bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Continent-wide modelling of potential habitats and connectivity for the Eurasian lynx (Lynx lynx) in Europe
Authors: Dobbert Svenja , Pape Roland , Löffer Jörg
Published: May 2021

Eurasian lynx (Lynx lynx) once inhabited almost the whole of the European continent. After facing nearly complete extinction about a century ago, they now form a more or less connected metapopulation with eleven broad-scale populations and numerous isolated habitat patches throughout Europe. Increasing public interest and a favourable legislative status by the EU give rise to hope for the return of the felide to parts of Central and Western Europe, where it is currently absent. In this context, a solid understanding of the overall suitability of the European landscape for a well-connected lynx population is crucial. Therefore, this work is looking into the current situation as well as potential habitats, ease of movement between those habitats, and potential future distribution, with the main focus on broad-scale spatial patterns. In addition to existing populations, eight habitat clusters were identified across Europe, using a modelling approach, rooted in a rule-based assessment accompanied by least-cost path identification, generating possible movement corridors. Key findings include large areas of potential habitat, yet overall low connectivity, with lynx movement restricted by a lack of forest cover as well as human land use, including mainly linear barriers like highways and dense road networks. This situation provides a number of challenges and opportunities for national and international conservation: The results clearly indicate that for a recolonisation of many parts of the European landscape reintroduction measures are indispensable in many parts of Europe. They also offer a first step towards a general understanding of how large carnivores like the Eurasian lynx might exist within a landscape increasingly shaped by anthropogenic actions and land use.
WHOLE PLANT ADIANTUM CAPILLUS-VENERIS LINN. EXTRACT AS AN ANTI-COVID-19 THERAPY.
Authors: Hendawy Lina
Published: May 2021

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an infectious disease caused by a newly discovered strain of Corona viruses (SARS-CoV-2). The disease causes mild to severe symptoms, mainly respiratory. Some patients can develop pneumonia, severe acute respiratory syndrome, kidney failure and even death. Any patient can develop mild to severe illness, but old age and severe underlying medical conditions like chronic lung diseases, diabetes, obesity, etc. seem to be higher risk factors for developing more serious complications from COVID-19. There is no specific treatment for COVID-19. However, many of the symptoms can be treated according to the patient’s clinical condition. Adiantum capillus-veneris (Maidenhair fern) is a medicinal herb of the family Pteridaceae. The plant extract showed a potential efficacy as ancient physicians used it for curing different diseases. In modern medicine, the plant was proven to possess a pharmacological efficacy to treat many symptoms similar to that caused by COVID-19 and its underlying medical conditions. Herbal agents extracted from Adiantum capillus veneris is widely used for the treatment of COVID-19 in Egypt, but Unfortunately, specific preclinical and clinical trials to evaluate the effects of the herbal immunoregulators in COVID19 patients have not been conducted. However, Certain natural compounds are proven here to be possibly effective for the treatment of COVID-19 symptoms based on general concepts from previous experiments. Meanwhile, people believe that consuming herbal immunomodulators can prevent or even cure COVID-19, this review is done to discuss the pros and cons of utilising the extract of Adiantum capillus veneris during COVID-19 pandemic, draw conclusions, and make recommendations of modern therapeutic application of an extract-based drug to treat symptoms of patients with COVID-19.
Differential expression of heat shock protein family B (small) member 6 in cancers of the breast.
Authors: Mamoor Shahan
Published: May 2021

Breast cancer affects women at relatively high frequency (1). We mined published microarray datasets (2, 3) to determine in an unbiased fashion and at the systems level genes most differentially expressed in the primary tumors of patients with breast cancer. We report here significant differential expression of the gene encoding heat shock protein family B (small) member 6, HSPB6, when comparing primary tumors of the breast to the tissue of origin, the normal breast. HSPB6 mRNA was present at significantly lower quantities in tumors of the breast as compared to normal breast tissue. Analysis of human survival data revealed that expression of HSPB6 in primary tumors of the breast was correlated with recurrence-free survival in patients with basal subtype, luminal A subtype, and luminal B subtype cancer, demonstrating a complex relationship between primary tumor expression of a differentially expressed gene and patient survival outcomes influenced by molecular subtype. HSPB6 may be of relevance to initiation, maintenance or progression of cancers of the female breast.
The Impact of Leadership Style on Performance of Nurses
Authors: ofar Sutikno M.
Published: May 2021

This study aims to find the impact of leadership style (Transformational leadership and Transactional leadership) on the performance of Nurses in the Health sector. The study conducted in Temar medical Center, Erbil, Kurdistan Region. Fifty questionnaires have been distributed. The data collected analyzed by Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS). After ensuring the reliability and validity, the results indicated both leadership style, Transformational leadership, and Transactional leadership had a positive and significant impact on nurses' performance. However, the results showed Transformational leadership style more important compared to Transactional leadership on Nurse's performance.
The COVID States Project #49: Vaccinating America's youth
Authors: Simonson Matthew D , Chwe Hanyu , Lazer David , Ognyanova Katherine , Baum Matthew , Perlis Roy H. , Druckman James , Santillana Mauricio , Green Jon , Uslu Ata , Gitomer Adina , Quintana Alexi , Lin Jennifer
Published: May 2021

With Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine soon to be available to 12-15-year-olds, how prepared are Americans to vaccinate their children? And do they support requiring that children be vaccinated before returning to in-person school? In this report, we examine three aspects of childhood vaccinations: parents’ resistance to vaccinating their children, support among all adults for making vaccinations a requirement in schools, and attitudes towards vaccination among youth. Below are our key findings:● Since February, the gap in attitudes between fathers and mothers has widened. While fathers became marginally less resistant, falling from 14% to 11% since February, over a quarter of mothers still say they are “extremely unlikely” to vaccinate their children.● Educational, income, and partisan divides in childhood vaccination attitudes have become more pronounced. Parents in households making less than $25,000 per year, parents without a college degree, and Republican parents have become more resistant to vaccinating their children. Resistance has decreased for college-educated, high income, and Democratic parents.● Parents of teenagers are less resistant to having their children vaccinated than parents of small children, and—in the case of mothers—slightly more supportive of school vaccination requirements.● Support for school vaccination requirements has grown slightly from 54% to 58%. This increase holds for most gender, race, and income categories. However, among Republicans, support remains virtually unchanged.● Mothers are less likely to support school vaccination requirements than other women, while fathers are more likely to support school vaccination requirements than other men.● Among youth who are old enough to get vaccinated without parental consent (18-21-year-olds), one five are vaccine resistant.
Differential expression of sodium voltage-gated channel alpha subunit 3 in cancers of the breast.
Authors: Mamoor Shahan
Published: May 2021

Breast cancer affects women at relatively high frequency (1). We mined published microarray datasets (2, 3) to determine in an unbiased fashion and at the systems level genes most differentially expressed in the primary tumors of patients with breast cancer. We report here significant differential expression of the gene encoding sodium voltage-gated channel alpha subunit 3, SCN3A, when comparing primary tumors of the breast to the tissue of origin, the normal breast. SCN3A mRNA was present at significantly lower quantities in tumors of the breast as compared to normal breast tissue. Analysis of human survival data revealed that expression of SCN3A in primary tumors of the breast was correlated with overall survival in patients with basal, luminal A, and luminal B subtype breast cancer, but not in HER2+ breast cancer, demonstrating a relationship between primary tumor expression of a differentially expressed gene and patient survival outcomes influenced by molecular subtype. SCN3A may be of relevance to initiation, maintenance or progression of cancers of the female breast.
Feedback autoregulation of gene expression always amplifies noise in timing of threshold crossing
Authors: Vahdat Zahra , Ghusinga Khem , Singh Abhyudai
Published: May 2021

Many cellular events occur when their corresponding regulatory proteins attain critical thresholds. Can cells schedule such events with precision by controlling the dynamics of the proteins? We investigate this question by considering a simple gene expression model that consists of switching the gene between OFF and ON states and degradation of the protein. Because feedback regulation is a pervasive method of control in biological systems, we analyzed three feedback mechanisms (protein regulates either its own transcription, or the rate at which gene turns ON, or the rate at which gene turns OFF) for their abilities to suppress noise in timing. We show that in the limiting case where the protein does not degrade, feedbacks always amplify noise in event timing.
Deep Learning Framework for Material Design Space Exploration using Active Transfer Learning and Data Augmentation
Authors: Kim Yongtae , Kim Youngsoo , Yang Charles , Park Kundo , Gu Grace , Ryu Seunghwa
Published: May 2021

Neural network-based generative models have been actively investigated as an inverse design method for finding novel materials in a vast design space. However, the applicability of conventional generative models is limited because they cannot access data outside the range of training sets. Advanced generative models that were devised to overcome the limitation also suffer from the weak predictive power on the unseen domain. In this study, we propose a deep neural network-based forward design approach that enables an efficient search for the superior materials far beyond the domain of the initial training set. This approach compensates for the weak predictive power of neural networks on an unseen domain through gradual updates of the neural network with active-transfer learning and data augmentation methods. We demonstrate the potential of our framework with a grid composite optimization problem that has an astronomical number of possible design configurations. Results show that our proposed framework can provide excellent designs close to the global optima, even with the addition of very small dataset corresponding to less than 0.5% of the initial training dataset size.
Links among mothers’ dispositional mindfulness, stress, perspective-taking, and mother-child interactions
Authors: Kil Hali , Grusec Joan
Published: May 2021

Objective: How parents think about their internal states and about their emotional experiences impacts their parenting. Parents who demonstrate dispositional mindfulness, the capacity for open awareness and attention in the present moment, experience lower levels of stress. The present study assessed whether mindful parents may show more positive parenting and be perceived more favorably by their children in parent-child interactions. Methods: One hundred and twenty-seven mothers completed measures assessing mindfulness and stress, and their early adolescent children (M age=10.87 years; SD=0.90) completed measures assessing their mothers’ perspective-taking, and disclosure to and conflict intensity with their mothers. Results: Using path analysis, we found that mothers’ greater dispositional mindfulness was associated with adolescent reports of greater maternal perspective-taking through less maternal stress. Further, mothers’ greater dispositional mindfulness was associated with more adolescent disclosure to mothers and less intense conflict through less maternal stress and greater maternal perspective-taking. Conclusions: Our results suggest that mothers’ stress and perspective-taking may indirectly link parent mindfulness and adolescent perceptions of parent-adolescent communication.
Turn-by-turn route guidance does not impair route learning
Authors: Kelly Jonathan , Lim Alex , Carpenter Shana
Published: May 2021

