bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
2nd International Congress on Water and Sustainability
Authors:   Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya,   Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya, Buscio Olivera Valentina ,   INTEXTER (Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya), Canals Casals Lluc ,   Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya
Published: March 2021

This Conference is the consequence of the conjunction of the results and progress of the ongoing research on the water treatment ENMA group at the University and the particular social and political moment that water management is facing in Catalonia and, particularly in the city of Terrassa, that locates the INTEXTER (Institute for Textile Research and Industrial Cooperation of Terrassa), venue of the Conference. This congress aims to give space for a scientific debate and reflection on water and its importance with regard to the environment and wider society. We hope that this initiative will consolidate the entire educational, scientific and professional community to respond to the prospective challenges that the development and implementation of new technologies brings together with their impacts in relation to water. Please, enjoy the presentations, posters, sessions and the whole event activities.
Deterministic and stochastic dynamics of a modified Leslie-Gower prey-predator system with simplified Holling-type Ⅳ scheme
Authors: Li Lin , Zhao Wencai
Published: March 2021

In this paper, a prey-predator model with modified Leslie-Gower and simplified Holling-type Ⅳ functional responses is proposed to study the dynamic behaviors. For the deterministic system, we analyze the permanence of the system and the stability of the positive equilibrium point. For the stochastic system, we not only prove the existence and uniqueness of global positive solution, but also discuss the persistence in mean and extinction of the populations. In addition, we find that stochastic system has an ergodic stationary distribution under some parameter constraints. Finally, our theoretical results are verified by numerical simulations.
Second order discrete time-varying and time-invariant linear continuous systems and Kalman type conditions
Authors: Mahmudov Elimhan N.
Published: March 2021

The paper deals with the controllability and observability of second order discrete linear time varying and linear time-invariant continuous systems in matrix form. To this case, we generalize the classical conditions for linear systems of the first order, without reducing them to systems of the first order. Within the framework of Kalman-type criteria, we investigate these concepts for second-order linear systems with discrete / continuous time; we define the initial values and input functions uniquely if and only if the observability and controllability matrices have full rank, respectively. Also a conceptual partner of controllability, that is, reachability of second order discrete time-varying systems is formulated and a necessary and sufficient condition for complete reachability is derived. Also the transfer function of the second order continuous-time linear state-space system is constructed. We have given numerical examples to illustrate the feasibility and effectiveness of the theoretical results obtained.
The Power of Currency
Authors: Beeres Robert , van Lieshout Jan , Bollen Myriame
Published: March 2021

This chapter explores the coercive power of currencies. The authors add to the existing literature on two strands. First, within the scope of the chapter, money encompasses all aspects of currency and financial relations – the processes and institutions of financial intermediation (mobilization of savings and allocation of credit) as well as the creation and management of money itself. The authors discuss as to what extent money can be deployed to prevent wars and conflicts, or, in other words, can money serve as a weapon of coercion? The chapter analyzes four scenarios of potential (fictional) financial wars between states. The authors find that, indeed, money yields coercive power. Based on proxies for the size of the economies of a deterring state and its adversary, the chapter shows how the potential impact of financial coercion may be estimated.
Innovation and Corruption in Turkey
Authors: Ünlü Hülya , Karacaer Ulusoy Merve
Published: March 2021

In this chapter, one of the important financial crimes and its effect on the innovation success of firms has been investigated for Turkey. The business environment and enterprise performance survey is used to examine how the business perceives informal payments for the period between 2013-2014. The main concern of the chapter is that when corruption is the case, either “sand the wheels” or “grease the wheels” is the result of being unproductive or (even worse) destructive entrepreneurs. Moreover, different corruption levels are estimated and tested by using a PROBIT model. It is suggested that while the “sand the wheels” effect is strong, financial resources should be transferred to the innovation investments rather than corrupt activities. Even though corruption does not show a hindering effect on innovation, the time spent by the managers is the “grease the wheels” effect for innovation.
Conflict of Interest for Corruption and Abuse of Public Power
Authors: Nikolov Nikolay Ivanov
Published: March 2021

The chapter presents a conflict of interest as a new pioneering measure for combating corruption and abuse of public power. The study is based on an analysis of the conflict of interest legislations of about 15 European countries. European legislators' legislative decisions on several key criteria relating to conflict of interest have been analyzed. These criteria include the presence or absence of a special law, conflict of interest as a criminal or administrative offense, accountable persons, legal definition, prohibitions, competent authorities and procedures for ascertaining conflict of interest, sanctions, etc. A scientific definition of conflict of interest has also been proposed based on the characteristics of the phenomenon derived from the analysis of the national legislation in force on the European continent. The chapter also outlines the direction in which the phenomenon may develop in national legislations and includes examples of interesting cases of conflict of interest which have arisen in different European countries.
Tax Disclosures in Financial and CSR Reporting as a Deterrence for Evasion
Authors: Albuquerque Fábio , Cassiano Neves Julija
Published: March 2021

