bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Phenotypic Presentations of Cystic Fibrosis in Children of African Descent
Authors: Mayer Lacrosniere Sophie , Gerardin Michele , Clainche-Viala Laurence Le , Houdouin Veronique
Published: March 2021

The Robert Debre Pediatric Cystic Fibrosis (CF) centre, located in the North East of Paris, a multicultural area, is in charge of a cohort of around a hundred and sixty children diagnosed with CF. Between 2000 and 2019, the proportion of children of African descent in this centre increased from 2% to 10%. We report the clinical features of 17 children of African descent diagnosed with CF: 4 (23%) were diagnosed after a meconium ileus, 14 (83%) had exocrine pancreatic insufficiency, and 7 (41%) had early Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection before the age of two. Even though the majority of patients were diagnosed through NBS, the twenty-nine-mutation testing kit proved less effective in non-Caucasian populations, with a false negative rate of 25% in this series. CF is definitely not solely a Caucasian disease and the literature reveals similar phenotypes in Caucasian and African people provided that they present the same CFTR mutations. Clinicians have to keep in mind that the diagnosis of CF in patients of African descent must be evoked in the case of symptoms and a sweat test must be performed, despite a negative result for NBS.
Intermittent but Rapid Changes to Coastal Landscapes: The Tsunami and El Niño Wave-Formed Sea Arch at Laie Point, Oahu, Hawaii, U.S.A.
Authors: Jordan Benjamin R.
Published: March 2021

Kukuiho’olua Island is an islet that lies 164 m due north of Laie Point, a peninsula of cemented, coastal, Pleistocene and Holocene sand dunes. Kukuiho’olua Island consists of the same dune deposits as Laie Point and is cut by a sea arch, which, documented here for first time, may have formed during the 1 April 1946 “April Fools’s Day Tsunami.” The tsunami-source of formation is supported by previous modeling by other authors, which indicated that the geometry of overhanging sea cliffs can greatly strengthen and focus the force of tsunami waves. Additional changes occurred to the island and arch during the 2015–2016 El Niño event, which was one of the strongest on record. During the event, anomalous wave heights and reversed wind directions occurred across the Pacific. On the night of 24–25 February 2016, large storm waves, resulting from the unique El Niño conditions washed out a large boulder that had lain within the arch since its initial formation, significantly increasing the open area beneath the arch. Large waves also rose high enough for seawater to flow over the peninsula at Laie Point, causing significant erosion of its upper surface. These changes at Laie Point and Kukuio’olua Island serve as examples of long-term, intermittent change to a coastline—changes that, although infrequent, can occur quickly and dramatically, potentially making them geologic hazards.
Role of the ROS-JNK Signaling Pathway in Hypoxia-Induced Atrial Fibrotic Responses in HL-1 Cardiomyocytes
Authors: Tsai Chin-Feng , Yang Shun-Fa , Lo Chien-Hsien , Chu Hsiao-Ju , Ueng Kwo-Chang
Published: March 2021

By promoting atrial structural remodeling, atrial hypoxia contributes to the development of the atrial fibrillation substrate. Our study aimed to investigate the modulatory effect of hypoxia on profibrotic activity in cultured HL-1 cardiomyocytes and explore the possible signaling transduction mechanisms of profibrotic activity in vitro. Hypoxia (1% O2) significantly and time-dependently increased the expression of hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-1α and fibrotic marker proteins collagen I and III (COL1A and COL3A), transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1 and α-smooth muscle actin (SMA). Western blot or immunohistochemistry analysis showed that hypoxia-induced increase in COL1A and COL3A was significantly attenuated by the addition of SP600125 (a specific c-Jun N-terminal kinase [JNK] inhibitor) or expression of dominant-negative JNK before hypoxia treatment. The inhibition of hypoxia-activated phosphorylation of JNK signal components (JNK, MKK4, nuclear c-Jun and ATF-2) by pre-treatment with SP600125 could suppress hypoxia-stimulated HIF-1α upregulation and fibrotic marker proteins expression. Hypoxia significantly increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in cultured HL-1 atrial cells. Pre-treatment with N-acetylcysteine significantly abrogated the expression of nuclear HIF-1α, JNK transduction components and fibrotic marker proteins. Taken together, these findings indicated that the hypoxia-induced atrial profibrotic response occurs mainly via the ROS/JNK pathway, its downstream upregulation of HIF-1α and c-Jun/ATF2 phosphorylation and nuclear translocation to up-regulate the expression of fibrosis-related proteins (COL1A, COL3A, TGF-β1 and α-SMA). Our result suggests that suppression of ROS/JNK signaling pathway is a critical mechanism for developing a novel therapeutic strategy against atrial fibrillation.
Untargeted In Silico Compound Classification—A Novel Metabolomics Method to Assess the Chemodiversity in Bryophytes
Authors: Peters Kristian , Balcke Gerd , Kleinenkuhnen Niklas , Treutler Hendrik , Neumann Steffen
Published: March 2021

