bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Humanitarismo, violencia y políticas de la memoria: entre prácticas locales y activismos globales
Authors: Sanjurjo Liliana
Published: November 2020

Basado en una etnografía sobre el activismo de familiares de víctimas de la violencia de Estado en Argentina y Brasil, el artículo analiza las implicaciones de las interacciones establecidas entre activistas de distintas localidades y países. El objetivo es examinar cómo los repertorios y acciones de diferentes colectivos de familiares, más allá de buscar contraponerse a dispositivos de gestión de la vida, de la muerte y del orden social, han sido globalizados en contactos políticos intensos, conformando estrategias compartidas de resistencia y demandas por derechos. El propósito es avanzar en las discusiones sobre las dinámicas transnacionales de los “activismos globales” y sobre su interacción con el léxico humanitario global. La reflexión propuesta pretende contribuir a la comprensión crítica de las violaciones a los derechos humanos en contextos designados democráticos y pos-totalitarios. En diálogo con la expertise y saberes de las activistas, el texto problematiza cómo las violencias pueden ser encuadradas, administradas y “legalizadas” en las actuales formas de gobierno, acomodando dispositivos humanitarios a dispositivos securitarios y constituyendo accesos desiguales a derechos de ciudadanía.
Caravanas de migrantes y refugiados centroamericanos. Un feminismo para abrazar las fugas de quienes buscan preservar la vida
Authors: Varela Huerta Amarela
Published: November 2020

En este trabajo se presentan los resultados de un proceso de investigación sustentado en el acompañamiento y la escucha activa realizado en el marco de las Caravanas de migrantes y refugiados en tránsito por México, caravanas integradas en su mayoría por familias de desplazados por el terror de la violencia generalizada, la miseria, la impunidad y regímenes políticos dictatoriales; éxodos compuestos por contingentes de entre dos mil y doce mil personas (según la caravana concreta) que atravesaron América Central entre octubre de 2018 y abril de 2019, intentando alcanzar la frontera sur de Estados Unidos para “entregarse” a la Patrulla Fronteriza de ese país como demandantes de asilo político y/o refugio. Caravanas que fueron primero confinadas a la franja fronteriza del norte de México por meses y, desde abril de 2019, desarticuladas con base en estrategias abiertamente militares por la recién creada Guardia Nacional del gobierno mexicano.
'Uno jala al otro': barracos y movimientos como engranajes sociales del mundo de las ocupaciones de tierra en el contexto brasileño
Authors: Rangel Loera Nashieli C.
Published: November 2020

Me interesa, en esta reflexión, indagar sobre cómo las personas participantes de campamentos sin-tierra producen creativa y cotidianamente engranajes sociales, vínculos diversos que permiten la existencia de los campamentos y de los movimientos u organizaciones de trabajadores rurales. Tomo los barracos (pequeñas cabañas forradas de lona negra, características de los campamentos sin-tierra) como hilo conductor para explorar etnográficamente la expresión nativa “uno jala al otro”, que traduce aquello que se pone en movimiento (personas, objetos, cuidados, afectos, quejas, noticias) en el mundo de las ocupaciones de tierra, donde también en el propio movimiento la circulación es central en la producción de relaciones más o menos duraderas. El caso de las tomas de tierra y campamentos indígenas guaraní y kaiowa me sirve de contrapunto etnográfico para realizar un desplazamiento metodológico y enfocar los efectos que los campamentos y la reivindicación de tierras tienen en la vida de las personas, efectos que ponen también en circulación un vocabulario específico que describe la experiencia vivida en ese mundo social.
Brecha de género en el conocimiento político infantil: influencia de las redes sociales y la socialización política
Authors: Hernández Miriam , Saldierna-Salas Alma Rosa , Muñiz-Muriel Carlos , Marañón-Lazcano Felipe de Jesús
Published: November 2020

El conocimiento político es un determinante esencial de la participación política ciudadana. No obstante, múltiples estudios han señalado que existe una brecha en el conocimiento político de hombres y mujeres. Este trabajo tuvo como objetivo ampliar la investigación de la brecha de género a los niños mexicanos como consecuencia de la socialización política (escolar y familiar) e incluyó como factor de interés el consumo de redes sociales. Se realizó una encuesta (n = 1539) entre abril y mayo 2017 a alumnos de quinto año (10-11 años) y sexto año (12-13 años) de primaria en el estado de Nuevo León (México). Los resultados indicaron que la brecha de género no es materialmente significativa a esta edad, pero ya hay indicios de lo que se observa en la adultez. Los análisis multivariados indicaron que la socialización política y el consumo de redes sociales contribuye de diferente manera al conocimiento político de ambos géneros. El entorno con conversación política mejora el conocimiento político de las niñas, mientras el consumo de información política vía redes sociales lo disminuye. Para ambos grupos, la socialización escolar no tiene ningún efecto a esta edad. Los resultados de este estudio contribuyen a la investigación sobre el conocimiento político en el contexto latinoamericano y reconoce la repercusión política en los años formativos de los ciudadanos. Se discuten implicaciones prácticas de la socialización política y de género, así como el uso de redes sociales en el desarrollo ciudadano de niños y niñas.
En studie av barnehagebarns redesign av medieuniverset Ninjago
Authors: Østbø Munch Christine B.
Published: November 2020

