bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A simple and reliable proposal to determine the technical feasibility of biogas use and the energetic self-sustainability in UASB-based sewage treatment plants
Authors: Rodrigues Mesquita Tayane Cristiele , Sousa Izabelle de Paula , Antunes Collares Maria Fernanda , Rosa André Pereira
Published: May 2021

The biogas produced in UASB-based sewage treatment plants (STPs) is rarely used for energy purposes and its potential is often unknown. This study aimed to propose a simple and reliable method based on energy balance to determine the technical feasibility of biogas use and the energy self-sufficiency of UASB reactors. To this end, we considered (i) electric power production (E) and (ii) electric power consumption (Econ) ascribed to sewage pumping stations (SPSs) at different pressure heads (0 to 4 m, 4.1 to 8 m, 8.1 to 12 m, and 12.1 to 16 m). The technical feasibility of biogas use was assessed by evaluating if the flow of biogas produced in the STPs would be sufficient for the functioning of a commercial motor-generator. The linear model fit to estimate the biogas energy potential (y-axis) in STPs and the sewage flow (x-axis) is represented by y = 122.65x (R2 = 0.64). In total, 1,054 STPs in Brazil use UASB reactors as treatment units, of which nearly 31% are located in the southeast. However, only 11.2% of these STPs, which serve populations of over 29,981, presented technical feasibility to recover biogas. The mathematical equations proposed in this study to estimate the net electric power production in UASB-based STPs are relevant tools for sanitation companies and can enable studies to be performed for the implementation of energy self-sufficiency projects in Brazil.
La donna è mobile : Mujeres errantes en la ficción turística de Chile y Argentina
Authors: Lie Nadia
Published: May 2021

This article offers an exploration of the creative production of women writers and filmmakers who engage with tourism as a setting for fictional imaginaries. Centering on recent fiction from Chile and Argentina, it examines how tourism has infused new energy into the withering genre of travel writing, opening up a space for the expression of female subjectivities in a field previously dominated by men. Through close reading of works by Uhart, Katz, Scherson and Jeftanovic, it explores how these Latin American women challenge Michel Onfray’s definition of travel literature.
From Silence to Radical Politics: Ethics, Affect and Becoming-disobedient
Authors: Page Philippa
Published: May 2021

This article seeks to map out the notion of disobedience as it is conceptualised and practiced by the recently formed Argentine collective “Historias Desobedientes. Hijas, hijos y familiares de genocidas por la memoria, la verdad y la justicia” and its eponymous Chilean counterpart. To do so, it explores the published writings and artistic expressions of some of the collective’s members, as well as citing recent ethnographic work with some of the women who have publicly broken this “family mandate” by openly condemning their own fathers’ crimes against humanity. The analysis aims to better understand the complex interactions between ethics, affect and politics in these disobedient becomings. The article takes a comparative, transnational approach. By exploring dialogues that have been opened up between the Argentine collective and disobedient women located in Chile and Germany respectively, it asks what has enabled the emergence of these new public actors within the local sphere of human rights activism decades after the dictatorships ended? It considers not only how the Historias Desobedientes have been shaped by local human rights struggles, but also the ways in which they offer their own contours to the increasingly intersectional and transnational agenda. Particular attention is paid to the seminal influence of contemporary, intersectional feminism in articulating this specific praxis of disobedience as a non-violent challenge, not only to the resurgent discourses of reconciliation, impunity and/or denial, but furthermore to the long-embedded patriarchal and capitalist structures underpinning them.
Heavy Metal Concentration and Health Risk Assessment of Selected Fruits Sold in Jos Metropolis
Authors:   Montane Forest Research Station, Forestry Research Institute of Nigeria, Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria, Bayo David , Adeniyi Olufunso ,   Montane Forest Research Station, Forestry Research Institute of Nigeria, Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria, Adeniyi Adebayo ,   Department of Animal Production, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria, Ariwoola Oluwole ,   Federal College of Forestry Ibadan, Forestry Research Institute of Nigeria, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria
Published: May 2021

