bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
DEVELOPMENT OF A MODEL FOR THE ESTIMATION OF SHEAR STRENGTH OF DISCONTINUITY IN MASSIVE AND KARSTIFIED LIMESTONE
Authors: Dobrilović Ivana , Hrženjak Petar , Navratil Dražen
Published: March 2021

In this paper, the problem of estimating the shear strength of discontinuity is presented, which especially occurs in massive and karstified limestones, where discontinuity walls can be extremely rough and irregular, with or without filling material, and for which the current models have proven to be unsatisfactory. A characteristic example of such limestones is the deposit of dimension stone “Kanfanar”, located on the Istrian peninsula in Croatia. For the purpose of developing a model for estimating the shear strength of discontinuity, field research was conducted in which large samples of blocks with natural discontinuities were prepared, as well as samples of filling material in limited conditions, on which detailed laboratory tests of shear strength were performed. Special attention was paid to determining the joint roughness coefficient JRC, the actual contact area between the discontinuity walls, the basic or residual friction angle and the friction angle of the built-in filling material between the discontinuity surfaces. The development of the model for estimating the shear strength of discontinuity was based on Barton’s JRC-JCS empirical model, given the fact that it is one of the most commonly applied models in engineering practice. Based on the results of the tests, a modification of Barton’s JRC-JCS model was made, in such a way that the friction angle of the built-in filling material in the case of discontinuity with a filling was applied instead of the basic or residual friction angle. In addition, for the correct evaluation of the roughness of the discontinuity walls in massive and karstified limestones, it was found that it is necessary to increase the roughness coefficient to values larger than 20, which has been proposed as the maximum so far. Evaluation of the proposed model showed that it is satisfactorily accurate in estimating the shear strength of discontinuity with clay filling material of different states of consistency.
BATHYMETRIC AND GEOLOGICAL PROPERTIES OF THE ADRIATIC SEA
Authors: Vrdoljak Ljerka , Režić Mate , Petričević Ivan
Published: March 2021

Advance in the visualization of the bathymetric and geological data from charted to digital maps and models opened the possibility to analyse data within Geographic Information System (GIS) functionalities. In this paper, bathymetric and geological properties of the Adriatic Sea were analysed using the General Bathymetric Chart of the Ocean (GEBCO) 2020 digital bathymetric model (DBM) and data from the European Marine Observation and Data Network (EMODnet). The bathymetric analysis includes depth statistics, area and volume calculation, hypsometry, and analysis of the heterogeneity of bathymetric data from the GEBCO 2020 DBM within the limits of the Adriatic defined by the International Hydrographic Organization (IHO) and 3 sub-basins delineated according to the bathymetry. The geological analysis includes seabed substrate map from EMODnet data and kilometre-scale seabed variability in the Adriatic. The GEBCO 2020 DBM shows that the Adriatic Sea is a shallow sea with a mean depth of -253 metres and over 50% of area shallower than 100 metres. The area of the Adriatic Sea is 138 516 km2 with a total volume of 35 521 km3. Patterns describing morphological variability coincide with the heterogeneity of the underlying source data of the GEBCO 2020 digital bathymetry model and major structures in the Adriatic Sea.
Understanding Amish Migrations to New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, and Manitoba
Authors: Arsenault Gabriel
Published: March 2021

For nearly two centuries, the Amish of Canada inhabited only one province: Ontario. Since 2015, however, Amish families have started to migrate from Ontario to New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, and Manitoba. This paper seeks to understand both why Amish families felt the need to move out of Ontario and why they chose those specific destinations. It argues that three factors structure Amish interprovincial migrations in Canada: farmland prices, the geography of existing Amish settlements in both Canada and the United States, and the political hospitality of provinces. Most specifically, the paper suggests that Prince Edward Island might be the most Amish-friendly jurisdiction in North America, while Quebec might be the least Amish-friendly jurisdiction of the continent.
Change and Continuity in Amish Wedding Dates in the Holmes County, Ohio, Settlement
Authors: Troyer Henry
Published: March 2021

In the past century, the Amish of Holmes County, Ohio, have experienced an enormous population increase (from continued high fertility) and a serious decline in farming (from land shortage). We wondered if their traditional pattern of weddings might also have changed. We showed that whereas weddings used to occur almost exclusively in winter months, with a peak in December, they now occur in spring, summer, and early fall, but hardly ever in December. Two developments may be responsible. Refrigeration and other technologies for preserving food are now allowed in many Amish churches, making it possible to safely preserve wedding foods in warm weather. December weddings used to interfere minimally with the busy farming season, but now with farming in serious decline, that is no longer an issue. The traditional practice of having weddings on Thursdays and to a lesser extent on Tuesdays remains almost unchanged for the past several centuries. Much work is involved in wedding preparation and in cleanup after the wedding. For that reason, it is desirable to avoid holding weddings on Saturdays and Mondays, since much Sunday work would be required.
Population Growth and Fertility Patterns in an Old Order Amish Settlement: A 21-Year Follow-Up Study
Authors: Greksa Lawrence
Published: March 2021

