bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparative Evaluation of Difficult Intubation Predictors in Children Under Two Years of Ages
Authors: Shahhosseini Sedighe , Montasery Mohammad , Saadati Mohammadali , Shafa Amir
Published: December 2021

Background: Tracheal intubation is the most reliable way of securing an airway. Pediatric airway management is one of the significant challenges, especially for non-pediatric anesthesiologists. Early airway evaluation for detecting difficult intubation and preventing catastrophic events is necessary before anesthesia, especially in children. Objectives: Therefore, this study was done to compare some valuable adult predictors in children under two years of age. Methods: This prospective descriptive-analytical study was performed on 405 children under two years of age that were referred for elective surgery under general anesthesia with endotracheal intubation in Imam Hossein Hospital, Isfahan. Under sedation in a supine position, we measured items, including age, weight, height, stern omental distance (SMD), mouth opening (MO), neck circumference (NC), acromio-axillo-suprasternal notch index (AASI), and intubation difficulty scale score (IDS). An expert anesthesiologist did laryngoscopy and intubation, and difficult cases were recorded. Results: Our study showed that the frequency of difficult intubation with IDS > 4 was %16, and with IDS > 5 was %3. The variables, including age, weight, height, and SMD, significantly predicted difficult intubation. The cut-off points for age < 6 months, weight < 5/9 kg, height < 61 cm, and SMD < 5/3 cm were obtained, respectively. Other variables, such as MO, AASI, NC, and sex, were unreliable predictors for difficult intubation. Conclusions: We found that IDS > 4, age< 6-month, weight < 5/9 kg, and SMD < 5/3 cm are predictors for difficult intubation. It is helpful for the anesthesiologist to measure these predictions before anesthesia is started to find who has difficult intubation.
Empowerment of Women to Provide Home-based Supportive and Palliative Care for Patients with Cancer: Participatory Action Research Protocol
Authors: Monemian Sharifeh , Sharbafchi Mohammad Reza , Taleghani Fariba
Published: December 2021

Background: Determining the needs and challenges of women, who care for patients with cancer and providing appropriate strategies to empower them in the design and implementation of appropriate change programs pave the way for the promotion of these women's health and empowerment. Objectives: This study aims at identifying the needs and challenges of women and developing a program to empower women, who care for patients with cancer. Methods: The present study is based on a participatory action research approach and uses the Kemmis and McTaggart model. The participatory action research of this study will be in 4 phases of planning, action, observation, and reflection. In the planning phase, the needs and challenges of female caregivers are examined from the perspective of women and the health team and, then, women's empowerment strategies in providing home-based supportive and palliative care for patients with cancer are determined, using the results of the qualitative phase and review of the literature by using the decision matrix. In the action phase, the selected strategies are implemented with the help of process owners. In the observation phase, combining different methods, data will be collected to measure the results of change. Finally, in the reflection phase, the results of the implementation of the strategies are evaluated and this cycle continues until the intended results are achieved. Discussion: Empowerment of the women, who care for patients with cancer requires awareness, motivation, and active participation of women and the health team. As many cultural and social factors affect the health and participation of these women, participatory research can involve them in promoting their health.
Trends of Street Fights/Quarrels in Iran 2013 - 2018: A Bayesian Spatiotemporal Perspective
Authors: Khedrizadeh Galawezh , Mousavi Saeed , Jafari-Koshki Tohid
Published: December 2021

Background: Conflict/quarrel, as one of the indicators of violence, is a social issue still seen in all societies. It occurs between two or more people or groups in a social relationship and can disrupt society order and possesses destructive consequences for disputants and society. Objectives: The present study aimed to evaluate points and trends of relative risk (RR) of quarrels in Iran for total population and both sexes separately by using spatiotemporal models. Methods: Official data published by Iranian Legal Medicine Organization (ILMO) from 2013 to 2018 was studied. Spatiotemporal methods were used for analyzing the data and producing relevant maps. These models overcome the problems related to usual estimates of RR and are capable of covering spatial and temporal effects and their interactions simultaneously. Results: The results showed that Ardabil (P2, RR = 1.32), Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari, and Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad (RR = 1.1 - 1.3) provinces had the highest risk of street quarrel for total population. The results for males are the same as the results for the total population. There was the highest risk for females in Alborz (P5, RR = 1.38) province. The risk was the lowest for the southern provinces of Iran for the total population (0.3 - 0.7), females (0.3 - 0.55), and for males (0.3 - 0.6). There was no significant change in RR over time for males and total population. However, there is an apparent decreasing trend for females. Conclusions: In general, southern parts of Iran have lower risk of street fights/quarrels. Street fight is a multifactor phenomenon that could leave various consequences on society. It seems necessary to conduct further research to find out the reasons for its occurrence in different parts of the country.
Cornu aspersum (Gastropoda: Helicidae) in Western Ukraine with an overview of introduced species of land molluscs from this area
Authors: Gural-Sverlova Nina , Gural Roman
Published: December 2021