The present study investigated the level of heavy metals in selected fruits sold commonly in Jos, Nigeria. The fresh fruits (Avocado pear, Black currant, Egg Plant, Golden melon, and Soursop) were purchased from five major markets (Terminus, Farin Gada, Building materials, Bukuru, and Fobur) in Jos. Each fruit sample was collected in triplicate and analyzed using standard procedures. The concentration of heavy metals (Fe, Cu, As, Cd, Zn, Pb, Mn, and Cr) was determined using Graphite Furnace Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer. The data obtained were subjected to descriptive statistics and then compared with the WHO/FAO acceptable limits. The results revealed low concentrations of Fe (0.125–0.241 mg/kg), Cu (0.015–0.020 mg/kg), Zn (0.925–1.135 mg/kg), Mn (0.025–0.045 mg/kg), Cr (0.018–0.029 mg/kg), and Pb (0.031–0.055 mg/kg) in all five fruits studied. Only cadmium exceeded the acceptable limit of 0.020 mg/kg stipulated by WHO/FAO, with the highest cadmium concentration of 0.085 mg/kg detected in Soursop. Accumulation of cadmium in the kidneys leads to kidney damage and osteoporosis. The Estimated Daily Intake (EDI) values of all metals were lower than the recommended tolerable daily intake values, except for arsenic, for which the hazard quotient greater than 1 was also detected in all the fruits studied. This could be a result of pollution in the environment of the regions where the fruits were cultivated. Long-term exposure to inorganic arsenic causes cancer. Environmental pollution raises health challenges to the consumers and therefore, drastic measures should be implemented to control it.
Damage Mechanics of Carbon Nanotubes
Authors:   Boyd Professor, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA 70803, USA, Voyiadjis George Z. , Kattan Peter I. ,   Visiting Professor, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA 70803, USA
Published: May 2021

A robust mathematical method for the characterization of damage in carbon nanotubes is presented the presentation here is limited to elasticity. In this regard, the second and third order elastic stiffnesses are employed. All this is based on damage mechanics. The hypotheses of elastic strain equivalence and elastic energy equivalence are utilized. A new damage variable is proposed that is defined in terms of the surface area. This is in contrast to the classical damage variable which is defined in terms of the cross-sectional area. In the presentation, both the one-dimensional case (scalars) and the three-dimensional case (tensors) are illustrated.
Role of DNA Damage and MMP Loss in Radiosensitization-Induced Apoptosis by Ellagic Acid in HeLa Cells
Authors:   Anticancer Bioscience, Ltd.,Chengdu 640000, China, Ahire Vidhula R ,   J. Michael Bishop Institute of Cancer Research, Chengdu 640000, China, Kumar Amit ,   RB&HSD, Bhabha Atomic Research Center, Trombay, Mumbai, India, Bhosle Sushma ,   Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA, Mishra Kaushala Prasad ,   Ex Bhabha Atomic Research Center,   Foundation for Education and Research, Ghatkopar (E), Mumbai, India
Published: May 2021

Ellagic acid (EA) is a polyphenol found in grapes, pomegranates, walnuts, etc. exhibits anti-cancer properties. The current study was conducted to understand the radiosensitizing role of EA on HeLa cells. Monotherapy of EA and radiation was initially studied on HeLa cells. The addition of EA before the radiation treatment subsequently made DNA more susceptible to damage thereby developing DNA beaks, which are known to be lethal for cell survival. This was evaluated by performing comet and γ-foci formation assay. Other assays which included cell-cycle distribution, clonogenic cell survival assay, mitochondrial membrane drop, and apoptosis were performed to evaluate the effect of EA with radiation. Our results demonstrate that, when cells were exposed to the combinatorial treatment of EA (10µM) and 2Gy of γ-radiation there was augmented cell death, lesser cell-proliferation, reduction in the colony-forming ability, increased DNA tail length, more number of γ-foci persisting even after 24h, enhanced apoptosis, augmented drop in the mitochondrial membrane potential and a G1 cell-cycle arrest. These results suggest that EA exhibits not only anti-cancer properties in terms of cell-death but also exhibits a radiosensitizing effect when given in combination with γ-radiation. Thus, it can be concluded that EA not only exhibits anticancer effects but also has potential in radiosensitizing HeLa cells.
Computational Modelling of Deep Brain Stimulation for Parkinson's Disease: A Critical Review
Authors:   Department of Neurosurgery, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA, Carlson Kristen W. ,   Department of Neurosurgery, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA, Shils Jay L. ,   Department of Anesthesiology, Rush Medical Center, Chicago, IL, USA, Patel Sahil ,   University of California, Santa Barbara, California, USA, Mei Longzhi ,   Department of Neurosurgery, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA,   Department of Neurosurgery, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA, Arle Jeffrey E. ,   Department of Neurosurgery, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA,   Department of Neurosurgery, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA,   Department of Neurosurgery, Mount Auburn Hospital, Cambridge, MA, USA
Published: May 2021

