bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The vulnerability of women from the consequences of a natural disaster: A case study of Svilajnac
Authors: Cvetković Vladimir , Svrdlin Maja
Published: December 2020

Citizens' vulnerability to disaster is a function of both physical and social factors. Gendered disaster social science rests on the social fact of gender as a primary organizing principle of societies and the conviction that gender must be addressed if we are to claim knowledge about all people living in environments susceptible to natural hazards. The main goal of the research is scientific description and explication of gender dimension of citizens' vulnerability to natural disasters caused by floods in Svilajnac municipality in 2014. One hundred fifteen citizens from Svilajnac were interviewed using multi-pass random sampling. We draw on social vulnerability theory to understand the ways in which such events are perceived and managed by citizens of different gender. Descriptive statistical analysis and chi-square test were employed to compare actual impacts. This study revealed that majority of the people felt directly threatened by the destructive consequences of flood hazards. All gendered impacts reported were not statistically significant, except for the psychological dimension of vulnerability because women tend to be more afraid and express more worry during floods. This paper contributes to the gender-focused literature that aims to provide a regional understanding of the differential and gendered consequences of natural disasters on men and women in the central Balkans. Results of this research can be used for improving gender-responsive national plans and strategies for disaster risk reduction.
Right to life and use of absolutely necessary force: Standards of European Court of Human Rights and situation in Serbia
Authors: Stevandić Danilo
Published: December 2020

The right to life falls under the category of fundamental human rights, which are guaranteed to every person, under all circumstances and in all places. Nevertheless, the right to life is subject to certain restrictions required by reasons considered justified according to standards prevalent in a democratic society. After laying special stress on the relevant provisions set forth in the European Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms, the paper further tackles the basic viewpoint of the European Court of Human Rights on the Protection of the Right to Life and implementation of the "absolutely necessary force" criterion, after which it addresses the compliance of domestic law with the European legal standards in this area. The legal standard concerning absolutely necessary force means a higher degree of necessity in relation to the standard detailing on what is "necessary in a democratic society" and therefore represents the ultima ratio for achieving a legitimate goal. As a last resort intended for the protection of human life, the force has to be aimed at protecting physical integrity and thus it is proportionate to the threatening violence, i.e., clear and imminent danger to human life. The European Court of Human Rights assesses whether the force that was used is proportional to the achievement of legitimate goals and thereby absolutely necessary according to the criteria of a democratic society by applying a more stringent necessity and proportionality tests in each specific case. The legal standards of the European Court of Human Rights, especially the standards on the use of absolutely necessary force, both support and affirm the protection of the right to life and concurrently shape the practice of the Constitutional Court of Serbia. The establishment of a normative and institutional framework has created elementary prerequisites for effective protection of the right to life in the Republic of Serbia, whilst breach of its procedural obligation is the most common reason for its responsibility with respect to violations of the right to life.
Revisiting the foreign direct investment-led and export-led growth hypotheses in ASEAN+3 countries
Authors: Lee Cheng-Wen , Dolfriandra Huruta
Published: December 2020

In this paper, the effects of Foreign Direct Investments (FDIs) and exports on economic growth in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations Plus Three countries are explored. The panel data of a total of 13 countries pertaining to the period from 2008 to 2018 were analyzed. Based on the result of the Lagrange Multiplier (LM) test, the data fit to the random effect model. In a similar fashion, the Wald test suggests that there is no endogeneity problem in the given model. Furthermore, the results of the Hausman and Chow test also indicate that the random effect model is the most effective model to describe the effects of FDIs and exports on economic growth. The results prove that FDIs positively impact economic growth. In addition, exports also have a positive and meaningful effect on economic growth. Overall, the paper empirically confirms FDI-led growth and export-led growth. To conclude, the findings indicate the fact that FDIs and exports are crucial for boosting the economic growth of the ASEAN+3 countries. The ASEAN+3 region remains quite an attractive destination for international companies around the world when FDIs and trade are concerned.
Cause of death during the first 24 hours after hospitalization: An autopsy study
Authors: Janković Radmila , Jordanova Elena , Jevtić Jovan , Simić Ljubica , Baralić Marko
Published: December 2020

Introduction/Objective Postmortem examination has a significant role in evaluating the quality of health care. The objective of the paper is to analyze the cause of death as determined by postmortem examination in patients who had undergone emergency hospitalization and had subsequently died within 24h, as well as the factors that contributed to the fatal outcome and correlation with available clinical data. Methods the analysis included autopsy reports and protocols, as well as clinical data from medical records and autopsy referrals during the three year period (2018-2020) for patients who had undergone a postmortem examination at the Insitute of Pathology, Medical Faculty, University of Belgrade. The correlation between the clinical diagnosis and postmortem findings was evaluated using Goldman criteria. Results the patients analysed were predominantly male (52/90; 58%). Women were statistically significantly older than men (p=0.024). The most common clinical diagnosis was cardiovascular disease (32.2%). The majority of the patients reported experiencing the first symptoms a few hours before seeking medical help (80%). The majority of the patients were being treated for chronic disease (80%) before hospitalization. The immediate cause of death determined by postmortem examination was most commonly heart failure (38/90, 42.2%). The most common clinically unrecognised causes of death include: bronchopneumonia (8/90), myocarditis (3/90), acute ischemic lesion/acute myocardial infarction (3/90) and bowel infarction (3/90). Conclusion the correlation between clinical and postmortem findings is very important because it enables the discovery of diagnostic and treatment errors and promotes new knowledge crucial for medical advancement.
Emergency carbon monoxide poisoning therapy for petroleum industry workers
Authors: Peričević-Medić Sonja , Ljujić Jovana , Mikov Ivan , Španović Milorad , Sakač Slađana
Published: December 2020