This chapter is about the mandatory disclosure of income tax as required by international financial reporting standards (IFRS) and standards issued by Portuguese regulatory bodies. The chapter also elaborates the most relevant disclosures from the perspective of corporate social responsibility (CSR). Furthermore, it highlights the most influential CSR reporting standards to answer the question that whether these standards adequately address the issue of income tax payment as a factor of CSR. Finally, it also reviews the international and Portuguese theoretical and empirical academic research available about income taxes and related subjects, such as disclosures, corporate tax as a CSR matter, and tax aggressiveness of corporations. Future research may be conducted geographical reporting of income tax expense and its relationship with the effective tax rate (ETR) and other independent variables.
A review of the presentation and outcome of Takotsubo cardiomyopathy in COVID-19
Authors: John Kevin , Lal Amos , Mishra Ajay
Published: March 2021

Although the most frequent presentation of the novel Coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) is a respiratory syndrome, cardiac involvement is being increasingly recognized. One such entity is takotsubo cardiomyopathy. We sought to review the various cases of takotsubo cardiomyopathy reported during the COVID-19 pandemic and consolidate the information available on its clinical features, evaluation and treatment. We performed a PubMed search using the MeSH terms “Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy” or “Stress Cardiomyopathy” and “COVID-19”, and identified 16 case reports, two case series, and one retrospective cohort study. There was a total of 24 reported patients with COVID-19 infection, who developed takotsubo cardiomyopathy, and two patients without COVID-19 who developed takotsubo cardiomyopathy due to the emotional stress associated with the global pandemic. The mean age of the patients was 67.19 years (SD 15.83) and 16(59.3%) were women. Chest pain was reported in only ten patients (38.46 %) and ST-elevation was seen in 11 patients (42.3%). While most patients had typical takotsubo cardiomyopathy, four patients had inverted(reverse) takotsubo cardiomyopathy, two had bi-ventricular involvement, one had median takotsubo and another had global takotsubo with apical sparing variant. Most patients had a positive outcome with complete or near-complete reversal of cardiac dysfunction at the time of discharge. Five deaths (19.23%) were reported. Takotsubo cardiomyopathy is a rare, but increasingly reported reversible cardiomyopathy that can be seen in patients with COVID-19 infection and the diagnosis must be actively sought for in these patients.
Relationship between serum level of lipoprotein (a) and central macular thickness in diabetic patients
Authors: Deraz Howaida E. , Ahmed Essam Elden S. , El-Shimi Ola S. , Gad Elham A.
Published: March 2021

Background and aim

Diabetic retinopathy and maculopathy are major tragedies in ophthalmology. Lipoprotein (Lp) (a) is a pro-atherogenic and a pro-thrombotic risk factor. It has an antifibrinolytic effect with increasing risk of clotting and blood vessel occlusion. Elevated Lp (a) concentrations can also damage the microcirculation by its oxidative effect. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between serum level of Lp (a) and the development of maculopathy in diabetic patients by measuring the central macular thickness (CMT) using optical coherence tomography.

Patients and methods

This case–control study included one case group of 40 eyes of 20 diabetic patients and one control group of 40 eyes of 20 nondiabetic age-matched and sex-matched patients. All participants were subjected to full ophthalmological examination, including best-corrected visual acuity testing, BMI calculation, glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c), serum Lp (a), and CMT measurement by three-dimensional optical coherence tomography.

Results

There was no significant difference between the two groups regarding age or sex. Cases group had significantly higher BMI, HbA1c, Lp (a), and CMT than the control group (P<0.001 for all). In addition, cases had significantly lower best-corrected visual acuity than the controls (P<0.001). A significant positive correlation was found between CMT (μm) and each of HbA1c, Lp (a), and BMI (P<0.001, P<0.001, and P=0.002, respectively). Lp (a) level of 11.34 ng/ml or more was found to have a 95% sensitivity, 95% specificity, and 95% overall accuracy in predicting central macular edema (CME). On univariate logistic regression analysis, both of the BMI and Lp (a) were independent significant predictors for CME (P<0.001 and P=0.05, respectively), with odds ratio of 1.569 and 14.482, respectively.

Conclusion

Lp (a) was significantly correlated with CMT. It had an excellent sensitivity and specificity in predicting CME and can be used as a potential marker for its detection.
Finding the calm amid chaos – Mental health of dentists during COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Kumar Gunjan , Rai Shilpa , Janeswar Avinash , Suresan Vinay , Jha Kunal , Singh Arpita
Published: March 2021

COVID-19 has challenged health professionals all around the world. Dental practitioners are facing a challenge they were unprepared for. Two years ago, no dentist could have envisioned a situation where every step of every encounter requires personal protective equipment, frequent decontamination of the clinical environment, limiting the daily number of patients, and decreased financial security amid the constant fear of contracting the virus has affected the psychology of the dentists. Psychological distress may negatively affect the decision-making ability of the dentists which in turn might influence patient outcomes and well-being. Solutions need to be devised to attain stability and keep dentistry going. This article provides an overview of proposed mitigation measures.

The following core competencies are addressed in this article:

Patient care, Interpersonal and communication skills, Medical Knowledge, Systems-based practice.
Emergency mental health calls to first responders following a natural disaster
Authors: Saunders John , Dongarwar Deepa , Salemi Jason , Schulte Joan , Persse David , Matin Asna , Banu Sophia , Shah Asim
Published: March 2021

Introduction:

Hurricane Harvey which made landfall on August 25, 2017 was a devastating storm that dumped unprecedented amount of rainfall on the area including Houston, Texas, United States of America. There are limited data about emergency service mental health utilization following disaster events. The goal for this project was to examine mental health calls to emergency medical services (EMS) and to the Houston Police Department following Hurricane Harvey. An analysis looking at this utilization following a natural disaster represents an understudied area and can potentially provide information about city services and community psychiatric services in the acute period following the event.

