bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
SPECIALIZATION OF GRAIN PRODUCTION BY ZONE IN THE REPUBLIC OF BASHKORTOSTAN
Authors:   Institute of Social and Economic Researches, ASLAEVA S.SH. , GATAULLIN R.F. ,   Institute of Social and Economic Researches
Published: September 2021

The main condition for specialization in agriculture is the production of those products for which there is the most favorable natural environment. The purpose of our study is to determine the nature of territorial specialization in grain production based on the level and its dynamics. The object of the research is the agriculture of the Republic of Bashkortostan, which is one of the leading in the Russian Federation. The subject of the research is the factors of formation of territorial specialization of grain production. The work was carried out on the basis of the application of general scientific research methods within the framework of comparative, logical, statistical analysis and graphic interpretation of the results. The territory of the Republic of Bashkortostan is divided according to the complex of natural conditions, respectively, and according to the peculiarities of agriculture, into six zones. We have grouped municipal districts according to the volume of grain production in statics and in dynamics. A map of the municipal districts of the Republic of Bashkortostan for the production of grain by agricultural zones has been built. It was revealed that the dynamics of grain production in the republic has a multidirectional character. In terms of grain production, many regions of the region are promising territories, which, despite the low volume of production, are characterized by positive dynamics, as well as stagnant territories, which are characterized, despite the high volume of production, by negative dynamics. Areas in which grain production is higher than the average for the region are located in agricultural zones belonging to the Southern forest-steppe, the Ural steppe, and the Trans-Ural steppe. But at the same time, in many areas of the Cis-Ural and Trans-Ural steppe, grain production is also increasing, many of them have grain-growing specialization. In the regions located in the southern forest-steppe, grain production is below the average level in the republic, sunflower is most of all cultivated. Agriculture in the republic must be developed in the direction of creating specialized zones, which will allow lower costs to ensure the growth of production. At the same time, the organizational and economic mechanism must change in such a way as to stimulate the specialization and concentration of production.
TO STRATIGRAPHY AND GEODYNAMICS ZILAIR SEDIMENTS IN THE SOUTHERN URALS
Authors:   Institute of Geology, KAZANTSEVA T.T.
Published: September 2021

It is known that the upper shell of our planet is the earth's crust, which is different in composition on the continents and in the oceans. The composition of the continental crust is predominantly sialic, and the oceanic one is simatic. The capacity of the first is within 35-70 km, the second is close to 5-12. The formation of any type of the earth's crust is determined by the participation of specific geological processes, causal relationships of matter and geodynamics, which is justified by researchers on the basis of well-proven facts and judgments. The concepts used must be specific, in accordance with well-known definitions, such as: stratigraphy is a branch of geology that studies «the formation of rocks in their primary spatial relationships», and geodynamics is «a branch of geology that studies the forces and processes in the crust, mantle and core of the Earth, deep and surface movements of masses in time and space» [1]. The use of the conceptual framework and the study of numerous facts allow us to confidently identify the sequence of connections and the reasons for the relationship.
UKRN Position on Correcting the Research Record
Authors: Group UKRN Steering
Published: September 2021

UKRN position statement on correcting the research record. Written by the UKRN Steering Group. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License (CC BY-SA).
Realisation of eyes as a low pass filter
Authors: Roy Satyam , Agrawal Kunal
Published: September 2021

Eyes can be shown as passive low pass filter, basically RC low pass filter, in this paper we haveproved eyes as LPF and obtained some beautiful hypothetical results. And we made a properlinkage between analogue electronics and biology
A Reproducible MEEG Data Analysis Workflow with conda, Snakemake, and R Markdown
Authors: Kalenkovich Evgenii , Levchenko Egor
Published: September 2021

This tutorial is devoted to computational reproducibility, which is an ability to recreate the reported results using the original data and code. Previous studies show that this is impossible for a large percentage of studies with published data and code. We find this situation to be a serious problem for science in general and for the cognitive neuroscience in particular. In this tutorial, we focused on three sources of irreproducibility: differences in software environment, utilization of out-of-date derivative files, and human errors during manual copying of figures, tables, and numbers to the manuscript. We describe three tools that solve these issues: conda, Snakemake, and R Markdown, respectively. Together, they form an eﬀective toolkit that can help researchers achieve reproducibility of their analyses. We demonstrate an application of this toolkit by reimplementing a published data analysis pipeline applied to an open MEEG dataset. Main strengths and weaknesses of our and other approaches are discussed.
Zoomed out? Depersonalization is Related to Increased Digital Media Use During the COVID-19 Pandemic Lockdown
Authors: Ciaunica Anna , McEllin Luke , Kiverstein Julian , Gallese Vittorio , Hohwy Jakob , Wozniak Mateusz
Published: September 2021

