bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ellipticity of Rayleigh waves recorded in the Midwest
Authors: Sexton John L. , Rudman A. J. , Mead Judson
Published: September 2021

Measurements of ellipticity of Rayleigh waves recorded in the U.S. Midwest have been examined for azimuth dependence, effects of interference, and repeatability, as well as the hypothesis that a single station may be used to determine local structure. Time- and frequency-domain analyses were performed for each event, with more consistent results from the time-domain method. Results indicate that for the period range of 10 to 50 sec, ellipticity depends primarily upon local structure and does not exhibit significant azimuthal dependence. Most ellipticity values for a given period are repeatable within 5 per cent of other measured values from all source regions, with the greatest deviation being about 10 per cent. The cause of the deviations is attributed to interfering waves and/or poor signal-to-noise ratios. Interference effects result in scatter in ellipticity values. An ellipticity peak in the period range of 18 to 22 sec has variable magnitude for different events, depending upon the amount of interference present and the signal-to-noise ratio. Interference effects also manifest themselves as sharp decreases in group-velocity observations even after filtering. Model studies show that ellipticity peaks can exist, which are due to the layered structure and not necessarily to interference effects. Ellipticity measurements (10- to 50-sec-period range) from a single station are useful for determination of a crustal model for the vicinity of the recording station, but should be used in conjunction with other available geophysical and geological data. Ellipticity measurements are shown to be of special value for model determination in areas with sedimentary layering, a result in agreement with the Boore-Toksöz 1969) study.
The display-equalized filter for frequency-time analysis
Authors: Nyman Douglas C. , Landisman Mark
Published: September 2021

Frequency-time analysis (FTAN) results are usually presented as an array of amplitude values associated with discrete intervals group velocity and log period. The display-equalized filter, a modified form of the Gaussian frequency-time filter, produces amplitude estimates for which the frequency-time “averaging region” is of approximately constant shape, although varying in size, throughout the display. The shape of the averaging region can be adjusted to permit greater frequency resolution, with a corresponding loss of time resolution, and vice versa. An improved time-variable filter effectively utilizes the optimum frequency-time resolution of the Gaussian filter.
Restrictions on Sports Economic Activities Related to Counteracting COVID-19 – a Few Comments Regarding the Regulation of the Council of Ministers of 21 December 2020
Authors: Ginszt Jakub
Published: September 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic has forced the public authorities to undertake numerous actions to counteract the spread of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Protection of life and health has required the introduction of legally effective mechanisms that interfered with constitutional freedoms, including the freedom of economic activity. Restrictions and bans aimed at combating the epidemic were introduced in 2020 in the form of regulations issued on the basis of the Act of 5 December 2008 on preventing and combating infections and infectious diseases in humans, amended for the purposes of combating COVID-19. Its provisions gave the Council of Ministers the power to introduce temporary restrictions in carrying out specific scopes of economic activity. The frequently changed wording of the regulations resulted in interpretation difficulties in determining the scope of the restrictions. Justified doubts have been raised concerning the provisions of the Regulation of the Council of Ministers of 21 December 2020 on the establishment of certain restrictions, orders and bans in connection with the occurrence of an epidemic, relating to sports economic activities. The scope of the legal provisions differs significantly from the communications of the representatives of the Council of Ministers. The purpose of this article is to establish the actual scope of the restrictions on the conduct of sports facilities, established at the end of 2020.
Legal Framework of Wildlife Protection on the Area of Natura 2000 (Emerald Network) on Wind Energy Site: Case of Ukraine
Authors: Sushyk Olha
Published: September 2021

This article provides a comprehensive overview of European law and Ukrainian national law in the field of wildlife protection on special conservation areas on wind farm siting. In the first part, the EU law on renewable energy and some national regulations of the EU countries was examined. The focus was on legal regulation of impact of wind farms special on nature in Natura 2000 sites. In addition, attention was paid to procedural steps that must be applied to plans and projects that are likely to have a significant effect on a Natura 2000 site. The second part of the paper discusses legal issues of wildlife protection on the area of Emerald Network (Natura 2000) on wind energy sites according to the Ukrainian national law. The author argues that Ukraine has various laws which regulate wind farm siting with requiring the environmental impact assessment and strategic environmental assessment as a legal instrument of wildlife protection. Further, specific environmental wildlife protection laws in Ukraine were indicated, which prohibit economic activities in special protected areas. Wildlife protection in wind farm sites in Polonyna Borzhava (Emerald Network) was also discussed in more detail.
Tasks of the Municipality in the Field of Humane Protection of Animals
Authors: Habuda Adam
Published: September 2021

The article is of a scientific and research nature, and the author’s conclusions and thoughts are based on the interpretation of legal provisions and the achievements of the legal doctrine. The tasks of the municipality aimed at providing care and humane protection of animals were examined. The material foundations of the study are legal institutions provided by the Animal Protection Act. Three such institutions were distinguished: the homeless animal care program, the decision to temporarily collect the animal away, and the decision to keep dogs of breeds considered aggressive. The text analyzes the legal nature of the commune’s tasks in this sphere and the legal implementation forms of these tasks, and highlights some ambiguous legal issues.
The The initial process of creating a guide to evaluate the usability in Virtual Learning Environments
Authors: Agredo Delgado Vanessa
Published: September 2021

