bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Crescimento e produtividade da cultura do pinhão-manso (Jatropha curcas L.) cultivado num Oxisol em Tangará da Serra (MT, Brasil)
Authors: Dalchiavon Flávio Carlos , Dallacort Rivanildo , Colleti A.J. , Montanari Rafael , Paz-Ferreiro Jorge
Published: April 2021

O pinhão-manso (Jatropha. Curcas, L.) é uma planta florífera, descrita como um arbusto venenoso, semi-verdeado ou pequena árvore, que pertence à família Euphorbiaceae. O cultivo não é complicado e a planta apresenta um crescimento vegetativo rápido, de modo que o período reprodutivo é alcançado no prazo de seis meses. No Brasil, a investigação sobre esta cultura é bastante recente, de modo que há necessidade de avaliar mais longe uma gestão adequada desta espécie. Portanto, o objectivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o crescimento e a produtividade de uma cultura de nozes purgadoras que cresce num Oxisol (Latossolo Vermelho Distroférrico seguindo o Sistema Brasileiro de Classificação de Solos) no município de Tangará da Serra, MT, Brasil. O trabalho de campo foi realizado de Agosto de 2007 a Agosto de 2008 no local experimental da Universidade do Estado de Mato Grosso (UNEMAT), localizado a 14º37'10'' de latitude sul e 57º29'09'' de longitude oeste e com 320 asl de altitude média. Foi determinada a altura da planta e a produção vegetal de noz de purga. Produtividade média por hectare e por planta durante o primeiro ano de cultivo como a soma de todos os valores das respectivas determinações individuais. O crescimento médio das plantas de nozes purgantes durante o período estudado foi de 148,45 cm, o que corresponde a 0,56 cm dia-1. A maior parte da produção de sementes ocorreu durante o terceiro mês produtivo, o que correspondeu a 44,51% do total. A produtividade média final foi de 595,36 kg ha-1 de sementes.
Contribuição para o estudo da mineralização Fe-Ti da praia de S. Torpes (Sines, Setúbal, Portugal)
Authors: Moura António , Pinto Filipe
Published: April 2021

Três amostras da concentração pesada natural das areias lombares superiores da praia de S.Torpes foram analisadas por microscopia, MEV e microssonda, a fim de caracterizar a composição mineralógica dos minerais do minério. Devido à forte granulometria homogénea, a areia foi apenas dividida em duas fracções, acima e abaixo da peneira de 125 microns. Cada fracção foi sujeita a separação magnética por mão magnética e líquido pesado (bromoforme). A fracção paramagnética foi submetida a um electroíman de Frantz. As fracções magnéticas e paramagnéticas foram estudadas em microscopia de reflexão, SEM e microssondas electrónicas. Estas técnicas mostraram que a fracção pesada destas areias é composta em média por magnetite (71%), ilmenite (12%), hematite (8%) e grãos mistos (9%). Os aspectos textuais das três principais composições minerais, bem como a sua composição química e fórmula estrutural foram ainda mais caracterizados. Identificámos também pequenas quantidades de monazite e minerais de alteração (rutilo, psudorutilo, ilmenorutilo e titanite) e sulfuretos, tudo em quantidades muito pequenas. Foi possível determinar a composição "média" mineralógica da areia combinando os resultados deste estudo com o estudo de Pombo et al. (2006).
A comparison of transversus abdominis plane block with quadratus lumborum block for post-operative analgesia in abdominal hysterectomy: a retrospective observational study
Authors: Gupta Sumit Kumar , Grewal Ritu , Anne Sirisha , Garg Arpit
Published: April 2021

Background: Abdominal hysterectomy is the most common surgery performed in Indian Women. Recent advances in Regional Anaesthesia especially ultrasonography-guided truncal blocks for postoperative analgesia are now being used for patient comfort and faster times for discharge of the patients. This study compares the ultrasonographic guided transversus abdominis plane block and quadratus lumborum blocks for patients undergoing abdominal hysterectomy under general anaesthesia. Aim of the study was to compare the efficacy of transversus abdominis plane block and quadratus lumborum blocks in patients undergoing abdominal hysterectomy.Methods: A retrospective observational study of prospectively collected data was performed. A total of 111 patients of American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) II and III gradings were enrolled in the study who had received either transversus abdominis plane block or quadratus lumborum blocks. Visual analog scale (VAS) scores and use of rescue analgesia was studied between the two groups. The data obtained were analysed using the students t-test and Mann Whitney U Test.Results: The demographic profile was similar between the 2 groups. The study showed that patients who received the quadratus lumborum block had a greater analgesia after 6 hours and had lower analgesic requirements compared to those who received transversus abdominis block (TAP) block. TAP block was however effective in the initial post-operative period.Conclusions: In patients undergoing abdominal hysterectomy quadratus lumborum block may be preferred over TAP block for post-operative analgesia.
Prevalence of neuropathy in type 2 diabetic patients at sub-district hospital Akhnoor
Authors: Sharma Chandan , Badyal Ashima
Published: April 2021