This report describes population growth and fertility patterns in the Amish settlement centered in Geauga County, Ohio, and in particular, evaluates whether its fertility behavior is that of a natural fertility population. The dates of birth and death, location of household inside or outside the Geauga Settlement, and church status of all household members for the period up to January 1, 2014, were used to estimate population size, population structure, and various measures of fertility behavior. The results based on the 2014 directory were compared with similar data from the 1993 directory (Greksa, 2002) in order to estimate population growth rates and to determine if there has been change over time in population structure and fertility patterns.The settlement consisted of 15,579 individuals distributed in 3,016 households in 107 districts as of January 1, 2014. The average annual growth rate between 1993 and 2014 was 3.0%, with a doubling time of 23.0 years. Mean completed marital fertility was 6.9 live births, ranging from 0 to 17 births. There is a consistent pattern of decreasing total fertility rates (TFR) between 1924 and 2014. In particular, bivariate linear regression indicated that TFR decreased by about 1.7 births during this period. Despite the decrease in fertility over time, which is consistent with the use of birth control measures, the decrease in fertility appears to be independent of parity, suggesting that the Amish in the Geauga Settlement are still a natural fertility population.
Front Matter
Authors: Donnermeyer Joseph F. , Kraybill Donald B. , Louden Mark L. , Nolt Cynthia L. , Nolt Steven M. , Yoder Marcus A.
Published: March 2021

No abstract available.
Editors' Introduction
Authors: Donnermeyer Joseph F. , Nolt Steven M.
Published: March 2021

No abstract available.
The risk is in the detail: historical cartography and a hermeneutic analysis of historical floods in the city of Murcia
Authors: Gil-Guirado Salvador , Olcina-Cantos Jorge , Pérez-Morales Alfredo , Barriendos Mariano
Published: March 2021

The study of historical floods is a growing research trend that has generated numerous methodologies that aim to convert the qualitative historical documentation into quantitative information. This codification process aims to make comparable in time and space the manner in which past societies adapted to floods, and so extract the positive or negative points that can help reduce vulnerability and increase the resilience of current societies. However, the diversity of cultural and historical contexts, as well as the spatial-temporal heterogeneity of documentary sources, makes it difficult to extrapolate quantitative methods in historical climatology. This situation means that interpretative analyses of texts are still necessary as a complement to quantitative studies. In this paper, we make a hermeneutic analysis of the three most catastrophic floods that have occurred in the city of Murcia (south-eastern Spain) in the last 400 years. We complete this analysis with a historical cartographic reconstruction of a quantitative nature. Among the main conclusions, we highlight the fact that the society of Murcia had strategies to overcome catastrophes that included the whole of society and an integrated emergency management. However, the state of poverty of privation prior to a flood is a determining factor in explaining the resilience of a social system. A large increase in exposure of flood-prone areas over the past two centuries is noteworthy but unsurprising. However, it is surprising that the percentage of urban area exposed to flooding is now smaller than in the past. Therefore, if we consider hazard avoidance as a form of management, we can say that pre-industrial Murcian society was less efficient in using the mechanisms available to adapt to flooding.
Study of early neonatal outcomes in babies delivered through meconium-stained amniotic fluid in a rural teaching hospital
Authors: Dhannaram Venkatesh , Kotapuri Sumathi , Chitgupikar Sudharshanraj
Published: March 2021

Background: When the fetus is in a state of stress meconium is passed presence of meconium in amniotic fluid is potentially a serious Sign of fatal compromise, frequency of meconium strained amniotic fluid ranges from 5-22%. MSAF results in higher rate of cesarean delivery, NICU admission rate, respiratory distress, PPHN and neonatal death. The primary objectives of the study were to estimate the incidence of Meconium aspiration syndrome & Respiratory distress among babies born through meconium-stained amniotic fluid (MSAF) along with studying the outcomes at the end of 7 days.Methods: This was a prospective study undertaken in mediciti institute of medical sciences, Ghanpur Medchal Mandal from Jan 2018 to June 2019. Data was collected in a predetermined proforma after institutional ethical committee clearance and appropriate informed consent.Results: During this period 1972 neonates were delivered of which 216 babies were born through MSAF. 18 were excluded for non-cephalic presentation, multiple gestation or congenital anomalies.198 babies were included in the study (96 male and 102 female). 18 neonates (10.2%) needed resuscitation at birth. 85 (42.9%) had thick MSAF. 43 of them developed respiratory distress (21.7%). 10 babies were ventilated. Seizures, hyperbilirubinemia, thrombocytopenia were more common among babies with thick MSAF. Mortality was 1%.Conclusions: Thick meconium-stained amniotic fluid was associated with low Apgar score, higher rate of emergency cesarean section and meconium aspiration syndrome. Primigravida mothers, maternal hypothyroidism and oligohydramnios were important risk factors associated with MAS.
Respiratory morbidity in children who had undergone primary repair of esophageal atresia with tracheo esophageal fistula in a tertiary care centre in India
Authors: Kumar Madhan , Varkki Sneha Deena , Karl Sampath , Bal Harshjeet Singh , Irodi Aparna , John Mary , Rathi Alok
Published: March 2021

