bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Attenuation of low-frequency electromagnetic waves in the Earth's lower ionosphere under the influence of strong local disturbances in the atmosphere.
Authors:   Kotelnikov Institute of Radio engineering and Electronics of RAS, Mokhovaya 11-7, Moscow, 125009, Russia, Moshkov A.V.
Published: December 2021

The value and duration of attenuation of low frequency waves (1...10 kHz) in the presence of a strong local disturbance of the atmosphere have been estimated. Sources of significant local disturbances of the atmosphere are, for example, precipitation of energetic particles of radiation belts; electromagnetic pulses of lightning discharges; radiation of powerful low-frequency ground-based transmitters; invasion of large meteors. Strong local disturbances lead to an increase of ionization (concentration of free electrons) of the environment by several orders of magnitude in the region of space whose characteristic dimensions are comparable to the length of the wave (tens and hundreds of kilometers). As such a disturbance, we use the previously developed macroscopic model of an instantaneous, point release of a relatively large amount of energy in the atmosphere below the ionosphere. This model makes it possible to estimate the features of the propagation of low-frequency waves through the disturbed layer of the lower ionosphere by changing only two initial parameters: the disturbance energy and its initial height. It is shown that the attenuation value is almost independent of frequency and geo- and heliophysical conditions. For initial heights up to 50 km, the fading duration does not exceed ~ 2 min. With an increase of the initial altitude, the attenuation in the lower ionosphere becomes extremely large. However, for heights of 50 ... 70 km (depending on the value of energy), the horizontal size of the disturbance decreases significantly, which leads to a decrease in the fading time to tens of seconds for initial heights of more than 80 km.
THE METHOD OF OBJECT MODELING IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF PATENTABLE DESIGNS OF TRACTION DRIVE MECHANISMS
Authors: Vorob'ev Vladimir , Pugachev Aleksandr , Kopylov Stepan , Nikolaev Evgeniy
Published: December 2021

Work objective is to develop a patentable design of locomotive traction drive mechanisms using the example of a suspension unit. Research methods: object modeling method, analytical methods for calculating dynamics of rolling stock. Research results and novelty: the design of the railway electric motor suspension unit, which will reduce costs in the course of maintenance and repair of a locomotive with a solid gear by increasing the reliability of the suspension unit parts, eliminating their wear, has been developed; a compensation coupling device has been devised. We will synthesize the object model of a technical system based on the identification of its typical structure by classifying technical systems. Conclusion: the application of the object modeling method together with the object model allows avoiding errors in the development of new designs of technical objects based on existing comparables and eliminates defects of the selected prototype. The use of the object modeling method makes it possible to synthesize patentable designs of the locomotive underframe mechanisms.
MODELING OF CONTROL SYSTEMS FOR ORGANIZATIONAL AND TECHNOLOGICAL SUPPORT OF MECHANICAL ASSEMBLY AT AUTOMOTIVE CLUSTER ENTERPRISES
Authors: Shabanov Alexey , Averchenkova Elena
Published: December 2021

A system for providing mechanical assembly based on threaded joints used at enterprises of the automotive cluster. This system combines a subsystem of assembly equipment, a subsystem of spare tools. The model of the mechanical assembly support system can be based on a set-theoretic approach as a set of subsystems of organizational and technological support for mechanical assembly at automotive cluster enterprises. Subsystems of organizational and technological support of mechanical assembly for automotive cluster enterprises can be described from the standpoint of management theory. In each control system being formed, an object, a control subject, a feedback mechanism is allocated, and it is also assumed that the PMD will interact with the subsystem of organizational and technological support for mechanical assembly through the information system database being formed. The task of managing the organizational and technological system for providing mechanical assembly involves solving particular problems, including those of managing the subsystem of assembly equipment, also the subsystem of controlling and testing, the subsystem of spare tools, instruments and devices. The criteria of optimal control of the generated control tasks are presented.
Pre-Service English Teachers’ Professional Identity Development: A Case Study
Authors: Siahaan Sry Mora Yuni , Subekti Adaninggar Septi
Published: December 2021

The present study was conducted to investigate the development of the professional identity of Indonesian pre-service teachers of English as they served as lecturer assistants through a qualitative case study. The participants of the study were five lecturer assistants and five students taught by the lecturer assistants at an English Education major in the first semester of the 2020/2021 academic year. The method employed was conducting online semi-structured interviews. Through Thematic Analysis, the study found that the lecturer assistant participants trained their communication skills with their students by experiencing teaching firsthand. It was also found that the experience of being lecturer assistants facilitated the assistant participants to realise the importance of building rapport with their students and have more insights into the teaching profession. In a similar vein, the student participants also agreed that their lecturer assistant had successfully, albeit gradually, built rapport with them. The assistant participants were also reported to have better classroom management as the semester progressed. Based on the findings, possible implications and contributions were stated with possible limitations and suggested directions for future studies in the field of teacher professional identity development.
A calculus student’s understanding of graphical approach to the derivative through quantitative reasoning
Authors: Ozaltun-Celik Aytug
Published: December 2021

