bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Methodology for Modified Whale Optimization Algorithm for Solving Appliances Scheduling Problem
Authors: Omar Mohd Faizal , Mohd Bakeri Noorhadila , Mohd Nawi Mohd Nasrun , Hairani Norfazlirda , Khalid Khalizul
Published: October 2020

Whale Optimization Algorithm (WOA) is considered as one of the newest metaheuristic algorithms to be used for solving a type of NP-hard problems. WOA is known of having slow convergence and at the same time, the computation of the algorithm will also be increased exponentially with multiple objectives and huge request from n users. The current constraints surely limit for solving and optimizing the quality of Demand Side Management (DSM) case, such as the energy consumption of indoor comfort index parameters which consist of thermal comfort, air quality, humidity and vision comfort. To address these issues, this proposed work will firstly justify and validate the constraints related to the appliances scheduling problem, and later proposes a new model of the Cluster based Multi-Objective WOA with multiple restart strategy. In order to achieve the objectives, different initialization strategy and cluster-based approaches will be used for tuning the main parameter of WOA under different MapReduce application which helps to control exploration and exploitation, and the proposed model will be tested on a set of well-known test functions and finally, will be applied on a real case project i.e. appliances scheduling problem. It is anticipating that the approach can expedite the convergence of meta-heuristic technique with quality solution.
Numerical Solution of Stagnation Point Flow and Heat Transfer over a Nonlinear Stretching/Shrinking Sheet in Hybrid Nanofluid: Stability Analysis
Authors: Anuar Nur Syazana , Bachok Norfifah , Md Arifin Norihan , Rosali Haliza
Published: October 2020

The steady, laminar, stagnation point flow of hybrid nanofluid past a nonlinearly stretching and shrinking sheet is studied. Hybrid nanofluid is regarded by disseminated two distinct nano-sized particles, silver (Ag) and copper oxide (CuO) in pure water. Similarity technique was used for the transformation of partial differential equations (PDEs) into an ordinary differential equations (ODEs). Obtained ODEs were solved using Matlab’s built in function (bvp4c). The results of important governing parameters which are nonlinear parameter, stretching/shrinking parameter and nanoparticle volume fraction are evaluated and discussed in graphical and tabular form for the velocity and temperature profiles, along with local skin friction, local Nusselt number. Nonunique solutions (first and second branch) are visible for some limit of shrinking parameter. It is noticed that nonlinear parameter hastens flow separations. Hence, a stability analysis is executed to identify which solutions are stable and physically feasible.
Efficacy of the N-acetylglucosamine in experimental therapy of chronic kidney disease
Authors: Shebeko Sergii , Zupanets Igor , Otrishko Inna
Published: October 2020

The efficacy of N-acetylglucosamine in rats with chronic kidney disease is described in this article. The results of the study show that N-acetylglucosamine significantly increased (p<0.05) the excretion of nitrogen compounds (creatinine by 100.4% and urea by 46.6%) and as a result de-creased the level of azotemia. The intensity of free radical oxidation was significantly decreased (p<0.05) (blood conjugated dienes by 32.9%, blood thiobarbituric acid reactive substances – by 14.1%, kidney conjugated dienes – by 40.1% and kidney thiobarbituric acid reactive substances – by 26.3%) and the balance of kidney antioxidant system was restored. N-acetylglucosamine was significantly superior (p<0.05) to comparator quercetin in renal excretory function and nitro-gen metabolism by the most of indicators and was not inferior to the influence on the free radical oxidation and kidney oxidative stress. Thus, N-acetylglucosamine is advisable to further experimental studies at i.m. administration as a chronic kidney disease treatment.
Experimental research of garden spinach extract as a potential anabolic medicinal product
Authors: Nykyforuk Andriy , Fira Liudmyla , Lykhatskyi Petro , Pyda Victor
Published: October 2020

Disorders of protein metabolism – one of the pathologies, the treatment of which is an urgent problem of modern medicine and pharmacy. The importance of the problem is stipulated due to the prevalence of diseases that are accompanied by a violation of protein metabolism in the body. Restoration of protein resources during such conditions requires adequate intake of structural components from the outside – proteins, amino acids and other biologically active substances-correctors of protein metabolism. In recent decades, much attention has been paid to the discoveries of anabolic agents of natural origin, especially from plants. We conducted research on the study of the anabolic and antioxidant properties of dry extract of spinach garden leaves on the model of food deprivation in rats. Established, that the dry extract at the dose of 100 mg/kg body weight of animals prevents the development of organic disorders of protein metabolism, oxidative stress, prevents a sharp decrease in body weight and slows down the generalized catabolism caused by starvation in rats. Under the influence of the extract on the model of food deprivation, the diuretic function of the kidneys is preserved at the physiological level.
Pharmacovigilance: procedures for uniform assessment of periodic safety update reports and their implementation in national settings. Focus on analgesics
Authors: Koleva Kalina , Todorova Lyubina , Marchev Stanislav , Vlaskovska Mila , Nikolov Rumen
Published: October 2020

