bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A real-time PCR method to genotype mutant mouse models with altered affinity for cardiotonic steroids on the Na,K-ATPase v2
Authors: W W Chomczynski Peter , M Vires Kianna , Rymascewski Michal , A. Heiny Judith
Published: April 2022

The highly conserved, cardiotonic steroid binding site (also termed ouabain binding site) on the primary α subunit of Na,K-ATPase plays a receptor signaling role in a range of vital cell processes and is a therapeutic target for human disease. Mouse lines with altered affinity for cardiotonic steroids on the α1 or α2 subunit isoform of Na,K-ATPase, developed by the late Dr. Jerry Lingrel and collaborators, are a valuable tool for studying its physiological roles and drug actions.In one model, the normally ouabain resistant α1 isoform was rendered sensitive to ouabain binding. In a second model, the normally sensitive α2 isoform was rendered resistant to ouabain binding.Additional useful models are obtained by mating these mice. To further advance their use, we developed a rapid, real-time PCR method that amplifies digested tail clip samples without the need to isolate DNA, and detects mutant alleles using specific primers and fluorescent probes. PCR is performed in fast mode with up to 15 samples processed in 40 min. The method was validated by comparing results with a previous two-step method using PCR amplification followed by gel electrophoresis, and by Sanger sequencing. We also clarified inconsistencies in published sequences, updated numbering to current reference sequences, and confirmed the continued presence of the mutations in the colony. It is expected that the wider availability of these models and a more efficient genotyping protocol will advance studies of the Na,K-ATPase and its cardiotonic steroid receptor.
COVİD-19 Pnömonisinde Prokalsitonin Düzeylerinin Önemi
Authors: DEMİR Elif , GİDEN Ramazan , DEMİR Zeliha
Published: April 2022

Amaç: Bu çalışmadaki amacımız, RT-PCR (Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction) pozitif COVID-19 pömonisinde prokalsitonin seviyelerinin nasıl etkilendiğini tespit etmek. Bu parametrenin RT-PCR pozitif hastalarda biyokimyasal parametre açısından değerini araştırmak, konuyla ilgili yeni görüşler ileri sürebilmektir.

Gereç ve Yöntem: Çalışmamıza hastaneye başvuran 18 yaş üstü RT-PCR testi pozitif olup servise yatışı olan 100 COVİD-19 hasta dahil edildi. Hastaların verileri hastanenin sisteminden geriye dönük olarak toplandı. RT-PCR pozitif hastalar toraks BT (bilgisayarlı tomografi) pozitif ve BT negatif diye iki gruba ayrıldı ve bu iki grup arasında prokalsitonin değerleri araştırıldı. Elde elden sonuçlar SPSS 25 programında değerlendirildi.

Bulgular: RT-PCR testi pozitif olan 100 hastanın 39'unda BT negatif, 61'inde BT pozitifti. BT pozitif hasta grubunda ölçülen prokalsitonin düzeyleri, BT negatif hasta grubuna göre yüksek olmasına rağmen istatiksel olarak anlamlı bulunmadı (0.113±0.154 ng/mL, 0.064±0.058 ng/mL, p=0.510).

Sonuç: Elde ettiğimiz sonuçlar prokalsitonin düzeyinin RT-PCR pozitif hastalarda COVID-19 pnömonisinin varlığını ayırt edemeyeceğini göstermektedir. Prokalsitonin düzeyindeki yükseklik hastalığın daha komplike bir hale geldiğini öngörebilir.
Ciência e Arte na Pandemia de COVID-19: Encontros Virtuais do Programa CAIS - CienciArte, Inovação e Saúde
Authors: Ferreira Roberto Rodrigues , Rocha Rita de Cássia Machado da , Moraes Viní­cius dos Santos , Araújo-Jorge Tania Cremonini
Published: April 2022

Mudanças mundiais aconteceram em decorrência da pandemia da Covid-19, reconhecida em março de 2020 pela Organização Mundial da Saúde (OMS). A sociedade e as instituições de ensino tiveram que se adaptar ao "novo normal" e começaram a imersão no universo remoto. Por conta disso, seguindo o protocolo de distanciamento social, muitos projetos, pesquisas e grupos de estudo precisaram aderir aos encontros virtuais, investindo nas Tecnologias de Informação e Comunicação. O objetivo deste trabalho é descrever as experiências remotas realizadas ao longo de 2020 pelo Programa CienciArte, Inovação e Saúde. Ao longo de 2020, foram realizados 23 encontros virtuais, nos meses de maio a dezembro. As temáticas abordadas nos encontros foram diversificadas, tais como: CienciArte na pandemia, avaliação da criatividade, educação em rede, saúde corporal, Expresso Chagas, comunicação não-violenta e encontros de poesia. As reuniões remotas nos mostraram que a nova configuração social possibilitou um maior fortalecimento dos vínculos no grupo de pesquisa e uma rede de apoios e afetos com ciência e arte.
Palavras-chave: CienciArte. COVID-19. Grupo de pesquisa.
Subungual glomus tumour excision: The nail plate flap technique
Authors: Mehrotra Sandeep , Singh Vikas , Dadwal Uday Singh
Published: April 2022