Introduction/Aim Carbon monoxide (CO) is a gas produced by incomplete combustion of carbon compounds and is a leading cause of poising throughout the world. The objective of this paper is to analyze 5 cases of acute carbon monoxide poisoning in petroleum industry workers, occupying a shared accommodation and to present diagnostic, therapeutic and preventive measures. Case report the workers had to be treated by the emergency medical service during the night for health problems arising from carbon monoxide inhalation from a faulty installation. Venous blood samples were collected to measure the concentration of carboxyhemoglobin (COHb) and gas analyses were done upon admission and 120 minutes later. They were treated with parenteral therapy and oxygen by mask, and they made a complete recovery. Conclusion Faulty installation of a gas-powered heating system caused acute carbon monoxide poisoning in 5 people occupying the space. After 120 minutes in a closed environment, the carbon monoxide concentration was high enough to cause a significant increase of COHb in the venous blood. Prompt diagnosis and adequate therapy are crucial to ensure a favorable treatment outcome. Preventive measures, such as educating workers and introducing health and safety measures into the work environment are extremely important in preventing accidents such as these.
Successful treatment of challenging case of infective endocarditis
Authors: Milačić Petar , Nešić Ivan , Miličić Miroslav , Mićović Slobodan
Published: December 2020

Introduction/aim: We are presenting the case of a patient suffering from fibrous cardiac skeleton damage caused by advanced infective endocarditis after aortic valve replacement surgery, whose cardiac surgery treatment proved to be successful. Case report: A redo procedure was performed through a median sternotomy using cardiopulmonary bypass. Artificial aortic and native mitral valves were excised and all infected tissue removed. Reconstruction of the fibrotic cardiac skeleton was done using two autologous pericardial patches according to Tyrone-David. Both mechanical valves were implanted. Conclusion: Successful treatment of one of the most difficult conditions in cardiac surgery can be achieved in our country.
Modeling of the process of collection, sorting and transportation of logging residues at the logging area
Authors: Mokhirev Aleksandr , Zyrjanov Mihail , Medvedev Sergey , Rjabova Tatiana
Published: December 2020

Effectiveness of economic development of logging industry is impossible without scientifically grounded strategies of formation of perspective technological logging processes with complex use of the total biomass of harvested trees. Degree of utilization of wood biomass is to be considered the most important principle of progressive logging technology. One of the main tasks of the national logging complex is the use of low-grade wood, lumpy wood waste, top of trees, twigs and branches, which will significantly improve efficiency of logging. To solve this problem, this article reviews the process of modeling of work of sorting and transportation machine designed for loading, sorting and transportation of felling residues to timber road. The technological scheme also provides cutting waste with knife for sorting by size. The study provides a detailed technological scheme of logging operations using forwarders with a removable body for loading, sorting and transportation of felling residues. The body of the forwarder is divided into compartments for transportation of waste with different parameters. The information and logical model of the process of collection, sorting and transportation of felling residue, which is proposed by machine, was offered. The formula for calculating the performance of operation of the sorting and transportation machine was obtained. Sorting according to species and types of felling residues is necessary for the production of fuel and technological wood chips for further use in production of valuable commercial products.
The relationship between Arthurian tradition and science fiction in Diana Wynne Jones's novel 'Hexwood'
Authors: Tropin Tijana
Published: December 2020

This paper analyses Diana Wynne Jones's use of the Arthurian tradition in her novel Hexwood and the links she establishes with the contemporary traditions of the fantasy novel for children and science fiction. By employing a complex non-linear narration and a rich network of intertextual allusions ranging from Thomas Mallory and Edmund Spenser to T. H. White, Wynne Jones creates an unusual and successful genre amalgam. The central concept of the novel, a version of virtual reality where individuals adopt false identities and act accordingly, enables a highly uncommon self aware use of motifs adopted from myth and literature.
Magic, realism and the river between: The cultural weight of postcolonial magic(al) realism
Authors: Luburić-Cvijanović Arijana
Published: December 2020

Magic(al) realism has for long attracted critical attention as one of the more theoretically elusive concepts which has been termed magic, magical, and magic(al), interpreted as a narrative genre, mode, or strategy, and analyzed alongside similar terms and neighbouring genres. While it briefly summarizes the troubling terminology associated with magic(al) realism, this paper focuses on the cultural significance of-magic(al) realism for postcolonial writing, and delves into its role as a strategy of resistance in the representation of culture and history, its destabilizing project, and the possible pitfalls in its employment.
Games in the age of empire
Authors: Dajer Vitford , de Pojter
Published: December 2020

