bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Problems of the Conflict on the CER in the works of Soviet scientists of the first half of the XX century
Authors: Datsyshen Vladimir
Published: March 2022

The article is devoted to the problem of the Conflict on the Chinese Eastern Railway in the works of Soviet orientalist experts — contemporaries of the events. The Conflict on the CER is the Soviet-Chinese confrontation on the Chinese Eastern Railway, starting in 1924. The chronological framework is determined by the history of the Conflict of the Chinese Eastern Railway — the period of the second half of the 1920s — early 1930s. Already at the end of 1924, the first conflict between the Soviet and Chinese sides of the road took place. The conflict at the Chinese Eastern Railway in early 1926 moved to a qualitatively new level. The Soviet-Chinese Conflict at the CER in 1929 was already a military conflict between the two countries. In the 1920s-1930s little attention was paid to this conflict in Soviet literature. The reason for the increased interest of the public and expert experts in the Conflict at the Chinese Eastern Railroad was the sharp aggravation of the conflict and the military events of 1929. Already in 1929, brochures describing the military conflict were published in Siberia, and detailed materials on the problems of the Conflict at the Chinese Eastern Railroad appeared in periodicals. The source for the research was the publications of the contemporaries of the events. The works of Soviet orientalists such as B.N. Melnikov, S.A. Dridzo, A.A. Ivanov, G.N. Zarkhin, G.B. Skalov, V.Ya. Aboltin. In addition, other publications by various authors devoted to the Soviet-Chinese Conflict at the Chinese Eastern Railway in 1929 were considered. Analysis of the publications made it possible to conclude that an extremely simplified picture of events was given in the Soviet scientific and popular science literature, the analysis of problems was replaced by propaganda and ideological clichés, the authors reduced the causes of the conflict to the intrigues of external enemies.
Some Aspects of Chinese Policy Banks’ Activity at the Present Time
Authors: Serbina Ekaterina
Published: March 2022

The Chinese policy banks (the State Development Bank of China, the Export-Import Bank of China and the Agricultural Development Bank of China) were created with the goal of financing national projects both abroad and inside China. They play an important role in providing loans to green and social projects and concessional lending to small and medium-sized enterprises. It is expected that there will be growth in the financing of scientific and technical areas during the 14th Five-Year Plan (2021-2025).
In order to finance large-scale projects, the policy banks require a constant flow of funds. This article analyzes the main sources of the banks’ funding amongst which accepting loans from the People`s Bank of China and the issuing of bonds are in the lead. The two sources mentioned are characterized by reliability and constancy, but also have risks attached to them. These include limited sources of liquidity in general, increasing competition from local administrations which are also empowered to issue bonds, lending to low profit (but strategically important) projects, an implied long maturity period of medium and long-term loans, and other factors. Proof of sufficient capital is vital because policy banks have a key role regarding instruments for countercyclical regulation in the process of stabilizing the economy for example when funds were distributed through the banks to the most vulnerable sectors during the worst of the pandemic.
To improve the policy banks’ financial efficiency it has been necessary to draft a Policy Banks Act. This supports the development not only of national but also of commercial projects, the granting of more independence to branches in the search for and selection of projects (taking into consideration local/regional/international specifics), the diversification of liquidity sources and the establishment of compensation for losses sustained during repayment of failing loans, to improve risk management. This necessary next stage of banking reform is expected to be enacted during 2022-2023.
The Concept of Avant-Garde as a Creative Fashion Design Trajectory in Sekondi Takoradi - Ghana
Authors:   Department of Fashion Design and Technology, Takoradi Technical University, Takoradi, Ghana, Adjei-Appoh Genevieve , Acquaye Richard ,   Department of Textile Design and Technology, Takoradi Technical University, Takoradi, Ghana, Ampadu Joseph ,   Department of Fashion Design and Textile Studies, Cape Coast Technical University, Cape Coast, Ghana
Published: March 2022

This study seeks to project the concept of avant-garde as a viable and radical approach to instilling creativity in a fashion design practitioner through putting together different materials to represent shape and form in the ultimate sculpting of a silhouette. Even though the concept of avant-garde in fashion has existed for over a century in Europe, the Americas and parts of Asia, the concept has not caught up well in Ghana in terms of practice and application. Meanwhile, it has a great potential to engender creativity in the teaching and practice of fashion. This is because avant-garde encompasses experimental processes as well as constantly being on the edge, thinking forward and exploring new materials and design possibilities. Reflecting the times in which we are operating provides a relevance to the form of expression of the fashion designer. The qualitative research methodology was utilised in this study, with observation and interviews as the data collection instrument. The study observed selected fashion practitioners thoroughly, using their philosophies and designs as sources of data. The findings and discussion touched upon on a wide array of visualisations and trends and present avant-garde as a creative concept for fashion design practice in Sekondi-Takoradi, Ghana. The study, therefore, recommends that fashion design students be made more aware of the essence of trying new and unfamiliar materials every now and then to enable them to be more creative. The concept of avant-garde was explored in this study because of its potential for an extended enquiry into the many trajectories of fashion product outcomes.
Innovative ways to control dust and explosion safety of mine workings
Authors: Romanchenko Sergey , Naganovskiy Yuri , Kornev Anton
Published: March 2022

