bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of coronary artery bypass surgery on ventricular functions in patients with poor left ventricular function
Authors: ÖZTÜRK Cüneyd , YAVUZ Şenol
Published: March 2019

Objectives: The
aim of the present study was to compare preoperative / postoperative
ventricular functions of patients with ventricular dysfunction who were planned
for coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) using echocardiography and
angiography, and to evaluate whether there was a significant improvement in
ventricular function. Methods: This
prospective study included 30 patients with poor ventricular function who had
undergone CABG at the Cardiovascular Surgery Clinics of Bursa Yüksek Ihtisas
Hospital. The patients' ventricular functions were compared preoperatively and
postoperatively at the 2nd, 6th and 12th
months. Results: Of
the patients, 28 were males, and the mean age was 60.1 ± 8 years (range 39-71).
In these cases, functional capacity improved within the early postoperative
period, and global ventricular functions improved within the postoperative
first year. The improvement in ejection fraction results was statistically
significant at 6 months and 12 months (p
< 0.05). A significant decrease was observed in left ventricular
enddiastolic pressures within one year (p
< 0.001). For the performance score, improvement was significant from the 2nd
month (p < 0.05).

Conclusions:
Our findings show that CABG improves ventricular function in terms
of EF, PS, LVEDP and NYHA classification. In conclusion, we consider that CABG
is a significantly effective option in patients with poor ventricular function.
Between facts and panegyrics. Tracing the youth and peregrinations of Hieronim, Jan and Stanisław Łaski
Authors: Janakowski Marcin
Published: March 2019

Research interest in the Łaski family of Korab coat of arms resulted in an array of interesting works and several times more postulates and research queries. Studies from the turn of the 19th and 20th century need to be updated and completed. This concerns both the factual issues and interpretational ones. In his article the author undertakes to accomplish these postulates in relation to the period of education and peregrinations of three representatives of the family from Łask: Hieronim, Jan and Stanisław, sons of Jarosław and Zuzanna of Bąkowa Góra and nephews of chancellor and primate Jan Łaski. Apart from reconstructing some events, the author reinterpreted the preserved source material and juxtaposed the results with the previous state of research. This resulted in identifying some inaccuracies reproduced for decades or statements unconfirmed by any sources which are deep rooted in the historiography.
Elisabeth Báthory – a true story
Authors: Bartosiewicz Aleksandra
Published: March 2019

Almost everyone has heard the legend of cruel Elisabeth Báthory who bathed in the blood of young virgins to preserve eternal youth. The countess is also known as one of the bloodiest women in Europe. She is registered on the world list of Guinness records as the biggest serial killer of all time. However, there is a doubt whether she committed all crimes attributed to her. Thus, the article presents two alternative biographies of the Hungarian aristocrat: one that derives from legends, and the other that is based on historical facts recently determined by contemporary researchers of the topic.
An account of the 70th birthday jubilee of Professor Andrzej Maciej Brzeziński, Łódź, June 11, 2018
Authors: Szczesio Sławomir Lucjan
Published: March 2019

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François Boucher’nin Eserlerinde Çin Kültürünün Etkisi
Authors: Canbolat Cihan , Yılmaz Meliha
Published: March 2019

Chinoiserie, 18. yüzyılın ilk yarısından itibaren başlayan resimden tekstile, mobilyadan iç dekorasyona kadar etkili bir üsluptur. Chinoserie’nin en belirgin dönemlerinden biri olan Rokoko birçok sanatçıyı etkilemiştir. Bu sanatçılardan biri olan François Boucher chinoiserie etkisiyle Çin’in sanat ve kültür anlayışını yansıtan eserler üretmiştir. Bu amaçla bu araştırmada François Boucher’in Çin Sanat’ından nasıl etkilendiği ve bu doğrultuda Çin sanatı ve kültür anlayışının sanat eserlerine nasıl yansıdığı araştırılmıştır. Araştırmada veri toplamak amacıyla geniş bir literatür taraması yapılmıştır. Literatür taramaları sonucunda François Boucher’in Chinoiserie etkili 10 eseri incelenmiştir. Sanatçının Chinoiserie etkili eserlerinde Çin’e özgü figürler, mavi-beyaz porselenler, Çin tapınakları gibi öğelerin yanında, Çin kültüründe bulunan kıvrık çatılı küçük köşkler, yakıcı havadan korunmak için kullanılan şemsiye gibi unsurlara yer verdiği görülmüştür.
Posthuman and Human-Nonhuman Relationship in “Oryx and Crake”
Authors: ÖZMEN Cansu Özge , VARDAR Öznur
Published: March 2019

Recently, numerous scientific and technological advances have taken place and the idea of man as the measure of all things has been challenged by the flourishing manifestations of trans-/posthumanism. Therefore, what it means to be human has been questioned by various theoreticians like Cary Wolfe, N. Katherine Hayles, and Donna Haraway. In this regard, concepts like Self/Other, human/non-human, body/mind are analysed in the framework of trans- and posthumanism. Margaret Atwood’s Oryx and Crake (2003) not only indicates a posthuman condition but also illustrates the question of identity regarding the characters. Consequently, this study discloses breaking points which involve issues of authenticity, othering, as well as identity explorations of the individuals based on post-/transhumanist theories and significant issues of the contemporary age. In addition, the study scrutinizes the human-nonhuman animal relationship and how it contributes to the identity formation of the human in a posthuman era.
Social Adjustment of Institutionalized Children under Need Care and Protection in Assam
Authors: Talukdar Rita Rani , Barman Lipika
Published: March 2019

