bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reducing errors on estimates of the carbon uptake period based on time series of atmospheric CO2
Authors: Kariyathan Theertha , Peters Wouter , Marshall Julia , Bastos Ana , Tans Pieter , Reichstein Markus
Published: June 2022

Abstract. Long, high-quality time series measurements of atmospheric greenhouse gases show interannual variability in the measured seasonal cycles. These changes can be analyzed to better understand the carbon cycle and the impact of climate drivers. However, nearly all discrete measurement records contain gaps and have noise due to the influence of local fluxes or synoptic variability. To facilitate analysis, filtering and curve-fitting techniques are often applied to these time series. Previous studies have recognized that there is inherent uncertainty associated with this curve fitting and the choice of a given mathematical method might introduce biases. Since uncertainties are seldom propagated to the metrics under study, this can lead to misinterpretation of the signal. In this study, we present a novel curve fitting method and an ensemble-based approach that allows the uncertainty of the metrics to be quantified. We apply it here to the Northern Hemisphere CO2 dry air mole fraction time series. We use this ensemble-based approach to analyze different seasonal cycle metrics, namely the onset, termination, and duration of the carbon uptake period (CUP), i.e., the time of the year when the CO2 uptake is greater than the CO2 release. Previous studies have diagnosed CUP based on the dates on which the detrended, zero-centered seasonal cycle curve switches from positive to negative (the downward zero-crossing date) and vice versa (upward zero-crossing date). However, we find that the upward zero-crossing date is sensitive to the skewness of the CO2 seasonal cycle during the net carbon release period. Hence, we propose an alternative method to estimate the onset and termination of the CUP based on a threshold defined in terms of the first-derivative of the CO2 seasonal cycle (First-derivative threshold (FDT) method). Further, using the ensemble-based approach and an additional curve fitting algorithm, we show that (a) the uncertainty of the studied metrics is smaller using the FDT method than when estimated using the timing of the zero-crossing dates, and (b) the onset and termination dates derived with the FDT-method provide more robust results, irrespective of the curve-fitting method applied to the data. The code is made freely available under a Creative Commons-BY license, along with the documentation in this paper.
Impact of terrestrial biosphere on the atmospheric CO2 concentration across Termination V
Authors: Hes Gabriel , Sánchez Goñi María F. , Bouttes Nathaelle
Published: June 2022

Abstract. Among the 100 kyr climatic cycles of the Late Pleistocene,
Termination V (TV, ∼ 433–404 kyr BP), the fifth last
deglaciation, stands out for its minimum in astronomical forcing associated
paradoxically with maxima in sea level, Antarctic temperature and
atmospheric CO2 concentration. However, the driving mechanisms
explaining TV remain only partially understood. For instance, climate models
cannot fully represent the atmospheric CO2 variation observed in
paleoclimate data. Aside from essential oceanic circulation processes, there
is increasing evidence that terrestrial biosphere may have played a key role
in the global carbon cycle. This study proposes a three-step integrated
approach, combining regional and global vegetation records with modelling
results, to unveil the evolution of terrestrial biosphere and its
contribution to the carbon cycle during TV. First, we provide a new high-resolution (∼ 700 years) deep-sea pollen record from the Gulf
of Cádiz (site U1386, 36∘49.680′ N; 7∘45.320′ W) for TV, which shows a moderate expansion of the Mediterranean forest. We then
construct the first global forest pollen database for this period. Our
compilation features distinct evolutions for different types of forest,
highlighting a strong development of temperate and boreal forest which might
have delayed the atmospheric CO2 increase during TV. Finally, the
direct comparison of global simulated forests (iLOVECLIM model) to our
pollen database reveals overall consistent temperate and boreal forest
evolutions despite model biases, thereby supporting the hypothesis of a
significant CO2 sequestration by middle and high-latitude forests of the Northern Hemisphere shortly after the onset of TV.
Thermal non-equilibrium of porous flow in a resting matrix applicable to melt migration: a parametric study
Authors: Chevalier Laure , Schmeling Harro
Published: June 2022

Abstract. Fluid flow through rock occurs in many geological
settings on different scales, at different temperature conditions and with
different flow velocities. Depending on these conditions the fluid will be
in local thermal equilibrium with the host rock or not. To explore the
physical parameters controlling thermal non-equilibrium, the coupled heat
equations for fluid and solid phases are formulated for a fluid migrating
through a resting porous solid by porous flow. By non-dimensionalizing the
equations, two non-dimensional numbers can be identified controlling thermal
non-equilibrium: the Péclet number Pe describing the fluid velocity and
the porosity ϕ. The equations are solved numerically for the fluid and
solid temperature evolution for a simple 1D model setup with constant flow
velocity. This setup defines a third non-dimensional number, the initial
thermal gradient G, which is the reciprocal of the non-dimensional model height
H. Three stages are observed: a transient stage followed by a stage with
maximum non-equilibrium fluid-to-solid temperature difference, ΔTmax⁡, and a stage approaching the steady state. A simplified
time-independent ordinary differential equation for depth-dependent (Tf−Ts) is derived and solved analytically. From these
solutions simple scaling laws of the form Tf-Ts=fPe,G,z are derived. Due to scaling they do not
depend explicitly on ϕ anymore. The solutions for ΔTmax⁡ and
the scaling laws are in good agreement with the numerical solutions. The
parameter space PeG is systematically explored. Three regimes can be
identified: (1) at high Pe (>1/G) strong thermal non-equilibrium
develops independently of Pe, (2) at low Pe (<1/G) non-equilibrium
decreases proportional to decreasing Pe⋅G, and (3) at low Pe (<1)
and G of the order of 1 the scaling law is ΔTmax⁡≈Pe. The scaling
laws are also given in dimensional form. The dimensional ΔTmax⁡
depends on the initial temperature gradient, the flow velocity, the melt
fraction, the interfacial boundary layer thickness, and the interfacial area
density. The time scales for reaching thermal non-equilibrium scale with the
advective timescale in the high-Pe regime and with the interfacial diffusion
time in the other two low-Pe regimes. Applying the results to natural
magmatic systems such as mid-ocean ridges can be done by estimating
appropriate orders of Pe and G. Plotting such typical ranges in the Pe–G regime
diagram reveals that (a) interstitial melt flow is in thermal equilibrium, (b) melt channeling such as revealed by dunite channels may reach moderate
thermal non-equilibrium with fluid-to-solid temperature differences of up to
several tens of kelvin, and (c) the dike regime is at full thermal
non-equilibrium.
Brief communication: A momentum-conserving superposition method applied to the super-Gaussian wind turbine wake model
Authors: Blondel Frédéric
Published: June 2022

