bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Environmentalism as a Political Philosophy for the Anthropocene
Authors: Sťahel Richard
Published: November 2020

A filosofia política nasce dos reflexos das crises, riscos e ameaças que a sociedade enfrenta. O autor entende o ambientalismo como uma tendência da filosofia política atual que parte de refletir as causas e possíveis efeitos da crise ambiental global como uma das mais graves ameaças às pré-condições existenciais do sistema político atual e da civilização global. Considerando as mudanças nas condições sociais, tecnológicas e ambientais iniciais de existência do sistema político-económico – que são consequências da transição da era geológico-climática estável do Holoceno para a era instável do Antropoceno – é necessário reconsiderar as premissas básicas dos imperativos e marcos conceituais do atual sistema político-económico. Os fundadores do pensamento político moderno traçaram os contornos do atual sistema político-económico no quadro filosófico, embora possamos identificar algumas das premissas básicas do ambientalismo e conceitos relevantes para a reflexão das ameaças e riscos atuais em algumas de suas obras. O autor considera o conceito de direitos civis e humanos, o conceito de estado de natureza e o conceito de contrato social adequados para pensar a crise do atual sistema político-económico em termos de ambientalismo. Em seguida, o autor formula em que sentido esses conceitos também são válidos para o Antropoceno. Em conclusão, a hipótese do autor é que a filosofia política do século XXI deve refletir as pré-condições ambientais e os limites da existência e das formas do sistema político-económico e, ao mesmo tempo, deve levar em conta que qualquer econômicos e fatores influenciam a qualidade e sustentabilidade do meio ambiente.
Sociedade e crise(s)
Authors: Oliveira Madalena , Machado Helena , Sarmento João , Ribeiro Maria do Carmo
Published: November 2020

O conceito de crise é particularmente caro às Ciências Sociais. E é-o não apenas no domínio da Ciência Económica ou Política, mas também da Sociologia, da História, da Antropologia, da Educação, da Geografia e da Comunicação. Ao procurarem explicar as dinâmicas sociais como processos sujeitos à mudança e à transformação, estas ciências têm desenvolvido a ideia de que as crises são, não apenas momentos de depressão dos valores instituídos, mas também pontos de viragem histórica e civilizacional. Cada capítulo deste livro é um convite à reflexão da diversidade de experiências e problemáticas sociais da crise. Assumindo-a como noção plural, este volume encara a noção de crise(s) como central à análise crítica das sociedades.
Lifelog Data-Based Prediction Model of Digital Health Care App Customer Churn: Retrospective Observational Study
Authors: Kwon Hongwook , Kim Ho Heon , An Jaeil , Lee Jae-Ho , Park Yu Rang
Published: November 2020

Background

Customer churn is the rate at which customers stop doing business with an entity. In the field of digital health care, user churn prediction is important not only in terms of company revenue but also for improving the health of users. Churn prediction has been previously studied, but most studies applied time-invariant model structures and used structured data. However, additional unstructured data have become available; therefore, it has become essential to process daily time-series log data for churn predictions.

Objective

We aimed to apply a recurrent neural network structure to accept time-series patterns using lifelog data and text message data to predict the churn of digital health care users.

Methods

This study was based on the use data of a digital health care app that provides interactive messages with human coaches regarding food, exercise, and weight logs. Among the users in Korea who enrolled between January 1, 2017 and January 1, 2019, we defined churn users according to the following criteria: users who received a refund before the paid program ended and users who received a refund 7 days after the trial period. We used long short-term memory with a masking layer to receive sequence data with different lengths. We also performed topic modeling to vectorize text messages. To interpret the contributions of each variable to model predictions, we used integrated gradients, which is an attribution method.

Results

A total of 1868 eligible users were included in this study. The final performance of churn prediction was an F1 score of 0.89; that score decreased by 0.12 when the data of the final week were excluded (F1 score 0.77). Additionally, when text data were included, the mean predicted performance increased by approximately 0.085 at every time point. Steps per day had the largest contribution (0.1085). Among the topic variables, poor habits (eg, drinking alcohol, overeating, and late-night eating) showed the largest contribution (0.0875).

Conclusions

The model with a recurrent neural network architecture that used log data and message data demonstrated high performance for churn classification. Additionally, the analysis of the contribution of the variables is expected to help identify signs of user churn in advance and improve the adherence in digital health care.
Using Structural Equation Modelling in Routine Clinical Data on Diabetes and Depression: Observational Cohort Study
Authors: Ronaldson Amy , Freestone Mark , Zhang Haoyuan , Marsh William , Bhui Kamaldeep
Published: November 2020

Background

Large data sets comprising routine clinical data are becoming increasingly available for use in health research. These data sets contain many clinical variables that might not lend themselves to use in research. Structural equation modelling (SEM) is a statistical technique that might allow for the creation of “research-friendly” clinical constructs from these routine clinical variables and therefore could be an appropriate analytic method to apply more widely to routine clinical data.

Objective

SEM was applied to a large data set of routine clinical data developed in East London to model well-established clinical associations. Depression is common among patients with type 2 diabetes, and is associated with poor diabetic control, increased diabetic complications, increased health service utilization, and increased health care costs. Evidence from trial data suggests that integrating psychological treatment into diabetes care can improve health status and reduce costs. Attempting to model these known associations using SEM will test the utility of this technique in routine clinical data sets.