I denne studien analyseres en gruppe barnehagebarns samtale og språklige uttrykk i en fargeleggingsaktivitet med figurer fra et medieunivers eksemplifisert med legoverdenen Ninjago. Hensikten med studien er å undersøke barnas språklige redesign av Ninjago. Det teoretiske rammeverket for studien er sosialsemiotikk. Metodisk foretar jeg en tekstanalyse av samtalen med et særlig fokus på tre utdrag av samtalen. Jeg analyserer hvordan barna konstruerer sin forståelse av Ninjago og knytter det opp mot begrepene semiotisk ressurs, tilgjengelig design og redesign. Avslutningsvis diskuteres forhold knyttet til relasjonen mellom fysisk og fiktiv virkelighet, språklig omskaping av og interaksjon med en medietekst og et medieunivers som et sted for utforskning.
Visceral adiposity index as a tool for cardiometabolic risk in obese older women
Authors: Cambiriba Ayanne Rodrigues , Oliveira Daniel Vicentini de , Valdes-Badilla Pablo , Bernuci Marcelo Picinin , Bertoloni Sônia Maria Marques Gomes , Branco Bráulio Henrique Magnani
Published: November 2020

OBJECTIVE: To correlate anthropometric measurements, lipid profile, cardiorespiratory fitness, and visceral adiposity index (VAI) in sedentary obese older women. METHODS: Twenty-seven insufficiently active and overweight older women were included in this cross-sectional study. We evaluated their anthropometric profile (body weight and stature, body mass index, waist and hip circumferences) and body composition (fat mass, body fat percentage, and musculoskeletal mass). Venous blood samples were analyzed for high and low-density lipoproteins (HDL-c and LDL-c), triglycerides (TG), and the LDL/HDL ratio. Peak oxygen uptake (VO2 peak) was measured using an adapted Bruce test using direct spirometry. We tested data normality and applied Pearson’s correlation, assuming a p ≤ 0.05. RESULS: The following correlations were observed: VAI and HDL (r = -0.53); VAI and LDL (r = 0.35); VAI and TG (r = 0.86); VAI and TG/HDL (r = 0.99) and VAI and VO2 peak (r = -0.55), with p < 0.01 for all analyses. CONCLUSION: The findings suggested that VAI may be used as a tool to assess cardiometabolic risk in obese older women. Future studies should evaluate the applicability of VAI as a cardiometabolic risk factor indicator in older adults.
Bariatric surgery as a safe and effective intervention for the control of comorbidities in older adults
Authors: Cunha Juliana Bento da , Fialho Maria Clara Pereira , Arruda Sergio Lincoln de Matos , Nóbrega Otávio Toledo , Camargos Einstein Francisco
Published: November 2020

INTRODUCTION: In addition to being associated with worsening of diseases related to metabolic syndrome and musculoskeletal disorders, obesity in older adults increases the risk of falls, frailty syndrome, depression, and dementia, with consequent functional loss. Among all treatments available, bariatric surgery is an option for eligible patients. OBJECTIVES: To discuss aspects related to the safety and benefits of bariatric surgery for the control or remission of comorbidities in older adults. METHODS: This literature review was carried out in databases, using the following keywords: bariatric surgery and elderly or aged or older adult and comorbidities or safety. We included clinical trials, observational studies, comparative studies, and reviews that evaluated the effect of bariatric surgery on the control or remission of comorbidities in older adults. RESULTS: In recent years, several studies have evidenced not only control or remission of comorbidities, such as diabetes, hypertension, and sleep apnea syndrome, but also a low rate of complications, similar to those observed in young people. CONCLUSIONS: Based on the results of these studies, bariatric surgical procedures can be indicated for eligible older adults, without age restriction, taking into account functional and life expectancy aspects.
What can we learn from Tamás Varga’s work regarding the arithmetic-algebra transition?
Authors: Szanyi Gyöngyi , Jánvári Zsuzsanna
Published: November 2020

Tamás Varga’s Complex Mathematics Education program plays an important role in Hungarian mathematics education. In this program, attention is given to the continuous “movement” between concrete and abstract levels. In the process of transition from arithmetic to algebra, the learner moves from a concrete level to a more abstract level. In our research, we aim to track the transition process from arithmetic to algebra by studying the 5-8-grader textbooks and teacher manuals edited under Tamás Varga's supervision. For this, we use the appearance of “working backward” and “use an equation” heuristic strategies in the examined textbooks and manuals, which play a central role in the mentioned process.

Subject Classification: 97-01, 97-03, 97D50
Inquiry based mathematics education and the development of learning trajectories
Authors: Artigue Michèle , Bosch Marianna , Doorman Michiel , Juhász Péter , Kvasz Ladislav , Maass Katja
Published: November 2020

This article is based on the panel on inquiry based mathematics education and the development of learning trajectories held at the VARGA 100 Conference. After an introduction presenting the theme and organization of the panel, this article focuses on the diversity of conceptualizations of inquiry based education existing today in mathematics education and their influence on the vision and development of learning trajectories. More precisely, it considers the conceptualizations respectively associated with Realistic Mathematics Education, Genetic Constructivism, Tamás Varga’s educational approach and the Anthropological Theory of the Didactic, presented by the panellists, and also shows the efforts undertaken in European projects to reach consensusal visions.

