bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Intraoperative Computed Tomography Image Fusion for Orbital Blowout Fracture Reconstruction
Authors: Nazimi Abd Jabar , Nabil Syed
Published: June 2021

Intraoperative computed tomography (CT) has been previously described and acknowledged for its use in orbital blowout fracture reconstructions. We described a clinical case series managed by this technique combined with intraoperative image fusion for accuracy in orbital implant position. In total, eight patients who sustained a total number of 19 orbital wall fractures were described. From the total number of 19 blowout orbital fracture reconstructions comprised of medial and inferior (floor) orbital fractures, malposition was identified in a total of four orbital implants by using image fusion. All cases of implant malposition were immediately revised intraoperatively. Subsequent fusion was carried out to confirm whether the revision was satisfactorily achieved. We found that the intraoperative image fusion technique utilised to determine orbital implant position, especially at the posterior ledge, further augmented the role of intraoperative CT scanning. Image fusion conceptually provides an immediate, real-time, and objective solution for intraoperative image analysis and potentially eliminates problems with misaligned CT images. It also reduces the need for the surgeon to ‘eye-ball’ the CT images acquired or the need for additional intraoperative time, since the patient’s head orientation is always axially at random during the acquisition of the CT. Conventional methods for CT image assessment are subjected to one’s own interpretation and may introduce inconsistent or longer intraoperative decision-making. The technique facilitates intraoperative decision-making and reduces the risk of orbital implant malposition in orbital blowout fracture reconstructions. Hence, surgical complication in relation to orbital implant malposition in orbital blowout fracture management could be minimised. In addition, no further postoperative imaging is required.
The Optimum Duration of Flushing Dental Unit Waterlines for Microbial Removal
Authors: Keat Hon John Chong , Adnan Siti Noor Adnalizawati , Ismail Nur Aqilah
Published: June 2021

This study aims to evaluate the optimum duration of flushing dental unit waterlines (DUWLs) in Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia (USIM) dental polyclinics for removal of heterotrophic bacteria. Water samples were obtained from triple air syringes at each dental chair from oral surgery clinic, outpatient clinic and polyclinic 17 at Faculty of Dentistry, USIM after 16 and 64 hours of not operating the dental units as baseline samples. This is followed by sampling after continuous flushing at 30 seconds, 1 minute, 2 minutes and 3 minutes of flushing duration. The levels of heterotrophic plate count (HPC) for each flushing duration were determined by quantification of colony forming units (CFUs) after cultivation of samples on plate count agar (PCA), R2A agar and 5% sheep blood agar (SBA). Statistically, there was no significant reduction in CFUs of HPC for all flushing duration compared to baseline (P > 0.05) with the most notable HPC reducing level after 1 minute and 3 minutes of flushing DUWLs. However, HPC level at USIM dental clinics is still exceeding the recommendation by Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) which should be less than 500 CFU/mL. The existing method of controlling DUWLs contamination in USIM dental clinics is only by flushing DUWLs 1 minute every morning prior to dental treatment as recommended by Malaysian Dental Council (MDC) without the use of chemical germicides. Thus, the flushing method alone is not reliable to reduce the number of microorganisms in the DUWLs.
Fermion mass hierarchies from supersymmetric gauged flavour symmetry in 5D
Authors: Patel Ketan
Published: June 2021

A mechanism to generate realistic fermion mass hierarchies based on
supersymmetric gauged U(1)_FU(1)F
symmetry in flat five-dimensional (5D) spacetime is proposed. The fifth
dimension is compactified on S^1/Z_2S1/Z2
orbifold. The standard model fermions charged under the extra abelian
symmetry along with their superpartners live in the 5D bulk. Bulk masses
of fermions are generated by the vacuum expectation value of
N=2N=2
superpartner of U(1)_FU(1)F
gauge field, and they are proportional to U(1)_FU(1)F
charges of respective fermions. This decides localization of fermions in
the extra dimension, which in turn gives rise to exponentially
suppressed Yukawa couplings in the effective 4D theory. Anomaly
cancellation puts stringent constraints on the allowed
U(1)_FU(1)F
charges which leads to correlations between the masses of quarks and
leptons. We perform an extensive numerical scan and obtain several
solutions for anomaly-free U(1)_FU(1)F,
which describe the observed pattern of fermion masses and mixing with
all the fundamental parameters of order unity. It is found that the
possible existence of SM singlet neutrinos substantially improves the
spectrum of solutions by offering more freedom in choosing
U(1)_FU(1)F
charges. The model predicts Z^\primeZ′
boson mediating flavour violating interactions in both the quark and
lepton sectors with the couplings which can be explicitly determined
from the Yukawa couplings.
An empirical analysis of financial leverage and financial performance: Empirical evidence from Indian listed firms
Authors: Ahmed Mareai Senan Nabil , Ahmad Anwar , Anagreh Suhaib , I. Tabash Mosab , A. Al-Homaidi Eissa
Published: June 2021

The purpose of this paper is to examine the determinants of financial performance, firm liquidity and financial leverage of Indian listed firms. This study uses both static models (pooled, fixed, and random effects) and Generalized Moment Methods (GMM). Financial leverage (FINLE) is defined by the ratio of total liabilities to total assets, whereas the current ratio and the quick ratio are used as firm liquidity factors. Further, a set of financial performance determinants such as return on assets, profit after tax, return on capital employed, return on equity, and Tobin-Q are used as independent factors. The results indicated that profit after tax, return on equity, return on capital employed, and Tobin-Q are the most significant financial success variables that influence financial leverage of Indian listed companies. Furthermore, profit after tax, return on capital invested, return on equity, and Tobin-Q are considered to have a substantial effect on financial leverage among the financial success indicators. In the case of firm liquidity, the findings show that the current ratio and the quick ratio have a substantial effect on the financial leverage of Indian listed companies.
TÜRKİYE EKONOMİSİNDE EKONOMİK BÜYÜME VE BEŞERİ SERMAYE ARASINDAKİ İLİŞKİNİN AMPİRİK ANALİZİ: 1980-2019 DÖNEMİ
Authors: ÇETİNER Sibel , ÇELİK Onur
Published: June 2021