Background: Objective of the study was to assess the prevalence of respiratory and related GI morbidity in children who had undergone repair of oesophageal atresia/tracheoesophageal fistula (TEF) in the neonatal period.Methods: Patients operated during the period 2008–2015 were evaluated in 2017 by clinical evaluation, radiological imaging (chest X-ray, barium swallow study and high-resolution computed tomographic scan) and laryngoscopy examination.Results: Of the 50 neonates who underwent primary repair of TEF during the 8 year period, 39 were discharged successfully. Twenty-six of them at a Mean age of 64 months were included in the study. At the time of assessment, 65% of subjects registered body mass index (BMI) less than 10th centile. Abnormal respiratory system findings in 63% and digital clubbing in 27% were noted. Unilateral asymptomatic vocal cord was demonstrated in 7.7%. Radiological evaluation showed abnormal oesophageal motility/reflux in 54% and bronchiectasis in 19%. In addition, 62% had needed hospitalization for recurrent pneumonia in infancy. Environmental smoke exposure was reported in 38% and 73% had no regular follow up with a pediatrician.Conclusions: This comprehensive evaluation of respiratory morbidity in children who had been operated for TEF in the neonatal period, demonstrated a high prevalence of reported respiratory morbidity in the first year of life. Poor nutritional outcomes and abnormal respiratory system examination were observed in a significant proportion. One-fifth of these patients had already developed bronchiectasis by a mean age of 75.4 months. Asymptomatic unilateral vocal cord palsy was another important finding.
A study on predictors of low birth weight
Authors: Reddy Jillela Mahesh , Aravalli Sasi Priya
Published: March 2021

Background: purpose of this study was to determine prevalence of maternal and social risk factors of low birth weight. The purpose of this study is to prevalence of maternal and social risk factors of low birth weight.Methods: The cross-sectional and comparative study was carried out by reviewing medical records of newborn delivered for one year in 250 newborn. Birth weight was categorized into two as low birth weight (birth weight <2500 grams), considered as cases, and normal birth weight (birth weight ≥2500 grams), considered as controls or the reference birth weight.Results: In our study mother’s age, socioeconomic, educational status, occupation as significant variables to be associated with low birth weight. caesarean section increased significantly with decrease in gestational age and maternal weight, history of abortion, iron supplementation Hypertension, anemia, and DM are Predictors of maternal and obstetric with low birth weight.Conclusions: Prompt identification of causes and prevention of premature delivery, proper knowledge of signs and symptoms of pregnancy complications, and preventing any physical trauma or its potential causes are recommended during pregnancy to prevent low birth weight.
Associated health problems in children with hearing impairment: an institutional study
Authors: John Synu Elsa , Cherian Carol Sara , Koshy Shanty Mary
Published: March 2021

Background: Hearing impairment is one of the leading health concerns in the world and various health problems are often found associated in such children. This study was planned to find the nutritional status, health problems and associated disabilities in such children.Methods: A total of 234 children in the age group of 5–18 years with hearing loss, from an educational institution catering to such children in Central Kerala, were studied. Data analysis was done using statistical package for the social sciences (SPSS) software and results interpreted.Results: The present study had 234 children who satisfied the inclusion criteria. More than 75% of the children had underweight. 47% had short stature. Overweight and obesity were present in 9.8% and 2.1% of the children. Nutritional deficiencies like anemia (7.7%) and vitamin A and B complex deficiencies (10.7%) were also observed. The significant health problems found were congenital heart disease 5.3%, prolongation of QTc interval 12.4%, seizure disorder 6%, bronchial asthma 4%, refractive errors 7.3%, strabismus 2%, corneal opacities and blindness 0.8%, psoriasis 0.4%, external ear malformations 3.7% and khyphoscoliosis 1.3%. Behavioral problems (44%), visual impairment (11%), poor scholastic performance (17%), dysgraphia (3%), dyscalculia and motor skill impairment (2.1%) were the common associated disabilities.Conclusions: Significant health problems were observed in these hearing impaired children. The prominent ones being malnutrition, congenital heart diseases, prolongation of QTc interval, seizure disorder, bronchial asthma, refractive errors, external ear malformations, psoriasis, khyphoscoliosis, behavioral problems, poor scholastic performance, dysgraphia, dyscalculia and motor skill impairment.
Immediate complications of hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy in term neonates with resistive index as prognostic factor
Authors: N. Likitha , N. Channabasavanna , B. Mahendrappa K.
Published: March 2021

