bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Development of Physics Digital Comics on Temperature and Heat Material to Improve The Critical Thinking Ability
Authors: Rosdiana Devi Retno , Kholiq Abd.
Published: June 2021

This study was conducted to develop temperature and heat learning media for high school students to improve their critical thinking skills regarding the phenomena related to temperature and heat material. This study uses the DDDE (Decide, Design, Development, Evaluation) method. This research begins with the stages of determining digital comics as learning media, compiling storylines and sketching comic images, compiling complete comics along with character dialogues, and evaluating the final results of digital comics. Three validators carried out validation test. The results of the validation test showed that digital comics were significantly suitable to be used as supporting media for temperature and heat learning based on several criteria, including learning aspects of 89.78%, material aspects of 93%, and media aspects 93.17%. These digital comics were consequently suitable to be used as a medium for supporting online learning and had time efficiency in delivering material. The implication of this study will facilitate the teaching and learning process from home or School from Home (SFH) during the pandemic period and is expected to be developed in further studies.
Depositional system and lake-stage control on microbialite morphology, Green River Formation, eastern Uinta Basin, Colorado and Utah, U.S.A.
Authors: Eljalafi Abdulah , Sarg J. Frederick
Published: June 2021

Lake-margin lacustrine carbonates of the Green River Formation, in the eastern Uinta basin of Colorado and Utah, occur interbedded with fluvial and shoreline-parallel sandstone and shale. Microbial bindstones were deposited in a saline-alkaline lake during and after the Early Eocene Climate Optimum (EECO) (52–50 million years ago) that is characterized by global hot-house conditions, elevated atmospheric CO2, and highly fluctuating climate conditions. The stratigraphic architecture, chemostratigraphy, and morphology of the microbialites and other associated carbonate beds can be related to these climatic conditions. Three facies associations are recognized in the carbonate units across the lake margin from upper littoral to lower sublittoral environments: facies association 1, delta proximal non-microbial carbonates, characterized by quartzose bioclastic, peloidal, intraclastic packstones and grainstones–rudstones, quartose peloid wackestones and sandy oil shale; facies association 2, microbialite associated non-microbial carbonates, composed of ostracod, ooilitic, peloidal packstones–grainstones and intraclastic packstones, grainstones and rudstones; and facies association 3, microbial carbonates, consisting of diverse forms of stromatolitic and thrombolitic lithofacies.

Multiple scales of carbonate cyclicity are suggested by shifts of δ18O and δ13C stable isotopes and deepening-upward microbialite facies. High-frequency cycles, on the order of 1 to 5 m thickness, are characterized by positive shifts in stable isotopes and interpreted deepening trends from littoral to lower sublittoral conditions. Large-scale trends, on the order of tens to hundreds of meters thickness record long-term lake changes, including: 1) sparse microbialite deposition during initial fresh conditions in lake stage 1, with low macro-structure diversity and light δ18O and δ13C isotope values; 2) transitional lake stage 2 corresponding to moderate macro-structural diversity, large meter-scale biostromal and biohermal buildups, and a positive shift in δ18O and δ13C isotope values that suggest increasing saline and alkaline conditions; 3) a highly fluctuating lake stage 3 that contains the highest microbialite macro-structural diversity and marks the interval of heaviest δ18O and δ13C isotope values, suggesting the greatest lake restriction, and the highest salinity and alkalinity conditions; and 4) a rising lake stage 4 that marks the lowest microbialite macro-structure diversity and a reversal in trend of δ18O and δ13C isotope values, that indicate deepening and freshening conditions.
Soil enzyme activity as affected by land-use, salinity, and groundwater fluctuations in wetland soils of the prairie pothole region
Authors: Shahariar Shayeb , Helgason Bobbi , Soolanayakanahally Raju , Bedard-Haughn Angela
Published: June 2021

Land-use change and climatic variability are significant drivers for the loss of ecosystem services and soil quality in the prairie pothole region (PPR) wetland systems. Land-use induced changes in groundwater table and salinity may influence biogeochemical processes facilitated by extracellular enzymes (EEs) involved in soil organic matter (SOM) decomposition. The effects of changing groundwater table and salinity on β-glucosidase (BG), N-acetyl glucosaminidase (NAG), and alkaline phosphatase (AP) activities were assessed in wetland soils collected from three different adjacent riparian land-use practices in the PPR. In a microcosm study conducted over ten weeks, soils were treated with groundwater salinity (control, 6 mS cm− 1, and 12 mS cm− 1) and declining groundwater table depths. Extracellular enzyme activities (EEAs) differed significantly (p < 0.05) among soils from different land-uses and between groundwater table depths. The impact of groundwater salinity on soil EEAs were non-significant (p > 0.05). Soil EEAs were significantly higher in soils from pasture, suggesting that the land-use effects resulted from background SOC and TN. Soil EEAs significantly (p < 0.05) reduced under a deeper groundwater table depth, except reverse for BG in site B, indicated that the lowered groundwater table could lead to transitory drought stress for SOM decomposers.
Investigation of an Acute Fasciolosis Complicated by Clostridia Infection Outbreak in Korem Town, Southern Tigray of Ethiopia
Authors: Tesfay Molla Michealay , Tadele Berihun Afera , Kebede Asmelash Tassew , Asfaw Yohannes Tekle , Woldie Biruk Mekonnen , Tsegay Assefa Kebede , Shumuye Nigus Abebe , Dubale Emebet Adane , Gebreyesus Hintsa Gebregiorgies
Published: June 2021

