bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A study to assess the prevalence of Tuberculosis to review “TB free status” in Nashik district, Maharashtra, India
Authors:   YBN University, Ranchi, Jharkhand, Natarajan Meenakumari , Lande Harshad ,   WHO NTEP, Maharashtra, Adkekar Ramji ,   Public Health Department (TB & Leprosy), Government of Maharashtra, Panigrah Sunil ,   Department of Community Medicine, Vasantrao Pawar Medical College, Nashik, Almale Balaji ,   Department of Community Medicine, Vasantrao Pawar Medical College, Nashik, Ahmed Syed Meraj ,   Department of Community Medicine, Vasantrao Pawar Medical College, Nashik, Deshmukh M T ,   District TB Office, Nashik, Kadu Aniruddha ,   WHO NTEP, Maharashtra, Ramchandran Ranjani ,   WHO Country Office for India, New Delhi, India, Rade Kiran ,   WHO Country Office for India, New Delhi, India
Published: July 2022

Tuberculosis (TB) is an infectious disease that is a significant cause of ill health and one of the leading causes of death worldwide. The prevalence of tuberculosis varies significantly across the country. Recent sub-national surveys have revealed wide geographical variation and discordance with corresponding annual notification rates. Present study aimed to estimate the prevalence of TB in 2022 to review the TB-free status of Nashik Districts. Methods: We conducted community-based crosssectional household survey between Jan 2021- March 2021. The district was divided into 15 survey units based on the number of TB units. We selected one village/ward from each survey unit using probability proportional to sampling. The estimated sample size was 30 bacteriologically positive TB patients using inverse sampling method. The prevalence of TB in 2020 was estimated by two methods- direct and indirect. Besides, proportionate decline, numbers needed to test and TB score were also estimated. Along with this, the prevalence was also estimated by drug consumption. Results:The TB prevalence was estimated as 60, 43 and 40 per 100,000 using direct estimate, indirect estimate, and drug consumption methods, respectively. There was a significant reduction in TB prevalence from the baseline year 2015 to more than 40 percent (62 %, 46%, and 64 % according to indirect estimate, direct estimate, and drug consumption, respectively). Conclusion: The study reported reduction of the prevalence of TB in Nashik district in 2020 as compared to 2015. Thus there is need of strategic execution of planned strategies to achieve the goal or TB elimination
Gay Consumers as a nich market: Changing representations of male homosexuality in German advertisements from 2000 to the present
Authors:   Technische Hochschule Köln, Schuch Elke , Sistenich Sasha ,   University of Bonn
Published: July 2022

Over the last twenty years, advertising has recognized a new market segment: gay consumers now constitute a niche market which is large and affluent enough to deserve more media and marketing attention. Drawing on gender and queer studies, the article will analyse the representation of male homosexuality in German advertisements will identify socioeconomic reasons for the changing representations of homosexuality in German society – bearing in mind that advertisements featuring homosexuality still tend to provoke controversial reactions in Germany, even though gay marriage was permitted in October 2017. While at the beginning of the 21st century, homosexuality was still represented in a covert way in subsequent years these media portrayals changed considerably: the representation of male homosexuality is now openly supported by well-known brands. Moreover, in recent advertising, signs and symbols are used which openly identify the portrayed men as homosexuals, while at the same highlighting the `naturalness ́ of homosexuality and gay relationships.
Authentic Creativity: how Two Segments of Nigeria’s Cultural and Creative Economy are Promoting and Redefining Nigeria
Authors:   Pan-Atlantic University, Samuel Kelechi C.
Published: July 2022

A central theme of the cultural and creative industries (CCI) discourse is the exploitation of intellectual capital for economic benefits by CCI workers. Also, the CCI are seen as vehicles of cultural expression and should contribute significantly to employment generation. But beyond cultural expression and employment creation, the CCI can be a veritable pathway to the globalisation of local cultures. This paper reviews two segments of CCI in Nigeria to assess how the concept has fared, especially, with difficulties associated with registration and enforcement of IPRs in these two key segments. The paper explores a brief history and reviews activities in these two selected segments in terms of employment creation, economic value added and overall impact they are having on Nigeria’s culture and political economy. It concludes that authentic cultural creativity can indeed globalize aspects of a country’s culture and reposition its image in subtle but effective ways.
Pengaruh Brand Ambassador Non-Celebrity Terhadap Minat Beli Dimediasi Oleh Promosi Di Instagram (Studi Kasus Pada TMDASH.ID Di Kota Ternate)
Authors: Subhan Subhan , Dian Ekawaty  , Fahri Djohan
Published: July 2022