The concept of derivative is used in many areas including applied problems and requiring mathematical modelling in different disciplines. One of the most important approaches for teaching the derivative is to support students in visualizing the concept. Also, it is necessary to shift researchers and teachers’ focuses to students’ dynamic mental actions while learning derivative in order to conduct effective teaching process. With this necessity, I focused on the perspective of quantitative reasoning related to the graphical approach to the derivative. This study aims to reveal a calculus student’s mental actions related to the graphical approach to the derivative. The data were collected from a first-year calculus student engaged in the task requiring graphical interpretation of the derivative. Results showed that the student’s understanding of the slope shaped her inferences about the tangent line because the quantity of ratio is prior knowledge for learning the instantaneous rate of change. Besides, as the student had the idea of correspondence related to the concept of function, she had difficulties in interpreting the global view of the derivate. This result suggests that having global view of the derivative requires a strong understanding of function and rate.
Rheumatology Practitioners' View of Exercise in Adults With Systemic Sclerosis or Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Authors: Frade Stephanie , Cameron Melainie , O'Neill Sean , Greene David
Published: December 2021

Background

Exercise is part of the general recommendations for care of people with most arthropathies or connective tissue diseases, but it does not feature specifically in the clinical guidelines for management of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and systemic sclerosis (SSc) by rheumatology practitioners. In this study, we sought to explore rheumatologists' (RHs') and rheumatology nurses' (RNs') perspectives and use of exercise interventions for adults with SLE or SSc.

Methods

Semistructured interviews were conducted with Australian RHs and RNs online using Zoom (video conferencing software). Interviews were transcribed verbatim, then coded and analyzed using NVivo for content analysis of themes.

Results

Seventeen participants completed the interviews (RHs n = 12, RNs n = 5). Five themes were identified: rheumatology practitioners perceive that (1) exercise is beneficial for adults with SLE or SSc, especially in managing fatigue, pain, and wellbeing; (2) exercise presents some general, structural, and disease-related barriers for adults with SLE or SSc; (3) rheumatology practitioners are confident in providing general exercise advice but lack time and confidence in prescribing exercise; (4) rheumatology practitioners' concerns about exercise are limited to those with heart and lung disease, inflamed joints, ulcerated fingertips, and severe contractures; and (5) to facilitate safe and attainable exercise, rheumatology practitioners recommend long-term, supervised, gradual, and affordable exercise options. There were no clear differences identified between the views of RNs and RHs.

Conclusion

Rheumatology practitioners require information and options for long-term and affordable exercise for adults with SLE or SSc that are supervised, individualized, and focus on a gradual progressive approach.
A Primer on Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses: Part I
Authors: Fisher Stuart , Pearson Melissa J , Smart Neil A.
Published: December 2021

The conduct of systematic reviews and meta-analyses are a cornerstone source of information required for evidence-based practice in all medical and allied health professions. Meta-analyses are important in the exercise sciences because, for instance, sometimes many small underpowered studies may suggest the optimal treatment deviates from the generic guidelines that suggest 30 minutes to 60 minutes of moderate intensity aerobic activity 3 to 5 times weekly, supplemented by 1 or more sessions of resistance exercise. A systematic review and meta-analysis can help by combining studies to increase power and provide an answer. The signature method of presenting results of meta-analyses is the forest plot, and an ability to interpret these data and the associated funnel plots are essential to the practice of evidence-based exercise programming. This work describes the processes of systematic review and meta-analysis and informs the reader on how these works may be presented, interpreted, and applied. Some examples from the field of kinesiology and exercise physiology are presented to illustrate how the results of a meta-analysis may influence evidence-based practice.
ДОСЛІДЖЕННЯ НАДІЙНОСТІ РОБОТИ ЕЛЕМЕНТІВ ТРАНСПОРТНИХ СИСТЕМ ЗЕРНОЗБИРАЛЬНИХ КОМБАЙНІВ
Authors: Бурлака О. А. , Горбенко О. В. , Келемеш А. О. , Бурлака А. О.
Published: December 2021

Статтю викладено як системний аналіз причин відмов та надання практичних науково обґрун-тованих пропозицій для покращення надійності роботи зерно-транспортних ліній сучасних зерноз-биральних комбайнів. Автори проаналізували основні чинники та причини, що призводять до перед-часного виходу з ладу та руйнування елементів зерно-транспортної лінії зернозбиральних комбайнів. Об’єктом дослідження обрано фізичні явища, що відбуваються у верхній частині зернового та коло-сового елеваторів зерно-транспортної групи зернозбиральних комбайнів під час транспортування зерна. Детально досліджено та проаналізовано роботу спряження: робоча поверхня привідної зірочки – ланцюг зі скребками зернового та колосового елеватора комбайна. Визначено основні причини руйнування зубів привідної зірочки та прискореного зносу ланцюга зі скребками елеватора зернозбирального комбайна: абразивне зношування, контактне зношування, пластична деформація, корозійне зношування та ін. Основними з науково обґрунтованих та практичних рекомендацій стали такі: проведення системного діагностичного обстеження складників зерно-транспортної групи; зменшення інтервалів між обслуговуванням комбайнів у разі роботи у складних умовах збирання врожаю; можливість дзеркального встановлення частково зношеної зірочки поворотом на 180°; ретельне очищення робочих органів транспортних систем зернозбирального комбайна від рослинних залишків і бруду при технічних обслуговуваннях та постановці на зберігання; використання нових конструкційних матеріалів, зокрема і композитів, для виготовлення нових привідних зірочок ланцюга зі скребками елеваторів зерно-транспортної групи зернозбиральних комбайнів. Пропоновані поради та рекомендації з обраної тематики дослідження доцільно застосовувати при використанні існую-чих конструкцій та проєктуванні нових елементів зернотранспортних ліній сучасних зернозбираль-них комбайнів вітчизняного та закордонного виробництва. Також результати цього дослідження доцільно впроваджувати в навчальний процес при підготовці здобувачів вищої освіти спеціальностей 208 Агроінженерія та 133 Галузеве машинобудування.
An Agent Based Model to Detect Variations in the Transmission of Potters from Baetica Province
Authors: Coto-Sarmiento Maria , Carrignon Simon
Published: December 2021

