bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Elevated carbon dioxide and temperature effects on rooting behaviour of grape cuttings
Authors: SHRUTHI REDDY L  , GOPALA KRISHNA REDDY A  , VANAJA. M  , MARUTHI. V.  , VANAJA LATHA. K.
Published: October 2021

An experiment was laid out to study the impact of eCO2 (550ppm), eT (+3ºC) and their interaction (eCO2+eT) on rooting behaviour of cuttings of three grape varieties- Thompson Seedless, Bangalore Blue, and Dogridge in FATE and OTC facilities. Observations were recorded at 50 and 80 days after planting (DAP) and root growth data was recorded and analysed using WinRHIZO root scanner and its software. Analysis revealed that, among the selected grape varieties, Thompson Seedless cuttings has shown highest number of roots, root volume and dry biomass under eCO2 and eCO2+ eT conditions, while total root length and root length density were highest with Bangalore Blue. Under eT condition, Bangalore Blue showed highest number of roots, total root length and root length density, while root volume and dry biomass was highest with Thompson Seedless. The per se values of root parameters under all conditions and their response to eCO2 was lowest with Dogridge. Though eT condition reduced all the root parameters, their performance improved under eCO2+ eT indicating the presence of higher concentration of CO2 reduced the ill effects of high temperature. Overall, eCO2 and eCO2+eT conditions improved root parameters of grape varieties, while eT reduced them as compared to their performance under ambient condition and varietal variation is significant.
Influence of different protected cultivation structures on performance of cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) in Indian hot arid region
Authors: P.S. KHAPTE  , H.M. MEENA  , PRADEEP KUMAR  , UDAY BURMAN  , ANURAG SAXENA  , PRAVEEN KUMAR
Published: October 2021

The performance of gynoecious cucumber (cv. Terminator) was evaluated under three protected structures viz., naturally ventilated polyhouse (NVP), insect proof net house (INH) and shade net house (SNH) at Jodhpur, Rajasthan in hot arid region of India. The photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) inside these structures during cropping period ranged from 154-842 μmol m-2 s-1 which was much lower than the outside. Among structures, air temperature was 1.2°C and 0.7°C lower while relative humidity (RH) was 17 and 4 per cent higher in NVP and SNH respectively as compared to INH. Relatively low air as well as soil temperature, coupled with high RH and optimal radiation in NVP led to better plant growth and physiological activity which resulted in 42 and 142per cent higher yield than INH and SNH, respectively. Hence, it can be recommended that NVP is the best low-tech protected structure which modifies the microclimate favouring successful cultivation of greenhouse cucumber in Indian hot arid regions.
Simulating the impact of climate change on sugarcane production in Punjab
Authors: HARPINDER SINGH  , SUDHIR KUMAR MISHRA  , KULDEEP SINGH  , KULVIR SINGH  , R. K. PAL  , K. K. GILL  , P. K. KINGRA
Published: October 2021

The present study was performed at three diverse agro-climatic zones of Indian Punjab. A validated DSSAT-CANEGRO model was used to simulate the response of different climate change scenarios on cane yield of four sugarcane varieties (CoPb 91, CoJ 88, Co 118 and Co 238) for each zone. Results described that elevated and lowered minimum temperature upto 3.0°C may alter cane yield by -17.9 to 18.0 per cent. Similarly, ±3.0°C altered maximum temperature may change the cane yield by -17.6 to 17.5 per cent. The sugarcane yield may be decreased by 2.4 to 14.4 per cent, 3.3 to 17.6% and 0.3 to15.4 per cent with 2.5 to 15 per cent reduced solar radiation and increase in the same unit may enhance the yield by 1.9 to 9.0 per cent, 1.3 to 13.6 per cent and 2.0 to 12.3 per cent at Faridkot, Gurdaspur and Kapurthala, respectively. A±30 mm rainfall may change the cane yield by 9.2 to 18.0 % similarly, rise and fall in CO2 by 5 to 30 ppm was able to increase and decrease the cane yield by 2.4- 22.6 and 3.5 - 27.8 per cent, at different regions. This study confirmed that for sugarcane cultivation in Punjab CoPb 91 should be preferred. However, CoJ 88 and Co 238 may suffer cane yield loss of 7.8 and 9.9 per cent respectively.
Effect of climate variations on maize yields across Abeshge district in Ethiopia
Authors: SOLOMON ABIRDEW YIRGA
Published: October 2021

The mean onset date, cessation date and length of growing period of the main rain season remained May 5, September 14 and 133 days, respectively across Abeshge district in Ethiopia. The dry spell is minimum during the peak rainy season (June to August or DOY 153-244) and switch upward once more around DOY 247 (September 4), indicating end of the season). Rainy days have a strong positive relationship (r=0.72) with maize yield, whereas total rainfall and rainfall cessation have moderately negative (r=-0.56) and positive (r=0.58) correlation, respectively. Increase in total rainfall caused a decrease in maize yield. However, increased rainy days, length of growing period and maximum temperature will result to increase in maize yield. Therefore, to minimize the effects of total rainfall, cutoff drain should be considered along the farmland.
Potato late blight disease prediction using meteorological parameters in Northern Himalayas of India
Authors: W. A. DAR  , F. A. PARRY  , B. A. BHAT
Published: October 2021