İktisadi literatürde beşeri sermayenin ekonomik gelişime katkısı uzun süredir genel kabul görmektedir. Beşeri sermaye kavramı, içsel büyüme modellerinden biri olan Lucas’ın beşeri sermaye modeli ile birlikte çok daha iyi anlaşılmıştır. Eğitimli, sağlıklı ve nitelikli işgücü, yeni teknolojiler üreterek, yeni teknolojileri daha etkin kullanarak ve kaynakların etkin kullanımını sağlayarak, ekonomik büyüme ve kalkınmaya katkı sağlamaktadır. Bu nedenle, hem yeterli fiziki sermaye yatırımlarına hem de beşeri sermaye gelişimine uygun şartlara sahip olan ülkeler, çok daha kolay büyümekte ve kalkınmaktadırlar.
Bu kapsamda, her iktisadi dönemin içerdiği gerçeklikler ile beşeri sermaye ve ekonomik büyüme ilişkisi araştırılmaya değer görülmektedir. Türkiye Ekonomisi için de bu iki kavramın ilişkisini araştırmak, özellikle son dönemlerde oluşturulan politikalarda adı sıkça geçen beşeri sermaye kavramının etkilerini görebilmek açısından oldukça önemlidir. Bu çalışmada, 1980-2019 dönemi için, ADF birim kök, VAR analizi ve Johansen eş bütünleşme testiyle beşeri sermaye ve ekonomik büyüme arasındaki ilişki Türkiye ekonomisi için incelenmiştir. Yapılan ampirik analiz neticesinde, uzun dönemde, beşeri sermaye ve ekonomik büyüme arasında eş bütünleşme ilişkisi tespit edilmiştir. Elde edilen sonuçlar gösteriyor ki, beşeri sermayedeki artışlar, ekonomik büyümeyi pozitif yönde etkilemektedir.
COVID-19 SALGIN SÜRECİNDE KADIN KONUKEVİ HİZMETLERİ
Authors: GÜNDÜZ Olgun , YALÇIN Melike , ARSLAN Safak
Published: June 2021

Bu araştırmanın temel amacı Covid-19 salgınının konukevlerinden hizmet alan kadınlara ve kadın konukevi hizmetlerine yönelik etkisinin belirlenmesidir. Nicel araştırma yöntemi kullanılarak gerçekleştirilen araştırmaya Covid-19 salgını döneminde, 11-23 Mart 2021 tarihleri arasında, Aile ve Sosyal Hizmetler Bakanlığına (ASHB) bağlı kadın konukevlerinden şiddete maruz kalması nedeniyle hizmet alan ve araştırmaya katılmayı kabul eden 450 kadın katılım sağlamıştır. Şiddete maruz kalan kadınların salgın nedeniyle kadın konukevine başvuru sürecinde ve kadın konukevi hizmetlerinden faydalandıkları süre içerisinde herhangi bir sorunla karşılaşmadığı, kuruluşlarda Covid-19' a karşı gereken önlemlerin alındığı ve güçlendirme hizmetlerinin kesintisiz devam ettiği sonuçlarına ulaşılmıştır.
Utilização dos sistemas de informação para fins gerenciais:
Authors: Batista Gabriel Pontarolo , Ribeiro Flávio , Macohon Edson Roberto
Published: June 2021

Verifica-se na literatura contábil que, diante do turbulento contexto em que os micros e pequenos empresários estão inseridos, o uso da tecnologia de informação assume importância vital para propiciar a competitividade necessária à sobrevivência/crescimento organizacional. Com o objetivo de analisar como os gestores de micro e pequenas empresas do ramo de minimercados utilizam os sistemas de informação para o processo de tomada de decisão, a presente pesquisa classifica-se, metodologicamente, em descritiva, com procedimentos bibliográficos, documentais e survey. A amostra é composta pelos gestores de micro e pequenas empresas do ramo de minimercado do setor urbano do município de Prudentópolis, sendo composta por 38 empresas. O instrumento de pesquisa, questionário com perguntas exclusivamente objetivas, foi aplicado em 33 organizações (86,8%). Avaliou-se o grau de utilização de controles gerenciais e informações sobre o uso dos sistemas de informações. Dentre essas empresas, constatou-se que 26 (78,8%) utilizam algum sistema de informação e outras 7 (21,2%) ainda não utilizam qualquer tipo de sistema de informação. Percebe-se que o grau de utilização dos sistemas de informações é ainda limitado às questões fiscais, formação de preço de venda, controles de compras e estoques. Concluiu-se que há um vasto campo de atuação aos profissionais contábeis para exploração dos recursos informacionais desses sistemas.
Scientific Development Based on Unity of Sciences (Waḥdat Al-‘Ulum) Paradigm
Authors: Wijaya Mirza Mahbub , Junaedi Mahfud , Sholihan Sholihan
Published: June 2021

