bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The SH wave scattering of a heterogeneous hill in an elastic half-space
Authors: Hai Zhang , Di Wu , Ying He , Dai Wang
Published: August 2020

By combining the wave function expansion method with the auxiliary function, a closed series solution for the dynamic plane response is proposed considering horizontal circular heterogeneous topography under SH wave incidence. The displacement and stress residual is found to be small along the entire boundary, including the corner points; further, the solution can be used for the incidence of a high-frequency wave. In this study, the influence of the shear modulus ratio of a heterogeneous hill and a lower medium on the displacement amplitude spectrum and surface displacement is determined. The results show that the hardness of the medium in hill topography significantly influences out-of-plane surface motion. The surface displacement of the soft hill is significantly larger than that of the homogeneous hill, and the motion effects are enhanced considerably. In contrast, the hard hill weakens surface motion.
Baseline-free damage identification based on asymmetrical energy consumption
Authors: Ye Fei , Wu Jiaquan , Ma Kun
Published: August 2020

In order to solve the problem of obtaining accurate data for an intact beam, a baseline-free damage identification approach, based on the difference in the energy consumption of a beam, has been presented in this paper. An energy model was established in order to illustrate that the difference in the energy consumption is mainly due to the respiration effect of cracks, and that the energy consumption of a beam bending downward can be utilized as a replacement for the baseline data. Thus, the standard data and the comparative data can be separated from the measurement data. Based on this data, a statistical damage factor that can be used to locate and quantify the damage in a beam has been defined. Finally, an identification algorithm was established and has been experimentally verified for use with pre-damaged reinforced concrete beams. The experimental results have illustrated that the location and singularity of a singular point in the damage indicator sequence can locate the damage and quantify the severity of the damage in a beam, respectively.
Yamanlar ve Manisa (Spil) Dağlarındaki Prunus cocomilia var. puberula ile Prunus cocomilia var. cocomilia Taksonlarının Ekoloji ve Morfolojilerinin İncelenmesi
Authors: SEMENDEROĞLU Funda , SEMENDEOĞLU Adnan , AYTAÇ Ahmet Serdar
Published: August 2020

Ülkemizde 63 familyaya ait tür ve bazı türlerin alttür ve varyeteleri de dâhil 3649 endemik takson bulunmaktadır. Ülkemizde bulunan fitocoğrafik bölgelerde endemizm oranı oldukça yüksek olmakla birlikte, bu endemik taksonlar çoğunlukla dağlık alanlarda yayılış göstermektedir. Bu çalışmada Rosaceae familyasından Prunus cocomilia var. cocomilia ve Prunus cocomilia var. puberula taksonlarının Yamanlar dağı ve Manisa dağındaki benzer yükseltilerde görülen mevcut ekolojik ve morfolojik durumları karşılaştırılmıştır. Çalışılan taksonların yayılışları literatür çalışması ve yapılan arazi çalışmaları ile tespit edilmiştir. Morfolojik çalışmalarda kök ve sürgün bölgelerine ait ölçümler yapılmış, ekolojik çalışmalarda, çalışma alanlarının fiziki coğrafya özellikleri, iklim özellikleri, ana kaya, toprak özellikleri değerlendirilmiş ve toprakta yapılan fiziksel ve kimyasal analizler ile bitkide yapılan kimyasal analiz sonuçları karşılaştırılmıştır. Sonuç olarak her iki taksonun literatürde belirtilen yerlerdeki varlığı ile birlikte, Prunus cocomilia var. puberula’nın Manisa dağında 530-540 m’lerden başlayıp yaklaşık zirveye (1400 -1500 m) kadar varlığı tespit edilmiştir. Gerek Yamanlar gerekse Manisa dağında yükseklere çıkıldıkça her iki taksonda da bitki sürgün bölgelerinde küçülmeler olduğu, Prunus cocomilia var. puberula’nın gövde diken boyutlarında artış olduğu tespit edilmiştir.
Impact of alum pretreatment on biosand filter performance: a commentary on Curry et al. (2020)
Authors: Dorea Caetano C.
Published: August 2020

In a recent contribution by Curry and colleagues, a field-derived assessment of a reportedly common pretreatment technique to reduce turbidities of biosand filter (BSF) feed water was reported. Their results demonstrated that despite alum pretreatment achieving lower settled turbidity values relative to control filters, such intervention led to significantly lower flow rates in the alum-dosed BSFs. However, their study stopped short of providing a more meaningful interpretation to what may initially seem like a counterintuitive finding, which is presented here.
Study on pollution traceability based on the optimized hydrodynamic model of Tai Lake
Authors: Xu Ruichen , Pang Yong , Hu Zhibing , Wang Jianjian , Kaisam John Paul
Published: August 2020