Turn-by-turn GPS guidance is useful when the navigator is uncertain about the correct route. Although route guidance is convenient, it comes at a spatial cognitive cost. Compared to unguided navigation, route guidance leads to poorer knowledge of the traversed environment. However, past research has not tested the effects of route guidance on route retracing, which is an important learning goal in many situations. Participants drove a pre-defined route in a driving simulator. All participants initially followed turn-by-turn directions twice (Experiment 1) or once (Experiment 2). Those in the Study condition continued to follow route guidance during two subsequent traversals, whereas those in the Test condition relied on memory and received corrective feedback. Following a 48-hour delay, participants completed a final test in which they retraced the route without guidance. Learning condition did not influence final test performance, indicating that route knowledge is unaffected by repeatedly following route guidance.
Revisiting the hierarchical structure of the 24 VIA character strengths: Three global dimensions may suffice to capture their essence
Authors: Partsch Melanie Viola , Bluemke Matthias , Lechner Clemens M.
Published: May 2021

Peterson and Seligman's (2004) values-in-action (VIA) framework maps 24 character strengths onto six more abstract virtues through a theoretical classification. However, compared to other individual difference constructs, there is little consensus about the factor-analytic structure of the VIA trait space. Applying Horn’s parallel analysis, Goldberg’s Bass-ackwards approach, and cross-country congruency analysis, we scrutinize the factor-analytic solutions-hierarchy of the 24 VIA strengths with the aim to identify one or more useful global levels of abstraction (akin to the Big Five, HEXACO/Big Six, or personality metatraits). We assessed the 24 character strengths with the psychometrically refined IPIP-VIA-R inventory in two large and heterogeneous samples from Germany and UK (total N ≈ 2,000). Results suggested that three global dimensions suffice to capture the essence of character strengths: Level III recovered more than 50% of the total variation of the 24 character strengths in well-interpretable, global/general, cross-culturally replicable dimensions. We provisionally labeled them positivity, dependability, and mastery. Their superordinate Level-II-dimensions were reminiscent of the “Big Two” personality metatraits Dynamism and Social Self-Regulation. Our results advance the understanding of the VIA character trait space and may serve as a basis for developing scales to assess these global dimensions.
Ivermectin and the odds of hospitalization due to COVID-19: evidence from a quasi-experimental analysis based on a public intervention in Mexico City
Authors: Merino José , Borja Victor Hugo , Lopez Oliva , Ochoa José Alfredo , Clark Eduardo , Petersen Lila , Caballero Saul
Published: May 2021

ObjectiveTo measure the effect of Mexico City’s population-level intervention –an ivermectin-based Medical Kit – – in hospitalizations during the COVID-19 pandemic.MethodsA quasi-experimental research design with a Coarsened Exact Matching method using administrative data from hospitals and phone-call monitoring. We estimated logistic-regression models with matched observations adjusting by age, sex, COVID severity, and comorbidities. For robustness checks separated the effect of the kit from phone medical monitoring; changed the comparison period; and subsetted the sample by hospitalization occupancy,ResultsWe found a significant reduction in hospitalizations among patients who received the ivermectin-based medical kit; the range of the effect is 52%- 76% depending on model specification.ConclusionsThe study supports ivermectin-based interventions to assuage the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the health system.
Factores de riesgo del cáncer de cuello uterino
Authors: Suquinagua Ortiz Jhon , Chimbo Llanos Lorena , Cabrera Ortega María Paz , Díaz Gómez Richard
Published: May 2021

Introducción: En el espectro de las patologías cancerosas, la neoplasia cervical constituye un indicador de salud que incrementa las tasas de morbimortalidad en las mujeres, en donde el factor etiológico considerado está íntimamente relacionado con factores de riesgo que son modificables, mediante la sensibilización de aquellas variables pertinentes que aumentan o disminuyen el desarrollo de Cáncer de cuello uterino (CCU). Objetivos: Realizar una revisión sistemática de la literatura para identificar los factores de riesgo del CCU con la finalidad de resaltar los parámetros causantes de esta afección y su relación con la morbimortalidad, analizando datos cualitativos, determinando la prioridad de los factores de riesgo por grado de afectación según la evidencia encontrada.
Material y Métodos: Este trabajo investigativo resguarda un diseño de investigación documental, con enfoque cualitativo, de nivel exploratorio y descriptivo, basado en la búsqueda y análisis, de datos secundarios. Se elaboró una revisión sistemática en bases de datos (Scopus, Web of Science, OVID). Se definieron criterios de inclusión y exclusión, mismas que permitieron analizar las características de los artículos seleccionados. 
Resultados: El Virus del papiloma humano (VPH) incide como factor de riesgo principal alcanzando al 70% de la población de los artículos analizados, se detectó que la actividad sexual a edades tempranas constituye otro factor de riesgo relevante, estos predominan en mayor proporción, que en orden de prioridad son seguidos por otros factores como: infecciones de transmisión sexual, promiscuidad, hormonas anticonceptivas y tabaquismo.
Conclusiones: La cobertura de artículos analizados, refleja equidad en los factores que proporcionan el riesgo para el desarrollo de CCU. Se añade la probabilidad de ser modificados mediante programas preventivos direccionando la citología cervicovaginal como puntualidad diagnóstica de elección.
Lung Function Impairment and Workplace Control Measures among Marble Stone Carvers in Sa-Kyin Village, Madayar Township, Myanmar
Authors: Htun Zaw Z , Win Yi Y , Myat Aung M , Naing Soe M
Published: May 2021

Introduction: Marble rocks, composed of dust containing calcium carbonate and silica particles, predispose to a higher prevalence of occupational lung diseases. This study aimed to assess workplace control measures and lung function impairment among marble stone carvers.

Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted among 120 marble stone carvers in Sa-Kyin Village, Madayar Township in May 2019. Information about existing control measures in the workplace was assessed using a pre-tested structured questionnaire and participants’ lung function using spirometry. Respirable dust measurements in twelve randomly selected workers were performed by personal air sampling pumps.

Results: It was found that 9.2% of marble stone carvers used disposable or cloth masks throughout the working time, but no one was found using appropriate devices like respirators. No one reported about regular medical checkup and provision of health education at the workplaces. Spirometry testing showed 55.8% had lung function impairment. Concentrations of respirable dust ranged from 7.19 to 10.13 mg/m3, significantly higher than the recommended Threshold Limit Value (3 mg/m3). In multivariable logistic regression analysis, development of lung function impairment was associated with age [adjusted Odds Ratio (aOR) = 2.84; 95% CI = 1.02,7.91] and use of face mask (aOR = 0.11; 95% CI = 0.01,0.91).

Conclusion: The working environment was found dusty, and a significant proportion of workers had lung function impairment. It is essential to adopt proper dust control measures in stone carving workplaces. Preventive measures like medical surveillance and health education program are vital to reduce the burdens from occupational lung diseases.
Prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders and their association with ergonomic physical risk factors among women working in tea gardens of Darjeeling district of West Bengal, India
Authors: Chakraborty Sumanta , Bhattacherjee Sharmistha , Mukherjee Abhijit , Dasgupta Samir
Published: May 2021

Introduction: Work related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSDs) is common among tea-plucking folks and may be attributed to the long duration of work in same posture, the load they carry while plucking and transporting the leaves to the nearest depot, improper job rotations and the difficult hilly terrains.

Objective: To determine the prevalence and pattern of musculoskeletal disorders among tea garden workers and to ascertain the risk factors for the same.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 210 female tea garden workers employed in tea gardens of Darjeeling district using 30 cluster sampling design. Data on musculoskeletal morbidities were collected using Standard Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire and ergonomic risk was assessed by Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA) worksheet.

Results: Proportion of musculoskeletal disorders in past 12 months was 92.4% and in past 7 days was 71.4%. Upper extremities were the most commonly affected body part.  Higher altitude, age, BMI, more duration in present job, history of work related injuries and increased REBA risk assessment score were found to be significantly associated with musculoskeletal disorders.

Conclusion: Musculoskeletal morbidities among female tea garden workers of Darjeeling were found to be considerably high. Ergonomic mechanised assistance in tea plucking can reduce this proportion of MSD and thus may go a long way in reducing sickness absenteeism and increasing productivity.

Financial support and sponsorship - Nil.

Conflicts of interest - There are no conflicts of interest.
Occupational health hazard among Security Guards in Kathmandu District, Nepal
Authors: Manandhar Naresh , Jha Archana , Mishra Aakash , Mishra Anjali , Gupta Vaibhav , Baniya Tara , Joshi Sunil Kumar
Published: May 2021

Introduction: The job of security guard is to protect the property and the people who reside or work on the premises where they guard. The occupational safety requires the maintenance and the promotion of workers’ health and working capacity by improving the working environment and the development of working organizations. The aim of study was to assess the occupational health hazards among the security guards and to find association between occupational health hazards with demographic variables.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among the security guards across Kathmandu district from 20th December 2020 to 8th January 2021 using convenient sampling technique. The data was collected by direct interview method using the structured questionnaire.

Results: The mean age of the respondents was 36.5 years with standard deviation 9.54. Males were 88.5 %. Most of the respondents (74%) were married. Majority of the respondents (78%) were Hindu by religion. The prevalence of Muscle pain was 70%, one fifth of the respondents (20%) had lower back pain. The Neck pain, elbow-hand- wrist pain and upper back pain each was present in 10% of the respondents.

Conclusion: The muscular pain was not significant difference with demographic variables age, sex, marital status, ethnicity, religion and education status. The muscle pain was found higher in low worked experience of the security guards and not statistically significant.
Intradural plasmacytoma originating from the filum terminale in the setting of multiple myeloma: illustrative case
Authors: Glasser Jamieson , Glasser Ryan
Published: May 2021

BACKGROUND

Multiple myeloma (MM) has the propensity to spread to vertebral bodies; however, extramedullary plasmacytomas involving the central nervous system are extremely rare.

OBSERVATIONS

The authors report the first intradural extramedullary plasmacytoma in the lumbar region of the spine in a patient with preexisting MM. They present a 50-year-old female with severe back and radicular pain and progressive neurological deficit.