Methods

Data were cleaned extensively prior to analysis. SEM was used to investigate associations between depression, diabetic control, diabetic care, mental health treatment, and Accident & Emergency (A&E) use in patients with type 2 diabetes. The creation of the latent variables and the direction of association between latent variables in the model was based upon established clinical knowledge.

Results

The results provided partial support for the application of SEM to routine clinical data. Overall, 19% (3106/16,353) of patients with type 2 diabetes had received a diagnosis of depression. In line with known clinical associations, depression was associated with worse diabetic control (β=.034, P<.001) and increased A&E use (β=.071, P<.001). However, contrary to expectation, worse diabetic control was associated with lower A&E use (β=–.055, P<.001) and receipt of mental health treatment did not impact upon diabetic control (P=.39). Receipt of diabetes care was associated with better diabetic control (β=–.072, P<.001), having depression (β=.018, P=.007), and receiving mental health treatment (β=.046, P<.001), which might suggest that comprehensive integrated care packages are being delivered in East London.

Conclusions

Some established clinical associations were successfully modelled in a sample of patients with type 2 diabetes in a way that made clinical sense, providing partial evidence for the utility of SEM in routine clinical data. Several issues relating to data quality emerged. Data improvement would have likely enhanced the utility of SEM in this data set.
Real-time Mental Health Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on College Students: Ecological Momentary Assessment Study
Authors: Kleiman Evan M , Yeager April L , Grove Jeremy L , Kellerman John K , Kim Joanne S
Published: November 2020

Background

College students’ mental health may be disproportionally affected by the COVID-19 pandemic because of the abrupt shift off campus and subsequent loss of a social network and potential long-term impact on job prospects.

Objective

We sought to assess the nature of COVID-19’s mental health impact among a sample of undergraduates who were experiencing the pandemic as it occurred in real time.

Methods

In total, 140 college students completed smartphone-based ecological momentary assessments of anxiety and optimism related to COVID-19 and other generic mental health variables 6 times daily.

Results

Participants completed >23,750 surveys. Overall, >75% of these surveys indicated at least some level of anxiety about COVID-19. On average, the proportion of responses each day at the highest levels of anxiety about COVID-19 was 7 times greater than the proportion of responses at the highest levels of non–COVID-19–specific anxiety. Structural change analyses indicated a significant downward trend in COVID-19 anxiety after the first week of June, but even at the lowest point, >15% of the participants in the sample still reported high levels of COVID-19 anxiety each day. Participants felt more anxious about COVID-19 on days when the number of new cases and deaths due to COVID-19 were higher. When participants felt anxious about COVID-19, they also felt sad, anxious (in general), and had a greater desire to drink and use drugs. Participants felt more optimistic about COVID-19 when they received more support from others and from their university.

Conclusions

This study demonstrated the widespread mental health impact that COVID-19 has had on college students.
Развитие технологии наноструктур со спин-туннельным магниторезистивным эффектом
Authors: Амеличев В.В. , Резнев А.А. , Васильев Д.В.
Published: November 2020

Представлены результаты экспериментальных исследований процесса формирования многослойных наноструктур со спин-туннельным магниторезистивным (СТМР) эффектом. При формировании СТМР-наноструктур по интегральной технологии достигнут эффект на уровне 157,5%.
Сканирующая зондовая микроскопия в решении задач вирусологии
Authors: Яминский И.В. , Ахметова А.И.
Published: November 2020

Сканирующая зондовая микроскопия позволяет получать трехмерную визуализацию вирусов в различных средах: в жидкости и на воздухе. Помимо трехмерной топографии, можно измерять такие свойства, как механическая жесткость, адгезия, склонность к кристаллизации, агрегация частиц на подложке и т. д. Характеристика вирусов животных и человека является предметом многочисленных исследований из-за их потенциального вреда для высших организмов.
Pepys's Eyes: A Modern Answer to an Old Conundrum?
Authors: Harries David
Published: November 2020

Samuel Pepys was forced to abandon his renowned diary because of increasing pain and fear of impending blindness. In addition to having refraction errors, it has been suggested that he may have had ocular surface disease to account for his hitherto unexplained photophobia. This article uses new resources to re-examine Pepys’s symptoms working on the hypothesis that he suffered from dry eye disease. Applying the diagnostic algorithm provided by DEWS II corroborates the hypothesis and provides the basis of a unifying diagnosisof eye strain similar to digital eye strain that would explain all of his symptoms.
Electrocardiographic predictors of five-years mortality in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients
Authors: Lazovic Biljana , Jovicic Nevena , Radlovic Vladimir , Sarac Sanja , Milic Rade , Zugic Vladimir , Soldatovic Ivan
Published: November 2020