This is a part of the introductory essay of the now already canonical study on gaming culture, written by Nick Dyer-Witheford & Greig de Peuter - Games o f Empire: Global Capitalism and Video Games (University of Minnesota Press, 2009). Regardless of the year of publishing, it still represents an extremely useful review that is not without serious critical insights. Placing the culture of video games in the epistemological passe partout determined by the Empire theorists Michael Hardt and Antonio Negri, the authors had laid one of the key foundations for critical game studies, based on a deep understanding of the logic of virtual games, as well as their teleology and reception. The authors' cultural-political analysis of the media illustrates how central video games have become the very structure of our contemporary global order: both as a means of governing and as a (virtual) space of struggle and resistance.
Automatic feeder for domestic and wild animals on pastures
Authors: Trišović Tomislav , Koprivica Ranko , Grgur Branimir , Rafailović Lidija , Popović Milica , Trišović Zaga , Veljković Biljana
Published: December 2020

This paper presents a prototype of an automatic feeder for domestic and wild animals in organic farming. A simple, self-contained domestic and wild animal feeder was presented that has fully autonomous operation for up to 60 days. Electricity can be supplied from the mains and from photo voltaic cells max 100 W. The food dosing process of the container can be done one or more times a day. The amount of food to be added can be selected, ie the same amount of concentrated food is dosed each day, or the amount of dosed food is increased or decreased over time. The results of testing the operation of the equipment in use were conducted on a single farm with several cows in organic farming. The monitoring of work in the period from May to October 2019 showed high reliability and complete independence in the operation of the automatic feeder for domestic and wild animals and that as such can be applied in organic breeding of domestic and wild animals.
Physical properties of African star apple fruits and seeds
Authors: Onyekachi Igbozulike , Oyinloye Gbenga , Onyejefu Odirachukwu , Dirioha Cyprain , Diabana Dickson
Published: December 2020

This research examines the physical properties of African star apple (Chrysophyllum albidum) fruits and seeds. The dimensions were measured with vernier calliper and the dimensional properties were computed using appropriate equations. The densities, porosity, angle of repose and coefficient of friction on three material surfaces were determined with standard methods from literature. The result of the study showed that the average major, intermediate and minor dimensions were 47.95 mm, 43.70 mm and 41.35 mm respectively for the fruits, and 26.05 mm, 15.12 mm and 6.07 mm respectively for the seeds. The volume, shape index and one thousand weight of fruits were obtained as 40.61 mm3 , 0.95 and 48.34 kg respectively whereas those of the seeds were obtained as 1.69 mm3 , 0.95 and 1.28 kg respectively. The true density, bulk density and porosity of the fruits were found to be 1710 kg/m3 , 1550 kg/m3 and 52.63 percent respectively, while that of the seeds were found to be 950 kg/m3 , 570 kg/m3 and 40.25 percent respectively. The sphericity obtained for the fruits and seeds were 0.94 and 0.55, respectively. Angle of repose was found to be 3.02o and 13.50o for the fruits and seeds, respectively. Coefficients of friction on plywood, mild steel and galvanized steel were 0.30, 0.24 and 0.20 respectively, for the fruits and 0.52, 0.46 and 0.39 respectively for the seeds. The empirical data from this study will aid researchers in the design and development of postharvest systems for the African star apple fruits and seeds postharvest operations.
Ecological dimension of PESTEL analysis in small enterprises in the Republic of Serbia
Authors: Marinović-Matović Ivana , Arsić Ljiljana
Published: December 2020

Strategic decision-making seeks to analyze the external environment in which business organizations operate. External environmental factors are analyzed and monitored using PESTEL analysis. PESTEL analysis provides insight into organization's business opportunities and threats, in order to rapidly adapt to new market conditions. The objective of this paper is to present the use and the importance of PESTEL model for the analysis of ecological factors in business environment. The most common challenges of environmental analysis, and examples of positive practice from the Republic of Serbia, are presented in this paper. The paper represents a professional contribution to the business community, specifically, it helps organizations to improve their ecological performances through more efficient use of opportunities and elimination of threats arising from ecological factors.
Decision-Making Support Methods, Algorithms and Tools for Electricity Market Participants
Authors:   , Baltputnis Kārlis
Published: December 2020

Electricity market participants need to optimize their processes to avoid being outcompeted by other traders. Consequently, decision-making methods, algorithms and tools related to large-scale energy storage technologies (scheduling, sizing) and cascaded hydropower plants (scheduling, hydroelectric set selection), as well as heating demand forecasting, which is a prerequisite for efficient combined heat and power plant participation in an electricity market.
Harnessing the Value of Demand-Side Flexibility in Electricity Markets
Authors:   , Broka Zane
Published: December 2020