Children are the backbone and future generation of the society and also preserve the societal culture and traditions of the society. Due to various reasons some children who are extremely poor, orphan, abandoned, sexually victimized children or neglected, children have to live without their families and they grow up in Child Care Institution (CCI). It is a temporarily organized residential care for children where alternative care is provided who are in need of care and protection. Institutionalization refers to the process of embedding something within an organization, social system or society as a whole. It aims to integrate fundamental values and objectives into the organization's culture and structure. Separation from the home or family environment, deprivation of parental care, love, affection, warmth, security, acceptance and discipline during childhood and adolescence may disrupt their normal development. The present study was conducted to study the social adjustment of these institutionalized children under the age group of 14 to 18 years. The sample was taken from child care institutions run by the Government of Assam and NGO of Assam. Total of 100 children was taken (50 male and 50 female). The adjustment Inventory for school student Developed by Sinha and Singh (1993) was used for the purpose. Descriptive statistics of social adjustment indicates low social stability among institutionalised children. Result revealed a significant difference between male and female in case of social adjustment. However, the result needs to be verified by using another test too. 
Survey on Quality of Life Profiling of Frontline Forest Personnel of Manas National Park
Authors: Goswami Sangeeta , Lahkar Bibhuti P. , Baruwati Binita , Das Bipul , Machari Kamal , Basumatary Ranen , Daimari Sanjib , Basumatari Silas , Basistha Sudip Kanta , Duttaroy D , Goswami Abhijit , Choudhury Sandamita , Kakati Ankita , Bhattachryja Deepankar
Published: March 2019

INTRODUCTION

Manas National Park is a UNESCO Natural World Heritage site and a Project Tiger reserve, an elephant reserve and a biosphere reserve in Assam, India. Located in the foothills of the Himalayas, it is contiguous with the Royal Manas National Park in Bhutan. The park is known for its rare endangered and endemic wildlife such as the Assam roofed turtle, hispid hare, golden langur and pygmy hog. Manas is also famous for its population of the wild water buffalo.

Presently, Aaranyak is implementing working on a project viz. The Manas Tiger Conservation Programme (MTCP). It is led by Aaranyak and being implemented in partnership with the Forest Department BTC, Wildlife Conservation Trust, Panthera and Awely. The project has been supported by International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). The Goal of the Project is to achieve 50% increase in tiger population in the next 10 years with enhanced protection measures, research and working on livelihood on the fringe area communities of MNP.

The scope of the survey is to understand the knowledge, skills and attitude of the target group in relation to their work place environment and job responsibilities. The objective is to assess their needs and quality of life in so far as conditions prevalent within the camps and the community in the fringe areas are concerned.  The data collected will enable the framing of appropriate measures to enhance holistic growth and efficiency in the functioning of the frontline staff and better protection of MNP. 

GEOGRAPHICAL COVERAGE

The project covered 500 sq. km area of the park, more than 300 forest personnel are engaged spreading over 60 Camps to protect the rich flora and fauna of this World Heritage Site.

OBJECTIVES

To understand the quality of life in so far as conditions prevalent within the camps and the community in the fringe areas are concerned.

To understand the gap in knowledge, skills and attitude of the forest workers in relation to their work place environment and job responsibilities.

TARGET GROUP

The survey included frontline forest personnel working in Manas National Park, under Bodoland Territorial Council, Government of Assam.
Rates of Anxiety and Depressive Symptoms among Female Undergraduate Medical Students at National Medical College and Teaching Hospital
Authors: Sawant Sandesh , Tripathi Garima , Raman Tripti Pal
Published: March 2019

Background: Literature states that Depression and anxiety symptoms carry impairment to medical students, including poor academic performance, drop out, substance abuse and suicide. A high prevalence of anxiety and depression among medical students has been reported worldwide. Higher prevalence is noticed among female students.

Aim/Objectives: To study rates of anxiety and depressive symptoms among female undergraduate medical students.

Methods: The present study is a cross-sectional study. The purposive sampling method was used. Duration of study was 6 months. A total number of participants’ were 100. Self-developed questionnaire and Hospital Anxiety and Depression scale were used. 

Results: Findings showed that the mean score of anxiety symptoms was 8.08 (SD± 4.07). Similarly, the mean score of Depressive symptoms was 4.99(SD± 3.28). Fifty-two per cent of the students rated anxiety symptoms and 25% of the student rated depressive symptoms between borderline to the abnormal range. Total 9% of the students reported that they have a family history of mental illness among which 8% reported borderline to an abnormal range of anxiety however 52 % who had no family history also scored the same range. Similarly, 17% of the students reported there were life events which were stressful among which 13% scored borderline to abnormal range anxiety symptoms. Likewise, only 5% of the students scored borderline to the abnormal range of depressive symptoms.

