bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Performance of Hollow Reinforced Concrete Beam in Structural Member
Authors: Mohd Noh Hamidun , Mohamad Nor Lailatul Izzatil Azwani , Bangau Rolly , Idris Nur’Ain
Published: September 2022

Recently, the problem faced by the construction industry is a significant shortage of raw materials of concrete. Thus, the main idea of this research is to replace the use of concrete at the middle area of neutral axis of beam with voided system by incorporating PVC pipe. This research aims to reduce the concrete usage; structure’s self-weight without neglecting its strength performance. The experimental work consists of casting and testing the 1200 x 160 x 160 mm beams with (Ø40 mm, Ø50 mm, and Ø100 mm) and without void at the neutral axis. The test results indicated that the strength performance of all RC beams with voided section is stronger than the ordinary RC beam where the V50 RC beam is able to withstand loads up to 38.25 kN and has a strength increment of 49.2% compared to the ordinary RC beam. By this material optimization, the reduction of concrete usage and self-weight of the V100 RC beam recorded a reduction of up to 35.14% but in terms of its strength is relatively low compared to the V40 RC beam and V50 RC beam. This findings show a positive result in reducing the dead load without affecting the strength of the structure. Besides aiming to the reduction of concrete usage and structure’s self-weight, the idea of this research could be used and implemented in producing a lightweight structure with easy handling and installing, and at the same time focusing to meet the IBS system.
La exclusión cognitiva y moral de la naturaleza en el pensamiento social clásico
Authors: Lezama José Luis
Published: September 2022

En este artículo afirmo que los clásicos efectuaron un proceso de exclusión de la naturaleza como factor constitutivo de lo social y como objeto de consideración moral. Es por ello que hablo aquí de una exclusión que obedece a motivaciones epistemológicas y ontológicas en la que se expresa una doble necesidad fundacional: por una parte, de la sociología como disciplina científica y, por otra, de la sociedad moderna industrial como forma histórica de organización económica y social. Finalmente, concluyo que la exclusión ontológica desemboca en una exclusión moral que sólo la crisis ambiental y su efecto político y cognitivo corrigen.
Proportions of Pathogenic Bacteria Isolated from Door Locks and Working Benches in Clinical Laboratory: A Laboratory Based Study
Authors: Moshi Abias Anthon , Kyara Ester Colnel , Mabula Patrick Lucas , Uroki Emmanuel Charles , Kajeguka Debora Charles , Mkumbaye Sixbert Isdory
Published: September 2022

Background: Numerous studies have revealed the association of the door handle and contamination of pathogenic bacteria. Door handles of clinical and research laboratories have higher chances of contamination with pathogenic bacteria during closing and opening with contaminated gloves on, or sometimes after visiting the toilets without the use of disinfectant materials. There is limited epidemiological data regarding bacteria cross contamination of door locks of the Clinical laboratory at Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre. This study aimed at providing the proportions of bacteria contaminating medical laboratory doors Methods: A cross section laboratory-based study was conducted and it involved collection of swab samples from doors and working benches in the clinical laboratory Results: Prevalence of Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Coagulase Negative Staphylococcus, Bacillus spp., Pseudomonas aeroginosa and coliforms were (26%, 22%, 18%, 8%, 4% and 4% respectively. Conclusion: This study has reported high proportion of pathogenic bacteria. The results entails that, internal and external environments are responsible for laboratory door contamination.
Perceptions of Intrauterine Devices among Women in Tanzania
Authors: Muna Joyce Ibrahim , Mahiti Gladys Reuben
Published: September 2022

Background: Intrauterine devices (IUD) are important for ensuring neither unplanned pregnancies, nor unsafe abortions occur as well as it helps spacing children among couples. Despite its advantages, its utilization is still inadequate. The underlying causes of low IUD use needs further exploration for a better understanding as well as appropriate handling of the gaps. Aim of the study: To explore the perceptions regarding intrauterine devices among women aged 15 to 49 years and barriers to its utilisation in Kinondoni Municipal Council. Methodology: The study was a community-based exploratory study adopting qualitative approach. Five wards were randomly selected in Kinondoni. Data were collected through in-depth interviews (IDIs) and focus group discussions (FGDs). Study participants were purposively sampled for both IDIs and FGDs. Ten (10) women were interviewed in IDIs from all selected wards and Thirteen FGDs were conducted. Thematic analysis was done to analyze qualitative data, into codes, sub-themes, and broader themes. Data analysis was done by using QSR NVivo version 14. Results: The study involved 10 women aged 15 to 49 years as key informants and 13 FGDs were conducted involving two groups of women of reproductive age, five groups who ever used the method, and six groups who never used it. The study identified perceived barriers towards IUD related to cultural perspectives, negative perception, fear of side effects, individual’s insecurity, perceived benefits related to baby’s health and parental benefits. Challenges identified were lack of proper information that is; misinformation and misguidance from the health workers, and negative influencers which include intimacy and devices’ related factors. Conclusion: This study demonstrated that women have different perceptions regarding utilisation of IUD. Perceptions were categorized into perceived barriers and perceived benefits regarding utilization of IUD. Awareness and knowledge on importance of modern contraceptives (including IUD) should be raised. Also, healthcare workers should ensure enhancement of IUD utilization through teaching the community in a comprehensive manner.
Interacción y usabilidad considerando la gamificación e inteligencia artificial para el diseño de una app de ajedrez
Authors: Hiriart Camacho Guillermo , Marín Álvarez Marco Antonio
Published: September 2022