Background: Hypoxemia, a decreased arterial concentration of oxygen, frequently results in hypoxia, or decreased oxygenation to cells or organs. Hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) is a leading cause of neonatal brain injury, morbidity, and mortality globally. In the developed world, incidence is estimated at 1-8 per 1,000 live births, and in the developing world, estimates are as high as 26 per 1,000. The objective of the study is use of resistive index as prognostic factor for immediate neonatal outcome by Doppler ultrasound in birth asphyxia.Methods: 50 babies were subjected to neurosonogram between 12-24 hours of life admitted to tertiary care centre. Resistive index (RI) was measured for all enrolled neonates within 24 hours of life using pulse wave Doppler ultrasound. RI was calculated as: , where S=peak systolic velocity and D=end diastolic velocity. RI was measured for all enrolled neonates within 24 hours of life using pulse wave Doppler ultrasound with 3.5 MHz transducer. RI was calculated as: . A RI between 0.56 and 0.90 was considered normal and neonates were classified as having either normal or abnormal RI.Results: The study conducted states that the mean age taken is 17.12 hours with a p value of 0.82 and the cord pH of mean 6.88 with p value of 0.70 which is suggestive of adverse outcomes in birth asphyxiated babies while the resistive index of cerebral arteries and renal arteries is 0.66 with p value of 0.115 which is statistically significant. The lesser the resistive indices the more severe is the adverse outcome.Conclusions: The immediate consequences of HIE like death, seizures, acute kidney injury which are the parameters in my study has a positive co relation with resistive indices of the cerebral arteries and renal arteries measures respectively.
Comparison of efficacy of eutectic mixture of local anaesthetic with amethocaine on pain during venipuncture among term neonates in a tertiary care hospital, India
Authors: Nair Anagha M. , Prabakaran Vetriselvi , Bethou Adhisivam
Published: March 2021

Background: Neonates are frequently subjected to painful procedures which can adversely affect future pain perception. Pain control measures during invasive procedures include non-pharmacological and pharmacological methods. One pharmacological intervention that can be used prior to a needle insertion procedure is application of a topical local anaesthetic to numb the skin. Topical anaesthetics prevent nerve impulse transmission, promoting skin analgesia by acting on the free dermal terminations. This study compares the efficacy of eutectic mixture of local anaesthetic with amethocaine on pain during venipuncture among term neonates.  Methods: A randomized clinical trial was conducted with 70 term neonates who underwent venepuncture in neonatal intensive care unit of a   tertiary care centre.  A simple random sampling technique was used to enrol the neonates who met the inclusion criteria. Neonatal infant pain scale was used to collect the data. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyse the data.  frequency and percentage were used to describe the clinical and demographic variables of the study participants. The efficacy of topical local anaesthetics was analysed using independent student t test. Chi-square test was used to identify the association of level of pain with clinical and demographic characteristics of the neonate.  The analysis was done with SPSS 21st version.Results: Compared to amethocaine group, in eutectic mixture of local anaesthetic (EMLA) group only lesser number of neonates experienced severe level of pain and mild to moderate level of pain. Though mean pain score in EMLA group (3.457±1.633) was lesser than amethocaine group (4.000±1.514) it was not significant (p=0.347).Conclusions: The study revealed the efficacy of topical anaesthetics in relieving pain in term neonates during venipuncture.
Clinico-haematological profile and etiology of bi/pancytopenia in children aged six months to eighteen years
Authors: Venkat Rohan D. , Bharani Sheela A.
Published: March 2021

Background: Bicytopenia/Pancytopenia is frequently found in our clinical practice having diverse etiologies, and still the optimal diagnostic approach remains undefined. Etiologies of bi/pancytopenia vary with genetic conditions, geographical area and the prevalence of infections and nutritional deficiencies in the community. The objective is to identify clinico-haematological profile and etiologies of bi/pancytopenia in children aged 6 months to 18 years from the region of western India.  Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was done during May 2016 to April 2018. All patients were investigated for identifying a cause of bi/ pancytopenia. Pancytopenia is defined as haemoglobin of<10 gm%, total leukocyte count<4000/mm3 with or without absolute neutrophil count of<1500/mm3, platelet count<1 lac/mm3. Bicytopenia is defined as any reduction in any two cell lineages.  Results: From 6109 hospitalized patients, 95 cases of bicytopenia and 79 of pancytopenia were evaluated. Fever, pallor, mucosal and skin bleeding were the predominant symptoms observed. Pallor was found in 90.8% cases followed by hepatomegaly in 64.8% and splenomegaly in 40.8% cases. From both bi/ pancytopenia groups, infective diseases were the common causes found in 87 (50%) cases, followed by malignancies in 28 (16%) cases and megaloblastic anemia in 22 (12.64%) cases. Aplastic anemia was found in 10 cases. Dengue fever and malaria were two common causes observed in bicytopenia group while megaloblastic anemia and acute lymphoblastic leukaemia were found in pancytopenia group.  Conclusions: Infective diseases were common causes giving rise to bi/pancytopenia. Pancytopenia is predominantly noticed in the conditions related to bone marrow production or due to infiltrative disorders.
A study to evaluate the diagnostic value investigations in early diagnosis of septicemia in newborn
Authors: Sreedhar S. V. S. , Qureshi Mohammed Mujtaba
Published: March 2021

Background: The early diagnosis of neonatal septicemia still poses great difficulties. Early clinical symptomatology of neonatal septicemia is mimicked by a lot of other disorders affecting the newborn. To study the diagnostic value of the combination of CRP, absolute neutrophil count, band form count to the total neutrophil ratio in early diagnosis of neonatal septicemia.Methods: A total 75 babies who got admitted to Mahavir institute of medical sciences between October 2018 to September 2019 (12) months were included in the study medical college hospital in a newborn with age less than 3 days and with well-defined maternal risk factors or clinical evidence of sepsis are included in the study. In all neonates, the blood sample was collected from a peripheral vein with all aseptic precautions, before administration of any antibiotic therapy.Results: A total 20 preterm babies (62.5%) were affected by septicemia.12 full-term babies (37.5%) were affected by septicemia. The sensitivity of a lab test is defined as the proportion of infants with proven sepsis in whom the result is abnormal. Specificity is the proportion of healthy infants in whom the result is normal.Conclusions. When both CRP and band form to mature neutrophil counts were positive the sensitivity and the negative predictive value were high compared to other combinations of two.
Wolfram syndrome: a case report with severe polyuria and secondary urological abnormalities
Authors: Omkarappa Niranjan kumbara Hunasagatta , Siddaiah Prashanth , Rangaswamy Shalini Sankalapura , Anjanaiah Ramu , Chennakeshava Devika , RamaRaj Savitha Mysore
Published: March 2021

