bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Is Flexible Cystoscopy Necessary in the Investigation of Non-visible Haematuria?
Authors: Nowers Jennifer , Kitchen Mark O. , Rathod Sneha , Lipski Caroline , Nageswaran Sharbathana , Aslam Shahjahan , Golash Anurag
Published: June 2021

Background: Historic evidence suggests up to 16% (approximately) of non-visible haematuria (NVH) referrals result in Urological cancer diagnosis. The majority are bladder cancers, for which flexible cystoscopy is regarded the “gold standard” diagnostic procedure. Recent changes to suspected cancer referral guidelines, public information campaigns and reduced smoking prevalence may have changed this percentage. We retrospectively calculated cancer detection rates from NVH referrals to assess whether flexible cystoscopy, an invasive and morbid procedure, remains necessary.

Patients and methods: All patients referred to our University teaching hospital on a suspected (“twoweek”) cancer pathway with NVH over a 16-week period were included. Clinical and demographic data were collected for a series of 200 patients (96 male, age range 27–92, median 68).

Results: Only eight patients had urological malignancy found (two renal and six bladder cancers). Both renal, and four bladder cancers, were identified on imaging prior to flexible cystoscopy. Only two bladder cancers were therefore detected by cystoscopy; one low-risk non-muscle invasive (patient has already been discharged) and one in a patient that was unfit for treatment (died of heart failure). Only seven (3.5%) of the patients were offered the option of not undergoing flexible cystoscopy.

Conclusion: Our analyses suggest that flexible cystoscopy is rarely of benefit in patients with NVH. We suggest that patients should be given an accurate risk of bladder cancer diagnosis during the consent process. We advocate that flexible cystoscopy can be avoided for the majority of NVH referrals, particularly in patients without strong risk factors for urothelial cell carcinoma. Avoidance of flexible cystoscopy would reduce patient risks from procedural morbidity, reduce risks of acquiring coronavirus from hospital attendance, and there could be huge reductions in financial and service delivery demands in an overstretched secondary-care service.
Diseño y evaluación de un instrumento para medir el uso de internet en la era COVID-19
Authors: García-Lirios Cruz , Bustos-Aguayo José Marcos
Published: June 2021

En el marco de la pandemia ocasionada por el nuevo coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 y la enfermedad COVID-19, las políticas de contención y mitigación de la pandemia consisten en el confinamiento y el distanciamiento social. En esa estrategia, el uso de Internet ha sido fundamental para el trabajo a distancia, aunque la medición de la actividad internauta apenas está en etapa de estudio. El objetivo del presente trabajo fue el diseño y validación de un instrumento para medir el uso de Internet en la era COVID-19. Para ello se aplicó una encuesta a 253 estudiantes de la Universidad Autónoma del Estado de México. Inicialmente, para verificar la validez de contenido de los ítems considerados en la encuesta, se realizó un análisis Delphi, y para verificar la validez de los constructos, se procedió con el cálculo de estadísticos como Alfa de Cronbach, KMO, ji-cuadrado, entre otros. Finalmente, se dio paso con un análisis factorial confirmatorio para corroborar las ocho dimensiones identificadas previamente en la literatura: selectividad, compatibilidad, computabilidad, accesibilidad, extensionalidad, acumulatividad, ansiedad y adicción, las cuales logran explicar el 59 % de la varianza total expuesta. Aunque estos hallazgos solo se aplican a la muestra, los resultados obtenidos en el presente trabajo proporcionan evidencias acerca de las propiedades psicométricas del instrumento y sigue abriendo paso para el contraste en otros escenarios y con otras muestras de estudio.
Diseño de instrumento para la medición de factores de éxito en franquicias de alimentos y bebidas: caso de estudio
Authors: Sevilla-Bermúdez Cristopher , Rodríguez-Barquero Rony Mauricio
Published: June 2021

La franquicia es un modelo de negocio que a lo largo de los años ha ganado importancia, convirtiéndose en una opción para la promoción de inversión. Sin embargo, falta información sobre este modelo en gestión que contribuya a la obtención de mejores resultados, por lo cual es necesaria la construcción de conocimiento exponencial que permita robustecer este modelo. El objetivo de este artículo fue diseñar un instrumento para medir factores de éxito en franquicias de alimentos y bebidas, tomando como caso de estudio franquicias de Monterrey, México, que han logrado un buen posicionamiento en su mercado. El diseño metodológico que se planteó fue cualitativo, donde se hizo una amplia revisión de la literatura, en la cual, a través de entrevistas a expertos en franquicias, se encontraron coincidencias de opiniones en los factores presentados; además, se propusieron posibles factores de éxito no contemplados al momento de la entrevista, lo cual ayudó a plantear una lista de 14 factores de éxito utilizados como base para el diseño de un cuestionario para la investigación en este campo. Con el desarrollo del modelo propuesto se observó que cada factor está relacionado entre sí vinculando cada aspecto de manera orgánica en el envío y recibimiento de información para la identificación de las dimensiones que aportan en mayor medida a este modelo de negocio.
Government Size and Openness: Insights Based on Country Classifications
Authors: Sarı Erkam , Hotunluoğlu Hakan
Published: June 2021

