bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
T1-weighted Black-blood Magnetic Resonance Imaging Helps to Stage Thrombus on Segment Level and Predict the Outcome of Endovascular Therapy in Patients with Cerebral Venous Sinus Thrombosis
Authors: Ren Yanan , Quan Tao , Xie Yueyuan , Ren Qi , Zhang Xiaoyong , Zhu Jinxia , Zhang Yong , Xu Haowen , Cheng Jingliang , Xie Guoxi
Published: September 2021

Purpose

Clinical approach for staging cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST) depends on the duration from symptom onset to clinical diagnosis, which is subjective and may be incorrect. To investigate if T1-weighted signal characteristics of the thrombus can be used for staging the thrombus on segment level and predicting endovascular therapy outcome.
Methods

Ninety-one CVST patients underwent non-contrast-enhanced T1-weighted 3D variable-flip-angle fast-spin-echo (T1-SPACE) and 29 of them received endovascular therapy. We divided the 91 patients into acute, subacute, and chronic CVST stage according to the clinical approach, and then analyzed the T1 weighted signal characteristics (i.e., thrombus shape and signal intensity) of the thrombus at each stage. To investigate the endovascular therapy outcome associated with the thrombus stage and signal characteristics, we evaluated the thrombolytic ratio on patient level and recanalization rate on segment level, respectively.
Results

The thrombi at acute or chronic stage were depicted as isointense signals but as hyperintense signals at subacute stage. Compared to the thrombus at acute stage, the thrombus at chronic stage was contractive and can be distinguished. Developing thrombi at transition periods of acute-to-subacute or subacute-to-chronic stage were found appearing mixed iso-/hyper-intense signals. On patient’s level, the patients at earlier stage had higher thrombolytic ratio (acute: 80.7 ± 18.3%, subacute: 62.6 ± 36.3%, chronic: 22.9 ± 24.2%). On segment level, the thromboembolic segments of isointense or mixed iso-/hyper-intense thrombi at non-chronic stage had good thrombolytic outcome.
Conclusion

T1-weighted signal characteristics of the thrombus can be used for staging CVST and predicting the endovascular therapy outcome.
Biosynthesis of 3D/2D Ceo2/Mos2 Nanocomposites with Enhanced Photocatalytic Activity to Degrade Organic Dye in Wastewater and Statistical Optimization of Reaction Parameters
Authors: Sharma Yogesh , Khan Mohammad Ahmed , Chellapandi Thangapandi , Sukumar Magdum Tejas , Madhumitha Gunabalan , Khan Md. Maksudur Rahman , Danish Mohammed , Velu Sagadevan , Roopan Selvaraj Mohana
Published: September 2021

Nanocomposites synthesized by alternative approaches like biosynthetic methods are safer than those prepared by traditional chemical techniques. Further, this approach is both economically and environmentally feasible. In this study, we report an eco-friendly methodology for preparing cerium dioxide/molybdenum disulphide (CeO2/MoS2) nanocomposites. Moringa oleifera peel was used as the reducing/stabilizing agent for synthesizing CeO2 nanoparticles. The prepared nanocomposite were characterized using FT-IR analysis, SEM and EDAX analysis, TEM and SAED pattern analysis, X-Ray Diffraction Pattern, Zeta Potential, UV-Visible Diffuse Reflectance Spectra, X-Ray Photon Spectroscopy and Photoluminescence spectra. Particle size and morphology were characterized by TEM and SEM. The photocatalytic pursuit of CeO2/MoS2 was explored by the degradation of methyl violet (MV) under visible light irradiation. Our methodology proved to be 96.25% effective in the degradation of MV. Further, we used this Response Surface Methodology for enhancing the process factors like volume of photocatalyst, time for degradation and concentration of MV.
Association of Bone-Related Biomarkers with Femoral Neck Bone Strength
Authors: Xia Ning , Cai Yun , Wang Wei , Bao Chen , Li Yunming , Xie Qingyun , Xu Wei , Liu Da
Published: September 2021

Background: Femoral neck fractures are the worst consequence of osteoporosis (OP), and its early prevention and treatment have become a public health problem.This study aims to investigate the relationship of bone-related biomarkers,femoral neck bone mineral density (BMD) and maximum load (Lmax),selecting the indicator which can reflect femoral neck bone loss and reduced bone strength. Methods: A total of 108 patients were recruited from January 2017 to December 2019. Femoral neck BMD, femoral neck Lmaxand bone-related biomarkerswere all measured and analyzed.Results: The expression of femoral neck type I collagen (COL-I)were significantly decreased, whereas other markers were all significantly increased with the decreasing of femoral neck BMD and Lmax(P<0.05). Among them, serum C-terminal telopeptide of type I collagen (CTX)levels and femoral neck osteopontin (OPN) expression were increased in osteopenia. In multiple linear regression analysis,CTX and OPN were independent factorsof femoral neck BMD and Lmax, whereasCOL-I was independent factor affectingLmax(P< 0.05). Moreover, CTX was the independent risk factor of OPN and COL-I(P<0.05).Conclusions: Bone-related biomarkersdo reflect decreased femoral neck bone mass and bone strength. Of them, the CTX increases most significantly in the process of bone loss, and can be used as a surrogate markerof OPN and COL-I for bone loss and reduced bone strength.Early measurement of CTXcouldfacilitate the diagnosis of osteopenia and provide a theoretical basis for delaying the occurrence of femoral neck OP and fragility fractures.
Comparative cost-effectiveness of SARS-CoV-2 vaccine dose fractionation in India: a modelling study
Authors: Du Zhanwei , Cowling Benjamin , Wang Lin , Pandey Abhishek , Lim Wey Wen , Chinazzi Matteo , Piontti Ana Pastore y , Lau Eric , Wu Peng , Malani Anup , Cobey Sarah
Published: September 2021