This research optimized a hydrodynamic model based on in-situ measurement experiments, which can evaluate the transport process of pollution groups from inflowing lake sources with different wind conditions and their effects on the sensitive area in Tai Lake. The results showed that the wind drag coefficient (Cs) was 0.001–0.0028 when the wind speed was 1–12 m/s, and the particle trajectory is validated well by the methods of Thiessen polygon and Lagrange particle tracking, which proves that this hydrodynamic model was optimized successfully. During the water diversion period, the results showed that the Northwest Area and Gong Bay are the most important pollution flux sources to the sensitive area. Under northwest wind condition, the pollution flux proportion from Northwest Area and Gong Bay is 65 and 17%, respectively. Under southeast wind condition, the pollution flux proportion from Northwest Area and Gong Bay is 48 and 27%, respectively. Namely, pollution control to the upstream watershed of the Northwest Area and improving the water quality (TP < 0.065 mg/L; TN < 1.2 mg/L) from the Wangyu river are the effective methods to reduce the pollution risks for the sensitive area.
Aktualizacja potencjału religii w ochronie ekosystemów leśnych
Authors: Sadowski Ryszard F.
Published: August 2020

Declared by the United Nations as the International Year of the Forest, 2011 demonstrated the signi#cance of forest ecosystems to all humans and the entire Earth. Religions had already become important allies in preventing damage to forests. Different religious traditions offer various proposals for forest conservation and afforestation. Since 1970 and especially after the jubilee year of 2000, people of faith established many ecological organizations to engage in environmental conservation because of their religious beliefs. All major religious traditions have a lot to offer. This article examines the way organized religions and faith-based ecological organizations are engaged in many environmental projects concerning forest ecosystems. It looks at the ecological activity of faith-based organizations such as the Chipko Movement, Appiko movement, Swadhyaya community, and the Ecological Movement of St. Francis of Assisi. The article shows that the actualization of religious potential in protecting forests is accomplished through active prevention of deforestation and climate change, afforestation, and the implementation of environmentally friendly technology.
Ekonomia w służbie zrównoważonego rozwoju
Authors: Ganowicz-Bączyk Anita
Published: August 2020

The main branch of traditional economics used to focus on economic and social development, and on increasing profits. This led to disregard for the scantiness of natural resources and their renewal. This article looks at the criticism of traditional economic theory by the proponents of the economics of sustainable development, most notable amongst them being the theoretician, Holger Rogall. The notion and crucial principles of the economics of sustainable development are also discussed. The proposed new paradigm in economics is strong sustainability. The theory put forward is strictly related to the idea of sustainable development and the rules of inter- and intragenerational justice and responsibility in the meaning of environmental ethics.
Zasady utrzymania czystości i porządku w gminach w orzecznictwie sądowym
Authors: Jabłoński Maciej
Published: August 2020

The maintenance of cleanliness and order in communities is the responsibility of the municipality as the basic unit of local government in Poland. The municipality performs its role in the field of environmental protection according to a range of legal provisions. Changing regulations affect the application of the law of cleanliness and order in communities, leaving it open to interpretation. A key guide in this regard is the wealth of court decisions on cleanliness and order in communities and waste management.
Zmiany klimatu a zrównoważona turystyka – płaszczyzna etyczna
Authors: Dzwonkowska Dominika
Published: August 2020

Tourism is one of the fastest developing sectors of the economy and one of the sectors extremely vulnerable to climate change. As all tourism destinations rely on their unique natural or cultural values, any changes in climate and an increase in extreme climate events impact on the industry more than the other economic sectors. The article presents the relationship between climate change and tourism, focusing on the ethical dimension of sustainable tourism. The aim of the article is to present the moral questions on sustainability in tourism in the context of climate change. It focuses on environmental values and presents its role in the context of sustainable tourism development.
Emisja zanieczyszczeń przy zasilaniu silnika ZS olejem napędowym z domieszką bioetanolu
Authors: Matuszewska Anna , Odziemkowska Małgorzata , Czarnocka Joanna
Published: August 2020

Bioethanol is an oxygen compound added to gasoline. Research into the possibility of applying it to diesel oil is conducted. It is assumed that such fuel could help reduce the emission of gaseous and particulate matter in comparison with conventional fuels. This paper presents the results of the authors’ chassis dynamometer test for biofuel containing 15% bioethanol. Emissions of carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen oxides (NOx), hydrocarbons (THC), and particulate matters (PM) were related to diesel oil emissions.
Potencjał metanogenny mieszanek substratów pochodzenia rolniczego
Authors: Zamojska-Jaroszewicz Anna , Matuszewska Anna , Owczuk Marlena , Wardzińska Dorota
Published: August 2020

The paper presents the results of research into the influence of organic fraction composition on yield and dynamics of anaerobic digestion of swine manure and silage maize mixtures. It defines the biological methane potential of individual mixtures and proposes the best option for biogas production on a larger scale.
Wartość życia u podstaw islamskiej (bio)etyki
Authors: Leźnicki Marcin
Published: August 2020

The aim of this article is to present the position of Islamic ethics and bioethics on the issue of the value of life. To better illustrate this topic the article is divided into two parts. In the first, the authors provide an overview of ethics, and relate it Islamic bioethics, including its sources and inspirations, while in the second, the authors examine the value of life as depicted from the perspective of Quranic ethics and Islamic bioethics of both the Shi’a and the Sunnis. Although the text has a propedeutic character it is important because it adds another theological-philosophical layer to the complex bioethical discussion that lies at the heart of the current dispute about the value of human life.
Etyczny wymiar myślenia i działania ekologicznego w edukacji wczesnoszkolnej
Authors: Buchcic Elżbieta , Żeber–Dzikowska Ilona
Published: August 2020

