bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Rémi Brague (2016), El reino del hombre. Génesis y fracaso del proyecto moderno.
Authors: Rodríguez Peláez Jorge Luis
Published: March 2022

Rémi Brague (1947) es una de esas voces literarias que, sin rebuscados protagonismos ni impostados aspavientos, se ha hecho a mérito propio, de a poco, un espacio propio en la palestra de los pensadores contemporáneos dignos de ser escuchados. Sus credenciales no son escasas ni menores: ha sido titular de la Cátedra Guardini en la Universidad Ludwig Maximilians (Múnich), es un referente en la historia de las ideas y del pensamiento árabe, medieval y moderno; en 2012 recibió el premio Ratzinger a la investigación teológica. Todo lo anterior sumado a una ya prolífica y creciente producción literaria que, sólida como es, no por ello es ininteligible ni inaccesible para el lector que busque una pluma autorizada para hacerse de una perspectiva relevante y pertinente de las ideas actuales y sus implicaciones.
Michael Allan Gillespie (2008), Los orígenes teológicos de la modernidad
Authors: Camey Marroquín Carmen
Published: March 2022

Michael Allan Gillespie, nacido el 24 de junio de 1951, es filósofo y profesor estadounidense. Enseña ciencias políticas y filosofía en la Universidad de Duke y se ha especializado en la relación entre religión y política, mostrando cómo la modernidad es deudora del cristianismo. Asimismo, ha publicado sobre teología, liberalismo, Nietzsche, Hegel, Heidegger y Kant. En el libro Los orígenes teológicos de la modernidad (The University of Chicago Press, 2008), Gillespie sugiere que, en el fondo, la modernidad parte de una ruptura en su esencia.
La obligación moral del mejoramiento humano: límites y posibilidades
Authors: Villegas-Galaviz Carolina , Fernández-Fernández José-Luis , Díaz de la Cruz Cristina
Published: March 2022

Las tecnologías emergentes proporcionan actualmente la posibilidad del mejoramiento humano. En este nuevo contexto tecnológico, aparecen las teorías transhumanistas y posthumanistas que postulan el mejoramiento humano como una obligación moral. La idea central es que, si el hombre puede mejorarse a sí mismo a través de la tecnología, entonces tiene la responsabilidad de hacerlo. En esta investigación replanteamos nuevamente la cuestión del deber moral del mejoramiento humano e intentamos dar luz al debate desde la perspectiva cristiana.
Automatic Segmentation of Anatomical Structures using Deformable Models and Bio-Inspired/Soft Computing
Authors: Mesejo Pablo
Published: March 2022

This PhD dissertation is focused on the development of algorithms for the automatic segmentation of anatomical structures in biomedical images, usually the hippocampus in histological images from the mouse brain. Such algorithms are based on computer vision techniques and artificial intelligence methods. More precisely, on the one hand, we take advantage of deformable models to segment the anatomical structure under consideration, using prior knowledge from different sources, and to embed the segmentation into an optimization framework. On the other hand, metaheuristics and classifiers can be used to perform the optimization of the target function defined by the shape model (as well as to automatically tune the system parameters), and to refine the results obtained by the segmentation process, respectively. Three new different methods, with their corresponding advantages and disadvantages, are described and tested. A broad theoretical discussion, together with an extensive introduction to the state of the art, has also been included to provide an overview necessary for understanding the developed methods.
Perilaku Konsumen dalam Berbelanja Online dimasa Pandemik Covid-19
Authors: Titi Herawati  , Muhammad Iqbal Fasa  , Suharto
Published: March 2022

To meet their daily needs for goods and services, people need to look for other good alternatives to make shopping easier. So that people start using e-commerce in the trade of goods and services so that everyone can access it. The purpose of this study is to find out how consumer behavior in online shopping is, then how to implement it in the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic. This research was conducted using descriptive qualitative research methods from journals and resumes from previous studies. The results show that by applying consumer behavior when shopping online will give a good impression to buyers and sellers. Consumer behavior must also reflect their relationship with Allah in accordance with the teachings of the Qur'an, so that humans are not wasteful in making purchases to meet the needs of each individual.
Gender Effect on Competency Perceptions on Measurement and Evaluation: A Meta-Analysis Study
Authors: ŞAHİN KÜRŞAD Merve
Published: March 2022

The purpose of this research is to examine the effect of gender on measurement and evaluation competency using meta-analysis. By statistically combining data obtained from various studies on a given subject, meta-analysis attempts to reach a general conclusion on the results of these studies. For this purpose, studies on general competency perceptions on measurement and evaluation were collected by a literature review and 17 studies were included in the analysis. Effect sizes were calculated in 95% confidence intervals for these studies. Studies were evaluated according to the random effects model. Gender was found out to be an ineffective independent variable in competency perceptions on measurement and evaluation.
Program Çalışmaları için Öğretmen Eğitimi
Authors: ÜNVER Gülsen
Published: March 2022