Weather parameters play an important role in the spread of potato late blight of caused by Phytophthora infestans (Mont.) de Bary has historically been serious disease of potatoes through worldwide, including India. Due to spatial variation in prevailing weather conditions, its severity varies from region to region. Disease development process and the weather parameters are well understood and have been utilized for disease developing forecasting models and decision support system. Therefore, an experiment was conducted for two consecutive cropping seasons (2017 & 2018) to develop a forecasting model against late blight of potato using stepwise regression analysis for Northern Himalayas in India. Maximum and minimum temperature, relative humidity, rainfall and wind speed appeared to be most significant factors in the potato late blight disease development. The meteorological conditions conducive for the development of potato late blight disease were characterized. Maximum and minimum temperatures in the range of 15.0 – 28.0°C and 2.0 – 12.0°C were found favorable for potato blight disease. Similarly, relative humidity, rainfall and wind speed in the range of 85 - 95 per cent, 15.5 - 20.75 mm and 1.0 - 5.5 Km h-1, respectively, were conducive for potato late blight disease which are helpful in disease development.
Improving efficiency of block-level agrometeorological advisory system by exploiting reuse: A study in Telangana
Authors: MAMATHA ALUGUBELLY  , KRISHNA REDDY POLEPALLI  , BALAJINAIK BANOTH  , SREENIVAS GADE  , ANIRBAN MONDAL  , SEISHI NINOMIYA
Published: October 2021

India Meteorological Department (IMD) has started block-level level agromet advisory (AA) service from the year 2015 and is currently operating in a few blocks of each state across India. In a block-level AA service, on every Tuesday and Friday, AA is being prepared for each block based on the block-level Medium Range weather Forecast (MRF). In this paper, we propose a framework to improve the preparation of blocklevel AA by modeling a weather situation as “Category-based Weather Condition (CWC)” and exploiting both “temporal reuse” and “spatial reuse” of AA based on the similarity among CWCs. The weather data analysis for 12 blocks of Telangana by considering the phenophase-specific CWCs of Rice crop showed that there is a scope to improve the efficiency of block-level AA bulletin preparation process by exploiting reuse.
Workshop on Financial and Tax Reports for MSMEs in Tenjoayu
Authors: Dwi Astuti Kurniasih , Yunia Dabella , Mulyasari Windu , Nofianti Nana , Fajar Muttaqin Galih
Published: October 2021

This community service tries to identify, analyze and solve financial report problems for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises in Tenjoayu Village, Serang Banten. As a village that is in its infancy, Sindangsari Village requires the intervention of academics to improve the quality of human resources in accordance with the existing potential. The basic problem for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises in Tenjoayu Village is the low knowledge of financial reports and taxation of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises in Tenjoayu Village. This community service is carried out using persuasive methods for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises in Tenjoayu Village, lectures, and field practice. This activity aims to improve the quality of human resources in Micro.
Analytical and numerical free vibration analysis of porous functionally graded materials (FGPMs) sandwich plate using Rayleigh-Ritz method
Authors: Njim E.K. , Bakhy S.H. , Al-Waily M.
Published: October 2021

Purpose: This study introduces a new approximated analytical solution of the free vibration
analysis to evaluate the natural frequencies of functionally graded rectangular sandwich
plates with porosities.
Design/methodology/approach: The kinematic relations are developed based on the
classical plate theory (CPT), and the governing differential equation is derived by employing
the Rayleigh-Ritz approximate method. The FGM plate is assumed made of an isotropic
material that has an even distribution of porosities. The materials properties varying
smoothly in the thickness direction only according to the power-law scheme.
Findings: The influences of changing the gradient index, porosity distribution, boundary
conditions, and geometrical properties on the free vibration characteristics of functionally
graded sandwich plates are analysed.
Research limitations/implications: A detailed numerical investigation is carried out
using the finite element method with the help of ANSYS 2020 R2 software to validate the
results of the proposed analytical solution.
Originality/value: The results with different boundary conditions show the influence of
porosity distribution on the free vibration characteristics of FG sandwich plates. The results
indicated a good agreement between the approximated method such as the Rayleigh-Ritz
and the finite element method with an error percentage of no more than 5%.
Relationship Between Physical Activity Level and Muscle Markers in a Population-Based Sample of Children and Adolescents
Authors: Sedaghat Alireza , Taghian Farzaneh , Kelishadi Roya
Published: October 2021

Objectives: The study aimed was to investigate the relationship between physical activity (PA) levels and muscle markers in healthy children and adolescents. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in 2020 among school students from Isfahan, Iran. Using cluster sampling, 159 students aged 7 to 18 years were selected. In addition to the physical examination, the PA level was assessed using a valid questionnaire. The serum levels of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), creatine kinase (CK), and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) were measured. Statistical analysis was performed using the Pearson correlation test. Results: The samples included 79 girls and 80 boys with a mean age (standard deviation) of 12.72 (3.06) years and a mean body mass index of 18.30 (3.70) kg/m2. The mean AST and CPK were significantly higher in boys than in girls (P < 0.05). Participants with higher PA levels had significantly lower LDH and ALT than other participants (-0.20, P = 0.003, and 0.044 P = 0.295, respectively). There was no significant relationship between PA level and muscle enzyme levels. Conclusions: The findings of this study indicated that higher PA level was associated with lower serum muscle markers other than LDH. This suggests that the best types of PA for children and adolescents are those activities with rest sets to prevent muscle damage.
Mutational Screening for Mitochondrial tRNA Mutations in 150 Children with High Myopia
Authors: Xia Tian , Pang Ying , Xiong Huimin
Published: October 2021