The first findings of Cornu aspersum in the Lviv region are described, including the shell size and shell colouration variability. A review of the known records of C. aspersum in different regions of Ukraine, from the second half of the 19th century to the present day, is also presented. The most probable ways of penetration and the possibility of further acclimatization of this species in Western Ukraine are discussed. The chronology of the records of introduced species of land molluscs in Western Ukraine is described in tabular form, which, to a large extent, should reflect the chronology of their penetration into this area. It is noted that the majority of alien species began to be found in Western Ukraine only at the end of the 20th or the beginning of the 21st century. Simultaneously several species appeared here, previously known only for the south of the country.
Forgiveness and Unconditionality
Authors: Kleinig John ,   Philosophy Documentation Center
Published: December 2021

If forgiveness is to be seen as a virtuous act, it must satisfy certain conditions. For many, those conditions are construed narrowly and must involve some change of heart on the part of the wrongdoer who is to be forgiven: remorse, apology, a willingness to provide recompense, and so forth. Such an account is usually characterized as one of conditional forgiveness. Others construe the conditions differently—not eschewing remorse and apology, but neither always requiring it—and see those conditions as those relevant to exercises of generosity, love, mercy, gifting and grace. Such an account is usually characterized as one of unconditional forgiveness. The present essay attempts to remove some of the resistance to unconditional forgiveness.
The Sabermetrics of State Medical School Admissions
Authors: Kershnar Stephen ,   Philosophy Documentation Center
Published: December 2021

In this paper, I argue that medical school admissions should be limited to statistically relevant factors. My argument rests primarily on three assumptions. A state professional school should maximize production. If a state professional school should maximize production, then it should maximize production per student. If a state professional school should maximize production per student, then, within the optimum budget, a state medical school should maximize quality-adjusted medical services per graduate. I put forth a tentative equation for ranking applicants as a way of maximizing quality-adjusted medical services per graduate. This way of ranking is cheaper than the way admissions is currently done. Hence, the proposal is practically as well as theoretically appealing.
The Ethics of Radical Life Extension: Catholic, Protestant, Orthodox Christian, and Global Ethic Perspectives
Authors: Haker Hille , Schweiker William , Hamalis Perry , Renaud Myriam ,   Philosophy Documentation Center
Published: December 2021

Biomedical technologies capable of sharply reducing or ending human aging, “radical life extension” (RLE), call for a Christian response. The authors featured in this article offer some preliminary thoughts. Common themes include: What kind of life counts as a “good life;” the limits, if any, of human freedom; the consequences of extended life on the human species and on the Earth; the meaning and value of finite and vulnerable embodied life; the experience of time; anthropological self-understanding; and human dignity. Notably, all four authors share serious concerns about RLE’s potential effects.
The end of the Ice Age in southern Europe: Iberian images in the Palaeolithic to Post-Palaeolithic transition
Authors: RAMÍREZ Primitiva BUENO , Rodrigo de BALBÍN BEHRMANN undefined
Published: December 2021

The documentation of Palaeolithic art in the open air, together with direct dates for parietal art and the study of territories marked by the last hunter groups in southern Europe, supports new interpretations of Palaeolithic art and its continuity in the early Holocene. We provide updated information about the graphic representations in that time of transition, grouped under the term Style V. We also reflect on the chronological framework of some themes and techniques for which dates are available, from the Upper Palaeolithic to the Neolithic. These topics reveal the strength of the Palaeolithic background in more recent versions of prehistoric art, especially the schematic art associated with the first farmers. These new considerations are added to the presence of ­Palaeolithic and Post-Palaeolithic art throughout Europe and all over the world, which shows how symbols are social traits of communication associated with human groups. The study of con­nections through these archaeological items, with their undeniable materiality, is a future challenge that will ­undoubtedly produce interesting results.
Association of 'Klotho' gene polymorphism with cerebral infarction
Authors: Li Yu , Zhang Qiang , Bao Haiping , Nie Chen
Published: December 2021

Background: We aimed to investigate the expression of Klotho gene in peripheral blood of patients with cerebral infarction (CI) and the association of its polymorphisms with the occurrence of CI. Methods: A total of 60 CI patients (CI group) and 20 healthy people receiving physical examination (control group) were enrolled as the research subjects. The expression of Klotho gene in CI group and control group was determined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (rs192031, rs200131 and rs102312) in the promoter region of the Klotho gene were typed via conformational difference gel electrophoresis. Besides, whether the distribution frequencies of Klotho genotypes conformed to Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium was evaluated by chi-square test. Meanwhile, the associations of Klotho alleles and gene polymorphisms with CI occurrence were analyzed. Results: The protein expression level of Klotho in the peripheral blood was remarkably lower in patients in CI group than that in control group (P<0.05).HardyWeinberg equilibrium analysis revealed that Klotho gene polymorphisms (rs192031, rs200131 and rs102312) conformed to the genetic equilibrium distribution (P>0.05). Gene-based association analysis manifested that only rs192031 polymorphism and alleles were correlated with CI occurrence (P<0.05). Systolic blood pressure and highdensity lipoprotein cholesterol were notably higher in CI patients with TT genotype of Klotho gene polymorphism rs192031 than those in control group (P<0.05). Furthermore, there were no associations of rs200131 and rs102312 polymorphisms and alleles with the occurrence of CI (P>0.05). Conclusions: The expression level of Klotho is evidently reduced in the peripheral blood of CI patients. Rs192031 in the promoter region of the Klotho gene is associated with the occurrence of CI, while rs200131 and rs102312 have no relations with CI.
Experiments to test the A-UGV capabilities standard
Authors: Yoon Soocheol , Bostelman Roger , Virts Ann
Published: December 2021

