bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Index tracking strategy based on mixed-frequency financial data
Authors: Cui Xiangyu , Zhang Xuan
Published: April 2021

To obtain market average return, investment managers need to construct index tracking portfolio to replicate target index. Currently, most literatures use financial data that has homogenous frequency when constructing the index tracking portfolio. To make up for this limitation, we propose a methodology based on mixed-frequency financial data, called FACTOR-MIDAS-POET model. The proposed model can utilize the intraday return data, daily risk factors data and monthly or quarterly macro economy data, simultaneously. Meanwhile, the out-of-sample analysis demonstrates that our model can improve the tracking accuracy.
Pralidoxime improves the hemodynamics and survival of rats with peritonitis-induced sepsis
Authors: Mamadjonov Najmiddin , Jung Yong Hun , Jeung Kyung Woon , Lee Hyoung Youn , Lee Byung Kook , Youn Chun Song , Jeong In Seok , Heo Tag , Min Yong Il
Published: April 2021

Several studies have suggested that sympathetic overstimulation causes deleterious effects in septic shock. A previous study suggested that pralidoxime exerted a pressor effect through a mechanism unrelated to the sympathetic nervous system; this effect was buffered by the vasodepressor action of pralidoxime mediated through sympathoinhibition. In this study, we explored the effects of pralidoxime on hemodynamics and survival in rats with peritonitis-induced sepsis. This study consisted of two sub-studies: survival and hemodynamic studies. In the survival study, 66 rats, which survived for 10 hours after cecal ligation and puncture (CLP), randomly received saline placebo, pralidoxime, or norepinephrine treatment and were monitored for up to 24 hours. In the hemodynamic study, 44 rats were randomly assigned to sham, CLP-saline placebo, CLP-pralidoxime, or CLP-norepinephrine groups, and hemodynamic measurements were performed using a conductance catheter placed in the left ventricle. In the survival study, 6 (27.2%), 15 (68.1%), and 5 (22.7%) animals survived the entire 24-hour monitoring period in the saline, pralidoxime, and norepinephrine groups, respectively (log-rank test P = 0.006). In the hemodynamic study, pralidoxime but not norepinephrine increased end-diastolic volume (P <0.001), stroke volume (P = 0.002), cardiac output (P = 0.003), mean arterial pressure (P = 0.041), and stroke work (P <0.001). The pressor effect of norepinephrine was short-lived, such that by 60 minutes after the initiation of norepinephrine infusion, it no longer had any significant effect on mean arterial pressure. In addition, norepinephrine significantly increased heart rate (P <0.001) and the ratio of arterial elastance to ventricular end-systolic elastance (P = 0.010), but pralidoxime did not. In conclusion, pralidoxime improved the hemodynamics and 24-hour survival rate in rats with peritonitis-induced sepsis, but norepinephrine did not.
Plasmodium falciparum malaria drives epigenetic reprogramming of human monocytes toward a regulatory phenotype
Authors: Guha Rajan , Mathioudaki Anna , Doumbo Safiatou , Doumtabe Didier , Skinner Jeff , Arora Gunjan , Siddiqui Shafiuddin , Li Shanping , Kayentao Kassoum , Ongoiba Aissata , Zaugg Judith , Traore Boubacar , Crompton Peter D.
Published: April 2021

In malaria-naïve children and adults, Plasmodium falciparum-infected red blood cells (Pf-iRBCs) trigger fever and other symptoms of systemic inflammation. However, in endemic areas where individuals experience repeated Pf infections over many years, the risk of Pf-iRBC-triggered inflammatory symptoms decreases with cumulative Pf exposure. The molecular mechanisms underlying these clinical observations remain unclear. Age-stratified analyses of uninfected, asymptomatic Malian individuals before the malaria season revealed that monocytes of adults produced lower levels of inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF) in response to Pf-iRBC stimulation compared to monocytes of Malian children and malaria-naïve U.S. adults. Moreover, monocytes of Malian children produced lower levels of IL-1β and IL-6 following Pf-iRBC stimulation compared to 4–6-month-old infants. Accordingly, monocytes of Malian adults produced more IL-10 and expressed higher levels of the regulatory molecules CD163, CD206, Arginase-1 and TGM2. These observations were recapitulated in an in vitro system of monocyte to macrophage differentiation wherein macrophages re-exposed to Pf-iRBCs exhibited attenuated inflammatory cytokine responses and a corresponding decrease in the epigenetic marker of active gene transcription, H3K4me3, at inflammatory cytokine gene loci. Together these data indicate that Pf induces epigenetic reprogramming of monocytes/macrophages toward a regulatory phenotype that attenuates inflammatory responses during subsequent Pf exposure.

Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01322581.
Experiments in ownership: Immaterial labour and social property
Authors: Jakovljević Branislav
Published: April 2021

Abstract

In Yugoslavia, the social ownership of property was the driving force of self-management. At the same time, it was supposed to become the promoter of the free association of workers. Using the institution of ‘free artist’ as its focal point, this article
analyses the forms of socialization that socially ownership of property made possible, and argues that artists’ groups were the true militants of self-management in Yugoslavia.
A young precarity or an old self-management
Authors: Vujanović Ana
Published: April 2021

Abstract

The title Precarity or Self-Management provokes me. On the one hand, I can agree that self-management is a way out of precarity, while on the other, this raises the questions of which precarity, whose precarity, which self-management and for whom. Since the
temporalities of these two notions are divergent, I feel like time-traveling while staying in one spot the spot where precarity and self-management are bound together by the curatorial gesture of Maska. My metaphor here is predicated on a thesis that in order to analyse the art and
the phenomena in art today, one needs to situate them in a twofold social process: one of its streams consists of the economization of politics and the other of the politicization of production. Within the present article I invite the reader to situate both the precarity and the self-management
today within that process, as a default condition of making and doing art in neo-liberal capitalist and democratic society. The same goes for many other social practices, such as mass media, the film industry, professional sports, clubbing, education, tourism, etc.
Precarity, self-organization and the life of artists
Authors: Kunst Bojana
Published: April 2021

Abstract

In the text I examine how can the feminist history of addressing the social reproduction add to the discussions about the contemporary precarity of artists. It can help us to disclose another notion of the life of the artist, which is a multiple, dependent life,
embodied, situated, and disproportionate, deeply entangled with the social reproduction of life. The art field is full of symptoms of contemporary world and is therefore a field of inequality, power dynamics, subjugated to the economy of growth and continuous development. In this sense, the
discourse on precarity has to be more situated and entangled with the situations of working, living, speaking, and imagining. Here, intersectional feminist approaches are very good examples of the situated ethical relationality. Such relationality opens art as a mode of living and an inhabiting
of the world, where equality, existence, and survival are part of the bodily and poetic imagination.
A tagállamok és az Európai Unió költségvetése : A nettó egyenleget előtérbe helyező szemlélet
Authors:   , Iván Anna
Published: April 2021

Az értekezés hipotézise, hogy a tagállamok minél előnyösebb nettó egyenlegre összpontosító szemléletétől nem várható elmozdulás. A jelenség mögött ugyanis nagyszámú magyarázó tényező húzódik meg, amelyek kellő okot szolgáltatnak a tagállamoknak arra, hogy a jövőben is az általuk elérhető nettó egyenleget helyezzék a középpontba a közös költségvetés megítélésekor. Elmondható továbbá, hogy a szemlélet mögött meghúzódó okok egy része átfedi, ezáltal erősíti egymást. A hipotézis bizonyítása leíró-elemző megközelítést alkalmazva történik. Elsőként ismertetem a téma tárgyalásához szükséges alapfogalmakat és definíciókat; a gyakorlati elemek mellett történeti elemzéseket is végzek a költségvetési rendszerre jellemző útvonalfüggőség miatt. Ezt követően bemutatom a tagállami nettó egyenleg lehetséges kiszámítási módjait, majd ismertetem, hogy milyen jellegzetességeket figyelhetünk meg a nettó befizető és a nettó kedvezményezett országok egyenlegének alakulásában. Nagy hangsúlyt fektetek arra, hogy ismertessem, mely tagállamok voltak az egyes szakpolitikák kiemelt haszonélvezői. Ezt követően részletesen elemzem, hogy a jelenleg használt költségvetési egyenleg miért problematikus mutató, miért nem tekinthető akár csak megközelítőleg jó mérőszámnak a tagállamok által élvezett fiskális előnyökre. A fentiekre alapozva megvizsgálom, hogy milyen okokkal magyarázható a tagállamok nettó egyenlegre összpontosító szemlélete. Számos gazdasági, politikai, valamint történeti okot azonosítok, majd elemzem, hogy a szóban forgó jelenségek hogyan járultak hozzá a nettó pozíciós szemlélet felerősödéséhez.
Morphological rearrangement of the metabolic link of the microcirculatory bed of guinea pigs lungs after sensitization with ovalbumin
Authors: Popko S. S.
Published: April 2021

The reaction of the lung microvessels is an urgent issue of morphology and medicine in general, as well as one of the insufficiently investigated points in the study of morphological changes in chronic allergic diseases of the respiratory system.

The aim is to study the morphological changes in the vessels of the metabolic link of the microcirculation in the lungs of guinea pigs sensitized with ovalbumin.

Materials and methods. We have studied the lungs of 48 guinea pigs, using histological and morphometric methods, under conditions of experimental ovalbumin-induced allergic inflammation, simulated by three-time subcutaneous sensitization and subsequent 8-day intranasal inhalation of ovalbumin. To estimate the structural and functional state of capillaries, the inner diameter of the vessels was determined.

Results. A general regularity in the reactivity of the hemomicrocirculatory bed of guinea pig lungs in experimental ovalbumin-induced allergic inflammation was established, which consists in a significant structural and functional restructuring of the exchange vessels of the microcirculatory bed. Dysfunction of the capillaries endothelium is manifested by a change of vasodilatation to vasospasm, as evidenced by morphometric changes in the diameter of the capillaries lumen in the experimental groups, and an increase in the permeability of the capillaries wall, which is confirmed by edema and disorganization of the connective tissue component.