Pharmacovigilance activities are of vital importance for ensuring effective and safe medicinal products. In order to clarify to which extent marketing authorisation holders (MAHs) meet the requirements of the Law and the Directives related to this activities, we conducted a systematic search among the procedures submitted to the Bulgarian Drug Agency (BDA) related to the implementation of the decisions of the Pharmacovigilance Committee and the Co-ordination Group for Mutual Recognition and Decentralised Procedures – Human (CMDh) for a period of 6 years. The results of the study showed significant discrepancies between regulatory requirements and the behavior of the MAH at the national level. This could be a serious problem, as inadequate or late implementations of the PRAC (Pharmacovigilance Risk Assessment Committee)/CMDh/EC recommendations can lead to untimely informing of healthcare professionals and patients about potential safety concerns and risks related to the use of medicinal products.
Does Psychosocial Functioning Improve With Prolonged Exposure in Veterans With PTSD?: Exploring Traditional and Home-Based Telehealth Delivery Methods
Authors: Reich Kristina , Nemeth Lynne S. , Mueller Martina , Sternke Lisa Marie , Acierno Ron
Published: October 2020

The current study explored whether prolonged exposure (PE), delivered in person or via home-based telehealth, had a therapeutic effect on psychosocial functioning in combat Veterans with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The effects of home-based telehealth on these metrics were also evaluated. In addition, we examined whether race, type of war conflict, and service-connected disability rating moderated the effect of PE on psychosocial functioning and whether PTSD, anxiety, and/or depression mediated the effect of PE on psychosocial functioning. We did not find moderating or mediating effects in our study. Improvements in PTSD, depression, and anxiety were associated with improvements in psychosocial functioning. We did not identify statistically significant differences in scores representing change in overall and each domain of psychosocial functioning between groups. Within-group analysis indicated psychosocial functioning improved in both groups but was mostly not statistically significant. However, some clinically relevant improvement may have occurred. [
Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services, 59
(2), 31–40.]
Between Imajaɤen (Warrior) and Timogoutar (Helplessness)
Authors: Christian Patrick James
Published: October 2020

This chapter is drawn from a much larger qualitative phenomenological inquiry into the Kel Tamashek of the Central Sahara and its Sahelian transition zone. The impetus for this larger research was driven by US Army Generals John Mulholland (Ret), James Linder (Ret), and US Navy Admiral Brian Losey. These senior military leaders foresaw the coming clash between this powerful ethnic community and the rapid spread of globalization into the vast spaces of the Sahel and Sahara Desert. This ethnic community lives in an alternate reality in the northern parts of Niger and Mali, and the southern parts of Algeria and Libya. This alternate reality is of their own design and is well over a millennium in the making. The Kel Tamashek are of extreme interest to regional and international security forces because of their tendency to resist political control. After fighting the French Colonial governments to a standstill in the 17th and 18th centuries, they went on to overthrow the African-based governments in Mali and Niger several times each.
Conflict Resolution of Mind and Body Using Ayurveda and Yoga
Authors: Witt-Enderby Paula , Mehta Bhavna V.
Published: October 2020

This chapter will focus on Ayurveda and yoga to understand the power of the mind and body to resolve conflict. The fundamental principles of Ayurveda will be discussed in relation to the universe and body because we are a microcosm of the macrocosm. A society so rich in science, pharmaceuticals, and healthcare professionals still struggles for good health. Society continues to remain malnourished even though overfed with food causing the human mind to turn to other modalities like Ayurveda and yoga. As contemporary medicine starts with disease, Ayurveda begins with health with the focus on maintaining the health of the healthy. The fundamental principles of Ayurveda regarding the biological humors (doshas) will be discussed in relation to the five elements of ether, air, fire, water, earth. The main focus will be diet and lifestyle. This chapter will provide pearls of Ayurvedic wisdom to allow one to assimilate these practices into daily life.
The Need for (Increased) ICT Skills in the Era of Digitalization
Authors: Palan Nicole , Schober Andreas
Published: October 2020

Automation and digitalization have had profound effects on job losses as well as on skill requirements in advanced economies. This chapter analyzes the spatial distribution of ICT-skills requirements by analyzing some 73,000 job offers for the Austrian region of Styria. This region is characterized by a large variability of specialization patterns throughout its districts as well as differences regarding population density and infrastructure accessibility. The analysis allows to draw conclusions on the need for both basic and special ICT-skills for different education levels for 287 municipalities. The results also draw light on problems related to the new “digital divide” indicating the phenomenon that people have access to digital infrastructure but not yet acquired the digital competences to find work. One interesting conclusion is also that high-skill ICT-requiring jobs have the highest level of agglomeration – both compared with other skill-levels and with non-ICT related academic job positions.
Role of Virtual Laboratories in Teaching Learning Processes of India
Authors: N. Kapilan , P. Vidhya
Published: October 2020

Laboratory training and exercises provide hands-on experience to the students. However, the limitations in the laboratory facilities in the engineering colleges may affect the teaching and learning process of the future engineers. Hence, Government of India has started an initiative called Virtual Lab to overcome this issue. The premier institutions in India were funded and these institutes are the nodal centre in providing virtual lab facilities to colleges which do not have sophisticated laboratory facilities. The advancement in IT and internet facilities can no more hamper students and researchers in enhancing their skills and knowledge. Also, in a country such as India, costly instruments and equipment need to be shared with fellow researchers to the greatest extent possible. This chapter discusses and highlights the Virtual Lab initiatives and implementations.
A New Continuous Quality Improvement Vision for a Changing Technological Market
Authors: Olalla-Caballero Beatriz , Mata-Fernández Montserrat
Published: October 2020

