bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
What Did King Hákon góði Do before the Battle at Fitjar and after the Battle at Avaldsnes?
Authors: Nordberg Andreas
Published: April 2022

ABSTRACT: The starting point for this paper is the enigmatic stanza 6 of the Norwegian skald Guthormr sindri's mid-900s poem Hákonardrápa. This stanza depicts the Norwegian king Hákon góði clashing his spears together over the heads of the fallen warriors after the battle of Avaldsnes. But why did he do it? And what did Hákon do when he "played" (lék) in front of his army before the Battle of Fitjar, as portrayed in Eyvindr Finnsson’s poem Hákonarmál? Roman sources, iconographic motifs from the migration period to the Viking age, as well as information in Old Norse literature, suggest that war dances, intimidating movements, as well as aggressive and incendiary gestures, cries and songs constituted an important aspect of warfare among Germanic and Scandinavian peoples. In this paper, it is suggested that Hákon's – to us – enigmatic performances in Hákonardrápa and Hákonarmál may be understandable within the framework of this martial context.

RESUME: Utgångspunkten för denna artikel är en gåtfull strof (6) i den norske skalden Guthormr sindri’s dikt Hákonardrápa, från mitten av 900-talet. Strofen beskriver hur den norske kungen Hákon góði slog samman spjut över huvudena på de fallna krigare, som låg spridda över slagfältet efter slaget vid Avaldsnes. Varför gjorde han det? Och vad gjorde samme kung Hákon, när han enligt Eyvindr Finnsson’s poem Hákonarmál “lekte” (lék) framför sina krigare på slagfältet före slaget vid Fitjar? Romerska källor, ikonografiska motiv från folkvandringstid till vikingatid, liksom uppgifter i den norröna litteraturen, visar att krigsdanser, hotfulla rörelser samt aggressiva och eggande gester, utrop och sånger var viktiga inslag i krigsföringen bland de germanska och skandinaviska folken. I denna artikel föreslås att Hákon’s – för oss – gåtfulla handlingar i Hákonardrápa och Hákonarmál blir förståeliga inom ramen för denna militära kontext.
How Gylfi’s Illusion Breathes Life into the Sky
Authors: Sigurðsson Gísli
Published: April 2022

ABSTRACT: To date it has mostly been overlooked that the illusion in ‘Gylfi's Illusion’ is based on a metaphor, where what we can literally see in the sky is transformed into mythological phenomena through the magic of storytelling. By taking this idea at face value it becomes possible to look at the sky as a memory tool for the world of the gods. Thus everything we have above us in the sky has a mythological name and often a story attached to it, making it easier to remember all the details of the mythology as well as knowing your way around the sky. This approach to the mythology of Gylfaginning puts us on firm ground as we read it for what it is: a reflection of contemporary and traditional terminology about the sky as it was known to northern peoples from long before Christianity.

RESUME: Hidtil er det blevet næsten overset, at illusionen i ’Gylfis illusion’ er baseret på en metafor, hvor det, vi bogstaveligt talt kan se på himlen, forvandles til mytologiske fænomener gennem fortælling. Ved at tage denne idé bogstaveligt bliver det muligt at se himlen som et hukommelsesværktøj for gudernes verden. Alt, hvad vi har over os på himlen, har således et mytologisk navn og ofte en historie knyttet til sig, hvilket gør det lettere at huske alle mytologiens detaljer samt at finde vej rundt på himlen. Denne tilgang til mytologien i Gylfaginning giver os fast grund under fødderne, når vi læser den for, hvad den er: en afspejling af samtidig og traditionel terminologi om himlen, som den var kendt af nordiske folk længe før kristendommen.
Distinguishing Discourses of the Dísir
Authors: Murphy Luke John
Published: April 2022

ABSTRACT: Previous studies of the dísir have tended to focus on either their links with fertility or use of the term to designate a wide range of supranatural female figures. This study reassesses the textual evidence for the nature of these beings, applying Jens Peter Schjødt’s notion of “discourse” to argue that we should not be searching for a single coherent category of beings. Rather, it argues, our sources depict three semidistinct “dísir” discourses: a group of prosperity-focused female figures with strong links to local landscapes worshipped during the late pagan Iron Age; the use of the signifier “dís” as a poetic synonym for a range of female figures in verse; and a medieval textual discourse of “martial dísir” construed on the basis of poetic texts, but which has no basis in pre-Christian religion.

RESUME: Tidligere studier af diserne har haft en tendens til at fokusere enten på deres forbindelse til frugtbarhed eller på brugen af termen til at beskrive en bred vifte af overnaturlige kvindeskikkelser. Dette studier revurderer tekstgrundlaget for disse væseners natur og benytter Jens Peter Schjødts begreb ”diskurs” til at argumentere for, at der ikke er tale om én standardiseret kategori af væsener. I stedet argumenteres der for, at kilderne afslører tre mere eller mindre særskilte diskurser om ”dísir”: En gruppe kvindefigurer med fokus på velstand med stærke bånd til lokale landskaber, som blev dyrket i den sene jernalder; brugen af termen ”dís” som et poetisk synonym for diverse kvindeskikkelser i digte; og en middelalderlig tekstdiskurs omkring ”krigeriske dísir” konstrueret ud fra poetiske tekster, men uden understøttelse in førkristen religion.
Archaeology and Odin in Late Pagan Denmark
Authors: Roesdahl Else
Published: April 2022

ABSTRACT: This article discusses archaeological evidence for the veneration of Odin in late pagan Denmark. According to place-name evidence Odin was totally dominant in public cult at this time, and was closely linked to warriors and kings. (Actual evidence for a relationship with the great cult centre at Lejre is uncertain.) However, a group of riders’ graves with weaponry from the tenth century represent a new burial custom for magnates, and it is argued that they relate to Odin and Valhalla. Female magicians, who have been convincingly identified in a series of Viking-Age graves, and miniature chairs, from which the once seated figure is usually missing, were probably also connected with Odin. Further, it has been suggested that miniature swords, spearheads and staves might have been Odinic symbols. Some figurative amulets, however, often featuring women in various guises and often interpreted as Valkyries, likely had an entirely different meaning.