We review the use of numerical and computational models to explore deep brain stimulation for Parkinson’s disease (DBS PD). It is a review for the modeler and those interested in PD DBS modelling methods and their value. The main model categories of active fiber, mean field, driving force, and volume of tissue activated are described as well as many modelling techniques. We give the basic requirements for a DBS PD model and current theories of DBS mechanism of action, PD etiology, and movement selection. The emphasis is on providing the reader with a representative sample of the variety of models and the range of techniques that have been applied to DBS PD, describing and critiquing them, and less so on study results. However, an extensive set of data and results that can be used for model calibration, validation, and comparison is provided in a Supplement.
The Carbon Dioxide Emissions Reduction Potential of Carbon-Dioxide-Cured Alternative Binder Concrete
Authors:   VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland Ltd., Visiokatu 4, 33720 Tampere, Finland, Mäkikouri Sampo , Vares Sirje ,   VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland Ltd., Visiokatu 4, 33720 Tampere, Finland, Korpijärvi Kirsi ,   VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland Ltd., Visiokatu 4, 33720 Tampere, Finland, Papakonstantinou Nikolaos ,   VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland Ltd., Visiokatu 4, 33720 Tampere, Finland
Published: May 2021

Climate change has been identified as one of the biggest issues plaguing human life at present. Hence, immense attention is being paid to developing methods that can potentially reduce carbon dioxide emission. With the help of carbon-negative concrete, manufactured from alternative binders and cured with waste carbon dioxide, a major part of the manufacturing industries that emit carbon dioxide can be potentially turned into a carbon sink. In this study, the waste material streams in Finland, suitable for disposing carbon-dioxide-cured concrete, were mapped. Mine tailings, blast furnace and steel slags, recycled concrete, biomass, coal and municipal waste incineration ashes, green liquor dregs, and foundry sands were studied. It was found that there were sufficient amounts of potential secondary raw materials (about 27 Mt/a) for the preparation of Finnish cement and the production of concrete (requirement: approximately 1.4 Mt/a and 11.2 Mt/a, respectively). The total carbon dioxide uptake potential was estimated to be approximately 1.9 Mt/a (vs. emissions from the cement industry in Finland, 0.84 Mt/a). In addition, the carbon footprints of the conventionally manufactured concrete block were compared with the carbon footprint produced by a modeled carbon-dioxide-cured blast furnace slag block. If such novel concrete were used to produce all the concrete-based substances, it would bring down the emission of carbon dioxide from 1.9% to negative 1.3% in Finland.
Theoretical Modelling of Liquid Crystal Electro-Optical Material Display Elements to Achieve Optimal Low Power Consumption Ship Stealth
Authors:   Dartmouth Centre for Sea Power and Strategy, Plymouth University at Britannia Royal Naval College, Dartmouth, TQ6 0HJ, UK, Lavers Christopher R. ,   Visiting Research Fellow, CCW Pembroke College, Oxford OX1 1DW , UK.
Published: May 2021

Advanced optical stealth techniques are of growing importance in the role of manned and unmanned aircraft or ship platforms. We consider here the concept of using passive reflective display elements rather than high power active light projection to achieve a low observable camouflaged ship platform. This paper presents practical consideration towards minimal radiated power user-driven requirements using adaptive liquid crystal electro-optical methods. Optical reflectivity for a multi-layer liquid crystal cell structure composed of a glass/ ITO/ aligning layer/ liquid crystal/ aligning layer/ ITO/ glass will support optical guided modes. Reflectivity as a function of angle and voltage are compared with theory generated from a Fresnel matrix formalism. Voltage device modulated reflectivities are then simulated across a ship platform to evaluate this method for low power consumption, with minimal radiated optical radiation.
Acceptability of Intervention Design Factors in mHealth Intervention Research: Experimental Factorial Study
Authors: Materia Frank T , Smyth Joshua M
Published: May 2021

Background

With the growing interest in mobile health (mHealth), behavioral medicine researchers are increasingly conducting intervention studies that use mobile technology (eg, to support healthy behavior change). Such studies’ scientific premises are often sound, yet there is a dearth of implementational data on which to base mHealth research methodologies. Notably, mHealth approaches must be designed to be acceptable to research participants to support meaningful engagement, but little empirical data about design factors influencing acceptability in such studies exist.