Given constrained vaccine supplies globally, fractionation of vaccine doses may be an effective strategy for reducing disease and healthcare burdens, even with the emergence of COVID-19 variants. Using a multi-scale model that incorporates population-level transmission and individual-level vaccination, we estimate the costs associated with hospitalization, vaccine costs, and the economic benefit of reducing COVID-19 deaths associated with dose-fractionation strategies. Assuming a willingness-to-pay of US$10,517 per averted year of life lost (YLL) and a price of $12 per vaccine, under various transmission scenarios, with effective reproduction numbers ranging from 1.1 to 5.0 and with vaccine efficacy against transmission from 52% to 91%, the optimal vaccination strategy would always involve fractional doses of vaccines. Vaccine dose fractionation is a cost-effective strategy for mitigating the COVID-19 pandemic and could save a large number of lives, even after the emergence of variants with higher transmissibility.
Quantification of Macular Perfusion in Healthy Children Using Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography
Authors: Ghassemi Fariba , Hatami Vahid , Salari Farhad , Bazvand Fatemeh , Shamouli Hadi , Mohebbi Masoumeh , Sabour Siamak
Published: September 2021

Background: Variations in vessel density (VD) patterns of the macula in children of different ages are unknown.Methods: In this cross-sectional study, subjects with normal eyes aged 3–18 years were enrolled. The macula was scanned by optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA). Four age groups as under 7 years, 7-10 years, 11-14 years and more than 14 years of age were defined. The influences of age, gender, and body mass index on VD were analyzed.Results: A total of 108 normal eyes from 54 participants with a mean age of 10.9 years were enrolled in the study. At the superficial and deep retina capillary plexus (SCP and DCP) and choriocapillaris (CC), the mean VD of the fovea was 20.10%, 36.99%, and 75.67%, respectively; at parafovea, these measurements were 53.12%, 55.81%, and 69.76%, respectively; and at perifovea, these measures were 51.38%, 52.46%, and 73.47%, respectively. The median foveal avascular zone (FAZ) was 0.28 mm2. No significant differences were found between the superior-hemi and inferior-hemi VD of the studied plexuses. The VD at CC parafovea and perifovea differed significantly between groups. Neither age nor sex affected the VD of macular retina or CC. FAZ areas were different between genders.Conclusions: No difference between eyes and genders in the retina and CC VD of macular area was noted. FAZ area was larger in male. While this study is not a longitudinal study but may give us a hint for the macular vascular development during puberty and clinical applications of OCTA in children.
Effects of Hot and Humid Environments on Thermoregulation and Aerobic Endurance Capacity of Laser Sailors
Authors: Xu Yi-Xiao , Gao Bing-Hong , Zhao Yong-Cai , Meng Zhi-Jun , Li Ran
Published: September 2021

The purpose was to investigate the effects of hot and humid environments on thermoregulation and aerobic endurance capacity of Laser sailors. A randomized cross-over design was applied to this study, in which nine Laser sailors performed the 6 km rowing test (6 km test) in both a warm (ambient temperature: 23±1.4 °C; relative humidity: 60.5±0.7 %; wind speed: 0 km/h; WARM) and hot environment (ambient temperature: 31.8±1.1 °C; relative humidity: 63.5 ± 4.9 %; wind speed: 3.5±0.7 km/h; HOT). The time for completing 6 km test of HOT group was significantly longer than that of WARM group (P=0.0014). Mean power of 3-4 km, 4-5 km and 5-6 km were significant lower in HOT group (P=0.014, P=0.02, P=0.003). Gastrointestinal temperature and skin temperature were significantly higher in HOT group during the 6 km test (P=0.016, P=0.04). Heat storage at 5 min and 15 min of HOT group were significantly higher than that of WARM group (P=0.0036; P=0.0018). Heart rate and physiological strain index of HOT group were significantly higher than that of WARM group during the 6 km test (P=0.01, P<0.01). The increase magnitude of skin temperature was more obvious than the changes of core temperature during exercise in hot and humid environments. The higher skin temperature narrowed the core to skin temperature gradient and skin to ambient temperature gradient, which may result in greater accumulation of heat storage. The greater heat storage led to the lower muscle power output, which contributed to the reduction of the heat production.
Floristic Assessment of the Mt. Bandila-an Forest Reserve in Siquijor, Philippines
Authors: Aureo Wilbert A. , Reyes Tomas D. , Jose Reizl P.
Published: September 2021

Mt. Bandila-an Forest Reserve is among the remaining areas with patches of closed forests in Siquijor. This forest reserve is one of the potential key biodiversity areas in Central Visayas, yet the vegetation is not fully documented. This study was conducted to specifically determine the species composition and diversity of plant species. Eight randomly distributed nested plots, each with a dimension of 20m x 100m and subdivided to 5 equal segments of 20m x 20m, were established. A total of 188 species of plants were recorded in the plots, distributed to 131 trees, 23 shrubs, 14 vines, 11 herbs, and 9 ferns. Common plant families with more than 6 representative species were Moraceae, Rubiaceae, Fabaceae, Araceae, Euphorbiaceae, Meliaceae and Myrtaceae. There were 19 threatened (vulnerable to critically endangered) and 33 endemic species recorded in the forest reserve highlighting the importance to further conserve the area. The cluster analysis and species accumulation curve suggest that plant species are not homogeneously distributed which implies that different management and conservation strategies should be implemented across MBFR. These results not only indicate the importance of MBFR but also highlights areas with higher diversity and concentration of threatened and endemic species as a special area of concern.
Mit Aufgaben im inklusiven Mathematikunterricht professionell umgehen - Erkenntnisse einer Interviewstudie mit Lehrpersonen der Sekundarstufe
Authors: Häsel-Weide Uta , Seitz Simone , Wallner Melina , Wilke Yannik , Heckmann Lara
Published: September 2021