Automatic, Automated, or Autonomous - Unmanned Ground Vehicles (A-UGVs), as referred to by ASTM International Committee F45, are industrial vehicles that have capabilities to navigate, dock, avoid obstacles, and interact with other vehicles and systems all within intended environments (e.g., warehouses, hospitals, outdoor facility perimeters) set by the manufacturer. A new ASTM F45 standard is near the ballot stage to serve as a guide for providing a basis for A-UGV manufacturers and users to compare capabilities between A-UGVs. The guide includes a report for documenting that the user has proven or asserted a capability, not tested the capability, or that the A-UGV does not have the capability. Although an infinite number of A-UGV tests are possible, this paper provides three cases that test the new standard where one case demonstrated in a complex dual-vehicles test, several capabilities as written in the standard. Alternatively, two cases demonstrated through experiments that A-UGV capabilities as written in the standard may need improvements and as such, the paper provides recommendations for modifying the standard.
Domestic Contracts and Family Law Exceptionalism: An Historical Perspective
Authors: Taylor Luke
Published: December 2021

Since at least the late 1980s, the enforceability of domestic contracts in Canadian common law has tended to be analyzed in terms of a formal equality/substantive fairness dichotomy. This paper suggests that our understanding of the common law of domestic contracts in Canada can be enriched by adding an historical lens to existing analyses. Specifically, the paper argues that the Supreme Court of Canada’s decision in the Pelech v. Pelech trilogy was not only an attempt to inject the ideology of contract into family law, but also amounted to a continuation of long-standing approaches to separation agreements in English and Canadian law—an approach that rendered the treatment of separation agreements and the result in Pelech historical outliers when considered against broader exceptionalizing trends in judicial and scholarly approaches to agreements touching upon the family. From this perspective, the retreat from Pelech in the subsequent Supreme Court of Canada cases of Miglin v. Miglin, Hartshorne v. Hartshorne, and Rick v. Brandsema was, therefore, also a move away from the historically distinctive approach to separation agreements, and the continuation of much older processes of exceptionalism within family law.
Systemic Solution for Customs Process Management and Organisation Evaluation
Authors: Čevers Aldis
Published: December 2021

The goal of the research “Systemic solution for customs process management and organization evaluation” is to develop a systemic solution for the evaluation of the work and process management and organization of customs based on the study of factors influencing customs activities, on the basis of a common evaluation of customs functions and tasks and using an appropriate system of evaluation criteria and indicators. The working hypothesis, which determined the subject and directions of the research: by accurately identifying the functions and tasks of customs authorities, indicators characterizing its work results and internal and external factors influencing it, it is possible to improve the customs process management system, and to choose the criteria for evaluating the performance results accordingly.
NUMERICAL SOLUTION OF THE DIFFUSION EQUATION FOR OXYGEN DIFFUSION IN SOIL
Authors: Janićijević Aco , Savović Svetislav , Djordjevich Alexandar
Published: December 2021

By solving the diffusion equation using the explicit finite difference method, oxygen concentrations inside the soil are determined for various periods of time. Two different cases are investigated, with constant and daily changing air oxygen concentrations. It was concluded that the influence of the periodical change of the air oxygen concentration on the oxygen concentration in the soil was more pronounced for smaller diffusion times at smaller lengths of the soil profile.
TRANSPORT PROPERTIES OF PENTACENE, HEXACENE AND THEIR BN ANALOGUES
Authors: Armaković Stevan , Armaković Sanja J. , Pelemiš Svetlana S. , Škipina Blanka , Hut Igor
Published: December 2021

We have investigated transport properties of higher acenes pentacene and hexacene and compared it with the transport properties of their BN analogues. Charge hopping from one structure to another was investigated through calculations of reorganization energies based on DFT and Marcus semiempiric approach, while the investigation of charge transport along the investigated structures was based on DFT calculations and non-equilibrium Green's function (NEGF) method. Attention was also paid to the energy separation between the lowest excited singlet (S1) and triplet (T1) state, which is quantity that is important for the field of thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF). The obtained results indicate that both groups of investigated structures have certain advantages and drawbacks. According to the reorganization energies and I-V characteristics, pentacene and hexacene have better properties, while from the aspect of TADF, BN analogues of pentacene and hexacene have better properties.
THE ROLE OF PROTECTIVE VARNISHES IN THE TREATMENT OF INITIAL CARIES
Authors: Obradović Marija , Dolić Olivera , Sukara Slava , Vojinović Jovan
Published: December 2021