Abstract. Accurate wind farm flow predictions based on analytical wake models are crucial for wind farm design and layout optimisation. In this regard, wake superposition methods play a key role and remain a substantial source of uncertainty. Recently, new models based on mass and momentum conservation have been proposed in the literature. In the present work, such methods are extended to the superposition of super-Gaussian type velocity deficit models, allowing the full wake velocity deficit estimation and design of closely packed wind farms.
Surrogate models for the blade element momentum aerodynamic model using non-intrusive polynomial chaos expansions
Authors: Haghi Rad , Crawford Curran
Published: June 2022

Abstract. In typical industrial practice based on IEC standards, wind turbine simulations are computed in the time domain for each mean wind speed bin using a few unsteady wind seeds. Software such as FAST, BLADED, or HAWC2 can be used to capture the unsteadiness and uncertainties of the wind in the simulations. The statistics of these aeroelastic simulation outputs are extracted and used to calculate fatigue and extreme loads on the wind turbine components. The minimum requirement of having six seeds does not guarantee an accurate estimation of the overall statistics. One solution might be running more seeds; however, this will increase the computation cost. Moreover, to move beyond blade element momentum (BEM)-based tools toward vortex/potential flow formulations, a reduction in the computational cost associated with the unsteady flow and uncertainty handling is required. This study illustrates the unsteady wind aerodynamic statistics' stationary character based on the standard turbulence models. This character is shown based on the output of National Renewable Energy Lab (NREL) 5MW reference machine BEM simulations. Afterwards, we propose a non-intrusive polynomial chaos expansion (PCE) to build a surrogate model of the loads' statistics, the rotor thrust, and torque, at each time step, to estimate the extreme statistics more accurately and efficiently.
Struggle for Land: Tribal Land Issue and Debate
Authors: Brahma Ashok , Mushahary Jhanin
Published: June 2022

The reader does not need to have copious concepts to grasp the tribal problems. It is about the land issue and the debate over how it arose and persisted; it exposes the problems in tribal societies.The central and state governments have the actual power to ensure tribal development. Furthermore, the land rights and protection problems are under the government's commitment to provide legal safeguards. However, neither the federal government nor state or local governments have exhibited much interest in the land troubles that tribal communities face. The paper focuses on tribal land issues and debates in the Bodoland Territorial Region of Assam. In the region, 97.88 per cent of the tribal people live in rural households and face uncertainty. The findings show that tribal people consider the government process insecure and intended to safeguard tribal members while ensuring the secure use of land in the region.
STRATEGI PENGEMBANGAN USAHA COKLAT TEMPE DI KOTA MALANG
Authors: Irwandi Putra , Haryati Novi , L Daffa Sandi
Published: June 2022

Strategi pengembangan usaha sangat penting dilakukan dalam menunjang keberlanjutan usaha yang ada. Salah satu pengaplikasiaan strategi pengembangan yang dilakukan di usaa coklat tempe di Kota Malang. Penelitian ini menggunakan pendekatan kuantitatif dengan teknik analisis yakni matriks IFE, EFE, Matriks SWOT dan QSPM. Penelitian berlangsung di Perusahaan Coklat De Tempe, Kota Malang. Hasil yang diperoleh strategi yang dapat dilakukan oleh Perusahaan Coklat Tempe De Konco sebagai berikut. Strategi SO pada Perusahaan Coklat Tempe De Konco dapat dilakukan menambah mesin untuk dapat memanfaatkan tempe menjadi daya jual tinggi. Pada strategi WO Perusahaan Coklat Tempe De Konco dapat melakukan promosi atau pun pemasaran melalui media sosial sehingga akan lebih banyak lagi pengunjung yang mengunjungi Perusahaan Coklat Tempe De Konco. Sedangkan untuk strategi ST Perusahaan Coklat Tempe De Konco dapat melakukan dengan cara menambah diferensiasi produk supaya lebih bervariasi. Untuk strategi WT dapat dilakukan dengan cara menambah mitra kerja sama. Kata kata Kunci: Strategi, SWOT, QSPM
DAMPAK COVID-19 TERHADAP PERTUMBUHAN PASAR DAN DAYA SAING USAHATANI JERUK DI DESA MANUSASI KABUPATEN TTU
Authors: Bria Lambertus Nesi , Joka Umbu , Maulana Achmad Subchiandi
Published: June 2022