Conclusions. Allergic inflammation leads to structural and functional reorganization of the metabolic link of the hemomicrocirculatory bed of guinea pig lungs, which has a multidirectional staging character depending on the duration of the experiment and is a manifestation of a violation of the compensatory-adaptive processes of hemomicrocirculation. The most pronounced changes in the form of a decrease in the diameter of the lumen of the blood capillaries of the lungs of guinea pigs by 23 % compared to the control are observed during the late period of the development of the allergic inflammatory process.
Measles in Zaporizhzhia: in the footsteps of the last epidemic
Authors: Polishchuk N. M. , Kolycheva N. L. , Krupiei K. S. , Bukina Yu. V. , Kolerova M. Ye.
Published: April 2021

In 2017–2019 in Ukraine, including the Zaporizhzhia region, a strong rise in the incidence of measles was recorded. A retrospective analysis of the incidence in the Zaporizhzhia region during this outbreak allows us to identify the main problems in the system of epidemiological surveillance to predict future possible consequences.

The aim of the work is to perform a comparative analysis of measles incidence in the Zaporizhzhia region with the data obtained in the period from 2015 to 2020 according to the epidemiological criteria.

Materials and methods. The annual reports of 2015–2020 provided by the Department of Epidemiological Research of the Zaporizhzhia Regional Laboratory Center of the Ministry of Health of Ukraine were used as materials for the retrospective epidemiological analysis of measles incidence in Zaporizhzhia region. Statistical analysis of the data was carried out according to epidemiological characteristics: age distribution, the residence of patients in urban or rural areas. Commonly used statistical methods used in medicine were used to evaluate the obtained results.

Results. It is concluded that in the Zaporizhzhia region during 2015 only 2 cases of measles were detected for children, and in 2016 no measles were registered in the region at all. In 2017–2019 1.433 measles patients were identified in the Zaporizhzhia region, of which 68 % were adults and 32 % were children. The lowest detection rate of measles was registered among rural residents. Insufficient vaccination coverage of the population has become a significant reason for the spread of measles among residents of the Zaporizhzhia region. In 2020 no cases of measles have been registered in the Zaporizhzhia region.

Conclusions. The prevalence of incidence rate among adults attests to the fact that today measles can not be considered only a childhood disease. The deficiency of an immune layer, both among adults and children, contributed to the rapid spread of the disease. Mandatory vaccination of children and the introduction of additional vaccination of adults, optimizing the system of epidemiological surveillance for measles, including continuous monitoring of vaccination, is the main mechanism for combating this disease.
Genesis of the national pharmaceutical legislation on the territory of modern Ukraine between IX and early XX centuries: historical and legal aspects
Authors: Aleksieiev O. H.
Published: April 2021

The aim of the paper is to elucidate the genesis and early development of the national pharmaceutical legislation on the territory of modern Ukraine between IX and early XX centuries taking into account historical and legal aspects.

Materials and methods. The research was carried out with the use of methods of analysis and synthesis, as well as historical, and comparative and legal methods.

Results. The regulation of relations that arose during the production or sale of medical drugs has always been subject to the close attention of the state, even before pharmacy became separated frommedicine. This attitude is explained primarily by the public perception of drugs as a means of possible harm to health and life-threatening.

The issue of legal regulation of pharmaceutical activities should be studied from the standpoint of linguistic analysis of this term, since the Greek word pharmacon means medicine or poison. Realizing this, different countries and their institutions at different historical stages of their existence have always tried to define the legal framework of the pharmaceutical business – to outline its powers, competence and responsibility.

Conclusions. The results of the historical and legal analysis show that the issue of proper suply of the population (or, at different historical stages, its separate strata) has always been under the close attention of the state. State bodies have always been paid special attention to the quality of medicines and professional training of pharmaceutical workers.
HAVUÇ CİPSİNDE İDEAL ÜRETİM PARAMETRELERİNİN BELİRLENMESİ
Authors: AKBALIK Sabri , ORAL Rasim , DAĞDELEN Adnan Fatih , ALKIN Emine , UĞUR Nagihan , DAVARCI Bayram , KARATAŞ Ayşe Binnur , SAĞLAM Mehmet
Published: April 2021

Bu çalışmanın amacı havucun, alternatif bir çerez gıda olarak kullanılabilme olanaklarının araştırılmasıdır. Bunun için havuçların 3 farklı kalınlıkta (1, 1.5 ve 2 mm) kesilip 100 °C’de 3 farklı sürede (4, 5 ve 6 dk) kurutulması sonrası kızgın yağda 3 farklı sıcaklık (170, 180 ve 190 °C) ve sürede (2, 2.5 ve 3 dk) kızartılması ile 81 farklı havuç cipsi üretilmiştir. Tüm numuneler duyusal özellikleri (görünüş, çıtırlık, lezzet, genel) yönünden değerlendirilip en yüksek puanı alan 10 numunede bazı analizler (tekstür, renk, kuru madde, su aktivitesi ve yağ) yapılmıştır. Değerlendirme sonucunda; 1.5 mm kalınlıkta dilimlenip, 100°C’de 4 dk kurutma sonrası 180°C’de 2 dk kızartılmış H/1.5/4/180/2 kodlu numunenin en uygun değerlere sahip olduğu tespit edilmiştir. Bu numunede ilave analizler (vitamin A ve C, beta-karoten, toplam şeker, diyet lif, protein, kül ve tuz) ile içeriği detaylı olarak belirlenmiştir.
Grand Ducal ambitions and Venetian counter-intelligence. The Tuscan failure in the 1607 attack on Cyprus.
Authors: Davide Trentacoste
Published: April 2021