Background
In December 2018, an outbreak of an unknown disease was reported to affect different animal species largely high number of small ruminant from Tumbio village in Korem town of southern Tigray. This study investigated the clinical characteristics, frequency (place, time, sex, age, physiological states), and primary causal agent(s) of outbreak.
Results
A total of 1966 cases occurred between 28 November and 21 December 2018, of which 1880 died, making a case fatality rate of 95.6%. The cases presented with inappetance (n = 953), thirsty (n = 833), pale mucous membrane (n = 676), bottle jaw (n = 424), swollen tail (n = 398), ascites (n = 309), suddenly died (n = 324), and diarrhea (n = 205). The responsible source of exposure was Minchae Bahri (pasture land). Excluding young suckling sheep which did not start grazing all groups of sheep were at risk. Even if, mixed parasitic infections were observed all samples processed parasitological were positive for immature liver flukes. Based on microbiologically finding Clostridium was isolated from 41(82%) samples. The necropsy and histopathology findings showed that liver is the most injured organ. The immediate interventions were not effective in controlling the outbreak.
Conclusions
Clinical presentation, immature liver flukes in all processed samples, high level of isolated Clostridium, necropsy and histopathology findings adducts among the cases support the causal role of acute fascioliasis complicated with Clostridium species. Community level awareness, integrated control measure and building diagnostic capacity of district level animal health experts and clinicians is needed.
“Be Perfect in Every Respect”: The Relationship Between Perfectionism, Career Adaptability and Career Decision-Making Difficulties of College Students
Authors: Chen Huaruo , Pang Liman , Liu Fei , Fang Tingting , Wen Ya
Published: June 2021

Background

Considering the weakening of the economy and the shrinking of jobs under the current global epidemic crisis, the employment of college graduates is facing unprecedented and cruel competition. However, many college students lack a reasonable understanding and orientation of themselves, which led to them have high expectations for future careers and do not consider whether they are competent or not. Due to a lack of ability and self-confidence, they appear to be at a loss and hesitant when facing career choices.
Methods

We takes 400 college students in China and conducts a questionnaire survey on college students' perfectionism, career adaptability, and career decision-making difficulties to explore the relationship among them.
Results

College students' perfectionism, career adaptability, and career decision-making difficulties are significantly correlated. Positive perfectionism has a negative predictive effect on career decision-making difficulties, and career adaptability plays a completely mediating role in it. Negative perfectionism plays a positive predictive role in career decision-making difficulties, and career adaptability plays a part in mediating roles.
Conclusions

College students will more or less pursue "perfect", but often with their own preferences to pursue, can not be done based on the rational analysis of things to pursue perfect. College students have higher positive perfectionism and negative perfectionism, and their career adaptability is also at a higher level, but there is a higher degree of career decision-making difficulties. Positive perfectionism of college students can reduce the difficulty of career decision-making, and career adaptability plays a completely mediating role in it. Negative perfectionism of college students will lead to difficulties in career decision-making, in which career adaptability plays a mediating role
Efficient Adaptive Sampling Methods Based on Deviation Analysis of Piecewise Cubic Spline Interpolation
Authors: Cheng Xi , zeng long , Jiang Haoyu , Liu Xueping
Published: June 2021

The on-machine inspection technique requires a certain manufacturing time, so it is important for a sampling approach to achieve high precision for a fixed number of inspection points. This study designs an efficient adaptive sampling method for the non-uniform rational basis spline (NURBS) curves and surfaces based on deviation analysis. For the free-form curves, it is an iterative method that is used to remove points that are less significant to the reconstruction error from the dense points on the curve. That is, the points are ranked by their maximum deviation from the theoretical curves. Different from the existing methods, a closed-form is derived to approximate the maximum deviation by analyzing the curve reconstruction method, i.e., piecewise cubic spline interpolation. The proposed method is compared with recent curve sampling methods, and the comparison results have shown that, under the same number of inspection points, the reconstruction error of the proposed method is reduced by 82%. The proposed curve sampling algorithm is then further extended to surface sampling, where the global characteristics of a surface are extracted as a series of curves on the surface. Thus, surface sampling is simplified to curve sampling in two directions. The proposed surface sampling strategy is compared with classic surface sampling methods using three representative surfaces. The results show that by using the proposed surface sampling strategy, the reconstruction error is reduced significantly. By applying our sampling method to the on-machine inspection system, the inspection accuracy can be greatly improved.
Factors Influencing Food Choices in Different Sports: Importance of Sustainability, Performance and Health: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Nuszbaum Cosima , Wollmar Mari , Sjöberg Agneta
Published: June 2021

