bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Diversidad y composición de plantas vasculares en humedales del páramo Rabanal, Boyacá- Colombia
Authors: Cuello-Salinas Magda-Juliana , Galvis-Rueda Manuel
Published: July 2020

Contextualización: El páramo de Rabanal posee humedales que proveen el recurso hídrico, indispensable para el desarrollo de la economía y de la seguridad alimentaria de la región. Este ecosistema está siendo alterado por la presión que ejercen las diversas actividades antrópicas productivas y económicas, por lo cual, el humedal pierde la capacidad para retener y almacenar agua, facilitando la expansión de especies exóticas que aumentan la sedimentación, reduciendo los niveles de retención y almacenamiento de agua, degradando el suelo y evitando el crecimiento de especies nativas. La vegetación asociada permite la regulación del ciclo hidrológico y favorece una medida de adaptación al clima cambiante.

Vacío de investigación: en los humedales del páramo Rabanal existe escasa información sobre la influencia de la vegetación asociada a los cuerpos de agua que contribuyen a su conservación.

Propósito del estudio: identificar la flora vascular presente en las zonas circundantes a los humedales artificiales del páramo Rabanal.

Metodología: se realizó la caracterización, composición y estructura de la vegetación vascular en zonas circundantes de los embalses Teatinos, Gachaneca I y II en el páramo Rabanal, en municipios de Ventaquemada y Samacá, Boyacá, en cinco salidas de campo se hizo el levantamiento de 32 parcelas dependiendo de las características fisionómicas de la vegetación siguiendo un diseño anidado. El material vegetal se procesó en el Herbario de la Universidad Pedagógica y Tecnológica de Colombia de Tunja (UPTC); la determinación se hizo con el apoyo de claves taxonómicas, bases de datos y expertos. En términos de riqueza, la diversidad se comparó entre los embalses mediante un Análisis de Varianza en rangos o prueba de Kruskall-Wallis.

Resultados y conclusiones: la mayor riqueza de especies de Margalef se presentó en la parcela P2 (5,40), la mayor dominancia de Simpson fue para la parcela P2 (0,95), la mayor diversidad de Shannon corresponde a la parcela P2 (4,39) del Embalse Teatinos, el índice de similaridad de Sörensen indica que los embalses Gachaneca I y II, poseen un 52,63% de similaridad. La evidencia de actividades antrópicas productivas y económicas provoca una pérdida de la vegetación nativa y una fragmentación del ecosistema.
Elaboración de un modelo neuronal artificial para la estimación de la demanda bioquímica de oxígeno en aguas marinas
Authors: Meza Castellar Reynaldo , Gonzalez Salcedo Luis
Published: July 2020

Contextualización: los modelos neuronales artificiales son modelos diseñados a partir de métodos numéricos denominados Redes Neuronales Artificiales. El uso de estos, como herramienta de predicción de la Demanda Bioquímica de Oxígeno (DBO), ha demostrado diversas ventajas, entre otras, la reducción del tiempo y los costos económicos asociados a este parámetro. La DBO generalmente requiere de 5 a 7 días, así como múltiples reactivos químicos, para poder establecer los niveles de materiales orgánicos en las aguas.

Vacío de investigación: los modelos neuronales artificiales permiten calcular la DBO en tiempo real, a partir de variables fisicoquímicas registradas in situ. A pesar de ello, las redes neuronales artificiales no han sido utilizadas hasta ahora como método de estimación de la DBO en aguas marinas de Colombia.

Propósito del estudio: teniendo en cuenta este aspecto, en la presente investigación se elaboró un modelo neuronal artificial que permite estimar la DBPO en aguas del Mar Caribe Colombiano.

Metodología: para elaborar el modelo fue necesario realizar cinco simulaciones (constituidas por un número de 2 a 3 capas ocultas, y de 5 a 20 neuronas por capa). El desempeño predictivo de cada una de estas se evaluó a través del coeficiente de correlación.

Resultados y conclusiones: los valores más altos de este indicador estadístico (0,937, 0,951, 0,953, y 0,941), se obtuvieron para el modelo que utilizó 3 capas, de 20 neuronas cada una, en sus cuatro etapas de aprendizaje (entrenamiento, validación, prueba, y todos los datos). Estas cifras indican un cercano ajuste entre los datos observados y las estimaciones hechas por la red. Estos resultados demuestran además que la Demanda Bioquímica de Oxígeno puede ser estimada numéricamente, en aguas marinas, a través de modelos neuronales artificiales.
Filosofía vegetal (o pensamiento vegetal)
Authors: Marzec Andrzej
Published: July 2020

El autor presenta la idea del rizoma, que fue creada por dos filósofos postestructuralistas franceses, Gilles Deleuze y Felix Guattari. El rizoma es una estructura de pensamiento completamente alternativa y bizarro. Tiende a crecer horizontalmente, inmediatamente debajo o arriba el suelo, creando tocones (sección de tronco de un árbol cortado, que queda en el suelo unida a la raíz). Es imposible clasificar, guiar o intervenir en su crecimiento. El rizoma no tiene principio ni fin, carece de cualquier eje de indexación o simetría. Se caracteriza por un intervalo sin sentido. El rizoma puede romperse en un punto y reconectarse por completo sin perder su significado, porque en lugar de tener un significado, lo produce. Se caracteriza por la anti-genealogía: genera múltiples versiones de eventos, a menudo contradictorias, y favorece la libertad y el azar.
Not so innocent bystander - gallbladder varices without portal vein thrombosis
Authors: Milovanovic Tamara , Dumic Igor , Ilic Ivana , Baralic Marko , Dragasevic Sanja , Stojkovic-Lalosevic Milica , Arsenijevic Vladimir
Published: July 2020