Usahatani buah jeruk di Desa Manusasi saat ini terkendala akibat dampak COVID-19. Tujuan penelitian ini untuk mengetahui; 1) dampak COVID-19 terhadap tingkat pertumbuhan pasar; dan 2) daya saing usahatani buah jeruk. Metode analisis yang digunakan adalah matriks Boston Consulting Group (BCG) dan Policy Analysis Matriks (PAM). Populasi penelitian ini sebanyak 150 petani buah jeruk. Sampel penelitian sebanyak 60 responden. Hasil penelitian menunjukan bahwa tahun 2019 sebelum terjadinya COVID-19 usahatani buah jeruk berada pada kuadran IV (dog). Kuadran tersebut mengindikasikan bahwa buah jeruk memiliki tingkat pertumbuhan pasar dan pangsa pasar rendah. Sedangkan tahun 2020 usahatani buah jeruk mengalami perubahan pada kuadran I (Question Mark). Artinya usahatani buah jeruk memiliki tingkat pertumbuhan pasar tinggi dan pangsa pasar rendah. Hasil analisis PAM menunjukan pada saat pandemi COVID-19 sedang berlangsung, usahatani buah jeruk memiliki daya saing dikarena nilai RBP sebesar 0.12 dan RBSD sebesar 0.18. Kebijakan pemerintah dapat dilihat pada rasio analisis PAM yaitu nilai koefisien proteksi input nominal (KPIN) sebesar 0.47, koefisien proteksi output nominal (KPON) sebesar 0.17, koefisien proteksi efektif (KPE) sebesar 1.57, koefisien keuntungan (KK) sebesar 1.69, dan rasio subsidi produsen (RSP) sebesar 0.36. Selain itu, terdapat enam strategi pengembangan yakni; 1) memperluas arel usahatani; 2) memanfaatkan tenaga kera; 3) mempertahankan kualitas buah jeruk; 4) menjalin kerja sama; 5) memperluas pasar; dan 6) melakukan promosi. Berdasarkan hasil penelitian tersebut petani di Desa Manusasi harus terus mengembangkan buah jeruk terutama jeruk manis dan pemerintah perlu mengkaji Kembali kebijakan yang berlaku selama ini dan belum melindungi komoditas jeruk lainnya.
MENGUKUR STORE ATHMOSPHERE DAN PENGARUHNYA TERHADAP KEPUTUSAN PEMBELIAN KONSUMEN COKELAT KLASIK CAFÉ AND GARDEN MALANG
Authors: Ginting Litna Nurjannah , Herlis Yessy Olivia , Intan Dian Retno
Published: June 2022

Perkembangan Bisnis café yang semakin pesat mengakibatkan semakin ketatnya persaingan. Kondisi ini menuntut pelaku usaha untuk dapat bersaing dan menentukan strategi untuk dapat memenuhi kebutuhan konsumen. Pelaku usaha berusaha menciptakan store atmosphere yang unik dan nyaman. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui pengaruh store atmosphere terhadap keputusan pembelian. Responden penelitian ini sebanyak 170 responden dan metode yang digunakan adalah PLS (Partial Least Square). Hasil analisis menunjukkan bahwa variabel store atmosphere berpengaruh signifikat terhadap keputusan pembelian konsumen di Coklat Klasik Café and Garden Cabang Joyoagung.
KAZAKHSTAN AND UZBEKISTAN ALLIED RELATIONS: UZBEK EXPERT DISCOURSE
Authors:   The Academy of Public Administration under the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Zhailin Dauren , Shamsieva Iroda ,   Ташкентский государственный институт востоковедения
Published: June 2022

The article analyzes the assessments of Uzbek experts on the state and prospects for the development of cooperation between Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan in the context of the Declaration on Allied Relations, signed by the heads of state on December 6, 2021. This study was carried out by the author through the analysis of the discourse of the expert community of Uzbekistan regarding the characteristics of bilateral Kazakh-Uzbek relations in various fields in the new historical conditions. It has been revealed that at the present stage, substantial allied relations with a high potential for further development have already been established between the two states, which in the future will only be improved and expanded due to the high degree of coincidence of mutual interests and in accordance with the realities of the international situation.
SURGICAL AND NON-SURGICAL LASER PREPROSTHETIC PERIODONTAL PREPARATION. LOW-LEVEL LASER THERAPY AND PHOTOACTIVATED DISINFECTION
Authors:   Department of Prosthetic Dentistry, Faculty of Dental Medicine, Medical University – Plovdiv, Bulgaria., Kazakova Rada
Published: June 2022

Background: Clinical success and functional durability of indirect restorations depend on optimal dental health before the prosthetic treatment and the manipulation of the gingival tissues. The aim of the current article is to review the surgical and non-surgical laser methods that can be applied as periodontal preparation in fixed prosthodontics. Review results: Preprosthetic periodontal preparation includes conventional periodontal therapy (non-surgical) and periodontal resective (surgical) procedures - soft and hard tissue crown lengthening. The advantages of lasers in the latter are reduced bleeding, less postoperative discomfort and faster healing. Non-surgical preprosthetic preparation, on the other hand, aims at microorganisms’ level reduction. The variety of protocols, which reduce the microbial number significantly, show photoactivated disinfection as adjunctive therapy in infection treatment, especially in patients with resistant microorganisms and anatomical complications. Conclusion: Lasers can be applied as an alternative to the classic surgical and non-surgical means for periodontal procedures. Low-level laser therapy and photoactivated disinfection ensure faster bacteriolysis and affect the microorganisms locally, whereas systemic medicines influence the whole organism. Photodynamic therapy does not require maintaining high concentrations of the photosensitizer in the infected area, as it is when using antiseptics and antibiotics.
Effects of glucose pretreatment and boric acid content on the synthesizability of B4C ceramics
Authors: Feiz Seyed Faridaddin , Nikzad Leila , Majidian Hudsa , Salahi Esmaeil
Published: June 2022