Objective

This study aims to evaluate the impact of two common design factors in mHealth intervention research—requiring multiple devices (eg, a study smartphone and wrist sensor) relative to requiring a single device and providing individually tailored feedback as opposed to generic content—on reported participant acceptability.

Methods

A diverse US adult convenience sample (female: 104/255, 40.8%; White: 208/255, 81.6%; aged 18-74 years) was recruited to complete a web-based experiment. A 2×2 factorial design (number of devices×nature of feedback) was used. A learning module explaining the necessary concepts (eg, behavior change interventions, acceptability, and tailored content) was presented, followed by four vignettes (representing each factorial cell) that were presented to participants in a random order. The vignettes each described a hypothetical mHealth intervention study featuring different combinations of the two design factors (requiring a single device vs multiple devices and providing tailored vs generic content). Participants rated acceptability dimensions (interest, benefit, enjoyment, utility, confidence, difficulty, and overall likelihood of participating) for each study presented.

Results

Reported interest, benefit, enjoyment, confidence in completing study requirements, and perceived utility were each significantly higher for studies featuring tailored (vs generic) content, and the overall estimate of the likelihood of participation was significantly higher. Ratings of interest, benefit, and perceived utility were significantly higher for studies requiring multiple devices (vs a single device); however, multiple device studies also had significantly lower ratings of confidence in completing study requirements, and participation was seen as more difficult and was associated with a lower estimated likelihood of participation. The two factors did not exhibit any evidence of statistical interactions in any of the outcomes tested.

Conclusions

The results suggest that potential research participants are sensitive to mHealth design factors. These mHealth intervention design factors may be important for initial perceptions of acceptability (in research or clinical settings). This, in turn, may be associated with participant (eg, self) selection processes, differential compliance with study or treatment processes, or retention over time.
The Adaptive GameSquad Xbox-Based Physical Activity and Health Coaching Intervention for Youth With Neurodevelopmental and Psychiatric Diagnoses: Pilot Feasibility Study
Authors: Bowling April B , Slavet James , Hendrick Chelsea , Beyl Robbie , Nauta Phillip , Augustyn Marilyn , Mbamalu Mediatrix , Curtin Carol , Bandini Linda , Must Aviva , Staiano Amanda E
Published: May 2021

Background

The prevalence of neurodevelopmental and psychiatric diagnoses (NPDs) in youth is increasing, and unhealthy physical activity (PA), diet, screen time, and sleep habits contribute to the chronic disease disparities and behavioral challenges this population experiences.

Objective

This pilot study aims to adapt a proven exergaming and telehealth PA coaching intervention for typically developing youth with overweight or obesity; expand it to address diet, screen, and sleep behaviors; and then test its feasibility and acceptability, including PA engagement, among youth with NPDs.

Methods

Participants (N=23; mean age 15.1 years, SD 1.5; 17 males, 9 people of color) recruited in person from clinic and special education settings were randomized to the Adaptive GameSquad (AGS) intervention or wait-list control. The 10-week adapted intervention included 3 exergaming sessions per week and 6 real-time telehealth coaching sessions. The primary outcomes included feasibility (adherence to planned sessions), engagement (uptake and acceptability as reported on process questionnaires), and PA level (combined light, moderate, and vigorous as measured by accelerometer). Descriptive statistics summarized feasibility and engagement data, whereas paired, two-tailed t tests assessed group differences in pre-post PA.