Conclusion: It was observed that female undergraduate medical students experience both anxiety and depressive symptoms however the percentage of depressive symptoms were less compared to anxiety symptoms. Further studies are required to evaluate the associated factors responsible for depressive and anxiety symptoms.
Empathy Enhances Wellbeing in Interpersonal Relationships across Lifespan
Authors: Mariadhas Joseph
Published: March 2019

The healthy and happy human living revolves around establishing and maintaining stable relationships with each other.  The life experiences pose whether these meaningful relationships are considered important for the well-being of individuals and communities. People constantly strive for cordial interactions with others, on one side, to avoid psycho-physiological damages such as loneliness and disapproval from others and on the other side, to shape their life meaningfully and grow purposefully. Empathy has been considered a vital component of one’s social cognition that contributes to one’s ability to understand and respond adaptively to others’ emotions that promotes prosocial behaviour in interpersonal relationships and communications. Empathy enhances cognitive abilities and emotional stability thus promoting well being in interpersonal relationships (Preston & de Wall, 2002). The human qualities, for instance, attraction, love, kinship, friendship, jealousy, betrayal, forgiveness, communication, conflict and aggression are either positively or negatively connected to human relationship domain and vital for the wellbeing at all levels.  And, for upholding wellbeing and interpersonal relationships, the predominant and promising dynamic seems to be the psychological component of empathy. The present presentation pungently brings out the conceptual details on the concept of empathy along with its imperative role in enhancing interpersonal affinity or relationships in enhancing wellbeing in general.  This paper is presented to establish that empathy enhances the interpersonal relationship and well-being across the life span.
Gay Wellbeing in the Life after 377: My Quest for Forming a Sustainable Community
Authors: Sarma Mukul Kr
Published: March 2019

My letter in the Assam Tribune (‘Life after 377’, September 22, 2018) raises some issues of a sexual minority called the gay community.  One of the completely unaddressed problems of gays of Assam is their ‘deteriorating mental health as they hide among heterosexuals having the similar gender expressions of heterosexuals, bearing utter suppression, self-loathing, denial and fear’. This ‘most discriminated, stigmatized and fearful’ community has seen a glimpse of dignity and hope after the Supreme Court’s verdict on September 6, 2018, that decriminalized consensual gay-sex. However, it seems, no policy is framed so far for the wellbeing of this community. The paper explores challenges of hidden gay youths-that I have realized communicating and counselling some of them-to conform to their true sexuality as they have been growing in a strict heteronormative milieu suppressing and often ignoring their true sexual desire owing to severe peer, family and societal pressure and lack of sensitization in a gay friendly atmosphere where they could access to some solid references of Assamese gays living truthful, happy life with their gay life-partners. This gay group have members in their mid-twenties,   near thirty and in the thirties. They have dated girls, and have been forming heterosexual dreams of starting a family marrying a girl since adolescence; hence, have realised their gay desire quite late. The paper tries to capture their conflicts in the realisation of their true-self; that they still try to deny; and hence, move towards entering a bisexual life with sighs of loss, helplessness and confusions. All of them have been in depression or other psychiatric illnesses-mild to noticeable-which some of them have admitted to having gone through. A majority of them have lost the urge of competing for earning; and hence, financially dependent on the family, although almost all of them have a graduate degree and above. However, there is hardly any psychiatric intervention for promoting their mental health due to their own ignorance and stigma, raising some questions: Will they be able to make a new family happy after marriage? , Should we support the heterosexual marriage of gays? , What is the way out, if not?
Life Style and Wellbeing among Urban and Rural Tribal Community Students
Authors: Labhane C.P. , Raut Balaji D.
Published: March 2019

A present study was conducted to investigate the life style and wellbeing of urban and rural tribal community students. The study attempts to analyze the various aspects of life style and wellbeing of urban and rural tribal community students in Jalgaon. In this study tools use was Life Style Scale by S. K. Bava, Sumanpreet Kaur and PGI General Wellbeing Measure by Dr Santosh K. Verma, Ms Amita Verma. The data of urban tribal community was collected from 30 males and 30 females Students from Jalgaon City and the rural tribal community was collected from 30 males and 30 females Students from mamurabad, kanalada and bhadali villages their age range were 16 to 22 years studying in UG and PG Students. All males and females were selected by Purposive sampling method were used. The Mean, SD & t-test was computed to analyze the data.

The Life Style Scale keeping in mind the scale of lifestyle for youth has been constructed having the following dimension: Health Conscious, Academic Oriented, Career Oriented, Family-Oriented, Socially Oriented, and Trend Seeking Lifestyle. 
Decision Making Autonomy and Maternal Healthcare Utilization among Nigerian Women
Authors: Obasohan Phillips Edomwonyi , Gana Paul , Mustapha Mahmud A. , Umar Ahmed Egbako , Makada Audu , Obasohan Dorcas Nike
Published: March 2019

Background and Objectives: Low assess to ante-natal care (ANC) services continue to pose a major public health challenge leading to high maternal mortality rates in developing countries. Non-utilization of ANC services among about a quarter of Nigerian women of reproductive age remains a major concern in the actualization of Sustainable Development Goals. Considering the complexity of healthcare utilization in Nigeria, the relationship between a particular health care utilization pattern and women autonomy has not been fully examined. This study examines the patterns of women autonomy and their relationships with ANC utilization in Nigeria.