Introduction. Gallbladder varices (GBV) represent a rare form of ectopic varices that usually occur in patients with portal hypertension and portal vein thrombosis. Case outline. We present a case of a 38-year-old woman with decompensated autoimmune liver cirrhosis who was referred to our institution for evaluation for liver transplantation. She was incidentally discovered to have GBV during a routine B-mode abdominal ultrasonography as part of pre-transplant evaluation. GBV were confirmed by the Color Doppler Sonography, and multi detector computed tomography angiography. Interestingly, portal vein was patent and without thrombus. Conclusion. Despite being asymptomatic in most cases, the presence of GBV is valuable information for a surgeon because they might be a source of potentially catastrophic bleeding, which is particularly poorly tolerated by patients with decompensated liver cirrhosis. Ultrasound has the irreplaceable role not only in discovering GBV, but in prompt diagnosis of rare, but unpredictable and fatal complications as well.
Genetic Association of Angiotensin Converting Enzyme I/D Gene Polymorphisms with Breast Cancer
Authors: Ishfaq Annum , Ali Ejaz , Fatima Warda , Hussain Nageen
Published: July 2020

Breast cancer presents a serious public health risk in both developed and developing countries. The ACE gene, which is located in chromosome 17q23, has many polymorphisms. The most commonly studied is a 287 bp Alu insertion/deletion (I/D) polymorphism in intron 16 that accounts for 50% of the variability in circulating ACE levels. The main aim of this study is to find out the association of ACE gene with breast cancer in Pakistani population. Experimental and cross-sectional. A total of 186 samples were collected. Of the 186, 93 were taken as healthy controls and 93 were the female patients suffering from breast cancer. First DNA was isolated and then further genotypes II, ID and DD were identified by Nested PCR. Chi-square (χ2) test was applied to check the association level between ACE I/D polymorphism and breast cancer. The DD genotype showed (76) 81.7% and ID showed (17) 18.2% whereas II was not found (0) 0% in breast cancer patients. In controls, the frequency of DD is (80) 86%, ID (13) 13.9% and (0) 0 percent for II genotype. It is concluded that there is no significant association of ACE I/D polymorphisms with the breast cancer (p < 0.05) in Pakistani population.
The Contribution of Compensation in the Employee Retention of the Banking Institutions in Dar es salaam, Tanzania
Authors: Hanai Amos Ephraim , Pallangyo William Amos
Published: July 2020

This paper explores the influence of compensation on employee retention of the banking institutions in Tanzania. The stratified sampling technique was used to ensure representativeness of each bank category. Eleven banks were purposely selected and simple random sampling was applied to draw a sample of 370 employees. The quantitative data were collected using questionnaire and analyzed using Binary logistic regression. The results indicated that compensation is significantly influencing employee retention with a ‘p’ value of 0.001. It was further revealed that compensation attribute (fair salary) has significant influence on employee retention. The study recommends to the bank managers to develop and implement retention policies that contemplate fair salaries as this is a most valued compensation attribute. Furthermore, the bank managers need to pay great attention to right retention policies in order to improve retention of employees.
The Effect Of Intellectual Capital On The Financial Performance Of Libyan Banks
Authors: Alrafadi Khalad M. S.
Published: July 2020

This study examines intellectual capital (IC) performance of Libyan banks during the period from 2004 to 2010, using value-added intellectual coefficient (VAIC) methodology, and investigates the impact of IC on financial performance. It identifies the IC components that may be the drivers of the traditional indicators of bank success. The results of the study showed that private banks are more concerned with the components of intellectual capital compared to commercial banks and specialized banks. The results also showed that there is a positive relationship between the components of the (VAIC) and the (ROA). The study recommended that Libyan banks should add a post or position to manage intellectual capital in their organizational structures to help structure relevant strategies and policies on how to obtain, utilize and develop the best resources required for intellectual capital.
The Growth Prospect and Challenges of Financing Micro, Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (MSMEs) in Nigeria
Authors: Awoyemi Bosede Olanike , Makanju Aderonke Abisola
Published: July 2020

This study identifies the growth prospect of financing Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in Nigeria and the challenges that constitute a hindrance to the growth of MSMEs in Nigeria. This study employed descriptive analysis, simple percentages and deductive method to describe the growth prospect of financing MSMEs and the problems experienced by the MSMEs. It was found that the growth and survival of MSMEs are still hampered by inaccessibility to funds owing to different reasons and challenges. The chief among the challenges is that financial institutions look at many MSMEs as high risk debtors without credit worthiness. The key finding of this study is that the financial support in term of loans given to MSMEs by the financial institutions has been declining continuously over the years and this hamper the growth prospect of MSMEs. The Federal Government should formulate policies that would encourage MSMEs to begin to source funds from the capital market through the introduction of the third-tier security market since there is an increasing growth in the number of MSMEs in Nigeria.
Time-Varying Conditional Co-movement between Inter-Sector Stock Returns: Evidence from Ghana Stock Market
Authors: Appiah Thomas , Forson Abednego
Published: July 2020