Subungual glomus tumours, though rare, cause distressing symptoms and merit surgical treatment with minimal morbidity. Approaches to the nail bed over the years have varied from earlier nail excisions to trans/sub/periungal techniques. Nail plate preservation has beneficial effects on pain, and cosmesis and surgical modifications to ensure the same are desirable. We employed a simple nail preservation technique on six patients over the last seven years. After an accurate localization of the lesion based on pin test and MRI, a proximally-based nail plate flap was marked and elevated beyond the glomus. The tumour was removed through a linear nail-bed incision, following which the nail plate flap was reposited without suturing. All cases had gratifying relief of symptoms. Within a few weeks of the excision, no nail distortion was noticeable. No recurrences were noted on follow-up for one year. The nail flap transungal approach relies on accurate preoperative tumour localization. It ensures a protective post-operative cover with reduced pain. A minimalistic approach with no skin incisions ensures less morbidity and improved cosmesis with no nail deformity. The nail plate flap technique can be employed in selected cases for improved outcomes.
Tuberculosis verrucosa cutis
Authors: S Krishnabharath
Published: April 2022

We report a case of 23-year-old male patient with tuberculosis verrucous cutis on the foot for a duration of six months without responding to routine treatment. Tuberculosis is a common disease worldwide. Extrapulmonary tuberculosis contributes to 10% of cases. Cutaneous tuberculosis occupies a small spectrum of extrapulmonary tuberculosis. Tuberculosis verrucosa cutis is an exogenous infection occurring in a previously sensitized patient by direct inoculation of the organism. It occurs in sensitized patients with a moderate to high immune response. The diagnosis in our patient was confirmed by history, clinical examination, histopathological examination and the patient’s response to anti-tuberculous therapy.
The efficacy and safety of a 70% glycolic acid peel with vitamin C for the treatment of photoaging
Authors: Yang Shiyao Sam , Liau MeiQi May , Heng Jun Khee , Toh Han Sim Matthias , Aw Chen Wee Derrick , Ho Sue-Ann
Published: April 2022

Glycolic acid peels have been shown in many studies to improve the appearance of photoaged skin. Vitamin C is known to be a potent natural antioxidant and plays an important role in the collagen biosynthetic pathway. In this study, we report our clinical experience with 70% glycolic acid peel added with vitamin C. We found that all parameters of photoaging, in particular the composite wrinkling score, discolouration score and the global photoaged score, showed statistically significant improvement. Patient satisfaction also revealed improvement in keeping with the physician assessment. It is also associated with an excellent safety profile. In conclusion, a combination of 70% glycolic acid with vitamin C chemical peel is a well-tolerated effective treatment of photoaging in Asian skin.
The story behind cryosurgery
Authors: Awad Sara Mohamed Ibrahim
Published: April 2022

Cryosurgery is used to describe the controlled destruction of tissue by freezing. Today, cryosurgery is widely practiced in medicine, so it would be interesting to know how the story of cryosurgery began. Here are some short stories behind the discovery and evolution of cryosurgery.
Floseal® use in dermatologic surgical management of vascular malformations: A novel haemostatic agent in Côte d’Ivoire
Authors: Kassi Komenan , Bamba Vagamon , Kanga Kouame , Allou Aang , Kouassi Alexandre , Gbery Ildevert Patrice , Kourouma Sarah , Kouassi Isidore , Ecra Elidje Joseph , Kaloga Mamadou , Sangare Abdoulaye , Yoboue-Yao Pauline , Kanga Jean-Marie
Published: April 2022

A vascular malformation is a congenital growth of artery, venous, capillary or lymphatic vessels leading to functional and aesthetic problems. Although surgical maneuvers allow correction of abnormalities, it poses risk of intra and post-operative blood loss. Sealants have been used during surgical procedures to reduce blood loss. A descriptive study was conducted on a new generation Floseal® to demonstrate its effectiveness to reduce intra and post-operative bleeding during vascular malformation corrective surgery. A group of 19 patients presented with vascular malformations and underwent surgical correction associated with Floseal® use. The mean age of our patients’ was 12.3 years (1 to 33 years). The majority of them (57.6%) were aged between 5 to 15 years. The most common vascular malformation treated was hemangioma (45.5%). Majority of these lesions were located on the head (72.7%). Blood transfusion was not accounted for in any of the cases as average blood loss was 18.18 mL (5 to 70 mL). The average length of hospital stay was 2.4 days. Ten patients (90.9%) were discharged in 2 days after drain was removed. Floseal®, a new generation local haemostatic, is easy to use and efficient to achieve haemostasis for treatment of vascular malformation. Haemostasis was achieved in a short time and blood loss was minimal. However, caution should be taken to reduce allergic reactions and potential viral transmissions, and further study should be done to recommend its use.
Multiple clustered dermatofibroma associated with asymptomatic pericardial cyst
Authors: Brzezinski Piotr , Kazlouskaya Viktoryia , Bimbi Cesar
Published: April 2022

Multiple clustered dermatofibroma (MCDF) is an unusual variant of dermatofibroma (DF) presentation, localized on one segment of the body. Multiple dermatofibroma is a term for when there are more than 15 dermatofibromas,  which in itself is already a rare condition. The dermatofibromas usually appear in younger adults and are predominantly located on lower parts of the  body. No associations, except one case with pulmonary hypertension, were described in patients with MCDF. Herein we present another case of this rare complaint in a 58 year old female with clustered lesions on the thigh. Pericardial cyst was identified in our patient during routine chest X-ray and the patient is asymptomatic. MCDFs do not usually require treatment unless requested by the patient for cosmetic reason. This variant of MCDF, which is neither congenital nor eruptive, is extraordinarily rare, with only 13 cases reported. Further reports may identify possible associations of MCDF.
Necrobiosis lipoidica treated with intense pulsed light
Authors: Da Cunha Marisa Gonzaga , Rezende Flavia Cury , Da Cunha Ana Lúcia Gonzaga , Machado Filho Carlos D'Apparecida
Published: April 2022