This study aims to determine the systematic and fundamental philosophical foundation of Walisongo State Islamic University (UIN). This research uses a philosophical and historical approach and content analysis method to obtain information in depth. Begins with data collection through literature studies, documents are related to it. The scientific integration of the Unity of Sciences paradigm in the scientific cluster being developed contains three strategies that try to answer. The first is the science of religion that is not down to earth or lacks benefits for the wider community. Then the second is when modern sciences are tasteless and value-free. The last is the local culture which began to fade with the development of modernization. These problems will be answered with the humanization of Islamic sciences, the spiritualization of modern sciences, and the revitalization of local wisdom. Scientific development in the clumps of Islamic sciences produces religious knowledge following the times, not rigid and friendly to local wisdom. Meanwhile, the natural sciences and social humanities are planted with spiritual values. Thus, this research can be used as a stepping stone or a model for scientific integration at the State Islamic Institute (IAIN) to shift to the State Islamic University (UIN).
Modified Hall technique for severely hypomineralized molars. Report of cases
Authors: Quintero Yasmy , Leite de Farias Aline , Restrepo Manuel , Santos-Pinto Lourdes
Published: June 2021

This article reviews the indications, objectives and step by step process of the Modified Hall Technique in the management of primary and permanent molars affected by severe enamel hypomineralization. Scientific based biological principles are discussed in order to provide relevant clinical information for Pediatric and General dentists in order to provide support for the safe use the technique in clinical practice.
Ética y responsabilidad clínica en cirugía oral y maxilofacial en Colombia
Authors: Guerrero-Berrocal Jaime Santiago
Published: June 2021

Los cirujanos orales y maxilofaciales enfrentan a menudo situaciones clínicas y personales complejas que retan su profesionalismo y que al ser potencialmente conflictivas requieren del reconocimiento y aplicación de ciertos valores y principios éticos con el fin de abordarlas y lograr una resolución respetuosa y justa. Con base en un núcleo de principios éticos fundamentales, los cuales se encuentran enmarcados en un manifiesto legal, el presente artículo propone una reflexión acerca del tipo de comportamiento y grado de compromiso que los cirujanos orales y maxilofaciales deben exhibir con los pacientes, los colegas y la sociedad.
Cese en el desarrollo radicular. Secuelas orales del Síndrome de Stevens-Johnson: Reporte de un caso
Authors: Seañez-Prieto José Antonio , Ceballos-Hernandez Hilda , Restrepo Manuel , Lomeli-De La O Anna Paulina
Published: June 2021

El Síndrome de Stevens-Johnson (SSJ) y la Necrólisis Epidérmica Tóxica (NET) son enfermedades que se encuentran dentro del espectro de las reacciones adversas cutáneas severas. Estas enfermedades comprometen cavidad oral entre el 25% y 50% de los casos. Se presenta el caso de un paciente de 10 años de edad que sufrió unataque agudo de SSJ a la edad de 6 años. Con implicación de la cavidad oral debido a las secuelas que presenta mucosa oral, raíces cortas y poco desarrolladas en todos los órganos dentario sin otra causa atribuible en su historial médico, diferente al SSJ. La edad a la que se presentó la enfermedad y el estadio de desarrollo dental señalan como causa probable el ataque agudo de SSJ, lo que permite concluir que durante su curso ocurrió un daño en la vaina epitelial de Hertwig, provocando apoptosis y, en consecuencia, un cese en el desarrollo radicular.
Effect of Cu doping on the photocatalytic activity of InVO4 for hazardous dye photodegradation under LED light and its mechanism
Authors: Faisal Mohamed , Iqbal Anwar , Adam Farook , Jothiramalingam R.
Published: June 2021

Cu doped InVO4 (xCu-InVO4 (x = 0.06–0.15 wt %) was synthesized by a facile one-pot hydrothermal method for the removal of methylene blue (MB) under LED light irradiation. The X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analysis indicated the coexistence of V5+ and V4+ species due to the O-deficient nature of the xCu-InVO4. The synthesized photocatalysts displayed a morphology of spherical and square shaped particles (20–40 nm) and micro-sized rectangle rods with a length range of 100–200 μm. The xCu-InVO4 exhibited superior adsorption and photodegradation efficiency compared to pristine InVO4 and TiO2 due to the presence of O2 vacancies, V4+/V5+ species, and Cu dopant. The optimum reaction conditions were found to be 5 mg L−1 (MB concentration), pH 6, and 100 mg of photocatalyst mass with a removal efficiency and mineralization degree of 100% and 96.67%, respectively. The main active species responsible for the degradation of MB were •OH radicals and h+. Reusability studies indicated that the 0.13Cu-InVO4 was deactivated after a single cycle of photocatalytic reaction due to significant leaching of V4+ and Cu2+ species.
Enhanced biogas production from anaerobic digestion of wastewater from the fruit juice industry by sonolysis: experiments and modelling
Authors: Zerrouki Souhaib , Rihani Rachida , Lekikot Karima , Ramdhane Ibtissem
Published: June 2021

The aim of this study is to investigate the use of ultrasound pretreatment as potential technique to solubilize organic matter and fermentation of fruit juice effluents in anaerobic batch reactor. The efficacy of ultrasound pretreatment has been assessed at low frequency of 20 kHz and at different sonication times (20, 40 and 60 min). Compared with control, the amount of biogas produced increased by 47, 57 and 60% for sonication times of 20, 40 and 60 min, respectively. Methane content of the produced biogas was about 59% in the control and 64% in the case of effluent subjected to ultrasonication for 60 min. After 20 days of anaerobic digestion of the fruit juice effluents, the efficiency of chemical oxygen demand (COD) increased by 9, 31 and 35% with respect to control for sonication times of 20, 40 and 60 min, respectively, corresponding to total sugars uptake efficiency of about 35, 51 and 54%, respectively. The modified Gompertz equation was used to describe the cumulative biogas production. A good agreement was found between simulated and experimental data.
Fronteras centroamericanas y movilidad en 2020. Una región de fracturas y desigualdades impactada por el COVID-19
Authors: Prunier Delphine Marie , Salazar Sergio
Published: June 2021