Background: Myopia is a very common eye disease with an unknown etiology. Increasing evidence shows that mitochondrial dysfunction plays an active role in the pathogenesis and progression of this disease. Objectives: The purpose of this study was to analyze the relationship between mitochondrial tRNA (mt-tRNA) variants and high myopia (HM). Methods: The entire mt-tRNA genes of 150 children with HM, as well as 100 healthy subjects, were PCR-amplified and sequenced. To assess the pathogenicity, we used the phylogenetic conservation analysis and pathogenicity scoring system. Results: We identified six candidate pathogenic variants: tRNALeu (UUR) T3290C, tRNAIle A4317G, tRNAAla G5591A, tRNASer (UCN) T7501C, tRNAHis T12201C, and tRNAThr G15915A. However, these variants were not identified in controls. Further phylogenetic analysis revealed that these variants occurred at the positions, which were very evolutionarily conserved and may have structural-functional impacts on the tRNAs. Subsequently, these variants may lead to the impairment of mitochondrial translation and aggravated mitochondrial dysfunction, which play an active role in the phenotypic expression of HM. Conclusions: Our results suggested that variants in mt-tRNA genes were the risk factors for HM, which provided valuable information for the early detection and prevention of HM.
Liver Transplantation in Progressive Familial Intrahepatic Cholestasis with Normal Gamma-Glutamyl Transferase: Evaluation of Post-transplant Steatosis and Steatohepatitis
Authors: Anbardar Mohammad Hossein , Dehghani Seyed Mohsen , Poostkar Maryam , Malek-Hosseini Seyed Ali
Published: October 2021

Background: Progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis is a disease presenting with severe cholestasis and progressing to the end-stage liver disease later. Liver transplantation is a treatment modality available for progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis, especially in patients with end-stage liver disease or those who are unsuitable for or have failed biliary diversion. Objectives: To evaluate clinical and pathological characteristics of progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis patients who had undergone liver transplantation and to determine post-transplant steatosis and steatohepatitis. Methods: We evaluated 111 progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis patients with normal gamma-glutamyl transferase that performed liver transplantation in Shiraz Transplant Center in Iran between March 2000 and March 2017. Results: The most common clinical manifestations were jaundice and pruritus. Growth retardation and diarrhea were detected in 76.6% and 42.5% of the patients. After transplantation, growth retardation was seen in 31.5% of the patients, and diarrhea in 36.9% of them. Besides, 29.1% of the patients died post-transplant. Post-transplant liver biopsies were taken from 50 patients, and 15 (30%) patients had steatosis or steatohepatitis, five of whom (10%) had macrovesicular steatosis alone, and 10 (20%) had steatohepatitis. Only one patient showed moderate bridging fibrosis (stage III), and none of them showed severe fibrosis. Conclusions: Liver transplantation is the final treatment option for these patients, and it can relieve most clinical manifestations. However, post-transplant mortality rate was relatively high in our center. Diarrhea, growth retardation, and steatosis are unique post-transplant complications in these patients. The rate of post-transplant steatosis and steatohepatitis in patients with liver biopsy in our study was 30%, with a significant difference from previous studies.
Can Mother's Depression Affect Infant's Development?
Authors: Mohamadi Parsa Narges , Mohamadi Abbas , Einabadi Fatemeh
Published: October 2021

Background: The mental state of the mother is one of the factors influencing the development of infants. Besides, the quality of the child's relationship with her/his parent is very important in childhood development. Objectives: This study aimed at investigating the relationship between the mother's depression and developmental disorders in infants. Methods: This cross-sectional study utilized a sample size of 311 subjects. The study population included all infants and their mothers who were referred to health centers of the city of Hamadan, Iran, to receive the usual one-year care. Mothers’ depression was assessed with the second edition of the Beck Depression Inventory, and children’s developmental disabilities were assessed with one-year Ages and Stages Questionnaire. Results: The mean age of mothers in this study was 29.7 ± 5.6. The prevalence of developmental disorders in infants was 3.5%. This study showed that mothers' depression had no significant relationship with any of the developmental domains in infants. None of the developmental domains in infants were related to the mother's occupation and education. However, the gross motor skills (P-value: 0.007) and problem-solving skills (P-value: 0.031) were significantly related to the socioeconomic level, and communication (P-value: 0.034), and personal-social skills (P-value: 0.026) of the infant were directly related to the mother's age. Conclusions: Mother's depression is not related to the infant's developmental disorders. There is a relationship between the socioeconomic level of the family and gross motor and problem-solving skills of the infant. The mother’s age is directly related to communication and personal-social skills of the infant.
Factors Associated with Adherence to Follow-up Among Patients with Depressive Disorders in a Collaborative Care Program in Iran
Authors: Mohammadjafari Atefeh , Tabatabaee Maryam , Sharifi Vandad , Abdi Masouleh Fattaneh , Abolhassani Farid
Published: October 2021

