bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Consequences of Chronic Stress on the PINE Network
Authors: Nold Verena , Allers Kelly
Published: May 2021

Stress is a risk factor for the development and progression of a variety of disorders. At the same time stress is essential to initiate adaptation to the current situation and to promote survival of the fittest. Thus, responses to stress evolved to be fast and efficient. This is implemented by a tight networking of the psycho-immune-neuro-energy (PINE) system. Within the PINE network, glucocorticoids are the universal messengers that regulate overall physiology jointly with cytokines, neurotransmitters and energy status. While the secretion of glucocorticoids in response to stress is itself a rather unspecific reaction to any kind of stressor, complexity of the outcome is encoded by lifetime, recent and present events. Together, these individual experiences modulate the diurnal and ultradian rhythmicity of glucocorticoid levels. Given the time- and dose-dependency of glucocorticoid signaling, this rhythmicity allows for flexibility in the coping with stress. In a chronic stress setting, the interaction of PINE network components is altered. While stress-resilient individuals retain adaptive capacity, vulnerable individuals lose flexibility in their responsiveness. Gene × environment interactions could explain individual differences. To better elucidate the molecular underpinnings of risk and resiliency, models that allow studying the consequences of chronic stress on the PINE network are required.
Under the Cover of Silence: The Burden of Marital Rape among Immigrant, Muslim, South Asian Survivors of Domestic Violence
Authors: S. Jayasundara Dheeshana , Ahmed Durdana , Das Gupta Prita , Garcia Susan , Thao Sarah
Published: May 2021

This chapter looked at the experiences of marital rape among immigrant South Asian Muslims domestic violence survivors who are living in Texas, USA. Based on qualitative interviews with 20 participants, this chapter discusses the hidden nature of marital sexual abuse. Specific themes include: abuse took place in a larger context of domestic violence; duality in sexual behavior allowed for husband and wife; submission through threat and intimidation; it is not rape but, I feel the same as a rape victim; shame of talking about something so private; and divorce and vulnerability from sexual advances by outside men. Implications to advocates and human service workers, especially those living in Western countries and work with Muslim communities are discussed, as well as how to effectively assist these diverse communities in a culturally sensitive manner, being mindful of their religious background.
Communication and Interaction between Humanoid Robots and Humans
Authors: Pajaziti Arbnor , Bajrami Xhevahir , Pula Gazmend
Published: May 2021

This paper deals with future robots that will be developed to assist and/or partially replace human activities that would provide for humans very much and frequently needed general-types of repetitive services for their daily tasks and engagements. As indeed the very name of humanoid robots intensely suggests, these engagements despite being routinely self-understood by implication as necessities of daily life, their frequency and repetitiveness, alongside other necessities of distributed elements of an increasingly intelligent daily environment, impose the need for deployment of various kinds of robots. It is to be assumed that there will be middle grounds between different types of humanoid robots, depending on the strength of their field of application. Collaborative robots that are conceived and intended to work i.e., collaborate safely with humans in a joint and shared workspace will expand and develop and be applied in increasingly diverse functions and working environments. Nowadays, intelligent robots are of course widely feasible and also increasingly available, but needless to say, even in the long run they will and cannot surpass the people in their creativity, their ability to learn in their differentiation, and maybe not even manage to catch up with all human complex requirements and needs. People will understandably continue to have a firm grip on the main switch.
Greenhouse Crop Simulation Models and Microclimate Control Systems, A Review
Authors: Moin-E-Ddin Rezvani Seyed , R. Shamshiri Redmond , A. Hameed Ibrahim , Zare Abyane Hamid , Godarzi Mohsen , Momeni Davood , K. Balasundram Siva
Published: May 2021

A greenhouse is a complex environment in which various biological and non-biological phenomena occur. For simulation and prediction of the climate and plant growth changes in the greenhouse are necessary to provide mathematical models. The dynamic greenhouse climate models are classified in mechanistic and black-box models (ARX). Climatic models are mainly obtained using energy balance or computational fluid dynamics. In the energy balance models, the greenhouse climatic variables are considered uniformity and homogeneity, but in the computational fluid dynamics, the heterogeneity of the greenhouse environment can be shown by 3D simulation. Crop growth simulation models are quantitative tools based on scientific principles and mathematical relationships that can evaluate the different effects of climate, soil, water, and crop management factors on crop growth and development. In this chapter, with a review of the basics of climate models in greenhouses, the results and application of some climate dynamics models based on the energy balance as well as simulations performed with computational fluid dynamics are reviewed. A review of greenhouse growth models and functional–structural plant models (FSPM) was also conducted.
Treatment Approaches of Multiple Myeloma
Authors: Alebachew Woldu Minyahil , Mulu Fentie Atalay , Assefa Tadesse Tamrat
Published: May 2021

