bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Projection-Mapping-Based Object Pointing Using a High-Frame-Rate Camera-Projector System
Authors: Ishii Idaku , Kumar Deepak , Raut Sushil , Shimasaki Kohei , Senoo Taku
Published: September 2020

An informative object pointing method using a spatiotemporal-modulated pattern projection is proposed to recognize and localize pointed objects by using a distantly located high-frame-rate vision system. We developed a prototype for projection-mapping-based object pointing that consists of an AI-camera-enabled projection (AiCP) system used as a transmitter, for informative projection mapping, and an HFR vision system operated as a receiver. The AiCP system detects multiple objects in real time at 30 fps with a CNN-based object detector, and simultaneously encodes and projects the recognition results of the detector as 480-Hz-modulated light patterns on to the objects to be pointed. The multiple 480-fps cameras can directly recognize and track the objects pointed at by the AiCP system without camera calibration or complex recognition methods by decoding the brightness signals of pixels in the images. To demonstrate the eectiveness of our proposed method, several desktop experiments using miniature objects and scenes were conducted under various conditions.
Barriers and Drivers to Service Delivery in Global Mental Health Projects
Authors: Qureshi Onaiza , Endale Tarik , Ryan Grace , Miguel-Esponda Georgina , Iyer Srividya N. , Eaton Julian , De Silva Mary , Murphy Jill
Published: September 2020

Background: Research within global mental health (GMH) has extensively documented how contextual factors like political instability, poverty and poorly-funded health infrastructures continue to compromise effective and equitable mental health service delivery. There is a need to develop more feasible and evidence-based solutions through implementation research. This paper, one in a series pertaining to implementation in GMH projects worldwide, focuses on implementation factors influencing mental health service delivery.Methods: This is a qualitative study carried out as part of a Theory of Change-driven evaluation of Grand Challenges Canada’s (GCC’s) global mental health portfolio. Purposive sampling was used to recruit twenty-nine GCC grantees for interviews. A semi-structured interview schedule was used to guide the interviews which were recorded and subsequently transcribed. Transcripts were double-coded and analyzed in NVIVO 11 using framework analysis. This paper reports results related to detection and treatment of mental illness, mental health promotion and prevention of mental illness.Results: Key barriers included: lack of appropriate human resources and expertise for service delivery; lack of culturally appropriate screening tools and interventions; and difficulties integrating services with the existing mental health system. Formative research was a key driver facilitating the cultural adaptation of mental health detection, treatment, promotion and preventative approaches. Recruiting local providers and utilizing mHealth for improving screening, monitoring and data management were also found to be successful approaches in reducing workforce burden, improving sustainability, mental health literacy, participant engagement and uptake.Conclusions: The study identifies a number of key barriers to and drivers of successful service delivery from the perspective of grantees implementing GMH projects. Findings highlight several opportunities to mitigate common challenges, providing recommendations for strengthening systems- and project-level approaches for delivering mental health services. Further, more inclusive research is required to inform guidance around service delivery for successful implementation, better utilization of funding and improving mental health outcomes among vulnerable populations in low-resource settings.
 Seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 in an Asymptomatic US Population 
Authors: Rigatti Steven , Stout Robert L.
Published: September 2020

Methods: We performed SARS-CoV-2 antibody tests with the Roche e602 SARS CoV-2 Immuno system on 50,257 consecutive life insurance applicants who were having blood drawn for the purpose of underwriting mortality risk. Other variables included height, weight, and blood pressure at the time of the blood draw, a history of smoking and common chronic diseases (hypertension, heart disease, diabetes, and cancer).Results: The overall prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 was 3.0%, and was fairly consistent across the age range and similar in males and females. Geographical distribution revealed a very high level of positivity in the state of New York compared to all other areas (17.1%). Using US Census state population data to adjust state specific rates of positivity, it is estimated that this level of seropositivity would correspond to 6.98 million (99% CI: 6.56-7.38 million) SARS-CoV-2 infections in the US, which is 3.8 times the cumulative number of cases in the US reported to the CDC as of June 1, 2020.Conclusions: The estimated number of total SARS-CoV-2 infections based on positive serology is substantially higher than the total number of cases reported to the CDC. There is no apparent increase of risk of infection for individuals self-reporting, smoking, diabetes, heart disease, hypertension or cancer.
Real estate derivatives as financial instrument – possibility prospects of usage in Poland
Authors: Majewska Agnieszka
Published: September 2020

The article refers to the theoretical framework of the possibility of using real estate derivatives in the Polish financial market. Although the Polish property market is well developed, and Poland is the leader in the Central and Eastern Europe region, there is a gap in the use of financial instruments concerning the property market. Given the lack of a property derivatives market in Poland, conditions and opportunities for this market development are presented. The experience of the United Kingdom and the United States in this field shows that one of the most important aspects is stable and a well-functioning financial market. Therefore, the macroeconomic data and the data of the Polish financial market are examined.The analysis carried out indicates sufficient conditions and opportunities for the development of real estate derivatives in Poland. The macroeconomic data and data from the capital market have shown the economic environment’s stability and balance. One of the limitations is the existence of a clear and respectable index used as an underlying asset in derivatives on the Polish market. Only WIG real estate index is listed on the Polish Exchange. Although there are sufficient conditions for introducing the real estate derivatives in Poland, the success of all financial innovations depends on the willingness of potential users to use them.
AMERİKA BİRLEŞİK DEVLETLERİNDE GIDA BANKACILIĞI UYGULAMASI
Authors: DURNA Doğan
Published: September 2020