Partiendo de las aportaciones educativas que tiene la práctica del ajedrez en los niños mexicanos de primaria y secundaria, y la problemática derivada de la pandemia por Covid-19, los torneos infantiles se vieron en la necesidad de trasladarse a su versión en línea donde las aplicaciones disponibles para niños eran adaptaciones de los principales aplicativos pensados para adultos. Con el transcurrir de los torneos se observó una deserción paulatina en la participación de los niños por lo cual en la investigación a través del diseño se plantea la construcción de una app para encuentros virtuales de ajedrez pensada en niños como el usuario principal donde la usabilidad y la interacción sean la constante evaluación que determine la mecánica, dinámica y estética, considerando a la gamificación y a la inteligencia artificial para evitar la deserción de los niños.
Quantitative Easing and Macroeconomic Performance in the United States
Authors: Mulaahmetović Inda
Published: September 2022

This scientific paper examines the relationship between macroeconomic variables whose performance is measured under the implementation of Quantitative Easing in the US, by estimating vector autoregression (VAR) and Impulse Response Function with monthly data from US Federal Reserve, observed during the period January 1994-January 2022. Variables include: Consumer Price Index (CPIAUCSL); Industrial Production (INDPRO); Unemployment Rate (UNRATE); Interest Rates, Government Securities, Government Bonds (INTGSBUSM193N); Volatility Index (VIXCLS), Real Broad Effective Exchange Rate (RBUSBIS), Federal Surplus or Deficit (MTSDS133FMS), Money Supply M1 (WM1NS), M2 (WMNS), M3 (MABMM301USM189S). An evidence on macroeconomic variables of Consumer Price Index and Industrial Production when evaluating the effectiveness of QE is provided.
Central Bank Digital Currency: Scenarios of Implementation and Potential Consequences for Monetary System
Authors: Kaczmarek Patryk
Published: September 2022

Computerization of social life enabled market participants to search for new forms of electronic payments. The share of cash in total payments is systematically decreasing, which poses the risk of being supplanted by other instruments, including cryptocurrencies. Central banks, therefore, faced the challenge of adjusting their issuing activities to the current social and market conditions, which resulted in the emergence of the concept and discussion of the introduction of digital cash. The purpose of this paper is to examine the abovementioned issues and indication of potential scenarios for the introduction of central bank digital currency with an indication of potential consequences for the banking sector. The thesis of this paper is the following statement: The emergence of digital money of the central bank may significantly change the nature of commercial banks’ activities - including potentially eliminating their role in issuing cashless money.
Board Members’ Educational Background and Financial Performance: Evidence from Eurozone Banks
Authors: Pereira Vítor Manuel Morais , Filipe José António Candeias Bonito
Published: September 2022

This study examines the impact of the quality of board members’ educational background on the financial performance of a group of Eurozone banks. Return on average assets (ROAA), Return on average equity (ROAE), and Tobin’s Q are used as measures to assess bank financial performance. Three indices are used as proxies for board members’ educational qualifications: Eduindex, for all academic qualifications in areas such as business or economics; Eduversal, for all qualifications from business schools ranked by Eduniversal; and EduFT, for all qualifications from business schools ranked by the Financial Times. Our study results offer relevant policy implications. Generally, there is a significant negative effect from Eduversal and EduFT qualifications on bank financial performance. This effect can be explained by the fact that some well-qualified board members use their expertise for their own interest, which, in most cases, is not favourable for bank financial performance. The implication is that the European Central Bank needs to implement more rigorous measures than those currently imposed to control bank board member behaviour and reduce agency problems.
E X P LORING GAME DE S IGN THROUGH HUMAN-AI COL LABORAT ION
Authors:   , Alvarez Alberto
Published: September 2022

Game design is a hard and multi-faceted task that intertwines different gameplay mechanics, audio, level, graphic, and narrative facets. Games' facets are developed in conjunction with others with a common goal that makes games coherent and interesting. These combinations result in plenty of games in diverse genres, which usually require a collaboration of a diverse group of designers. Collaborators can take different roles and support each other with their strengths resulting in games with unique characteristics. The multi-faceted nature of games and their collaborative properties and requirements make it an exciting task to use Artificial Intelligence (AI). The generation of these facets together requires a holistic approach, which is one of the most challenging tasks within computational creativity. Given the collaborative aspect of games, this thesis approaches their generation through Human-AI collaboration, specifically using a mixed-initiative co-creative (MI-CC) paradigm. This paradigm creates an interactive and collaborative scenario that leverages AI and human strengths with an alternating and proactive initiative to approach a task. However, this paradigm introduces several challenges, such as Human and AI goal alignment or competing properties. In this thesis, game design and the generation of game facets by themselves and intertwined are explored through Human-AI collaboration. The AI takes a colleague's role with the designer, arising multiple dynamics, challenges, and opportunities. The main hypothesis is that AI can be incorporated into systems as a collaborator, enhancing design tools, fostering human creativity, and reducing workload. The challenges and opportunities that arise from this are explored, discussed, and approached throughout the thesis. As a result, multiple approaches and methods such as quality-diversity algorithms and designer modeling are proposed to generate game facets in tandem with humans, create a better workflow, enhance the interaction, and establish adaptive experiences.
AVIFAUNA DEL ÁREA DE CONSERVACIÓN REGIONAL “BOSQUES DE SHUNTÉ Y MISHOLLO” (ACR BOSHUMI), San Martin, Perú
Authors: VÁSQUEZ-ARÉVALO Francisco Alción , SABOYA-DEL-CASTILLO Percy , ROJAS-PADILLA Omar , GAGLIARDI-URRUTIA Giussepe
Published: September 2022