Bu makale, program çalışmaları için öğretmen eğitimi konusundaki kuramsal bir çerçeve sunmaktadır. Öğretmenin programı tasarlama, uygulama ve değerlendirme süreçlerinde önemli rolü vardır. Mesleki yeterlikleri üst düzeyde olan, mesleki gelişimini sürdüren ve program çalışmalarına yönelik olumlu tutum sergileyen öğretmen, bu çalışmalara büyük katkı sağlayabilir. Ancak Türkiye’de “davranışçı”, “politik sorun”, “program sorunu” ve “yetiştirme sorunu” öğretmen eğitimi paradigmaları yaygındır. Programı tartışılabilir, içselleştirilmiş ve bütüncül bilgi olarak algılamak; verilen, genel ve dar kapsamlı bilgi biçiminde algılamaktan daha etkili bulunmaktadır. Türkiye’de programın verilen, genel ve dar kapsamlı bilgi olarak algılanmaktadır. Öğretmenin program yeterliklerini edinmesini eğitimin süresi ve öğretmen eğitimcilerinin program yönelimleri de etkilemektedir. Bu nedenle, öğretmen eğitimcilerinin, öğretmenin program çalışmalarındaki rolüne ilişkin bakış açısı esnek olmalıdır. Hizmet öncesi eğitimde ve mesleki gelişim etkinliklerinde “bireysel gelişim”, “araştırma odaklı” ve “öğrenme sorunu” değerler dizileri temele alınmalıdır. Hizmet öncesi eğitim, öğretmen adaylarının program geliştirme yeterliklerini kazanmalarını ve program çalışmalarına olumlu tutum geliştirmelerini amaçlamalıdır. Öğretmenin programı tartışılabilir, içselleştirilmiş ve bütüncül bilgi olarak algılamasını hedeflemelidir. Mesleki gelişim etkinlikleri bireysel, uygulamalı ve sürekli yapılmalıdır. Mesleki gelişim etkinliklerinde programla ilgili kılavuz, basılı ya da elektronik kaynaklar ve iletişim ağlarından yararlanılmalıdır. Ayrıca, öğretmen eğitimi, bütün program çalışmalarında bir boyut olarak ele alınmalıdır.
A study of smartphone companies: do innovation culture and radical innovation affect institutionalization and sustainable competition positively?
Authors: Adiguzel Zafer , Sonmez Cakir Fatma , Kalyar Masood Nawaz
Published: March 2022

Objective of the study: The present study examines how innovation culture and radical innovation elicit sustainable competition. The study proposes institutionalization as an important underlying mechanism that originates from innovation culture and radical innovation and provides the basis for sustainable competition.Design/methodology/approach: The data were collected from 763 employees working in smartphone companies located in Istanbul, Turkey. The analysis was performed employing PROCESS macro in order to test the hypothesized relationships.Findings: Results show that both innovation culture and radical innovation have a positive impact on institutionalization and sustainable competition. Moreover, the data also support the mediation effect of institutionalization in predicting sustainable competition.Practical implications: The findings imply that the structure of the firms must be ready for change in order to reap the benefits of sustainable competition. In fact, the creation of an innovation culture is very important in technology-intensive firms because there is a need to create common values that encourage employees to adopt innovative behaviors for sustainable competition. Furthermore, radical innovation can be more advantageous for firm-outcomes when large structural differences are identified and bridged successfully.Originality/value: The study develops a novel framework of innovation-competition using a structural perspective, empirically testing the proposed relationships using data from the technology-intensive industry of Turkey.
Znaczenie czynników środowiskowego, społecznego i ładu korporacyjnego (ESG) we współczesnej gospodarce. Percepcja inwestycji ESG wśród studentów uczelni ekonomicznej
Authors: Cicirko Marianna
Published: March 2022

Duże znaczenie problematyki inwestycji ESG skłoniła autorkę artykułu do podjęcia badań zmierzających do określenia znaczenia czynników ESG: środowiskowego, społecznego i związanego ze zrównoważonym rozwojem oraz percepcji inwestycji ESG (Environmental, Social, Corporate Governance). Artykuł jest efektem oryginalnego badania empirycznego o charakterze eksploracyjnym i uzupełnia lukę badawczą dla Polski jaką jest poziom wiedzy o ESG i ocena inwestycji uwzględniających te czynniki przez studentów uczelni ekonomicznej. W artykule przedstawiono koncepcję inwestowania ESG (z ang. Environmental, Social, and Corporate Governance), która w ciągu ostatnich kilku dekad zyskała na popularności wśród inwestorów na całym świecie. ESG wyewoluowało z koncepcji zrównoważonego rozwoju; łączy w sobie realizację celów środowiskowych z wartościami społecznymi oraz zrównoważonego rozwoju. W obliczu kryzysu klimatycznego i podejmowanych działań przez członków organizacji światowych na rzecz zrównoważonego rozwoju i uregulowania rynku zrównoważonych inwestycji zauważalny jest wzrost zainteresowania tego typu inwestycjami. Wyniki przedstawionego w artykule badania wskazały, że studenci uczelni ekonomicznej w Polsce wiedzą czym jest ESG, a najważniejszymi czynnikami są dla nich środowisko i społeczna odpowiedzialność. Ponadto deklarują oni chęć inwestowania w sposób zrównoważony (rezygnacja z części zysku w porównaniu z ogólnym wskaźnikiem giełdowym lub uzyskanie wyniku na poziomie wskaźnika). Z uwagi na charakter eksploracyjny badania powinno ono zostać rozszerzone i powtórzone na respondentach z Polski, aby zapełnić lukę badawczą. Analizując przytoczone w artykule badania zagraniczne, można powiedzieć, że wraz z nowym pokoleniem nadchodzi zmiana podejścia do inwestycji, co wpłynie na cały rynek finansowy, a będą to dodatkowo wspierać nowe regulacje. Zmiany na rynku europejskim już są widoczne - wzrasta liczba zrównoważonych funduszy inwestycyjnych oraz w szczególności funduszy emerytalnych.
Clarifying Key Issues around Conversion Therapy
Authors: McTavish James , Pacholczyk Tadeusz ,   The National Catholic Bioethics Center
Published: March 2022