Synthesis of boron carbide (B4C) as one of the hardest materials on planet Earth is of particular importance due to its wide range of industrial and engineering applications. For this purpose, boric acid and polymers can be used as the boron and carbon sources, respectively. From the family of saccharides in polymeric materials, glucose has shown the best performance for the synthesis of B4C. In this research, untreated and pretreated (caramelized by heating) glucose precursors were selected and mixed with boric acid for subsequent pyrolysis and synthesis processes. X-ray diffractometry and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy confirmed that heat-treated glucose is a better carbon precursor for B4C synthesis. In order to evaluate the effect of the amount of boric acid, more than its stoichiometric ratio, additional amounts of boric acid (10-40%) were also examined and the excess amount of 30% was determined as the optimal value.
Le lettere
Authors:   Medico e Bambino
Published: June 2022

“Matti da morire”: tre commenti autorevoli
La diagnosi di craniostenosi: alcune riflessioni per il pediatra
Authors: Genitori Lorenzo , Massimetti Mauro , Scagnet Mirko
Published: June 2022

Microcephaly is a medical condition involving a smaller-than-normal head. Microcephaly may present at birth or it may develop in the first few years of life. Patients with this disorder often have an intellectual disability, poor motor function, poor speech, abnormal facial features and seizures. Microcephaly does not have to suggest exclusively a craniosynostosis. Over the last decade, cranial suture ultrasound has played an increasingly important role in diagnosing craniosynostosis; ultrasound allows a differential diagnosis between craniosynostosis and a positional malformation to be made. A cranial suture is considered normal if a hypoechoic space has been identified between two hyperechoic bony plates. The anterior fontanelle is the largest fontanelle and is placed at the junction of the sagittal suture, coronal suture and frontal suture. The fontanelle allows the skull to deform during birth to ease its passage through the birth canal and for expansion of the brain after birth. The anterior fontanelle can remain open until 18 months. The early closure of the bregmatic fontanelle is never the expression of a craniostenosis, unlike what happens for the fusion of the cranial sutures that are always an indication of craniostenosis.
Quando la malaria tarda a farsi riconoscere: un’infezione da Plasmodium ovale
Authors: Polenzani Ilaria , Lisco Lucrezia , Cozzolino Mariarosaria , Casolari Stefania , Valenti Stefania , Fontijn Simone , Uva Andrea , Uva Andrea , Marchetti Federico
Published: June 2022

Plasmodium ovale is a cause of non-falciparum malaria infection that is endemic in tropical Western Africa. The life cycle of Plasmodium ovale includes hypnozoites, which are dormant stages in the liver. These stages can be reactivated after weeks, months, or years from the initial infection, causing disease relapse. This paper reports the case of a female adolescent who presented with high fever and abdominal pain. The girl was referring to a single travel to Nigeria 4 years ago. On that occasion she showed short-term gastrointestinal symptoms, without fever. The blood test revealed thrombocytopenia (76,000/µl) and she was unexpectedly diagnosed with ma-laria through blood smear. Considering the geographical area of her previous travel, a parasitemia by Plasmodium ovale was suspected. The diagnosis was soon confirmed by the positivity of the PCR. The literature describes some cases of recrudescence of the infection from the first episode. The diagnosis of Plasmodium ovale malaria can be challenging because of its possible delayed presentation.
Gastrite eosinofila: una causa di possibile anemia sideropenica
Authors: Brugnera Giorgia , Mario Federica , Martelossi Stefano , Pavanello Paolo , Pizzol Antonio
Published: June 2022

A case of eosinophilic gastritis (EG) associated with severe iron deficiency anaemia is described. The authors recommend to consider EG in approaching the diagnosis of iron deficiency anaemia associated with intestinal bleeding.
La mini-pubertà
Authors: Lattuada Martina , Calia Margherita , Evasi Veronica , Molinari Silvia , Nicolosi Maria Laura , Cattoni Alessandro
Published: June 2022

The case of mini-puberty in a 6-month-old infant born preterm is described. The authors discuss the clinical differences of mini-puberty in term and preterm newborns.
“DURYSTA” the first biodegradable sustained release implant for the treatment of open-angle glaucoma
Authors: Shabab Akbar  , Sapna Ratan Shah
Published: June 2022

A study for “DURYSTA” in the treatment of open angle glaucoma has been done in this work. A angle between the cornea and iris is open whereas the trabecular meshwork is partially blocked, that obstructs the outflow of aqeous humor and lead to vision loss and damage the optic nurve that is known as open angle glucoma. This model presented the study for outflow of watery clear liquid called aqueous humor from the eye through the trabacular meshwork into the Schlemm's Canal in the human eye. This circular lymphatic-like vessel which is called Canal of Schlemm is modeled as a permeable flexible canal with a trabecular meshwork that keeps it open. Aqueous humor seeps through trabacular meshwork and reaches to Schlemm's canal. The inner wall of the canal is porous and it is considered that between two collecting channels the segment of canal is assumed as a circular cross-section tube. In this model, the flow and pressure characteristics of the aqueous fluid are drawn, and the effect of the main limitations and parameters on these profiles is extracted and explained. The effects of “DURYSTA” on these parameter have also been extracted and shown.
Designing HSP90 inhibitor drugs against mutations profiles of cancer patients
Authors: Servet Tunoglu
Published: June 2022