This study investigates the nexus between government size and openness by paying special attention to country classification. The main results of our empirical investigations show that (i) there are two government size trends meaning two different country groups exist; (ii) there is a positive relationship between trade openness and government size for the first country group, which validates the compensation hypothesis; (iii) a negative relationship between financial openness and government size is found for the second country group, which confirms the efficiency hypothesis; (iv) the effect of financial openness is nearly ten times higher than trade openness; (v) an endogenous country classification process yields better results to understand the linkages between openness and government size. In this regard our study incorporates both hypotheses and provides a uniform explanation.
Teaching Family Medicine Residents How to Identify and Address Social Determinants of Health
Authors: Schoenberger Lisa , Mourabet Rajaa , Bose Binju , Gu Qian , Benjamin Benita , Saad Jennifer , Lee Christine , Zahtila Tara
Published: June 2021

Introduction: This educational program aimed to teach family medicine residents how to address social determinants of health. The literature reviewed suggested that curricula addressing social needs of patients were sporadic and failed to provide residents with practical ways to apply the knowledge. The program objectives were to provide residents with a thorough understanding of social determinants of health and to provide a practical experience where they could address social needs.
Methods: The program consisted of four didactic sessions in which the residents discussed why addressing social determinants of health is important, designed a screening tool, and were educated on how to assess and communicate with patients. As a longitudinal experience, the residents used the screening tool in their clinic and connected patients with resources. We performed a mixed-methods data analysis to determine if program goals were met.
Results: Survey data showed a statistically significant change in the comfort, understanding, and consistency of addressing social determinants of health. Reflections showed similar results. Residents recognized the importance of being aware of social needs, having conversations with patients about their needs, and considering cost when they implement treatment plans. 
Conclusions: Family medicine residents are the future primary care providers for our communities. Therefore, it is important to equip them with the knowledge and ability to address all of the factors affecting their patients’ health. Graduates will be able to apply this knowledge to their future patients, and educators can be assured family physicians have the skills to address social determinants of health.
Elaboración Y Caracterización De Bloques Cerámicos Extruídos Usando Cenizas De La Combustión De Carbón A Escala De Laboratorio
Authors: Díez Contreras Karen Bibiana , Sánchez Molina Jorge , Torres Sánchez Diana Alexandra
Published: June 2021

Las cenizas producto de la combustión del carbón utilizado para alimentar los hornos colmena de la industria cerámica de Norte de Santander, contienen contaminantes potencialmente peligrosos para el medio ambiente y hasta el momento no tienen ninguna aplicación práctica, por lo cual, se convierten en un material de desecho en el departamento. En este estudio, se desarrolló una formulación para realizar un material cerámico compuesto de una mezcla de arcilla de Norte de Santander (Colombia) y residuos de cenizas provenientes de la combustión del carbón utilizado para alimentar hornos colmena de la región, las cuales fueron adicionadas en proporciones de 10, 20 y 30% en peso, conformando con las mezclas prototipos de bloques cerámicos extruídos y sinterizados en un rango de temperatura entre 900 a 1100 °C, con gradientes de 50°C. Se usó FTIRATR para identificar la presencia de diferentes grupos funcionales y se estudió la composición mineralógica mediante DRX de las materias primas; así mismo, se evaluó el comportamiento tecnológico de las mezclas desarrolladas. Los resultados permitieron seleccionar la mezcla en la que se agregó el 10 % de cenizas de carbón y una temperatura de cocción de 950 °C, ya que presentó un porcentaje de absorción de agua y una resistencia a la compresión acorde a los rangos establecidos por las normas colombianas, generando como valor agregado el aligeramiento y reducción de la temperatura de cocción, convirtiéndose en una alternativa de innovación y desarrollo que se puede utilizar en los procesos de producción de materiales tradicionales de la región con un sello ecológico
Caracterización Físico-Química De Un Material Arcilloso Proveniente De La Región Nororiental De Colombia, Para La Fabricación De Bloques H-10
Authors: Espinel Blanco Edwin Edgardo , Flórez Solano Eder , García León Ricardo Andrés
Published: June 2021

En este trabajo, se presenta la caracterización físico-química de una arcilla usada para la fabricación de bloques cerámicos H-10 en el municipio de Ocaña, Norte de Santander, Colombia. La recolección de muestras se realizó desde la cantera de una empresa dedicada a la fabricación de productos de mampostería para la construcción. Inicialmente, en la caracterización física se realizó un muestreo estratificado de acuerdo a la textura y apariencia de la arcilla, para identificar la presencia de carbonatos; además, se llevó a cabo el ensayo de granulometría por vía húmeda para cada muestra con la finalidad de determinar los porcentajes de arenas, limos y arcillas. La caracterización química se llevó a cabo por difracción de rayos X (DRX) a las muestres mezcladas con el procedimiento utilizado por la empresa, para determinar las fases formadas en el material y el grado de dureza Mosh, con la finalidad de comprar los valores respecto al producto final fabricado por la empresa. Finalmente se analizan los resultados de las propiedades finales de los bloques respecto a la norma técnica Colombia NTC 4205, frente a las características físico químicas de la arcilla y a las propiedades de la mezcla utilizada en el proceso, para proponer estrategias y recomendaciones sobre la selección de la materia prima que permita bloques con mayores propiedades mecánicas y menos defectos por producción, cumplimento de esta forma con los requisitos establecidos por normas técnicas colombianas.
Memoria histórica territorial como estrategia socioeducativa para la construcción de nuevas ciudadanías. una breve revisión teórica
Authors: Blanco Julián Camilo , Bayona-Sanabria Magda
Published: June 2021