Introduction/Objective. Cardiovascular disease is one of the most common comorbidities among subjects with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The aim of this study is to evaluate electrocardiogram (ECG) parameters and mortality predictors in COPD patients. Methods. A total of 835 consecutive patients were included. The patients were classified to suffer from COPD if the forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1) and forced vital capacity (FVC) was < 70% in three consecutive postbronchodilator measurements. The following ECG changes were observed: axis, P wave, low ORS complex, transitional zone, left bundle branch block (LBBB), right bundle branch block (RBBB), incomplete RBBB, S1S2S3 configuration, negative T in V1?V3. The patients were followed up for mortality over a five-year period. Results. Both survivors and non-survivors were of similar age, sex, and COPD status. FVC and FEV1, as well as Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease stadiums were significantly higher in the survivor group (p < 0.016, p < 0.001, p < 0.001, respectively). Normal axis was in significantly higher percentage in non-survived patients (p = 0.020). RBBB and incomplete RBBB are more frequent findings in patients who died (p < 0.001, p < 0.05, respectively). LBBB, S1S2S3 configuration is in significantly higher percentage present in non-survivors (p < 0.016, p < 0.001, respectively). In the multivariable logistic model, patients with LBBB have two times higher chance of mortality compared to patients without LBBB. In contrast, patients with RBBB have 1.6 times lower chance of having death outcome. Conclusion. The main ECG predictors of COPD patients? five-year mortality are LBBB and RBBB, but according to statistical model, ECG should be further explored and possibly obligatory involved in a routine clinical practice as an easy and low-cost screening method.
Root canal treatment from patients’ perspective: Knowledge, awareness, and expectations
Authors: Qasim Muhammad , Anjum Omair , Das Gotam , Naz Fariha , Khan Saima , Ahmed Abdul , Chaturvedi Saurabh
Published: November 2020

Background/Aim. Root canal treatment (RCT) is one of the most common endodontic procedures for which patients visit the dentist. Patient's knowledge, awareness, and attitude regarding root canal treatment are an interesting problem in everyday dentistry. Therefore, the study aimed to evaluate the knowledge, awareness, and attitude of patients coming for endodontic treatment. Methods. Questionnaire surveys were carried out in a group of 209 patients, including queries characterizing their knowledge, awareness, and attitude towards the RCT ? their experiences, expectations, potential problems, and management expenses. Results. Exploring the knowledge of individuals concerning RCT, it was noticed that 51% of the surveyed patients in the past had experienced endodontics treatment. Fifty-two percent of participants reported that they knew the charges of the RCT, and 50% of them said that the price was sufficient for the difficulty of the process. The study confirmed that 47% of the participants still prefer specialists to perform the RCT. Conclusion. An enhancement of knowledge and awareness of people about the RCT has been observed, as well as a need of providing more information to patients about endodontics and the benefits of saving teeth.
Dapagliflozin suppresses ER stress and improves subclinical myocardial function in diabetes: from bedside to bench
Authors: Admin Ada , Shih Jhih-Yuan , Lin Yu-Wen , Fisch Sudeshna , Cheng Juei-Tang , Kang Nai-Wen , Hong Chon-Seng , Chen Zhih-Cherng , Chang Wei-Ting
Published: November 2020

Dapagliflozin
(DAPA) -- a sodium glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitor, is approved for
treatments of diabetic patients. DAPA-HF trial disclosed its benefits in symptomatic heart
failure but the underlying mechanism remains largely
unknown. In this longitudinal and prospective study, we investigated changes of
left ventricular (LV) functions including speckle tracking in diabetic patients
free from symptomatic heart failure post DAPA treatment. Using
streptozotocin-induce diabetic rat model, we measured the effects of DAPA on myocardial function. In patients with diabetes, following six
months of DAPA, despite no significant changes LV ejection fraction, the
diastolic function and longitudinal strain improved. Likewise, compared to
control, the diabetic rat heart developed pronounced fibrosis, a decline in strain
and overall hemodynamics, all of which were mitigated by DAPA treatment. In
contrast, despite insulin exerting a glucose lowering effect, it failed to
improve myocardial function and fibrosis. In our in vitro study, under high
glucose cardiomyocytes showed significant activations of apoptosis, reactive
oxygen species and ER stress associated proteins, which were attenuated by the
co-incubation of DAPA. Mechanistically, DAPA suppressed ER stress, reduced
myocardial fibrosis and improved overall function. The results can lead
to further improvement in management of LV function in diabetic patients.
LIVESTOCK VOCABULARY IN THE GODOBERI LANGUAGE
Authors: SIRAZHUDINOV RADZHAB M.
Published: November 2020

Livestock vocabulary in the Godoberi language is an impressive reservoir of terminology due to the traditional husbandry practices, which involved villagers of Ziberkhali and Godoberi. Harsh living conditions and remoteness from industrial and commercial centers made the inhabitants of the above-mentioned villages develop their own industries: cattle, sheep and horse breeding. In the mountains, where residents of these villages live, there are all necessary conditions for livestock development, which gave rise to a large and diverse livestock vocabulary in the unwritten Godoberi language.
THE CONTENT OF THE PROCESS FRAMEWORK FOR THE SOCIAL COMPETENCE FORMATION IN SENIOR SCHOOL STUDENTS
Authors: Bushnaya Natalia V.
Published: November 2020