The goal of this study is to analyse the transmission of technical skills among potters within the Roman Empire. Specifically, our case study has been focused on the production processes based on Baetica province (currently Andalusia) from 1st to 3rd century AD. Variability of material culture allows observing different production patterns that can explain how social learning evolves. Some differences can be detected in the making techniques processes through time and space that might explain different degrees of specialization. Unfortunately, it is extremely difficult to identify some evidence of social learning strategies in the archaeological record. In Archaeology, this process has been analysed by the study of the production of handmade pottery. In our case, we want to know if the modes of transmission could be similar with a more standardized production as Roman Age. We propose here an Agent-Based Model to compare different cultural processes of learning transmission. Archaeological evidence will be used to design the model. In this model, we implement a simple mechanism of pottery production with different social learning processes under different scenarios. In particular, the aim of this study is to quantify which one of those processes explain better the copying mechanisms among potters revealed in our dataset. We believe that the model presented here can provide a strong baseline for the exploration of transmission processes related to large-scale production.
Omicron variant of SARS-CoV-2 harbors a unique insertion mutation of putative viral or human genomic origin
Authors: Venkatakrishnan AJ , Anand Praveen , Lenehan Patrick , Suratekar Rohit , Raghunathan Bharathwaj , Niesen Michiel J.M. , Soundararajan Venky
Published: December 2021

The emergence of a heavily mutated SARS-CoV-2 variant (B.1.1.529, Omicron) and it’s spread to 6 continents within a week of initial discovery has set off a global public health alarm. Characterizing the mutational profile of Omicron is necessary to interpret its shared or distinctive clinical phenotypes with other SARS-CoV-2 variants. We compared the mutations of Omicron with prior variants of concern (Alpha, Beta, Gamma, Delta), variants of interest (Lambda, Mu, Eta, Iota and Kappa), and all 1523 SARS-CoV-2 lineages constituting 5.4 million SARS-CoV-2 genomes. Omicron’s Spike protein has 26 amino acid mutations (23 substitutions, two deletions and one insertion) that are distinct compared to other variants of concern. Whereas the substitution and deletion mutations have appeared in previous SARS-CoV-2 lineages, the insertion mutation (ins214EPE) has not been previously observed in any SARS-CoV-2 lineage other than Omicron. The nucleotide sequence encoding for ins214EPE could have been acquired by template switching involving the genomes of other viruses that infect the same host cells as SARS-CoV-2 or the human transcriptome of host cells infected with SARS-CoV-2. For instance, given recent clinical reports of co-infections in COVID-19 patients with seasonal coronaviruses (e.g. HCoV-229E), single cell RNA-sequencing data showing co-expression of the SARS-CoV-2 and HCoV-229E entry receptors (ACE2 and ANPEP) in respiratory and gastrointestinal cells, and HCoV genomes harboring sequences homologous to the nucleotide sequence that encodes ins214EPE, it is plausible that the Omicron insertion could have evolved in a co-infected individual. There is a need to understand the function of the Omicron insertion and whether human host cells are being exploited by SARS-CoV-2 as an ‘evolutionary sandbox’ for host-virus and inter-viral genomic interplay.
Reproducibility, Diversity, and the Crisis of Inference in Psychology
Authors: Syed Moin
Published: December 2021

Psychological researchers have long sought to make universal claims about behavior and mental processes. The various crises in psychology—reproducibility, replication, measurement, theory, generalizability—have all demonstrated that such claims are premature, and perhaps impossible using mainstream theoretical and methodological approaches. Both the lack of diversity of samples and simplistic conceptualizations of diversity (e.g., WEIRD, individualism/collectivism) have contributed to an “inference crisis,” in which researchers are ill equipped to make sense of group variation in psychological phenomena, particularly with respect to race/ethnicity. This talk will highlight how the lack of sophisticated frameworks for understanding racial/ethnic differences is a major barrier to developing a reproducible, cumulative psychology.
Bayes factors for logistic (mixed effect) models
Authors: Silvey Catriona , Dienes Zoltan , Wonnacott Elizabeth
Published: December 2021