Materials and Methods:

Total number of calls to the police department and mental health calls to the police department described as crisis intervention calls (Crisis Intervention Team) were obtained from August 1, 2016 to October 31, 2016 and January 1, 2017 to December 31, 2017. Emergency detention orders (EDO) per date were obtained from January 1, 2017 to December 31, 2017. Data for mental health calls based on the primary impression of mental health complaint were obtained from the Houston Fire Department for EMS from January 1, 2016 to December 31, 2017.

Results:

There was a statistically significant increase in the number of mental health calls to the police following Hurricane Harvey. When comparing the prestorm, active storm, and poststorm period, there was not a statistically significant difference in the number of EDOs or the number of EMS mental health calls.

Conclusions:

The increase in police mental health calls suggests that there may have been an increase in the acuity of the mental health calls to EMS around in evaluating calls surrounding the period of Hurricane Harvey.

The following core competencies are addressed in this article:

Medical Knowledge and Patient Care.
Hypophosphatasia
Authors: Chamakkala Tess , Gallagher Thomas
Published: March 2021

Hypophosphatasia is a disorder of bone metabolism due to defective tissue nonspecific alkaline phosphatase (ALP). It is most severe in early life but can present at any age, leading to a likely underdiagnosis of its adult, and commonly less severe, forms. This is the case of a 42-year-old female who presented to endocrinology asking about her low ALP levels in the setting of prior bilateral metatarsal fractures and was diagnosed with hypophosphatasia. This case report aims to highlight the importance of making this diagnosis in order to avoid commonly prescribed therapies that can be harmful. Antiresorptive therapies as well as supplementation with calcium or Vitamin D can potentially worsen the disease. There are no Food and Drug Administration-approved treatments for adult hypophosphatasia, but asfotase alfa and teriparatide are two promising therapies currently being studied.

The following core competencies are addressed in this article:

Practice-based learning and improvement, Medical knowledge.
Nonpharmacological interventions to reduce respiratory viral transmission: an evidence-based review with recommendations
Authors: Yuen E. , Fried J. , Salvador C. , Gudis D.A. , Schlosser R.J. , Nguyen S.A. , Brennan E.A. , Rowan N.R.
Published: March 2021

BACKGROUND: Viral respiratory infections are a leading cause of worldwide mortality and exert the potential to cause global socioeconomic crises. However, inexpensive, efficacious, and rapidly deployable strategies to reduce viral transmission are increasingly important in the setting of an ongoing pandemic, though not entirely understood. This article provides a comprehensive review of commonly employed nonpharmacological interventions to interrupt viral spread and provides evidence-based recommendations for their use. METHODOLOGY: A systematic review of three databases was performed. Studies with defined endpoints of subjects receiving one of five interventions (nasal washing, gargling, personal protective equipment (PPE), social distancing, and hand hygiene) were included. An evidence-based review of the highest level of evidence, with recommendations, was created in accordance with a previously described, rigorous, iterative process. RESULTS: Fifty-four primary studies were included. The most commonly studied intervention was hand hygiene, followed by PPE, gargling, saline nasal washing, and social distancing. CONCLUSIONS: Mask use and hand hygiene are strong recommendations for prevention of viral transmission. Donning gloves, gowns, and eye protection are a recommendation in healthcare settings. Saline nasal washing and gargling are options in selected populations. Although an aggregate level of evidence is not provided, the authors recommend social distancing.
Contamination of heavy metals and metalloids of groundwater in the vicinity to the wild landfill of El Hajeb city (Morocco)
Authors: Gamar A. , Zair T. , El Kabriti M. , El Hilali F.
Published: March 2021

No Abstract.
Application of microsatellite markers for hybrid verification and genetic analysis of oil palm (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.)
Authors: Okoye M.N , Singh R , Uguru M.I , Bakoumé C
Published: March 2021

The legitimacy of parents and progenies used in crop improvement programmes is vital for any meaningful progress in selection. While acknowledging the shortcomings of controlled pollination in oil palm breeding and commercial seed production, the legitimacy of 20 oil palm progenies from the Nigerian Institute for Oil Palm Research (NIFOR) breeding programme was determined using 16 fluorescently-labeled microsatellite markers. The genotyping of parents and progenies was conducted by capillary electrophoresis using the ABI 3730 DNA Genetic Analyzer (Applied Biosystems, USA). Results revealed a complementary expression of the parents’ alleles in 18 out of the 20 individual progenies screened, confirming their hybridity and genetic identity. The two illegitimate progenies detected could be attributed to pollination and planting errors, respectively. A subset of three sufficiently informative loci (sMg00016, sMg00179 and sMo00102) was identified for routine quality control genotyping. The detection of illegitimate progenies provided ample evidence to substantiate the importance of assessing hybrid fidelity in breeding programmes. Furthermore, the usefulness of microsatellite markers as a reliable technique for routine assessment and unambiguous identification of oil palm crosses was established. The implications of microsatellite- based hybrid identification in oil palm varietal improvement programmes have been adequately discussed.