Social competence of senior school students serves as their integrative characteristic and acts as the result of education. The formation of social competence in senior students is realized in the school educational environment by means of solving social problems of personal, public and life-futurological content. School educational environment incorporates definite zones which act as incentives to motivate and involve students into the activity of formulating and solving social problems.
TO THE QUESTION OF ORGANIZING MEDIA TEXTS OF VARIOUS TONALITY
Authors: DOLGOVA ELENA V.
Published: November 2020

The article describes the formation sequences related to arrays of media texts on a specific topic within the framework of a media discourse space. The author describes the existing parameters for selecting texts by tonality category and offers her own criteria for determining the tonality of a media text functioning in the Internet media. Special attention is paid to the author category which is directly characterized by an individual and collegial component. The results of the article can be used in solving practical problems of corpus linguistics, as well as in the development of automated programs, in particular for the analysis of materials in the English-language media discourse.
Poder, memoria e identidad. Una lectura poscolonial del arte sudafricano feminista contemporáneo
Authors: Rementeria-Sanz Santiago
Published: November 2020

En la Sudáfrica postapartheid una generación de mujeres de color contribuye con su trabajo artístico a la reflexión crítica sobre las estrategias de diferenciación y absorción de la alteridad vinculadas a la colonialidad. Su tarea de denuncia política supera los modos convencionales de exhibición etnográfica de la mujer indígena y las limitaciones del arte inspirado por el feminismo tradicional en aquel país. En este artículo se analiza el modo en que estas artistas simbolizan y condenan los mecanismos del poder y representación colonialista, recuperando la memoria de una relación histórica de sometimiento. Una selección de obras ilustra cómo se combaten estrategias de otrorización como el estereotipo y el mimetismo desde el espacio intermedio en el que surge un nuevo discurso híbrido. Esta revisión crítica de la historia colonial se extiende a la actualidad social sudafricana, en la que perviven prejuicios y exclusiones derivadas del reciente pasado discriminatorio.
La imagen del carnero en el Sacrificio de Isaac. Continuidad y variación en la cultura visual
Authors: Herraiz Llavador Andrés
Published: November 2020

La figura del carnero destaca de forma significativa dentro del simbolismo animalístico en el cristianismo. El presente artículo se centra en el estudio diacrónico de las representaciones de dicho animal insertas dentro del tipo iconográfico del Sacrificio de Isaac, cuya fuente literaria es el Génesis 22. El análisis pormenorizado de este elemento significante dentro del pasaje veterotestamentario se torna fundamental a la hora de acudir a los primeros textos realizados por los Padres de la Iglesia, generando en si la aparición del ángel portando el carnero, una variante tipológica dentro del devenir del tipo iconográfico en su continuidad y variación. El objetivo, por tanto, es atender a aquellas representaciones que beben de las fuentes de la patrística, la haggadah hebrea y el tafsir islámico y son testigo de la pervivencia de las variantes iconográficas dentro de la tradición cultural convencionalizada occidental.
El tipo iconográfico de la Fortaleza en la «nueva visualidad»
Authors: Montesinos Castañeda María
Published: November 2020

Aunque en la tradición visual de la Fortaleza imperan las influencias italianas, durante los siglos XV y XVI, en el ámbito francés algunos artistas abandonaron los atributos ya codificados en su imagen para desarrollar otros nuevos. Esto dio lugar a la «nueva visualidad», la cual proporcionó un nuevo tipo iconográfico para la concreción visual de la Fortaleza. Dicha innovación no es más que la manifestación icónica de las características que los pensadores atribuyen a esta virtud. Asimismo, la coexistencia de la «nueva visualidad» y la tradición visual italiana dio lugar a la interacción de atributos entre tipos iconográficos.
Influence of trans-polyoctylene rubber content on styrene-butadiene rubber properties
Authors: Macúrik Patrik , Anyszka Rafal , Hudec Ivan , Malčeková Terézia , Kruželák Ján
Published: November 2020

The study was focused on the investigation of trans-polyoctylene (TOR) influence on cross-linking as well as mechanical and rheological properties of rubber compounds based on styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR). SBR was compounded with different proportions of TOR in the concentration range from 0 to 30 phr. Integration of TOR into rubber leads to the prolongation of the optimum curing time and scorch time and thus the decrease of the curing rate. Higher content of TOR led to less viscous rubber due to the plasticizing effect. Cross-link density of vulcanizates was reduced, which correlates with higher elongation at break. Tensile strength and hardness of vulcanizates increased with the increasing TOR content, probably due to the increasing amount of the crystalline phase.
Sample matrix influence on microdrop hold-up in single drop microextraction
Authors: Kubasová Nikola , Zichová Silvia , Brisudová Adriána , Hrouzková Svetlana
Published: November 2020