Objective: The aim of this study was to examine the impact of fluoride varnish and a new generation of nanoapatite varnish containing both Casein PhosphoPeptide − Amorphous Calcium Phosphate (CPP-ACP) and fluoride, on the activity of the initial smooth surface caries lesions of primary teeth. Materials and Methods: A randomized clinical trial was conducted on a total of 120 primary teeth with initial caries lesions in enamel, at children under the age of 24 months. Clinical evaluation of initial carious lesions and its evaluation during the research was carried out using the International Caries Detection and Assessment System (ICDAS-II). Results: There was a change of activity of the carious lesion in all three groups (CPP-ACPFG, FG and KG) during the time of treatment and follow-up, which was statistically significant. However, in the group of CPP-ACPFG, there was a better result compared to the FG and КG. Conclusion: Remineralizing treatment of new generation varnish containing both nanoapatite and fluоride gave a better result compared to conventional varnish with fluoride.
THREE-DIMENSIONAL BIOMECHANICAL AND VISUALISATION MODEL OF VERTIGO DISEASE IN THE SEMI-CIRCULAR CANAL
Authors: Milošević Žarko , Nikolić Dalibor , Saveljić Igor , Isailović Velibor , Bibas Thanos , Filipović Nenad
Published: December 2021

Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) is the most common type of vertigo. The symptoms of BPPV typically appear after angular movements of the head. BPPV leads to dizziness, nausea and imbalance. In this study, we examined a model of the semi-circular canal (SCC) with fully 3D three dimensional anatomical data from specific patient. A full Navier-Stokes equations and continuity equations are used for fluid domain with Arbitrary-Lagrangian Eulerian (ALE) formulation for mesh motion of finite element. Fluid-structure interaction for fluid coupling with cupula deformation is used. Particle tracking algorithm is implemented for particle motion. Motion of the otoconia particles which is main cause for BPPV is simulated. Velocity distribution, shear stress and force from endolymph side are presented for patient specific three SCC. We compared our numerical models with experiments with head moving and nystagmus eye tracking. Numerical simulation can give more details and understanding of the pathology of the specific patient in standard clinical diagnostic and therapy procedure for BPPV.
ADSORPTION ON ALUMINA OF DIFFERENT ORIGIN
Authors: Škundrić Branko , Lazić Dragica , Dobrnjac Sanja , Petrović Rada , Penavin Škundrić Jelena , Levi Zorica , Ostojić Gordana
Published: December 2021

The adsorbent used in the study was the alumina obtained from the bauxite found in the locality of Milici, Siroki Brijeg and alumina synthesized in the laboratory and obtained by sedimentation from the solution of aluminium nitrate and concentrated ammonia along with controlling pH solution in the course of sedimentation. The obtained sediment of alumina was annealed for 4 hours at 273 K. The adsorbates were triphenylmethane dyes, carboxylic acids – acetic and lauric one and aqueous solution of ammonia. Alumina was modified by the surface active agents (SAA), cation-active SAA, triethanolamine-di-estermethylsulfate called Propagen, and anion-active SAA, Na-salt alkyldiglycoethersulfate called Genapol. The textural characteristics of adsorbents were determined by the adsorption of nitrogen from the gas phase at the temperature of liquid nitrogen, and the results of the adsorption of acid and base adsorbates gave an insight in the changes, i.e. characteristics of surface active centers on which the adsorption takes place.
COMPARISON OF RADON CONCENTRATION MEASURED BY SHORT-TERM (ACTIVE) AND LONG-TERM (PASSIVE) METHOD
Authors: Ćurguz Zoran , Mirjanić Dragoljub , Popović Milan
Published: December 2021

Measuring of radon concentration in an indoor space in most cases is carried out by passive method by means of track detectors (CR – 39) with the period of exposure of six or twelve months. On the other hand, active method is less used, semiconductor detectors (Rad 7) with a direct reading of radon concentration and period of measurement of 7 days. The aim of this work is to compare the results of passive and active method in order to determine Pearson correlation coefficient between these two methods.
Transnational Corporations and Human Rights
Authors: Muhammed Muhammed Hamid
Published: December 2021

International trade has introduced many features in its classical or contemporary practice wherein peoples respectfully exchanged goods and ideas. Unfortunately, the legacy of large multinational corporations, concerning human rights, has generally been dismal. It is recognised that states are the primary bearers of responsibility to respect, protect, fulfill, and promote human rights and freedoms. Current developments in the field of international human rights law, however, designated transnational corporations (hereafter TNCs), organisations, and individuals in a diagonal and/or horizontal responsibility on the respect and protection of human rights. The need to make these non-state actors, especially TNCs, responsible under international law is originated from their ever-increasing influence on state actors and their impact on the individuals’ enjoyment of their social, political, and economic rights. This article deals with the multidimensional influence of TNCs on the respect, protection, and fulfilment of fundamental human rights and demonstrates the possibilities of building legal obligation over them by reviewing existing literature.
The Dao in China's Growing Presence in the South Pacific
Authors: Khasanah Yulian Maulida , Rosyidin Mohamad , Hanura Marten
Published: December 2021