Depersonalisation is a common dissociative experience characterised by distressing feelings of being detached or ‘estranged’ from one’s self and body and/or the world. The COVID-19 pandemic forced millions of people to socially distance from others and to change life habits. We have conducted an online study on 622 participants worldwide to investigate the relationship between digital media-based activities and distal social interactions in influencing peoples’ sense of self during the lockdown as opposed to before the pandemic. We found that increased use of digital media-based activities and online social e-meetings correlated with higher feelings of depersonalisation. We also found that people reporting higher experiences of depersonalisation also reported enhanced vividness of negative emotions (as opposed to positive emotions). Our study also reveals a weak negative correlation between the frequency of physical exercise during the lockdown and the occurrence of depersonalisation experiences. Finally, participants who reported that lockdown influenced their life to greater extent had higher occurrences of depersonalisation experiences. Our findings may help address key questions regarding well-being during a lockdown, in the general population. Our study points to potential risks related to an overly sedentary and hyper-digitalized life habits that may induce feelings of living in one’s ‘head’ (mind), disconnected from one’s body, self and the world.
Myocardial load at 30% and 50% of Maximal Voluntary Isometric Contraction in healthy individuals with Active and Sedentary Lifestyle
Authors:   Department of physiotherapy, Seth GS medical college and KEM hospital, Parel 400012, Maharashtra University of Health sciences, India, Singh Samrudhi , Jiandani Mariya ,   Department of physiotherapy, Seth GS medical college and KEM hospital, Parel 400012, Maharashtra University of Health sciences, India
Published: September 2021

Background: Activities of daily living consists of isometric & isotonic contraction. Isometric contraction is a static contraction that exerts pressure overload on the heart. Studies have been carried out demonstrating hemodynamic effects of isotonic exercises however limited studies are available on myocardial load with isometric exercises. Aims and Objectives: To study the myocardial load at 30% and 50% of maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC) in individuals with active and sedentary lifestyle. Study design and setting: Observational cross-sectional study was carried out in a tertiary care hospital. Materials and Methods: 140 healthy subjects (70 each in active & sedentary group) were recruited for the study. Baseline demographics of both groups were comparable. Hemodynamic parameters were taken at rest. Subject performed 30% and 50% MVIC and hemodynamic parameters were recorded during and post contraction. Statistical Analysis: Paired t test was used to compare the myocardial load between 30% and 50% MVIC in both groups. Repeated measures ANOVA was used to compare the myocardial load between active & sedentary groups at 30% and 50% MVIC. Result: There was a statistically significant difference in heart rate, systolic blood pressure &rate pressure product between 30% and 50% in active as well as sedentary groups. There was statistically no significant difference in heart rate, systolic blood pressure & rate pressure product between active & sedentary groups at 30% and 50% MVIC. Conclusion: The myocardial load during activities at submaximal intensities (<50%) is within the physiological limits and can be performed safely in individuals with active and sedentary lifestyle.
Testing the factor validity of the Referee Self-Efficacy Scale (REFS) in non-invasion sports officials
Authors:   Ontario Tech University, Faculty of Health Sciences, Oshawa, Ontario, Canada, Cunningham Ian , Sullivan Philip ,   Brock University, Department of Kinesiology, Faculty of Applied Health Sciences, St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada
Published: September 2021

Officials occupy an essential role in sport, and one that is beginning to be recognized in the research literature. One growing area of research on officials is officiating efficacy, or refficacy. Previous research includes a conceptualization of the construct and an operational definition that has been supported with respect to factor structure and other psychometric properties. However, the samples that have supported the validity and reliability of the scale have reflected a narrow conceptualization of officiating; samples have been dominated by interactor officials in invasion sports, such as football and basketball. The current study was designed to assess the psychometric properties of the REFS with a sample of monitor and reactor officials. A sample of 174 officials from monitor sports such as wrestling, tennis and figure skating completed the REFS. A Confirmatory Factor Analysis supported Myers et al [1] four-factor model. The data also showed strong internal consistency and gender differences that are consistent with other research on efficacy in sport. These results show that the REFS is a valid and reliable measure for a heterogeneous and widely representative sample of sport officials. Research utilizing this measurement is encouraged in a variety of contexts and on a variety outcomes
DigiTech use in enhancing effective teaching of Health and Physical Education
Authors:   Department of Health Education, Southern Africa Nazarene University, Eswatini, Dube Adiele , Dhemba Ishmael ,   Department of Health Education, Southern Africa Nazarene University, Eswatini,   Department of Inclusive and Special Needs Education, Southern Africa Nazarene University, Eswatini
Published: September 2021

The 21st Century’s new dimension of digital technology usage in education has been unanimously welcomed worldwide. Higher education and tertiary institutions were awakened by the outbreak of the never experienced coronavirus disease (COVID-19) to embrace e-learning. Southern Africa institutions were not spared from this pandemic which had escalating deaths on daily basis causing Heads of States to announce immediate closure of learning institutions among others to curb the spread of COVID-19. Tertiary institutions implemented teaching and learning as a deficit model. Educators and learners had to go digital learning by embracing, ICT, E-learning, M-learning through the use of Learning Management Systems which include Moodle, Sakai, Google classroom, and such related platforms. In response, Health, Physical Education and Sport educators were not spared to embrace the necessity of Digital Technology usage in online teaching and learning. This paper aims at discussing DigiTech in HPE, it’s benefits, types of DigiTech, E-learning and blended e-learning, M-learning. For the upcoming digital generation, some useful DigiTech platforms in HPE have been generated to enormously improve the conducive digital teaching and learning environment.
Correlation of Selected Kayak Pro Parameters In-land and In-boat
Authors:   College of Rehabilitative Sciences, University Medical Cente, Urgello St., Cebu City, Philippines, Sarza Sergio ,   School of Medicine, Southwestern University PHINMA, Cebu City, Philippines,   Rehabilitation and Wellness Center, Southwestern University Medical Center, Cebu City, Philippines, Naquila Edzelle ,   College of Rehabilitative Sciences, University Medical Cente, Urgello St., Cebu City, Philippines,   Rehabilitation and Wellness Center, Southwestern University Medical Center, Cebu City, Philippines, Yadao Nellen ,   College of Rehabilitative Sciences, University Medical Cente, Urgello St., Cebu City, Philippines,   Rehabilitation and Wellness Center, Southwestern University Medical Center, Cebu City, Philippines, Baricuatro Angelique ,   College of Rehabilitative Sciences, University Medical Cente, Urgello St., Cebu City, Philippines,   Rehabilitation and Wellness Center, Southwestern University Medical Center, Cebu City, Philippines
Published: September 2021