Background: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a progressive disease and hampers the quality of life of the patients due to micro and macro-vascular complications associated with it, like: neuropathy. Peripheral neuropathy leads to numbness, loss of sensation, and sometimes pain in the feet, legs, or hands.Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted among 200 randomly selected T2DM patients of either gender presenting to the medicine outpatient department (OPD) of sub district hospital Akhnoor from August 2020 to February 2021.Results: Almost half of the participants having duration of DM for more than 10 years and a mean age of 56.8±12.2 years. Based on the Michigan neuropathy screening instrument (MNSI) assessment, 41% of study participants had a score of ≥6 in the history questionnaire. The most frequently reported symptoms among patients were numbness and pain while walking, which was present in 80.5% and 70.5% of study participants, respectively. Around 32-40.5% of T2DM patients were found to suffer from peripheral neuropathy in our study. A significantly higher prevalence of diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) was found among males (43.7%) than females (37.1%).Conclusions: Early detection of DM and appropriate intervention and effective control is important for effective management among patients, especially with higher body mass index (BMI), obesity or with advancing age.
Splinting - A bridging solution for periodontally endangered esthetics - A case report
Authors: Sharma Pallavi , Sharma Samiksha , Jindal Vikas , Goel Amit , Chauhan Shiva , Fanda Komal
Published: April 2021

Splinting a novel and a cost effective method to stabilise periodontally compromised teeth. A variety of materials are available for splinting ranging from ligature wire to fiber reinforced composite. The first priority for a patient is replacement of the extracted tooth specially in the aesthetic areas which usually takes time. A 63 year old patient reported to the department of periodontology with periodontally compromised lower anterior teeth, the treatment plan was extraction of the mobile tooth followed by Splinting, with the help of fiber reinforced composite using the crown of the extracted tooth as pontic.
Inter-American Development Bank Annual Report 1972
Authors:   Inter-American Development Bank
Published: April 2021

The Annual Report contains a review of the Bank's operations in 1972.
Riding the Coronacoaster: Learning, Teaching, and Living at a Health Sciences Campus during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Mejia Angie , Katoch Chandi , Khan Fiza , Peterson Blake , Turin Daniel R.
Published: April 2021

This collaborative autoethnography examines how we (four students and a professor of community-engaged research) used our experiences to make sense of life during COVID‑19. Engaging in a collective approach to autoethnographic writing, we highlight different perspectives of a cultural moment shaped by the science denialism and untruths that define US governmental practices and approaches to the pandemic. We share how we are dealing with COVID‑19 discourses that run counter to the scientific foregrounding of our STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) and health and medical sciences training, reflect on the role of the pandemic in shifting post-baccalaureate plans, navigate the lockdown while participating in racial justice protests in Minneapolis, and examine the experiences of being essential healthcare workers while in school. By situating these shifting ways of learning, teaching, and engaging as portents of the difficulties we may continue to face, we show the possibilities of narrative methods in imagining and implementing post-pandemic healthcare practices grounded on a praxis of community justice and collective care.
Nigella sativa: a miraculous plant
Authors: Abdollahi Nooshin , Nadjarzadeh Azadeh
Published: April 2021

The article's abstract is not available.
Micronutrients and Infection with COVID-19: A Critical Mini-Review
Authors: Yaghtin Zahra , Webb Richard , Khayyatzadeh Sayyed Saeid
Published: April 2021

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2), has been the cause of a global pandemic. Given the impact of nutritional status upon immune function, it is crucial to understand the relationship between micronutrient intake and severity of the disease. This mini-review aimed to summarize the known associations between specific micronutrients (vitamin A, D, E, C and zinc, selenium and magnesium) and the health of coronavirus-infected patients. Low serum levels of these micronutrients are associated with the incidence and severity of SARS-CoV-2. However, further studies are needed to evaluate the outcomes of supplementation with these nutrients.
The Effect of Green Coffee Consumption on High Blood Pressure
Authors: Hosseinzadeh Mahdieh , Pakravanfar Fatemeh , Hosseinzadeh Elham , Khosravi Maryam
Published: April 2021

Background: Hypertension is a major risk factor for the development of coronary, cerebrovascular, and peripheral vascular diseases, which lead to myocardial infarction, stroke, and vascular death. Green coffee extract is particularly producer a great deal of chlorogenic acids (CGA) that may reduce the risk of high blood pressure. Therefore, the target of the study was to summarize the available publications on the effect of green coffee consumption on high blood pressure.
Methods: The systematic review was done with a search in PubMed-Medline and Scopus. The search strategy included keywords related to blood pressure and green coffee. Inclusion criteria were randomized controlled clinical trials conducted on people aged between 18 and 70 years. The publication date of articles  was from 2004 to 2018. Exclusion criteria were articles not published in English.
Results: We discussed five articles that included  our criteria. Green coffee had moderate effects on high blood pressure.  It sounds that the effect of green coffee on reducing blood pressure is because of its phenolic compounds, as well as caffeine and chlorogenic acids, coffee’s roasting status, participants’ ethnicity, and even gender.
Conclusion: Green coffee intake for a long time might moderately decrease blood pressure. However, there is still a need for further clinical trials.
The Effect of Anethum Graveolens L. (Dill) on Lipid Profile in Adults with Cardiovascular Risk Factors: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Controlled Clinical Trials
Authors: Mansoori Anahita , Salimi Zahra , Hosseini Seyyed Ahmad , Hormoznejad Razie , Asadi Maryam
Published: April 2021