The rise of China as one of the great powers in the international politic has been the hottest topic in the 21st century. Following the economic reform led by Deng Xiaoping in 1978, China re-emerges stronger than ever with its influences covering major parts of the world. One region particularly stands out since the prior dominance of United States therein, the South Pacific. The study of this research will be limited to 10 PICs recognising China, Vanuatu, Cook Island, FSM, Fiji, Niuee, PNG, Samoa, Tonga, Solomon Islands and Kiribati. Under the Western International Relations Theory (IRT) however, the rise of China is always seen in a rather malign manner. This research, therefore, contends that in order to fully understand China’s behaviour in the international community, we need to know how China perceives itself. By applying one of the most famous Chinese traditional school of thought, Daoism, this research aims to examine the strategy used in the expansion of China’s influence in the South Pacific. Daoism is symbolised with yin and yang, where the two elements are contradictory, yet they complement each other. Under the Dao dialectics, this research argues that China has been utilising a combination of two contradictory elements of power—soft and hard power—in expanding its prominence in the South Pacific region.
On Robin’s criterion for the Riemann Hypothesis
Authors:   Department of Mathematics, University of Blida1, Aoudjit Safia , Berkane Djamel ,   Department of Mathematics, University of Blida1, Dusart Pierre ,   Université de Limoges
Published: December 2021

Robin’s criterion says that the Riemann Hypothesis is equivalent to \[\forall n\geq 5041, \ \ \frac{\sigma(n)}{n}\leq e^{\gamma}\log_2 n,\] where \sigma(n) is the sum of the divisors of n, \gamma represents the Euler–Mascheroni constant, and \log_i denotes the i-fold iterated logarithm. In this note we get the following better effective estimates: \begin{equation*} \forall n\geq3, \ \frac{\sigma(n)}{n}\leq e^{\gamma}\log_2 n+\frac{0.3741}{\log_2^2n}. \end{equation*} The idea employed will lead us to a possible new reformulation of the Riemann Hypothesis in terms of arithmetic functions.
Relations on higher dimensional Padovan sequences
Authors:   Department of Mathematics, Federal Institute of Education, Science and Technology of Ceara´ (IFCE) Fortaleza-CE, Brazil, Vieira Renata Passos Machado , Alves Francisco Regis Vieira ,   Department of Mathematics, Federal Institute of Education, Science and Technology of Ceara´ (IFCE) Fortaleza-CE, Brazil, Catarino Paula Maria Machado Cruz ,   Department of Mathematic, University of Tras-os-Montes and Alto Douro ´
Published: December 2021

Many papers developed so far for Padovan sequences properties and its extensions usually follow the one-dimensional approach. The presented work introduces new relations for a higher dimensional sequence, this approach is adopted for two, three and n-dimensional Padovan Sequence. Several mathematical properties are discussed for the first time in the present work.
Fundamental properties of extended Horadam numbers
Authors:   Istanbul Gelisim University, Şentürk Gülsüm Yeliz , Gürses Nurten ,   Yildiz Technical University, Yüce Salim ,   Yildiz Technical University
Published: December 2021

In this study, we have defined Fibonacci quaternion matrix and investigated its powers. We have also derived some important and useful identities such as Cassini’s identity using this new matrix.
On the dimension of an Abelian group
Authors:   Department of Health, Education and Technology, Lulea University of Technology, Tossavainen Timo , Haukkanen Pentti ,   Faculty of Information Technology and Communication Sciences, Tampere University
Published: December 2021

We introduce a measure of dimensionality of an Abelian group. Our definition of dimension is based on studying perpendicularity relations in an Abelian group. For G ≅ ℤn, dimension and rank coincide but in general they are different. For example, we show that dimension is sensitive to the overall dimensional structure of a finite or finitely generated Abelian group, whereas rank ignores the torsion subgroup completely.
The congruence speed formula
Authors:   sPIqr Society, World Intelligence Network, Ripà Marco
Published: December 2021

We solve a few open problems related to a peculiar property of the integer tetration ^{b}a, which is the constancy of its congruence speed for any sufficiently large b = b(a). Assuming radix-10 (the well known decimal numeral system), we provide an explicit formula for the congruence speed V(a) ∈ ℕ_0 of any a ∈ ℕ − {0} that is not a multiple of 10. In particular, for any given n ∈ ℕ, we prove to be true Ripà’s conjecture on the smallest a such that V(a) = n. Moreover, for any a ≠ 1 ∶ a ≢ 0 (mod 10), we show the existence of infinitely many prime numbers, p_j = p_j(V(a)), such that V(p_j) = V(a).
An elementary unified approach to prove some identities involving Fibonacci and Lucas numbers
Authors:   Department of Mathematics, University of Msila, Benoumhani Moussa
Published: December 2021

