane sulfur, new analytical methods have been developed for sensitive and reliable determination of its level in the cells and tissues.
Alevî Nitelemeli Gelenek ya da Ocak ve Gruplar Hakkında Yapılacak Çalışmalarda Ocak Sisteminin Dikkate Alınmasının Önemi
Authors: ÜÇER Cenksu
Published: December 2019

Bu
çalışmada Alevî nitelemeli gelenek ya da ocak ve gruplar hakkında yapılacak çalışmalarda
ocak sisteminin dikkate alınmasının önemi ele alınmaktadır. Bugün itibariyle daha çok Alevî ismiyle
anılan gelenek, geleneksel olarak ocak sistemine dayanmaktadır. Nitekim
Anadolu’da yaygın olarak varlığı devam eden Ağuçan, Baba Mansur, Hacı Bektaş,
Dede Garkın, Hasan Dede, Keçeci Baba, Hubyar, Şücaaddin Veli vb. örnekler bu
hususu açıkça ortaya koymaktadır. Söz
konusu ocakların her biri farklı silsilelere ve tasavvufî gelenek mensubiyetine
sahiptir. Alevî nitelemeli gelenek mensupları arasında bu geleneğe rengini
veren ana unsurlarda dahi bazı farklılıkların ortaya çıkmasının temel nedeni söz
konusu bu farklılıklardır. Bu farklılıklara bağlı olarak Hakk, Muhammed, Ali
kabulü, dört kapı kırk makam anlayışları, yürütülen âdâb ve erkân, söz konusu
âdâb ve erkâna dair eserler, cemler, semahlar, cemlerde ve semahlarda okunan
deyiş ve nefesler, musâhiblik gibi toplumsal kurumlar vb. farklı anlayış ve
uygulamalar ortaya çıkmıştır. Şehirleşmeyle ortaya çıkan örgütlenme gerçeği de başlangıçta
yine ocak merkezli bir çerçevede teşekkül etmiştir. Bu itibarla Alevî gelenek
ve mensupları hakkında yürütülecek bütün çalışmaların ocak sitemini dikkate
alması sağlıklı sonuçlar için son derece önemlidir. Bu gereklilik aslında
gelenekte sıkça dile getirilen bir gerçekliğin de gereğidir: “Yol bir, sürek
bin birdir.”
Microstructural Characterisations of Welded Shape Memory Alloys
Authors: DOĞAN Halit , SARI Nevzat
Published: December 2019

Today, with
the development of technology, different welding methods are applied for
different alloys. In this work, changing of functional properties after using
welding methods for NiTi alloy samples was targeted. However, two different
welding methods were employed for the same alloy and results were compared to
each other and commented on them. In the present study, samples were welded
with TIG and Laser welding and their cross section was examined in the joint
area. Then these samples were examined in optical microscope and SEM. The
advantages and disadvantages of both welding methods were reported. The basic distinction
of TIG and laser welded samples examined in microscope was the scale of HAZ
area of TIG welded piece. Nevertheless, due to more thermal input is applied
for materials in TIG welded parts, more molten materials are detected or heat
effects are attained in this practice. In laser welding, heat input is less and
this can be recognized from the observed micrographs. While HAZ area is obviously
distinguished and welding border zone is detached from the base metal. The twin
structures were not observed in optical microscope; for that reason they were
investigated in SEM to see these twins in laser welded area.
Production of Chlorella sp. in a Designed Photobioreactor
Authors: AK Büsra , ATAK Eylem , KÖSE Merve Deniz , BAYRAKTAR Oğuz
Published: December 2019

Click here for manuscript sample templateMicroalgae are
photosynthetic microorganisms which are recently grown to produce biomass for food, pharmaceutical, dye, and bioenergy industries. Microalgae are the
carbon source found in crude oil and natural gas. Over the years, there
have been several advances in the design and operation of closed photobioreactors
for microalgal cultures based on new reactor geometries as well as optimized aeration
and mixing strategies. Closed photobioreactors ensure heat
control, and high production through effective use of high-intensity light and prevent contamination in microalgae
production. One of the most important factors that
control cell growth in a photobioreactor is light availability. In this study,
cultivation of Chlorella sp., as
microalgae were performed in a specially
designed photobioreactor for productivity analysis and the pigment capacity
analysis. The applied light energy was kept constant while applying either
continuous or intermittent lighting during the growth of microalgae. The
cultivation parameters were tested to find the optimal light mode as the continuous
light or 12h light/ 12h dark cycle to maximize pigment amount. In order to
determine the pigment amount in the cultivated algae extraction was done. Then
by using UV spectrophotometer amount of chlorophyll a and b were determined in
the obtained extracts.
Osmanlı Şehzade Sancağı Amasya’da Fıkıh Kültürü
Authors: Polat Murat
Published: December 2019