Subject Classification: 97C30Q, 97D10, 97D20, 97D30, 97D40, 97D50
Comparative Study of End-to-end Deep Learning Methods for Self-driving Car
Authors:   National School of Computer Science and Systems Analysis (ENSIAS), Mohammed V University, in Rabat 8007, Morocco, Youssef Fenjiro , Houda Benbrahim
Published: November 2020

Self-driving car is one of the most amazing applications and most active research of artificial intelligence. It uses end-to-end deep learning models to take orientation and speed decisions, using mainly Convolutional Neural Networks for computer vision, plugged to a fully connected network to output control commands. In this paper, we introduce the Self-driving car domain and the CARLA simulation environment with a focus on the lane-keeping task, then we present the two main end-to-end models, used to solve this problematic, beginning by Deep imitation learning (IL) and specifically the Conditional Imitation Learning (COIL) algorithm, that learns through expert labeled demonstrations, trying to mimic their behaviors, and thereafter, describing Deep Reinforcement Learning (DRL), and precisely DQN and DDPG (respectively Deep Q learning and deep deterministic policy gradient), that uses the concepts of learning by trial and error, while adopting the Markovian decision processes (MDP), to get the best policy for the driver agent. In the last chapter, we compare the two algorithms IL and DRL based on a new approach, with metrics used in deep learning (Loss during training phase) and Self-driving car (the episode's duration before a crash and Average distance from the road center during the testing phase). The results of the training and testing on CARLA simulator reveals that the IL algorithm performs better than DRL algorithm when the agents are already trained on a given circuit, but DRL agents show better adaptability when they are on new roads.
A Biometric System Based on Single-channel EEG Recording in One-second
Authors:   Information Systems Department, Faculty of Computers and Information, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt, Hagras Shaimaa , Mostafa Reham R. , elfetouh Ahmed Abou
Published: November 2020

In recent years, there are great research interests in using the Electroencephalogram (EEG) signals in biometrics applications. The strength of EEG signals as a biometric comes from its major fraud prevention capability. However, EEG signals are so sensitive, and many factors affect its usage as a biometric; two of these factors are the number of channels, and the required time for acquiring the signal; these factors affect the convenience and practicality. This study proposes a novel approach for EEG-based biometrics that optimizes the channels of acquiring data to only one channel. And the time to only one second. The results are compared against five commonly used classifiers named: KNN, Random Forest (RF), Support Vector Machine (SVM), Decision Tables (DT), and Naïve Bayes (NB). We test the approach on the public Texas data repository. The results prove the constancy of the approach for the eight minutes. The best result of the eyes-closed scenario is Average True Positive Rate (TPR) 99.1% and 98.2% for the eyes-opened. And it reaches 100% for multiple subjects.
God Class Refactoring Recommendation and Extraction Using Context based Grouping
Authors:   Institute of Information Technology, University of Dhaka, Dhaka, Bangladesh, Jeba Tahmim , Mahmud Tarek , Akash Pritom S. , Nahar Nadia
Published: November 2020

Code smells are the indicators of the flaws in the design and development phases that decrease the maintainability and reusability of a system. A system with uneven distribution of responsibilities among the classes is generated by one of the most hazardous code smells called God Class. To address this threatening issue, an extract class refactoring technique is proposed that incorporates both cohesion and contextual aspects of a class. In this work, greater emphasis was provided on the code documentation to extract classes with higher contextual similarity. Firstly, the source code is analyzed to generate a set of cluster of extracted methods. Secondly, another set of clusters is generated by analyzing code documentation. Then, merging these two, a final cluster set is formed to extract the God Class. Finally, an automatic refactoring approach is also followed to build newly identified classes. Using two different metrics, a comparative result analysis is provided where it is shown that the cohesion among the classes is increased if the context is added in the refactoring process. Moreover, a manual inspection is conducted to ensure that the methods of the refactored classes are contextually organized. This recommendation of God Class extraction can significantly help the developers in minimizing the burden of refactoring on own their own and maintaining the software systems.
Diabetes-Related Major and Minor Amputation Risk Increased During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Casciato Dominick J. , Yancovitz Sara , Thompson John , Anderson Steven , Bischoff Alex , Ayres Shauna , Barron Ian
Published: November 2020

Background: Along with significant case transmission, hospitalizations, and mortality experienced during the global severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 pandemic, there existed a disruption in the delivery of health care across multiple specialties. We studied the effect of the pandemic on inpatients with diabetic foot problems in a Level I trauma center in central Ohio.

Methods: A retrospective chart review of patients necessitating a consultation by the foot and ankle surgery service were reviewed from the first 8 months of 2020. A total of 270 patients met the inclusion criteria and were divided into prepandemic (n = 120) and pandemic groups (n = 150). Data regarding demographics, medical history, severity of current infection, and medical or surgical management were collected and analyzed.

Results: The odds of undergoing any level of amputation was 10.8 times higher during the pandemic versus before the pandemic. The risk of major amputations (below-the-knee or higher) likewise increased, with an odds ratio of 12.5 among all patients in the foot and ankle service during the pandemic. Of the patients undergoing any amputation, the odds for undergoing a major amputation was 3.1 times higher than before the pandemic. In addition, the severity of infections increased during the pandemic, and a larger proportion of the cases were classified as emergent in the pandemic group compared to the prepandemic group.