Continuous quality improvement (CQI) is an essential tool for those information technologies companies (IT) that want to succeed in a competitive and disruptive market, achieving its goals and objectives, obtaining benefits and increasing their market share, or even assuring clients loyalty. Changing the environment and the global economy may affect the purposes of a company and, hence, in the success of the market strategy carried out by the firm. A proper continuous quality improvement model or framework can help a company to follow-up the quality level of products, projects, or services, identifying actions to be developed to be able to have an agile and immediate response among competitors. In this way, a company may be reinforced and may assure its survival in a changing and disruptive environment.
Development of an Organizational Management Improvement Plan in SMEs
Authors: Ovalle-Mora Omar Orlando , Ramirez-Salazar Maria del Pilar , Salcedo-Perez Carlos , Mosquera Anlly Luz Hinestroza
Published: October 2020

SMEs must carry out an analysis of the micro and macro environment that is necessary to counteract threats. Then internal and external factors must be identified to evaluate opportunities, threats, strengths, and weaknesses to establish a correlation between causes and effects, to determine the current situation of the enterprise, and to find areas of improvement. The information analysis is performed using tools applied and tailored to the development of this model, such as PESTEL and Porter's five forces, CAM (competitiveness analysis matrix), EFE and EFI analysis matrix, SWOT analysis, strategic maps, and the balanced scorecard.
Connected Vehicles
Authors: Mahmood Zaigham
Published: October 2020

An intelligent city, also known as smart city or cognitive city, is a new vision for urban development to integrate the various sectors and functions of the society through the use of internet of things and sensor-based technologies. The main objective is to seamlessly integrate and efficiently manage a city's resources such as transportation, healthcare, commerce, manufacturing, education, utilities, law enforcement, as well as city's various e-government information systems. The aim is to improve the quality of life of citizens and efficiency of city's services and processes, through the use of latest distributed technologies. In this chapter, the authors discuss the connected vehicles vision, as a core element of the internet of vehicles paradigm, as part of the intelligent transportation system (ITS). In doing so, they discuss the underlying concepts, technologies, types of vehicular connectivity, and mobile and vehicular ad hoc networks (i.e., MANET and VANET).
A Blockchain-Based Federated Learning
Authors: Barai Ankit Khushal , Bhadoria Robin Singh , Bagwari Jyotshana , Perl Ivan A.
Published: October 2020

Conventional machine learning (ML) needs centralized training data to be present on a given machine or datacenter. The healthcare, finance, and other institutions where data sharing is prohibited require an approach for training ML models in secured architecture. Recently, techniques such as federated learning (FL), MIT Media Lab's Split Neural networks, blockchain, aim to address privacy and regulation of data. However, there are difference between the design principles of FL and the requirements of Institutions like healthcare, finance, etc., which needs blockchain-orchestrated FL having the following features: clients with their local data can define access policies to their data and define how updated weights are to be encrypted between the workers and the aggregator using blockchain technology and also prepares audit trail logs undertaken within network and it keeps actual list of participants hidden. This is expected to remove barriers in a range of sectors including healthcare, finance, security, logistics, governance, operations, and manufacturing.
Representative Figures Outlining the Romanian Women Imagery
Authors: Bârlea Roxana Magdalena
Published: October 2020

The chapter focuses on a gallery of representative figures of Romanian women imagery, with a view to fostering the cultural dialogue. It is an approach to understanding Romanians in general, with their history, traditions, symbols, and myths, seen from a women's studies point of view. The women who are chosen as examples are real personalities, such as historic characters, creators of Romanian symbols, past or present public figures who have had a significant impact on the women's national imagery. The chapter also uses fictional examples, eg. protagonists of folk or cultured literature or national legend heroines. Through these female figures, the author aims at assembling an image of the Romanian society with a focus on women's representations, in order to “decode” key cultural and civilizational elements, explain attitudes, and thus, guide non-native learners through their understanding process of Romanian culture and values.
Talking About Women
Authors: Villalva Alina
Published: October 2020

The reference to males and females in Portuguese is related to grammatical gender, but the relationship is not straightforward. The grammatical gender system is quite complex and semantically fragile, allowing a very low degree of predictability of the gender value, especially regarding inanimate nouns. Gender contrasts are also problematic. They only apply to some animate nouns and when they occur, they can be diversely fulfilled. Furthermore, this state of affairs is being threatened by social changes that are the output of increasing access of women to social and political rights, and especially to jobs and positions traditionally held only by men. On the other hand, words referring to men and women have a denotative meaning and different connotations. The definitions provided by some early and contemporary dictionaries will be compared. This comparison will demonstrate that these nouns are unevenly tackled. If dictionaries reflect canonical concepts, then the global understanding of male and female concepts are not that different from what they were three hundred years ago.
The Raven and the White Dove
Authors: Ivancu Emilia
Published: October 2020