Investors generally exhibit home bias with regards to their investment destinations. To diversify their portfolio, such investors invest in different sectors within the domestic economy. However, such behaviour could be counter-productive in periods of increased co-movement of assets returns.  In this paper, we examine the inter-sector stock return co-movement among the major sectors of the Ghanaian economy with the view to shedding some light on the nature of assets return correlations and its implications for portfolio diversification.  A sample of 332 weekly observations of stock returns of five major sectors within the Ghanaian economy is used to undertake the analysis. Dynamic Conditional Correlation - Generalized Autoregressive Conditional Heteroscedasticity (DCC-GARCH) techniques are applied to the weekly stock return series from January 2010 to June 2017. The DCC-GARCH model was estimated with correlation targeting and asymmetric DCC. We find dynamic conditional correlation among stock returns of all the sectors, implying that the correlation between the sector returns is time-varying. This result challenges the assumption of constant correlation among stock returns of different sectors in the domestic markets. We also find that the conditional correlation between returns of the various sectors ranges from 0.234 to 0.998, which indicates medium to very high interdependence among the stock returns. Based on the result of this study, we propose that fund managers and investors should not limit their diversification strategies to inter-sector investments since in periods of uncertainty, the ability of the investor to enjoy diversification benefits is seriously undermined.
The Big Five Personality Traits, Occupational Stress, and Job Satisfaction
Authors: Petasis Andreas , Economides Odysseas
Published: July 2020

The aim of this research was to examine the relationship between Big Five Personality traits (neuroticism, extraversion, openness to experience, agreeableness, conscientiousness), occupational stress and job satisfaction of police officers in Cyprus Police. A cross-sectional design was employed, where data was collected at a single time point. A total of 133 participants took part in the research program. The research instruments consisted of the Neo Five Factor Inventory (NEO-FFI) Police Stress Questionnaire (PSQ) and Job Satisfaction Survey (JSS). The result of the research indicated that the correlation of conscientiousness, extraversion, openness to experience and agreeableness to job satisfaction were not significantly linked while neuroticism had a moderately negative correlation with job satisfaction, and it was the only statistically significant relationship. Results showed that gender had a statistically significant relationship with job satisfaction, with males reporting greater job satisfaction than females. Additionally, work stress in the police force significantly predicts job satisfaction over and above the effect of personality traits.
Proposed Business Strategy for Publishing Company (Case Study: CV Gema Usaha in Solo)
Authors: Khairunnisa Nadhira , Wandebori Harimukti
Published: July 2020

CV Gema Usaha is a company running in book publishing industry, provides school books for junior high school, high school, and vocational school in Indonesia. For the past 3 years (2016-2018) the company has been suffering from some problems that affect the business sustainability. Looking from the internal perspectives, the company has high inventory, lacking in human resources, and high receivables which affect the business at CV Gema Usaha. This condition causes a value-reducing for the company. To be able to survive in the publishing industry, improvements need to be made to their business strategy. Business strategy improvement is proposed based on internal and external analysis. An evaluation of the business model currently applied is also carried out by analyzing the current business model canvas. This study uses qualitative methods using primary data and secondary data. The results of internal and external analysis produce SWOT analysis which is then used to propose strategic solutions in the form of TOWS matrix and new business model. The strategy proposed for the company is to adapt the integrated cost leadership and differentiation business strategy, and shift the publishing business model from a conventional publishing to a base on demand model, by implementing the long tail business model that is equipped with a multi-sided platform. This strategy is expected to solve the main problem of the company namely high inventories, low in cash, and limited human resources.
An Inquisition on the Combined Effects of Ambient Temperature and Relative Humidity on The Performance of a Uniform Speed Single Shaft Gas Turbine in Tropical Monsoon Climate, using GPAL
Authors: Abhulimen Abel Edeowede , Bonet Mathias Usman , Oyekunle Olukayedo , Achara Nnorom , Solomon Wunuken Carlos
Published: July 2020

This paper investigates the combined effects of Ambient Temperature and Relative Humidity on the performance of a uniform speed single shaft Gas Turbine, sited in Tropical Monsoon climate. A single shaft gas turbine simulator (known as GPAL) from Gas path Analysis ltd was employed. The City of Portharcourt, Nigeria, was chosen to represent the tropical monsoon climate, with its climatic data of monthly ambient temperature and relative humidity obtained from Koppen. With parameters like speed, reference power, inlet and exhaust losses kept constant, the ambient temperature and relative humidity were continually varied according to their climatic values. Each time, the performance of the gas turbine was simulated and parameters such as; Efficiency, Turbine power and Net power output, Turbine inlet Temperature and Exhaust Gas Temperature, as well as Specific fuel consumption were monitored. The environmental impact of the gas turbine was equally assessed in terms of Carbon (IV) Oxide (CO2) emission in Tonnes/day and in Kg/MWhr, NOX emission and Carbon Monoxide (CO) emission. The results of the study indicate that it is most efficient and productive to operate the gas turbine in Portharcourt in the months of January and December whereas it is least efficient in the month of April. Whereas CO emission was relatively low and uniform throughout the year, the highest specific fuel consumption was recorded in April.
Sensitivity Based Approach for the Optimal Sizing and Allocation of Distributed Generation in a Radial Network
Authors: Maduforo Paul C. , Emechebe Jonas N. , Eronu Emmanuel M. , Benson Stephen Adole
Published: July 2020