El presente artículo expone los resultados de una sucinta revisión teórica enmarcada en la investigación denominada “Memoria histórica con los estudiantes de décimo grado del Instituto Técnico Guaimaral como estrategia socioeducativa para la construcción de nuevas ciudadanías”, con la cual se pretende exponer en primer lugar, un debate epistemológico entre memoria e historia, precisando luego, el término memoria histórica de Nora y memoria colectiva de Halbwachs, para luego realizar un acercamiento a la Teoría del Aprendizaje Social de Bandura e Histórico-Cultural de Vygotsky con el fin de adentrarse en la dimensión socioeducativa siendo esta una estrategia pedagógica integradora en la escuela y cómo a través de ella se puede enseñar la memoria histórica como cimiento para la construcción de nuevas ciudadanías.

 

Se realiza, además, un debate teórico que ponen de manifiesto el significado mayoritario de la memoria histórica desde un sentido bélico y armamentista, noción configurada a partir de una narrativa que se ha logrado instalar hegemónicamente en los escenario educativo y social mediante dispositivos de saber que buscan naturalizar un determinado tipo de conocimiento, así como por herramientas materiales y simbólicas que atraviesan y condicionan el disentir en sus contextos familiares y sociales.
Domestic violence in the period of compulsory preventive isolation
Authors: Navas-Tolosa Oscar Mauricio , Hernández-Vergel Viviana Karina , Nova-Prada Jurley Katerin
Published: June 2021

This article aims to analyze the rates of domestic violence recorded in the Family Commissioner of a municipality in the Department of Norte de Santander observed in the first forty-one days of compulsory preventive isolation. The data found are analyzed to generate a descriptive analysis that allows to dimension the problem, which is complemented with the review of studies that takes the analysis of aspects associated with the phenomenon in order to improve the understanding of it. It is concluded that during the period of compulsory isolation, a negative influence has been observed in the development of the family dynamics of households in this municipality, reflected in an increase in calls to the lines set up by the State to report this crime.
Reconstrucción de memoria histórica en jóvenes víctimas del conflicto armado en el municipio de El Zulia
Authors: Castillo-Sarmiento Alma Yislem , Gallo-Flórez Mónica Andrea , Martínez-Balaguera Mery
Published: June 2021

En el presente artículo se presentan los resultados obtenidos de la investigación denominada: Reconstrucción de Memoria Histórica en el municipio de  El Zulia con un enfoque socio cultural y de  comunicación; que tuvo como propósito identificar elementos socioculturales de la comunicación para la construcción de memoria individual y colectiva en el municipio de El Zulia con   los jóvenes de 9° grado de la Institución Educativa Francisco de Paula Santander, que posibilite la apropiación del punto vive digital. El horizonte metodológico fue de corte cualitativo, desde un enfoque histórico-hermenéutico, con un método fenomenológico en donde se utilizaron la fotografía, videograbación, cartografía social y la observación como técnicas de recolección de información; la población objeto de estudio fueron 15 jóvenes del municipio de El Zulia víctimas del conflicto armado. En los resultados se logró develar la memoria individual y resaltar los símbolos significativos de los jóvenes del municipio de El Zulia en el marco del conflicto armado y resignificarla en un espacio colectivo, en donde comunicaron sentimientos y experiencias significativas lo que les permitió una apropiación de su realidad social.
Level of independence with respect to carrying out basic activities of daily life for institutionalized older Colombians
Authors: Amaya-Mancilla María Alexandra , Meneses-Barrera Jennifer Andrea , Leal-Cárdenas Jenny Alexandra
Published: June 2021

Objective: To establish the level of independence of the older adult in carrying out the basic activities of daily living of institutionalized older adults. Methods: A quantitative investigation was carried out with a population of 112 older adults, who entered the study as part of the sample, 41 of them, distributed according to gender as 16 women and 25 men. On the other hand, the age range with the highest prevalence in the sample of older adults is between 75 and 84 years old. With the review of medical records and the application of the Barthel index. Results: in the activities of daily life and the level of dependency that is progressive, which leads the older person to a level of dependency that increases with age. The prevalence of these changes can be evidenced by determining the pathologies of Hypertension and Arthritis in the sample. Conclusions: The level of independence in the performance of daily life activities was qualified as independent in less than half of the older adults in the sample.
Promoting the rights of migrant children in the educational institutions on the colombian-venezuelan border.
Authors: Hernández-Granados Liany Yetzira , Perozo-Hernández Javier , Murillo-Amado Yesli Geraldine , Alarcon-Suarez Viviana Veronica
Published: June 2021