LESSONS

MM is typically treated with chemotherapy and radiation therapy. However, in this unique case, resection proved to be a key part of treatment.
Noninvasive evaluation of craniovertebral junction instability in 2 patients following Chiari decompression with rigid C-collar immobilization: illustrative cases
Authors: Sunshine Kerrin S. , Elder Theresa A. , Tomei Krystal L.
Published: May 2021

BACKGROUND

The complex Chiari malformation has been identified in a subset of Chiari patients at higher risk for worsening symptoms following Chiari decompression. Although parameters such as the clivoaxial angle and the perpendicular distance of the dens to the line from the basion to the inferoposterior part of the C2 body (pBC2) have been evaluated to help with the prediction of risk, the decision to pursue an occipitocervical fusion in lower-risk patients does not come without inherent risk.

OBSERVATIONS

The authors present 2 patients who had symptoms of worsening ventral brainstem compression following Chiari decompression, neither of whom was categorized in the highest risk category for occipitocervical instability. In addition, neither patient had gross instability on radiographic imaging. A trial with rigid C-collar immobilization provided relief of symptoms in both patients and allowed reassurance of the likelihood of success of occipitocervical fusion.

LESSONS

In patients without clear radiographic instability following Chiari decompression, a C-collar trial may provide a noninvasive option for assessing the potential success of occipitocervical fusion.
Management of a cervical spine neurenteric cyst via an anterior surgical approach: illustrative case
Authors: Salehani Arsalaan , Howell Sasha , Harmon Daniel
Published: May 2021

BACKGROUND

Central nervous system neurenteric cysts (NCs) represent a rare entity thought to arise from failure of the separation of endodermal and neuroectodermal elements during week 3 of embryogenesis. They account for 0.7–1.3% of all spinal cord lesions and are typically intradural extramedullary lesions located near the cervicothoracic junction. Most NCs are associated with multisystem malformation disorders, making a solitary extramedullary NC a rare entity.

OBSERVATIONS

A 45-year-old man presented with progressive right lower-extremity weakness and an inability to walk. Cervical spine magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated an approximately 1.6 × 1.1 × 2.7–cm, T2 hyperintense, nonenhancing, intradural, extramedullary cystic lesion at the level of C6–7 eccentric to the right with atrophy of the spinal cord. An anterior surgical approach was used for resection of the cyst in totality with C6–7 corpectomies and anterior plating and fixation from C5 to T1. Postoperatively at 1 month, the patient denied any significant neck or arm pain and demonstrated improving right lower-extremity strength, allowing some funcitonal independence.

LESSONS

A solitary, extramedullary cervical NC is a rare entity, with a posterior surgical approach for resection primarily described in the literature. The authors present anterior corpectomy and plating with fixation as a viable surgical approach for this rare pathology.
Posterior communicating artery injury and symptomatic vasospasm after high-energy blunt head injury: illustrative case
Authors: Omar Nidal B. , Chagoya Gustavo , Marotta Dario , Elsayed Galal , Harrigan Mark R.
Published: May 2021

BACKGROUND

Most of the published literature pertaining to blunt traumatic cerebrovascular injury (BCVI) is focused on extracranial arterial injury. Studies of intracranial arterial injury are relatively uncommon.

OBSERVATIONS

The clinical course of a patient who sustained an injury to the right posterior communicating artery followed by infarction due to vasospasm after severe traumatic brain injury is presented, along with a focused literature review.

LESSONS

Intracranial BCVI is uncommon, and this report may serve to raise awareness of BCVI management and the importance of recognizing symptomatic vasospasm due to BCVI.
Large prevertebral hematoma and carotid pseudoaneurysm following percutaneous anterior cervical discectomy: illustrative case
Authors: Basil Gregory W. , Sprau Annelise C. , Starke Robert M. , Levi Allan D. , Wang Michael Y.
Published: May 2021

BACKGROUND

The percutaneous, endoscope-assisted anterior cervical discectomy is a relatively new procedure, and because of its novelty, complications are minimal and pertinent literature is scarce. This approach relies on a sufficient anatomical understanding of the vital neurovascular structures in the operating workspace. Although complications are rare, they can be significant.

OBSERVATIONS

The patient presented with difficulty breathing following an anterior percutaneous cervical discectomy performed at an outpatient surgical center. Imaging revealed a prevertebral hematoma and multiple carotid pseudoaneurysms. Given the large prevertebral hematoma and concern for imminent airway collapse, the authors proceeded with emergent intubation and surgical evacuation of the clot.

LESSONS

The authors propose managing complications in a fashion similar to those for comparable injuries after classic anterior approaches. Definitive management of our patient’s carotid injury would require stenting and, therefore, dual antiplatelet agents. Thus, the authors proceeded with the hematoma evacuation first. Additionally, careful dissection was needed to decrease further carotid damage. Thus, the authors made a more rostral incision to maintain the given stability of the carotid insult before the angiographic intervention to follow. It is the authors’ hope that the technical pearls from this two-staged open hematoma evacuation and endovascular stenting may guide future presurgical and intraoperative planning and management of complications, should they arise.
Large intramedullary bronchogenic cyst of the cervical spine: illustrative case
Authors: Wu Adela , Patel Mahesh , Darbonne Dawn , Singh Harminder
Published: May 2021

BACKGROUND

Spinal bronchogenic cysts are rare entities arising from errors in embryogenesis and consisting of respiratory epithelial cells. To date, there are three other published accounts of intramedullary cysts, which were partially resected and thereby warrant close follow-up and monitoring. The authors present an illustrative case of a patient presenting with Klippel-Feil anomaly and a large intramedullary bronchogenic cyst in the upper cervical spine.

