bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pasivos ambientales del sistema Chingaza: un análisis desde los actores y la normatividad
Authors: Sanchez Barbon Angie Geraldine , Barajas Tarazona Jhoan Sebastian
Published: August 2021

La implementación de los megaproyectos para la explotación de recursos hídricos genera impactos ambientales en las zonas donde se implementan, afectando los suelos, flora, fauna, sociedad y economía, cuando los daños causados no se tratan de una manera adecuada por parte de las empresas o gobiernos, da a la creación de pasivos ambientales que afectan el bienestar y calidad de vida de las poblaciones cercanas a este tipo de proyectos. El sistema Chingaza es la principal fuente de abastecimiento de agua para la ciudad de Bogotá, el objetivo de este artículo es analizar las afectaciones ambientales generadas por el sistema Chingaza, realizando una revisión de la normatividad colombiana de cómo esta ayuda la protección del ambiente, para evitar o mitigar la generación de pasivos ambientales.
Tradición contra desarrollo hegemónico, ejes de un conflicto político: El caso del megaproyecto de Huexca en México
Authors: Barquin Cendejas Alfonso , García Galicia Mariana
Published: August 2021

El presente trabajo, basado en trabajo etnográfico y documental, expone un panorama general del conflicto político surgido en Huexca, Morelos, México, a propósito de la construcción en la comunidad de una planta termoeléctrica, que alcanza más de una decada de confrontación. El no consultar a la población local, generó dinámicas internas que dividieron a la población entre los que simpatizaban con el proyecto y los que no, lo que ha derivado a la fecha, en la imposibilidad del funcionamiento de la planta. Adicionalmente, esta división es un subproducto perverso de la implantación de grandes proyectos de infraestructura, por la falta de una consulta eficaz que reafirme y unifique a las poblaciones en su aceptación o rechazo
Aproximación crítica sobre la transformación de la noción de desarrollo en la cooperación de España en Colombia
Authors: Niño César , Méndez Paola
Published: August 2021

La idea de desarrollo en la cooperación española sobre Colombia ha tenido grandes cambios en los últimos años. Así se plantea el interrogante de ¿cómo se ha transformado la noción de desarrollo en la cooperación española en Colombia? y con base en el análisis documental de fuentes oficiales y académicas, identificamos cuestiones fundamentales para ser abordadas desde una perspectiva crítica en los cambios conceptuales asociados al desarrollo en la cooperación española para Colombia. De tal manera se encuentra que la noción de desarrollo dentro de la cooperación de España en Colombia ha respondido a los cambios en la agenda internacional de desarrollo, es decir, empezó como una idea embrionaria de luchar contra la pobreza, pero ha ido experimentando cambios asociados a los contextos particulares colombianos desenclavando la perspectiva securitaria de la agenda como la ciencia, la construcción de la paz y del tejido social.
Patriotas versus antipatriotas: la construcción retórica del pueblo y su enemigo elaborada por el discurso uribista
Authors: López Bayona Álvaro Iván
Published: August 2021

Este artículo tiene como objetivo analizar la construcción retórica del pueblo y su enemigo desplegada por el discurso uribista. Para ello, se realiza una articulación teórico-metodológica entre la orientación performativa del populismo y la metodología de la interpretación. La primera parte del análisis reconstruye el contexto espaciotemporal bajo el cual se produjo y legitimó el discurso uribista en la sociedad colombiana hacia finales del siglo XX. La segunda se dedica a un examen interpretativo a una serie de expresiones seleccionadas de varias alocuciones realizadas por Uribe desde el 2000 hasta el 2010, evidenciando cómo el discurso uribista, a través del empleo de ciertas figuras literarias y de tres estrategias discursivas en particular, logró construir y establecer como marcadores políticos para el pueblo y su enemigo a las identidades patriotas y antipatriotas, respectivamente.
Establishment of Fungal Decomposition Model Based on OLS and Logistic Model
Authors: Zhou Mingkai , Sun Bingjie , Wu Wentao
Published: August 2021

By using the OLS model, an equation for the rate of decomposing wood by a variety of fungi was established. We analyzed the effects of various fungi in the experimental data under different temperature and humidity. Based on the growth performance of different fungi at different temperatures and humidity, we use the method of systematic cluster to divide the fungi into 5 categories, and introduce competition levels as the viability of different species of fungi. We have established a logistic model that introduces competition levels to obtain a fungal habitat model. The fungal habitat model includes predictions about the relative advantages and disadvantages for each species and combinations of species likely to persist, and do so for different environments including arid, semi-arid, temperate, arboreal, and tropical rain forests.
Evaluation of Germplasm of Pearl Millet (Penissetum glaucum L.) for Agronomic, Physiological and Biochemical Traits under Semi-arid Conditions of Hamelmalo
Authors: Tesfagiorgis Habteslase Teklu , Araia Woldeamlak , Angiras N. N.
Published: August 2021