The usability evaluation includes a method set to analyze the system use quality in different development life cycle stages, for which there are a wide variety of evaluation methods (EM), each method uses certain ways and techniques to measure different aspects. Its choice does not only depend on which answer you are looking for but on multiple factors, the problem arises when looking for which of the existing EM are appropriate to assess the Virtual Learning Environments (VLE) usability, considering that there aren´t a combination methods or specific evaluation methods for this type of software to obtained a complete, consistent evaluation and considering factors such as effectiveness, efficiency, satisfaction, reasonable times, among others, this is why the following question arises: Which existing usability EMs are appropriate to apply on VLEs? This paper focuses on showing the initial process before the construction of the guide obtained from the EM combination that allows the usability evaluation in VLE. Process that was carried out, initially, with a bibliographic analysis about the usability EM of interactive systems existing and a comparison among them, where the first combination version was obtained, with this version, a metrics set was defined that will be applied to the VLE object of study and will allow selecting the useful methods to assess usability in this context. The result of the application of these metrics will be the combination of usability EM to form the VLE evaluation guide in upcoming research.
Desarrollo de películas biodegradables usando zeolitas impregnadas con plata
Authors: Granda Morocho Ofelia Alexandra , Guaya Caraguay Diana Elizabeth
Published: September 2021

The type X Faujasite Zeolite was synthesized using the hydrothermal method, modified by ion-exchange using silver, whose mineralogical characterization was made using X-ray Diffraction (XRD). Films were made with white carrot starch (Arracacia xanthorrhiza), cassava starch (Manihot esculenta), glycerol, polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), zeolite faujasite type X at different concentrations of silver (0,00 %, 0,05 %, 0,10 %, 0,25 % and 0,5 %) and distilled water, using the casting method. In the films, thickness, density, water absorption, biodegradable capacity were analyzed. The white carrot starch films had thickness ​​of 0.254 mm. The density in the polymers ranges from 1,20 g / ml to 1,35 g / ml, with cassava and white carrot starch films falling into this range. Biodegradable films with a higher percentage of silver showed greater water absorption capacity. In addition, the organoleptic properties and weight loss were analyzed in food that contains a high percentage of moisture such as fresh cheese and ground beef, which were wrapped with the films that presented the best results.
Cultural Competency Activities
Authors: Coleman Jeffrey , Holloman Darryl , Turner-Harper Melanie , Wan Christina
Published: September 2021

This study examines the impact of a cultural center on students’ views and perceptions of their own cultural competency learning and ability to manage their college experience at a large metropolitan university. This exploratory analysis highlights the views of ten students who frequently engaged with a cultural center. Emerging themes include: (a) how students at a metropolitan university defined cultural competence; (b) challenges, difficulties, and problems participants experienced interacting with people from other cultures (e.g. nationality, ethnicity); and (c) successful interactions participants experienced with people from other cultures. Findings and discussion from this study suggest: (a) identity, exposure, and critical awareness; (b) navigating and negotiating conflict; and (c) engaging cultural resources are the skills students develop, through experiences with a cultural center, that impact their ability to manage their college experience. This project studied a culturally mixed group of students using personal experiences, interviews, and focus group discussions to describe meaningful and defining moments. This study and its findings are noteworthy because there is little research in this subject area. All participants were frank, cooperative, and candid throughout the process. They offered insights and shared information regarding cultural competency at Metropolitan University (MU).
Analgesic Activities of Ethanolic and Methanolic Extract of Ganitri Leaves (Elaeocarpus ganitrus Roxb): In vivo study
Authors: Kiromah Naelaz Zukhruf Wakhidatul , Miyarso Chondrosuro , Krisdiyanti Yayu
Published: September 2021

Pain is a feeling of discomfort caused by intense or destructive stimuli, which can affect your daily routine if left untreated. Pain can be treated with an analgesic. One of the plants that are considered to have analgesic effects is the leaves of the ganitri. This research aims to determine ethanol and methanol extracts' impact on decreasing analgesic activity and percent protection. The study began with collecting and processing the leaves of the ganitri into the ethanol and methanol extracts using the maceration method. The research was continued with in vivo analgesic activity testing of 24 mice induced by pain using 1% acetic acid. The induced mice were divided into eight treatment groups, where the mice in the first group served as a negative control group. In that group, they were given CMC at a dose of 0.5%. The second group was positive control, given mefenamic acid at a dose of 500 mg/kg BW. In contrast, the third until eighth groups were given ethanol and methanolic extracts of the ganitri leaves with consecutive doses of 100 mg/kg BW, 200 mg/kg BW dan 400 mg/kg BW. Parameters measuring the effectiveness of the extracts used in this study included the amount of stretching, the percentage of analgesic power, and analgesic effectiveness. The results showed that the ethanolic and methanolic extract had the highest percentage of analgesic power at 400 mg/Kg BW amounted to 91,3% and 88,3%. Furthermore, based on the statistical analysis results using ANOVA, it was found that the ethanol and methanolic extracts of the leaves of the ganitri dosage of 400 mg/Kg BW had analgesic activity close to 500 mg/kg BW of mefenamic acid.
Formulation and Optimization of Furosemide Snedds With Variation Concentration of Tween 80 and PEG 400
Authors: Nandita Sesilia Putri , Kuncahyo Ilham , Harjanti Reslely
Published: September 2021