Background: Despite effective treatments are available for depressive disorders, less than half of patients utilize them and the treatment gap is large. Objectives: This study aimed to investigate factors associated with adherence to follow-up in patients diagnosed with a depressive disorder in the collaborative care program in Tehran between May 2017 to October 2017. Methods: A retrospective cross-sectional study was performed in three community mental health centers (CMHCs) in Tehran. Results: A total of 435 cases were recruited, and their adherence to follow-up rate was 41.6%. According to multivariate regression, being visited in a particular center, having a high school or higher level of education, having a positive family history with effective treatment, taking selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), experiencing a lower level of perceived mental health before the first visit, and referral to a psychiatrist could predict adherence to follow-up. Patients who had a chief complaint of typical depressive symptoms and those who were employed were less likely to be adherent to follow-up. Conclusions: More population-based studies in various settings and cultures are needed to enhance our knowledge regarding interventions necessary to deliver quality care to depressed patients.
Assessment the Effect of Ficus carica Leaf Extract on B16F10 Melanoma Cancer Cells: The Roles of p53, Caspase-3 & Caspase-9 on Induction of Intrinsic Apoptosis Cascade
Authors: Sadeghizade Mona , Baharara Javad , Salek Farzaneh , Amini Elaheh
Published: October 2021

Background: Melanoma is the most serious kind of skin cancer which has significantly increased in recent decades, and the importance of its primary treatment is increased widely. Ficus carica leaves have various therapeutic impact such as anti-inflammatory, anti-proliferative and apoptotic activity. Objectives: Hence, regarding the F. carica effect on the treatment of various diseases, the present research was conducted to identify the effect of methanolic extract of F. carica leaf on apoptosis induction in B16F10 melanoma cancer cells. Methods: Cell survival was estimated by MTT assay after treatment of B16F10 cells in various concentrations of F. carica leaf extract (150, 250, 350, 450, 550, 650, 750 and 850 μg /mL) for 24 and 48 h. Cell apoptosis was analysed by AO/PI and DAPI staining, Annexin V/Propidium Iodide flow cytometry. Moreover, Real-time PCR was utilized to evaluate the expression of apoptotic genes including p53, Bax, caspase-3 and caspase-9 genes. Results: MTT assay results indicated that methanolic extract of F. carica leaf prevented the proliferation of B16F10 cells in a dose and time dependent manner. AO/PI staining results showed an elevation in apoptotic cells in treated groups and DAPI indicated that F. carica extract resulted in chromatin condensation and fragmentation. Annexin V revealed the increasing percentage of apoptotic cells after treatment. In addition, the up-regulation of apoptotic genes confirmed the apoptosis inducing potential of F. carica leaves in B16F10 cells by Real-time PCR. Conclusions: Thus, methanolic extract of F. carica leaves could be suggested as an effective anti-cancer agent for further studies on melanoma cancer.
Why Choose a Pathology Career?
Authors: Fielder Timothy , Watts Francesca , Howden Christopher , Gupta Ruta , McKenzie Catriona
Published: October 2021

Context.—

There is a global decline in medical graduates pursuing pathology careers, resulting in a broadening gap between workforce demand and supply.

Objective.—

To determine causes of low popularity of pathology as a career and develop strategies to avoid a workforce crisis.

Design.—

An online survey was distributed and yielded 1247 responses, including 609 Australian medical students from 10 medical schools, 119 prevocational doctors from 10 major teaching hospitals in New South Wales, 175 residents, and 344 pathologists throughout Australia.

Results.—

Compared with pathology-uninterested peers, students and prevocational doctors interested in pathology careers were more likely to value research opportunities (57 of 166 [34.3%] pathology-interested respondents versus 112 of 521 [21.5%] pathology-uninterested respondents; odds ratio [OR] = 1.91, P < .001), have children (19 of 165 respondents [11.5%] versus 22 of 522 respondents [4.2%]; OR = 2.96, P < .001), and self-identify as introverted (87 of 167 respondents [52.1%] versus 179 of 526 respondents [34%]; OR = 2.1, P < .001). Those uninterested in pathology were more likely to value patient interaction (363 of 524 respondents [69.3%] versus 71 of 166 respondents [42.8%]; OR = 3.02, P < .001). Lack of exposure to pathology was the most-cited reason for rejecting pathology (after lack of patient interaction). There was poor understanding of the role of pathologists and low confidence in the ability to interpret histopathology reports among medical students and prevocational doctors. Negative stereotypes regarding pathologists were identified.

Conclusions.—

Active interventions increasing exposure of medical students and prevocational doctors to pathology as a career, as well as promotion of research opportunities and potential for work–life balance, are needed to address pending workforce shortages.
Harmonized Outcome Measures for Use in Non–Small Cell Lung Cancer Patient Registries and Clinical Practice
Authors: Edelman Martin J. , Raymond Daniel P. , Owen Dwight H. , Leavy Michelle B. , Chansky Kari , Yennu Sriram , Fernandez Felix G. , Presley Carolyn J. , Biswas Tithi , Quinn Gwendolyn P. , Schabath Matthew B. , Sheffler-Collins Seth , Chu Laura , Gliklich Richard E.
Published: October 2021