There is no adequate research on the validity of rowing ergometers in measuring paddling performance of Paradragon Boat paddlers. This study then aimed to determine the validity of a specific rowing ergometer in measuring paddling performance. This study used a prospective correlational research design. The study was conducted in a sea channel and a university gym. Ten paddlers in a non-profit organization paddled on a rowing ergometer and in-boat on actual seawater. The time duration, number of strokes, and speed of each subject per 200 m, 500 m, and 2000 m were recorded. Pearson Correlation Coefficient was used to determine the correlational relationship between paddling parameters in-land and in-boat. Validity coefficients showed strong positive relationship between ergometer and inboat performance in all assessed technical parameters: time (200 m: r = 0.89; 500 m: r = 0.90; 2000 m: r = 0.84), number of strokes (200 m: r = 0.88; 500 m: r = 0.91; 2000 m: r = 0.82), and speed (200 m: r = 0.87; 500 m: r = 0.89; 2000 m: r = 0.82). Therefore, the rowing ergometer is a valid tool in assessing paddling performance of Paradragon boat paddlers.
Metal- and solvent-free preparation of benzo[4,5]imidazo[1,2-a]pyrimidine derivatives catalysed by deep eutectic solvents
Authors:   Department of Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Science, Vietnam National University, Ho Chi Minh city, Thi Nguyen Thuy-Duy ,   Vietnam National University, Ho Chi Minh city, Truong Anh Vy ,   Department of Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Science, Vietnam National University, Ho Chi Minh city,   Vietnam National University, Ho Chi Minh city, Tran Hoang Phuong ,   Department of Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Science, Vietnam National University, Ho Chi Minh city,   Vietnam National University, Ho Chi Minh city
Published: September 2021

by an acidic deep eutectic solvent from choline chloride (ChCl) and phenol via the Biginelli reaction of 2-aminobenzimidazole, ethyl acetoacetate, and aldehydes has been developed under metal- and solvent-free conditions. The desired products were obtained in moderate to good yield (49-79%) and the DESs were known as an economical and environmentally friendly catalyst.
Study on optimization of ternary complex of piroxicam-β-cyclodextrin-lysine inclusion in supercritical CO2
Authors:   Institute of Chemical Technology, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, Vuong Phan Minh , Duy Khoa Do Huu ,   Institute of Chemical Technology, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, Thao Phan Thanh ,   Institute of Chemical Technology, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology
Published: September 2021

Piroxicam is a bioactive compound classified as a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). However, its low solubility in water imposes a serious limitation for its application in the pharmaceutical industry. Using cyclodextrins to form complexes can enhance the dissolution rate, solubility, and bioavailability of piroxicam. In this study, piroxicam/β-cyclodextrin complexes are prepared in supercritical carbon dioxide (SC-CO2) in the solid state and the process was optimized using response surface methodology (RSM). UV-Vis spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and dissolution profile in water were used to characterized the complex under optimized temperature, residence time, moisture, and ternary agent. Finally, the maximum reaction yield of the inclusion complex was predicted to be 95% at the optimal conditions of 266 bar, 136oC, 1.84:1 ratio of cyclodextrin:piroxicam, and 1.5:1 ratio of lysine:piroxicam. Large scale production of inclusion complexes can be developed from the results of this work on optimizing conditions.
Synthesis and characterization of alkyl-methacrylate-maleic anhydride copolymer for use as a biodiesel flow improver
Authors:   University of Science, Vietnam National University, Hanoi, Pham Ngoc Lan , Luu Van Boi ,   University of Science, Vietnam National University, Hanoi, Phan Thi Tuyet Mai ,   University of Science, Vietnam National University, Hanoi, Nguyen Thi Son ,   University of Science, Vietnam National University, Hanoi
Published: September 2021