Furosemide is a potent diuretic drug that has low bioavailability. Furosemide can be formulated into nanoemulsion preparations using the SNEDDS method to increase its bioavailability as SNEDDS can form stable nanoemulsions with droplet sizes 200 nm. This study aims to identify the optimum formula for variations in the concentration of surfactant Tween 80 and cosurfactant PEG 400 based on the characterization tests of emulsification time, percent transmittance, and drug loading. The independent variables used in this study were Tween 80 and PEG 400. Seven furosemide SNEDDS formulas from the Simplex Lattice Design (SLD) method were tested for characterization in the form of emulsification time, percent transmittance, and drug loading. The characterization results were optimized using Simplex Lattice Design. The optimum formula was re-characterized, including emulsification time, percent transmittance, drug loading, particle size, zeta potential, and in vitro dissolution. The results were then compared with theoretical values and analyzed using the One-Sample T-test method. Optimization results showed Tween of 61.4922% and PEG 400 of 18.5078% with the characterization of emulsification time 15.25 seconds, percentage transmittance 94.20%, drug loading 50 100.2 ppm, particle size 12.18 nm. Furthermore, the zeta potential was -17.6 mV, and the in vitro dissolution rate reached 106.71% within 15 minutes.
Nominalization and Its Role in the Formation of Noun Phrase in Japanese
Authors: Faquire Razaul Karim
Published: September 2021

This study sheds light on the yields of nominalization and their role in the formation of Noun Phrases in Japanese in an envisaged framework which considers nominalization to be a morphosyntactic process. Nominalization operates on the linguistic constituent to transform it into a derivative/transformed constituent. It brings forth derivative nouns by operating on the words other than nouns involving the process of derivation as well as action nominal constituent and nominal clause respectively involving the simultaneous process of desententialization and transformation, and the process of reduction of clausal properties from a finite clause. It fundamentally differs from the prevalent nominalizer approach, which derives bound-noun-headed nominals by juxtaposition of a dependent constituent with the nominalizers, e.g. no and koto. The derivative noun, bound-noun-headed constituent, action nominal constituent as well as nominal clause together form a grammatical category called nominals, which partake both as the head or the adnominal in the formation of NP involving certain grammatical rules.
Effectiveness of Clove Nano Biopesticides Against Mosaic Virus in Patchouli
Authors: Noveriza Rita , Mardiningsih Tri Lestari , Nefri John , Riffiah Siti
Published: September 2021

Clove oil has the potential to suppress the development of the mosaic virus in patchouli plants, but its effectiveness in the field has not been studied. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of clove nano biopesticide on controlling patchouli mosaic disease. The research was conducted at the Manoko Experimental Garden, Bandung, West Java from March to November 2018. The patchouli used was Patchoulina-2 variety, which originated from the Seed Breeder Garden in Lembang, Bandung.  This study was arranged in a Randomized Block Design (RBD), consisting of five treatments and ten replications within each treatment, with one hundred plants in each replication. The results obtained showed that nano biopesticides of citronella, clove, and commercial citronella (Asimbo) were able to reduce the incidence and intensity of mosaic diseases in patchouli plants, showing the efficacy levels of 14.68%, 9.06%, and 5.83%, respectively. The application of citronella and clove biopesticides on Patchoulina-2 every month could increase plant fresh weight, when compared to the plants without treatment. Patchoulina-2 plants treated with nano biopesticides of clove and commercial citronella (Asimbo) showed higher value of fresh weight compared to those treated with citronella nano biopesticide. The clove nano biopesticide can also be developed to control mosaic diseases in patchouli plants.
An immediate implant placement technique to rehabilitate multi-rooted teeth by pre-extraction interradicular implant bed preparation using remaining roots as a guide: A case presentation
Authors: Singh Ronauk , Sandhu H S , Singh Saumyendra V.
Published: September 2021

The introduction of osseointegrated implants have revolutionized the art and science of modern dentistry giving a new lease of life to the restorative aspects in day-to-day practice. Immediate loading (IL) of dental implants can significantly decrease treatment time and thus increase patient acceptance. IL of dental implants has recently gained popularity due to several factors including reduced trauma as well as aesthetic and psychological benefits to the patient. The present case report describes the immediate replacement of partially edentulous maxilla using Nobel Active™ implant. It describes about the diagnosis, treatment planning and procedures involving the placement of single tooth immediate implant followed by uneventful healing.
Devil’s trumpet poisoning: A case report
Authors: Bakkannavar Shankar M , Kidiyoor Yajnesh , Saravu Kavitha , James Ranjit Immanuel
Published: September 2021

Datura is a common plant in India that grows abundantly in the wild across the country. The common names of datura plant are Jimson weed, Stinkweed, Devil’s trumpet, Mad apple and Thorn apple etc. It is considered as a deliriant poison. Very few cases of intentional poisoning with Datura are reported in the literature. But accidental poisonings are though rare but not uncommon.