In June 1607, a Tuscan fleet of about twenty ships and two thousand two hundred men attacked the fortress of Famagusta in Cyprus, with the aim of making it the base for the subsequent occupation of the whole island, which had been in Ottoman hands since 1570. The attack was a total failure: the Tuscan fleet, divided into two parts, did not meet as planned and the Greek inhabitants of the island, who according to Tuscan information should have rebelled, did not. Moreover, the Ottoman garrison was aware of the attack, which meant that the attempt at a surprise attack was in vain. It is clear that, excluding the logistical problem of the fleet meeting up, the enterprise’s lack of success was due to a total inadequacy of what we today would call “intelligence”. The information in Tuscans’ hands did not turn out to be completely correct and they were unable to keep the planned operation secret. However, by contrast, the Venetian intelligence was able to manage the information in its possession in a more cautious way, taking advantage of the situation effectively. Through this case study, the article aims to follow the scholarship on information-gathering in the Early Modern Mediterranean world, showing, once again, how important and extensive such networks were. The aim of this short study, which is based largely on archival documentation, is not to deal with the Tuscan raid on the island, but to identify the faults of the Tuscan “intelligence” that led to the misfortunate attack. Moreover, through the analysis of the documents, it is also possible to add some elements to the knowledge about the Tuscan Grand Duke’s Levantine network.
“El que murió cuando nacía”. Reloj de un infante perfecto: Carlos de Austria (1607-1632) en los elogios fúnebres
Authors: Duchesne Marion
Published: April 2021

Si bien falleció antes de alcanzar fama, el infante Carlos de Austria (1607-1632) fue celebrado universalmente por los ingenios de su época. Tanta consideración sorprende —sobre todo si se toma en cuenta la poca atención que le dedicó la historiografía— e invita a examinar los panegíricos fúnebres que elogiaron su memoria. Estos publican un modelo de conducta del Infante de Castilla —entre apoyo a las ideas  conceptualizadas bajo el régimen de Olivares y a veces tenue crítica a las mismas— a la vez que esbozan el perfil biográfico de la más discreta de las personas reales que vivió bajo el reinado de Felipe IV.
Some important elements of soil-water relationship in managing oil palms planted on acid sulfate soils
Authors: Pupathy UT , Sabrina T , Paramananthan S , Abdullah Rosazlin
Published: April 2021

Oil palms (Elaeis guineensis) are generally able to grow economically and feasibly on various soil types, mostly in tropical countries. However, oil palms planted on acid sulfate soils were producing lesser Fresh Fruit Bunches (FFB) as compared to those on non-acid sulfate soils. The poor performance of oil palms planted on acid sulfate was mainly attributed to the presence of excess sulfates, which limits the FFB yields and vegetative growth.1 Generally, acid sulfate soils have significant amounts of free and absorbed sulfate. Jarosite generally occurs as pale yellow mottles along old root channels and on ped faces in acid sulfate soils. pH in these horizon is less than 4.0.2,3 These soils often are also high in Aluminium (Al), Al saturation and often with phosphorus (P) fixation capacity. These acid sulfate soils are known for having poor values for organic matter, bases, cation exchange capacity, water retention, water holding capacity and microbial activity, which contributes towards their low soil fertility and hence limitations in soil productivity. Of these limitations, Al toxicity and excess sulfates are two major constraints to FFB yields in oil palms. The important relationship of soil and water for managing a sustainable productivity of oil palms on acid sulfate soil are discussed in details in this paper.
Assessment of water quality bounamoussa river in el tarf region using water quality index (Algeria)
Authors: Zaoui Lilia
Published: April 2021

Water quality is an important standard in matching water require and contribute. Abundant degree of freshwater is prominent for biological requirements and is a vital surface of incorporated environmental managing and sustainable development. The quality of water indices evaluation enterprise particular value which reduce the immense quantity of parameters and simply characterize data. The aim objective of the present study is to assess the suitability of surface water of Bounamoussa River situated in El-Tarf city located in the Algerian's extreme northeast, for drinking purpose based on calculated water quality index standards. Per methodology, WQI is a significant parameter to check the quality of water, and its calculation was carried out by using relations given in the water quality index computation which twelve selected parameters (pH, EC,TH, Ca, Mg, Na, K, Cl, NH4, SO4, NO2, NO3) have been considered, which were measured at nine stations along the river during two sampling campaigns (winter and summer seasons). The results showed that the computed WQI values of Bounamoussa River surface water extend from 32,80 to 65,77 with an average 46,76 in winter and fluctuate from 35,86 to 97,46 with an average of 47,25 in summer, in general, the study region in both seasons is under excellent to good category. Water from almost all the sampled sites can be careful as suitable for drinking purposes. It’s recommended to continue monitoring the water of this ecosystem to facilitate the establishment at all levels to supervise and defend the natural resources of the region.
Return to neptunism: review article
Authors: Golubchikov Yu N
Published: April 2021