Electric power has remained a basic essential for the advancement of any nation's economy. Increasing human exercises because of innovative advancement combined with populace development has made the interest for power dramatically increasing continuously, subsequently widening the gap between power generated and the demand by the consumers. This work provides sensitivity based method for the allocation of a distributed generation in a distribution network aimed at improving the voltage profile and reduce power loss in the quest to narrow the gap between power generated and that demanded by the consumers. Using the Loss sensitivity method, a DG of 153kW was allocated to bus 5 that sees a power reduction of 46% with voltage profile improved within constraints. Voltage sensitivity index was calculated at all nodes. Bus 17 was found to have the minimum VSI. In this case DG sizes were taken in step size of 17.5kW starting from 30 kW till 170 kW at different power factors of 1.0, 0.9, 0.85, and 0.8. The DG sizes were tested at the selected power for various DG sizes. 135kW DG at unity power factor was installed. After comparing the two methods it can be concluded that loss reduction in loss sensitivity method is more and it is better in terms of selecting the optimal location for the placement of DG. For the purpose of sizing the voltage sensitivity analysis index method is a better option.
Application of Blockchain in KYC Compliance
Authors: B. Shashank R. , Chhabra Chirag , Cholli Nagaraj G.
Published: July 2020

The current process of Know Your Customer (KYC) used by banks is time-consuming, expensive, and redundant in practice. A Thomson Reuters Research states that while banks globally spend around 60 million USD on an average, this number may go up to 500 million USD for some banks [1]. Hence, to improve the efficiency of this process, the use of a blockchain-based mechanism is suggested. The use of smart contracts also provides scope for adding features that cannot be achieved by the current process. The paper majorly discusses the advantages and disadvantages of using blockchain for performing KYC processes.
Dietary Supplementation with Eclipta Alba and Polyalthia Longifolia Foliages on Digestibility, Feeding Behaviour, Blood Profile and Carcass Characteristics of Goats
Authors: Okoruwa M. I. , Okoh P. I. , Akazue R. C.
Published: July 2020

A feeding trial that lasted for 90 days was carried out to determine the effect of dietary supplementation of Eclipa alba and Polyalthia longifolia foliages on digestibility, feeding behaviour, blood profile and carcass characteristics of goats. A total of thirty two West African dwarf goats of about 7–8 months old were randomly assigned to four treatment diets. Each treatment was replicated four times with two goats per replicate in a completely randomized design. The four formulated treatment diets were, D1 (90% guinea grass with 10% maize straw), D2 (50% guinea grass with 10% maize straw and 40% Eclipta alba foliage), D3 (50% guinea grass with 10% maize straw 20% Eclipta alba  with 20% Polyalthia longifolia foliages) and D4 (50% guinea grass with 10% maize straw and 40% Polyalthia longifolia foliage). The results indicated that goats on D1 were significantly (P < 0.05) highest in eating rate, feed conversion ratio, urinary-N-output, urea and creatinine while cholesterol was greater in goats on D2. Crude fiber and ether extract digestibility with white blood cell was significantly (P < 0.05) higher for goats on D3 than other treatment diets. Feed intake, ruminating rate, live weight gain, dry matter with crude protein digestibility, nitrogen intake with retention, red blood cell, total protein, dressing weight and stomach were significantly higher (P < 0.05) in goats on D4 compared with those on D1, D2  and D3.  Eating with ruminating time, initial weight, faecal-N-output and most of the carcass cuts with relative organs showed no significant different (P > 0.05) among treatment diets. It could therefore be concluded that supplementation with Eclipta alba and Polyalthia longifolia foliages or their mixture in diets enhance digestibility, feeding behaviour, blood profile and carcass characteristics without any deleterious effect in goats.
The Impact of Settlement Pattern of Some Nigerian Cities on the Spread of Covid-19 Pandemic
Authors: Obongha Ukpali Eze , Ukam Leonard Edadi
Published: July 2020

The pattern of settlements in some Nigerian towns/cities have posed serious concerns to Epidemiologists, Virologists, and Planners in modern times. The rate at which buildings are erected close to one another without maintaining standards is alarming and requires professional attention. The aim of this study is to establish the linkage between the settlement pattern of some Nigerian cities and the spread of Coronavirus (covid-19) with a view to drawing the attention of relevant stakeholders (Government, Ministries of Urban Development, and Town Planners) to look inward towards revitalizing and improving on the settlements, in order to reduce subsequent spread in events of similar outbreaks. The study adopted survey method with the instrumentality of questionnaire administration in interviewing 110 people across 11 States of the federation. Findings reveals that most of these settlements were illegally erected and are characterized by congestion and lack of facilities (toilets, kitchens, bathrooms, and running water) while the available few are shared. These characteristics have made social distancing and regular washing of hands as measures to reduce the spread of covid-19 difficult to be achieved. The study, however, recommends an incremental approach of urban redevelopment, spot clearance, and rehabilitation of the identified settlements, in order to reduce the spread of diseases in the nearest future.
Re-Os Ages for the Kourki Porphyry Cu-Mo Deposits, North West Niger (West Africa): Geodynamic Implications
Authors: Hallarou Mallam M. , Konaté Moussa , Olatunji Akinade S. , Ahmed Yacouba , Ajayi Felicia F. , Abdul Rasheed M.
Published: July 2020