Ensuring dust and explosion safety during underground coal mining is one of the most important tasks of industrial safety and labor protection departments. The main method of preventing explosions of coal dust settled in mine workings is to process them with stone dust (rock dusting). The traditional methods of quality control of rock dusting include radioisotope, optical and chemical methods. To implement them, the devices are equipped with environmentally harmful radioactive elements, expensive optical sensors, desiccants and replaceable flasks with chemical reagents, which increases the cost of analysis and its duration. The measurement error of these devices is 10 % or more. The main purpose of the study is to develop and substantiate a new method for monitoring the dust and explosion safety of mine workings, which will be devoid of the disadvantages of the methods mentioned above. It is proposed to evaluate the quality of rock-dust distribution by a fundamentally new way – thermogravimetric. The method was tested on the dust of coal mines in Kuzbass and the Vorkuta basin, including dust samples taken in mines with actual explosions. The article presents the results of experimental studies of the processes of thermal destruction of coal and stone dust mixtures. The non-overlapping intervals of the thermogravimetric reaction are identified: moisture yield (35-132 °С); volatile matter yield from coal (380-580 °С); thermal degradation of limestone with carbon dioxide yield (650-850 °С). Methods and mathematical dependencies for processing significant and qualitative identification characteristics of thermogravimetric curves in determining the content of non-combustible components in a sample of mine dust are considered.
Methodology for testing pipeline steels for resistance to grooving corrosion
Authors: Bolobov Viktor , Popov Grigoriy
Published: March 2022

The methodology for testing pipeline steels is suggested on the assumption that for the destruction of pipes in field oil pipelines by the mechanism of grooving corrosion the simultaneous fulfillment of such conditions as the occurrence of scratches on the lower generatrix of the pipe, eventually growing into a channel in the form of a groove, emulsion enrichment with oxygen, presence of pipe wall metal in a stressed state, presence of chlorine-ion in the oil-water emulsion is required. Tests are suggested to be carried out in 3 % aqueous solution of NaCl with continuous aeration by air on bent plates 150×15×3 mm, made of the analyzed steel, the middle part of which is under the action of residual stresses σres, close to the level of maximum equivalent stresses σeqv in the wall of the oil pipeline, with the presence of a cut on this part on the inner side of the plate as an initiator of additional mechanical stresses. Using the value of the modulus of normal elasticity of the analyzed steel, the degree of residual strain of the elastic-plastic body  from this material, corresponding to the value σres ≈ σeqv is calculated, based on which the plates are bent to the required deflection angle, after which the cut is applied to them. After keeping the plates in the corrosive medium for each of them the increase in depth of the cut as a result of corrosion of the walls by the corrosive medium is analyzed, from which the rate of steel K by the mechanism of grooving corrosion is calculated taking into account the duration of tests. Corrosion rate values for two pipe steel grades determined by the suggested procedure are given. The comparison of K values obtained leads to the conclusion about the higher resistance to grooving corrosion of 09G2S steel.
Intracerebral Infection with E. coli Impairs Spatial Learning and Induces Necrosis of Hippocampal Neurons in the Tg2576 Mouse Model of Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Schütze Sandra , Döpke Anika , Kellert Benedikt , Seele Jana , Ballüer Melissa , Bunkowski Stephanie , Kreutzfeldt Mario , Brück Wolfgang , Nau Roland
Published: March 2022

Background:

In patients with Alzheimer’s disease (AD), bacterial infections are often associated with a cognitive decline. Animal models of genuine acute infections with viable bacteria which induce deterioration of neurodegenerative diseases are missing.

Objective:

We assessed the effect of an intracerebral infection with E. coli in a mouse model of AD.

Methods:

13-month-old Tg2576 +/- mice and transgene negative littermates (Tg2576 -/-) received an intracerebral injection with E. coli K1 or saline followed by treatment with ceftriaxone starting 41 h post infection (p.i.) for 5 days. For 4 weeks, mice were monitored for clinical status, weight, motor functions, and neuropsychological status using the Morris water maze. ELISAs, stainings, and immunohistochemistry in brains were performed at the end of the experiment.

Results:

Mortality of the infection was approximately 20%. After 4 weeks, spatial learning of infected Tg2576 +/- mice was compromised compared to non-infected Tg2576 +/- mice ( p < 0.05). E. coli infection did not influence spatial learning in Tg2576 -/- mice, or spatial memory in both Tg2576 +/- and -/- mice within 4 weeks p.i.. Necrosis of hippocampal neurons was induced in infected compared to non-infected Tg2576 +/- mice 4 weeks p.i., whereas brain concentrations of Aβ1–40, Aβ1–42, and phosphoTau as well as axonal damage and microglia density were not altered.