Background: Effective drug binding to its specific receptor determines the therapeutic effect. Tumor cells employ Heat Shock Protein 90 (Hsp90) to survive as Hsp90 prevents apoptosis. The protein is the top expressed protein among others. This expression rate further increases in tumor cells and provides a fine target for drug design. However, mutations and copy number variations, single nucleotide polymorphisms of the target gene as well as strong binding of therapeutic agents to the target provide adverse effects. Aims: This work investigates HSP90 interaction with common inhibitor geldanamycin through key mutations to understand possible effects. Methods: In silico analysis by YASARA software was employed to reveal interactions between HSP90 WT and its mutant along with geldanamycin. Results: One key inhibitor-resistant critical residue interaction was monitored for each cytosolic HSP90 isoform. The residues are at critical positions during conformational changes and at the mutated regions of the protein. However, finely designed geldanamycin still tolerates its binding to HSP90. Conclusion: HSP has no introns and may seem non-mutable, but designing inhibitors by considering structural alterations increases the effectiveness of the drug candidates and limits side effects through in silico experiments.
Sex-dependent differences in the blood protozoa of the domestic birds - chickens (Gallus domesticus) and turkeys (Meleagridis gallopavoL.)
Authors: Elshad Ilyas Akhmedov  , Sevda Ogtay Samedova  , Farida Zohrab Mamedova  , Zhala Vasif Gasanova  , Nurana Ali Hajiyeva  , Shafiga Enver Topchiyeva
Published: June 2022

In this article, was studied the extent of infection of poultry – chickens and turkeys infected with haemoparasites depending on the sex of the birds and a difference in the extent of invasion in these birds was revealed. A total of 200 chickens (Gallus gallus domesticus) and 200 turkeys (Meleagridis gallopavo) have been were divided into two age groups as follows: males and females. Parasites of genus Leucocytozoon, Haemoproteus and Plasmodium were found in the blood from domestic birds in Republic of Azerbaijcan. It was found that in roosters, infection with blood parasites of the genus Leucocytozoon is 13%, parasites of the genus Plasmodium 16%, parasites of the genus Haemoproteus 14%, and in hens with parasites of the genus Leucocytozoon -10%, parasites of the genus Plasmodium - 11%, Haemoproteus - 8%. It was found that in the studied birds, the rate of infection with the parasites Leucocytozoon, Haemoproteus, and Plasmodium was comparatively higher than males compared to females.
Anxiety and depression consequences of the pandemic
Authors: Gabriel da Costa Duriguetto  , Ronaldo Chicre Araujo
Published: June 2022

There has been an increase in some mental disorders such as anxiety and depression that were caused by the Covid-19 infection and its secondary consequences. The consumption of medicines on their own has also increased due to the fact that people need to belong to a diagnosis. Anxiety disorders must be distinguished from adaptive fear or anxiety. They are also different from temporary fear or anxiety, which are often stress-induced because they are persistent. Although it is often triggered by loss, depression is not the same as the normal feeling of grief. However, the distinction between normal but intense grief and depression is not always easy. For diagnosis or treatment, an evaluation should be made with a psychologist or psychiatrist. Depression and anxiety can be treated with medication, psychotherapy, or a combination of the two. Antidepressants and anxiolytics prescribed by the psychiatrist help regulate brain chemistry and are applied according to each case, according to each patient.
COVID-19: Associated subacute thyroiditis in Albania
Authors: Margarita Kurti
Published: June 2022

Subacute thyroiditis (SAT) is an inflammatory disorder of the thyroid gland. It is also thyroid disease of viral or post viral origin. With the beginning of the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-COV-2) a thyroid impact was considered due to the potencial of SARS -COV-2 to cause multiorgan effects. A nineteen -year -old female with no history of concomitant disease. She had contact history with her father and her brother who had a positive nasopharingeal swab test for SARS-COV-2 RNA. She was asymptomatic and her test was negative. After three weeks she developed fatigue, muscle crumps, fever, temperature 39.5. Two days later these examinations were performed: CRP 136 mg/L ( < 5 mg/L), Ferritine 72.8 (20 - 200 ng/ml), Sedimentation 78 mm/, Kidney function and liver enzymes were normal. On chest radiography was found right lobe pneumonia. After seven days from the bigining of symptoms, her COVID-19 IgG serology was positive 1750 RU. Four months later, electrocardiogram demostrated sinus tachycardia.During this period our patient fell to a weight of 10 kg. The thyroid panel showed:TSH 0.02 (0.25 – 5.0 µU/mL), FT3 5.12 (4.0 – 8.3 pmol/L),FT4 13.3 ( 10.6 – 19.4 pmol/L), Anti - TPO 2.3 (< 80 IU/ml), Anti-TG 1.8 (< 80 IU/ml), TRAb 0.8 (<1.22 IU/L). She was diagnosed with SAT. In conclusion. We have to draw attention because after COVID-19 infection may develop SAT, whose diagnosis can be missed. Any symtoms associated with thyroid gland should be considered after viral infection.
One health or how to see the training of new veterinary doctors with the right eyes
Authors: Carlos Navarro Venegas
Published: June 2022