OBSERVATIONS

The authors noted fusion of the C5–6 laminae as they performed the C2–6 laminectomy. After dural opening, an intramedullary lesion with a smooth, fibrous component emerging from the dorsal spinal cord was immediately observed. The dorsal spinal columns were not involved with this cyst wall or the other smaller cysts, which all contained gray fluid. The cyst walls were partially resected and sent for pathological examination.

LESSONS

Spinal developmental cysts are associated with other anatomical anomalies, such as Klippel-Feil anomaly, arising from errors in embryogenesis. For intramedullary lesions such as this patient’s bronchogenic cyst, partial resection and decompression are the goals of surgery because aggressive debulking may lead to neurological compromise. Close imaging follow-up is warranted.
Anterior cervical transvertebral approach for resection of an intraspinal ventral lesion: illustrative case
Authors: Zhang Dongao , Fan Tao , Fan Wayne , Zhao Xingang
Published: May 2021

BACKGROUND

The anterior cervical corpectomy and fusion approach has been reported for the removal of ventral cervical tumors. However, the normal cervical vertebral body and the adjacent intervertebral discs have to be sacrificed. In this paper, the authors describe a novel anterior cervical transvertebral approach for the resection of cervical intraspinal ventral lesions.

OBSERVATIONS

A patient presented with an anteriorly placed extramedullary cyst. An anterior cervical transvertebral open-window and close-window approach was designed and applied to resect an intraspinal ventral enterogenous cyst. With this novel technique, a square was cut through the whole vertebral body at the four sides. After the cyst resection, the bone block was restored and fixed with a titanium miniplate. The lesion was totally resected, and the compression of the spinal cord was relieved. The physiological function of the cervical spine was kept intact after the operation. There was no postsurgical complication. The cervical alignment was normal at the 1-year postoperative follow-up.

LESSONS

The anterior cervical transvertebral open-window and close-window approach was developed and confirmed to be effective for the resection of cervical intraspinal lesions. The cervical physiological structure and function can be restored with this new technique.
Analysis of Hybrid Technique for Motion Planning of Humanoid NAO
Authors: Kashyap Abhishek Kumar , R. Parhi Dayal , Pandey Anish
Published: May 2021

The navigation of a humanoid robot is essential because it is the basic requirement of any assigned task. Singly used motion planning techniques may take a long path to reach the target and increase the computational cost. Therefore, in this article, a hybrid controller is employed in the humanoid NAO for motion planning assignment. The Eagle strategy (ES) with Ant colony optimization (ACO) is introduced in this article for evaluating precise steering angles for humanoid robots as they traverse a route from a reference point to a target point. This enables the robot to achieve its specific target more quickly by avoiding barriers and obtaining the minimal global direction. The hybridized ES-ACO approach is critical in determining precise steering angles to escape obstacles.  The details of terrain are obtained using vision and ultrasonic sensors, which also include the barriers ranges to the ES as an input variable. The ES's input parameters are the barrier ranges from the NAO in front, left, and right directions, and the technique's output variable is the precise steering angle. The designed controller is tested in both a simulation and an experimental setting with a variety of obstacles. The outcomes of both simulation and experimental conditions are compared, and a strong correlation is identified in those with the fewest deviations.
On the respect to the Hashin-Shtrikman bounds of some analytical methods applying to porous media for estimating elastic moduli
Authors: Nguyen N. , Tran N.Q , Tran B.A , Do Q.H
Published: May 2021

In this work, some popular analytic formulas such as Maxwell (MA), Mori-Tanaka approximation (MTA), and a recent method, named the Polarization approximation (PA) will be applied to estimate the elastic moduli for some porous media. These approximations are simple and robust but can be lack reliability in many cases. The Hashin-Shtrikman (H-S) bounds do not supply an exact value but a range that has been admitted by researchers in material science. Meanwhile, the effective properties by unit cell method using the finite element method (FEM) are considered accurate. Different shapes of void inclusions in two or three dimensions are employed to investigate. Results generated by H-S bounds and FEM will be utilized as references. The comparison suggests that the method constructed from the minimum energy principle PA can give a better estimation in some cases. The discussion gives out some remarks which are helpful for the evaluation of effective elastic moduli.

Keywords:

Maxwell approximation; polarization approximation; Mori-Tanaka approximation; effective elastic moduli; porous medium.
Recycling of waste incineration bottom ash in the production of interlocking concrete bricks
Authors: May Nguyen Huu , Phuoc Huynh Trong , Phieu Le Thanh , Anh Ngo Van , Khai Chau Minh , Nong Le
Published: May 2021