Conclusion:

Here, we proved in principle that a genuine acute bacterial infection can worsen cognitive functions of AD mice. Mouse models of subacute systemic infections are needed to develop new strategies for the treatment of bacterial infections in patients with AD in order to minimize their cognitive decline.
Effect of casein phosphopeptide amorphous calcium fluoride phosphate and calcium glycerophosphate on incisors with molar-incisor hypomineralization: A cross-over, randomized clinical trial
Authors: Sezer Berkant , Tuğcu Nihan , Calışkan Cansu , Durmuş Başak , Kupets Tatiana , Bekiroğlu Nural , Kargül Betül , Bourgeois Denis
Published: March 2022

BACKGROUND: Within the scope of minimally invasive dentistry, the use of different biocompatible remineralization agents on incisors affected by molar-incisor hypomineralization (MIH) gains importance. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of casein phosphopeptide amorphous calcium fluoride phosphate (CPP-ACFP) and calcium glycerophosphate (CaGP) in mineral density (MD) of white/creamy and yellow/brown demarcated opacities on incisors affected by MIH by means laser fluorescence (LF). METHODS: As a cross-over, randomized trial, twenty-two children with 167 incisors affected by MIH were recruited and randomly assigned to one of the two different agents and crossed over to other agents with two weeks washout in between. Incisors were examined by using LF at all before and after three months periods. RESULTS: The results of the paired t-tests for determining the period effect between the baseline findings showed significant difference in white/creamy and yellow/brown demarcated opacities of LF values for both groups (p < 0.05). The difference between both groups according to after categorization of 20% increasing in MD in the percent of change before and after application on LF values; was not found statistically significant in white/creamy (p = 0.970) and yellow/brown (p = 0.948) opacities. CONCLUSIONS: The primary outcome was CPP-ACFP and CaGP had a positive effect in decreasing hypomineralization on MIH-affected enamel for three months period.
The evaluation of the intracavitary effusions by a bedside ultrasound examination
Authors: Martocchia A. , Ialungo S. , Dulcetti A. , Malena D.M. , Proietta M. , Del Porto F. , Landolfi F. , Sesti G. , Sergi D. , Martelletti P.
Published: March 2022

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to evaluate the bedside use of the pocket-sized ultrasound (US) device for the detection of the intracavitary effusions. METHODS: We randomly enrolled 40 patients admitted to S. Andrea Hospital of Rome. Every patient received a clinical and biochemical evaluation and a bedside US examination to detect and estimate the intracavitary (pleural, pericardial and intra-abdominal) effusions; the US measurements have been compared to the computed tomography (CT) scans (as gold standard). RESULTS: The patients presented a high prevalence of effusions: right pleural 16/40 = 40% (esteemed volume 236.3±500.7 ml, mean±standard deviation m±SD), left pleural 8/40 = 20% (127.0±377.4 ml), pericardial 12/40 = 30% (47.5±72.8 ml) and intra-abdominal effusions 5/40 = 12.5% of cases (110.9±600.6 ml). Linear regression analysis showed a significant correlation between US and CT measurements: pleural r = 0.973 p <  1×10–38, pericardial r = 0.927 p <  1×10–39, intra-abdominal space r = 0.921 p <  1×10–59. The accuracy of the bedside US at the pleural, pericardial and abdominal level was respectively 98%, 93% and 96% (Cohen’s kappa coefficient 0.966, 0.841 and 0.833). CONCLUSIONS: The present study showed a high prevalence of the intracavitary effusions and a high accuracy of the bedside US. The bedside US by a pocket-sized device is promising tool for its advantages of reproducibility and non-invasiveness of the device.
The complex link between filter bubbles and opinion polarization
Authors: Keijzer Marijn A. , Mäs Michael
Published: March 2022

There is public and scholarly debate about the effects of personalized recommender systems implemented in online social networks, online markets, and search engines. Some have warned that personalization algorithms reduce the diversity of information diets which confirms users’ previously held attitudes and beliefs. This, in turn, fosters the emergence opinion polarization. Critics of this personalization-polarization hypothesis argue that the effects of personalization on information diets are too weak to have meaningful effects. Here, we show that contributions to both sides of the debate fail to consider the complexity that arises when large numbers of interdependent individuals interact and exert influence on one another in algorithmically governed communication systems. Summarizing insights derived from formal models of social networks, we demonstrate that opinion dynamics can be critically influenced by mechanisms active on three levels of analysis: the individual, local, and global level. We show that theoretical and empirical research on these three levels is needed before one can determine whether personalization actually fosters polarization or not. We describe how the complexity approach can be used to anticipate and prevent undesired effects of communication technology on public debate and democratic decision-making.
NLM and the IAIMS initiative: Cross-institutional academic/advanced systems contributing to the evolution of networked information and resources
Authors: Lorenzi Nancy M. , Stead William W.
Published: March 2022

The Integrated Academic/Advanced Information Systems (IAIMS) program began in 1983 and was based on a study by the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC). Donald A.B. Lindberg M.D. was a member of the AAMC Advisory Committee. The U.S. National Library of Medicine (NLM) grants for IAIMS were initiated in 1984 the same year Dr. Lindberg became Director of the NLM. This chapter presents an overview of IAIMS and its progression through three stages with Dr. Lindberg’s leadership.
Don Lindberg and the creation of the National Center for Biotechnology Information
Authors: Masys Daniel R. , Benson Dennis A.
Published: March 2022

The highest priority new initiative resulting from the 1985–86 National Library of Medicine Long Range Planning exercise initiated by NLM Director Dr. Donald A.B. Lindberg was the creation of new information resources and services related to molecular biology and genetics, termed “biotechnology information”. Beginning with existing NLM resources and research projects associated with molecular data, and with Lindberg’s enthusiastic support, the institution launched a Congressionally-mandated Center that has become an essential part of 21st century biomedical science.
A Bioinformatics Approach Toward Unravelling the Synaptic Molecular Crosstalk Between Alzheimer’s Disease and Diabetes
Authors: Alves Steven R. , da Cruz e Silva Cristóvão , Rosa Ilka M. , Henriques Ana Gabriela , da Cruz e Silva Odete A.B.
Published: March 2022