In plant ecology, biochemical analyses of bryophytes and vascular plants are often conducted on dried herbarium specimen as species typically grow in distant and inaccessible locations. Here, we present an automated in silico compound classification framework to annotate metabolites using an untargeted data independent acquisition (DIA)–LC/MS–QToF-sequential windowed acquisition of all theoretical fragment ion mass spectra (SWATH) ecometabolomics analytical method. We perform a comparative investigation of the chemical diversity at the global level and the composition of metabolite families in ten different species of bryophytes using fresh samples collected on-site and dried specimen stored in a herbarium for half a year. Shannon and Pielou’s diversity indices, hierarchical clustering analysis (HCA), sparse partial least squares discriminant analysis (sPLS-DA), distance-based redundancy analysis (dbRDA), ANOVA with post-hoc Tukey honestly significant difference (HSD) test, and the Fisher’s exact test were used to determine differences in the richness and composition of metabolite families, with regard to herbarium conditions, ecological characteristics, and species. We functionally annotated metabolite families to biochemical processes related to the structural integrity of membranes and cell walls (proto-lignin, glycerophospholipids, carbohydrates), chemical defense (polyphenols, steroids), reactive oxygen species (ROS) protection (alkaloids, amino acids, flavonoids), nutrition (nitrogen- and phosphate-containing glycerophospholipids), and photosynthesis. Changes in the composition of metabolite families also explained variance related to ecological functioning like physiological adaptations of bryophytes to dry environments (proteins, peptides, flavonoids, terpenes), light availability (flavonoids, terpenes, carbohydrates), temperature (flavonoids), and biotic interactions (steroids, terpenes). The results from this study allow to construct chemical traits that can be attributed to biogeochemistry, habitat conditions, environmental changes and biotic interactions. Our classification framework accelerates the complex annotation process in metabolomics and can be used to simplify biochemical patterns. We show that compound classification is a powerful tool that allows to explore relationships in both molecular biology by “zooming in” and in ecology by “zooming out”. The insights revealed by our framework allow to construct new research hypotheses and to enable detailed follow-up studies.
Vaporized Hydrogen Peroxide and Ozone Gas Synergistically Reduce Prion Infectivity on Stainless Steel Wire
Authors: Hara Hideyuki , Chida Junji , Pasiana Agriani Dini , Uchiyama Keiji , Kikuchi Yutaka , Naito Tomoko , Takahashi Yuichi , Yamamura Junji , Kuromatsu Hisashi , Sakaguchi Suehiro
Published: March 2021

Prions are infectious agents causing prion diseases, which include Creutzfeldt–Jakob disease (CJD) in humans. Several cases have been reported to be transmitted through medical instruments that were used for preclinical CJD patients, raising public health concerns on iatrogenic transmissions of the disease. Since preclinical CJD patients are currently difficult to identify, medical instruments need to be adequately sterilized so as not to transmit the disease. In this study, we investigated the sterilizing activity of two oxidizing agents, ozone gas and vaporized hydrogen peroxide, against prions fixed on stainless steel wires using a mouse bioassay. Mice intracerebrally implanted with prion-contaminated stainless steel wires treated with ozone gas or vaporized hydrogen peroxide developed prion disease later than those implanted with control prion-contaminated stainless steel wires, indicating that ozone gas and vaporized hydrogen peroxide could reduce prion infectivity on wires. Incubation times were further elongated in mice implanted with prion-contaminated stainless steel wires treated with ozone gas-mixed vaporized hydrogen peroxide, indicating that ozone gas mixed with vaporized hydrogen peroxide reduces prions on these wires more potently than ozone gas or vaporized hydrogen peroxide. These results suggest that ozone gas mixed with vaporized hydrogen peroxide might be more useful for prion sterilization than ozone gas or vaporized hydrogen peroxide alone.
Loss of BOK Has a Minor Impact on Acetaminophen Overdose-Induced Liver Damage in Mice
Authors: Naim Samara , Fernandez-Marrero Yuniel , de Brot Simone , Bachmann Daniel , Kaufmann Thomas
Published: March 2021

Acetaminophen (APAP) is one of the most commonly used analgesic and anti-pyretic drugs, and APAP intoxication is one of the main reasons for liver transplantation following liver failure in the Western world. While APAP poisoning ultimately leads to liver necrosis, various programmed cell death modalities have been implicated, including ER stress-triggered apoptosis. The BCL-2 family member BOK (BCL-2-related ovarian killer) has been described to modulate the unfolded protein response and to promote chemical-induced liver injury. We therefore investigated the impact of the loss of BOK following APAP overdosing in mice. Surprisingly, we observed sex-dependent differences in the activation of the unfolded protein response (UPR) in both wildtype (WT) and Bok-/- mice, with increased activation of JNK in females compared with males. Loss of BOK led to a decrease in JNK activation and a reduced percentage of centrilobular necrosis in both sexes after APAP treatment; however, this protection was more pronounced in Bok-/- females. Nevertheless, serum ALT and AST levels of Bok-/- and WT mice were comparable, indicating that there was no major difference in the overall outcome of liver injury. We conclude that after APAP overdosing, loss of BOK affects initiating signaling steps linked to ER stress, but has a more minor impact on the outcome of liver necrosis. Furthermore, we observed sex-dependent differences that might be worthwhile to investigate.
Synthesis of PVA/CeO2 Based Nanocomposites with Tuned Refractive Index and Reduced Absorption Edge: Structural and Optical Studies
Authors: Aziz Shujahadeen B. , Dannoun Elham M. A. , Tahir Dana A. , Hussen Sarkawt A. , Abdulwahid Rebar T. , Nofal Muaffaq M. , M. Abdullah Ranjdar , M. Hussein Ahang , Brevik Iver
Published: March 2021