Key words: Contamination, Genetic identity, Illegitimacy, NIFOR, Parent-Progeny relationships, seed production
Effects of Momordica Charantia Silver Nanoparticles on the expressions of Genes Associated With Lipid Metabolism and Nephrotoxicity in Streptozotocin-Induced Rats
Authors: Elekofehinti O.O , Akinjiyan M.O
Published: March 2021

Hyperlipidemia and hyperglycemia have been implicated in diabetes mellitus (DM) leading to complications such as nephropathy. Medicinal plants like Mormodica charantia (MC) have been used in the treatment of DM over the years but little is known about their mechanisms of action. This study used biotechnology tools to investigate and compare the effects of M. charantia silver nanoparticles (MCSNPs) with M. charantia extract on expressions of genes linked with nephrotoxicity, lipid and glucose metabolisms using reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. The genes investigated include kidney injury molecule-1 (KIM-1), 3-hydroxyl, 3-methyl glutaryl_coA reductase (HMG-CoA reductase), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha and gamma (PPARα and PPARγ). Synthesis of MCSNPs was done using 1 mM concentration of aqueous silver nitrate solution at ratio 1:9 (v/v). Experimental rats were induced intraperitoneally with streptozotocin (65 mg/kg) and divided into six groups viz: diabetic control; normal control; silver nitrate (10 mg/kg); MCSNPs (50 mg/kg); Metformin (100 mg/kg) and M. charantia fraction (100 mg/kg). Sacrifice was done after 12 days of treatment and RT-PCR was then used to investigate gene expressions in liver and kidney tissues of the rats. The expression of HMG-CoA reductase gene was significantly upregulated (p<0.05) upon treatment with 50 mg/kg MCSNPs relative to the diabetic untreated group. M. charantia extracts and MCSNPs significantly upregulate (p<0.05) the expressions of PPAR-α and PPAR-γ compared to the diabetic control. Also, a significant (p<0.05) down-regulation of KIM-1 mRNA expression was observed in MCSNPs- treated group, relative to the diabetes untreated group. M. charantia silver nanoparticles could be a potent antidiabetic agent due to its potential to modulate genes associated with lipid metabolism and nephrotoxicity.

Keywords: Medicinal plant; Diabetes Mellitus; Silver Nanoparticles; nephrotoxicity; gene expression
Nutritional properties of indigenous fermented condiment (ogiri) produced from partial substitution of castor oil bean (Ricinus communis) with soybean (Glycine max) seeds
Authors: Okwunodulu I.N. , Agha E. F
Published: March 2021

Recently, in Nigeria, there has been a series of controversial publications and debates over the use of seasoning cubes and monosodium glutamate as cancer inducing agents. With this, the use of local condiments like Ogiri has become an option. Ogiri is traditionally produced from castor oil beans which is scarce in some communities. This study therefore explored the possibility of substituting castor oil bean with soybean to obtain an acceptable Ogiri. Proximate, mineral and vitamin composition and sensory characteristics of the substituted Ogiri samples produced were evaluated using standard methods. With increase in soybean substitution levels, proximate analysis showed an increase in crude protein (17.33%-31.68%), crude fibre (0.47-1.71%) and fat (13.76-20.23%) contents while ash (3.63-3.21%) and carbohydrate (48.13%-23.55%) contents decreased. Mineral contents increased from 46.11 - 80.21, 60.25 - 73.83, 80.33 - 99.42, 118.10 - 794.38, 1.63 - 6.32 and 0.49 - 1.48 mg/100g for calcium, magnesium, phosphorous, potassium, iron and zinc, respectively. Potassium was the most abundant mineral in the samples. Also, retinol (11.63-16.26 mg/100g), vitamin B1 (0.10-0.21 mg/100g), vitamin B2 (10.37-14.79 mg/100g), vitamin B3 (9.21-9.91 mg/100g), vitamin C (2.43-5.85 mg/100g) and vitamin E (6.43-11.25 mg/100g) increased significantly. Sensory analysis revealed that the Ogiri sample with 50% soybean inclusion and the control had the best organoleptic properties. Therefore, soybean substitution of up to 50% gave a better acceptable Ogiri with improved nutrient contents.

Keywords: “ogiri”, castor oil bean, soybean
Determination of DVB-T2 Signal Quality in Nigeria: A Case Study of Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria
Authors: Igbonoba E.E.C. , Omoifo O.
Published: March 2021

This study presents the evaluation of digital video broadcasting-terrestrial second generation (DVB-T2) Television signal quality in Jos using Integrated Television Services Limited signal. The delivery of quality Television signal remains problematic in Nigeria due to signal attenuation and degradation between the transmitter and receiver station. This is primarily due to environmental and atmospheric perturbations prevalent along the signal paths. This research aim is to determine the signal quality of DVB-T2 Television system in Jos, Plateau State. The simple field measurement methodology was adopted in measuring field strength and channel power parameters. These measurement parameters were used to calculate for carrier-to-noise ratio (CNR) and signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) through empirical method. Finally, CNR and SNR were used to determine the signal quality of DVB-T2 signal in Jos. The result of the research shows that DVB-T2 signal in the primary service areas has good and reliable signal apart from the rocky environments.
Production of Activated Carbon from Carbonaceous Agricultural Waste Material: Coconut Fibres
Authors: Ohimor E.O. , Temisa D.O. , Ononiwu P.I.
Published: March 2021