Wolfram syndrome is the condition characterized by juvenile onset diabetes mellitus and optic atrophy, which is also known as DIDMOAD. Classical Wolfram syndrome is a rare autosomal recessive disorder caused by mutations in WFS1, a gene involved in endoplasmic reticulum and mitochondrial function. Patients present with type 1 diabetes mellitus followed by optic atrophy in the first decade, diabetes insipidus and sensorineural deafness in the second decade, dilated renal outflow tracts as early as in the third decade, and various neurological abnormalities in the early fourth decade. We describe a case report of 14-year-old male child diagnosed as wolfram syndrome with type 1 diabetes mellitus, diabetes insipidus, deafness, optic atrophy and severe urological abnormalities. Patients who present with early onset insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus and optic atrophy together should be evaluated with respect to Wolfram Syndrome. If a patient, who is a known case of diabetes mellitus, presents with persistent polyuria or neurogenic bladder despite good glycemic control, suspicion of wolfram syndrome and further evaluation regarding the same must be made. Recognizing and timely management of this condition will help to improve the quality of life in the patient.
Study of aetiology of anemia in HIV positive individuals
Authors: S. Umamaheshwari , Raghavan Varun Venkat , P. Ramamurthy , T. Krishna Kumar Naik
Published: March 2021

Background: HIV/AIDS is a global pandemic. As of 2014, approximately 37 million people have HIV worldwide with the number of new infections that year being about 2 million. This is down from 3.1 million new infections in 2001. The objective of the study was to study the immunological status as indicated by the CD4 count and aetiology of anemia in HIV positive individuals.Methods: This study was carried out on 100 consecutive HIV patients in the Department of Medicine, Vijayanagara Institute of Medical Sciences Bellary, Karnataka during the period from October 2014 to May 2016.Results: In this study, 100 patients with HIV infection and anemia were studied to find the etiology of anemia in HIV positive patients Only patients with Hb less than 10 g/dl (moderate to severe grade) were included in this study. 42% patient had moderate grade anemia and 58% had severe grade anemia patient mild grade anemia was excluded. 13 patient had their MCV <76 fl. 60 patient had their MCV between 76-96 fl and 27% had their MCV of >96 fl. 54% of patient had anemia due to chronic disease.Conclusions: 54% of patient had anemia due to chronic disease, 12% had iron deficiency anemia, 11% had anemia due to vitamin B12 deficiency, 22 % had anemia due to zidovudine induced anemia and 1 patient had anemia due hemolysis.
Serum fibroscores APRI, FIB-4 and fibroscan in assessment of liver fibrosis in alcoholic associated liver disease
Authors: Naik B. Balakasi , Kumar Babu , Pughazhendhi Sultan Nawahirsha
Published: March 2021

Background: Alcohol-associated liver disease includes a variety of clinical disorders which include steatosis, Alcoholic steato hepatitis, alcoholic hepatitis of varying degrees of severity, alcoholic cirrhosis, and alcohol associated cirrhosis complicated by hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). In patients with alcoholic liver disease the presence of hepatic (liver) fibrosis and progression into cirrhosis is a prognostic variable and having impact on survival. To assess hepatic (liver) fibrosis using serum fibro scores fibrosis-4 (FIB-4) scores, AST platelet ratio index (APRI scores) and to compare these results with fibro scan to rule out severe fibrosis in patients with alcohol related disease.Methods: A cross sectional clinical study conducted on 50 patients with alcohol associated chronic liver disease between December 2019 to December 2020 who were in follow up in outpatient department (OPD) and admitted in the Department of Medical Gastroenterology. APRI and FIB-4 scores were calculated and compared with fibro scan values.Results: The results of 50 patients were analysed, including, males with a mean age. Among the study population, 6 (12%) participants had no significant FIB-4, 16 (32%) participants had intermediate FIB-4 and 28 (56%) participants had likely cirrhosis. 33 (66%) participants had no significant APRI, 6 (12%) participants had significant APRI and 11 (22%) participants had cirrhosis liver. Among the people with fibro scan KPA F0-F1 (<7), all of them 100% were no significant FIB-4. Among the people with fibro scan KPA F2 (7 To 9.50), 2 (50%) were no significant FIB-4 and intermediate FIB-4 for each respectively.Conclusions: FIB-4 score correlated better than APRI score in assessing patients with and without severe fibrosis and cirrhosis in the setting of alcohol associated liver disease patients.
NT-pro brain natriuretic peptide in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus without overt heart failure: a hospital based cross sectional study
Authors: Varma Sanjay , Toppo Archana , Ram Khagdev , Khare Rajeev Lochan , Malhotra Yogendra , Lakra Devpriya
Published: March 2021