Background: Increasing evidence links impaired brain insulin signaling and insulin resistance to the development of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Objective: This evidence prompted a search for molecular players common to AD and diabetes mellitus (DM). Methods: The work incorporated studies based on a primary care-based cohort (pcb-Cohort) and a bioinformatics analysis to identify central nodes, that are key players in AD and insulin signaling (IS) pathways. The interactome for each of these key proteins was retrieved and network maps were developed for AD and IS. Synaptic enrichment was performed to reveal synaptic common hubs. Results: Cohort analysis showed that individuals with DM exhibited a correlation with poor performance in the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) cognitive test. Additionally, APOE ɛ2 allele carriers appear to potentially be relatively more protected against both DM and cognitive deficits. Ten clusters were identified in this network and 32 key synaptic proteins were common to AD and IS. Given the relevance of signaling pathways, another network was constructed focusing on protein kinases and protein phosphatases, and the top 6 kinase nodes (LRRK2, GSK3B, AKT1, EGFR, MAPK1, and FYN) were further analyzed. Conclusion: This allowed the elaboration of signaling cascades directly impacting AβPP and tau, whereby distinct signaling pathway play a major role and strengthen an AD-IS link at a molecular level.
Methylcobalamin Alleviates Neuronal Apoptosis and Cognitive Decline Induced by PM2.5 Exposure in Mice
Authors: Ji Xintong , Li Chenxia , Zhu Xiaozheng , Yu Wenlei , Cai Yanyu , Zhu Xinyi , Lu Linjie , Qian Qiwei , Hu Yu , Zhu Xuan , Wang Huanhuan
Published: March 2022

Background: Fine particulate matter (particulate matter 2.5, PM2.5) is considered one of the harmful factors to neuronal functions. Apoptosis is one of the mechanisms of neuronal injury induced by PM2.5. Methylcobalamine (MeCbl) has been shown to have anti-apoptotic and neuroprotective effects. Objective: The current work tried to explore the neuroprotective effects and mechanisms that MeCbl protects mice against cognitive impairment and neuronal apoptosis induced by chronic real-time PM2.5 exposure. Methods: Twenty-four 6-week-old male C57BL/6 mice were exposed to ambient PM2.5 and fed with MeCbl for 6 months. Morris water maze was used to evaluate the changes of spatial learning and memory ability in mice. PC12 cells and primary hippocampal neurons were applied as the in vitro model. Cell viability, cellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the expressions of apoptosis-related proteins were examined. And cells were stained with JC-1 and mitochondrial membrane potential was evaluated. Results: In C57BL/6 mice, MeCbl supplementation alleviated cognitive impairment and apoptosis-related protein expression induced by PM2.5 exposure. In in vitro cell model, MeCbl supplementation could effectively rescue the downregulation of cell viability induced by PM2.5, and inhibited the increased levels of ROS, cellular apoptosis, and the expressions of apoptosis related proteins related to PM2.5 treatment, which may be associated with modulation of mitochondrial function. Conclusion: MeCbl treatment alleviated cognitive impairment and neuronal apoptosis induced by PM2.5 both in vivo and in vitro. The mechanism for the neuroprotective effects of MeCbl may at least be partially dependent on the regulation of mitochondrial apoptosis.
Improving Diagnosis of Functional Cognitive Impairment in Younger Adults in Primary Care: Validation of Cognitive Screening Tools and the 4-Item Geriatric Depression Scale
Authors: Abdullah Shahbaz , Critchfield Matthew , Maltby John , Mukaetova-Ladinska Elizabeta B.
Published: March 2022

Background: Cognitive decline is classically attributed to organic causes such as dementia; however, depression can play a role in cognitive decline. Objective: To evaluate cognitive screening tools and the 4-item Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS-4) for use in primary care to distinguish cognitive decline secondary to depression. Method: Clinical data collected over 2.5 years for assessed patients in a secondary clinical service for younger adults. Cognitive screening tools (General Practitioner Assessment of Cognition, Addenbrooke’s Cognitive Examination-III, Rowland Universal Dementia Assessment Scale, Salzburg Dementia Test Prediction) and GDS-4 were analyzed for their accuracy to differentiate patients with cognitive decline due to depression from those with subjective cognitive complaints. Results: 180 young adults seen in a memory clinic setting (< 65 years) were included. These individuals either had a diagnosis of depression (n = 46) or no cognitive impairment on assessment (n = 134) despite having subjective cognitive complaints. All used cognitive tools had poor accuracy in differentiating cognitive decline secondary to depression from subjective cognitive complaints. The GDS-4 alone, however, was able to differentiate with high accuracy (AUC = 0.818) individuals who had cognitive problems secondary to depression. Conclusion: Cognitive screening tools used alone are ineffective in discriminating cognitive decline secondary to depression. Incorporating the GDS-4 into the screening process by primary practitioners could facilitate early identification and treatment of depression in younger people, avoiding unnecessary referrals memory services.
Potential Roles of Extracellular Vesicles as Diagnosis Biomarkers and Therapeutic Approaches for Cognitive Impairment in Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Shi Yun , Bao Qianqian , Chen Weidong , Wang Lei , Peng Daiyin , Liu Jie , Liu Qing , Zhang Yanchun , Ji Zhaojie , Shen Aizong
Published: March 2022