Background: This study investigates food preferences among individuals active in different sports. Since food intake affects the carbon footprint, it is of interest to investigate influencing factors of food choices regarding sustainability. Physically active individuals are in need for high intakes of energy and protein in order to maintain their performance. Little is known about what influence food choices in this population. Method: A survey of a sample of 367 individuals was conducted in German and Swedish gyms, climbing halls and CrossFit boxes. Therefore, a questionnaire was developed to capture information about factors influencing food choice and consumed protein sources. Kruskal-Wallis-test tested significant differences between sport groups and physical activity levels.Results: The most frequently consumed animal-based protein were dairy-products, and the most frequently used plant-based source were grains. Taste and health were the main influences on food choices. Significant differences were observed between sport groups and physical activity levels. Sustainability was ranked as moderately important, with the highest importance in people active in the outdoor sports running and climbing. Participants with high physical activity levels and active in CrossFit rated performance more important than the rest of the sample and consumed protein supplements, eggs and poultry more frequently. Conclusion: Differences in food choices between various sports and physical activity levels were identified. Understanding the underlying influences on food choices might help to motivate a shift towards a more sustainable diet in athletes.
Retrospective Analysis of a Longitudinal Single Institution 219 Common Variable Immunodeficiency Patient Cohort
Authors: Gans Melissa D , Goodman Brian , Bernstein Larry , Eisenberg Rachel , Rubinstein Arye
Published: June 2021

Common variable immunodeficiency is a heterogenous disorder of the immune system associated with immunodeficiency, lymphoproliferation, autoimmunity, and malignancy. Certain laboratory characteristics of common variable immunodeficiency patients can be associated with an increase of related clinical sequelae, though there is limited data on predictive characteristics for clinical sequelae in CVID patients. The purpose of this study was to analyze a unique large CVID patient cohort for predictive laboratory characteristics of clinical sequelae. A retrospective chart review was performed of a longitudinal cohort of CVID patients treated at a single institution, largely by a single provider with higher dose replacement immunoglobulin, that has not been previously described. 219 CVID patients were followed for 1,990 patient-years. 86% of the patients were on immunoglobulin with an average IgG trough of 1260 mg/dL. Low IgG at time of diagnosis, low CD19 absolute cell count, and poor mitogen induced lymphocyte proliferation were associated with increase of CVID clinical sequelae. In particular, this cohort demonstrates the novel finding that low IgG at time of diagnosis prior to immunoglobulin replacement is associated with a higher incidence of lymphoma, bronchiectasis, granulomatous disease, lymphoid hyperplasia, splenomegaly, and hepatic disease.
A rapid method for identifying ploidy level in Isatis indigotica Fortune and Isatis tinctoria Linnaeus
Authors: Su Yong , Zhang Man , Guo Qiao Sheng , Wang Tao , Liu Chang
Published: June 2021

The genus Isatis is widely distributed throughout the world. In this work, thirty-two Isatis indigotica Fortune germplasms, collected from different regions and geographical locations in China, were analyzed the ploidy levels by flow cytometry. I. indigotica Fort. and Isatis tinctoria Linnaeus distinguished with root tip chromosome compression staining and cell flow cytometry. Microscopic observation showed that the chromosome numbers of I. indigotica Fort. and I. tinctoria L. were 2n = 14 and 2n = 28, respectively. In order to establish a flow cytometric nuclear experiment system suitable for I. indigotica Fort., the leaves of I. indigotica Fort. were used to prepare nuclear suspension with LB01, OTTO, Tris·MgCl2, patent of Luochang and Galbraith extraction buffer. It was found that the histogram generated by LB01, OTTO, Tris·MgCl2 and Patent of Luochang dissociation solution has poor peak shapes and large CV values, and Galbraith dissociation solution extraction buffer was suitable for extracting nuclei from most germplasms. Flow cytometry proved to be a simple, rapid, and highly accurate method for identifying ploidy levels Isatis species.
Multicenter Study on the Diagnostic of Imaging Tests and EUS-guided fine needle aspiration of Solid Pseudopapillary Neoplasms of the Pancreas
Authors: Ricardo Vítor Doria , Marchetti Giulia , de Almeida Arthur Ferraz , Lopes César Vivian , Reis Jerusa Santos dos , Bonin Eduardo Aimoré , Callegari Carlos Eduardo Gomes , de Araújo Wladimir Campos , Machado Marcel Autran , ARDENGH Jose Celso
Published: June 2021

Purpose

Imaging diagnosis of SPN is difficult. Preoperative diagnosis by EUS-FNA) is possible, safe, and has been reported in the literature. However, its usefulness is still controversial. The aim of this study was to determine the accuracy of the EUS-FNA and imaging findings in CT and MRI/MRCP exams in the diagnosis of patients with SPN.
Methods

We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of patients undergoing EUS-FNA with suspected diagnosis of SPN on imaging studies in 5 high-volume hospitals. The final diagnosis was obtained after the histological examination of the surgical specimen. Demographic data, CT, MRI and EUS findings, anatomopathological specimen and McH results obtained by EUS were analyzed.
Results

Fifty-four patients were included, of which 49 (90.7%) were women with an average age of 33.4 (range 11–78) years. The most common symptom presented was abdominal pain, present in 35.2%. SPN was detected incidentally in 32 (59%). The mean size of the tumors was 3.8 cm (SD: 2.26). The most common findings at EUS were a solid, solid/cystic, and cystic lesion in 52.9%, 41.1% and 7.8%, respectively. The final diagnosis was SPN in 51 patients and NF-NET in 3. The correct diagnosis was made by CT, MRI, EUS and EUS-FNA in 21.9%, 28.9%, 64.7% and 88.2%, respectively. EUS-FNA associated with CT and MRI increased diagnostic performance to 94.11% and 94.11%, respectively.
Conclusion