Methacrylic acid was esterified with four alcohols: 1-decanol, 1-dodecanol, 1-tetradecanol, and 1-cetanol. Afterwards, the obtained monomers were copolymerized with maleic anhydride. The synthesized monomers and copolymers were characterized by 1H-NMR (Nuclear magnetic resonance) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. The ability of the obtained copolymers to reduce the pour point of waste cooking oil-based biodiesel was investigated. The results showed that the polymer additive with the alkyl chain C14H29- demonstrated the best flow improvement performance. At a concentration of 1000 ppm, this polymer additive reduced the pour point of waste cooking oil-based biodiesel from 12 to 5oC.In this study,the effect of alkyl chain length, molecular weight, as well as the concentration of the additives on the pour point of biodiesel was also discussed.
Effects of nano-bubbles on seed germination of muskmelon
Authors:   Rajamangala University of Technology Lanna, Thailand, Le Quy Tung , Sritontip Chiti ,   Rajamangala University of Technology Lanna, Thailand
Published: September 2021

Nano-bubbles (NBs) demonstrate their full potential in fields like agriculture, aquaculture, food processing, and wastewater treating. This study investigated the effects of air NBs on the progress of seed germination of muskmelon. Distilled water was treated with NBs under time schedules of 10, 15, and 20 min and untreated distilled water was used as the control. Statistically significant differences in seed germination rate occurred between treatments. Growth indicators such as stem height, root length, and leaf area were measured after 14 d after treatment with water containing NBs. Statistical analysis showed that there were significant differences in the dry weight of samples between treatments although these differences were quite small.
“Gamificación" de la enseñanza para ciencia, tecnología, ingeniería y matemáticas: cartografía conceptual
Authors: Guzmán-Rivera Miguel Ángel , Escudero-Nahón Alexandro , Canchola-Magdaleno Sandra Luz
Published: September 2021

La “gamificación” es una estrategia de enseñanza que ha generado interés en el ámbito educativo por su facilidad de integración a entornos de aprendizaje digitales. El propósito de esta investigación documental, realizada con el método de la cartografía conceptual, fue hacer un estudio del término gamificación en el aprendizaje de la ciencia, la tecnología, la ingeniería y las matemáticas. En total, se obtuvieron 287 textos de las bases de datos ScienceDirect (253) y Web of Science (34), de los cuales se descartaron 248 que no cumplieron los criterios de pertinencia y, al final, se seleccionaron 39 documentos para revisión. Los ejes de análisis aplicados fueron: noción, categorización, caracterización, diferenciación, división, vinculación, metodología y ejemplificación. El resultado consistió en una sistematización del concepto gamificación y sus aspectos metodológicos para la enseñanza de la ciencia, la tecnología, la ingeniería y las matemáticas. El hallazgo principal fue una diferenciación entre gamificación, juegos educativos serios y aprendizaje basado en juegos. Lo anterior permitirá planificar estrategias educativas diferenciadas de acuerdo con objetivos de enseñanza específicos.
Colletotrichum spp: SENSIBILIDADE À FUNGICIDAS E REAÇÃO À CULTIVARES DE SOJA
Authors: Moraes Sylvia Raquel Gomes , Silva Jaqueline Bezerra da , Bonaldo Solange Maria , Souza Wesley Dantas de
Published: September 2021

Antracnose é uma das doenças economicamente mais importantes da soja e de difícil controle no Mato Grosso, causando perdas significativas de produtividade. Objetivo foi verificar a sensibilidade de fungicidas e reação de cultivares de soja a 30 isolados de Colletotrichum. A ação de sete fungicidas (azoxistrobina + ciproconazol, piraclostrobina + epoxiconazol, trifloxistrobina + protioconazol, piraclostrobina, carbendazim, fluxpiroxada + piraclostrobina e azoxistrobina) foi avaliada medindo o crescimento micelial in vitro. Todos os fungicidas afetaram o crescimento micelial, mas piraclostrobina + epoxiconazol e piraclostrobina foram os mais eficientes. Além disso, 6 cultivares foram inoculadas com 27 isolados para análise de tombamento pré e pós-emergência, incidência e severidade da doença. Os dados de incidência e severidade foram submetidos à fórmula da Área Abaixo da Curva de Progresso da Doença. Interação significativa foi observada entre isolados e cultivares em todas as variáveis. Os isolados IT-4, IT-6, LU-3, MT-1, NU-5, PN-1, QU-2, SO-6, SO-11 e VR-1 apresentaram maior tombamento e AACPD. Exceto QU-2 todos os isolados apresentam conídios falcados. As cultivares 8866, 1179 e 9144 apresentaram menor incidência e severidade da doença.
Palavras-chave: Glycine max; tombamento; incidência; severidade; antracnose.
 
Colletotrichum spp.: Sensibility to fungicides and reaction of commercial germoplasm of soybean
 