In psychology, we often want to know whether or not an effect exists. The traditional way of answering this question is to use frequentist statistics. However, a significance test against a null hypothesis of no effect cannot distinguish between two states of affairs: evidence of absence of an effect, and absence of evidence for or against an effect. Bayes factors can make this distinction; however, uptake of Bayes factors in psychology has so far been low for two reasons. Firstly, they require researchers to specify the range of effect sizes their theory predicts. Researchers are often unsure about how to do this, leading to the use of inappropriate default values which may give misleading results. Secondly, many implementations of Bayes factors have a substantial technical learning curve. We present a case study and simulations demonstrating a simple method for generating a range of plausible effect sizes, i.e. a model of H1, for treatment effects where there is a binary dependent variable. We illustrate this using mainly the estimates from frequentist logistic mixed-effects models (because of their widespread adoption), but also using Bayesian model comparison with Bayesian hierarchical models (which have increased flexibility). Bayes factors calculated using these estimates provide intuitively reasonable results across a range of real effect sizes.
Adolescents’ Experiences of Distress and Well-Being during Intensive Mindfulness Practice: A Mixed-Methods Study
Authors: Tumminia Michael James , DeVlieger Shana , Colvin Sharon E , Akiva Thomas , Galla Brian
Published: December 2021

ObjectivesIn recent years mindfulness has gone mainstream, reaching many adolescents through school programs and smartphone applications. Yet there is little empirical understanding of what mindfulness practice is like for adolescents. This mixed-methods study sought to capture adolescents’ lived experiences as they embarked on a period of intensive mindfulness practice.MethodsTwenty-three self-selected youth (Mage = 16.68 years, SD = 1.55; 57% girls, 43% boys; 52% White, 13% African American, 4% Latino, 4% East Asian, and 26% Multiracial) participated in a six-day residential mindfulness retreat. Participants completed self-report surveys, open-ended daily diaries, and discussed their experiences in focus groups. Qualitative data were analyzed using a two-cycle coding process to categorize common patterns of adolescents’ experiences during mindfulness practice and quantitative data were examined for demographic subgroup differences.ResultsAdolescents reported an array of experiences of distress from cognitive (83% of adolescents; e.g., self-loathing and rumination), to emotional (87% of adolescents; e.g., sadness), to physical distress (44% of adolescents; e.g., physical pain) during mindfulness practice. They also described a range of well-being experiences from cognitive (87% of adolescents; e.g., self-inquiry and discovery), to emotional (65% of adolescents; e.g., acceptance), to social well-being (39% of adolescents; e.g., loving-kindness and connection). The frequency of experiences of distress and well-being reported were relatively balanced overall, yet girls and experienced meditators reported greater distress.ConclusionsThis study paints a descriptive picture of adolescents’ experiences during mindfulness practice and suggested that their experiences might reflect core developmental concerns. Implications for adolescent development and contemplative science are discussed.
Pädagogische Ansatzpunkte in der Umweltbildung für Zuwanderer/-innen
Authors: Pusch Barbara
Published: December 2021

Regarding Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) in general and Environmental Education in particular, immigrant adults are still insufficiently involved and not identified as a relevant target group. However, in recent years, there have been and continue to be few initiatives that are dedicated to promoting sustainable practices of migrants. The article starts at this point and examines, with recourse to various concepts of intercultural education on the one hand and the distinction between politischer Bildung und Erziehung, both referred to as political education in the Anglo-Saxon context, three environmental initiatives in Germany, thus linking ESD and intercultural education.
Importance of learning Global Health in strengthening Primary Health Care: an experience from Nepal
Authors: Yadav Randhir Sagar , Shrestha Shumneva
Published: December 2021

Global health is a multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary approach of dealing transnational determinants of health. Strengthening health care institutions is vital for achieving universal health care. It also favors global health outcomes as it bridges gaps of health inequalities and saves numerous lives. In Nepal, the Institute of Medicine, Tribhuvan University is offering global health course since 2013. This paper discusses practical application of the learnings from the global health course to make commendable achievements at a primary health center. The global health course can be the foundation for transforming clinicians and public health practitioners into promising global health leaders. This will contribute to improve basic health care services, quality care, and vaccination program to improve the health of population. Therefore, global health course should be an imperative of medical education to capacitate doctors working in these settings to better understand the social determinants of disease prevention, care and rehabilitation.
Demography and Short Term Functional Outcome of Soft Tissue Sarcoma Treated with Limb Salvage Surgery
Authors: Pandey Suresh
Published: December 2021

Background: Limb salvage surgery with or without radiotherapy and/or chemotherapy is the mainstay of treatment of Soft Tissue Sarcoma (STS). Though, many studies are found regarding the demographics and result of such malignancy from other parts of the world, such data is not available from our country. This study aimed to analyze the demographic data and functional outcome of STS treated with limb salvage surgery.

Methods: It is a retrospective review of 16 cases of soft tissue sarcoma of extremities and trunk managed with limb salvage surgery followed by adjuvant radiotherapy and/or chemotherapy in indicated cases from 2012 to 2017. Demographic data and functional score after 2 years of surgery were analysed and presented.

Results: There were 14 male and 2 female cases of STS with mean age of 32.88 years. The most common STS was liposarcoma (37.5%) followed by rhabdomyosarcoma (25%) and synovial sarcoma (18.8%). Extremity and lower limb were the most common sites. Mean MSTS functional score at the last follow up was 24.56 (81.83%) with range from 19-29 (63.33%-96.66%). There were good to excellent results in 13 cases (81.25%) and moderate result in 3 cases (18.75%) according to MSTS functional score. There was positive correlation of MSTS with age, radiotherapy, chemotherapy and negative correlation with grade of tumor.