Methods: This was a cross-sectional analysis of the 2013 nationally representative data from the Nigerian Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS). Factor analysis/score were used to construct women autonomy index, while chi-square and logistic regression were used to establish the relationships between the response and exposure variables.

Results: There is a strong relationship between women decision making autonomy status and ANC services among Nigeria women. The odds of utilizing ANC services among women with more decision making autonomy were significantly 3.79 higher than among women with low decision-making autonomy. The use of ANC increases as age, education and wealth status of respondents increase.

Conclusions and Global Health Implications: These results indicate that women autonomy is undoubtedly a major determinant of ANC utilization in Nigeria.

Key words: Autonomy, Antenatal Care, Logistic Regression Analysis; Factor analysis

 

Copyright © 2019 Obasohan et al. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.affect economic and health promotion.
Relaciones entre los cambios en los usos del suelo y el incremento de los riesgos de inundabilidad y erosión: análisis diacrónico en la provincia de Málaga (1957–2007)
Authors: Gallegos Reina Antonio , Perles Roselló María Jesús
Published: March 2019

Las características rexistásicas de los sistemas eco-geomorfológicos en entornos mediterráneos predisponen a la existencia de riesgos ciertos de inundabilidad y erosión de suelos. Se trata de geo-sistemas de respuesta rápida frente al cambio en cualquiera de sus componentes y muy sensibles a los cambios en los usos del suelo. Este trabajo usa una región extensa y significativa como es la provincia de Málaga para evaluar el modo en que el aprovechamiento del territorio ha actuado positiva o negativamente sobre dichos riesgos. Para ello se realiza  un análisis diacrónico de ambos procesos y se evalúan las variaciones de su intensidad. Se han utilizado como indicadores el umbral de escorrentía y la erosión potencial de suelos, y se ha trabajado a dos escalas, la provincial, para obtener una visión comparativa de la distribución de los procesos, y una de más detalle para identificar de forma concreta cuáles son los cambios territoriales que explican los principales incrementos y decrementos en la erosión y la inundabilidad. Los resultados muestran el reparto geográfico de ambos riesgos en los dos periodos seleccionados, y permite concluir las variaciones espaciales a las que la evolución del territorio ha dado lugar, y la influencia que procesos como la litoralización, el turismo, la periurbanización, los incendios forestales o las reforestaciones.
MPD Deployment for Deepwater Drilling Operations – HSE & Risk Considerations and Mitigation, Rig Configuration Challenges and MPD Equipment Selection and Standardization
Authors: Mohammed Sohail , Vanjarapu Ravi
Published: March 2019

The objective of this paper is to discuss safety philosophy underlying MPD operations and address potential risks involved and consequences for drilling assets during MPD deployment on a Deepwater Drilling MODU. HSE and Risk Considerations for Deepwater MPD projects will be outlined. This paper will also address rig configuration challenges and propose considerations for standardizing MPD Equipment for Surface Back Pressure (SBP), Pressurized Mud Cap Drilling (PMCD) and Floating Mud Cap Drilling (FMCD) Operations.
The Impact of FMCD Technology in Well Control Equipment and EDS Disconnection
Authors: Diniz Brandão Rocha Leandro , de Almeida Campos José Eugênio , Venâncio Xavier Cristiano , Visser Thijs , Freitas Felipe , Stahl Matt , Cruse Greg
Published: March 2019

This paper presents a case study of how a drilling contractor handled the implementation of Managed Pressure Drilling (MPD) equipment on 4 (four) drilling rigs, with focus on the impact on Well Control equipment and emergency disconnect while performing FMCD (Floating Mud Cap Drilling). The paper considers the effects of the rapid inflow of seawater from the bottom of the riser (water rush-in) during a possible emergency disconnect. Additionally, this paper discusses concerns about the subsea equipment when the drilling fluid level is close to the subsea BOP stack or below the seabed. Such scenarios can expose the drilling riser, riser adaptor, flexible joint, BOP annular preventer, BOP seals and gaskets to an inward-acting pressure differential. Restrictions that this inward-acting differential pressure may impose on the conventional equipment currently aboard the drilling units were taken into consideration to determine the feasibility of FMCD operations. This paper highlights the non-conventional considerations as well as challenges associated with this operation for the offshore drilling industry. Those challenges have also motivated technology innovation such as a reduced-friction, next-generation subsea flexible joint, which will operate equally in conventional or MPD conditions.
Automated Pressure Control for UBD Operations; Case Study and Field Validation
Authors: Berg Christian , Stakvik Jon Åge , Kulikov Stanislav , Kaasa Glenn-Ole , Dubovtsev Aleksandr , Korolev Sergey , Gurban Veliyev
Published: March 2019

In this work we present field results from a series of drilling operations where advances in sensor and control system technology enables a high degree of automated pressure control in under-balanced drilling (UBD) operations in Siberia, Russia. Traditionally this fractured carbonate field was drilled conventionally using water as drilling fluid, accepting losses after hitting the first fractures, resulting in wells with access to only two or three fractures and not reaching target depth (TD) of the productive section. For these operations a combination of Nitrified water and crude oil was used. Applying automated pressure control with UBD equipment enables drilling with a controlled draw-down from the fractures, enabling drilling of significantly longer wells, maximizing discovered fractures per well.