El artículo presenta una mirada regional sobre los efectos de la pandemia por COVID-19 en 2020, con énfasis en las medidas estatales desplegadas por los gobiernos centroamericanos y a sus impactos. Recupera elementos clave de la historia socio-territorial de la región y, a partir de una descripción de las dinámicas fronterizas y de movilidad en el contexto de pandemia, se identifican algunos puntos de análisis prioritarios para proponer futuras líneas de reflexión académica sobre la región. La argumentación se fundamenta tanto en fuentes académicas como noticiosas y otros insumos de sistematización por organizaciones sociales que han surgido al calor de la crisis. Se concluye que los efectos de la pandemia en las fronteras y en las dinámicas de circulación deberán ser interpretados en futuros trabajos a la luz de conflictos y clivajes históricos de larga data en la región, con énfasis en las relaciones aporéticas entre democracia-autoritarismo, acumulación-despojo y movilidad-control.
LA COMPENSACIÓN DE CULPAS A LA LUZ DEL ARTÍCULO 2330 DEL CÓDIGO CIVIL. UNA REVISIÓN A PROPÓSITO DE LA SENTENCIA DE LA CORTE SUPREMA CAUSA ROL 39484-2017
Authors:   Universidad de Los Andes, Inostroza Adasme Sonia
Published: June 2021

El problema de la participación de la víctima en los casos de responsabilidad civil extracontractual se encuentra fundamentalmente regulado a través del artículo 2330 del Código de Bello. Esta norma permite la rebaja de la pena si a la comisión del delito, por parte del autor, se ha unido una participación imprudente de la víctima. En cuanto tal injerencia, por acto u omisión, supone un abandono de su deber de descarga, el problema ha de tratarse como una cuestión de culpa en la medida que ésta implica la distribución de una parte de los riesgos sociales ligados a las actividades de la vida cotidiana1. Existe en la actualidad nutrida doctrina nacional que aborda el asunto plasmado. En consecuencia, apegados a ellas, analizaremos la decisión de la Corte, contribuyendo con una crítica y razonamiento personal frente al tema expuesto.
Recent Advances in the Development of Thalidomide-Related Compounds as Anticancer Drugs
Authors: Barbarossa Alexia , Iacopetta Domenico , Sinicropi Maria Stefania , Franchini Carlo , Carocci Alessia
Published: June 2021

Introduction:

Thalidomide is an old well-known drug firstly used as morning sickness relief in pregnant women and then withdrawn from the market due to its severe side effects on fetal normal development. However, over the last few decades, the interest in this old drug has been renewed because of its efficacy in several important disorders as, for instance, multiple myeloma, breast cancer, and HIV-related diseases due to its antiangiogenic and immunomodulatory properties. Unfortunately, even in these cases, many after effects as deep vein thrombosis, peripheral neuropathy, constipation, somnolence, pyrexia, pain, and teratogenicity have been reported showing the requirement of careful and monitored use. For this reason, research efforts are geared toward the synthesis and optimization of new thalidomide analogues lacking in toxic effects, able to erase these limits and improve the pharmacological profile.

Aims:

This review aims to examine the state-of-the-art concerning the current studies on thalidomide and its analogues towards cancer diseases focusing the attention on the possible mechanisms of action involved and the lack of toxicity.

Conclusion:

In the light of the collected data, thalidomide analogues and their ongoing optimization could lead, in the future, to the realization of a promising therapeutic alternative for fighting cancer.
2-Methoxy-6-Acetyl-7-Methyljuglone: A Bioactive Phytochemical with Potential Pharmacological Activities
Authors: Khalil Atif Ali Khan , Qazi Asma Saleem , Nasir Abdul , Ahn Mi-Jeong , Shah Muhammad Ajmal , Ahmad Muhammad Saad , Sajjad Wasim , Ali Tahir , Naeem Muhammad , Shah Fawad Ali , Khan Muhammad Tufail Ahmed , Romman Muhammad , Shahfiq Ur Rehman  , Haider Adnan , Noor Raishma
Published: June 2021

:

Natural products have been the focus of biomedical and pharmaceutical research to develop new therapies in
recent years. 2-methoxy-6-acetyl-7-methyljuglone (2-methoxystypandrone, MAM) a natural bioactive juglone derivative,
is known to have various levels of pharmacotherapeutic efficacies as an anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antioxidant,
antimicrobial, and anti-HIV activities. MAM fights cancer progression by inducing apoptosis, necroptosis and
deregulating signaling pathways through H2O2-induced JNK/iNOS/NO and MAPK, ERK1/2 pathways, JNK activation,
and the RIP1/RIP3 complex. In this review, we summarize the pharmacological importance of MAM in the field
of drug discovery. Furthermore, this review not only emphasizes the medicinal properties of MAM, but also discusses
its potential efficacy in future medicinal products.
Natural-Derived Molecules as a Potential Adjuvant in Chemotherapy: Normal Cell Protectors and Cancer Cell Sensitizers
Authors: Islam Muhammad T. , Mubarak Mohammad S. , Hossain Rajib , Jain Divya , Khan Rasel A. , Mohammad Saikat Abu Saim
Published: June 2021

Background:

Cancer is a global threat to humans and a leading cause of death worldwide. Cancer treatment includes, among other things, the use of chemotherapeutic agents, compounds that are vital for treating and preventing cancer. However, chemotherapeutic agents produce oxidative stress along with other side effects that would affect the human body.