Differential diagnosis between SPN and NF-NET with imaging tests can be difficult. EUS-FNA increases preoperative diagnosis in such cases and should be routinely used to rule out NF-NET.
A Comparative Retrospective Study of COVID-19 Responses in Four Countries
Authors: Wang Xiaohan , Shi Leiyu , Zhang Yuyao , Chen Haiqian , Jiao Jun , Yang Manfei , Sun Gang
Published: June 2021

Objective This study compared the government policies and non-pharmaceutical interventions adopted by South Korea, Japan, India, and China in response to COVID-19 during 2020-2021. We hope that our study would propose policies for future COVID-19 waves and provide lessons for future responses to similar infectious diseases.Methods We made a retrospective study by analyzing the government policies and non-pharmaceutical interventions in these four countries. Results From January 2020 to May 18, 2021, South Korea and Japan experienced three waves of COVID-19 epidemic, but the number of daily new confirmed cases per million people was relatively small in both countries, and South Korea had fewer daily new confirmed cases per million than Japan. Following the COVID-19 outbreak in Wuhan in late 2019, China successfully contained the first wave of the outbreak and is not currently experiencing a large-scale resurgence of the epidemic. India is experiencing a grim second wave of the epidemic, with far more daily new confirmed cases per million people than South Korea and Japan. Throughout 2020, the number of COVID-19 deaths per million population remains low in South Korea, Japan, and China, while India has seen an upward trend in deaths per million population since July. As of May 18, 2021, the number of total tests per thousand people in South Korea, India, and Japan was 230.65, 181.23, and 99.59, respectively. South Korea and India both have more than twice as total tests per thousand people as Japan.Conclusion Successful practices in China and South Korea show that--case identification and management, coupled with close contact tracing and isolation, is a powerful strategy. The lessons of Japan and India show that social distancing is an effective measure, but only if it is rigor and persistent. Finally, in both developed and developing countries, the development of health care systems and coordinated government leadership play a key role in overcoming epidemics.
Metallophores Production by Bacteria Isolated From Heavy Metal Contaminated Soil and Sediment at Lerma-chapala Basin
Authors:   Jessica Maldonado-Hernández1, Román-Ponce Brenda , Herrera Ivan Arroyo , Guevara-Luna Joseph , Ramos-Garza Juan , Embarcadero-Jiménez Salvador , Santos Paulina Estrada de los , Wang En Tao , Murrieta María Soledad Vásquez
Published: June 2021

Environmental pollution derived from heavy metals (HMs) is a worldwide problem and the implementation of eco-friendly technologies for remediation of the pollution are necessary. The metallophores are low-molecular weight compounds that have important biotechnological applications in agriculture, medicine and biorremediation. The aim of this work was to isolate the HM resistant bacteria from soils and sediments of Lerma-Chapala basin, and to evaluate their abilities to produce metallophores and to promote plant growth. A total of 320 bacteria were recovered, and the siderophores synthesis was detected in cultures of 170 of the total isolates. The Lerma-Chapala Basin bacteria also produced metallophores for all the tested metal ions and presented a greater production of As3+ metallophores. The members in genera Delftia and Pseudomonas showed siderophores production above 92 percent siderophore units (psu). In addition, the hydroxamate was the most common fuctional group among the analyzed siderophores. Also, the bacteria showed high HM resistance especially to Zn2+, As5+ and Ni2+. Our results evidenced that Lerma-Chapala basin bacteria or their metallophores could be employed in biorremediation process or may even have potential for applications in other biotechnological purposes.
Event Prediction Based On Large Scale Network Subgraph Convolution
Authors: Wu XiaoWei , Bu FanLiang , Hou ZhiWen
Published: June 2021

Aiming at the problem of event prediction in large-scale event network, a collapse subgraph convolution (CSGCN) algorithm is proposed, which uses event subgraph to predict the subsequent events of event group. CSGCN algorithm collapses the edge induced event subgraph in large-scale event network, removes the irrelevant event nodes from the subgraph, and forms a new event subgraph. GCN algorithm is used to learn the graph embedding representation of the event subgraph, and the subsequent events of the event group are predicted by comparing the similarity between the graph embedding representation of the event group and the subsequent events. Because only some related nodes are processed each time, the application of the model in large-scale data graph is feasible. Through experiments, we explore and verify the effectiveness of extracting features from subgraphs of large-scale graph by using graph convolution training to obtain graph embedding representation. We find that GCN has better event prediction effect than Euclidean distance and co rotation similarity, which further shows that graph convolution algorithm has good performance in the field of graph feature extraction.
Operative Choice for Open Tibial Shaft Fracture in Children: A Comparative Study of External Fixator Vs. Elastic Stable Intramedullary Nail
Authors: Hong Pan , Rai Saroj , Tang Xin , Liu Ruikang , Li Jin
Published: June 2021