Kültür; başka
bir anlamıyla okumak, anlamak, görebilmek, görebildiğinden hüküm çıkarmak, aklı
ve zekâyı terbiye ve tedip etmek demektir. Kültür, kapsamı itibariyle bütün
milletlerin umumi olarak kültürünün ele alındığı genel kültür; sadece bir
milletin, bir devletin veya bir memleketin kültürünün ele alındığı özel kültür
olmak üzere iki kısma ayrılır. Her milletin kendine özgü birtakım kültürü
vardır. Amasya şehrinin de kurulduğu günden bugüne sayısız kültüre ev sahipliği
yapmış olduğu gerçeğinden hareketle kendine has bir kültürünün oluştuğu
tartışılmaz bir gerçektir. Bu kültür ikliminde ismi duyulan veya duyulmayan,
meşhur olan veya olmayan dalında mütehassıs pek çok bilim adamı, mucit, tabip,
tarihçi, coğrafyacı ve şair yetişmiştir. İslamiyet’in kabulünden sonra ise
İslam medeniyetinin şemsiyesi altında diğer kültürlerinin yanında belli bir
fıkıh kültürünün de oluştuğu, Amasya’da yetişen pek çok âlim, fakih, din adamı
ve onların bıraktığı kıymetli teliflerden anlaşılmaktadır. Araştırmamız başta
fetvalar ve mevizeler olmak üzere şehzadeler sancağı Amasya şehri hakkında
yazılan eserler bağlamında Amasya’da mevcut fıkıh kültürünü ele almakta,
böylelikle bu zenginliği gün yüzüne çıkarma amacı gütmektedir.
The ethics of positive thinking in healthcare
Authors: Andrade Gabriel
Published: December 2019

In continuation with the New Thought movement that arose in the United States in the 19th Century, there is now a massive self-help industry that markets books and seminars. This industry has also extended to healthcare in the form of positive thinking, i.e., the idea that happy thoughts are essential for health. While some of these claims may seem reasonable and commonsensical, they are not free of problems. This article posits that positive thinking has some ethical underpinnings. Extreme positive thinking may promote alternative forms of medicine that ultimately substitute effective treatment, and this is unethical. The emphasis on positive thinking for cancer patients may be too burdensome for them. Likewise, unrestricted positive thinking is not necessarily good for mental health. After considering the ethics of positive thinking, this article proposes a more realistic approach.
Insurgency in Northern Nigeria: Implication for Polio Eradication in Nigeria
Authors: Ogundele Olorunfemi , ADEYANJU Christianah Adeola , OMOTOSO Ayodeji Andrew
Published: December 2019

Northern Nigeria is currently threatened by two wars, the disease called polio and insurgency caused by the fierce group that rejects the influence of Western education. The increased insurgency experienced in the last decade in the form of violent conflicts and criminality has created a community of poor internally displaced people at risk of infectious diseases such as polio.  Despite efforts by the government to eradicate polio in Nigeria insurgency remain a major obstacle.  There is a need to urgently tackle insurgency to achieve polio eradication.
Characteristics of Radiation of High-Pressure Short-Arc Xenon Gas-Discharge Lamp
Authors: Gavrish S.V. , Kondratyev A.N. , Loginov V.V. , Petrenko N.Yu. , Kireev S.G.
Published: December 2019

The paper is devoted to the study of changes in characteristics of ultra-high pressure short-arc xenon lamps when a tungsten layer is sprayed onto the quartz shell, as a result of heating and local electrode erosion. The paper analyzes the mechanisms of phenomena occurring in the super-high pressure xenon discharge and the cathode spot, which affect the sputtering of the electrode material. The main negative effects of tungsten deposits appearing on the lamp shell inner surface are considered: a decrease in the optical transparency and mechanical strength of quartz glass, an increase of the bulb temperature, a change in spectral characteristics and spatial distribution of radiation of a gas-discharge lamp. The original method developed for studying the parameters of radiation of a gas-discharge lamp and based on the superposition of the optical axis of the photometer with the axis of the lamp passing through the cathode spot and the considered shell segment, transparent or sprayed, allowed us to compare radiation characteristics of the lamp without changing the plasma parameters. The thermodynamic analysis carried out within the research confirmed the absence of chemical interaction of tungsten layer with quartz glass. Spectral distribution of xenon discharge radiation in the visible and IR ranges is different for a transparent bulb and the bulb with a tungsten spot, which is due to the size of tungsten layer particles on the lamp bulb. A study of spatial distribution of radiation from a gas-discharge lamp showed a decrease in the intensity of radiation in a solid angle bounded by a tungsten spot. At the same time, in this region, there was observed an increase in the temperature of the quartz shell, leading to the appearance of a longitudinal gradient of the temperature field of the gas-discharge lamp.
Investigation of the Influence of Structural and Adjusting Parameters of a Quadruple-Orifices Electrohydraulic Amplifier on the Static Characteristics of Rocket Pack Steering Actuator
Authors: Belonogov O.B.
Published: December 2019