Multiple Myeloma (MM) is the most common malignant neoplasm of plasma cells that accumulate in bone marrow, leading to bone destruction and marrow failure. Clinical investigation of MM requires the evaluation of bone marrow for plasma cell infiltration, and detection and quantification of monoclonal protein in the serum or urine, and evidence for end-organ damage (i.e., hypercalcemia, renal insufficiency, anemia, or bone lesions). The overall goal of treatment of MM is to improve survival. The treatment landscape and clinical outcome of MM have changed in the last two decades, with an improved median survival of 8–10 years. Management of MM involves induction, consolidation, and maintenance therapy. Currently, Autologous stem cell transplant (ASCT) is considered as the standard care of treatment for newly diagnosed fit MM patients. Multiple combinations of proteasome inhibitors (PIs) and immunomodulatory drugs (IMIDs) such as Thalidomide, lenalidomide, and pomalidomide have been under evaluation in ASCT-eligible and ineligible settings, and studies are still ongoing. For patients with ASCT-eligible newly diagnosed MM, induction therapy with triple drugs should contain an IMiD, a PI, and a corticosteroid, usually lenalidomide-bortezomib-dexamethasone. For ASCT-ineligible patients on lenalidomide with dexamethasone (Rd), with addition of bortezomib or daratumumab can be considered.
Quality of Life in Patients with Skin Disease and Their Cohabitants
Authors: Montero-Vílchez Trinidad , Sánchez-Díaz Manuel , Martínez-López Antonio , Arias-Santiago Salvador
Published: May 2021

Health evaluation implies assess multidimensional aspects of a person’s development, such as physical, social, psychological, and emotional features. It is important to consider all these factors to apply a needs-oriented each patient approach. Chronic skin diseases have a great impact on quality of life, even more than other chronic conditions. For example, hidradenitis suppurativa is estimated to impair quality of life more than cardiovascular disease, lung disease or endocrine diseases. Multiple tools have been developed to measure health-related quality of life in patient, being the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) the most used. Psoriasis, hidradenitis suppurativa, acne, atopic dermatitis and hair disorders are those with the greatest impact on patients’ quality of life. Moreover, chronic skin conditions impair not only patients’ quality of life, but also cohabitants. Nevertheless, there is scarce information regarding the impact on their cohabitants. So, the objective of this chapter is to review the literature to assess the psychological and social effects of dermatological conditions both on patients and cohabitants.
Second Stage Cesarean Section
Authors: Nambiar Jayaraman , Rema Thiencherry
Published: May 2021

The incidence of second stage cesarean section is on the rise. Second stage cesarean section is associated more chances of maternal and fetal injury. Though various techniques are mentioned to deliver the fetal head in second stage cesarean section, the “pull” method is associated with lesser complications. It is important to train Obstetricians in second stage section as it needs extra skill to deliver a deeply engaged head. Judicious use of oxytocin and assisted vaginal deliveries may decrease the need for second stage cesarean section.
Promoting Resilience in the Face of Fundamental Uncertainty
Authors: Jani Anant
Published: May 2021

Complex systems at different levels (states, organisations, individuals) undergo phase transitions when faced with a sudden shock. The phase transitions are unpredictable and can lead to unstable states and also introduce a source of fundamental uncertainty about the future. In the face of this type of fundamental uncertainty, we know from pioneering work on population health that social determinants (e.g. education, employment, housing, etc.) will have a substantial influence on the ability of individuals and society to be resilient and recover from these shocks. This chapter will start with an overview of complex systems, phase transitions and the nature of fundamental uncertainty. These concepts will then be discussed in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. The importance of social determinants in promoting both mental and physical health, and thus resilience at individual and population levels, will be described and the chapter will finish with an exploration of historical and contemporary examples of means that can be used to support individual and collective resilience in the face of fundamental uncertainty.
Typo Poster
Authors: Noga Pavel
Published: May 2021

A typeface is one of the basic tools of human communication and for a long time a poster belonged to the most widespread means of mass communication. Upon the arrival of digital technologies it seemed that a poster would gradually disappear from the print media. However, it turns out that along with still more intensive everyday use of various text displays, there is also a renaissance of a traditional typeface poster and its extinction is probably not in sight yet.
Clear cell adenocarcinoma of the male urethra: clinical case report
Authors: Santos Juliana Sinezio , Mendes Gabriella Oliveira , Monteiro Fernando Sabino Marques
Published: May 2021

Primary clear cell adenocarcinoma of the urethra is a rare malignancy and most of the cases described are in women. The symptomatology is similar to other tumors of the urethra. Because it is a rare malignancy and the consequent lack of trials in the medical literature, there is no data about the most appropriate treatment for this disease. We aim to describe a clinical case of primary clear cell adenocarcinoma of the urethra in a young male patient. This is a 36-year-old male diagnosed with primary clear cell adenocarcinoma of the urethra whom underwent a surgery for localized disease and about 30 months later he had a local and systemic recurrence. He was treated with platinum-based chemotherapy and presented an excellent clinical and radiological response. Although there is no optimal treatment for this malignancy, in the case of metastatic disease, systemic platinum-based chemotherapy should be considered an appropriate option.
Prediction and optimization of surface roughness in grinding of S50C carbon steel using minimum quantity lubrication of Vietnamese peanut oil
Authors: Duong Nguyen , Dung Hoang , Canh Nguyen , Hoanh Dao , Hien Do , Nguyen Van
Published: May 2021