This paper provides an analysis of selected topics in the field of eco-ethics. The school should be more involved in the protection of the natural environment, mainly by shaping truly responsible attitudes. Ecological education must become an integral part of a person’s upbringing. The aim of education should be to create and develop correct pro-ecological attitudes, which are opposed to the uncontrolled exploitation of natural resources. Environmental sustainability is only possible if people are persuaded to give up the consumer lifestyle (the so-called ecological asceticism).
Prawno-administracyjne aspekty utrzymania czystości i porządku w gminach
Authors: Jabłoński Maciej
Published: August 2020

Maintaining cleanliness and order in municipalities poses a challenge for local governments. In the context of the changing legal and factual contexts they operate in, municipalities are obliged to take action to protect the environment in everything they do. New tasks and challenges for maintaining environmental safety standards can be found at the local level.
The impact of hydrotechnical facilities on island avifauna: a case study of the middle Vistula River
Authors: Bukaciński Dariusz , Bukacińska Monika , Burzyński Arkadiusz
Published: August 2020

The study was conducted in the years 1994-2006 in the middle of the Vistula River between Wróble and Kochów (416th – 418th km of the waterway). The presence of islands and steep banks makes it a key place for nesting avifauna, including a number of endangered species. The aim of this paper is to present the impact of hydro-technical facilities (a diversion weir) on habitat changes, and consequently on the abundance and distribution of birds that inhabit this part of the river. A cross-divider in the riverbed (weir) connecting the bank of the river with one of the islands increased the flow rate and pushed the current to the middle of the river, directing it towards the islands. The result of these changes was a sudden erosion of the sandy, the high slope at the top of the island II, a partition of this island into two parts, and a slow erosion of the island located near the left bank (island IV, Fig. 1B). Lack of fixed, steady flow along the right bank resulted also in a considerably faster succession of vegetation on the island I and slow shallowing of the channel between the island and the bank. As a result, the area of sandy habitats, most valuable to nesting birds, decreased disproportionately faster than the area of the whole islands (Table 1). In the years 2001-2002, when the island I was completely united with the right bank and the islands 0 and I were connected to each other, a width of the riverbed at this point decreased from 870 m to 710 m, i.e. by more than 20 % (Fig. 1).
Moralny obowiązek ochrony środowiska naturalnego według ks. prof. Tadeusza Ślipko
Authors: Konstańczak Stefan
Published: August 2020

In his paper, the author makes an attempt at reconstructing one of the first propositions in Poland to start a philosophical discourse on ecological problems. The author of this proposition is priest Tadeusz Ślipko. According to this author the problems of the moral aspects of natural environmental protection are also bioethical problems. Therefore, we can see that he does not consider ethics of the environment as an individual philosophical discipline. The article concentrates on presenting the sources and the range of moral duties of humankind towards the natural environment. Tadeusz Ślipko does not approve of the anthropocentric or biocentric standpoints in the issues of natural environmental protection. He offers his own idea of anthropopriorism, which takes the middle ground between these two extreme concepts. In conclusion, the author underlines that there is still a strong need for ethical reflection over the state of the natural environment along the lines of Ślipko’s stance.
Sekwencjonowanie genomu/eksomu człowieka - aspekt bioetyczny
Authors: Kochański Andrzej
Published: August 2020

In recent years we have observed a technological revolution in genetics. For years molecular diagnostics in genetic disorders were limited to a single gene or to a group of genes. The technological breakdown in molecular genetics relies on the change of perspective from the analysis of a single gene to the whole genome sequencing (WGS) or whole-exome sequencing (WES). The exome is defined as a coding part of the genome consisting of the coding parts (exons) of all genes. Thus, at present geneticists have access to the whole genome instead of separate/selected genes. Clinical genetics in the era of genomic sequencing has to cope with new challenges concerning the confidentiality of genetic data, genetic discrimination, genetic and clinical determinism, or incidental findings detected in genome analysis. This short review attempts to demonstrate the ethical challenges faced in the era of genome sequencing.
Europejska Konwencja Bioetyczna w ochronie (bio)bezpieczeństwa człowieka w obszarze biomedycyny: wymiar jednostkowy i społeczny
Authors: Ciszek Mariusz
Published: August 2020

The article presents the essence of biosafety. It was noticed that biosafety was related to three basic dimensions of threats to human safety connected with biotechnological products. They are genetically modified organisms (GMO), the use of biological weapons, and the development of biomedical disciplines. Currently, the greatest threats to human safety are posed by issues related to rapidly developing biomedicine. Those particular threats were introduced on the basis of the analysis of the Convention on Human Rights and Biomedicine, which constitutes the principal bioethical and legal standard protecting human safety and rights within this area, not only in an individual, but also wider, social, and even species dimensions. The issues discussed in the article concern both the selected, "traditional' problems of ethical and legal nature visible within the area of study, and the newest threats related to medicine's interference in the very foundations of the passing down and development of human life. Among others, this concerns eugenic practices, which could make use of genetic engineering. These practices have aroused the most considerable reservations of a moral nature, which demand proper legal regulations protecting human well-being and anticipate possible problems in the near future. An example of these regulations is the above-mentioned Convention on Human Rights and Biomedicine that provides safety measures to Europeans within the area of rapidly developing biomedicine.
Systemowe ujęcie biosfery w etyce Edwarda Goldsmitha
Authors: Ganowicz-Bączyk Anita
Published: August 2020