Results

Of the 6 coaching sessions, AGS participants (n=11; mean age 15.3 years, SD 1.2; 7 males, 4 people of color) completed an average of 5 (83%), averaging 81.2 minutes per week of exergaming. Of 9 participants who completed the exit questionnaire, 6 (67%) reported intention to continue, and 8 (89%) reported feeling that the coaching sessions were helpful. PA and sleep appeared to increase during the course of the intervention over baseline, video game use appeared to decrease, and pre-post intervention PA per day significantly decreased for the control (−58.8 min; P=.04) but not for the intervention group (−5.3 min; P=.77), despite potential seasonality effects. However, beta testers and some intervention participants indicated a need for reduced complexity of technology and more choice in exergames.

Conclusions

AGS shows promise in delivering a health behavior intervention remotely to youth with NPDs, but a full-scale efficacy trial with a larger sample size is needed to confirm this finding. On the basis of feedback from beta testers and intervention participants, the next steps should include reduced technology burden and increased exergame choice before efficacy testing.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03665415; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03665415.
Topics of Nicotine-Related Discussions on Twitter: Infoveillance Study
Authors: Allem Jon-Patrick , Dormanesh Allison , Majmundar Anuja , Unger Jennifer B , Kirkpatrick Matthew G , Choube Akshat , Aithal Aneesh , Ferrara Emilio , Boley Cruz Tess
Published: May 2021

Background

Cultural trends in the United States, the nicotine consumer marketplace, and tobacco policies are changing.

Objective

The goal of this study was to identify and describe nicotine-related topics of conversation authored by the public and social bots on Twitter, including any misinformation or misconceptions that health education campaigns could potentially correct.

Methods

Twitter posts containing the term “nicotine” were obtained from September 30, 2018 to October 1, 2019. Methods were used to distinguish between posts from social bots and nonbots. Text classifiers were used to identify topics in posts (n=300,360).

Results

Prevalent topics of posts included vaping, smoking, addiction, withdrawal, nicotine health risks, and quit nicotine, with mentions of going “cold turkey” and needing help in quitting. Cessation was a common topic, with mentions of quitting and stopping smoking. Social bots discussed unsubstantiated health claims including how hypnotherapy, acupuncture, magnets worn on the ears, and time spent in the sauna can help in smoking cessation.

Conclusions

Health education efforts are needed to correct unsubstantiated health claims on Twitter and ultimately direct individuals who want to quit smoking to evidence-based cessation strategies. Future interventions could be designed to follow these topics of discussions on Twitter and engage with members of the public about evidence-based cessation methods in near real time when people are contemplating cessation.
Remote Teaching in a Preclinical Phantom Course in Operative Dentistry During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Observational Case Study (Preprint)
Authors: Kanzow Philipp , Krantz-Schäfers Christiane , Hülsmann Michael
Published: May 2021

BACKGROUND

During the acute COVID-19 pandemic, physical access to the University Medical Center Göttingen was restricted for students. For the first time at our dental school, theoretical knowledge was imparted to students via asynchronous online screencasts and discussed via synchronous video meetings only.

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to assess the acceptance and effectiveness of distance education as a new teaching format for theoretical knowledge within the preclinical course in Operative Dentistry (sixth semester of the undergraduate dental curriculum in Germany).

METHODS

The phantom course comprised distance education (first phase, 11 weeks) and subsequent on-site practical demonstrations and training (second phase, 10 weeks). All theoretical knowledge was taught via online screencasts during distance education (except for the first week, 3 screencasts were uploaded per week resulting in a total of 30 screencasts). Until the end of the term, all students (N=33) were able to view the screencasts for an unlimited number of times. Theoretical knowledge was assessed in a summative examination after practical on-site teaching. Acceptance and effectiveness of the new curriculum and distance education were also measured based on an evaluation survey and students’ self-perceived learning outcome, which was compared to the outcome from the two pre–COVID-19 terms.

RESULTS

Each screencast was viewed by a mean of 24 (SD 3.3) students and accessed a mean of 5.6 (SD 1.2) times per user (ie, by students who accessed the respective screencast at least once). During distance education, the number of accesses showed a linear trend over time. During the practical training phase, screencast views declined and increased again prior to the examination. Screencasts covering topics in Cariology, Restorative Dentistry, and Preventive Dentistry were viewed by more students than screencasts covering topics in Endodontology or Periodontology (both P=.047). Examination items in Periodontology showed inferior results compared to the other topics (P<.001). Within the different topics, students’ self-perceived learning outcome did not differ from that during the pre–COVID-19 terms. Although most students agreed that the presented screencasts contributed to their learning outcome, pre–COVID-19 term students more strongly felt that lectures significantly contributed to their learning outcome (P=.03).