This experimental research aimed to build the regression model of grinding S50C carbon steel based on a Regression Optimizer. The workpiece specimens were JIS S50C carbon steel that was hardened at 52HRC. Taguchi L27 orthogonal array was performed with 5 3-levels-factors. The studied factors were combining cutting parameters, such as cutting speed, feed rate, depth of cut, and lubricant parameters, including air coolant flow rate Q and air pressure P. The results show that cutting parameters includes workpiece velocity Vw, feed rate f, and depth of cut ap, influence the most on surface roughness Ra , Root Mean Square Roughness Rq, and Mean Roughness Depth Rz. By contrast, the influence of lubrication parameters is fuzzy. Therefore, this present work focused on predicting and optimizing Ra, Rz, Rq in surface grinding of JSI S50C carbon steel using MQL of peanut oil. In this work, combining of grinding parameters and lubrication parameters were considered as input factors. The regression models of Ra , Rz, and Rq were obtained using Minitab 19 by Regression Optimizer tool, and then the multi-objective optimization problem was solved. The present findings have shown that Vietnamese vegetable peanut oil could be considered as the lubricant in the grinding process. The optimum grinding and lubricant parameters as following: the workpiece velocity Vw of 5 m/min, feed rate f of 3mm/stroke, depth of cut of 0.005mm and oil flow rate, air pressure of 91.94 ml/h, 1 MPa, respectively. Corresponding to the surface roughness Ra , Root Mean Square Roughness Rq , and Mean Roughness Depth Rz of 0.6512mm, 4.592mm, 0.8570mm, respectively.
Recensión a Iván Navas Mondaca. Deberes Negativos y Positivos en Derecho Penal. Tirant lo Blanch. Valencia. 2018. 96 páginas.
Authors: Cares Guerra David
Published: May 2021

El texto constituye una humilde recensión a la obra de Iván Navas Mondaca, titulada Deberes Negativos y Positivos en Derecho Penal, publicado por Tirant lo Blanch el año 2018.
La violencia de género y los contornos de la criminalidad por odio en la jurisprudencia sobre la agravante del art. 22.4 CP: ¿Un salto hacia lo desconocido?
Authors: Gordon Benito Iñigo
Published: May 2021

Han transcurrido algo más de cinco años desde que la violencia de género se instalara, todo indica que para quedarse, en los dominios de los delitos de odio. Este estudio sigue los primeros compases aplicativos de la agravante por motivos discriminatorios de género (art. 22.4 Criminal Code) y realiza un análisis exhaustivo de sentencias condenatorias en torno al precepto, lo que permitirá contextualizar y evaluar la operatividad que ha desplegado el «género» en comparación con el resto de categorías protegidas. Asimismo, un examen caso por caso servirá para recabar información esencial (perfil de agresor y víctima, fecha y lugar de comisión del delito, y categorías delictivas agravadas) sobre la fenomenología aplicativa de la agravante, así como para avanzar en el marco teórico de su fundamentación.A little more than five years have gone since gender-based violence was established in the realm of hate crimes, and there is every reason to believe that this will continue to be the case. This study follows the initial steps in the application of the aggravating circumstance of gender-based discrimination (art. 22.4 Criminal Code) and carries out an exhaustive analysis of convictions on the basis of that provision. This will make it possible to contextualize and evaluate the effectiveness of «gender» in comparison with other protected categories. Likewise, a case-by-case analysis will help to gather essential information (victim and offender profiles, date and place of the offence, and aggravated crime categories) on the phenomenology of the application of such aggravating factor, as well as to advance in the theoretical framework of its rationale.
El delito de caza furtiva en tiempo de veda. Comentario a la STS 3566/2020, de 3 de noviembre
Authors: Liñán Lafuente Alfredo
Published: May 2021

La Sala Segunda del Tribunal Supremo en su sentencia nº 3566/2020, de 3 de noviembre, ha concluido que la caza de una especie no protegida en temporada de veda es constitutiva de un delito del art. 335.1 CP. En el presente artículo se analiza la sentencia, el artículo 335 1. y 2 CP y se plantean las consecuencias que se pueden derivar de la interpretación la que opta el Tribunal Supremo.The Second Chamber of the Supreme Court in its judgment No. 3566/2020, of 3 November, has concluded that the hunting of an unprotected species during the season closed to hunting is always an offence under art. 335.1 CP. This article assesses the judgment and article 335.1. and 2 of the Penal Code and it raises the consequences that can stem from the interpretation chosen by the Supreme Court.
O dilema da autoridade educacional num mundo “fora dos eixos”
Authors: Petry Cleriston , Cenci Angelo Vitório
Published: May 2021

No presente artigo, apresentamos uma reflexão acerca do dilema da autoridade educacional que se estruturou num mundo “fora dos eixos”. Tal mundo, apesar disso, exige a autoridade docente para introduzir os “recém-chegados”, porque a essência da educação é a “natalidade”, isto é, o fato de os seres humanos nascerem no mundo. Porém, a crise da Modernidade é caracterizada pelo fim da Tradição e da autoridade e o problema da educação é não poder abrir mão de ambas. Assim, o problema reside no fundamento da autoridade educacional num contexto em que a autoridade chegou ao fim. O dilema se complexifica, pois a autoridade é confundida com o “autoritarismo”, oriundo das experiências totalitárias, as quais exigiam ou estimularam uma “obediência cega” por meio da violência e do terror (Arendt) e com as formas destrutivas de autoridade, como o paternalismo e a autonomia (Sennett). Argumentamos que a autoridade deve ser fundamentada na responsabilidade dos adultos pela criança e pela continuidade do mundo. Ademais, defendemos não haver educação sem transmissão, do mesmo modo que não há educação sem autoridade. A educação é uma relação geracional em que adultos introduzem os “novos” e lhes permitem experimentar o mundo e a si mesmos como novidade.
A prática pedagógica do formador do professor alfabetizador mobilizada pela pandemia nas instituições de Ensino Superior e o uso das tecnologias da informação e comunicação
Authors: Bacila Maria Sílvia
Published: May 2021