Der Beitrag legt Befunde einer interdisziplinär angelegten qualitativen Studie mit angehenden und erfahrenen Lehrpersonen dar, wobei im vorliegenden Beitrag spezifisch die Expertise in Bezug zum Gegenstand Aufgaben fokussiert wird. Um diese zugänglich zu machen, wurden in unserer Studie Expert*innen und Noviz*innen mit erzählgenerierenden Interviews befragt, die in einer Triangulation von qualitativer Inhaltsanalyse und dokumentarischer Methode ausgewertet wurden. Die Ergebnisse zum Interviewgegenstand Aufgaben zeichnen ein heterogenes Bild der Orientierungen, die vor allem die Spannungsfelder inklusionspädagogisch-fachlichen Handelns unter sekundarstufenspezifischen strukturellen Rahmenbedingungen sichtbar machen. Aus den Erkenntnissen werden Folgerungen für die universitäre Bildung abgeleitet.
 
Abstract
The paper presents the findings of an interdisciplinary qualitative interview study with prospective and experienced teachers, whereby the focus of the present paper is on the expertise in relation to the subject tasks. In order to make these accessible, our study questioned experts and novices with narrative-generating interviews, which were evaluated in a triangulation of qualitative content analysis and documentary method. The results of the interviews about the subject tasks draw a heterogeneous picture. This concerns both the explicitness of the interweaving and the visible orientations towards inclusive teaching, which make the areas of tension between pedagogical and professional action under the structural, administrative framework conditions visible. Conclusions for university teaching with prospective teachers will be derived from the findings.
Effects of residual stresses on the bending stiffness of shafts strengthened by enveloping de-formation
Authors: Klimova L. G.
Published: September 2021

The aim was to study the effects of technological residual stresses on the bending stiffness of cylindrical parts of shafts and axes. Experiments were conducted for elongated cylindrical specimens made of steel grade 35 with a diameter of 30 mm using boring and turning methods. Specimens were annealed in a protective medium to remove initial residual stresses. Experiments were carried out using an Amsler laboratory hydraulic testing machine and VK8 grade hard-alloy matrices. The experiments showed that, for an extremely low degree of relative crimping of 0.1 to 0.5%, the size of the layer with tangential residual compression stresses gradually decreases. The stiffness of such cylindrical workpieces remains almost unchanged. An increase in relative crimping (from 0.5 to 1.2%) leads to a decrease in resi dual compression stresses on the part surface. The layer thickness with tangential residual compression stresses starts to increase. This leads to a decreased residual buckling and an increased bending stiffness. It was found that the degree of relative crimping has no effect on the variation of distribution depth of axial residual stresses. Optimal distribution of tangential residual compression stresses can be reached by increasing their depth. A linear relationship was found for relative crimping of 0.1 to 1.0%. The highest bending resistance was recorded for specimens strengthened by residual crimping of about 1.0%. By processing workpieces using enveloping deformation with crimping of 0.1% and loading them with a transverse force of 0.6 kN, bending distortion can be decreased and the strength of parts can be increased by 5 times. It was found that the bending stiffness of cylindrical shafts is greatly affected by residual compression stresses. The bedding depth of residual stresses has various effects on the stiffness of cylindrical parts. Thus, correct use of strengthening enveloping deformation can form a high-quality surface layer on parts with the pre-defined distribution of residual stresses.
Evaluation of the stressed state of cutting elements of coated end-milling hard-alloy combined cutters
Authors: Mokritskii B. Ya. , Vereshchagin V. Yu.
Published: September 2021

This paper compares stresses arising in the tool material of combined end-milling cutters and their admissible values with the purpose of preventing cutter destruction. The limit stress values of tool materials for the developed endmilling hard-alloy combined cutters having an interfaced cutting part and tailpiece were investigated. The cutting part was made of a tool-grade hard alloy, and the tailpiece was made of structural steel. To determine stresses, simulation modelling was carried out in the ANSYS and Deform software. The cutting force components were found experimentally. It was assumed that lower cutting force components lead to lower stresses in the tool material. This results in a lower probability of tool material destruction. The process of cutting the hard-to-cut stainless steel 12Kh18N10T was considered at the following parameters: a cutting speed of 70 m/min, a cutting depth of 1 mm, and a feeding of 0.1 mm/tooth. The tool material VK8 with no coating and with various coatings promoting the reduction of cutting force components was studied. It was confirmed that a combined end-milling cutter 16 mm in diameter and 92 mm long can be used to cut parts with the same accuracy as using a solid end-milling hard-alloy cutter. An increase in the length of combined cutters decreases the cutting accuracy; however, for lengths 123 and 180 mm, these cutters can be used to manufacture parts applied in general machine building. Therefore, combined end-milling cutters can compete with solid cutters in terms of the manufacturing accuracy and resilience period, which limits the existing applicability of solid cutters. The cost of combined cutters is 10–60% lower than that of solid cutters.
Service life tests for storage batteries used in islanded power systems with renewable energy sources
Authors: Оbukhov S. G. , Plotnikov I. А. , Маsolov V. G.
Published: September 2021