Activated carbon was produced from Cocos nucifera (coconut) fibers by carbonization and activation processes. The sample was first pretreated before carbonization and activation processes at 450°C and 700°C respectively in an electric furnace. Chemical activation using Potassium hydroxide (KOH) 4:1 (weight basis) was carried out to increase the activated carbon adsorption properties. The element contained in the sample was analyzed using the Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDS) while the surface morphological composition was determined by Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) and the chemical bonds present in the sample was characterized using Fourier transform infrared reflection (FT-IR). From the research carried out, the results show that activated carbon produced from coconut fibers would be useful and effective for adsorbent purposes, considering its large pores.
Geochemical Characterization and Economic Potential of Emure and Ijero Ekiti Pegmatites in Southwest Nigeria
Authors: Ilevbare M. , Orisamika A.
Published: March 2021

Global demand increase for rare metals deposits has re-enacted the search for economically viable deposits. Precambrian pegmatites occurring as near dykes and massive types were studied for Emure-Ekiti and Ijero-Ekiti respectively, with the aim of characterizing them geochemically and determining their possible economics values. A total of twelve samples comprising seven from Emure-Ekiti, three whole rock muscovite extract for Ijero-Ekiti were analysed for major and trace elements using X-ray fluorescence method. Thin sections prepared for the Emure-Ekiti pegmatites show that quartz, microcline are major mineral constituents. The geochemical results reveals that the Emure-Ekiti and the whole rock samples of Ijero-Ekiti are considerably siliceous, with an average value of 68.72% and 68.6% respectively, while the muscovites extracts average 48.86%. Mean values of major oxides for the Emure, Ijero[whole rock, muscovite] are as follows; Al2O3 - 20.42%, [13.74%, 35.15%]; Fe2O3 - 1.83%, [1.24%, 2.19%]; MgO - 0.013%, [0.029%, 1.04%]; CaO - 0.02%, [0.34%, 2.4%]; Na2O – 1.01%, [4.40%, 1.045%]; K2O – 3.17%, [2.77%, 11.07%]. Trace and rare-earth elements result shows that the Emure-Ekiti pegmatites is “barren” – depleted in rare metals Ta, Nb, Cs, Sn, Rb, etc, and compare favourably with Apomu, Ago-Iwoye and Ijebu-Ife barren pegmatites. On the other hand, two of the whole rock samples are mineralized – fairly enriched in rare metals Ta, Nb, Rb while the remaining sample and the muscovite extract are barren; as depicted by the Rb vs Rb plot and when compared to the other rare metal pegmatites across the world.
Evaluation of electrochemotherapy in the management of apocrine gland anal sac adenocarcinomas in dogs: A retrospective study
Authors: Valenti Paola , Menicagli Francesco , Baldi Alfonso , Barella Gabriele , Catalucci Chiara , Attorri Valeria , Spugnini Enrico P.
Published: March 2021

Background: Electrochemotherapy (ECT) combines the administration of anticancer drugs with the delivery of electric pulses, thus increasing the drug uptake through the cell membranes, resulting in increased efficacy.

Aim: The aim of our study was to describe the tolerability and efficacy of ECT alone or in association with other treatment modalities for the management of apocrine gland anal sac adenocarcinoma (AGASAC).

Methods: Medical records of dogs with a diagnosis of AGASAC that were treated with ECT alone or in combination with surgery/chemotherapy were retrospectively evaluated. Each dog received 20 mg/m2 of bleomycin intravenously. Based on the clinician’s decision, the primary tumor or tumor bed was also infiltrated with cisplatin at the dose of 0.5 mg/cm2. Trains of permeabilizing biphasic electric pulses were then applied under general anesthesia.

Results: Ten dogs were enrolled in the study. Of those 10 dogs, only one received ECT for treatment of microscopic local disease, while in six cases ECT was the only treatment modality. In three dogs, ECT was followed by systemic medical treatment. Six dogs (60%) had a partial response (PR), three dogs (30%) had stable disease, and one dog treated for microscopic disease did not show any sign of local relapse for 305 days after treatment, being still alive and in complete remission at the time of writing this article. The median time to progression was 303 days and the median survival time was 365 days. The treatment was well tolerated and local side effects were minimal. No systemic effects were documented.