This study presents an experimental investigation on the recycling of waste incineration bottom ash (IBA) as a fine aggregate in the production of interlocking concrete bricks (ICB). Before being used, the concentration of heavy metal in IBA was determined to confirm it is a non-toxic material. In this study, the IBA was used to replace crushed sand (CSA) in the brick mixtures at different replacement levels of 0%, 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100% (by volume). The ICB samples were checked for dimensions, visible defects, compressive strength, bending strength, water absorption, and surface abrasion in accordance with the related Vietnamese standards. The test results demonstrated that the IBA used in this study was a non-toxic material, which can be widely used for construction activities. All of the ICB samples prepared for this study exhibited a nice shape with consistent dimensions and without any visible defects. The incorporation of IBA in the brick mixtures affected engineering properties of the ICB samples such as a reduction in the compressive strength and bending strength and an increment in water absorption and surface abrasion of the brick samples. As a result, the compressive strength, bending strength, water absorption, and surface abrasion values of ICB samples at 28 days were in the ranges of 20.6 – 34.9 MPa, 3.95 – 6.62 MPa, 3.8 – 7.2%, and 0.132 – 0.187 g/cm2, respectively. Therefore, either partial or full replacement of CSA by IBA, the ICB with grades of M200 – M300 could be produced with satisfying the TCVN 6476:1999 standard in terms of dimensions, visible defects, compressive strength, water absorption, and surface abrasion. These results demonstrated the high applicability of the local IBA in the production of the ICB for various construction application purposes.

Keywords:

interlocking concrete brick; waste incineration bottom ash; visible defect; compressive strength; bending strength; water absorption; surface abrasion.
Preferential Screen Resolution Setting in Adobe Photoshop for Actual Motif Print Sizes in Textile Design
Authors:   Department of Visual and Industrial Art, FBEAA- STU, Sunyani, Apau Edward
Published: May 2021

The use of Adobe Photoshop, a graphic design software, as a tool in textile designing has come to stay. There are numerous advantages derived from this software in textile designing, even though it is a graphic design program. Despite the numerous design advantages, the software presents technical constraints to textile design students and beginners in its visual representation of motif and texture pattern sizes. This problem of screen resolution settings affected the actual view of motif print sizes and texture patterns when printed in hard copy in relation to the soft copy for screen development. Furthermore, it affects design details during colour separation, screen copying and developing, and printing. The study employed the practiced-led research method in its approach to explore the possibilities of finding preferential screen resolution settings suitable for textile designing in Adobe Photoshop. The study revealed adjustments or modifications of the view-preferential settings of the program to ascertain the required screen resolution settings for textile motif and texture pattern sizes. This revelation bridged the visual differences between the soft copy and hard copy sizes of motif and texture pattern during and after designing. The research recommends that textile design students and beginners, as a prerequisite, adjust the view-preferential settings of Adobe Photoshop to obtain accurate motif and texture pattern sizes during and after designing.
TRADISI POTONG GIGI SEBAGAI WUJUD WARISAN KEARIFAN LOKAL PADA SUKU DAYAK DESA DI KABUPATEN SINTANG
Authors: Fusnika Fusnika , Febriani Jemi
Published: May 2021

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui tradisi Potong Gigi sebagai wujud warisan kearifan lokal pada suku Dayak Desa di Kabupaten Sintang. Masalah dalam penelitian ini adalah bagaimana proses pelaksanaan tradisi  Potong Gigi pada suku Dayak Desa, bagaimana adat yang  menjadi warisan turun-temurun ini berperan dalam menumbuhkan kesadaran sosial dan nilai solidaritas pada masyarakat Suku Dayak Desa. Metode yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini adalah kualitatif  deskriptif. Teknik pengumpulan data yang digunakan adalah teknik observasi, wawancara, dan studi dokumentasi, Sedangkan alat pengumpulan data adalah panduan observasi, panduan wawancara, dan dokumentasi. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa Budaya Lokal Potong Gigi  masih terlestarikan dengan baik dengan terlaksananya Tradisi  Potong  Gigi secara rutin setiap tahunnya. Terlaksananya Tradisi Potong Gigi secara turun-temurun pada suku Dayak Desa di Kabupaten Sintang menjadi bukti kearifan lokal adat budaya masih terjaga kelestariannya. Kata kunci: Kearifan Lokal, Tradisi Potong  Gigi, Dayak Desa.
PENTINGNYA PENDIDIKAN KEWARGANEGARAAN UNTUK MEMBANGUN KARAKTER BANGSA
Authors: Zulfikar Muhamad Fikri , Dewi Dinie Anggraeni
Published: May 2021

Pendidikan kewarganegaraan telah dimasukkan ke dalam kurikulum, dan pembelajaran dilaksanakan di pendidikan dasar pada semua jenjang.Fungsi dan peran pendidikan kewarganegaraan adalah untuk mencapai tujuan pendidikan nasional. Tujuan dari pendidikan kewarganegaraan itu sendiri adalah untuk menjadikan warganya warga negara yang baik, karena warga negara yang baik tidak dapat secara langsung mendukung pembangunan berkelanjutan di negara terkait. Metode penelitian ini mengadopsi studi literatur atau metode penelitian sastra, yang memuat teori-teori teoritis yang berkaitan dengan masalah penelitian, yang mengumpulkan data dengan mempelajari buku, dokumen, catatan dan laporan yang berkaitan dengan pemecahan masalah, dan diharapkan pendidikan di Indonesia akan memampukan peserta didik. dipersiapkan untuk menjadi warga negara. Mereka tegas dan konsisten dalam mempertahankan negara kesatuan NKRI, dan pembangunan ciri-ciri bangsa dijadikan sebagai penggerak utama pembangunan negara. Artinya, setiap upaya pembangunan harus selalu diarahkan pada aspek yang berdampak positif bagi pembangunan karakter.Kata kunci : Pendidikan, Pendidikan kewarganegaraan, karakter.
BER PERFORMANCE OF JOINT POLAR CODED SIGNAL AND MIMO USING MILLIMETER WAVE
Authors: F. Aliwee Hala , A. Kadhim Abdulkareem
Published: May 2021

