bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
CRIMINOLOGICAL AND PENAL ASPECTS OF ISSUING A FALSE OPINION BY AN EXPERT WITNESS - DRAFT REPORT ON RESEARCH PROJECT WITH PROPOSALS FOR CHANGES IN THE LAW DETERMINING THE LEGAL STATUS OF EXPERT WITNESSES
Authors: JÓŹWICKI KRZYSZTOF
Published: April 2020

Evidence in the form of an expert opinion is usually of key importance
for settling a pending case in any type of proceedings. In some cases, the role
of the expert witness is closer to that of a judge rather than that of a witness,
since a judge who does not have special knowledge often has to use evidence given
by an expert to render a judgement. For this reason, issuing a false expert opinion
results in a very high risk of delivering a wrong and unfair decision in a given case,
which in turn has a negative impact on the social perception of the functioning
of the justice system.
In the Polish Criminal Code, criminal responsibility for issuing a false opinion
is stipulated in Article 233 (4) and (4a) of the Penal Code. At the same time, despite
a very large number of reports of suspicion that a crime has been committed
by an expert witness, only a negligible number of investigations result in a bill
of indictment and a conviction, which causes virtual impunity of perpetrators and
has a negative impact on the functioning of criminal justice.
Due to the diagnosed research gap in this area, the need to investigate and describe
the phenomenon of issuing false opinions by expert witnesses, both in normative
and criminological terms, on the basis of empirical research, has been
clearly seen.
The main objective of the research has been to characterise the phenomenon
in question on many levels and to determine its real extent, its etiology and symptomatology.
An additional aim of the research has been the verifi cation of research
hypotheses and recognition of the normative sphere of the expert witness’s status,
expert evidence, and principles of responsibility for issuing false opinions. The research
fi ndings have resulted in proposals of solutions aimed both at limiting the
phenomenon of issuing false opinions and more effective prosecution of perpetrators
of crimes under Article 233 (4) of the Penal Code, which in turn may translate
into more effi cient functioning of the entire justice system, as expert witnesses and
their work are an extremely important aspect of thereof.
The conducted research has fully confi rmed the research hypotheses and precisely
indicated defective areas of expert evidence, and consequently the need
to introduce immediate legislative changes. Some of the research conclusions and
de lege ferenda postulates were implemented into the amended provisions of the
Penal Code in 2016, which fully confi rms their legitimacy. Unfortunately, there
is still no legal act of statutory rank which would comprehensively regulate the
status of expert witnesses and expert evidence.
KABA Subject Headings and the National Library of Poland Descriptors in Light of Wojciech Wrzosek’s Theory of Historiographical Metaphors and Different Historiographical Traditions
Authors: Włodarczyk Bartłomiej
Published: April 2020

The aims of this article are, first, to provide a necessary background to investigate the discipline of history from the knowledge organization (KO) perspective, and secondly, to present, on selected examples, a way of analyzing knowledge organization systems (KOSs) from the point of view of the theory of history. The study includes a literature review and epistemological analysis. It provides a preliminary analysis of history in two selected universal Polish KOSs: KABA subject headings and the National Library of Poland Descriptors. The research is restricted to the high-level concept of historiographical metaphors coined by Wojciech Wrzosek and how they can be utilized in analyzing KOSs. The analysis of the structure of the KOSs and indexing practices of selected history books is performed. A particular emphasis is placed upon the requirements of classical and non-classical historiography in the context of KO. Although the knowledge about historiographical metaphors given by Wrzosek can be helpful for the analysis and improvement of KOSs, it seems that their broad character can provide the creators only with some general guidelines. Historical research is multidimensional, which is why the general remarks presented in this article need to be supplemented with in-depth theoretical and empirical analyses of historiography.
Tělesná výchova v kurikulu Anglie: komparace s RVP ZV
Authors: Lupač Michal
Published: April 2020

Příspěvek je zaměřen na analýzu projektovaného kurikula tělesné výchovy (TV) v Anglii a jeho porovnání s RVP ZV z hlediska koncepce TV, cílů, vzdělávacího obsahu a vybraných kvalit kurikulárních dokumentů, kterými jsou návodnost a vnitřní koherence. Pro zasazení problematiky do širšího kontextu nabízí příspěvek stručný exkurz do vzdělávacího systému v Anglii. Výběr státu se opírá o Naulovo vymezení koncepcí TV (2011, s. 9), podle kterého koncepce TV v Anglii inklinuje ke sportovní koncepci. Naul však pracuje s daty z 90. let, proto je jedním z cílů ověřit, zda je toto koncepční směřování nadále platné. Výzkum byl designován na základě problémového přístupu s využitím metody komparace. Pro sběr dat byla využita obsahová analýza textů. Výsledky naznačují, že vzdělávací obsah anglického kurikula vykazuje silné směřování ke sportovní koncepci TV. To je však v mírném rozporu s cíli TV, které sice rovněž částečně směřují ke sportovní koncepci, ale jsou značně postojové a ještě výrazněji směřují k celoživotní pohybové aktivitě. Tato nesourodost ovlivňuje míru vnitřní koherence. Cíle jsou v anglickém kurikulu TV definovány velmi obecně, dále jsou jen velmi málo rozpracovány a některé z nich nejsou podpořeny adekvátním vzdělávacím obsahem. Z hlediska návodnosti proto můžeme konstatovat, že anglické kurikulum TV je na nižší úrovni než RVP ZV. Při porovnání vzdělávacího obsahu vyplynulo, že učivo v českém kurikulu je širší a hlubší.
SUDDEN DEATH SYNDROME CAUSED BY CARDIAC TUMOR
Authors: Petrovic Rodic Dusica
Published: April 2020