Los  vacíos  de  información  sobre  la  diversidad  de  especies  en  localidades amazónicas son un gran problema para la conservación de la biodiversidad, especialmente en regiones que soportan presión por deforestación. Con el objetivo de conocer las especies presentes en el Área de Conservación Regional “Bosques de Shunté y Mishollo” (ACR BOSHUMI), ubicada en la provincia de Tocache, San Martín, hemos realizado evaluaciones de campo entre los 850– 2100 msnm, aplicando las técnicas de censos visuales y auditivos a lo largo de transectos y colocando redes de neblina, al mismo tiempo, hemos categorizado la abundancia relativa de estas especies en i) comunes, ii) poco comunes y iii) raras. Producto de las evaluaciones hemos registrado 201 especies de aves que están distribuidas en 38 familias y 15 órdenes, siendo la familia Tyrannidae la más rica en especies (32 spp.). En nuestra lista se encuentran las especies endémicas para el país Ramphocelus melanogaster y Grallaria przewalskii, como también aves migratorias y aves de consumo local. De esta manera concluimos que la ACR BOSHUMI protege una importante muestra de la diversidad de aves de los bosques montanos y de las tierras bajas amazónicas del país.
DISTRIBUCIÓN DEL JAGUAR Panthera onca EN PERÚ
Authors: MAFFEI Leonardo , ZÚÑIGA Alfonso , MENA José Luis
Published: September 2022

El jaguar (Panthera onca), felino más grande de América, se encuentra amenazado por factores como la deforestación, la cacería, reducción de sus presas y el tráfico de sus partes, y por ello se han realizado varios esfuerzos para la conservación de esta especie a nivel continental. Sin embargo, estas valiosas iniciativas tienen muchas imprecisiones en sus mapas y excluye importantes áreas para la distribución del jaguar. Para esto, basados en un mapa de cobertura de bosque y no bosque y puntos de observación de jaguares en los últimos 20 años presentamos una propuesta de mapas de distribución actual, probable e histórica, para el jaguar, con áreas que cubren entre el 60 y 47% de la superficie del Perú.
CARACTERIZACIÓN Y DIFERENCIAS ANATÓMICAS DE MADERAS DE Retrophyllum rospigliosii (Pilg.) C.N. Page Y Prumnopitys harmsiana (Pilg.) de Laub. (PODOCARPACEAE) PROCEDENTES DE LA PROVINCIA DE SAN IGNACIO, PERÚ
Authors: BASELLY-VILLANUEVA Juan Rodrigo , GOYCOCHEA-CASAS Gianmarco , CARVALHO Ana Marcia Macedo Ladeira , RONCAL-BRIONES Wálter Ricardo , CHUMBIMUNE-VIVANCO Sheyla Yanett , CHAVESTA-CUSTODIO Manuel
Published: September 2022

Las especies Retrophyllum rospigliosii (Pilg.) C. N. Page (Romerillo hembra) y Prumnopitys harmsiana (Pilg.) de Laub. (Romerillo macho) son coníferas nativas del Perú y forman parte importante de los bosques nublados del Departamento de Cajamarca. Sus maderas son solicitadas en el mercado local para obras de carpintería, debido a las propiedades físico mecánicas y buen acabado; sin embargo, información sobre la estructura microscópica es escasa. El presente trabajo tuvo como objetivo caracterizar y determinar las diferencias anatómicas de la madera de las dos especies y así ampliar el conocimiento de sus estructuras. Se obtuvieron muestras por método no destructivo, preparadas y estudiadas mediante la microtomía y maceración; cuya descripción se realizó utilizando la norma del IAWA. La principal característica cualitativa que permite diferenciarlas es la presencia de parénquima difuso en Retrophyllum rospigliosii y ausente en Prumnopitys harmsiana.
Prosthesis-patient mismatch as a predictor of accelerated structural dysfunction of biological aortic valve prostheses
Authors: Khubulava G. G. , Maliev Z. O. , Shikhverdiev N. N. , Lyubimov A. I. , Ushakov D. I.
Published: September 2022

OBJECTIVE. Identification of predictors of dysfunction of biological aortic valve prostheses in the long-term period after surgical treatment.

METHODS AND MATERIALS. We analyzed the completed treatment cases for the period from 2015 to 2020 and echocardiography data of 74 patients (42 men and 32 women) with an average age of 67.0±4.2 years with bioprostheses implanted in the aortic position. The average follow-up period was 4 years. The transaortic flow velocity, the average and peak transvalvular gradients, the area of the effective opening of the prosthesis, the myocardium mass index, the thickness and mobility of the cusp of the biovalve were evaluated. The presence of the pronounced PPM in a patient was determined at iEOA values less than 0.65 cm2/m2, moderate - at values from 0.65 to 0.85 cm2/m2, mild - up to 0.85 cm2/m2.