As the 2025 deadline for synchronisation with the Continental Europe grid approaches, the Baltic transmission system operators have recognised the need to involve more local balancing resources. Additionally, demand for balancing energy is expected to rise due to the growing share of intermittent generation sources. It requires for increased flexibility of the Latvian power system. This Doctoral Thesis is focussed on improvements of power system flexibility through employment of demand-side resources and optimisation of the overall balancing process. An optimised activation strategy of reserves is proposed which can be part of the Baltic TSOs’ workflow where traditionally only human-based dispatching has been employed. Furthermore, assessment of the operating, planning and economic benefits obtainable from demand response (DR) in the Latvian power system is provided. Finally, a robust tool for an economic assessment of DR from the end-user point-of-view has been developed. Hence, the Doctoral Thesis provides an array of tools and methods on establishing the value of demand response in the Latvian power system.
Approximate theoretical analysis of gas penetration in metal micro spallation
Authors: Liu Jun , Wang Pei , Sun Zhi-Yuan , Zhang Feng-Guo , He An-Min ,   Institute of Applied Physics and Computational Mathematics, Beijing 100094, China
Published: December 2020

After high pressure shock, the shock wave in the metal is unloaded at the metal-gas interface, and micro spallation occurs when the metal melts. When the micro spallation develops to a certain extent, the high pressure gas penetrates the zero pressure vacuum gap between the metal melt droplets. In this paper, the phenomenon of gas penetrating metal micro spallation zone is analyzed theoretically. Based on the regular hexahedron periodic arrangement of metal droplets, the calculation formulas of the maximum penetration depth, the sealing time of the penetration channel and the maximum mass of the gas penetrating the metal micro spallation zone are given through theoretical analysis under the quasi-static and semi-dynamic conditions. The quasi-static process is considered to be the gas penetration process that can be approximated as the escape process of gas into the vacuum, and the gap in the metal micro spallation zone will be filled with gas. The semi-dynamic analysis is based on two basic assumptions: one is the equal droplet size and spacing in the micro spallation zone and the other is the critical sealing condition of gas penetration. In the process of semi-dynamic analysis it is demonstrated that the initial critical sealing distance is independent of the shape factor of the droplet single control volume. The semi-dynamic analysis can give various critical sealing information when the gas stops penetrating the metal micro spallation zone. The results of quasi-static analysis can be used as the upper limit of gas penetration, and the semi-dynamic analysis results can be used as the lower limit of gas penetration. From the sensitivity analysis, it can be seen that the change law of physical phenomena given by theoretical analysis accords with the basic physical understanding of the problem. Through this study, the upper and lower limit of the mixed state of gas penetrating the metal micro spallation zone can be estimated, which can provide more accurate initial metal-gas mixed state for subsequent research of the evolution of mixed state. The theoretical analyses given in this paper are based on a lot of uncertain assumptions, and the in-depth study of this phenomenon is still needed based on the law summary and mutual confirmation of experiment and simulation.
Structure optimization of carbon nanotube ionization sensor based on fluid model
Authors: Wu Jian , Han Wen , Cheng Zhen-Zhen , Yang Bin , Sun Li-Li , Wang Di , Zhu Cheng-Peng , Zhang Yong , Geng Ming-Xin , Jing Yan ,   State Key Laboratory of Electrical Insulation and Power Equipment, School of Electrical Engineering, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710049, China,   Electric Power Research Institute of State Grid Shaanxi Electric Power Company, Xi’an 710199, China
Published: December 2020

Compared with the traditional ionization sensor, triple electrode ionization gas sensor based on carbon nanotubes features excellent performances of small size and low operation voltage, and plays an important role in developing smart grids and the ubiquitous Internet of Things. However, they exhibit the disadvantages of small collecting current and low sensitivity, and need to be optimized in structure. Based on the Townsend discharge mechanism and three governing equations of particle mass conservation, electron energy conservation and Poisson equations, a two-dimensional plasma discharge fluid simulation model of the sensor is established by using the COMSOL Multiphysics software. According to gas composition, component concentration, structure of the sensor and voltage applied to the electrodes, we determine the chemical reaction, reaction rate coefficient, field control equation, initial values and boundary conditions. In order to calculate the interior distribution of charged particles inside the boundary, the inter-electrode space region is meshed. Initial values of mesh are set, such as a dense mesh of nano-meter length around the electrode having micro-nano structure, and a rough mesh of micro-meter length in the other region of inter-electrode space. The initial values of time-step are set for each mesh grid, and the discharge model of each mesh grid is numerically solved by the finite volume method. The three linkage governing equations are discretized and calculated iteratively in time and space, and the mesh values and time-steps are adjusted to make the results converged. The electrostatic field distribution and the average collecting current density of the eight kinds of sensors are obtained in the background gas of nitrogen. The optimal sensor structure is obtained by comparing the electric field intensities and current densities under different structure parameters. The eight kinds of the sensors are prepared for experimentally verifying the optimization method. The optimal structure of the 7# sensor has the highest collecting current density in the eight kind structures, which is consistent with the simulation results, and proves the feasibility of the structure optimization method proposed in the paper. Based on the optimal structure, the sensors, respectively with the electrode spacings of 100 and 120 μm, are fabricated, and the response characteristics of NO/SO2 mixture gas are obtained. Compared with other technologies, the sensor with optimal structure exhibits 1－2 orders of sensitivity higher than the others. The optimized triple electrode ionization sensor based on carbon nanotubes exhibits many potential applications.
The Rectifications of the Cassinian Ovals: Third Round
Authors:   Marin Drinov Academic Publishng House, Mladenov Ivaïlo  M.
Published: December 2020