Our history has witnessed the advancement of science since ancient times and veterinary medicine has not been left behind. Both the studies of some pathologies considered by Edward Jenner and that of Canine Distemper are proof of this. Many of those pathologies involving RNA viruses (such as COVID19) would not have been studied without a multidisciplinary approach, perhaps in its visionary time. This brief report highlights the multidisciplinary approach that an updated Veterinary Medicine must take. Focusing all medical studies under the One Health concept should not be just a slogan.
Effects of a formulated herbal mixture from Sorghum bicolor L., Curcuma longa L, Bridelia ferruginea B. in honey on weight, biochemical profile and hematological indices of apparently healthy Wister rats
Authors: Bamikole A Ojo  , Adebolu TT  , Ogundare AO  , Oladejo BO
Published: June 2022

Plants and plant derived products have been a source of alternate therapy for ages. This is because of availability and effectiveness in managing a wide range of illnesses. This study was carried out to assess the effects of a formulated herbal mixture made from Sorghum bicolor L., Curcuma longa L, Bridelia ferruginea B. and honey (STBH) on weight, biochemical parameters, hematological profile and histological effect on key organs of apparently healthy Wistar rats. The plant materials and honey used were sourced locally. The herbal mixture (STBH) was formulated from Sorghum bicolor L., (7.74g/kg body weight), Tumeric (2.4 g/kg body weight), Honey (2.5 g/kg body weight) and Bridelia ferruginea (0.4 g/kg body weight) to form 13 g/kg body weight (1.3 mg/g) of the mixture. A total of 40, apparently healthy male Wistar rats, 6-8weeks old with average initial body weight of 75 g was used. The rats were randomly grouped into four groups. The first 3 groups A, B and C (n=12 each) were orally administered the herbal mixture at dosage of 0.65mg/g, 1.3mg/g and 2.6mg/g of rat weight respectively for 28 days in order to determine the safe dose while the last group D (n=4) as control. At the end of every week, the weights of the rats was measured, while the blood samples of 3 rats per treatment group and one from control group which were randomly selected were subjected to Biochemical and Haematological assays and their organs (Kidney, Heart and Liver) were harvested for histological examination following standard methods. The results revealed weight gain among the rat fed with STBH compared to the control rats with group A having the highest percentage weight gain (50.55%). Haematological results showed significant (p<0.05) improvement in pack cell volume (PCV), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) and mean corpuscular volume (MCV) of the rats. Moreover, significant (p<0.05) immunostimulatory effect was observed in group A rats compared to groups B, C and D rats. AST and ALT were considerably lower in group A rats when compared to the control, unlike the increase in values at higher dosages (groups B and C rats) though the increase was not significant (p>0.05) . Urea level was fairly high in groups B and C rats, while it reduced in group A rats as compared to the control group. Histology of the liver, heart and kidney of the rats fed with STBH showed near normal architecture with no significant deviations from the control. These suggest that STBH is safe, improves PCV, has immunostimulatory potential and also shows ability to maintain the normal architecture of the liver, kidney and the heart.
Importance of quality management system in current scenario
Authors: Prachi Soni  , Dhara Patel  , Grishma Patel  , Tejas Patel  , Dhananjay Meshram
Published: June 2022

A review was conducted by analysing many publications and they were concerned with the pharmaceutical quality directly and with the general quality practices. The content of those sources was analysed and some guidelines were identified which include WHO guidelines, FDA guidelines, EU guidelines and ICH guidelines. Upon reviewing the previously highlighted guidelines and the practices that are widely applied in the pharmaceutical industry, some topics were identified and reviewed like quality risk management, quality by design, corrective actions and preventive actions, process capability analysis, Six Sigma, process analytical technology, lean manufacturing, total quality management, out of trend, out of specification and HACCP.\
Genetic variability, correlation and principal component analysis for agronomic traits in lentil genotypes
Authors: Muhammad Ejaz  , Faiza Aziz
Published: June 2022

The investigation was carried out in a RCBD with 3 repeats on 15 lentil genotypes for 7 agro morphological characteristics. A wide range of divergence of plant characteristics were recorded for the lentil genotypes. The parameters (Days to fifty percent flowering, Days to fifty percent maturity, plant height, Biological yield, Grain yield, H.I and Hundred Seed Weight) showed weighty differences (P ≤ 0.05). The promising genotype ILL11 (918.9 Kilo gram per hectare) and ILL8081 (847.4 Kilo gram per hectare) fashioned the highest yield than the other genotypes tested. Correlation and PCA was also conducted on 15 lentil genotypes over one year for 7 characters. Harvest Index (0.807) and biological yield (0.389) showed a helpful significant correlation with seed yield while a analogous positive correlation with seed yield was recorded for plant height (0.062). An adverse non-significant connection was logged for days to flowering (-0.248) and days to maturity (-0.312). These 3 principal components (PC) accounted for 82 % of the total dissimilarity. PC1 was positive correlate with the flowering interval, days to maturity, plant height and hundred seed weight while it was negatively correlated with biological yield, seed yield and H.I. PC2 was positively correlated with grain yield and harvest index. PC3 was positively correlated with days to flowering, H.I. and hundred seed weight. With the analysis of the agronomic features over the 1st and 2nd principal modules, the lentil genotypes were designated into 4 different groups.
A study of inflammatory markers in women with polycystic ovary syndrome
Authors: Neha Singh  , Nupur Hooja  , Pragya Sharma  , Aditi Jaiswal  , Pooja Bairwa
Published: June 2022