Necrobiosis Lipoidica (NL) is a chronic degenerative disease of the collagen with higher incidence on the anterior part of lower extremities, especially the tibial area. There were a number of proposed treatments, but none is 100% effective. We present a case of a fifty-year-old female patient with a suspected diagnosis of necrobiosis    lipoidica, confirmed by histopathological examination. After two years of treatment with topical corticosteroids and weekly applications of Psoralen and ultraviolet A radiation (PUVA), there were no signs of improvement and we  decided to perform a treatment with intense pulsed light therapy. Over a period of 14 months, a total of 13 sessions were carried out and a satisfactory treatment result was obtained.
The efficacy and safety of a 70% glycolic acid peel with vitamin C for the treatment of acne scars
Authors: Khee Heng Jun , May Liau MeiQi , Sam Yang Shiyao , Derrick Aw Chen Wee , Sue-Ann Ho
Published: April 2022

Acne scarring is a common complication associated with significant psychological distress. Both glycolic acid (GA) and vitamin C are known to improve the appearance of acne scarring. We performed a review of 13 patients treated with three 70% GA peels with vitamin C at four weeks apart. There was a statistically significant` improvement in acne scarring and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation from the baseline. Maximal effects were noted four weeks after the third chemical peel. It has an excellent safety profile with no permanent adverse effects noted. A combination of 70% glycolic acid with vitamin C chemical peel is an efficacious, well-tolerated treatment of acne scarring in Asian skin. 
Laser microporation: A promising field in transdermal drug delivery
Authors: Sepaskhah Mozhdeh
Published: April 2022

Topical therapy is an expanding field not only in dermatology but also in other fields of medicine. An expanding list of systemic medications have been applied topically in several dermatologic conditions. Drugs applied topically have the advantage of fewer side effects, and bypassing the first-pass effect. Also, painless drug delivery which is especially encouraging in children, makes transdermal drug delivery even more appealing. 
Rytmy i wybrane aspekty recepcji Johannesa Bobrowskiego w Polsce
Authors: Chojnowski Zbigniew
Published: April 2022

Recepcja twórczości pisarza z Prus Wschodnich, Johannesa Bobrowskiego miała w Polsce swoją historię zapisaną głównie w ośrodkach regionalnych. W oficjalnej prasie PRL ukrywano jego antykomunizm, natomiast eksponowano, że w roku 1949 zamieszkał w NRD. Utwory Bobrowskiego czytano z perspektywy winy Niemców – za zbrodnie II wojny światowej, jak też wcześniejsze. Polscy krytycy literatury akcentowali, że niemiecki autor ściśle łączy oryginalną poetykę z etyką i jest rzecznikiem niemiecko-polskiego porozumienia. W recepcji Bobrowskiego ujawnił się polonocentryzm, a także związek z kształtowaniem się nowoczesnego regionalizmu. Teksty tego autora stały się przedmiotem refleksji nad geopoetyką. Na początku XXI wieku dostrzeżono w pisarzu trickstera w rozumieniu antropologicznym.
Pogranicza i punkty wspólne – historia Kościoła, historia społeczna i historia kultury w epoce staropolskiej: możliwości badań (wybrane przykłady)
Authors: Jabłońska Anna
Published: April 2022

Artykuł ma na celu pokazanie punktów wspólnych historii Kościoła, historii społecznej i historii kultury na przykładzie epoki staropolskiej oraz zróżnicowanych perspektyw badawczych. Punkt wyjścia stanowi historia Kościoła i źródła typowo kościelne o określonym charakterze, które przy nowym ujęciu mogą stwarzać wiele innych niż tradycyjne możliwości badań. Konieczna jest jednak interdyscyplinarność oraz sięgnięcie do socjologii i antropologii kulturowej.

Ze względu na obszerność zagadnienia zostało ono przedstawione na podstawie kilku wybranych przykładów. Ukazano propozycje wykorzystania ksiąg wizytacyjnych, ksiąg brackich oraz ksiąg chrztów pod kątem historii społecznej i historii kultury.

Do efektów takiego działania należy m.in. rekonstrukcja instytucji oraz poszczególnych grup społecznych, ich struktury, interakcji, hierarchii, systemu wartości i kontroli oraz form działania. Wspólny mianownik wielu płaszczyzn stanowi natomiast kultura (np. idee, mentalność, religijność). Połączenie historii Kościoła, historii społecznej i historii kultury daje możliwość lepszego zrozumienia społeczeństwa, jego charakteru oraz funkcjonowania w epoce staropolskiej.
Wady Senatu Rzeczypospolitej w wykładni Antoniego Popławskiego
Authors: Stasiak Arkadiusz M.
Published: April 2022

W tekście podejmuję analizę tytułowych wad senatu Rzeczypospolitej w pracach Antoniego Popławskiego. Dodatkowo próbuję odpowiedzieć na pytanie o oryginalność wykładni autora wybranych do analizy prac. Dochodzę do wniosku, że w pracach przedstawiających refleksję moralną Popławski pozostawał pod przemożnym wpływem idei fizjokratycznych, kopiując prace Françoisa Quesnay’a. Natomiast w kwestiach ustrojowych rezygnował z bezpośredniego powielania pomysłów politycznych fizjokratów. Wbrew temu jednak w Zbiorze niektórych materii politycznych Popławskiego czytelna jest fizjokratyczna obawa o sprawność władzy kolegialnej i ufność w system monarchistyczny. Konsekwencją przyjęcia tej postawy była krytyka władzy senatu, jako narażonej na nieprzestrzeganie sprawiedliwości i naruszanie szlacheckiej wolności politycznej. Polityczne wywody Popławskiego, w przeciwieństwie do pism moralnych, nie były jedynie prostą kompilacją.
К военно-дипломатической ситуации одной коалиционной войны начала XIX в.
Authors: Iskyul Sergey N.
Published: April 2022