Environmental ethics has been intensively developed since the 1970s and is promoted most of all by philosophers and philosophizing naturalists. Various attitudes have been adopted, differing deeply ontologically, anthropologically, and axiologically. In this article, the ethics of Edward Goldsmith are presented. Goldsmith understands the biosphere as a systemic whole, which should be treated with moral respect and responsibility by humankind. In the beginning, the notion of holism is defined and described against the background of biocentric and anthropocentric ethics. Next, the views that inspired Goldsmith’s theory are presented, i.e. A. Naess’ deep ecology, J. Lovelock and L. Margulis Gaia’s hypothesis, the views of E. Odum, W.B. Cannon and C.H. Waddington. Then the main points of biospheric ethics are presented. Finally, Goldsmith’s proposal of mental and civilizational shift is submitted. The biospheric morality, which is supported by religious norms, is explained. This type of morality should allow humankind to achieve the right way of development.
Edukacja przyrodnicza elementem procesu wychowania
Authors: Buchcic Elżbieta
Published: August 2020

Upbringing plays an important role in everyone's life, therefore, the priority of actions undertaken should not only be associated with the educational aspect but also the upbringing aspect. This is due to the rapid development of our civilization, which makes it necessary to engage in constant decision-making and have the ability to distinguish positive and negative values. The aim of the prepared material is to show the important role of Natural Sciences in the educational process as an element of upbringing.
Henryka Skolimowskiego krytyka cywilizacji zachodniej w kontekście kryzysu ekologicznego
Authors: Czekalski Rafał
Published: August 2020

In this article, the authors look at the topic of the crisis of Western civilization in the context of the ecological crisis. In the opinion of a Polish ecophilosopher, the latter is a symptom of the failure of a scientific-technological civilization, which Skolimowski often contemptuously calls plastic. In the first part, the authors present Skolimowski's diagnosis of Western civilization, in the second part they describe the postulate of a new ecological civilization. The Polish ecophilosopher is aware of the fact that this requires a new look at philosophy itself, a new science, new ethics, a new education, and even a new ecological spirituality. The recurring adjective 'new' points on the one hand to the necessity of breaking with current philosophical tradition and on the other – to opening up to and looking for inspiration in present existential dimensions; this referring mainly to broadly understood spirituality. In the last part of the article, the authors take a critical look at H. Skolimowski's civilizational project, at the same time holding in great regard his work and his engagement in relation to environmental protection.
Kierunki rozwoju systemu finansowania ekoinnowacji w Polsce – perspektywa na lata 2014–2020
Authors: Osuch-Rak Ewa , Proczek Magdalena
Published: August 2020

Eco-innovation is a new paradigm of development in the European Union. This is the key to resolving issues related to environmental pollution while contributing to the competitiveness of the European economy. The role of eco-innovation will grow in the future. This study attempts to examine Polish preparations for the implementation of the European Union's "Europe 2020 strategy" and integrated strategies, with an emphasis on the implementation of the objectives related to eco-innovation. At the same time, the article touches on the issues of a national system for supporting eco-innovation and the role of eco-innovation in both EU and Polish public policy.
Metapoznanie – czy możemy być świadomi przebiegu własnego procesu uczenia się stosując neurofeedback
Authors: Grochowska Irena
Published: August 2020

The human mind is the mediator of knowledge about the world because no human being has direct knowledge of their surrounding reality. All knowledge is „read and transported” by the brain and nervous system. Regardless of the progressive nature of the research into psychic phenomena, we are still faced with the mystery of what phenomena occur in the brain. The difficulties are mainly due to the interdisciplinary nature of cognitive science. Cognitive science as an interdisciplinary field, which attempts to explore the human mind and find a common area of research to unite all scientific research. Attempts to understand the mind constitute the most interdisciplinary task. Neuroscience is one of the disciplines that make up modern cognitive science. Neurobiology suggests the variety of processes that occur either in individual cells, the brain, and the nervous system, and the human body. Modern studies indicate the possibility of cognition of the brain in order to apply effective teaching and education. How does the brain learn? This question stimulates researchers to interdisciplinary cooperation in order to obtain a satisfactory answer. Recently there have been many new concepts related to research into the brain and methods that allow you to better utilize the potential of the brain in order to undertake a conscious process of self-discovery. The science of the brain is not only a part of medical science or biology but also disciplines such as pedagogy and didactics. The concepts neuroteaching, neurodidactics, and neurotechnologies are new, still relatively unknown, and unused. Reflecting on the conscious changes in the learning process, it is worth looking into the rules of biofeedback and neurofeedback and the possibilities of practically applying EEG biofeedback training, which is becoming a readily available method. Insightful observations of bioelectrical activity of the brain have led to naming multiple correlations between the mental state of individuals, their behavior, and EEG activity. Biofeedback, as a neurotechnological road to self-discovery, allows for the individual functions of the brain and body, previously considered involuntary, to become dependent on our will to a certain degree. Upon obtaining a higher degree of self-awareness, self-regulatory responses develop. Proponents of this method argue that self-regulation will become a major part of health care in the twenty-first century.
Kontrowersje wokół długoterminowych badań Gillesa-Erica Séraliniego nad bezpieczeństwem zdrowotnym kukurydzy GMO
Authors: Lisowska Katarzyna , Cortez Alexander
Published: August 2020