In the current study, polymer nanocomposites (NCPs) based on poly (vinyl alcohol) (PVA) with altered refractive index and absorption edge were synthesized by means of a solution cast technique. The characterization techniques of UV–Vis spectroscopy and XRD were used to inspect the structural and optical properties of the prepared films. The XRD patterns of the doped samples have shown clear amendments in the structural properties of the PVA host polymer. Various optical parameters were studied to get more insights about the influence of CeO2 on optical properties of PVA. On the insertion of CeO2 nanoparticles (NPs) into the PVA matrix, the absorption edge was found to move to reduced photon energy sides. It was concluded that the CeO2 nanoparticles can be used to tune the refractive index (n) of the host polymer, and it reached up to 1.93 for 7 wt.% of CeO2 content. A detailed study of the bandgap (BG) was conducted using two approaches. The outcomes have confirmed the impact of the nanofiller on the BG reduction of the host polymer. The results of the optical BG study highlighted that it is crucial to address the ε” parameter during the BG analysis, and it is considered as a useful tool to specify the type of electronic transitions. Finally, the dispersion region of n is conferred in terms of the Wemple–DiDomenico single oscillator model.
Surface Modifications of Titanium Aluminium Vanadium Improve Biocompatibility and Osteogenic Differentiation Potential
Authors: Lohberger Birgit , Eck Nicole , Glaenzer Dietmar , Kaltenegger Heike , Leithner Andreas
Published: March 2021

Osteogenic cells are strongly influenced in their behaviour by the surface properties of orthopaedic implant materials. Mesenchymal stem and progenitor cells (MSPCs) migrate to the bone–implant interface, adhere to the material surface, proliferate and subsequently differentiate into osteoblasts, which are responsible for the formation of the bone matrix. Five surface topographies on titanium aluminium vanadium (TiAl6V4) were engineered to investigate biocompatibility and adhesion potential of human osteoblasts and the changes in osteogenic differentiation of MSPCs. Elemental analysis of TiAl6V4 discs coated with titanium nitride (TiN), silver (Ag), roughened surface, and pure titanium (cpTi) surface was analysed using energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy. In vitro cell viability, cytotoxicity, adhesion behaviour, and osteogenic differentiation potential were measured via CellTiter-Glo, CytoTox, ELISA, Luminex® technology, and RT-PCR respectively. The Ag coating reduced the growth of osteoblasts, whereas the viability of MSPCs increased significantly. The roughened and the cpTi surface improved the viability of all cell types. The additive coatings of the TiAl6V4 alloy improved the adhesion of osteoblasts and MSPCs. With regard to the osteogenic differentiation potential, an enhanced effect has been demonstrated, especially in the case of roughened and cpTi coatings.
Formation of Nitrogen Doped Titanium Dioxide Surface Layer on NiTi Shape Memory Alloy
Authors: Tarnowski Michał , Witkowska Justyna , Morgiel Jerzy , Jakubowski Witold , Walkowiak Bogdan , Borowski Tomasz , Wierzchoń Tadeusz
Published: March 2021

NiTi shape memory alloys are increasingly being used as bone and cardiac implants. The oxide layer of nanometric thickness spontaneously formed on their surface does not sufficiently protect from nickel transition into surrounding tissues, and its presence, even in a small amount, can be harmful to the human organism. In order to limit this disadvantageous phenomenon, there are several surface engineering techniques used, including oxidation methods. Due to the usually complex shapes of implants, one of the most prospective methods is low-temperature plasma oxidation. This article presents the role of cathode sputtering in the formation of a titanium dioxide surface layer, specifically rutile. The surface of the NiTi shape memory alloy was modified using low-temperature glow discharge plasma oxidation processes, which were carried out in two variants: oxidation using an argon + oxygen (80% vol.) reactive atmosphere and the less chemically active argon + air (80% vol.), but with a preliminary cathode sputtering process in the Ar + N2 (1:1) plasma. This paper presents the structure (STEM), chemical composition (EDS, SIMS), surface topography (optical profilometer, Atomic Force Microscopy—AFM) and antibacterial properties of nanocrystalline TiO2 diffusive surface layers. It is shown that prior cathodic sputtering in argon-nitrogen plasma almost doubled the thickness of the produced nitrogen-doped titanium dioxide layers despite using air instead of oxygen. The (TiOxNy)2 diffusive surface layer showed a high level of resistance to E. coli colonization in comparison with NiTi, which indicates the possibility of using this surface layer in the modification of NiTi implants’ properties.
Advances in the Formulation and Assembly of Non-Cationic Lipid Nanoparticles for the Medical Application of Gene Therapeutics
Authors: Fisher Richard K. , West Phillip C. , Mattern-Schain Samuel I. , Best Michael D. , Kirkpatrick Stacy S. , Dieter Raymond A. , Arnold Joshua D. , Buckley Michael R. , McNally Michael M. , Freeman Michael B. , Grandas Oscar H. , Mountain Deidra J. H.
Published: March 2021