Cognitive dysfunction, the major clinical manifestation of Alzheimer’s disease (AD), is caused by irreversible progressive neurological dysfunction. With the aging of the population, the incidence of AD is increasing year by year. However, there is neither a simple and accurate early diagnosis method, nor an effective method to alleviate or prevent the occurrence and progression of AD. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are a number of heterogeneous membrane structures that arise from the endosome system or shed from the plasma membrane. In the brain, almost every kind of cell may have EVs, which are related to cell-cell communication and regulate cellular function. At present, an increasing body of evidence suggests that EVs play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of AD, and it is of great significance to use them as specific biomarkers and novel therapeutic targets for cognitive impairment in AD. This article reviews the potential role of EVs as diagnostic biomarkers and treatments for cognitive dysfunction in AD.
Quantified Brain Magnetic Resonance Imaging Volumes Differentiate Behavioral Variant Frontotemporal Dementia from Early-Onset Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Meysami Somayeh , Raji Cyrus A. , Mendez Mario F.
Published: March 2022

Background: The differentiation of behavioral variant frontotemporal dementia (bvFTD) from early-onset Alzheimer’s disease (EOAD) by clinical criteria can be inaccurate. The volumetric quantification of clinically available magnetic resonance (MR) brain scans may facilitate early diagnosis of these neurodegenerative dementias. Objective: To determine if volumetric quantification of brain MR imaging can identify persons with bvFTD from EOAD. Methods: 3D T1 MR brain scans of 20 persons with bvFTD and 45 with EOAD were compared using Neuroreader to measure subcortical, and lobar volumes, and Volbrain for hippocampal subfields. Analyses included: 1) discriminant analysis with leave one out cross-validation; 2) input of predicted probabilities from this process into a receiver operator characteristic (ROC) analysis; and 3) Automated linear regression to identify predictive regions. Results: Both groups were comparable in age and sex with no statistically significant differences in symptom duration. bvFTD had lower volume percentiles in frontal lobes, thalamus, and putamen. EOAD had lower parietal lobe volumes. ROC analyses showed 99.3% accuracy with Neuroreader percentiles and 80.2% with subfields. The parietal lobe was the most predictive percentile. Although there were differences in hippocampal (particularly left CA2-CA3) subfields, it did not add to the discriminant analysis. Conclusion: Percentiles from an MR based volumetric quantification can help differentiate between bvFTD from EOAD in routine clinical care. Use of hippocampal subfield volumes does not enhance the diagnostic separation of these two early-onset dementias.
Like a camera obscura ... or Let the facts speak about the Journal of Integrated Design & Process Science
Authors: Horváth Imre
Published: March 2022

This paper presents the findings of a bibliometric survey over the past 25 years of the Journal of Integrated Design & Process Science (JIDPS), which is the flagship publication forum of the Society of Design and Process Science (SDPS). The discussion is of a retrospective, statistical, and narrative nature. The goal of the survey was not only to expose the facts concerning publication statistics, but also to get an insight in the nature of the scientific contribution of the journal as a whole and to identify the target applications domains of the published papers. The paper lets the facts speak for themselves and offers the findings for further evaluation and road-mapping by the concerned stakeholders.
Intelligent decision support system to increase the operational reliability of the hydrocarbon pipeline transport system of a Mexican oil industry
Authors: Cid-Galiot Jonathan J. , Aguilar-Lasserre Alberto A. , Grande-Ramírez José Roberto , Juárez-Martínez Ulises , Posada-Gómez Rubén , Calderón-Palomares Luis A.
Published: March 2022

This research is carried out in the Mexican oil and gas industry. An Intelligent Decision Support System (IDSS) is proposed, through support modules for the human operator (fuzzy expert system and artificial neural network) that simulate, forecast and standardize operational decision criteria of a sequential pipeline pumping system, with problems of vandalism, mechanical deterioration in the face of a complex topographic profile, in order to minimize operational subjectivity and prevent contingencies. The research provides new control and monitoring alternatives that guarantee the operational reliability of a pumping station, minimizing the effects of risk by managing the knowledge of the experts involved in the problem, data mining and association of results, which allow to unify criteria decision. The originality of the work focuses on the ability to model, identify and adapt variables to current international parameters, considering previous works through a comprehensive perspective.
Fatigue in de novo Parkinson’s Disease: Expanding the Neuropsychiatric Triad?
Authors: Béreau Matthieu , Castrioto Anna , Lhommée Eugénie , Maillet Audrey , Gérazime Aurélie , Bichon Amélie , Pélissier Pierre , Schmitt Emmanuelle , Klinger Hélène , Longato Nadine , Fraix Valérie , Benatru Isabelle , Durif Franck , Azulay Jean-Philippe , Moro Elena , Broussolle Emmanuel , Tranchant Christine , Anheim Mathieu , Thobois Stéphane , Krack Paul
Published: March 2022