This article arises before the panorama of the political, economic and social crisis that the neighboring country of Venezuela has suffered in recent years, which has caused a large number of the Venezuelan population to migrate to different countries in search of better life conditions. Among them are boys and girls, who, faced with the need to continue their educational process, have begun their studies in various public schools in the city of San José de Cúcuta. This new phenomenon has caused a change in school environments, with different consequences, including the ever-increasing risk of problems of discrimination and xenophobia, where Venezuelan boys and girls may be exposed to abuse due to their socio-economic condition and their age. Based on this situation, the Human Rights Research Seedbed –SEMDHUM-, attached to the Law program of the Francisco de Paula Santander University, proposed an extension project that developed a culture of peace and coexistence, based on the investigation of the International and national normative framework regarding the right to education and equality of migrant children, educational pedagogical spaces were also generated in public primary educational institutions in the city of San José de Cúcuta, in order to raise awareness and train on the rights of migrant children in school and thus appropriate children in human rights, equality and non-discrimination. To carry out this project, the qualitative methodology and the pedagogical play method were applied, through activities and games, where the child learns and demonstrates their different perspectives and knowledge, improving the student and cultural environment.
La interacción social como proceso de encuentro o desencuentro en el aprendizaje académico de los adolescentes
Authors: Vera-Angarita Maryori Liliana , Ortega-Ortega Jhorman Yarokssi , Ramirez-Martinez Carolina , Gelvez-Almeida Elkin , Hernández-Niño Andrea Lisbeth
Published: June 2021

El presente artículo de resultados aborda el aprendizaje académico en la edad adolescente como un proceso fundamental para determinar los aspectos que minimizan el rendimiento desde la interacción con padres, profesores y compañeros de curso. Se destacan las rupturas comunicativas con los padres, el desinterés académico del grupo y la mediación de los aprendizajes por los asesores de tareas. Para ello se realizó una investigación centrada en los análisis teóricos del aprendizaje social con Vygotsky, Bandura y las teorías ecológicas, las cuales permiten explorar el interés del colectivo para optimizar los aprendizajes individuales. Metodológicamente se trabajó bajo un enfoque cualitativo, con un enfoque fenomenológico y un alcance de tipo descriptivo. La muestra estuvo constituida por 30 estudiantes, sus padres y 5 docentes de octavo grado del Colegio Sagrado Corazón de Jesús de Cúcuta. Las técnicas e instrumentos de recolección de datos implementados fueron la entrevista por medio de un guion semi-estructurado y la observación directa de tipo participante monitoreada a través del diario de campo, mientras que el análisis de información se realizó mediante la triangulación por actores. Este estudio fenomenológico permitió comprender el aprendizaje social como elemento fundamental para mejorar el rendimiento académico.
An economic overview on the Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal
Authors: Vasquez Barajas Eduardo Felipe , Mendoza lizcano Maria Daniela
Published: June 2021

The Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal is a landlocked country in South Asia between China and India. Its multiple particularities across different economic sectors and the many challenges that the country has had to face across the years have resulted in a complex economic scenario and challenging conditions for its population. Having faced great political and economical turmoil, Nepal has persisted in its economic recovery, starting with tourism and currently betting on hydroelectricity, as well as trade deals between its key partners, China and India.
Sectors stock indices aggregate correlations and expectations: Evidence from the Greek stock market
Authors: Noulas Athanasios , Papanastasiou Ioannis , Papadopoulos Simeon
Published: June 2021

Based on the cyclical movements of the Athens Stock Market, the paper empirically examines the behavior of seven sectors (markets) namely: industry-services, emporium, construction, petroleum, telecommunications, food-beverages, and banks. Specifically using daily observations from January 2006 to August 2017, we estimate a dynamic equicorrelation multivariate GARCH model (DECO-MGARCH) developed by Engle and Kelly (2012), to analyze the dynamic behavior of these sectors. Furthermore, using time-dependent entropic measures we examine empirically the uncertainty (expectations) regarding the correlation behavior of these seven sectors. The empirical results are in line with previous findings (Tsai & Chen, 2010; Garnaut, 1998) and provide evidence supporting the view of high correlations during periods of crises. In addition, the dynamic entropy shows that the expectations of market participants were more concentrated (less spread out) during these periods of crises. Therefore, the empirical evidence of the paper supports the view that market participants share the same opinions (entropy exhibits low uncertainty) during crises and therefore are acting in a similar fashion (exhibiting high correlation).
Beliefs Toward Smoking and COVID-19, and The Pandemic Impact on Smoking Behavior and Quit Intention: Findings from a Community-Based Cross-Sectional Study in Jordan
Authors: Al-Tammemi Ala'a B. , Barakat Muna , Al-Tamimi Doa’a B. , Alhallaq Sami A. , Hasan Dima M. Al , Khasawneh Ghena M. , Naqera Khalil Abu , Jaradat Raghad M. , Farah Fadi W. , Al-Maqableh Hindya O. , Abuawad Alaa , Othman Bayan , Tarhini Zeinab , Odeh Hamza , Khatatbeh Moawiah , Akour Amal , Aljaberi Musheer A. , Kolozsvári László Róbert
Published: June 2021

Background: The relationship between smoking and Coronavirus
Disease-2019 (COVID-19) is still topical with mixed epidemiological
evidence. However, the pandemic may affect people’s beliefs towards
smoking as well as smoking behavior and quit intentions. Considering
high smoking rates in Jordan, our current study aimed to assess the
following points in a community-based sample from Jordan: (i) the
beliefs that surround smoking and COVID-19, (ii) the pandemic impact on
smoking behavior and quit intention.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in Jordan
utilizing an online questionnaire. The questionnaire comprised 13 items
on sociodemographic, health, and smoking profiles, 14 items to assess
beliefs surrounding COVID-19 and the use of combustible cigarettes (CC),
waterpipe (WP), and electronic cigarettes (EC), and 12 items to assess
the pandemic impact on smoking behavior and quit intention.