At the end of the year 2012, Food and Chemical Toxicology published a long-term study by Seralini et al., describing the safety evaluation of genetically modified NK603 maize and Roundup herbicide. Contrary to previous, short-term studies, this experiment revealed some negative effects of these substances on the health of experimental animals. GM feeds and Roundup generate revenue worth millions of dollars. This may be the reason why Seralini’s paper has became the subject of much heated criticism, mainly from parties linked to business and agro-biotechnology. After one year of debate, the editors of Food Chem Toxicol. decided to retract the paper, an unprecedented event given that the published article was peer-reviewed and there was no evidence of plagiarism or fraud. Here, we stress the results of Seralini’s study, discuss the methodological hints of that work and cite the commentaries on the whole situation.
Saturation of biological diversity and human activity
Authors: Latawiec Michał
Published: August 2020

Human beings constantly interfere with nature by means of their activity. Their role in shaping the current natural world is indisputable. The problem of saturation and unsaturation in nature conservation relates to the degree of genetic diversity, flora and fauna species and ecosystems, which are managed by humans. This paper makes an attempt at answering the question as to whether one can speak of saturation in terms of biological diversity. For this purpose, the issues related to attempts at de#ning biological diversity are described. As a result, the human impact on the surrounding natural environment is discussed. To illustrate the above issues, two cases of human interference in the natural environment, characterized by rich and poor biodiversity, are discussed.
Reakcja mezofauny (Collembola and Acarina) zamieszkująca łąki na mineralnych i organicznych glebach, na wiosenne doświadczalne pożary
Authors: Olejniczka Izabella , Russel Stefan , Prędecka Anna
Published: August 2020

The impact of spring experimental fires on collembolan and mite communities was studied in this field experiment. In April 2008, experimental plots of 1m2 in size were chosen and burnt. Samples were taken just after fire, and 3, 7 and 12 months following the fire, in burnt plots, at the border of burnt plots and in surroundings (control). The impact of spring experimental fire on mesofauna was ambiguous. But it seems that effects of spring fires were more severe in the case of springtails than for mites.
Biotic interactions, energy pathways and trigger factors of ecosystem dynamics in shallow saline lakes
Authors: Golubkov Sergei M. , Golubkov Mikhail S. , Balushkina Evgenia V. , Litvinchuk Larisa F.
Published: August 2020

Environmental variables, food-web dynamics, and energy pathways were investigated in ecosystems of six shallow lakes of the Crimea with salinity ranging from 24 to 340‰. There were considerable inter- and intra-annual #uctuations in the abiotic characteristics of the lakes. All the lakes had a very high concentration of total phosphorus in the water (up to 5.6 gP m-3) due to a great influence of the watershed on the lakes. A high level of primary production (up to 14.9 gC m-2 d-1) was found in the most of the lakes. The lowest primary production was found in the most saline lake with a dense population of the filtrator, Artemia urmiana. Grazing benthic energy pathways were dominant at salinities between 24 and 58‰. Greater levels of salinity led to a gradual reduction of benthic and increase of planktonic energy pathways. A fast shift from turbid to the clear-water regime was observed in one of the lakes, caused by annual variations in weather conditions.
Posterior Internal Frontal Artery Vascularization of the Precentral Gyrus Responsible for Proximal Arm Movement: Insight from a Case of Coil Migration
Authors: Bergeron David , Westwick Harrison J. , Obaid Sami , Bojanowski Michel W.
Published: August 2020

Our knowledge of the vascularization of the precentral gyrus by branches of the anterior
cerebral artery (ACA) relies mainly on anatomical cadaveric dissection. A distal branch of the
ACA known as the posterior internal frontal artery (PIFA) is thought to vascularize the precentral
gyrus responsible for proximal arm movement; however, no clinical correlation has yet been reported
to confirm this relation. In this manuscript, we report a case of coil migration in the PIFA, causing
proximal arm weakness in a 58-year-old woman treated for aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage.
The occurrence of clinical signs immediately following coil migration into the PIFA, combined
with evidence of stroke in the cortical territory related to arm movement as seen on imaging,
indicates that the PIFA indeed can vascularize this lateral portion of the precentral gyrus. This case
confirms our current understanding of the vascularization of the precentral gyrus by distal ACA
branches, in particular the PIFA.
Healthcare Utilization, Unmet Service Needs, and Medication Adherence Among People Living with HIV/AIDS
Authors: Zhang Xiangjun , Oman Roy F. , Larson Trudy A. , Christiansen Elizabeth J. , Granner Michelle L. , Lu Minggen , Yang Yueran
Published: August 2020

Background:

Comorbidity rates and service needs are high among people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA). The
effects of service utilization and unmet service needs on antiretroviral therapy (ART) adherence are not well understood.
The purpose of this study was to investigate associations among PLWHA’s service utilization, unmet service needs, and
ART adherence.

Methods:

PLWHA (N=162) 18 years or older were recruited from a Nevada statewide needs assessment project in 2016.
Participants completed a self-administered questionnaire on paper or online. The independent variables were service utilization and unmet service needs. The outcome variable was ART adherence. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were
conducted to examine associations between the amount of utilized services and unmet service needs with ART adherence.