In this paper it will be shown how the drilling of these wells have been achieved with the combination of sensors for MPD and UBD and an automated pressure control system that keeps a constant drawdown throughout operations.
Erzincan İli Zemin Büyütme Etkilerine Dayalı Mikrobölgeleme Çalışması
Authors: ÖZYAZICIOĞLU Mehmet , DÖNMEZÇELİK Kemal , ORHAN Süleyman N. , ÖZKAN Mehmet Yener
Published: March 2019

Erzincan İli 1. derece deprem bölgesi içinde
yeralmaktadır. Zemin yüzeyinden ana kayaya kadar alüvyon kalınlığı 1 km’yi
bulan yerleşim alanında zemin büyütmesinin ayrıntılı olarak incelenmesinin
gerekliliği açıktır. Bu çalışmada, Erzincan İl merkezi için bir boyutlu kayma
dalgası teorisine dayanan, eşdeğer-doğrusal zemin büyütme analizleri
yapılmıştır. Çalışmada, zemin profillerini belirlemek amacıyla, 1960-1980
yılları arasında Devlet Su İşleri Genel Müdürlüğünce (DSİ) açılmış ve
derinlikleri 275 m’yi bulan sondaj kuyularına ait veriler kullanılmıştır. Eşdeğer-doğrusal
büyütme analizleri EduShake/ProShake programı kullanılarak
gerçekleştirilmiştir. Kuyu noktalarında oluşturulan profillerde, 8 farklı
anakaya hareketi kullanılarak, zemin yüzeyinde oluşan ortalama hareketin
ivme-zaman geçmişi ve ortalama PSA (görünür spektral ivme) grafikleri
oluşturularak Türk Deprem Yönetmeliğinde (2007) verilen tasarım spektrumu ve
ana kaya mostrası PSA ile karşılaştırılmıştır. Belirli periyotlar için,
spektral ivme cinsinden büyütme oranları (ana kaya mostrası hareketine göre)
hesaplanmıştır. Sondaj noktalarının temsil ettiği alanlarda, büyütmeye maruz
kalması beklenen yapı periyotları haritada gösterilmektedir.
Technological innovativeness and growth: a study of small scale manufacturing firms in Lagos State
Authors: Franca Obunike Chinazor , Aka Udu Ama
Published: March 2019

The study has the general objective to determine the extent of the relationship between technological innovativeness and firm growth using small scale manufacturing firms in Lagos State. The independent variable of technological innovativeness was operationalized into product-oriented innovativeness and process-oriented innovativeness, while the dependent variables of firm growth were operationalized into sales growth, employment growth, growth in firm size and market shares growth. This study employs exploration correlational research design. The sample population of a small scale enterprise in Lagos State accounts for eleven thousand and forty-four (11,044). Yamane’s formula was used to get the sample size of three hundred and eighty-six (386), this was approximated to the nearest hundred to have 400 for equal distribution. Data gathered for this study was analyzed using the Pearson’s Product Moment Correlation analysis in order to determine the relationship between them and a simple linear regression analysis to establish the extent of relationship between them using statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 2.3. The correlation statistic shows that the linkage between the independent and dependent variables was low to moderate that product-oriented innovativeness shows a moderate positive relationship with sales and employment growth, while the process-oriented innovativeness shows low positive relationship with firm size thus allowing for regression analysis.
Towards Strategic Planning Implementation for Egyptian Cities
Authors: Soliman Marwa Ahmed
Published: March 2019

Strategic urban planning plays a real and significant role in developing the urban areas worldwide because it helps in mitigating the loss of lands; especially in diversion of urban growth away from the “agricultural lands”. It provides better urban services and utilities; in terms of quality; and enhances local economy, livability, and sustainability. This paper explores the importance of strategic plans and their role in sustainable development, in addition to exploring the importance of the implementation process. A questionnaire with the local authorities for a group of 19 cities was implemented. The case studies for the planning of such cities started more than 4 years ago. It has been found that there are many implementation problems that prevent the conversion process.
The aim of this paper is represented in two main points. Firstly, illustrating the concept of the strategic planning process and how Egypt deals with it. Secondly, suggesting a new implementation system which can solve the main implementation problems in Egypt.
In conclusion, the paper identifies, through statistics, the perspectives of local government staff in Egypt towards the preparation and implementation of the strategic plans which includes proposed solutions for a problem treatment as well as the opportunity of community participation.
A Territorial Approach to the Production of Urban and Rural Landscape.
Authors: Trapani Ferdinando , Savarese Raffaele , Safonte Fabiola
Published: March 2019

The authors, starting from the examination of the historic data of Palermo landscapes on the south-east side, draws up an analysis of the landscape by illustrating the environmental characteristics and the intervention of man in its transformations. Therefore, determined by a certain point to refer to, the author, on the basis of archival, literary, and existing graphic documentation, has therefore sought to illustrate the evolution of the landscape in the geographical area of Maredolce while still presenting relations with the territory of Palermo. Examining the diaries at the end of the eighteenth century with the help of the water colored planks of the sites taking into account the great patrimony left by landscape painters of the period brought a great deal of information. In this sense it is possible to evaluate the transformation of Maredolce from swampy and abandoned land of the last seventeenth century (end of sugary activity) to that of new irrigation agriculture. Transformation that is common to the entire territory of Palermo, with which numerous comparisons are also carried out on the basis of archival documentation. With the introduction of the industrial economy of the citrus which has wiped out any past historical stratification; before being swept by the cementation of the ‘Conca d’Oro’ which still lasts and of which Maredolce (historic palace and its garden) is the last environmental and cultural heritage as a holistic ecosystem that should absolutely be saved by using integrated urban planning with responsible architectonic restoration approaches.
Evaluating the Emission of CO2 at Traffic Intersections with the Purpose of Reducing Emission Rate, Case Study: The University of Nigeria, Nsukka
Authors: David Nathan , Duru Chinedu
Published: March 2019