The study area is located at the southern end of the Gorouol greenstone belt, northwestern Niger. This region contains significant deposits of Copper and Molybdenum hosted in intrusive rocks metamorphosed in the green shale facies. This deposit was previously considered a porphyry system of Copper (Cu) and Molybdenum (Mo) without having been the subject of advanced research. The objective of this study is to confirm or refute this hypothesis and to date the mineralisation in an absolute manner in order to readjust the mineralising episode in the history of the West African Craton. The methodology used within the framework of this study is the isotopic dating by the Re-Os method carried out on the pyrites of the host rock. The results of this analysis give an age range between 2158 ± 50 Ma and 2110 ± 51 Ma for the Cu-Mo mineralisation. This age range represents the West African Craton scale to an episode of magmatic accretion. During this accretion, the subduction phenomena between the Crusts (Oceanic and Continental) would have been favourable for the formation of the Cu and Mo mineralisation of Kourki.
Ecological and Health Risk Studies of Heavy Metals in Soils around an Abandoned Battery Factory in Ibadan, Southwestern Nigeria
Authors: Obasi Romanus A. , Madukwe Henry Y.
Published: July 2020

Heavy metals on the soil around an abandoned battery site at Wofun, Ibadan, Southwestern, Nigeria were studied for their ecological and health risks. Ten soil samples collected from the soil around the abandoned battery sites were analyzed using Inductively Coupled Plasma –Mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). The data were evaluated using indices such as contamination factor, enrichment factor, geo-accumulation index and pollution index to determine the ecological and health risks posed by the heavy metals. The results showed an average concentration of Pb (7274.4), V (190.63), Cu (77.52), Zn (53.08) and Co (53) in a decreasing order. The enrichment factor revealed high enrichment for Co (12.30) at site one (S1), and extreme enrichment of Pb (61.12). Zn, Rb and Mo showed no enrichment in the soil. All the sites exhibited extremely high enrichment of Pb except at S10 where the enrichment of Pb was only severe. The results of Igeo indicated that all the sites were strongly to extremely polluted by Pb while S6 is moderately polluted by Co. The rest of the metals do not constitute any pollution threats. An evaluation of the ecological risk index (RI) revealed that the mean Er for Co (13.95), Cu (8.61), and Zn (0.56) indicate low ecological risk as they are less than 40 (Er <40).  Lead (Pb) with Er value of 1818.60 has a very high ecological risk and accounts for most of the ecological risks in the study area. Lead (Pb) being the most toxic and abundant of all the heavy metals analyzed in the study areas was used to evaluate the potential  non-carcinogenic health risk for both children and adults. The hazard index which is the sum of the hazard quotients for children is 26.64 suggesting that non-carcinogenic health risk may occur if there is any form of exposure to the soil. The hazard index for the adult (2.87) indicated a significant potential non-carcinogenic health risk in the study area.
Tumor-Targeting Bacteria: As Vectors, Immunotherapeutic Agents And Tumor-Targeting Probes For Cancer Detection And Therapy
Authors: Weerakkody Lihini Ranesha , Witharana Сhamindri
Published: July 2020

Cancer is the world's second leading cause of death in humans. Conventional anticancer therapies are often associated with lack of tumor specificity, failure to detect small metastases, increased resistance of tumors to anticancer drugs, and unintended adverse effects. Numerous alternative and better strategies in cancer treatment have been developed to overcome the negative effects of traditional cancer therapies. More than a century ago, William Coley, the father of cancer immounotherapy, laid the groundwork for bacterial anticancer therapy. Bacterial immunotherapy has been emerging as a potential anticancer therapy. Moreover, certain obligate and facultative anaerobic bacterial species are exploited as vectors for gene delivery to treat cancer. These genes encode for anticancer agents, cytokines, cytotoxic peptides, anti-angiogenic proteins, therapeutic molecules and prodrug-converting enzymes. Genetically engineered bacterial strains of Salmonella, Bifidobacterium, Clostridium and Listeria are widely used to deliver genes in anticancer therapy since they can selectively accumulate in solid tumors with a hypoxic/necrotic core in vivo, providing appealing delivery systems to target therapeutic agents and immunomodulatory molecules to the site of tumor. Certain genetically modified bacterial species such as Bifidobacterium longum and Bacillus licheniformis have been effectively used for the enzyme/prodrug therapy for cancer. Furthermore, certain anaerobic bacteria are emerging as potential tumor markers due to the increased mobility and the selectivity in germinating and multiplying in hypoxic/anoxic environments. Many of these novel developments have been studied extensively in different experimental models of cancer and certain clinical trials are ongoing for some treatment modalities. Although favourable results have shown so far, further studies and technological innovations are required to ensure the efficacy of bacterial anticancer therapy.
Role Of Vitamin K Therapy In Prevention Of Vascular Calcification In Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: Ibrahim Mosa Mohamed Farouk , Harfoosh Ahmed Kamal
Published: July 2020

Introduction: Matrix Gla protein (MGP) is a central calcification inhibitor of vascular wall. The biological activation of the calcification-inhibitory protein MGP can be achieved by simple administration of oral vitamin K.