Cardiac tumors are rare (occurring in 0.002-0.3% of autopsies) in all age groups, but they are of clinical relevance due to the affected organ (1). They are classified into primary (benign and malignant) and secondary (metastatic). Myxoma is the most common primary benign cardiac tumor which is usually derived from the multipotent mesenchymal cells of the septum within the left atrium, and due to its localization, it can be considered as "functionally malignant". In autopsy series, it accounts for approximately 50% and in surgical series for up to 80% of all primary cardiac tumors (2). This paper presents a case of cardiac myxoma which is echocardiographically diagnosed in a 34-year-old woman who died suddenly, several days before the scheduled surgery. The diagnosis of the disease was confirmed after the autopsy, by a routine haematoxylin-eosin (H&E) staining method and an additional immunohistochemistry method (IHC). By presenting a rare clinical case, we emphasize the fact that every diagnosed cardiac tumor requires immediate cardiac surgery without delay.

 

Keywords: cardiac tumors, myxoma, autopsy
Editorial
Authors: Suárez Ortega Magdalena , Malik Liévano Beatriz
Published: April 2020

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Percepción social de la orientación escolar en orientadores de Bogotá
Authors: Hernández Salamanca Oscar Gilberto
Published: April 2020

RESUMENSe presentan los resultados de una encuesta de percepción social sobre la orientación escolar diligenciada por 1007 orientadores de Bogotá. Esta encuesta se realizó con el apoyo de la Secretaría de Educación de la ciudad en el marco del Congreso de Orientación y Asesoría Escolar realizado en 2018. Estuvo compuesta por 10 ítems con respuesta tipo Likert sobre aspectos relativos a la actividad profesional. Se compararon las respuestas según la formación de pregrado del orientador, ya que en Colombia ese cargo está abierto a distintas profesiones. Los datos se analizaron en términos de variables nominales y ordinales dada la naturaleza de las escalas Likert y con el estadístico chi cuadrado. Entre los resultados se destacan: (a) La percepción social general de los orientadores hacia la orientación es favorable pese a las dificultades que enfrentan en su trabajo. Dicha favorabilidad es consecuencia de la reflexión sobre su práctica. (b) La formación de pregrado del orientador influye en la percepción de la orientación como una actividad docente X2 (12, N=1007) =32.152, p <0.05. Aunque no todos los orientadores participantes se ven a sí mismos como maestros, en sus actividades promueven procesos de formación. Esto coincide con el panorama de la investigación correspondiente y fundamenta discusiones frente a la relevancia de la formación in situ de los orientadores y a la dimensión pedagógica de su práctica.ABSTRACTThis paper presents the results of a survey of social perception on school guidance completed by 1007 Bogotá’s counselors. This survey was carried out with the support of the Ministry of Education of the city within the framework of the School Counseling and Advisory Congress held in 2017. It was composed of 10 items with a Likert-type response on aspects related to professional activity. The answers were compared according to the undergraduate training of the counselor, since in Colombia that position is open to different professions. The data were analyzed in terms of nominal and ordinal variables given the nature of the Likert scales and the chi-square statistic. Among the results are: (a) the general social perception of counselors towards guidance is favorable despite the difficulties they face in their work. Said favorability is a consequence of the reflection on its practice. (b) The undergraduate training of the counselor influences the perception of the orientation as a teaching activity X2 (12, N = 1007) = 32,152, p <0.05. Although not all participating counselors see themselves as teachers, in their activities promotes training processes this coincides with the panorama of the corresponding research and bases discussions on the relevance of the in-situ training of counselors and the pedagogical dimension of their practice.
Información General
Authors: Editorial Equipo
Published: April 2020

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Optimizacija zdravljenja s ciklosporinom v Univerzitetnem kliničnem centru Maribor
Authors: Stopinšek Mateja , Drofenik Polonca , Bevc Sebastjan , Roškar Zlatko , Holc Iztok , Gorenjak Maksimiljan , Mrhar Aleš
Published: April 2020

Izhodišče: Ciklosporin je imunosupresivna zdravilna učinkovina, ki se uporablja pri presaditvah čvrstih organov in krvotvornih matičnih celic ter pri zdravljenju nekaterih avtoimunskih bolezni. Ker gre za učinkovino z ozkim terapevtskim območjem, številnimi interakcijami ter veliko inter- in intraindividualno variabilnostjo farmakokinetičnih parametrov, lahko s terapevtskim spremljanjem koncentracije v krvi (angl.  Therapeutic Drug Monitoring, TDM) in z individualnim odmerjanjem bistveno izboljšamo varnost ter učinkovitost zdravljenja. V raziskavi smo želeli preveriti, ali računalniško podprta storitev TDM kot dejavnost klinične farmacije prispeva k optimizaciji zdravljenja s ciklosporinom pri bolnikih z avtoimunskimi boleznimi.

Metode: V UKC Maribor smo leta 2016 izvedli prospektivno 6-mesečno raziskavo, v katero smo vključili vse bolnike, ki se trajno zdravijo s ciklosporinom zaradi avtoimunskih bolezni. Raziskava je bila razdeljena na opazovalno in na intervencijsko obdobje, v katerem smo za interpretacijo izmerjenih koncentracij ciklosporina v krvi ter za izračun najprimernejšega režima odmerjanja uvedli farmakokinetični program DoseMeÒ. V opazovalnem obdobju je bilo v raziskavo vključenih 8, v intervencijskem pa 9 bolnikov; od tega smo 6 bolnikov spremljali v obeh obdobjih. S spremljanjem izbranih parametrov smo primerjali uspešnost zdravljenja s ciklosporinom v obeh obdobjih. Za statistično analizo rezultatov smo uporabili računalniška programa IBM SPSS StatisticsÒ in Microsoft® Office Excel.