Starting with mid-19th century, song collecting in Brittany has remained important especially as the status of the Breton language depreciated in favour of French. Today the traditional Breton ballads (gwerziou) are an important instrument of remembering and understanding of both the past of the Breton people, and of their culture, as well as treasure of folk Breton language. The present chapter aims at analysing the representations of women in the traditional Breton ballads, ranging from witches, such as in Janik Kokard's leprotic lover, sinners such as Mari Kelen or saints like Bertet, Virgin Mary's kind midwife, all with the end of understanding the engines that led to (un)customary representations in which the woman is portrayed as both by the gaze of male sovereignty and the restrictions and projections of Catholicism.
An Improvement of K-Medoids Clustering Algorithm Based on Fixed Point Iteration
Authors: Huang Xiaodi , Ren Minglun , Hu Zhongfeng
Published: October 2020

The process of K-medoids algorithm is that it first selects data randomly as initial centers to form initial clusters. Then, based on PAM (partitioning around medoids) algorithm, centers will be sequential replaced by all the remaining data to find a result has the best inherent convergence. Since PAM algorithm is an iterative ergodic strategy, when the data size or the number of clusters are huge, its expensive computational overhead will hinder its feasibility. The authors use the fixed-point iteration to search the optimal clustering centers and build a FPK-medoids (fixed point-based K-medoids) algorithm. By constructing fixed point equations for each cluster, the problem of searching optimal centers is converted into the solving of equation set in parallel. The experiment is carried on six standard datasets, and the result shows that the clustering efficiency of proposed algorithm is significantly improved compared with the conventional algorithm. In addition, the clustering quality will be markedly enhanced in handling problems with large-scale datasets or a large number of clusters.
UGT-Based Study of SM Use Among Undergraduates in UAE and Kuwait
Authors: Al-Jenaibi Badreya Nasser , AlKandari Ibrahim Ahmad
Published: October 2020

The technology is getting advanced and likewise the social media is gaining maximum attraction of individuals. The trends of the world are changing day by day so that the impacts are also changing as per needs and demands of the world. Social media has made the changes in the process of interaction between the public and government officials. Middle East communities have great access to new technologies and internet, especially, the Gulf Cooperation Council countries (GCC) that are recognized by advanced infrastructures. Therefore, a sharp increase in social media use is noticed in the area particularly the youth who are more attracted to these platforms. This paper focus on Uses and gratifications of social media use among college students in United Arab Emirates and Kuwait for three social media sites: Twitter, Instagram, and Snapchat. Mixed methodologies are applied (quantitative and qualitative) to explore various use and gratifications factors as well as other social factors among youth that contributes in the adoption of these social network sits (SNSs). Moreover, several statistical tests were performed to analyze the collected data. Few research articles have been published about new and social media platforms use in the region; however, comparative studies were rarely noticed regarding this subject. The survey includes (N=190) samples between Kuwaiti and Emirati students. The study reveals that entertainment is the major use and gratification reason for using the three platforms, while the main social factor is identification. Social media is vital when it comes to the issue of the national, political, and business life.
A Neural Network Architecture Using Separable Neural Networks for the Identification of “Pneumonia” in Digital Chest Radiographs
Authors: Sarada N. , Rao K. Thirupathi
Published: October 2020

In recent years, convolutional neural networks had a wide impact in the fields of medical image processing. Image semantic segmentation and image classification have been the main challenges in this field. These two techniques have been seeing a lot of improvement in medical surgeries which are being carried out by robots and autonomous machines. This work will be working on a convolutional model to detect pneumonia in a given chest x-ray scan. In addition to the convolution model, the proposed model consists of deep separable convolution kernels which replace few convolutional layers; one main advantage is these take in a smaller number of parameters and filters. The described model will be more efficient, robust, and fine-tuned than previous models developed using convolutional neural networks. The authors also benchmarked the present model with the CheXnet model, which almost predicts over 16 abnormalities in the given chest-x-rays.
Comparative Use of Videos and Images Captured by Static Telecytological Applications for Quality Control and Teleconsultation Purposes
Authors: Archondakis Stavros K.
Published: October 2020

The objective of this study was to investigate the feasibility of implementing short videos captured by static telecytological applications for remote evaluation of cervical smears prepared by means of liquid-based cytology. The study was performed on representative short videos captured from a total of 404 cervical smears that were transferred via file transfer protocol to password-protected accounts for remote review by three independent cytopathologists. Statistical evaluation of cytological diagnoses detected no significant difference in diagnostic accuracy between the diagnoses proffered on the basis of short videos and digital images. Short videos production by static telecytology applications can be used as an alternative method for telecytological diagnosis of cervical smears, particularly for quality control purposes.
Extent of Adoption and Knowledge on Pesticide Use in Vegetable Production in Narsingdi District, Bangladesh
Authors: Barau A.A. , Naznin N. , Haque M.E. , Haque M.E. , Zakaria M. , Afrad M.S.I.
Published: October 2020