Conclusions: The effect of the pandemic on the health-care system has had a deleterious effect on people with diabetes mellitus (DM)–related foot problems, resulting in more severe infections and more emergencies, and necessitating more amputations. When an amputation was performed, the likelihood that it was a major amputation also increased.
A model of k-mer surprisal to quantify local sequence information content surrounding splice regions
Authors: Humphrey Sam , Kerr Alastair , Rattray Magnus , Dive Caroline , Miller Crispin J.
Published: November 2020

Molecular sequences carry information. Analysis of sequence conservation between homologous loci is a proven approach with which to explore the information content of molecular sequences. This is often done using multiple sequence alignments to support comparisons between homologous loci. These methods therefore rely on sufficient underlying sequence similarity with which to construct a representative alignment. Here we describe a method using a formal metric of information, surprisal, to analyse biological sub-sequences without alignment constraints. We applied our model to the genomes of five different species to reveal similar patterns across a panel of eukaryotes. As the surprisal of a sub-sequence is inversely proportional to its occurrence within the genome, the optimal size of the sub-sequences was selected for each species under consideration. With the model optimized, we found a strong correlation between surprisal and CG dinucleotide usage. The utility of our model was tested by examining the sequences of genes known to undergo splicing. We demonstrate that our model can identify biological features of interest such as known donor and acceptor sites. Analysis across all annotated coding exon junctions in Homo sapiens reveals the information content of coding exons to be greater than the surrounding intron regions, a consequence of increased suppression of the CG dinucleotide in intronic space. Sequences within coding regions proximal to exon junctions exhibited novel patterns within DNA and coding mRNA that are not a function of the encoded amino acid sequence. Our findings are consistent with the presence of secondary information encoding features such as DNA and RNA binding sites, multiplexed through the coding sequence and independent of the information required to define the corresponding amino-acid sequence. We conclude that surprisal provides a complementary methodology with which to locate regions of interest in the genome, particularly in situations that lack an appropriate multiple sequence alignment.
Quality Standards on Youth Engagement and Family Engagement: Defining Excellence for Engagement
Authors: Danseco Evangeline , Notarianni MaryAnn , Kocourek Jana
Published: November 2020

To enhance consistency in practicing meaningful engagement to improve services, the Ontario Centre of Excellence for Child and Youth Mental Health co-developed quality standards on system-level youth and family engagement with agency representatives, researchers, youth, and families. These two quality standards encompass statements that describe high-quality engagement based on evidence.
A Peer-Clinician Approach to the Delivery of Dialectical Behaviour Therapy Targeted to Young Adults in a Community Mental Health Setting
Authors: Coulombe Claudie , Rattelade Stephanie , McLaughlin Miriam , Choi John
Published: November 2020

Stella’s Place created an adapted DBT program, delivered through an integrated peer-clinician approach, to treat young adults with mental health difficulties in a community mental health setting. Evaluation findings revealed significant improvements in participants’ use of coping skills, resiliency, and self-efficacy following their participation in the program.
Setting a Cap on the Maximum Average Number of Drinks Per Day in Australian Survey Research
Authors: Callinan Sarah
Published: November 2020

Aims: The aim of this study is to assess the impact of the cap level on total consumption and a range of variables including negative consequences. Design, Setting, and Participants: Cross sectional survey in Australia with 2,020 Australians aged 16 and over.Measures: Participants completed a detailed survey on their alcohol consumption with no methodological limit on consumption.Findings: Setting a cap on high levels of consumption can significantly decrease the mean level of consumption. While the relationship between consumption and related variables do not change significantly, the relationship with negative consequences strengthens as the cap lowers, and the relationship with purchases decreases for uncapped data and data with low caps, providing some guidance on where a cap would be best placed.Conclusions: Consideration of where to set a maximum daily consumption level in survey research should be not only based on what could be feasibly consumed, but also on the point at which a very high reported consumption level is more likely to have been reported in error than as a reflection of reality. Checking the relationship between consumption and related variables, with different caps applied before selecting a capping level, is recommended.
Alcohol consumption and incidence of prostate cancer among Chinese people: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Zhao Jinhui , Gao Di , Li Yanhui , Stockwell Tim , Ma Jun
Published: November 2020

Aims: Meta-analyses have suggested a dose-response relationship between level of alcohol use and risk of prostate cancer, but the populations in the included studies are predominantly Caucasian. Many Chinese language studies have not been included in published reviews and/or meta-analyses. The present meta–analysis accessed research reports in both English and Chinese language sources in order to investigate this relationship specifically among Chinese people.

Methods: Searches in five large Chinese biomedical bibliographic databases were made for case–control and cohort studies of alcohol consumption and prostate cancer incidence and death (ICD–10: C61) up to May 2017. Studies were coded for design, outcome, drinker and non-drinkers, extent of control for confounding and other study characteristics. Mixed models were used to estimate relative risk (RR) of incidence or death from prostate cancer due to alcohol consumption with study level controls for designs, drinker bias and types of drinkers.