Hereby we present a case of 37 years old male, who got poisoned by datura accidentally, following which he developed giddiness and was brought to our hospital. The diagnosis and treatment of the datura poisoning will be discussed.
Instrumentadores quirúrgicos como segundas víctimas en un hospital académico de Buenos Aires
Authors: Roson Pablo , Rocabado Claudia Maria , Franco Juan Victor Ariel , Garegnani Luis Ignacio , Barraza Ana Daniela , Benitez Florencia Edith
Published: September 2021

Introducción: un gran porcentaje del personal de salud se ve implicado en algún momento de su vida profesional en un evento adverso. Es decir, el paciente sufre un daño de manera no intencional por parte del equipo de salud y esto no solo afecta al paciente y su entorno, sino también a los profesionales implicados a quienes nos referiremos como “segundas víctimas”. La imposibilidad de la segunda víctima de superar el evento traumático puede acarrear importantes consecuencias en la salud de los profesionales y aumentar las oportunidades de que vuelva a ocurrir un episodio. Objetivo: explorar las perspectivas de instrumentadores quirúrgicos identificados como segundas víctimas. Metodología: se utilizó una metodología cualitativa exploratoria de estudio de casos mediante entrevistas semiestructuradas a instrumentadores quirúrgicos del Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires identificados como segundas víctimas. Se realizó un análisis de contenido con base en los ejes temáticos de investigaciones previas. Resultados: se entrevistó a tres instrumentadoras que estuvieron involucradas en eventos adversos de diferente gravedad. Explorando los principales ejes temáticos, las participantes refirieron sentimientos de angustia y culpa tras los eventos remarcando la importancia de recibir apoyo tanto del círculo cercano como de la institución para sobreponerse. También señalaron los problemas en la comunicación y la falta de apego a las normas de procedimiento como algunos de los causantes principales de los eventos. Coincidieron en la tendencia de los equipos médicos a ocultar los eventos. Refirieron haber recibido un adecuado apoyo por parte de sus pares en una primera instancia y por parte del Comité de Seguridad del hospital posteriormente, con poca articulación con el área de recursos humanos. Conclusiones: el estudio revela la importancia de la implementación efectiva de las normas de procedimiento y protocolos de seguridad en la prevención de los eventos adversos, así como también el rol fundamental que ocupa la institución sanitaria en la contención de las segundas víctimas luego del incidente.
Rice farmers’ technical efficiency under abiotic stresses in Bangladesh
Authors: Siddique Md. Abu Bakr , Sarkar Md. Abdur Rouf , Rahman Mohammad Chhiddikur , Chowdhury Afroza , Rahman Md Shajedur , Deb Limon
Published: September 2021

This study was an attempt to investigate the economic performance of stress tolerant rice varieties in different abiotic stress prone areas (submergence, drought, and salinity) of Bangladesh. The study used production frontier approach to measure the technical efficiency at the farm level. Benefit-cost analysis revealed that farmers in all stress environments obtained positive margin on cash cost basis and the profit became negative on full cost basis in all environments with exception for submergence. That means rice production was marginally benefited to farmers in all the stress environments. Farm specific technical efficiency of all stress environments indicated that large farmers were comparatively more efficient due to their economic solvency as they could apply adequate amount of inputs in due time with proper doses. Inefficiency model indicated that farm size, farmers ‘education, households’ size, farming experience, extension contact, and main occupation of the farmers, were the important factors causing variations in the efficiency. However, BRRI released stress tolerant rice varieties had significant positive impact on technical efficiency. Plausible policies have been recommended according to the study outcomes.
Analysis of Household Food Security Policy: Case of Food Security Village Programme, Indonesia
Authors: Rusliyadi Muhamad , Jamil Azaharaini Bin Hj Mohd , Kumalasari Ratna Tri
Published: September 2021

The study analyses a food self-sufficiency village programme (DMP programme) at household level in the Central Java province of Indonesia. The data of the DMP programme was collected through unstructured and semi-structured questionnaires and focus-group discussions. The survey was conducted in four villages, each consisting of 100 samples based on a purposive and clustered sampling technique. The study compares the implication between indicators before and after the policy. It was found that the impact of the DMP programme on the villages was positive. The level of poverty in each village has been significantly reduced by 8-40% after the introduction of the programme. The composite food security analysis at the household level shows the positive impacts of the programme.
Some Rural Attractions which Attract Tourists
Authors: Chi Shu-Yi , Huang Biing-Wen , Luo Han Xing
Published: September 2021