Using the explicit formulas of the generating polynomials of Fibonacci and Lucas, we prove some new identities involving Fibonacci and Lucas numbers. As an application of these identities, we show how some Diophantine equations have infinitely many solutions. To illustrate the powerful of this elementary method, we give proofs of many known formulas.
Explicit formulas for Euler polynomials and Bernoulli numbers
Authors:   Department of Mathematics, University of Bouira, Khaldi Laala , Bencherif Farid ,   Faculty of Mathematics, USTHB, Mihoubi Miloud ,   Faculty of Mathematics, USTHB
Published: December 2021

In this paper, we give several explicit formulas involving the n-th Euler polynomial E_{n}\left(x\right). For any fixed integer m\geq n, the obtained formulas follow by proving that E_{n}\left(x\right) can be written as a linear combination of the polynomials x^{n}, \left(x+r\right)^{n},\ldots, \left(x+rm\right)^{n}, with r\in \left \{1,-1,\frac{1}{2}\right\}. As consequence, some explicit formulas for Bernoulli numbers may be deduced.
Nuclear NAD+-biosynthetic enzyme NMNAT1 facilitates development and early survival of retinal neurons
Authors: Sokolov David , Sechrest Emily R , Wang Yekai , Nevin Connor , Du Jianhai , Kolandaivelu Saravanan
Published: December 2021

Despite mounting evidence that the mammalian retina is exceptionally reliant on proper NAD+ homeostasis for health and function, the specific roles of subcellular NAD+ pools in retinal development, maintenance, and disease remain obscure. Here, we show that deletion of the nuclear-localized NAD+ synthase nicotinamide mononucleotide adenylyltransferase-1 (NMNAT1) in the developing murine retina causes early and severe degeneration of photoreceptors and select inner retinal neurons via multiple distinct cell death pathways. This severe phenotype is associated with disruptions to retinal central carbon metabolism, purine nucleotide synthesis, and amino acid pathways. Furthermore, transcriptomic and immunostaining approaches reveal dysregulation of a collection of photoreceptor and synapse-specific genes in NMNAT1 knockout retinas prior to detectable morphological or metabolic alterations. Collectively, our study reveals previously unrecognized complexity in NMNAT1-associated retinal degeneration and suggests a yet-undescribed role for NMNAT1 in gene regulation during photoreceptor terminal differentiation.
Specialized neurons in the right habenula mediate response to aversive olfactory cues
Authors: Choi Jung-Hwa , Duboue Erik R , Macurak Michelle , Chanchu Jean-Michel , Halpern Marnie E
Published: December 2021

Hemispheric specializations are well studied at the functional level but less is known about the underlying neural mechanisms. We identified a small cluster of cholinergic neurons in the dorsal habenula (dHb) of zebrafish, defined by their expression of the lecithin retinol acyltransferase domain containing 2 a (lratd2a) gene and their efferent connections with a subregion of the ventral interpeduncular nucleus (vIPN). The lratd2a-expressing neurons in the right dHb are innervated by a subset of mitral cells from both the left and right olfactory bulb and are activated upon exposure to the odorant cadaverine that is repellent to adult zebrafish. Using an intersectional strategy to drive expression of the botulinum neurotoxin specifically in these neurons, we find that adults no longer show aversion to cadaverine. Mutants with left-isomerized dHb that lack these neurons are also less repelled by cadaverine and their behavioral response to alarm substance, a potent aversive cue, is diminished. However, mutants in which both dHb have right identity appear more reactive to alarm substance. The results implicate an asymmetric dHb-vIPN neural circuit in the processing of repulsive olfactory cues and in modulating the resultant behavioral response.
Identification of a stereotypic molecular arrangement of endogenous glycine receptors at spinal cord synapses
Authors: Maynard Stephanie A , Rostaing Philippe , Schaefer Natascha , Gemin Olivier , Candat Adrien , Dumoulin Andréa , Villmann Carmen , Triller Antoine , Specht Christian G
Published: December 2021

Precise quantitative information about the molecular architecture of synapses is essential to understanding the functional specificity and downstream signaling processes at specific populations of synapses. Glycine receptors (GlyRs) are the primary fast inhibitory neurotransmitter receptors in the spinal cord and brainstem. These inhibitory glycinergic networks crucially regulate motor and sensory processes. Thus far, the nanoscale organization of GlyRs underlying the different network specificities has not been defined. Here, we have quantitatively characterized the molecular arrangement and ultra-structure of glycinergic synapses in spinal cord tissue using quantitative super-resolution correlative light and electron microscopy. We show that endogenous GlyRs exhibit equal receptor-scaffold occupancy and constant packing densities of about 2000 GlyRs µm-2 at synapses across the spinal cord and throughout adulthood, even though ventral horn synapses have twice the total copy numbers, larger postsynaptic domains, and more convoluted morphologies than dorsal horn synapses. We demonstrate that this stereotypic molecular arrangement is maintained at glycinergic synapses in the oscillator mouse model of the neuromotor disease hyperekplexia despite a decrease in synapse size, indicating that the molecular organization of GlyRs is preserved in this hypomorph. We thus conclude that the morphology and size of inhibitory postsynaptic specializations rather than differences in GlyR packing determine the postsynaptic strength of glycinergic neurotransmission in motor and sensory spinal cord networks.
Endoscopic Vacuum-assisted Closure in a Patient with an Overtube-induced Esophageal Perforation
Authors: Kim Yuri , Kang Seokin , Ahn Ji Yong
Published: December 2021