The article considered the results of researches of influence of constructional and adjusting parameters of the quadruple-orifices electrohydraulic amplifier on static characteristics of the steering actuator of the rocket pack. The studies are carried out using static analysis methods, including methods for calculating the static characteristics of an autonomous single-stage steering actuator with a quadruple-orifices electrohydraulic amplifier with negative overlapping of throttling windows of rectangular shape by spool plungers. As a result of research it is shown that the steering actuator does not have static stability. It is shown that the slope of the speed characteristic of the steering actuator is exerted by the dimensionless parameter of the local thickness of the incoming liner wall (the driven axis of the three-gear pump). Consequently, with the help of the variation of this parameter, it is possible to adjust the slope angle of the speed characteristic of the steering actuator, i.e., its gain factor. The design solutions of the steering actuator are proposed, which allow improving their output characteristics and facilitating adjustment.
Development and Research of Intermittent Motion Planetary Mechanisms with Elliptical Gearwheels
Authors: Prikhodko A.A. , Smelyagin A.I.
Published: December 2019

Actuators converting rotational motion of the input shaft into intermittent motion of the output one are widely used in mechanical engineering. However, in most of the actuators used, the conversion of motion is realized by breaking the kinematic chain. This leads to high loads on the actuator links due to shocks occurring at the beginning or end of the movement phase. An urgent task is the development of compact and reliable mechanical converters where the required motion is carried out smoothly and without breaking the kinematic chain. The article presents the new kinematic schemes of the intermittent motion mechanisms based on planetary gears with elliptical gearwheels. For ease of balancing it is proposed to use elliptical wheels with a rotation axis in the center of symmetry. The kinematic analysis of the developed mechanisms is carried out, the rotation angle and the analog of the output shaft angular velocity are determined. Mechanisms can be widely used in machine tools, robotics, automatic machines, and conveyors.
Comparative Toxicity and Synergism in Two-Spotted Spider Mite (Tetranychus urticae) Under Disruptive
Authors: Ali Hassan G.I , Sundukov Oleg V , Astarkhanova Tamara S
Published: December 2019

The two-spotted spider mite is a destructive phytophagous of agricultural and horticultural crops. The disruptive selection had fulfilled on T. urticae females in 20 inbred generations. The selection of individual female genotypes was carried out according to a lethality rate of diagnostic concentrations of each acaricides. Malathion and fenpyroximate strains performed for comparative toxicity to five acaricides belonging to different chemical groups: dimethoate, bifenthrin, pyridaben, brompropylate and abamectin. The results allow us to conclude the malathion and fenpyroximate in mites with resistance alleles to one of these acaricides showed that, normalization of biochemical processes on the mitochondrial membrane depends on the function of the transport plasma membrane system. The expression of the malathion resistance gene was completely suppressed by the butyphos esterase inhibitor, while fenpyroximate resistance gene was not manifested in the inhibition of PBO activity of monooxygenases enzymes.
Study of Germin Like Oxalate Oxidase Enzyme in Monocot Plants
Authors: Ghosh Satabdi , Das Debapriya , Nandy Piyali , Ray Ankita
Published: December 2019

Oxalate oxidase enzyme in monocotyledonous plants, act as a scavenger to breakdown oxalic acid into carbon dioxide and hydrogen peroxide. They perform several important functions in early plant defence responses, including induction of PR protein synthesis and systemic resistance. In the present study oxalic acid, the virulence factor of fungi, was applied to monocotyledonous plants and it was observed that it activates the innate host immune system, along with secretion of oxalate oxidase. The enzymatic activities of other host defence related enzymes like catalase, superoxide dismutase, ascorbic acid oxidase, phenolic content, phenylalanine ammonia lyase were compared between the control and oxalic acid treated (2mM) plants.
Yield Performance of Organic Baby Corn (Zea Mays L.) as Influenced by Nutrient Management and Moisture Conservation Practices in Sandy loam Soils of Assam
Authors: Naveen Jami , Saikia M , Borah N , Pathak K , Das R
Published: December 2019

A field experiment was conducted during the rabi season of 2016-17 to study the effect of nutrient management and moisture conservation practices on yield attributing characters, yield and economic return of organic baby corn grown in a sandy loam soil under rainfed condition. The experiment was laid out in RBD factorial design with three replications. PAC 321 was used as the test variety of baby corn. Among the treatments enriched compost @ 2.5 t ha-1 has shown the significantly better results with respect to yield attributing characters and cob yield followed by application of FYM @ 2.5 t ha-1+lime+ash (1000:10:1). Treatments with straw mulch @ 2 t/ha recorded significantly higher results with respect to different yield attributing characters, cob yield, green fodder yield and high monitary return with B:C ratio.