CONCLUSIONS

Screencasts showed high acceptance and effectiveness among the students but were not used as a learning tool by all students. However, students who viewed the screencasts accessed each screencast more frequently than they could have attended a conventional lecture. Screencast views were mostly due to intrinsic motivation.
Rationale for a Vitamin K2 and Vitamin D3 Intervention Trial in Children and Adolescents with Low-Energy Bone Fractures (Preprint)
Authors: Popko Janusz , Karpinski Michal , Guszczyn Tomasz , Chojnowska Sylvia , Maresz Katarzyna , Mehta Dilip , Badmaev Vladimir , Stohs Sidney
Published: May 2021

BACKGROUND

The role of vitamin K2, especially menaquinone-7, has recently been highlighted in the literature and distinguished from vitamin K1 in maintaining calcium homeostasis and a healthy skeletal system. Epidemiological and clinical research provides a new nutritional paradigm for efficient and safe delivery of calcium that requires co-supplementation with the fat-soluble vitamins D and K.

OBJECTIVE

We propose a prospective, three-month, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled intervention trial (RDBPC), investigating the effects of vitamin D3 in the presence and absence of vitamin K2 (menaquinone-7) on the healing process of low-energy bone fractures in children and adolescents.

METHODS

Ninety pediatric patients with low blood levels of vitamin D and low energy bone fractures will be divided into three groups that receive daily for three-month identical soft gel capsules containing 2000 IU vitamin D3, 90 mcg of vitamin K2 as menaquinone-7 combined with 2,000 IU D3 or olive oil-containing placebo. Patients will visit the clinic on weeks 1, 2, 4, 6, 8 and 12, and will be evaluated by X-ray regarding progress in bone union and range of joint motion. Blood samples will be collected in duplicates on day 0 and after the 3-month regimen. The blood samples will be analyzed for vitamin K and vitamin D as well as the bone turnover markers bone-specific alkaline phosphatase (BALP) and N-terminal telopeptide (NTX).

RESULTS

This proposal has been submitted before any data has been collected and therefore there are no results to report at this time.

CONCLUSIONS

This proposed nutritional regimen will provide new information regarding the ability of vitamins D and K in combination therapy to heal and prevent low-energy fractures among children and young adults. It will also contribute to building the "bone bank," therefore helping to prevent the risk of fractures in adulthood and the development of osteoporosis later in life.

CLINICALTRIAL

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03871322
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Authors: Pashkova O.Ye. , Chudova N.I.
Published: May 2021

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Authors: Bubyr L.M. , Kryuchko T.O. , Nesina I.M. , Filenko B.M. , Pedchenko T.O.
Published: May 2021

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Authors: Tokareva N.M. , Ahafonova O.O. , Petrenko L.L.
Published: May 2021

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Діагностика, клінічне значення та лікування вузлів щитоподібної залози
Authors: Korsak Yu. , Nykytiuk L.
Published: May 2021

Огляд літератури присвячений питанням діагностики та лікування вузлів щитоподібної залози (ЩЗ). Вузли ЩЗ виявили у 68% випадково відібраних осіб, яким проводилося ультразвукове дослідження (УЗД) високої роздільної здатності. При цьому більшість вузлів мала доброякісний характер. Вузли ЩЗ є клінічним проявом багатьох патологічних процесів. Застосування УЗД дозволило різко зменшити число оперативних втручань на ЩЗ з приводу вузлового зоба. Розроблено декілька систем оцінки ризику, спрямованих на поліпшення діагностики вузлового зоба, з подальшою можливістю клініцистів приймати рішення щодо подальшого спостереження за хворими на вузловий зоб. Найкориснішою з них є класифікаційна система TIRADS. Шестирівнева система бальних оцінок Bethesda також надає цінну інформацію клініцистам щодо менеджменту вузлів ЩЗ. При цьому встановлена кореляція між цитологічними та гістопатологічними результатами. Однак частка пацієнтів потрапляє до так званої невизначеної категорії. Американська тиреоїдна асоціація використовує систему, що ґрунтується на оціночному ризику малігнізації вузлів ЩЗ. Наявність молекулярних маркерів вдосконаленої технології найновішого покоління з класифікацією експресії належить до сучасних додаткових діагностичних методів, що можуть сприяти успішному менеджменту тиреоїдних вузлів. Водночас ці методи є недоступними в багатьох країнах. Прагматичний підхід до діагностики таких вузлів містить використання комплексного підходу клініцистів, фахівців з УЗД, цитологів. При використанні цього підходу пацієнтів з високим ризиком можна належним чином відібрати для подальшого хірургічного лікування, а за пацієнтами з меншим ризиком здійснювати динамічне спостереження.
Неповоротний гортанний нерв, обумовлений аномальним ходом правої підключичної артерії (arteria lusoria), у пацієнтки з рецидивуючим папілярним тиреоїдним раком: перший в Україні документований клінічний випадок
Authors: Cherenko S.M. , Bodnar M.R. , Glagoleva A.Yu.
Published: May 2021