Esta investigação discute como o formador do professor alfabetizador está elaborando suas práticas no Ensino Superior frente ao período de pandemia, decorrente da infecção humana causada pelo Covid-19. O eixo epistemológico deste estudo é a Didática prática (MARTINS, 2009), o que implica em analisar a prática pedagógica não como causa e efeito, mas como um campo de determinação de causalidade complexa. A opção metodológica utilizada para compor esse estudo é de natureza qualitativa, baseada em André (2008), e teve como unidade de análise a prática pedagógica produzida na disciplina de alfabetização nos cursos de Pedagogia presenciais de Curitiba. A estratégia de coleta de informações utilizada constitui-se em entrevista (FLICK, 2009). Os dados coletados foram produzidos e analisados apoiados na análise textual discursiva, segundo Moraes e Galiazzi (2011). Os principais teóricos que sustentam a análise dessa investigação são Morin (2001), Moore (2002), Moreira e Monteiro (2012), Torres (2004), Zabalza (2014), Kenski (2010) e Camargo e Daros (2018). Foi possível depreender desse estudo a mudança da prática pedagógica dos profissionais formadores no Ensino Superior para o uso de novas tecnologias. Com a avassaladora pandemia e a imposição do ensino remoto, prevalecem dificuldades tanto por parte dos estudantes quanto dos profissionais no que tange ao uso das tecnologias educacionais para ensinar e aprender.
Museu dos Dinossauros: perspectivas da museologia social sob lentes e vozes da comunidade do entorno
Authors: Silva Maria Betânia Moreira Carvalho , Colombo Junior Pedro Donizete
Published: May 2021

Empreender uma pesquisa que aborde os temas museu e comunidade requer relacionar segmentos que são próximos, coexistem e se enriquecem mutuamente, contudo, na maioria das vezes, são percebidos e tratados de forma isolada. Esta pesquisa buscou investigar os olhares e as vozes que ecoam sobre o Museu dos Dinossauros, em Uberaba, Minas Gerais, a partir de sua comunidade do entorno. As discussões são apoiadas pela museologia social, em que se reconhece a importância da aproximação dos caminhos museológicos ao compartilhar território, diálogo, valorização e direito a memória de diferentes saberes. A pesquisa é de natureza qualitativa, apoiada nos construtos teóricos da história oral, sendo os dados organizados a partir do delineamento de duas dimensões: vertente sociocultural e o reviver memórias e, sentimento de (in)(ex)clusão e o empoderamento participativo. Dentre os resultados, destacamos a importância de vislumbrar a relação entre o museu e sua comunidade local, uma vez que os laços de pertencimento e de compartilhar território colocaram-se como essenciais para uma participação democrática do cidadão na sociedade. Sobre esse aspecto, destacamos a riqueza das histórias narradas pelas pessoas que participaram da construção do Museu dos Dinossauros, as quais lutam para não ficarem invisíveis ao espaço territorial do museu e a sua história.
Educação Histórica: o Museu e a importância da história local no ensino de História
Authors: Dos Santos Reinaldo Verde Ana Paula , Martins Elcimar Simão
Published: May 2021

Este artigo trata sobre um relato de experiência pedagógica desenvolvida por meio da disciplina História e Patrimônio, no curso de História, do Plano Nacional de Formação de Professores da Educação Básica — Parfor/Maranhão a partir da visita ao Museu de Arqueologia, Paleontologia e Etnologia, em São Luís-MA. Objetivou-se com o estudo compreender a importância da metodologia museológica para a educação histórica no ensino de História a partir da história local. Utilizou-se como referencial teórico: Barca (2011), Schmidt e Cainelli (2004), Canclini (1997), Hall (2007), Rüsen (2007), dentre outros autores para responder às questões iniciais: qual a concepção sobre cultura indígena o Museu proporciona aos visitantes? Qual a relação entre a história da cultura indígena e europeia a partir da leitura museológica? Como relacionar o ensino de História à educação museológica? A metodologia consistiu na análise bibliográfica sobre o tema, observação in loco, caderno de campo e questionário semiestruturado, que foi analisado e debatido em sala de aula. Os sujeitos participantes da pesquisa foram quatro professores/alunos indígenas do Parfor. O resultado infere que a visitação ao Museu de Arqueologia, Paleontologia e Etnologia traz significado quando é fundamentada teoricamente e contextualizada a partir da história local e da educação histórica. Conclui-se que, como estratégia metodológica, a visita ao museu, favoreceu outras leituras sobre as origens do povo brasileiro, reflexões sobre a memória histórica e valorização da história local, sendo uma possibilidade viável e necessária ao ensino de História.
Ēku siltumenerģijas patēriņa ilgtermiņa novērtēšanas metodoloģija
Authors:   , Prozuments Aleksejs
Published: May 2021

Ēku energoefektivitāte ir būtisks faktors infrastruktūras ilgtspējības nodrošināšanai. Latvijā ēku siltumenerģijas patēriņš apkurei ir 80 % no kopējā ēku energopatēriņa aukstajā gada periodā. Ēku siltumenerģijas patēriņa samazināšana, ieviešot energoefektivitātes pasākumus saistībā ar vietējiem būvnormatīviem un saistītajiem noteikumiem, var sniegt izmaksu ietaupījumus ēku īpašniekiem un ieinteresētajām pusēm. Promocijas darbā aprakstīta metodoloģija dzīvojamo, sabiedrisko un rūpniecības ēku siltumenerģijas taupības pasākumu potenciāla novērtēšanai ilgtermiņā atšķirīgos siltumenerģijas patēriņa scenārijos. Šie scenāriji izstrādāti, balstoties uz trim ēku siltumenerģijas patēriņa kritērijiem ar analītisku prognozi tuvākajiem 10 gadiem. Darbā analizēti apskatīto būvnormatīvu ieviešanas pasākumi un to ilgtermiņa tehniski ekonomiskais novērtējums, ņemot vērā siltumenerģijas taupības potenciālu.
Long-Term Assessment Methodology of Building Stock Thermal Energy Consumption
Authors:   , Prozuments Aleksejs
Published: May 2021