IntroductionExternal fixator (EF) is a preferred choice for open tibial fractures, but pin tract infection (PTI) and refracture are common complications. Elastic stable intramedullary nail (ESIN) has been reported in the treatment for open tibial fractures. This study aims to compare the clinical outcomes of EF vs. ESIN in the treatment for open tibial shaft fracture in children retrospectively.Material and methodsPatients aged 5-11 years old with Gustilo-Anderson II and IIIA tibial shaft fracture treated at our institute from January 2008 to January 2018 were reviewed retrospectively and categorized into EF (n = 55) and ESIN (n = 37) group. Patients with pathological fracture, neuromuscular disorder, metabolic disease, previous tibial fracture or instrumentation, and polytrauma were excluded. Patients with follow up less than 24 months or incomplete medical records were also excluded. ResultsIn all, fifty-five patients (33 males, 22 females) were included in the EF group, whereas 37 patients (21 males, 16 females) were included in the ESIN group. There was no significant difference between the two groups concerning sex, age, body weight, duration from injury to surgery, Gustilo-Anderson (GA) classification, and concomitant injuries. There was no patient of nonunion and malunion in either group. The incidence of implant prominence was higher in the ESIN group (16%) than those in the EF group (0), P < 0.001. The angulation was higher in the EF group than ESIN group in coronal and sagittal plane, P < 0.001. The radiological union was faster in the ESIN group (7.0 ± 0.9, weeks) than those in the EF group (9.0 ± 2.2), P < 0.001. Limb length discrepancy (LLD) was significantly longer in the EF group (12.1 ± 4.4, mm) than those in the ESIN group (7.3 ± 4.3, mm), P < 0.001. ConclusionESIN is a viable option in selected patients of GA grade II and IIIA open tibial fractures with comparable clinical outcomes as external fixator, but with less complications including superficial infection, residual angulation and refracture after hardware removal.
Identification and biotechnological characterization of Lactic Acid Bacteria Isolated from White Cheese Samples
Authors: Akbulut Sumeyya , Baltaci Mustafa Ozkan , Adiguzel Gulsah , Adiguzel Ahmet
Published: June 2021

In this study, the isolation of lactic acid bacteria were carried out from approximately one hundred white cheese samples collected from different regions of Turkey. Subsequently, phenotypic and genotypic characterization of the isolates were performed. Finally, biotechnological enzyme and bacteriocin production potentials of the isolates were determined. As a result of the analysis, a total of fourty one bacteria were isolated and seventeen of them were found to be different species. The isolates generally grew at 4–6 pH values, 0–8% NaCl and 30–40 oC. Genomic fingerprint profiles of the isolates were determined by using BOX-PCR. According to 16S rRNA sequence results, test strains belong to Lentilactobacillus kefiri, Levilactobacillus brevis, Lacticaseibacillus casei, Lacticaseibacillus paracasei, Pediococcus lolii, Staphylococcus haemolyticus, Lysnibacillus sinduriensis, P. parvulus, Lactiplantibacillus paraplantarum, Staphylococcus hominis, Lactiplantibacillus plantarum, Enterococcus faecium, Micrococcus yunnanensis, Microbacterium paraoxydans and Micrococcus aloeverae species. Since the isolate coded MA56 is 96.41% similar to Lentilactobacillus buchneri, it is thought to be a new species. Also MA19, MA25, MA43 and MA47 were determined to have multi-enzyme production potential. MA43 was found to be the only isolate producing bacteriocin.
Bogoliubov quasiparticles in superconducting qubits
Authors: Glazman Leonid , Catelani Gianluigi
Published: June 2021

Extending the qubit coherence times is a crucial task in building quantum information processing devices. In the three-dimensional cavity implementations of circuit QED, the coherence of superconducting qubits was improved dramatically due to cutting the losses associated with the photon emission. Next frontier in improving the coherence includes the mitigation of the adverse effects of superconducting quasiparticles. In these lectures, we review the basics of the quasiparticles dynamics, their interaction with the qubit degree of freedom, their contribution to the qubit relaxation rates, and approaches to control their effect.
RADICAL DEMAND AND SPONTANEITY IN K.E. LØGSTRUP’S PHENOMENOLOGICAL ETHICS WITH CONTINUOUS REFERENCE TO S.KIERKEGAARD
Authors:   Institute of Philosophy and Sociology, University of Latvia, VĒVERE VELGA
Published: June 2021

Danish philosopher and theologian Knud Ejler Løgstrup (1905–1981) was professor of ethics and philosophy at the University of Aarhus. During his lifetime he published numerous books in phenomenology. In the context of the current article we should mention here Norm and Spontaneity, Art and Ethics and, the most significant, The Ethical Demand and Controverting Kierkegaard. The purpose of the current article is research the basic notions of his ontological ethics—the ethical imperative (radical, unspoken, one-sided and unfulfillable) and the sovereign expressions of life (trust, mercy, love, forgiveness, open speech, etc.). If the first one regards the demand for unselfish actions of the individual, then the second one—spontaneity and openness towards the other. In order to disclose these notions, the article confronts Løgstrup’s interpretation with Søren Kierkegaard’s (1813–1855) ethical stance, since the concept of sovereign expressions of life was offered to the reader in the book Controverting Kierkegaard. Løgstrup criticizes Kierkegaard for not paying attention to the real life phenomena and concentrating upon the solely religious self-reflection of the nuclear abstract individual. The article consists of introduction, two parts and conclusion. The introduction sets the stage for further investigation giving the historical background, tracing influences by the leading phenomenologists of the 20th century (a special role here is assigned to Hans Lipps, Martin Heidegger and Frederic Gogarten). The first part is devoted to the explication of the ethical imperative, while the second part—to the sovereign expressions of life and human interdependence. The research is summarized in the conclusion, stressing possibility to apply Løgstrup’s phenomenological approach in nursing and psychiatry.
TEMPORALITY AS A SPATIAL FIELD OF PRESENCE
Authors:   Faculty of Humanities, Charles University, MENSCH JAMES
Published: June 2021