Gıda
bankacılığı, işletmelerce son kullanma tarihine yaklaşmış, ihtiyaç ve üretim
fazlası olan gıda maddeleri, giysi ve yakacak gibi ürünleri bedelsiz olarak
ihtiyacı olan kişilere ulaştıran bir bağış sistemidir. Gıda bankası kavramı ilk
olarak Amerika Birleşik Devletlerinde ortaya çıkmıştır. Günümüzde yaygın olarak
pek çok ülkede uygulanmaktadır. Bu çalışmada, Amerika Birleşik Devletlerinde
gıda bankacılığı sisteminin işleyişi ele alınmıştır. Bu kapsamda, Kansas
Eyaletinin Douglas ilinde faaliyet gösteren bir gıda bankasının işleyişi
incelenmiştir.
TÜRKİYE’DE NEGATİF GELİR VERGİSİ SİSTEMİ ÖNERİSİNİN BÜTÇE ÜZERİNE ETKİ ANALİZİ
Authors: UZUNALİ Emine , ALTUN Elif
Published: September 2020

Çalışmada,
Türkiye’de devletin belirlediği kriterlere göre, çalışabilecek yaş ve güçte
olup, yoksulluk içerisinde yaşayanlara yönelik yapılan mevcut sosyal yardım
uygulamaları yerine negatif gelir vergisi uygulaması gerçekleştirilmesi
durumunda devlet bütçesi üzerine etkisinin nasıl olacağı araştırılmıştır.
Çalışmanın amacı, Türkiye’de yoksulluk sınırları içerisinde yaşamakta olanlara
sağlanan sosyal yardım ödemelerine alternatif olarak negatif gelir vergisi
sisteminin kullanılabilirliğini bilgi kullanıcıları ve politikacılar açısından
dikkat çekmektir. Çalışmada öncelikle negatif gelir vergisi ile ilgili
literatür taraması gerçekleştirilmiş ve daha sonra örnek bir negatif gelir
vergisi sistemi senaryosu çerçevesinde yapılan analiz ile Türkiye’de
çalışabilir durumdaki yoksul olanlara negatif gelir vergisi sisteminin
uygulanması durumunda mevcut sosyal yardım uygulamalarına göre bütçe üzerine
etki analizi yapılmıştır. Analiz için ihtiyaç duyulan veriler, başta TÜİK olmak
üzere, Türkiye’deki resmi kurumlar tarafından yayımlanan istatistiklerden elde
edilmiştir. Yapılan analizlerden, Türkiye’de çalışabilir durumda olan yoksul
sosyal yardım yararlanıcıları için, mevcut sosyal yardım sistemi yerine negatif
gelir vergisi uygulanması durumunda devlet bütçesi üzerine pozitif etki
yaratacağı bulgusuna ulaşılmıştır.
TÜRKİYE’DE GÖÇ VE SAĞLIK POLİTİKALARI ANALİZİ: “SIHHAT PROJESİ” ÖRNEĞİ
Authors: KÜÇÜK Aziz
Published: September 2020

Türkiye, Suriye’de 2011 yılında başlayan iç karışıklık sonrası mağdur olan Suriyelilere “açık kapı” politikası uygulamış ve onlara “geçici koruma statüsü” vermiştir. 3,6 milyonu bulan kayıtlı Suriyeli sayısı ile dünyanın en çok mülteci barındıran ülkesi konumuna gelen Türkiye’de Suriyelilerin yarattığı halk sağlığı ve erişim sorunları hizmet kalitesini etkileyen ve sosyal uyumu tehdit eden önemli bir baskı unsuru haline gelmiştir. Bu sorunların önüne geçmek amacıyla AB ile imzalanan geri kabul anlaşması çerçevesince, 2016 yılında AB ile Türk Hükümeti arasında Suriye krizine yönelik eylem planının bir parçası olarak “Sıhhat Projesi” geliştirilmiştir. 300 milyon Avro değerinde ve doğrudan hibe niteliğinde olan proje, üç yıllık bir dönemi (2016-2019) kapsamaktadır. Çalışmanın amacı, Suriyelilere yönelik sağlık sorunlarına çözüm olarak sunulan Sıhhat Projesi’nin kamu politikası analizinde kullanılan süreç modeli doğrultusunda sistematik olarak incelenmesi ve değerlendirilmesidir. Sağlık Bakanlığından elde edilen nitel ve nicel verilerle desteklenen çalışmada, Suriyelilere yönelik sağlık politikasının problem tanımının AB açısından stratejik olduğu ve statükoyu korumaya yönelik eylemleri içerdiği ileri sürülmektedir. Türk sağlık sisteminin finansal sürdürülebilirliği üzerine etkisini değerlendirmek için erken olmakla birlikte, AB’nin finansal desteği ile Suriyelilere yönelik bu tür projelerin çeşitlenerek devam edeceği öngörülmektedir.
Análisis de Isótopos estables en restos óseos humanos y de fauna en los sitios arqueológicos del Holoceno temprano y medio Tequendama y Aguazuque (sabana de Bogotá, Colombia)
Authors: Triana Vega Angélica Viviana , Casar Isabel , Morales Pedro , Salinas Jennifer
Published: September 2020

Algunos estudios arqueológicos sobre los procesos de cambio social de las sociedades que existieron durante el Holoceno temprano y medio en Colombia han tenido lugar en la Sabana de Bogotá (Colombia). La investigación llevada a cabo por G. Correal y T. van der Hammen en los sitios arqueológicos de Tequendama y Aguazuque son ejemplos relevantes. Estos autores recopilaron información importante de artefactos líticos, restos de plantas, alfarería y esqueletos humanos y de animales que proporcionan información sobre las formas de vida de los humanos que habitaron estos sitios. En 2014, un nuevo estudio se centró en la re-excavación de los sitios de Tequendama y Aguazuque a través de nueve columnas de 50x50 cm. Esta excavación se llevó a cabo para obtener información arqueobotánica e identificar el acceso a los recursos que poseían los pobladores de estos dos sitios.