Energy efficiency in the building stock is a substantial contributor to infrastructure sustainability. In Latvia, buildings’ thermal energy use for space heating accounts for 80 % of total building energy use in the cold season. Therefore, reducing thermal energy consumption for space heating needs through the implementation of energy efficiency measures, enforcement of local building codes and regulations can ultimately lead to cost savings for building owners and stakeholders. The present PhD Thesis introduces a methodology for evaluation of thermal energy saving potential in the long run across residential, public, and industrial building stock under various thermal energy consumption compliance scenarios. These scenarios were developed based on three different building code protocols with a 10-year forecast analysis. Evaluation of the proposed building code implementation practices and their feasibility in Latvian building stock is discussed for these buildings with regards to their long-term thermal energy savings potential.
The projects of railway construction in Crimea and government policy in the late 1850s-1860s
Authors: Aydin Yunus Emre
Published: May 2021

This article examines the projects of railway construction of the southern railroad, which was intended to connect the central European governorates with the Black Sea ports. After the Crimean War, the government faced a pressing need for modernizing the country; and the primary role in this process was assigned to railway construction. Inconsistency in implementation of the plan for the construction of railway network, frequent adjustments in directions, changes in construction schedule were due to the shortage of financing and well-established strategy for organization of railway construction process in Russia. The Russian media paid close attention to the construction of railways in the south, stirring up interest in the problem. The article employs a wide array of archival material that allows following the steps taken by the government in implementation of the railway construction plan. Critical analysis of the publicistic articles demonstrated the public response to the changes in the direction of the southern railroad or its priority section. The novelty of this research consists in application of comprehensive approach towards examination of railway construction in Crimea. Changes in financing policy of railway construction, as well as the attraction of Russian banking and private capital, influenced the construction pace and the choice of priority section of the railway. Competition in the bureaucratic circles for receiving concessions and participation in profitable financial activities impeded the implementation of the construction plan in Crimea. Moreover, the disunity of administration along with the absence systematic policy of granting concession led to postponement of construction of the connecting section with the Sevastopol port for almost a decade.
Do wealth and inequality associate with health in a small-scale subsistence society?
Authors: Jaeggi Adrian V , Blackwell Aaron D , von Rueden Christopher , Trumble Benjamin C , Stieglitz Jonathan , Garcia Angela R , Kraft Thomas S , Beheim Bret A , Hooper Paul L , Kaplan Hillard , Gurven Michael
Published: May 2021

In high-income countries, one’s relative socio-economic position and economic inequality may affect health and well-being, arguably via psychosocial stress. We tested this in a small-scale subsistence society, the Tsimane, by associating relative household wealth (n = 871) and community-level wealth inequality (n = 40, Gini = 0.15–0.53) with a range of psychological variables, stressors, and health outcomes (depressive symptoms [n = 670], social conflicts [n = 401], non-social problems [n = 398], social support [n = 399], cortisol [n = 811], body mass index [n = 9,926], blood pressure [n = 3,195], self-rated health [n = 2523], morbidities [n = 1542]) controlling for community-average wealth, age, sex, household size, community size, and distance to markets. Wealthier people largely had better outcomes while inequality associated with more respiratory disease, a leading cause of mortality. Greater inequality and lower wealth were associated with higher blood pressure. Psychosocial factors did not mediate wealth-health associations. Thus, relative socio-economic position and inequality may affect health across diverse societies, though this is likely exacerbated in high-income countries.
Effect of stemming on text similarity for Arabic language at sentence level
Authors: Alhawarat Mohammad O. , Abdeljaber Hikmat , Hilal Anwer
Published: May 2021

Semantic Text Similarity (STS) has several and important applications in the field of Natural Language Processing (NLP). The Aim of this study is to investigate the effect of stemming on text similarity for Arabic language at sentence level. Several Arabic light and heavy stemmers as well as lemmatization algorithms are used in this study, with a total of 10 algorithms. Standard training and testing data sets are used from SemEval-2017 international workshop for Task 1, Track 1 Arabic (ar–ar). Different features are selected to study the effect of stemming on text similarity based on different similarity measures. Traditional machine learning algorithms are used such as Support Vector Machines (SVM), Stochastic Gradient Descent (SGD) and Naïve Bayesian (NB). Compared to the original text, using the stemmed and lemmatized documents in experiments achieve enhanced Pearson correlation results. The best results attained when using Arabic light Stemmer (ARLSTem) and Farasa light stemmers, Farasa and Qalsadi Lemmatizers and Tashaphyne heavy stemmer. The best enhancement was about 7.34% in Pearson correlation. In general, stemming considerably improves the performance of sentence text similarly for Arabic language. However, some stemmers make results worse than those for original text; they are Khoja heavy stemmer and AlKhalil light stemmer.
Low-diameter topic-based pub/sub overlay network construction with minimum–maximum node degree
Authors: Yumusak Semih , Layazali Sina , Oztoprak Kasim , Hassanpour Reza
Published: May 2021