Lipid nanoparticles have become increasingly popular delivery platforms in the field of gene therapy, but bench-to-bedside success has been limited. Many liposomal gene vectors are comprised of synthetic cationic lipids, which are associated with lipid-induced cytotoxicity and immunogenicity. Natural, non-cationic PEGylated liposomes (PLPs) demonstrate favorable biocompatibility profiles but are not considered viable gene delivery vehicles due to inefficient nucleic acid loading and reduced cellular uptake. PLPs can be modified with cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs) to enhance the intracellular delivery of liposomal cargo but encapsulate leakage upon CPP-PLP assembly is problematic. Here, we aimed to identify parameters that overcome these performance barriers by incorporating nucleic acid condensers during CPP-PLP assembly and screening variable ethanol injection parameters for optimization. CPP-PLPs were formed with R8-amphiphiles via pre-insertion, post-insertion and post-conjugation techniques and liposomes were characterized for size, surface charge, homogeneity, siRNA encapsulation efficiency and retention and cell associative properties. Herein we demonstrate that pre-insertion of stearylated R8 into PLPs is an efficient method to produce non-cationic CPP-PLPs and we provide additional assembly parameter specifications for a modified ethanol injection technique that is optimized for siRNA encapsulation/retention and enhanced cell association. This assembly technique could provide improved clinical translation of liposomal based gene therapy applications.
“Just in case”
Authors: Katvan Eyal
Published: March 2021

This Oñati Socio-Legal Series publication is the product of an Oñati workshop on Too much litigation, held June 2019. This is the third and final part of a trilogy of workshops held in Oñati; the first two parts dealt with the legal professionals: lawyers (Oñati workshop 2012, titled Too Many Lawyers?); and judges (Oñati workshop 2016, titled Too Few Judges?). In this final workshop, we focused on litigants and litigation – the “clients” of both judges and lawyers. The overall finding is that too much/not enough litigation might endanger access to justice. In a wider context, putting the three themes together creates a better understanding of the importance of access to justice and the role of the legal profession and the professionals in ensuring this basic right.
Propuesta de optimización financiera en el proceso de tratamiento químico en torres de enfriamiento de la C.T. Francisco Pérez Ríos
Authors: PÉREZ-LUGO Myrna Urith , SÁNCHEZ-TRUJILLO Magda Gabriela , ACEVEDO-SÁNCHEZ Ismael , CASTILLO-SERRANO Erika
Published: March 2021

Technical and financial analysis are essential in every industrial process for decision-making in the optimization of results. However, they need to increase their efficiency, as well as greater use of security and reliability resources and enforcement in cost control systems, are guidelines that increase day by day, compared to this; electricity production is of great importance in terms of progress in Mexico, because both commercial businesses, industrial enterprises and households depend heavily on their proper management. This theoretical work is developed from a technical-financial methodology, carried out within the national electricity system of the Federal Electricity Commission, in this case analyzes the Francisco Pérez Ríos thermoelectric plant, which at present has five electric power generating units, located in Tula de Allende, Hidalgo, the contribution of this research is to seek the benefit in saving chemical treatment in the cooling towers from the information generated from the area Financial.
Partículas ambientales en bronquio y tejido pulmonar humano
Authors: PEÑA-GARCIA Laura , MACIEL-FLORES Roberto , ROBLES-MURGUÍA Celia , ROSAS-ELGUERA José
Published: March 2021

Objectives. Identify environmental particles in bronchus and human lung tissue through the SEM technique Methodology. The samples were fixed by immersion in 2% glutaraldehyde for 2 hours, then a wash with 1x pH 7 phosphate buffer and light agitation (x3) (1x, 2x and x3) was performed. Finally, the samples were critically dried out with a Samdri 795 team from Tousimis. This was the process to which the samples were taken for EDS analysis with a Jeol JSM 6610LV equipment, operating at 10kV, with Oxford Xmax EDS detector and Oxford AZtec software. The observation in the scanning electron microscope was performed with secondary electron detector. For the assembly, a sample holder was used for scanning electron microscopy, on a double-sided carbon tape substrate. The samples were given a coating with conductive material (99.9% gold) by sputtering with the Denton Vacuum V equipment. Contribution. In lung, 21 elements were identified, in addition to observing the shape and size of the particles. These images were compared with some other environmental particles presented by diverse authors. The uses of these elements were consulted and it was identified that some of them are used in the automotive, electrical and medical industries, and they also have a great influence on food.
Pop culture and social insertion: How can play in adolescence and adulthood be “therapeutic”?
Authors: Goodall Anne M. , Truong Alexis H.
Published: March 2021

In this study we explore how participation in tabletop role-playing games (TTRPGs) fosters experiences of social insertion in adolescence and adulthood. We conducted semi-directed interviews with nine participants who identified themselves as having used such practices to overcome difficult and challenging life experiences. We look at how participants interpreted their play experiences, described by some as “therapeutic.” Through TTRPGs, players were able to explore and better understand aspects of themselves, explore new interactions, and “test” new ways of expressing themselves. Additionally, participants were able to develop their interpersonal skills by participating in such practices, namely because of the roleplaying element. Participants stated that these practices and their therapeutic qualities also had positive effects on their lives outside of the game, helping them to enter and engage in various social situations that they previously felt excluded from, or hesitant to participate in. We argue that social interventions could invest in these types of cultural practices, embedded in popular culture, to encourage and facilitate participation of adolescents and adults in mental health services.
Ascorbic Acid (Asa) improves Salinity Tolerance in Wheat (Triticum Aestivum L.) by Modulating Growth and Physiological Attributes.
Authors: Ishaq Hasnain , Nawaz Muhammad , Azeem Muhammad , Mehwish Mehwish , Bekhat Naseem Muhammad Bedar
Published: March 2021

Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) is one of the most important staple foods. High concentration of sodium chloride severely affects plants in general and wheat in specific. In this study the ameliorative effects of ascorbic acid (AsA) against sodium chloride stress were investigated in two commercial wheat cultivars (Galaxy 2013 and Akbar 2019). Experiments were conducted in three replicates. Two levels of salt (0, 150 mM) along with exogenous application of ascorbic acid (0, 30 mM, 60 mM) were applied at three leaves seedling stage. At the establishment of treatments, data regarding physiological, biochemical and yield attributes were recorded and subjected to statistical analysis. The application of AsA significantly (p≤0.05) improved growth, yield and key physiological attributes in tested wheat varieties under salinity stress. Overall wheat genotype Akbar 2019 showed better growth under salt stress. It is concluded from this study that AsA may be used to mitigate salinity effects in wheat.
Distribution Pattern and Phytosociological study of Trees Associated with Agroforestry in Poonch District of Jammu and Kashmir, India
Authors: Manzoor Javed , Jazib Mohd Junaid
Published: March 2021

The focus of present study was to find the phytosociology, distribution pattern, and diversity of different species of trees associated with traditional agroforestry in the district of Poonch, Jammu and Kashmir, India. Data was collected through quadrat survey method. A total of fifty quadrats of the size (10x10m) each were thrown randomly in agriculture fields. Total 26 tree species belonging to 16 families and 21 genera were encountered in the agricultural fields with Grewia optiva, Pyrus persica and Celtis australis being the tree species in dominance. The most dense species of tree recorded was Grewia optiva with a density value of 3.88 tree/ha which was followed by Pyrus persica with a density of 3.74 tree/ha. Buxus wallichiana was the least dense species recorded (0.82 tree/ha). The study revealed that the area has vast potential sites for the plantation of various agroforestry related tree species to solve the problems of fuel, fodder and timber.
Traffic Related Air Pollution Exposure Effect on Circulating White Blood Cell Counts in Healthy Individuals
Authors: Shezadi Anjam , Shahbaz Muhammad , Baboo Irfan , Shakir Faiza , Shoukat Misbah
Published: March 2021

During this short term study a total of 110 samples were collected from the selected individuals of study area. This study was aimed to count the White blood cells in the blood samples of individuals, who were mostly exposed to exhaust fumes (air pollution), like traffic constables, cooks and shopkeepers. For this purpose blood samples were taken into an evacuee container having anticoagulant Ethylene diamine tetra-acetic acid (EDTA) so to prevent coagulation of blood, for the count of WBCs, heamocyto-meter was used. During the study the body mass index and blood pressure was also measured by digital blood pressure measuring apparatus. Samples were observed under the microscope. It was found that 15% (13,133±2544.081) sampled individuals had increased WBCs and 85% (7821±1482.76) normal WBCs. In female samples 50% (11900±2151.27) were observed with above range of WBCs and other 50% (8540±844.39) with normal range of WBCs count, non-had WBCs count lower than the normal WBCs. Mostly had normal and few had above the range. One way ANOVA has been used to analyze connection of exposure to air pollution with counts of circulating white blood cells.
Epidemiology and Risk Factor Analysis of Fasciolosis in Buffaloes in District Bagh, Azad Kashmir, Pakistan
Authors: Fayyaz Sadaf , Shahbaz Muhammad , Baboo Irfan , Nazir Shazia , Shaukat Misbah
Published: March 2021

Fasciolosis is a cosmopolitan parasitic disorder cause great economic decline in cattle and buffaloes in terms of poor carcasses quality decrease in meat and milk production, malfunctioning of livers and weight loss. This research work was carried out in district Bagh, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Pakistan, extending from December 2016 to May 2017. During this study 200 fecal sample from Buffaloes (Bablus bubalis) of the study area were collected, it was found that 40 percent fecal samples contain eggs of Fasciola hepatica and 60 percent fecal samples were negative. Liver samples of slaughtered buffaloes were also examined during study period and it was found that 74 samples have faciola, out of 200 samples, so 37 per cent samples contain F. hepatica and 63 per cent buffaloes liver samples were negative. It was observed that 19.25% animals of the area have parasites in their body, which are causing economic losses to the owners, in the form of less production of milk and meat and more mortality among the livestock and damages to farmers.
Behavioral Finance Research in 2020: Cui Bono et Quo Vadis?
Authors: Fischer Katharina , Lehner Othmar Manfred
Published: March 2021

Emanating from the influential survey of Barberis and Thaler (2003), this systematic literature review examines the significant volume of studies on behavioral finance from 36 reputable finance journals published be-tween 2009 and 2019. The findings are clustered into eight prominent research streams, which indicate the current developments in behavioral finance. Findings show that research intensively focuses on behavioral biases and their influence on economic phenomena. Driven by the impetus to understand the human mind, significant findings originated in the relatively new field of Neurofinance. Additionally, the analysis addresses the influence of market sentiment and its correlation with some of the other findings. Furthermore, implications on the limits to arbitrage in connection with some financial anomalies complete the holistic picture.
Pain Assessment: Subjectivity, Objectivity, and
the Use of Neurotechnology
Part One: Practical and Ethical Issues
Authors: Giordano James
Published: March 2021