Results: Of 2424 survey respondents who participated in our
study there were 1163 never-smokers, 1044 current smokers, and 217
ex-smokers. The mean age of participants was 35.2 years (SD:11.06). Most
participants have shown anti-smoking beliefs with around 72.9% believed
that WP smoking is related to the risk of contracting COVID-19. Also,
71.7% believed that smoking CC may worsen the COVID-19 clinical course,
while 74.1% of respondents believed that smoking has no protective
effect against COVID-19. During the pandemic, about 28.1% and 19.3% of
current smokers reported increased or reduced smoking, respectively, and
many smokers reported their willingness to quit smoking due to the
pandemic. Besides, 459 current smokers have expressed their
plans/intention to quit smoking during the pandemic, of whom 27.5%
(n=126) confirmed that the driving force for their decision is a
COVID-19 related reason, such as self-protection (n=123) and protection
of family members (=121) which were the most reported ones. Also, around
63 participants have successfully ceased smoking during the pandemic.
However, only 22 of them reported that the main driving motivation of
their successful quit attempt was the COVID-19 pandemic.

Conclusion: Most participants reported anti-smoking beliefs and
attitudes during the pandemic. Nevertheless, the double-edged effect of
the pandemic on smoking habits should be carefully considered, and
reliable anti-smoking measures should be strengthened and sustained in
the country.
Public Theology in the Secular Age: Editor’s Introduction
Authors: PhD Michael A. Milton,
Published: June 2021

Discipleship and the Front Page: Public Theology in the Secular
Age is an anthology of monographs offered to the general public as a
contribution of distinctively Christian thinking about the personal and
public implications for following Jesus Christ in “A Secular Age”
(Charles Taylor, 2009). The monographs are written by subject matter
experts—clergy, and laity; academics and practitioners; theologians
representing a variety of traditions within the Church, as well as
professionals from business, law, and medicine— with a common mission
to leverage their expertise in the service of Christ and His Church. The
work is a public theology initiative of the D. James Kennedy Institute
of Reformed Leadership, a ministry and program of Faith for Living,
Inc., a North Carolina nonprofit corporation. The collection address
four areas of public life: Ideas, Daily Life, the Nation, and Triggers.
Each area constitutes a division of the collection. Each of the
four divisions contains three issues. The twelve issues represent the
twelve chapter chapters in the book.
Massive Pericardial Effusion as The First Manifestation of Childhood Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma: A Case Report
Authors: Alizadeh Behzad , Shaye Zahra , Badiea Zahra , Dehghanian Paria
Published: June 2021

Although one of the serious manifestations of advanced malignancies is
pericardial involvement, pericardial involvement of lymphoma is
extremely rare. We present a case of a 6-year-old girl arriving at the
hospital with dyspnea and pleuritic chest pain, which is eventually
diagnosed with massive pericardial effusion due to mediastinal
non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
Camelina oil in the context of a weight loss programs improves glucose homeostasis, inflammation and oxidative stress in NAFLD patients: A randomized, triple -blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial
Authors: musazadeh vali , dehghan parvin , salehghadimi sevda , Abbasalizad-Farhangi Mahdieh
Published: June 2021

Background: Over the past few years, the benefits of co-administration
of omega-3 and antioxidants have been reported in the management of
non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) complications.This study
evaluated the effects of Camelina sativa oil (CSO) supplementation as
one of the richest dietary sources of omega-3 fatty acids on glucose
homeostasis,inflammation, metabolic endotoxemia, and oxidative stress in
NAFLD patients. Methods: In all, 43 subjects with NAFLD were allocated
to either an intervention (20g/d CSO) or placebo (20g/d sunflower oil)
group receiving a calorie-restricted diet for 12 weeks. Fasting serum
levels of glycemic indices, hs-CRP, endotoxin, antioxidant enzymes
activity, total antioxidant capacity (TAC), malondialdehyde (MDA),
8-iso-prostaglandin F2α (8-iso-PGF2α), and uric acid were measured at
baseline and post-intervention. Results: CSO intake led to a significant
decrease in insulin concentration (-17.49%), homeostasis model
assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) (-20%), high-sensitive
C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), (-12.94%), lipopolysaccharide endotoxin
(-32.55%), malondialdehyde (MDA) (-18.75%), 8-iso-prostaglandin F2α
(8-iso-PGF2α) (-19.55%) and a significant increase in the levels of
total antioxidant capacity (TAC) (31.82%) and superoxide dismutase
activity (10.22%) in the CSO group compared with the placebo group.
Also, there was no significant difference between the two groups in
fasting plasma glucose, quantitative insulin sensitivity check index
(QUICKI), catalase, glutathione peroxidase activity, and uric acid
level. In addition, within-group analyses showed a significant reduction
of insulin, QUICKI, hs-CRP, and endotoxin levels in the intervention
group. Conclusion: These findings indicate that CSO may improve
glycemic, inflammation, metabolic endotoxima, oxidative stress status,
and mental health in patients with NAFLD.
The effect of montelukast in children with asthma predictive ındex negative episodic viral wheezing
Authors: Aydoğdu Ayşe , Fidan Cihan
Published: June 2021