RESUME: Artiklen diskuterer de arkæologiske vidnesbyrd om dyrkelsen af Odin i det sen-hedenske Danmark. Ifølge stednavnematerialet var Odin totalt dominerende i den offentlige kult på denne tid og nært forbundet med krigere og kongemagt. (Der er dog ingen sikre belæg for forbindelse med det store kultcentrum i Lejre.) En gruppe ryttergrave med våben fra 900-tallet, som især findes i Jylland, repræsenterer imidlertid en ny gravskik blandt stormænd, og der argumenteres for, at de relaterer til Odin og Valhal. Kvindelige magikere, der overbevisende er identificeret i en række vikingetidsgrave i Danmark og andetsteds i Skandinavien, samt miniaturestole, hvor den siddende figur som regel mangler, var sandsynligvis også knyttet til Odin. Det er desuden foreslået, at miniaturesværd, -spydspidser og -stave var symboler for Odin. Derimod har en gruppe figurative amuletter, der tit forestiller kvinder i forskellige situationer, og som ofte er tolket som valkyrier, formentlig en helt anden betydning.
Miniature Spears in the Viking Age: Small Symbols of Óðinn?
Authors: Gardeła Leszek
Published: April 2022

ABSTRACT: The spear is doubtlessly one of the most iconic weapons of the Viking Age. In addition to its numerous applications in armed conflict, where it was used by foot- and horseback warriors, the spear served as a potent emblem of power and social prominence. Furthermore, archaeological discoveries of spears in ritual contexts demonstrate unequivocally that these weapons played important roles in pre-Christian religious practice, in some instances perhaps echoing myths about Óðinn. This paper examines a group of rare Viking Age miniatures shaped like spears and spearheads. Made of a variety of materials, including iron, silver, copper alloys and wood, these intriguing artefacts were probably carried on the body singly or as part of elaborate sets of religious paraphernalia. By investigating the contexts of their discovery, as well as their materiality and different practical applications, new ideas will be offered about the miniature spears’ social and symbolic significance.

RESUME: Spyddet er utvivlsomt et af de mest ikoniske våben fra vikingetiden. I tillæg til dets mange funktioner i væbnede konflikter, hvor det blev brugt af krigere til fods og til hest, var spyddet også et stærkt symbol på magt og social status. Ydermere viser arkæologiske fund af spyd i rituelle kontekster utvetydigt, at disse våben spillede en vigtig rolle i førkristen religiøs praksis, i nogle tilfælde måske forbundet med myter om Odin. Denne artikel undersøger en gruppe af sjældne miniaturer fra vikingetid, der er formet som spyd og spydspidser. Disse spændende genstande er fremstillet af forskellige materialer, såsom jern, sølv, kobberlegeringer og træ, og de blev sandsynligvis båret på kroppen som enkeltgenstande eller som del af mere omfattende sæt af religiøst udstyr. Ved at undersøge den kontekst, hvori de findes, samt materialer og diverse praktiske anvendelser byder artiklen på nye idéer om miniaturespyddenes sociale og symbolske betydning(er).
Austrfararvísur and Interreligious Contacts in Conversion Age Scandinavia
Authors: Wellendorf Jonas
Published: April 2022

SUMMARY: This article examines stanzas 4-8 of Sigvatr Þórðarson’s poem Austrfararvísur which describe the famous confrontation between the Christian skald and the inhospitable pagan inhabitants of a remote place. Rather than see the rejections of the skald as caused by the private nature of the alfablót, they are understood as a symptom of the fact that the traditional religion was changing in response to the pressure exerted by the Christian mission.

RESUME: Artiklen undersøger strofe 4-8 af Sigvatr Þórðarsons digt Austrfararvísur som beskriver den berømte konfrontation mellem den kristne skjald og de ugæstfri hedenske beboere på en fjerntliggende sted. Snarere end at se afvisningerne af skjalden begrundet i et alfablóts private natur, forstås de som et symptom på det forhold at den traditionelle religion var ved at forandre sig under pres fra den kristne mission.
Vad var Vandilsvé?
Authors: Andrén Anders
Published: April 2022

ABSTRACT: Vandilsvé is mentioned one single time in Helgakviða Hundingsbana II:35, and it is usually understood as a theophoric place-name. The first element has been read as the name of an otherwise unknown Vandal god, *Vandill, but this interpretation has fallen out of favour today. Another reading is based on the fact that sacral names ending in -vé (-vi) do not necessarily have names of deities as their first element. An example is Töravi, which derives from the old name for the island of Södertörn (Tör) and means “the sacred place of the inhabitants of Tör”. As a parallel to Töravi, it is possible that Vandilsvé refers to Vendill, the old name for the district of Vendsyssel, and means “the sacred place of the inhabitants of Vendel”. Supported by archaeology, the discussion focuses on four different sites in Vendsyssel, which might more or less plausibly represent Vandilsvé; these are Lindholm Høje, Stentinget, Liver, and Ejstrup. In conclusion, it is discussed what impact such an interpretation may have for our understanding of the three eddic poems about Helgi Hundingsbani and Helgi Hjörvarðsson.