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), an endocrine disorder has been associated with low-grade inflammation based on increased levels of several inflammatory mediators. Aim of the study was to assess the inflammatory markers in women with PCOS and their correlation with each other. Various inflammatory markers, neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio, hsC-reactive protein and CRP albumin ratio were found to be increased in women with PCOS in the study. Early detection of raised levels of inflammatory markers may help early diagnosis of PCOS and prevent development of metabolic syndrome.
Behavior of voters who did not decide in electoral processes in Ukraine and european countries (2010–2019) : monograph
Authors:   Kuras Institute of Political and Ethnic Studies of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, Yasinska Alina
Published: June 2022

The monograph examines the behavior of undecided voters, based on an analysis of the presidential and parliamentary election campaigns of 2010-2019 in Ukraine, France and Poland. The main factors influencing the formation of electoral preferences of citizens, the reasons for the growth of electoral uncertainty and absenteeism are identified. Recommendations for reducing the level of electoral uncertainty among the population of Ukraine are proposed.
Erosive tooth wear potential of some traditional plant drinks and cola based drinks on human extracted teeth
Authors: M Sanhouri. N. , H Ziada. , A Yahia. N. , H Kamis. A.
Published: June 2022

Background: This study aimed at investigating the pH, titratable acid and erosive tooth wear potentialof some local beverages in Sudan, Adansonia digitata (baobab), Tamarindus indica (tamarind), Hibiscus sabdariffa (hibiscus)) and cola-based drinks.Methods: Twenty extracted premolar teeth were sectioned and treated with tested drinks for 10, 20 and30 minutes representing three consumption frequencies. The pH and titratable acid of drinks were measuredusing a pH meter. Calcium and phosphorus release were recorded as measures for teeth demineralization. Calcium release was determined photometrically, using atomic absorption spectrophotometry, andphosphorus release using the phosphomolybdate-malachite green procedure.Results: Cola- based drinks recorded the lowest pH (1.87) while Hibiscus sabdariffa, the second lowestpH (1.93) and the highest titratable acid (60.12 mmolOH- /L). The local beverages (Adansonia digitata, Tamarindus indica, and hibiscus sabdariffa) showed high levels of calcium as compared to the cola-baseddrinks. There was a correlation between the calcium and phosphorus contents of the drinks and calciumand phosphorus release over different times. The pH of drinks and calcium release correlated significantly.There was no significant association between pH of drinks and phosphorus release and with TA and calciumand phosphorus release.Conclusion: Despite their high nutritive values, local drinks tended to alter the ionic concentration ofteeth when contacting them indicating an erosive potential. Work needs to be supplemented by in-vivo trialsinvestigating factors such as salivary parameters and modes of drinking influencing their erosive potential.
Complementary and alternative therapies for premenstrual syndrome: an exploratory study
Authors: Amasha Hadayat A. , Mohamed Ragaa Ali , Nageeb Haylaa
Published: June 2022

Background: Data related to the use of complementary and alternative therapies (CAT) forpremenstrual syndrome in the communities is scarce. There is very limited information aboutcomplementary and alternative therapies practice among nursing students in Dakhalia governorate,Egypt.Methods: A descriptive exploratory design was conducted in Dakahlia governorate, Egypt, on all secondary technical nursing schools students to explore the use of complementary and alternative therapies to relieve premenstrual syndrome.A sample of 1120 students was included. A structured self-administered questionnaire (Arabic language) was used for data collection in the period of March to May, 2014.Results: Most of the study subjects (87.0%) used CAT to minimize symptoms of premenstrual syndrome. Herbal therapy was the most commonly used as CAT followed by hydrotherapy, changing food types, massage and exercise.Conclusion: The majority of girls used CAT to minimize PMS. The greater part of students used herbal therapy to relieve their symptoms, followed by hydrotherapy; food Change; massage; and exercise.
Item difficulty & item discrimination as quality indicators of physiology MCQ examinations at the Faculty of Medicine Khartoum University
Authors: Musa Afraa , Shaheen Samir , Elmardi Abdelmoniem , Ahmed Ammar
Published: June 2022

Background:

Item analysis is an essential tool used in the evaluation of the quality of MCQ examinations.

Objectives:

This study aimed at assessing the quality of items of physiology MCQ examinations at the

Faculty of Medicine, Khartoum University, using post-examination item analysis.

Methods:

A descriptive, cross-sectional study was carried-out on test statistics reports using Remark-

software which provides analysis of students’ responses in the form of Excel file formats. Ten physiology

MCQ exams held from September 2015 - September 2016 were included in the study. Each exam paper

consisted of 60-80 (five-option) items. Item Difficulty index [DIF I] and Discrimination Index (DI) (using

point biserial correlation coefficient/

r

pbis

) were measured as quality indicators.

Results:

The mean DIF I of 645 items was (56.01±19.97) & the mean

r

pbis

was (0.37±0.13). The majority

of items (63.3%) were of acceptable difficulty; (25.5%) were easy & (11.1%) were difficult. The highest

proportion (43.5%) of items were excellent; followed by (30%) good; (16.6%) acceptable and (9.6%) poor

discriminating items. There were only 5 negatively discriminating items that constituted 0.8% out of total

items. The relationship between difficulty and discrimination indices was dome-shaped with maximal

discrimination at acceptable difficulty level.