RESULTS. PPM was recorded in 27% of cases. Structural dysfunction was observed in 12.5% of cases, it mainly included stenosis of the bioprosthesis (10%). In 2.5% of cases, reintervention was performed for severe stenosis of the AV bioprosthesis. During the multifactorial analysis, we revealed that PPM was a predictor of the development of structural dysfunction of aortic valve bioprostheses in the long-term period after surgery (p<0.005).
Prediction of pulmonary air leak after lobectomies
Authors: Akopov A. L. , Agishev A. S. , Mishra R. P. , Kovalev M. G. , Parshin E. V. , Dvoreckiy S. Yu. , Zaripova Z. A. , Rabik Yu. D. , Skvortsova R. D. , Obukhova A. A.
Published: September 2022

The OBJECTIVE was to identify prognostic factors of long-term air leak after lobectomies based on the analysis of the main preoperative and surgical clinical and functional indicators.

METHODS AND MATERIALS. A retrospective study included 71 patients who underwent lung resection in the volume of lobectomy for lung cancer. The patients were divided into three groups - group 1 (n=42, 59 %) - air leak through the drains stopped within a day after surgery; group 2 (n=10, 14 %) - the duration of air leak from the pleural cavity from 1 to 5 days; group 3 (n=19, 27 %) the duration of air leak more than 5 days after surgery.

RESULTS. The average values of the main clinical, surgical and functional indicators, such as the frequency of concomitant COPD, the severity of its course, smoking status, access (thoracotomy / thoracoscopy) in the three groups were almost the same. The difference in the average value of DLCO was characterized by the greatest tendency to reliability: the longer the pulmonary air leak was, the lower the values of this indicator turned out to be. Correlation analysis revealed a noticeable feedback between the long-term pulmonary air leak and the preoperative level of FEV1 (r=-0.59), a direct relationship between the level of FEV1 and DLCO (r=0.51), as well as a noticeable feedback between the long-term pulmonary air leak and the level of DLCO (r=-0.61) and a direct moderate relationship between the pulmonary air leak and the time spent on the stair climbing test (r=0.38).

CONCLUSIONS. The combination of a low level of FEV1, a low level of DLCO and a long duration of the stair climbing test makes it possible to assess the risk of prolonged pulmonary air leak as significant and take this into account during the surgical intervention.
The cluster analysis of patients with morbid obesity in bariatric and metabolic surgery
Authors: Voskanyan S. E. , Samoylov V. S. , Redkin A. N.
Published: September 2022

INTRODUCTION. Existing classifications of various forms of obesity are poorly adapted to the practical goals of bariatric surgery from the standpoint of personalizing the choice of method and volume of intervention.

The OBJECTIVE was develop new approaches to stratification of patients with morbid obesity based on cluster analysis; to evaluate of the effectiveness and safety of metabolic surgical interventions, depending on the belonging of patients to a particular bariatric cluster.

METHODS AND MATERIALS. The study included 745 bariatric patients. To form clinical and demographic groups, a two-stage cluster analysis procedure was used using the SPSS 16.0 package with 11 categorical and 2 quantitative variables. The efficacy and safety of metabolic surgical interventions depending on the patients' belonging to a particular bariatric cluster was evaluated.

RESULTS. As a result of cluster analysis in the general population of patients with morbid obesity, 3 unique clinical and demographic groups (clusters) of patients were identified, characterized by an initial set of similar indicators that differed from that in patients of other groups (clusters): the1st cluster: «premorbid obesity»; the 2nd cluster: «morbid obesity without metabolic syndrome and complications»; the 3rd cluster: «morbid obesity with metabolic syndrome and/ or complications». The best long-term results on the BAROS scale were generally observed in patients of the 1st cluster (87.8 % of excellent and good results compared to 66.7 % in patients of the 2nd clusters and 65.5 % in patients of the 3rd cluster, p<0.001). The total risk of serious complications in patients of the 3rd cluster was 2.4 times higher than in patients of the 1st cluster (P<0.05) and 1.9 times higher than in patients of the 2nd cluster (P>0.05).

CONCLUSION. The procedure of clustering patients with obesity allows individualizing the indications for conducting and choosing bariatric interventions.
Effect of Leptin Levels of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and Diabetic Complications
Authors: Nan Jingzhu , Zhang Xu , Li Diangeng , Jin Meiling , Guo Guanghong , Dong Jin , Li Xiujuan
Published: September 2022

