bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Extremophile at a Glance: Ostracod Crustacean From a Chemoautotrophic Sulphidic Cave Ecosystem
Authors: Iepure Sanda , Wysocka Anna , Sarbu Serban M. , Kijowska Michalina , Namiotko Tadeusz
Published: October 2021

Sulphidic cave ecosystems are remarkable evolutionary hotspots that have witnessed adaptive radiation of their fauna represented by extremophile species having particular traits. Ostracods, a very old group of crustaceans, exhibit specific morphological and ecophysiological features that enable them to thrive in groundwater sulphidic environments. Herein, we report a peculiar new ostracod species Pseudocandona movilaensis sp. nov. thriving in the chemoautotrophic sulphidic groundwater ecosystem of Movile Cave (Romania). The new species displays a set of homoplastic features specific for unrelated stygobitic species, for e.g., triangular carapace in lateral view with reduced postero–dorsal part and simplification of limb chaetotaxy (i.e., loss of some claws and reduction of secondary male sex characteristics), driven by a convergent or parallel evolution during or after colonization of the groundwater realm. P. movilaensis sp. nov. thrives exclusively in sulphidic meso-thermal waters (21°C) with high concentrations of sulphides, methane, and ammonium. Based on the geometric morphometrics-based study of the carapace shape and molecular phylogenetic analyses based on the COI marker (mtDNA), we discuss the phylogenetic relationship and evolutionary implication for the new species to thrive in groundwater sulphidic groundwater environments.
Complex Correlations between Microstructure and Magnetic Behavior in SrFe12O19 Hexaferrite Nanoparticles
Authors: Maltoni Pierfrancesco , Ivanov Sergey Alexander , Barucca Gianni , Varvaro Gaspare , Peddis Davide , Mathieu Roland
Published: October 2021

The magnetic properties of SrFe12O19 (SFO) hard hexaferrites are governed by the complex relation to its microstructure, determining their relevance for permanent magnets´ applications. A set of SFO nanoparticles obtained by sol-gel self-combustion synthesis was selected for an in-depth structural X-Rays powder diffraction (XRPD) characterization by means of G(L) line-profile analysis. The obtained crystallites´ size distribution reveal a clear dependence of the size along the [001] direction on the synthesis approach, resulting in the formation of platelet-like crystallites. In addition, the size of the SFO nanoparticles was determined by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analysis and the average number of crystallites within a particle was estimated. These results have been evaluated to illustrate the formation of single-domain state below a critical value, and the activation volume was derived from time dependent magnetization measurements, aiming to clarify the reversal magnetization process of hard magnetic materials.
Diabetic Foot Amputations at Central and Provincial Hospital in Gauteng. A Signpost for Inadequate Foot Health Services at Primary Healthcare Level in South Africa
Authors: Ntuli Simiso M. , Letswalo D M
Published: October 2021

Background

Diabetic foot amputations are the most devastating outcome for any diabetic patient and could be associated with failure to risk stratify the diabetic foot and create individualised treatment plans to lower risk at the primary healthcare level (PHC). In South Africa (RSA), PHC clinics are the first entry point to the public healthcare system. Failure to correctly identify, risk categorise, and refer diabetic foot complications may lead to poor clinical outcomes for diabetic patients. There is a need to highlight poor clinical outcomes and link them to limited access to foot health services at the PHC level. This approach may help drive the strategic allocation and deployment of limited podiatry force in RSA. This study looks at the incidence of diabetic-related amputations at central and tertiary hospitals in Gauteng to argue the case of the needed foot health services at the PHC level.
Methods

A cross-sectional retrospective study that reviewed theatre records. We reviewed records of all diabetic patients who had diabetic-related amputations between January 2017 and June 2019.
Results

There were 1862 diabetic-related amputations; however, only 1565 accurately recorded and met the inclusion criteria for the study. The first amputation was a major amputation in 73% of the cases, and an infected foot ulcer was a primary amputation cause in 75% of patients. Males had the most amputations, 62%. The majority, 71% of amputations, were in patients younger than 65 years. Nearly all patients (98%) came from a poor socio-economic background and are state-dependent; they earned ZAR 0.00- 70 000.00 or USD (0.00- 4754.41) per annum.
Conclusion

Amputations are a sign of poor clinical outcomes for diabetic patients and imply inadequate care of diabetic foot complications across the continuum of care, particularly at the PHC level in RSA. Due to the hierarchal nature of healthcare delivery in RSA, all patients in this study would have presented at a PHC facility to manage their diabetes and other chronic comorbidities. The findings show that most first amputations recorded in this study were major amputations. This finding is a significant signpost of the potential delay in recognising, treating and timely referral of diabetic-related foot complications. Arguably, a lack of access to structured foot health services at PHC levels impedes early identification of foot complication identification and appropriate referral resulting in the amputation in some of the patients.
Deciphering Expression Profiling and Functional Signatures of Individualized Obesity-Associated Genes in Ossification of Ligamentum Flavum Through RNA-Sequence Data Mining
Authors: Zhang Baoliang , Yuan Lei , Chen Guanghui , Chen Xi , Yang Xiaoxi , Fan Tianqi , Li Weishi , Sun Chuiguo , Chen Zhongqiang
Published: October 2021