Objective:

The aim of the study was to reduce the oxidative stress of chemotherapeutic agents in cancer and normal cells by naturally derived compounds with anti-cancer properties, and protect normal cells from the oxidation process. Therefore, the need to develop more potent chemotherapeutics with fewer side effects has become increasingly important.

Method:

Recent literature dealing with the antioxidant and anticancer activities of the naturally derived compounds, morin, myricetin, malvidin, naringin, eriodictyol, isovitexin, daidzein, naringenin, chrysin, and fisetin, has been surveyed and examined in this review. For this, data were gathered from different search engines, including Google Scholar, ScienceDirect, PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Scopus, and Scifinder, among others. Additionally, several patent offices such as WIPO, CIPO, and USPTO were consulted to obtain published articles related to these compounds.

Result:

Numerous plants contain flavonoids and polyphenolic compounds, such as morin, myricetin, malvidin, naringin, eriodictyol, isovitexin, daidzein, naringenin, chrysin, and fisetin, which exhibit antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-carcinogenic actions via several mechanisms. These compounds act as sensitizers of cancer cells and protector of healthy cells. Moreover, these compounds can reduce oxidative stress, which is accelerated by chemotherapeutics, and exhibit a potent anticancer effect on cancer cells.

Conclusions:

Based on these findings, more research is recommended to explore and evaluate such flavonoids and polyphenolic compounds.
A Field Study for SARS-CoV-2 Evaluation by Two Air Sampling Strategy During Spread in Tehran, Iran
Authors: Bokharaei-Salim Farah
Published: June 2021

Outbreak of COVID-19 in different countries is an emergency in global public health recently. According to high spread of the newborn virus, airborne transmission potency of SARS-CoV-2 is possible. Until now, there are contradictory results for air evaluation of newborn virus in the contaminated area. We studied SARS-CoV-2 in the patient room of a hospital by two air sampling strategies. Filtration method and liquid impaction sampling were used simultaneously to assess SARS-CoV-2 in air. Indoor air of seven stations in three hospital wards was evaluated according to glass midget impinger and polytetrafluoroethylene filter. RNA of SARS-CoV-2 was evaluated by real time reverse transcription-PCR. Studied rooms were contaminated by eleven confirmed patients and four suspected cases. Our results show polytetrafluoroethylene filtration and DMEM impaction could not determine the viral concentration in the air samples. The concentration of SARS-CoV-2 in air samples is a trace in the studied stations. In conclusion, sampling strategy is a challenge for newborn virus due to the level of SARS-CoV-2 virus in the air. A trace level of SARS-CoV-2 in the contaminated area could be highlighted higher pathogenicity properties, not disapproval of airborne properties. However, more studies should be performed to characterize new properties of SARS-CoV-2 in the contaminated air.
Assessment of Lichens as Biomonitors of Heavy Metal Pollution in Selected Mining Area, Slovakia
Authors: Tarawneh Amer H.
Published: June 2021

Lichens have widely been used as bioindicators to reflect the quality of the environment. The present study was conducted to investigate the lichens diversity that grows on the surface of waste heaps from an abandoned old copper mine in Mlynky, Slovakia. In spite of the heavy metalcontaminated environment, we documented twenty species of lichens in the selected site. Taxonomically the most numerous group were represented by Cladonia with seven species, as well other species; namely, Acarospora fuscata, Cetraria islandica, Dermatocarpon miniatum, Hypogymnia physodes, Hypogymnia tubulosa, Lecanora subaurea, Lepraria incana, Physcia aipolia, Porpidia macrocarpa, Pseudevernia furfuracea, Rhizocarpon geographicum and Xanthoria parietina. The content of selected heavy metals (Cu, Fe, and Zn) in the predominant lichens Cetraria islandica, Cladonia digitata, Cladonia pyxidata, Hypogymnia physodes and Pseudevernia furfuracea were analyzed. The highest content of Cu, Fe, and Zn was found in Cladonia pyxidata collected from mine-spoil heaps with concentration 46 ± 4.4, 82.5 ± 22.6, 4.8 ± 1.6 mg/kg, respectively. Interestingly, Cladonia pyxidata collected from the forest surrounding the location showed 15 times lower concentration for Cu. Additionally, similar results were found for Fe and Zn.
Electrochemical Determination of Furosemide Drug at Tranexamic Acid Gold Nanoparticles Modified Glassy Carbon Electrode
Authors: Chandio Tasawar Ali
Published: June 2021

The reported work discussed the simpler and sensitive strategy for the electrochemical determination of furosemide by employed tranexamic acid derived gold nanoparticles modified glassy carbon electrode (GCE). The synthesis of tranexamic acid derived gold nanoparticles (Tr- AuNps) was carried out using single step approach. The synthesized Tr-AuNps were characterized by using atomic force microscopy (AFM), illustrated that the particles are spherical in shape with an average size of 35 nm. The synthesized AuNps have modified the sensing surface of GCE. The modified GCE demonstrated highly catalytic behavior for the oxidation of loop diuretic drug furosemide. The influence of pH and supporting electrolyte was examined and the working conditions were optimized. The amperometric determination of furosemide was also carried out at the Tr-AuNps modified GCE under stirred conditions using Britton Robinson buffer (BR buffer) as supporting electrolyte at pH 5. The linear calibration plot showed the dependence of the peak current on increasing concentrations of furosemide in the range of 50 μM to 500 μM furosemide with the detection limit of 5 μM. The proposed sensing plan has been successfully employed for the quantification of furosemide in human urine samples with satisfactory recoveries.
Aplicaciones de las nanopartículas metálicas en las ciencias veterinarias
Authors: Ortiz-Arana Giovany , Talavera-Rojas Martin , Velazquez-Ordoñez Valente , Acosta-Dibarrat Jorge Pablo
Published: June 2021