Conclusions: This study showed good to excellent functional results in 81.25% of cases as per Musculoskeletal Tumor Society Score (MSTS) with positive correlation with radiotherapy, chemotherapy, age and negative correlation with grade of tumor.
Pigmented Lesions of Skin: A Histopathologic Experience at a Tertiary Care Center in Central Nepal
Authors: Goyal Binita , Rai Suman , Sedhain Mamata , Subedi Pratigya
Published: December 2021

Introduction
Pigmented skin lesions refer to lesions that are brown, black or blue in color. These are not always melanocytic in origin. Keratinocytic, vascular or reactive pigmentation in other lesions can also appear pigmented. The main aim of the study was to see the histopathological spectrum and objective was to compare clinical and histopathological diagnoses in pigmented skin lesions.
Methods
This descriptive study was carried out on 43 pigmented skin lesions that were biopsied over a 1 and half year period from Jan 2018 to June 2019 in College of Medical Sciences and Teaching Hospital.
Results
Age of the patient ranged from 10 to 88 years and mean±SD was 42.02±19.73 years. There were 21 (48.8%) males and 22 (51.2%) females with a male female ratio 0.9:1. Melanocytic nevus was the most common histopathological diagnosis (11 cases, 25.6%). Reactive pigmentation was seen in 20 (46.5%) cases. Malignant cases comprised 6 (14.0%) cases which included 2 (4.7%) cases of melanoma, 2 (4.7%) cases of pigmented basal cell carcinoma and 1 (2.3%) case each of basaloid squamous cell carcinoma and trichoblastic carcinoma each. Clinicopathological agreement could be seen in 32 (74.4%) cases. However, malignancy was clinically suspected in only half of histologically diagnosed cases.
Conclusions
Melanocytic nevi were the most common pigmented lesions diagnosed. Not all pigmented lesions are melanocytic in origin. Malignant tumors can sometimes appear deceptively benign and also tumors other than melanoma can be pigmented. Hence, histopathological examination remains the gold standard in diagnosing these conditions and guiding appropriate management.
Keywords: melanocytic; melanoma; nevus; pigmented.
Short Stature in Children Visiting Endocrine Out Patient Department of Kanti Children’s Hospital, Nepal
Authors: Yadav Anupama Kumari , Karki Subhana Thapa
Published: December 2021

Introduction: The causes of Short Stature in children are different in different countries. It can vary from endocrine to non-endocrine. This study was conducted to identify the causes of short stature in children who are brought in Endocrine Out Patient Department of Kanti Children’s Hospital.

Methods: This is a retrospective study done at Endocrine Out Patient Department of Kanti Children’s Hospital for ten year duration. One Hundred and Twenty five Children who were brought with chief complain of not gaining height were included.  Children’s were evaluated for causes of short stature.

Results: Male and Female ratio was 1.2:1. The commonest cause seen was Familial Short Stature 41(32.8%), Constitutional 22(17.6%), Hypothyroidism 20 (16%), Syndromic 13 (10.4%), Skeletal Dysplasia 10 (8%), Malnutrition 10 (8%), Chronic Diseases 7 (5.6%) and Growth Hormone Deficiency 2 (1.6%).

Conclusions: This study showed  Familial and Constitutional short stature as leading cause of short stature.  Hypothyroidism and Malnutrition account for significant percentage which are treatable cause. Down’s syndrome(40%) and Turner Syndrome(7.6%) are the main genetic causes of short stature.
Design, fabrication and testing of banana fibre extraction machine
Authors: Poudel Sachin , Chapai Sushil , Subedi Raj Kumar , Giri Tark Raj , Adhikari Sunil
Published: December 2021

Banana (Musa paradisiacal L) is the fourth most important crop in the world after rice, wheat and maize. Banana cultivation in Nepal is more popular like other agricultural products and has annual fibre production of about 1,977 tons. The thick, fleshy and fibrous pseudo stems that are left over after harvesting the bananas can be used to extract high quality fibre. Farmers usually throw away this whole stump because it is big and heavy and takes a long time to rot and the animals do not eat it. The cost of importing extraction machine from other country is expensive. The research and development of such machine with low cost, which ultimately provides opportunity of local entrepreneurship to farmers and helps in proper utilization of agricultural management, was felt necessary. The developed machine from this project, uses combined application of roller and a decorticator for fibre extraction. The machine can extract fibre from 1,648 Kg of input which is about 100-160 banana pseudostem. The fibre production obtained was 54 Kg per day with NRS. 11 operation cost per 1 Kg of fibre. The production efficiency in comparison to available commercial machine is 180 %.
Calibration of local earthquake magnitudes in Nepal
Authors: Rajaure S. , Koirala B. P. , Bhattarai M. , Maske S.
Published: December 2021

An attempt has been made to calibrate magnitudes of local earthquakes recorded by National Seismological Centre (NSC) of the Department of Mines and Geology (DMG), Nepal with other magnitudes of corresponding earthquakes [eported by International Seismological Centre (ISC), UK, and United States Geological Survey (USGS), USA. Local magnitudes (ML) are used from NSC, corresponding surface wave magnitudes (Ms) and body-wave magnitudes (Mb) are used from catalog of ISC and moment magnitude (Mw) is used from catalog of the USGS.