Aim: The study was conducted to assess the effect of vitamin k supplementation on vascular calcification and to evaluate its effect on MGA in hemodialysis patients.

Materials and Methods: Forty adult patients with end stage renal disease (ESRD) on regular hemodialysis sessions, thrice weekly, were enrolled in the study and were randomly assigned into two groups. Vitamin K group consisted of 20 patients were given oral vitamin K at 10 mg after each session of dialysis for a duration of one year. No-Vitamin K group included 20 patients didn’t receive vitamin K. All patients were subjected to the following: Matrix Gla protein (MGP), in addition to, plain digital abdominal x-ray and doppler ultrasound.

Results: After one-year of vitamin K supplementation, a significant increase in MGP levels in Vitamin K group (75.7±26 ng/mL) were noticed. There were no significant changes in CIMT and AACS in Vitamin K group after vitamin K supplementation in compared to their baseline levels, while the CIMT and AACS were significantly increased in No-Vitamin K group in compared to their baseline levels.

Conclusion: Vitamin K supplementation could not stop vascular calcifications but significantly attenuate their progression.
Sutureless Intrascleral Fixation Of The Carlevale (Soleko) Intraocular Lens In The Correction Of Aphakia. Own Experience
Authors: Cywinski Adam
Published: July 2020

The article evaluates the functional stability in the eye and the method of intrascleral fixation of spherical or toric, monofocal, intraocular Carlevale lens by Soleko. This procedure was performed in patients requiring correction of aphakia. Haptics of the one-piece lens, due to the T-shape structure are fixed intrasclerally and thus do not require additional fixation sutures. Intrascleral fixation was performed in 14 eyes, in 13 patients, between 2017 and 2019. In one case, a corneal astigmatism correction model (Carlevale toric) was used. Good visual quality and full intraocular stabilization were obtained. Except for transient vitreous haemorrhage, cormeal edema and elevated intraocular pressure, no adverse effects were observed, including intraocular displacement, subluxation or rotation of the lens relative to the axis. The normal and stable position of the leens was also obtained in the eyes with accompanying nystagmus.
Newtons Laws Explain How Frisbees Fly
Authors: Landell-Mills Nicholas
Published: July 2020

Newtonian mechanics explain the physics of how frisbees fly. Specifically, a frisbee in horizontal flight with a positive angle of attack (AOA), will fly through a static mass of air each second (‘m/) that it accelerates to a velocity (’a’) downwards, to create a downward force (Force = ma), due to Newtons 2nd law of motion. The ‘equal & opposite’ upward force generated (Newtons 3rd law of motion), provides an upward force and vertical lift. Air goes down and the frisbee goes up. It’s that simple.

There are two airflows: The underside of the frisbee pushes air down. While the curved topside of the frisbee pulls air downwards due to the Coanda effect. This explanation is different to other theories of lift currently available, such as those based on fluid mechanics (Bernoulli and Navier-Stokes) and vortices.

The spin on a frisbee enhances the stability of flight due to the gyroscopic effects. In turn, stability of flight allows the frisbee to generate laminar (smooth) airflows, and thus better lift. The spin itself does not directly contribute towards lift. In addition, airflow vortices account for trick throws, where the frisbee appears to defy normal physics.

So what? This provides new insight into lift and flight not currently found in accepted physics textbooks. The best performing frisbee will be one that maximises the Coanda effect on the topside of the disc; to increase the amount of air displaced down. Newtons laws can explain why a frisbee thrown flat (small AOA) generates better lift and will fly further than a frisbee thrown high, on a parabolic type of path. This explanation of lift can also be applied to airplane wings.
Client's Satisfaction Regarding Family Planning in Some of Primary Health Care Centers in Erbil City
Authors: Aziz Kareem Fattah
Published: July 2020

Today mothers or the clients who attending to hospitals or Primary Health Care Centers prefer high-quality care services so they interact everybody from the reception, admission staff, doctors, nurses, ward staff, ambulance, personnel, so clients are satisfied with health services if the physicians and nurses worked properly and with good quality. If the performance is good and perfect mothers or clients are highly satisfied. The objectives of the study are to identify the client’s satisfaction with family planning. A descriptive, cross-sectional design. Anon-probability convenient methods were used. The sample was included one hundred women who attended to Primary Health Care Centers in Erbil City. The study conducted in main primary Health Care Centers in Erbil from September 2015 to September 2016. The data collection was collected by the interview technique with clients and women depending on the questionnaire. The questionnaire was used for data collection, including three parts; part one socio-demographic characteristics for sample study and; part two included questions related to client's satisfaction regarding practices about family planning methods and; part three questions related to their satisfaction regarding knowledge of family planning methods, so depending on scoring system for data collection as (1 for Yes, and 2 for No). The study revealed that  three levels of client’s satisfaction (good 23%, fair 44%, 33% bad) regarding family planning and there was no significant association between  most of the variables and their satisfaction except their level of education and age so there was highly significant association between age, education level and their satisfaction with family planning knowledge and practices. Majority of the sample study were from urban, and most of them were illiterate. The study revealed that there were three levels of satisfaction about family planning, and there was no significant association between most of the variables and client’s satisfaction regarding family planning except age and their educational level so there was the highly significant association between these two variables and client’s satisfaction.                 .
A Micro Perspective of Research Dynamics Through “Citations of Citations” Topic Analysis
Authors: Chen Xiaoli , Han Tao
Published: July 2020