SAMMANDRAG: Vandilsvé omtalas en enda gång i Helge Hundingsbane II:35, och brukar uppfattas som ett teofort namn för en plats. Förleden har tolkats som namnet på en för övrigt okänd vandalsk gud *Vandill, men få tror idag på denna tolkning. En annan tolkning kan utgå från att vissa sakrala namn på -vé (-vi) inte har gudanamn som förled utan andra företeelser. Ett exempel är Töravi, som kommer av det gamla namnet för ön Södertörn (Tör), och som betyder ”Törbornas helgedom”. Som en parallell till Töravi skulle Vandilsvé kunna syfta på Vendill, det gamla bygdenamnet för Vendsyssel, och betyda ”Vendelbornas helgedom”. Med hjälp av arkeologi diskuteras fyra olika platser i Vendsyssel, vilka med större eller mindre sannolikhet skulle kunna representera Vandilsvé, nämligen Lindholm Høje, Stentinget, Liver och Ejstrup. Avslutningsvis diskuteras vad en sådan tolkning kan ha för konsekvenser för synen på de tre Edda-dikterna om Helge Hundingsbane och Helge Hjörvardsson.
Puruṣa: Offer, kosmos, menneske
Authors: Aktor Mikael
Published: April 2022

ABSTRACT: Because of the problematic source situation in the pre-Christian North, it is often necessary to make us of what Jens Peter Schjødt has termed genetic comparisons, in order to better ones understanding of the religious tradition. In this article, one such historically related myth about the creation of the world through a ritual process in which an anthropomorphic being if transformed into the cosmos through an act of sacrifice, is anlalysed. This myth is known in the Old Norse material as the myth of the jǫtunn Ymir and in the Indian material as the myth of Puruṣa. It is the latter which, through the well-known hymn from the Ṛgveda, forms the basis of an analysis focussing on how this myth establishes a mode of sacrifice which connects the primeval cosmogony with the existence of gods and life of humans in a perspective which reaches into and beyond death.

RESUME: Grundet den mangelfulde kildesituation til det førkristne Norden er det ofte nødvendigt at benytte sig af hvad Jens Peter Schjødt har kaldt genetiske komparationer, for at danne sig et bedre billede af den religiøse tradition. I denne artikel analyseres en sådan historisk beslægtet myte, nemlig myten om verdens skabelse gennem en rituel proces, hvor et antropomorft væsen gennem en offerhandling transformeres til kosmos. Denne myte kendes i det norrøne materiale som myten om jætten Ymir og i det indiske materiale som myten om Puruṣa. Det er sidstnævnte, der, gennem den kendte hymne i Ṛgveda, danner grundlag for en religionshistorisk analyse med fokus på, hvordan denne indiske myte indstifter en offertanke, der forbinder urtidens verdensskabelse med guders og menneskers liv og eksistens i et perspektiv, der rækker ud over og ind i døden.
Contents
Authors: Nygaard Simon
Published: April 2022

Contents
Anmeldelse af Peter Sloterdijk, Den Himmel zum Sprechen bringen
Authors: Fiedler Erik Sporon
Published: April 2022

Anmeldelse af Peter Sloterdik, Den Himmel zum Sprechen bringen, Suhrkamp 2020
Anmeldelse af Giorgio Agamben, Det kommende fællesskab
Authors: Fiedler Erik Sporon
Published: April 2022

Anmeldelse af Giorgio Agamben, Det kommende fællesskab
The Use of Forest Refugia by Ungulate After the 2015'Fire in Tesso Nilo National Park, Riau-Indonesia
Authors: Prayoga W , Imron M A
Published: April 2022

Wildfires in Indonesia 2015 burnt forests in many protected areas, including remaining forests in Tesso Nilo National Park. We investigated the extent to which 2015's wildfires affect the remaining habitat and the spatial distribution of ungulates in the park by using satellite images to identify burnt and unburnt forest patches. Habitat conditions and the presence of ungulates indicated by the number of ungulate signs were compared between burnt and unburnt areas. The fire devastated trees at different rates depending on tree life form stages. We found that younger trees were more vulnerable to fire. The abundance of ungulates did not differ significantly between burnt and unburnt areas, but all vegetation characteristics were significantly different (Mann-Whitney U-test p-value < 0.05). We surmise that food such as new shoots or leaves, particularly at the edge of burnt areas, attracted ungulates out of unburnt areas. The remaining forest is relatively small, and the park is under continued pressure from illegal conversion, so any further loss of remaining forest as refugia will likely harm the ungulate population. We recommend that management should prioritize the preservation of remaining pristine habitat and the reduction of fire suppression, especially during the dry season.
Application of neuromorphic resistive random access memory in image processing
Authors: Jiang Bi-Yi , Zhou Fei-Chi , Chai Yang ,   School of Microelectronics, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518000, China,   Department of Applied Physics, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong 999077, China
Published: April 2022