An esophageal perforation is one of the most fatal clinical events, with a mortality rate of up to 21%. This may arise postoperatively or post-endoscopically. In the past, surgical treatment, such as an esophagectomy, was performed these cases. However, the procedure was challenging and had a high risk of postoperative complications. Recently, advancements in endoscopic techniques have been made, and endoscopic procedures became a common treatment modality for patients with esophageal perforation, even in those with underlying diseases. Among the endoscopic procedures, endoscopic vacuum-assisted closure (E-VAC) has been known to be safe and effective. We present the case of a 64-year-old female with advanced liver cirrhosis and an overtube-induced esophageal perforation during esophageal variceal ligation. She was successfully treated with E-VAC.
Clinico-epidemiological and Outcome Analysis of Anogenital Injuries in Children: Retrospective Study from a Tertiary Care Centre, Central India
Authors: Singh Umesh Bahadur , Garg Dileep , Joshi Manoj Kumar , Mathur Vinay , Grover Jitendra
Published: December 2021

Introduction: Paediatric perineal trauma or Anogenital Injury (AGI) in the paediatric age group remains lesser reported in under-developed areas or rural areas of India. Most of these injuries remain under reported to tertiary care centres because of a social stigma or poor access to a health facility. Aim: To present the clinico-epidemiological parameters of AGI in children and to assess the outcome of staged and definitive management in these children, comparing the results with other similar studies. Materials and Methods: This was a retrospective study on data of 11 cases (age range 1-14 years, seven cases were boys and 4 cases were girls) of paediatric anogenital injuries, admitted at the tertiary care centre from 1st July 2018 to 30th June 2020 were analysed. Data of all the patients, demographic details, relevant clinical history such as time of presentation, mode of injury and type of management, outcomes and complications was collected and studied. All the collected data was analysed by calculating mean±SD, frequency (n) and percentages (%). Results: Road traffic accident was the most common cause of AGI (n=5, 45.5%), followed by sexual assault (n=3, 27.3%). Wound infection in late presenters (n=5, 45.5%) was the most common complication affecting the outcome. Children with a primary diversion of the faecal stream or diversion colostomy (n=5, 45.5%) as an associated procedure had a better outcome. Primary repair without diversion (n=3, 27.3%) was noticed to have a high incidence of wound infection and anovaginal scaring. Conclusion: A high incidence of poor wound healing related to late presentation and malnutrition noted among these AGI cases belonging to rural or semi-urban settings. Management of these injuries, therefore, needs to be individualised on case-to-case basis. The diversion stoma formation seems to be considered in all high grade anogenital injuries and selected lower grade injuries with evidence of secondary infection or poor healing of the primary repair.
Tuberculous Perforation of Meckel’s Diverticulum
Authors: Dharmesh JB , Mahna Abhishek , Khanpara Parth M , Sheth Marmik , Munjal Vanshika
Published: December 2021

Meckel’s Diverticulum (MD) is an example of a true diverticulum, consisting of all the three layers of small intestine. It is a remnant of omphalomesenteric (vitellointestinal) duct found on the antimesenteric side of the ileum. Perforation of MD is an uncommon complication of an effectively uncommon abnormality, which regularly mimics an appendicular perforation clinically. Although intestinal tuberculosis is a major issue in many parts of the world, a handful of cases of tubercular perforation of MD have been reported in the literature till date. This case of tubercular perforation of MD was reported due to the rarity of the condition and presence of fairly less literature on the topic. A 30-year-old male patient presented with abdominal pain, fever, vomiting. On examination, tachycardia, guarding, rigidity and rebound tenderness were observed. Exploratory laparotomy revealed perforation of MD with inflammation of ileum and caecum with dense adhesions. Proximal loop ileostomy was made. Histopathology showed features of tuberculosis. Postoperative recovery was uneventful and patient was started on antitubercular treatment and 4 kgs weight gain on follow-up after one month.
Polytechnic Students’ Academic Performance Prediction Based On Using Deep Neural Network
Authors: Al Shuaeb S. M. Abdullah , Alam Shamsul , Rahman Md. Mizanur , Matin Md. Abdul
Published: December 2021

Students’ academic achievement plays a significant role in the polytechnic institute. It is an important task for the technical student to achieve good results. It becomes more challenging by virtue of the huge amount of data in the polytechnic student databases. Recently, the lack of monitoring of academic activities and their performance has not been harnessed. This is not a good way to evaluate the academic performance of polytechnic students in Bangladesh at present. The study on existing academic prediction systems is still not enough for the polytechnic institutions. Consequently, we have proposed a novel technique to improve student academic performance. In this study, we have used the deep neural network for predicting students' academic final marks. The main objective of this paper is to improve students' results. This paper also explains how the prediction deep neural network model can be used to recognize the most vital attributes in a student's academic data namely midterm_marks, class_ test, attendance, assignment, and target_ marks. By using the proposed model, we can more effectively improve polytechnic student achievement and success.
The Relationship of TLR2 Polymorphisms with Infectious Diseases
Authors: Abrahão Silva Marcos Jessé , Martins Lima Marceli Batista , Batista Lima Karla Valéria , Costa Lima Luana Nepomuceno Gondim
Published: December 2021