В статье раскрывается один из сложных внешнеполитических и дипломатических эпизодов в преддверии коалиционной войны 1805 г., указывающий на стремление Александра I вовлечь в очередную коалицию против Франции Пруссию, без участия которой ни российский император, ни его союзники не могли надеяться на успех. В исторических исследованиях констатируется, что упорное желание прусского короля, союзника российского императора со времени свидания двух монархов в 1802 г. в Мемеле, сохранить нейтралитет Пруссии, в конце концов, было преодолено подтверждением русско-прусских союзных отношений во время визита Александра I в Берлин в 1805 г. Вместе с тем остается неизвестным, что император считал возможным преодоление прусского нейтралитета, не останавливаясь перед применением силы. С этой целью предполагалось, что российская армия, не считаясь с суверенитетом Пруссии, в определенный момент перейдет границы королевства. Более того, в случае прусского сопротивления, армия вторжения должна была обращаться с Пруссией как с враждебной страной. Анализ обнаруженных в Архиве внешней политики Российской империи документов позволяет сделать вывод о том, что тогдашняя дипломатическая ситуация была на гране разрыва между союзниками. В случае такого развития событий, вместо коалиционной войны против Франции могло иметь место вооруженное противоборство двух ее ключевых союзников – такова внешнеполитическая реальность ситуации 1805 г. Она, эта ситуация, в конечном итоге привела к тому, что Пруссия, несмотря на подписание королем союзной конвенции с Александром I и даже несмотря на то, что прусские войска уже выдвигались на театр будущих военных действий, должна была сепаратно пойти на соглашение с Францией. В результате Пруссия так и не приняла участия в войне, а коалиция потерпела катастрофическое поражение при Аустерлице.
Reakcje Stolicy Apostolskiej wobec wybuchu wojny na Ukrainie w 2014 roku
Authors: Bylina Sławomir
Published: April 2022

The article presents the results of research on the reaction of the Holy See to the outbreak of war in Ukraine in 2014. Numerous papal messages, letters, appeals, speeches and talks with representatives of diplomacy have been shown, which indicate active dialogue during the emerging conflict. The representatives of the Holy See initiated meetings in the international arena that dealt with the issue of peace in Ukraine. The publication also presents the dialogue and joint initiatives of religious communities in Ukraine, initiated by the Holy See. So is mutual teaching that unequivocally calls for a condemnation of violence and an end to hostilities in Ukraine. The implementation of the research process also shows the Holy See’s contemporary involvement in the current course of events and ensuring peace in Ukraine.
Patient Satisfaction and Its Predictors in the General Hospitals of Southwest Saudi Arabia: A Cross-sectional Survey
Authors: Elias Anas , Abdalkarim Suhaila , Mohammed M Walaa , Yahya Ali Ghaliya , Mohammed Ahmed Manal , Youns Khan Meaad , Mousa Faqeeh Hind , Ali Ahmed Alhazmi Arwa , Hamad Ahmad Ola , Ali Jubran Reem , Salih Mahfouz Mohamed
Published: April 2022

Background: Patient satisfaction occupies a central position in measuring the quality of care as it provides information on the provider's success, meeting the patient’s values and expectations. Hence, it is an essential tool for assessing health services outcomes. This study aimed to assess patients' satisfaction level and factors influencing healthcare quality of general hospitals in the Jazan region, Saudi Arabia (SA).
Methods: This observational cross-sectional study was conducted on a sample of 423 patients selected through stratified random sampling from general hospitals of the Jazan region.
Results: The overall satisfaction rate among the study participants was 80.9%. Satisfaction with food services was the highest (91.15%) followed by doctor services (81.0%), reception and entry procedures (80%), and nursing services (78.15%). The various aspects of satisfaction with doctors and nurses included the treatment prescribed by physicians, clarity in communication with patients, compassion and providing clear explanation of what they were doing. However, about 27.3% of the patients were dissatisfied with the length of waiting period before seeing a doctor. Binary logistic regression analysis suggested that uneducated patients and patients with secondary school education were more likely to have higher satisfaction level than university-educated patients (OR = 3.40, 95% C.I. [1.56–7.45], p = 0.002), (OR = 2.66, 95% C.I. [1.28–5.55], p = 0.009), and (OR = 2.29, 95% C.I. [1.40–3.73], p = 0.001), respectively.
Conclusion: The health services satisfaction level was high in the Jazan population. However, some aspects of dissatisfaction were reported, such as the long waiting period before seeing a doctor. These aspects are recommended to be improved to ensure that the services provided by general hospitals are of high quality.
Recent Update on Serum Alkaline and Acid Phosphatases in Pre- and Postoperative Breast Cancer Patients
Authors: Singh Stalinjit , Kapoor Sudershan , Chander Mukesh , Gill Prabhjot
Published: April 2022

Background: Breast carcinoma in females is an ever-growing malaise with significant mortality and morbidity. In resource-poor settings, the need for a cost-effective and reliable diagnostic tool is of utmost importance.
Methods: In the present study, 54 histopathologically proven breast cancer patients were investigated for their pre- and postoperative serum ALP and ACP levels.
Results: A total of 34 cases (belonging to the age interval of 40–60 years) exhibited a significant drop in serum ALP level after surgery (P = 0.002). Although the serum ACP also showed a postoperative decline, it was not as significant as that of serum ALP.
Conclusion: The role of serum ALP and ACP in the diagnosis, prognosis, and monitoring/surveillance of breast carcinoma cannot be underestimated particularly in third-world countries lacking in medical infrastructure or resource-poor settings.
Familial Facial Palsy: A Case Series of Six Families from the Northern State, Sudan
Authors: Osman Abdelaziz Mohamed , Ahmed Ziadan Asma
Published: April 2022