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menguji pengaruh brand ambasador non-celebrity terhadap minat beli yang dimediasi oleh promosi online melalui media sosial. Penelitian ini menggunakan teknik kuantitatif dengan menggunakan metode survei dalam pengumpulan data. Populasi penelitian adalah konsumen TMDASH yang berlokasi di kota ternate dengan jumlah sampel sebanyak 100 responden. Teknik pengumpulan sampel yang digunakan adalah purposive sampling. Setelah melakukan analisis terhadap data, diketahui bahwa brand variabel brand ambassador non-celebrity berpengaruh positif dan signifikan terhadap variabel promosi dengan nilai t-hitung sebesar 5,646 lebih besar dari t-tabel 1,984 dengan nilai signifikansi lebih kecil dari 0,05.  Variabel brand ambassador non-celebrity berpengaruh positif dan signifikan terhadap variabel minat beli dengan nilai t-hitung sebesar 4,133 lebih besar dari t-tabel 1,984 dengan nilai signifikansi lebih kecil dari 0,05. Variabel promosi berpengaruh positif dan signifikan terhadap variabel minat beli dengan nilai t-hitung sebesar 7,047 lebih besar dari t-tabel 1,984 dengan nilai signifikansi lebih kecil dari 0,05. Sedangkan variabel promosi mampu memediasi pengaruh variabel brand ambassador non-celebrity terhadap minat beli. Hal ini dibuktikan oleh nilai uji Sobel sebesar 4.3860 lebih besar dari nilai t tabel 1.66.
The Correlation of Intraoperative Blood Pressure with Post Operative Nausea and Vomiting Incidence
Authors: Sukmawati Ni Wayan Eni , Wahyunadi Ni Made Dewi , Sastamidhyani Ni Putu J.
Published: July 2022

Objective: To determine the correlation of intraoperative blood pressure with PONV Incidence in post-general anesthesia patients at Tk. II Udayana Hospital Denpasar.
Methods: This study employed analytical correlational with cross-sectional design. There were 60 respondents as the samples. The data were collected by using an observation sheet during intraoperative and PONV questionnaire. Data were analyzed using the Spearman's Rho test.
Result: The result showed that the dominant of intraoperative blood pressure of the patient was normotensive (68,3%), the dominant of PONV incident was no PONV (90%). There was significant correlation of intraoperative blood pressure and PONV incidence (p-value <0.001) with coefficient correlation -0.507.
Conclusion: There is a correlation of intraoperative blood pressure and PONV incidence on post general anesthesia patients at Tk. II Udayana Hospital Denpasar with strong correlation.
Impact of Teaching Short Stories on Sudanese EFL Learners’ Vocabulary learning
Authors: Mohamned Elsadig Musa Gibreel Mohammed
Published: July 2022

The current study aimed to explore the relationship between teaching short stories and the improvement of the learners' vocabulary in the Sudanese EFL context. The study used a descriptive and analytical research design. It used a pre-test and post-test for 20 students from Khartoum University and was divided into two groups-  an experimental group and a control group, with 10 participants in each group. Using statistical analysis, the findings showed that the participants who were taught using short stories improved their vocabulary in terms of increasing their word count and usage that the participants in the control group.  That is to say,  using short stories motivates the learners to learn new words and enables them to use such vocabulary in sentences. Reading a short story can improve students' vocabulary. With this significant result, it can be said that short stories develop learners' vocabulary and this helps EFL learners, like many other similar contexts, to develop their vocabulary through the teaching of short stories.
Keywords: ELT, EFL learners, Short stories, Sudanese Context, Vocabulary
YETİŞKİN KADINLARIN HALK EĞİTİM MERKEZİ KURSLARINA KATILMAMA NEDENLERİNİN İNCELENMESİ
Authors: ULUSOY Berru
Published: July 2022

Eğitim, yaşam boyu devam eden bir süreç olduğundan kadının eğitimi sadece okul çağında değil, yetişkinliğinde de önemlidir. Halk Eğitim Merkezleri, açmış oldukları kurslar ile tüm yaş gruplarına, toplumun her kesimine ve kadınlara eğitim imkanı sunmaktadır. Buna karşın Türkiye’de ilkokul, ortaokul ve liseye kayıtlılar dışında kadın nüfusunun sadece yaklaşık % 15’i halk eğitim merkezlerindeki kurslara katılmaktadır. Kadın için eğitim oldukça önemli olmasına rağmen, bu oran diğer ülkelere göre düşüktür. Kadınların halk eğitim merkezlerindeki kurslara katılmama nedenlerinin tespit edilerek katılmaları için gerekli koşulların sağlanması önem taşımaktadır.

Belirtilen önem doğrultusunda yetişkin kadınların halk eğitim merkezi kurslarına katılmama nedenlerinin belirlenmesi çalışmanın amacını oluşturmaktadır. Çalışma, nitel araştırma yöntemlerinden fenomenolojik desende tasarlanmıştır. Araştırmanın çalışma grubunun belirlenmesinde amaçlı örnekleme yöntemlerinden maksimum çeşitlilik ve ölçüt örnekleme yöntemi kullanılmıştır. Çalışma grubu; Ankara ili merkez ilçelerinde yaşayan ve daha önce halk eğitim merkezlerinde hiçbir kursa katılmamış 97 kadındır. Araştırmada verilerin toplanmasında döküman inceleme ve görüşme yöntemlerine başvurulmuştur. Yarı-yapılandırılmış görüşme formu aracılığıyla elde edilen veriler içerik analiziyle çözümlenmiştir. Araştırmadan elde edilen bulgulara göre, halk eğitim merkezi kurslarına hiç katılmamış yetişkin kadınların çoğu bu durumun nedeni olarak vakit yetersizliğini öne sürmüş ve bilgiye genellikle internetten ulaştıklarını, ilgilerine yönelik kurslar açıldığında halk eğitim merkezi kurslarına katılabileceklerini ifade etmişlerdir.
DETEKSI DINI CEGAH STUNTING (“ DENI CHETING”) PADA BALITA DI POSYANDU KRAJAN II
Authors: Pitayanti Asrina , Mulyati Sesaria Betty , Umam Faqih Nafiul
Published: July 2022