Background: Increased secretion of brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) and N-terminal proBNP (NT-proBNP) occurs mainly with increased tension in the ventricular walls, decreased oxygen supply, acute myocardial infarction, chronic cardiac heart failure, and in hypertrophy of the heart. Objective was to find out the prevalence and profile of NT-pro BNP levels in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) without overt heart failure.Methods: Hospital based cross sectional observational study was conducted in the Department of Medicine, Pt. JNM Medical College and associated Dr. BRAM Hospital Raipur, Chhattisgarh involving 106 patients of type 2 DM during the period of April 2019 to April 2020, after ethical approval from institutional ethical committee.Results: The levels of NT pro BNP was found to be elevated in 87.7% patients of DM type 2. Majority of them were from 51-60 years age group (35.5%). Elevated NT proBNP levels was seen in 23.58% of patients having grade I diastolic dysfunction, 3.7% patients with grade II diastolic dysfunction and 1.88% patients having grade III diastolic dysfunction on echocardiography out of the 106 patients. Regardless of presence of diastolic dysfunction on echo, 93 (87.73%) patients out of the total study group of 106 patients had elevated BNP suggesting cardiac dysfunction. In the present study, 30.19% patients with diabetes were found to have varying degrees of diastolic dysfunction on echocardiography.Conclusions: The prevalence of elevated NT pro BNP was 87.7%. Commonly observed age group with elevated NT pro BNP was 51-60 years. NT pro BNP was elevated in 88.7% of males and in 88.36% of females. Prevalence of elevated NT pro BNP was higher in grade 1 diastolic dysfunction with DM duration of more than 5 years (33.3%). Higher prevalence of elevated NT pro BNP was seen in grade I diastolic dysfunction (23.58%).
Obesidade e as Intervenções Governamentais: análise de macrocontigências e metacontigencias
Authors: De Melo Junior Ivaldo Ferreira , Souza Anna Carolina Gonçalves , Baia Fábio Henrique , Neves Sônia Maria Mello
Published: March 2021

Resumo: este trabalho apresenta a visão analítico-comportamental nos três níveis de seleção de fatores relacionados à obesidade. São discutidos como cada nível de seleção determina comportamentos que produzem obesidade. A insuficiência da consideração da obesidade de modo individual é destacada. A atual epidemia da obesidade exige a consideração de fenômenos comportamentais no terceiro nível da cultura. Por fim, são discutidos políticas públicas que tentam intervir a partir da alteração de práticas culturais para alterar o atual status da epidemia da obesidade.

Palavras-chave: Obesidade. Políticas Publicas. Práticas Culturais. Macrocontingências. Metacontingências.
Modelo Cognitivo-Comportamental para Tratamento de Crianças Obesas com Compulsão Alimentar Periódica
Authors: Borges Janine De Melo , Neves Sônia Maria Mello
Published: March 2021

Resumo: objetivou-se adaptar o tratamento Cognitivo-Comportamental à população infantil obesa com Transtorno de Compulsão Alimentar Periódica, verificar a eficácia deste e a redução do peso. Seis crianças participaram de nove sessões em grupo que visaram: modificação dos hábitos alimentares, reestruturação cognitiva, entre outros. Os resultados obtidos confirmam eficácia do tratamento na mudança comportamental, na reestruturação cognitiva e na perda de peso.

Palavras-chave: crianças; obesidade; tratamento cognitivo-comportamental; transtorno de compulsão alimentar periódica; procedimentos e recursos lúdicos.
Avaliação Psicológica e Imagem Corporal no Preparo para Cirurgia Bariátrica
Authors: De Faria Margareth Regina G. Veríssimo , Ferreira Claudia Cezar , Prado Jéssica Inácio De Almeida
Published: March 2021

Resumo: este artigo tem como objetivo avaliar a imagem corporal de pessoas obesas em preparo para cirurgia bariátrica. A avaliação utilizou aplicação do Desenho da Figura Humana e entrevistas. Os resultados mostraram a dificuldade de enfrentamento da realidade, preocupação com o passado, ansiedade, sentimento de inadequação e frustrações. Analisados de forma contextualizada são coerentes com a história de vida dos pacientes.

Palavras-chave: Paulo. Imagem corporal. Obesidade. Cirurgia bariátrica.
Chasing Informality: Evidence from Increasing Enforcement in Large Firms in Peru
Authors: Bosch Mariano , González Stephanie , Silva Porto María Teresa
Published: March 2021

Evasion of labor market regulations in middle income countries is systemic. This is generally known as informality. In Latin America, where less than 50% of workers are registered with social security, this is a permanent phenomenon and encompasses a variety of economic realities ranging from subsistence self-employment to evasion of certain regulations including social security contributions. In this study we analyze the role of enforcement in curbing informality in large formal firms in Peru, where informality levels are around 70%. Through the Peruvian National Labor Control Superintendence (SUNAFIL) we randomly sent 697 letters to formal Peruvian firms of more than 50 workers, indicating their obligation to enroll workers in social insurance systems (health and pensions). Two types of letters were sent, one with a deterrence message and one emphasizing the benefits of formalization. One year after the letters were sent, we found a positive and statistically significant effect on the number of workers enrolled in social security (9.8% on average). Only strict deterrence messages had a significant impact, and only in very large firms. This evidence suggests that there is room for improvement in compliance with labor regulations through more proactive monitoring and behavioral tools such as reminders, but effects could be concentrated in the largest firms.
NP-completeness of the Minimum Spanning Tree Problem of a Multiple Graph of Multiplicity k ≥ 3
Authors: Smirnov Alexander Valeryevich
Published: March 2021