We investigated the service life of storage batteries to provide recommendations on the design of energy storage systems used in islanded energy systems based on renewable power sources. The service life of maintenance-free, sealed lead-acid batteries produced by absorbed glass mat (AGM) technology was determined by endurance tests carried out by repeated charge/discharge cycles according to specified load profiles, implemented at a specialized Chroma Test System station. Three battery load profiles were simulated: one for the standard DC charge/discharge mode, and two for the charge/discharge modes from renewable energy sources. To this end, the actual data obtained from monitoring the operating modes of a wind power plant were used. It was found that the battery service life depends on the intensity of stress factors. Among them, the throughput factor has the most pronounced influence on the battery lifespan. To extend the service life of storage batteries, it is proposed to separate the charge/discharge modes in time. For batteries operated on renewable energy profiles, this approach decreases time intervals between full charges and at low battery levels, which increases the battery service life by 14%. A solution to designing an energy storage system for microgrids was proposed, which consists in the use of a combined double-circuit energy storage unit. An experimental prototype of such a unit with a power of 15 kW was developed. The use of a combined energy storage unit in the microgrid system: increases the battery service life by 20–30% compared to analogues; improves the static and dynamic stability of the local energy system with a response time of no more than 50 ms towards power change; allows a fuel replacement level of at least 25%; reduces the electricity cost by 25–30%.
A study of the dependence between fuel consumption of a heat gas turbine and variation of heat loading of regional consumers having various climatic conditions taking into account determination of structural characteristics of heat exchanging equipment for grid water heating
Authors: Stepanova E. L. , Zharkov P. V.
Published: September 2021

The aim was to optimize the dependence between fuel consumption and heat loading of regional consumers varied due to climatic conditions, taking into account the determination of structural characteristics of heat exchanging equipment for grid water heating in a heat gas turbine. A heat gas turbine comprising two fuel combustion chambers, a waste-heat boiler and a contact heat exchanger to heat makeup grid water was investigated. Scheme and parametric optimization studies were carried out using a mathematic model of a gas turbine created using a software and hardware system developed at the Department of Heat Power Systems of the Melentiev Energy Systems Institute, Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences. Th turbine operating conditions differing in heat loads in four suggested operating regions were studied. It was found that an increase in fuel consumption in the second combustion chamber was 29%– 84% compared to that in the first combustion chamber. This rise was recorded when the turbine heat loading was increasing in the considered regions. Data analysis of the scheme and parametric optimization studies showed that, for operating conditions with a higher heat loading, it seems reasonable to ensure the maximum possible heating of makeup grid water as the loading rises. It is also recommended to slightly increase the heat surface area of the makeup grid water heater whose structural materials are less expensive than in a waste-heat boiler. It was shown that the suggested technical solution slightly increases specific capital investments while fully providing electrical and heat power to consumers. The obtained results can be used to select optimal technical solutions ensuring competitiveness in the operation of a heat gas turbine in regions with various climatic characteristics.
Seeing through metamorphic overprints in Archean granulites: Combined high-resolution thermometry and phase equilibrium modeling of the Lewisian Complex, Scotland
Authors: Gopon Phillip , Forshaw Jacob B. , Wade Jon , Waters David J. , Gopon Christine
Published: September 2021

The Lewisian Complex in northwest Scotland presents a record of the transition from the Neo-Archean to the Paleoproterozoic. However, this record is complicated by a long and varied history after peak metamorphism that has erased and/or partially reset much of the early history of the rocks. Such overprinting is a common feature of Archean granulites and poses a substantial problem when trying to understand the tectonic processes that were active prior to the onset of modern plate tectonics.

By combining careful petrography with phase diagram modeling and a range of exchange thermometers we obtain the peak and retrograde temperature history of the Lewisian Complex from a single, well-preserved, representative sample of garnet-bearing mafic granulite. We present the application of high-resolution electron probe microanalysis (HR-EPMA) to characterize sub-micrometer orthopyroxene exsolution lamellae in clinopyroxene. We discuss ways to mitigate issues associated with HR-EPMA including surface contamination, beam drift, standards, and the need to correct for secondary fluorescence effects. The resulting compositions from our HR-EPMA analyses provide an independent measure of the retrograde temperature conditions and can also be used to back-calculate the compositions of clinopyroxene in the peak assemblage.

We obtain peak metamorphic conditions for the Lewisian of >11 kbar and >1025 °C, and constrain subsequent metamorphic overprints to 850 °C (Grt-Cpx), 590 °C (Opx-Cpx), and 460 °C (Mag-Ilm). These peak and retrograde temperatures span the range of those found in the literature. Whereas recent phase equilibrium studies assume equilibrium among all preserved high-T minerals, this study considers microstructural and mineral-chemical evidence for corona formation that reflects post-peak decompression with partial equilibration at ~850 °C, as recognized in some earlier studies.
Imaging with Neutrons
Authors: Artioli Gilberto , Hussey Daniel S.
Published: September 2021