Conclusion: This preliminary study suggests that ECT may be beneficial for dogs with AGASAC and could be a useful addition to the current therapeutic options in consideration of its low cost, limited toxicity, and ease of administration.
Open-heart techniques and mitral valve plasty for mitral regurgitation in toy- and small-breed dogs: A review
Authors: Kanemoto Isamu , Mihara Kippei , Sato Keiichi
Published: March 2021

In human medicine, in the past, open-heart techniques for low-bodyweight children and newborn babies with congenital heart disease were more difficult than high-bodyweight adults. In toy- and small-breed dogs with mitral regurgitation (MR), an acquired heart disease, these techniques are more difficult to perform than for congenital heart diseases in young medium-sized or large dogs because of old age and low body weight. Therefore, improved open-heart techniques and mitral valve surgery for severe MR in older toy- and small-breed dogs are essential. Through our surface-cooling hypothermia (sHT) studies, we designed a new, improved open-heart method, namely, “the low-flow cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) combined with deep sHT in toy- and small-breed dogs (Japan method)”; sHT was later replaced by blood-cooling hypothermia (bHT). At the same time, we devised a new, improved mitral valve plasty (MVP) applicable to severe MR, instead of mitral valve replacement, in toy- and small-breed dogs. This MVP technique was combined with artificial chordal reconstruction, semi-circular suture annuloplasty (AP), and direct scallop-suture valvuloplasty. These MVP techniques are simple, durable, and lead to good long-term quality of life in toy- and small-breed dogs. This review highlights the benefits of our improved CPB and MVP techniques (Japan method) for severe MR in toy-and small-breed dogs, which have led to a high success rate for MVP in severe clinical MR cases in Japan. It may further contribute to the development of more robust techniques for MR in toy- and small-breed dogs. This also represents the first comprehensive review of the history of open-heart surgery, CPB techniques, and MVP methods for MR in toy- and small-breed dogs.
Postrzeganie czasu i poczucie dobrostanu w adaptacji do starości
Authors: Szczuka Joanna , Steuden Stanisława
Published: March 2021

Time Perception and Psychological Well-being in Adapting to Old Age

The subject of the studies was to indicate whether there is a relationship between the time perception of older people and their psychological well-being. The study included 238 persons aged 60 years and older. To collect data, the following tools of psychological measurement were applied: Psychological Well-Being Scale (SDP) and The Zimbardo Time Perspective Inventory (ZPTI). It has been proven that the past positive time perspective is the one that best characterizes a given group. Numerous statistically significant relationships between particular time perspectives and psychological well-being have been demonstrated, both in their global area and in their individual dimensions.

Słowa kluczowe: d
Skrawek Świętej Rusi w Europie powersalskiej. Ruś Podkarpacka: tradycja i wymiar geopolityczny
Authors: Osadczy Włodzimierz
Published: March 2021

A Piece of Holy Rus in the Europe after the Treaty of Versailles. Subcarpathian Ruthenia: Tradition and Geopolitical Dimension

Subcarpathian Ruthenia was a relic of the East Slavic world which survived in the hermetic conditions of the influence of the Hungarian political tradition. Connected with other Ruthenian lands by religious tradition, the language of the Church, speech similar to the folk language of other Ruthenian regions on the other side of the Carpathians, under the rule of the Polish Crown, this piece of Rus was not linked by political or cultural tradition with other regions of Ruthenian lands referring to the common Kiev heritage . During political emancipation, conservative influences were clashing here, on the one hand – those combining attachment to the archaic tradition and political orientation towards Hungary, and on the other: progressive popular democratic influences seeking unity with the Ukrainian national movement. As a result of complicated diplomatic efforts, Subcarpathian Ruthenia was included in the Czechoslovak Republic after World War I. The interwar period did not bring any noticeable economic and civilization progress to these lands.

Ruś Podkarpacka była reliktem wschodniosłowiańskiego świata, który przetrwał w hermetycznych warunkach oddziaływania politycznej tradycji węgierskiej. Złączony z innymi ziemiami ruskimi tradycją religijną, językiem cerkiewnym, mową zbliżoną do języka ludowego innych regionów ruskich po drugiej stronie Karpat, w składzie Korony Polskiej, ten skrawek Rusi nie był złączony tradycją polityczną czy kulturową z innymi regionami ziem ruskich odwołujących się do wspólnej spuścizny kijowskiej. W czasie emancypacji politycznej ścierały się ze sobą tutaj wpływy konserwatywne, łączące przywiązanie do archaicznej tradycji i politycznej orientacji na Węgry a nikłe postępowe ludowo-demokratyczne dążące jedności z ukraińskich ruchem narodowym. Na skutek skomplikowanych zabiegów dyplomatycznych Ruś Podkarpacka znalazła się po I wojnie światowej w składzie Republiki Czechosłowackiej. Okres międzywojenny nie przyniósł tym ziemiom dostrzegalnego postępu gospodarczego i cywilizacyjnego.
Geneza i losy serbskich idei anarchistycznych przed i po 1918 roku
Authors: Miodyński Lech
Published: March 2021

The Origin and the Fate of Serbian Anarchistic Ideas Before and After 1918

This paper discusses sociohistorical factors and syncretic ideological sources of the Serbian anarchistic thought (from 1860’s) as well as its evolution and gradual disappearing in 20th century. Especially such specific elements as ties with local fraction of the Narodnikism, agraristic egalitarianism, criticism of the monarchistic state institutions and syndicalism are underlined. Also the reevaluating of these views (particularly antietatism) in the conditions of constructing of the new Yugoslav state after 1918 is investigated. The examples presented here confirm the thesis that after initial popularity of the anarchistic slogans (among others Mita Cenić and Krsta Cicvarić) in post-Versailles Yugoslavia this ideology was disarmed (except for Rodoljub Čolaković’s case ) and absorbed by the centralised communist movement.