Masa tumbuh kembang balita disebut golden period dimana otak berkembang dengan pesat. Apabila berat badan terus menurun maka  timbul permasalahan stunting. Dampak stunting adalah terhambatnya kemampuan kognitif, psikomotorik, lebih rentan kena penyakit degenerative dan kualitas sumber daya manusia yang kurang berkualitas.. Pentingnya Investasi pencegahan stunting perlu dilakukan  dengan  upaya jemput bola melalui upaya deteksi dini cegah stunting  (Deni Cheting) pada balita diposyandu  untuk memastikan SDM Indonesia di masa yang akan datang berkualitas dan memiliki daya saing  tinggi. Daerah tempat untuk pengabdian masyarakat termasuk lokus dengan kriteria jumlah balita cukup banyak dan belum melakukan identifikasi dan juga validasi data balita dengan stunting. Tujuan penmas ini mengidentifikasi balita yang mengalami masalah gizi (stunting, wasting, underweight) sehingga dapat membantu meningkatkan status gizi balita  dan menemukan sumber masalah stunting. Pengukuran status gizi balita dengan pengukuran berat badan dan tinggi badan anak mengunakan  aplikasi antropometri yaitu memasukan hasil pengukuran dengan urut  Satu persatu  kedalam system sehingga akan keluar hasil Z skor status gizi balita. Hasil kegiatan Kegiatan ini dihadiri oleh 67 balita posyandu krajan II. Diperoleh data balita dengan status gizi baik  58 balita (86, 56%), status gizi lebih 3 balita (4,47%), sedangkan kategori status kurang 5 balita ( 7,46%), dan kategori gizi buruk  1 balita (1,49%). Pentingnya Upaya Deteksi Dini Cegah Stunting (Deni Cheting) dapat membantu meningkatkan status gizi balita stunting dan menemukan sumber masalahnya
PENGARUH JENIS KELAMIN BALITA, USIA BALITA, STATUS KELUARGA DAN PENDAPATAN KELUARGA TERHADAP KEJADIAN PENDEK (STUNTED) PADA BALITA DI KOTA MOJOKERTO
Authors: Kurniawati Novi , Yulianto Yulianto
Published: July 2022

Penanggulangan kejadian pendek (stunted) merupakan salah satu target capaian dalam SGDs 2030 yaitu pilar sosial dengan target capaian menghilangkan kelaparan dan menjamin akses bagi semua orang, khususnya orang miskin dan mereka yang berada dalam kondisi rentan, termasuk bayi, terhadap makanan yang aman, bergizi, dan cukup sepanjang tahun. Salah satu indikator target SGDs 2030 ini adalah menurunnya prevalensi kejadian stunting yang dialami balita di Indonesia. Seiring dengan hal tersebut, peningkatan status gizi masyarakat termasuk penurunan prevalensi balita pendek menjadi salah satu upaya prioritas pembangunan nasional yang tercantum di dalam sasaran pokok RJPM. Beberapa faktor yang diidentifikasi berpengaruh terhadap kejadian balita pendek (stunted) adalah jenis kelamin balita, usia balita, status keluarga dan pendapatan keluarga. Desain penelitian yang digunakan adalah studi kohort retrospektif dengan pendekatan cross sectional. Teknik sampling yang digunakan adalah nonprobability sampling dengan jenis purposive sampling. Sampel dalam penelitian ini adalah sebagian balita di posyandu Balongrawe Kelurahan Kedundung Kecamatan Magersari Kota Mojokerto yang memenuhi kriteria penelitian sebanyak 56 responden. Variabel yang dilakukan kajian penelitian adalah status gizi balita (kejadian pendek / stunted), jenis kelamin balita, usia balita status keluarga dan pendapatan keluarga. Uji analisa data menggunakan regresi binary logistic dengan signifikansi α (0,05). Dari hasil uji regresi binary logistik didapatkan faktor dominan yang berpengaruh terhadap kejadian pendek (stunted) pada balita di Kota Mojokerto adalah status keluarga balita dengan nilai p value sebesar 0,019 < α (0,05) maka dapat disimpulkan bahwa status keluarga memberikan pengaruh parsial yang signifikan terhadap kejadian pendek (stunted) pada balita di Kota Mojokerto
PRACTICES OF GREEN SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT FOR ENHANCING THE ORGANIZATIONAL FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE
Authors: Asif Muhammad
Published: July 2022

The objective of this research is to determine the green supply chain management practices affect the financial performance of the organization. This research is carried out to analyze the influence of financial performance when implementing green supply chain practices. A deductive approach was adopted for this research which means hypotheses were developed based on relevant literature, which was analyzed, and then a questionnaire was developed to acquire data from respondents. This research is Quantitative in nature. Statistical tools such as Correlation and regression analysis are being used to analyze the data. The target population is undefined, so a convenient sampling strategy is used for this research. 250 questionnaires were sent to the respondents out of which 2 were found patterned and that were deleted, so 114 responses are to be considered which means a response rate of 46%. The result analysis shows that Investment Recovery and Eco-Design have a positive impact on the financial performance of the firm and are considered to be the key factors in the implementation of green supply chain practices and their impact is significant with p values of 0.000 and 0.00 respectively. Whereas, Cooperation with the Customer and Green Information System has not proper impact on Financial Performance.
FUNCTIONALITY BETWEEN ECONOMIC INDICATORS AND DEBT CRISIS OF AN ECONOMY: A CAUSAL STUDY ON PAKISTAN’S ECONOMY (2002-2017)
Authors: Naeem Mahpara , Rafiq Tariq
Published: July 2022