Background: Obese individuals predispose to ossification of ligamentum flavum (OLF), whereas the underlying connections between obesity phenotype and OLF pathomechanism are not fully understood, especially during early life. This study aimed to explore obesity-associated genes and their functional signatures in OLF. Methods: Gene microarray expression data related to OLF were downloaded from the GSE106253 dataset in the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. The potential obesity-related differentially expressed genes (ORDEGs) in OLF were screened. Then, gene-ontology (GO) enrichment analysis and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis were applied for these genes. Furthermore, protein-protein interactions (PPI) were used to identify hub ORDEGs, and Metascape was used to further verify the key signaling pathways and immune-related function signatures of hub ORDEGs. Finally, correlation analysis of hub ORDEGs and identified OLF-related infiltrating immune cells (OIICs) was constructed to understand the possible mechanical link among obesity, immune response and OLF. Results: OLF-related differentially expressed genes and 2051 obesity-related genes from four databases were intersected to obtain 99 ORDEGs, including 54 upregulated and 55 downregulated genes. GO and KEGG analysis revealed that these genes were mainly involved in metabolism, inflammation and immune-related biological functions and pathways. A PPI network was established to determine 14 hub genes (AKT1, CCL2, CCL5, CXCL2, ICAM1, IL10, MYC, PTGS2, SAA1, SOCS1, SOCS3, STAT3, TNFRSF1B and VEGFA). The co-expression network demonstrated that this module was associated with cellular response to biotic stimulus, regulation of inflammatory response, regulation of tyrosine phosphorylation of STAT protein. Furthermore, Metascape functional annotations showed that hub genes were mainly involved in receptor signaling pathway via JAK-STAT, response to TNF and regulation of defense response, and their representative enriched pathways were TNF, adipocytokine and JAK-STAT signaling pathways. Subgroup analysis indicated that T cell activation might be potential immune function processes involved, and correlation analysis revealed that cDCs, memory B-cells and preadipocytes were highly correlated infiltrating immune cells. Conclusions: Our study deciphered individualized obesity-associated gene signature for the first time, which may facilitate exploring the underlying cellular and molecular pathogenesis and novel therapeutic targets of obesity-related early-onset OLF.
A Parameter Study of Ultrasound Assisted Enzymatic Esterification
Authors: Vartolomei Anamaria , Calinescu Ioan , Vinatoru Mircea , Gavrila Adina Ionuta
Published: October 2021

This work is focused on the study of esterification parameters for the ultrasound assisted synthesis of isoamyl acetate catalyzed by lipase Lipozyme 435 in a continuous loop reactor. Investigating the influence of different parameters shows that a higher concentration of ester (462 mg/gmixture) can be obtained at temperature 50 °C, flow rate 0.16 mL/min. The best ultrasonication conditions are: continuously applied sonication for a short time (20 minutes), ultrasound power 32 mW, and amplitude 20 %. The enzyme can be successfully reused tree times without loss of enzyme activity. Reaction kinetics for isoamyl acetate ultrasound assisted production showed that satisfactory reaction concentration (close to the equilibrium concentrations) could be reached in short reaction times (2 h). Ultrasound assisted enzymatic esterification is consequently a cleaner and a faster process.
Analysis On Short-Term Change of Macular Function and The Correlates After Intravitreal Conbercept for CRVO-ME
Authors: Wang Yun-Chang , Li Rong-Rong , Cai Yi , Wei Zi-Yi , Shao Chang-Liang
Published: October 2021

•AIM: To study the short-term change of macular function and the correlates after intravitreal conbercept for CRVO-ME•STUDY DESIGN: Prospective,clinical study.•METHODS: 23 patients(23 eyes) were recruited, who were non-ischemia central retinal vein occlusion dianosed by FFA (fundus fluorescein angiography) and treated with intravitreal conbercept for macular edema. best - corrected visual acuity ( BCVA ),central macular thickness(CMT), amplitude density of P1 wave and implicit time of P1,N1 wave from ring 1 and ring 2 of mf-ERG were measured before and 1week、2month after treatment.•RESULTS: Compared to the baseline, BCVA、CMT、amplitude density of P1 wave and implicit time of P1,N1 wave from ring 1 and ring 2 were greatly improved at 1W、2M after treatment; better results were gained at 2M compared to 1W; Pearson correlation analysis shows no significantly correlation between the improvement of mf-ERG with the change of BCVA、CMT.•CONCLUSION: The BCVA、the strcture and the function of macular were greatly improved after intravitreal conbercept for central retinal vein occlusion induced macular edema; therefore no significantly correlation between the improvement of the function of macular with the strcture of macular and BCVA.
Tumor-B-Cell Interactions Promote Isotype Switching to an Immunosuppressive IgG4 Antibody Response Through Upregulation of IL-10 in Triple Negative Breast Cancers
Authors: Toney Nicole J. , Opdenaker Lynn M. , Cicek Kader , Archinal Holly , Frerichs Lisa , Kennington Christopher Ryan , Oberly Samuel , Somasundaram Rajasekharan , Sims-Mourtada Jennifer
Published: October 2021