A field experiment was conducted at the experimental farm of Hamelmalo Agricultural College during summer 2017, to evaluate the agronomic, physiological, and biochemical performance of the collected Eritrean germplasm of pearl millet. A total of 16 accessions were tested, out of which 2 were improved varieties included as a check. The experiment was laid out in 4 x 4 Simple Lattice Design with Randomized Block using 4 replications with a gross plot size of 3.0 m x 1.2 m, row to row spacing of 75 cm and plant to plant spacing of 30 cm. The data collected were Agronomic parameters (growth, development, yield, and yield contributing characters); Physiological parameters (Relative water content and Water Use Efficiency); and Biochemical parameters (crude fat, crude fiber, protein content, TSS, and ash content). The data were analyzed using GENSTAT software and correlation analysis was worked to see the positive and negative contribution of agronomic, physiological, and biochemical attributes. The results of the study showed that Bariyay908 and Kona being statistically at par with Bariyay 910, Hagaz, Zibedi, Shleti, Delkata, Tokroray, and Kunama produced significantly higher grain yield. However, among these Baryay908 because of its superior agronomic characteristics, lower incidence of downy mildew, relatively higher water use efficiency and higher crude protein content were found to be comparatively superior to the check improved varieties Kona and Hagaz. Grain yield has shown a positive and significant correlation with harvest index, number of seeds per panicle, panicle length, leaf area and water use efficiency. These promising accessions need to be further tested for future breeding programs to develop varieties higher in productivity and resistant to downy mildew under semiarid conditions of Eritrea.
Ethnobotanical Study and Vulnerability of Uvariodendron molundense (Annonaceae) in Gbado-Lite City (Ubangi Eco-region), Democratic Republic of the Congo
Authors: Djoza Ruphin Djolu , Ashande Colette Masengo , Ngbolua Koto-te-Nyiwa , Monizi Mawunu , Bekomo Jeff Iteku , Tshibangu Damien Sha-T. , Tshilanda Dorothée Dinangayi , Mpiana Pius T. , Virima Mudogo
Published: August 2021

Democratic Republic of the Congo is a real reservoir of medicinal plants. These plants play a major role in the treatment of certain common pathologies in tropical regions. The aim of this study was to list the ethnomedical uses of Uvariodendron molundense, a medicinal and aromatic plant from the Ubangi ecoregion. The ethnobotanical survey was carried out in Gbado-Lite with 200 people using stratified probability sampling. The respondents were interviewed individually on the basis of free consent. The study revealed that the majority of respondents were men (72%) and had a secondary education (37%), followed respectively by illiterates (34%) and those with a primary education (28%), and finally, university graduates represented only 1% of the respondents. 83% of the respondents were farmers, while 79% of the respondents were married. The leaf is the most used organ (81%) followed by stem and root bark. U. molundense is used both as food and medicine. The plant treats eight diseases (pain, malaria, cold, hypertension, gastritis, infection, headache and rheumatism). The calculated value of the informant consensus factor is 0.96 and indicates that there is a high degree of consensus among informants regarding the use of U. molundense against these diseases in Gbado-Lite. Decoction is the most commonly used method of preparation (89%) and 50% of the respondents stated that the species is currently not very abundant, while 31% of the respondents felt that the plant was rare. The calculated value of the vulnerability index shows that U. molundense is very vulnerable in its natural environment (Iv ˃ 2.5).
Representasi Bromance dan Maskulinitas dalam Novel Untuk Dia Yang Terlambat Gue Temukan Karya Esti Kinasih
Authors: Intan Tania , Ismail Nany
Published: August 2021

Bromance Representation and Masculinity in Novel Untuk Dia Yang Terlambat Gue Temukan Written By Esti Kinasih ABSTRAKBromance merupakan hubungan dekat dan relatif intim di antara dua laki-laki atau lebih, tanpa didasari oleh ketertarikan seksual. Penelitian ini membahas bromance dan maskulinitas yang direpresentasikan di dalam novel bergenre teen lit Untuk Dia yang Terlambat Gue Temukan (2020) karya Esti Kinasih. Penelitian ini menggunakan metode deskriptif-kualitatif dengan pendekatan gender. Data berupa kata, frasa, dan kalimat dikumpulkan dengan teknik simak catat setelah dilakukan pembacaan tertutup. Data kemudian diklasifikasi, diinterpretasi, dan dikaji dengan teknik analisis isi. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa relasi bromance dibangun di antara para tokoh laki-laki dengan latar sekolah dan konteks permasalahan remaja. Alasan yang mendasari bromance adalah kesamaan kepentingan dan pemahaman sebagai sesama laki-laki. Manifestasi bromance ditunjukkan melalui sikap mendengarkan, memahami, membantu, dan melindungi. Relasi bromance kuat karena laki-laki bekerja sama untuk tidak tampil sebagai pihak yang lemah dan emosional (terutama) di hadapan perempuan. Perempuan sendiri ditampilkan pasif, lemah, dan patuh menghadapi laki-laki dan persekutuan mereka di dalam bromance.Kata kunci: bromance, Esti Kinasih, maskulinitas, teen litABSTRACTBromance is a close and relatively intimate relationship between two or more men, without being based on sexual attraction. This research is aimed at discussing the bromance and masculinity which is represented in the teen literature genre in novel Untuk Dia yang Terlambat Gue Temukan (2020) written by Esti Kinasih. This research uses descriptive-qualitative method with a gender approach. Data in the form of words, phrases, and sentences were collected using a note-taking technique after a closed reading. The data are then classified, interpreted, and reviewed using content analysis techniques. The results of this study indicate that Bromance relationships are built between male figures with school backgrounds and the context of adolescent problems. The reason that underlies bromance is the same interests and understanding as fellow men. Bromance is manifested in an attitude of listening, understanding, helping, and protecting. Bromance relationships are strong because men work together to avoid appearing as weak and emotional (especially) in front of women. Women themselves are shown to be passive, weak, and obedient to men and their fellowship in bromance.Keyword: Bromance,Esti Kinasih, masculinity, teen literature
Penerapan Model PBL untuk Meningkatkan Kemampuan Menulis Teks Eksplanasi Siswa Kelas XI MIA-1 SMA Negeri 14 Maluku Tengah
Authors: Solissa Everhard Markiano
Published: August 2021