Este documento presentará los resultados obtenidos a partir del análisis de isótopos estables obtenidos a partir de restos óseos humanos y de fauna para aproximarnos a la dieta de algunos de los habitantes que ocuparon los sitios arqueológicos de Tequendama y Aguazuque, los cuales presentan una ocupación entre el Holoceno temprano y medio y la transición de la caza y recolección a los primeros procesos de horticultura y agricultura en dichos sitios.
Prawno-administracyjne aspekty ochrony środowiska
Authors: Jabłoński Maciej
Published: September 2020

Environmental protection is an area of interdisciplinary, in which the rule is the use of science concepts relevant to the legal, natural, technical or chemical. Therefore, in practice they may have different meanings depending on the conceptual context in which they are used. The concept, which draws attention to the rights and duties of citizens, public administration or environmental organizations, the legal and administrative aspects of environmental protection. Legal and administrative aspects of the environment in a manner related to the inherent rights of citizens, duties of public administrations, as well as practice and custom of our country and the European Union. Thus, their analysis is certainly an interdisciplinary context, and an important environmental dimension, the effect will be implied in the form of application by analogy comparisons and examples of not only national but international.
Schweitzerowska kategoria odpowiedzialności jako filozoficzna podstawa zrównoważonego rozwoju
Authors: Terlecka Magdalena Klaudia
Published: September 2020

Sustainable development is the philosophy of economic development harmonized with the care of the natural environment. It enables one to combine the aspiration of the man to achieve high economic development combined with concern against the social and natural environment. One of precursors of the ecological thinking, according to contemporary principles of sustainable development was Albert Schweitzer. The author of the moral program-specific by the name Ethics for life, in which huge role-playing the responsibility, which is deciding on his humanity. This responsibility constitutes the philosophical base of the contemporary idea of sustainable development.
Wybrane problemy holistycznej edukacji środowiskowej w świetle idei zrównoważonego rozwoju
Authors: Sandner Jan
Published: September 2020

The article is an attempt to define the problems of holistic thinking in terms of environmental education. Development of appropriate methodology in this matter should ensure a better understanding of the environment, but also indicate the mistakes made so far in the process of environmental education. All these activities should create a new quality in the issues of land management. This should lead to more effective crisis management in the natural environment on the ideals of sustainable development. Preparation of appropriate methods of teaching about the resources of the natural environment, consistent with the idea of holistic education, becoming one of the most important goals we are currently facing. Achieving these objectives is necessary in light of the tasks that are put in the idea of sustainable development. Develop a unified methodology for the holistic environmental education, environmental philosophy and environmental ethics should ultimately affect not only the state of knowledge regarding these issues but also create future substantive grounds for studies of the process of pro-environmental attitudes.
Przygotowanie studentów kierunków przyrodniczych do realizacji zagadnień zrównoważonego rozwoju
Authors: Żeber-Dzikowska Ilona
Published: September 2020

Both the development of the civilization today as well as the lifestyle of the society based on the consumption do not always involve the behaviors dealing with providing the mental picture of lives according to the laws of nature and its respect. The causes of this situation may result from a variety of educational negligence and the materialistic lifestyle created by the mass media. The level of consciousness can be significantly improved due to the competent preparation of the future teachers to realize the issues of the ecology and of the “sustainable development” in the educational process. There was an investigation carried out to find out the level of the respondents’ knowledge and to get the comprehensive knowledge on the required problem, i.e. if and to what degree the students of the natural science specializations were prepared to realize the issues of the sustainable development. The number of 297 students was involved in the investigation. They represented the following specializations: biology, geography, and chemistry in their universities.
Ekologiczna wymowa dialektyki oświecenia
Authors: Łepko Zbigniew
Published: September 2020

The title of this paper relates directly to the celebrated work of Max Horkheimer and Theodor W. Adorno: Dialektik der Aufklärung. Philosophische Fragmente. It shows as dialectical because of the ideas associated with engaging the rational mastery of the world from the degeneration of the practical ideas in increasingly sophisticated forms of man's dominion over man. Ecological interpretation of such understanding of the dialectic of Enlightenment gives it a modern expression in the sense that it points to one of the most pressing contemporary problems, born of the mythical inspiration functioning of enlightened reason, and today, in the name of being a man claiming to be his task to demythologize reality. Broadly speaking, in the name of human freedom the idea is to overcome the enlightenment tradition of freedom or its’ degeneration in more subtle forms of practical denial. This study follows this line of reasoning and expresses the conviction that today appears to illustrate the dialectic of enlightenment in environmental and bioethical issues.
Wpływ nowożytnego antropocentryzmu na relację człowieka do przyrody. Część 2
Authors: Ganowicz-Bączyk Anita
Published: September 2020