Farmers use various pesticides indiscriminately in their vegetable fields throughout the cropping seasons in Bangladesh. The present study therefore, examined farmers’ extent of adoption and knowledge on pesticide use in vegetable production. The study was conducted in four villages of Narsingdi district, Bangladesh, where 110 vegetable farmers were selected as sample following disproportionate random sampling technique. Interview schedule was used for collection of data. Both descriptive and inferential statistics were used in the analysis. Results revealed that most of the respondents were 35 years above, literate, had less than seven family members, small farm size (0.02-1.01 ha), moderate contact with information sources (80.9%), low annual income (66.4%) and received training (64.54 %) on pesticide use. Brinjal and cucurbits had the highest pesticide use among the vegetables, while the mostly used pesticides were Topten 1.8 EC, Actara insecticide and Thiovit fungicide. The extent of pesticide adoption was high (91.0%) and all (100.0%) of the respondents had low to moderate knowledge on pesticide use. Contact with information sources (r = 0.32) showed significant relationship with knowledge on pesticide use. Hence, government should strengthen information and regulations in order to raise awareness on safe use of pesticide.
Development of a Manually Operated Hydraulic Cattle Feed Block Making Machine
Authors: Kaushalya U.P. , Kahandage P.D. , Nayananjalie W.A.D.
Published: October 2020

Feed blocks, which are made by improving the nutritional status of agricultural by-products, are a proved solution to uplift the productivity of dairy animals in Sri Lanka. Though feed block making machines are locally available, their prices are unaffordable for small-scale rural farmers. Therefore, the objective of this study was to introduce an efficient and affordable feed block making machine for small-scale farmers. The newly fabricated machine consisted of hydraulically operated jack, mould and a piston fixed to an iron frame. The total cost of production was 43,000 LKR. Feed blocks were produced with the new machine using two separate mixtures of ingredients with four different compaction times. Mixture 1 contained 10% molasses apart from other ingredients and without cement, whereas mixture 2 replaced 5% of molasses with cement. The suitable compaction time for the mixture 1 and mixture 2 were 15 minutes and 10 minutes, respectively at 19265 kN m-2 maximum pressure. The actual capacity of the machine for mixture 1 prepared with 15 min compaction time was 3 blocks h-1, while it was 4 blocks h-1 for the mixture 2 prepared with 10 min compaction time irrespective to the gender. The post-compression expansion and durability of mixture 1 were 23.73% and 99.64%, respectively while the corresponding figures for mixture 2 were 18.64% and 99.82%. No change could be observed in appearance, colour and odour of the feed blocks within 30 days of storage. According to the results, this new machine is affordable to small-scale farmers and it can be successfully used to produce feed blocks for cattle..
Extending the Shelf life of TomEJC Mango through Application of 1-Methylcyclopropene
Authors: Bandara R.G.U.S. , Wasala W.M.C.B. , Prasanna P.H.P. , Chandramali D.V.P. , Weerasinghe W.M.S.S.K.
Published: October 2020

Mango cultivar TomEJC (TJC) has a substantial potential as a fresh food commodity with its high quality; however this cultivar requires a specialized postharvest handling. This study was conducted to extend the shelf life of TJC mango through application of 1-MCP. Four treatments (1 ppm for 12 h and 24 h, 2 ppm for 12 h and 24 h) were tested with a control; stored at 14 °C and 85-90% RH. The changes in flesh colour, pulp firmness, total soluble solids (TSS), pH, weight loss and rate of respiration and ethylene production were measured during the storage of four weeks. Application of 1-MCP showed a significant effect (p<0.05) on flesh colour, firmness, TSS, pH, rate of respiration, and rate of ethylene production. Results showed significant differences (p<0.05) in L* (lightness from black to white), a* (redness to greenness), and b* (yellowness to blueness) values of flesh between control and treatments. The control and 2 ppm for 24 h treatment reached the flesh colour at ripening within 16 days; while, the least rate of colour changed was resulted by 2 ppm 12 h treatment. TSS and pH of fruit pulp increased during the storage period, while the flesh firmness decreased. Further, the same properties of treatment 2 ppm 12 h, resulted the least rates of changing. According to the sensory evaluation and TSS, treating TJC mango with 1-MCP was found to be successful in delaying of ripening and subsequently it extends the shelf life of mango approximately 10 days than the untreated mango. The study showed that the application of 2 ppm of 1-MCP for 12 h the shelf life of TJC mango for period of four weeks in cold storage (14 0C and 85-90% RH) without deteriorating the quality of fruits.
IL-7Rαlow CD8+ T Cells from Healthy Individuals Are Anergic with Defective Glycolysis
Authors: Sim Ji Hyun , Kim Jin-Hee , Park Ae Kyung , Lee Jeeyun , Kim Kyoung-Mee , Shin Hyun Mu , Kim Minji , Choi Kyungho , Choi Eun Young , Kang Insoo , Lee Dong-Sup , Kim Hang-Rae
Published: October 2020