Purpose: To investigate serum leptin levels in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and the relationship between leptin levels and T2DM complications and prevalence.Methods: A total of 355 patients, 282 cases with T2DM and 73 normal controls, were recruited at 1st Medical Centre, Chinese PLA General Hospital (Beijing, China) between November 2013 and July 2014. Levels of serum leptin, biochemical markers and sexual hormones were measured, and clinical characteristics were retrieved through the electronic medical record system.Results: Leptin levels in females were higher than that in males. Leptin levels in T2MD patients were positively correlated with body mass index, percent body fat, triglyceride, cystatin C homocysteine and salivary acid, and negatively correlated with glycosylated serum protein and glycosylated albumin levels. Leptin levels in males were positively correlated with systolic pressure and estradiol, and negatively correlated with testosterone and high density lipoprotein cholesterol. Sex (female) was positively correlated with the duration of disease. Leptin levels in T2DM patients with complications such as hypertension, diabetic nephropathy, diabetic peripheral neuropathy and coronary heart disease were higher than that in patients without such complications. Leptin levels in females with diabetic retinopathy and diabetic macroangiopathy were higher than that in patients without such complications, but there was no difference in males.Conclusions: Leptin has significant gender differences. Leptin levels are related to body mass index, percent body fat and sex hormone level in T2DM patients and may affect short-term blood glucose control in T2DM patients. Leptin levels are related to complications in patients with T2DM and affect the prevalence rates of complications.
Denosumab Versus Bisphosphonates for the Prevention of the Vertebral Fractures in Men with Osteoporosis: An Updated Network Meta-Analysis
Authors: Li Pengfei , Wu Xiaojian , Li Ye , Huang Jianhua
Published: September 2022

Background: The efficacy of the prevention of vertebral fractures in men with osteoporosis by treatment with denosumab is debated. This study aimed to update the comparative effectiveness of denosumab and bisphosphonates for preventing vertebral fractures in men with osteoporosis.Methods: We searched PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials for randomized controlled trials that enrolled men with osteoporosis. Fixed-effects network meta-analysis was performed to evaluate the risk of vertebral fractures, and the relative risk (RR) and 95% confident interval (CI) values were calculated.Results: Sixteen studies were included, and the identified bisphosphonates were risedronate, alendronate, zoledronic acid, and ibandronate. Compared with placebo or control, a significant reduction in vertebral fractures was observed for denosumab (RR 0.30, 95%CI 0.13 0.68), risedronate (RR 0.39, 95%CI 0.19 0.77), and zoledronic acid (RR 0.45, 95%CI 0.21 0.98). According to the surface under the cumulative ranking curve (SUCRA), denosumab was the most effective one among the included agents for the risk reduction of vertebral fracture. However, compared with each bisphosphonate, the RR values of denosumab were not significant [RR 0.78 (95%CI 0.25 2.43) vs. risedronate, RR 0.55 (95%CI 0.18 1.75) vs. alendronate, RR 0.66 (95%CI 0.19 2.32) vs. zoledronic acid and RR 1.12 (95%CI 0.08 14.83) vs. ibandronate].Conclusion: Denosumab effectively reduced the risk of vertebral fractures in men with osteoporosis, and this effect was comparable to that of bisphosphonates.
Significance of Mannan Binding Lectin-Associated Serine Protease 2 in Urinary Extracellular Vesicles in IgA Nephropathy
Authors: Wu Fan Wu, BSc , Chen Yun-Ying , Huang Jian-Xin , Wang Kang-Ying , Xu Hai-Shan , Lin Danhua
Published: September 2022

Purpose: Immunoglobulin A (IgA) nephropathy (IgAN) is a common chronic glomerulonephritis and the main cause of end-stage renal diseases. Recent evidence suggests that mannan binding lectin associated serine proteases 2 (MASP2) is related to IgAN; therefore, we investigated the expression and significance of MASP2 in serum and urinary extracellular vesicles (UEVs) in patients with IgAN.Methods: Thirty-eight patients with IgAN and 17 healthy controls were enrolled in this study. UEVs were extracted by ultracentrifugation. The separation by ultra-high-speed centrifuge was verified by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA). Candidate internal references (TSG101, CD9, flotillin, β-actin and GAPDH) were identified by western blotting in the control group, and the expression of MASP2 in the UEVs was compared. The levels of MASP2 in the serum and UEVs in the IgAN and control groups were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).Results: TEM and NTA results demonstrated that UEVs were successfully extracted. Western blotting results confirmed that TSG101 was suitable as an internal reference for this study. Compared with the control group, the IgAN group showed positive expression of MASP2. MASP2 levels in the UEVs, determined by ELISA, showed significant differences between IgAN and control groups, which were significantly positively correlated with the level of urinary microalbumin.Conclusions: The level of MASP2 in UEVs was related to IgAN and shows promise as a biomarker for evaluating the severity of renal injury and prognosis of IgAN, thereby helping to elucidate the role of MASP2 in the mannan-binding lectin pathway.
GC-MS-based metabolomics analysis unravels the therapeutic potential of Neolamarckia cadamba fruit peel
Authors: Selvakumar Divya , Vaikuntavasan Paranidharan , Sampathrajan Vellaikumar , Manoharan Bharani , Adhimoolam Karthikeyan , Nallusamy Saranya , Arunachala Balasubramanian , Senthil Kalaiselvi , Natesan Senthil
Published: September 2022