Anthropocentrism seems to be a fundamental notion concerning the man-nature relation. ?e anthropocentric attitude is largely meant to be the main cause of the ecological crisis. One can distinguish at least several stages of the process, which led to this crisis, namely: stage of Magic and Myth, Ancient Times, Middle Ages, and Modern Times. The aim of this article is to show the process of development of an anthropocentric thought in Modern European culture when the culmination of this process is observed. Among the causes of the modern worldview, one can mention e.g. the modern conception of science, technology development, as well as social, political, and cultural changes. Contemporary view on nature and man was influenced not only by mechanistic and materialistic theories tending to subordinate nature to man (G. Bruno, F. Bacon, R. Descartes) but also by philosophical views which on the one hand excluded man from nature (I. Kant) and on the other made attempts to restore man to nature (J. J. Rousseau, F. W. J. Schelling).
Awifauna wodno-błotna środkowej Wisły w okresie lęgowym: wpływ działalności człowieka na rozmieszczenie, liczebność i bogactwo gatunkowe
Authors: Bukaciński Dariusz , Bukacińska Monika , Buczyński Arkadiusz
Published: September 2020

The inventory of birds was conducted in the years 2005-2010 on the Vistula River section between Dęblin (388 km of the river) and Podwierzbie (435 km of the river). The study area includes a southern section of the European Ecological Natura 2000 Site in Poland PLB140004 „Middle Vistula River Valley” (IBA, PL083). In most areas the Vistula flows here within unregulated or relatively little modified riverbed, having features of natural, lowland, braided river. Sandy islands and braid bars within the main channel, steep banks, and old riparian afforestation create the unique breeding habitats of the Vistula River Valley. Especially the river channel habitats provide suitable breeding sites for many rare bird species, constituting some of them the key-breeding sites. There are, however, fragments of several kilometers, where people transformed the Vistula River in a more visible way (Table 1). These are, among others: an urban section within Dęblin boundaries (km 388-393 of the river), a fragment adjacent to Kozienice Power Plant (km 421-426), and the area, where since 2007 gravel for the industry has been mining from the river bottom (km 426-431). The aim of this inventory was the comparison of richness and abundance of breeding bird species associated directly with the river channel on fragments mentioned above. It will allow us to estimate soberly how very the intensity of human utilization of the river affects the distribution of avifauna of the Vistula, determining the richness and abundance of valuable and/or endangered species breeding in a given area.
Specyfika metod badawczych w Ochronie Środowiska
Authors: Orzeszek Piotr , Jerzak Maja
Published: September 2020

The article pertains to the methodological status of the Environmental Protection and the specificity of the research methods in this science. The Environmental Protection has recently become a recognized scientific discipline in Poland. As opposed to other European countries, it has been qualified as belonging to three fields of science. The current moment is the time of its formation and development as a scientific discipline. Separating it from other scientific disciplines evokes questions regarding its methodological connections with its mother disciplines. The research methods used in the Environmental Protection are similar to the methods applied in the discipline of chemistry, natural sciences, and agriculture. The aforementioned methods possess also other specific features, take the example of the fact that they are regulated by the law, and benefit from the technologically advanced examination apparatus. The article describes the selected methods in the Environmental Protection and poses the question regarding the methodology applied in this science.
Wpływ stopnia izolacji kęp olsowych na aktywność i różnorodność epigeicznych bezkręgowców
Authors: Olejniczka Izabella , Boniecki Paweł , Uchmański Janusz
Published: September 2020

Activity and diversity of epigeic invertebrates were studied in 2004, in alder wood (Alnus glutinosa-Carex elata association). There were chosen: fragment of alder wood and 23 alder tussocks that average surface was 0.27m2. There were installed also 16 artificial tussocks: 4 of them were the same size as natural, and the other 12 were smaller, 0,1m2 in size. The average hight of tussockw was 0.4m. Distance between particular tussocks varied from 1 to 2m. Tussocks were placed 3, 5, 7, 9, and 11m from the fragment of the alder wood. The material was collected using pitfall traps. Samples were taken every 7 or 14 days twice in the season: when tussocks were or were not isolated by water. The distance from the alder wood did not influence on activity and diversity of epigeic invertebrates on tussocks. Saprophagous: Isopoda and Collembola and predators: Araneae and Carabidae were the most abundant in the samples.
Prawno-administracyjne aspekty ochrony wód w Polsce
Authors: Jabłoński Maciej
Published: September 2020

Water Law regulates water management in accordance with the principle of sustainable development, in particular the development and protection of water resources, water use, and water management. The legislature also clarified the matter of ownership of land and water and covered with water, and the principles of management of these components in relation to the assets of the Treasury. The statutory provisions indicate that water management is carried out in accordance with the principle of rational and comprehensive treatment of surface water resources and groundwater, including their quantity and quality and takes into account the principle of common interests and is accomplished through the cooperation of public administration, water users and representatives of local communities so to get the maximum benefit to society.
Przemiany misji i funkcji uniwersytetu
Authors: Krajewska Anna
Published: September 2020