Single drop microextraction has become a widespread liquid/liquid microextraction technique owing to its simplicity, high preconcentration factor and low consumption of organic solvents in the extraction due to direct introduction of the very low volume of extract into the analytical system. Crucial features ensuring excellent repeatability of single drop microextraction include: solvent volume, solvent type, sample agitation, salts addition, and pH. The influence of sample quality on the microdrop volume and agitation type was studied. Effect of the sample matrix, such as water, acid content samples (orange juice), sample containing alcohol (plum brandy) and protein content sample (milk), on the microdrop hold-up was also investigated. For water analysis, several organic solvents such as chloroform, dichloromethane, tetrachloromethane, tetrachloroethane and chlorobenzene were tested; last three mentioned were suitable for SDME experiments. For milk samples analysis, chlorobenzene microdrop was found to be optimal; advantage of salt addition has been reported. For orange samples, 1:10 dilution was suggested with stable microdrop volumes (toluene) of up to 6 µL for lower stirring rates (100 rpm and 250 rpm). For alcohol-content samples, the change of alcohol percentage of real-life samples had to be considered. A strong influence of the matrix quality on the microdrop stability has been proven.
Determination of biological markers of organic substances in sediment and soil samples by gas chromatography
Authors: Koljančić Nemanja , Vyviurska Olga , Balaban Milica , Špánik Ivan
Published: November 2020

Once they reach the environment, petroleum hydrocarbons undergo various chemical, physico-chemical and biochemical transformation processes. Organic compounds which are not or are very poorly subject to these processes are thermodynamically the most stable isomers and they are called biological markers (biomarkers). This paper presents the results of the determination of organic substances in twelve samples taken in the area of the city of Banja Luka (Bosnia and Herzegovina). Two soil samples were taken in the Banja Luka city heating plant area and ten river sediment and soil samples were taken in the upper and lower basin of the Vrbas river in the Banja Luka city area. The aim of this study was to determine the biomarkers of oil-type pollutants in contaminated samples as well as the type of organic substances in samples taken near the contaminated area. Assisted solvent extraction was used to isolate the total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPH) from all twelve samples. Fractionation of the extracts into saturated and aromatic hydrocarbon fractions was performed by column chromatography. The fractions were analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). On basis of the obtained chromatograms, biomarkers of petroleum pollutants and specific correlation parameters of organic substances in the samples were determined. The dominance of n-alkanes with odd C atoms as well as the presence of an unresolved complex mixture (UCM) on chromatograms of saturated and aromatic hydrocarbons showed the presence of anthropogenic organic substances of petroleum origin in the analyzed samples. Based on the obtained chromatograms, it can be concluded that microbial degradation of hydrocarbons in all samples occurred.
Control of heat exchangers in series using neural network predictive controllers
Authors: Vasičkaninová Anna , Bakošová Monika , Mészáros Alajos
Published: November 2020

The paper reveals three applications of neural network predictive control (NNPC) to a system of four heat exchangers (HEs) in series with counterflow configuration to save energy expressed by cooling water in the system of HEs cooling the distillation product. Neural networks (NNs) are used at first in conventional NNPC and subsequently, neural network predictive controllers (NNPCLs) are employed as a master controller in a cascade control, and as a feedback controller in the control system with disturbance measurement. Neural-network-predictive-control-based (NNPC-based) feedback control systems are compared with PI controller based feedback control loop. Series of simulation experiments were done and the results showed that using NNPC-based cascade control reduced cooling water consumption. This control system also significantly reduced the settling time and overshoots in the control responses and provided the best assessed integral quality criteria compared to other control systems. NNPC-based cascade control can also be interesting for industrial use. Generally, simulation results proved that NNPC-based control systems are promising means for the improvement of HEs control and achievement of energy saving.
Non-Invasive Ventilation in a Non-Standard Setting – Is it Safe to Ventilate Outside the ICU?
Authors: Boyadzhieva I. , Kovacheva M. , Bektashev D. , Mekov E.
Published: November 2020

Non-invasive ventilation (NIV) is considered a fundamental method in treating patients with various disorders, requiring respiratory support. Often the lack of beds in the intensive care unit (ICU) and the concomitant medical conditions, which refer patients as unsuitable for aggressive treatment in the ICU, highlight the need of NIV application in general non-monitored wards and unusual settings – most commonly emergency departments, high-dependency units, pulmonary wards, and even ambulances. Recent studies suggest faster improvement of all physiological variables, reduced intubation rates, postoperative pulmonary complications and hospital mortality with better outcome and quality of life by early well-monitored ward-based NIV compared to standard medical therapy in patients with exacerbation of a chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, after a surgical procedure or acute hypoxemic respiratory failure in hematologic malignancies. NIV is a ceiling of treatment and a comfort measure in many patients with do-not-intubate orders due to terminal illnesses. NIV is beneficial only by proper administration with appropriate monitoring and screening for early NIV failure. Successful NIV application in a ward requires a well-equipped area and adequately trained multidisciplinary team. It could be initiated not only by attending physicians, respiratory technicians, and nurses but also by medical emergency teams. Ward-based NIV is supposed to be more cost-effective than NIV in the ICU, but further investigation is required to establish the safety and efficacy in hospital wards with a low nurse to patient ratio.
Random inverse packet information and its acquisition
Authors: Yu Xiuqing , Xu Fengsheng
Published: November 2020

Packet sets and inverse packet sets are two kinds of novel mathematical tools to analyze dynamic information systems. With advances in inverse packet sets, random inverse packet information is proposed by introducing random characteristics into inverse packet sets. Hence, random inverse packet information has dynamic and random characteristics, and is an extended form of inverse packet sets. Furthermore, random feature, dynamic feature, and identification relation about the random inverse packet information are discussed. Finally, based on the above theory, an instance is used to illustrate the applications of intelligent acquisition of investment information.
10-Year Journey Through Brain Gliomas: Case Report
Authors: Cîndea Cosmin-Nicodim , Săceleanu Adriana
Published: November 2020