Las nanopartículas son materiales que se encuentran a una escala nanométrica menor a 100 nm, se originan de forma natural o por la intervención del hombre y de acuerdo con los elementos que las constituyen adquieren funciones únicas y específicas. En las ciencias veterinarias las nanopartículas metálicas son consideradas una herramienta revolucionaria e innovadora, que permiten entrar a una nueva era en la transformación de los vehículos de medicamentos y vacunas, en el diagnóstico y tratamiento de enfermedades infecciosas y degenerativas, además de mejorar los aspectos zootécnicos de crianza y reproducción de los animales e innovar las herramientas en la vigilancia de la inocuidad de los alimentos de origen animal. En esta revisión se analizaron estudios enfocados en las aplicaciones de las nanopartículas metálicas en las ciencias veterinarias, lo cual brinda un panorama actual de los alcances y limitaciones en el uso de estas herramientas nanotecnológicas en las diferentes áreas del conocimiento veterinario.
In situ ruminal degradation of sallow tree leaves using different mathematical models
Authors: Palangi Valiollah
Published: June 2021

Objective. The objective of this study was to determine the in situ digestion parameters of sallow leaves (Salix Alba) as an alternative food, not commonly used in animal diets using mathematical models. Materials and methods. Four mathematical models were used to describe the ruminal disappearance of dry matter (DM) and crude protein (CP) of sallow leaves: non lagged exponential (Model I); lagged exponential (Model II); Gompertz (Model III), and generalized Mitscherlich (Model IV). Results. Results of DM and CP degradability characteristics showed that all the models fitted well (r2>0.98) to the disappearance data. There were minor differences between the models in terms of statistical evaluations. However, the models differed in the estimated parameters depending on the model’s nature and structure and the parameters included. Conclusions. Given that some models estimated negative values for the studied parameters, they were not biologically acceptable. For this reason, the only model I can be used for estimating the degradability of DM and CP of sallow leaves. In terms of effective degradability (ED) of DM, model III was not used in the calculations because of calculating negative values for part A. Sallow leaves constitute the largest possible proportion of the ruminal degradability fractions, and effective degradability can be used as a forage source in ruminant feeds.
Potential Impact of UWWT Effluent Discharges on Ruditapes decussatus: An Approach Using Biomarkers
Authors:   Laboratory of Bromatology and Water Quality, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Lisbon, Av. Prof. Gama Pinto, 2, 1649-003 Lisboa, Portugal, Silva Sofia , Cravo Alexandra ,   Centro de Investigação Marinha e Ambiental (CIMA), Universidade do Algarve, Campus de Gambelas, FCT -Edifício 7, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal, Rodrigues João ,   Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology (CNC), University of Coimbra, Rua Larga, Faculty of Medicine, 3004–504 Coimbra, Portugal, Correia Cátia ,   Centro de Investigação Marinha e Ambiental (CIMA), Universidade do Algarve, Campus de Gambelas, FCT -Edifício 7, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal, Almeida Cristina M. M. ,   Laboratory of Bromatology and Water Quality, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Lisbon, Av. Prof. Gama Pinto, 2, 1649-003 Lisboa, Portugal,   iMed.UL (Institute for Medicines and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Portugal); Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Lisboa, Av. Prof. Gama Pinto, 2, 1649-003 Lisboa, Portugal
Published: June 2021

The use of biomarkers in bivalves has gained significance as a reliable method for the assessment of the presence and effect of contaminants in aquatic ecosystems. However, it is important to note that the biomarkers respond not only to contaminant loadings and bioavailability but also to environmental stress. Therefore, the association between biomarkers and contamination/pollution should be conducted cautiously as the environmental factors also affect their response. These factors should be integrated into the assessment of the response of the biomarkers. The potential impact of effluents from an urban wastewater treatment plant (UWWTP) on the Ruditapes decussatus clam specimens located 1.5 Km away in a surrounding area was evaluated. After one month of exposure, three biomarkers were analyzed, namely lipid peroxidation (LPO), acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and electron transport system (ETS). These parameters were also determined for a control group purchased from a local nursery, which had no influence from UWWTP, in order to compare the results obtained from both groups. The in situ physicochemical characterization of the exposure site (temperature, salinity, pH and dissolved oxygen) was evaluated together with nutritional parameters, morphometric measurements and condition index. The biochemical analysis showed that the activity levels of AChE fluctuated from 4.0 to 4.6 nmol/min g protein and that of LPO from 101.5 to 248.9 nmol MDA/g protein. Also, the ETS activity levels were in the range of 27.2 to 30.2 nmol O2/min g protein. The lipid peroxidation was found to be the most responsive biomarker toward the damage caused by environmental conditions on the clams.
Standardizing the Development of Serious Games for Physical Rehabilitation: Conceptual Framework Proposal
Authors: Beristain-Colorado María Del Pilar , Ambros-Antemate Jorge Fernando , Vargas-Treviño Marciano , Gutiérrez-Gutiérrez Jaime , Moreno-Rodriguez Adriana , Hernández-Cruz Pedro Antonio , Gallegos-Velasco Itandehui Belem , Torres-Rosas Rafael
Published: June 2021

Background

Serious games have been used as supportive therapy for traditional rehabilitation. However, most are designed without a systematic process to guide their development from the phases of requirement identification, planning, design, construction, and evaluation, which reflect the lack of adaptation of rehabilitation requirements and thus the patient’s needs.