In this paper, we study undirected multiple graphs of any natural multiplicity k > 1. There are edges of three types: ordinary edges, multiple edges and multi-edges. Each edge of the last two types is a union of k linked edges, which connect 2 or (k + 1) vertices correspondingly. The linked edges should be used simultaneously. If a vertex is incident to a multiple edge, it can be also incident to other multiple edges and it can be the common end of k linked edges of some multi-edge. If a vertex is the common end of some multi-edge, it cannot be the common end of another multi-edge. A multiple tree is a connected multiple graph with no cycles. Unlike ordinary trees, the number of edges in a multiple tree is not fixed. The problem of finding the spanning tree can be set for a multiple graph. Complete spanning trees form a special class of spanning trees of a multiple graph. Their peculiarity is that a multiple path joining any two selected vertices exists in the tree if and only if such a path exists in the initial graph. If the multiple graph is weighted, the minimum spanning tree problem and the minimum complete spanning tree problem can be set. Also we can formulate the problems of recognition of the spanning tree and complete spanning tree of the limited weight. The main result of this article is the proof of NPcompleteness of such recognition problems for arbitrary multiple graphs as well as for divisible multiple graphs in the case when multiplicity k ≥ 3. The corresponding optimization problems are NP-hard.
An Algorithm for Correcting Levels of Useful Signals on Interpretation of Eddy-Current Defectograms
Authors: Kuzmin Egor V. , Gorbunov Oleg E. , Plotnikov Petr O. , Tyukin Vadim A. , Bashkin Vladimir A.
Published: March 2021

To ensure traffic safety of railway transport, non-destructive tests of rails are regularly carried out by using various approaches and methods, including eddy-current flaw detection methods. An automatic analysis of large data sets (defectograms) that come from the corresponding equipment is an actual problem. The analysis means a process of determining the presence of defective sections along with identifying structural elements of railway tracks in defectograms. This article continues the cycle of works devoted to the problem of automatic recognizing images of defects and structural elements of rails in eddy-current defectograms. In the process of forming these images, only useful signals are taken into account, the threshold levels of amplitudes of which are determined automatically from eddy-current data. The previously used algorithm for finding threshold levels was focused on situations in which the vast majority of signals coming from the flaw detector is a rail noise. A signal is considered useful and is subject to further analysis if its amplitude is twice the corresponding noise threshold. The article is devoted to the problem of correcting threshold levels, taking into account the need to identify extensive surface defects of rails. An algorithm is proposed for finding the values of threshold levels of rail noise amplitudes with their subsequent correction in the case of a large number of useful signals from extensive defects. Examples of the algorithm’s operation on real eddy-current data are given.
О ПРАВОВОМ РЕГУЛИРОВАНИИ ОТНОШЕНИЙ В СФЕРЕ "ЗЕЛЕНОЙ" ЭКОНОМИКИ ПРИ КОРОНАВИРУСНОЙ ПАНДЕМИИ 2020 Г
Authors: КЛЕАНДРОВ﻿ Михаил ﻿Иванович
Published: March 2021

The article deals with the problems of legal regulation of public relations in the field of “green” economy in the extreme conditions of the coronavirus pandemic in 2020. It is noted that this pandemic is another in a series of other pandemics, and certainly not the last, and therefore the general – extreme – legal regulation of public relations, including in the field of “green” economy, should also provide for future catastrophes of an epidemiological nature that may occur, negatively and on a large scale affecting the economy. In the meantime, the article concludes that no effective legislative and regulatory acts of an extreme nature have been adopted to ensure the sustainability of the “green” economy in the context of the coronavirus pandemic. Proposals are being made to address this problem.
Давид Рикардо об инвестициях
Authors: Шпинев Ю. С.
Published: March 2021

The article examines the views of one of the founders of classical economics, David Ricardo, on the issues of investment, capital and profit. The need for this study is caused by the lack of a single definition of investment in the regulatory acts of investment legislation, as well as in the scientific community. Thus, there is a problem of regulatory regulation of one of the most important concepts of the economy. Given that the concepts of investment, capital, and capital investment are primarily economic categories, it seems quite reasonable to consider the emergence and development of these concepts in the retrospect of economic theories, in order to understand the essence of the phenomenon and finally solve the issue of its legal regulation. The scientific novelty of the study is that despite a large number of works on the work of David Ricardo «The Beginnings of Political Economy and Taxation», no special work was carried out on the contribution of the great economist to the theory of investment. Conclusions. The main achievements of Ricardo in the field of capital and investment include the author's definitions of capital, free capital, the creation of a theory of comparative advantages of trade, the division of capital into fixed and circulating capital depending on strength, as well as the description of the reasons that stimulate and hinder foreign investment.
Synbiotic (FamiLact) administration in idiopathic male infertility enhances sperm quality, DNA integrity, and chromatin status: A triple-blinded randomized clinical trial
Authors: Abbasi Behzad , Abbasi Homayoun , Niroumand Hassan
Published: March 2021