With the increasing demands for processing images and videos at edge terminals, complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) hardware systems based on conventional Von Neumann architectures are facing challenges in terms of energy consumption, speed, and footprint. Neuromorphic devices, including resistive random access memory with integrated storage-computation characteristic and optoelectronic resistive random access memory with highly integrated in-sensor computing characteristic, show great potential applications in image processing due to their high similarity to biological neural systems and advantages of high energy efficiency, high integration level, and wide bandwidth. These devices can be used not only to accelerate large numbers of computational tasks in conventional image preprocessing and higher-level image processing algorithms, but also to implement highly efficient biomimetic image processing algorithms. In this paper, we first introduce the state-of-the-art neuromorphic resistive random access memory and optoelectronic neuromorphic resistive random access memory, then review the hardware implementation of and challenges to image processing based on these devices, and finally provide perspectives of their future developments.
There's Nothing Micro about a Billion Women
Authors: Iskenderian Mary Ellen
Published: April 2022

Why it takes more than microloans to empower women and promote sustainable, inclusive economic growth.

Nearly one billion women have been completely excluded from the formal financial system. Without even a bank account in their own names, they lack the basic services that most of us take for granted—secure ways to save money, pay bills, and get credit. Exclusion from the formal financial system means they are economic outsiders, unable to benefit from, or contribute to, economic growth. Microfinance has been hailed as an economic lifeline for women in developing countries—but, as Mary Ellen Iskenderian shows in this book, it takes more than microloans to empower women and promote sustainable, inclusive economic growth.

Iskenderian, who leads a nonprofit that works to give women access to the financial system, argues that the banking industry should view these one billion “unbanked” women not as charity cases but as a business opportunity: a lucrative new market of small business owners, heads of households, and purchasers of financial products and services. Iskenderian shows how financial inclusion can be transformative for the lives of women in developing countries, describing, among other things, the informal moneylenders and savings clubs that women have relied on, the need for both financial and digital literacy (and access) as mobile phones become a means of banking, and the importance of women's property rights. She goes on to make the business case for financial inclusion, exploring the ways that financial institutions are adapting to help women build wealth, access capital, and manage risks. Banks can do the right thing—and make money while doing so—and all of us can benefit.
Diagnostic Performance of O-RADS MRI Scoring System for the Assessment of Adnexal Masses in Routine Clinical Radiology Practice- A Single Tertiary Centre Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Basu Aniruddha , Pame Mukheswar , Bhuyan Rupak , Roy Deep Kumar , James Vivek Mathew
Published: April 2022

Introduction: In 2019-20, the American College of Radiology (ACR) introduced Ovarian-Adnexal Reporting and Data System Magnetic Resonance Imaging (O-RADS MRII). Application of the O-RADS MRI in routine clinical practice can increase lesion characterization accuracy, promote better interdisciplinary communication, and help in personalized patient management of adnexal masses. Aim: To assess the diagnostic performance of the ACR O-RADS MRI scoring system for the predicting malignancy in adnexal mass in routine clinical radiology practice by using histology/ imaging findings during a minimum 4 month follow-up as the reference standard. Materials and Methods: In this single- tertiary center prospective cohort study done in Jorhat Medical College, Assam, 42 patients with 46 adnexal masses who underwent MRI between April 2020 and June 2021 were assessed. The ACR O-RADS MR scores were assigned using the MRI protocol with a dynamic study. Sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values along with the area under the Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve were calculated (cut-off score ≥4 was considered malignancy,). Histopathologic diagnosis or >4 months followup imaging findings was the reference standard used. Logistic regression analysis of MRI parameters used in identifying malignant masses was assessed. Statistical analysis was done using 95% confidence intervals (CIs). The p-values <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The mean age of subjects in the study was 35.9 (range 10-75 years), and 84.8% of adnexal masses (39) were premenopausal. Malignancy was more common in postmenopausal patients (57.1%). Of 46 lesions, 13 (33.3%) were malignant. The ACR O-RADS-MR scoring system, using a dynamic MRI protocol, showed 92.3% sensitivity and 87.8%specificity in malignancy prediction. The area under the ROC curve for predicting malignancy was 0.962. The positive and negative predictive values were 75% and 89.1%, respectively. Conclusion: In a teaching hospital in assam, the O-RADS MRI scoring system, based on a dynamic MRI protocol demonstrated good sensitivity, specificity and area under the Receiver Operator Characteristic (ROC) curve in identifying malignant adnexal masses. The ACR O-RADS MRI system enables standardized MRI reporting with uniform lexicon and interpretation guide on adnexal masses.This will help to improve communication between radiologists and referring physician and in patient management, particularly in indeterminate masses on ultrasound.
Clinicopathological Study of Breast Lesions with Special Reference to the Role of CD34 Immunostaining in DiagnosisA Cross-sectional Study from a Tertiary Care Hospital of West Bengal, India
Authors: Chakraborty Ambika Prasad , Mukhopadhyay Debasis , Mandal Arnab , Samaddar Aparajita , Pathak Swapan
Published: April 2022