Objective

The aim of this study was to propose a conceptual framework with standardized elements for the development of information systems by using a flexible and an adaptable process centered on the patient’s needs and focused on the creation of serious games for physical rehabilitation.

Methods

The conceptual framework is based on 3 fundamental concepts: (1) user-centered design, which is an iterative design process focused on users and their needs at each phase of the process, (2) generic structural activities of software engineering, which guides the independent development process regardless of the complexity or size of the problem, and (3) gamification elements, which allow the transformation of obstacles into positive and fun reinforcements, thereby encouraging patients in their rehabilitation process.

Results

We propose a conceptual framework to guide the development of serious games through a systematic process by using an iterative and incremental process applying the phases of context identification, user requirements, planning, design, construction of the interaction devices and video game, and evaluation.

Conclusions

This proposed framework will provide developers of serious games a systematic process with standardized elements for the development of flexible and adaptable software with a high level of patient commitment, which will effectively contribute to their rehabilitation process.
Design and Implementation of a Real-time Monitoring Platform for Optimal Sepsis Care in an Emergency Department: Observational Cohort Study
Authors: Lee Andy Hung-Yi , Aaronson Emily , Hibbert Kathryn A , Flynn Micah H , Rutkey Hayley , Mort Elizabeth , Sonis Jonathan D , Safavi Kyan C
Published: June 2021

Background

Sepsis is the leading cause of death in US hospitals. Compliance with bundled care, specifically serial lactates, blood cultures, and antibiotics, improves outcomes but is often delayed or missed altogether in a busy practice environment.

Objective

This study aims to design, implement, and validate a novel monitoring and alerting platform that provides real-time feedback to frontline emergency department (ED) providers regarding adherence to bundled care.

Methods

This single-center, prospective, observational study was conducted in three phases: the design and technical development phase to build an initial version of the platform; the pilot phase to test and refine the platform in the clinical setting; and the postpilot rollout phase to fully implement the study intervention.

Results

During the design and technical development, study team members and stakeholders identified the criteria for patient inclusion, selected bundle measures from the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Sepsis Core Measure for alerting, and defined alert thresholds, message content, delivery mechanisms, and recipients. Additional refinements were made based on 70 provider survey results during the pilot phase, including removing alerts for vasopressor initiation and modifying text in the pages to facilitate patient identification. During the 48 days of the postpilot rollout phase, 15,770 ED encounters were tracked and 711 patient encounters were included in the active monitoring cohort. In total, 634 pages were sent at a rate of 0.98 per attending physician shift. Overall, 38.3% (272/711) patients had at least one page. The missing bundle elements that triggered alerts included: antibiotics 41.6% (136/327), repeat lactate 32.4% (106/327), blood cultures 20.8% (68/327), and initial lactate 5.2% (17/327). Of the missing Sepsis Core Measures elements for which a page was sent, 38.2% (125/327) were successfully completed on time.

Conclusions

A real-time sepsis care monitoring and alerting platform was created for the ED environment. The high proportion of patients with at least one alert suggested the significant potential for such a platform to improve care, whereas the overall number of alerts per clinician suggested a low risk of alarm fatigue. The study intervention warrants a more rigorous evaluation to ensure that the added alerts lead to better outcomes for patients with sepsis.
Biannual Differences in Interest Peaks for Web Inquiries Into Ear Pain and Ear Drops: Infodemiology Study
Authors: Brkic Faris F , Besser Gerold , Schally Martin , Schmid Elisabeth M , Parzefall Thomas , Riss Dominik , Liu David T
Published: June 2021

Background

The data retrieved with the online search engine, Google Trends, can summarize internet inquiries into specified search terms. This engine may be used for analyzing inquiry peaks for different medical conditions and symptoms.

Objective

The aim of this study was to analyze World Wide Web interest peaks for “ear pain,” “ear infection,” and “ear drops.”

Methods

We used Google Trends to assess the public online interest for search terms “ear pain,” “ear infection,” and “ear drops” in 5 English and non–English-speaking countries from both hemispheres based on time series data. We performed our analysis for the time frame between January 1, 2004, and December 31, 2019. First, we assessed whether our search terms were most relevant to the topics of ear pain, ear infection, and ear drops. We then tested the reliability of Google Trends time series data using the intraclass correlation coefficient. In a second step, we computed univariate time series plots to depict peaks in web-based interest. In the last step, we used the cosinor analysis to test the statistical significance of seasonal interest peaks.

Results

In the first part of the study, it was revealed that “ear infection,” “ear pain,” and “ear drops” were the most relevant search terms in the noted time frame. Next, the intraclass correlation analysis showed a moderate to excellent reliability for all 5 countries’ 3 primary search terms. The subsequent analysis revealed winter interest peaks for “ear infection” and “ear pain”. On the other hand, the World Wide Web search for “ear drops” peaked annually during the summer months. All peaks were statistically significant as revealed by the cosinor model (all P values <.001).