Developing rural tourism is a comprehensive strategy for improving the rural economy. The Structure Equation Model (SEM) approach was applied to test how attraction and experiential values of a rural region affect the tourists’ satisfaction and their decision to revisit. After interviewing 353 tourists during their trip to Hakka County, Miaoli, Taiwan, the new finding of this study is that rural life and culture are more attractive than rural scenery to tourists. This implies a strong preference for tourists to experience agricultural knowledge and engage with rural life and farming work. Furthermore, the experiential response generated from the indirect mediation effect of satisfaction had a significant effect, supporting the concept that satisfaction brings additional experiential values to the intentions of tourists to revisit and thus creates more revisit opportunities to those tour sites.
Implication of Technology on Economic Progress of Farmers: A Case of India
Authors: Pabalkar Vanishree , Moray Rashmy
Published: September 2021

This paper stresses the implication that technology has an important role in the economic progress of farmers. Analysis through the structural equation modelling reveals that technology has a high impact on a significant portion of the rural areas. With 150 respondents from the Osmanabad district of the state of Maharashtra this study focusses on two major reasons for adoption of agro technology. The initial schedule contained 116 items on various dimensions of self-motivation, external influences, social development, economic development, economic progress, health, and behavioral aspects. 90 items were retained. Since it is a multivariable study, confirmatory factor analysis and Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) are used in this study for data analysis in addition to parametric statistical tools. SPSS (20.0) and AMOS has been used for the same. It has been found that there is a correlation between technology and economic progress of farmers and that health consciousness has increased and the behavioral pattern has changed among farmers in rural areas.
Does Corporate Governance Affect Financial Performance: A Study of Select Indian Banks
Authors: Handa Rekha
Published: September 2021

Need of corporate governance in present times is intense especially when the global instances of corporate failures and mismanagement are many. The eminence and uniqueness of banking firms necessitates the need of rational corporate governance practices more so with the added emphasis of Basel Committee on Banking Supervision. The study attempts to examine the role of board structures in the financial performance of select banks over a time span of 2008-15 in India where banking and governance both have hogged the limelight sadly for not very pleasant reasons. Analyzing a small sample of 70 firm entries through panel regression, the study establishes Chairman-CEO duality, average remuneration of directors, board committees and female directors as significant influencers of bank performance. Certain limitations of the study though challenge the generalization of results but it forms a good basis for further research.
Asymmetric Effects of Chinas Monetary Policy on the Stock Market: Evidence from a Nonlinear VAR Mode
Authors: Sun Yunpeng , Wang Xueying
Published: September 2021

This study uses Markov switching vector autoregression (MS-VAR) model to explore the asymmetric effects of China’s monetary policy on the stock market in the bull market and the bear market. With China’s economy in a rapid development, China’s stock market as the main representative of the virtual economy has attracted large assets. Since 1990 to the present, China’s stock market has experienced several times states’ change between the bull market and bear market. The results indicate that China’s quantity-based direct instrument and price-based indirect instrument have asymmetric effects on the stock market in the bull market and the bear market. Moreover, the relationship between China’s economy and stock market exist a degree of dichotomy. Furthermore, China’s monetary policy has stronger effects on the bull market than the bear market.
Enhancing Market Orientation of Cocoa Farmers through Farmer Business Schools: The Ghana Cocobod Experience
Authors: Tham-Agyekum Enoch Kwame , Okorley Ernest Laryea , Kwarteng Joseph , Bakang John-Eudes Andivi , Nimoh Fred
Published: September 2021

The study sought to ascertain how the Farmer Business School (FBS) introduced in 2012 by the Ghana Cocoa Board as an extension approach makes the Ghanaian cocoa farmer more business and entrepreneurially minded. The research methods included using the descriptive survey and multi-stage sampling techniques to cover the six cocoa regions and 600 cocoa farmers. The 600 cocoa farmers selected were made up of 230 non-participants and 370 participants of the FBS. In terms of competency, the results showed that FBS participants had greater knowledge, a more positive attitude, and better skills than non-participants. In terms of market orientation, FBS participants were more competitor oriented, had less intelligence generation, were less market responsive, had less intelligence dissemination, had more customer emphasis, and had more interfunctional coordination than non-participants. The market orientation of cocoa farmers can be enhanced by provision of relevant practical experience for attitudinal change.
Apoptosis Induction with Combined Use of Cisplatin and Fisetin in Cisplatin- Resistant Ovarian Cancer Cells (A2780)
Authors: Jafarzadeh Samira , Baharara Javad , Tehranipour Maryam
Published: September 2021