Effector memory (EM) CD8+ T cells expressing lower levels of IL-7R α (IL-7Rαlow) from healthy individuals are partly compromised in vitro, but the identity of these cells has remained unclear. In this study, we demonstrate that human IL-7Rαlow EM CD8+ T cells are naturally occurring anergic cells in vivo and impaired in proliferation and IL-2 production but competent in IFN-γ and TNF-α production, a state that can be restored by IL-2 stimulation. IL-7Rαlow EM CD8+ T cells show decreased expression of GATA3 and c-MYC and are defective in metabolic reprogramming toward glycolysis, a process required for the proliferation of T cells. However, IL-7Rαlow EM CD8+ T cells can proliferate with TCR stimulation in the presence of IL-2 and IL-15, suggesting that these cells can be restored to normality or increased activity by inflammatory conditions and may serve as a reservoir for functional immunity.
Quality of life in black African patients with keloid scars
Authors: Kassi Komenan , Kouame Kanga , Kouassi Alexandre , Allou Ange , Kouassi Isidore , Kourouma Sarah , Ecra Elidje , Sangare Abdoulaye
Published: October 2020

A keloid scar is a benign skin tumor and we aimed to assess the Quality of Life (QoL) of black Africans with keloid scars based on the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI). We conducted a cross-sectional descriptive study in the department of dermatology of the teaching hospital of Treichville in Ivory Coast. We recruited 132 patients with keloid and 3612 dermatoses without keloid: The prevalence was 3.50% (132/3753). We included 120 patients aged from 16 to 63 years old, the sex ratio was 0.46 (38/82) and the mean age was 34.20 years. Keloid scars were mostly secondary to skin trauma in 30.00 % and infection in 21.67%. The commonest site was the ear in 29.17 %. We reported Keloid with pain in 53.33% and pruritus in 95.00%. We observed psychological impact in 65.83%. The DLQI scores were moderate and high in 61.66 %. QoL was impacted significantly when keloid was associated with pain (p=0.046), pruritus (p=0.81) and functional disorders (p=0.29). The DLQI score could be a valuable tool to assess QoL in black African patients with keloid, for better treatment option.
Survey of use of herbal and home remedies for hair and scalp among women in North West Saudi Arabia
Authors: Alyoussef Abdullah
Published: October 2020

Herbal products and home remedies, especially those used as cosmetics, are widely used worldwide. Therefore, we conducted this study to discover the pattern of use of remedies in treating hair and scalp disorders in Tabuk, North West area of Saudi Arabia. A survey about use of herbal products and home remedies was prepared to evaluate their in hair and scalp. The questionnaire was distributed to 149 female hairdressers, hair products sellers and traditional healers as well as female customers in these places. We found about forty-one plants and eleven home remedies used for hair and scalp in Tabuk area. The most widely used plants were Henna (15.01%), coconut (10.22%) and olive (8.14%). They were widely used in hair damage (32.01%), hair endings (21.95%) and hair loss (21.94%). In parallel, the most widely used home remedies were yogurt (32.42%), eggs (26.91%) and honey (23.85%). They were widely used in hair damage (45.57%), hair endings (26.91%) and hair loss (19.88%). There were no differences between participants in the pattern of use of remedies regarding their education level of age group. In conclusion, many natural herbal medicine and home remedies are still in use in North West region of Saudi Arabia for hair and scalp. There is a great shortage in medical sources of information. Finally, many of used remedies lacks important scientific information about their usage and safety.
A case of streptococcal surgical site infection following Mohs surgery
Authors: Lowery Kami B. , Kohorst John J. , Malone C. Helen , Shimizu Ikue
Published: October 2020

Group A β-hemolytic Streptococcal (GAS) cellulitis is an uncommon surgical site infection that presents with rapid onset of pain and swelling in the first few days after a procedure. Unlike staphylococcal cellulitis, GAS cellulitis lacks purulence and spreading erythema. The absence of these classic signs may delay the diagnosis of GAS cellulitis and lead to severe complications. We present the case of an immunosuppressed 49-year-old patient who developed swelling and severe pain at his incision site two days after undergoing Mohs micrographic surgery on his forehead. He was clinically diagnosed with GAS cellulitis and recovered with intravenous antibiotics. Unfortunately, there is a paucity of information about GAS cellulitis in the dermatologic literature and clinicians need to recognize and aggressively treat this rare but serious complication of Mohs micrographic surgery.
Topical steroid application can induce branched/reticular vessels in Bowen disease on the upper trunk
Authors: Hashimoto Hiroyo , Togawa Yaei , Aoyagi Naoki , Kurita Ryoji , Oguma Rena , Iwasawa Mari , Suehiro Keisuke , Matsue Hiroyuki
Published: October 2020

We aimed to elucidate the dermoscopic vasculature of patients with Bowen Disease (BD) that was misdiagnosed as chronic eczema and had branched and/or reticular vessels after topical steroid application. The medical records of 19 patients with BD on the upper trunk were retrospectively reviewed for steroid use history, vascular structure observed in dermoscopy, and corresponding histological findings. Four patients treated with strong topical steroids showed remarkable branched and/or reticular vessels on dermoscopy. Histopathology showed partial epidermal atrophy with irregular thin elongation of the rete ridges, atypical keratinocyte proliferation in the epidermis, and vasodilation in the superficial dermis. We considered that vasodilation and partial epidermal atrophy may be induced by topical steroid application in BD-affected areas. In cases of suspected BD with reddish-brown plaque showing branched and/or reticulated vessels in dermoscopy, confirming a history of topical steroid use is helpful.
Italian-Americans and Psychoanalysis
Authors: Altman Neil , Stile Jillian
Published: October 2020