Introduction: Breast carcinoma is the most common cancer among women and leading cause of mortality. Prognosis of breast carcinoma primarily depends on early detection. The changes in molecular and antigenic expression in stromal microenvironment surrounding the tumour cells was noted earlier in tumours of skin and gastrointestinal tract which showed loss of Cluster of Differentiation 34 (CD34) expression in stromal cell of malignant tumours. Aim: To evaluate the intensity of CD34 staining in benign, borderline and malignant lesions of breast and to find out whether it can help to differentiate benign and malignant lesions from borderline and in situ carcinomas. Materials and Methods: This was a cross-sectional prospective study done over a period of 18 months in a tertiary care hospital of Bankura, West Bengal, India. Total 78 specimens of breast lesions obtained by lumpectomy and Modified Radical Mastectomy (MRM) were first evaluated on routine histology and classified as benign, borderline or malignant accordingly. Subsequent immunohistochemical staining was performed for CD34 and intensity of expression in stromal cells was graded from 0 to 3+. Then comparison of CD34 expression in different lesions was done and level of significance was assessed by using Student’s t-test. Results: Out of total 78 cases evaluated, 50 (64.1%) were categorised as benign and rest 28 (35.9%) were either premalignant or malignant lesions. Intensity of CD34 expression was found to be significantly higher in benign and in situ lesions compared to malignant epithelial lesions of breast (p<0.05) whereas those between borderline and malignant phyllodes found to be statistically non significant (p-value 0.342). Conclusion: CD34 immunostaining can help to differentiate benign and in situ carcinomas from invasive carcinomas, however its role in differentiating borderline from malignant phyllodes tumour is limited.
Isolation and Characterisation of Haemanthamine Alkaloid from Daffolis Extract using NMR and Mass Spectroscopic Techniques
Authors: Ogbu M. O. , Fugu M. B. , Fulata A. M. , Nnam-Obi C. V. , Ndukwu D. E.
Published: April 2022

The recent surge in drug resistance and failure is belief to be a factor in the trend for the isolation of natural products from plants and other sources. This is largely due to the efficacy and safety of their components. Haemanthamine is an alkaloid of Amaryllidaceae family, the compound was reported to have lots of medicinal effects against microbes and some forms of cancers with significantly low or no side effects. The plant Daffodil is one of the commonest reservour of this alkaloid and used traditionally in the treatment of urinary disease, headache, fever, swelling growth, joint ailments, skin diseases, bruises, sprains, respiratory problems, gastrointestinal disorders among others. These medicinal potential of the plant stimulated our interest to isolate and characterized the Haemanthamine alkaloids from the plant using NMR and Mass Spectroscopic Techniques. The results obtained are in good agreement with the previously reported literatures which indicate that Haemanthamine was successfully isolated.
Custom Hiring Services Availed, Constraints and Suggestions Perceived by the Farmers in Jabalpur District of Madhya Pradesh
Authors: Kisku Upali , Bisht Kamini
Published: April 2022

Custom hiring services (CHS) has enabled the small and the marginal farmers to timely carry out the farm operations by providing access to the costly farm machines at subsidized rate on hiring basis. It has been advantageous in drudgery reduction, minimizing the cost of cultivation and also creating opportunities for skilled labour. Custom hiring has facilitated efficient use of resources and applied inputs. In spite of its importance and need, farm mechanization is still beyond the reach and acceptance of many farmers in India due to various constraints perceived by them. The present study was carried out in the Patan block of Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh with a sample size of 80 respondents availing services from the custom hiring centres (CHC). Proportionate random sampling technique and Ex-post facto research design was used for the purpose of the study. Statements related to different constraints faced and suggestions to overcome them expressed by the respondents were recorded and ranked accordingly. ‘Lack of knowledge about custom hiring centres’ and ‘non-availability of machineries during peak season’ were the maximum constraints faced whereas ‘dissemination of technical know-how’ and ‘establishment of more number of CHC under one panchayat’ were the most important suggestions given to overcome the problems perceived regarding the CHS.
Development, Characterization and Evaluation of Lactoferrin Conjugated and Memantine Loaded Peg-Plga Nanoparticles for the Treatment of Alzheimer's Disease
Authors: Jain Rashi , Sharma Virendra K.
Published: April 2022

Alzheimer's disease is a degenerative neurological condition that has no cure and only a few treatment options. It has a negative impact on one's cognitive and behavioural abilities. Traditional medications, such as acetylcholinesterase inhibitors, are often ineffective because they do not penetrate the blood-brain barrier. Targeted therapy strategies involving nanoparticulate drug delivery devices have been employed to improve the efficacy of Alzheimer's disease treatment. Memantine is an Alzheimer's disease medicine that has been approved for the treatment of mild to moderate symptoms. To boost memantine's action at the target region, we employed a twofold emulsion technique to generate lactoferrin (Lf) combined with biodegradable PEG-PLGA nanoparticles (NPs). The average particle size of the synthesised NPs was 162.60.5 nm, with a polydispersity index of 0.1 and a surface charge of -21.5 mV. The crystalline drug was disseminated within the PLGA matrix, according to the physicochemical characterisation of NPs. During in vitro dissolution studies, the new nanoparticulate formulation displayed a sustained release profile of memantine. The NPs were noncytotoxic to brain cell lines, and bEnd.3 cells had a greater concentration of Lf-NP than unconjugated nanoparticles. The researchers discovered that Lf-conjugated PEG-PLGA nanoparticles carrying memantine are excellent for Alzheimer's disease targeted delivery.
Development and Characterization of Transdermal Patch of Modified form of Brexpiperazol
Authors: P. Patel Dhaval , D. Suthar Disha , K. Patel Hetal , B. Parejiya Punit
Published: April 2022

Aim: Brexpiprazole (BPZ) is a typical antipsychotic drug used for the treatment of schizophrenia and depression. It is classified under BCS class-II with low aqueous solubility and high intestinal permeability. In the present investigation, a solid dispersion of BPZ was prepared to improve the solubility. A transdermal patch was optimized using the central composite design to control the delivery of BPZ.