The PBL Model Implementation to Improve Explanation Text Writing Ability Students of Class XI MIA-1 SMA Negeri 14 Maluku Tengah ABSTRAKPenelitian ini bertujuan meningkatkan kemampuan menulis teks eksplanasi siswa kelas XI MIA-1 SMA Negeri 14 Maluku Tengah. Data penelitian berupa hasil tes menulis teks eksplanasi setiap siklus. Subjek penelitian adalah siswa kelas XI MIA-1 SMA Negeri 14 Maluku Tengah tahun pelajaran 2020/2021 semester genap yang berjumlah 36 siswa. Nilai akhir setiap siswa diperoleh dari jumlah jawaban benar dibagi jumlah soal kemudian dikalikan dengan skor ideal (100). Nilai akhir tersebut kemudian dikonversikan sesuai kriteria yang ditentukan. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa terjadi peningkatan  kemampuan menulis teks eksplanasi siswa kelas XI MIA-1 SMA Negeri 14 Maluku Tengah dengan menggunakan model pembelajaran problem based learning. Hal itu terlihat dari  jumlah siswa yang mencapai KKM pada siklus I yakni 16 siswa menjadi 28 siswa pada siklus II. Kata kunci: kemampuan menulis, model pembelajaran problem based learning, PTK, teks eksplanasi. ABSTRACTThe aim of this study is to improve the ability to write explanatory texts for students of class XI MIA-1 SMA Negeri 14 Maluku Tengah. The research data were in the form of test results in writing explanatory text each cycle. The research subjects were students of class XI MIA-1 SMA Negeri 14 Maluku Tengah in the academic year 2020/2021 even semester, totaling 36 students. The final score for each student is obtained from the number of correct answers divided by the number of questions then multiplied by the ideal score (100). The final score is then converted according to the specified criteria. The results showed that there was an increase in the writing explanatory text ability for class XI MIA-1 SMA Negeri 14 Maluku Tengah using the problem based learning model. This can be seen from the number of students who reached the KKM (minimum standard of completeness in achieving learning result) in cycle I, namely 16 students to 28 students in cycle II.Keyword: writing skills, problem based learning model, PTK (Action research), explanatory text.
A Brief Review on Thermal Behaviour of PANI as Additive in Heat Transfer Fluid
Authors:   Universiti Malaysia Pahang, Sofiah A.G.N. , Samykano M. ,   Universiti Malaysia Pahang, Shahabuddin S. ,   Pandit Deendayal Petroleum University, Kadirgama K. ,   Universiti Malaysia Pahang, Pandey A. K. ,   Sunway University, Noor M. M. ,   Universiti Malaysia Pahang
Published: August 2021

Since a decade ago, investigation on nanofluids has grown significantly owing to its enhanced thermal properties compared to conventional heat transfer fluids. This engineered nanofluid has been widely used in the thermal engineering system to improve their energy consumption by improving the thermal efficiency of the system. The addition of nano-size particles as additives dispersed in the base fluids proved to significantly either improve or diminish the behaviour of the base fluids. The behaviour of the base fluid highly depends on the properties of the additives material, such as morphology, size, and volume fraction. Among the variety of nanoparticles studied, the conducting polymers have been subject of high interest due to its high environmental stability, good electrical conductivity, antimicrobial, anti-corrosion property and significantly cheap compared to other nanoparticles. As such, the main objective of the present review is to provide an overview of the work performed on thermal properties performance of conducting polymers based nanofluids.
Compact Waveguide Polarizer with Three Antiphase Posts
Authors: Piltyay Stepan
Published: August 2021