We present the case of a 28-year-old doctor who was diagnosed in 2009 with grade II oligodendroglioma. In the next 10 years he underwent 4 surgeries, passing in turn through 3 different types of cerebral gliomas: grade II oligodendroglioma, grade III oligoastrocytoma and IDH Wild-Type glioblastoma. In the spirit of the surgical resection limited by the preservation of the function, he was able to practice his medical profession until the last months of his life. Life expectancy at the time of diagnosis complied with all the statistical data. Although the etiology, pathophysiology and treatment of cerebral gliomas is still full of unknowns, knowing our limits we can provide a good quality of life for our patients.
From Selenium to Selenoproteins and their Role - Minireview
Authors: Caţianis Alexandra Gabriela , Virgolici Bogdana , Dogaru Beatrice Carmen , Virgolici Horia , Mohora Maria
Published: November 2020

Selenium (SE) is an essential micronutrient fulfilling a number of biological roles, being integrated as selenocysteine in the primary structure of certain selenoproteins. The Selenocysteine is synthesized and inserted into proteins during the translational process of the RNAm by a mechanism which involves converting a stop codon for certain proteins into a meaningful codon. Only 25 genes encoding selenocysteine-incorporating proteins have been identified in the human genome. The selenoprotein families including glutathione peroxidase, iodothyronine deiodinase and thioredoxin reductases are known as enzymes engaged in redox processes. The selenoprotein P (SEPP1) is a hepatokine produced by the liver, an extracellular glycoprotein, which is not part of these families. The purpose of this Article is to present the form of distribution of selenium and its physiological role in the body.
Occlusal Surface Achieved Using the Stamp Technique
Authors: Ionaş Mona , Dăncilă Adela
Published: November 2020

Dental occlusion can be restored through preparation, modelling, occlusal adjustment and finishing or by reproducing the final future tooth surface. The micro-brush stamp technique is a new technique used in direct restorations. The purpose of this paper is to present a fast way of restoring the occlusal surface of a tooth when a previous correct functional impression of the surface exists. We will approach, step by step, the occlusal dental tissue reconstruction using a dental flowable composite and a microbrush to get a stamp of the occlusal surface in order to achieve precise occlusal topography.
Telepsychiatry in the Romanian Health System During COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Băcilă Ciprian , Anghel Claudia
Published: November 2020

With the covid-19 pandemic and the related restrictions to reduce the spread of the virus, the interaction between doctor and patient has changed, especially in the outpatients department. Thus, the need for remote consultations also appeared in the Romanian health system, especially in the psychiatric one. Although in other countries psychiatrists were familiar with this form of consultation, for Romanian psychiatrists, who were not trained either in residency or during medical school, it was a great challenge. If until March 2020 the patient’s consultation had to be performed only in the physical presence of a doctor, once the COVID-19 pandemic appeared, the Romanian government and the president, through the legislative acts issued, provided a legal framework for conducting this remote consultations. With the advent of telepsychiatry, discussions arose in the psychiatric community about the advantages and disadvantages of this type of consultation.
Growth performance and physiological responses of helmeted guinea fowl (Numida meleagris) to different stocking densities in humid tropical environment
Authors: Oke Oyegunle Emmanuel , Oso Abimbola , Iyasere Oluwaseun Serah , Adebowale Tolulope , Akanji Tolulope , Odusami Odutola , Udehi Sandra , Daramola James Olamitibo
Published: November 2020

Commercialisation of helmeted guinea fowl production in Africa is still in its rudimentary stage and there is a dearth of information on the optimal stocking density of the birds. This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of stocking density on the physiological responses and performance of guinea fowl. A total of 240 indigenous guinea fowl were used for this study. The birds were weighed and assigned to different stocking densities of 14, 16, 18 and 20 birds/m2 (SD1, SD2, SD3 and SD4, respectively) at four weeks of age. Feed and water were provided ad libitum. Data were collected on growth performance, haematochemical profile and plasma triiodothyronine of the birds. The results showed that from the 7th to the 13th week, birds stocked at 14 and 16 birds/m2 were significantly (P < 0.05) heavier than birds stocked at 18 and 20 birds/m2, while at weeks 14 and 15, body weight of the birds was in the order 14 birds / m2 > 16 birds / m2 > 18 birds/m2 > 20 birds/m2. Feed conversion ratios of the birds increased with stocking densities. Heterophil/lymphocyte ratio significantly increased with stocking density. It was concluded that stocking density of helmeted guinea fowl higher than 16 birds/m2 adversely affected growth performance and welfare of the birds.
Physicochemical analysis of water and sediments of Usuma Dam, Abuja, Nigeria
Authors: Ilechukwu Ifenna , Olusina Tolulope Abisola , Echeta Odinaka Chidinma
Published: November 2020