Place and Duration of Study: The formulation was prepared and characterized at K. B. Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Gandhinagar, Gujarat, India during January 2021 to September 2021.

Methodology: A solid dispersion of BPZ was prepared using PEG 6000.A transdermal patch of BPZ was prepared and optimized using central composite design. Independent variables were fixed as ratio of RLPO: RSPO=2:1 (X1) and conc. of plasticizer (Triacetin) %W/W of polymer (X2). Dependent variables were fixed as folding endurance% (Y1) and cumulative % drug release at 24, 48, 72 and 96 hrs respectively (Y2-Y5) for the optimization of transdermal patch of SD of BPZ. Optimized formulation was characterized fully for its safety and efficacy using ex- vivo permeation study, skin irritation study and stability study.

Result: The tensile strength of optimized patch was 2.1±0.045 Kg/cm2. The thickness and hardness of patch was 0.0478±0.025 and 80.54±2.64gm/mm. The moisture content and moisture uptake values were 5.2%±0.36 and 6.21±0.24% respectively. Drug content was found to be 99.41±2.64%. The flux value obtained from BRX-SD-TP was 0.06 µg/cm2h. The flux was very proximal to the desired flux value. Prepared formulation was non-irritant and stable.

Conclusion: From the findings it can be concluded that BRX-SD-TP was successfully developed for treatment of Schizophrenia.
Excavations and interventions in and around Cramond Roman Fort and annexe, 1976 to 1990
Authors: Cook Martin , Lawson John A , McLaren Dawn , Bidwell Paul , Cool Hilary E M , Croom Alexandra , Engl Rob , Hartley Kay F , Holmes Nicholas , Hunter Fraser , Wild Felicity
Published: April 2022

Cramond Roman Fort (NGR: NT 19032 76903) has been the focus of archaeological interest since the publication of John Wood’s history of the parish in the late 18th century, with a floruit of activity in the latter half of the 20th century. Playing an important part in this volume of work have been the excavations led by the late Mr Charlie Hoy (died 1991), an Edinburgh amateur archaeologist working principally with the Edinburgh Archaeological Field Society and latterly on his own. His excavations have recovered a wide range of evidence from the Mesolithic through the Roman and medieval periods up to the post-medieval development of Cramond House Estate. Hoy’s investigations have been hugely important to our understanding of the Roman fort’s associated annexe/extramural settlement, in particular providing new evidence for its origins in the Antonine period, and for Severan occupation, as well as uncovering a multi-phased road and associated wooden structures. In addition, the artefact assemblage further adds to the corpus from the site and includes an internationally significant sword pendant belonging to a beneficiarius (beneficiarii were troops on special service for the provincial governor) that demonstrates the presence of German troops at the fort, and perhaps hints at the presence of the emperor himself.
Design of Optimized Two Baseline Waveguide Slot Array Antenna for Interferometric Radar Altimeter
Authors: Yoon Nanae , Kim Jihyung , Kim Jinsu , Jang Jonghun
Published: April 2022

In this paper, the compact waveguide slot array antenna for interferometric radar altimeter is proposed. The proposed antenna structure consist of corrugation structure which is applied between each channel to improve isolation, three-channel waveguide slot array antenna and feeder. In addition, to reduce the occurrence of phase ambiguity, the baseline spacing of the three-channel antenna is analyzed and the results are applied to the design. For compact design, reduced height and SMP connector structure are used and the dip brazing method which is the conjugation method after dipping to flux is used for the fabrication of the lightweight antenna. The measurement result of the proposed antenna shows less than 1.41 : 1 (VSWR) and 48.3 dBc (isolation). The antenna gain is higher than 20.2 dBi and the side lobe levels are lower than 18.8 dB (vertical plane) and 10.0 dB (horizontal plane).
A Study on Transmission Signal Design Using DAC to Reduce IQ Imbalance of Satellite-Mounted Synthetic Aperture Radar Transmitter
Authors: Lee Young-Bok , Kang Tae-Woong , Lee Hyon-Ik
Published: April 2022

The on-board processor of satellite synthetic aperture radar(SAR) generates transmission signal by digital signal processing, converts it into an analog signal. At this time, the transmission signal generated from the baseband requires the frequency modulation to convert it to the high-frequency band in order to improve the stability. General frequency modulation method using local oscillator(LO) causes IQ imbalance due to phase error/magnitude error and these error reduce performance of SAR. To generate transmission signal without phase/magnitude error, this paper suggests design method of the frequency modulation method using digital to analog converter(DAC) at on-board SAR. For design, this paper analyzes the characteristic of DAC mode and uses pre-compensation filter. To analyze the proposed method performance, performance index are compared with IQ imbalance signals. This method is suitable for on-board SAR using fast sampling DAC and has the advantage of being able to solve IQ imbalances.
Mark XIIA(Mode 5) IFF System Integration and Certification Test for Surface to Air Missile System
Authors: Kim Woo-Hyun , Jung Se-Young , Lee Yun-Soo , Chang Se-Myong
Published: April 2022