Kadam (Neolamarckia cadamba (Roxb.) is an evergreen tropical tree widely grown in Asia, particularly in India. Neolamarckia cadamba commonly known as kadam, cadamba or burflower tree. The roots, leaves, barks, and fruits of N. cadamba possess medicinal properties and are commonly used in the pharmaceutical industry. Fruit peels are the main waste and may contain various biologically active compounds. However, no prior knowledge about the therapeutic compounds of the peel. The objective of the present study was to unveil therapeutic compounds from the peel by Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) based metabolomics analysis. Metabolites from the kadam fruit peel were isolated and derivatized using MSTFA, characterized by the GC-MS analysis. Raw spectral data were pre-processed, and peak identification was performed using SHIMADZU Postrun analyse software. The metabolites in N. cadamba fruit peel were identified by comparing the peaks with the mass spectral reference database NIST v20. The results showed that the peel of kadam fruit contains 149 metabolites, which were further categorized into 46 different metabolite classes, with 52 different metabolic pathways and 63 biological functions. The principal roles of the metabolites were identified by functional annotation and enrichment analysis. It revealed that metabolites were responsible for anti-inflammation, anti-oxidant, anti-microbial, and anti-cancer properties. In summary, the peel of kadam fruit also contains various therapeutic compounds like other cadamba parts (i.e., roots, leaves, barks, and fruits). Further, comparing the peel with other parts discloses the peel-specific metabolites. The results obtained in this study could be useful for the pharmaceutical industry.
I-functions of external and internal differentiation of the girls with tattoos with different body image
Authors: Khmelevskaia Olga Evgenievna , Timoshenko Svetlana Vladimirovna
Published: September 2022

The subject of the study is the I-functions of external and internal differentiation of tattooed girls with different body image. In the available literature, the consideration of the meanings of tattoos occurs in connection with self-harm, the application of jewelry or the elimination of bodily defects. The connection of tattoos with the existing bodily image and central I-functions needs are studied in the article. Objective: to study the I-functions of external and internal differentiation of the girls with tattoos with different body image. Methods: G. Ammon's Structural Test (ISTA) and O. A. Skugarevsky and S. V. Sivukh's Own Body Image Questionnaire. Study sample: 62 girls with tattoos aged 22.48 ± 2.16 (Mo=21, Me=22) with higher and receiving higher education. The novelty of the research lies in the fact that there are no works on the connection of tattoos with central I-functions in the Russian literature. The connection of body tattooing with Self-functions and body image is a new direction in psychological research. Results: girls with tattoos and a positive body image experience fewer difficulties in integrating life experience, build relationships with other people more successfully, show more interest in life, respect their own and others' personal boundaries more than respondents with a negative body image. It is established that the more negative the body image is, the less the constructive component is manifested in the external I-differentiation and the personal boundaries are less realized. As a result of the study author suggest the psychocorrective work for girls with deformed I-functions and negative bodily image. The conclusions made can become the basis of psychological work to reduce the risk of adaptation disorders.
Young People' Coping Behavior in Situation of a Personal Crisis
Authors: Cheremiskina Irina Igorevna , Kapustina Tatiana Viktorovna
Published: September 2022

The subject of the study is coping behavior in a situation of experiencing a personal crisis. The empirical object of the study was young people who are an important resource of socio-economic transformations in our society. The age period itself, from a psychological point of view, is a time of personality formation, active entry into new types of activities, social roles, self-realization. However, the postmodern world sets a very high pace of human existence, the change of life situations and orientations occurs abruptly, almost instantly, which causes a high stress load on young people, against the background of awareness of the mismatch of external circumstances and semantic structures of personality, there is an experience of a personal crisis, the negative consequence of which is its socio-psychological maladaptation. The novelty of the study lies in the fact that it is based on the three-component model of L.G. Zhedunova, based on which methods were selected to diagnose the experience of personal crisis in young people. It turned out that more than half of the young people studied are in a state of experiencing a personal crisis. The peculiarity of their coping behavior is the predominant use of the strategies of "distancing" and "avoidance", they tend to ignore the strategy of "taking responsibility". They are also characterized by a tendency to exaggerate existing problems, an increased level of anxiety, low mood, passivity, poor health, increased sensitivity, impressionability, vulnerability, lack of leadership qualities, the predominance of intrapersonal conflict consisting in the confrontation of two contradictory traits – conformity and nonconformism, the predominance of motivation to avoid failures, a tendency to conflict behavior. The data obtained can be useful for both psychological consultants and representatives of psychological support services, since the identified features of young people in a state of experiencing a personal crisis can become targets of psychological assistance to overcome it.
Adaptation and validation of the Bengali version of the Chronic Urticaria Quality of Life Questionnaire (CU-Q2oL)
Authors: Dhabal Arunima , Mondal Himel , Mondal Shaikat , Baiardini Ilaria , Chakraborty Sankha Subhra , Chakraborty Tamali , Podder Indrashis
Published: September 2022

Background

Chronic urticaria exerts a profound impact on quality of life. Recent guidelines recommend its evaluation in all chronic urticaria patients. Currently, the Chronic Urticaria Quality of Life Questionnaire (CU-Q2oL) is the only validated tool to assess chronic urticaria-specific quality of life.

Objective

To validate and adapt the CU-Q2oL to the Bengali language for its widespread use.

Methods

The CU-Q2oL questionnaire was translated into Bengali. Its internal consistency and reliability were tested by asking 42 chronic urticaria patients to complete this version. They completed the validated Bengali Dermatology Life Quality Index and Urticaria Control test questionnaires, and their scores were correlated with CU-Q2oL score to assess the validity of our Bengali version.

Results

The mean CU-Q2oL score of our patients (mean age 38.41 ± 13.4 years, male: female 29:13) was 48.8 ± 16.5. Domain 4 (sleep problems) was worst affected, followed by domain 1 (pruritus), while domain 2 (swelling) was least affected. We detected an excellent overall internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.93) of our version and nearly complete agreement (intra-class correlation coefficient = 0.91) between the test-retest scores. We found a significant positive correlation between the overall CU-Q2oL and Dermatology Life Quality Index scores (rs = 0.53, P = 0.0002), thus implying the validity of our version. Additionally, we noted a significant negative correlation between the overall CU-Q2oL and Urticaria Control test scores (rs = -0.48, P = 0.0007), suggestive of a more severe impairment of quality of life with poorer disease control.