The economy of Pakistan has been facing depressed economic conditions for several years since many years. Debt to GDP has marked its peaks of Rs 21408.7 billion in 2017. The state of Pakistan has taken measures to reduce it. Various economic policies with amendments are being introduced by state authorities to make the favorable economic conditions but still, there are some factors that are creating economic instability in Pakistan such as an increase in Public Debt Burden is one of them. So, this study primarily focuses on the exploration of a causal relationship between public debt and economic indicators of Pakistan.   Secondarily it focuses on analyzing the relationship between public debt and economic indicators such as market capitalization, reserves, exchange rate, and fiscal deficits. The study has employed both type analysis qualitative and quantitative. Quantitative data is analyzed through statistical software EVIEWS.  16 years of data of Public Debt and economic indicators of Pakistan from 2002 to 2017 has been analyzed. Standardized criteria were adopted to accept or reject the hypothesis. Based on inferences, policies and implications are given in the shape of recommendations for corrective measures.
RISK MANAGEMENT IN SUPPLY CHAIN: CASE OF AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY
Authors: Sohaib Sara
Published: July 2022

Supply chain across the world is getting more complex with every passing day. Due to globalization, companies are operating internationally, and so their operations have incorporated a plethora of areas. With great expansion, comes great risk as well as therefore, the supply chain of today face great risks when operating at a global scale and these risks hinder their performance. In this study we explore the relationship of supply chain risk management, reaction time, resilience with the performance of organization and investigates in detail how a better strategy of supply chain risk management can lead to better performances and firms becoming resilient to disruptions and risks. This study is based on the automobile sector of Pakistan and the data was recorded from all the leading automobile industries of Pakistan. The research follows a quantitative model. 100 questionnaires were filled out by people employed in automotive firms and the data was analyzed using SPSS. Correlation analyses were performed to see how performance and supply chain risk management along with other variables – resilience and reactive supply chain, were related to each other. Furthermore, regression test was applied to understand the impact of meeting a structured supply chain risk management on firm’s performance and the results reveal that supply chain risk management does take a significant influence on the performance of a firm. Future work can be done in this same area by exploring more industries and firms, taking a bigger sample size and exploring more categories of risks that influence the firms’ operations in their own ways.
Characteristics of Al-Mg Test Pieces with Fe Impurities Fabricated by Die Casting, Roll Casting, and Hot Forging
Authors: Haga Toshio
Published: July 2022

The suitability of Al-Mg alloys for recycling was investigated using energy-saving processes. The Al-Mg alloy is a non-heat-treatable alloy and has the advantage of energy saving in comparison with heat-treatable alloys. Al-Mg alloys with Mg contents ranging from 4.5–10% were tested. Die casting, cast-forging, and roll casting were selected as energy-saving processes, as they have the advantage of process saving. A single-roll caster equipped with a scraper was used as the roll-caster. Fe was added to the Al-Mg alloys at contents of 0.2%, 0.4%, 0.6%, and 0.8% to model recycled alloys used in automobile manufacture. In the selected processes, the tensile stress and 0.2% proof stress of the Al-Mg alloys were little influenced by the added Fe content, whereas the elongation tended to decrease as the Fe content increased. The process influenced the degree to which the Fe content affected the elongation, and it was found that a suitable Mg content for recycling depends on the target process.
Do the Collaboration Dimensions Pay in Manufacturing Reverse Supply Chain? An Empirical Approach
Authors: Ohiomah Ifije , Aigbavboa Clinton , Sukdeo Nita
Published: July 2022

The purpose of this paper is to examine empirically the enablers and practices of collaboration in relation to reverse supply chain. The research method used in this research was a quantitative method using a survey approach to empirically test if the following collaboration enables and practices are applicable. The statistical approach was AMOS 26. The findings revealed that, the relationship building and management for implementing collaboration was ranked highest, resource investment and development in reverse supply chain was ranked the next. Furthermore, quick response on returned goods and information sharing with suppliers on the returned products were highest ranked. The research was limited because the study was based in the Gauteng region, which means that a generalised statement cannot be made of the finding, as well there is a need for the study to be industry specific such as electronics, online retailers. The practical implications of the findings are that the enablers and practices are needed for reverse supply practices to achieve its aims. There is lack of research in the reverse collaboration space, this has paper has fulfilled the following gap.
Soft Tissue Tumors: Molecular Pathology and Diagnosis
Authors: Y. Shan Frank , Wu Huanwen , Zhong Dingrong , Ai Di , Zreik Riyam , H. Huang Jason
Published: July 2022

Tumors of mesenchymal origin, also called soft tissue tumors, include tumor from muscle, fat, fibrous tissue, vessels and nerves, which are a group of heterogeneous neoplasms, and accounts for about 1% of all malignant tumors. They are uncommon tumors in routine practice, with complex tumorigenesis. Due to the recent advance in molecular pathology, we got a major achievement in the understanding of these tumors at the gene level, which makes the diagnosis and prognosis of this type of tumor more accurate and comfortable. This chapter will cover some molecular pathology and diagnosis of soft tissue and bone tumors.
Applications of Hierarchical Bayesian Methods to Answer Multilayer Questions with Limited Data
Authors: Bloetscher Frederick
Published: July 2022