The new IFF mode, Mode-5 replacing Mode-4, has already been established by the US DoD for its allies and NATO forces. A IFF retrofit program for replacing the Mark XII Mode-4 with Mark XIIA Mode-5 is in progress in order to overcome the security limitations of the former in R.O.K. IFF certification test for the new mode, Mode-5, has been performed on medium range surface to air missile platform of the Korean armed forces for the first time in R.O.K and this is regarded as a monumental event in Korean defense industry. The present paper is a discussion on the procedures applied to the IFF system retrofit and integration, lessons learned from AIMS test with the US AIMS PO as observer. The minimum modification from the existing Mark XII Mode-4 to Mark XIIA Mode-5 and evolutional adaption from previous design including interoperability are required for the system retrofit. Letter of Certification was received from the US AIMS PO after the tests. The authors propose that the lessons learned and know-how acquired during the tests are managed by the R.O.K Government as the standard structure of a database. It is expected that the use of the database will reduce the developmental difficulties and risk, also increase efficiency in future developments and other projects.
A Research on Intercommunication Method for Tactical Information Among Heterogeneous Mobile Combat Vehicles
Authors: Choi Il-Ho , No Hae-Whan , Song Choong-Ho
Published: April 2022

Modern Battle Fields are covered with various weapon systems, such as tanks, infantry vehicles, or artillery vehilces. In such environment, it is important to take it into consideration what kind of efficient method should be developed to communicate with heterogeneous friend combat systems for the exchange of tactical information aqcuired because military operations require coordinated actions. For this purpose, we made a research on tactical information equipments such as Battlefield Management Systems(BMSs) equipped in multiple kinds of Mobile Combat Vehicles(MCVs). The exchange of tactical information could be divieded into separate domains, such as connectivity, messages, and recognition processes by operators. In this article, we will deal with wireless radio connectivity, KVMF messages, and User Interfaces showing shared data.
Greybox model for multistage spray drying plants constrained to small datasets
Authors: Miklos Robert , Petersen Lars Norbert , Poulsen Niels Kjølstad , Utzen Christer , Jørgensen John Bagterp , Niemann Hans Henrik
Published: April 2022

Dynamic models of spray drying plants are required for many multivariable control strategies for spray dryers, for example, for model predictive control. Often, the model and its parameters are determined by fitting the model to experimental data. When the experimental data is generated, the experiments disturb normal production and introduce production losses. These losses increase the expenses for determining the model. Therefore, the experimentation time must be limited, which then limits the amount of data available for the model fitting. The limited amount of data restricts the complexity of the spray dryer model. In this article, we propose a greybox model with less complexity than the available models in the literature. The greybox model is derived by combining the process structure, physical relations and data from experimental data. The model is validated with experimental data from an MSD20 pilot plant. Further, the greybox model is compared to a model estimated by subspace identification. The comparison shows that the greybox model has a higher fit to the validation data than the subspace method.
Application of zebrafish in the study of craniomaxillofacial developmental anomalies
Authors: Li Kang , Fan Liwen , Tian Yu , Lou Shu , Li Dandan , Ma Lan , Wang Lin , Pan Yongchu
Published: April 2022

Craniomaxillofacial developmental anomalies are one of the most prevalent congenital defects worldwide and could result from any disruption of normal development processes, which is generally influenced by interactions between genes and the environment. Currently, with the advances in genetic screening strategies, an increasing number of novel variants and their roles in orofacial diseases have been explored. Zebrafish is recognized as a powerful animal model, and its homologous genes and similar oral structure and development process provide an ideal platform for studying the contributions of genetic and environmental factors to human craniofacial malformations. Here, we reviewed zebrafish models for the study of craniomaxillofacial developmental anomalies, such as human nonsyndromic cleft lip with or without an affected palate and jaw and tooth developmental anomalies. Due to its potential for gene expression and regulation research, zebrafish may provide new perspectives for understanding craniomaxillofacial diseaseand its treatment.
Amorphous Silica‐Alumina as Suitable Catalyst for the Diels‐Alder Cycloaddition of 2,5‐Dimethylfuran and Ethylene to Biobased p‐Xylene
Authors: Coumans Ferdy J. A. G. , Demiröz Ezgi , Kosinov Nikolay , Hensen Emiel J. M.
Published: April 2022

The potential of amorphous silica‐alumina (ASA) to substitute zeolites (HBeta‐25) for the synthesis of p‐xylene via Diels‐Alder cycloaddition (DAC) of ethylene to 2,5‐dimethylfuran (2,5‐DMF) is investigated. ASA were prepared via homogeneous deposition‐precipitation of Al on SiO2. ASA shows good yields of p‐xylene (20–25 % after 18 hours) compared to bare silica and γ‐alumina. Brønsted acid sites (BAS) were identified as the active sites for the DAC reaction. The catalytic performance correlated strongly with the BAS concentration. Increasing the acidity of ASA is, however, limited by formation of agglomerated alumina‐type clusters at higher Al3+ content. While HBeta‐25 zeolite shows initially a slightly higher performance in terms of p‐xylene yield, ASA is the better catalyst upon calcination‐regeneration of the used catalyst. These results furthermore confirm that confinement in zeolite micropores is not a prerequisite for the DAC reaction between 2,5‐DMF and ethylene.
Design and robustness improvement of high‐performance LNA using 0.15 μm GaN technology for X‐band applications
Authors: Zafar Salahuddin , Cankaya Akoglu Busra , Aras Erdem , Yilmaz Dogan , Nawaz Muhammad Imran , Kashif Ahsanullah , Ozbay Ekmel
Published: April 2022