Nowadays one of the fundamental problems is the economy of digital information and frequency resources. The introduction of modern telecommunication systems and 5G networks requires the search for fundamental methods to save and reuse frequency resources. To save the frequency resource in modern communication systems the new technologies for the increase of the information capacity of communication channels are used. Antenna systems with polarization signal processing are applied for this purpose. Such systems allow transmitting signals with different types of polarization. The application of the electromagnetic waves with orthogonal polarizations improves the information characteristics of radio systems for various purposes. This makes it possible to double the information capacity of satellite communication channels. In addition, such processing is carried out in meteorological and radar systems for receiving, transmitting and processing of the information. The key devices of such systems are polarizers and orthomode transducers. The electromagnetic characteristics of these devices affect the overall system performance. The electromagnetic characteristics include phase, matching and polarization characteristics. The article presents the results of the development of an adjustable polarizer based on a square waveguide with three posts. The developed polarizer operates in the X-band from 8,0 GHz to 8,5 GHz. The mathematical model of such a device is based on the scattering and transmission wave matrix. The characteristics of the model were obtained through the elements of this matrix. To check the correctness of the developed model, a model based on the finite integration method was also created. This method is often used to simulate microwave devices. The developed polarizer based on a square waveguide with three posts allows regulating its matching and polarization characteristics by changing the length of the posts. Such devices are characterized by small transverse dimensions and stability of the polarization transformation parameters.
Differential expression of cyclin B2 in human epithelial ovarian cancer.
Authors: Mamoor Shahan
Published: August 2021

Epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) is the most lethal gynecologic cancer (1). We performed discovery of genes associated with epithelial ovarian cancer and of the high-grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSC) subtype, using published microarray data (2, 3) to compare global gene expression profiles of normal ovary or fallopian tube with that of primary tumors from women diagnosed with epithelial ovarian cancer or HGSC. We identified the gene encoding cyclin B2, CCNB2, as among the genes whose expression was most different in epithelial ovarian cancer as compared to the normal fallopian tube. CCNB2 expression was significantly higher in high-grade serous ovarian tumors relative to normal fallopian tube. These data indicate that expression of CCNB2 is perturbed in epithelial ovarian cancers broadly and in ovarian cancers of the HGSC subtype. CCNB2 may be relevant to pathways underlying ovarian cancer initiation (transformation) or progression.
Stretching Detection: The Unique Selling Point of Embodied Cognitive Science
Authors: Hill Stephen Robert
Published: August 2021

By contrast with classical approaches to cognitive science, embodied cognitive science is characterised by claims that cognition is the product of coordinated systems of distributed and decentralised cognitive resources, and that it is grounded in survival-oriented architectures. I suggest that these ideas derive from a deeper change of perspective from viewing the cognizer as a representer to that of a detector/actor. Unlike some of the more abstract issues considered by other theorists, this change in perspective has practical implications for the ways in which psychologists study and understand cognition. In particular, it raises the important question of how we are able to access information about unperceivable environments using mental machinery that is not primarily designed for that purpose. A framework for understanding cognition as ‘time/space stretching’ is presented and three strategies for enabling that stretching are described.
WAVEGUIDE FEED NETWORK FOR HORN ANTENNA WITH CIRCULAR POLARIZATION
Authors: Piltyay Stepan
Published: August 2021

The article presents the methodology for designing and optimizing of feed network for a circularly polarized horn antenna. A horn antenna has a metal structure and consists of a waveguide that has a variable cross-section and an open radiating end. Electromagnetic waves in such antenna are excited by a waveguide that is connected to a horn antenna in through the narrow wall. The proposed feed network of the horn antenna consists of a rectangular waveguide with a slot. In order to obtain the excitation of signals with circular polarization at the output, a slot was cut in the waveguide at an angle of 45º. As a result, the network makes it possible to form the signals with right-hand circular polarization and left-hand circular polarization. The presented design of the horn antenna feed network eliminates the need to develop a separate waveguide device of polarization processing. The designed feed network of the circularly polarized horn antenna can be used at an operating frequency of 8.0 GHz. At these frequency the reflection coefficient is less than −19 dB. The proposed horn antenna provides a maximum gain of 21 dB for right-hand circular polarization and a maximum gain of 10 dB for left-hand circular polarization. Cross-polarization isolation is higher than 10 dB. Therefore, the developed feed network of the horn antenna provides narrowband operating mode at the circular polarization with satisfying electromagnetic polarization characteristics and matching at the frequency of 8 GHz. Developed feed network of the horn antenna with circular polarization can be used in radio engineering systems, which carry out polarization processing of signals.
TINJAUAN TERHADAP FAKTOR MOTIVASI YANG MEMPENGARUHI PROSES BELAJAR MENGAJAR DALAM PENDIDIKAN AGAMA KRISTEN
Authors: Sumarto Yonatan Joe
Published: August 2021

Motivation in learning is the basis for encouragement, encouragement in the face of ongoing learning. Good motivation when you learn it can affect the state of students, that is, from not wanting to take lessons to want to learn. The role of motivation is to encourage individuals to do something in the learning situation.Motivation can occur in a child's life because of the influence in himself to achieve the goals to be achieved and the influence of others, in this case the teacher motivates students. Because of that the teacher must have a big contribution to motivate the child is not wrong, in following the lesson specifically following the Christian Religion Education.First, learning motivation can provide excitement or encouragement to someone in doing work to achieve something in accordance with what is desired and can provide direction for someone to establish learning activities. Secondly, the motivation of an activity contained in a person that can influence his behavior to carry out his learning activities. Third, motivating learning is important in the learning process, because it functions as a driving force, driving, and can direct learning activities, in this case the teacher who plays a role by preparing methods and materials effectively. Fourth, learning motivation has a tremendous influence on learning achievement, both from within and outside of the student's own influence. Fifth, the emergence of student motivation depends on how the role of a teacher in presenting lesson material to students and by using appropriate teaching methods, as well as PAK teachers.
Differential expression of trophinin associated protein in human epithelial ovarian cancer.
Authors: Mamoor Shahan
Published: August 2021

Epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) is the most lethal gynecologic cancer (1). We performed discovery of genes associated with epithelial ovarian cancer and of the high-grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSC) subtype, using published microarray data (2, 3) to compare global gene expression profiles of normal ovary or fallopian tube with that of primary tumors from women diagnosed with epithelial ovarian cancer or HGSC. We identified the gene encoding trophinin associated protein, TROAP, as among the genes whose expression was most different in epithelial ovarian cancer as compared to the normal fallopian tube. TROAP expression was significantly higher in high-grade serous ovarian tumors relative to normal fallopian tube. TROAP expression correlated with progression-free survival in patients with ovarian cancer. These data indicate that expression of TROAP is perturbed in epithelial ovarian cancers broadly and in ovarian cancers of the HGSC subtype. TROAP may be relevant to pathways underlying ovarian cancer initiation (transformation) or progression.
Immune Functional Capability Dynamics Determine Disease Outcomes as in Cancer, Heart Diseases, COVID-19, Etc.
Authors: Wu Jianqing , Zha Ping
Published: August 2021

Having proved flaws in using clinical trials to study weak factors, we want to investigate how life factors affect health and diseases. In this study, we show that cancer, heart disease and infectious diseases are inherently preventable and curable. We would like to find how life factors revolving around environment, emotion, personal activity, disease agents, diets, behaviors, etc. affect disease outcomes. We expand the scope of the immune functions to include functions for removing garbage and repairing tissue damages, and then identify six classes of health properties for evaluating the immune system’s actual functional capabilities. In this model, personal ability to resist infection depends on the immune system’s current functional capabilities, and the ability to resolve existing diseases depends on the immune system’s actual functional capabilities integrated over a relevant time. We show how each life factor affects the immune system’s current functional capabilities by examining its effects on any of the six classes of properties. Many seemingly irrelevant life factors can affect disease outcomes because they share biological resources for removing garbage, repairing tissue damages and maintaining all vital functions. Thus, we found that rational strategies for conquering diseases are identifying disease causes, avoiding exposure to disease agents, detoxifying toxic substances, and using seemingly-irrelevant life factors to boost real-time immune functional capabilities and vital organ functions. All chronic diseases including personal resistance to SARS-CoV-2 are influenced by N and M factors, where N represents the number of factors closely related to disease causes, and M represents the number of factors that influence the immune functional capacities and organ capacities. Most of N factors are pollutants (in a broad sense) while most of M factors are social practices that are formed after the Industrial Revolution, particularly modern era. This model implies the need to address massive toxic substances and examine health-ruining social practices in education, employment, business, litigation, promotion, etc.
SIMULATION OF COMPACT POLARIZERS FOR SATELLITE TELECOMMUNICATION SYSTEMS WITH THE ACCOUNT OF THICKNESS OF IRISES
Authors: Piltyay Stepan
Published: August 2021

Background. One of the main problems in modern satellite telecommunication systems is to increase the volume of information transmission with simultaneous preservation of its quality. Key element of such systems is antenna systems with polarization processing, which is carried out using polarizers. Therefore, development of new polarizers and simple techniques for their analysis and optimization are important problems. The most simple, effective, technological and actual for analysis are polarizers based on waveguides with irises.Objective. The purpose of the paper is to create a mathematical model of the polarizer based on a square waveguide with irises, which allows analyzing the influence of polarizer’s design parameters on its electromagnetic characteristics.Methods. A mathematical model of the waveguide polarizer with irises is created by decomposition technique using transfer and scattering wave matrices. To take into account the irises’ thickness their equivalent T- and Π-shaped circuits were used.Results. We have developed mathematical model of the waveguide polarizer with irises, which takes into account their thickness and is based on the complete scattering wave matrix of the waveguide polarizer. The matrix has been obtained using the microwave circuit theory. The main characteristics of the waveguide polarizer were defined using matrix elements. The optimization of characteristics of a polarizer was carried out in the operating Ku-band 10.7–12.8 GHz.Conclusions. Suggested mathematical model of a waveguide polarizer with irises provides the account of heights of irises, distances between them and their thickness. The results obtained show that this model is simpler and faster for the calculation of electromagnetic characteristics compared to finite elements method, which is often used for analysis of microwave devices for various applications.
Small But Terrible: Utilizing Chitosan-Based Nanoparticles as Drug Carriers to Treat Tuberculosis in the Philippines
Authors: Limocon Janela Rose Agpangan , Madalag Lyka Marie Cawaling , Reliquias Paulyn Jade Balungcas , Tionko Janina Veana Soriano , Fermin Jamie Ledesma , Kee Shaira Limson , Tan Myles Joshua , Jonco Maria J-len Juesna , Pomperada Ma. Junallie Fuentebella
Published: August 2021