The pain clinician is confronted with the formidable task of objectifying the subjective
phenomenon of pain so as to determine the right treatments for both the pain syndrome
and the patient in whom the pathology is expressed. However, the experience of pain
— and its expression — remains enigmatic. Can currently available evaluative tools,
questionnaires, and scales actually provide adequately objective information about
the experiential dimensions of pain? Can, or will, current and future iterations of
biotechnology — whether used singularly or in combination (with other technologies
as well as observational-behavioral methods) — afford objective validation of pain?
And what of the clinical, ethical, legal and social issues that arise in and from the use
— and potential misuse — of these approaches? Subsequent trajectories of clinical
care depend upon the findings gained through the use of these techniques and their
inappropriate employment – or misinterpretation of the results they provide — can
lead to misdiagnoses and incorrect treatment.
This essay is the first of a two-part series that explicates how the intellectual tasks
of knowing about pain and the assessment of its experience and expression in the
pain patient are constituent to the moral responsibility of pain medicine. Herein,
we discuss the problem of pain and its expression, and those methods, techniques,
and technologies available to bridge the gap between subjective experience and
objective evaluation. We address how these assessment approaches are fundamental
to apprehend both pain as an objective, neurological event, and its impact upon
the subjective experience, existence, and expectations of the person in pain. In this
way, we argue that the right use of technology — together with inter-subjectivity,
compassion, and insight — can sustain the good of pain care as both a therapeutic
and moral enterprise.
Key words: pain, assessment, neurotechnology, biotechnology, neuroethics,
medicine
A Critical Review of the American Pain Society
Clinical Practice Guidelines for Interventional
Techniques: Part 1. Diagnostic Interventions
Authors: Manchikanti Laxmaiah
Published: March 2021

Background: Clinical guidelines are defined as systematically developed statements
to assist practitioner and patient decisions about appropriate health care for specific
clinical circumstances. The clinical guideline industry has been erupting even faster
than innovation in health care, constantly adding unhealthy perspectives with broad
and complex mandates to health care interventions. Clinical guidelines are based on
evidence-based medicine (EBM) and comparative effectiveness research (CER).
Multiple issues related to the development of clinical guidelines are based on conflicts of
interest, controversies, and limitations of the guideline process. Recently, the American
Pain Society (APS) developed and published multiple guidelines in managing low back
pain resulting in multiple publications. However, these guidelines have been questioned
regarding their development process, their implementation, and their impact on various
specialties.
Objectives: To reassess the APS guidelines’ evidence synthesis for low back pain
diagnostic interventions using the same methodology utilized by the APS authors. The
interventions examined were diagnostic techniques for managing low back pain of facet
joint origin, discogenic origin, and sacroiliac joint origin.
Methods: A literature search by two authors was carried out utilizing appropriate
databases from 1966 through July 2008. Methodologic quality assessment was also
performed by at least 2 authors utilizing the same criteria applied in APS guidelines.
The guideline reassessment process included the evaluation of individual studies and
systematic reviews and the translation into practice recommendations.
Results: Our reassessment of Chou et al’s evaluation, utilizing Chou et al’s criteria,
showed good evidence for lumbar facet joint nerve blocks, fair evidence for lumbar
provocation discography, and fair to poor evidence for sacroiliac joint blocks to diagnose
sacroiliac joint pain. The reassessment illustrates that Chou et al have utilized multiple
studies inappropriately and have excluded appropriate studies. Also, Chou et al failed to
eliminate their bias in their study evaluations.
Conclusion: The reassessment, using appropriate methodology and including high
quality studies, shows evidence that differs from published APS guidelines.
Key words: Guidelines, evidence-based medicine, comparative effectiveness
research, systematic reviews, American Pain Society, interventional pain management,
interventional techniques, low back pain, diagnostic interventions, lumbar facet joint
nerve blocks, lumbar provocation discography, sacroiliac joint nerve blocks
Painful Osseous Metastases
Authors: Smith Howard S.
Published: March 2021

Up to 90% of patients with metastatic or advanced stage cancer will experience
significant cancer-related pain. Approximately half or more of patients diagnosed with
cancer may experience bone pain. It has been estimated that tumor metastases to
the skeleton affect roughly 400,000 United States citizens annually. Carcinoma from
breast, lung, and prostate cancers account for about 80% of secondary metastatic
bone disease. Bone metastases may cause devastating clinical complications associated
with dramatic reductions in quality of life, mobility, and independence as well as
excruciating refractory pain. Associated complications from osseous metastases also
present a substantial economic burden. Currently, there is still a significantly high
number of patients suffering with unrelieved pain from osseous metastases.
Treatments for painful osseous metastases may not only diminish pain, but may also
improve quality of life and independence/mobility, and reduce skeletal morbidity,
potential pathologic fractures, spinal cord compression, and other “skeletalrelated events.” Treatment strategies for painful osseous metastases include
systemic analgesics, intrathecal analgesics, glucocorticoids, radiation (external beam
radiation, radiopharmaceuticals), ablative techniques (radiofrequency ablation
(RFA) and cryoablation), bisphosphonates, chemotherapeutic agents, inhibitors of
RANK-RANKL interaction (e.g., denosumab), hormonal therapies, interventional
techniques (e.g., kyphoplasty), and surgical approaches. Although the mechanisms
underlying the development of bone metastases are not completely understood,
there appears to be important bi-directional interactions between the tumor and the
bone microenvironment. A greater understanding of the pathophysiology of painful
osseous metastases may lead to better and more selective targeted analgesic therapy.
Additionally, potential future therapeutic approaches to painful osseous metastases
may revolutionize approaches to analgesia for this condition, leading to optimal
outcomes with maximal pain relief and minimal adverse effects.
Key words: Cancer pain, metastasis, osseous metastasis, bone pain, radiation
therapy, radiopharmaceuticals
A Novel Skylight Orientation Sensor for Autonomous Navigation
Authors: Fan Yuanyi , Zhang Ran , Liu Ze , Chu Jinkui
Published: March 2021