Background: Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) is an aggressive breast cancer for which there is currently no targeted therapy. Tumor-infiltrating B-cells (TIB) have been observed in tumor tissues of TNBC patients, but their functional role is unclear. IgG4 is one of four antibody subclasses of IgG expressed and secreted by B cells. Unlike other IgG isotypes, IgG4 has an immunosuppressive function and is induced by Th2-type cytokines. In cancers such as melanoma, IgG4 has been linked with advanced disease and poor patient survival. Therefore, we sought to determine the role of IgG4 in TNBC. Methods: We performed co-culture assays to examine expression of Th2 cytokines by TNBC cells with and without the presence of B cells. We also performed in vitro class switching experiments with peripheral B cells with and without co-culture with TNBC cells in the presence or absence of an IL-10 blocking antibody. We examined expression of CD20 + TIB, IgG4 and Th2 cytokines by immunohistochemistry in 152 TNBC samples. Statistical analysis was done using Log-Rank and Cox-proportional hazards tests. Results: Our findings indicate that B cells interact with TNBC to drive chronic inflammatory responses through increased expression of inflammatory cytokines including the TH2 cytokines IL-4 and IL-10. In vitro class switching studies show that interactions between TNBC cell lines and B cells drive isotype switching to the IgG4 isotype in an IL-10 dependent manner. In patient tissues, expression of IgG4 correlates with CD20 and tumor expression of IL-10. Both IgG4 and tumor IL-10 are associated to shorter recurrence free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS) in TNBC. In a multi-variant analysis, IL-10 was associated with poor outcomes indicating that tumor IL-10 may drive immune escape. Conclusions: These findings indicate that interactions between TIB and TNBC results in activation of chronic inflammatory signals that suppress antibody driven immune responses
Familial cases of Mexican patients with Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease
Authors: Rodríguez-Olivas Armando Odiseo , Zamora Edgar Hernández , Rosales-Cruz Erika , Casas-Ávila Leonora , Valdés-Flores Maragarita , Maldonado Elba Reyes
Published: October 2021

BackgroundLegg-Calvé-Perthes Disease (LCPD) is described as an avascular necrosis of the femoral head. Although its etiology is still not fully understood, evidences suggest heritable thrombotic disorders and other factors may be implicated in its onset and progress. Our objective is to describe, in three enrolled families, the genetic, biochemical and environmental factors that may be associated with the etiology and development of LCPD. MethodsTherefore, we set out to evaluate the following alterations of collagen genes: MTHFR rs1801133, CBS rs115742905, and PT rs1799963 and their relationship with LCPD. Thrombophilia associated markers (FI, FII, FV, FVII, FVIII, FIX, FX, FXI, FXII, FvW, PC, PS, AT, and homocysteine) were evaluated using coagulometry methods. Results: Seven LCPD patients and 14 healthy volunteers were enrolled. Concentrations in hemoglobin (p ≤ 0.0001), fibrinogen (P ≤ 0.0001), homocysteine (p = 0.0414), factor IX activity percentage (p ≤ 0.0001), and protein S (p = 0.0478) showed statistically significant differences. None of the evaluated polymorphisms showed statistically significant differences. However, all patients presented the mutated MTHFR C677T polymorphism in a homozygous (T/T) or heterozygous manner (C/T).ConclusionsOur results show environmental elements from every family and hemostatic disorders may be involved in suffering and developing LCPD. Also, heritable factors could contribute to the onset of the disease. Clearly, environmental, genetic, and prothrombotic factors are involved in this pathology.
Geochemistry of the Paleocene Clastic Rocks From the Southwestern Jianghan Basin, Central China Reveal Their Provenance, Tectonic Setting, and Palaeoenvironment
Authors: Yan Kai , Wang Chun-lian , Wang Jiu-yi , Yu Xiao-can , Teng Xiao-hua , Li Rui-qin , Liu Li-hong
Published: October 2021

This paper intends to learn about the provenance, tectonic setting and paleoenvironment of the Paleocene Shashi Formation in the southern Jianghan Basin by the bulk-rock geochemistry. The K2O/Al2O3 and SiO2/Al2O3 ratios indicate that the major proportion of samples are litharenite. The chondrite-normalized REE distribution pattern of the Shashi Formation’s mudstones are characterized by enriched LREE and flat HREE similar to those of UC with negative Eu anomalies. Combined with the geochemical element ratio discriminant diagram, such as Al2O3-TiO2, Zr-TiO2, La/Sc-Co/Th, and Hf-La/Th, so on, these samples were sourced from mixed felsic/basic rock. Moreover, the discriminant diagrams of K2O/Na2O-SiO2/Al2O3, La-Th-Sc, and Th-Co-Zr/10 suggest that the samples were formed under the tectonic settings of active continental margin and continental island arc. The values of CIA, CIW, PIA, ICV, Zr/Sc-Th/Sc, and ternary diagrams of A-(CN)-K and Al2O3-Zr-TiO2 indicate that weathering in the source area was weak and source rocks have not been reformed by depositional recirculation and hydraulic sorting. And the palaeoenvironmental indicators of C-value, Ni/Co, V/Cr, V/(V+Ni) and Sr/Cu, Ga/Rb indicate that the climate was cool and arid during the evaporite deposition period in the southern Jianghan Basin, and the water was in the condition of oxidation.
Influence of Education on Sexual and Reproductive Health Service Utilization for Persons with Disabilities in Nationwide Bangladesh: An Explanatory Sequential Mixed-Methods Study
Authors: Du Katherine Coral , Mohosin Arifa Bente , Amin Amina , Hasan Md Tanvir
Published: October 2021