Persons who identity as LGBTQ+ should be treated with respect, compassion, and sensitivity. Under the guise of helping such persons, legislation is surreptitiously appearing in several countries seeking to ban so-called conversion therapy. While the definition of the term remains concerningly vague, the terms of enforcement for alleged offences tend to be precisely delineated, often including provisions that curtail Christian catechesis, teaching, and preaching in the areas of human dignity and sexuality. These problematic and repressive initiatives can prevent access to any psychotherapy that is not strictly gender-affirming. This article reviews and assesses conversion therapy in support of a judicious approach to the practice, accurately understood. It reviews past abuses and misunderstandings while considering the merits of conversion therapy and related therapeutic and pastoral approaches. Concerns about gender-affirming interventions are considered, especially for youth and teenagers, and efficacy claims around conversion therapies and related psychotherapies are also discussed.
A Metaphysical Account of the Placenta as a Shared Organ
Authors: Parish Elisabeth ,   The National Catholic Bioethics Center
Published: March 2022

Although there is discussion among ethicists about the permissibility of actions on the antenatal placenta, these discussions rarely take seriously the metaphysics involved. Rather, authors resort to opinion on how the placenta comes to be and for whose good it exists. This paper takes these metaphysical questions seriously. Through discussion of the biology of the placenta, I conclude that it is a shared organ of the mother and the fetus. In an analogy to the ethics of conjoined twinning, I conclude that actions on the placenta must take the good of both the mother and the fetus into account.
Precision Surfacing and Metrology of Naval Propellers
Authors: Golini Donald
Published: March 2022

This paper describes a novel approach to fabricating propeller blades to extremely high accuracy. The new approach includes iterative machining and rapid precision metrology. Iterative processes have been employed for decades in the optics industry. At Itek, robotics and computer-controlled surfacing techniques are used for iterative machining operations to produce ultra-precision optical surfaces. The technology developed at Itek for large optics has strong potential to transfer to the propeller industry. The surface of a propeller is difficult to measure accurately because of its odd shape and rapidly changing geometry, however, the Litton/Itek Surfitek Profilometer is capable of making this measurement to high accuracy. Surfitek was used to measure an Aegis Class Destroyer propeller blade to better than 0.001" over the entire surface. Data was obtained at an average rate of one point per second, manually, while rates of up to ten measurements per second are achievable under machine control. The system is capable of operating in contacting or non-contacting modes and includes software to calculate departures of the measured surface from the desired nominal, develop an error map of the measured surface and provide machine command control for an iterative manufacturing surfacing operation. The measurement equipment and data reduction techniques used in a propeller manufacturing demonstration, as well as the initial results obtained using iterative machining techniques arc discussed.
Development of Marine Propellers with New Blade Sections for Container Ships
Authors: Lee Jin-Tae , Kim Moon-Chan , Ahn Jong-Wo , Kim Ki-Sup , Kim Ho-Chung
Published: March 2022

A propeller design method using the newly developed blade section (KH18), which behaves better cavitation performance, is presented. Two-dimensional characteristics of the new blade section are compared with those of widely used NACA sections and the Eppler sections which were designed with prescribed pressure distributions along the foil surface. Experimental results for two-dimensional foil sections show that the lift-drag curve and the cavitation-free bucket diagram are wider compared to those of the existing foil sections. A lifting surface theory is used for the design of propellers with the developed section for a 2700TEU container ship. Since the most suitable chordwise loading shape is not known a priori, three types of loading shapes are selected from the two-dimensional analysis of the KH18 section. To investigate the influence of the chordwise loading shapes on the propeller performances, three propellers with different chordwise loading shapes were designed. Model test results show that the propeller using the KH18 section with less loading near the leading edge at the inner radii of 0. 7 radius and more loading near the leading edge at the outer radii has higher propulsive efficiency and better cavitation performance than the conventional propeller for this container ship application. Full-scale sea trial results with the selected propeller are also presented.
On the Strength of Highly Skewed Propellers
Authors: Praefke Eckhard
Published: March 2022

A series of four propellers with different skewback angles and different blade area ratios was designed. The models of these propellers were manufactured and fitted with strain gages. Blade stresses were measured in a cavitation tunnel under a variety of working conditions including the simulation of a crash stop manoeuver. The results are presented as principal stresses normalized by their scaling factor. The second part of this paper concerns finite element calculations. The calculation method employed was validated by comparisons between measured and calculated stresses. Hereafter a number of different blade shapes was treated as well. The influence of blade area ratio, total skew back and other design parameters on blade stresses was evaluated and is discussed in the paper. It was found that the total skew angle mainly influences stress peaks at the trailing edge. The influence of the expanded area ratio is not very significant. To prevent blade failures in a high skew design it is recommended to strengthen the entire profile sections on the outer radii.
Design of Marine Propellers Using Vortex Theory: Theory and Practice
Authors: Mishkevich Victor
Published: March 2022