The angle of the polarization (AOP) and the degree of polarization (DOP) of the scattered skylight are symmetrically distributed concerning the solar meridian. Based on the symmetry of the skylight polarization distribution pattern, this paper proposes a novel skylight orientation sensor consists of a camera, an S-waveplate, and a linear polarizer. The skylight orientation sensor is using the image polarization encoding capability of the S-waveplate and the linear polarizer to convert the skylight polarization information into the image’s symmetry
axis extraction, which has the advantages of no resolution loss and
instantaneous field of view error. The symmetry axis in the image is consistent
with the solar meridian. Therefore, the angle between the solar meridian and
the skylight orientation sensor reference axis can be obtained without
calculating the polarization information, which is also beneficial for
real-time performance. The angle measurement accuracy and uncertainty of the skylight
orientation sensor are verified by numerical
simulation and outdoor experiments. The results demonstrate that the skylight
orientation sensor has good application potential in autonomous navigation.
Transversal Competences in Education for Sustainable Development and International Solidarity – A book review
Authors:   University of Craiova, Romania, Reșceanu Alina
Published: March 2021

In the current educational scenario of training students for the 21st century, when teaching methodologies are rapidly changing to suit the more and more challenging demands, there is a stringent need to equip pupils, students, teachers, educators, and not only, with the adequate skills to succeed in their activities. Particularly teachers, teacher trainers and trainee teachers, since they are the real protagonists of change when it comes to educating and shaping the society they live in and bringing up responsible and actively engaged citizens. In a year like no other, this need has become even more obvious in the case of the recent pandemic, which forced teachers to adjust their capabilities to the new environment and to resort to reskilling and upskilling strategies, so as to better cope with the unique, unprecedented educational setting. In this context, the book edited by Monica Tilea, Olivier Morin and Oana-Adriana Duță, and entitled Transversal Competences in Education for Sustainable Development and International Solidarity advocates for the use of inter- and transdisciplinary educational tools in developing and assessing transversal competences in classroom practice. It materializes the results of the research carried out in the Erasmus+ project Acteurs du Territoire pour une Éducation à la Citoyenneté Mondiale (ACTECIM) by a team of academics with solid background in educational sciences: Olivier Morin and Sandie Bernard from the Claude Bernard University of Lyon 1 (France), Davide Della Rina, Roberto Trinchero, Selena Notaro and Alessio Tomassone from the University of Turin (Italy), and Monica Tilea, Claudiu Bunăiașu and Aida Stoian from the University of Craiova (Romania)
Modern determinants of bribery provocation
Authors: Myrko Bohdan
Published: March 2021

The article examines the deterministic complex of such a corruption offense as provocation of bribery at the present stage. Thereare groups of direct reasons and conditions for making a bribe offer: political and legal; economic and legal; legal; organizational andmanagerial; socio-psychological. The classifications of determinants of crimes are divided, which are divided into causes and conditionsof crime according to the following criteria: mechanism of action (nature of determination), level of functioning, content, nature,essence and other features. It is established that one of the most important determinants of the emergence of corrupt practices is thedeformation of the value component of human consciousness. It is determined that the prevalence of bribery provocation in everydaylife and its adaptation to the life of the population, especially in some spheres of public life, becomes the norm for some people. Chan -ging the types and forms of corruption is integrated taking into account the impact of existing anti-corruption measures aimed at counteractingthese phenomena and limiting them. It is proved that the public danger of this crime is that it is one of the most common corruptionoffenses that affect the development of society as a whole, inhibiting effective mechanisms to overcome the crisis and create asteadfast position of intolerance to corruption among citizens. One of the most important tasks that will solve the problem of widespreadcorruption in society is to determine the deterministic complex of these crimes. Influence on determinants, on the reasons and conditionsof provocation of bribery, will allow to reduce negative consequences both of these crimes, and corruption as such in general.
ANALYTICAL STUDY OF THE POLITICAL STATUS AND ROLE OF WOMEN DURING THE INDIAN
INDEPENDENCE MOVEMENT
Authors: Dr. Sanjeev.C. Shirpurkar
Published: March 2021