In the construction of effective and scalable overlay networks, publish/subscribe (pub/sub) network designers prefer to keep the diameter and maximum node degree of the network low. However, existing algorithms are not capable of simultaneously decreasing the maximum node degree and the network diameter. To address this issue in an overlay network with various topics, we present herein a heuristic algorithm, called the constant-diameter minimum–maximum degree (CD-MAX), which decreases the maximum node degree and maintains the diameter of the overlay network at two as the highest. The proposed algorithm based on the greedy merge algorithm selects the node with the minimum number of neighbors. The output of the CD-MAX algorithm is enhanced by applying a refinement stage through the CD-MAX-Ref algorithm, which further improves the maximum node degrees. The numerical results of the algorithm simulation indicate that the CD-MAX and CD-MAX-Ref algorithms improve the maximum node-degree by up to 64% and run up to four times faster than similar algorithms.
Multi-scale analysis of the characteristics of the changing landscape of the typical mountainous region of Southwest China over the past 40 years
Authors: Liu Fang , Wang Wanbin , Wang Jinliang , Zhang Xingzi , Ren Jing , Liu Yuexiong
Published: May 2021

Context

Yunnan Province is an important ecological security barrier in China. This study investigated the temporal and spatial changes to landscape ecology and is of great significance for guiding landscape protection and future socio-economic development.

Objectives

To analyze the temporal and spatial changes of the landscape patterns at the county, river basin, and provincial levels, and clarify and describe the temporal and spatial differentiation characteristics of the landscape patterns in Yunnan Province.

Methods

Based on landscape ecology, GIS spatial analysis, and spatio-temporal change analysis, nine landscape pattern indices, and spatial autocorrelation for different years, were calculated.

Results

The landscape of Yunnan Province has evolved as a whole toward isolation. The indices of separation and fragmentation changed significantly from 2010 to 2015. From 2015 to 2018 the rate of fragmentation decreased. Fragmentation in the Nu Jiang and Irrawaddy River basins was less than in other basins. The landscape patterns of the Jinsha and Pearl River basins were relatively fragmented due to human activity, socioeconomic development, and utilization. The differences between the Lancang and Red River Basins were relatively small and at an intermediate level.

Conclusions

Spatial autocorrelation analysis indicated that there are three areas with typical clusters, namely the Hengduan Mountains where the degree of fragmentation of the landscape was low, while landscape connectivity and aggregation were high. The subtropical region of Southern Yunnan displayed high landscape heterogeneity, a complex shape index, and high connectivity and sprawl. Central Yunnan exhibited a fragmented landscape with poor connectivity and aggregation. These three regions correspond with “the three screens and two belts” in the Main Functional Planning Area of Yunnan Province.
Consequences of herbal mixture supplementation on milk performance, ruminal fermentation, and bacterial diversity in water buffaloes
Authors: Hassan Faizul , Tang Zhenhua , Ebeid Hossam M. , Li Mengwei , Peng Kaiping , Liang Xin , Yang Chengjian
Published: May 2021

This study was aimed to evaluate the potential of a herbal mixture (HM) to improve production performance, rumen fermentation, and milk fatty acid profile in water buffaloes. Sixteen Murrah buffaloes (in four groups) were fed for 10 weeks with the same basal diet supplemented with 0 (control); 20 (HM20), 30 (HM30), and 40 (HM40) g/buffalo per day. The herbal mixture contained an equal quantity of black pepper (fruit), ginger (tubers), cinnamon (bark), peppermint (leaves), ajwain (seeds) and garlic (bulbs). After two weeks of adaptation, daily milk yield, and weekly milk composition were recorded. On the last day of the experiment, rumen contents were collected to determine rumen fermentation parameters and bacterial diversity through 16S rRNA sequencing. Results revealed no effect of treatment on dry matter intake (DMI), rumen fermentation parameters, and daily milk yield. However, milk fat (%) showed a tendency to increase (p = 0.07) in HM20 as compared with the control group. A significant increase in mono and polyunsaturated fatty acids (C14:1, C16:1, C18:2n6 and C18:3) whereas a decrease in saturated fatty acids (C18:0) in milk was observed in HM20 as compared with the control group. No significant change in bacterial diversity parameters (alpha and beta diversity) was observed in response to the treatment. Despite the substantial variation observed in the relative abundance of bacteria among treatment groups, no significant effect of treatment was observed when compared with the control group. Correlation analysis revealed several positive and negative correlations of rumen bacteria with rumen volatile fatty acids (VFA) and milk yield traits. Bacterial genera including Succinivibrionaceae, Butyrivibrio, Pseudobutyrivibrio, and Lachnospiraceae showed a positive correlation with VFA and milk yield traits. Overall, we observed 52 positive and 10 negative correlations of rumen bacteria with milk fatty acid contents. Our study revealed the potential of the herbal mixture at a lower supplemental level (20 g/day) to increase milk fat (%) and unsaturated fatty acid content in buffalo.
DZNep, an inhibitor of the histone methyltransferase EZH2, suppresses hepatic fibrosis through regulating miR-199a-5p/SOCS7 pathway
Authors: Ding Rongrong , Zheng Jianming , Li Ning , Cheng Qi , Zhu Mengqi , Wang Yanbing , Zhou Xinlan , Zhang Zhanqing , Shi Guangfeng
Published: May 2021

Background

Hepatic fibrosis is a common response to chronic liver injury. Recently, the role of DZNep (a histone methyltransferase EZH2 inhibitor) in repressing pulmonary and renal fibrosis was verified. However, the potential effect of DZNep on hepatic fibrosis has not been elucidated.