Findings: A total of 415 studies were identified of which 25 (20 in Chinese from five Chinese databases and 5 in English from published meta-analyses) satisfied inclusion criteria providing 36 risk estimates of prostate cancer for drinkers versus non-drinkers. There was a total of 36 OR estimates; 27 using patients as controls and 9 using healthy people. Nine studies (14 OR estimates) specified reference abstainers as “never drank” or “no drinking”. Adjusted RR estimates indicated a significantly increased risk of prostate cancer among drinkers (RR=1.46, 95% CI: 1.40 – 1.52, t-test P<0.001) compared to non-drinkers. Dose-response relationships (t-test P<0.001) were evident in three studies that assessed level of alcohol intake.

Conclusions: There is a significantly higher risk of prostate cancer incidence among Chinese drinkers than non-drinkers, with some evidence of a dose-response relationship. However, almost all the identified studies suffered from former and/or occasional drinker biases. Few studies had adequate measures of level of alcohol intake and further well-designed studies are required.
Investigating Differential Protective Effects of Marriage on Substance Use by Sexual Identity Status
Authors: Trocki Karen , Mericle Amy , Drabble Laurie A. , Klinger Jamie L. , Veldhuis Cindy B. , Hughes Tonda L. , Karriker-Jaffe Katherine J.
Published: November 2020

Background: Research suggests that marriage is protective against substance use. However, few studies have examined whether this protective effect differs for sexual minorities, a population at increased risk for substance use. Using data from four waves of the cross-sectional U.S. National Alcohol Survey (NAS; 2000, 2005, 2010, and 2015), we investigated whether the protective effects of marriage varied by sexual identity.

Methods: Sex-stratified logistic regression models were used to examine independent and interactive effects of current marital status (being married vs. not) and sexual minority status (lesbian/gay/bisexual vs. heterosexual) on high-intensity drinking, alcohol use disorder, and marijuana use in the past year.

Results: Among both women and men, sexual minority status was generally associated with higher odds of these outcomes and marriage was consistently associated with lower odds. Differential effects of marriage by sexual identity with respect to marijuana use were found only among men; marriage was significantly associated with decreased odds of marijuana use among heterosexual men but increased odds among sexual minority men.

Conclusions: Marriage may be less consistently protective against hazardous drinking and marijuana use among sexual minorities than heterosexuals. Findings underscore the importance of both quantitative and qualitative studies designed to better understand disparities in substance use across both sexual identity and relationship statuses.
PHARMACOECONOMIC ANALYSIS OF ANTIBIOTICS IN DIFFERENT CLINICAL SETTINGS OF HYDERABAD, PAKISTAN
Authors: Ammarah Jabeen , Iqbal Arain Mudassar , Abdullah Dayo , Ali Ghoto Muhammad , Saira Shahnaz , Eiman Fatima , Ramesha Anwar
Published: November 2020

Pharmacoeconomics deals with the cost and consequences of pharmaceutical products and services. It helps in determination of drug therapies or treatments that gives maximum benefit at lower cost. The aim of this study is to evaluate prescribing trends of antibiotics and to analyze their cost effectiveness. This prospective, observational and non-interventional clinical study was led for a period of 6 months from April 2018 to September 2018 at Government hospital (Liaquat University hospital Hyderabad) and various private clinics of Hyderabad. Through purposive sampling technique 400 samples were gathered. 400 samples with various bacterial infections were included in which 170 patients had Urinary Tract Infections, and 216 had Respiratory Tract Infections 14 patients were suffering from H. Pylori. Levofloxacin was the most recommended class in UTI, while Macrolides was the most recommended class in RTI. Out of 400 patients 152 patients were recovered, 16 patients left therapy due to GIT symptoms and allergic reactions and remaining patients were out of reach. Costs of antibiotics were calculated according to the duration of therapy prescribed. Antibiotics were mostly prescribed for the duration of 7 days. To conclude, Cost of antibiotics therapy was high which puts a considerable burden on the patients.
EFFECTS OF TAKRADHARA ON PSYCHO-SOMATIC DISORDERS: A REVIEW
Authors: Das Raghunath , Das Devkumar , Jana Dipanjan
Published: November 2020

In modern era, Ayurveda is a ‘science of life’ which deals with the maintenance, preservation and promotion of good health and cures the diseases in healthy life that established in various Ayurvedic classics. In Ayurveda system of medicine, Panchakarma has a very effective role for detoxification to the body in healthy life process. It includes with five major procedures which prevents various diseased conditions. Takradhara is one among the Panchakarma procedure included under the Murdhani taila (a process of anointing the head with oil) in ancient Ayurvedic science. It is a unique Panchakarma measure in which medicated milk poured over the forehead in a specific manner. Takradhara is very much effective in such cases of various psycho-somatic conditions which occur due to vitiation of Manasvaha srotas like as lack of sleep, migraine, anxiety, stress, headache etc that are scientifically proved based on many research works.
A LITERARY REVIEW ON GOKSHURADI GUGGULU WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO THE MANAGEMENT OF GOUT
Authors: Kaur Rimpaljeet , Goyal Chinky , Chopra Shivali , Singh Rajpreet , Malik Amrit
Published: November 2020