This opinion article discusses, from a pharmacological perspective, why it is necessary to advance research on drug delivery systems for tuberculosis treatment using carapace wastes in the Philippines. This may serve as a gateway to the development of advanced and technologically feasible pharmaceutical formulations for TB on a national and global scale. Also, this article encourages discussions on chitosan R&D for pharmacological use and on the potential establishment of industries built upon carapace waste. We hope that this may provide other opportunities that could contribute to the health and economic progress of the country and the rest of the globe.
Differential Effects of Mindful Breathing and Loving Kindness Meditations: A Component Analysis Pilot Study
Authors: Bolognino Sarah J. , Renshaw Tyler L , Phan Mary L.
Published: August 2021

Objectives: Mindful breathing meditation (MBM) and loving-kindness meditation (LKM) are common components of effective mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs). This pilot study examined the differential effects of MBM and LKM on purported therapeutic process variables and mental health outcomes via component analysis. Methods: The research design was a randomized controlled trial with four conditions: MBM, LKM, combined (MBM+LKM), and a relaxation control. Participants were college undergraduates. Condition effects were analyzed across seven therapeutic process variables and three mental health outcomes. Treatment integrity and treatment acceptability data were also collected.Results: Findings indicated statistically significant and very large main effects of time, regardless of condition. Statistically significant time by condition interactions were only observed for one process variable and one mental health outcome. Follow-up descriptive evaluation of between-group effect sizes indicated patterns of favorable effects for MBM and LKM over the combined and relaxation control conditions. Treatment integrity and treatment acceptability data indicated very favorable social validity across conditions. Conclusion: We conclude that the findings make a modest yet value-added contribution to the MBI component analysis literature, suggesting differentiated performance among isolated MBM and LKM exercises compared to combined and control conditions. Yet further research is warranted to improve upon the limitations of this study.
Melancholia in the Time of War: Analysing the Efficacy of Psychosocial Aid in Post-Conflict Liberia
Authors: Bharti Trisha
Published: August 2021

The continent of Africa, since the advent of its colonial subjugation and beyond, has been replete with conflicts, be it intra or inter state. Such armed and violent hostilities not only disrupt the quotidian lifestyle of civilians, but also render them vulnerable to great levels of stress and severe mental trauma. This article, through pure qualitative research, attempts at investigating the mental health issues and disorders, individual or collective, prevailing among the inhabitants of such conflict settings in the Dark Continent. The article further stresses the importance of said mental illnesses as a direct consequence of the conflagrations and claims its stance to be at par with physical traumas sustained by the post conflict African society. By placing emphasis on the country of Liberia, which has been subjected to a myriad of brutal conflicts in the last century, the article seeks to understand the effectiveness of the resolution schemes across the post conflict regions with respect to the provisions made for the aid of such mental health issues and the viability of its awareness among the Liberian populace regarding its knowledge and treatment.
Sequential consumer choice as multi-cued retrieval
Authors: Hornsby Adam N , Love Bradley C.
Published: August 2021

Whether adding songs to a playlist or groceries during an online shop, how do we decide what to choose next? We develop a model that predicts such open-ended, sequential choices using a process of cued retrieval from long term memory. Using the past choice to cue subsequent retrievals, this model predicts the sequential purchases and response times of nearly 5 million grocery purchases made by over 100,000 online shoppers. Products can be associated in different ways, like by their episodic association or semantic overlap, and we find that consumers query multiple forms of associative knowledge when retrieving options. Attending to certain knowledge sources - as estimated by our model - predicts important retrieval errors, like the propensity to forget or add unwanted products. Our results demonstrate how basic memory retrieval mechanisms shape choices in real-world, goal directed tasks
Advances in the application of a computational Theory of Visual Attention (TVA): Moving towards more naturalistic stimuli and game-like tasks
Authors: Tünnermann Jan , Kristjansson Arni , Petersen Anders , Schubö Anna , Scharlau Ingrid
Published: August 2021

The theory of visual attention, “TVA”, is an influential and formal theory of attentional selection. It is widely applied in clinical assessment of attention and fundamental attention research. However, most TVA-based research is based on accuracy data from letter report experiments performed in controlled laboratory environments. While such basic approaches to questions regarding attentional selection are undoubtedly useful, recent technological advances have enabled the use of increasingly sophisticated experimental paradigms involving more realistic scenarios. Notably, these studies have in many cases resulted in different estimates of capacity limits than those found in studies using traditional TVA-based assessment. Here we review recent developments in TVA-based assessment of attention that goes beyond the use of letter report experiments and experiments performed in controlled laboratory environments. We show that TVA can be used with other tasks and new stimuli, that TVA-based parameter estimation can be embedded into complex scenarios, such as games that can be used to investigate particular problems regarding visual attention, and how TVA-based simulations of “visual foraging” can elucidate attentional control in more naturalistic tasks. We also discuss how these developments may inform future advances of TVA.
Missing Data and Multiple Imputation Decision Tree
Authors: Woods Adrienne D. , Davis-Kean Pamela , Halvorson Max Andrew , King Kevin Michael , Logan Jessica A. R. , Xu Menglin , Bainter Sierra , Brown Denver M. Y. , Clay James M , Cruz Rick Anthony , Elsherif Mahmoud Medhat , Gerasimova Daria , Joyal-Desmarais Keven , Moreau David , Nissen Jayson , Schmidt Kathleen , Uzdavines Alex , Van Dusen Ben , Vasilev Martin R.
Published: August 2021