The article tries to revive the traditions of neptunizm. The neptunist Cuvier believed that «the fossil is the key to the past. The past is characterized by a radical break with the present, perhaps it even proceeded according to another physical laws. This is evidenced by the fossils. With the modern action of physical forces, all the deceased remnants decompose. Fossils could have formed during catastrophically rapid burial with reliable isolation from oxygen. The present is the key to the past according to the lawyer Lyell. The past is like the present. It contains an incredible amount of time and years. All processes were going with the same energy as they do now and were not overshadowed by any gigantic disaster. Lyell's statements entered science under the name of the principle of actualism. He gave a paradigmal form not only to the earth sciences, but to all of science, and formed the basis of the evolutionary doctrine. The fundamental dogma of randomness of both natural and all historical processes is the basis of modern scientific ideology. This randomness has no purpose and cannot have. Nevertheless, paradoxically, it predetermines the evolutionary progress of all things. With the appearance of the anthropic principle the teleologism regains its completeness and direction. The anthropic principle is teleological. Since the entire Universe and the biosphere are attuned to human nature, the more such attunement can be expected from earthly nature. There are opportunities for harmonizing human with natural landscapes for health-improving purposes. Nothing was known about the subtlest adjustment of the Universe for humans, or about the incredible complexity of the biosphere even 50-70 years ago. The universe could be explained by evolution and actualism. The discovered incredible complexity of the world brings religion and science closer together. A catastrophic and probably anti-random picture of the planet's history is emerging more and more clear. In this light, the power of science is seen again not in confrontation with religion, but in harmonization with it.
A Randomized, Prospective Study to Compare the Efficacy and Safety of Omega-3 Fatty Acids as Additional Therapy to Methotrexate versus Methotrexate Monotherapy in the Management of Moderate to Severe Plaque Psoriasis
Authors: Bedwal Ankita , Rajarathna Kavitha , T.N. Revathi
Published: April 2021

Psoriasis is a chronic, inflammatory, hyperproliferative, immune-mediated skin disorder, having a prevalence of 0.44-2.8% in India. Methotrexate is a widely used systemic regimen for moderate to severe psoriasis. Supplementation of omega-3 fatty acids has decreased the severity of the disease in some studies. This study aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of omega-3 fatty acids as an add-on to methotrexate versus methotrexate monotherapy in patients with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis. A total of 40 patients with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis were recruited in the study and randomized into two groups of 20 patients each. Group O received omega-3 fatty acids as add-on to methotrexate and Group M received methotrexate monotherapy. Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI), Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI), Physician’s Global Assessment (PGA) were assessed at baseline, 4 weeks, 8 weeks and 12 weeks of treatment. The adverse events were assessed throughout the study period. There was a significant decrease in PASI and DLQI scores from baseline to end of 12 weeks in both groups (p<0.001) but the difference between the two groups was not significant (p>0.05). A higher number of patients had a PGA score of 0 or 1 at the end of 12 weeks in Group O (60%) as compared to Group M (40%) but the difference between the groups was not significant (p=0.34). The treatment was well tolerated in both the groups, with most common adverse events being nausea, diarrhea and epigastric pain. This study showed that the treatment in both the groups was equally effective in decreasing the severity of psoriasis and was well tolerated.
Actividad electromiográfica de los músculos del cuádriceps asociado a las diferentes posiciones del pie: un estudio piloto
Authors: Lima Costa Loures Poliana , Pereira Santos Francielle , Monteiro Luiz Gustavo , Duarte Rocha da Silva Cintia Campolina , Fernandes da Silva Sandro
Published: April 2021

El fortalecimiento de los músculos del cuádriceps femoral (CF) es importante debido a su función en el movimiento. La posición de la articulación puede generar cambios en el reclutamiento muscular. De esa forma el presente estudio tiene como objetivo verificar si variaciones en las posiciones del pie durante la extensión de las rodillas son eficaces para la selección específica de los músculos recto femoral, vasto lateral y vasto medial, que componen el CF. Once mujeres universitarias (edad 22.36 ± 3.56 años) participaron del estudio. Fue evaluada la activación de los músculos a través de la electromiografía de superficie, con una configuración bipolar, en 3 series de 10 repeticiones máximas (RM) de extensión bilateral de rodilla, en tres posiciones de los pies: neutra, rotación interna y rotación externa. Los resultados no presentaron diferencias significativas entre los músculos del CF en todas las posiciones del pie. En conclusión, los resultados del presente estudio sugieren que las variaciones en los grados de rotación de los pies durante la extensión de las rodillas no son eficaces para la selección específica de los músculos que componen el CF.
Productivity and feed quality of Sudan grass (Sorghum sudanense (Piper) Stapf.) and sweet sorghum forms
Authors: Enchev S.
Published: April 2021

Abstract. During the period 2017-2018, the feed quality and productivity of three Sudan grass varieties – Endje 1, Vercors and Super Sweet, one stabilized Sudan grass population – SWT, local sweet sorghum – „Zaharna metla“ population and the sweet sorghum cultivar “Shumensko sladko” were researched in Agricultural Institute – Shumen. Green mass (t/ha), dry matter (%) and dry mass production (%) as well as basic nutritional characteristics by the two swaths of the tested cultivars in brooming phase were controlled. It was found that the sweet sorghum cultivar “Shumensko sladko” gave the highest amount of green mass – 59.5 t/ha by two swaths, and the dry mass yield was the highest from the cultivar Endje 1 – 20.8 t/ha. In terms of chemical composition, the greatest variation was demonstrated in phosphorus content (0.369-0.696%, CV=27.3%), followed by crude fat (1.28-2.39%, CV=26.8%), Ca (0.889-1.572%, CV=21.8%), crude protein (6.05-9.00%, CV=14.6%), nitrogen free extracts (42.05-51.20%, CV=7.6%), crude fiber (32.64-39.26%, CV=6.1%) and mineral substances (8.17-9.61%, CV=5.9%). It can be summarized that all hybrids provide quality hay, however the Bulgarian cultivars Endje 1 and “Shumensko sladko” showed the best nutritional value – compared to Super Sweet, Vercors, SWT and “Zaharna metla”.
Main parameters of essential oil of two species from genus Pelargonium, cultivated in laboratory conditions
Authors: Badzhelova V.
Published: April 2021