Methods

The hepatic fibrosis model was established in rats treated with CCl4 and in hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) treated with TGF-β1. The liver tissues were stained with H&E and Masson’s trichrome. The expression of EZH2, SOCS7, collagen I, αSMA mRNA and miR-199-5p was assessed using qPCR, immunohistochemical or western blot analysis. A dual-luciferase reporter assay was carried out to validate the regulatory relationship of miR-199a-5p with SOCS7.

Results

The EZH2 level was increased in CCl4-treated rats and in TGF-β1-treated HSCs, whereas DZNep treatment significantly inhibited EZH2 expression. DZNep repressed hepatic fibrosis in vivo and in vitro, as evidenced by the decrease of hepatic fibrosis markers (α-SMA and Collagen I). Moreover, miR-199a-5p expression was repressed by DZNep in TGF-β1-activated HSCs. Notably, downregulation of miR-199a-5p decreased TGF-β1-induced expression of fibrosis markers. SOCS7 was identified as a direct target of miR-199a-5p. The expression of SOCS7 was decreased in TGF-β1-activated HSCs, but DZNep treatment restore d SOCS7 expression. More importantly, SOCS7 knockdown decreased the effect of DZNep on collagen I and α SMA expression in TGF-β1-activated HSCs.

Conclusions

DZNep suppresses hepatic fibrosis through regulating miR-199a-5p/SOCS7 axis, suggesting that DZNep may represent a novel treatment for fibrosis.
Oxidative stress induces cell death partially by decreasing both mRNA and protein levels of nicotinamide phosphoribosyltransferase in differentiated PC12 cells
Authors: Zhou Cuiyan , Ying Weihai
Published: May 2021

Background.

Multiple studies have indicated crucial roles of NAD+ deficiency in several neurological diseases and aging. It is critical to discover the mechanisms underlying the NAD+ deficiency. A decreased level of Nicotinamide phosphoribosyltransferase (Nampt)—an important enzyme in the salvage pathway of NAD+ synthesis—has been found under certain pathological conditions, while the mechanisms underlying the Nampt decrease are unclear. The purpose of this study is to test the hypothesis that oxidative stress can produce decreased Nampt, and to investigate the biological effects of Nampt on NAD+ synthesis and cell survival under both basal and oxidative stress conditions.

Methods.

We used differentiated PC12 cells as a cellular model to investigate the effects of oxidative stress on the levels of Nampt. Multiple assays, including flow cytometry-based cell death assays and NAD+ assays were conducted.

Results.

First, oxidative stress can decrease the levels of Nampt mRNA and Nampt protein; second, Nampt plays significant roles in NAD+ synthesis under both basal conditions and oxidative stress conditions; third, Nampt plays critical roles in cell survival under both basal conditions and oxidative stress conditions; and fourth, oxidative stress produced decreased NAD+ levels and cell survival partially by decreasing Nampt. Collectively, our study has indicated that oxidative stress is a pathological factor leading to decreased Nampt, which plays important roles in oxidative stress-produced decreases in NAD+ levels and cell survival. Our findings have indicated major roles of Nampt in maintaining NAD+ levels and cell survival under both basal and oxidative stress conditions.
DNA barcoding of Austrian snow scorpionflies (Mecoptera, Boreidae) reveals potential cryptic diversity in Boreus westwoodi
Authors: Zangl Lukas , Glatzhofer Elisabeth , Schmid Raphael , Randolf Susanne , Koblmüller Stephan
Published: May 2021

Background

Snow scorpionflies (genus Boreus) belong to a family of Mecoptera, Boreidae, that has been vastly neglected by entomological researchers due to their shift in seasonality to the winter months. Their activity during this time is regarded as a strategy for predator avoidance and regular sightings on snow fields suggest that this also facilitates dispersal. However, many aspects about snow scorpionflies, especially systematics, taxonomy, distribution of species, phylogenetics and phylogeography have remained fairly unexplored until today. In this study, we fill some of these gaps by generating a reference DNA barcode database for Austrian snow scorpionflies in the frame of the Austrian Barcode of Life initiative and by characterising morphological diversity in the study region.

Methods

Initial species assignment of all 67 specimens was based on male morphological characters previously reported to differ between Boreus species and, for females, the shape of the ovipositor. DNA barcoding of the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (COI) gene was carried out for all 67 samples and served as a basis for BIN assignment, genetic distance calculations, as well as alternative species delimitation analyses (ABGD, GMYC, bGMYC, bPTP) and a statistical parsimony network to infer phylogenetic relationships among individual samples/sampling sites.