In this paper, we present a highly robust GaN‐based X‐band low‐noise amplifier (LNA) showing promising small‐signal and noise performance as well as good linearity. The LNA is fabricated using in‐house 0.15 μm AlGaN/GaN on a SiC HEMT process. Owing to the optimum choice of HEMT topologies and simultaneous matching technique, LNA achieves a noise figure better than 2 dB, output power at 1 dB gain compression higher than 19 dB, input and output reflection coefficients better than −9 and −11 dB, respectively. The small‐signal gain of LNA is more than 19 dB for the whole band, and NF has a minimum of 1.74 dB at 10.2 GHz. LNA obtains an OIP3 up to 34.2 dBm and survives input power as high as 42 dBm. Survivability is investigated in terms of gain compression and forward gate current. Reverse recovery time (RRT), a crucial parameter for radar front‐ends, is explored with respect to the RC time constant and trap phenomenon. The analysis shows that the significant contribution in RRT is due to traps while the RC time constant is in the nanoseconds range. Moreover, this study also addresses the requirement and choice of a DC gate feed resistor for the subsequent stages in a multi‐stage design. The size of the designed LNA chip is 3 mm 
 1.2 mm only.
Energy‐efficient alternating current computing‐enabled receiver design for K‐user interference channel simultaneous wireless information and power transfer networks
Authors: Sadik Eman , Shokair Mona , Elsabrouty Maha , Benaya Ahmed M.
Published: April 2022

Energy efficiency is one of the key challenges in fifth generation (5G) and beyond wireless communication systems. Recently, simultaneous wireless information and power transfer (SWIPT) systems are usually adopted to enhance energy efficiency. The harvested energy through power transfer is first rectified to generate the direct current (DC) voltage that is used to power the communication devices. This rectification reduces the energy efficiency due to losses in conversion to DC voltages. In this work, we consider integrated information decoding and energy harvesting receiver architecture through power splitting SWIPT network that enables alternating current (AC) computational logic. The AC computing method is used to supply the computing block of receivers to further enhance the energy efficiency. Multiuser multiple input single output (MISO) interference channel (IC) is considered, where receivers are required to compromise between quality of service (QoS) and energy consumption. The system sum rate is maximized under sum harvested energy and total transmit power constraints through joint beamforming and power splitting factors design. For the problem tractability in the proposed AC computing‐enabled receiver, standard beamforming schemes are deployed, namely, zero forcing (ZF), regularized zero forcing (RZF), maximum ratio transmission (MRT), and a hybrid scheme between MRT and ZF beamforming (MRT‐ZF). Moreover, the power splitting ratios design problem is transformed into a one dimension search problem. Simulation results show that different beamforming designs exhibit a great trade‐off between the achieved rate and the harvested energy.
Systematic review of neuroendocrine carcinomas of the oropharynx
Authors: Froehlich Michael H. , Shih Michael C. , Shehee Lindsey , Kompelli Anvesh R. , Aylward Alana , Nguyen Shaun A. , Kaczmar John M. , Nathan Cherie Ann , Day Terry , Neskey David M.
Published: April 2022

Data describing features and management of oropharyngeal neuroendocrine carcinomas (NEC) remain sparse. A systematic review was performed. Patients were stratified by treatment modality and examined for disease progression and survival outcomes. Ninety‐four patients from 50 publications were included. Average age at diagnosis was 59.7 years (range 14–83). 73.4% were male. Most studies did not document HPV status. Forty patients (85.1%) were p16 positive, and 34 (85.0%) were HPV‐ISH positive. Overall survival was 75.4% at 1 year, and 40.0% at 2 years. Of patients with locoregional disease, 33.8% developed distant metastasis. 12.5% of patients developed locoregional recurrence. Patients who developed distant metastases had worse overall survival (p = 0.0004). No significant difference was found between treatment modalities. Human papilloma virus may be associated with oropharyngeal NEC. Current treatments provide locoregional control, but distant metastases are common and confer low overall survival.
Time to four‐factor prothrombin complex concentrate administration decreased by presence of a 24/7 pharmacist in the emergency department
Authors: Kozlow Erin A. , Livings Sarah E.
Published: April 2022

Study objective

The objective of this study was to determine the impact of a 24/7 pharmacist (RPh) on time from order to the administration of four‐factor prothrombin concentrate complex (4F‐PCC) in the emergency department (ED).

Methods

This is a retrospective study that included patients who received 4F‐PCC in the ED for acute reversal of oral anticoagulation before and after the implementation of a 24/7 RPh. Patients for whom 4F‐PCC was ordered between May 1, 2014 and June 30, 2015 were in the pre‐RPh group and those between November 1, 2018 and December 31, 2019 were in the post‐RPh group. The primary end point was time from order to administration of 4F‐PCC. Time from arrival to administration of 4F‐PCC was also evaluated.

Results

Of 168 patients evaluated, 100 were included in the study (n = 33 pre‐RPh; n = 67 post‐RPh). The majority of patients were on warfarin (97.0% pre‐RPh and 73.1% post‐RPh) for atrial fibrillation. Both groups included trauma and intracranial hemorrhage patients. The mean time from order to 4F‐PCC administration was significantly shorter in the post‐RPh group (71.2 vs 35.2 minutes, P < .001, 95% confidence interval [CI] [27.013‐44.987]). In addition, the median time from arrival to 4F‐PCC administration was also shorter in the post‐RPh group (153 vs 106 minutes, P = .033).

Conclusions

At our institution, time from order, and from arrival, to administration of 4F‐PCC for reversal of oral anticoagulation in the setting of acute bleeding events in the ED was reduced by 36 minutes after the presence of a 24/7 pharmacist.