Background: Ovarian cancer is the leading cause of death caused by genital cancers. One of the most common treatments for this type of cancer is chemotherapy by cisplatin, which induces apoptosis in cancer cells. Apoptosis is a type of physiological cell death. Cisplatin chemotherapy usually has several side effects and cellular resistance to cisplatin is a common incidence. In order to overcome these problems, the use of combination therapies using natural substances has been considered. Fisetin is a flavonoid with anti-cancer activity which induces apoptosis. In this study, the apoptosis induced by cisplatin along with Fisetin in cisplatin-resistant ovarian cancer cell line (A2780) was investigated.
Methods: In the present experimental study, the effect of combined use of Fisetin and cisplatin on ovarian cancer cell lines (A2780) was investigated by using MTT assay. Cell death was also determined by DAPI, acridine orange/propidium iodide, and Annexin/PI assay. Apoptotic gene expression of Bax, BCL-2, caspase 3, and caspase 9 was also assessed by real time PCR.
Results: The results of MTT assay indicated that the combined treatment of Fisetin and cisplatin effectively inhibits proliferation of A2780 cells. The results of DAPI staining showed that fragmentation of chromatin in cells occurred in the combined treatment. Acridine orange-propidium iodide staining and Annexin/PI staining showed an increase in the rate of apoptotic cells in cells under combined treatment. The results of the study regarding changes in gene expression also indicated that Bax pro-apoptotic gene expression and BCL-2 anti-apoptotic gene expression increased in cells under treatment; moreover, gene expression of caspases 3 and 9 significantly increased as well.
Conclusion: According to the findings of this study, the combined use of cisplatin and Fisetin increases the induction of apoptosis in cisplatin-resistant ovarian cancer cells (A2780); therefore, the combined use of cisplatin and Fisetin can be considered a promising strategy in the treatment of ovarian cancer.
Production of PEGylated GCSF from Non-classical Inclusion Bodies Expressed in Escherichia coli
Authors: Thi My Trinh Nguyen , Linh Thuoc Tran , Thi Phuong Thao Dang
Published: September 2021

Background: The recombinant human granulocyte colony stimulating factor con-jugated with polyethylene glycol (PEGylated GCSF) has currently been used as an efficient drug for the treatment of neutropenia caused by chemotherapy due to its long circulating half-life. Previous studies showed that Granulocyte Colony Stimula-ting Factor (GCSF) could be expressed as non-classical Inclusion Bodies (ncIBs), which contained likely correctly folded GCSF inside at low temperature. Therefore, in this study, a simple process was developed to produce PEGylated GCSF from ncIBs.
Methods: BL21 (DE3)/pET-GCSF cells were cultured in the LiFlus GX 1.5 L bioreactor and the expression of GCSF was induced by adding 0.5 mM IPTG. After 24 hr of fermentation, cells were collected, resuspended, and disrupted. The insoluble fraction was obtained from cell lysates and dissolved in 0.1% N-lauroylsarcosine solution. The presence and structure of dissolved GCSF were verified using SDS-PAGE, Native-PAGE, and RP-HPLC analyses. The dissolved GCSF was directly used for the con-jugation with 5 kDa PEG. The PEGylated GCSF was purified using two purification steps, including anion exchange chromatography and gel filtration chromatography.
Results: PEGylated GCSF was obtained with high purity (~97%) and was finally demonstrated as a form containing one GCSF molecule and one 5 kDa PEG molecule (monoPEG-GCSF).
Conclusion: These results clearly indicate that the process developed in this study might be a potential and practical approach to produce PEGylated GCSF from ncIBs expressed in Escherichia coli (E. coli).
Evaluation of miR-222 Expression in HBV Infected Patients in Comparison with HDV and HBV Co-infected Patients
Authors: Sokhanvar Zahra , Elikaei Ameneh , Sharifi Zohreh
Published: September 2021

Background: Liver disease is more severe in HDV+HBV co-infected patients than HBV infected patients which seems to be related to differences in the expression of genes and other factors such as MicroRNAs (miRNAs). The aim of this study was to investigate miR-222 expression in HBV infected patients in comparison with HDV+HBV co-infected patients.
Methods: First, total RNA was extracted from the serum samples and then, complementary DNA (cDNA) was produced using cDNA synthesis kit. Finally, miR-222 gene expression was measured using U6 as the internal control by quantitative PCR (qPCR).
Results: The level of miR-222 expression in HDV+HBV co-infected samples was significantly up regulated. The fold change of the miR-222 expression between two groups was 3.3 (95% CI; 0.011- 17.63) with p<0.001.
Conclusion: The expression of miR-222 was higher in HBV+HDV co-infected patients than HBV infected patients. Further studies should be conducted to confirm whether miR-222 can be a biomarker for prognosis of severe liver diseases.
The Potential Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Zerumbone in COVID-19 Patients
Authors: Dehghan Razieh , Soheilifar Mohammad Hasan , Azizi Jalilian Farid , Najafi Rezvan , Amini Razieh
Published: September 2021

The article's abstract is not available.
The effects of gallic acid and metformin on male reproductive dysfunction in diabetic mice induced by methylglyoxal: An experimental study
Authors: Behdarvand-Margha Zeinab , Ahangarpour Akram , Shahraki Mohammadreza , Komeili Gholamreza , Khorsandi Layasadat
Published: September 2021