Abstract. The objective of this study is to determine the quantity and parameters of the obtained essential oil of two species from genus Pelargonium (Pelargonium graveolens L’Her. and Pelargonium radens H.E.Moor) in Bulgaria. This research was conducted using the microdistillation method and gas chromatography. As a result significant difference in the quantity of obtained essential oils has been found and the number of the main components and the ratio of the dominant ingredients have been determined. In general, they represent the main part of the oils – from 45.23 % in Pelargonium radens to 47.60 % in Pelargonium graveolens, respectively. The highest is the content of citronellol+nerol in both species, 38.88 % for Pelargonium radens and 37.97 % for Pelargonium graveolens.
Economic values of productive and functional traits in sheep of Bulgarian dairy synthetic population
Authors: Slavova S. , Laleva S.
Published: April 2021

Abstract: The subject of the current research was to calculate profitability and economic values of production and functional traits in sheep of Bulgarian dairy synthetic population, reared at the Agricultural Institute – Stara Zagora. The study period was 7 years (2010-2016) and the average annual number of ewes in the flock was 188. The semi-intensive production system practised involved winter indoor lambing and summer grazing on pasture. Data were processed using the Program for calculating economic weights for sheep EWSH2. Profit and profitability in the flock had negative values – (-52.70 BGN) and -19.3%. Marginal economic values of the most important traits in dairy sheep – milk production and number of lambs born per ewe were estimated to 0.707 BGN per liter and 65.40 BGN per lamb, respectively. Litter size, milk yield, conception rate of ewes and ewe lambs and productive lifetime of ewes showed the highest economic importance. A very low economic weight was calculated for the wool production due to the market prices of wool. Conception rate of female animals and productive lifetime of ewes need to be more thoroughly investigated, as they are not currently an object of selection in dairy sheep breeding. Achieving competitive and economically sustainable productive systems in sheep farming is associated with a constant desire to increase the economic value of animals.
METHOD OF SPECTRAL CLUSTERING OF PAYMENTS AND RAW MATERIALS SUPPLY FOR THE COMPLIANCE AUDIT PLANNING
Authors: Neskorodieva Т. V. , Fedorov E. E.
Published: April 2021

Context. The analytical procedures used in the audit are currently based on data mining techniques. The work solves the problem of increasing the efficiency and effectiveness of analytical audit procedures by clustering based on spectral decomposition. The object of the research is the process of auditing the compliance of payment and supply sequences for raw materials.

Objective. The aim of the work is to increase the effectiveness and efficiency of the audit due to the method of spectral clustering of sequences of payment and supply of raw materials while automating procedures for checking their compliance.

Method. The vectors of features are generated for the objects of the sequences of payment and supply of raw materials, which are then used in the proposed method. The created method improves the traditional spectral clustering method by automatically determining the number of clusters based on the explained and sample variance rule; automatic determination of the scale parameter based on local scaling (the rule of K-nearest neighbors is used); resistance to noise and random outliers by replacing the k-means method with a modified PAM method, i.e. replacing centroid clustering with medoid clustering. As in the traditional approach, the data can be sparse, and the clusters can have different shapes and sizes. The characteristics of evaluating the quality of spectral clustering are selected.

Results. The proposed spectral clustering method was implemented in the MATLAB package. The results obtained made it possible to study the dependence of the parameter values on the quality of clustering.

Conclusions. The experiments carried out have confirmed the efficiency of the proposed method and allow us to recommend it for practical use in solving audit problems. Prospects for further research may lie in the creation of intelligent parallel and distributed computer systems for general and special purposes, which use the proposed method for segmentation, machine learning and pattern recognition tasks.
MATHEMATICAL MODELS PRODUCTIVITY OF CLUSTER SYSTEM BASED ON RASPBERRY PI 3B+
Authors: Babchuk S. M. , Humeniuk Т. V. , Romaniv I. T.
Published: April 2021

Context. High-performance computing systems are needed to solve many scientific problems and to work with complex applied problems. Previously, real parallel data processing was supported only by supercomputers, which are very limited and difficult to access. Currently, one way to solve this problem is to build small, cheap clusters based on single-board computers Raspberry Pi.

Objective. The goal of the work is the creation of a complex criterion for the efficiency of the cluster system, which could properly characterize the operation of such a system and find the dependences of the performance of the cluster system based on Raspberry Pi 3B+ on the number of boards in it with different cooling systems.

Method. It is offered to apply in the analysis of small cluster computer systems the complex criterion of efficiency of work of cluster system which will consider the general productivity of cluster computer system, productivity of one computing element in cluster computer system, electricity consumption by cluster system, electricity consumption per one computing element, the cost of calculating 1 Gflops cluster computer system, the total cost of the cluster computer system.