Ayurveda with safe and effective goodness has been pouring its valuable treasures to mankind since time unknown. Guggulu preparations are supposed to be one among the finest shaman aushadha in the Vata vyadhis. Literature enlists a number of such guggulu preparations in the management of Vatarakta. In the present study literature regarding Gokshuradi Guggulu quoted in Sharangadhar Samhita for the management of Vatarakta is expounded with all possible details. Individual drugs of the chosen formulation is expanded with respect to their synonyms, botanical details including Latin name, family, botanical description and parts used, Rasa Panchaka, chemical constituents and modern research references related to Gout that can prove beneficial for mankind.
STANDARDIZATION OF PULIYAARAI NEI: A SIDDHA POLY HERBAL FORMULATION
Authors: Priyadarshini S , Kumari H Vetha Merlin , Mohan S , Meenakumari R
Published: November 2020

Siddha is one of the Indian systems of medicine which is widely practiced in Tamil Nadu, India. Siddha insists to lead a healthy life both physically and mentally. Siddhars have classified 4448 disease, based on the three humoral pathologies. Among them Ratha Moolam (Bleeding piles) is classified under Eruvaimulainoi. Puliyaarai Nei has indication for Ratha Moolam (Bleeding piles) as per siddha text Aathmaratchamirthamennumvaithiyasaarasangiragam (siddha vaithiyathinaathinool). The drug is prepared as per the method mentioned in the Siddha literature. Drug standardization of herbal formulations is essential for their acceptance in this scientific medical world. In this article Physicochemical, Phytochemical, biochemical analysis and other standardization methods of one such polyherbal medicated ghee Puliyaarai nei are discussed. The organoleptic characteristics, pH, Iodine number, Saponification value, Peroxidase value, Acid value were studied. The Qualitative study was done in biochemistry and the results are as follows, puliyaarai nei showed the Presence of carbonate, aluminium, iron, zinc, calcium, magnesium, ammonium, mercury, starch, arsenic and alkaloid. Preliminary phytochemical screening was done for the presence of flavonoids, steroids and betacyanin. HPTLC finger printing, Heavy metal analysis, Pesticide residues, Microbial contamination were studied as per the Pharmacopoeial laboratory standards of Indian medicine. In results, it was found that the specified drug was containing various phytochemicals and is free from microbial contamination, and pesticide residues. The heavy metals such as Arsenic, Mercury, Cadmium and Lead are not detected.
Preferred Learning Style and Study Characteristics among Undergraduate Clinical Medical Students: A Study in National Defense University of Malaysia
Authors: Ahmed Sheikh Salahuddin , Reddy Sagili Chandrasekhara
Published: November 2020

Purpose: Learning clinical science depends on the learning style and characteristics of the student as well as the learning environment and teaching characteristics. The aim of this study was to determine the preferred methods of learning style and study characteristics of undergraduate senior clinical medical students.

Methods: This study was conducted among 89 medical students of 4th and 5th year of the Faculty of Medicine and Defense Health, National Defense University of Malaysia, from 1st November 2019 to 31st July 2020. Each of the students was given a structured questionnaire for their responses to determine their preferred learning style and study characteristics.

Results: The mean age of the students was 23.5 years (range 23-27 years). A combination of various methods of learning style that included reading/writing, hearing, seeing (observing), and practicing of skills was used in 69.7% of students. Preference of learning from making and reviewing notes of class teachings was 98.9%; e-learning 53.9%; memorizing key features 71.9%; and silent study 94.3% of students. Learning by a discussion with fellow students was preferred by 65.2% and interactions in the class were preferred by 56.2% of students. Observing skill demonstration by a teacher was preferred by 77.5% of students. Learning of a clinical skill by practicing on a real patient was preferred by 94.4% of students. 

Conclusion: A combination of various learning styles is preferred by the majority of students for their learning. The students prefer to take and review class notes, study silently, use e-learning uploaded materials, interact in the class and learn a clinical skill by practicing on a real patient rather than simulated patients or mannequins. The preference of the student learning style and their choice should be taken into account for constructing teaching methods to achieve a better academic outcome.
Turmeric Powder Gavage Improves Lipid Profile of Albino Rats
Authors: Iwueke A. V. , Madu W. C. , Chukwu E. C.
Published: November 2020

Dyslipidemia is one of the key risk factors for cardiovascular diseases, which is a leading cause of global morbidity and mortality. This study was designed to investigate the effect of powdered Curcuma longa (turmeric) tubers on lipid profile of albino rats. Twenty-four (24) male albino rats were randomly divided into four groups (A-D), receiving once daily administration of distilled water, 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg of the powder respectively. The body weights of the animals were measured weekly, while lipid profile was determined after three weeks. The result showed that daily oral administration of graded doses of the C. longa powder for three weeks resulted in a non-significant increase in the body weights of the animals. Daily oral turmeric powder (200 mg/kg) treatment significantly (p ≤ 0.05) lowered the serum total cholesterol and triglyceride concentrations, while those that received 100 mg/kg significantly increased HDL-Cholesterol and reduced LDL-Cholesterol. Turmeric powder lowered total cholesterol, triglyceride and increasing HDL cholesterol in albino rats at the indicated doses and duration.
GC-MS Analysis and Antimicrobial Spectrum of Stem Bark Extracts of Ficus sycomorus
Authors: Saheed Yunusa , Nasir Mustapha Usman , Abbas Baballe , Bello Rabi Yakubu
Published: November 2020

Aim: This work investigated the gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy of methanolic extract and antimicrobial spectrum of acetone and aqueous crude extracts of Ficus sycomorus stem bark.