There are many types of problems that include variables that are not well defined. Seeking answers to complex problems that involve many variables becomes mathematically challenging. Instead, many investigators use methods like principal component analysis to reduce the number of variables, or linear or logistic regression to rank the impact of the variables and eliminating those with the limited impact. However, eliminating variables can create a loss of integrity, especially for variables that might be associated with low likelihood but have high impact events. The use of hierarchical Bayesian methods resolves this issue by utilizing the benefits of information theory to help answer questions by incorporating a series of prior distributions for a number of variables used to solve an equation. The concept is to create distributions for the range and likelihood for each variable, and then create additional distributions to define the mean and shape values. At least three levels of analysis are required, but the hierarchical solution can include added levels beyond the initial variables (i.e., distributions related to the priors for the shape parameters). The results incorporate uncertainty, variability, and the ability to update the confidence in the values of the variables based on the receipt of new data.
Laryngeal Examination with Laryngeal Mirror and Laryngoscopy
Authors: Kanakarajan Rasmika , N.K Kanakarajan
Published: July 2022

The management of all laryngeal pathologies begin with a simple and traditional examination with laryngeal mirror. Even though the use of mirror is invaluable, the image is often distorted and misleading in seven different ways. Direct laryngoscopy is a sermon on relaxation and does not require any local or general anesthesia in both children and adults. The greatest advantage of direct laryngoscopy is the presence of oblique illumination. This chapter deals with the different angulations of laryngeal mirrors and its seven drawbacks in detail. This also provides a detailed explanation of direct laryngoscopy technique in children and adults with its axioms and clinical application.
Prognostic Communication in the Era of Targeted Therapy and Immunotherapy
Authors: Cervantez Sherri , Butler Matthew , Karnad Anand
Published: July 2022

Effectively communicating prognosis to patients with cancer is a key communication task for physicians. It has always been a difficult task and is now becoming more so. Rapid progress in treatment of advanced cancers is transforming a previously terminal illness with its proverbial <6 months of life expectancy into a chronic illness with years of meaningful quality of life ahead. Despite this evolution, the importance of communicating prognosis to enable shared decision-making cannot change. Communication skills for this specific task should be strengthened and refined with practice and toolkits to enable physicians to rise to the unique challenge of discussing prognosis in this rapidly shifting milieu of cancer care. This chapter will first discuss how targeted and immunotherapy have changed the landscape of cancer therapy and complicated prognostication through representative case examples. Secondly, we will outline communication preferences, barriers to prognostication, and tools useful in cancer prognostication. Finally, we will identify techniques palliative physicians and oncologists utilize to convey prognostic information vital to patient decision-making.
Nonreceptor Protein Kinases and Phosphatases Necessary for Auditory Function
Authors: Naz Sadaf
Published: July 2022

Phosphorylation is one of the most common posttranslational protein modifications. It has multiple roles in cell signaling during development as well as for maintenance of diverse functions of an organism. Protein kinases and phosphatases control phosphorylation and play critical roles in cellular processes from cell birth to cell death. Discovery of hearing-loss-associated gene variants in humans and the study of animal models have identified a crucial role of a plethora of protein phosphatases and kinases in the inner ear. In this review, those nonreceptor kinases or phosphatases are discussed, which are encoded by genes implicated in causing inherited hearing loss in humans or in mouse mutants. These studies have served to highlight the essential roles of protein kinases and phosphatases pathways to the function of the auditory system. However, the inner-ear-specific substrates for most of these enzymes remain to be discovered, as do the mechanisms of disease due to the variants in the genes that encode these proteins.
Hypersonic Flow over Closed and Open Nose Missile Bodies: Raw and SVD-Enhanced Schlieren Imaging, Numerical Modeling, and Physical Analysis
Authors: Watkins Tyler , Redford Jesse , Green Franklin , Dahlberg Jerry , Tkacik Peter , Keanini Russell
Published: July 2022

Understanding and mitigating against high heat loads at leading and blunt aerodynamic surfaces during hypersonic flight represents an ongoing technological challenge. Recent work has shown that the commercial software package, STAR CCM+, can provide reliable predictions of hypersonic aerothermodynamic flow and heating, under a wide range of complex, but common conditions. This chapter presents a preliminary experimental and numerical investigation of hypersonic flow over closed- and open-nose missile bodies, where the latter have been proposed as a means of reducing leading edge heat transfer. Four contributions are presented. First, a novel singular value decomposition (SVD)-based image processing technique is introduced, which significantly enhances the quality of raw schlieren images obtained in high-speed compressible flows. Second, numerically predicted hypersonic flow about a scale-model missile body, obtained using STAR-CCM+, is validated against experimental schlieren image data, an empirical correlation connecting bow shock stand-off distance and shock density ratio, and estimated drag forces. Third, scaling and physical arguments are presented as a means of choosing appropriate gas equations of state and for interpreting results of numerical simulations and experiments. Last, numerical experiments show that the forward facing cavity used in our wind tunnel experiments functions as a heat sink, reducing heat fluxes on the missile body downstream of the cavity.
Quality Impairments in Flexible Road Pavements
Authors: I. Egwunatum Samuel , I. Akpokodje Ovie , I. Awo-Osagie Andrew
Published: July 2022