There have been active researches worldwide for evolving the next-generation networks such as 5G.  The 5G network is predicted to ensure considerable mobile data traffic having large number of wireless connections.   This is combined with high energy-efficiency and Quality of Service (QoS).  For these reasons, 5G should be exploited the prospect of new developments, including multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) technology and using higher frequencies such as the millimeter-wave (mmWave) frequency band.   Error correction techniques are commonly utilized to reduce transmission error and enhance QoS.  In the present work, Cyclic Redundancy Check (CRC) aided polar codes with successive cancellation list (SCL) decoding is used in conjunction with mmWave and MIMO system in order to gain the advantages of these techniques together.  The mentioned combined techniques are modeled and simulated to show their performances over different wireless channel models mainly:  Additive White Gaussian Noise (AWGN), flat fading, and mmWave indoor fading channel.  The results showed that combining polar code with MIMO system improves the Bit Error Rate (BER) performance by at least 6 dB at BER of 10-4 compared to the case where no polar code being used.
The Concept of the FSES HE of the Fourth Generation for Engineering Education in the Context of Implementing the Assignments of the President of Russia
Authors: Rudskoy A. I. , Borovkov A. I. , Romanov Р. I.
Published: May 2021

Within the framework of the activities of the Coordinating Council of the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation in the field of education “Engineering, Technology and Technical Sciences”, proposals have been developed for the implementation of a set of tasks for the development of higher education set by the President of Russia. The necessity of implementing different methodological and normative approaches to different areas of higher education is argued. The authors substantiate the concept of the fourth generation Federal State Educational Standard for the engineering field of education. A new approach to the organization of admission to universities is proposed, which allows students to choose the direction of training after completing the second year of study. An innovative structure of lists of specialties and areas of preparation of higher education is presented, which provides the possibility of implementing the concept of the fourth generation Federal State Educational Standard, as well as greater flexibility and enlargement of the lists.
YENİLEBİLİR YABANİ MANTAR TİCARETİNDE TOPLAYICI VE ARACILARIN ROLÜ: İSTANBUL ORMAN BÖLGE MÜDÜRLÜĞÜ ÖRNEĞİ
Authors: ARSLAN Mehmet , KABA Hüseyin , KÖSE Murat , YILMAZ Tülay , OKAN Taner , KÖSE Coşkun , HİLESİZ Hüseyin
Published: May 2021

İstanbul Orman Bölge Müdürlüğü sınırları içinde yürütülen bu çalışmada yenilebilir yabani mantar ticaretinde toplayıcı ve aracıların rolü incelenmiştir. Bu kapsamda, İstanbul Orman Bölge Müdürlüğüne bağlı Kırklareli, Demirköy, Çatalca, Vize, Tekirdağ ve Şile Orman İşletme Müdürlükleri sınırlarında faaliyet gösteren 312 toplayıcı ve 56 aracı ile yüz yüze anket uygulaması yapılmıştır. Toplayıcıların %89’u erkek, %11’i ise kadındır. Toplayıcıların en çok topladıkları ve yararlandıkları mantar türlerinin, sırasıyla, Boletus spp. (Çörek mantarı, Ayı mantarı), Amanita caesarea (İmparator mantarı), Hydnum repandum (Sığırdili mantarı), Craterellus cornucopioides (Borazan mantarı), Cantharellus cibarius (Yumurta mantarı) ve Lactarius spp. (Kanlıca mantarı) olduğu belirlenmiştir. Toplayıcıların, mantarlardan ticari ürün olarak satma, gelir elde etme ve kendi ihtiyacı için tüketme şeklinde yararlandığı görülmüştür Toplayıcıların mantarları ürüne dönüştürerek satma yönünde potansiyelinin düşük olduğu anlaşılmıştır. Mantar toplama işinde çalışan aracıların %95’inin erkek, %5’inin ise kadın olduğu tespit edilmiştir. Aracıların mantarları en çok mantar işleme tesislerine sattıkları görülmektedir. Mantar ticaretinde yasal belgeleme işlemlerinin büyük oranda (%84) aracılar üzerinden yürütüldüğü, bazı durumlarda ise alıcıların adına da belge düzenlendiği (%16) tespit edilmiştir. Mantar ticaretinde önemli rolü bulunan aracıların %91’lik bölümünün küçük ya da orta ölçekte herhangi bir tesis ya da ünitesinin bulunmadığı saptanmıştır. Toplayıcı başına yıllık ortalama mantar toplama geliri 6.128,47 TL olarak hesaplanmıştır. Toplayıcı başına yıllık ortalama mantar toplama giderinin 385 TL ve giderdeki en büyük payın ulaşım bedeline ait olduğu belirlenmiştir. Aracı başına yıllık ortalama mantar toplama gelirinin 16.032,83 TL olduğu hesaplanmıştır. Aracı başına yıllık ortalama giderin 3.878 TL olduğu ve en büyük maliyet kalemini ulaşım bedelinin oluşturduğu saptanmıştır.