Background: Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related death in the United States and globally, and many questions exist about treatment options. Harmonizing data across registries and other data collection efforts would yield a robust data infrastructure to help address many research questions. The purpose of this project was to develop a minimum set of patient and clinician relevant harmonized outcome measures that can be collected in non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patient registries and clinical practice. Methods: Seventeen lung cancer registries and related efforts were identified and invited to submit outcome measures. Representatives from medical specialty societies, government agencies, health systems, health information technology groups, patient advocacy organizations, and industry formed a stakeholder panel to categorize the measures and harmonize definitions using the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality’s supported Outcome Measures Framework (OMF). Results: The panel reviewed 66 outcome measures and identified a minimum set of 8 broadly relevant measures in the OMF categories of patient survival, clinical response, events of interest, and resource utilization. The panel harmonized definitions for the 8 measures through in-person and virtual meetings. The panel did not reach consensus on 1 specific validated instrument for capturing patient-reported outcomes. The minimum set of harmonized outcome measures is broadly relevant to clinicians and patients and feasible to capture across NSCLC disease stages and treatment pathways. A pilot test of these measures would be useful to document the burden and value of the measures for research and in clinical practice. Conclusions: By collecting the harmonized measures consistently, registries and other data collection systems could contribute to the development research infrastructure and learning health systems to support new research and improve patient outcomes.
Wilson disease diagnosed incidentally by targeted gene panel sequencing in a Korean boy with severe obesity
Authors: Im Minji , Song Ari , Kim Jiyeon , Kim Min-Sun , Lee Sae-Mi , Kim Mi Jin , Cho Sung Yoon , Jin Dong-Kyu
Published: October 2021

Wilson disease (WD) is a relatively common genetic hepatic disease in children and is characterized by excessive copper accumulation, predominantly in the liver and brain. It is an autosomal recessive disease caused by an ATP7B mutation that causes brain degeneration and is potentially fatal if diagnosed late or untreated. In the early phase of WD, its initial presentation may include mild hepatic involvement. WD may be overlooked as a cause of liver disease due to severe obesity but should not be excluded from differential diagnosis. We report a case of WD with severe obesity and fatty liver diagnosed in the early phase by targeted gene panel sequencing and review the endocrine problems associated with WD. Early suspicion of WD is important for good prognosis.
Low-dose mitotane-induced neurological and endocrinological complication in a 5-year-old girl with adrenocortical carcinoma
Authors: Heo You Joung , Yoo Jae Ho , Choe Yun Soo , Park Sang Hee , Lee Seung Bok , Kim Hyun A , Choi Jung Yoon , Lee Young Ah , Lim Byung Chan , Chueh Hee Won
Published: October 2021

Mitotane is an adrenolytic drug that exhibits therapeutic effects within a narrow target range (14–20 μg/dL). Various complications develop if the upper limit is exceeded. We present the case of a 5-year-old girl with breast development, acne, and pubic hair who was diagnosed with an adrenal mass that was subsequently excised. The pathological finding was adrenocortical carcinoma with a high risk of malignancy, and adjuvant therapy (combined mitotane and radiation therapy) was recommended. Mitotane was initiated at a low dose to allow monitoring of the therapeutic drug level, and high-dose hydrocortisone was also administered. However, the patient exhibited elevated adrenocorticotropic hormone levels and vague symptoms such as general weakness and difficulty concentrating. It was important to determine if these symptoms were signs of the neurological complications that develop when mitotane level is elevated. Encephalopathy progression and pubertal signs appeared 6 months after diagnosis, induced by high mitotane level. The mitotane decreased to subtherapeutic level several months after its discontinuation, at which time endocrinopathy (central hypothyroidism, hypercholesterolemia, and secondary central precocious puberty) developed. The case shows that low-dose mitotane can trigger neurological and endocrinological complications in a pediatric patient, indicating that the drug dose should be individualized with frequent monitoring of the therapeutic level.
Low serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D level is associated with obesity and atherogenesis in adolescent boys
Authors: Naganuma Junko , Koyama Satomi , Arisaka Osamu , Yoshihara Shigemi
Published: October 2021

Purpose: We investigated the relationship of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25[OH]D) level with obesity and atherosclerosis in Japanese adolescents.Methods: We examined 492 children (247 boys and 245 girls) aged 12–13 years. The serum 25(OH)D level was compared among underweight, healthy weight, and overweight children. Spearman correlation coefficient analysis was performed to examine the relationships between the 25(OH)D level and body mass index (BMI), plasma lipids, and blood pressure and to compare the latter between the normal (≥20 ng/mL) and low (<20 ng/mL) 25(OH)D groups. Further, we performed a multiple regression analysis to assess the effect on the 25(OH)D level.Results: The serum 25(OH)D level was significantly lower in overweight (20.5±2.7 ng/mL) than in healthy-weight boys (22.4±3.3 ng/mL) (P=0.004). Spearman correlation coefficients comparing the relationship of the 25(OH)D level with BMI, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), and atherogenic index indicated significance in boys (ρ=-0.238 [P<0.0001], ρ=0.197 [P=0.002], and ρ=-0.146 [P=0.022], respectively). In boys, the multiple regression analysis results showed that BMI had negative and HDL-C had positive effects on the 25(OH)D level. The first was higher and the latter was lower in boys with low 25(OH)D level than in those with normal levels, respectively (P<0.05). No significant correlations were detected in girls.Conclusion: Low serum 25(OH)D level was associated with obesity and increased atherogenic risk in adolescent boys only. This sex difference was probably mediated by body composition, sun exposure, estrogen, and adiponectin, which are characteristics of puberty.
Preparation and gas sensing properties of a novel two-dimensional material Ti3C2Tx MXene
Authors: Han Dan , Liu Zhi-Hua , Liu Lu-Lu , Han Xiao-Mei , Liu Dong-Ming , Zhuo Kai , Sang Sheng-Bo ,   Taiyuan University of Technology, College of information and computer, MicroNano System Research Center, Taiyuan 030600, China
Published: October 2021