Background: The effectiveness of montelukast for wheezing in young
children is not clear. We aimed to evaluate whether the use of
montelukast in the treatment of wheezing affects the number of attacks
in children aged 1 to 6 years. Methods: This is a single center study.
It was conducted between August 2019 – 2020. Children with aged 0-6
years old with a wheezing complaint who applied to the pediatric allergy
and immunology outpatient clinic were included in the study. Modified
asthma predictive index of the patients were evaluated. It was
classified as episodic viral wheezing (EVW) or multiple trigger wheezing
(MTW) based on the type of wheezing. Montelukast treatment was started
and the number of attacks was checked. Results: The total of 141
children who applied with wheezing complaints were included in the
study. The majority of the patients were boys (n=99). The mean age of
the children was 4.2 ± 1.5 years. The median number of attacks before
treatment was 2 (2-3). In 2.8% of the patients, eczema, in 12.8% of
them, rhinitis and in 26.7% of them, elevated eosinophils were
detected. IgE levels were 148.25 ± 279.20 IU/mL. According to the number
of attacks before treatment, there was a significant decrease in the
number of attacks in the control (p <0.001). Conclusion: In
this study, montelukast has been shown to reduce the number of EVW
attacks and we believe montelukast may be a potential treatment option
for EVW in preschool children.
Pandemic Elections and the Covid-Safe Effect: Incumbents Re-elected in Six Covid-19 Safe Havens
Authors: Paull John
Published: June 2021

The Antipodes have been amongst the safest places on the planet during the Covid-19 pandemic. The governments of Australia and New Zealand (national, state, and territory governments) have acted promptly, decisively, and cohesively in closing borders, quarantining incoming returnees, instigating rigorous contact tracing and extensive testing, social distancing, hand washing, masks, and occasional lockdowns. Antipodean governments and populations have long experience of awareness and compliance with biosecurity issues. Isolation and distance have long served to keep Australia and New Zealand free of many pests and diseases. Each Antipodean election held during the Covid-19 pandemic has returned the incumbent. During the first 14 months of the pandemic, six out of six incumbent governments facing elections during the Covid pandemic have been returned. Five returned incumbents were center-left while the sixth was center-right. Four of the elections have rewarded the incumbent government with an increased majority, the Northern Territory election returned a reduced majority, and the Tasmanian election returned the status quo with the narrowest of majorities maintained. The New Zealand election returned the Labor government to power in their own right and released them from the coalition. The Western Australian election saw Labor returned with a landslide result with an unprecedented, win of 53 out of 59 seats (90% of seats). The object of the present paper is to report the outcomes of the six antipodean elections conducted during the Covid-19 pandemic (to date) and to reflect on the Covid-safe effect on them if any.
Terrestrial dispersal of juvenile Mink Frog (Lithobates septentrionalis) in Algonquin Provincial Park, Ontario
Authors: LeGros David L. , Lesbarrères David , Steinberg Brad
Published: June 2021

Dispersal following metamorphosis is critical for sustaining anuran metapopulations. Mink Frog (Lithobates septentrionalis) is a primarily aquatic species that is common in eastern Canada. The species is not well studied, and little is known about the terrestrial dispersal of recently metamorphosed individuals. Here we present our observations on the phenology of terrestrial activity in recently metamorphosed Mink Frogs in Algonquin Provincial Park, Ontario, Canada. Despite a sampling effort of over 26 000 trap nights over two years (2010 and 2011) in an area with a known population of Mink Frogs, we observed only 35 individuals, all of which were recent metamorphs, in late summer 2011, suggesting annual variability of recruitment. Because all Mink Frogs were observed in a riparian area, it is likely that this species uses riparian corridors to disperse toward other wetlands, thus avoiding forested areas.
Aggressiveness and trichothecene production of Fusarium graminearum isolates from cereals in Serbia
Authors: Obradovic Ana , Vukadinovic Jelena , Nikolic Milica , Bulajic Aleksandra , Stankovic Goran , Delic Nenad , Stankovic Slavica
Published: June 2021