Results. The developed complex criterion of cluster system efficiency was used to create an experimental cluster system based on single-board computers Raspberry Pi 3B+. Mathematical models of the dependence of the performance of a small cluster system based on single-board computers Raspberry Pi 3B+ depending on the number of boards in it with different cooling systems have also been developed.

Conclusions. The conducted experiments confirmed the expediency of using the developed complex criterion of efficiency of the cluster system and allow to recommend it for use in practice when creating small cluster systems. Prospects for further research are to determine the weights of the constituent elements of the complex criterion of efficiency of the cluster system, as well as in the experimental study of the proposed weights.
Road characteristic study of a high modulus road concrete mix with various additives
Authors: Guangcong Ni , Uglova Evgeniya
Published: April 2021

To develop recommendations for the high-modulus additives use in road concrete mix for pavement, in this work were considered two high-modulus additives: PR Module and PR PLASTS. A comparative analysis of the viscoelastic properties, characteristics at high and low temperatures, and the water-resistance of a high-modulus road concrete mix and a regular road concrete mix AS-20 was performed. In the scope of the study were performed tests to determine the dynamic elasticity modulus, wheel track rutting, three-point bending, and freeze-thawing stability. The various additives’ influence on the high-modulus road concrete mix road characteristics were analyzed in detail. The results show that high modulus additives can significantly improve the road concrete mix’s high-temperature stability without compromising the resistance to low-temperature cracking. The asphalt concrete’s high viscosity with the high modulus additives introduction can, to a certain extent, improve the water-resistance and fatigue characteristics of the mixture, while the effect of the PR PLASTS additive is more significant.
Scanning laser vibrometry of the dynamic rundown and out-of-plane vibration for MEMS
Authors: Heaton Mark , Zavdoveev Anatoliy , McMillan Norman
Published: April 2021

The microelectromechanical system (MEMS) turbine examined for dynamic rundown and rotary vibration in this paper was the first using axial airflow for low air pressure response and high output. The effect of friction on device performance was measured from the dynamic rundown in revolutions per minute due to bearing friction and planar/non-planar rotor vibration. These tests showed that the scanning laser vibrometer is indeed suited to testing the microturbine. Plots were generated and built up to show the magnitude of the vibration at different points. Here the authors show that the scanning laser vibrometer is capable of making the required rundown and planar/non-planar measurements under non-standard conditions. Measuring the planar/non-planar vibration of the rotor is difficult on the microscale but is essential if one wishes to provide feedback to the design-to-fabrication process and improve device efficiency. The results of the presented work represent scientific activities in MEMS and are useful not only for physicists but also for industrial application.
Amplitude-dependent hysteresis of wave velocity in rocks n wide frequency range: an experimental study
Authors: Mashinskii E. I.
Published: April 2021

This research belongs to the field of rock physics. In recent years, in solid state physics and materials science, new knowledge has emerged about microplastic strain of various materials, including rocks. These data were obtained using high-precision micro- and nanoscale strain measurements. The very fact of the existence of the poorly studied rock property in the earth sciences requires the study of the possible influence of the rock microplasticity on the propagation of seismic and acoustic waves. The studies were carried out using three alternative methods and under different observation conditions. The field measurements were carried out in the zone of low velocities in crosshole space with transmitted waves of frequency of 240–850 Hz. The laboratory measurements were carried out on sandstone samples with transmitted (6.8 kHz) and reflected (1 MHz) waves at the strain of 10−8–10−6. The manifestations of microplasticity were recorded using high-resolution recording of signals with discretization time tdiscret = 1 μs – 40 μs and 32.5 ns. The wave amplitude variation was provided in a closed cycle: discrete increasing the amplitude from minimum to maximum and return to the initial value (A1+ → A2+ → … Amax … → А2– → A1–). In this amplitude range, an amplitude hysteresis was observed, a sign of which was the inequality of wave velocities on the upward and downward amplitude courses. This effect was recorded for all three measurement methods at different frequencies. However, the amplitude hysteresis of the wave velocity was not observed only in the measurements at full water saturation of loam. The largest amplitude-dependent change in the wave velocity reached 2% (at the accuracy of 0.02%), and the change in the attenuation value amounted to 5%. The reason for this effect could be microplastic inelasticity, which manifested itself by amplitude plateaus located within the waveform. The amplitude microhysteresis forms overall picture of the amplitude dependence of the wave velocity in wide amplitude range. Proposals for the potential use of the obtained data for solving some applied problems have been presented.
Throughputs of two cohorts of dental students at Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University: A comparison.
Authors: Mthethwa Sibusiso R , Nyalunga Phabian M , Gugushe Tshepo S
Published: April 2021

INTRODUCTION: The numbers of student dentists enrolled at dental schools across the country do not give an indication of the students' progress to degree. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To describe and compare the throughputs of dentistry course for two cohorts of students at Sefako Makgatho Health Science University. The progress to degree of the 2005 and 2010 cohorts of first year dental students was tracked and compared. DESIGN: A comparative cross-sectional study. METHODS: Academic records of the 2005 and 2010 cohorts of first year dental students were followed up over a five-year period. Data related to the demographic characteristics, numbers enrolled, numbers who dropped out, and the numbers who graduated were acquired and then captured in Microsoft Excel software. RESULTS: Female students constituted the majority of enrolees in both cohorts (53.8% vs. 51.3%). The proportions of students who started the course, completed the degree and graduated within the regulation time among the 2005 and 2010 cohorts were similar (42.1% vs. 41.2%. A lone student among the 2010 cohort dropped out of the course. The majority of students (57.9% vs. 55.9%) in both cohorts took longer to qualify. CONCLUSIONS: The throughputs of dentistry course for the two cohorts hovered around 40%.
Prof Mervyn Shear ... a towering presence in Oral Pathology
Authors: Meer Shabnum
Published: April 2021