Background: Several randomized clinical trials (RCTs) has assessed the effect of Anethum graveolens L. (AG) or dill supplementation on lipid profile in adults with cardiovascular risk factors with different results. Therefore, we decided to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis regarding the available randomized controlled trials to assess AG supplementation's efficacy on lipid profile in adults with cardiovascular risk factors.
Methods: PubMed, Embase, Cochrane's database, Ovid, Web of Science, ProQuest, Scopus, and Google Scholar were searched to find relevant articles investigating the effect of AG on the lipid profile of adults with risk factors for cardiovascular disease up to December 2020. Six trials with seven treatment armsmet the inclusion criteria. A random-effects model was used in the meta-analysis. To test heterogeneity, I2 statistics and Cochrane Q test were applied.
Results: The results reported a significant improving effect of AG on TG [WMD = -29.20, 95% confidence interval (CI): -34.73,-23.68 mg/dL, p < 0.001], TC (WMD = -16.46, 95%CI: -21.54,-11.39 mg/dL, p < 0.001), LDL-C (WMD = -13.90, 95%CI: -16.08, -11.72 mg/dL, p < 0.001), and HDL-C (WMD = 4.01, 95%CI: 3.48, 4.54 mg/dL, p < 0.001).
Conclusion: This meta-analysis of randomized controlled clinical trials revealed that consuming AG extract for more than six weeks might improve lipid profile in adults with cardiovascular risk factors.
Different Biomarkers of Acute kidney Injury in Cancer Patients
Authors: Kazemi Reza , Saberianpour Shirin , Salehi Hanieh , Hatampour Mohammad , Sheikhpour Elnaz
Published: April 2021

Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) occurs if the kidneys suddenly lose their ability to remove waste products. When the kidneys lose their ability to filter, dangerous levels of waste products can accumulate, which can upset the chemical composition of the blood and urine. Chemotherapy is one of the methods used to treat or temporarily reduce cancer by using certain medications. The main task of this treatment is to kill cancer cells without seriously damaging the surrounding tissues. However, this type of treatment also has destructive effects on healthy cells and tissues in the body. Researchers studying cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy found that people undergoing this type of treatment may develop serious kidney problems and be forced to use treatments such as dialysis and kidney transplants. Research showed that people with more severe cancers and advanced tumors are more likely to have acute kidney injury than those with early-stage cancer. AKI biomarkers can be selected from the patient's serum, urine, or body imaging components. Various studies showed that urine is a source of the best markers in AKI. Biomarkers in plasma and urine, such as N-acetyl-β-glucosaminidase, Cystatin-C, β2-microglobulin , Cysteine-Rich Protein, Osteopontin, Fetuin-A, Kidney Injury Molecule-1, Liver-type fatty acid-binding protein, Netrin-1, Neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin, and interleukin-18 are effective tools for early detection of AKI. In this review study, an attempt was made to collect biomarkers related to AKI disease.
Evaluation of the Ovarian Reserve in Women With Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Authors: Morales-Martínez Felipe Arturo , Salas-Castro Celina , García-Garza Manuel Rolando. , Valdés-Martínez Otto , García-Luna Selene Marysol , Garza-Elizondo Mario , Vidal-Gutiérrez Oscar , Saldívar-Rodríguez Donato , Sordia-Hernández Luis Humberto.
Published: April 2021

Objective: Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic multisystem autoimmune disorder where the disease activity itself and the medications used for its treatment, may have adverse effects on ovarian function. This study aimed to assess the ovarian reserve (OR) in SLE patients.
Materials and methods: The anti-müllerian hormone (AMH) and the antral follicle count (AFC), two markers to evaluate the OR was assessed in 64 SLE patients and compared to normal individuals. Additionally, we assessed whether the disease per se or the pharmacological treatments affect the OR.
Results: Patients with SLE displayed alterations in the OR regardless of the presence of alterations of the menstrual cycle. The AFC and AMH were significantly lower in SLE patients with and without menstrual alterations when compared to control individuals (p<0.0001). However, the AFC and AMH levels were significantly correlated (p=0.006) in the SLE patients with menstrual alterations. Except for hydroxychloroquine that was statistically higher in SLE patients with menstrual alterations (p=0.04), the cumulative dose for cyclophosphamide, corticosteroid, and methotrexate was similar in SLE patients regardless of the occurrence of menstrual alterations.
Conclusion: The monitoring of AMH and AFC in SLE patients should be used to detect the rapid and irreversible decline of the OR to provide a possibility of pregnancy to the SLE patients.
Effects of Ethinyl Estradiol in Combined Oral Contraceptives on Cell Proliferation and Apoptosis in Ectopic Endometrial Tissue: A Randomized Controlled Study
Authors: Sophonsritsuk Areepan , Tantanavipas Siriluk , Tingthanatikul Yada , Lertvikool Srithean , Dittharot Kanthanadon , Waiyaput Wanwisa
Published: April 2021