Background: Persons with disabilities comprise more than one billion people in the world, yet they are one of the most discriminated groups and face significant health disparities. Particularly in developing countries, which contain 80% of the entire population with disabilities, these individuals experience major barriers in accessing sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services.Education is an important factor that greatly affects individuals’ SRH service utilization. Hence, we sought to investigate the relationship between education and SRH service utilization for persons with disabilities in Bangladesh.Methods: Using an explanatory sequential mixed-methods design, a total of 5,000 persons with disabilities were surveyed for the quantitative component and 15 mini-ethnographic case studies were conducted with persons with disabilities for the qualitative component. Chi-squared tests and logistic regression analyses were performed on the survey data, while the qualitative interviews were coded and their SRH themes synthesized accordingly.Results: Our quantitative findings show that education statistically significantly increases persons with disabilities’ SRH service utilization of antenatal care, delivery care, postnatal care, and family planning (P < 0.05). Interestingly, for persons with disabilities, primary education shows increased adjusted odds of family planning use but is likely not enough to increase antenatal care, delivery care, or postnatal care use; secondary or post-secondary education may be required to improve utilization of these latter services.Qualitative findings support the association between higher education levels and greater SRH service use. Persons with disabilities of lower educational attainment held misinformation and distrust in SRH services and experienced mistreatment by SRH healthcare providers, discouraging them from seeking future SRH services. Conclusions:We report that higher formal education level is associated with greater SRH service use for persons with disabilities in Bangladesh. Formally educating persons with disabilities expands their SRH knowledge and familiarity with SRH services, as well as leads to more economic opportunities so they can afford SRH services. Increasing formal education levels for persons with disabilities, paired with integrating comprehensive sexuality education (CSE) in their schools, will likely help close the gap in SRH health disparities for this vulnerable population.
Secukinumab Attenuates Neuroinflammation and Neurobehavior Defect via PKCβ /ERK/NF-κB Pathway in a Rat Model of GMH
Authors: Liu Shengpeng , Deng Shuixiang , Ding Yan , Flores Jerry J. , Zhang Xiaoli , Jia Xiaojing , Hu Xiao , Peng Jun , Zuo Gang , Zhang John H. , Gong Ye , Tang Jiping
Published: October 2021

AimsGerminal matrix hemorrhage (GMH) is a disastrous clinical event for newborns. Neuroinflammation plays an important role in the development of neurological deficits after GMH. The purpose of this study is to investigate the anti-inflammatory role of secukinumab after GMH and its underlying mechanisms involving PKCβ/ERK/NF-κB signaling pathway.MethodsA total of 154 Sprague-Dawley P7 rat pups were used. GMH was induced by intraparenchymal injection of bacterial collagenase. Secukinumab was administered intranasally post-GMH. PKCβ activator PMA and p-ERK activator Ceramide C6 were administered intracerebroventricularly at 24h prior to GMH induction, respectively. Neurobehavioral tests, Western blot and immunohistochemistry were used to evaluate the efficacy of secukinumab in both short-term and long-term studies.ResultsEndogenous IL-17A, IL-17RA, PKCβ and p-ERK were increased after GMH. Secukinumab treatment improved short- and long-term neurological outcomes, reduced the expression of MPO and Iba-1 in the perihematoma area, and inhibited the expression of proinflammatory factors, such as NF-κB, IL-1β, TNF-α and IL-6. Additionally, PMA and ceramide C6 abolished the beneficial effects of secukinumab. ConclusionSecukinumab treatment suppressed neuroinflammation and attenuated neurological deficits after GMH, which was mediated through the downregulation of the PKCβ/ERK/NF-κB pathway. Secukinumab treatment may provide a promising therapeutic strategy for GMH patients.
Influence of 16S rRNA Reference Databases in Amplicon-Based Environmental Microbiome Research
Authors: Ramakodi Meganathan P.
Published: October 2021

Purpose: The reference databases play a pivotal role in amplicon microbiome research but the sequence content and taxonomic information available in common reference databases differ. Studies on mock community and human health microbiome have revealed the problems associated with the choice of reference database on the outcome. Nonetheless, the influence of reference databases in environmental microbiome studies is not explicitly illustrated. Methods: This study analyzed the amplicon (V1V3, V3V4, V4V5 and V6V8) data of 128 soil samples and evaluated the impact of 16S rRNA databases, Genome Taxonomy Database (GTDB), Ribosomal Database Project (RDP), SILVA and Consensus Taxonomy (ConTax), on microbiome inference. Results: The analyses showed that the distribution of observed amplicon sequence variants was significantly different (P-value < 2.647e-12) across four datasets, generated based on different databases for each amplicon region. In addition, the beta diversity was also found to be altered by different databases. Further investigation revealed that the microbiome composition inferred by different databases vary significantly (P-value=0.001), irrespective of amplicon regions. Importantly, the study found that the core-microbiome structure in environmental studies could be altered by the reference databases. Conclusion: In summary, this present study illustrates that the choice of reference database could influence the outcome of environmental microbiome research.
Doing Interventions
Authors: Otto Laura K. , Klausner Martina , Eitel Kathrin , Welz Gisela
Published: October 2021