Familial facial palsy is uncommon, accounting only for 4–14% of Bell's palsy cases. We report six families with single or recurrent episodes of familial facial palsy from Northern State, Sudan. The first family had two brothers with single episodes of Bell's palsy. The index case of the second family was a 19-year-old female who and nine other members of her family had a single or recurrent episodes of Bell's palsy. The third, fourth, fifth, and sixth families had eight, five, four, and five members, respectively, who developed either single or recurrent episodes of Bell’s palsy. None of the index cases or other members of the six families who were examined showed evidence of facial swelling or fissured tongue suggestive of Melkersson-Rosenthal syndrome. Literature review revealed two studies on Bell's palsy from Sudan but no studies on familial facial palsy. The mode of inheritance was either autosomal dominant with variable penetrance or autosomal recessive. In the second family, there could be a possibility of autosomal recessive inheritance due to increased number of cases after consanguineous marriage. Steroids remain the mainstay of treatment together with protective eye regimens. The role of physiotherapy, although widely used, is controversial. Genetic analysis is recommended and family history should be considered in patients with Bell's palsy.
COVID-19 in Combination with HLH in a Child with Severe Aplastic Anemia
Authors: Jenabzadeh Alireza , Naghibi Mohammad , Safi Dahaj Farzan
Published: April 2022

Since December 2019, the coronavirus (COVID-19) has spread all over the world. This disease may present differently in immune-compromised persons. Some of the virus's impacts have yet to be identified. In this case report, we report a three-year-and-three-month-old child with aplastic anemia who was concurrently infected with COVID-19 and HLH (hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis). She was referred to our center for further investigation of aplastic anemia with concurrent fever. Through examination due to splenomegaly, more evaluations were done. During admission, the PCR test for COVID-19 became positive, however, because of the fulfillment of the HLH criteria, she was diagnosed with this disease development. She was treated for HLH with IVIG and Dexamethasone while getting COVID-19 treatment. Following medicines and follow-up, her WBC and Hb count started to rise, aside from the PLT count. She continues to receive PLTs because of her thrombocytopenia till a suitable donor for BMT (Bone Marrow Transplant) is found. This case scenario highlights the COVID-19 concurrent complications for paying attention to underlying disease for better diagnosis and management.
MACHINE LEARNING FOR CROP SCIENCE: APPLICATIONS AND PERSPECTIVES IN MAIZE BREEDING
Authors: HILD AONO ALEXANDRE , GONZAGA PIMENTA RICARDO JOSÉ , FRANCISCO FELIPE ROBERTO , PEREIRA DE SOUZA ANETE , LORENA ANA CAROLINA
Published: April 2022

Machine learning (ML) has been a major driver in complex data analysis in recent decades, allowing the mining of large databases. ML techniques allow the creation of computational models for prediction, pattern extraction and recognition, considering the premise that the computer acquires learning skills to perform a given task without being explicitly programmed for such a purpose. Driven by the efficiency of these techniques, several studies have demonstrated their wide range of applications and high potential for maize breeding. From the prediction of genetic values by omic data to applications of high-throughput phenotyping data, ML models have promoted advances in the species comprehension and assisted in the development of more effective tools for its breeding, driving expressive yield gains. In this context, this work presents the main contributions of ML in maize breeding, providing a broad view of the main studies and methodological perspectives in the area.
Medieval scribal procedures for writing the Tetragrammaton
Authors: Gordon Nehemia
Published: April 2022

Some medieval scribes left blank spaces for the Tetragrammaton in Torah scrolls, to be filled in during a second stage of writing. Medieval rabbinic literature gives various reasons for delaying the writing of the divine name: the scribe was distracted or needed ritual immersion, or the absence of a prayer quorum. An early antecedent to this practice is found in the Dead Sea Scrolls. The practice is then anticipated in a
baraita
, which refers to writing multiple divine names. The Jerusalem Talmud, or an interpolation therein, interprets the
baraita
as referring to writing multiple divine appellations
in a row
. However, the Tosefta and Babylonian version of
Soperim
interpret the
baraita
as referring to the filling in of God’s name in
noncontiguous
blank spaces during a second stage of writing, attesting to this procedure during the silent years between the Dead Sea Scrolls and medieval Torah scrolls.
Kanıta Dayalı Politikalar: Kanıt, Düzenleme ve Politika Yapım Süreci
Authors: Aşkar Gökhan
Published: April 2022

Kanıta dayalı politikalar (KDP), birçok ülkede uygulanan Düzenleyici Etki Analizi’nin (DEA) eksikliklerini kapatmak için öne çıkmaktadır. Düzenleyici yönetişim ağları içinde KDP yapımı, 1990'larda düzenleyici reformların yaygınlaşmasıyla beraber ortaya çıkmıştır. Düzenleyici mekanizmaların yükseldiği bu süreçte, devlet-piyasa ilişkileri yeni bir aşamaya geçmiştir. Bunun sonucunda, nicel yöntemler gelecek politikaların analizi için daha kritik bir konum kazanmaktadır. Bu bağlamda, KDP Birleşik Krallık'ta sosyal ve ekonomik düzenlemelerin yetersizliklerini ve karmaşıklıklarını aşmak için uygulanmaya başlamıştır. İktisadi İşbirliği ve Gelişme Teşkilatı’nın (OECD) oynadığı kritik rol, yaklaşımın çeşitli ülkelere aktarılmasına katkıda bulunmuştur. Bu makalenin ilk bölümü, konunun güncel boyutunu açıklığa kavuşturmak için bilgi ve modern siyasal iktidar arasındaki ilişkiyi tartışmaktadır. Sonraki bölümler düzenleyici reformlar, DEA'nın uygulamada karşılaştığı sorunlar ve KDP’nin yükselişi arasındaki bağlantıyı ele almaktadır. KDP, karar verme süreçlerinde bilgiye başvurması yönüyle siyasi kararların ussallaşmasının bir sonucu gibi görünse de, başarılı ve uygun çözümleri doğrudan üretememektedir. Bu çalışma, KDP’nin biçimlendiği bağlamı, beklenen veya beklenmeyen sonuçlarını ortaya koymayı amaçlamaktadır.Anahtar Kelimeler: Kanıta dayalı politikalar, düzenleyici reform, bilgi, iktidar.JEL Sınıflandırması: G28, Z18
Generational Cohort and Work-Life Balance Policies Preference Among University Senior Teaching Staff in Ghana: Does Gender Matter?
Authors: Owusu Nicodemus Osei , Combey Irene , Oppong Nana Yaw
Published: April 2022