Purpose

Research dynamics have long been a research interest. It is a macro perspective tool for discovering temporal research trends of a certain discipline or subject. A micro perspective of research dynamics, however, concerning a single researcher or a highly cited paper in terms of their citations and “citations of citations” (forward chaining) remains unexplored.

Design/methodology/approach

In this paper, we use a cross-collection topic model to reveal the research dynamics of topic disappearance topic inheritance, and topic innovation in each generation of forward chaining.

Findings

For highly cited work, scientific influence exists in indirect citations. Topic modeling can reveal how long this influence exists in forward chaining, as well as its influence.

Research limitations

This paper measures scientific influence and indirect scientific influence only if the relevant words or phrases are borrowed or used in direct or indirect citations. Paraphrasing or semantically similar concept may be neglected in this research.

Practical implications

This paper demonstrates that a scientific influence exists in indirect citations through its analysis of forward chaining. This can serve as an inspiration on how to adequately evaluate research influence.

Originality

The main contributions of this paper are the following three aspects. First, besides research dynamics of topic inheritance and topic innovation, we model topic disappearance by using a cross-collection topic model. Second, we explore the length and character of the research impact through “citations of citations” content analysis. Finally, we analyze the research dynamics of artificial intelligence researcher Geoffrey Hinton's publications and the topic dynamics of forward chaining.
When Bi-nationalism Meets Multiculturalism: Ethnic Politics and Minority Languages in Northern Ireland
Authors: Hart Gavin
Published: July 2020

Does increasing immigration change the nature of language politics in a party system underpinned by ethnic valence strategies? This paper utilizes qualitative data to illustrate the manner in which debates on linguistic pluralism have become enmeshed in the politics of ethnic defense in Northern Ireland. It will be shown that language politics in this context is driven by the powerful pull of bi-national considerations. This is despite the fact that migrant languages have become increasingly common in the territory. The research provides insight into the manner in which ethnically defined parties have engaged with multicultural diversity, in the context of increasing immigration. It is shown that Sinn Féin representatives largely ignore discussions about wider language diversity, preferring to focus on narratives related to Gaelic. The Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) tends to utilize the broadened range of minority languages as a shield to repel nationalist demands for greater state support for Gaelic programs. The analysis of this evidence suggests that ethnically defined parties are ill-suited to the demands of a multicultural society and immigration-generated diversity.
Analysis of damage-associated molecular pattern molecules due to electroporation of cells in vitro
Authors: Polajzer Tamara , Jarm Tomaz , Miklavcic Damijan
Published: July 2020

Background

Tumor cells can die via immunogenic cell death pathway, in which damage-associated molecular pattern molecules (DAMPs) are released from the cells. These molecules activate cells involved in the immune response. Both innate and adaptive immune response can be activated, causing a destruction of the remaining infected cells. Activation of immune response is also an important component of tumor treatment with electrochemotherapy (ECT) and irreversible electroporation (IRE). We thus explored, if and when specific DAMPs are released as a consequence of electroporation in vitro.

Materials and methods

In this in vitro study, 100 μs long electric pulses were applied to a suspension of Chinese hamster ovary cells. The release of DAMPs – specifically: adenosine triphosphate (ATP), calreticulin, nucleic acids and uric acid was investigated at different time points after exposing the cells to electric pulses of different amplitudes. The release of DAMPs was statistically correlated with cell permeabilization and cell survival, e.g. reversible and irreversible electroporation.

Results

In general, the release of DAMPs increases with increasing pulse amplitude. Concentration of DAMPs depend on the time interval between exposure of the cells to pulses and the analysis. Concentrations of most DAMPs correlate strongly with cell death. However, we detected no uric acid in the investigated samples.

Conclusions

Release of DAMPs can serve as a marker for prediction of cell death. Since the stability of certain DAMPs is time dependent, this should be considered when designing protocols for detecting DAMPs after electric pulse treatment.
CT-scan findings of COVID-19 pneumonia based on the time elapsed from the beginning of symptoms to the CT imaging evaluation: a descriptive study in Iran
Authors: Jafari Sirous , Tabary Mohammadreza , Eshraghi Sahereh , Araghi Farnaz , Aryannejad Armin , Mohammadnejad Esmaeil , Rasoolinejad Mehrnaz , Hajiabdolbaghi Mahboubeh , Koochak Hamid Emadi , Ahmadinejad Zahra , Abbasian Ladan , Manshadi Seyed Ali Dehghan , Salehi Mohammadreza , Khalili Hossein , Yazdi Niloofar Ayoobi , Seifi Arash
Published: July 2020

Background. Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) was initially detected in Wuhan city, China. Chest CT features of COVID-19 pneumonia have been investigated mostly in China, and there is very little information available on the radiological findings occurring in other populations. In this study, we aimed to describe the characteristics of chest CT findings in confirmed cases of COVID-19 pneumonia in an Iranian population, based on a time classification.