Rezultati: V opazovalnem obdobju je bilo opravljenih 24 meritev minimalne koncentracije ciklosporina v krvi (C0), v intervencijskem obdobju pa 18. Odzivni čas od meritve do vpisa v medicinsko dokumentacijo je v opazovalnem obdobju znašal 17,4 dni, v intervencijskem pa 6,8 dni. V obeh obdobjih petina opravljenih meritev C0 ni imela zabeleženega zdravnikovega mnenja v medicinsko dokumentacijo. Delež meritev C0, ki so bile v ustreznem območju, se je v intervencijskem obdobju z 38 % povečal na 67 %, število dni v terapevtskem območju pa s 37,5 na 70 dni.

Zaključek: Z raziskavo smo potrdili pomen terapevtskega spremljanja koncentracij pri optimiziranju zdravljenja s ciklosporinom. Odzivni čas od meritve koncentracije do vpisa zdravnikovega mnenja v medicinsko dokumentacijo se je v intervencijskem obdobju skrajšal, povečalo se je število doseženih ciljnih koncentracij v krvi ter ocena števila dni, ko so bile koncentracije ciklosporina pri bolnikih v terapevtskem območju. Na našem vzorcu bolnikov se je farmakokinetični program DoseMe® izkazal kot uporaben pripomoček.
Zdravljenje glotisne insuficience z injiciranjem v glasilke
Authors: Krištofelc Nejc , Hočevar Boltežar Irena
Published: April 2020

Izhodišče: Za injiciranje različnih materialov v glasilko se odločimo v primeru sulkusa, brazgotine, pareze in atrofije glasilke. Ta stanja povzročajo nepopolno zaporo glotisa in vplivajo na normalno širjenje sluzničnega vala glasilke. Glavna bolnikova težava je običajno disfonija, lahko pa so prisotne tudi težave pri požiranju.Metode: Za okrepitev glasilke snov vbrizgamo globoko v tiroaritenoidno mišico, s tem povečamo njeno prostornino ter zmanjšamo glotisno insuficienco. Glede na izraženost bolnikovih težav in napoved izida uporabljamo različne začasne in dolgo obstojne materiale. Poseg se lahko opravi v splošni anesteziji z direktno mikrolaringoskopijo, v zadnjem času pa se zaradi številnih prednosti in razvijanja transkutanih pristopov vse bolj uveljavlja tudi ambulantno injiciranje v lokalni anesteziji. Velik potencial ima področje tkivnega inženirstva, ki razvija materiale za preprečevanje in zdravljenje brazgotine glasilke, kar je vzrok za nepopolni stik med glasilkama pri addukciji.Lastne izkušnje: Od leta 2006 dalje zdravimo bolnike z glotisno insuficienco z vbrizganjem lastne maščobe v eno ali obe glasilki tudi na Kliniki za ORL in CFK UKC Ljubljana. Pri večini bolnikov je vzrok za nepopoln stik med glasilkama motena gibljivost glasilke, vodilni težavi sta hripavost in manj pogosto zaletavanje pri pitju. Zdravljenje je bilo uspešno pri veliki večini, glas se je izboljšal, težave pri požiranju so se praviloma zmanjšale ali izginile. Le pri manjšem številu bolnikov je bilo čez nekaj let potrebno injiciranje ponoviti zaradi poslabšanja stika med glasilkama. Subjektivno izboljšanje potrjujejo tudi rezultati akustične analize glasu pred in po posegu.
Effect of maternal exercise on maternal and foetal health in obese pregnant women
Authors: Šćepanović Darija , Hrvatin Ivana
Published: April 2020

Background: Obesity during pregnancy represents a global problem and is a major risk factor for complications during pregnancy and labour. Emerging evidence suggests that physical activity during pregnancy might be beneficial for both maternal and foetal health without side effects. The purpose of this systematic review was to review trials evaluating the effect of physical activity on maternal and foetal health in obese pregnant women. Methods: PRISMA guidelines were followed. We searched for randomized controlled trials published until June 2018 on the PubMed, PEDro and CENTRAL databases. We included articles that had a well described physical activity intervention and studied obese pregnant women with BMI > 30 kg/m2.Results: Ten articles were included in the review. All articles included a physical activity intervention, seven articles included also a dietary intervention. Four articles included a pedometer-based intervention, six articles opted for a supervised physical activity intervention. Physical activity with or without dietary intervention had no effect on lowering the risk for gestational diabetes mellitus or improving neonatal or other maternal outcomes. There were mixed results in gestational weight gain and mode of delivery. Conclusion: We can conclude that physical activity during pregnancy has mixed results on maternal and foetal health in obese pregnant women. There is no evidence from randomized controlled trials that PA during pregnancy in obese women improves maternal or neonatal outcomes, and therefore no clear statements on beneficial effects of PA in this population can currently be made.
Evaluación del pensamiento computacional para el aprendizaje de programación de computadoras en educación superior
Authors: Rojas-López Arturo , García-Peñalvo Francisco José
Published: April 2020