Przedmiotem analiz w tym opracowaniu są przemiany misji i funkcji uniwersytetu będące skutkiem zmieniających się warunków politycznych, społecznych, ekonomicznych i kulturowych w kolejnych stuleciach. W związku z tym dokonano charakterystyki rozwoju i misji uniwersytetu w średniowieczu i wskazano przemiany tej instytucji w XIV – XVI wieku, kiedy ukształtowały się główne jego typy: niemiecki, brytyjski i amerykański, jak również przemiany misji tej instytucji w okresie międzywojennym. Ponadto obszarem zainteresowań są uwarunkowania polityczne, społeczne i ekonomiczne, które spowodowały rozwój i przemiany misji uniwersytetu na przełomie XX i XXI wieku.
Stan i perspektywy wykorzystania biogazu jako nośnika energii do zastosowań stacjonarnych i środków transportu
Authors: Biernat Krzysztof , Różnicka Izabela
Published: September 2020

Both governmental and international programs support the promotion of biofuels and aim to increase the limit of renewable energy used in the fuel energy balance. Biogas is produced during the anaerobic methane fermentationprocess and it is known as a significant source of renewable energy, contributing to agriculture and environmental protection. Three types of biogas can be distinguished: biogas from sewage sludge, biogas collected from land`fils, andagricultural biogas. There are several possibilities of using upgraded biogas. Biogas can be used in cogeneration systems to provide heat and electricity, in transportation as a motor fuel and in the production of biohydrogen. Biogas upgrading process leads to a product which is characterized by the same parameters as compressed natural gas. Direct biogas use in the production of hydrogen is possible because of prior purification from traces like hydrogen sulfide, except carbon dioxide, by which the reaction can proceed in the desired manner.
W stronę ekonomii zrównoważonego rozwoju
Authors: Ganowicz-Bączyk Anita
Published: September 2020

Perceiving nature by contemporary social and economical systems, including the domination nowadays of capitalism and socialism, has led to an ecological crisis. There are at least several characteristics of traditional economical theories that make it impossible to realize the sustainable development of the anthroposphere, i.e. the view of a human being, the violation of rules of inter- and intragenerational justice, the way of valuing the environment combined with the underestimation of the significance of natural resources, the belief that technology is able to substitute all natural resources crucial to humanity, planning the short-term goals. Qe attitudes in economics appeared which demand replacing the current paradigm with a new one – that of strong sustainability. The characteristic feature of the economics of sustainable development is observing the ethical rules of inter- and intergenerational justice and responsibility.
Obowiązki organów administracji publicznej w zakresie recyklingu pojazdów wycofanych z eksploatacji
Authors: Jabłoński Maciej
Published: September 2020

Organy administracji publicznej w ramach swoich kompetencji posiadają uprawnienia do administracyjnego regulowania spraw związanych z recyklingiem pojazdów wycofanych z eksploatacji. Przyznanie takich kompetencji jest efektem regulacji skutków postępu cywilizacyjnego w zakresie produkcji, użytkowania i wycofywania z eksploatacji pojazdów mechanicznych. Dlatego  też, aby nie dochodziło do niezgodne ze standardami ochrony środowiska wycofywania pojazdów z obrotu, ustawodawca unormował ten proces, pozostawiając go pod kontrolą administracji publicznej.
Proces modelowania spływów wodnych
Authors: Biernat Krzysztof , Pytlak Joanna
Published: September 2020

This article analyzes the process of modelling water runoff, including the phenomena responsible for the modification of the riverbed. First of all, it examines the morphology of rivers and water relations prevailing in the stream. The article also discusses the goals and techniques of [ood control. The article may be the subject of further discussion on the effect of modification of watercourses on the environment.
Pd-catalyst Anchored on Schiff Base-modified Chitosan-CNT Nanohybrid for the Suzuki–Miyaura Coupling Reaction
Authors: Joo Seong-Ryu , Kim Seung-Hoi , Shin Ueon Sang , Kim Han-Sem
Published: September 2020

A novel Pd-nanoparticle-catalyst supported on chitosan-pyridine-modified carbon
nanotube (CNT) was prepared. The obtained Pd-catalytic platform (Pd@CS-Py@CNT)
was fully characterized and employed to the Suzuki–Miyaura coupling reaction as a
heterogeneous catalyst, showing an excellent catalytic activity in aqueous media in the
absence of phase transfer agents. Moreover, the easy recoverability and reusability of the
catalytic system after a simple manipulation is a great benefit.
Withdrawal Notice: Nano Sensors: Designing and Fabrication, Applications for Flexible Devices and Future Perspectives
Authors: Tahir Muhammad Bilal , Shoukat Aleena , Iqbal Tahir , Ayub Asma , Saff-e Awal  , Kanwal Hajra , Fiaz Alina , Saif Wajiha , Sagir Muhammad , Abrar Muhammad
Published: September 2020

The article has been withdrawn by the publishers because the authors are not responding to the editor’s requests to approve the final version of the manuscript.

Bentham Science apologizes to the readers of the journal for any inconvenience this may cause.

The Bentham Editorial Policy on Article Withdrawal can be found at https://benthamscience.com/editorial-policies-main.php

BENTHAM SCIENCE DISCLAIMER:

It is a condition of publication that manuscripts submitted to this journal have not been published and will not be simultaneously submitted or published elsewhere. Furthermore, any data, illustration, structure or table that has been published elsewhere must be reported, and copyright permission for reproduction must be obtained. Plagiarism is strictly forbidden, and by submitting the article for publication the authors agree that the publishers have the legal right to take appropriate action against the authors, if plagiarism or fabricated information is discovered. By submitting a manuscript, the authors agree that the copyright of their article is transferred to the publishers if and when the article is accepted for publication.
Neurobrucellosis: A Case Report with an Unusual Presentation
Authors: Meshref Mostafa , Amro Yara , Ebada Mahmoud A.
Published: September 2020

Background:

Brucellosis is a highly infectious multi-systemic zoonosis,
and it is caused by Gram-negative bacteria, Brucella. Despite the low incidence
of neurobrucellosis, it is the most dangerous consequence of brucellosis.