Usuma Dam is the major source of potable water in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, Nigeria. The physicochemical properties of water and sediment of the dam was assessed in this study to determine its quality. Electrical conductivity, pH, nitrate, phosphate, total dissolved solids, total suspended solids, turbidity, dissolved oxygen, biochemical oxygen demand, chemical oxygen demand, chloride, total hardness, phosphate, nitrate and sulfate were determined in the water samples. Total organic matter, total organic carbon and particle size were among the parameters analyzed in sediments. The parameters were within recommended limits except for biochemical oxygen demand and chemical oxygen demand which were more than the recommended limit of 10 mg/L and 30 mg/L respectively. The total organic matter and the total organic carbon in the sediment samples were between 1.56±0.27 – 2.85±0.20 % and 0.13±0.03 – 0.96±0.03 % respectively. The particle size was in the following order: sand > silt > clay. The results of this study confirmed the presence of high organic and inorganic matter in the dam from non-point pollution sources occasioned by storm water from poorly planned settlements around the dam and runoffs from agricultural practices.
Nutritional Composition of Oven Dried Eggs Produced from Isa-Brown Hens Fed Composite Leaf Meal-Based Diets
Authors: Adegbenro Muyiwa
Published: November 2020

The study investigated effects of diet compositions on nutrient composition of oven dried eggs. Eggs were obtained from birds fed composite leaf meal (CLM) and separated as egg white, egg yolk and whole egg. The separated portions and whole egg were homogenized separately. The samples were oven-dried at 40°C and allowed to cool. The different portions of the egg flakes were milled, sieved and proximate analysis was done. For the egg white, highest crude protein (71.83%) was recorded in egg from birds fed 5% CLM and lowest (62.88%) in egg from birds fed 0% CLM. For egg yolk, highest carbohydrate 38.66% was observed in egg from bird fed 0% CLM and lowest 25.50% in egg from bird fed 5% CLM. Food energy varied; 528.02g/cal to 544.56g/cal in egg obtained from bird fed 2% and 1% CLM, respectively. The crude protein of the whole egg varied; 48.40% (0%) - 56.15% (5% CLM). From the results, it could be concluded that the nutrient composition of the egg white, egg yolk and whole egg were affected by the levels of CLM in the diet.
Modelling the Relationship Between the Level of Adoption of Sustainability Practices and Performance of Construction Firms Using Structural Equation Modelling
Authors: Otali Monday , Idoro Godwin , Udo Godfey
Published: November 2020

The need to carry out construction activities in a sustainable manner in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria has become very imperative. The aim of the study was to establish the relationship between the adoption of sustainable construction practices and performance of construction firms using a structural equation modelling approach. In tandem with the survey approach adopted for the study, 1179 copies of structured questionnaire were administered while 980 valid responses were received giving a response rate of 83.2 %. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and structural equation modelling. This study revealed that the extent of implementation of sustainable construction practices accounted for 36 %, 37.8 %, 43.5 %, 51.6 %, 65.8 %, and 32.9 % of the variability in annual employment growth, annual financial turnover, remuneration and benefits, general employee satisfaction, social performance and net income growth of the construction firms, respectively. The study concluded that there was a positive relationship between the extent of implementation of sustainable construction practices and firm performance. It was also concluded that the adoption level of sustainable construction practices accounted for 85 % of the variability in the overall firm performance. Hence, proper implementation of sustainability practices at the firm level leads to improvement in the firm performance. It was recommended that construction firms should not use only financial performance indicators to evaluate their performance level but rather use multi-dimensional approaches. This will enable firms to have holistic knowledge of the level of their performance. The construction firms should adopt the structural equation model developed in the study to carry out integrated performance measurement.
Considerations Regarding the Role of Fortification Infrastructure Used for General Protection of the Romanian Armed Forces, Public Administration Authorities and Civil Population During Crisis Situations
Authors: Vladu Mircea , Popa Ioan-Dan
Published: November 2020

The physiognomy of the combined operations recorded essential changes at the beginning of the 21st century, due to the impact of the scientific and technical revolution in the military field, materialized in the production of new generation’s weapons with particularly destructive characteristics (Vladu & Popa, 2016). The emergence of new advanced capabilities for conducting air operations, as well as the use of military robots and intelligent ammunitions in joint operations led to the implementation of the “lightning success” concept by the forces of modern armies. In this respect, we consider that a particularly important role in achieving “lightning success”, by the forces of the modern armies, is played by the main characteristics of adversary general protection system, particularly by the weaknesses of the fortification system which have not been able to provide optimal conditions for protection for the command and control systems, fighting and supporting forces, as well as for public administration authorities and the civilian population.
Lie commutators in a free diassociative algebra
Authors: Dzhumadil’daev A.S. , Ismailov N.A. , Orazgaliyev A.T.
Published: November 2020

We give a criterion for Leibniz elements in a free diassociative algebra. In the diassociative case one can consider two versions of Lie commutators. We give criterions for elements of diassociative algebras to be Lie under these commutators. One of them corresponds to Leibniz elements. It generalizes the Dynkin-Specht-Wever criterion for Lie elements in a free associative algebra.
Design of a Compact CPW-Fed Monopole Antenna With Asymmetrical Hexagonal Slot Loaded Ground Structure for C/X/Ku Band Applications
Authors: Dwivedi Ajay Kumar , Mishra Brijesh , Singh Vivek , Tripathi Pramod Narayan , Singh Ashutosh Kumar
Published: November 2020