In dieser Einleitung zur 83. Ausgabe der Kulturanthropologie Notizen stellen wir das Konzept der Intervention ins Zentrum und betonen wie Forscher:innen und ihre Felder immer aufeinander bezogen sind. Während wir grundsätzlich davon ausgehen, dass ethnographische Studien per se als interventionistisch verstanden werden können, diskutieren wir ‚doing interventions‘ als einen spezifischen, ethnographischen methodischen Ansatz und reflektieren insbesondere Experimente und Kollaborationen sowie deren epistemischen Effekte. In diesem Sinne verweisen Interventionen mit/in der Ethnographie auf ethnographisches Wissen, das einen Effekt auf das Feld hat, während die Praxis des Intervenierens zugleich auch die ethnographische Wissensproduktion verändern kann. Die Autor:innen dieser Ausgabe der Kulturanthropologie Notizen zeigen anhand einer Vielzahl von Beispielen, wie sich Interventionen mit und in der Ethnographie in der Praxis ausgestalten lassen und wie diese Modi miteinander verflochten sind. Die Fallstudien reichen von ethnografischer Forschung im globalen Lebensmittelsektor und in der Rohstoffindustrie über Feldforschung in und mit der Sozialpsychiatrie bis hin zu neuen Formen der Zusammenarbeit während der COVID-19-Pandemie. Nicht zuletzt wird die Anthropologie als Veränderungswissenschaft diskutiert. Was die Texte eint, ist die Überzeugung, dass Interventionen mit/in der Ethnographie das Potential haben Etabliertes und Selbstverständliches in Frage zu stellen, normative und dominante Wahrnehmungen der Wissensproduktion zu transformieren, Diskurse zu irritieren und gleichzeitig die Re-Imagination und Re-Konzeptualisierung der ethnographischen Praxis  zu fördern.
Decolonising the retail business management curriculum in the higher education sector
Authors: Mugobo Virimai
Published: October 2021

This article critiques the retail business management curriculum as currently offered in the Higher Education (HE) sector. The study used an exploratory qualitative approach, which involved conducting telephone interviews with a purposively selected sample of 25 participants conversant with the phenomenon studied, retail management practitioners, students and curriculum review experts. This was augmented by secondary literature. The study found out that by and large the retail business management (RBM) curriculum that is currently rolled out in the HE sector is largely based on Western epistemologies. The knowledge economy that is consumed by the recipients of the RBM curriculum in the HE sector is mainly from American and European academics and that is at the expense of the local or indigenous knowledge. It was found out, that the majority of the curriculum recipients do not identify with the current curriculum because it is divorced from their lived experiences that include their culture in particular their languages, beliefs and values. The study avers that indigenous knowledge systems were left out in the process of the RBM curriculum development and that partly explains its alienation from the lived realities of the local students and academic staff. The study therefore recommends that the current RBM curriculum needs to be effectively decolonised and the starting point for this decolonisation process is the involvement of all stakeholders in the curriculum development process. Secondly, the use of diverse educators to reflect the country’s racial mix is recommended. The study also recommends the convening of all stakeholder curriculum review engagements, the use of a local knowledge economy and local languages in teaching and learning of the RBM curriculum.
Improving the efficiency of cash collection operations with the help of modern information technologies
Authors: Fedets Andriy
Published: October 2021

Despite the steady spread of non-cash payment technologies, especially now in the pandemic, cash remains the most common method of payment in all countries.

The availability of cash in banking institutions, cash centers, ATMs, various self-service devices is provided by the units of collection and transportation of currency values.

Collection of funds and transportation of currency values ​​is an integral part of the cash circulation of any banking system, which consists in the collection, delivery and movement of cash by vehicles, from enterprises, institutions, organizations of various forms of ownership to banking institutions and vice versa.

The cost of conducting cash collection, supporting cash registers, branches, and loading ATMs constitues a significant part of all operating expenses of banks and collection companies. Due to the high level of risk of attacks on the teams of collectors, the main task is to maintain an appropriate level of security to protect life and health of collectors, which requires significant financial costs. Business owners find a way out in the introduction of new innovative banking products and information technologies.

The article examines the processes of cash collection operations by classical and electronic methods as well as modern innovative technologies for cash collection, cash processing, and protection of valuables. The results of scientific research show that the reduction of operating costs for cash collection increases the level of security, and optimization of cash processing is possible only with the active implementation and use of modern information technology and automated software.

The article proves the need to improve the mechanism of state regulatory policy in the market of cash collection services in Ukraine, in particular, to amend the regulatory legal acts of the regulator, which is represented by the National Bank of Ukraine, in terms of refining and detailing legal norms that establish and determine the procedure operations on cash collection in electronic form and periodicity of collection units employees training.
REVIEW OF STUDIES ON THE CFD-BEM APPROACH FOR ESTIMATING POWER LOSSES OF ICED-UP WIND TURBINES
Authors:   Wind Energy Research Laboratory (WERL), University of QuÃ©bec at Rimouski, Rimouski, QC., Canada., Martini Fahed , Tatiana Montoya Contreras Leidy ,   Wind Energy Research Laboratory (WERL), University of QuÃ©bec at Rimouski, Rimouski, QC., Canada., Ilinca Adrian ,   Wind Energy Research Laboratory (WERL), University of QuÃ©bec at Rimouski, Rimouski, QC., Canada., Awada Ali ,   Wind Energy Research Laboratory (WERL), University of QuÃ©bec at Rimouski, Rimouski, QC., Canada.
Published: October 2021