Results:

Only 12 (7.5%) participants reported they received all needed services. The ART non-adherence group showed
significantly higher unmet medical service needs compared to the ART adherence group (p=0.007). Unmet medical service
needs (Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR) 0.69, CI 0.53-0.90) and unmet support service needs (AOR 0.68, CI 0.48-0.97) were
negatively associated with ART adherence. However, utilizing medical services (AOR 1.06, CI 0.87-1.30) and support services (AOR 0.88, CI 0.74-1.04) in the current year were not significantly associated with ART adherence.

Conclusion:

The results of this study indicate that health promotion programming should focus not only on introducing new
services at the community level, but also work to optimize the availability and awareness of current services. Furthermore,
health promotion programs should focus on filling service coverage gaps and improving the facilitation of services.
Design, Synthesis, Pharmacological Evaluation, In silico Modeling, Prediction of Toxicity and Metabolism Studies of Novel 1-(substituted)-2-methyl- 3-(4-oxo-2-phenyl quinazolin-3(4H)-yl)isothioureas
Authors: Sulthana Mohaideen Thasthagir , Alagarsamy Veerachamy , Chitra Krishnan
Published: August 2020

Background:

Although exhaustive efforts to prevent and treat tuberculosis (TB) have
been made, the problem still continues due to multi-drug-resistant (MDR) and extensively drugresistant
TB (XDR-TB). It clearly highlights the urgent need to develop novel “druggable” molecules
for the co-infection treatment and strains of MDR-TB and XDR-TB.

Objective:

In this approach, a hybrid molecule was created by merging two or more pharmacophores.
The active site of targets may be addressed by each of the pharmacophores and proffers the opportunity
for selectivity. In addition, it also reduces undesirable side effects and drug-resistance.

Methods:

In this study, a novel quinazolinone analog was designed and synthesized by substituting
thiourea nucleus and phenyl ring at N-3 and C-2 position of quinazoline ring, respectively. All title
compounds were tested for antitubercular activity by in vitro M. tuberculosis and anti-human immunodeficiency
virus (HIV) activity by MT-4 cell assay method. The agar dilution method was
used to test the antibacterial potency of entire prepared derivatives against various strains of grampositive
and gram-negative microorganisms.

Results:

The title compounds, 1-(substituted)-2-methyl-3-(4-oxo-2-phenyl quinazolin-3(4H)-yl)
isothioureas (QTS1 – QTS15) were synthesized by the reaction between key intermediate 3-amino-
2-phenylquinazolin-4(3H)-one with various alkyl/aryl isothiocyanates followed by methylation with
dimethyl sulphate. Among the series, compound 1-(3-chlorophenyl)-2-methyl-3-(4-oxo-2-phenyl
quinazolin- 3(4H)-yl) isothioureas (QTS14) showed the highest potency against B. subtilis, K.
pneumonia and S. aureus at 1.6 μg/mL. The compound QTS14 exhibited the most potent antitubercular
activity at the MIC of 0.78 μg/mL and anti-HIV activity at 0.97 μg/mL against HIV1 and
HIV2.

Conclusion:

The results obtained from this study confirm that the synthesized and biologically
evaluated quinazolines showed promising antimicrobial, antitubercular and anti-HIV activities. The
new scaffolds proffer a plausible lead for further development and optimization of novel antitubercular
and anti-HIV drugs.
School Closure and Children in the Outbreak of COVID-19
Authors: Petretto Donatella Rita , Masala Ilaria , Masala Carmelo
Published: August 2020

School closure and home confinement are two of the measures of lockdown chosen by governments and policymakers all over the world to prevent and limit the spread of the infection of COVID-19. There is still an open debate about the real effect of school closure on the reduction of risk of infection on children and the risk of infection on with other age groups (parents, grandparents and others). There is an agreement on the effect of school closure in reducing and delaying the peak of the outbreak. In this Editorial, starting from the ongoing Italian experience, we discuss direct and indirect effects of school closure on children’s psychological health and learning. We also highlight the need for an “on peace time” planning of measures and strategies necessary to face the direct and indirect effect of this outbreak and other outbreaks, on children’s psychological health.
Novel Nanolipoidal Systems for the Management of Skin Cancer
Authors: Singh Apoorva , Nimisha
Published: August 2020

:

Skin cancer, among the various kinds of cancers, is a type that emerges from skin due to the
growth of abnormal cells. These cells are capable of spreading and invading the other parts of the
body. The occurrence of non-melanoma and melanoma, which are the major types of skin cancers, has
increased over the past decades. Exposure to ultraviolet radiations (UV) is the main associative cause
of skin cancer. UV exposure can inactivate tumor suppressor genes while activating various oncogenes.
The conventional techniques like surgical removal, chemotherapy and radiation therapy lack the
potential for targeting cancer cells and harm the normal cells. However, the novel therapeutics show
promising improvements in the effectiveness of treatment, survival rates and better quality of life for
patients. Different methodologies are involved in the skin cancer therapeutics for delivering the active
ingredients to the target sites. Nano carriers are very efficient as they have the ability to improve the
stability of drugs and further enhance their penetration into the tumor cells. The recent developments
and research in nanotechnology have entitled several targeting and therapeutic agents to be incorporated
into nanoparticles for an enhancive treatment of skin cancer. To protect the research works in the
field of nanolipoidal systems various patents have been introduced. Some of the patents acknowledge
responsive liposomes for specific targeting, nanocarriers for the delivery or co-delivery of chemotherapeutics,
nucleic acids as well as photosensitizers. Further recent patents on the novel delivery systems
have also been included here.
The Physical Activity and Fall Risk Among Iranian Older Male Adults
Authors: Kushkestani Mehdi , Parvani Mohsen , Nosrani Shiva Ebrahimpour , Rezaei Sohrab
Published: August 2020

Background:

Fall is a major cause of disability and mortality in the elderly.