Background: Fatigue is a frequent and troublesome symptom present from the early stages of Parkinson’s disease (PD). Objective: To examine the relationship between fatigue and the neuropsychiatric triad, which includes apathy, depression, and anxiety, in de novo PD. Methods: We performed a cross-sectional study including 197 patients with de novo PD and assessed fatigue using the Parkinson’s Disease Fatigue Scale (PDFS-16). We evaluated motor status using the Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) part III score and evaluated neuropsychiatric status using the Ardouin Scale of Behavior in Parkinson’s Disease (ASBPD). We carried out univariate and multivariate analyses to model association between motor signs, non-motor signs, and fatigue risk. Results: Frequency of fatigue (28.9%) was of the same order of magnitude as that of apathy. PD patients with fatigue reported a lower quality of life than patients without fatigue (p < 0.0001). The ASBPD showed that patients with fatigue had higher scores for depressed mood (p < 0.0001), anxiety (p < 0.0001), and apathy (p < 0.0001). In the univariate analysis, fatigue score was positively correlated with apathy, depression, anxiety, and the neuropsychiatric triad as a whole, and to a lesser extent with female sex, hyperemotivity, and the UPDRS part III score. In the multivariate analysis, after adjusting for sex and motor status, the fatigue score remained significantly correlated with apathy (OR = 11.17 [4.33–28.78], p < 0.0001) and depression (OR = 4.28 [1.39–13.12], p = 0.01), but not with anxiety (OR = 0.94 [0.34–2.58], p = 0.9). Conclusion: We propose that the neuropsychiatric triad could be expanded to include fatigue.
Neuronal Presentation of Antigen and Its Possible Role in Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Hobson Benjamin D. , Sulzer David
Published: March 2022

Patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD) and other synucleinopathies often exhibit autoimmune features, including CD4+ and some CD8+ T lymphocytes that recognize epitopes derived from alpha-synuclein. While neurons have long been considered to not present antigens, recent data indicate that they can be induced to do so, particularly in response to interferons and other forms of stress. Here, we review literature on neuronal antigen presentation and its potential role in PD. Although direct evidence for CD8+ T cell-mediated neuronal death is lacking in PD, neuronal antigen presentation appears central to the pathology of Rasmussen’s encephalitis, a pediatric neurological disorder driven by cytotoxic T cell infiltration and neuroinflammation. Emerging data suggest that T cells enter the brain in PD and other synucleinopathies, where the majority of neuromelanin-containing substantia nigra and locus coeruleus neurons express MHC Class I molecules. In cell culture, CD8+ T cell recognition of antigen:MHC Class I complexes on neuronal membranes leads to cytotoxic responses and neuronal cell death. Recent animal models suggest the possibility of T cell autoreactivity to mitochondrial antigens in PD. It remains unclear if neuronal antigen presentation plays a role in PD or other neurodegenerative disorders, and efforts are underway to better elucidate the potential impact of autoimmune responses on neurodegeneration.
A quick review of advantages and limitations of biological fertilizers in wheat cultivation
Authors: Sharifi Parisa
Published: March 2022

Achieving adequate, healthy and nutritious food is emphasized as one of the basic rights of individuals in society in all the world countries. In this regard, the agricultural sector is committed to approach the necessary capability in establishing food security and self-reliance on basic products. Soil is very important as a basic source and bed of production, so that food safety mainly depends on soil security and to enlighten thoughts. Due to climate changes, lack of organic matters, and soil conditions, soil fertility management and nutrition of wheat plant are important. To this aim, knowing information about the soils and providing required nutrients could help to approach desired levels of wheat production in quantity and quality. Instead of chemical fertilizers, biological fertilizers have been seen useful for approaching the purposes. However, lack of enough information besides negative sights of view by the farmers are those the most important limiting factors. Therefore, investigating various aspects of biological fertilizers is very important for reaching a point of optimum usage of biological fertilizers for sustainable agricultural systems especially for the wheat production.
Supportive–educative nursing intervention on knowledge, attitude and physical activity intensity of survivors of breast cancer
Authors: Waluya Jajang Ganjar , Rahayuwati Laili , Lukman Mamat
Published: March 2022

BACKGROUND: The high incidence of and death by breast cancer show that breast cancer requires serious treatment. Studies revealed that the physical activity of survivors of breast cancer significantly reduced after a diagnosis of breast cancer. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to examine the effect of supportive–educative nursing intervention (SENI) on the knowledge, attitudes and behaviour of survivors of breast cancer towards the intensity of physical activity. METHODS: The study population included patients with breast cancer living in a palliative shelter of a referral hospital. Data were obtained from 61 respondents (intervention group, n = 30; control group, n = 31). The study used a pre-test and post-test design with a control group (quasi-experiment with control). RESULTS: SENI showed a significant effect on the knowledge (p = 0.000) and attitude (p = 0.000) of the participants towards physical activity. SENI did not demonstrate a significant effect on increasing the intensity of physical activity (p = 0.413). CONCLUSIONS: Descriptively, the intensity of physical activity showed a tendency to increase in the intervention group, but no significant effect was noted. Palliative shelters in community can hold programmes that may increase the physical activity of survivors.
Effect of a 6-month sedentary behavior reduction intervention on well-being and workplace health in desk workers with low back pain
Authors: Hergenroeder Andrea , Quinn Tyler D. , Perdomo Sophy J. , Kline Christopher E. , Gibbs Bethany Barone
Published: March 2022