Conclusion:

Generation of high quality examinations with average difficulty and good discrimination

power is the outcome of careful construction and meticulous review of exams’ items by our expert staff

members. Maximizing exam discrimination is achieved by reducing the number of the very difficult and

very easy items.
Precipitating factors of seizures in epileptic patients admitted to Omdurman Teaching Hospital Emergency Room 2015
Authors: Esayed Muaz A M , M A Abdelrafei , Saeed Mohamed
Published: June 2022

Introduction:

In epileptic patients, the seizures may be precipitated by certain factors that may be

intrinsic or extrinsic. Non-compliance, infections and sleep deprivation are common factors. There are few

studies looking at precipitating factors of seizures in epilepsy from the under- developed countries.

Objectives:

to determine the precipitating factors of seizures in epileptic patients in the ER.

Methods:

This was a descriptive, cross-sectional, hospital-based study that enrolled 100 patients in

Omdurman Teaching Hospital.

Results:

in this study, 41% were non-compliant. The commonest age group was 21-30 years. Patients

presenting with status epilepticus were 13%. Two thirds of the sample were on mono-therapy, 50% of

which were compliant. Infections were reported in 14%; undetermined factors in 12%, sleep deprivation

8%; stress 6%; catamenial 5%; exertion 5%; photosensitivity 3%; music 2% and metabolic 1%.

Conclusion:

high burden of break-through seizures (29%) was reported in the age group 21-30 years.

Non-compliance was more common in patients with mono-therapy and in patients with non-idiopathic

generalized epilepsy. Stress, sleep deprivation-related seizures were reported in 6% and 8%, respectively.

In 12% of the patients, the precipitating factor was cryptogenic. Reflex and physical exercise were reported

in 5% and 3%, respectively. Alcohol was the least factor (1%) in precipitating seizures . Status epilepticus

was observed mainly in patients on mono-therapy.
The MB BS Curriculum Management III: A Paradigm of basic educational concerns.
Authors: Sukkar M.Y.
Published: June 2022

Introduction:In the frst two articles on curriculum management the author addressed the planning & the implementationphases of the medical curriculum. This third & last part of the series will focus on standard-setting ofstudents’ assessment and two main aspects of evaluation; namely feedback for curriculum development andfeedback for management & development of educational resources.1. Standard-settingIn the previous section (7), we discussed setting of an examination to address a set of objectives or learningoutcomes. The section also stressed the depth of knowledge to be aimed at for the group of studentsconcerned. However, this is not enough to set a standard by which pass/fail decisions can be mode. It iscommon practice to have a pass standard of 50% or a midpoint of a grade point scale as determined byregulations.It cannot be assumed that every examination paper or any other method of students’ assessment willautomatically have a 50% pass mark. A rough method would be to scan the questions and make surethat at least 50% of the questions aim at “must know” or “must do” learning outcomes. This ensures thatminimum pass level student can be picked out by the examination. More elaborate methods of standardsetting are available; whereby the pass mark is set before the examination is administered. This is referredto as “criterion - referenced” standard-setting. One of the more commonly used methods is what is knownas the “Angoff method” after its author. This method entails that a group of at least two examiners agreeon the pass mark of each item in an examination. If these marks are added up and the arithmetic mean iscalculated, the result would be the pass mark for the whole paper. The result may be 40% in a diffcultpaper or 60% in a less searching paper. Evidently these marks will have to be rescaled according to gradingsystem of the institution.
Childhood communicable disease surveillance: Perception and performance of paediatric residents, Sudan 2019-2020
Authors: Mohamed Elfakey Walyeldin Elnour , Alkareem Mohammed Yossra Alnour Awad
Published: June 2022

Background Communicable disease surveillance system is heavily relied upon for effective diseasecontrol, health decision-making and to build health strategies. This study assessed the perception andperformance of paediatric residents toward two running surveillance programs in Khartoum state, Sudan.Methods This is a descriptive cross-sectional study conducted among paediatric residents in KhartoumState, Sudan 2020. Data was collected through structured, self-administered questionnaire. The totalnumber of residents included in the study was 305. They were selected using “stratified random sampling”technique. Data were analyzed via Statistical Packages for Social Sciences version 23. The level ofsignificance was at p ≤ 0.05.Results Two hundred and sixty-three paediatric residents participated in the study; 56% (n=148) of theparticipants knew the correct definition of the case of a child to be included in acute flaccid paralysissurveillance program, while 38% (n=99) correctly defined the case definition of measles and rubella ofthe surveillance program. There was no significant association between attending an awareness sessionabout the programs and the knowledge of the correct case definition of the surveillance programs (p=0.357for acute flaccid paralysis surveillance and p= 0.333 for measles and rubella surveillance). In contrast,there was a statistically significant association between the level of residency of paediatric residents andthe correct perception of acute flaccid paralysis surveillance program (p=0.033), whereas, there was nosignificant association between the level of residency and correct knowledge of measles and rubellasurveillance program (p=0.363); 92.5% (n=147) of respondents who met a case of acute flaccid paralysisduring their training period, notified the case. While three quarters (n=180) of those who met a case ofmeasles during their training period did not notify the case. More than half (n=100) of them stated thatthey did not know that they should notify. Of two hundred forty-eight participants who notified about acuteflaccid paralysis or measles cases, a quarter (n=61) of them received feedback from the surveillance staffabout the results of the patients.Conclusion The study revealed the significant gap in the knowledge and practice of disease surveillanceand notification among residents particularly for the measles and rubella surveillance program, and this willimpact negatively on the health system, and impede the achievement of disease elimination. We recommendimplementing effective training courses for residents and update them regularly about disease surveillanceand notification.