Place and Duration of the Study: Department chemistry research laboratory and microbiology laboratory, Yobe State University, Damaturu between April 2019 and August, 2019.

Methodology: Pure isolates of Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella typhi, Shigella dysentariae, proteus spp, Pseudomonas auruginosa, Escherichia coli, Bacillus subtilis, Klebsiella pneumonia and a fungi, Candida albicans were collected from National Veterinary Research Institute (NVRI), Vom, Plateau State. The plant was collected and the extract was used in preliminary phytochemical screening, GC-MS analysis and reconstituted for antimicrobial activities testing.

Results: The preliminary phytochemical screening revealed presence of saponin, flavonoids, alkaloids, carbohydrates, cardiac glycoside and tannin. GC-MS analysis revealed the presence of heterocyclic members of pyrazole, imidazole, triazole, thiazole and 1, 3-Benzenedicarboxylic acid, bis (2-hethylhexyl) ester. Acetone extract showed the greatest antimicrobial activity against Bacillus subtilis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Proteus mirabilis and Shigella spp while the aqueous extract produced antibacterial activity against Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumonia and Candida albicans. Both acetone and aqueous extracts of both stem bark extracts did not exhibit any activity against Escherichia coli. All the extracts were tested at 100mg/ml concentration. The Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) and the Minimum Bactericidal Concentration (MBC) (125 – 250 mg/ml) of both extracts were higher than those of ciprofloxacin (5.0 mg/ml).

Conclusion: There is scientific basis for the uses of F. sycomorus in traditional medicine for the treatment of various diseases as prescribed earlier on and stronger basis for recommendation for its cautious use for the presence of 2-ethylhexyl which could be Carcinogenic. This is first study to identify 2-ethylhexyl from F. sycomorus stem bark extract and recommend cautious use.
Diagnosis performance assessment of the secondary protection for a 68‐bus power system
Authors: Salman Mustafa , Eva Wu N. , Qin Qiu
Published: November 2020

This article concerns the assessment of diagnosis performance of a recently developed secondary protection (SP) applied to the IEEE 16‐machine 68‐bus test system subject to primary protection (PP) misoperations on transmission short circuit faults. A PP may fail to trip or falsely trip a line. Such PP misoperations have been known to be a main culprit of modern day blackouts. The function of the SP is to take a timely corrective action before a misoperation causes instability through on‐line diagnosis and stability assessment. Its feasibility hinges on the effective utilization of networked advanced digital relays. We have recently built a full set of diagnosis filters with sensor‐localized dynamic transmission circuit models representative of all anticipated line contingencies in the 68‐bus system and computed the postfault stability regions for the contingencies. The sensor‐localized circuit partition drastically reduces the processing and communication complexity of diagnosis. This work evaluates the diagnosis performance of the SP's multiple‐model filters (MMF) using hybrid simulations driven by both randomly generated discrete events of PP misoperations and the governing dynamics of rotor angles of the 16 interconnected synchronous generators. Of the 1000 independent replications of simulation conditioned on each type of randomly generated misoperations, a 98% correct diagnosis rate is achieved. Each diagnosis conclusion is reached by the SP's MMF scheme within a few tens of a millisecond from the onset of a PP misoperation following a random transmission short circuit fault. This suggests that the SP can circumvent a large percentage of potential blackouts cost‐effectively.
Regulating Oxygen Substituents with Optimized Redox Activity in Chemically Reduced Graphene Oxide for Aqueous Zn‐Ion Hybrid Capacitor
Authors: Shao Yanyan , Sun Zhongti , Tian Zhengnan , Li Shuo , Wu Guiqing , Wang Menglei , Tong Xiaoling , Shen Fei , Xia Zhou , Tung Vincent , Sun Jingyu , Shao Yuanlong
Published: November 2020

Functionalizing carbon cathode surfaces with oxygen functional groups is an effective way to simultaneously tailor the fundamental properties and customize the electrochemical properties of aqueous Zn‐ion hybrid capacitors. In this work, the oxygen functional groups of chemically reduced graphene oxide (rGO) are systematically regulated via a series of reductants and varied experimental conductions. Carboxyl and carbonyl have been proven to significantly enhance the aqueous electrolyte wettability, Zn‐ion chemical adsorption, and pseudocapacitive redox activity by experimental study and computational analysis. The rGO cathode produced through hydrogen peroxide assisted hydrothermal reduction exhibits a specific capacitance of 277 F g−1 in 1 m ZnSO4 after optimization of surface oxygen functional groups. In addition, a quasi‐solid‐state flexible Zn‐ion hybrid capacitor (ZHC) with a polyacrylamide gel electrolyte and a high loading mass of 5.1 mg cm−2 are assembled. The as‐prepared quasi‐solid state ZHC can offer a superior areal capacitance of 1257 mF cm−2 and distinguished areal energy density of 342 µW h cm−2. The significant enhancement of redox activity and Zn‐ion storage capability by regulating the oxygen functional groups can shed light on the promotion of electrochemical charge storage properties even beyond protic electrolyte systems.
100 m Long Thermally Drawn Supercapacitor Fibers with Applications to 3D Printing and Textiles
Authors: Khudiyev Tural , Lee Jung Tae , Cox Jason R. , Argentieri Eric , Loke Gabriel , Yuan Rodger , Noel Grace H. , Tatara Ryoichi , Yu Yang , Logan Frannie , Joannopoulos John , Shao‐Horn Yang , Fink Yoel
Published: November 2020