Professor Mervyn Shear made immense contributions to the discipline of Oral Pathology and indeed was the founder of the speciality in South Africa, holding the first Chair of Oral Pathology in the country. He graduated BDS from Wits in 1964, Neil to MDS (Oral Pathology) in 1961 and to the FRC (Pathology) from the Royal College of Pathologists in 1965. His passion for the discipline motivated his determination that Oral Pathology should be affiliated to Anatomical Pathology, a relationship which has ensured maximum exposure for South African registrars in Oral Pathology.
Non-gynaecological issues in women with bleeding disorders
Authors: Biguzzi Eugenia , Dougall Alison , Romero-Lux Olivia
Published: April 2021

Iron deficiency/anaemia and periodontal disease are among the non-gynaecological issues that may present a challenge in women with bleeding disorders. Anaemia is a global health problem, affecting around 32.5% of non-pregnant women aged under 50 and over 40% of pregnant women. It causes fatigue, shortness of breath and dizziness. Anaemia is usually diagnosed by a low serum level of ferritin. Ferritin may be normal in a person who is taking an iron supplement or in the presence of inflammation, in which case the diagnosis can be confirmed by a low transferrin saturation level. A low level of iron should be corrected in a woman with a bleeding disorder, and women must recognise the importance of doing so. If a healthy diet alone does not avoid iron deficiency, oral supplementation is indicated on a low dose regimen to reduce adverse effects; intravenous administration should be used when rapid restoration of iron is indicated. Failure to respond to iron supplementation is an indication for further investigation. Periodontal disease has only recently been recognised as a modern-day epidemic and can have a major impact on quality of life. Oral health has long been ignored in people with a bleeding disorder as bleeding gums secondary to periodontitis are often attributed to the underlying condition. People with a bleeding disorder may therefore feel they can do nothing to improve their oral health. However, healthy gums do not bleed, even in people with a bleeding disorder. While bleeding gums are often accepted as a consequence of having a bleeding disorder, effective cleaning has been shown to reduce gingivitis and bleeding. Regular contact with a dentist should start at a young age and continue throughout life.
COVID-19’lu anneden doğan yenidoğanın bakımı
Authors: SANDAL Gonca , ÇETİN Hasan
Published: April 2021

Küresel COVID ‐ 19 salgını, genel popülasyonda yüksek bulaşıcılık, morbidite ve mortalite oranlarıyla ilişkilendirilmiştir. Mevcut kanıtlar, yeni doğmuş bir bebeğin annesinden COVID-19 kapma riskinin özellikle anne yenidoğanın bakımı öncesinde ve sırasında yayılmayı önlemek için (maske takmak ve ellerini yıkamak gibi) adımlar attığında düşük olduğunu göstermektedir. Anneler ve yenidoğan bebekleri arasında vertikal geçişle ilgili yeterli kanıt yoktur. Bununla birlikte, annelerden veya diğer bakım verenlerden doğumdan sonra bulaş olabilir. Mevcut verilere dayanarak, hem COVID-19'lu anne hem de bebeği için morbidite ve mortalite risklerini azaltmaya yönelik uzun süreli ten-tene temas, erken ve anne sütüyle besleme en iyi stratejiler olmaya devam etmektedir.

The global COVID-19 pandemic has been associated with high rates of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) transmission, morbidity and mortality in the general population. Current evidence suggests that the risk of a newborn getting COVID-19 from their mother is low, especially when the mother takes steps (such as wearing a mask and her washing hands) to prevent spread before and during care of the newborn. There is currently insufficient evidence to suggest vertical transmission between mothers and their newborn infants. However, transmission can happen after birth from mothers or other carers. Based on the currently available data, prolonged skin-to-skin contact and early and exclusive breastfeeding remain the best strategies to reduce the risks of morbidity and mortality for both the mother with COVID-19 and her baby.
Çocuklarda COVID-19 Tedavisinde Antiviral İlaçlar
Authors: SALMAN Hakan , KÖŞKER Muhammet
Published: April 2021

Çocuklarda COVID-19 tedavisi ile ilgili kabul edilmiş net bir protokol yoktur. Aynı zamanda erişkinler gibi nazofarengeal polimeraz zincir reaksiyon (PCR) testi pozitif her çocuk da tedavi endikasyonu oluşturmamaktadır. Çocukların altta yatan risk faktörleri, şikayetleri, fizik muayene bulguları ve laboratuvar değerlerine göre tedaviye karar verilmektedir. İlaçların gelişebilecek istenmeyen etkileri de tedaviye karar vermede önemlidir. Çocuklarda ana tedavi protokolünü destek tedavisi oluşturmaktadır. Antiviral tedavi gerekliliğine hastalık ciddiyeti, klinik seyir ve önceden mevcut risk faktörlerinin varlığı gibi durumlar belirlenerek literatür eşliğinde karar verilmelidir.