The study sought to examine work-life balance (WLB) policies preference among generational cohorts concerning gender. Being quantitative, a population of 714 with a sample size of 333 was selected, but 306 responded. The main independent variable was gender while the dependent variable was work-life balance policies with four dimensions: Flexible Work Arrangement; Wellness and Personal Development; Leave Arrangement and Dependent Care Assistance. The data was analysed using inferential statistics. The study results showed that except for Wellness and Personal Development, where gender difference between males and females of Generation Y existed, gender did not differ significantly from the rest of the policies. Therefore, it was recommended that there should be equal treatment of both males and females in implementing WLB policies.
Banking and Wealth Creation for Stakeholders in Cameroon: An Exploratory Study
Authors: Agbor Mbu Sunday , Maurice Ayuketang Nso
Published: April 2022

This paper focuses on surveying the association between banking and wealth creation for customers, bankers, and owners of financial institutions in Cameroon. Questionnaires were administered using a random sampling technique, and this formed the principal instrument for data collection for the study. Eighty-five (85) questionnaires were sent out but only fifty-four (54) were returned and used for the analysis. Chi-square and Pearson Correlation were preferred and used to analyse the data for expediency. Results show no relationship between banking and wealth creation for customers in Cameroon. There is a certain claim that bankers and owners of financial institutions are wealthier than customers who provide the much-needed deposits that are used for investments. These results mean that customers bank not because they want to create wealth but because of the transaction services, safety, and security that financial institutions offer them.
Effect of Funding Diversification on the Financial Performance of Nongovernmental Organizations in Kenya: A Case of Kenya Red Cross Society
Authors: Jacinta Wakasa Nato , Gaiku Peter
Published: April 2022

Financial performance has been a matter of an on-going concern for non-governmental organizations, with scarcity of resource and mounting societal needs. The enduring problem has been on how to attain financial sustainability and reduce over-dependency on donor funding. It is hypothesized that engaging in funding diversification will enhance financial performance of non-governmental organizations. The main aim of this research was to examine the effect of funding diversification on financial performance of non-governmental organizations in Kenya. Stakeholder theory and resource dependency theory were adopted to anchor the study. A descriptive research design was used in this research. The population of the study were the 10 Kenya Red Cross Society departments in Nairobi. The unit of observation was the 389 employees in these departments. Sample size was 198 employees stratified according to their departments. Primary data was collected using questionnaires. The questionnaires were administered through emailing as well as drop and pick later method. Upon collection of the data, it was coded in quantitative format so as to enable analysing through use of statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) version 24. Descriptive and inferential statistics generated were presented in tables and figures. The correlation findings showed that the relationship amongst funding diversification and financial performance was positive (r=0.429, p<0.001). The regression coefficient results indicated that funding diversification positively and significantly affected financial performance (β=0.558, p=0.000). This suggested that a unit increase in funding diversification would result in 0.558 increase in financial performance. This study concluded that funding diversification is an essential practice for NGOs to use in their endeavor to improve on their financial performance. The study recommends that management of NGOs should implement funding diversification in their operations to enhance financial performance.
The Political Economy of Agricultural Commercialisation: Insights from Crop Value Chain Studies in Sub-Saharan Africa
Authors: Chinsinga Blessings , Naess Lars Otto
Published: April 2022

This paper is a synthesis of findings from 11 value chains case studies in six countries across sub- Saharan Africa, carried out as part of the APRA programme during 2020–21. The countries and their respective value chains case studies included: Ethiopia (rice), Ghana (oil palm and cocoa), Malawi (groundnuts), Nigeria (maize, cocoa and rice), Tanzania (rice and sunflower) and Zimbabwe (tobacco and maize). A political economy analysis (PEA) framework was used to examine the performance of the selected value chains in the six countries. The starting point for the studies was that the success of the value chains is driven by a combination of several factors, in particular related to the relative importance of a crop in the country’s political settlement, the relative influence of different actors, and, ultimately, its ability to generate and distribute rents. In this synthesis, we ask the following questions: (1) What are the drivers and obstacles to commercialisation in the value chains? (2) What are the key factors affecting rents and outcomes, and for whom? And, (3) what are the future prospects for the value chains?
THE IMPACT OF THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC ON STUDENT RELIGIOSITY AT AHMAD DAHLAN UNIVERSITY YOGYAKARTA
Authors: Masduki Yusron , Abu Hussin Mohd Fauzi , Adi Kistoro Hanif Cahyo , Parjiman Parjiman , Zainuri Ahmad
Published: April 2022