The application of computational fluid dynamics (CFD) in wind turbine design and analysis is becoming increasingly common in research on wind energy, resulting in a better knowledge of the aerodynamic behaviour of rotors. Due to the deformation of blade airfoils on account of icing, a significant drop in aerodynamic performance brings wind turbines to lose considerable portions of their productivity. Estimating power degradation due to icing via 3D simulation, although it is essential to capture the three-dimensional turbulence effects, is very costly in computational resources despite technological development it then becomes unfeasible when it comes to different operation scenarios to estimate icing originated power losses. The Quasi-3D simulation based on the CFD-BEM method is a practical alternative for generating wind turbines power curves. It showed effectiveness in predicting performance up to a certain level. More than few studies in the literature have adopted this approach to generate the power curve for both clean (un-iced) and iced-up wind turbines. However, the methodology was not adequately presented and discussed for wind turbine icing. This paper reviews the results of almost all the up-to-date published papers that approached this method, summarizing the findings and federates the research in that field to conclude with concrete facts and details that advance research in this domain.
LIFESTYLE HABITS AMONG KSMC PHYSICIANS
Authors:   Family Medicine Consultant, King Saud Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia., Salman Almutairi Mohammed , Abdulrahman Alobaysi Saif ,   Saudi Board Family Medicine (R3), King Saud Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia., Shujaa Almutairi Abdullah ,   Saudi Board Family Medicine (R3), King Saud Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia., Abdulla Alsaid Leila ,   Saudi Board Family Medicine (R3), King Saud Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia., Hassan Al-Kurayzi Majed ,   Saudi Board Family Medicine (R3), King Saud Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Published: October 2021

Background: Most medical research today focuses on three aspects: stress and burnout at work mental illness such as depression and suicide and drug addiction. On the other hand, little research has been done among physicians so far on behavioral and preventive interventions including healthy lifestyles habits among physicians. Therefore, the aim of this study to assess the lifestyle habits practicing among KSMC physicians, Saudi Arabia. Methodology: This is an analytical cross-sectional study conducted in Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Riyadh (including all physicians in King Saud Medical City), from April, 2020 till December 2021 using pre-designed questionnaire which was distributed online. The questionnaire was prepared to assess the demographic factors, physical activity, eating pattern, health concern. Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 23 for data analysis. Results: we were able to collect data from 104 physicians in response to our questionnaire where all of them where medicine physicians and 57.7 % of them were males. The prevalence of overweight and obesity were 18.4 % and 27.2 % respectively. Moreover, 55.8 % of physicians reported that they did not practice any type of exercises however, 32.7 % practiced endurance or aerobic exercise. Furthermore, 24 % of the participants reported being on diet where 8.7 % were on keto diet and 1.9 % were on Mediterranean diet. In our study, poor exercise and diet habits were associated with poor BMI, poor sleep pattern and higher prevalence of medical conditions. Conclusion: We found that there is high prevalence of obesity and overweight among physicians at KSMC, Saudi Arabia which in addition to poor sleep pattern and high incidence of other medical conditions were significantly associated with the poor life-style habits including low level of practicing exercise and having health diet regime.
EFFECTIVENESS OF STRUCTURED TEACHING PROGRAMME ON KNOWLEDGE REGARDING THE BREAST ENGORGEMENT AMONG POSTNATAL MOTHER WITH BREAST ENGORGEMENT
Authors: Vijayalakshmi V. , Rajeswari D. , Huldah J.
Published: October 2021

Background: Breast engorgement is one of the common problem among postnatal mother which causes delayed initiation of breast feeds and restriction in breastfeeding. The study was done to assess the effectiveness of Structured Teaching Programme on knowledge regarding breast engorgement among postnatal mothers. Materials and Methods: Quantitative study with non-experimental study design was chosen in this study. 30 postnatal mothers admitted in postnatal ward were selected as samples. The pretest level of knowledge on breast engorgement was assessed. Structured Teaching Programme was given followed by the posttest was done. Results: After the Structured Teaching Programme posttest gain score was higher than in the pretest in terms of knowledge on causes, signs and symptoms, management and prevention of breast engorgement among postnatal mothers.
DEVELOPMENT OF EFFERVESCENT TABLETS BASED ON RED GINGER (ZINGIBER OFFICINALE ROSC. VAR. RUBRUM) AND ROSELLA FLOWER (HIBISCUS SABDARIFFA L.)
Authors:   Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Diponegoro University, 50275 Semarang, Central Java, Indonesia., a Suherman , Kumoro A.C. ,   Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Diponegoro University, 50275 Semarang, Central Java, Indonesia., Anam K. ,   Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science and Mathematics, Diponegoro University, 50275 Semarang, Central Java, Indonesia., Susanto E.E. ,   Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Diponegoro University, 50275 Semarang, Central Java, Indonesia., Badaruddin S. ,   Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Diponegoro University, 50275 Semarang, Central Java, Indonesia.
Published: October 2021