El trabajo describe los resultados que se han obtenido de la evaluación del pensamiento computacional del 2016 al 2019 para determinar un estado diagnóstico de los estudiantes que cursan la materia inicial programación de computadoras en educación superior. El caso de estudio se enmarca en el nivel técnico superior universitario en Puebla-México, pero se ha realizado también un diseño experimental para la universidad tecnológica de Chile. Por medio de la selección de cinco reactivos en correspondencia a cinco habilidades del pensamiento computacional (abstracción, generalización, descomposición, diseño algorítmico y evaluación) se establece una relación con los contenidos temáticos del curso, por lo anterior, se ha podido determinar cuales serían las fortalezas y debilidades de los estudiantes con el objetivo de apoyar su desempeño académico. Dos resultados destacan del trabajo realizado. Primero, conocer a través de dos encuestas solicitadas durante cada intervención, el impacto en los estudiantes de la evaluación para la adquisición de las competencias. Segundo, a partir de la tercera intervención, obtener una predicción de la retención de matrícula al menos para el primer cuatrimestre.

The objective of the article is to present the knowledge generated by carrying out an evaluation of specific computational thinking skills from 2016 to 2019. The aforementioned to determine the initial status of new students to the information technology career at the Universidad Tecnológica de Puebla -Mexico and promote academic performance in the Programming Methodology course in higher education. Through the selection of five items corresponding to five computational thinking skills (abstraction, generalization, decomposition, algorithmic design and evaluation) a relationship is established with the thematic contents of the course; therefore, it has been possible to determine what the strengths and weaknesses of students in order to support their academic performance. Two results stand out from the work done. First, the favorable impact on students for the acquisition of skills through surveys requested during each intervention. Second, from the third intervention, obtain a prediction of enrollment retention for at least the first four-month period. Based on the experimental design carried out in Mexico, the design proposal for the Technological University of Chile is also discussed.
LearningML: A Tool to Foster Computational Thinking Skills Through Practical Artificial Intelligence Projects
Authors: Rodríguez García Juan David , Moreno-León Jesús , Román-González Marcos , Robles Gregorio
Published: April 2020

El uso de sistemas de inteligencia artificial en múltiples niveles de la sociedad ofrece nuevas y prósperas oportunidades, pero también introduce nuevos riesgos y cuestiones éticas que deben abordarse. Sostenemos que la introducción de contenidos de inteligencia artificial en las escuelas a través de proyectos prácticos es el camino a seguir para educar ciudadanos conscientes y críticos, para despertar vocaciones entre los jóvenes, y para fomentar las habilidades de pensamiento computacional de los estudiantes. Sin embargo, la mayoría de las plataformas educativas de programación existentes carecen de algunas características necesarias para desarrollar proyectos completos de IA y, en consecuencia, se requieren nuevas herramientas. En este artículo presentamos LearningML, una nueva plataforma dirigida al aprendizaje automático supervisado, una de las técnicas de IA más exitosas que se encuentra en la base de casi todas las aplicaciones actuales de IA. Este trabajo describe las principales funcionalidades de la herramienta y discute algunas decisiones tomadas durante su diseño, para el que hemos tenido en cuenta las lecciones aprendidas al revisar trabajos anteriores realizados para introducir la IA en la escuela y el análisis de otras soluciones que permiten proyectos prácticos de IA. También se presentan los próximos pasos en el desarrollo de LearningML, que se centran en la validación, tanto aparente como instruccional, de la herramienta.

The use of artificial intelligence systems in multiple levels of society offers new and thriving opportunities, but also introduces new risks and ethical issues that should be dealt with. We argue that the introduction of artificial intelligence contents at schools through practical, hands-on, projects is the way to go in order to educate conscientious and critical citizens, to awaken vocations among youth people, as well as to foster students’ computational thinking skills. However, most existing programming platforms for education lack some required features to develop complete AI projects and, consequently, new tools are required. In this paper we present LearningML, a new platform aimed at learning supervised Machine Learning, one of the most successful AI techniques that is in the basis of almost every current AI application. This work describes the main functionalities of the tool and discusses some decisions taken during its design, for which we took into account the lessons learned while reviewing previous works carried out for introducing AI in school and from the analysis of other solutions that enable practical AI projects. The next steps in the development of LearningML are also presented, which are focused on both the face and instructional validation of the tool.
Simulador de Robótica Educativa para la promoción del Pensamiento Computacional
Authors: Ángel-Díaz Cristian Manuel , Segredo Eduardo , Arnay Rafael , León Coromoto
Published: April 2020

Este trabajo presenta una herramienta Web libre y gratuita que facilita a cualquier centro educativo la enseñanza de conceptos básicos sobre robótica y programación y que, al mismo tiempo, permite desarrollar habilidades relacionadas con el pensamiento computacional: descomposición, abstracción, reconocimiento de patrones y pensamiento algorítmico. Dicha herramienta permite diseñar y personalizar un robot a través del uso de distintos tipos de sensores. Tras su creación, dicho robot se podrá poner a prueba en un entorno de simulación mediante distintos retos. En dicho entorno podremos definir el comportamiento del robot por medio de un lenguaje de programación visual basado en bloques. Dichos bloques permiten definir las acciones a llevar a cabo por el robot en función de la información recogida por los sensores con el objetivo de superar los desafíos propuestos.