Methods. Eighty-nine patients with COVID-19 pneumonia, confirmed by a real-time RT-PCR test, who were admitted to non-ICU wards and underwent a chest CT scan were retrospectively enrolled. Descriptive evaluation of radiologic findings was performed using a classification based on the time interval between the initiation of the symptoms and chest CT-scan.

Results. The median age of patients was 58.0 years, and the median time interval from the onset of symptoms to CT scan evaluation was 7 days. Most patients had bilateral (94.4%) and multifocal (91.0%) lung involvement with peripheral distribution (60.7%). Also, most patients showed involvement of all five lobes (77.5%). Ground-glass opacities (GGO) (84.3%) and mixed GGO with consolidation (80.9%) were the most common identified patterns. We also found that as the time interval between symptoms and CT scan evaluation increased, the predominant pattern changed from GGO to mixed pattern and then to elongated-containing and band-like-opacities-containing pattern; on the other hand, the percentage of lung involvement increased.

Conclusions. Bilateral multifocal GGO, and mixed GGO with consolidation were the most common patterns of COVID-19 pneumonia in our study. However, these patterns might change according to the time interval from symptoms.
ANALISIS PERTANGGUNGJAWABAN ALOKASI DANA DESA (ADD) STUDI PADA DESA LAM ARA DI KECAMATAN BANDA RAYA KOTA BANDA ACEH
Authors: Agusthian Ananda , Muniruddin Said
Published: July 2020

The purpose of the research is to describe and analyze accountability village funds allocation in Lam Ara Village. The method used is data analysis with a descriptive qualitative approach. Data collection was taken by interviewing several employees working in the Lam Ara Village Office in Banda Aceh. The results of the study show that  The  accountability  phase  of  the  Village  Fund  Allocation  (ADD)  in  Lam  Ara,  both  technically  and administratively is good, but must still receive guidance from the Banda Aceh City government, Implementation of the use of village funds has applied the principle of accountability. Thus it is necessary to make improvements on an ongoing  basis  while  still  adjusting  the  situation  and  conditions  and  the  development  of  applicable  laws  and regulations
Avant-gardes et expérimentations des formes dans les revues pharmaceutiques suisses: le cas Sandorama (1962–1965)
Authors: Pic Muriel
Published: July 2020

This article reports on formal experimentation (literary, graphic and cinematographic) in Swiss pharmaceutical journals in the 1960s based on a case study: the Sandorama journal of Laboratoires Sandoz. It looks at the relationship between arts, medicine and commerce, showing that the public trust of the doctors who read the journal is built up through forms. The inventiveness of the latter is part of the more global process of a reorganization of pharmaceutical marketing after the Second World War, due in particular to the arrival of psychotropic drugs on the market.
HUBUNGAN AMAL WAJIB DENGAN SUNNAH
Authors: Siregar Dame
Published: July 2020

Charitable which is its law isobliged to sin leaving it and reward do/conduct him by up to standard and its foundation. Matter which issunnah may not the more percentage leave him, compared to conducting  him . Law which is makruh because hateful makruh he/she said, ought to the more percentage leave it compared to conducting him. Charitable law which issunnah will complete lacking of religious service which isobliged to or which isfardu. Prayer sit among  two sujud واجبرني ought to be practiced by which is sunnah, otherwise hence inappropriate among word with deed. Difference among word with deed of hateful by matter of Subhanahu ta'ala wa Allah.
BATASAN MENGAMBIL KEUNTUNGAN MENURUT HUKUM ISLAM
Authors: Nasution Adanan Murroh
Published: July 2020

Humans are creatures of God who have the character and nature of mutual need between one another. This is what is called muamalah. No one can have everything he wants without the help of others. For this reason, God inspired them to trade trades and everything that would be beneficial, one of them by buying and selling.The Islamic Shari'a encourages people to trade and advocates it as a way to gather fortune, because Islam recognizes procdutivity because Islam is the last religion that has been perfect and is universal, applies to all humans, all nations and the substance of their teachings brings the goodness of life. In addition, Islam is also an eternal religion (valid from one era to the next) until the Day of Judgment. Islamic teachings regulate all aspects of human life including about trading or doing business even to the procedure for taking legitimate profits.
"Rear Window": Polio as a Cultural Ambience
Authors: Tucker Taylor
Published: July 2020

Note: In lieu of an abstract, this is the article's first paragraph. "In the 1950’s, the question of polio as a disease that could be eradicated was still unanswered and the struggle to develop a vaccine was the frenetic backdrop for the biomedical field. Culture and daily life was infused with narratives and metaphors that attempted to control and understand the illness. “Rear Window” directed by Alfred Hitchcock was an example of a product of this ambience and though it never explicitly names polio it is infused with concepts and elements of the disease. The themes that course throughout the film reinforces and reflects certain archetypes developed to solidify the flexible and mutable nature of this feared health problem."