Like the freedom movement of the other countries of the world, the history of freedom movement in India is rich with equal participation of men and women. Like other countries of third world, our countrymen also had to struggle long and hard to get freedom. In the glorious story of the struggle against the British rule, the names of many brave sons as well as the names of brave ones are also printed in the golden letters in history. As such, during the freedom movement, the role of intellectuals, farmers, lawyers and social reformers has been very important at every level and at every stage of the movement. But keeping in mind the circumstances of that time, it is also very interesting and important to analyze the role of women in this regard. From the Vedic era to the modern era ,the role of women has been changing according to the time and circumstances in the various segments.Lopamundra,Ghosha and Apala in Vedic era, Gargi and Maître in post Vedic era, Sheela and Attarika in the Gupta age and in the Mogul era Razia gninfluence in politics was important and extra-ordinary. Similarly, the role of Begum Hazrat Mahal and Jhansi Queen Rani Laxmi Bai during the period of independence struggle especially during 1857 Revolution and later in the Gandhi era, Mrs. Annie Besant, Bhagini Nivedita, Madam Cama,Pandita Ramabai ,Sarojini Naidu,Kamla Nehru, Sucheta Kruplani,Prabhadevi,Vijaya Laxmi Pandit ,Mniben Patel and the roles of other such women cannot be ignored.Similarly,the British Education system, increased the means of transport and the social reform movement has increased the political consciousness of women and motivated them to contribute to the National Movement. In spite of all the adverse circumstances such as low educational level and various ban in public life, after tough struggles, women made their unique identity in the history of freedom movement. Gradually, women became involved in social issues, their understanding in this regard increased which changed their thinking. Due to this, women gradually moved forward in the struggle for independence, in the movement of reforms and in the Legislative Councils. Here also the fact cannot be denied that most of the women who led the national movement were highly educated and belonged to the upper middle class.
KEY WORDS-National movement, Social reform, Political consciousness, Women’s Organization, Gandhi Era, Female suffrage.
DERIVATIVE MARKETS-USING OPTIONS TRADING STRATEGY IN MONGOLIAN STOCK MARKET
Authors: Davaadalai Darkhabaatar
Published: March 2021

This study identifies some opportunities to introduce derivative instruments based on the practical experience of other countries, and provides some estimates of the implementation of derivative market mechanisms, pricing, and trading strategies.
KEY WORDS: Financial derivative, option, and spread
ÜMUMMİLLİ LİDER HEYDƏR ƏLİYEV İRSİNDƏ İSLAM DƏYƏRLƏRİ VƏ TOLERANTLIQ
Authors:   Lənkəran Dövlət Humanitar Kolleci, Şamil oğlu Quliyev Cəmil
Published: March 2021

Key words: National leader Heydar Aliyev, independence, moral virtues, Islam, tolerance
DÖVLƏTİN TURİZM SFERASINDA FƏALİYYƏT İSTİQAMƏTLƏRİ
Authors:   Bakı Dövlət Universiteti, İlqar qızı Abdurahmanova Lalə
Published: March 2021

Key words: tourist activity, public policy, citizen, economy, tax, tourist
ЦЕЛИ И ЗАДАЧИ МОНИТОРИНГА (Тезисы)
Authors:   Бакинский государственный университет, Намик гызы Джавадова Офелия
Published: March 2021

Key words: monitoring, teaching process, same approach, assessment
AZƏRBAYCAN FOLKLORUNDA KOMİZM ELEMENTLƏRİ
Authors:   Bakı Slavyan Universiteti, Elçin qızı Seyidzadə Rəfiqə
Published: March 2021

Key words: conflict, laughter, fairy tale, good and evil, opposite, folklore, hero
İNTİHARIN QARŞISININ ALINMA YOLLARI
Authors:   Azərbaycan Turizm və Menecment Universiteti, Habil qızı Məhərrəmova Aydan
Published: March 2021

Keywords: suicide, myths and facts about suicide, suicide prevention
Publicizing construction firms by cryptocurrency
Authors:   Institute of Construction Materials, Sartipi Farid
Published: March 2021

Growth as an inevitable human nature roots even in our business operation. Private entities, similarly, in seek of expansion and maybe more influence over their area of expertise, decide to go public in a certain point of time. The timing to move from private to public, indeed, is a critical factor in the future success of the business. In the traditional capitalist structure of this move, small private companies, which are defined by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission as those entities with consolidated revenue of less than $50 million per year, choose between sellout to a parent firm or Initial Public Offering (IPO). Both options have their own advantages and disadvantages. Yet, they are both complex, highly regulated, costly, and frustrating which are truly major drawbacks for small entities. Failure to go public caused by these drawbacks results in death of small businesses and loss of jobs which is followed by terrible socio-economic consequences. To avoid the conventional frustrating publicity of the private firms, in this article, utilization of cryptocurrency as the modern financial instrument is discussed. Digital currencies enable fast transition, globalization, grassroot economy, and social justice.
Ponies, Joints, Complexity and the Method of Indifference
Authors: Hubertus Nederbragt Hubertus
Published: March 2021

An important discipline in biomedical science is the repair of damaged organs by in vitro cultured differentaited stem cells. This article evaluates an article in this field, entitled "The complexity of joint regeneration", by Diloloksumpan et al. (2021), who described a regeneration experiment of artificial damage of the joint of ponies. The experiment failed an I describe the possible cause of this failure by discussing the design of the experiment in the light of J.S.Mill's Method of Difference, published in 1848. I continue with a discussion of the concept of complexity that was introduced by the authors of the paper, by pointing out that three types of complexity may be distinguished; one of these is complicatedness which characterizes the assumed complexity of the joint experiment. I propose that this complicatedness can be solved by the use of the method of difference.
The Performative Symposium – Session Two
Authors: Bownik Paweł , Szczawińska Weronika , Pijarski Krzysztof
Published: March 2021

The avant-garde director, dramatist and theorist Weronika Szczawińska reflects on "Colleagues (Koleżanki i koledzy)", a series of works by Paweł Bownik in dialogue with the artist and Krzysztof Pijarski.