Limitations

Small sample size, observational design and bias in test-retest reliability analysis due to the use of rescue therapy in-between assessment sessions were important limitations of our study.

Conclusion

The Bengali version of CU-Q2oL questionnaire is a valid and reliable tool suitable for both clinical and research use in Bengali speaking chronic urticaria patients.
Artificial intelligence in precision oncology: The way forward
Authors: Rebolledo-Mendez Jovan David , Vaishnav Radhika
Published: September 2022

Here, we discuss the positive impact of artificial intelligence (AI) in oncology as an enabler – for physicians, patients, and researchers. AI is here to stay and needs to be better understood by the clinical practitioner and researcher to make informed decisions about cancer diagnoses, treatment, prediction, and long-term care. One immediate impact of data-driven practice will be on cancer stratification based on data that include molecular and imaging markers. Future studies must strengthen the ability to predict causative factors to allow clinicians and patients to take control with the ultimate hope of avoiding preventable cancers.
Ectopic schwannoma of the sellar region in a 1-year-old child: A case report and review of literature
Authors: Sadiqo Rauf , Abdulsada Alkawthar M. , Ismail Mustafa , Hoz Samer S.
Published: September 2022

Background:

Schwannomas are cranial and spinal nerves’ sheath tumors accounting for up to 8% of all intracranial neoplasms. Although typical intracranial schwannomas originate from Schwann cells surrounding cranial nerves, ectopic schwannomas are not associated with a known cranial nerve or have an unknown origin. The location of schwannomas may impose clinical challenges. Sellar region schwannomas are rare whether it is ectopic or not. Herein, we report a pediatric case of a 1-year-old female with ectopic, intra-supra sellar with a literature review. We report the first case of juvenile ectopic schwannoma in the sellar region.

Methods:

A PubMed Medline database search was performed by the following combined formula of medical subject headings (MESH) terms and keywords: ((sella turcica [MeSH Terms]) OR (sella*[Title/Abstract]) OR (ectopic [Title/Abstract]) AND ((neurilemmoma [MeSH Terms]) OR (schwannoma [Title/Abstract]) OR (neuroma [Title/Abstract]) OR (neurinoma [Title/Abstract])).

Results:

Total results of 206 articles were obtained. In exclusion of intraparenchymal and intraventricular schwannomas, only 34 articles remained. Thirty-nine cases were included in 34 articles. According to the reported cases, intrasellar schwannomas are more common in elderly individuals in an average of 49.5 years (range: 19– 79 years). They have a good prognosis and affect males to females equally (20:19).

Conclusion:

Ectopic schwannoma sited in the sellar region is rare. It is the first case to be reported in the pediatric age group with a literature review. This lesion should be highlighted and included in the differential diagnosis of sellar mass.
A Portal Between Spaces
Authors:   , Young Victoria
Published: September 2022

Thresholds are an inescapable part of the built environment. The tension created by a threshold is important to the success of the conditions on either side of that threshold. However, its importance is often overlooked for its contribution to the following space that is experienced.

 The scope of research for this topic is to be defined as a public hotel buildings spatial threshold that user’s walk through and physically interact with. Therefore, these will be the main entrances to buildings along with the changes in material conditions of flooring, walls, ceiling finishes. These will pertain to the interior to exterior and vis versa threshold of a building (residential and commercial). Due to the vastness of this thesis topic and how interiors can be classified, this topic has been simplified to not include landscape or urban interiors but review their role in threshold theory.

 Thresholds possess the ability to change a user’s emotions and control their perceptions of exterior and interior conditions (Prasetiyo & Fuad, 2021). The design of these areas is crucial for the success of the building. There is limited discourse on the theory – namely Prasetiyo & Fuad – behind the design and execution of thresholds through the use of materiality in interior architecture. Expanding this research area would benefit those that design and use buildings, better ensuring the building is used to the full extent of its lifetime.

 This thesis topic will use the Research Through Design methodology. Research consists of a literature review of peer-reviewed sources and a precedent review through architecture-relevant websites for different threshold types. Information is analysed and synthesised with an emphasis placed on how different materials, lighting qualities, cultures and threshold types influence the user’s emotions. The design phase involves an iterative exploration of thresholds, while simultaneously being informed by performativity and qualitative research methodologies.

 The research of thresholds, especially from the emotional perspective of the user, is important as it affects the success of a building and users’ impressions of it. The decreased building alteration frequency requires a captivating threshold that elicits positive emotions and moods from the user and change their initial perceptions. Therefore, this thesis aims to create two scales of threshold interventions to demonstrate how their design can perform this successfully.
Natural Light as Stress Management: Exploring how to design physical environments to reduce stress in dental clinic
Authors:   , Liu He
Published: September 2022

Despite modern advances in painless dentistry, patient anxiety, stress, or fear continues to be a persistent problem in today’s dental setting. Equal consideration should also be given to dentists’ psychological experiences in this high-stress environment. Stress in the dentist clinic may ultimately result in a bad experience for the dentist and the patient.