Objective: Since endometriosis is an estrogen-dependent disease; therefore, combined oral contraceptives (COCs) may not be the best choice for the treatment of endometriosis. The objective of the present study was to investigate the effects of ethinyl estradiol (EE) and desogestrel (DSG) in COCs on cell proliferation and apoptosis in ectopic endometrial tissue as compared to DSG alone.
Materials and methods: Forty-five women of reproductive age with at least one endometriotic cyst were recruited into this single-blind randomized controlled trial study and randomly divided equally into three groups. EE-DSG and DSG groups received EE (0.03 mg) and DSG (0.15 mg) or DSG alone daily for 28-35 days before surgery. The control group was prescribed nothing. Endometriotic cyst tissues were collected during ovarian cystectomy for immunohistochemistry.
Results: Levels of Ki-67 positive cells in the ectopic endometrial tissue of the EE-DSG group were significantly higher than the DSG group (median [IQR]; 1.4[1.2] vs 0.6 [0.7], P <0.016). There were significantly more TUNEL-positive cells in the EE-DSG group compared to the DSG group (median [IQR]; 2.8[0.7] vs 1.8[1.4], P < 0.016, respectively). Moreover, the number of TUNEL-positive cells in the EE-DSG and DSG groups were significantly higher than the control (median [IQR]; 2.8[0.7] vs 0.2[0.2] and 1.8[1.4] vs 0.2[0.2], P <0.016). The levels of cells that positively stained for Bcl2 were not different among all groups.
Conclusion: Progestin alone increased cell apoptosis in ectopic endometria. However, concurrent EE in COCs enhanced proliferation and promoted a greater apoptotic effect in ectopic endometria compared to progestin alone.
Nutrition during COVID-19
Authors: Marzban Ameneh , Khabiri Farahnaz , Anbari Nogyni Zainab
Published: April 2021

The article's abstract is not available.
Impact of a Contract Farming Scheme on Income, Food Security, and Nutrition among Maize Farmers in North Western, Nigeria
Authors: Hussaini Yusuf Ibrahim , Sakinatu Umar Garba , Munir Jamiu Wahab
Published: April 2021

Background: The study examined the impact of a contract farming scheme on the farmers’ income, food security, and nutrition.
Methods: Simple random sampling was used to select 100 respondents for the study. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics as well the Propensity Score Matching technique.
Results: The major determinants of participation in contract farming included commercialization index, distance from the collection center, and total labor available in the household. The average treatment effect on the treated, the average effect of the treatment, and the average treatment on the untreated shows that contract farming will enhance the income from Maize production by ₦50234.8 ($131.79)/hectare, ₦37170.8 ($97.53)/hectare, and ₦28809.8 ($75.59)/hectare respectively.
Conclusion: Contract farming participation can affect farming households negatively if food security concerns are not considered into the contract farming agreements.
The Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices toward Food Additives in Personnel of Isfahan University of Medical Sciences in Iran
Authors: Bahreini Esfahani Nimah , Ziaei Hassan , Esfandiari Zahra
Published: April 2021

Background: Use of additives in food industry is of specific importance. Currently, more than 2,500 additives are added to foods to achieve the desired goals or to extend the product’s shelf life. However, application of these substances has raised concerns about the consumers’ health. Since public information on these substances is inadequate, promoting people’s knowledge can play a key role in this regard. Therefore, knowledge, attitude, and practices of the personnel of Isfahan University of Medical Sciences toward food additives were evaluated.
Methods: This cross-sectional descriptive study included 800 participants selected randomly among the personnel of Isfahan University of Medical Sciences in Iran. The participants’ demographic information, knowledge, attitudes, and practices were measured via a self-administered questionnaire. The relationship of participants’ educational level, age, and gender with their knowledge, attitudes, and practices were determined.
Results: The participants’ knowledge, attitudes, and practices average scores were calculated as 30.6±1.3, 32±0.9, and 15±1.5 for food additives, respectively.
Conclusion: The participants’ knowledge, attitude, and practices were at a poor level. So, people should receive the necessary education and training in terms of food additives as well as food labels in order to prevent misinterpretations regarding food additives.
The Effect of Agricultural Commercialization on Household Food Security among Smallholder Farmers in Zhombe North Rural District of Zimbabwe
Authors: Pamela Madududu
Published: April 2021

Background: Achievement of food security has become one of the major challenges of most developing countries, including Zimbabwe. This study was designed to investigate the effect of agricultural commercialization on household food security.
Methods: This study used cross-sectional data for the 2017/18 farming season collected from 165 smallholder farmer households in Zhombe north rural district in Zimbabwe. Instrumental variable regression model was applied for data analysis over the effect of agricultural commercialization. Agricultural commercialization was measured using the crop output market participation share (COMPS).
Results: The results revealed that COMPS, household head age, household head gender, and income per capita had a significant positive influence on household food security.
Conclusions: The results indicate that agricultural commercialization and socio-economic characteristics have a role to play in defining the household’s food security. Therefore, the findings recommend policies that would promote agricultural commercialization, which improve household food security in turn. The study recommends policymakers to promote agricultural commercialization, since it positively contributed towards household food security. In addition, young-headed, female-headed, and low-income earning households that were identified as the food insecure households.
Household Food Security and Nutritional Status of Under-Five-Year Children: A Case Study of Nepal
Authors: Paudel Ajaya , Ram Bhandari Tulsi , Bahadur Dangi Nim
Published: April 2021