Here we derive a bunch of explicit formulas for the circumferences of all types of Cassinian ovals in terms of the complete elliptic integrals of the first kind and their equivalent expressions in terms of the hypergeometric functions.
Recent shifts in the genomic ancestry of Mexican Americans may alter the genetic architecture of biomedical traits
Authors: Spear Melissa L , Diaz-Papkovich Alex , Ziv Elad , Yracheta Joseph M , Gravel Simon , Torgerson Dara G , Hernandez Ryan D
Published: December 2020

People in the Americas represent a diverse continuum of populations with varying degrees of admixture among African, European, and Amerindigenous ancestries. In the United States, populations with non-European ancestry remain understudied, and thus little is known about the genetic architecture of phenotypic variation in these populations. Using genotype data from the Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos, we find that Amerindigenous ancestry increased by an average of ~20% spanning 1940s-1990s in Mexican Americans. These patterns result from complex interactions between several population and cultural factors which shaped patterns of genetic variation and influenced the genetic architecture of complex traits in Mexican Americans. We show for height how polygenic risk scores based on summary statistics from a European-based genome-wide association study perform poorly in Mexican Americans. Our findings reveal temporal changes in population structure within Hispanics/Latinos that may influence biomedical traits, demonstrating a need to improve our understanding of admixed populations.
Adaptive evolution of nontransitive fitness in yeast
Authors: Buskirk Sean W , Rokes Alecia B , Lang Gregory I
Published: December 2020

A common misconception is that evolution is a linear ‘march of progress’, where each organism along a line of descent is more fit than all those that came before it. Rejecting this misconception implies that evolution is nontransitive: a series of adaptive events will, on occasion, produce organisms that are less fit compared to a distant ancestor. Here we identify a nontransitive evolutionary sequence in a 1000-generation yeast evolution experiment. We show that nontransitivity arises due to adaptation in the yeast nuclear genome combined with the stepwise deterioration of an intracellular virus, which provides an advantage over viral competitors within host cells. Extending our analysis, we find that nearly half of our ~140 populations experience multilevel selection, fixing adaptive mutations in both the nuclear and viral genomes. Our results provide a mechanistic case-study for the adaptive evolution of nontransitivity due to multilevel selection in a 1000-generation host/virus evolution experiment.
Dose-dependent action of the RNA binding protein FOX-1 to relay X-chromosome number and determine C. elegans sex
Authors: Farboud Behnom , Novak Catherine S , Nicoll Monique , Quiogue Alyssa , Meyer Barbara J
Published: December 2020

We demonstrate how RNA binding protein FOX-1 functions as a dose-dependent X-signal element to communicate X-chromosome number and thereby determine nematode sex. FOX-1, an RNA recognition motif protein, triggers hermaphrodite development in XX embryos by causing non-productive alternative pre-mRNA splicing ofxol-1, the master sex-determination switch gene that triggers male development in XO embryos. RNA binding experiments together with genome editing demonstrate that FOX-1 binds to multiple GCAUG and GCACG motifs in axol-1intron, causing intron retention or partial exon deletion, thereby eliminating male-determining XOL-1 protein. Transforming all motifs to GCAUG or GCACG permits accurate alternative splicing, demonstrating efficacy of both motifs. Mutating subsets of both motifs partially alleviates non-productive splicing. Mutating all motifs blocks it, as does transforming them to low-affinity GCUUG motifs. Combining multiple high-affinity binding sites with the twofold change in FOX-1 concentration between XX and XO embryos achieves dose-sensitivity in splicing regulation to determine sex.
Profesjonskunnskap: fag, forskning og praksiserfaring
Authors: Fauske Laila Belinda
Published: December 2020

Rammeplan for 5-årig lærerutdanning i praktiske og estetiske fag ble vedtatt juni 2020. For design, kunst og håndverk innebærer dette at 3-årig faglærerutdanning med master opphører. Lærerutdanningen skal være både forskningsbasert og vektlegge erfaringsbasert kunnskap. Eksempelvis utvides omfanget av undervisningspraksis. Endringen er utgangspunktet for denne artikkelen. Artikkelen tar opp det særegne ved profesjonskunnskap og divergensen mellom profesjonskunnskap og tradisjonelle vitenskapsfag. Divergensen drøftes på bakgrunn av en rapport fra 1974. Rapporten tar opp målsetting, organisering og studieinnhold for kommende hovedfag ved pedagogiske høgskoler, iverksatt fra 1976. Rapporten beskriver hvordan profesjonens særpreg skal gi retning til studiet. En liste over 10 ulike former for hovedfagsarbeid presenteres. Både eget kunstnerisk arbeid og læremiddelproduksjon ansees som relevante former for et hovedfagsarbeid. Denne artikkelen nærleser rapporten fra 1974 og argumenter for at drøftinger som føres der kan bidra til relevante diskusjoner, også ved innføringen av 5-årig lærerutdanning.
Understanding culture as a project
Authors: Leitão Renata M. , Roth Solen
Published: December 2020