Supportive design theory (SDT) developed by Ulrich (1991) emphasised the importance of the physical environment. SDT indicated that healthcare environments promote well-being if they are designed to foster a sense of control for patients and provide access to positive distractions and access to social support. Among these, the role of natural light in the first two factors is noteworthy. Nevertheless, natural light design in a dental clinic may not be just about reaching a specific light intensity. In the case of dental clinic environments, the design of natural light should be different for clinical and non-clinical spaces, as the psychological and physical needs of occupants are different. It is also worth exploring how natural light can be designed to allow for a good transition and flow of visitors and staff through the various spaces in the dental clinic (both in terms of psychological perception and behavioural action). Besides, the physical elements of the space can also be designed to create a complementary relationship with natural light. Integrating the multidisciplinary knowledge of natural light into the design of the physical environment is a challenge that requires extensive research analysis and integration. Thus, this project attempts to address this problem by provoking a psychological response using natural light as a means and explores how the natural light design changing environments can influence how an individual experiences stress.

The research will summarise the natural light effect on occupants in healthcare facilities by combing and integrating the findings in multiple disciplines, then using modelling and simulation methods to analyse the important components of natural light environment design. Then expanding the supportive design theory by connecting natural light environment design and dental clinic design in a research-led design perspective.

The outcome of this research will be expected to be the design of a new dental clinic in which several typical spaces will be used to explore architectural design approaches to natural light for different psycho-physiological needs.
Transformações nos sistemas agrários até meados do século xx na região Noroeste do Rio Grande do Sul (Brasil)
Authors: Thies Vanderlei Franck , Conterato Marcelo Antonio
Published: September 2022

The period that goes from the end of the 18th century until the arrival of the first non-Iberian European immigrants, or their descendants, in the early 20th century, in the Northwest region of the state of Rio Grande do Sul (Brazil) is sparcely analyzed using the theory of agrarian systems. In this context, the present study aims to characterize the difference between the agrarian configurations and analyze the causes of the transformations that occurred in agriculture in that region, from the exclusively indigenous occupation until the period immediately before the modernization of agriculture, in the 1960s. Based on the theory of agrarian systems, the paper reconstitutes the evolution and differentiation of agriculture over that time, identifying the existence of three agrarian systems namely indigenous, caboclo and colonial. In addition to analyzing its configurations, the article discusses the causes of the decline of each of these systems.
La carne bovina uruguaya: Acceso a mercados y desempeño exportador, 1980-2015
Authors: Rey María José
Published: September 2022

During the last decades, Uruguayan beef has improved the markets access, opening the door to higher value segments. The aim of this study is to identify the main changes in relation to exported products, importing markets and conditions for market access. The study is carried out based on statistical yearbooks of Instituto Nacional de Carnes (INAC) and information provided by Uruguayan customs, according to MERCOSUR Common Nomenclature (NCM) at the 10-digit level. The analysis goes from 1980 to 2015. According to the results of our research, an increase in the specificity of the exported beef products was found, associated with a greater diversification of markets. Three sub-periods are identified, associated with new destinations and changes in market access conditions. During the first sub period studied (1980-93), there were no significant changes in export performance. Between 1994 and 2005, the second sub-period, exports tripled, both in volume and value. During the third sub-period (2006-2015), the trend in volume reversed, and the substantial jump occurred in value.
Influenza vaccine effectiveness against A(H3N2) during the delayed 2021/22 epidemic in Canada
Authors: Kim Shinhye , Chuang Erica SY , Sabaiduc Suzana , Olsha Romy , Kaweski Samantha E , Zelyas Nathan , Gubbay Jonathan B , Jassem Agatha N , Charest Hugues , De Serres Gaston , Dickinson James A , Skowronski Danuta M
Published: September 2022

Influenza virus circulation virtually ceased in Canada during the COVID-19 pandemic, re-emerging with the relaxation of restrictions in spring 2022. Using a test-negative design, the Canadian Sentinel Practitioner Surveillance Network reports 2021/22 vaccine effectiveness of 36% (95% CI: −38 to 71) against late-season illness due to influenza A(H3N2) clade 3C.2a1b.2a.2 viruses, considered antigenically distinct from the 3C.2a1b.2a.1 vaccine strain. Findings reinforce the World Health Organization’s decision to update the 2022/23 northern hemisphere vaccine to a more representative A(H3N2) clade 3C.2a1b.2a.2 strain.
El encierro de los burros. Travestismo carnavalesco y masculinidad hegemónica en Alvarado, Veracruz
Authors: Córdova Plaza Rosío , Huerta Moreno Pedro Enrique
Published: September 2022

Este trabajo analiza el encierro de burros, la fiesta más emblemática de la localidad de Alvarado, situada en la región del Sotavento veracruzano. En ella, los hombres desfilan travestidos en comparsas y carros alegóricos, haciendo mofa de una cabalgata tradicional que desde el siglo XIX era realizada por las mujeres de la élite criolla de la ciudad. Desde una perspectiva antropológica cualitativa, centrada en la forma en la cual la gente brinda significado a sus acciones, se examina cómo el travestismo festivo refuerza la masculinidad heterosexual, homofóbica y violenta, en tanto invisibiliza la importante participación de la comunidad gay y de las mujeres en la celebración.