By exploiting the penetration, attenuation, and scattering properties of neutrons, images of matter in two or three dimensions reveal information unobtainable using other probes. Despite the limitation in brilliance of neutron sources, several neutron-based imaging techniques are essential to different aspects of modern geoscience. Typical examples include the evaluation of porosity in rocks and sediments, mapping of light elements in solids, noninvasive probing of cultural heritage objects, investigations of thick engineering components, and the exploration of diffusion and percolation processes of fluids within porous matrices, organo-inorganic composites, and living organisms. Techniques under development include simultaneous neutron and X-ray tomography in heterogeneous media, Bragg-edge imaging, and the possibility of porosimetry from dark-field imaging.
Excitonic States and Related Optical Susceptibility in InN/AlN Quantum Well Under the Effects of the Well Size and Impurity Position
Authors: Jabouti Fathallah , El Ghazi Haddou , En-nadir Redouane , Zorkani Izeddine , Jorio Anouar
Published: September 2021

Based on the finite difference method, linear optical susceptibility, photoluminescence peak and binding energies of three first states of an exciton trapped by a positive charge donor-impurity ( ) confined in InN/AlN quantum well are investigated in terms of well size and impurity position. The electron, heavy hole free and bound excitons allowed eigen-values and corresponding eigen-functions are obtained numerically by solving one-dimensional time-independent Schrödinger equation. Within the parabolic band and effective mass approximations, the calculations are made considering the coupling of the electron in the n-th conduction subband and the heavy hole in the m-th valence subband under the impacts of the well size and impurity position. The obtained results show clearly that the energy, binding energy and photoluminescence peak energy show a decreasing behavior according to well size for both free and bound cases. Moreover, the optical susceptibility associated to exciton transition is strongly red-shift (blue-shifted) with enhancing the well size (impurity position).
HILD PROTECTION OF CHILDREN ON THE MOVE - SERBIAN CONTEXT
Authors:   Republic Institute for Social Protection, Branković Iva , Burgund Isakov Anita ,   Faculty of Political Sciences University of Belgrade
Published: September 2021

This paper presents findings of a research about the systematic solutions to the needs of migrant/ refugee children, who were passing through Serbia during the transit period in 2015 and 2016. The aim of the research is to analyze systematic solutions to the needs of the children and to define recommendations for improving the protection of unaccompanied children during the migrant crisis. It involved 17 professionals from Centers for Social Work and 18 representatives of governmental and non-governmental sector, who shared their experiences by participating in the individual interviews and focus groups. One of the key findings identified is the need to establish mechanisms for enhancing cooperation among stakeholders in relevant systems, especially between the social protection system and the non-governmental organizations at the local level. Furthermore, a special part of the research is dedicated to official child protection procedures in cases of unaccompanied children and children at risk as it was noticed during the research preparation that, in addition to the uncertainty with respect to roles and difficulties in communication among various actors, there is a particularly significant challenge in the child protection system considering the doubts about the steps in the process of protection of children migrants/refugees in the specific circumstances of their passage or prolonged stay in Serbia.
THE CHARACTERISTICS OF BEHAVIOR OF DEAF AND HARD-OF-HEARING LEARNERS IN DIFFERENT TYPES OF SCHOOL ENVIRONMENT
Authors:   Elementary school ’’Radivoj Popović’’, Zemun, Roksandić Ivana , Pavković Ivana ,   Life Skills Improvement Center – Belgrade, Kovačević Jasmina ,   Faculty for special education and rehabilitation – University of Belgrade
Published: September 2021

The school environment is a context that provides students with the opportunity to acquire certain skills during regular teaching, extracurricular and other activities, as well as to manage social relationships, adapting their behavior to specific social demands and interactions. The results of a large number of surveys indicate the specificities and shortcomings in social adaptation, communication, education, problems in the behavior of deaf and hard-of-hearing learners that result from primary damage. This paper analyzes the behavior of deaf and hard-of-hearing students who are educated in regular schools and schools for deaf and hard-of-hearing students, especially aspects of behavior during the class, at the break time, towards friends as well as their emotional attitude. The similarities and the differences in the behavior of deaf and hard-of-hearing learners in different types of school environment are highlighted. Finally, some general guidelines for the approaches to the development of individual educational models of support for deaf and hard-of-hearing students are given. The pointed out fact is the importance of the participation of defectologists in the inclusive school environments in order to provide the expert guidance to the teachers, the teaching staff and theparents in order to create an incentive environment for the development of positive interactions and forms of behavior for deaf and hard-of-hearing students.
CRITICISM OF THE CONSTITUTIONAL ORGANIZATION OF B&H
Authors:   Cantonal Administration for Inspection Affairs of Tuzla Canton, Djedović Edin
Published: September 2021

The Constitution of B&H and Annex IV of the General Framework Agreement for Peace in Bosnia and Herzegovina is the highest legal and political act in B&H. This document ended the war, and at the same time it is the basis of polity, and a path of further development of B&H. Through analysis of constitutional norms of different types and levels of the B&H government, especially its structure, the author concludes that certain regulations about common presence of civil and national elements are not consistent. The author highlights urgency to change the Constitution, and he elaborates on different de lege ferenda suggestions for future constitutional solutions. The author especially highlights that the Constitution of Bosnia and Herzegovina is based on such premises which with its adequate application and changing should gradually enable an appropriate legal system which will affirm the sovereignty of Bosnia’s citizens, achieve equality of constitutive peoples in the whole Bosnia and Herzegovina, and adequately protect rights of national minorities.
INCLUSION AND d/DEAF AND HARD OF HEARING STUDENTS: A QUALITATIVE META-ANALYSIS
Authors:   Department of Special Education, Prince Sattam bin Abdulaziz University, Alasim Khalid , V. Paul Peter ,   Department of Educational Studies, The Ohio State University
Published: September 2021