Adequately addressing missing data is a pervasive issue in the social sciences. Failure to correctly address missing data can lead to biased or inefficient estimation of parameters, confidence intervals, and significance tests. Multiple imputation is a statistical technique for handling missing data that involves using existing data to generate multiple datasets of plausible values for missing data that each incorporate random components to reflect their uncertainty. Each dataset is analyzed individually and identically, and parameter estimates are pooled into one set of estimates, variances, and confidence intervals. Although this technique is widely used, there is little consensus on what constitutes best practices in multiple imputation, including with regard to assessing the extent of missing data bias and reporting multiple imputation procedures in publications. This decision tree was crowdsourced at the 2021 annual meeting of the Society for the Improvement of Psychological Science (SIPS) and revised thereafter. This document is intended to provide practical guidelines for researchers to follow when examining their data for missingness and making decisions about how to handle that missingness. We primarily offer recommendations for multiple imputation, but also indicate where the same decisional guidelines are appropriate for other types of missing data procedures such as full imputation maximum likelihood (FIML).
General Theory of Intelligence
Authors: Shcherbak Valentyn
Published: August 2021

In this paper, the dependence of the properties of the brain, its structure, functions and the higher nervous activity derived from them on the physical properties of the universe is analyzed.
Comparative effectiveness of surgical and Non-surgical management for patients with single level lumbar disc herniation in terms of symptom severity and quality of life
Authors: Sangoli Shashank
Published: August 2021

Aim: Sciatica is one of the most severe form of low back pain, with a lifetime prevalence of approximately 30 percent. To assess the short-term and long-term efficacy of surgical and conservative care in the incidence of sciatic symptoms and quality of life in standard clinical settings in patients with lumbar disc herniation.
Material and method: It is a retrospective study conducted at Medical Trust Hospital, Kochi who underwent micro lumbar discectomy for single level lumbar disc herniation, and of those with the same diagnosis but who refused surgery or were still waiting for the surgery to be scheduled. The patients were divided into two groups as Group A- treated surgically and Group B – awaiting for surgery and managed non-surgically. Cases between 20-60 years of age, male or female, with low back pain and lower limb radiculopathy, positive signs of root tension (SLRT between 30-70 degrees or severe femoral root stress), associated neurological dysfunction (with respect to corresponding abnormal reflexes, reduced sensation in dermatomal distribution or weakness in myotomal distribution) and multiple disc herniation cases if only one of the level was symptomatic, were included. The study excluded patients with scoliosis of more than 15 degrees, segmental instability, spondylolisthesis, spine or tumor infection, psychiatric disease, refusal of patients and age < 20 and > 60 years.  All patients recruited had to fill the consent and a clinical evaluation by means of established questionnaires which included the Short Form 36 (SF36), 16 the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), 17 and the visual analog scale for pain (VAS). Then were grouped into: Group A, for those who had already undergone surgical treatment and Group B, those awaiting surgery.
Results:Total 60 patients fulfilling the inclusion criteria were included in present study. Mean age of the patients in Group A was 36.7 ± 5.8 and in Group B was 37.01 ± 5.56 years. Male preponderance was observed in our study with male to female ratio of 1.7:1. At the time of admission, patients in both the groups suffered similar scale of pain and agony. The VAS and ODI did not show significant difference in the pain and disability in both group of patients. During follow-up of 6month and 2 years, surgically treated patients showed a significant improvement in the scores of VAS and ODI. Also the SF-36 also showed a similar results and was better in patients treated by surgery contrary with conservative treatment.
Conclusion:the study concluded with positive benefits from surgery with a reduction in pain reported in the lower limbs (VAS leg with p<0.05) and improved function (Oswestry with p<0.05); however, it did not show any much significant change in quality of life according to the SF-36 scale.
Acute Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Haemorrhage following Coital Headache successfully treated with Endovascular Flow Diversion
Authors: Chatterjee Apratim , Mahajan Anshu , Goel Gaurav , Ojha Piyush
Published: August 2021

Headache associated with sexual activity is a difficult diagnosis for physicians and sometimes underlies grave etiologies. One such cause associated with high morbidity and mortality is subarachnoid hemorrhage due to aneurysm rupture.

This is a case of a 39 year old male, presenting with coital headache for few episodes. CT showed subarachnoid hemorrhage, Fischer Grade 3.