The COVID-19 virus is still spreading throughout the world, and many efforts are being made to combat the outbreak and develop vaccines. Several traditional plants such as ginger and rosella can increase endurance and ward off various diseases. In this research, effervescent tablets made from ginger and rosella have been developed. Five formulations of effervescent tablets with different concentrations of acid and base mixtures have been made to test their physical properties, both granules, and effervescent tablets. The granule physical properties test results showed that the variation of the mixture of acids and bases had no significant effect on the physical properties of the granules. The physical quality of the granule is following the applicable requirements. The same thing was also found in the weight uniformity test. In contrast, in the brittleness and hardness test, tablet formulation 5 (an acid mixture consisting only of tartaric acid) showed the best results. From the dissolution time test, it was found that the use of a mixture of citric acid and tartrate was able to accelerate the dissolving time compared to the use of one type of acid. From the test results, it can be concluded that formulation five tablets show the best quality of tablets. Further studies need to be done regarding the application of ginger and roselle effervescent tablets to increase the bodys immunity from COVID-19.
HIGH RISK PROSTATE CANCER: COMPARISON OF RADICAL PROSTATECTOMY VERSUS RADIATION THERAPY: EXPERIENCE OF MILITARY HOSPITAL RABAT
Authors:   Department of Radiotherapy, Mohammed V Military Teaching Hospital, Mohammed V University in Rabat, Morocco., M. Benlemlih , M. Hommadi ,   Department of Radiotherapy, Mohammed V Military Teaching Hospital, Mohammed V University in Rabat, Morocco., EA. Marnouche ,   Department of Radiotherapy, Mohammed V Military Teaching Hospital, Mohammed V University in Rabat, Morocco., A. Maghous ,   Department of Radiotherapy, Mohammed V Military Teaching Hospital, Mohammed V University in Rabat, Morocco., A. Bazine ,   Department of Radiotherapy, Mohammed V Military Teaching Hospital, Mohammed V University in Rabat, Morocco., K. Andaloussi ,   Department of Radiotherapy, Mohammed V Military Teaching Hospital, Mohammed V University in Rabat, Morocco., K. Hadadi ,   Department of Radiotherapy, Mohammed V Military Teaching Hospital, Mohammed V University in Rabat, Morocco., H. Sifat ,   Department of Radiotherapy, Mohammed V Military Teaching Hospital, Mohammed V University in Rabat, Morocco., M. Elmarjany ,   Department of Radiotherapy, Mohammed V Military Teaching Hospital, Mohammed V University in Rabat, Morocco., H. Mansouri ,   Department of Radiotherapy, Mohammed V Military Teaching Hospital, Mohammed V University in Rabat, Morocco.
Published: October 2021

Context: To date, there is no Level 1 evidence comparing the efficacy of radical prostatectomy and radiotherapy for patients with clinically-localized prostate cancer. Objective: to evaluate overall survival (OS) and relapse free survival of high risk prostate cancer (PCa) treated either with external beam radiotherapy (EBRT) associated with androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) or radical prostatectomy (RP) with adjuvant or salvage radiotherapy and ADT. Also, it is very interesting to compare different acute and late toxicity of the both approach. Materials and Methods: During a period of 10 years from April 2009 and December 2018, 149 patients with high-risk prostate cancer were admitted to the radiotherapy department of the Mohammed V military hospital in Rabat (HMIMV). Among these patients, 17 underwent surgery followed by EBRT and ADT: this is the experimental arm (Group I) and 34 patients who had benefited from treatment with EBRT with ADT were selected from the other patients by a 1: 2 matching method who will represent the reference group (Group II) to allow a comparison with the experimental arm with the minimum possible bias. Results: The overall survival (OS) at 5 and 10 years was 100 % in the both arms while relapse free survival at 5 years was 91,7 % and 93,1% respectively in group I and II and at 10 years 91,7% in the group multimodal approach and 88,9 % in the EBRT+ADT group without any significant difference. We note more toxicities in the surgical group with more urinary incontinence (p=0,001) and more erectile dysfunction. Conclusion: RP with adjuvant EBRT and EBRT+ADT provided similar long-term cancer control for patients with high-risk prostate cancer but with different toxicity profiles.
IoT-Project Smart Trash Can with Blynk Platform Integration
Authors: Putra Noffal Ade , Ahmadi Hero Akbar , Putra Kielvien Lourensius Eka Setia , Gunawan Alexander AS
Published: October 2021

This research is an implementation of the internet of things (IoT) for smart trash cans in places that are usually visited by many people. Currently, the Covid-19 pandemic in Indonesia is still quite high. Therefore, the Internet of Things (IoT) system is intended to help reduce the spread of the covid-19 virus. This system uses a NodeMCU ESP8266 microcontroller and several sensors that are used to support this research. The design of this IoT system focuses on measuring the distance between the trash can and the person disposing of the trash to calculate the opening and closing distance for the trash and measuring the height of the trash in the trash as a reference for cleaning workers to pick up trash at the right time. This smart trash can can open the lid automatically according to a specified distance and will send an alarm to the cleaning worker smartphone on duty when the height of the trash is full or reaches a predetermined limit.Keywords: Internet of Things, Covid-19, Smart Trash Can, Blynk Platform
ASYMMETRIC ORGANIZATION OF LOCAL SELF-GOVERNMENT AS A FACTOR OF PARTICIPATION IN IT OF COMMUNITIES OF INDIGENOUS MINORITIES OF RUSSIA
Authors: FILIPPOVA Natalya A.
Published: October 2021