A novel design of ultra-wideband CPW-fed compact monopole patch antenna is presented in the article. The size of the antenna is 22 × 18 × 1.6 mm and it operates well over an ultra-wideband frequency range 4.86–13.66 GHz (simulated) and 4.93–13.54 GHz (measured) covering C, X and partial Ku band applications. The proposed design consists of a defected ground plane and U-shape radiating patch along with two square shape parasitic patches in order to achieve the ultra-wideband (UWB) operations. The performance matrix is validated through measured results that indicate the wide impedance bandwidth (93.2 %) with maximum gain of 4 dBi with nearly 95 % of maximum radiation efficiency; moreover, the 3D gain pattern manifests approximately omni-directional pattern of the proposed design. The prototype has been modelled using HFSS (High Frequency Structure Simulator-18) by ANSYS, fabricated and tested using vector network analyser E5071C.
Recreational use of forests by young people
Authors: Cichowska Jolanta Barbara
Published: November 2020

The article is a continuation of research conducted in 2016–2017, whose goal was to determine expectations and needs of young people regarding forests. In this study, attention is focused on different preferences of high-school students and university students. Frequency and reasons for which high-school students visit forests have been studied. Forms of forest activities preferred by the respondents as well as familiarity of young people with the sanitary state of the woodlands, the role of biocoenosis in the ecosystem and its significance for people have been analysed. The respondents’ knowledge of rules to be followed when being in a forest, use of its resources and major threats to this ecosystem have been studied.
Research on polyphenols extraction from Polygonum multiflorum Thunb. roots
Authors: Quoc Le Pham Tan
Published: November 2020

Introduction:
Polygonum multiflorum Thunb. is a herbal common plant in Asia, with many beneficial health effects for human because it contains many bioactive compounds which can prevent some diseases, for instance such as cardiovascular diseases, cancers, neurodegenerative diseases, etc.

Objective: The purpose of this research is to point out the effects of extraction factors such as type of solvent, material/solvent ratio (w/v), solvent concentration (%, v/v), temperature (°C) and extraction time on the extraction yield of phenolic compounds from Polygonum multiflorum Thunb. roots, for instance, total polyphenol content (TPC) and antioxidant capacity (AC).

Methods: The raw material consisting of Polygonum multiflorum Thunb root was extracted by the reflux maceration method. TPC and AC of received extract were evaluated by the Folin-Ciocalteu technique and DPPH method with Trolox as a standard agent.

Results: The optimal conditions for the extraction process were acetone-water mixture (60%, v/v) as a solvent, material/solvent ratio of 1/40, extraction temperature of 50°C and extraction time of 90 minutes. The surface structure of material after extraction process changed insignificantly compared with the initial structure.

Conclusion: The results showed that TPC and AC obtained the best values (38.60±0.56 mg GAE/g DW (dry weight) and 298.15±2.99 μmol TE/g DW, respectively) at optimal extraction conditions. In addition, some phenolic compounds were detected in the extract such as gallic acid, catechin and resveratrol.
Antioxidant status and hepato-protective role of Anchomanes difformis in streptozotocin-induced diabetes in male Wistar rats
Authors: Alabi Toyin D. , Brooks Nicole L. , Oguntibeju Oluwafemi O.
Published: November 2020

Introduction: The liver is involved in the metabolism of xenobiotics and their metabolites and it is vulnerable to oxidative damage. Hyperglycaemia is highly implicated in the progression of diabetes mellitus, and adversely affects the liver. Though, conventional hypoglycaemic drugs may be effective in reducing blood glucose, they do not appear to be effective in attenuating the progression of diabetes and its complications.

Objective: This study evaluated the ameliorative effects of Anchomanes difformis on hyperglycaemia and hepatic injuries in type 2 diabetes.

Methods: Type 2 diabetes was induced in male Wistar rats with a single intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (40 mg/kg BW) after two weeks of fructose (10%) administration. Aqueous extract of A. difformis (200 and 400 mg/kg BW) and glibenclamide (5 mg/kg BW) were administered orally for six weeks. Blood glucose concentrations were measured. Serum levels of liver dysfunction markers (ALT, AST, and ALP), total cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL- and LDL-cholesterol were investigated. Total protein, albumin, and globulin were also assessed. Antioxidant parameters: ORAC, GSH, GSSG, SOD, CAT and FRAP were evaluated in the liver while ORAC, FRAP and lipid peroxidation were determined in the serum. Histological examination of the liver tissue was carried out.

Results: Treatment with aqueous extract of A. difformis significantly (p<0.05) reduced blood glucose and reversed steatosis in the diabetic-treated rats. The antioxidant status of diabetic-treated rats was significantly (p<0.05) improved. Serum levels of liver dysfunction markers were significantly (p<0.05) reduced in diabetic-treated rats.

Conclusion: The findings in this study revealed that 400 mg/kgBW Anchomanes difformis was more effective than 200 mg/kg BW in ameliorating diabetes-induced hepatopathy, however, both doses of Anchomanes difformis demonstrated more antidiabetic ability than glibenclamide. Anchomanes difformis may be a novel and potential therapeutic agent in the management of diabetes and resulted hepatic injuries.