The purpose of this chapter is to present the reader with the physical processes of how flexible road pavements progressively fail and impair the quality of finished roads arising from non-adherence to roads construction quality outlines and requirements. This was achieved by investigating eight (8) roads from a sample of nineteen (19) roads based on purposive sampling. Using instruments of steel tapes, paints for failed sections, rolling rule and pictures, measurement of length, width and depth of various failed sections were taken for five (5) daily measurements at three (3) monthly visit intervals for Four Hundred and Thirty Five (435) days to show the rate of deterioration. Data obtained were analyzed for reliability of pavements using Weibull distribution statistics on ReliasoftWeibull++to extrapolate pavement reliability from bathtub function. Findings showed that roads failed progressively within six (6) months after finished construction and deteriorated fast with increased failures on length, depth and width of pavements. The practical implications of this is that the process of construction did not conform with required/stipulated quality control metrics of flexible road construction especially in the areas of geomaterials compaction, temperature and density of materials laid. It was recommended that organization adhere to quality control guidelines and requirements to forestall quality impairment.
Electrospinning of Fiber Matrices from Polyhydroxybutyrate for the Controlled Release Drug Delivery Systems
Authors: A. Olkhov Anatoly , G. Karpova Svetlana , V. Bychkova Anna , A. Vetcher Alexandre , L. Iordanskii Alexey
Published: July 2022

The submission provides an overview of current state of the problem and authors’ experimental data on manufacturing nonwoven fibrous matrices for the controlled release drug delivery systems (CRDDS). The choice of ultrathin fibers as effective carriers is determined by their characteristics and functional behavior, for example, such as a high specific surface area, anisotropy of some physicochemical characteristics, spatial limitations of segmental mobility that are inherent in nanosized objects, controlled biodegradation, and controlled diffusion transport. The structural-dynamic approach to the study of the morphology and diffusion properties of biopolymer fibers based on polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) is considered from several angles. In the submission, the electrospinning (ES) application to reach specific characteristics of materials for controlled release drug delivery is discussed.
An Application of Bio-Inspired Superwetting Surfaces: Water Collection
Authors: Li Chang , Ni Zhongshi , Li Ying
Published: July 2022

On a superwetting surface, droplet behaviour can be manipulated. Utilising the directional motion and coalescence of water, water collection (including fog harvesting) is a significant application of superwetting surfaces. In the plant and animal kingdom, many biological surfaces show excellent water-collecting function. This chapter summarises the development and recent progress of the natural and bio-inspired surfaces that can collect water. The biomimetic models, i.e., the model of spider silks, cactus, and desert beetles are introduced. The corresponding mechanism, raw materials or approaches to mimic natural surfaces and optimised structures which show improved water-collecting performance are explained. Future directions for the water-collecting material are forecasted.
Advances in Hearing Loss and Vestibular Disorders in Children
Authors: Xie Wen , Duan Maoli
Published: July 2022

Pediatric hearing loss is a common sensory deficit, affecting nearly 9% of children worldwide. Compared with pediatric hearing loss, vestibular disorders are still not known among the child population. However, vestibular disorders are more and more generally known with time when the measurement of vestibular function is developing. Genetic causes and virus infection are the main causes of pediatric hearing loss, and vestibular migraine is the most common etiological disease of childhood vertigo. This narrative review of the literature discusses the brief etiopathology, the clinical manifestations of hearing loss and vestibular disorders in children, as well as available test protocols to diagnose childhood hearing loss and vestibular dysfunction.
Topomineralogía de la província de Ávila 2
Authors: Mata Perelló Josep Maria , Sanz Balagué Joaquim
Published: July 2022

Con este número, seguiremos con el tratamiento de la TOPOMINERALOGIA ABULENSE: o lo que es lo mismo: LOS MINERALES Y SUS YACIMIENTOS EN LA PROVÍNCIA DE ÁVILA.

Así, esta TOPOMINERALOGIA ABULENSE, la estamos presentando en cuatro números sucesivos de esta publicación. De esta forma, en este segundo número (CANTIL 009), nos centraremos en uno de los antiguos Partidos Judiciales de la provincia de Ávila, concretamente en el de la capital.

En el siguiente número de la serie (CANTIL 010) nos centraremos en los de Barco de Ávila y Cebreros. Finalmente, en el cuarto de los números dedicados a esta provincia (CANTIL 011), nos dedicaremos exclusivamente al de Piedrahita. Por otra parte, al final de este último, publicaremos un índice general de las localidades citadas en la Provincia de Ávila.

En cada caso, en la FICHA EXCEL (elaborada por Antonieta SANTACREU), daremos los siguientes daros de cada indicio:

- MUNICIPIO. A menudo indicaremos el agregado (en este caso, con el nombre del municipio, entre paréntesis)

- PARAJE (con las coordenadas UTM X e Y y a menudo la Z)

- CARACTERÍSTICAS

- Nª DEL MAPA EN QUE SE HALLA (a escala 1:50.000)

- MINERALES ENCONTRADOS

Evidentemente, podríamos ”vestir” estos datos con más detalles, pero en aras a la efectividad, nos hemos decantado por la sencillez de esta exposición de los datos otrora obtenidos y revisados a menudo en el campo, tras sucesivas investigaciones sobre el terreno.
Gammadiae, simbolo di santità e autorevolezza: cambiamenti morfologici dall’antichità al Medioevo
Authors: Abbatiello Giulia , Cumbo Cristina ,   Instituto Patristico Augustinianum
Published: July 2022