This article argues that, in collaboration with Indigenous [and non-Western local] communities, social designers should approach “culture” not only as a form of heritage that should be preserved and transmitted, but also as a project that weaves together heritage, current material circumstances, and desirable ideas for the future. We therefore examine the notion that every culture is intrinsically oriented towards the future, representing a trajectory that links the past to a projected ideal of well-being. Thus, cultural diversity leads to numerous trajectories and distinct futures, contrary to the colonial ideology according to which only one trajectory is possible: that which adheres to the project of eurocentric modernity. Based on a participatory research action project called Tapiskwan, which focused on the aspirations of the Atikamekw Nehirowisiwok, we propose that the ultimate goal of social designers should be to nurture local communities’ capacity to (re)create their own autonomous trajectories, in pursuit of the good life as their culture defines it.
Role of Pleural Fluid C-Reactive Protein in the Aetiological Diagnosis of Exudative Pleural Effusion
Authors: Radhakrishnan Praveen , Mathanraj S
Published: December 2020

Introduction: Pleural effusions, the result of the accumulation of fluid in the pleural space, are a major diagnostic problem due to its anatomical nature with no direct access. There is variation in management, depending on the pleural disease. The pleural effusion can either exhibit specific or nonspecific characteristics. Aim: To determine the clinical significance and diagnostic role of pleural fluid C-Reactive Protein (CRP) level in the aetiological diagnosis of exudative pleural effusion. Materials and Methods: This was a cross-sectional study performed during the study period of September 2013 to December 2014. A total of 53 Patients identified with pleural effusion were recruited in the study and pleural fluid was subjected for the measurement of CRP level. Pleural fluid CRP was assessed with CRP-Turbilatex-Quantitative turbidimetric immunoassay method which is based on the principle agglutination reaction. The data was subjected to statistical analysis using Epi info software version 3.4.3. The Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve was plotted to illustrate the diagnostic ability. The smallest cut-off value was the minimum observed test value minus 1, and the largest cut-off value was the maximum observed test value plus 1. All the other cut-off values were the averages of two consecutive ordered observed test values. Results: Among the 53 patients in the study, 42 had exudative effusions (79.20%) and 11 had transudative effusions (20.80%). The common cause of exudative effusion was tuberculosis 26 (61.90%), followed by 9 malignancy (21.40%) and 7 parapneumonic effusion (16.70%). In our study, the pleural fluid CRP was statistically significant (p<0.001) marker to differentiate exudative effusions with CRP-value <30 suggestive of malignancy, CRP-value 30-50 mg/L suggestive of tuberculosis and CRP-value >70 mg/L suggestive of parapneumonic effusions. Conclusion: Determination of pleural fluid CRP is a useful diagnostic marker for differentiating exudative and transudative effusions. Also, Pleural fluid CRP is a statistically significant marker in differentiating tubercular effusions from nontubercular exudative effusions.
Curious Case of a Foldable Intraocular Lens that did not Unfold
Authors: Nagpa Nimisha , Prasher Pawan
Published: December 2020

Phacoemulsification is a modern technique of cataract surgery that allows the removal of cataractous lens and implantation of a foldable Intraocular Lens (IOL) through a small sub 3 mm incision. For a good visual outcome, it is imperative that the IOL is well centered and its haptics unfold properly inside the capsular bag and keep it distended. However, at times the IOL haptics may not unfold properly leading to adverse visual symptoms. Herein, Authors present an unusual case of a 61-year-old elderly male with no other associated ocular or systemic illness, who presented nine months after cataract surgery in his left eye, with both haptics of the IOL unusually folded and the edge of one haptic encroaching into the pupillary area leading to visual symptoms. As multiple attempts to dial the haptics into the capsular bag were unsuccessful, likely due to strong capsular adhesions, the unfolded haptics were placed in the sulcus with attempted optic capture. The postoperative period was uneventful with BCVA of 20/20 at one year. The current case highlights the need to be vigilant about the proper positioning of the haptics at the end of routine cataract surgery and the need for early intervention in the event of any complication.
Upper Extremity Dysfunction after Trans-Radial Interventions- Experience from a Tertiary Care Center of North India
Authors: Iqbal Manazir , Dar Mohd Iqbal , Rashid Aamir , Khan Khursheed A
Published: December 2020