ABSTRACT: Anthracnose is one of the most economically important disease of soybean and difficult to control at Mato Grosso State, causing significant yield losses. Objective was to verify the fungicides sensitivity and soybean cultivars reaction to 30 isolates of Colletotrichum. The action of seven fungicides (azoxystrobin+cyproconazole, pyraclostrobin+epoxiconazole, trifloxystrobin+protioconazole, pyraclostrobin, carbendazim, fluxpyroxade+pyraclostrobin and azoxystrobin) was evaluated measuring in vitro mycelial growth. All fungicides affected the mycelial growth development, but pyraclostrobin + epoxiconazole and pyraclostrobin were the most efficient. Besides, 6 soybean cultivars were inoculated with 27 isolates to analyze pre and post-emergence damping-off, disease incidence and severity. Incidence and severity data were submitted to the formula Area Under the Disease Progress Curve. Significant interaction was observed between isolates and cultivars in all variables. Isolates IT-4, IT-6, LU-3, MT-1, NU-5, PN-1, QU-2, SO-6, SO-11 and VR-1 showed higher damping-off and AUDPC. Excepting the QU-2, all isolates have falcate conidia. Cultivars 8866, 1179 and 9144 presented the lowest disease severity and incidence.
Keywords: Glycine max; damping-off; incidence; severity; anthracnose.
EFICIÊNCIA DE COMBATE AOS INCÊNDIOS FLORESTAIS EM UNIDADES DE CONSERVAÇÃO BRASILEIRAS
Authors: Ramalho Antonio Henrique Cordeiro , Cesar Fiedler Nilton , Aparecida Silva Menezes Rayane , Duarte Biazatti Leonardo , Cipriano de Assis do Carmo Flávio , Cristina Gomes da Silva Elaine
Published: September 2021

A precariedade dos planos de combate aos incêndios florestais, torna o fogo a principal ameaça às Unidades de Conservação. Os Registros de Ocorrência de Incêndios (ROIs) são estratégias para aumentar a eficiência no enfrentamento aos incêndios. Assim, com a presente pesquisa objetivou-se analisar a eficiência de combate aos incêndios florestais em Unidades de Conservação brasileiras. Foram utilizados os ROIs do Sistema Nacional de Informações sobre Fogo referentes ao intervalo de 2010 a 2020. Foram avaliados o número de ROIs completos e incompletos, tipos de detecção, quantidade de área queimada, tempo de detecção, de ataque e de combate. Os resultados evidenciaram que apenas 52,33% dos ROIs estavam completos e que 2019 foi o ano com mais ROIs completos. Os pontos de observação e a ronda foram os principais métodos de detecção. As unidades de conservação brasileiras sofreram com a destruição de 31.918.617,41 hectares no período analisado, que significa índice de severidade extremo. Conclui-se que as unidades de conservação brasileiras apresentam baixa eficiência de combate aos incêndios florestais, principalmente de ataque inicial e combate, sendo necessário melhorar a eficiência da detecção e combate, infraestrutura, realizar treinamentos e conscientização sobre a importância dos ROIs. Palavras-chave: proteção florestal; registro de ocorrência de incêndios; áreas protegidas.   Firefighting efficiency in Brazilian Protected Areas   ABSTRACT: The precariousness of plans to combat forest fires, makes fire the main threat to Protected areas. Fire Occurrence Records (ROIs) are strategies to increase efficiency in fighting fires. Thus, we aimed analyze the efficiency of fighting forest fires in Brazilian Protected Areas. ROIs by National Fire Information System for the period 2010 to 2020 were used. The number of complete and incomplete ROIs, types of detection, amount of area burned, time of detection, attack and combat were evaluated. The results showed that only 52.33% of the ROIs were complete and that 2019 was the year with the most complete ROIs. Observation points and patrol were the main detection methods. Brazilian protected areas suffered from the destruction of 31,918,617.41 hectares in the analyzed period, which means an extreme severity index. It is concluded that Brazilian protected areas have low efficiency in combating forest fires, mainly in initial attack and combat, and it is necessary to improve the efficiency of detection and combat, infrastructure, conduct training and awareness about the importance of ROIs. Keywords: forest protection; record of fire occurrences; protected areas.
Examining High School Students’ Personality Traits of Extraversion and Emotional Stability in Relation to their Academic Expectation and Value Appraisals
Authors: Smith Jonathan , Guimond Fanny-Alexandra , Aucoin Philip , Gagnon Mathieu , Moreau Daniel , St-Amand Jérôme , Ayotte-Beaudet Jean-Philippe , Talbot Etienne
Published: September 2021

Both personality and motivational characteristics can be considered to estimate individuals’ potential for adjustment and development. That said, these characteristics are rarely studied in conjunction. In this study, we examine how personality and motivational characteristics relate one to the other and influence how students approach learning. More precisely, we analyzed the additive and interactive effects of two intimately related traits (extraversion and emotional stability) from the Big Five model of personality on five motivational dimensions reflecting academic expectations (sense of competence) and values (interest, utility, and mastery and performance goal orientations). Data was collected from a sample of 303 students in tenth and eleventh grade (108 boys and 195 girls; Mage = 16.275 years, SD = 1.149) in a French-Canadian public high school in the greater Quebec City area. Primary analyses included both bivariate correlation and hierarchical regression analyses. Correlations indicated that emotionally stable students were more interested in learning. Hierarchical regression showed that emotionally stable students were more likely to exhibit a performance goal orientation, especially when they were extroverted. These analyses also revealed that emotionally stable students were more interested in learning, especially when they had a strong sense of competence. Results are discussed in light of the limited but relevant existing literature.
Cecal lymphoma in a male Rottweiler dog
Authors: Shokry M.M.
Published: September 2021