This work presents a free software tool that facilitates the teaching of basic robotics and programming concepts at any educational institution. At the same time, it allows the development of computational thinking skills to be carried out: decomposition, abstraction, pattern recognition and algorithmic thinking. This tool allows the design and configuration of a robot through the specification of different types of sensors. After designing the robot, its behaviour can be simulated by means of different challenges proposed to the user. This behaviour is defined through a block-based visual programming language. Blocks allow actions that the robot has to perform based on the information gathered by the different sensors to be defined in order to pass a challenge.
Parameterized Complexity of Safe Set
Authors: Belmonte Rémy , Hanaka Tesshu , Katsikarelis Ioannis , Lampis Michael , Ono Hirotaka , Otachi Yota
Published: April 2020

In this paper we study the problem of finding a small safe set $S$ in a graph $G$,
i.e., a non-empty set of vertices such that no connected component of $G[S]$
is adjacent to a larger component in $G - S$.
We enhance our understanding of the problem from the viewpoint of parameterized complexity by showing that
(1) the problem is W[2]-hard when parameterized by the pathwidth $\mathsf{pw}$ and cannot be solved in time $n^{o(\mathsf{pw})}$ unless the ETH is false,
(2) it admits no polynomial kernel parameterized by the vertex cover number $\mathsf{vc}$ unless $\mathrm{PH} = \Sigma^{\mathrm{p}}_{3}$, but
(3) it is fixed-parameter tractable (FPT) when parameterized by the neighborhood diversity $\mathsf{nd}$, and
(4) it can be solved in time $n^{f(\mathsf{cw})}$ for some double exponential function $f$ where $\mathsf{cw}$ is the clique-width.
We also present (5) a faster fixed-parameter algorithm when parameterized by the solution size.
Variation of lignite ash in vertical and horizontal sections of mining wallsin the Konin Lignite Mine, central Poland
Authors: Chomiak Lilianna
Published: April 2020

This paper focuses on the variations of lignite ash along selected sections and mining walls from three lignite opencast mines in central Poland. They are owned by the Konin Lignite Mine, where the first Mid-Polish lignite seam is being mined to produce electricity. Ash content in lignite is important because ash lowers the calorific value of the lignite. The results obtained are based on 266 samples of lignite collected from the Drzewce, Tomisławice, and Jóźwin IIB opencasts. All samples were tested according to ISO 1171 standard procedures, that is, they were first burned at a temperature of 850°C, then the ash content was determined on a dry basis (Ad), be-fore the basic statistical parameters were calculated. The studied lignite seam is characterised by a variable distribution pattern of ash both along selected vertical sections and lignite walls, as well as between the three open-casts. The ash content of individual samples ranged from 6.5 to 69.8 wt%, while the average content in opencast mines varied from 9.7 to 17.6 wt%. The coefficient of variation is large (80.23–96.33%) in the case of the Drzewce and Tomisławice, and low to average (14.53–37.75%) in the case of Jóźwin IIB. Significant ash enrichment of some beds is interpreted in this article as a consequence of floods occurring in a Mid-Miocene mire (backswamp), but also of chemical precipitation. When lignite is burned to generate electricity, a relatively large amount of ash is produced. Therefore, recognition of ash content in lignite, in addition to the chemical composition and phase of ash, is recommended to better protect the environment. At the first stage of protection, it can be best achieved by analysing field samples for ash content.
Pattern of Capsule and Seed Development in Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) as Influenced by Seed Priming
Authors: Biswas Utpal , Das Rupa , Dutta Amitava
Published: April 2020

Aim: To study the influence of seed priming on the pattern of capsule and seed development in sesame.

Place and Duration of Study: The field experiment was conducted during the pre kharif seasons of 2017-2018 and 2018-2019 in sesame variety Savitri at AB Block farm, Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Kalyani, Nadia, West Bengal, India.

Methodology: Experiment was laid out in split plot design with 3 replications. Ten schedules of seed priming viz T1 (KNO3 @ 10 mM), T2 (KNO3 @ 20 mM), T3 (KNO3 @ 50 mM), T4 (KH2PO4 @ 50 mM), T5 (KH2PO4 @ 100 mM),T6 (KH2PO4 @ 200 mM), T7 [Polyethylene glycol (PEG) 6000 @ -0.4 MPa], T8 [Polyethylene glycol (PEG) 6000 @ -0.3 MPa], T9 [Polyethylene glycol (PEG) 6000 @ -0.2 MPa], T10 Distilled water (Hydro priming) along with control T11 (Dry seed) were taken as main plot treatment and stage of harvest was considered as sub plot treatment. The pattern of capsule and seed development was studied at 10 days after anthesis (DAA), 20 days after anthesis (DAA), 30 days after anthesis (DAA), 40 days after anthesis (DAA) and 50 days after anthesis (DAA) interval. Ten plants from each replication and in each treatment were selected at random to record data on morphological and physiological characters.

Results: Fresh capsule length, fresh capsule breadth, fresh capsule weight, fresh seed weight and dry seed weight showed a steady increase up to 40 days after anthesis (DAA) then decreased slowly up to maturity.

Conclusion: Considering seed yield and quality parameters, T7 [Polyethylene glycol (PEG) 6000 @ -0.4 MPa] and T9 [Polyethylene glycol (PEG) 6000 @ -0.2 MPa] appears to be ideal among the treatments for quality seed production in sesame.
Thermal Degradation Conditions Effects on Selected Biomass Wastes and Characterization of Their Produced Biochar
Authors: Mogaji Taye Stephen , Moses Emmanuel O. , Idowu Emmanuel Tolulope , Jen Tien-Chien
Published: April 2020