This study investigated the prominent perspectives on the effects of inclusion on d/Deaf and hard of hearing (d/Dhh) students. A systematic search of databases and journals was conducted. The researchers identified 23 studies that met the inclusion criteria, and other articles were analyzed to support the interpretations and provide suggestions for the improvement of inclusion. Inclusion of d/Dhh students in general education classrooms is controversial because of the students’ unique language and communication needs. In addition, there are contradictory findings regarding the effects of inclusion on academic achievement and social development. These inconsistent findings were primarily due to the use of different research methodologies, different measurements and tests, and the diverse experiences of the home and school environments. Based on the findings of this study, recommendations for further research are suggested.
DIFFERENCES IN TACTILE PERCEPTION IN CHILDREN WITH AND WITHOUT VISUAL IMPAIRMENT
Authors:   Faculty of Education and Rehabilitation, University of Tuzla, B&H, Radžo Alibegović Dženana , Teskeredžića Amela ,   Faculty of Education and Rehabilitation, University of Tuzla, B&H, Kudumović Aldijana ,   School for Education, Education and Rehabilitation of Persons with Difficulties in Psychophysical Development Zenica
Published: September 2021

The aim of this study was to examine the differences in tactile perception in children with and without visual impairment. The study covered 30 examinees with visual impairment and 30 subjects without visual impairment aged 7-13, both sexes. The research was conducted in the "First Elementary School" ("Prva osnovna škola") in Zavidovići and the "Centre for Blind and Visually Impaired Children and Youth" Nedžarići - Sarajevo. The results of the study showed that children with visual impairment have a better developed tactile perception in their entirety, compared to children with no visual impairment, and that there is a statistically significant difference in the individual variables of tactile perception: " Two-Point Discrimination" (right), " Two-Point Discrimination R "(left) and" Stereognosis "(left).
THE IMPACT OF STUTTERING ON THE ABILITY TO ACQUIRE ACADEMIC KNOWLEDGE IN CHILDREN OF SCHOOL AGE
Authors:   University of Belgrade, Faculty of Special Education and Rehabilitation, Republic of Serbia, Dobrota-Davidović Nada , Otašević Jadranka ,   Institute of Psychophysiological Disorders and Speech Pathology "Prof. Dr. Cvetko Brajović",Belgrade, Republic of Serbia, Radević Ljiljana ,   Institute of Psychophysiological Disorders and Speech Pathology "Prof. Dr. Cvetko Brajović",Belgrade, Republic of Serbia
Published: September 2021

The aim of this research was to establish the level of abilities that is a prerequisite for acquiring academic knowledge of children who stutter. The sample consisted of 102 subjects, of whom 42 children were experimental, and 60 children constituted a control group. We used following instruments: Riley test - a test for stuttering estimation, for quantitative speech analysis and ACADIA - a capacity assessment test that is a prerequisite for the acquisition of academic knowledge. The obtained results showed that there are differences in perceptual, visuo-motor, non-verbal and speech-language abilities of children stuttering in relation to children who do not stutter. There is a significant connection between the stuttering and the success of the Serbian language and the stutter and education of the parents. These differences should be used as the starting point in a therapeutic program for working with children who stutter
Microbial source tracking of fecal contamination in Laguna Lake, Philippines using the library-dependent method, rep-PCR
Authors: dela Peña Laurice Beatrice Raphaelle O. , Labrador Kevin L. , Nacario Mae Ashley G. , Bolo Nicole R. , Rivera Windell L.
Published: September 2021

Laguna Lake is an economically important resource in the Philippines, with reports of declining water quality due to fecal pollution. Currently, monitoring methods rely on counting fecal indicator bacteria, which does not supply information on potential sources of contamination. In this study, we predicted sources of Escherichia coli in lake stations and tributaries by establishing a fecal source library composed of rep-PCR DNA fingerprints of human, cattle, swine, poultry, and sewage samples (n = 1,408). We also evaluated three statistical methods for predicting fecal contamination sources in surface waters. Random forest (RF) outperformed k-nearest neighbors and discriminant analysis of principal components in terms of average rates of correct classification in two- (84.85%), three- (82.45%), and five-way (74.77%) categorical splits. Overall, RF exhibited the most balanced prediction, which is crucial for disproportionate libraries. Source tracking of environmental isolates (n = 332) revealed the dominance of sewage (47.59%) followed by human sources (29.22%), poultry (12.65%), swine (7.23%), and cattle (3.31%) using RF. This study demonstrates the promising utility of a library-dependent method in augmenting current monitoring systems for source attribution of fecal contamination in Laguna Lake. This is also the first known report of microbial source tracking using rep-PCR conducted in surface waters of the Laguna Lake watershed.
The Relation between the Plasma Concentrations of Long-Acting Atypical Antipsychotics and Clinical Effectiveness in Patients Affected by Schizophrenia or Schizoaffective Disorder: A Comprehensive Overview
Authors: Capuzzi Enrico , Ceresa Alessandro , Caldiroli Alice , Esposito Cecilia M. , Ossola Paolo , Buoli Massimiliano
Published: September 2021