According to Merleau-Ponty in his Phenomenology of Perception, we experience time as a “field of presence.” In his words, “It is in my ‘field of presence’ in the widest sense […] that I make contact with time, and learn to know its course.” This field is fundamental. It elucidates my spatial apprehension. In his words: “Perception provides me with a ‘field of presence’ in the broad sense, extending in two dimensions: the here-there dimension and the past-present-future dimension. The second elucidates the first.” In other words, I understand the spatial “here-there” dimension in terms of the temporal dimension. The “there” is what I immediately grasp in still having in hand “the immediate past.” In this article, I propose to examine the general conception of time as a field of presence. This examination can be seen as a kind of “thought experiment,” where we see what happens when we reverse this relation—i.e., when we elucidate the “past-present-future dimension” in terms of the “here-there dimension.” Such a reversal, I will argue, brings to the fore the pragmatic, spatial character of lived time. Not only does it bring about a revision of horizonal structure of the field of presence, it also has consequences for psycho-analytical research.
BEING STRUCK: GADAMER ON THE CONTEMPORANEITY OF ART
Authors:   Department of Philosophy, History, Culture and Art Studies, University of Helsinki, MARTIN PATRICK
Published: June 2021

With this article I offer a close reading of Gadamer’s Aesthetics and Hermeneutics. The reason I draw attention to this essay is as a response to criticism aimed at Gadamer’s hermeneutic account of art. In its reception, it has occasionally been viewed as too hermeneutical, too focused on understanding. I maintain that Aesthetics and Hermeneutics can be considered exempt from this critique. Here, Gadamer offers us the hermeneutic experience in its most aesthetic guise: in being struck by the significance of the artwork. The main purpose of this article is to clarify this experience. This task I undertake in two steps. First, I emphasize the aesthetic nature of this experience of “being struck” by the artwork in an answer to Figal’s critique. As a supplement to Gadamer’s theoretical remarks in Aesthetics and Hermeneutics, I consider the performance piece Faust by Anne Imhof. The second step of my argument intends to show that Gadamer does not “reduce” the aesthetic experience to a hermeneutic experience of meaning but grounds the experience of art hermeneutically. I will argue for my thesis by closely reconstructing Gadamer’s argument in Aesthetics and Hermeneutics. The guiding question is, what is the significance of this aesthetic experience for Gadamer’s hermeneutics? Gadamer conceptually clarifies the experience of “being struck” in terms of the notion of contemporaneity. In my interpretation, the experience of art shakes us with a sense of self-implication.
WITOLD PŁOTKA, PATRICK ELDRIDGE (EDS.) EARLY PHENOMENOLOGY IN CENTRAL AND EASTERN EUROPE. MAIN FIGURES, IDEAS, AND PROBLEMS. Contributions to Phenomenology. Vol. 113 Springer, 2020 ISBN 978-3-030-39622-0
Authors:   Institute of Philosophy SAS, VYDROVÁ JAROSLAVA
Published: June 2021

The collective volume Early Phenomenology in Central and Eastern Europe: Main Figures, Ideas, and Problems, edited by Witold Płotka and Patrick Eldridge, enriches the ongoing and highly topical research of the history of phenomenology with the thematization of a specific period and localization of phenomenology. The authors of eleven chapters explore the emergence of phenomenology in local traditions outside the Germanophone area, its appropriation and development, describing the unique forms it acquired in individual environments. The book clarifies the characteristics of the early wave of phenomenology and provides a list of Central and Eastern European phenomenologists who participated in it. On the one hand, the volume is a contribution to historiography, enriching the study of the history of phenomenology thematically and thus contributing to the development of phenomenology itself; on the other hand, it introduces its own set of philosophical problems. These concern methodology and the issue of the Central and Eastern European identity, which is examined through the prism of the development of local traditions of phenomenology. When exploring the latter it is useful to introduce the concept of the marginocentric. This concept, which originated in comparative literature, facilitates an understanding of the unique cultural configuration of a concrete tradition in its communication with internal and external environments.
Hybrid point and interval prediction approaches for drought modeling using ground-based and remote sensing data
Authors: Roushangar Kiyoumars , Ghasempour Roghayeh , Kirca V. S. Ozgur , Demirel Mehmet Cüneyd
Published: June 2021

Drought as a severe natural disaster has devastating effects on the environment; therefore, reliable drought prediction is an important issue. In the current study, based on lower upper bound estimation, hybrid models including data preprocessing, permutation entropy, and artificial intelligence (AI) methods were used for point and interval predictions of short- to long-term series of Standardized Precipitation Index in the Northwest of Iran. Ground-based and remote sensing precipitation data were used covering the period of 1983–2017. In the modeling process, first, the data processing capability via variational mode decomposition (VMD), ensemble empirical mode decomposition, and permutation entropy (PE) was investigated in drought point prediction. Then, interval prediction was applied for tolerating increased uncertainty and providing more details for practical operation decisions. The simulation results demonstrated that the proposed integrated models could achieve significantly better performance compared to single models. Hybrid PE models increased the modeling accuracy up to 40 and 55%. Finally, the efficiency of developed models was verified for Normalized Difference Vegetation Index prediction. Results demonstrated that the proposed methodology based on remote sensing data and VMD–PE–AI approaches could be successfully used for drought modeling, especially in limited or non-gauged areas.
Patrimonio gastronómico de la Provincia de Yariguíes (Santander, Colombia)
Authors: Rodríguez-Martínez Luz Marina , Dallos Indira Andrea Quiroga
Published: June 2021