Biochar has been proved to be effective in soil amelioration applications, carbon sequestration and also reduce GHG emissions which causes global warming. Biomass stands a greater chance of prevailing as a good source for the production of biochar, which in turn can be a solution for waste management. However, pyrolysis conditions for biochar production, together with feedstock characteristics largely control the physical and chemical properties of the yield biochar product. In this study, investigation on thermal degradation conditions effects on biochar production is carried out. Bio-char was produced using 35.3 litres fixed bed reactor from pyrolysis of Corn Cob (CC), Palm Kernel Shell (PKS) and Sugarcane Bagasse (SB) at temperatures ranging from 100°C to 500°C. The feedstock was also blended in ratio to each other and pyrolyzed to 250°C and 400°C. The analyzed results showed that higher pyrolysis temperatures resulted in lower bio-char mass recovery, higher ash contents, decreased fixed carbon and moisture content. Product characterization also showed that the produced biochar, independent of biomass waste type contained negligible amount of Sulphur (S) and Nitrogen which resulted in lower emission of SO2 and NO2 during the combustion process, this behaviour is observed to be more pronounced with the blended biochar samples investigated in this study as a result, the obtained bio-char product can be used directly for heating purposes. ANOVA test results for both volatile matter and Ash content of the produced biochar revealed that the P-value is greater than 0.01 independent of the biochar samples considered whereas for the fixed carbon of the same bio-char samples, P-value less than 0.01 is attained. These results show how control of biomass pyrolysis conditions can improve biochar chemical properties consequently biochar produced from biomass wastes could be a suitable candidate for alternative energy fuels in terms of quality and environment concern.
Measurement of Homocysteine Levels in Pregnant Women with and Without Preeclampsia
Authors: Noori Narjes , Najafian Aida , Saberi Samaneh , Ghasemi Marzieh
Published: April 2020

Introduction: Homocysteine is associated with endothelial dysfunction and cardiovascular disease, and elevated concentrations of homocysteine have been found in preeclampsia. The aim of this study was to determine homocysteine levels in pregnant women with and without preeclampsia.

Methods: This descriptive study conducted on pregnant women with preeclampsia (n = 39) and controls (n = 43) was evaluated by the convenience sampling and data were collected through a questionnaire and paraclinical findings. In the present study, 5cc blood samples were taken from the patients after 8 hours of fasting and sent to the laboratory to determine homocysteine and related metabolites levels. Statistical analyses were done using IBM-SPSS 25.0 and Chi-square test was used for data analysis.

Results: The moderate concentrations of homocysteine and uric acid were significantly higher than the control group in maternal plasma with preeclampsia (0.0001).

Conclusion: We found that the blood homocysteine levels were significantly higher in the preeclampsia group compared with the Controls group. Measuring uric acid and blood homocysteine levels in pregnancy may be helpful as diagnostic tests in the early detection of high risk individuals.
Trends in the Outpatient Prescribing of Clopidogrel
Authors: Ahmed Nehad J.
Published: April 2020

Aim: This study aims to evaluate the trends in outpatient prescribing of clopidogrel in order to guide the physicians to appropriate clopidogrel prescribing practice in Alkharj.

Methodology: This is a retrospective study that was conducted in a public hospital in Alkharj city. The outpatient prescriptions were reviewed to evaluate the prescription patterns of clopidogrel in the period between 01-01- 2018 and 31-12-2018. The data were collected and analyzed using Excel software; the descriptive data were represented by frequencies and percentages.

Results: The majority of the patients who received clopidogrel were in the ages between 50 to 69. The majority of the prescribing physicians were residents followed by specialists. Cardiology (50.00%) followed by Internal Medicine (23.71%) were the departments that prescribed the majority of Clopidogrel.

Conclusion: Clopidogrel was used frequently and mainly alone without combination. It is prescribed primarily by resident prescribers who are usually with less experience than specialists and consultants. It is important to prescribe it appropriately and it is the responsibility of pharmacists to check for the appropriateness of its dispensing and to check for drug-drug interactions before dispensing it.
A familial t(4;8) translocation segregates with epilepsy and migraine with aura
Authors: Crippa Milena , Malatesta Paola , Bonati Maria Teresa , Trapasso Francesco , Fortunato Francesco , Annesi Grazia , Larizza Lidia , Labate Angelo , Finelli Palma , Perrotti Nicola , Gambardella Antonio
Published: April 2020

Three relatives carrying a t(4;8)(p15.2;p23.2) translocation had juvenile myoclonic epilepsy, self‐limited photosensitive occipital epilepsy and migraine with aura. The t(4;8) translocation interrupted the coding sequence of CSMD1 gene and occurred immediately to the 3’UTR of STIM2 gene. STIM2 was overexpressed in the patient carrying the unbalanced translocation, and all three individuals had a single functional copy of CSMD1. Array CGH study disclosed that these three individuals also carried a deletion at 5q12.3 that involves the RGS7BP gene. The overall results favor the view that CSMD1, STIM2, and RGS7BP genes could contribute to epilepsy and migraine phenotypes in our family.
Metal‐free Nucleophilic Alkoxylation of in Situ‐Generated Azaoxyallyl Cations: Synthesis of Hindered Dialkyl Ether Derivatives
Authors: Chae Son Eun , Kim Sung‐Gon
Published: April 2020

A metal and catalyst‐free, environmentally friendly synthesis of hindered dialkyl ether derivatives has been established via the nucleophilic alkoxylation of alcohols and α‐halohydroxamates. The reactions of a variety of primary and secondary alcohols with azaoxyallyl cations generated in situ from α‐halohydroxamates afforded a wide range of hindered dialkyl ether derivatives in good yields. Moreover, methods for the synthesis of α‐alkoxyhydroxamic acids, α‐alkoxy amides, and α‐hydroxy amides from α‐alkoxy hydroxamates were established.
Zwitter‐wettable acrylic polymeric coating on glasses for anti‐fog applications
Authors: Raula Manoj , Kar Sumit , Ansari Faisal , Das Sandip , Ghosh Swapan K.
Published: April 2020