W referacie omawia się uwarunkowania społeczno-historyczne oraz synkretyczne źródła ideowe serbskiej myśli anarchistycznej (od lat sześćdziesiątych XIX w.), a także jej ewolucję i stopniowe zanikanie w XX w. Wskazuje się zwłaszcza na takie czynniki specyficzne jak związki z lokalnym odłamem narodnictwa, agrarystycznym egalitaryzmem i krytyką instytucji monarchistycznego państwa czy syndykalizmem, po czym śledzi przewartościowania tych poglądów (zwłaszcza antyetatyzmu) w warunkach budowania nowego państwa jugosłowiańskiego po 1918 r. i później. Przedstawione przykłady potwierdzają tezę iż po początkowej popularności haseł anarchistycznych (Mita Cenić czy Krsta Cicvarić) w powersalskiej Jugosławii ideologia ta została rozbrojona (poza fenomenem Rodoljuba Čolakovicia) i wchłonięta przez scentralizowany ruch komunistyczny.
Collecting and regenerating populations of the Allium ampeloprasum complex from Greece
Authors: Kik Chris , De Groot Liesbeth , Bottema Gerlof , Op ’t Hof Marc , De Visser Niels , Willems Peter , Van Doormalen Toon , Samaras Stelios , Polemis Elias , Tzanoudakis Dimitris
Published: March 2021

Collecting expeditions are of prime importance to acquire genetically unique material, as for many crops and their wild relatives, large gaps are present in collections worldwide. This is also true for the three species of the Allium ampeloprasum complex, native to Greece, which are considered as the crop wild relatives of cultivated leek ( ). Therefore, a collecting expedition was carried out in Greece in 2009. A total of 62 populations of A. ampeloprasum, 20 populations of A. , 19 populations of A. and three mixed species populations were sampled. The sampled populations were mostly small (less than 50 plants), but sometimes large populations (more than 10,000 plants) were encountered, especially for A. . Two different reproduction systems were observed in A. ampeloprasum, which is probably due to level differences. The sexual type was predominantly found along cultivated fields, whereas the asexual type occurred in abandoned fields together with (L). and Cistus . Regeneration protocols were developed for these species as the of cultivated leek is different from its wild relatives. Regenerating A. ampeloprasum was more difficult compared to the other two species. Ten years after the collecting mission only one-third of the collected material has been regenerated. This is partly due to the characteristics of the material and partly because the Dutch collectors and the Greek competent national authorities on Access and Benefit Sharing were not able to conclude a specific arrangement which also involved the commercial use of the material.
Sustainable Pneumatic Transport Systems of Cereals
Authors: Panaitescu Mariana , Dumitrescu Gabriela Simona , Scupi Andrei Alexandru
Published: March 2021

Technological pneumatic transport installations are designed to move materials from one place to another in various phases of the production process. For example: loadingunloading materials (cereals) using rail and marine transport, air tunnel container transport, supplying combustion installations with burning coal dust. The main parameter in pneumatic transport installations is the velocity of air. For the regime of motion with material particles in suspension, for a given flow material, the higher the velocity is the greater the pressure loss will be and thus the energy consumption for transportation will increase. In horizontal pipes at the beginning of motion flow we have a compact regime, and then due to decrease air velocity a continuous layer regime is forming. This is the apparent motion in wich the pressure losses increase with the decrease of velocity. By reducing the air velocity the thickness of the deposited material increases and the real air passage section decreases and therefore the real air velocity increases, which explains the increase in pressure loss. In vertical pipes if the air velocity decreases below the lower limit of volant transport, after a critical area of instability, a transportation fluidized bed is established, the pressure losses being much larger than the particles in suspension mode. If the velocity further decreases the particles can not be entrained in the air.
The Impact of Climate Change on Farm Business Performance in Western Australia. Understanding Farmer’s Adaptation Responses and Their Key Characteristics in Response to a Changing and Variable Climate
Authors: Anderton L. , Kingwell R. , Feldman D. , Speijers J. , Islam N. , Xayavong V. , Wardell-Johnson A.
Published: March 2021

This study examines ten years of financial and production data of 249 farm businesses operating in southwestern Australia. It also identifies the behavioural characteristics of the farm operators through a comprehensive socio-managerial survey of each farm business. The study area has a Mediterranean climate, where three quarters of the rainfall is received during the growing season from April and October. Growers have learned to produce 2 tonnes per hectare of wheat on less than 200 ml of growing season rainfall. Australia is the driest continent in the world and is renowned for its climate variability. In addition, evidence is emerging that its southern parts, like south-western Australia, are experiencing a warming, drying trend in their climate. Average annual rainfall over the last thirty years in the study area has declined and average minimum and maximum temperatures have risen. Moreover, in the last ten years a number of droughts have occurred. This multidisciplinary study examines the business performance of 249 farms from 2002 to 2011 and identifies the strategies farm managers have adopted to adapt to a drying, warming environment. Farms are categorised according to their performance. Their characteristics are compared and contrasted. We find many significant differences between farm performance categories and the adaptation strategies used by the farmers in each category. There are also different socio-managerial and behavioural characteristics between the groups of farmers identified.
El método hermenéutico-fenomenológico de Martin Heidegger y la posibilidad de una investigación filosófica independiente
Authors: Ledesma Albornoz Álvaro
Published: March 2021