Objective:

The aim of the present study was to investigate the relationship between the level of physical activity and falls in elderly men in Tehran.

Methods:

The subjects of this study included 434 elderly males over the age of 60 in Tehran, who were randomly selected from parks in different parts of Tehran. The data was collected from August to September, 2019. The demographic characteristics of the subjects were collected and recorded. Then, body composition and anthropometric indices including weight, body mass index (BMI), height and calf circumferences (CC), waist circumferences (WC) and hip circumferences were measured using a digital scale of OMRON and meter tape. The level of physical activity and nutritional status were calculated using the questionnaires of physical activity scale for the elderly (PASE) and mini nutritional assessment (MNA), respectively. The Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) test was used to assess the risk of falling. Statistical analysis of data was performed using SPSS21 software.

Results:

The results of statistical analysis of the data showed a positive and significant relationship between global physical activity level (P<0.000) and subscales of its domains (P<0.000) with fall score and a significant inverse relationship between age and fall score (P<0.000). In addition, it was found that age (P<0.000) and physical activity (P<0.000) are two strong factors in predicting falls in the elderly.

Conclusion:

Based on the resulting positive relationship between physical activity and falls, it can be stated that the using strategies such as increasing sports environments with a focus on exercise, physiologists can play an effective role in preventing falls and related complications in the elderly.
Cytotoxic Activity-Guided Isolation from Achillea monocephala, and Biological Activities of its Different Extracts
Authors: Taşkın Turgut , Güler Eray M. , Şentürk Şeyda , Çelik Damla D. , Arabacı Turan , Gürer Ümran S.
Published: August 2020

Background:

The genus Achillea is one of the most important genus of the Asteraceae family and many species of Achillea are used in traditional medicine to treat several ailments.

Aim:

The aim of the current research was to evaluate in vitro cytotoxic activities of n-hexan, chloroform, ethyl acetate and methanol extracts and to isolate the active compounds from the extract showing the strongest cytotoxic activity. In addition to this, it was aimed to evaluate the biological activities (cytotoxic, antioxidant, anti-urease, anticholinesterase, antimicrobial) of different extracts and active compounds from Achillea monocephala.

Methods and Materials:

The in vitro antioxidant, cytotoxic, anti-urease, anticholinesterase and antimicrobial activities of different extracts from A. monocephala aerial parts were examined. The structures of the active compounds were determined by NMR techniques, UV, IR and LC-MS/MS analysis and their biological potential was examined.

Results:

The chloroform extract showed strong and selective cytotoxic activity on the cancer cell lines (MDA-MB-231, MCF-7). Besides, this extract exhibited stronger antimicrobial activity than other extracts. Therefore, through activity-guided procedures, luteolin, naringenin and 8-hydroxy-salvigenin compounds were isolated from this extract. The methanol extract showed stronger antioxidant (DPPH, ABTS, CUPRAC) and anticholinesterase activity than other extracts. The n-hexan extract exhibited the highest anti-urease activity. In this study, it was determined that the isolated compounds had a strong biological activity. Naringenin compound had stronger ABTS radical cation scavenging and ferric reducing/antioxidant power, cytotoxic and antimicrobial activity than other compounds. 8-hydroxy-salvigenin compound showed the highest urease and acetylcholinestease enzyme inhibition.

Conclusion:

The results of this study suggest that the extracts and isolated compounds from the A. monocephala may be used as antioxidant, cytotoxic, anti-urease, anticholinesterase and antimicrobial agents in the future.
A Conversion Efficiency Determination of High Efficiency Solar Cells with the Parabolic Dish Concentrating System
Authors: Jumrusprasert Pattanapong
Published: August 2020

Aims:

Field test for the conversion efficiency determination of high concentrating solar
cells with the parabolic dish concentrating system in a tropical location.

Background:

Typical solar cell system using in a tropical location is a fixed panel via commercial
grade mono crystalline, poly crystalline or amorphous solar panels. They have low conversion efficiency,
so they need a wide area to enhance electrical energy. The consequence is low yielding in
terms of economics and unpopular use in an urban zone.

Objective:

To test for the conversion efficiency determination of high concentrating solar cells with
the parabolic dish concentrating system in a tropical location.

Methods:

The research was conducted at the top of Nakhon Ratchasima Rajabhat University
(NRRU) Science Center Building, Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand. The four multi junction solar cells
were connected together to receive the reflecting concentrated sunlight from the parabolic dish. The
conversion efficiency of the 160 watts peak mono crystalline solar cell panel for a comparing purpose
was also determined. Multi junction solar cells with parabolic dish concentrating and cooling
systems, solar cell panel, pyrheliometer, pyranometer and light sensor were set up on the dual axes
sun tracker. Data were gathered every 5 minutes all day from January 2018 to February 2019 for all 3
seasons via the automatic data logging system.