The so-called gammadiae are symbols similar to letters whose specific meaning is unknown. It is currently believed that they could have originated among Hellenistic Jews, and been inherited by Christians, who adapted them to own needs. They seem to have indicated the holiness of the characters marked by them. Building on previous analysis and on the recent systematic cataloguing of the Early Christian catacombs of Rome, as well as a range of other artefacts, we examine two lesser known archaeological finds, and finally consider some examples of gammadiae “of transition”, which appear during the Medieval period predominantly in manuscripts or in the mosaics of basilicas. These last symbols show differences from the Early Christian ones, even though they still appear systematically on the pallia of Christ, the martyrs, saints and other holy people.
Tertulliano e Metodio di Olimpo: proposte di ricostruzione del περὶ ἀναστάσεως attribuito a Giustino Martire
Authors: Podolak Pietro ,   Instituto Patristico Augustinianum
Published: July 2022

Several treatises have come down to us from Christian antiquity devoted to the defence of the dogma of the resurrection of the flesh (περὶ ἀναστάσεως). Such works are mutually connected by evident similarities in the content and often by literary dependence. The treatise On the resurrection attributed to Justin Martyr is preserved almost exclusively in the Sacra Parallela. This has been used as a source by different authors, e.g. Tertullian (in the treatise De resurrectione) and Methodius of Olympus (in Aglaophon or On the resurrection of the flesh). According to the optimistic viewpoint of recent scholars, the text which is included in the Sacra Parallela represents nearly the totality of the original text. However, this article, by combining the text of Tertullian and Methodius of Olympus, aims to reconstruct some now lost passages of περὶ ἀναστάσεως which are devoted to biblical exegesis (Gen. 3,21; 2,23-24) or which demonstrate the resurrection of the flesh on the basis of philosophical thought.
QAnon as an Online-Facilitated Cult
Authors: Cohen Shuki J. ,   Philosophy Documentation Center
Published: July 2022

Through the examination of QAnon as a religious apocalyptic “digital cult,” this paper integrates individual psychological models regarding the espousal of conspiracy beliefs with sociological and anthropological models of religious cultism, particularly in the context of destructive and violent cults. This integrative model purports to reconcile the apparent contradiction between the extravagant irrationality of the QAnon belief-system with the otherwise normative demographics of its adherents and distinguish—as scholars of religion often do—between the creed, the practice, and the social identity aspects of the movement. Cultic studies (adapted to the digital age) are leveraged to discern the functions that different strata of adherents provide to the movement, and elucidate the mechanisms by which they coexist, collaborate, and avoid splitting along organizational or ideological fault-lines. The model also draws upon studies of apocalyptic cults and violent radicalization to caution against counter-productive over-generalization, over-sensationalizing, and over-pathologizing of QAnon believers.
Is platelet-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) a predictor of thrombosis and together with circulating tumor cells capable to determine recurrence-free survival in patients with gastric cancer?
Authors: Pignataro Bruno Soriano , Abdallah Emne Ali , Mello Celso Abdon Lopes , Calsavara Vinicius Fernando , Nishinari Kenji , Ruano Anna Paula Carreta , Fanelli Marcello F , Yazbek Guilherme , Chinen Ludmilla Thomé Domingos
Published: July 2022

Introduction: Cancer-associated thrombosis (CAT) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in oncology patients. There are no accurate risk assessment tools to predict venous thromboembolism (VTE). Circulating tumor cells (CTCs), circulating tumor microemboli (CTM), and high platelet-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) may predispose to VTE.

Objective: To evaluate correlations of CTCs, CTM, and PLR with VTE and recurrence-free survival (RFS) in gastric cancer patients.

Material and Methods: Patients with gastric cancer (localized and metastatic disease) were recruited (March 2016 to April 2017). CTCs were analysed by ISET at two timepoints: before neoadjuvant treatment (CTC1) and after surgery/before adjuvant therapy (CTC2) for patients with localized disease, and before first-line chemotherapy (CTC1) and after 6 months (CTC2) for patients with metastases. VTE incidence was determined retrospectively. RFS was estimated by Kaplan-Meier analysis.

Results: We evaluated 93 patients. According to Khorana scores, 63 (67.7%) patients were at intermediate and 30 (32.3%) were at high risk for VTE. VTE incidence was 20.4% and CTM were found in 39.8%. VTE developed in 7/37 (18.9%) CTM-positive and in 11/50 (22%) CTM-negative patients (p=0.93). When PLR >288, VTE occurred in 7/14 patients (p=0.005). PLR also associated with poor RFS (p<0.0001). CTC2 was associated with poor RFS (p<0.0001). CTC2, PLR and VTE were independent prognostic factors for RFS (p=0.005, 0.043, and <0.0001, respectively).

Conclusion: PLR is a prognostic indicator for VTE and RFS in gastric cancer patients. Neither CTC, nor CTM improved risk stratification for VTE in our studied population. PLR, CTC2, and VTE were independent prognostic factors for RFS.
Indicators of market orientation of family agricultural holdings in Serbia and Kladovo municipality
Authors: Grujić-Vučkovski Biljana
Published: July 2022