Supercapacitor fibers, with short charging times, long cycle lifespans, and high power densities, hold promise for powering flexible fabric‐based electronics. To date, however, only short lengths of functioning fiber supercapacitors have been produced. The primary goal of this study is to introduce a supercapacitor fiber that addresses the remaining challenges of scalability, flexibility, cladding impermeability, and performance at length. This is achieved through a top‐down fabrication method in which a macroscale preform is thermally drawn into a fully functional energy‐storage fiber. The preform consists of five components: thermally reversible porous electrode and electrolyte gels; conductive polymer and copper microwire current collectors; and an encapsulating hermetic cladding. This process produces 100 m of continuous functional supercapacitor fiber, orders of magnitude longer than any previously reported. In addition to flexibility (5 mm radius of curvature), moisture resistance (100 washing cycles), and strength (68 MPa), these fibers have an energy density of 306 μWh cm−2 at 3.0 V and ≈100% capacitance retention over 13 000 cycles at 1.6 V. To demonstrate the utility of this fiber, it is machine‐woven and used as filament for 3D printing.
A Rationally Designed ICAM1 Antibody Drug Conjugate for Pancreatic Cancer
Authors: Huang Jing , Agoston Agoston T. , Guo Peng , Moses Marsha A.
Published: November 2020

Outcomes for pancreatic cancer (PC) patients remain strikingly poor with a 5‐year survival of less than 8% due to the lack of effective treatment modalities. Here, a novel precision medicine approach for PC treatment is developed, which is composed of a rationally designed tumor‐targeting ICAM1 antibody‐drug conjugate (ADC) with optimized chemical linker and cytotoxic payload, complemented with a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)‐based molecular imaging approach to noninvasively evaluate the efficiency of ICAM1 ADC therapy. It is shown that ICAM1 is differentially overexpressed on the surface of human PC cells with restricted expression in normal tissues, enabling ICAM1 antibody to selectively recognize and target PC tumors in vivo. It is further demonstrated that the developed ICAM1 ADC induces potent and durable tumor regression in an orthotopic PC mouse model. To build a precision medicine, an MRI‐based molecular imaging approach is developed that noninvasively maps the tumoral ICAM1 expression that can be potentially used to identify ICAM1‐overexpressing PC patients. Collectively, this study establishes a strong foundation for the development of a promising ADC to address the critical need in the PC patient care.
CO2‐facilitated transport membranes prepared by blending polyvinyl alcohol and various water‐absorbing agents
Authors: Ito Fuminori , Nishiyama Yuriko , Sugimoto Rie , Mori Misato , Yamada Hidetaka
Published: November 2020

This study describes the production of a membrane by blending polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and water‐absorbing agents for the selective permeation of CO2 by optimizing the type of water‐absorbing agent and its ratio to PVA. A CO2‐facilitated transport membrane is prepared by adding an aqueous cesium carbonate solution to a coated polymer blend matrix. When sodium polyacrylate (PAANa) is blended with PVA as a water‐absorbing agent, the resulting membrane shows promising heat and pressure resistances and a relatively high CO2/He separation performance. Particularly, the CO2/He selectivity of the membrane composed of PVA, PAANa, and another water‐absorbing agent exceeds 400 under a total pressure of 0.1 MPa and a CO2 partial pressure of 0.08 MPa at 85°C. Moreover, the CO2/He selectivity is approximately 100 even under a total pressure of 0.7 MPa and a CO2 partial pressure of 0.56 MPa. Thus, a high‐performance CO2 separation membrane at 85°C is produced.
Polymerized ionic liquids‐based hydrogels with intrinsic antibacterial activity: Modern weapons against antibiotic‐resistant infections
Authors: Claus Johanna , Jastram Ann , Piktel Ewelina , Bucki Robert , Janmey Paul A. , Kragl Udo
Published: November 2020

In this study, the inherent antibacterial activity of 11 different polymerized ionic liquids (PILs)‐based hydrogels as well as their corresponding monomers was examined in an extensive screening. The methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus Xen 30 (MRSA Xen 30) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa Xen 5 (P. aeruginosa Xen 5) were chosen as test microorganisms. Both are typical representatives of gram‐positive and gram‐negative bacteria, respectively. Six of the 11 tested monomers were able to eradicate more than 80% of P. aeruginosa Xen 5 cells in suspension. Unfortunately, the anionic, neutral and zwitterionic representatives lost their function after polymerization. However, the cationic gels retained their antibacterial activity with nearly 100% eradication of selected microorganisms ‐ even at the smallest amount tested. Bactericidal activity against gram‐positive MRSA Xen 30 was high when the bacteria were treated with the imidazolium‐based monomers. Five of the tested compounds showed rather limited bactericidal activity <50% killed bacteria. The weak antibacterial activities could be significantly increased by crosslinking them to three‐dimensional networks. As a result, all the hydrogels possessed strong killing efficiencies of at least 68% and were able to maintain this activity even at low hydrogel volume fractions. These findings are very promising for the development of new antibacterial materials for medical applications, for example, stent coatings.