Conclusions

It can be concluded that individuals affected by otitis media or externa, possibly the majority, look for medical information online. Therefore, there is a need for accurate and easily accessible information on these conditions in the World Wide Web, particularly on differentiating signs and therapy options. Meeting this need may facilitate timely diagnosis, proper therapy, and eventual circumvention of potentially life-threatening complications.
Computation of Nirmala Indices of Some Chemical Networks
Authors:   Department of Mathematics Gulbarga University, Gulbarga 585106 (India), KULLI V.R. , CHALUVARAJU B. ,   Department of Mathematics, Bangalore University, Jnana Bharathi Campus, Bangalore-560 056 (India), ASHA T.V. ,   Department of Mathematics, Bangalore University, Jnana Bharathi Campus, Bangalore-560 056 (India)
Published: June 2021

Chemical graph theory is a branch of graph theory whose focus of interest is to finding topological indices of chemical graphs which correlate well with chemical properties of the chemical molecules. In this paper, we compute the Nirmala index, first and second inverse Nirmala indices for some chemical networks like silicate networks, chain silicate networks, hexagonal networks, oxide networks and honeycomb networks along with their comparative analysis.
IMPROVING THE TECHNOLOGY OF PRODUCTION OF WARM ASPHALT CONCRETE MIXES USING FOAMED BITUMEN, REDUCING THE HARMFUL IMPACT ON THE ENVIRONMENT
Authors:   Moscow State University of Civil Engineering, Savichev A. O.
Published: June 2021

The introduction of foamed bitumen in the mixing process allows you to lower the temperature of asphalt, which saves energy and reduces the harmful impact on the environment, increasing environmental safety at the enterprise, while improving the properties of asphalt concrete.
GEOECOLOGICAL PROBLEMS OF ENGINEERING PROTECTION FACILITIES OF THE IMERETI LOWLAND (SOCHI)
Authors: Bakalov А.
Published: June 2021

Difficult engineering and geological conditions of the Imeretinskaya lowland: the presence of specific soils with a thickness of more than 30 meters, several aquifers, including pressure, the development of dangerous geological processes (flooding, abrasion, suffusion, etc.) and, finally, increased seismicity was put before prospectors, designers and builders a very difficult task of erecting a whole series of unique Olympic facilities on this territory.
FEATURES OF ACCUMULATION OF HEAVY METALS IN LANDSCAPES SURA-SVIAZHSKY WATERSHED PRIVOLZHSKY HILLS
Authors:   Moscow State University of Civil Engineering, Kuznetsova O.G.
Published: June 2021

The data of the study of the concentrations of some metals (Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Pb, Zn) on the territory of the Sura-Sviyazhsky interfluve of the Volga Upland are presented. In the study area, the processes of accumulation of iron and copper are taking place. The maximum concentrations were registered in the illuvial horizon of the Prisursky GPP - 884 mg / kg. Iron is a typomorphic element for the studied area. In addition to accumulation processes, iron comes from parent rocks. Copper concentrations are also significant - up to 2.39 mg / kg, registered near the city of Alatyr.
Hierarchy of quantum operations in manipulating coherence and entanglement
Authors: Yamasaki Hayata , Vijayan Madhav Krishnan , Hsieh Min-Hsiu
Published: June 2021

Quantum resource theory under different classes of quantum operations advances multiperspective understandings of inherent quantum-mechanical properties, such as quantum coherence and quantum entanglement. We establish hierarchies of different operations for manipulating coherence and entanglement in distributed settings, where at least one of the two spatially separated parties are restricted from generating coherence. In these settings, we introduce new classes of operations and also characterize those maximal, i.e., the resource-non-generating operations, progressing beyond existing studies on incoherent versions of local operations and classical communication and those of separable operations. The maximal operations admit a semidefinite-programming formulation useful for numerical algorithms, whereas the existing operations not. To establish the hierarchies, we prove a sequence of inclusion relations among the operations by clarifying tasks where separation of the operations appears. We also demonstrate an asymptotically non-surviving separation of the operations in the hierarchy in terms of performance of the task of assisted coherence distillation, where a separation in a one-shot scenario vanishes in the asymptotic limit. Our results serve as fundamental analytical and numerical tools to investigate interplay between coherence and entanglement under different operations in the resource theory.
Fatherhood, marriage and male labor market outcomes
Authors:   HSE University, Moscow, Russian Federation, Kotyrlo Elena , Bulgakov Ilya ,   HSE University, Moscow, Russian Federation
Published: June 2021

We explore the relationship between fatherhood and marriage and male labour outcomes. We challenge the direction of causality. The difference in differences method for three periods (before, per year, and after an event in family life) allows establishing whether changes in family life follow changes in work life or vice versa. The results are obtained using data from RLMS‐HSE for individuals and households in the period 2014–2017. We find limited confirmation of individual effects. They can be attributed to both direct and inverse relationships between male labour outcome and changes in family life.
What keeps public sector workers in low-paid jobs? The role of self-selection and non-cognitive skills in explaining the public-private wage gap
Authors:   HSE University, Moscow, Russian Federation, Lukyanova Anna
Published: June 2021

This paper examines whether non‐cognitive skills (personality traits and risk attitudes) influence self‐selection into employment and the choice between the public and private sectors and, if so, how they relate to wages in each sector. The methodology combines multinomial logistic regression to model the patterns of selection with an Oaxaca–Blinder‐type decomposition of the intersectoral wage gap. I find that personality traits have a substantial effect on selection into employment and the preferences towards the private sector. They have a significant, albeit small, effect on wages in both sectors. The magnitude of these effects is the same across sectors and non‐cognitive skills do not contribute to the intersectoral wage gap at the mean. At the same time, accounting for the endogeneity of sectoral attainment eliminates the intersectoral gap: in 2016, the unexplained conditional wage gap can be completely attributed to self‐selection.