Since the discovery of graphene materials, two-dimensional materials have been widely recognized and gradually applied. Two-dimensional transition metal carbides (MXenes) have better mechanical, magnetic and electrical properties than traditional two-dimensional materials. In this work, Ti3C2Tx samples are prepared by etching Ti3AlC2 with different etching agents for the solutions of HF and LiF/HCl. The effects of etching agents on the structure and gas sensing properties of Ti3C2Tx materials are studied by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and gas sensing properties analysis. The material structure analysis shows that both HF and LiF/HCl etching agents have good etching effect on Ti3C2Tx material. The results of gas sensing properties show that the gas sensing properties of Ti3C2Tx prepared by LiF/HCl etching agent is better than by HF etching agent, and the wide range, high sensitivity and high stability of NH3 detection can be achieved at room temperature. The analysis shows that the high sensing performance of Ti3C2Tx prepared by LiF/HCl solution etching is mainly due to the high proportion of —O and —OH functional groups on the surface of Ti3C2Tx. The experimental studies can lay a theoretical foundation for studying the gas sensing and practical application of Ti3C2Tx based sensor.
Conveying Positive Regard in Distance Courses: An Exploratory Study
Authors:   Indiana State University, Harder Joseph , Abuhamdieh Ayman , Weber Peter ,   South Westphalia University of Applied Sciences
Published: October 2021

The present study operationalizes perceived positive regard in the form of a practical measure that can be applied in distance delivery settings. We collected data by surveying distance students at our university. The questions pertained to the quality of learning and the positive regard of the instructor as perceived by the students. Analytical methods included principal components analysis (PCA) to confirm that each group of questions was measuring a common construct, and correlation (Pearson’s r) of the constructs. We found that the effect measure was valid and that it was positively correlated with student learning outcomes.
Text-Based Versus Video Discussion to Promote a Sense of Community: An International Mixed-Methods Study
Authors: Murphy Jackie , Swartzwelder Kay , Serembus Joanne Serembus , Roch Shauna , Maheu Shannon , Rockstraw Rocky , Alyssa Leggieri
Published: October 2021

Creating an engaging online course where students feel part of an online community can be challenging even for the most experienced online educator. Online discussions are a common tool used to connect students in online courses, but it is often limited to text-based posts. This international research study compared the use of text-based versus video-based discussions in online courses to ascertain students’ perceptions of social presence. A mixed-methods design using a modified Social Presence, Likert-scale survey, and open-ended questions was utilized to evaluate students’ perceptions. The results showed that while students preferred text-based to video-based discussions, students perceived more social presence when using video-based discussions.
A Descriptive Profile of Online Faculty Training Practices in the Illinois Community College System
Authors:   University of Illinois Springfield, Andrews Melissa , Hu Xiaodan ,   Northern Illinois University
Published: October 2021

This study investigated the existing training practices for online instructors in the Illinois community college system. As online learning continues to alter the educational landscape, online faculty need to be better prepared to support student success. A survey with questions based on best practices in online instructor training was distributed to the 48 community colleges and campuses in Illinois. The results of the study reveal that orientation and professional development programs are widely offered, yet only a limited number of programs and resources pertain to online pedagogy, teaching strategies, and assessment. There is also a lack of common standards for the format and content of professional training for online instructors. I discussed practical implications to improve professional training for online instructors and thus contribute to online student success.
Huhnur
Authors: Mofidi‐Nasrabadi Behzad
Published: October 2021

Huhnur was an Elamite city first mentioned at the end of the third millenniumbcewhich most likely corresponds to the archaeological site at Tappeh Bormi close to modern Ramhormoz in the Khuzestan province in Iran.
Bhattiprolu
Authors: Shimada Akira
Published: October 2021

Bhattiprolu is the site of the remains of a large Buddhist
stupa
in the Guntur district of the modern state of Andhra Pradesh, southeast India. Excavations have revealed that the
stupa
had a cylindrical dome and projections (
āyaka
) from the drum in the cardinal directions. The drum was covered with limestone panels and the
stupa
was surrounded by a plain limestone railing. The most significant objects discovered in the
stupa
are inscribed relic caskets and a variety of relics, dated to ca. 200–100
bce
. The inscriptions record the donations of the caskets and relics by members of urban communities and the name of a local king. They are the earliest epigraphic records of Buddhist patronage found in Andhra.
Nagarjunakonda
Authors: Shimada Akira
Published: October 2021