The aim of this paper is to point out the importance of family agricultural holdings (FAH) in Serbia from the aspect of market orientation. The purpose of writing the paper is to analyse the indicators that affect the market orientation of FAH, which are: utilized agricultural area (UAA), economic size of the holding, the structure of the engaged labour force (by gender, age range and by educational level). The main source of data is from the Farm Structure Survey (FSS), and the results for the area of Serbia and the municipality of Kladovo are presented. It is concluded: fragmentation of land holdings; unfavourable economic size of holdings (small in Serbia and very small in Kladovo); in the structure of the engaged labour force on the territory of Serbia, members of the holdings participate with 56.7%, particularly 59.1% in Kladovo; male headed holdings are dominated, while women are most often represented as members of holdings; holdings are mostly elderly because 39.1% of holdings' managers in Serbia are aged 65 and over, specifically 45.9% in Kladovo; 95.3% of holdings' managers in Serbia and 97.2% in Kladovo have entirely practical experience. The analysis included only FAH because in Serbia they make up 99.7% and in Kladovo 99.8% of the total registered farms. The observed indicators were processed by the methods of descriptive statistics.
Association of octacosanol supplementation with redox status in patients on chronic statin therapy
Authors: Zrnić-Ćirić Milica , Kotur-Stevuljević Jelena , Stanković Ivan , Đordjević Brižita , Baralić Ivana , Ostojić Miodrag
Published: July 2022

Background: The uneven lipid-lowering statin effects and statin intolerance raise interest regarding the involvement of coadministration of statins and dietary supplements. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of octacosanol supplementation on markers of redox status in cardiovascular patients on chronic atorvastatin therapy. Methods: A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, single-centre study was conducted. Redox status homeostasis parameters [i.e., advanced oxidation protein products (AOPP), pro-oxidant-antioxidant balance (PAB), total oxidant status (TOS), total antioxidant status (TAS), superoxide dismutase activity (SOD), total protein sulfhydryl (SHgroups), and paraoxonase 1 (PO N 1) activity] were assessed in 81 patients. According to favorable changes in lipid profile, patients were classified into two groups: responders (n = 35) and non-responders (n = 46), and followed for 13 weeks. A principal component analysis (PCA) was applied to explore the effect of octacosanol supplementation and the relationship between investigated parameters as predictors of responders' and non-responders' status. Results: Significant decrease in Oxy-score value was found at the endpoint compared to baseline in responders' group (21.0 (13.4-25.5) versus 15.1 (12.4-18.0); P < 0.01). PCA analysis extracted 4 significant factors in the both groups, whereas extracted factors containing "octacosanol status" variable explained 14.7% and 11.5% of the variance in responders' and non-responders' subgroups, respectively. Conclusions: Octacosanol supplementation leads to an improvement of lipid profile and markers of redox status in responders' group. New studies are needed to validate our results in order to find the best approach for personalized supplementation as a useful adjunct to standard statin therapy.
Equilibrium sorption of reactive dye on polyamide
Authors: Nikodijević Milena , Đorđević Dragan
Published: July 2022

The equilibrium sorption of dyeing polyamide 6.6 fabric with reactive dye is presented in this paper. Polyamide is a chemical fiber obtained from synthetically produced polymers, while reactive dyes are most often sulfonated azo compounds: which are derived from bendisidine and its derivatives. The solution in a constant volume contained dye concentrations of 5, 10, 15, 20, 30, 40 and 50 mg/L. The samples were dyed at temperatures of 40, 60 and 98°C. A spectrophotometer (Cary 100 Conc UV-VIS, Varian) was used to measure the absorbance of aqueous dyed solutions and to calculate the unknown dye concentration in the solution and to construct a calibration curve. The degree of dye exhaustion and the amount of absorbed dye were calculated. Two models of adsorption isotherms were used: Freundlich and Florry-Huggins. The high functionality of the variable was observed in the Freundlich model.
Synthesis of series of different imidazolidine-2,4-dione derivatives and evaluation of their antimicrobial potential
Authors: Šmit Biljana , Radojević Ivana , Stanić Petar , Ašanin Darko , Vasić Marijana , Katanić-Stanković Jelena
Published: July 2022

A series of twenty two different imidazolidine-2,4-dione derivatives, divided according to their structure into five groups, including alkyl, alkenyl or aryl 5,5disubstituted hydantoins, spirohydantoins, and fused bicyclic and tricyclic hydantoins, was synthesized and examined for in vitro antimicrobial activity against 15 strains of bacteria and 4 strains of yeast. The antimicrobial activity was evaluated by the determination of the minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) and the minimal microbicidal concentration (MMC) using the microdilution method. The assayed compounds exerted moderate antibacterial and weak antifungal activity. The antimicrobial activities were influenced by the structure and concentration of the tested compounds as well as the type of test microorganisms. The fused bicyclic hydantoin derivatives obtained by organoselenium induced intramolecular cyclization exhibited the highest inhibitory activity. The examined hydantoin derivatives seem as drug-like candidate for further evaluation of biological activities.
Inflammatory modulation of the response of bronchial epithelial cells to lipopolysaccharide with pretreatment by montelukast
Authors: Jendrišek Gorana , Nikolić Aleksandra , Dragičević Sandra
Published: July 2022

Montelukast, a leukotriene receptor antagonist, is the most prescribed nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug used as an add-on therapy for asthma. Besides its effect on blocking leukotriene action, montelukast has been proposed to have secondary anti-inflammatory properties. This study aimed to investigate the modulatory effect of montelukast on the expression of major genes involved in airway inflammation (TNF, IL6) and remodeling (MMP9, TGFB1) in response to lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in vitro. The expression of selected genes was measured by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction 0h and 24h after LPS stimulation in cells pretreated with montelukast. Montelukast was found to significantly attenuate increased TNF and IL6 gene expression, to have a mild effect on MMP9 and have no effect on TGFB1 expression upon stimulation with LPS. The results of our study indicate that patients on montelukast therapy would have an adequate response to acute microorganism-induced inflammation, so additional anti-inflammatory effects of montelukast should be better exploited.