Anti‐fog coatings have received significant attention because of their versatile applications to reduce light scattering during high humid conditions. Primarily, hydrophilic/superhydrophilic coatings are applied upon the transparent substrate to improve visibility at high humidity. The high solubility of the hydrophilic/superhydrophilic coatings in water is the main drawback for their long‐term operational durability. We will report for the first time the development of functional copolymers which produces water insoluble hydrophilic coating upon application on glass surfaces. Such surfaces are commonly known as “Zwitter‐Wettable” surfaces that have been developed from entirely polymeric substances using methacrylic and acrylic monomers. A series of random copolymers were synthesized using free radical polymerization of the common and commercially available monomers which were subsequently characterized using various analytical techniques, such as, GPC, 1H‐NMR, and FTIR. These newly designed copolymers contained both the hydrophobic parts made up of methyl and 2‐ethylhexyl groups, which provide good stability under high humid conditions and hydroxyl and carboxylic acid groups which will provide the required hydrophilicity or water absorption capacity. These polymeric coatings on the glass surfaces exhibit water advancing contact angles in the range of 57 ± 3° to 78 ± 3° with excellent anti‐fog property. The anti‐fog property of the polymeric films could be tuned easily by changing the ratio of hydrophobic and hydrophilic monomers.
Effects of counter cations on the water vapor sorption properties of alginic acid and alginates
Authors: Shimanuki Niina , Imai Miho , Nagai Kazukiyo
Published: April 2020

In this study, the water vapor sorption of four types of alginate, namely, alginic acid (Alg), Na‐Alg, Ca‐Alg, and NH4‐Alg, were measured, and the effect of differences in counter cations on water vapor solubility and crystallization mechanism associated with the arrangement of hydrogen bonds generated during humidification was investigated. The sorption amounts in the high‐humidity region can be arranged as follows: Na‐Alg > NH4‐Alg > Ca‐Alg > Alg. All samples formed a (C)‐type double helix structure before and after the sorption based on the results of Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and wide‐angle X‐ray diffraction. The counter cation affects the arrangement of the hydrogen bonds in this structure. Only Ca‐Alg possessed a pseudocrosslinking among the (C)‐type double helix structures due to the divalent Ca2+ ions, which induced variations in the crystal arrangement behavior of the other three samples before and after sorption. Cases I–III show a case of how the orientation is aligned with a new hydrogen bond and classified for each sample.
Multi‐marker algorithms based on CXCL13, IL‐10, sIL‐2 receptor, and β2‐microglobulin in cerebrospinal fluid to diagnose CNS lymphoma
Authors: Maeyama Masahiro , Sasayama Takashi , Tanaka Kazuhiro , Nakamizo Satoshi , Tanaka Hirotomo , Nishihara Masamitsu , Fujita Yuichi , Sekiguchi Kenji , Kohta Masaaki , Mizukawa Katsu , Hirose Takanori , Itoh Tomoo , Kohmura Eiji
Published: April 2020

Tumor biopsy is essential for the definitive diagnosis of central nervous system (CNS) lymphoma. However, the biopsy procedure carries the risk of complications such as bleeding, convulsions, and infection. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) β2‐microglobulin (β2‐MG), soluble IL‐2 receptor (sIL‐2R), and interleukin‐10 (IL‐10) are known to be useful diagnostic biomarkers for CNS lymphoma. The C‐X‐C motif chemokine ligand 13 (CXCL13) was recently reported to be another useful biomarker for CNS lymphoma. The purpose of this study is to establish a diagnostic algorithm that can avoid biopsy by combining these diagnostic biomarkers. In the first, we conducted a case‐control study (n = 248) demonstrating that the CSF CXCL13 concentration was significantly increased in CNS lymphoma patients compared with various other brain diseases (AUC = 0.981). We established a multi‐marker diagnostic model using CSF CXCL13, IL‐10, β2‐MG, and sIL‐2R from the results of the case‐control study and then applied the model to a prospective study (n = 104) to evaluate its utility. The multi‐marker diagnostic algorithms had excellent diagnostic performance: the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value were 97%, 97%, 94%, and 99%, respectively. In addition, CSF CXCL13 was a prognostic biomarker for CNS lymphoma patients. Our study suggests that multi‐marker algorithms are important diagnostic tools for patients with CNS lymphoma.
CircSMC3 regulates gastric cancer tumorigenesis by targeting miR‐4720‐3p/TJP1 axis
Authors: Xia Tianfang , Pan Zhenguo , Zhang Jie
Published: April 2020

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are identified to play an evident role in many human cancers, such as gastric cancer. However, the potential mechanisms underlying the circRNA‐induced pathogenesis in gastric cancers are still elusive. The present study is designed to unfold the mechanism by which circRNAs involve in gastric cancer progression. Using circRNAs microarray, we detected the dysregulated circRNAs and identified an upregulated circRNA, circSMC3 (hsa_circ_0000260), in gastric cancer tissues. Patients with high circSMC3 expression levels had a poor overall survival via Kaplan‐Meier survival analysis implied that gastric cancer. Functionally, loss of circSMC3 abolished the proliferation and motility of gastric cancer cells. Mechanically, circSMC3 decreased miR‐4720‐3p expression by acting as a miRNA sponge, and tight junction protein 1 (TJP1) 3′UTR was identified to be the target of miR‐4720‐3p, contributing to a circSMC3/miR‐4720‐3p/TJP1 axis. Thus, our results indicate that circSMC3 promotes gastric cancer cell proliferation and motility through miR‐4720‐3p/TJP1.
Substituent‐Biased CO2 Reduction on Copper Cathodes Modified with Spaced Organic Structures
Authors: Takeuchi Ryuji , Igarashi Ryota , Kubo Kazuyuki , Mizuta Tsutomu , Kume Shoko
Published: April 2020