Nagarjunakonda is the site of the remains of ancient Vijayapurī, the capital of the Ikṣvāku Dynasty (ca. 225–310
ce
) in the Guntur district of the modern state of Andhra Pradesh, southeastern India. Since its discovery in 1926, multiple excavations have revealed more than a hundred archaeological sites associated with the city along with sculptures, coins, and inscriptions. The main components of the city were secular architecture such as a citadel and a theater, Buddhist monasteries, and Brahamanical temples and ritual sites. As a result of the creation of the Nagarjunasagar Dam and the associated reservoir the sites were submerged under water. Some of the sites were reconstructed on an island in the reservoir and excavated sculptures and other objects are stored in the museum on the island.
Pauni
Authors: Shimada Akira
Published: October 2021

Pauni is the site of the remains of a fortified city and Buddhist
stupa
s in the Bhandara district of the modern state of Maharashtra, central India. The town has attracted scholarly attention since the early twentieth century due to the sporadic discoveries of early coins and stone and copper‐plate inscriptions dated to between the second century
bce
and the fifth century
ce
. In 1969–70, Nagpur University and the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) excavated three mounds (Jagannatha Tekdi, Chandakapur Tekdi, and Hardolala Tekdi) located to the south and northwest of the town. ASI further excavated the habitation area and the fortification in 1994. The excavations confirmed the development of the city from the pre‐Maurya (ca. the sixth–fourth centuries
bce
) to the Vākātaka period (ca. the third–sixth centuries
ce
) with a variety of archaeological objects associated with each period, including Northern Black Polished Ware and punch‐marked coins of the Maurya period, stone and terracotta sculpture of the Śunga‐Sātavāhana period, and coins of the Sātavāhanas and the western K ṣatrapas. Along with Adam, located 50 kilometers north of Pauni, the site provides an important resource for the study of the history of the ancient Vidarbha region.
Mithra
Authors: Ognibene Paolo
Published: October 2021

Mithra (Mitra) is the name of an ancient Indo‐Iranian deity. His name could be connected to the Indo‐European root *mei“to change” as proposed by Meillet: in this case Mithra would be a personification of the “contract,” of which he is guarantor and defender. According to others, the name could stem from the Indo‐European root *mē“to measure”: in this case Mithra would be the “measurer of the day” and this would support his identification with the sun which, however, is late both in Iranian and Indian. Indian Mitra and Iranian Mithra have many common characteristics, but these two figures cannot be merged. Mithra from the East also exists in the Roman Empire, where he assumes particular features and characteristics.
Astrology in the Pre‐Islamic Iranian world
Authors: Raffaelli Enrico
Published: October 2021

This entry outlines the history of astrology in pre‐Islamic Iran, with a specific focus on the history of astrology in Zoroastrianism. It provides an overview of the sources of information on the development of views on the celestial world, from the period of composition of the Avesta (the collection of sacred writings of Zoroastrianism) to the period of composition of the Pahlavi sources. The entry devotes special attention to the Sasanian period (third–seventh centuries
ce
), the only period for which we have indisputable evidence of the diffusion of astrology in the pre‐Islamic Iranian world. It outlines the main doctrines and sources on Sasanian astrology, and highlights the impact of Sasanian astrology on the astrological systems of non‐Iranian cultures in the post‐Sasanian period.
Haft Tappeh (Probably Ancient Elamite City of Kabnak)
Authors: Mofidi‐Nasrabadi Behzad
Published: October 2021

Haft Tappeh is situated approximately 15 kilometers directly southeast of Susa in the modern province of Khuzestan in southwest Iran, and can most likely be identified as the ancient Elamite city of Kabnak.
Tomb Building at Haft Tappeh
Authors: Mofidi‐Nasrabadi Behzad
Published: October 2021

A construction with two vaulted tombs was discovered at Haft Tappeh (Haft Tepe) (probably the ancient city of Kabnak) which belonged to the early Middle Elamite period (about 1500–1325
bce
).
Iran and Central Asia from the Arab Conquest to 1500, Historical Overview
Authors: Bulliet Richard
Published: October 2021

An approach to understanding long‐term historical developments concentrating on geography and economic infrastructure.
Eschatology, in Zoroastrianism
Authors: Agostini Domenico
Published: October 2021

Speculation about individual and universal eschatology forms an integral part of Zoroastrian theology. Individual eschatology mainly addresses the fate of the soul after death, while the universal deals with ultimate events such as the resurrection, the purification of the world, and the defeat of evil at the end of the twelfth millennium of the history of the world. Both types of eschatology are characterized by a strong dichotomy between Good and Evil. The structure of the otherworldly abodes is characterized by a strict and precise idea of reward and punishment, according to the nature of an individual's deeds. The universal eschatology also seems to place great emphasis on the distinction between the righteous and the wicked. In fact, even the resurrected body of the righteous and the wicked will receive further corporeal rewards and punishments, including an ordeal of crossing a molten metal river. However, in the context of the decisive victory of Ohrmazd over Ahriman, who is then definitively expelled from the restored world, the wicked will undergo these corporeal pains and penalties in the process toward a final redemption.
Turfan Project
Authors: Reck Christiane
Published: October 2021