After regression analysis, it has been found that the local magnitude s (ML) reported by NSC are slightly larger than Ms, Mb and Mw in all cases. ML, on average, is larger by an amount of about 0.5, than Ms; with an uncertainty of 0.7. Similarly, ML is larger than corresponding Mb by an amount of about 0.6 and the uncertainty is about 0.5. Likewise, ML is larger than Mw by about 1.0 and the corresponding uncertainty is 0.7.
Opioid Dependence And Methadone Maintenance Treatment (MMT) Programme In Nepal In Three Different Decades: An Exploratory/Comparative Study
Authors: Shrestha DM , Aich TK , Gautam K , Bajracharya D
Published: December 2021

Introduction: First Methadone Maintenance Programme (MMTP) in Nepal was started in the year 1994. This study was done to study and explore/compare findings of the present study with that of studies published in Nepal in the new millennium.

Material and Method: Study was conducted at the Mental Hospital, Lalitpur, Kathmandu, Nepal from 1994 to 2002. Data was collected for the initial 5 years from 1994 to 1998. These patients were followed up for the next five years till 2002. Data thus obtained are presented in a tabulated form, in terms of frequencies and percentages.

Results: A total of 204 patients were put on Methadone Maintenance Treatment Programme (MMTP) during the scheduled period. One-hundred-and-twenty-two (60%) of them were abusing buprenorphine. Severity of buprenorphine abuse was between 1-6 ampoules (2 ml per ampoule) per day. Approximately 40% (81) of them were sharing the injecting equipment. Seventy-seven (38%) of them had been in police custody in the past, for various reasons like theft, cheating, possessing, trafficking, violence and other antisocial behaviours. Forty-five percent (92) clients were retained at the end of 5 years. Sixty-nine family members (spouses, mothers, brothers) from these 92 regular methadone clients were interviewed. Eighty-six percent (79) of the interviewed family members reported significant improvement in clients’ health. Eighty-one percent (75) of the family members reported significant improvement among the methadone users’ family in financial responsibilities and interest in work. Overall, MMTP was found to have reduced the amount of illicit drug abuse significantly in these patients. These results are compared with the data of the subsequent published data on MMTP from Nepal in the new millennium.

Conclusion: Though the present study data may appear to be of historical value, we are presenting these data, in the light of the findings of the newer studies published of late from Nepal. Till date, our study remained the largest MMT Programme in Nepal, in terms of number of patients studied, number of years of study and number of years of follow up of these patients.
Stress and Coping Among Students Preparing For Medical Entrance Examinations
Authors: Mishra SK , Yadav AK , Khadka P , KC P
Published: December 2021

Introduction: Medical education is a demanding one with thousands of students appearing for the entrance examinations. The preparation for the examination can take a toll on the students. Despite this virtually no studies have looked into the mental health state of these students.

Material and Method: 261 students preparing for medical entrance examinations in a coaching institute were assessed using DASS-21 and Brief COPE Inventory.

Results: 63.8%, 82% and 51.3% of the participants reported suffering from depressive symptoms, anxiety and stress respectively of which 8%, 23% and 1.9% reported suffering from extremely severe depression, anxiety and stress respectively. Students mostly used planning, positive reframing and active coping to cope with the stress.

Conclusion: Students preparing for medical entrance suffered from considerable stress and psychological interventions need to be formulated to help them.
A comparative study of the tense and aspect in Standard Khasi and its varieties
Authors: Rynjah Rymphang K.
Published: December 2021

In this study, we will undertake a comparative study of the syntax of the Tense and Aspect of Standard Khasi, an Austro-Asiatic language spoken in the state of Meghalaya and its two varieties Trangblang and Mawlong. Trangblang belongs to the War-Jaiñtia dialect of Khasi and is spoken in Trangblang village situated in Amlarem Block in Jaiñtia Hills District. Mawlong, on the other hand, is a War-Khasi dialect of Khasi and is spoken in Mawlong village located in the East Khasi Hills District. The main aim of this study is to compare and contrast the similarity and variation between these varieties when compared with the Standard Khasi using a comparative methodology. This study also aims to present the morphology of Tense and Aspect and to account for the syntactic analyses of Tense and Aspect in these varieties.
SOCIAL EDUCATION OF JUVENILE OFFENSERS CONVICTED PENALTIES BY NON-IMPRISONMENT
Authors:   State Higher Educational Institution ", Plisko Y. Yu. ,   Donbass State Pedagogical University "
Published: December 2021

The study helped to find out that the process of organizing the social education of juvenile offenders sentenced to imprisonment by imprisonment is carried out on the basis of the use of: a multilevel complex of social and pedagogical prevention; methods of individual and collective educational work; and also, social and pedagogical rehabilitation of the personality of the child-criminal. The use of crime prevention (at three levels) is aimed at: prevention of deviations of the delinquent nature of the child, the formation of its legal awareness, providing moral and psychological assistance to "difficult" adolescents and their parents; elimination of possible risks of committing an offense and prevention of re-offending by a juvenile who has already been prosecuted. Emphasis is placed on individual educational work, which is defined as the most progressive modern form of social and pedagogical rehabilitation and socialization of difficult children (delinquents, offenders, criminals, etc.). The use of "individual case management" as a separate model of organizing comprehensive assistance to a juvenile offender sentenced to non-custodial punishment is considered. As an example of collective work, a program of social and pedagogical rehabilitation is presented, in which the process of restoring the personality of a juvenile offender has a complex, multidisciplinary nature and is carried out in a healthy society. It is revealed that the correctional and rehabilitation work is carried out taking into account the results of diagnosis, causes and conditions of each juvenile regarding his offense. Therefore, each program is adjusted to each case.
Correction of imbalance of essentialaminoacids of blood plasma in Patients with stableangina
Authors: Bohdan T. V. , Pliskevich D. A. , Bohdan V. V. , Моshkovska Y. O. , Savchenko O. V.
Published: December 2021