Results:

The results had presented that the average conversion efficiency of high concentrating solar
cell module with the parabolic dish concentrating system for 100x and of the 160 watts peak mono
crystalline solar cell panel was 15.18% and 9.46% respectively, with the percentage difference of
56.45%. While the average output powers per unit area per year of multi junction solar cells with
concentrating system and mono crystalline solar cell panel were 98,544.92watt/m2 and
664.37watt/m2 respectively, with the ratio of 148.33.

Conclusion:

It is clearly seen that, in terms of conversion efficiency and output power per unit area
per year, the multi junction solar cells with the parabolic dish concentrating system have more advantage
than the typical mono crystalline solar cell panel.

Other:

Other: Especially from the economical aspect, the utilization of the parabolic dish concentrating system
with MJ solar cells can reduce the land investment cost and also encourage solar cell utilization
not only in rural but also in urban for the tropical climate countries.
ANA SINIFI ÖĞRENCİLERİNE UYGULANAN BEDEN GÜVENLİĞİ EĞİTİM PROGRAMININ ETKİNLİĞİ
Authors: SEZER Ayşe , KOLAÇ Nurcan , KOCABAŞ Seda , YAŞAR Seval , GÜRSOY Tuğba
Published: August 2020

Giriş: Erken çocukluk dönemindeki çocuklar beden güvenliklerini tehdit eden sosyal, fiziksel ve çevresel risklere karşı daha savunmasız ve risk grubundadır. Bu dönemdeki çocuklara beden güvenliklerini nasıl korumaları gerektiğinin öğretilmesi önemlidir. Bu çalışma ana sınıfı öğrencilerine uygulanan beden güvenliği eğitim programının etkinliğini belirlemek amacıyla yapılmıştır. Araştırma, ön-son test kontrol gruplu, randomize olmayan deneysel modeldedir. Yöntem: Örneklem büyüklüğü G*power güç analizi programı ile hesaplanmıştır. Buna göre, %80 güç, %5 hata payı ile her bir grupta 34’er kişinin (toplam 78 öğrenci) örnekleme alınması gerektiği hesaplandı. Çalışma 80 öğrenci ile tamamlandı. Veriler, kişisel bilgi formu ve beden güvenliği bilgi anketi ile toplandı. Çalışmaya başlamadan ailelerden yazılı onam alındı. Her biri 25 dakika süren 5 oturumluk program, 40 kişilik deney grubuna 5 haftada uygulandı. Kontrol grubu için herhangi bir çalışma yapılmadı. Verilerin analizinde ki kare testi ve McNemar testi kullanıldı. Bulgular: Eğitim alan gruptaki çocukların “bulduğun ilaçları anne/baba ya da öğretmene söylemeden içer misin” sorusuna verdikleri ön-son testleri yanıtları arasında anlamlı fark vardı (p<0.05). Eğitim alan gruptaki çocukların “yanında bir büyük (anne, baba, akraba) olmadan deniz ya da havuza tek başına girer misin?” ve “suyla oynar mısın?” sorularına ön-son test cevapları arasında anlamlı fark vardı (p<0.05). Eğitim alan grubun “evde tek başınayken, tanımadığın biri kapıyı çalarsa açar mısın?” ve “okul ya da ev dışında tanımadığın kişi seninle oyun oynamak için çağırırsa gider misin?” ön-son test cevapları arasında anlamlı fark vardı (p<0.05). Kontrol grubunda çocukların tüm sorulara verdikleri ön test ve son test doğru/yanlış cevap yüzdeleri arasında istatiksel olarak anlamlı fark bulunmamıştır (p>0.05). Sonuç: Sonuç olarak beden güvenliği eğitimi öğrencilerin zehirlenme, yabancılarla iletişim ve boğulmalar konusunda bilgilenmesinde etkili olmuştur.
Fortalecimiento de las Competencias de Aprendizaje de Geometría mediante B-Learning
Authors: Sotelo Fabinton , Solarte Mario , Jordan Wilson , Erazo Yerson
Published: August 2020

: Una de las debilidades frecuentes encontradas en el aprendizaje de los estudiantes de la educación media Colombiana se da en el área de las matemáticas, incluyendo el álgebra, trigonométrica, calculo y geometría. Esta investigación busca fortalecer la adquisición de competencias del área de la geometría del grado noveno, en un colegio de la ciudad de Popayán (Colombia),  con aproximadamente 70 estudiantes. Haciendo uso del sistema de gestión de aprendizaje (LMS) dotLRN,  Geogebra y un marco de referencia que integra esta herramienta al LMS. Se capacita al docente y  estudiantes para hacer uso de estos servicios TIC, de tal forma se logren involucrar en el proceso educativo en temáticas como: Construcción de polígono, calculo de perímetro y calculo de área.

Se propone un caso de estudio donde se proponen las temáticas en dos cursos, con contextos educativos diferentes, 9A apoyado en b-learning y 9B de forma convencional; al final se comparan resultados académicos.