Ante la evidente pérdida de las tradiciones gastronómicas en Santander, la presente investigación tiene como objetivo principal contribuir a la salvaguardia de patrimonio gastronómico de la Provincia de Yariguies (o Provincia de Mares hasta el año 2019) a partir de la identificación, caracterización y análisis de sus principales componentes.  Desde un enfoque de investigación formativa, la metodología empleada se basó en la revisión de fuentes secundarias sobre la gastronomía y la cultura, de los municipios San Vicente de Chucurí, Barrancabermeja, Betulia, El Carmen de Chucurí, Sabana de Torres y Puerto Wilches. Así mismo, se realizó trabajo de campo en estos municipios con el fin reconocer de modo crítico los usos gastronómicos propios de la región, los distintos productos y preparaciones más representativos identificando a las Maestras de la Cocina a quienes se les aplicó una entrevista semiestructurada con la que se pretendía conocer las costumbres, los usos y tradiciones en las preparaciones, y  los productos agrícolas más representativos de este territorio y  que hacen parte de las preparaciones de los platos tradicionales, así mismo consultar sobre los  ambientes culturales  en torno a la comida tradicional y típica de esta provincia. Teniendo en cuenta lo anterior, se encontró que en la provincia Yariguies existe variada gastronomía típica y tradicional, el oficio predominante es la pesca particularmente con red y anzuelo, oficio que tienen los pobladores para generar ingresos y realizar sus preparaciones culinarias con pescados como el bocachico, la dorada y el blanquillo. Así mismo los productos que se cultivan en esta región como el aguacate, el ñame, la yuca, el plátano, entre otros, hacen parte de los platos elaborados. La participación de familiares y amigos al ritmo de música y baile se evidencia en la dinámica gastronómica de la región. Finalmente, como acción para la salvaguardia se plantea la elaboración de un documento audiovisual por medio del cual se registra y se facilita la divulgación de este y se reconocen las características de los hallazgos bajo los parámetros institucionales del Patrimonio Cultural Inmaterial.
An Overview of Nano Delivery Systems for Targeting RNA Interference-based Therapy in Ulcerative Colitis
Authors: Alfagih Iman M. , Aldosari Basmah N. , AlQuadeib Bushra T. , Almurshedi Alanood S. , Tambuwala Murtaza M.
Published: June 2021

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is one of the main subtypes of inflammatory bowel disease. UC has a negative
effect on patients’ quality of life, and it is an important risk factor for the development of colitis-associated
cancer. Patients with UC need to take medications for their entire life because no permanent cure is available.
Therefore, approaches that target messenger RNA (mRNA) of proinflammatory cytokines and/or anti-inflammatory
cytokines are needed to improve the safety of UC therapy and promote intestinal mucosa recovery. The major
challenge facing RNA interference-based therapy is the delivery of RNA molecules to the intracellular
space of target cells. Moreover, nonspecific and systemic protein expression inhibition can result in adverse effects
and low therapeutic benefit. Thus, it is important to develop an efficient delivery strategy targeting the cytoplasm
of target cells to avoid side effects caused by off-target protein expression inhibition. This review focuses
on the most recent advances in the targeted nano delivery systems of siRNAs and mRNA that have shown in
vivo efficacy.
Obstructive Jaundice does not Change the Population Pharmacokinetics
of Etomidate in Patients who Underwent Bile Duct Surgery
Authors: Song Jin-Chao , Meng Xiao-Yan , Yu Wei-Feng , Yang Hua , Gao Hao , Cai Mei-Hua , Zhang Ma-Zhong
Published: June 2021

Background:

Etomidate is commonly used in the induction of anesthesia. We have previously
confirmed that etomidate requirements are significantly reduced in patients with obstructive
jaundice and that etomidate anesthesia during Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography
(ERCP) results in more stable hemodynamics compared to propofol. The aim of the present
study is to investigate whether obstructive jaundice affects the pharmacokinetics of etomidate in patients
who underwent bile duct surgery.

Methods:

A total of 18 patients with obstructive jaundice and 12 non-jaundiced patients scheduled
for bile duct surgery were enrolled in the study. Etomidate 0.333 mg/kg was administered by IV bolus
for anesthetic induction. Arterial blood samples were drawn before, during, and up to 300 minutes
after the bolus. Plasma etomidate concentrations were determined using a validated high-performance
liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry assay. A nonlinear mixed-effects population
modeling approach was used to characterize etomidate pharmacokinetics. The covariates of
age, gender, height, weight, Body Surface area (BSA), Body Mass Index (BMI), Lean Body Mass
(LBM), Total Bilirubin (TBL), Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase
(AST), total bile acid (TBA), creatinine (CR), and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) were tested for significant
effects on parameters using a multiple forward selection approach. Covariate effects were
judged based on changes in the Objective Function Value (OFV).