A 6-year-old male Rottweiler dog presented with a marked weight loss combined with abdominal pain and diarrhea over 3 month. Hematology revealed lymphocytosis, neutrophilia and eosinophilia. Abdominal ultrasound revealed a heteroechoic mid-abdominal mass with a focal hypoechoic area measuring 6.0 x 5.0 cm but with a confusing origin. The mass was resected and intestinal anastomosis was performed after celiotomy. Histopathology of the mass demonstrated massive lympho-proliferative lesions were diagnosed as low grade lymphoma with diffuse small lymphocytic (DSL-plasmacytoid) pattern. The dog was recovered and a one-month ultra sonography follow-up showed no-recurrence.
Cardio-Cerebral Infarction Syndrome: An Overview
Authors: Habib Mohammed
Published: September 2021

Acute ischemic stroke and coronary artery disease are the major causes of death in Palestine and in the world. The prevalence of coronary artery disease has been reported in one fifth of stroke patients. Although high incidence rate of acute myocardial infarction after recent ischemic stroke and the high risk of acute ischemic stroke after recent myocardial infarction has been reported in several clinical or observational studies. So that acute or recent problem in the heart or brain that could result in an acute infarction of the other. In this review we describe the definition and new classification of the cardio-cerebral infarction syndrome with 3 subtypes that reflect the definition, pathophysiology and treatment options.
Watery eyes
Authors: Gupta P D
Published: September 2021

For clear vision, the cornea, which is not supplied with blood, has to be continually kept wet and it is done by basal tears. Tears are the maintenance fluid of the eye; the watery eyes or epiphora is the most common symptoms of many ocular pathologies; this is due to either overproduction or under drainage of tears. The watery eyes may also be due to hyperlacrimation. Tears play an important role in producing and controlling these ocular pathologies.
Evaluating the best tool to assess the cognitive domain of first year MBBS students in the subject of Biochemistry
Authors: Silambanan Santhi
Published: September 2021

Introduction: Assessment is an essential part of the learning process in education. Students follow a surface approach when assessment emphasis is on recall of factual knowledge. Students adopt a deep approach if assessment demands cognitive abilities. The aim of the study was to evaluate the best tool for assessing the cognitive domain of the first year MBBS students. Materials and Methods: I MBBS students of 28 in number who had scored more than 60 percent marks in the formative assessment examinations were included. Institutional Ethics Committee approval was obtained. Ten types of assessment tools were used. Answer scripts were evaluated by two examiners. SPSS version 16.0 was used for statistical analysis. ANOVA and Tukey posthoc analysis were used. A P value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: All the students performed well in the close-ended questions with statistical significant P=0.000 Conclusion: Good performers did well in all types of questions. Average performers did well in closed ended questions. Poor performers did not perform in both. Essays and SAQs remain the choice to differentiate a best performer in good performing candidates.
Glycaemic Monitoring in Diabetic Kidney Disease – Is HbA1c Reliable?
Authors: Binti Isa Salbiah , Hami Rohayu , Norliana JA Alma’ , Salmah Noordin Siti , Salwani Tuan Ismail Tuan
Published: September 2021

Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is a known complication of diabetes mellitus that increases patients’ risks of developing end-stage renal failure requiring dialysis treatment and vulnerability of fatal outcomes resulted from cardiovascular events. Therefore, a good diabetic control among patients with DKD is essential. Nevertheless, monitoring glycaemia in DKD is very challenging. The use of the gold standard glycaemic marker, haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), is complicated by many hindrances associated with both biochemical and physiological derangements of DKD. Despite the constraints, the Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcome has recommended the use of HbA1c as a reliable glycaemic marker in DKD patients, whose estimated glomerular filtration rate is down to 30 millilitres/minute per 1.73 meter2 . In this article, we discuss the reliability and limitations of HbA1c as an advocated glycaemic marker in DKD. Considering that the reliability of HbA1c is highly dependent on the interpretation of the results, we also highlighted the common potential factors that can affect HbA1c interpretation in patients with DKD. The article also discusses the issues related to the utility of glycated albumin and serum fructosamine as alternative glycaemic biomarkers, and continuous glucose monitoring as a complementary marker to HbA1c in clinical practice. Understanding the HbA1c values and their limitations is important to ensure accurate interpretation of glycaemic status and to achieve optimal diabetic control in patients with DKD.
Long-term Efficacy of Q-switched 1064 nm Nd-YAG Laser for Treatment of Split-thickness Skin Graft: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Mongkornwong Atthawit , Tonaree Warangkana , Chuangsuwanich Apirag , Taweepraditpol Sitthichoke
Published: September 2021

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy of the Q-switched 1064 nm Nd:YAG laser for reducing hyperpigmentation and erythema and increasing pliability in skin grafts.Material and Methods: This was a prospective randomized controlled trial. Half of each skin graft was treated with a Q-switched 1064 nm Nd:YAG laser 4 times, and the other half was left untreated and collectively used as the controls. The treatment results were evaluated by clinical photographs, and assessment of the melanin index (MI), erythema index (EI), and elasticity parameters at baseline and at 2 weeks after each session and 1 month after the final treatment.Results: Ten skin graft sites from 10 patients were included. Most patients had lesions at a lower extremity. After 4 sessions of treatment, average melanin index at the treated sites was non-significantly decreased compared to both baseline (p-value=0.232) and the untreated sites (p-value=0.770). The elasticity of the treated sites increased significantly when compared to baseline (p-value=0.039), but non-significantly when compared to the untreated sites (p-value=0.846). The EI at the treated sites non-significantly decreased compared to both baseline (p-value=0.432) and the untreated sites (p-value=0.164). Conclusion: This study found the Q-switched 1064 nm Nd:YAG laser treatment to be a potentially promising modality for increasing the pliability of skin grafts, but reductions in hyperpigmentation and erythema were only clinically significant.
Molecular Mechanisms of Vitamin D-Mediated Immunomodulation
Authors: Alswailmi Farhan Khashim , Shah Syed Imran Ali , Nawaz Haleema , Al-Mazaideh Ghassab Mohammad
Published: September 2021