The proinflammatory response induced by Toll-Like receptors (TLR) is considered the host's first defense line. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) correspond to the most frequent type of variation in the human genome, and due to the importance of TLR2 in the immune response, SNPs in the TLR gene are related to susceptibility or resistance to various diseases. Thus, the objective of the present study was to identify the polymorphisms existing in the TLR2 gene that may cause susceptibility or protection against infectious diseases. We conducted a systematic review of the literature in the databases Science Direct, National Library of Medicine National Institutes of Health of the USA (PUBMED), Cochrane Collaboration and Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online (MEDLINE) between 2000 to 2020. The search resulted in 32 articles, all of which in English. Thus, it was demonstrated that the related polymorphisms are extremely important for the identification of related pathologies, whether for the susceptibility or protection of the individual to the diseases, also being essential for the mechanisms of signal generation and immune responses, and finally indicating that a balance between activation and inactivating these receptors to prevent an excessive inflammatory or immune response.
Quantification of Root Biomass in Post-Mining Areas in the Municipality of Capitão Poço – PA, Brazil
Authors: De Castro Jamilie Brito , Araújo Filho Renisson Neponuceno De , Piscoya Victor Casimiro , Gonçalves Crespo Cristiane Maria , Fernandes Renata de Oliveira , Da Mata Vanessa Corrêa , Fernandes Junior Edson dos Santos , Gonçalves Pires Helaine Cristine , Filho Moacyr Cunha , Albuquerque Gerson Diego Pamplona , Feitosa Thaiana Brunes , Fernandes Milton Marques , Gomes Filho Raimundo Rodrigues , Aires Dias João Lucas , Vidal Santos Luiz Diego
Published: December 2021

The present work aimed to quantify the concentrations and biomass stock of fine andthick roots, in three areas in the municipality of Capitão Poço-PA, Brazil. The areas used were degraded area, recovery area and native forest. For soil sampling, 24 trenches were opened, measuring 70 x 70 x 100 cm. In these trenches, soil samples were taken at depths 0-10, 10-20, 20-30, 30-40, 40-50, 50-60, 60-80 and 80-100 cm and sieving was carried out.All roots and other underground plant structures that remained in the sieve were collected by manual collection. The roots were separated into two diameter classes: fine roots ≤ 5 mm and thick roots > 5 mm, kiln dried and weighed.In the analysis, higherconcentrationsofthickand fine roots were observed in an area of native forest at depths of 0-10 and 10-20 cm. In the areas analyzed in this study, the root density in the topsoil of 0-10 cm was mainly composed of fine roots.In the three areas analyzed in this study, it was observed that from a depth of 10-20 cm there were decreases in theconcentrationsofthick roots. The area under recovery approached the area of native forest in the concentration of fine roots, demonstrating possible improvements in soil quality and recovery is probably actually taking place.
Knowledge, Attitude ‎and ‎Practice ‎Towards Reproductive Health among Females Attending Rural Family Medicine Unit in Gharbia Governorate, Egypt
Authors: Elshafey Laila Abd Elaziz , M. Shehata Walla , Elsherbiny Ali Ali , Shalaby Safynaz Elsaid
Published: December 2021

Background: Reproductive health is fundamental to people’s health and survival, economic development and the wellbeing of humanity. Absence of knowledge regarding reproductive health means that ‎women can’t make informed and correct ‎choices, with the consequence that they are likely to suffer from sexually ‎transmitted infections and unwanted pregnancies. Our study aimed to assess knowledge, attitude and practice of females attending Meet Hebish Elbaharia Family Medicine Unit in Egypt regarding reproductive health.

Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted at Meet Hebish Elbaharia Family Medicine Unit. A pre-designed questionnaire sheet was developed and validated to collect data about socio-demographic, knowledge, attitude and practice of females attending for promotive, preventive and curative health services towards reproductive health.

Results: There were significant relationships between studied females’ socio demographic characteristics and their knowledge, attitude and practice towards reproductive health. The majority of the studied females had a poor level of knowledge about reproductive health. The internet was the main source of information about reproductive health among the studied females. The majority of studied females didn't have pre-marital examination with the commonest used family planning method by females was ‎“IUD” followed by contraceptive pills. Stepwise linear regression detected that total score of socio demographic characteristics of females were the significant predictors for imperfect practice of the studied females towards reproductive health.

Conclusion: Knowledge among females about reproductive health was relatively low and the majority of females had a neutral attitude toward reproductive health. Imperfect practice was high among old aged, illiterates and housewives. There were significant relationships between demographic characteries of females and their knowledge, attitude and practice towards reproductive health. In addition, there were significant relationships between knowledge and attitude of females towards reproductive health from one side and their practice from the other side.