The spread of Covid-19 has had a significant impact on education, especially in the field of religion. The purpose of this study was to see how the pandemic affected the efforts of Ahmad Dahlan University Yogyakarta to increase student religiosity. The participants in this study were eight students and university officials from Ahmad Dahlan University in Yogyakarta’s PAI Study Program. Purposive sampling was used as a technique for selecting study subjects. This study used an in-depth interview approach through an interview guide that had been made to collect data. Data analysis included stages such as grouping relevant themes or meanings from participant responses, describing textually and structurally, and fundamentally describing all important meanings into a complete picture of the phenomenological study findings experienced by participants. According to the findings, the Covid-19 pandemic had an effect on student religiosity. First, students’ religious spirit and motivation were diminished. Second, limited activities contribute to ennui among students. Third, the institution was working to develop policies and technological guidelines for the entire academic community’s activities. In addition, there was also optimization of social media for learning and strengthening religious activities through the campus’ official media channels.
Pengaruh Metode Tikrar Terhadap Kemampuan Menghafal Al-Qur’an Pada Kelas B Di PAUD SPS Bhakti Pertiwi
Authors: Aryani Sulis , Astuti Mardiah , Fahmi Fahmi
Published: April 2022

Penelitian ini merupakan penelitian untuk mengetahui pengaruh metode tikrar terhadap kemampuan menghafal Al-Qur’an pada kelas B di PAUD SPS Bhakti Pertiwi. Subjek penelitian seluruh anak kelas B yaitu B1 sebagai kelas eksperimen dengan jumlah 10 anak dan B2 sebagai kelas kontrol dengan jumlah 10 anak. Metode penelitian menggunakan metode penelitian kuantitatif tipe eksperimen dengan desain Quasi Eksperimental tepatnya bentuk desain “Nonequivalent Control Group Design”. Peneliti mengumpulkan data menggunakan tes, observasi dan dokumentasi. Teknik analisis data yang digunakan adalah uji normalitas, uji homogenitas dan uji hipotesis dengan menggunakan rumus uji t independent (tidak berpasangan). Hasil penelitian ditemukan bahwa terdapat pengaruh dari penggunaan metode tikrar terhadap kemampuan menghafal anak, yang mana dapat dilihat dari hasil analisis data setelah mendapatkan perlakuan nilai thitung = 3,873 dan ttabel = 2,10. Hal ini ternyata thitung > ttabel maka dapat diambil keputusan bahwa terdapat pengaruh metode tikrar terhadap kemampuan menghafal Al-Qur’an pada Kelas B di PAUD SPS Bhakti Pertiwi.
Registo Nacional Integrado de Afogamento e Lesões Aquáticas
Authors: Queiroga Ana Catarina , Franklin Richard , Marques Olga , Nascimento Sandra , Peden Amy Elisabeth
Published: April 2022

N/a.
Russische Sprachstatistik : Systematischer Überblick und Bibliographie
Authors: Kempgen Sebastian
Published: April 2022

Der vorliegende Band bietet einen systematischen Überblick über die bisherigen Ergebnisse der Quantitativen Linguistik in Anwendung auf das Russische, synchron wie diachron. Eine umfangreiche Bibliographie ergänzt den Band. - Gegenüber der gedruckten Fassung wurden einige kleine Korrekturen vorgenommen.
Pedagogia histórico-crítica, educação e revolução
Authors: Alparone Rafaella Barbosa
Published: April 2022

Resenha: CASTANHA, A. P.; MALANCHEN, J.; ORSO, P. J. (Org.). Pedagogia histórico-crítica, educação e revolução: 100 anos da revolução russa. 2. ed. Uberlândia: Navegando Publicações; Campinas: Autores Associados, 2018.
A intelligentsia feminina na escola nova
Authors: Silva Hebelyanne Pimentel da , Machado Charliton José dos Santos
Published: April 2022

Este texto busca expor reflexões acerca do movimento da Escola Nova (1932), por meio das crônicas publicadas pela intelectual brasileira Cecília Meireles (1901-1964) no periódico carioca Diario de Noticias, nos anos iniciais da década de 1930. Considerando os princípios da Nova Historiografia (BURKE, 2010), fundamenta-se em diferentes documentos que dialogam com os mencionados registros, localizando-os em tempo e espaço de escrita e circulação, como indicado pela concepção escriturária seguida. (CERTEAU, 2017; LUCA, 2008). Dada a escolha do jornal como principal fonte, analisa-se o ideal de criança e professor propagados ela mestra, extraindo, com o apoio destes, o conceito atribuído por ela à categoria democracia, reivindicada pela Nova Escola em suas limitações e contradições. Os periódicos, principais veículos de informação de tais tempos, possibilitaram a formulação de redes de sociabilidade entre representantes dos mais variados segmentos, sendo, portanto, rico material para investigações históricas. (LUCA, 2008). Percebe-se que, ao discutir os problemas comuns no Brasil e na América do início do século XX, a personagem favorece visualização microscópica dos segmentos mencionados, ora assemelhando-se, ora distanciando-se dos demais escolanovistas. Em contexto de modernização educacional, expôs peculiaridades e globalidades do seu olhar feminino, docente e literato.
Influence of sleep disruption on protein accumulation in neurodegenerative diseases
Authors: Wang Xiying , Wang Rui , Li Jiada
Published: April 2022