Background: Idiopathic male infertility is often treated empirically. A recent body of evidence has indicated the association between pro ± prebiotics administration and improvement in semen parameters.
Objective: To assess the effect of FamiLact (probiotic + prebiotic) administration on male subjects with idiopathic infertility.
Materials and Methods: Fifty-six men with idiopathic male infertility were randomly/equally divided into two groups. Men in the case and control groups received 500 mg of FamiLact and an identical placebo for 80 days, respectively. A semen sample was obtained from each of the participants before initiation and after the termination of the treatment course. Samples underwent regular semen analysis and were further analyzed to assess the level of DNA damage (sperm chromatin structure assay), oxidative stress (BODIPY C11 staining), and protamine deficiency (chromomycin-A3 staining) in spermatozoa.
Results: No significant difference was observed between the baseline values of both groups. After intervention, mean sperm concentration, motility, and normal morphology were significantly higher in the FamiLact group compared to the placebo group (p < 0.05). In the FamiLact receivers, we detected improvement regarding the following parameters: concentration, motility, abnormal morphology, sperm lipid peroxidation, and DNA fragmentation (p ≤ 0.02). Likewise, in the placebo group, we noticed a decrease in the post-medication mean value of DNA fragmentation (p = 0.03) while observing no significant difference regarding other parameters.
Conclusion: FamiLact administration improves sperm concentration, motility, and abnormal morphology and decrease sperm DNA damage, possibly through alleviating oxidative stress in the seminal fluid.
Key words: Male infertility, DNA fragmentation, Sperm, Synbiotics, Probiotics, Fertility agents.
Replenishment of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra Library with new Editions in the 1770-80s: Initiators, Implementers, Needs
Authors: Prokopyuk Oksana
Published: March 2021

The article examines the socio-cultural aspects of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra Library functioning in the 1770–80s. The focus is on acquiring the books as a purposeful way to form a collection of books that best demonstrated the monastery’s needs for books, interests and reading tastes of the fraternity. The author attempts to reconstruct the network of «book agents»: people who assisted in books acquisition; determine who was the initiator and who was the implementer of procurement; specify the needs in the printed books, as well as whether printed books completely displaced the manuscripts at the end of the 18th century.The author discovers the interest of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra in replenishing the book collection not only to meet the readers’ needs of the fraternity but also based on the understanding of the importance of a well-stocked library to confirm the status of the monastery. It has been established that the «book agents» were the Lavra attorneys in Moscow and St. Petersburg, who carried out various assignments of the monastery; former Lavra monks transferred to other dioceses; or persons loyal to Lavra, specifically involved for this purpose. There is interest in translated literature, periodicals, new publications, and activity in the purchase of printed materials, which generally signals changes in the reading practices of the monastic corporation. The analysis of the repertoire of purchased books confirmed the spread of the ideas of the Enlightenment and the growing demand for secular and educational books on science and nature. The Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra, while remaining quite traditional in the segment of theological literature, where Latin continued to dominate, demonstrated openness to new trends in book culture of the second half of the 18th century.
Kotliarov, Petro. Humanist i reformator: osvitni, relihiini ta sotsialno-politychni praktyky Filipa Melankhtona (Kyiv, Vinnytsia: TOV «Nilan-LTD», 2017), 360 s.
Authors: Loshtyn Nazarii
Published: March 2021

Kotliarov, Petro. Humanist i reformator: osvitni, relihiini ta sotsialno-politychni praktyky Filipa Melankhtona (Kyiv, Vinnytsia: TOV «Nilan-LTD», 2017), 360 s.
Bielikova, Halyna. Yavlennia. Pamiatky Kyivskoho Bratskoho monastyria»: albom-kataloh (Kyiv: Natsionalnyi khudozhnii muzei Ukrainy; Kyiv: Maister knyh, 2019), 304 s.; il.
Authors: Zatyliuk Yaroslav
Published: March 2021

Bielikova, Halyna. Yavlennia. Pamiatky Kyivskoho Bratskoho monastyria»: albom-kataloh (Kyiv: Natsionalnyi khudozhnii muzei Ukrainy; Kyiv: Maister knyh, 2019), 304 s.; il.
Masliichuk, Volodymyr. Zdobutky ta iliuzii: osvitni initsiatyvy na Livoberezhnii ta Slobidskii Ukraini druhoi polovyny XVIII — pochatku XIX st. (Kharkiv: Kharkivska derzhavna akademiia kultury, 2018), 544 s.
Authors: Sklokin Volodymyr
Published: March 2021

Masliichuk, Volodymyr. Zdobutky ta iliuzii: osvitni initsiatyvy na Livoberezhnii ta Slobidskii Ukraini druhoi polovyny XVIII — pochatku XIX st. (Kharkiv: Kharkivska derzhavna akademiia kultury, 2018), 544 s.