BACKGROUND: Research suggests reducing sedentary behavior improves low back pain; however, the impact on presenteeism, health, productivity, and sleep in desk workers with chronic low back pain is not known. OBJECTIVE: Evaluate the effect of a sedentary behavior intervention on multiple dimensions of workplace health. METHODS: 24 participants with chronic low back pain and desk jobs were randomized to either a sedentary behavior reduction intervention group or control. Outcomes included a modified Global Physical Activity Questionnaire (GPAQ), the Stanford Presenteeism Scale (SPS), Profile of Mood States (POMS), Health and Work Questionnaire (HWQ), SF-36 Health Survey (SF-36), and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Six-month changes in outcomes were compared across intervention groups using ANCOVA regression, adjusting for baseline values. Cohen’s d effect sizes were calculated for outcomes to explain the magnitude of group differences. RESULTS: The intervention group reported 1.5 hours/day less sitting time (p < 0.001) compared to controls at 6 months. SF-36 subscales of energy/fatigue, social functioning, and pain improved, and sleep disturbance was reduced among intervention participants. Productivity, concentration, and presenteeism were unchanged. CONCLUSIONS: A sedentary behavior reduction intervention may improve well-being and workplace health without impacting productivity and concentration in desk workers with chronic low back pain.
Work-related stress among physiotherapists from the musculoskeletal area: An observational study
Authors: Maia Maurício Silveira , dos Santos Gabriela Lopes , Porto Celmo Celeno
Published: March 2022

BACKGROUND: Stress is a consequence of or a general reaction to an action or situation that leads to physical, psychological or both demands on a person, which can cause major disabilities in different aspects of life. This study verified the presence and stress phase of physiotherapists in the musculoskeletal area, identifying the factors associated with stress. METHOD: Presence and phase of stress were assessed using the Lipp’s Stress Symptoms Inventory for Adults, and sociodemographic, work, and subjective data through a structured questionnaire designed by the authors. RESULTS: 91 physiotherapists from 219 presented stress (41.55%). The presence of stress was associated to the workplace (p = 0.006, x2 = 20.01), number of patients per week (p = 0.023, x2 = 7.55), weekly working hours (p = 0.023, x2 = 7.56), and the perception of the work influenced their personal life (p < 0.001, x2 = 14.81). 56.04% of the physiotherapists were in the resistance phase. CONCLUSIONS: Approximately half of the physiotherapists showed signs of stress. Moreover, workplace, number of working hours, number of patients per week and the perception of the influence of work on personal life were important aspects to stress.
Evaluating the impact of writing surface and configuration on muscle activation level during a handwriting task: An exploratory study
Authors: Yerebakan Mustafa O. , Hu Boyi , Barbir Ana , Lin Michael Y.C. , Dennerlein Jack T.
Published: March 2022

BACKGROUND: Tablets are ubiquitous in workplaces and schools. However, there have been limited studies investigating the effect tablets have on the body during digital writing activities. OBJECTIVE: This study investigated the biomechanical impact of writing interface design (paper, whiteboard, and tablet) and orientation (horizontal, 45°, and vertical) on tablet users. METHODS: Fourteen adults (7 male, 7 female) participated in a study during which they performed simple writing tasks. Surface electromyography (sEMG) sensors were used to measure upper extremity muscle activation. RESULTS: Results indicate that the effects of writing surface type were most pronounced in forearm muscle activation. Specifically, in the extensor carpi radialis (ECR), where muscle activity was lower on the tablet PC surface. The effects of writing configuration were prominent in the shoulder and forearm. The activation of the flexor carpi ulnaris (FCU) and trapezius muscles was significantly lower in the 45° configuration. An exception to the efficacy of this configuration was the anterior deltoid muscle, which exhibited the lowest muscle activity in the horizontal orientation. CONCLUSIONS: Tablet surface and the 45° configuration resulted in the lowest muscle activation levels. Future studies should include longer experiment duration to investigate the effects of continuous writing.
Development of Saraiki WordNet by Mapping of Word Senses: A Corpus-based Approach
Authors: Gul Sarah , Azher Musarrat , Nawaz Sana
Published: March 2022

This paper aimed to develop the Saraiki WordNet. Saraiki is one of the regional languages spoken in Pakistan and has a unique history of its own. Saraiki language is remarkably similar to two languages, namely Punjabi and Sindhi. Saraiki has different dialects and each dialect is representative of the region where it is spoken. This paper used the Urdu WordNet (Zafar, Mahmood, Shams & Hussain, 2014) as the basis for the formation of Saraiki WordNet. Urdu WordNet (Zafar et al., 2014) was created by UET Lahore and is based on Princeton WordNet (Miller, 1990). Dictionaries or lughats and literary sources, such as poetry, fiction, as well as non-literary sources, such as newspapers of Saraiki language, were used to extract data. Additionally, Urdu word senses were mapped onto Saraiki word senses. The method used in this study was mapping, while the expansion approach was used in the mapping process. This study may aid in creating bilingual dictionaries (of Saraiki and Urdu?) in the future.