The article summarizes the experience of Russian regions in organizing the participation of communities of indigenous minorities of Russia in local self-government: the phenomenon of national administrative-territorial units and the experience of “ethnic self-government” in the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia); features of the organization of local self-government in autonomous okrugs and special administrative-territorial units in the newly formed constituent entities of the Russian Federation. The proposal on the asymmetric organization of local self-government in connection with the asymmetric nature of Russian federalism and the complex ethnic composition of regional and local communities, as well as the forms of self-organization and forms of autonomy of indigenous minorities has been substantiated as forms of their participation in the implementation of local self-government. The levels of territorial localization of the autonomy of indigenous peoples are highlighted, the conclusion is substantiated about the participation of their communities in local autonomy as an optimal solution to ensure a balance of trends in the integration and isolation of these peoples in modern territorial communities. The need for federal legislative regulation of the peculiarities of the organization of local self-government in the municipalities included in the list of places of traditional residence and traditional economic activity of the few indigenous peoples of the Russian Federation, counts given the compactness criteria of the residence, has been proven, the main content of these characteristics has been determined.
Eugenol Elicits Prolongevity by Increasing Resistance to Oxidative Stress
in C. elegans
Authors: Parween Nikhat , Jabeen Amber , Prasad Birendra
Published: October 2021

Aim:

To analyze the efficacy of eugenol on longevity by assessing its antioxidant effect
using Caenorhabditis elegans as an animal model.

Background:

Eugenol is a major polyphenolic component of Ocimum sanctum (Tulsi) which attributes
wide pharmacological activities and can serve as a biomarker. However, the possible effect
of eugenol on longevity in Caenorhabditis elegans has not been reported.

Objective:

The objective of this investigation was to provide the first scientific based results about
the effect of eugenol on longevity, slowing down of paralysis in Alzheimer’s model and the mechanism
behind it in Caenorhabditis elegans animal model system.

Methods:

The phenolic components of methanolic extract of Ocimum sanctum were analyzed by
RP-HPLC. Worms were exposed to different concentrations of extract and one of its components -
eugenol. Lifespan, health span, survival in CL4176 Alzheimer’s model and molecular mechanism
were analyzed.

Results:

Extract of Ocimum sanctum and eugenol increased lifespan and provided indemnity
against pro-oxidants. It also significantly improved healthy ageing and slowed the progression of
neurodegeneration in CL4176 Alzheimer’s model of the worm by increasing survival against prooxidants
and slowing down the paralysis. Longevity effect was independent of the DAF-16 as observed
by using DAF-16::GFP and daf-16 null mutant strains. These results implicate eugenol as a
potent therapeutic compound that may curtail ageing and age related disorders like- Alzheimer’s
disease.

Conclusion:

The present work demonstrated eugenol as a potential anti-ageing compound that
may curtail ageing, improve heath span by enhancing resistance to oxidative stress and exerts its effect
independent of DAF-16 pathway. So, it can be assumed that eugenol can be beneficial to humans
as well, albeit further research is necessary before declaring it for human consumption.
Analysis of Gegenbauer kernel filtration on the hypersphere
Authors:   Department of Mathematics and Statistics, Alex Ekwueme Federal University, Ndufu-Alike, Nigeria, et al. Omenyi
Published: October 2021

In this study, we aim to construct explicit forms of convolution formulae for Gegenbauer kernel filtration on the surface of the unit hypersphere. Using the properties of Gegenbauer polynomials, we reformulated Gegenbauer filtration as the limit of a sequence of finite linear combinations of hyperspherical Legendre harmonics and gave proof for the completeness of the associated series. We also proved the existence of a fundamental solution of the spherical Laplace-Beltrami operator on the hypersphere using the filtration kernel. An application of the filtration on a one-dimensional Cauchy wave problem was also demonstrated.
Examining the Effectiveness of Gamification in Mental Health Apps for Depression: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Six Stephanie G , Byrne Kaileigh A , Tibbett Thomas P , Pericot-Valverde Irene
Published: October 2021

Background

Previous research showed that computerized cognitive behavioral therapy can effectively reduce depressive symptoms. Some mental health apps incorporate gamification into their app design, yet it is unclear whether features differ in their effectiveness to reduce depressive symptoms over and above mental health apps without gamification.

Objective

The aim of this study was to determine whether mental health apps with gamification elements differ in their effectiveness to reduce depressive symptoms when compared to those that lack these elements.

Methods

A meta-analysis of studies that examined the effect of app-based therapy, including cognitive behavioral therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, and mindfulness, on depressive symptoms was performed. A total of 5597 articles were identified via five databases. After screening, 38 studies (n=8110 participants) remained for data extraction. From these studies, 50 total comparisons between postintervention mental health app intervention groups and control groups were included in the meta-analysis.

Results

A random effects model was performed to examine the effect of mental health apps on depressive symptoms compared to controls. The number of gamification elements within the apps was included as a moderator. Results indicated a small to moderate effect size across all mental health apps in which the mental health app intervention effectively reduced depressive symptoms compared to controls (Hedges g=–0.27, 95% CI –0.36 to –0.17; P<.001). The gamification moderator was not a significant predictor of depressive symptoms (β=–0.03, SE=0.03; P=.38), demonstrating no significant difference in effectiveness between mental health apps with and without gamification features. A separate meta-regression also did not show an effect of gamification elements on intervention adherence (β=–1.93, SE=2.28; P=.40).

Conclusions

The results show that both mental health apps with and without gamification elements were effective in reducing depressive symptoms. There was no significant difference in the effectiveness of mental health apps with gamification elements on depressive symptoms or adherence. This research has important clinical implications for understanding how gamification elements influence the effectiveness of mental health apps on depressive symptoms.