Introduction. Ischemic heart disease is the leading nosology calunit in the structure of cardiovascular diseases interms of disability and mortality among the population of Ukraine. The purpose. To improve the treatment of patients with stable angina by studying the effect of L-arginine on the balance of essential amino acids in blood plasma. Material and methods. It was examined 85 patients with stable angina. They were divided into two groups: group Ipatients received antianginal basic therapy, group II patients received basic antianginal therapy and L-arginine. The amino acid spectrum of patients' blood plasma was studied by ion-exchange liquid column chromatography, using an automatic amino acid analyzer T-339 Microtechna (Czech Republic, Prague). Results and discussion. In patients with stable angina who received basic therapy and L-arginine, in contrast to patients who received only basic therapy, plasma levels of arginine became normalized, which probably contributes to the synthesis of NO. The level of valine, leucine and isoleucine, which provide the synthesis of acyl-CoA and succinyl-CoA, became also normalized.Conclusion. Administration of L-arginine to patients with stable angina together with antianginal therapy helps to correct plasma amino acid imbalances, which is likely to effectively affect the course of the disease and prognosis.
Spor Turizmi ve Gönüllülük
Authors: DUMAN Günseli , DUMAN Savaş , ŞAHİN Hacı Murat , ULUÇ Ender Ali , BULUT Çilem
Published: December 2021

Turizmin içerisinde yer alan spor turizmi; spor aktivitelerini yapmak ya da izlemek amacıyla yapılan seyahatleri içermektedir. Uluslararası ya da ulusal düzeyde düzenlenen spor organizasyonları, turlar ya da şampiyonalara katılım sağlayan bireylerin serbest zamanlarını değerlendirmek için yaptıkları seyahatlerin tümü turizmin içerisinde yer almaktadır. İçerisinde yaşadığımız dönemde başta futbol olmak üzere birçok spor branşında gerek ulusal gerekse uluslararası düzeyde spor organizasyonları düzenlenmektedir. Ayrıca sporun ve spor yapılabilecek olan alanların büyümesi spor turizmi başlığı altında golf turizmi, futbol turizmi, hava sporları turizmi, su sporları turizmi gibi birçok alt turizm türünün ortaya çıkmasına olanak tanımıştır. Spor Turizmi kapsamında birçok spor organizasyonu düzenlenmekte ve bu organizasyonlara çeşitli ülkeler ve bölgelerden katılımcılar gelmektedir. Ayrıca ulusal ya da uluslararası düzeyde düzenlenen spor organizasyonlarına birçok gönüllü katılım sağlamaktadır. Gönüllü olarak spor organizasyonlarına katılım sağlayan bireyler bu organizasyonlarda birçok görev ve sorumluluğu yerine getirmektedirler. Ayrıca bu gönüllüler spor organizasyonları aracılığı ile spor turizmine de katkı sağlamaktadırlar.

Spor turizmi kapsamında gönüllük kavramının döküman analizi yöntemiyle incelendiği bu araştırmada sonuç olarak; Spor organizasyonlarına gönüllü olarak katılım sağlayan bireyler; ekonomik açıdan verimliliğin sağlanması ile birlikte, spor etkinliklerinde maliyetlerin en az düzeye indirilmesi ve aynı zamanda finansal açıdan başarının sağlanmasına imkân tanımaktadırlar.
Paravertebral foramen screw fixation for posterior cervical spine surgery: clinical case series
Authors: Shimizu Tomoaki , Koda Masao , Abe Tetsuya , Asada Tomoyuki , Sato Kosuke , Shibao Yosuke , Kono Mamoru , Eto Fumihiko , Miura Kousei , Mataki Kentaro , Noguchi Hiroshi , Takahashi Hiroshi , Funayama Toru , Yamazaki Masashi
Published: December 2021

OBJECTIVE

The goal of this study was to clarify the clinical utility of paravertebral foramen screws (PVFSs) and to determine intraoperative indicators for appropriate screw placement during posterior cervical fusion surgery to improve its safety.

METHODS

The authors included data from 46 patients (29 men and 17 women, mean age 61.7 years) who underwent posterior cervical spine surgery with 94 PVFSs. Of the 94 PVFSs, 77 were used in C6, 9 in C3, 5 in C4, and 3 in C5. According to the cervical lateral radiographic view, the authors divided the 94 PVFSs into 3 groups as follows: a longer group, in which the tip of PVFS was located anteriorly from the line of the posterior wall of the vertebral body (> +0 mm); an intermediate group, in which the screw tip was located up to 2 mm posteriorly to the posterior wall of the vertebral body (–2 to 0 mm); and a shorter group, in which the screw tip was located more than 2 mm posteriorly (< –2 mm). The accuracy of screw placement was assessed using CT imaging in the axial plane, and the proportion of screws penetrating a vertebral foramen or a transverse foramen was compared between the 3 groups. Screw loosening was defined as a lucent zone around the screw evaluated on cervical radiography at 1 year after surgery. Complications related to PVFS insertion and revision surgery related to PVFS were evaluated.