Keywords: expand approach, mapping, Saraiki language, WordNet
Boletín Económico Regional : Costa Caribe, IV trimestre de 2021
Authors:   Sección de Sucursales Regionales de Estudios Económicos
Published: March 2022

En el cuarto trimestre de 2021, la economía de la región Caribe evidenció crecimiento anual, donde la mayoría de las actividades de seguimiento experimentaron mejoras en sus indicadores. Se destacó el comercio interno, pese a la caída en la comercialización de vehículos nuevos; la industria, en especial de químicos, farmacéuticos y plásticos; la construcción, por el avance en el área causada y en proceso; el agropecuario impulsado por el mayor volumen de productos agrícolas despachados desde la región y el aumento del sacrificio de ganado vacuno y porcino; y el transporte, por el mayor movimiento de pasajeros y de carga. En el sector externo crecieron de manera importante las exportaciones e importaciones, mientras que las remesas aumentaron principalmente por las divisas recibidas desde los Estados Unidos. El desempleo disminuyó, por efecto de la mejora en la tasa de ocupación, mientras que la inflación mantuvo su tendencia alcista ubicándose por encima de la meta del Banco de la República.
Boletín Económico Regional : Suroccidente, IV trimestre de 2021
Authors:   Sección de Sucursales Regionales de Estudios Económicos
Published: March 2022

La economía de Suroccidente continuó en forma sólida su recuperación en el cuarto trimestre de 2021, al alcanzar las actividades de seguimiento amplio crecimiento anual, mostrando así la rápida recuperación ante las circunstancias adversas del segundo trimestre del año. En el periodo se destacó una mayor expansión en las ventas del comercio, aumentos en la producción fabril y la construcción, adicional al mayor ingreso por remesas del exterior que superaron en un tercio las del año precedente y facilitaron mejorar el nivel de vida de los hogares receptores. Por su parte, el desempleo y la inflación continuaron por encima de los niveles previos a la pandemia, sin recuperar aún todos los empleos perdidos durante la emergencia sanitaria, y la inflación superó ampliamente la meta establecida por la Junta Directiva del Emisor.
Важность цифровой инклюзии в системе образования
Authors: Silva Dijandira Francisca Ferreira da , Oliveira Regis Flávio Varela de
Published: March 2022

Технологии играют важную роль в системе образования. Будучи рабочим партнером в образовании, они сотрудничают в присвоении знаний, считая, что знания не закончены и всегда есть что-то новое для изучения. Известно, что обеспечение доступа к знаниям – это роль школы, которая должна демократизировать существующее культурное наследие. В связи с этим школа, благодаря цифровой интеграции, может расширить возможности более критичных граждан, мыслящих и готовых к решению социальных проблем жизни. Таким образом, цифровая интеграция приносит большие преимущества в аспекте системы образования и обучения. В этом контексте эта статья призвана ответить: какова важность цифровой интеграции в образовании? Целью исследования является размышление о важности цифровой интеграции в системе образования. Имея в качестве библиографической методологии, основанной на разных авторах, которые занимаются изучаемой темой. Результаты показали, что слишком большое информационное обеспечение может вызвать несистематизированные знания, и школа отвечает за систематизацию этих знаний. Поэтому образование и технологии должны идти рука об руку для расширения и организации знаний. Также был сделан вывод о том, что в информационную эпоху необходимо использовать информационные технологии в построении знаний, для удовлетворения текущих потребностей студентов, в условиях технологического прогресса. Принципиальное значение имеет включение технологий в образование для содержательного обучения и сужения информации среди студентов, для повышения квалификации и социального развития.
DNA-barcoding, SCoT and SRAP Based Somaclonal Variation in Micropropagated Withania somnifera Plantlets
Authors: Ismail Ismail A. , Aljuaid Bandar S. , S. Dessoky El Dessoky , Attia Attia O.
Published: March 2022

Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) is one of the recognized plant species that considered of most traditional natural supplements. Tissue culture is an efficient method as fast and affordable in plant propagation. Few studies have discussed the genetic impact of such method on ashwagandha plant. The aim of this research was to identify the genetic stability of micropropagated plantlets and to assess the impact of in vitro-propagation on somaclonal variability in ashwagandha using start codon-targeted (SCoT), sequence-related amplified polymorphism (SRAP) and DNA-barcoding assays. SCoT marker assay produced a total number of 132 bands with an average of 11 bands per primer, where scorable PCR fragments were generated from all primers. The phylogenetic tree constructed using SCoT binary data, revealed genetic variability among studied plant samples. SRAP primer combinations showed a total of 78 bands by an average of 11.1 bands / combination, in which all combinations produced scored PCR fragments. Over SRAP assay, one specific band was obtained that was present in different ashwagandha micropropagated plant samples compared to the control (mother plant). This PCR fragments were obtained using me1F/em1R primer combination (287 bp). The phylogenetic tree constructed using SRAP data was successful to differentiate between micro-propagated plants and the control. The DNA- barcoding analysis using chloroplast gene RNA polymerasel (rpoCl) gene was used to detect the soma- clonal variation between control and one micro-propagated plant of ashwagandha. The phylogenetic tree constructed using DNA-barcoding sequences was successful to differentiate between the two samples, where control and micropropagated plantlets were grouped in two different groups. This study suggests the valuableness of using SRAP and DNA-barcoding in detecting soma-clonal variation among micropropagated plantlest of ashwagandha.