Ever since discovering the fat-soluble secosteroid vitamin D, an abundance of research has been conducted on the molecular mechanisms for the multiple health benefits of this nutrient. Studies on the beneficial effects of vitamin D supplementation have found appreciable evidence suggesting that it may play a more prime role than initially presumed. Though it has largely been implicated in bone pathophysiology, novel research on vitamin D indicates its fundamental involvement in a wide range of disease processes through its multiple systemic effects, including but not limited to metabolic, cardiovascular, anti-inflammatory, antineoplastic, antioxidant, neuroprotective, and immune actions. Recent work has yielded important mechanistic insights into the functions of vitamin D in mediating immunity. The present work sheds light on the metabolism and immune response mechanisms of vitamin D. Current review is based on a thorough search of the available relevant research findings of the metabolic transformations of vitamin D and the molecular basis of its role in immunity. Apart from its classical mechanistic control of mineral homeostasis, vitamin D has immunomodulatory effects through various mechanisms at both systemic and cellular levels. Disruption of vitamin D reliant molecular pathways in the regulation of immune response can potentially result in the development and/or progression of autoimmune and infective processes. [GMJ.2021;10:e2097]
The Democratic Grotesque
Authors: Boutieri Charis
Published: September 2021

How do we understand the presence of the grotesque in negotiations of democratic life after a revolution? At the peak of procedural democratic consolidation, carnivalesque revelries in Tunisia became the object of public aporia and repugnance. The dissimilar interpretations of these revelries across generations evince an agonistic process of prizing open both the parameters of nationhood and democratic ideals within existing social relations. The concept of the ‘democratic grotesque’ captures the sensorial and affective ways Tunisian citizens negotiate the affordances and limitations of democracy in the post-revolutionary nation. The democratic grotesque has the double potential to revise intellectual and public understandings of democratic dispositions that emanate from liberal democracy and to blur the boundaries between revolution and democracy.
‘I Did Not Wash My Hand for Days’
Authors: McGovern Mike
Published: September 2021

This article focuses on the reception of revolutionary oratory in what was once known as The People’s Revolutionary Republic of Guinea. Sékou Touré, Guinea’s first president, captivated the nation with fiery, unscripted speeches lasting four, five, or six hours. Guinean audiences were enthralled by his sublime revolutionary rhetoric. In a 2008 coup, Captain Moussa Dadis Camara declared himself president, attempting to recreate the fervour of Guinea’s revolutionary days. Guinean citizens initially provided a willing revolutionary audience, though Camara’s oratory fell far short of Touré’s example. The article explores how the effects of shock and boredom that Ngai describes as ‘stuplimity’ (2005) emerged in reaction to Camara’s performances. Stuplimity was a halfway point between Guineans’ initial ‘revolutionary’ suspension of disbelief regarding the junta’s intentions and their subsequent rejection and anger, which led to the junta’s collapse less than a year after it took power.
Book Reviews
Authors: Lynteris Christos , Ellis Joe
Published: September 2021

Frédéric Keck. Avian Reservoirs: Virus Hunters and Birdwatchers in Chinese Sentinel Posts. Durham, NC: Duke University Press, pp. 245. 2020.

Lars Højer and Morten Axel Pedersen. Urban Hunters: Dealing and Dreaming in Times of Transition. New Haven, CT: Yale University Press, pp. 270. 2019.
Introduction
Authors: Matthews William
Published: September 2021

Many divination systems are epistemologically justified according to an explicit ontology: results are attributed to the work of an agent (gods, spirits) or to a cosmic principle (as in the Chinese conceptqi). Analytically, we can thus distinguish between divination based on ‘agentive ontology’, which raises the possibility of deception by gods or spirits, and ‘calculatory ontology’, which understands verdicts as calculations based on fixed principles. The relationship between explicit ontology and epistemic affordance, including the circumstances under which divination is subject to ontological explanation, suggests large-scale comparative questions concerning the wider socio-political and economic correlates of agentive and calculatory systems. These are exemplified in this special issue by the divergences between divination systems in the Greco-Roman world, in Han China, and among the Nuosu.
Divination and Ontologies
Authors: Zeitlyn David
Published: September 2021