Background: Diabetes mellitus is a disease that has reached a dangerous point. Today, nearly 500 million men and women around the world live with diabetes. Gallic acid (Gal) affects diabetes.
Objective: To evaluate the effects of Gal and metformin (met) on the levels of glucose, insulin, testosterone, luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), sperm count, antioxidant status, and histological changes in the testes of diabetic mice induced by methylglyoxal (MGO).
Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, 50 male adult NMRI mice, weighting 25-30 gr, aged 3-4 months were randomly divided into five equal groups (n = 10/each). (i) Control (vehicle, normal saline), (ii) MGO (600 mg/kg/d) orally for 28 days, (iii) Gal (50 mg/kg/d), (iv) MGO+Gal, and (v) MGO+met (200 mg/kg/d). Gal and met were administered orally for 21 consecutive days after the induction of diabetes. Blood samples were taken at 24 hr after the latest doses of treatment. Histological assessment of the testis was done, and the epididymis sperm count was obtained. Antioxidant indices, glucose, insulin, LH, FSH, and testosterone levels were measured.
Results: In the MGO group compared to the control group, insulin, glucose (p = 0.001), LH (p = 0.04) and malondialdehyde (p = 0.001) were increased. However, the level of testosterone (p = 0.001), seminiferous tubule diameters, epithelial height, sperm count, superoxide dismutase activity (p = 0.02), and testis volume (p = 0.01) were decreased. The results indicated that Gal and met ameliorated the MGO effects.
Conclusion: These findings suggested that the animals receiving MGO became diabetic. According to the results, Gal and met can effectively prevent MGO-induced diabetes. The effect of Gal was equivalent and sometimes better than metformin.
Key words: Diabetes mellitus, Gallic acid, Male reproductive system, Metformin, Mice.
Effect of intrauterine granulocyte-colony stimulating factor administration on in vitro fertilization outcome in women with moderate-to-severe endometriosis: An RCT
Authors: Kashani Ladan , Moini Ashraf , Esfidani Tayebeh , Yamini Nazila , Mohiti Shima
Published: September 2021

Background: Nearly 25-50% of infertile women have endometriosis. There are reports of disorders in the expression of granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) receptors in women with endometriosis.
Objective: To examine the effect of intrauterine administration of G-CSF in in vitro fertilization (IVF) cycles on the fertility rate of infertile women with moderate-to-severe endometriosis.
Materials and Methods: This clinical trial was conducted on 66 infertile women with moderate-to-severe endometriosis, undergoing IVF and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). The participants were allocated into two groups via simple randomization: the G-CSF (n = 27) and control (n = 39) groups. In the G-CSF intervention group, on the oocyte pick-up day, immediately after an ovarian puncture, 300 μg of G-CSF was injected through a transcervical catheter under abdominal ultrasound guide to visualize flushing into the uterine cavity. Women in the control group received no intervention. The two groups were evaluated for clinical pregnancy.
Results: No significant difference was noted in the demographic characteristics of the two groups. The rate of clinical pregnancy was 28.2% in the control group and 25.9% in the G-CSF group, indicating no significant difference (p = 0.83).
Conclusion: The results showed that the intrauterine injection of G-CSF had no effects on pregnancy in women with stage-3/4 endometriosis undergoing IVF.
Key words: G-CSF, In vitro fertilization, Endometriosis, Pregnancy.
Significant Reduction in Hospitalization Due to COVID-19 as a Medium-term Outcome Following Coronavirus Vaccination in Iran
Authors: Shamabadi Ahmad , Akhondzadeh Shahin
Published: September 2021

The article's abstract is not available.
Beiträge zur deutschen und slowenischen Phraseologie und Parömiologie
Authors: Jesenšek Vida
Published: September 2021

The monograph consists of three parts. Twelve contributions presented on several aspects of German and Slovenian phraseology represent a selection of authors phraseological studies, mostly related to the language contrastive (German-Slovene) research topic. Part I deals with typical aspects of proverbs from the perspective of system-related research. This is followed by contributions on the lexicographical and translational problems of phraseology (Part II). The volume ends with reflections on appropriate treatment of phraseology in the learning and teaching contexts (Part III). German as the primary language of observation plays an important role in all the contributions because its status as an influential language in Slovenia is increasingly challenged. It is worth mentioning that in the past, German used to exert much greater historical, cultural, and linguistic influence on the Slovenian society. By combining different research perspectives and linguistic contrastive approaches, the volume intends to appeal to linguists as well as practising translators and language teachers.
Accountability on Sustainability in Central and Eastern Europe: An Empirical Assessment of Sustainability-Related Assurance
Authors: Pasko Oleh , Balla Inna , Levytska Inna , Semenyshena Nataliia
Published: September 2021

The paper explores how companies from Central and Eastern Europe adopt assurance practices to provide accountability for sustainability. Drawing on modified coding rules from prior research, a conventional content analysis of 36 assurance statements companies from nine countries was conducted. The results imply differences in the content of reports, processes, and implementation of the standards.