Case Presentation:

A 30-year-old Sudanese male patient presented to our hospital
with a complaint of fever associated with confusion for three days. He had
signs of meningeal irritation in the form of neck stiffness, positive Kernig’s, and
Lesage’s sign. The computerized tomography of the brain was normal. The CSF
analysis showed a clear colorless sample with normal tension, decreased glucose,
and slightly increased CSF protein level. We reviewed his occupational history;
the patient was a farmer with regular contact with cattle and camels. The patient
had positive Brucella antibodies for both B. Abortus and B. melitensis with a
high titer (1/640). As described in various patents, we administered triple therapy
for brucellosis for two weeks. A marked improvement in the conscious level was
observed, and the patient was back to normal within a few days post-treatment.

Conclusions:

We encouraged physicians to consider the diagnosis of neurobrucellosis
with any neurologic sign without a known cause. Our case highlights the importance
of occupational history in clinical medicine.
Assessing Patient Safety Culture: Application of the Safety Attitudes Questionnaire in a Kenyan Setting
Authors: Mbuthia Nickcy , Moleki Mary
Published: September 2020

Background:

Patient safety has recently been declared a global health priority. Achievement and sustenance of a culture of patient safety require a regular and timely assessment of the organization. The Safety Attitudes Questionnaire is a patient safety culture assessment tool whose usefulness has been established in countries, but a few studies have been published from Africa, more so, in Kenyan settings.

Objective:

To evaluate the reliability of the Safety Attitudes Questionnaire in assessing the patient safety culture in a Kenyan setting and to assess healthcare workers' perceptions of patient safety culture.

Methods:

A descriptive quantitative approach was utilized whereby the Safety Attitudes Questionnaire was administered to 241 healthcare workers in two public hospitals. The Cronbach’s α was calculated to determine the internal consistency of the SAQ. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyze and describe the data on patient safety culture.

Results:

The total scale Cronbach’s alpha of the SAQ was 0.86, while that of the six dimensions was 0.65 to 0.90. The overall mean score of the total SAQ was 65.8 (9.9). Participants had the highest positive perception for Job Satisfaction with a mean score of 78.3 (16.1) while the lowest was evaluated for Stress Recognition with a mean score of 53.8 (28.6).

Conclusion:

The SAQ demonstrated satisfactory internal consistency and is suitable for use in the Kenyan context. The perception of patient safety culture in the Kenyan hospital is below international recommendations. There is a need for implementation of strategies for the improvement of the organization culture in Kenyan hospitals.
G6PC2 rs560887 Gene Variant is Associated with Fasting Blood Glucose in the Admixed Mexican Population
Authors: Fernández-Pons Rodrigo , Costa-Urrutia Paula , Solares-Tlapechco Jacqueline , Granados Julio , Rodríguez-Arellano Martha E.
Published: September 2020

Background:

In Mexico, type 2 diabetes prevalence is 13.7%, which has a huge impact on Mexican public health. There is an urgent need to focus on the prevention of pre-diabetes to decrease the likelihood of type 2 diabetes onset. Gene variants predisposed to increase Fasting Blood Glucose (FBG) and glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels could be helpful for prevention purposes. This study aimed to analyze the association of the G6PC2 rs560887 variant with pre-diabetes in a Mexican-Mestizo population.

Methods:

A cross-sectional case-control study was performed in 960 Mexican Mestizos participants. The association of G6PC2 rs560887 with pre-diabetes was analyzed by logistic regression and with Fasting Blood Glucose (FBG) and glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) by linear regression.

Results:

The G6PC2 rs560887 variant was significantly associated with FBG (β -1.80, p=0.03), but not with HbA1c or the presence of pre-diabetes.

Conclusion:

The G6PC2 rs560887 loci could be a potential early marker of type 2 diabetes.
Significance of Microwave Irradiation in Synthesis of Thiazolidin-4-one Bearing Pyrimidine Analogues: Their in vitro Antimicrobial, Antituberculosis and Antimalarial Studies
Authors: Patel Navin B. , Soni Hetal I. , Parmar Rahul B.
Published: September 2020

Aim:

To synthesise biologically active thiazolidin-4-one by microwave irradiation
method and evaluate against different species of bacteria, fungi and Plasmodium falciparum.

Background:

Microwave irradiation method is serviceable for rapid and sustainable synthesis. In
this present study, Thiazolidin-4-one bearing pyrimidine derivatives have been synthesized by microwave
irradiation method.

Objective:

Thiazolidin-4-one is a valuable motif because of its broad-spectrum biological evaluation.
It is famous for many types of biological profiles, mainly antimicrobial, anti-tuberculosis, anti-
convulsant, antihypertensive, hypoglycemic agent and antimalarial. This biological response
leads our attention towards the change of Thiazolidin-4-one skeleton to enhance potential. Present
study aims to carry out a rapid synthesis of Thiazolidin-4-one derivative of pyrimidine by microwave-
assisted heating.