The way types of divination move round the planet means it is not helpful to simply attribute one unitary ontology to specific techniques or to groups of practitioners. Explaining divination in terms of ‘ontology’ homogenizes cognitive and conceptual multiplicity, and pre-empts the possible outcomes of divination. Moreover, this contradicts the fundamentally open nature of divination, and the fact that in many forms of divination the reformulation of questions helps keep futures open. With examples drawn from Mambila spider divination, I suggest what an epidemiology of beliefs and ontologies that gather around divination could look like. On this account, divination acts as a ‘boundary object’, mediating both the cognitive differences among clients and the conceptual differences between clients and diviners.
Does lumbar spine fusion predispose patients to future total hip replacement?
Authors: Pirkle Sean , Bhattacharjee Sarah , Reddy Srikanth , Castillo Hector , Shi Lewis L. , Lee Michael J. , Dafrawy Mostafa El
Published: September 2021

OBJECTIVE

Hip-spine syndrome has been well studied since it was first described by Offierski and MacNab in 1983. Today, strong evidence links symptoms of hip and spine pathology to postsurgical outcomes. Recent studies have reported increased rates of hip dislocation in patients previously treated with total hip arthroplasty (THA) who had undergone lumbar fusion procedures. However, the effect of this link on native hip-joint degeneration remains an area of ongoing research. The purpose of this study was to characterize the relationship between use of lumbar fusion procedures and acceleration of hip pathology by analyzing the rate of future THA in patients with preexisting hip osteoarthritis.

METHODS

This population-level, retrospective cohort study was conducted by using the PearlDiver research program. The initial patient cohort was defined by the presence of diagnosis codes for hip osteoarthritis. Patients were categorized according to use of lumbar fusion after diagnosis of hip pathology. Survival curves with respect to THA were generated by comparison of the no lumbar fusion cohort with the lumbar fusion cohort. To assess the impact of fusion construct length, the lumbar fusion cohort was then stratified according to the number of levels treated (1–2, 3–7, or ≥ 8 levels). Hazard ratios (HRs) were then calculated for the risk factors of number of levels treated, patient age, and sex.

RESULTS

A total of 2,275,683 patients matched the authors’ inclusion criteria. Log-rank analysis showed no significant difference in the rates of THA over time between the no lumbar fusion cohort (2,239,946 patients) and lumbar fusion cohort (35,737 patients; p = 0.40). When patients were stratified according to number of levels treated, again no differences in the incidence rates of THA over the study period were determined (p = 0.30). Patients aged 70–74 years (HR 0.871, p < 0.001), 75–79 years (HR 0.733, p < 0.001), 80–84 years (HR 0.557, p < 0.001), and ≥ 85 years (HR = 0.275, p < 0.001) were less likely to undergo THA relative to the reference group (patients aged 65–69 years).

CONCLUSIONS

Although lumbar fusion was initially hypothesized to have a significant effect on rate of THA, lumbar fusion was not associated with increased need for future THA in patients with preexisting hip osteoarthritis. Additionally, there was no relationship between fusion construct length and rate of THA. Although lumbar fusion reportedly increases the risk of hip dislocation in patients with prior THA, these data suggest that lumbar fusion may not clinically accelerate native hip degeneration.
Decompression alone versus decompression and instrumented fusion for the treatment of isthmic spondylolisthesis: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Azizpour Kayoumars , Schutte Pieter , Arts Mark P. , Pondaag Willem , Bouma Gerrit J. , Coppes Maarten , van Zwet Erik , Peul Wilco C. , Vleggeert-Lankamp Carmen L. A.
Published: September 2021

OBJECTIVE

The most advocated surgical technique to treat symptoms of isthmic spondylolisthesis is decompression with instrumented fusion. A less-invasive classical approach has also been reported, which consists of decompression only. In this study the authors compared the clinical outcomes of decompression only with those of decompression with instrumented fusion in patients with isthmic spondylolisthesis.

METHODS

Eighty-four patients with lumbar radiculopathy or neurogenic claudication secondary to low-grade isthmic spondylolisthesis were randomly assigned to decompression only (n = 43) or decompression with instrumented fusion (n = 41). Primary outcome parameters were scores on the Roland Disability Questionnaire (RDQ), separate visual analog scales (VASs) for back pain and leg pain, and patient report of perceived recovery at 12-week and 2-year follow-ups. The proportion of reoperations was scored as a secondary outcome measure. Repeated measures ANOVA according to the intention-to-treat principle was performed.

RESULTS

Decompression alone did not show superiority in terms of disability scores at 12-week follow-up (p = 0.32, 95% CI −4.02 to 1.34), nor in any other outcome measure. At 2-year follow-up, RDQ disability scores improved more in the fusion group (10.3, 95% CI 3.9–8.2, vs 6.0, 95% CI 8.2–12.4; p = 0.006, 95% CI −7.3 to −1.3). Likewise, back pain decreased more in the fusion group (difference: −18.3 mm, CI −32.1 to −4.4, p = 0.01) on a 100-mm VAS scale, and a higher proportion of patients perceived recovery as showing “good results” (44% vs 74%, p = 0.01). Cumulative probabilities for reoperation were 47% in the decompression and 13% in the fusion group (p < 0.001) at the 2-year follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

In patients with isthmic spondylolisthesis, decompression with instrumented fusion resulted in comparable short-term results, significantly better long-term outcomes, and fewer reoperations than decompression alone. Decompression with instrumented fusion is a superior surgical technique that should in general be offered as a first treatment option for isthmic spondylolisthesis, but not for degenerative spondylolisthesis, which has a different etiology.