RESULTS

The authors classified 25 PVFSs into the longer group, 43 into the intermediate group, and 26 into the shorter group. The proportion of screws penetrating a vertebral foramen was largest in the shorter group, and the proportion penetrating a transverse foramen was largest in the longer group. Screw loosening was confirmed for 3 of 94 PVFSs. One PVFS inserted in C6 unilaterally within a long construct from C2 to C7 showed loosening, but it did not cause clinical symptoms. Revision surgery was required for 2 PVFSs inserted in C3 bilaterally as the lower instrumented vertebra in occiput–cervical fusion because they pulled out. There was no neurovascular complication related to PVFS insertion.

CONCLUSIONS

PVFSs are useful for posterior cervical fusion surgery as alternative anchor screws, and the line of the posterior wall of the cervical body on lateral fluoroscopic images is a potential intraoperative reference to indicate an appropriate trajectory for PVFSs.
Single-position prone lateral transpsoas approach: early experience and outcomes
Authors: Farber S. Harrison , Naeem Komal , Bhargava Malika , Porter Randall W.
Published: December 2021

OBJECTIVE

Lateral lumbar interbody fusion (LLIF) via a transpsoas approach is a workhorse minimally invasive approach for lumbar arthrodesis that is often combined with posterior pedicle screw fixation. There has been increasing interest in performing single-position surgery, allowing access to the anterolateral and posterior spine without requiring patient repositioning. The feasibility of the transpsoas approach in patients in the prone position has been reported. Herein, the authors present a consecutive case series of all patients who underwent single-position prone transpsoas LLIF performed by an individual surgeon since adopting this approach.

METHODS

A retrospective review was performed of a consecutive case series of adult patients (≥ 18 years old) who underwent single-position prone LLIF for any indication between October 2019 and November 2020. Pertinent operative details (levels, cage use, surgery duration, estimated blood loss, complications) and 3-month clinical outcomes were recorded. Intraoperative and 3-month postoperative radiographs were reviewed to assess for interbody subsidence.

RESULTS

Twenty-eight of 29 patients (97%) underwent successful treatment with the prone lateral approach over the study interval; the approach was aborted in 1 patient, whose data were excluded. The mean (SD) age of patients was 67.9 (9.3) years; 75% (21) were women. Thirty-nine levels were treated: 18 patients (64%) had single-level fusion, 9 (32%) had 2-level fusion, and 1 (4%) had 3-level fusion. The most commonly treated levels were L3–4 (n = 15), L2–3 (n = 12), and L4–5 (n = 11). L1–2 was fused in 1 patient. The mean operative time was 286.5 (100.6) minutes, and the mean retractor time was 29.2 (13.5) minutes per level. The mean fluoroscopy duration was 215.5 (99.6) seconds, and the mean intraoperative radiation dose was 170.1 (94.8) mGy. Intraoperative subsidence was noted in 1 patient (4% of patients, 3% of levels). Intraoperative lateral access complications occurred in 11% of patients (1 cage repositioning, 2 inadvertent ruptures of anterior longitudinal ligament). Subsidence occurred in 5 of 22 patients (23%) with radiographic follow-up, affecting 6 of 33 levels (18%). Postoperative functional testing (Oswestry Disability Index, SF-36, visual analog scale–back and leg pain) identified significant improvement.

CONCLUSIONS

This single-surgeon consecutive case series demonstrates that this novel technique is well tolerated and has acceptable clinical and radiographic outcomes. Larger patient series with longer follow-up are needed to further elucidate the safety profile and long-term outcomes of single-position prone LLIF.
A critical reappraisal of corticospinal tract somatotopy and its role in traumatic cervical spinal cord syndromes
Authors: Levi Allan D. , Schwab Jan M.
Published: December 2021

The corticospinal tract (CST) is the preeminent voluntary motor pathway that controls human movements. Consequently, long-standing interest has focused on CST location and function in order to understand both loss and recovery of neurological function after incomplete cervical spinal cord injury, such as traumatic central cord syndrome. The hallmark clinical finding is paresis of the hands and upper-extremity function with retention of lower-extremity movements, which has been attributed to injury and the sparing of specific CST fibers. In contrast to historical concepts that proposed somatotopic (laminar) CST organization, the current narrative summarizes the accumulated evidence that 1) there is no somatotopic organization of the corticospinal tract within the spinal cord in humans and 2) the CST is critically important for hand function. The evidence includes data from 1) tract-tracing studies of the central nervous system and in vivo MRI studies of both humans and nonhuman primates, 2) selective ablative studies of the CST in primates, 3) evolutionary assessments of the CST in mammals, and 4) neuropathological examinations of patients after incomplete cervical spinal cord injury involving the CST and prominent arm and hand dysfunction. Acute traumatic central cord syndrome is characterized by prominent upper-extremity dysfunction, which has been falsely predicated on pinpoint injury to an assumed CST layer that specifically innervates the hand muscles. Given the evidence surveyed herein, the pathophysiological mechanism is most likely related to diffuse injury to the CST that plays a critically important role in hand function.