Methods:

4-(4-substituted phenyl)-6-(substituted aryl) pyrimidin-2-amine was the key intermediate
required for the synthesis of 3-(4-(Substituted phenyl)-6-(substituted aryl) pyrimidin-2-yl)-2-(4-hydroxy
phenyl) thiozolidin-4-one (5A-J), which was prepared by using microwave irradiation. The
structures of all newly synthesized motifs were characterized by spectral analysis (IR, 1H NMR, 13C
NMR spectroscopy) and screened for antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas
aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pyogenes; antifungal activity against Candida
albicans, Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus Clavatus; anti-tuberculosis activity against M. tuberculosis
H37RV and antimalarial activity against Plasmodium falciparum.

Results:

Higher yield with less time-consuming method is the main advantage of Thiazolidin-
4-one bearing pyrimidine motifs synthesis. The excellent biological response of compounds 5B,
5C, 5D, 5G, 5H, 5I, and 5J was observed.

Conclusion:

As compared to conventional method, less time is required for the preparation of Thiazolidin-
4-one analogues by using advantageous microwave irradiation method. Thiazolidin-4-one
derivatives showed improved biological activity.
Lessons Learned from the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Abouchacra Samra , Yaman Mohamad , Chandrasekhar Nair Satish
Published: September 2020

Background:

The COVID19 pandemic has devastated the entire globe with an astounding
death toll and various forms of human suffering worldwide. In its wake, it has uncovered serious
flaws and shortcomings in healthcare systems and beyond.

Objective:

The objective of this perspective is to highlight the lessons learned from the catastrophic
pandemic and propose recommendations for optimal future preparedness.

Methods:

Current literature was reviewed to identify common and serious challenges faced during
and in the process of instituting solutions for addressing the COVID19 pandemic.

Results:

The uncovered challenges appear to be similar in various countries across the globe, clearly
demonstrating universal patterns in lack of preparedness. This spanned critical shortage in healthcare
facilities, equipment, consumables and staffing along with technological gaps needs to keep
up with the emerging needs. There are also major obstacles impeding the rapid development and
implementation of diagnostics and therapeutics, and in addition, public awareness and international
collaborations are immature to effectively handle the crisis.

Conclusion:

Fortunately many of these shortfalls lend themselves to intervention, however country-
specific strategies must be preplanned with proactive readiness for rapid implementation during
crisis situations. These go beyond readiness with physical space, essential equipment and consumables,
and further involve proper capacity and manpower planning as well as local and global coordinated
communication and cooperative collaborations. Moreover, self-sufficiency and sustainability
are key to ensure the continuous provision of essential supplies and other needs. COVID19 has
taught us that the world could never be too ready or prepared for such unexpected future events.
Convolution Neural Network Based Visual Speech Recognition System for
Syllable Identification
Authors: Pahuja Hunny , Ranjan Priya , Ujlayan Amit , Goyal Ayush
Published: September 2020

Introduction:

This paper introduces novel and reliable approach for speech impaired people to assist them to communicate effectively in real time. A deep learning technique named as convolution neural network is used as its classifier. With the help of this algorithm, words are recognized from an input which is a visual speech, disregards with its audible or acoustic property.

Methods:

This network extracts the features from mouth stances and different images respectively. With the help of a source, non-audible mouth stances are taken as an input and then segregated as subsets to get desired output. The Complete Datum is then arranged to recognize the word as an affricate.

Results:

Convolution neural network is one of the most effective algorithms that extracts features, performs classification and provides the desired output from the input images for speech recognition system.

Conclusion:

Recognizing the syllables at real time from visual mouth stances input is the main objective of the proposed method. When tested, datum accuracy and quantity of training sets is giving satisfactory output. A small set of datum is taken as first step of learning. In future, large set of datum can be considered for analyzing the data.

Discussion:

On the basis of type of Datum, network proposed in this paper is tested to obtain its precision level. A network is maintained to identify the syllables but it fails when syllables are of same set. Requirement of Higher end graphics pro-cessing units is there to bring down the time consumption and increases the efficiency of network.
Readiness for Voice Technology in Patients With Cardiovascular Diseases: Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Kowalska Małgorzata , Gładyś Aleksandra , Kalańska-Łukasik Barbara , Gruz-Kwapisz Monika , Wojakowski Wojciech , Jadczyk Tomasz
Published: September 2020

Background

The clinical application of voice technology provides novel opportunities in the field of telehealth. However, patients’ readiness for this solution has not been investigated among patients with cardiovascular diseases (CVD).

Objective

This paper aims to evaluate patients’ anticipated experiences regarding telemedicine, including voice conversational agents combined with provider-driven support delivered by phone.

Methods

A cross-sectional study enrolled patients with chronic CVD who were surveyed using a validated investigator-designed questionnaire combining 19 questions (eg, demographic data, medical history, preferences for using telehealth services). Prior to the survey, respondents were educated on the telemedicine services presented in the questionnaire while being assisted by a medical doctor. Responses were then collected and analyzed, and multivariate logistic regression was used to identify predictors of willingness to use voice technology.

Results

In total, 249 patients (mean age 65.3, SD 13.8 years; 158 [63.5%] men) completed the questionnaire, which showed good repeatability in the validation procedure. Of the 249 total participants, 209 (83.9%) reported high readiness to receive services allowing for remote contact with a cardiologist (176/249, 70.7%) and telemonitoring of vital signs (168/249, 67.5%). The voice conversational agents combined with provider-driven support delivered by phone were shown to be highly anticipated by patients with CVD. The readiness to use telehealth was statistically higher in people with previous difficulties accessing health care (OR 2.920, 95% CI 1.377-6.192) and was most frequent in city residents and individuals reporting a higher education level. The age and sex of the respondents did not impact the intention to use voice technology (P=.20 and P=.50, respectively).