Results:

A three-compartment disposition model adequately described the pharmacokinetics of etomidate.
The model was further improved when height was a covariate of total clearance
[Cl1=1.30+0.0232(HT-162), ΔOFV=-7.33; P<0.01)]. The introduction of any other covariates, including
bilirubin and total bile acids, did not improve the model significantly (P>0.01). For the
height of 162cm, the final pharmacokinetic parameter values were as follows: V1=1.42 (95% CI,
1.01-1.83, L), V2=5.52 (95% CI, 4.07-6.97, L), V3=63.9 (95% CI, 41.95-85.85, L),Cl1= 1.30 (95%
CI, 1.19-1.41, L/min), Cl2= 1.21 (95%CI, 0.95-1.47, L/min), and Cl3=0.584 (95%CI, 0.95-1.21,
L/min), respectively.

Conclusion:

A 3-compartment open model might best describe the concentration profile of etomidate
after bolus infusion for anesthesia induction. The pharmacokinetics of etomidate did not
change by the presence of obstructive jaundice.
The Contemporary Management of Left Main Coronary Artery Disease
Authors: Mailey Jonathan A. , Spence Mark S.
Published: June 2021

:

The ‘gold standard’ in the management of left main coronary artery disease has historically
been coronary artery bypass surgery. Recent innovations in drug-eluting stent technology coupled
with the increasing utility of physiology and imaging guidance for procedures have led to an
evolving role of percutaneous coronary intervention in left main disease of low and intermediate
anatomical complexity. This revascularization modality carries the clear advantage of being less invasive
and significantly reduced recovery times. This practice is currently supported by international
guidelines, however, it remains a controversial topic in the field of interventional cardiology,
and the long-term outcomes of a percutaneous strategy have been questioned.
This review describes the current evidence base for the assessment and choice of intervention in
left main coronary artery disease. The percutaneous revascularization techniques and use of imaging
to optimize procedures and improve clinical outcomes have been discussed.
Granulomatous Pneumocystis jiroveci Pneumonia in an HIV-Positive Patient on Antiretroviral Therapy: A Diagnostic Challenge
Authors: Diaz-Abad Montserrat , Robinett Kathryn S. , Lasso-Pirot Anayansi , Legesse Teklu B. , Khambaty Mariam
Published: June 2021

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)-related Opportunistic Infections (OI), including Pneumocystis jiroveci pneumonia (PCP), have become much less commonplace with anti-retroviral therapy (ART). Despite this, OIs are still common and it is important to remain vigilant for their presence and be aware of how ART and OI chemoprophylaxis may lead to atypical disease presentations. We present the case of a 51-year-old woman with HIV and CD4+ T helper lymphocytes cell count > 200 cells/ul on both ART and trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole prophylaxis who presented with cavitating lung masses, mediastinal lymphadenopathy and pleural effusions. Negative bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) and transbronchial biopsy (TBBx) prompted a second diagnostic procedure with a transthoracic core needle biopsy; the final diagnosis was granulomatous PCP. This case showcases a very rare presentation of PCP, with both large cavitating lung masses on imaging and granulomatous reaction on pathology, as well as the challenge of a potentially missed diagnosis with negative BAL and TBBx requiring transthoracic core needle biopsy for a final diagnosis.
Clinical Features of COVID-19 Patients in Jordan: A Study of 508 Patients
Authors: Al-Balas Mahmoud , Al-Balas Hasan I. , Alqassieh Rami , Al-Balas Hamzeh , Khamees Almu'atasim , Al-Balas Rahaf , Al-Balas Samir
Published: June 2021

Background:

The symptoms of COVID-19 have a wide range of severity ranging from no symptoms at all to mild symptoms, such as fever, cough, sore throat, general weakness. Moreover, in some situations, patients may develop severe complications as pneumonia, and sepsis, leading to death. This study aims to investigate the characteristic features of COVID-19 patients based on their medical condition prior to COVID-19 diagnosis.

Methods:

A retrospective cohort study took place between the 1st of April 2020 and the 31st of June 2020 in Prince Hamzah Hospital, Jordan. Patients were diagnosed by the Real-Time Reverse Transcriptase (RT)–PCR Diagnostic Panel, either through screening or for those who developed symptoms. During this period, patients who tested positive for COVID 19 were admitted to the hospital regardless of their symptoms according to the local government health policies. A total of 508 Patients were involved and divided into two groups based on the presence or absence of chronic illnesses prior to COVID-19 diagnosis.

Results:

A total of 371 patients were medically free (220 males and 151 females). Among them, 153 patients were symptomatic (41.2%), with an average hospitalization of 18 days. Generalized malaise, dry cough, and fever were the most common reported symptoms (51%, 45.8%, and 41.8%, respectively). On the other hand, the total number of COVID-19 patients with predefined comorbidities was 137 (93 males and 44 females). Among them, 86 patients (62.8%) were symptomatic, with an average duration of admission of 19.3 days. Similar to medically free patients, dry cough, generalized malaise, and fever were the most commonly reported symptoms (50%, 43%, and 38.4%, respectively). There was a statistically significant correlation between the presence of chronic illnesses and the development of symptoms among COVID-19 patients (P = 0.0001).

Conclusion:

Dry cough, generalized malaise, and fever were the most commonly reported symptoms among our patients regardless of their medical condition. The average duration of hospitalization in medically free patients was less than patients with comorbidities, and it was less among asymptomatic compared to symptomatic patients. More than half of our COVID-19 patients were male and asymptomatic. A significant correlation between patients' medical condition and the possibility of developing symptoms in response to COVID-19 was identified.