Atypical antipsychotic depot medications are currently recommended for patients with schizophrenia
(SCZ) to prevent relapse and ameliorate the long-term prognosis of these patients. This review critically summarizes
the available data about the association between the plasma concentrations of long-acting Second-
Generation Antipsychotics (SGAs) and the clinical effectiveness of these compounds in patients affected by
SCZ or schizoaffective disorder. Our question is if the measurement of these concentrations can be helpful for
clinicians in predicting treatment response and clinical stabilization of patients. Bibliographic research on the
main databases was performed, and 13 studies were finally included in this review. Contrasting results were
found between plasma concentrations of long-acting injectable (LAI) risperidone and clinical amelioration according
to rating scale scores. Data are too scanty to draw conclusions for olanzapine and paliperidone. In contrast,
despite small sample sizes, data are quite concordant in showing a relation between long-acting SGA
plasma concentrations and D2 receptor occupancy. Despite the preliminary encouraging results, particularly for
D2 receptor occupancy, future research with larger samples will have to confirm the clinical usefulness of
measuring LAI SGA plasma concentrations to predict the clinical response of patients affected by severe mental
conditions such as SCZ.
Venous Thromboembolism in Patients with Heart Failure
Authors: Bechlioulis Aris , Lakkas Lampros , Rammos Aidonis , Katsouras Christos , Michalis Lampros , Naka Katerina
Published: September 2021

:

Heart failure (HF) and venous thromboembolism (VTE) are common clinical entities, closely interrelated,
sharing multiple pathophysiological mechanisms. Their co-incidence is associated with further worsening
of the prognosis of one another. Despite their frequent co-existence, important clinical questions still remain
unanswered. The risk of VTE especially in chronic HF patients appears to vary widely in clinical studies, while
the VTE-associated risk in HF patients is still not well determined and cannot be accurately predicted. Although
scientific guidelines recommend venous thromboprophylaxis in patients hospitalized with an acute HF syndrome,
venous thromboprophylaxis has not been studied adequately in prospective trials in ambulatory HF patients.
In the present review, we aimed to summarize the current knowledge on the epidemiology of VTE and
HF, the risk prediction for VTE occurrence in HF patients, the impact on patient outcome, and the need for anticoagulation
in certain HF subgroups to improve prognosis, while we sought to identify gaps in knowledge that
need to be addressed in the future.
SARS-COV-2 in Type 2 Diabetic Patients: Possible Roles of Exercise
Training as a Medicine
Authors: Parvani Mohsen , Kushkestani Mehdi , Kazemzadeh Yaser
Published: September 2021

:

SARS-COV-2 is the novel type of beta coronavirus that was first evolved in December
2019 in Wuhan, China. People with type 2 diabetes are the most vulnerable group to SARS-COV-2
and its associated complications. Many factors such as medication, pathophysiologic-induced compensatory
mechanisms, and alterations in protein expression and immune system function can all
contribute to severe outcomes in diabetics. In this review article, we first described the possible
mechanisms of increased risk and more severe complications rate of SARS-COV-2 in diabetic patients.
Secondly, we discussed the crucial role of exercise in diabetic patients in balancing the RAS
system (ACE2/ACE). Finally, we examine the possible roles of acute and chronic exercise in reducing
SARS-COV-2 severe outcomes in people with diabetes in accordance with the latest evidence.
We concluded that regular exercise (especially moderate-intensity exercise) can play a role in immune-
enhancing, anti-inflammatory, and anti-oxidant activities and can balance the ACE2/ACE ratio
(decreasing ANG2 levels) in diabetic subjects.
Biomarkers in Unstable Carotid Plaque: Physiopathology and Prediction
Authors: Siniscalchi Antonio , Murphy Sean , Gray Cleona , De Sarro Giovambattista , Gallelli Luca
Published: September 2021

Aims:

To study the role of cytokines and vascular inflammatory biomarkers in unstable
carotid plaque

Background:

Clinical studies showed that not only the degree of stenosis but also the type of
carotid plaque can be responsible for ipsilateral ischemic stroke.

Objective:

The objective of this study is to suggest a role for vulnerable carotid atherosclerotic disease
in the occurrence of ischemic stroke.

Methods:

PubMed, Embase, Cochrane library, and reference lists have been used to evaluate articles
published until February 15, 2021.

Results:

Several factors may be involved in unstable plaque. Clinical studies support the involvement
of brain inflammatory biomarkers as well as cytokines in the unstable carotid plaque.

Conclusions:

Biomarkers could help to stratify patients with a vulnerable carotid plaque and to personalize
the drug treatment. In this review, we briefly discuss the characteristics of vulnerable
plaque and the role of biomarkers in the vulnerable carotid plaque.
Combined Treatment with Laser Ablation and Tyrosine-Kinase Inhibitor
as A Novel Multimodality Approach to Locally Advanced Thyroid Cancer:
A Case Report
Authors: Persichetti Agnese , Monti Salvatore , Coccaro Carmela , Presciuttini Federica , Deiana Maria Grazia , Bizzarri Giancarlo , Bianchini Antonio , Triggiani Vincenzo , Papini Enrico , Guglielmi Rinaldo
Published: September 2021

Background:

Direct locoregional treatments were recently proposed for the local control
of cervical and distant metastasis of thyroid cancer, but data on their use as part of a multimodality
approach for primary thyroid tumors are poor. In this feasibility study, laser ablation (LTA)
was successfully used for the initial debulking of unresectable radioiodine-refractory thyroid cancer
in sequential therapy with Tyrosine-Kinase Inhibitors (TKI).