Conclusions

Patients with cardiovascular diseases, including both younger and older individuals, declared high readiness for voice technology.
PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY OF AN IMPORTANT UNANI DRUG BAZR-UL-BANJ (HYOSCYAMUS NIGER LINN.) – REVIEW
Authors: AZHAR MISBAHUDDIN , MUSTEHASAN
Published: September 2020

Objective: Bazr-ul-Banj syn. Ajwain khurasani (Hyoscyamus niger Linn.) is one of the important drug mentioned in Unani literature. It mentioned by the great Unani philosopher Dioscorides (first century AD) in his treatise Kitab-al-Hashaish. According to Unani philosophy, Bazr-ul-Banj is in third-degree category according to its temperamental nature. H. niger Linn. contains tropane alkaloids in good quantity, mainly hyoscyamine and scopolamine.

Methods: Unani classical literature was searched from recent to past available in different libraries. For phytochemistry, pharmacology, and clinical studies to prove, the importance computerized databases such as Medline, PubMed, Ovid SP, Google Scholar, and Science-direct were searched. All the information of plant available in Urdu, Persian, Arabic, and studies published abstract were included in the study.

Results: Fourteen Unani books were referred and 18 pharmacological studies were recognized. The action of Bazr-ul-Banj mentioned in Unani classical literature are Hazim (Digestive), Mudammil (Cicatrizant), Mujaffif (Dessicant), Mukhaddir (Anesthetic), Munashshi (Narcotic), Munawwim (Hypnotic), Musakkin (Sedative), Musakkin-e-Alam (Analgesic), Raade (divertive), Qabiz (Astringent), etc., and useful in Amraz-e-asbania (nervous affections), Amraz-e-Raham (uterine spasm and pain), Dard wa Alam (pain), Ikhtelaj-e-Qalb (palpitation), Junoon (mania), Niqras (Gout), Zeequn Nafas (Bronchial asthma), etc. H. niger Linn. showed many pharmacological effects included antimicrobial, anticancer, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antipyretic, antihypertensive, and antidiarrheal activities in different clinical and experimental studies.

Conclusion: This presentation is an attempt to showcase the action, uses mentioned in Unani literature, chemical constituent, and pharmacological and toxicological effects at one place. It may also observe that the drug is having many actions which may be beneficial in cases of COVID-19. It may be concluded this should be tested as adjuvant medicine in cases of COVID-19.
PRELIMINARY PHYTOCHEMICAL SCREENING AND IN VITRO ANTIOXIDANT ACTIVITY OF THE METHANOLIC EXTRACT OF LINDERNIA RUELLIOIDES (COLSM.) PENNELL
Authors: A IMTILEMLA , BAREH VICKY , BARBHUIYA SAMIA BEGAM , SAILO LALZIKPUII
Published: September 2020

Objective: The objective of the study was collection of plant materials, Extraction of phytoconstituents using a different solvent, to carry out preliminary phytochemical screening of different extracted solvent, to perform fluorescence analysis, to estimate the proximate composition of the leaves Lindernia ruellioides (Colsm.) Pennell, and to determine the presence of in vitro anti-oxidant of the methanolic extract of the plant.

Method: Preliminary phytochemical screening of the methanolic extract of Lindernia ruellioides (Colsm.) Pennell, estimation of proximate composition of the leaves, fluorescence analysis, total phenolic content, total flavonoids content, and in vitro antioxidant activity of the methanol extract (DPPH scavenging activity, reducing power assay, and nitric oxide scavenging activity).

Results: The result of phytochemical screening of methanolic extract of Lindernia ruellioides (Colsm.) Pennell contents the presence of amino acid, flavonoids, tannins, steroids, and triterpenoids. The moisture content and Ash value were found to be appropriate and the in vitro antioxidant activity of the methanolic extract showed potential antioxidant activity in terms of DPPH scavenging activity, reducing power assay, and nitric oxide scavenging activity.

Conclusion: The work presented here suggests that the methanolic extract of Lindernia ruellioides (Colsm.) Pennell possesses potential antioxidant activity.
UV-SPECTROPHOTOMETRIC METHOD DEVELOPMENT AND VALIDATION FOR ESTIMATION OF SAXAGLIPTIN IN API AND PHARMACEUTICAL DOSAGE FORM
Authors: SHINDE BHAGYASHRI S. , KALSHETTI M. S. , KOKANE ANJALI P.
Published: September 2020

Objective: A new sensitive, economical, simple, rapid UV spectrophotometric method has been developed for the estimation of Saxagliptin in API and pharmaceutical formulation.

Methods: Calibration curve method was used for the estimation of Saxagliptin in API and pharmaceutical formulation.

Results: The method was validated for linearity, range, accuracy, precision, robustness, LOD, LOQ. Linearity was found in the range of 10-60µg/ml. Accuracy was performed by using a recovery study. The amount of drug recovered was found to be in the range of 99.01-100.1%. All the parameters were validated as per the ICH guidelines.

Conclusion: This method is suitable forused routine analysis of present Saxagliptin in API and Pharmaceutical dosage form.