CO2 reduction directed by organic moieties on Cu cathodes was studied by adopting a newly developed on‐surface modification method. Organic groups compatible with exposed Cu surface atoms were introduced by electrochemically activated Cu(I)‐catalyzed azide alkyne cycloaddition (CuAAC). Three different ethylnyl precursors, each containing 1,3,5‐phenyl, tertiary amine, and 2,5‐pyridyl moieties, were introduced onto a Cu cathode, by reacting with a three‐way azide precursor. The structural characterization of modified electrodes revealed that the modification yielded surfaces composed of exposed surface Cu atoms capable of cooperating with the introduced, barely soluble, organic polymer. The presence of an organic layer on the Cu resulted in improved CO2 reduction efficiency over H2 evolution. The methane/ethylene selectivity was dependent on the kind of moieties used. The proton supplier ability of the modified organic moiety turned out to be involved in the selectivity, as well as with surface copper rearrangement upon anodization. These findings demonstrate that the organic groups at cooperating sites on the surface Cu can offer a powerful tool for selective CO2 reduction.
Electrochemical Characterization and Bioelectrocatalytic H2O2 Sensing of Non‐Symbiotic Hexa‐Coordinated Sugar Beet Hemoglobins
Authors: Sosna Maciej , Leiva‐Eriksson Nélida , Bülow Leif , Ferapontova Elena E.
Published: April 2020

The biological role of non‐symbiotic plant hemoglobins (Hbs) is not well understood. It may involve sensing and signaling of reactive nitrogen and oxygen species–a property that can be used in electrochemical sensing. Here, we electrochemically studied two novel non‐symbiotic Beta vulgaris Hbs: BvHb1.2 and BvHb2 expressed in E. coli. At pH 7, we observed close potentials of their Fe2+/3+ hemes, −349 mV for BvHb1.2 and −345/−457 mV vs. Ag/AgCl for the “open” penta‐/“closed” hexa‐coordinated states of BvHb2. BvHbs bound and bioelectrocatalytically reduced O2 and H2O2 at potentials significantly exceeding their Fe2+/3+ heme potentials. BvHb2, with the onset of H2O2 reduction at 370 mV, enabled O2‐interference‐free 10 μM H2O2 detection at 0 mV, with a 87 nA μM−1 cm−2 sensitivity comparable to some peroxidases. The results underpin broad electrochemical applications of BvHbs in the electroanalysis of reactive species and in electrochemical biotransformations.
Adding active particles for overall aggregation in a mixing tank: A computational study
Authors: Lim Jee Wen , Derksen Jos J.
Published: April 2020

In order to achieve flocculation in a dense agitated solid‐liquid suspension of nonaggregating particles, we explore scenarios where we add a limited amount of aggregative (ie, active) particles that can bind the nonaggregative particles. The performance of this process hinges on the competition between mixing (spreading the active particles over the flow volume) and aggregation among the active particles, with the latter reducing their effectiveness. The research has been conducted in a computational manner: direct simulations of transitional flow in a mixing tank (at an impeller‐based Reynolds number of 4000) are two‐way coupled with the dynamics of a collection of spherical, equally sized particles that are given specific aggregative properties. The overall solids volume fraction is 10%. A small fraction of all solid particles (5.8%) is active. Aggregation is quantified by means of the average coordination number as well as the aggregate size distribution. The way the active particles are released in the tank volume has a significant effect on the overall levels of aggregation, specifically for active particles with a strong aggregative force.
Nonparametric beta kernel estimator for long and short memory time series
Authors: Bouezmarni Taoufik , Bellegem Sébastien , Rabhi Yassir
Published: April 2020

In this article we introduce a nonparametric estimator of the spectral density by smoothing the periodogram using beta kernel density. The estimator is proved to be bounded for short memory data and diverges at the origin for long memory data. The convergence in probability of the relative error and Monte Carlo simulations show that the proposed estimator automatically adapts to the long‐ and the short‐range dependency of the process. A cross‐validation procedure is studied in order to select the nuisance parameter of the estimator. Illustrations on historical as well as most recent returns and absolute returns of the S&P500 index show the performance of the beta kernel estimator.The Canadian Journal of Statistics48: 582–595; 2020 © 2020 Statistical Society of Canada
Antitumour Anthracyclines: Progress and Perspectives
Authors: Martins‐Teixeira Maristela B. , Carvalho Ivone
Published: April 2020

Anthracyclines are ranked among the most effective chemotherapeutics against cancer. They are glycoside drugs comprising the amino sugar daunosamine linked to a hydroxy anthraquinone aglycone, and act by DNA intercalation, oxidative stress generation and topoisomerase II poisoning. Regardless of their therapeutic value, multidrug resistance and severe cardiotoxicity are important limitations of anthracycline treatment that have prompted the discovery of novel analogues. This review covers the most clinically relevant anthracyclines and their development over decades, since the first discovered natural prototypes to recent semisynthetic and synthetic derivatives. These include registered drugs, drug candidates undergoing clinical trials, and compounds under pre‐clinical investigation. The impact of the structural modifications on antitumour activity, toxicity and resistance profile is addressed.