The Turfan Project of the Berlin‐Brandenburg Academy of Sciences focuses on the edition of the Old Uyghur and Middle Iranian manuscripts unearthed during four German expeditions (1902–14) to the Turfan region (East Turkestan, today's People's Republic of China, Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region). More than one hundred years of research on these materials has yielded groundbreaking work in several scholarly fields, including the history of religions (Manichaeism, Buddhism, and Christianity), Indo‐European linguistics, the history of the Turkish peoples and languages, Iranian studies, and Indology. The Turfan Project is well networked with the international scientific community in these fields. The text fragments of the Berlin Turfan Collection have been digitized and an open resource is available via the website of the Turfan Project. Editions of the texts are partly digitized.
Puzur‐Inshushinak
Authors: Potts D. T.
Published: October 2021

Puzur‐Inshushinak was the twelfth king of Awan. He came to power at Susa in southwestern Iran and contested for hegemony over central Mesopotamia before being defeated by Ur‐Namma ca. 2100bce.
Kurangun Relief
Authors: Wicks Yasmina
Published: October 2021

Dating back to around the seventeenth to sixteenth centuries
bce
, the open‐air sanctuary of Kurangun is perched on a clifftop overlooking the Fahliyan River as it flows through the Mamasani region. The sanctuary is composed of a flat vertical relief panel and a horizontal platform, which can only be accessed from the hilltop above by means of three flights of rock‐carved stairs. The relief panel is carved with a scene of worship centered on a divine couple. The god is seated on a coiled serpent(s) throne in front of the goddess and distributes streaming water to two trios of worshippers through a rod and ring. Hundreds of years later, the Kurangun relief was expanded onto the surrounding rockfaces. One addition was made sometime around the ninth to eighth centuries
bce
with the carving of thirty‐six worshippers on the vertical surfaces adjacent to the stairs and a second addition was made in the seventh to sixth centuries
bce
with the carving of seven or perhaps eight more worshippers on the opposite side of the central panel. The open‐air sanctuary of Kurangun was situated along an important ancient route linking the two capitals of Elam, Susa and Anshan, and seems to have been a locale for periodic pilgrimage. As such, it offers a valuable source of information on Elamite religion and ritual practice and their political uses, to augment the much more ubiquitous evidence for Elamite religion in urban temple settings.
Ziggurat (Choga Zanbil)
Authors: Potts D. T.
Published: October 2021

The ziggurat of Choga Zanbil is the largest ziggurat (a stepped tower or multi‐stage platform capped by a temple) yet identified anywhere in the Near East. Dating to the Middle Elamite period (late fourteenth/thirteenth centurybce), it formed the focal point of an enormous religious complex founded by Untash‐Napirisha.
Paithan
Authors: Kennet Derek
Published: October 2021

Paithan was a significant town on the Godavari River in central India during the Early Historic period. It is mentioned in various sources and has yielded archaeological evidence.
Central Asia (Excluding Greater Khurasan)
Authors: Haug Robert
Published: October 2021

“Central Asia” is an imprecise term that can be interpreted in many different ways. Defining the region based on physical geography might focus on the long latitudinal band of steppe lands across the Eurasian continent, but it is also important to consider the mountains and deserts as well as the settled agrarian communities that border them. Defining the region as a sociopolitical unit in the medieval period – from the Arab conquests of the late seventh century until the fall of the Timurid Empire in the early sixteenth – would focus on the domains of a series of Turkic and Mongol states which originated among coalitions and confederacies of horse nomads, the Qarakhanid and Mongol empires being two of the most prominent and influential. From a cultural perspective, Central Asia witnessed a process of Turkification and Islamization over the course of this period, which transformed the region in ways that still define it until the present. Such definitions are often based on the perspective of the settled peoples neighboring the region and are colored by their relationship with the people of the steppe. During the medieval period, this was often a relationship of expansion out of Central Asia, as the frontiers of Iran and China faced the spread of the Turkic and Muslim worlds into their domains through processes of migration, conversion, and conquest.
Apocalyptic
Authors: Raffaelli Enrico
Published: October 2021

This entry focuses on views on the end of time, and on the apocalyptic views (defined as the views on an upheaval of existence caused by evil forces, and a subsequent reestablishment of order thanks to the action of good entities), in Zoroastrianism between the pre‐Islamic period and the early Islamic period (ninth–tenth centuries
ce
) of Iranian history. It first examines the main views on the end of time according to the Avesta, the sacred textual corpus of Zoroastrianism. It explains how the main doctrine of Avestan eschatology is that, at the end of history, evil is eliminated from the cosmos. The entry then focuses on the apocalyptic views contained in the Zoroastrian Pahlavi literature, which are also rooted in the view that evil is ultimately defeated. It outlines the apocalyptic events taking place in the final three of the twelve millennia into which history is divided according to Pahlavi literature, and describes the events that accompany the final elimination of evil according to this literature. The entry provides some information on the main Pahlavi source with apocalyptic contents, the “Explanation of the Hymn of Wahman,” a text dating probably to the ninth century
ce
. The entry also briefly discusses the traces of knowledge outside of the Zoroastrian community, in the period it discusses, of Zoroastrian views on the end of time. Finally, it addresses the question of the possible impact of Zoroastrian views on the end of time on Judaism and Christianity.
Ginadu,
Puhu‐Teppu
, Official of the King Inshushinak‐Shar‐Ili
Authors: Mofidi‐Nasrabadi Behzad
Published: October 2021

Ginadu was the official archivist of the king Inshushinak‐shar‐ili in the early Middle Elamite period (about 1500–1320
bce
) at Haft Tappeh.