The applications of vortex theory lo propeller design is discussed New approach is based on an improved mathematical model of the propeller, including optimization of circulation distribution with restrictions; prescribing of velocity distribution separately for suction and pressure sides of blade; viscosity effect corrections.
Propeller Blade Sections with Improved Cavitation Performance
Authors: Scherer Otto , Stairs Robert
Published: March 2022

A method for the design of propeller blade sections with improved cavitation performance is presented. along with sample foil designs and a discussion of their characteristics. Design data is given for selected foil sections with properties superior to conventional NACA sections.
The Composite Advantage
Authors: Searle Tim , Chudley John , Short David , Hodge Chris
Published: March 2022

For some decades the use of fibre reinforced plastic composites have been steadily increasing in the marine industry. The synergy of high modulus, high strength fibres and polymer matrices have significant benefits. Test tanks and vessel trials have been undertaken to evaluate the performance characteristics of a range of composite propellers. Results are presented in this paper.
Emergency rescue stent grafting for a ruptured degenerated graft that bypassed coarctation of the aorta: a case report
Authors: Choi Jin Ho , Choi Min Suk , Lee Haeyoung
Published: March 2022

A 33-year-old man who had undergone bypass from the distal aortic arch to the proximal descending thoracic aorta with a Dacron graft to treat coarctation of the aorta 20 years prior presented to the emergency department with massive hemoptysis. He was diagnosed with a graft-to-bronchial fistula. After thoracic endovascular aneurysm repair through the coarctation, aortic replacement was performed 3 weeks later. Therefore, emergency-rescue thoracic endovascular aneurysm repair can be considered for preventing aortic rupture.
Adiponectin receptor agonist AdipoRon improves skeletal muscle function in aged mice
Authors: Balasubramanian Priya , Schaar Anne E , Gustafson Grace E , Smith Alex B , Howell Porsha R , Greenman Angela , Baum Scott , Colman Ricki J , Lamming Dudley W , Diffee Gary M , Anderson Rozalyn M
Published: March 2022

The loss of skeletal muscle function with age, known as sarcopenia, significantly reduces independence and quality of life and can have significant metabolic consequences. Although exercise is effective in treating sarcopenia it is not always a viable option clinically, and currently, there are no pharmacological therapeutic interventions for sarcopenia. Here, we show that chronic treatment with pan-adiponectin receptor agonist AdipoRon improved muscle function in male mice by a mechanism linked to skeletal muscle metabolism and tissue remodeling. In aged mice, 6 weeks of AdipoRon treatment improved skeletal muscle functional measures in vivo and ex vivo. Improvements were linked to changes in fiber type, including an enrichment of oxidative fibers, and an increase in mitochondrial activity. In young mice, 6 weeks of AdipoRon treatment improved contractile force and activated the energy-sensing kinase AMPK and the mitochondrial regulator PGC-1a (peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator one alpha). In cultured cells, the AdipoRon induced stimulation of AMPK and PGC-1a was associated with increased mitochondrial membrane potential, reorganization of mitochondrial architecture, increased respiration, and increased ATP production. Furthermore, the ability of AdipoRon to stimulate AMPK and PGC1a was conserved in nonhuman primate cultured cells. These data show that AdipoRon is an effective agent for the prevention of sarcopenia in mice and indicate that its effects translate to primates, suggesting it may also be a suitable therapeutic for sarcopenia in clinical application.
Fast and slow feedforward inhibitory circuits for cortical odor processing
Authors: Suzuki Norimitsu , Tantirigama Malinda LS , Aung K Phyu , Huang Helena HY , Bekkers John M
Published: March 2022

Feedforward inhibitory circuits are key contributors to the complex interplay between excitation and inhibition in the brain. Little is known about the function of feedforward inhibition in the primary olfactory (piriform) cortex. Using in vivo two-photon-targeted patch clamping and calcium imaging in mice, we find that odors evoke strong excitation in two classes of interneurons – neurogliaform (NG) cells and horizontal (HZ) cells – that provide feedforward inhibition in layer 1 of the piriform cortex. NG cells fire much earlier than HZ cells following odor onset, a difference that can be attributed to the faster odor-driven excitatory synaptic drive that NG cells receive from the olfactory bulb. As a result, NG cells strongly but transiently inhibit odor-evoked excitation in layer 2 principal cells, whereas HZ cells provide more diffuse and prolonged feedforward inhibition. Our findings reveal unexpected complexity in the operation of inhibition in the piriform cortex.
Structures of PKA–phospholamban complexes reveal a mechanism of familial dilated cardiomyopathy
Authors: Qin Juan , Zhang Jingfeng , Lin Lianyun , Haji-Ghassemi Omid , Lin Zhi , Woycechowsky Kenneth J , Van Petegem Filip , Zhang Yan , Yuchi Zhiguang
Published: March 2022