Traffic congestion is a major problem around the world that results in slower speeds, increased trip time, and a longer queuing of vehicles. The production and use of fuels for vehicles results in emissions of greenhouse gases (GHSs), besides carbon dioxide, which include methane and nitrous oxide. Traffic lights that wirelessly keep track of vehicles could reduce journey time and fuel consumption thereby reducing carbon emissions. In view of the importance of vehicles as an emitter of GHGs, namely CO2, with the growing concern about climate change, this paper aims to explore the emission of CO2 from vehicles at a traffic intersection for the purpose of reducing emission rate. Realizing this reduction, points to the implementation of an Advanced Traffic Management System (ATMS) with Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs) on the road network of a region will be discussed. With such a technology, a region can experience lower queue lengths at an intersection and therefore lower CO2 emission surrounding the area. The University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) is used as a case study in exploring this phenomenon which over the years has seen a drastic increase on the amount of cars on the campus area. With the assumption that an ATM system with WSNs is deployed on the UNN campus area, the paper looks into the traffic dynamics that makes it possible to evaluate CO2 emission at traffic light intersections to ensure a cleaner environment. Throughout the paper, it will be made clear that with the relevant equation of CO2 emission and the arrival time per vehicle, CO2 emission rate can be evaluated at a traffic intersection depending on the volume of cars at the intersection. With such evaluation, further analysis can be made on ways to actually reduce CO2 emission and techniques for implementation with an ATM system.
Towards sustainable water regulation based on a distributed hydrological model for a heavily polluted urban river, northwest China
Authors: Lyu Jiqiang , Luo Pingping , Mo Shuhong , Zhou Meimei , Shen Bing , Fan Lei , Nover Daniel
Published: March 2019

The Qinling Mountains are located in a transition zone between (semi)-arid regions in north China and humid regions in south China. The water resource and water ecology of regional rivers are strongly affected by climate change and human activity. In this paper, the stochastic simulation of river water regulation was performed and an optimal water regulation scheme of rubber dam projects was developed by establishing a multi-objective stochastic constraint water regulation model of rubber dam projects based on the coupling of a distributed hydrological model and a water balance model. Results show that a ∼40% reduction of water occurred in the lower river channel due to the operation of water supply project in the upper reach and impoundment by rubber dam projects in the lower reaches. This water reduction was associated with decreased water environment self-purification capacity and serious deterioration of water quality for smaller ecological basic flow and mean flow velocity. By establishing a multi-objective stochastic constraint programming model, the average velocity and the ecological basic flow at different adjusting heights of rubber dams are determined. The regulation scheme of rubber dam projects we propose in this paper may optimize the current river water management strategies and help to improve the river water quality environment in urban rivers.
Anaerobic stabilisation of urine diverting dehydrating toilet faeces (UDDT-F) in urban poor settlements: biochemical energy recovery
Authors: Riungu Joy , Ronteltap Mariska , van Lier Jules B.
Published: March 2019

Biochemical energy recovery using digestion and co-digestion of faecal matter collected from urine diverting dehydrating toilet faeces (UDDT-F) and mixed organic market waste (OMW) was studied under laboratory- and pilot-scale conditions. Laboratory-scale biochemical methane potential (BMP) tests showed an increase in methane production with an increase in OMW fraction in the feed substrate. In subsequent pilot-scale experiments, one-stage and two-stage plug flow digester were researched, applying UDDT-F:OMW ratios of 4:1 and 1:0, at about 10 and 12% total solids (TS) slurry concentrations. Comparable methane production was observed in one-stage (Ro-4:1,12%) (314 ± 15 mL CH4/g VS added) and two-stage (Ram-4:1,12%) (325 ± 12 mL CH4/g VS added) digesters, when applying 12% TS slurry concentration. However, biogas production in Ram-4:1,12% digester (571 ± 25 mL CH4/g VS added) was about 12% higher than in Ro-4:1,12%, significantly more than the slight difference in methane production, i.e. 3–4%. The former was attributed to enhanced waste solubilisation and increased CO2 dissolution, resulting from mixing the bicarbonate-rich methanogenic effluent for neutralisation purposes with the low pH (4.9) influent acquired from the pre-acidification stage. Moreover, higher process stability was observed in the first parts of the plug flow two-stage digester, characterised by lower VFA concentrations.
The hierarchical structure of social comfort of living
Authors: Sazhin Yuriy V. , Malysheva Oksana O.
Published: March 2019

Purpose of the study. The purpose of the study is to develop a model of the social comfort of living in the regional hierarchical structure, which allows continuous assessment of this category by monitoring individual indicators as well as combining those with an integral statistical indicator.