Background: Food security refers to accessing to desirable, nutritious, and healthy foods to live a healthy and productive life. Household food insecurity is an underlying cause of malnutrition in children. In this study, the household food security and its influence on the nutritional status of under-five year children were investigated.
Methods: A cross-sectional analytical study was conducted from August to November 2019 in Syangja district of Nepal. Of six rural municipalities of the district, Phedikhola Rural Municipality was selected using the lottery method. We found 905 eligible households that have an under-five year child. A total of 289 children entered the study after considering the 40% overall prevalence rate of malnutrition among children under five years of age.  Data were collected proportionately from each ward considering the health status and anthropometric measurements of children and household food security using a structured interview schedule and the Household Food Insecurity Access Scale. Descriptive statistics and chi-square tests were applied to assess the situation and determine the association.
Results: Food insecurity was observed in more than half (52.3%) of the households. Food insecurity was associated (P < 0.001) with the socioeconomic status of the family. Prevalence of stunting (height-for-age), underweight, and wasting (weight-for-height) in children were 28.7%, 20.0%, and 13.9%, respectively. Food security, exclusive breastfeeding, and initiation time of complementary feeding were significantly associated with wasting and underweight (P < 0.05).
Conclusion: Food insecurity and under-five year malnutrition were highly frequent in the study areas. The improvement of educational, occupational, and economic conditions of the households may be a solution to this problem.
Millets for Food and Nutrition Security in India: Determinants and Policy Implications
Authors: Islam Shahidul , Manaloor Varghese
Published: April 2021

Background: Food security has been a target in India since its independence; the primary aim of food security is to ensure enough staple food for the entire population. Although substantial progress was made through the adoption of green revolution (GR) technologies and implementation of the food public distribution system (PDS), desirable food and nutrition security, as defined by the food and agriculture organization (FAO), is far from being realized. This paper scrutinized the potential contribution of millets in achieving food and nutrition security in India.
Methods: The present study was conducted based on the secondary data obtained from FAO Corporate Statistical Database and published literature on food and nutrition security. The impact of the GR technologies and the PDS on food and nutrition security was examined using 58 years of acreage, production, and yield of rice, wheat, and millet, as well as comprehensive information on relevant issues including climate.
Results: Both GR technologies and PDS unduly favored two principal crops, namely rice and wheat, marginalizing all other crops cultivated for thousands of years to meet the food and nutrition requirement of mostly developing countries including India. Millets constitute one such neglected group of crops in India, which have tremendous potential for contributing to food and nutrition security.
Conclusions: Millets are to be included in the PDS alongside rice and wheat so that they receive an appropriate Minimum Price Support. Appropriate implementation of relevant regulations, continued research and development, and adequate support for cultivation and marketing of millets are necessary in this regard.
About Limit Transitions in Spatial Homogenization Problems for Two-Component Dielectric Composites with Extremal Moduli for One of Phases
Authors: Kudimova Anna B. , Nasedkin Andrey V.
Published: April 2021

The spatial problem of calculating the effective permittivity of two-component composite, consisting of a base material filling a spherical layer and one spherical inclusion, is considered. The homogenization problem is solved by effective moduli method with calculation of the energy characteristics in the composite medium and in its individual phases. In the obtained solution, the limit transitions are made for two extreme cases: pores or inclusions with zero dielectric constant and conductive inclusions with infinitely high dielectric constant. The solutions of these problems are compared with the solutions of homogenization problems for a medium with void and for a medium with conductive inclusion boundary. In problems with one basic material, the properties of inclusions were taken into account only by the corresponding boundary conditions on the interface. It is shown that calculations of the effective permittivity by energy criterion give correct results in all the cases considered, while the calculations by the average permittivity for a composite with a conductive inclusion boundary may be erroneous.
Activity Concentration of Radionuclides and Their Correlation with the Total Chemical Content of Soils
Authors: Kozyrev Denis A. , Gorbov Sergey N. , Bezuglova Olga S. , Buraeva Elena A. , Tagiverdiev Suleiman S. , Plakhov German A. , Salnik Nadezhda V.
Published: April 2021

The total heavy metal content and activity concentration of natural radionuclides were obtained in native and anthropogenically transformed soil of the Rostov agglomeration (south of the Russia). The specific activity of natural radionuclides in soils of the has been comparable with indicators typical for chernozems of the Rostov region. Increased activity of 40K, 232Th is observed in the upper horizons, which is due to the origin of the radionuclides themselves and fertilization in the agrogenic period of soils, before the specified areas were included in the urban area. The correlation between activity concentration of radionuclide and total content of heavy metals were derived by Spearman's Rank-Order Correlation. The study was revealed that the activity concentration of thorium and radium doesn’t provide significant correlation with the total content of heavy metals. The group of buried horizons have shown a positive correlation with naturally occurring 40K in contrast with humus horizon (AU). The carbonates-accumulating group of horizons (BCA, [BCA]) have random correlation sign by each of metals. The most significant correlation was observed for the B horizons group.
The Problem of Carrying Out the Border Between the Middle East Mountain and the High Altitude on the Example of Decorating the Aerial Photographs of the Peredovoy Ridge, Karachay-Cherkessia
Authors: Chagarova Laura A.
Published: April 2021