Several mutations identified in phospholamban (PLN) have been linked to familial dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) and heart failure, yet the underlying molecular mechanism remains controversial. PLN interacts with sarco/endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+-ATPase (SERCA) and regulates calcium uptake, which is modulated by the protein kinase A (PKA)-dependent phosphorylation of PLN during the fight-or-flight response. Here, we present the crystal structures of the catalytic domain of mouse PKA in complex with wild-type and DCM-mutant PLNs. Our structures, combined with the results from other biophysical and biochemical assays, reveal a common disease mechanism: the mutations in PLN reduce its phosphorylation level by changing its conformation and weakening its interactions with PKA. In addition, we demonstrate that another more ubiquitous SERCA-regulatory peptide, called another-regulin (ALN), shares a similar mechanism mediated by PKA in regulating SERCA activity.
A comparative study of the capability of MSCs isolated from different human tissue sources to differentiate into neuronal stem cells and dopaminergic-like cells
Authors: Ababneh Nidaa A. , Al-Kurdi Ban , Jamali Fatima , Awidi Abdalla
Published: March 2022

Background

Neurodegenerative diseases are characterized by progressive neuronal loss and degeneration. The regeneration of neurons is minimal and neurogenesis is limited only to specific parts of the brain. Several clinical trials have been conducted using Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs) from different sources to establish their safety and efficacy for the treatment of several neurological disorders such as Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.

Aim

The aim of this study was to provide a comparative view of the capabilities of MSCs, isolated from different human tissue sources to differentiate into neuronal stem cell-like cells (NSCs) and possibly into dopaminergic neural- like cells.

Methods

Mesenchymal stem cells were isolated from human bone marrow, adipose, and Wharton’s jelly (WJ) tissue samples. Cells were characterized by flow cytometry for their ability to express the most common MSC markers. The differentiation potential was also assessed by differentiating them into osteogenic and adipogenic cell lineages. To evaluate the capacity of these cells to differentiate towards the neural stem cell-like lineage, cells were cultured in media containing small molecules. Cells were utilized for gene expression and immunofluorescence analysis at different time points.

Results

Our results indicate that we have successfully isolated MSCs from bone marrow, adipose tissue, and Wharton’s jelly. WJ-MSCs showed a slightly higher proliferation rate after 72 hours compared to BM and AT derived MSCs. Gene expression of early neural stem cell markers revealed that WJ-MSCs had higher expression of Nestin and PAX6 compared to BM and AT-MSCs, in addition to LMX expression as an early dopaminergic neural marker. Immunofluorescence analysis also revealed that these cells successfully expressed SOX1, SOX2, Nestin, TUJ1, FOXA2 and TH.

Conclusion

These results indicate that the protocol utilized has successfully differentiated BM, AT and WJ-MSCs into NSC-like cells. WJ-MSCs possess a higher potential to transdifferentiate into NSC and dopaminergic-like cells. Thus, it might indicate that this protocol can be used to induce MSC into neuronal lineage, which provides an additional or alternative source of cells to be used in the neurological cell-based therapies.
Clinico-aetiological and Demographic Profile of Pancytopenia among Children in a Tertiary Care Hospital of Northern Part of West BengalA Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Das Mousumi , Saha Aniruddha , Giri Amita
Published: March 2022

Introduction: Pancytopenia is a trio of results caused by numerous medical conditions in which all blood cell lineages, such as leukocytes, erythrocytes, and platelets, are diminished in blood. Causes of pancytopenia seem to vary widely in different country and also in different regions within a country. Knowing common cause and common presentation of pancytopenia is of immense importance to determine the diagnosis, especially in resource-constraint areas. Aim: To assess the aetiology, clinical profile of pancytopenia in a tertiary hospital in northern part of West Bengal. Materials and Methods: This hospital-based, cross-sectional, study was conducted in North Bengal Medical College and Hospital, Sushrutanagar, West Bengal, India, from July 2012 to June 2013. Patients having pancytopenia, on primary haematological investigation, admitted in the Paediatric Department of the hospital were included in the study. Patients already on definitive treatment for disease causing pancytopenia like kala-azar, leukaemia were excluded from the study. A physical examination was performed after obtaining a relevant clinical history, followed by a full blood count, including Peripheral Blood Smear (PBS) examination, and appropriate biochemical assays. An aspiration and evaluation of the bone marrow was performed. Statistical Program for Social Sciences (SPSS) Version 16.0 for windows (SPSS 16) was used. Results: There were 50 children, and the mean age of presentation was 7.3 years. Females constituted 52% and males were 48%. Aplastic anaemia was noted in 44% cases, 30% cases were diagnosed as megaloblastic anaemia, Kalaazar in 18%, ALL in 6% and ITP in 2%, respectively. Mean age of presentation in aplastic anaemia was 7.6 years, while that in megaloblastic anaemia was 6.9 years. Female predominance was seen in both aplastic anaemia (59%) and megaloblastic anaemia (60%), while male preponderance was seen in ALL (66%). Generalised weakness was the most prevalent presenting symptom (100%) followed by fever (80%). Pallor (100%) was the most prevalent presenting sign, followed by glossitis (30%), which is commonly ignored. Conclusion: Though aplastic anaemia is an important cause of pancytopenia, treatable causes like megaloblastic anaemia, Kala-azar should always be looked for as other possible aetiologies for pancytopenia.
A Case of Mesenteric Border Intestinal Perforation- An Unusual and Unnoticed Site of Perforation
Authors: Chitrambalam Tharun Ganapathy , Christopher Pradeep Joshua , Selvamuthukumaran Sundeep , Reddy Lokesh , Anguraj Preetam
Published: March 2022