Introduction: Coronary artery disease treatment by percutaneous intervention has revolutionised the management of this disease and the choice and safety of vascular access site has significantly contributed to the outcome of the overall procedure. Aim: To assess upper extremity dysfunction in patients undergoing Transradial Coronary Angiography (CAG) and Percutaneous Coronary Interventions (PCI). Materials and Methods: This study involved patients planned for transradial coronary intervention. Patients were assessed for development of upper extremity dysfunction and other local complications post procedure at 24 hours, 2 weeks, 1 month and 6 months. Data analysis was done using SPSS Version 21. Results: A total of 165 patients were enrolled in the study. There were 123 (74.5%) males. Total 156 patients (94.5%) had stable angina as underlying diagnosis, 4 (2.4%) had unstable angina, 2 (1.2%) had Non ST Elevation Myocardial Infarction (NSTEMI), 1 (0.6%) had ST Elevation Myocardial Infarction (STEMI) and 2 (1.2%) required CAG before valve replacement. A 5F sheath was used in 110 (66.67%) and 6F sheath in 55 (33.33%) cases. Tiger catheter was used in all 165 patients initially for diagnostic angiography. Dynamometer testing showed reversible downgrading of hand grip in 49% of patients post-procedure. Local site haematoma was seen in 3 (1.8%) at 24 hours, reversible vascular occlusion in 2 (1.2%) at 24 hours and Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction (TIMI) Minor bleed in 1 (0.6%) at 24 hours. No significant correlation was seen between sheath or catheter size with dynamometer testing or local complication. Conclusion: There was no significant upper extremity dysfunction after trans-radial intervention in the study population.
Ectopic Ureter in Single System Kidney in Association with Anorectal Malformation in Male Patient
Authors: Ali Md Mokarram , Kumar Amit , Rashi . , Sinha Amit Kumar , Kumar Bindey
Published: December 2020

Anorectal Malformations (ARM) are known to be associated with urogenital abnormalities. However, the incidence of ectopic ureter in these patients is rare. This report is about a two-year-old male child with ARM. The patient presented after a failed Posterior Sagittal Anorectoplasty (PSARP). The presenting complaint was urinary leak from rectum. Subsequently, the patient was taken up for redo-PSARP. During surgery, bilateral ectopic ureters were identified, incidentally. Surgeons operating on the patients of ARM should be vigilant about this rare association of ectopic ureter with ARM, so as to avoid its injury during perineal dissection.
Clinical Manifestations and Associated Complications of Scrub Typhus in Odisha, India
Authors: Mohanty Lalatendu , Dhanawat Aditya , Gupta Partisha , Maheshwari Guncha
Published: December 2020

Introduction: Scrub typhus is a re-emerging illness in the South-East Asia and other parts of the world caused by Orientia tsutsugamushi, which is a mite-borne bacterium belonging to the Rickettsiaceae family. It has varied clinical manifestations and affects multiple organ systems. In Asia, about 1 million new cases are identified annually. Aim: The aim was to conduct a retrospective study to observe the clinical profile and complications of scrub typhus in South-Eastern India. Materials and Methods: Clinical data of 240 patients who were 18 years of age or above, admitted in the Department of Internal Medicine and diagnosed with scrub typhus by means of IgM Enzyme-linked Immune Sorbent Assay (ELISA) was collected. Demographic profile, clinical signs and symptoms, laboratory parameters, co-infections and complications were reviewed. Statistical analyses were performed using Chi-square test. Results: Majority of the patients were males, between the age of 18-29 years and lived in rural areas. Forty-three (17.9%) patients were admitted in the ICU and the remaining in wards. Sixty-nine (28.8%) patients had consolidation and 11 (4.6%) had Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS). Twenty-one (8.8%) patients had jaundice and 76 (31.7) had hepatomegaly. Twenty-one (8.8%) patients had meningo-encephalitis and 18 (7.5%) had acute kidney injury. Twelve (5%) patients had co-infection with dengue and 8 (3.3%) had malaria. Conclusion: This study shows wide and varied presentation of scrub typhus infection along with the course of the disease and response to the treatment. The diagnostic clues such as fever, eschar, rashes, lymphadenopathy should be kept in mind by a primary care physician as early recognition and treatment can prevent its dangerous complications and reduce the mortality due to the disease. Occurrence of co-infections should also be kept in mind for better management of the patient.
Evaluation of Postoperative Pulmonary Complications after Emergency Abdominal Surgery- A Prospective Study
Authors: Charokar Kailash , Shrikhande Akash
Published: December 2020

Introduction: The clinical outcomes following the emergency abdominal surgery besides the surgical complications and the complications due to co-morbidities are influenced by Postoperative Pulmonary Complications (PPC). Continuous health care improvements are directed towards delivering quality care for postoperative patients is the need of the hour in prevailing patient-centric health services in the society. Aim: To evaluate the outcomes after emergency abdominal surgery in relation to pulmonary complications. Materials and Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted in the Department of Pulmonary Medicine and General Surgery at Peoples College of Medical Sciences and Research Centre, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, India for a period of one year. Thirty five patients who were operated for emergency abdominal surgery were included in the study. A predesigned and validated proforma was used for the collection of data. In the postoperative period, continuous clinical monitoring and evaluation was done periodically. The primary outcome was PPC like atelectasis, pneumonia, pleural effusion, pulmonary edema, acute respiratory failure. The European Perioperative Clinical Outcome (EPCO) definitions were used for the primary outcome. Descriptive statistics were used for data analysis. The association of pre and postoperative data with the occurrence of PPC was analysed using the Z-test for two sample proportions. The p-value <0.05 was taken as statistically significant. Results: In the study group of 35 patients, 18 patients (51.4%) developed PPC as defined by the selected criteria. Nine (25.7%) patients had pneumonia, 4 (11.4%) patients had acute respiratory failure, 2 (5.7%) patients had pleural effusion, 2 (5.7%) patients had pulmonary edema and 1 (2.9%) patient had atelectasis. The habit of smoking (p=0.003), presence of pre-existing underlying lung disease (p=0.004), and low socioeconomic status (p=0.012) were associated with increased risk for PPC in patients undergoing emergency abdominal surgery with statistically significant results. Conclusion: Pulmonary complications after emergency abdominal surgery are common and leads to the morbidity of patients and may result in fatal outcomes.
Maternal Serum Uric Acid Levels and Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes in Women with Hypertensive Disorders of Pregnancy
Authors: Biradar Aruna Mallangouda , Kori Shreedevi Somshekar , Mathapati Sangamesh S , Mudanur Subhash R , Patil Neelamma G , Pujeri Shivakumar S
Published: December 2020