Digital subtraction angiography revealed Right Internal carotid artery very small aneurysm which was endovascularly managed with FRED (flow-redirection endoluminal device, Microvention, Aliso Viejo, California, USA) flow diverter placement across the aneurysm. Follow up revealed complete resolution of aneurysm with no residual clinical symptoms. The following case reveals the importance of identifying sexual headache as a presenting symptom of grave etiology like aneurysmal rupture and its early diagnosis and management to avoid mortality.
Neurological involvement in COVID-19
Authors: Dhungana Isha , Shrestha Prabin
Published: August 2021

Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has been currently going on around the world. The causative virus, Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Corona Virus type 2 (SARS-Cov-2), has been detected in various human body fluids including cerebrospinal fluid.
Neurological involvement is one of the important aspects of COVID-19. Though many things in this regard have been published earlier, all the information are scattered and no article has tried to include all the information. Therefore, the main purpose of this article is to summarize all the relevant information about neurological involvement of COVID-19 in a single article.
More than one hundred recently published or pre-print articles have been collected and analyzed in this review. While searching the literatures, keywords such as COVID-19, SARS-CoV-2, encephalitis, stroke, intracranial hemorrhage, neurological manifestations, complications etc. were entered.  Pubmed, Medscape etc. were used as a source of information.
Neurological involvement in COVID-19 has been emerging as a matter of interest and further investigation for many who are involved in its management. Though many literatures and reports have explained various neurological aspects of COVID-19, many queries are still unanswered and needs further investigation. Spectrum of neurological involvement, exact mode and basic pathophysiology of central nervous system involvement, possibility of detection of virus in cerebrospinal fluid etc. are yet to be answered which are discussed and addressed in this review.
Based on our analysis, we have discussed on various aspects of neurological involvement in COVID-19 in this review.
Rare neurological presentations of Dengue Fever
Authors: Mathur Navgeet , Mathur Medha
Published: August 2021

In presence of abnormal neurological features infective, immunological and metabolic etiologies are also needed to be kept as possibility. Dengue fever may present with variety of neurological manifestations. This case series includes rare neurological presentation of dengue fever including first ever reported case of dengue fever induced bilateral abducens nerve palsy with another case of dengue cerebellitis. This case series along with previous studies suggest that imaging may be normal in these cases. This case series also highlighted the possible immunological etio-pathogenesis and role of steroids as treatment modality.
Staying fit: a must to be a successful Neurosurgeon
Authors: Thapa Amit
Published: August 2021

When I decided to be a neurosurgeon, I was told that my professional life is going to be very short. At the start you would begin late as it takes long to be a competent one and later due to stress of life and work, soon you would feel either exhausted or due to physical issues would soon stop operating.

Well this doomsday prediction for a career neurosurgeon may discourage new enthusiasts, the seasoned practitioner however knows what it takes to continue your career graph go up for long.
Neurosurgeons need a blend of skills and personal qualities like a high degree of manual dexterity, good hand-eye co-ordination, excellent vision and visuo-spatial awareness, good organisational ability and effective decision-making skills. To achieve this professional requirement and to keep going strong, we need a healthy body and a problem-solving mind.
Histological analysis of the products of conception in first trimester spontaneous abortions
Authors: Lama Poonam , Pariyar Jitendra
Published: August 2021

Aims: To evaluate the histopathological findings of products of conception in the first trimester spontaneous abortions.
Methods: A hospital based descriptive cross sectional study conducted from March 2018 to March 2019, among the women admitted with diagnosis of first trimester spontaneous abortion at Paropakar Maternity and Women’s Hospital.
Results: Among 80 cases of spontaneous abortions, incomplete abortion was the commonest type constituting 42.5% of the studied group. The majority of participants belonged to age group of 21-30 years (61.2%) with a mean age of 26.8±6.1 years. Histopathologic examination confirmed products of conception in 60 (75%) patients, partial molar pregnancy in 9 (11.25%) patients, decidual reaction in 9 (11.25%) patients and hydropic abortus in only 2 (2.5%) patients. The molar pregnancy was more prevalent among women of Tibeto-Nepalese ethnic group 26.5% (n=9). Partial hydatidiform mole was more common in primiparous (19.3%) than in multiparous (14.2%).
Conclusions: The histopathological examination of the products of conception proved to be an important tool in detecting undiagnosed pathology like molar pregnancy and hydropic changes that necessitate special follow-up protocol and further management.
Correlation of palpation versus ultrasound-assisted approach for locating the level of lumbar puncture used for subarachnoid block in elective cesarean delivery
Authors: Tiwari Arjun Prasad , Shrestha Amir Babu , Pradhan Ritu , Baral Bidur Kumar , Gurung Tara , Shrestha Sangeeta
Published: August 2021

Aims: To correlate the level of lumbar puncture used for subarachnoid block in parturient undergoing elective cesarean delivery between palpation and ultrasound method; and to find its accuracy.
Methods: This is an observational study, conducted in 314 parturient undergoing elective caesarean delivery under spinal anesthesia over the period of three months at Paropakar Maternity and Women's Hospital Kathmandu. The interspinous space identified by palpation method on lateral position for subarachnoid block and later the site confirmed by ultrasound.
Results: In this study, intervertebral space identified by palpation was matched in 38.1% (i.e. 107 in 281 patients) when assessed with ultrasound (USG). In 166 (59.1%) patients, skin puncture level was determined by palpation was found to be one intervertebral space cephalic. In eight (2.8%) patients, one intervertebral space caudal while assed with USG. The correlation between intervertebral space determined by palpation and by ultrasonography was poor (correlation coefficient r=0.288).The kappa was 0.293±0.015.
Conclusions: The level of lumbar puncture used for subarachnoid block in elective cesarean delivery by palpation method is poorly correlated (38.1%) with ultrasonographic identification of corresponding interspinous level.