Incisional hernia which if not repaired at the earliest might increase in size and eventually end up in complications like incarceration or strangulation. Perforation of the bowel loop in case of incarcerated or strangulated incisional hernia without any precipitating events like trauma is very rare. Intestinal perforation, if identified is a life-threatening condition that requires emergency surgical management. Perforation of the small bowel along its mesenteric border is a rare entity with only very few cases being reported. Authors hereby, present a case of a 55-year-old female with long standing incisional hernia who was diagnosed as an incarcerated incisional hernia after computed tomography and was proceeded with an exploratory laparotomy, which on further exploration revealed perforation of the incarcerated ileum along its mesenteric border for which resection and anastomosis was done.
Speciation and Antibiotic Susceptibility Pattern of Coagulase Negative Staphylococci in a Tertiary Care Hospital of Manipur, India
Authors: Singh Ningombam Homendro , Singh Rajkumar Manojkumar , Chongtham Urvashi
Published: March 2022

Introduction: Coagulase Negative Staphylococci (CoNS) are common opportunistic pathogens. They are increasingly being recognised as nosocomial pathogens and are associated with multiple antimicrobial resistance mechanisms particularly methicillin resistance. Therefore, rapid and reliable identification upto the species level is necessary to predict the potential pathogenicity or antibiotic susceptibility of each clinical isolate. Aim: Isolation and speciation of CoNS from various clinical samples, and to determine their antibiotic susceptibility pattern. Materials and Methods: This study was a hospital-based crosssectional study carried out in the Department of Microbiology, Jawaharlal Nehru Institute of Medical Sciences (JNIMS), Imphal, Manipur, India, during the period from September 2017- August 2019. CoNS isolates were identified using conventional microbiological procedures and speciation was done following the scheme of Kloos and Schleifer. Antibiotic susceptibility was determined by using the Kirby Bauer’s disk diffusion method. Detection of methicillin resistance among CoNS was performed using cefoxitin disk (30 µg) diffusion method. Data analysis was done using descriptive statistics. Results: CoNS isolates were identified from different clinical specimens, which included 88 (65.2%) from urine, 37 (27.5%) from blood, 3 (2.2%) from pus, 2 (1.5%) from catheter tip, 2 (1.5%) from wound swab, 1 (0.7%) each from aural swab, sputum and ascitic fluid. Predominant isolates were Staphylococcus epidermidis (40.7%) followed by Staphylococcus haemolyticus (19.3%), Staphylococcus hominis (11.9%), Staphylococcus xylosus (7.4%), Staphylococcus saprophyticus (6.0%), Staphylococcus schleiferi (5.2%), Staphylococcus simulans (4.4%), Staphylococcus warneri (3.0%), Staphylococcus lugdunensis (0.7%), Staphylococcus capitis (0.7%) and Staphylococcus cohnii (0.7%). Most isolates were resistant to penicillin (84.5%) and erythromycin (59.3%), and least to tigecycline (2.2%). No resistance to vancomycin and linezolid was seen. Methicillin sensitive CoNS (MSCoNS) was detected in 79 (58.5%) isolates and methicillin resistant CoNS (MRCoNS) in 56 (41.5%) isolates. Conclusion: This study demonstrated the occurrence of various species of CoNS in our healthcare set up with varying antimicrobial susceptibility pattern. Therefore, there is a need for accurate identification to species level by simple, inexpensive methodology and their antibiogram.
In vitro Assessment of Pseudomonas sp. Strain FCBB-2 for Effective Plant Growth Promotion and Antifungal Activity under Drought Stress
Authors: Vurukonda Sai Shiva Krishna Prasad , Vardharajula Sandhya , Shaik Zulfikar Ali
Published: March 2022

The significance of plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) in plant adaptation to harsh conditions is still unknown. Native bacteria were isolated from rhizospheric soils and tested for growth-promoting qualities as well as antagonistic capabilities against phytopathogenic fungi in this investigation. All the Pseudomonas spp. strains were characterized for in vitro drought tolerance in trypticase soy broth supplemented with different concentrations of polyethylene glycol (PEG6000). Out of nine isolates, only one strain was able to tolerate maximum level of stress (−1.03 MPa) and is further screened for plant growth promoting (PGP) properties under non-stress and drought stress conditions. Strain FCBB-2 isolated from cluster bean plant rhizosphere soil, showed multiple PGP activities such as indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) production, siderophore, hydrogen cyanide (HCN) production and exopolysaccharide (EPS) production and antifungal activity under non-stress and drought stress conditions against various plant fungal pathogens like Fusarium oxysporum, Macrophomina phaseolina, Alternaria alternata, Sclerotium hydrophilium, Pythium aphanidermatum and Rhizoctonia solani. The strain FCBB-2 was identified as Pseudomonas aeruginosa based on morphological and 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis and the sequence was submitted to NCBI GenBank under the accession number KT311003.
A Pilot Study on Horti-Poultry Integrated Farming Model
Authors: Reshi P. A. , Khan A. A. , Bhat J. A. , Sheikh G. G. , Ahanger F. A. , Banday S. A. , Nazir G. , Muzamil S. , Haq Z.
Published: March 2022

Aims: Under the innovative concept of integrated farming, a trial using vanraja birds was conducted to find out the comparative performance of birds reared in confinement and outdoor in orchards.