Introduction: Hypertensive Disorders of Pregnancy (HDP) are the major cause of maternal morbidity and mortality worldwide. The maximum burden of maternal mortality and morbidity is due to HDP and its related complications which is further followed by obstetric haemorrhage, pre-existing medical diseases, infections and abortions. Aim: To study the association between the serum uric acid level in hypertensive pregnant women and their association with maternal and foetal morbidity and mortality. Materials and Methods: It was a prospective observational study conducted at BLDE (Deemed to be) University, Shri BM Patil Medical College Hospital and Research Centre, Vijayapura, Karnataka, India from January to June 2019. A total of 165 pregnant women with HDP were included (44 (27%) had Gestational Hypertension (GH); 86 (52%), Pre-eclampsia (PE) and 35 (21%) eclampsia) in each group in the study and they were subjected for obstetric history, examination and laboratory evaluation. The laboratory evaluation included complete blood count, liver function test, renal function test, serum uric acid level and urine albumin, sugars and microscopy. The maternal and foetal outcomes were measured, which included mode of delivery, Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) admission, neonatal outcomes in terms of preterm or term delivery, intrauterine death, fresh still born, neonatal deaths. Results: A total of 165 cases with HDP were enrolled in the study. Mean serum uric acid level in GH, PE and eclampsia group was 5.13±1.32, 5.34±1.4, 6.05±1.67, respectively. A total of 118 participants presented at term and 47 were preterm (11 in GH, 20 in PE and 16 in eclampsia group). About 103 (62.42%) had vaginal delivery and 62 (31.51%) underwent caesarean section (14 in GH, 28 in PE and 20 in eclampsia group). All the perinatal deaths occurred were in women with PE (n=5) and eclampsia (n=2) and was not statistically analysed. Conclusion: Present study shows that increased levels of maternal serum uric acid levels were associated with PE and eclampsia compared to GH patients and were associated with adverse foetal outcomes and increase in the instrumental and operative interventions.
Coagulopathy in elderly patients with coronavirus disease 2019
Authors: Yuan Xueting , Tong Xunliang , Wang Yan , Wang He , Wang Liuming , Xu Xiaomao
Published: December 2020

Background

Since the outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19), clinical features have been analyzed in detail. However, coagulopathy in elderly COVID‐19 patients has been scarcely reported.

Methods

Coagulation parameters of 189 patients with COVID‐19 in Tongji hospital were retrospectively analyzed among age groups.

Results

Patients were divided into 2 groups: older group (≥65 years, n = 87) and younger group (<65 years, n = 102). The proportion of patients with elevated fibrinogen (79.0% vs 59.6%, p = .005) and D‐dimer (78.0% vs 55.2%, p = .001) shows the significant difference between the groups. The elderly patients revealed significantly longer prothrombin time (14.0 [13.4–14.4]s vs 13.6 [13.2–14.1]s, p = .026), higher D‐dimer (1.00 [0.5–1.9] μg/mL vs 0.6 [0.3–1.6] μg/mL, p = .013) and fibrinogen (5.2 [4.1–6.2] g/L vs 4.4 [3.4–5.7] g/L, p = .004) levels, compared to the younger group. A positive correlation was observed between the coagulation parameters and inflammatory markers including high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein and interleukin‐6 (p < .05).

Conclusions

The hypercoagulable state is more common in elderly COVID‐19 patients, and coagulopathy is associated with excessive systemic inflammation.
Form selection of concomitant polymorphs: A case study informed by crystallization kinetics modeling
Authors: Tang Weiwei , Quan Yufeng , Gong Junbo , Wang Jingkang , Yin Qiuxiang , Li Tonglei
Published: December 2020

Molecular mechanisms and process kinetics of crystallizing concomitant polymorphs remain poorly understood. Solvent‐mediated phase transformation and concomitant crystallization are difficult to be distinguished in practice, as multiple forms can be detected at the same time. Herein, we developed a population balance model to simulate a concomitant crystallization process of two polymorphs of tolfenamic acid. Our kinetic modeling aims to understand concomitant crystallization and help guide form selection of such a molecular system. Crystallization kinetics of ethanolic solutions were uncovered from induction time measurements, as well as seeded and unseeded crystallization experiments. Experimental and simulation results demonstrate that the stable form I crystallizes concomitantly with the metastable form II. The faster growing form II results in an intermediate decline in the composition of form I in crystallized samples, a characteristic feature of the concomitantly crystallized system. A four‐quadrant scheme of attainable polymorph outcome was simulated under various crystallization conditions.