Materials and methods. The study utilizes a systematic method to establish a whole set of indicators that are representative enough to adequately characterize social comfort. The informational base includes monographic and scientific literature on the thesis topic, regulatory documents, publications in periodicals and the Internet, documents and materials of international organizations, official statistics of the ROSSTAT (Federal State Statistics Service), methodological provisions on statistics, information and analytical materials of research institutions, specialized reviews by various professional associations, news agencies and companies in Russia and abroad. These materials are sufficient to form an a priori set of indicators of social comfort of living.

Results. The result of applying the proposed hierarchical structure is an effective statistical assessment of the social comfort of living and the empowerment of the population of the regions of Russia to increase their well-being in the long-term perspective in line with rational measures of state regulation. The research materials can be used in the development of target indicators of the strategy of socio-economic development of territories, monitoring the current situation in the field of social comfort of living.

Conclusion. This article proposes an approach to the hierarchical structure of social comfort parameters, which are largely close to the index of living standards and quality of life of the population. However, this index should not be narrowed down only to the monitoring of standard socio-economic indicators. That is why we suggest that it is necessary to extend the Federal Statistical Work Plan of ROSSTAT with the list of the following indicators such as civil liberties, the ratio of work and rest time, surveys of people's satisfaction with life and basic public services which are already being developed in most developed countries, in order to address the subjective element of social comfort.
Treatments for Iron Deficiency (ID): Prospective Organic Iron Fortification
Authors: Wan Dan , Wu Qinghua , Ni Hengjia , Liu Gang , Ruan Zheng , Yin Yulong
Published: March 2019

Iron deficiency, one of the most common nutritional deficient disorders, frequently affects infants, adolescents and pregnant women and impairs growth, development and immune responses. Iron deficiency may also be secondary to gastrointestinal conditions such as gastrectomy and inflammatory bowel disease, as well as cancer and chronic uremia. Iron supplementation is the most commonly selected treatment option for iron deficiency. This review summarizes the iron compounds currently recommended for the iron fortification of foods and for clinical use. Additionally, this review discusses and compares the important aspects of high-quality iron compounds/products and classes of compounds that enhance iron bioavailability. The development of efficient iron fortification methods remains the most cost-effective and long-term approach to the treatment of iron deficiency or related anemia. To date, no orally administered options for iron fortification can sufficiently replace the parenteral administration of iron supplements, which includes the intramuscular injection of iron-dextran to neonatal piglets and intravenous injection of iron supplements to patients with gastrointestinal disorders. Iron bioavailability may be enhanced by encouraging customers to ingest iron-enriched foods together with dietary sources of vitamin C, folic acid and/or oligosaccharides.
Circulating Insulin-like Growth Factor-1 Levels in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Meta-analysis
Authors: Zhao Yu-Lan , Wu Jun , Zhang Tian-Ping , Cheng Qian-Yao , Wang Xue-Ping , Gu Ming-Ming , Pan Hai-Feng , Ye Dong-Qing
Published: March 2019

Conclusion:

Patients with RA have lower circulating IGF-1 level than healthy controls, particularly for patients
from Asia and Europe. Further studies are necessary to elucidate the role of IGF-1 in the pathological process of
RA.

Results:

A total of eleven articles with 334 cases and 261 controls were finally included. Compared with the
healthy group, the RA group had lower circulating IGF-1 levels (pooled SMD= -0.936, 95% CI= -1.382 to -0.489,
p<0.001). The subgroup analysis showed that RA patients from Asia (SMD= -0.645, 95% CI= -1.063 to -0.228,
p= 0.002) and Europe (SMD= -1.131, 95% CI= -1.767 to -0.495, p<0.001) had lower circulating IGF-1 levels, no
significant difference in plasma/serum IGF-1 levels was observed in RA patients from America. Sensitivity
analysis indicated the stability and credibility of the overall effect sizes.

Methods:

PubMed, Embase and the Cochrane Library databases were searched up to December 2018 in English,
and the studies comparing serum/plasma IGF-1 levels between RA group and healthy control group were what we
are interested in. The Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS) was used to assess the methodological quality of the
included studies. The heterogeneity test was performed by the Cochrane Q statistic and I2 –statistic. The publication
bias was evaluated by the funnel plot and Egger’s test. The standard mean difference (SMD) with 95% confidence
interval (CI) was calculated by the fixed-effects or random-effects model.

Background and Objectives:

Insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) levels have been investigated in
rheumatoid arthritis (RA), however, produced inconsistent results. The purpose of this meta-analysis was to derive
a more precise conclusion about serum/plasma IGF-1 levels in RA patients.
The Role of Sequence Duplication in Transcriptional Regulation and Genome Evolution
Authors: Vaschetto Luis M. , Ortiz Natalia
Published: March 2019

Sequence duplication is nowadays recognized as an important mechanism that underlies the evolution of eukaryote genomes, being indeed one of the most powerful strategies for the generation of adaptive diversity by modulating transcriptional activity. The evolutionary novelties simultaneously associated with sequence duplication and differential gene expression can be collectively referred to as duplication-mediated transcriptional regulation. In the last years, evidence has emerged supporting the idea that sequence duplication and functionalization represent important evolutionary strategies acting at the genome level, and both coding and non-coding sequences have been found to be targets of such events. Moreover, it has been proposed that deleterious effects of sequence duplication might be potentially silenced by endogenous cell machinery (i.e., RNA interference, epigenetic repressive marks, etc). Along these lines, our aim is to highlight the role of sequence duplication on transcriptional activity and the importance of both in genome evolution.
Nano Drug Delivery in Treatment of Oral Cancer, A Review of the Literature
Authors: Kakkar Vandita , Verma Manoj Kumar , Saini Komal , Kaur Indu Pal
Published: March 2019