Study Design: 600 Vanraja birds of one month age were divided into two equal groups was conducted. One group (T1) that served as control was confined to shed and put on concentrate feeding and the another  group (T2) were given free access to the KVK orchard during day and confined to shelter during night and were allowed to feed on herbage, insects and other scavenging resources during the day and in the evening hours were offered kitchen waste comprising of leftover rice, vegetable waste, egg shells, leftover pulses etc. collected from the hostels of Faculty of Veterinary Sciences & Animal Husbandry, Shuhama that are in the close vicinity of the Kendra.

Methodology: The two groups of vanraja birds were compared with respect to body weight gain, egg production and mortality rate and at the end of 40 weeks trial the concentrate feeding cost in case of free range reared birds was reduced and there was less mortality, increase in the body weight and egg production with additional income from the existing orchards as compared to the control group kept confined to sheds

Results and Conclusion: This innovative model of integrating the poultry with horticulture has been termed as horti-poultry model that proved to increase performance of birds with respect to decreased mortality, lower body weight (fat accumulation) that caused increased egg production and lower mortality. Further an additional income of 101850/hectare of land was observed. The model when replicated in fields is expected to be game changer in improving rural income by rearing birds in orchards.
Standardization of Irrigation and Fertigation Requirement for Snake Gourd under Rain Shelter
Authors: Saji A. , Hussain A. , Patidar G. , Diveena A. S. , Jinu A. , Wilson A.
Published: March 2022

Aim: The study entitled “standardization of irrigation and fertigation requirement for snake gourd under rain shelter” was taken up to standardize the irrigation and fertigation requirement of snake gourd (Trichosanthes cucumerina) of Manusree variety under rain shelter.

Place and Duration of Study: The experiment was performed in instructional farm of PFDC, KCAET, Tavanur, Kerala, between October 2020 and January 2021.

Methodology: Penman Monteith method was used for the determination of crop water requirement and irrigation scheduling. There were three levels of irrigation i.e., T1 – 60%, T2 – 80% and T3 – 100% of ETc and three levels of fertigation viz: R1 – 100%, R2 – 125% and R3- 150% of recommended dose of fertilizer. Different crop and soil parameters and yield is noted in each bed.

Results: The treatment T3R3 showed comparatively better performance in yield and other growth characteristics as compared to the other treatment. These plants yield longer fruits and bloomed early compared to other fertigation levels. The cultivation is found to be feasible since the benefit cost ratio is greater than one. The result of the study can be used as a guide for the farmers to plan their irrigation and cropping pattern. Also the result can be extrapolated to the future to analyse the trends in future crop water demands.

Conclusion: The farming can run feasibly if we follow precision farming. Through this study we got that the optimum water content of snake gourd is 100%of Etc and 150% fertigation.
Role of Integrated Nutrient Management on Oat: A Review
Authors: Biswas Saikat , Das Rupa
Published: March 2022

Food security and environmental safety are the two important areas receiving major setback with the use of chemical fertilizers. Sustainable food supply in response to population demand urges for a paradigm shift from chemical-based agriculture to some eco-friendly approaches. Integrated nutrient management or combined approach of using different sources of nutrients is relevant in this context as it optimisez profitable crop production and improves soil health without deteriorating environment further. Food supply not only comes from agriculture but also from livestock sector. Therefore, cultivation of dual purpose (food and fodder) crop like oat is gaining importance day by day. Adequate nutrition to oat directly reflects on livestock and human nutrition. Researches around the globe indicate that integrated nutrient management in oat is now gaining momentum as it holds good promise as a successful replacement of sole chemical fertilizer. However, poor extension service and lack of policies make this technology to remain as a dormant. Therefore, further research works regarding integrated nutrient management on oat and its true transfusion to farming community are the needs of the hour to protect livestock and human food security and to free the environment from clutches of chemical hazards in coming days.
A Study on Adoption and Factors Determining the Adoption of Recommended Climate Smart Agriculture (CSA) Practices by the Farmers of Telangana State
Authors: Yuvaraj C. , Shankar K. Ravi , Rao I. Sreenivasa , Supriya K. , Sailaja A. D. , Sreenivas G.
Published: March 2022

A study was conducted to identify the adoption of various Climate Smart Agriculture (CSA) practices and factors determining the adoption of recommended CSA practices. Expost facto research design were followed and selected 300 respondents by using random sampling method indicated that majority of the farmers coming under the category of medium (59.7%) extent of adoption of various CSA practices followed by high (30.7%) and low (9.7%). The factors determining the adoption of CSA practices were grouped under seven categories namely Personal, Social, Economic, Environmental, Technological, Marketing and Transfer of technology.