Abnormal accumulation of disease proteins in the central nervous system is a neuropathological feature in neurodegenerative disorders. Recently, a growing body of evidence has supported a role of disruption of the sleep-wake cycle in disease development, pathological changes and abnormal protein accumulation in neurodegenerative diseases, especially in Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease. Sleep deprivation promotes abnormal accumulation of disease proteins. Interestingly, amyloid-β (Aβ) has daily oscillations in human cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) and is cleared more in sleep. Both circadian genes and circadian hormones are associated with disease protein deposition. Recently, the glymphatic pathway and meningeal lymphatics have been shown to play a critical role in Aβ clearance, which is mediated by the aquaporin (AQP-4) water channel on astrocytes. The rate of the clearance of Aβ by the glymphatic pathway is different during the sleep/wake cycle. Most importantly, circadian rhythms facilitate glymphatic clearance of solutes and Aβ in the CSF and interstitial fluid in an AQP-4-dependent manner, which further provides evidence for the involvement of circadian rhythms in disease protein clearance.
Compounding challenges for disaster resilience in small island developing states
Authors: Thompson Denise D. P.
Published: April 2022

No country will escape the ravages of climate change, but some, like small island developing states (SIDS), will be less able to withstand them. Their fundamental characteristics in essential domains pose existential threats for them. The paper borrows from Lukka and Vinnari’s work on domain and method theories as a lens to conceptually explore the question, “Is it possible for SIDS to become disaster resilient?” It turns out that SIDS might be too small, too isolated, too economically and institutionally weak, and too exposed to become disaster resilient. Their developmental state, economic, institutional, and community attributes are causes of significant vulnerabilities and undermine disaster resilience efforts. The challenges from climate change alone highlight the herculean task ahead for these small and tiny developing islands without transformative actions. The advantage for SIDS is their solid social system. Their populations are resourceful, and they can pivot if they need to. However, the lingering question remains whether that will be enough to mitigate the weaknesses in other critical resilience domains?
Why animal model studies are lost in translation
Authors: Frangogiannis Nikolaos G.
Published: April 2022

The development of novel therapies based on understanding the pathophysiologic basis of disease is a major goal of biomedical research. Despite an explosion in new knowledge on the molecular mechanisms of disease derived from animal model investigations, translation into effective treatment for human patients has been disappointingly slow. Several fundamental problems may explain the translational failures. First, the emphasis on novel and highly significant findings selectively rewards implausible, low-probability observations and high-magnitude effects, providing a biased perspective of the pathophysiology of disease that underappreciates the complexity and redundancy of biological systems. Second, even when a sound targetable mechanism is identified, animal models cannot recapitulate the pathophysiologic heterogeneity of the human disease, and are poor predictors of therapeutic success. Third, traditional classifications of most complex diseases are based primarily on clinical criteria and do not reflect the diverse pathophysiologic mechanisms that may be involved. The development of a flexible and dynamic conceptual paradigm that takes into account the totality of the evidence on the mechanisms of disease, and pathophysiologic stratification of patients to identify subpopulations with distinct pathogenetic mechanisms, are crucial for the development of new therapeutics.
Enabling smart environment for monitoring cancer patients therapy through OncoSmart
Authors: Troiani Teresa , Napolitano Stefania , Terminiello Marinella , Vitiello Pietro Paolo , Ciardiello Fortunato , Martinelli Erika , Fenza Giuseppe , Orciuoli Francesco J. , Romanelli Luca
Published: April 2022

Aim: Treatment-related health symptoms strongly compromise the success of therapy and the quality of life of cancer patients. Patient smart monitoring through wearable devices and the management of electronic patient-reported outcomes (ePROs) prevent missing symptomatic toxicities. This study describes a preliminary clinical trial adopting OncoSmart Software as a Medical Device in the Health Continuum Cancer Care Pathways, realized by Riatlas srl. Methods: The preliminary study enrolled eight mCRC (metastatic colorectal cancer) patients under active medical treatment between June 2019 and January 2020. OncoSmart provides a mobile app integrated with a smartwatch. The mobile app alerts patients to fill ePROs and integrates the smartwatch to collect vital parameters (blood pressure, heart rate, oxygen saturation, respiratory rate, pedometer, sleeping, etc.). On the physician side, OncoSmart provides an interactive dashboard for monitoring the patient’s therapy and treatment-related health symptoms. Results: Despite the low number of enrolled patients, the trial revealed interesting results about OncoSmart’s adoption, measured in compliance and concordance. Compliance is the participation of patients in self-reports, which was about 77%. Overall concordance between ePRO and symptoms detected by physicians at clinical visits was 80%. The remaining 20% included 15% of cases where ePROs included symptoms missed during the visit and 5% of cases where physicians reported toxicities not recorded by patients. Regarding the symptoms that led to treatment modifications and/or suspension, the concordance between PROs and the physician’s evaluation during the visit was 100%. Conclusion: New medical treatments aim at improving patients’ survival and quality of life; using solutions such as OncoSmart increases patient empowerment and engagement. The preliminary results of OncoSmart suggest pursuing further assessment of the impact of a PRO solution in routine clinical practice.
Environmental management efficiency evaluation based on indicator information integration and DEA-Malmquist index
Authors: Li Chan , McHugh Orla , Martínez Luis , Liu Jun
Published: April 2022

Aim: Completeness of indicator information is an important problem that needs to be further studied in environmental management efficiency evaluation (EMEE). However, this problem has not attracted sufficient attention in existing studies and there is lack of the total factor productivity analysis, which is an effective method to evaluate the environmental management efficiency change that has been applied in different fields. Methods: A novel EMEE model is proposed based on indicator information integration and DEA-Malmquist index, in which the kernel of the indicator information integration is the evidential reasoning approach with an indicator weight calculation. Results: The DEA-Malmquist index is introduced to evaluate the efficiency of environmental management and also analyzes its efficiency change based on the integrated indicator information. A case study of 30 provinces (except Tibet) in mainland China from 2005-2017 is provided to illustrate the analysis of regional efficiency distribution, efficiency change and improvement strategy of environmental management. Conclusion: The proposed model can provide a reference for the improving regional environmental protection