Oral Cancer (OC) is a serious and growing problem which constitutes a huge burden on
people in more and less economically developed countries alike. The scenario is clearly depicted from
the increase in the expected number of new cases in the US diagnosed with OC from 49,670 people in
2016, to 49,750 cases in 2017. The situation is even more alarming in India, with 75,000 to 80,000
new cases being reported every year, thus making it the OC capital of the world. Leukoplakia,
erythroplakia, oral lichen planus, oral submucous fibrosis, discoid lupus erythmatosus, hereditary disorders
such as dyskeratosis congenital and epidermolisys bullosa are highlighted by WHO expert
working group as the predisposing factors increasing the risk of OC. Consumption of tobacco and alcohol,
genetic factors, and human papilloma virus are assigned as the factors contributing to the aetiology
of OC. On the other hand, pathogenesis of OC involves not only apoptosis but also pain, inflammation
and oxidative stress. Inspite of current treatment options (surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy),
OC is often associated with recurrence and formation of secondary primary tumours resulting
in poor overall survival rates (∼50%). The intervention of nano technology-based drug delivery
systems as therapeutics for cancers is often viewed as a cutting edge for technologists. Though ample
literature on the usefulness of nano-coutured cancer therapeutics, rarely any product is in pipeline.
Yet, despite all the hype about nanotechnology, there are few ongoing trials. This review discusses the
current and future trends of nano-based drug delivery for the treatment of OC.
Pharmacokinetics of Benzoic Acid, 4-[[(2-Hydroxyethyl)Amino]Carbonyl]- Methyl Ester from Portulaca Oleracea L. in Rats after Intravenous and Oral Administrations Using UHPLC-ESI-Q-TOF/MS
Authors: Xu Haoran , Ying Zheming , Wang Lina , Zhang Wenjie , Ying Xixiang , Yang Guanlin
Published: March 2019

Objective:

The aim of this study is to investigate the pharmacokinetics of benzoic acid, 4-
[[(2-hydroxyethyl)amino]carbonyl], methyl ester in rats after intravenous and oral administrations at
doses of 3 mL/kg.

Methods:

A rapid, high selective ultra-high performance liquid chromatographic electrospray quadrupole-
time of flight mass spectrometry (UHPLC-ESI-Q-TOF/MS) method was applied to investigate the
pharmacokinetics of benzoic acid, 4-[[(2-hydroxyethyl)amino]carbonyl]-, methyl ester with p-coumaric
acid as internal standard (IS) in rats after intravenously and orally dosed.

Results:

The pharmacokinetic data of benzoic acid, 4-[[(2-hydroxyethyl)amino]carbonyl]-, methyl ester
was analyzed in the two-compartment open model. The main pharmacokinetic parameters were, respectively,
36.474 μg·h/mL, 12.59 μg·h/mL (AUC0→∞), and T1/2α was 0.14 h, 0.359 h; T1/2β was 3.046 h,
5.646 h after intravenous and oral administrations.

Conclusion:

Benzoic acid, 4-[[(2-hydroxyethyl)amino] carbonyl]-, methyl ester was rapidly distributed
in rat’s plasma with the absolute bioavailability of 34.5%.
Design, Synthesis, Anti-Proliferative Evaluation and Cell Cycle Analysis of Hybrid 2-Quinolones
Authors: Mohamed Heba A.E. , Al-Shareef Hossa F.
Published: March 2019

Background:

Quinolones are a significant group of nitrogen heterocyclic compounds that exist in therapeutic
agents, alkaloids, and synthetic small molecules that have important biological activities. A wide range of
quinolones have been used as antituberculosis, antibacterial, anti-malarial, antifungal, anticonvulsant, anticancer
agents and urease inhibitors.

Methods:

Ethyl 3,3-disubstituted-2-cyano propionates containing hybride quinolones derivatives were synthesized
by the reaction of 1-amino-7-hydroxy-4-methylquinolin-2(1H)-one and its dibromo derivative with α, β-unsaturated
carbonyl in ethanol.

Results:

A novel series of hybrid 2-quinolone derivatives was designed and synthesized. The compounds structures
were confirmed using different spectroscopic methods and elemental analysis. The cytotoxic activities of all the
compounds were assessed against HepG2 cell line in comparison with doxorubicin as a standard drug.

Conclusion:

Most compounds revealed superior anti-proliferative activity than the standard. Compound 4b, is the
most active compound (IC50 = 0.39mM) compared with doxorubicin (IC50 = 9.23mM). DNA flow cytometric analysis
of compound 4b showed cell cycle arrest at G2/M phase with a concomitant increase of cells in apoptotic phase.
Dual annexin-V/ propidium iodide staining assay of compound 4b revealed that the selected candidate increased the
apoptosis of HepG-2 cells more than control.