Majority of the farmers have size of land holding is very small, followed by the constraint of lack of awareness about adaption strategies were major constraint faced by the farmers. Most of the farmers are not inclined much to be in touch with the changes in environmental climate change, this trend may be due to the idiosyncratic behaviour established by the virtue of their medium to old age, less education and possessing low degree of other profile characteristics and majority of them seemed to be not following the WBAAS regularly as they were taking up the farm activities naturally with time. Then Non availability of the recommended inputs in the market and sometimes due to shortage of the availability of quality inputs, traders sell the inputs at high cost resulting in non-adoption of input intensive CSA technologies. Poor availability and accessibility to short duration drought tolerant crop varieties were observed as a hindrance factors in the adoption of CSA technologies.
Harvesting and Marketing Pattern of Monodora myristica and Afrostyrax kamerunensis in Wabane Sub-division in the South West Region of Cameroon
Authors: Ndumbe Louis Njie , Simon Ngomba Longonje , Eva Mokam
Published: March 2022

Non-timber forest products (NTFPs) are an integral part of development and survival of people living in and around forests areas which constitutes a major livelihood activity for them. This study was carried out from April to July 2017, with main objective to know the harvesting and marketing pattern of Monodora myristica and Afrostyrax kamerunensis in six selected villages namely Babong, Banteng, Bechati, Mbechoh, Talung and Tabot of Wabane Sub-division. Monodora myristica and Afrostyrax kamerunensis are popular aromatic spices widely used in traditional system of medicines and also in preparation of traditional dishes in Cameroon. In order to meet the set objectives, participatory rural appraisal (PRA) tools were used to source information on the harvesting and marketing pattern of selected species in the study area. A questionnaire survey was conducted to investigate the harvesting pattern, marketing channels and price of Monodora myristica and Afrostyrax kamerunensis. The results showed that 50.05 tons and 25.7 tons of Monodora myristica and Afrostyrax kamerunensis were harvested, respectively while 45 tons and 24.98 tons of Monodora myristica and Afrostyrax kamerunensis were sold, respectively. The annual trade value of Monodora myristica was observed to be 40,228,600 FCFA and 44,378,000 FCFA for harvesters and retailers, respectively. While, the values for Afrostyrax kamerunensis were 22,375,160 FCFA and 25,788,000 FCFA, respectively. It has been observed that men were actively engaged in production while women in trading process of selected NTFP’s yielding tree species. A bucket of 15litres (25kg) of Monodora myristica on an average costs 22,000 FCFA while that of Afrostyrax kamerunensis costs 25,000 FCFA. Market prices were found to be determined by the forces of demand and supply, rate of production and seasonal variations. The study concluded that Monodora myristica and Afrostyrax kamerunensis are important sources of income to the local communities and making an important contribution to their livelihoods.
A Study of Adenosine Deaminase Activity and its Isoenzymes in COPD Patients with Acute Exacerbations
Authors: Khalil Heba Attia Mahmoud , Ahmed Amira Yousef , Ebrahim Ibrahim Salah El-din , El-emery Fawzy Abo El-Naga
Published: March 2022

Background: The activity of adenosine deaminase decreases in COPD patients and the level of adenosine increases. Decreasing ADA activity in COPD patients can play a significant role in the formation of pulmonary injury.

Aim: The aim of this work was to evaluate the changes in serum total ADA level and its isoenzymes (ADA1 and ADA2) in COPD patients with acute exacerbations to determine the possible contribution of these enzymes in COPD.

Subjects and Methods: This study was carried out on 60 subjects at Chest Department, Tanta University Hospitals and were divided into three equal groups: group I included 20 healthy non-smokers subjects as control group, group II included 20 asymptomatic smokers and group III included 20 COPD patients with acute exacerbations.

Results: There was statistically significant decrease in the activity of ADA total and ADA isoenzyme (ADA1 and ADA2) in COPD patients compared with control group. A positive correlation between ventilatory functions of COPD patients and activity of ADA total and ADA isoenzyme.

Conclusion: These data are strongly suggestive of the role of adenosine deaminase activity and its isoenzymes in formation of pulmonary injury in COPD.
Acute Retinal Arterial Infraction
Authors: Ingole Sainath , Chimurkar Vilas
Published: March 2022

Severe retinal arteriolar infarction, also known as transitory one eye vision loss, branch obstruction of retinal artery (BRAO), obstruction of main artery of retina, and ophthalmologic artery obstruction (OAO), is induced by an embolic event from the ipsilateral carotid artery, heart, or aortic arch, occluding the central retinal artery partially or completely Drastic retinal artery infraction, like drastic neuronal injury, is a medicinal and visual problem. Drastic retinal artery infraction puts patients at a high threat for cardiovascular diseases including strokes and infarctions. As a result, prompt diagnostic and referring to relevant specialists and tools are necessary for assigning (like brain MRI accompanied by diffuse gated scanning, arterial image analysis, and ecgs and electron microscopy) and possibly treatments of an emergency issue (for e.g dissection of carotid artery). Since its been not proved, efficient medications exist to improvise format after persistent ocular vascular infarction, additional preventative techniques should be adopted to limit the possibility of future ischemic events. CRAO, BRAO, cotton balls spots, and primary and secondary levels fugax are the four distinct kinds of amaurosis fugax. There are several therapeutic domains for both CRAO and BRAO. CRAO is categorized into 4 diagnostic categories, contrary to popular opinion: non-arteritis' CRAO, non-arteritis' CRAO with cilioretinal vascular avoidance, must CRAO accompanied with hyperplastic arteritis (GCA), and transient non-arterititic CRAO. The physiological phenomena that accommodate BRAO are persistent BRAO, temporary BRAO, and cilioretinal arterial obstruction (CLRAO). The different medical categories that constitute up BRAO are non-arteritic CLRAO alone accompanied with central visual vein obstruction, and arteritic CLRAO accompanied with GCA. It's crucial to define these categories in order to properly appreciate the complexities of these diseases. The pathogeneses, dispensary features, and management of the various types of central retinal infarcts (CRAO) are thoroughly discussed.