Case Presentation:

A 69-year-old woman underwent partial resection of papillary thyroid cancer
with extensive tracheal infiltration. Post-treatment whole-body scan (131I, 8140 MBq) showed the
absence of cervical thyroid uptake. The patient experienced a rapid increase in her cervical mass associated
with dysphonia, dyspnea, and dysphagia. Due to a concomitant severe hypertensive state
and cardiac failure, the patient was treated with LTA after a multidisciplinary consultation. After local
anesthesia, two 300 nm optic fibers were inserted into the lesion through 21G spinal needles.
Two illuminations with 4-watt output power and 3600 Joules energy delivery were performed with
a diode-laser source. LTA resulted in rapid cancer debulking, and mass volume decreased from
23.9 to 7.5 mL resulting in significant improvement of pressure symptoms. Three months later, the
patient was started on lenvatinib due to the initial regrowth of the tumor mass. The cervical tumor
burden was controlled by TKI for 20 months when a rapid disease progression occurred, and the patient
died.

Discussion:

Locally advanced, unresectable, and radioiodine-refractory thyroid tumors can be managed
with a novel multimodality approach. The initial debulking with LTA of the locally aggressive
disease results in rapid control of the tumor burden threatening patients’ life and is effectively
followed by long-term control with TKI treatment.

Conclusion:

Based on this experience, sequential multimodality treatment with an initial locally directed
laser ablation procedure followed by TKI therapy may be considered as a salvage option in
patients with unresectable and rapidly progressive RR thyroid tumors.
Demans Tanısı Alan ve Almayan Geriatrik Bireylerin Beslenme Durumlarının Değerlendirilmesi
Authors: YILMAZ Gülçin , KARACA Kezban Esen
Published: September 2021

Giriş: Demans tanısı alan ve almayan geriatrik bireylerin malnütrisyon ve beslenme durumlarını değerlendirmek, geriatrik bireylerin el kavrama gücü değerlendirilip demans tanısı alan ve almayan bireyler arasındaki farkı belirlemek amaçlanmıştır. Yöntem: Bu çalışma, Kastamonu Devlet Hastanesi Nöroloji Polikliniğine başvuran, demans tanısı alan ve almayan bireylerin beslenme durumlarını karşılaştırmak amacıyla yapılmıştır. Çalışmanın örneklemini 65 yaş ve üzeri 51 demans tanısı alan ve 51 demans tanısı almayan geriatrik birey oluşturmaktadır. Gruplar randomize yöntemle belirlenmiştir. Katılımcıların, antropometrik ölçümleri ve besin tüketim kayıtları alınmıştır. Beslenme Risk Taraması (NSI), Katz Günlük Yaşam Aktiviteleri Ölçeği (GYA), Lawton&BrodyEnstrümental Günlük Yaşam Aktiviteleri Ölçeği (EGYA) ve EAT-26 Yeme Davranışı Ölçeği uygulanmıştır. Bulgular: Demans tanısı alan bireylerin %58,8’si (n=30) kadın, %41,2’si (n=21) erkek, demans tanısı almayan bireylerin ise %70,5’i (n=36) kadın, %29,5’i (n=15) erkektir. Demans tanısı alan bireylerin yaş ortalaması 78,84 ± 7,84 yıl, demans tanısı almayan bireylerin yaş ortalaması 75,02 ± 72,26 yıl olarak saptanmıştır. Demans ile malnütrisyon arasında anlamlı bir farklılık olduğu(p=0,001), demans arttıkça malnütrisyonun arttığı belirlenmiştir. Demans tanısı alan bireylerin GYA ve EGYA ölçek puanlarının ortalaması (sırasıyla; 4,04±1,47, 2,12±2,41) demans tanısı almayan bireylerden (sırasıyla; 5,43±0,92, 5,00±2.57) daha düşüktür. El kavrama gücü ve demans arasında istatistiksel olarak anlamlı bir fark bulunmamıştır (p>0,05). Sonuç: Ülkemizde ve dünyada sayısı giderek artmakta olan demans hastalığının önemli ve gözden kaçabilen komplikasyonlarından birisi de malnutrisyondur. Beslenme durumu demans tanısı konan bireylerde ilk görüşmede ve hastalığın takiplerinde düzenli olarak değerlendirilmelidir. Malnütrisyonun engellenmesi ve fonksiyonel bağımsızlığın sürdürülebilmesi için hastanın yeterli ve dengeli beslenmesi sağlanmalıdır. Beslenmenin demansa olan etkilerinin incelenmesi için daha fazla çalışma yapılması tıbbi beslenme tedavisine fayda sağlayacaktır.
Features of the influence of intermediate rail fastenings on the operational durability of rails
Authors: Kuznetsova N. V. , Sidorova E. A.
Published: September 2021

Heat-strengthened rails of the R65 type are the main type of rails used on the railway network of Russian Railways. Reducing the number of cropped and acutely defective rails is possible due to the rational use of the design features of intermediate rail fasteners and their current content.

The article presents study results of the stiffness influence of intermediate fasteners on the operational durability of rails. The general statistics of the use of various types of intermediate rail fastenings on the network of Russian railways is considered. The main results of previously published studies on the effect of the stiffness of intermediate rail fasteners on the accumulation of contact fatigue damage in rails are briefly presented.

Calculations of the accumulation of contact-fatigue damages in rails, carried out by the authors, are based on the data on the vertical and horizontal transverse stiffness of intermediate rail fastenings obtained from the results of bench tests. Calculations of the accumulation of contact-fatigue damage were carried out using the “Universal Mechanism” software package. In the process of modeling, four types of intermediate rail fasteners were considered: ARS-4, ZhBR-65Sh, ZhBR-65PShM and W-30. Calculation results were obtained for a curve with a radius of 650 m on a continuous welded track section.