The aim of this study was to assess variations in aggressiveness and
trichothecene production of F. graminearum isolates originating from maize,
wheat and barley in Serbia. Analyzing F. graminearum isolates (98) obtained
from various agroecological conditions of Serbia over the period from 1993
to 2010, using the HPLC method, the following two chemotypes were observed:
3-acetyl-deoxinivalenol (3ADON) and 15-acetyl-deoxinivalenol (15ADON). A
great diversity in the production of deoxinivalenol (DON) derivatives was
observed. A majority of F. graminearum isolates, regardless of their origin
(maize, wheat or barley) belonged to the 15ADON chemotype. The 3ADON
chemotype was also detected, but in a significantly smaller number (13/98)
samples, compared to the 15ADON chemotype (85/98). None of the tested
isolates belonged to the NIV chemotype. The examined isolates showed
different pathogenicity on barley leaf, wheat class and maize ears. The
average pathogenicity of the tested isolates was the highest on barley leaf.
It was observed that isolates originating from wheat had the highest average
daily increase in mycelium growth rate (27.37 mm). Statistical analysis of
the obtained results for mycotoxins synthesis showed that there was a highly
significant statistical correlation between the production potentials of
total DON, 3ADON and 15ADON in F. graminearum isolates belonging to various
chemotypes. However, there was no statistically significant correlation
between the aggressiveness of isolates and the production of total DON in
isolates belonging to 3ADON and 15ADON chemotypes.
Islet Autoimmunity and HLA Markers of Presymptomatic and Clinical Type 1 Diabetes: Joint Analyses of Prospective Cohort Studies in Finland, Germany, Sweden, and the U.S.
Authors: Anand Vibha , Li Ying , Liu Bin , Ghalwash Mohamed , Koski Eileen , Ng Kenney , Dunne Jessica L. , Jönsson Josefine , Winkler Christiane , Knip Mikael , Toppari Jorma , Ilonen Jorma , Killian Michael B. , Frohnert Brigitte I. , Lundgren Markus , Ziegler Anette-Gabriele , Hagopian William , Veijola Riitta , Rewers Marian
Published: June 2021

OBJECTIVE

To combine prospective cohort studies, by including HLA harmonization, and estimate risk of islet autoimmunity and progression to clinical diabetes.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

For prospective cohorts in Finland, Germany, Sweden, and the U.S., 24,662 children at increased genetic risk for development of islet autoantibodies and type 1 diabetes have been followed. Following harmonization, the outcomes were analyzed in 16,709 infants-toddlers enrolled by age 2.5 years.

RESULTS

In the infant-toddler cohort, 1,413 (8.5%) developed at least one autoantibody confirmed at two or more consecutive visits (seroconversion), 865 (5%) developed multiple autoantibodies, and 655 (4%) progressed to diabetes. The 15-year cumulative incidence of diabetes varied in children with one, two, or three autoantibodies at seroconversion: 45% (95% CI 40–52), 85% (78–90), and 92% (85–97), respectively. Among those with a single autoantibody, status 2 years after seroconversion predicted diabetes risk: 12% (10–25) if reverting to autoantibody negative, 30% (20–40) if retaining a single autoantibody, and 82% (80–95) if developing multiple autoantibodies. HLA-DR-DQ affected the risk of confirmed seroconversion and progression to diabetes in children with stable single-autoantibody status. Their 15-year diabetes incidence for higher- versus lower-risk genotypes was 40% (28–50) vs. 12% (5–38). The rate of progression to diabetes was inversely related to age at development of multiple autoantibodies, ranging from 20% per year to 6% per year in children developing multipositivity in ≤2 years or >7.4 years, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The number of islet autoantibodies at seroconversion reliably predicts 15-year type 1 diabetes risk. In children retaining a single autoantibody, HLA-DR-DQ genotypes can further refine risk of progression.
Applying CRISPR Screen in Diabetes Research
Authors: Yi Peng , Morrow Noelle
Published: June 2021

The CRISPR/Cas9
genome editing system has been one of the greatest scientific discoveries in
the last decade. The highly efficient and precise editing ability of this
technology is of great therapeutic value and benefits the basic sciences as an
advantageous research tool. In recent years, forward genetic screens utilizing
CRISPR technology have been widely adopted, with genome-wide or pathway-focused
screens leading to important and novel discoveries. CRISPR screens have been
used primarily in cancer biology, virology and basic cell biology; but they
have rarely been applied to diabetes research. A potential reason for this is
that diabetes related research can be more complicated, often involving cross-talk
between multiple organs or cell types. Nevertheless, many questions can still
be reduced to the study of a single cell type if assays are carefully designed.
Here we review the application of CRISPR screen technology and provide
perspective on how it can be used in diabetes research.
La asamblea comunal y su funcionamiento en el estado de Guerrero
Authors: García Quezada Silvina , Arcos Vélez Víctor Manuel
Published: June 2021

El presente artículo expone cómo es que los pueblos originarios han fortalecido su identidad a través de la asamblea comunitaria, medio de justicia tradicional para solucionar los conflictos de índole local básico y para ejercer la toma de decisiones en la comunidad indígena, y que ha sido clave en el reconocimiento por primera vez en la historia de Guerrero de un pueblo con gobierno comunitario en Ayutla. Aplicando la investigación documental, la observación presencial de algunas asambleas comunales y analizando desde la antropología social los usos y costumbres de los pueblos originarios, se alcanzó a vislumbrar el desarrollo de medios de solución a conflictos tratados en las asambleas y cómo es que previo a estas se da un diálogo ciudadano ceremonial. Esta efectiva forma de organización está construyendo un sistema nuevo desde lo local. Se trata de una de las formas de organización campesina que tiene posibilidades de enraizarse y consolidarse como una fuerza de resistencia a la añeja política de destrucción del mundo indígena.
Features of adsorption processes for wastewater treatment from zinc ions
Authors:   Lviv Polytechnic National University, Petrushka Ihor , Bratus Oksana ,   Lviv Polytechnic National University, Petrushka Kateryna ,   Lviv Polytechnic National University
Published: June 2021