Exclusively large and multinational enterprises from the energy sectors domiciled in Poland and Hungary are a typical portrait of a company from the study’s sample, striving to issue and assure sustainability reporting. Of the nine countries represented in the study, sustainability assurance statements of companies from Poland, Hungary, and Romania tend to excel in terms of quality. The vast majority of assurance providers belong to the Big Four, who use ISAE3000 as opposed to AA1100AS. Yet, irrespective of the assurance provider type, stakeholders are neglected. It is argued that just transferring the experience of financial auditing to the field of sustainability, which, by and large, has taken place, is not an option. Authors state that following this route, we are heading in the wrong direction, and in technical terms, the wider proliferation of AA1100AS and its principles, with greater emphasis on reasonable assurance as opposed to the limited and enhanced role of stakeholders, are vital to get back on track.

The paper contributes to the emerging literature on accountability standards and stresses the need to enhance sustainability-related assurance.
A Review of the Impact of the Digital Transformation on the Global and European Economy
Authors: Wysokińska Zofia
Published: September 2021

The paper aims to present digital transformation as a process that has been taking place in the digital economy and the European Union’s economy in recent years and its impact on changes in the economic and social sphere. As a starting point, this paper considers the importance of advanced technology products in the global production and trade in the global and European economy, including information and communication technologies, which constitute the primary basis for the development of the digital economy. The paper shows that leading technologies can allow sustainable development goals (SDGs) to be achieved faster and more effectively. It is necessary to eliminate the persistent, significant income differences between developing and highly developed countries and disparities in access to the use of innovative solutions (including social innovation).
La gestión en las empresas dirigidas por mujeres
Authors: Saavedra García María Luisa , Camarena Adame María Elena
Published: September 2021

This research aims to describe the management in companies run by women and to determine whether there are management practices specific to the characteristics of the company and its businesswoman. A questionnaire was applied to a sample of 272 voluntary businesswomen in Mexico City. A descriptive and correlational study was conducted making use of the frequency analysis and chi–square test. The main findings indicate that management practices are scarce in the companies run by women. Regarding the relationship between management and the characteristics specific to a businesswoman, it was found a significant relationship to the age, schooling level, and field of study of a businesswoman. Results related to the relationship between the company characteristics and the management show a significant relationship to formality, business ownership and competitiveness in the industry.
La educación rural en clave de equidad y paz
Authors: Echavarría-Grajales Carlos Valerio , Vanegas-García José Hoover , González-Meléndez Lorena
Published: September 2021

This article presents various understandings provided by a group of 120 rural schoolteachers from the provinces Caldas, Huila, Casanare, Atlántico, Putumayo and Chocó about their teaching practice and the impacts thereof on the development of skills in the students. These understandings evince a context of inequity but also of opportunities. To answer the questions about ethical-political capacities, experiences and pedagogical and didactic knowledge related to the peace building, a survey was firstly applied to ask about capacities. Afterwards, five pedagogical workshops were carried out in each province where the teachers told their peace experiences, performed their criticism to the rural education system and discussed critically on their formation needs in relation to the peace building and their quest for a more equitative society. The results show that the peace building in the rural schools is linked to a PEI (Institutional Educative Project) that provides a flexible curriculum in keeping with the community conditions. It also strengthens their territorial autonomy and identity, fulfills the needs of different ethnic groups and populations, and fosters the participation of the community in the decision-making.
Análisis De Las Aplicaciones De La Microalga Botryococcus Braunii En Procesos Industriales
Authors: Carrascal Rivera Derly Darleyn , Tasco Quintero Angie Camila , Barajas Solano Andres Fernando , García-Martínez Janet Bibiana , Machuca Martínez Fiderman
Published: September 2021

Las microalgas y cianobacterias son la nueva plataforma biotecnológica par la producción de diversos metabolitos de interés industrial como carbohidratos, proteínas, lípidos, carotenoides e incluso metabolitos menos comunes como lo son los hidrocarburos y los exopolisacaridos. Una de las especies con la capacidad de producir un amplio espectro de metabolitos es Botryococcus braunii. Esta alga verde colonial posee la peculiaridad de sintetizar hidrocarburos, Exopolisacáridos y otros metabolitos. La presente contribución presenta un panorama bibliométrico de la investigación mundial sobre la producción de B. braunii y sus principales metabolitos de interés para procesos industriales. Los datos de publicaciones científicas durante los últimos 21 años (2000-2021) se obtuvieron de la base de datos SCOPUS© y se filtraron mediante una estrategia de búsqueda sistemática. A partir del análisis se  obtuvo un total de 675 documentos científicos enfocados en el aislamiento, producción y mejoramiento de cepas pertenecientes a la especie Botryococcus braunii. De acuerdo con la información obtenida la mayor cantidad de trabajos publicados se han enfocado en la producción y mejoramiento de hidrocarburos tanto para la obtención de biocombustibles. Los principales países que mas han aportado a la investigación de esta especie son Estados Unidos, Japón, China e India; Sin embargo países con alta concentración de biodiversidad como Colombia presentan pocos trabajos con cepas aisladas dentro del territorio nacional. Este análisis bibliométrico permite evidenciar el alto grado de desarrollo obtenido en los últimos 20 años para generar plataformas biotecnológicas para la obtención de. nuevas materias primas para diferentes sectores industriales.