The work is based on field research and interpretation of aerial photographs covering typical areas of the Peredovoy ridge. The morphostructure of the Peredovoy ridge is located between the morphostructures of the Glavny ridge in the south and the North Jurassic depression in the north. The main features of the study area are mountainous relief in combination with a complex and contrasting composition of the lithogenic base, different types of altitudinal zonation, which create a high species diversity of biota. Compilation of new and moderate exploitation of existing tourist complexes of the North Caucasus is impossible without the help of new detailed landscape maps. Using the original published materials and his own experience, the author of the study proposes an improved methodology for landscape mapping for mountain areas using the interpre-tation of aerial photographs, covering the characteristic areas of the Peredovoy ridge. The obtained data and conclusions can be used for geoecological purposes, in monitoring the natural environment, to optimize the use of natural resources, as well as in planning the recreational and mining-industrial development of the high-mountain belt of the Peredovoy ridge and similar morphostructures.
Investigation and Analysis of College Students’ Consumption Behavior under the New Coronary Pneumonia Epidemic-Taking Shipai Campus of South China Normal University as an Example
Authors: Fang Zeyi
Published: April 2021

At the beginning of 2020, the outbreak of COVID-19 epidemic has impacted various consumer industries in my country, and has also stimulated the consumption power and consumer psychology of college students to a certain extent. Recently, the demand to promote consumption replenishment and potential release has risen to the national strategic level, and the consumer industry and consumer groups are facing unprecedented challenges and opportunities. Through literature analysis, questionnaire surveys, and SPSS statistical analysis, this article found that college students’ consumption behaviors during the epidemic period showed significant gender and age differences, and they favored online shopping, and showed obvious consumption trends in medical protection, investment and financial management. And after the epidemic, compensatory consumption is expected to occur. This article addresses the issues to be explored, combined with the current market economy situation, and proposes reasonable and feasible targeted strategies for governments, industries, platforms, and consumers to help restore consumption after the epidemic.
Research on the Development of Growth Enterprise Market in China
Authors: Niu Yitong
Published: April 2021

In this paper, firstly, the definition and market positioning development of GEM are summarized, and the current situation of GEM development is analyzed. At the same time, compared with the main board market, overseas GEM and mature American market, it is found that the GEM market is gradually approaching the standards of overseas markets in terms of IPO, but this is not an act of spontaneous regulation of market system because of the rapid issuance of new shares. So there is no stability, and it is still necessary to continue to make efforts in the construction of various systems. Finally, the paper puts forward some suggestions on the development of China’s GEM market, namely, actively learning from the successful development experience of overseas GEM markets and setting clear targets according to market positioning.
Quantitative Analysis of the Profitability of China’s Commercial Banks Based on Factor Analysis
Authors: Wei Ying , Zhu Jiaming , Liu Qingling
Published: April 2021

The profitability of a commercial bank is an important factor to measure its comprehensive development level. Taking the 2019 annual data of China’s 16 listed commercial banks as a research sample, the factor analysis method is used to empirically analyze the profitability of each bank, extract four public factors, and calculate the comprehensive score of each bank’s profitability. The research results show that the non-performing loan ratio and risk of joint-stock banks are higher, and the capital adequacy ratio is lower. The comprehensive profitability and anti-risk ability of state-owned banks are better than joint-stock banks, and their finances are more stable. This suggests that commercial banks should strengthen their risk control while increasing their profit margins.
The Pareto Optimal Analysis of the Marketing Path of Movie Works in the Streaming Media Ecosystem
Authors: Liao Ziyi , Li Zhen , Zhang Quanquan
Published: April 2021

According to consumers’ aesthetic habits and preferences, the “AI data + movies” mode can produce works that are very suitable for the market. The social information dissemination ecology constructed by streaming media has also broken through the distribution and marketing channels centered on theaters. The marketing ecology of the film industry is gradually changing from the former “line structure” or “core ring structure” to a “block-chain structure” with equal weight in all links and marketing channels. Based on the Pareto theory, this paper provides some suggestions and ideas to help practitioners find a balance point when facing the game between personal interests and industry interests. At the same time, after the rise of streaming media, what key indicators should film marketing consider? What kind of dynamic data associations are presented between various indicators and box office revenues of different platforms?
Clinical functional analysis and the process of change
Authors: Törneke Niklas
Published: April 2021

O termo análise funcional tem uma posição extremamente central na análise do comportamento, desde que foi cunhada pela primeira vez por Skinner. Seu uso na parte clínica da análise do comportamento aplicada, ou no que se chama de psicoterapia, ainda é, de algum modo, controverso. Esse artigo argumenta que o termo e o fenômeno que ele descreve deveriam ocupar uma posição central também na psicoterapia. Para isso ocorrer, uma análise da linguagem humana deve ser incluída e a teoria das molduras relacionais (RFT) oferece esse tipo de análise. O artigo aplica as conclusões de tal análise ao diálogo clínico e fornece direções práticas sobre como a análise funcional clínica pode ser conduzida nesse contexto.
OKUL ÖNCESİ ÖĞRETMENLERİNİN FEN ÖĞRETİMİ UYGULAMALARININ TEORİK VE PRATİK DOĞASININ KEŞFEDİLMESİ
Authors: AKŞAM Elif , KUTLUCA Ali Yiğit
Published: April 2021