In this paper we address the under-representation of Italian-Americans in psychoanalysis in the United States, both as psychoanalysts and analysands. We suggest that this under-representation has arisen from a confluence of cultural biases in traditional criteria for analyzability and pejorative stereotypes about Italian-Americans that have discouraged their participation to the detriment of the field. The paper suggests that contemporary developments across various schools of psychoanalysis open up new opportunities for rethinking the cultural location of psychoanalysis.
Per un’etica delle differenze sessuali
Authors: Migliorini Damiano
Published: October 2020

L’autore analizza l’origine e il significato dell’espressione ‘Etica della Differenza Sessuale’ (EDS); contestualizzandola nel paradigma del ‘Pensiero della Differenza Sessuale’ (PDS), del quale vengono evidenziate potenzialità e aporie emerse nel dibattito interno al femminismo. Vengono poi illustrate e valutate alcune possibili interpretazioni di tale etica sviluppatesi nel contesto filosofico italiano. L’autore propone un confronto critico con altri modelli, ad esempio le teorie queer, cercando di far emergere come il pensiero della differenza sessuale si apra alla destabilizzazione prodotta dall’emergere di nuovi soggetti (gay e lesbiche, transessuali, intersessuali) e le relative conoscenze scientifiche. Viene quindi proposto l’aggiornamento al plurale ‘Etica delle Differenze Sessuali’ elencando quali possano essere le assunzioni metodologiche, contenutistiche (tra cui l’elaborazione di un modello relazionale in tutte le discipline scientifiche) e le declinazioni disciplinari (anche in ambito psicoanalitico) di un’etica così definita. Con un riferimento concreto alla discussione sulla cosiddetta ‘ideologia gender’, nella quale i protagonisti hanno spesso mostrato una certa difficoltà a implementare un’etica delle differenze.
Gender and its Stories
Authors: Rigliano Paolo , Ferrari Federico , Ragaglia Enrico Maria
Published: October 2020

The following work deals with several issues concerning gender. Firstly, it examines several anthropologic and historical dynamics concerning the establishment and legitimacy of male power, in opposition to the subordination of everything that concerns the female domain and the existence of women. In detail, it focuses on learning processes and the enhancement of the bipartition of gender in the family, in school and in different means of communication. The birth of gender studies will be described as an original field of study in various areas of human knowledge and how this has allowed for the diffusion of social and cultural awareness based on objective data. Lastly, we will consider the reasons that have led to the birth of gender theories on behalf of fundamentalist American and European groups, who then launched an international campaign: the religious and ideological suppositions, methods, strategies and aims of these campaigns against the presumed dominion of gender theory will be described. Future developments of these movements will be outlined, together with their strategies.
Come posso esserti utile? Ricerca in psicoanalisi e dintorni, Laura Corbelli e Laura Bonalume (a cura di)
Authors: Migone Paolo
Published: October 2020

Quando venticinque anni fa, nel 1996, Salvatore Freni, Alessandra Gabrielli e io fondammo la sezione italiana della Society for Psychotherapy Research (SPR), non avevamo idea che la ricerca in psicoterapia si sarebbe diffusa così tanto in Italia, con la nascita di vari gruppi di lavoro, la pubblicazione di moltissimi articoli e libri, e un crescente entusiasmo e impegno da parte di tanti colleghi. (...)
La cura complessa e collaborativa, Marco Ingrosso
Authors: Vanni Fabio
Published: October 2020

Il libro di Marco Ingrosso, sociologo che si occupa da molto tempo di salute, merita un’attenta lettura per chi si occupa di soggettualità. Prende avvio dal tema della cura che viene descritto in tutta l’ampiezza che esso merita a partire dal suo essere uno degli elementi fondamentali della nostra convivenza e, potremmo dire, della nostra stessa sopravvivenza come specie. (...)
L’università situata: un nuovo modello di insegnamento è possibile
Authors: Pellegrino Vincenza
Published: October 2020

Vorrei proporvi un viaggio dentro aule universitarie inaspettate, in cui persone senza tetto insegnano le politiche sociali, insegnano cosa succede di notte nelle città, quali sono le soglie della resistenza, cioè quei posti dove puoi stare senza ricevere violenza, dove sono le persone che rispondono quando suoni all’una di notte e quali sono quelle che non lo fanno assolutamente. Oppure aule in cui in un corso di politiche sociali i detenuti insegnano quale sia il senso della pena dentro la condanna all’ergastolo ostativo,1 come intendere la rieducazione, come intendere la riparazione. Oppure, ancora, vorrei proporvi un viaggio dentro un corso di sociologia della globalizzazione che ospita come docenti migranti che hanno appena attraversato il deserto e il Mediterraneo a piedi: ci insegnano che cos’è il debito in migrazione, come si contrae un debito di trentamila euro per arrivare dalla Nigeria all’Italia a piedi e soprattutto come lo si restituisce, o infine, lo stesso corso di globalizzazione in cui donne migranti insegnano un mondo post-coloniale in cui l’unico punto di arrivo non è la donna occidentale e la declinazione del concetto di emancipazione diviene plurale e più ricca.
Wandering spleen: A rare entity and a diagnostic dilemma
Authors: Kaur Ravinder , Dua Ashish , Dalal Ashwani
Published: October 2020