La cuestión del método en la filosofía temprana de Martin Heidegger ha sido objeto de estudio de varios trabajos académicos importantes. A pesar de un análisis profundo de su procedencia, operatividad, sentido, etc., la literatura académica no ha logrado destacar un aspecto fundamental de este método, a saber, su potencial filosófico independiente, esto es, su capacidad de ser usado para una reflexión filosófica que no se compromete con las investigaciones concretas realizadas por su autor. En este contexto, el presente artículo persigue dos objetivos. Por un lado, se procura describir de manera clara y ordenada los aspectos metódicos de la fenomenología hermenéutica a partir de las motivaciones propias que le dan forma y, por otro lado, se busca fundamentar la posibilidad de un uso filosófico de este método para investigaciones independientes.
Temporalidad, sentido y temples de ánimo fundamentales
Authors: González Padilla Rolando
Published: March 2021

En el presente trabajo se pretende explicar la génesis ontohistórica del sentido a partir de la temporización y el espaciamiento originarios del Ereignis en el marco de los desarrollos del pensar ontohistórico de Martin Heidegger que se encuentran en el texto de 1936 Beiträge zur Philosophie. Para ello primero nos referiremos a algunas temáticas de la ontología fundamental y del giro metaontológico que resultan decisivas para comprender lo que hemos denominado el oscilar abismal del Ereignis y la reformulación del concepto de Dasein en el marco del tratamiento de esta problemática. Posteriormente nos centraremos en el análisis del carácter espacio-temporal del Ereignis como “fundamento” de la génesis histórica del sentido que se manifiesta por medio de la apertura de constelaciones epocales de significatividad. Por último, nos referiremos al concepto ontohistórico de fenomenología a partir del papel prioritario que en él ejercen los temples de ánimo fundamentales de la historia del sEr.
Cuidado e bom humor em Heidegger
Authors: Borges-Duarte Irene
Published: March 2021

Na vida quotidiana, preocupação e despreocupação coexistem. Também o bom e o mau humor. O fundo ontológico do cuidado e a superfície ôntica do mundo da vida manifestam-se dessas duas maneiras, entre outras. Mas estas duas modalidades afectivas permitem aceder não tanto aos momentos singulares de manifestação afectiva em uma ou outra situação concreta, quanto ao próprio fundo do exercício da vida fáctica, na sua duplicidade ôntico-ontológica como ser-aí e ser-o-aí. É essa potencial variação do mesmo cuidado de ser à maneira humana que me proponho desenvolver, tendo por base textos heideggerianos dos anos 40 e 50, em que se tematiza a boa disposição ou Heiterkeit, semanticamente próxima mas não coincidente com serenidade e alegria.
ROLE OF KARPASABEEJA CHURNA IN THE TREATMENT OF STANYAKSHAYA - A PILOT STUDY
Authors: Kanojiya Rajni , S Shreyes. , M.R Yogitha Bali
Published: March 2021

Background: Stanyakshaya is the common problem noticed in about 40% patients in our clinical practice. Due to adaptation of Western culture, women get exposed to stress and strain. Lactation is the process as-sociated with psychosomatic condition and lifestyle. Breast milk is the perfect food for a normal neonate. It is the best gift a mother can give her baby. Breast feeding is the ideal form of infant feeding and is cru-cial for lifelong health and wellbeing.
Design: This was a single pilot study. 10 patients(lactating mothers, both primi and multi gravida) who ful-filled the eligibility criteria were selected for the study and the assessments were made before the treatment on the 1st day and after the treatment on the 30th day and follow up was done on 20th day after the comple-tion of treatment.
Intervention: Karpasabeejachurna (6gms) was administered with lukewarm water as the Anupana after food twice a day for one month and follow up carried out on 20th day after the completion of treatment.
Results: Karpasabeejachurna showed statistically significant results in the Stanamlanata, Stana/milk ejec-tion, breast feeding, weight of the baby and breast engorgement with p<0.001.
Conclusion: Karpasabeejachoorna showed to be effective in increasing the Stanya and it is a Stan-yajanakadravya.
ANALYTICAL STUDY OF SHATAHWADI GHRITA
Authors: Prasad Renu , Sharma Gunjan , Menon Radhika , 4 Aditi
Published: March 2021

Shatahwadi ghrita is an Ayurvedic formulation mentioned in Ashtanga hridaya in the management of Timira. The main contents of this Ghrita are Shatahwa, Nalada, Kakoli, Ksheerakakoli, Yashtimadhu, Pra-poundarika, Sarala, Pippali, Devadaru. It’s prepared by classical method of Ghrita kalpana.
Aim: To prepare and do the physio-chemical study of finished product.
Materials and Methods: Shatahwadi ghrita is a polyherbal formulation which is formulated by classical method of Ghrita paka. It contains drugs having properties such as Tridoshahara, Chakshushya and Ra-sayana.
Results: Standardization of Shatahwadi ghrita shows remarkable results regarding Refractive index, sapon-ification value, iodine value, peroxide value etc.
Conclusion: The prepared Shatahwadi ghrita matches the physicochemical parameters and can impact good therapeutic impact.