Bu araştırmanın amacı, farklı deneyimlerdeki okul öncesi öğretmenlerinin kendi fen öğretimi uygulamalarına yönelik pedagojik kavramsallaştırmalarını incelemektir. Araştırma, erken çocukluk dönemi fen öğretimi uygulamalarının altında yatan nedenlerin ve aksiyonların daha derinlemesine ve bütüncül bir yaklaşımla ele alınabilmesi için durum çalışması deseni aracılığıyla gerçekleştirilmiştir. Araştırma MEB’e bağlı anaokullarında görev yapan dört okul öncesi öğretmeniyle yürütülmüştür. Her öğretmenin erken çocukluk dönemi fen öğretimi kavramsallaştırmalarının, farklı birer durumu temsil etmesi nedeniyle araştırmanın tasarımı çoklu durum çalışmasıdır. Araştırmadaki veriler Ders Planı Yapılandırma Formu (DPYF) ve Öğretim Temelli Görüşme Formu (ÖTGF) yardımıyla toplanmıştır. Ayrıca bu veriler, gözlem sonuçları yardımıyla da zenginleştirilmiştir. Dolayısıyla bu araştırmaya katılan dört okul öncesi öğretmeni önce bir fen öğretimi etkinliği (yoğurt yapımı) planlamış ardından genel fen öğretimi ve bu etkinliğe dair pedagojik kavramsallaştırmalar yapmışlardır. Ardından bu etkinliği sınıflarında uygulamışlardır. Son olarak video temelli olarak kaydedilen kendi öğretimlerinden önemli anları izleyerek pedagojik yapılarına dair yorumlamalarda bulunmuşlardır. Verilerin çözümlenmesiyle ilgili süreçler, nitel bakış açısını yansıtacak ve açıklayacak şekilde tümevarımcı bir yaklaşımla ele alınmıştır. Ayrıca sürekli karşılaştırma yöntemi aracılığıyla öğretmen kavramsallaştırmalarının kendi aralarında kıyaslanması sağlanmıştır. Diğer yandan sınıf gözlemleri ise analitik bir gözlem protokolü kullanılarak analiz edilmiştir. Analiz sonuçları, okul öncesi öğretmenlerinin fen öğretimi uygulamalarını bilimsel süreç becerileri, vatandaşlık, karakter ve değerler eğitimi hedefleriyle bağdaştırdıklarını göstermiştir. Ayrıca fen öğretim uygulamalarının teorik ve pratik niteliği meslekî deneyim eşiğine bağlı olarak değişmektedir. Okul öncesi öğretmenlerinin öğretimi planlarken ve uygularken kullandıkları temel pedagojik araçlar; amaç ve hedefler, çocuk anlayışları ve stratejilerdir. Ulaşılan sonuçlar, mevcut alanyazın temelinde derinlemesine tartışılmış ve bu doğrultuda gerekli öneriler verilmiştir.
Automatic MRI Brain Tumor Segmentation Techniques: A Survey
Authors: Basir Otman , Shantta Kalifa
Published: April 2021

Image segmentation plays a crucial role in recognizing image signification for checking and mining medical image records. Brain tumor segmentation is a complicated assignment in medical image analysis. It is challenging to identify precisely and extract that a portion of the image has abnormal tissues for further diagnosis and analysis. The method of segmenting a tumor from a brain MRI image is a highly concentrated medical science community field, as MRI is non-invasive. In this survey, brain MRI images' latest brain tumor segmentation techniques are addressed a thoroughgoing literature review. Besides, surveys the several approved techniques regularly applied for brain tumor MRI segmentation. Also, highlighting variances among them and reviews their abilities, pros, and weaknesses. Various approaches to image segmentation are described and explicated with the modern participation of several investigators.
Optimal Route Maintenance based on Adaptive Equilibrium Optimization and GTA based Route Discovery Model in MANET
Authors: Hemalatha R , Umamaheswari R , Jothi S
Published: April 2021

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
Preservation of the Tenon’s capsule and Sub-Tenon’s space after the autologous limbal-conjunctival transplantation in pterygium surgery
Authors: VIDAL FERNANDA Santos , Cronemberger Sebastião , Massote José Aloísio
Published: April 2021

Background No previous studies have evaluated the scarring of the conjunctiva and Tenon’s capsule (TC) separately when only the conjunctiva is removed, and TC is preserved in the upper part of the bulb: the site designated for trabeculectomy. Thus, this cohort interventional study aims to investigate the scarring of the donor area after autologous limbal-conjunctival transplantation (ALCT) using anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT). Methods Twenty-three eyes with pterygium were submitted to resection and local reconstruction with ALCT. AS-OCT images obtained from each eye preoperatively served as postoperative control. ALCT was removed superiorly with preservation of TC. The cure of this donor area occurred by secondary intention. AS-OCT was performed preoperatively and 30 and 180 days postoperatively in the donor area, measuring the thickness of the conjunctiva (epithelium and stroma) and TC. The sub-Tenon’s space (STS) was clinically assessed. Results The mean thickness of the conjunctival epithelium was 48.04 ± 11.37µm in the preoperative period and 51.87±15.04µm 180 days after surgery, without statistically significant difference (P=0.282). A statistically significant increase (P=0.005) in the mean thickness of the conjunctival stroma, from 85.35±23.10µm in the preoperative period to 101.61±20.19µm 180 days after surgery was found. TC had no significant changes, slightly increasing from 117.13±24.26µm preoperatively to 118.09±19.24µm (P=0.808) 180 days after surgery. STS was found in 19 (82%) eyes 180 days after surgery. Conclusions Following ALCT with TC preservation, scarring took place in the conjunctiva, epithelium, and stroma. The TC and the STS were preserved not showing any significant changes.
DFT study of new organic materials based on PEDOT and 4-[2-(2-N, N-dihydroxy amino thiophene) vinyl] benzanamine
Authors: Mveme Côme Damien Désiré , Nya Fridolin Tchangnwa , Ejuh Geh Wilson , Malloum Alhadji , Conradie Jeanet , Ndjaka Jean Marie Bienvenu
Published: April 2021