Wandering spleen refers to a spleen that is ectopic in its location contrary to a normal spleen which rests in the left hypochondrium. Although it is a rare clinical entity seen in children, it can also be rarely seen in females of reproductive age group. We present one such case of wandering spleen which was misdiagnosed earlier as a sub-hepatic collection.
How Can Individual Learning at the Workplace Contribute to Organisational Learning?
Authors: Jenner Annabel
Published: October 2020

The paper discusses the relationship of individual learning at the workplace and organisational learning from the perspective of adult education research. It asks which processes are required for individual learning to contribute to organisational learning and considers boundaries against change triggered by the organisations’ members. This question is discussed by focussing on a recent empirical study, which outlines processes of communication that help to transform individual into organisational learning. These processes are analysed within the context of inter-organisational cooperation, taking up a topical challenge in adult and continuing education in Germany. The study draws on Social Systems Theory; its methodological design comprises qualitative case studies. The empirical results differentiate organisational learning as a multi-faceted concept that encompasses change and highlights how organisations develop processes to prevent being induced towards organisational learning by their members. The paper discusses these findings with regard to the demands lifelong learning faces in the workplace.
Predictors of Time to Viral Load Suppression of Adult PLWHIV on ART in Arba Minch General Hospital: A Follow up Study
Authors: Hussen Sultan , Mama Mohammedaman , Mekonnen Bitew , Yihune Anaye , Shegaze Mulugeta , Boti Negussie , Shure Mohammed
Published: October 2020

Background: Access to antiretroviral drugs for all infected persons in need is a global health priority. The viral load and CD4 counts should be monitored regularly. The plasma viral load should be reduced by as much and for as short as possible. Identifying factors that predict time to viral load suppression of patients on antiretroviral therapy regimens is thus vital to optimizing therapeutic success. Therefore, this study aimed to estimate the time to viral load suppression and identify predictors of time to viral load suppression of patients on antiretroviral therapy at Arba Minch general Hospital.Methods: This study was observational study using data abstracted from medical records, patient interviews and laboratory work-up during 6 months of follow up. The data were collected from 152 naive to anti-retro viral drug patients. The univariable and multivariable Cox proportional hazard regression analyses were done to identify predictors.Result: The median survival time of viral load suppression among adult patients living with HIV was 3 months with 95% CI (2.68, 3.32). The Cox-proportional hazard analysis shows baseline CD4 count of <200cells/mm3 (AHR=0.683, CI:0.471, 0.990), baseline viral load of <10,000 copies/ml (AHR=4.135, CI:1.835, 9.317), having baseline Cotrimoxazole preventive therapy (AHR=1.997, CI:1.108, 3.600), having baseline Isoniazid preventive therapy (AHR=3.085, CI:1.721, 5.529) and good adherence level to ART (AHR=2.648 ,CI: 1.202, 5.834) significantly predict the time to viral load suppression.Conclusion: Early improvement and maintenance of CD4 count and viral load to normal level should be attained through streamlining and strengthening monitoring and counseling of patients on adherence to ART, Cotrimoxazole and Isoniazid drugs.
Outcome of Chronic Subdural Hematoma Treated with Single Burr Hole Under Local Anesthesia
Authors: Abebe Mersha  , Sahlu Abat  , Tsegaye Temesgen  , Abebe Nebyou
Published: October 2020

BACKGROUND: Chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH) is a common condition encountered in daily neurosurgical practice usually affecting the elderly population. Various surgical procedures have been used for the evacuation of hematoma in patients with CSDH. The objective of this paper was to study the postoperative outcome of patients who were operated for CSDH and to describe the easy, safest and effective procedure that can be performed at primary level hospitals.METHODS: Institutional based cross-sectional retrospective study was conducted among patients operated for CSDH from January 1, 2012 to December 31, 2015 at Teklehaymanot General Hospital, a private hospital in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Descriptive statistics, using SPSS version 20, was used to determine the postoperative outcomes including hospital stay, complications and recurrence rate.RESULTS: Of the 195 charts reviewed, 70.3% were of males, with M: F ratio of 2.4:1. 68.2% of patients being above the age of 55 years with a mean age at presentation of 57.63. The most common presenting symptom was headache followed by extremity weakness. The diagnosis of CSDH was made with either head CT scan or MRI. Forty one percent of patients had a left side hematoma and 48(24.6%) patients had bilateral CSDH. All patients were operated with a single burr hole evacuation under local anesthesia and postoperative subdural closed system drainage by a single neurosurgeon. The mean hospital stay was 3.68±2.6 days. The postoperative outcome was assessed using the Glasgow Outcome Score, and 95.9% of the patients reported good recovery. Thirteen (6.6%) patients were operated twice for recurrence, and there were four deaths.CONCLUSIONS: Single burr hole craniostomy is an easy, safe and effective technique for the treatment of CSDH.