Results

Morphological investigations suggested the presence of both Boreus hyemalis and Boreus westwoodi in Austria. DNA barcoding also separated the two species, but resulted in several divergent clades, the paraphyly of B. westwoodi in Austria, and high levels of phylogeographic structure on a small geographic scale. Even though the different molecular species delimitation methods disagreed on the exact number of species, they unequivocally suggested the presence of more than the traditionally recognized two Boreus species in Austria, thus indicating potential cryptic species within the genus Boreus in general and especially in B. westwoodi.
Monoclonal Gammopathy Presenting as Peripheral Neuropathy
Authors: Agarwal Vishaka , Rajeshwari Koukutla Soundarya , Jayakumar KT , Satish . , Somu Chetan
Published: May 2021

Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy (CIDP) is a disorder of peripheral nervous system, which presents with a long duration (eight weeks) of sensory and/or motor, symmetric/asymmetric symptoms. Aetiology ranges from infections, inflammations, autoimmune disorders, to vasculitis and malignancies. Hereby, authors report a case of a male patient who presented with complains of bilateral lower limb numbness and weakness, and bilateral upper limb numbness, since two months, which was gradually progressive. On examination, he was found to have muscle wasting in his bilateral upper limb web spaces, left anterior thigh muscle, decreased tone in bilateral upper limbs and lower limbs, decreased power in both his upper limbs distally and decreased power in both his lower limbs (distal>>proximal) was seen. Superficial reflexes were normal with bilateral plantar being equivocal. Deep tendon reflexes were absent in bilateral upper and lower limbs. Tremors of bilateral upper limbs on extension were present. Loss of vibration sense throughout, loss of joint position sense at bilateral big toe and ankle joint and foot drop of his left lower limb were noticed. A diagnosis of CIDP with underlying plasma cell disorder was made after serum electrophoresis, immune-fixation and electrodiagnostic studies. The patient was started on prednisone 60 mg once daily, discharged and advised for monthly follow-up. Diagnosis of CIDP and the underlying cause is multifactorial, which can be misdiagnosed, presenting as a challenge. Hence, a detailed clinical examination, appropriate investigations are very crucial in diagnosing and treating a case of CIDP and its underlying cause. Treatment includes glucocorticoids like prednisone, IV Ig (Intravenous Immunoglobulin), plasma exchange, treating the underlying cause.
Correlation of Pulmonary Function Tests with Anthropometry and Glycaemic Control in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus-A Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Karintholil Aiswarya Roy , Aroor Akshatha Rao , Sabu Joel , Chacko Joshua
Published: May 2021

Introduction: Diabetic patients are found to have reduced lung functions compared to their controls and their relationship with the duration of diabetes, glycaemic control, and Body Mass Index (BMI) is poorly characterised. Aim: To determine the correlation between the pulmonary function abnormalities with anthropometry, glycaemic control, and duration of diabetes in type 2 diabetic patients. Materials and Methods: A total of 80 type 2 diabetic patients were studied. BMI, Waist Circumference (WC), Waist-Hip Ratio (WHR), Fasting, postprandial blood sugar and glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA1c) were assessed from July to September 2018. Spirometry was done in accordance with the guidelines from the American Thoracic Society (ATS). Reduced pulmonary functions were defined as patients with restrictive (FEV1/FVC≥0.7 and FVC< 80% predicted) or obstructive (FEV1/FVC<0.7) impairment. Statistical analysis was done using ANOVA test and Karl Pearson Correlation coefficient. Results: The mean values of FEV1/FVC (0.8±0.08) and FVC% predicted (60.29±11.39) showed a restrictive pattern. FEF (25-75%) (r=0.241, p=0.031) and PEFR (r=0.245, p=0.029) positively correlated with duration of diabetes. BMI had a negative correlation with FVC% predicted (r=0.239, p=0.033). A negative correlation between FEV1% and Waist Circumference (WC) was observed (r=-0.232, p=0.038). HbA1c negatively correlated to FEV1/FVC (r=-0.227, p=0.043). Conclusion: Patients with type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (DM) were found to have an asymptomatic restrictive pulmonary impairment. Increased duration of diabetes, increased BMI, increased WC was associated with decreased lung functions in diabetics.
A Study of the Clinico-epidemiological Profile of COVID-19 Patients Admitted in a Tertiary Care Hospital in India
Authors: Patel Charvi , Palkar Sonali , Doke Purwa , Deshmukh Rupeshkumar
Published: May 2021

Introduction: India is the second country with the highest Coronavirus Disease-2019 (COVID-19) case burden in the world. In India, Maharashtra state has the highest number of cases. Aim: To study the clinico-epidemiological profile of COVID-19 patients admitted in a COVID-19 designated tertiary care centre in Pune, Maharashtra, India. Materials and Methods: The authors retrospectively investigated epidemiological, demographic, clinical, laboratory, radiological and treatment data of 413 Real Time-Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) confirmed COVID-19 patients from 14thApril 2020 to 30th June 2020. The data was analysed using the Mann-Whitney U test for continuous variables with non-normal distribution. Also, the multivariate logistic regression was used for analysis. Results: Among the 413 laboratory confirmed COVID-19 patients, 249 (60.29 %) were males, majority {87 (21.07%)} of the patients belonged to the age group of 51-60 years. The most common co-morbid condition found was diabetes mellitus {102 (24.69%)}. The most common symptoms were fever {185 (44.79%)} and cough {146 (35.35%)} followed by breathlessness {134 (32.45%)}. History of close contact with a confirmed COVID-19 case was present in 205 (49.64%) patients. The mean time from the onset of symptoms to hospital admission was 3.75 (SD±2.64) days. There was a strong association between increasing age and the need for intensive care. Total 63 (80.77%) out of 78 patients above 60 years of age had abnormal Chest X-Ray (CXR) findings during hospitalisation. Furthermore, the maximum number of deaths i.e., 31 patients (58.49%, n=53) occurred in the age group of more than 60 years of age. Conclusion: The findings suggest that increased value of serum Lactate Dehydrogenase (LDH) and Urea can be used as predictors for mortality rate. Patients aged more than 60 years are more prone for severe disease with Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pneumonia and this subset of patients requires urgent medical attention.