In the present study, we theoretically determine the optoelectronic, electronic, nonlinear optical (NLO) and thermodynamic properties of new materials from the conjugated polymer poly (3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) doped with halogens (Fluorine and Chlorine) combined with the organic semiconductor 4-[2-(2-N, N-dihydroxy amino thiophene) vinyl] benzamine (DATVB). The molecular geometry of the ground state, the optoelectronics and electronics parameters have been calculated by combining the 6-311++G (d, p) basis set with functionals of the density functional theory (DFT). The functionals B3LYP and the CAM-B3LYP have been used for NLO parameters. The energy gaps obtains for all the compounds are less than 3.0 eV. These results clearly show that PEDOT and its derivatives can be considerated as good semiconductors. They can be tested for use in the manufacture of organic solar cells (OSC) and organic light emitting diodes (OLED). The first order hyperpolarisabilities of these PEDOT hybrid compounds are much higher than those of the reference compound for NLO applications, namely para-nitroaniline (p-NA), which opens up a new field of application of PEDOT in NLO devices. The thermodynamic parameters such as the zero point vibrational energy (ZPVE), the enthalpy (H), the heat capacity at constant volume (Cv), the entropy (S) and the free energy (G) have been calculated and reported herein.
Corneal Imaging and Densitometry Measurements in Patients with Fuchs' Dystrophy Undergoing Penetrating Keratoplasty and Descemet's Striping Automated Endothelial Keratoplasty
Authors: Alzahrani Khaled , Brahma Arun , Carley Fiona , Hillarby M. Chantal
Published: April 2021

Aims:In the present study, we used the densitometry software from the Oculus Pentacam to compare postoperative corneal clarity between penetrating keratoplasty (PK) and Descemet's stripping endothelial keratoplasty (DSAEK) in patients with Fuchs' dystrophy.Methods:A retrospective comparative study was carried out at Manchester Royal Eye Hospital. In 28 patients with Fuchs' dystrophy, corneal densitometry measurements were performed 12–18 months after corneal transplantation. The correlations of the densitometry measurements with the best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and central corneal thickness (CCT) were analysed and compared between eyes that underwent PK and those that underwent DSAEKResults:Corneal densitometry measurements in the 33 eyes showed no significant differences between the PK and DSAEK post-surgery groups. There was no significant correlation between CCT and corneal densitometry measurements in either group (P > 0.05 in both cases). After DSAEK, corneal densitometry measurements were significantly correlated with BCVA in the central (P = 0.01), posterior (P = 0.007), and full-depth (P = 0.008) 0–2 mm zones of the cornea but not in PK group. The postoperative CCT was significantly different between the two groups (P˂0.01).Conclusion:The two types of corneal transplantation resulted in different outcomes in terms of corneal densitometry measurements. Improved visual acuity after DSAEK was found to positively correlate with improvements in corneal clarity. Oculus Pentacam provides an objective evaluation tool to monitor corneal status after surgery.
Trade, Energy Consumption, Economic Growth and Ecological Quality: An Empirical Evidence from D-8 and G-7 Countries
Authors: Majeed Muhammad Tariq , Asghar Naveed
Published: April 2021

While pursuing sustainable growth there is a need to inculcate the procedure of a sustainable environment for coming generations. This study investigates the association between carbon dioxide emissions (CO2) and gross domestic product (GDP), disaggregate and aggregate energy usage, trade, using yearly data for the time component of 1980–2019 for D-8 and G-7 countries. The study employs second-generation unit root tests namely cross sectionally augmented Dickey Fuller (CADF) and cross sectionally augmented IPS (CIPS). Further, Kao, Pedroni, and Westerlund cointegration tests are employed to test for cointegration. To estimate models, fully modified least squares (FMOLS), dynamic ordinary least squares (DOLS) and heterogeneous panel estimators (MG, AMG, CCEMG, DCCEMG) are used. Finally, to verify the causality among the study variables the Dumitrescu and Hurlin, (2012) causality test is used. The findings of the study reveal that income, aggregate, and disaggregate energy consumptions (oil, coal, gas), and trade exacerbate ecological quality in D-8 countries while income and trade improve it in G-7 economies. However, oil, coal, and gas usage are detrimental for ecological quality in G-7 economies. The study validates an inverted U-shaped environmental Kuznets curve in D-8 while U-shaped in G-7 countries. It is recommended that both groups of countries need to adopt green strategies and sustainable patterns for growth and development.