The results of adsorption properties of complex natural sorbents in relation to the neutralization of zinc ions from wastewater are presented. The adsorption isotherm of Zn2+ ions on complex sorbents (clinoptilolite-shungite) (1:1) according to Langmuir and Freundlich models is constructed, the type of adsorption isotherms according to S. Brunauer classification is established. The value of the maximum sorption capacity of Gmax complex sorbents for Zn2+ ions is calculated. The peculiarities of the sorption process of zinc ions with the formation of a monomolecular layer based on the calculated coefficients of the Langmuir and Freundlich were found. The optimal conditions for the dependence of the degree of absorption of Zn2+ ions by complex sorbents on the duration of the sorption process are determined. The ratio "solid (complex sorbent) - liquid" was determined experimentally.
Requirements for the environmental protection officer of the Ukrainian armed forces in view of NATO guidance documents
Authors:   Hetman Petro Sahaydachnyi National Army Academy, Orel Serhiy , Durach Vadim ,   Hetman Petro Sahaydachnyi National Army Academy, Sjoma Bohdan ,   Hetman Petro Sahaydachnyi National Army Academy
Published: June 2021

Military impact on the environment can be defined as two components: 1) impact on the environment in time of daily activities during the training of troops and 2) impact on the environment during the combat operation. In the Armed Forces of Ukraine, to some extent, environmental security measures are implemented only during daily operations in peacetime. As for taking into account the impact of fighting on the environment in time of planning combat operations, this issue is usually not even raised in their preparation. On the other hand, NATO member states understand that military operations can be inherently destructive to human health and the environment. Therefore, this study was conducted to determine the educational requirements for commanders, especially for officers who provide environmental protection in the Armed Forces of Ukraine, based on NATO regulations and the experience of Allies. The article considers how environmental issues are integrated into the military operation at each stage: planning, pre-deployment, deployment (execution and force rotation), redeployment, and post-deployment. The main tasks of environmental officers at each stage of the operation are defined. Based on the tasks solved by officers, the requirements for their education are formed, the subjects studied by US environmental officers are considered.
Application of slag from thermal power plant for the production of porous filler
Authors:   Lviv Polytechnic National University, Mitin Ihor , Kindzera Diana ,   Lviv Polytechnic National University, Atamanyuk Volodymyr ,   Lviv Polytechnic National University
Published: June 2021

The article is devoted to obtaining a porous filler from the slag of the Thermal Power Plant and investigation of the filtration method for the drying of slag and clay as main raw materials for preparing the charge for porous filler production. The possibility of using TPP slag as the raw material for the production of porous filler has been proved. The main benefits of using such wastes in the production process are environmental protection, conservation of raw resources for the production of finished products. According to the results of the research, insignificant values of the pressure drop confirm the application feasibility of the filtration drying as an energy-saving method of the drying of slag and clay for preparing the charge for porous filler production. The influence of the temperature of the drying agent in the range from 313 to 373K on kinetic during filtration drying of slag and clay has been established. Obtained results are useful for the organization and intensification of the filtration drying process of slag and clay as the preliminary stage at the porous fillers production line. The qualitative new porous filler with the bulk density of 230 kg/m3, the specific heat of 0,82 kJ/kg∙K, the thermal conductivity of 0,067 W/m∙K and compressive strength of 27,7 MPa has been obtained which can be used for the production of lightweight concretes.
APPLICATION OF CONVOLUTIONAL NEURAL NETWORK FOR DETECTION OF MELANOMA USING SKIN LESION IMAGE ON MOBILE DEVICE
Authors:   Lviv Polytechnic National University, Lviv, Ukraine, Fedasyuk D. V. , Demianets T. V. ,   Lviv Polytechnic National University, Lviv, Ukraine
Published: June 2021

A melanoma is the deadliest skin cancer, so early diagnosis can provide a positive prognosis for treatment. Modern methods for early detecting melanoma on the image of the tumor are considered, and their advantages and disadvantages are analyzed. The article demonstrates a prototype of a mobile application for the detection of melanoma on the image of a mole based on a convolutional neural network, which is developed for the Android operating system. The mobile application contains melanoma detection functions, history of the previous examinations and a gallery with images of the previous examinations grouped by the location of the lesion. The HAM10000-based training dataset has been supplemented with the images of melanoma from the archive of The International Skin Imaging Collaboration to eliminate class imbalances and improve network accuracy. The search for existing neural networks that provide high accuracy was conducted, and VGG16, MobileNet, and NASNetMobile neural networks have been selected for research. Transfer learning and fine-tuning has been applied to the given neural networks to adapt the networks for the task of skin lesion classification. It is established that the use of these techniques allows to obtain high accuracy of the neural network for this task. The process of converting a convolutional neural network to an optimized Flatbuffer format using TensorFlow Lite for placement and use on a mobile device is described. The performance characteristics of the selected neural networks on the mobile device are evaluated according to the classification time on the CPU and GPU and the amount of memory occupied by the file of a single network is compared. The neural network file size was compared before and after conversion. It has been shown that the use of the TensorFlow Lite converter significantly reduces the file size of the neural network without affecting its accuracy by using an optimized format. The results of the study indicate a high speed of application and compactness of networks on the device, and the use of graphical acceleration can significantly decrease the image classification time of the tumor. According to the analyzed parameters, NASNetMobile was selected as the optimal neural network to be used in the mobile application of melanoma detection.