Актуальність. Аберантна права підключична артерія (аrteria lusoria, AL) є рідкісною судинною аномалією дуги аорти в людини, що спостерігається з частотою 0,1–2,5 % та має важливе клінічне значення через поєднану аномалію ходу нижнього гортанного нерва (неповоротний гортанний нерв, НГН), імовірність пошкодження якого в тиреоїдній хірургії різко зростає. Уперше в Україні детально описаний клінічний випадок передопераційної діагностики AL, інтраопераційної ідентифікації НГН та проаналізований сучасний стан розробки питання. Мета: на прикладі історії пролікованої пацієнтки з папілярним тиреоїдним раком та аналізу світової літератури показати важливість дослідження анатомії дуги аорти з імовірним утворенням AL, що, у свою чергу, викликає ембріональне аномальне формування НГН із високим ризиком його пошкодження при операціях на щитоподібній залозі. Матеріали та методи. Наведений випадок рецидивуючого папілярного раку щитоподібної залози в молодої жінки, яка була двічі оперована (тотальна тиреоїдектомія з лівобічною радикальною дисекцією шиї, правобічна латеральна та центральна редисекція шиї), перед другою операцією при комп’ютерній томографії виявлена аномалія правої підключичної артерії. Запідозрена наявність правобічного НГН, що було підтверджено під час операції за допомогою електрофізіологічного нейромоніторингу. Аналіз відповідної світової літератури засвідчив актуальність питання, відсутність вітчизняних аналогів. Результати. На підставі отриманих при комп’ютерній томографії (із 3D-реконструкцією великих судинних структур шиї) зображень було встановлене аберантне відгалуження правої підключичної артерії від дистальної частини дуги аорти— AL. Було припущене існування нервової аномалії— НГН праворуч. Шляхом застосування електронейромоніторингу та дисекції правого блукаючого нерва під час операції судинно-нервова аномалія була підтверджена, що дозволило уникнути хірургічних ускладнень у вигляді порушення функції гортані, успішно провести хірургічне лікування шийних метастазів тиреоїдного раку. Висновки. Плануючи операції на щитоподібній залозі, слід мати на увазі можливість існування судинної аномалії дуги аорти з відповідним ризиком пошкодження нижнього гортанного нерва, що має неповоротний хід. Рентгенологічне або сонографічне обстеження може виявити аберантне розташування правої підключичної артерії, а застосування електронейромоніторингу— знайти НГН для уникнення його пошкодження при операціях на шиї.
SOLVENT-FREE SYNTHESIS OF AMIDE: A NOVEL TECHNIQUE OF GREEN CHEMISTRY
Authors: GOHIL CHIRAGKUMAR J , N NOOLVI MALLESHAPPA
Published: May 2021

Objective: Amide is one of the most important functional group presents in the chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and foods. Conventionally, it has been synthesized from the carboxylic acid and amines. This conventional reaction is lengthy and involves hazardous chemicals and solvents. Hence, it poses waste management, solvent removal, and environmental issues to the industries. To overcome this limitation, we have reported the green chemistry-based method for the synthesis of amide from carboxylic acid and urea.

Methods: In this reaction, we have used boric acid as a catalyst, it is a simple and readily available compound. It is simple, efficient, and solvent-free procedure which involves the trituration of the reactant mixture and subsequent, direct heating of the triturated mixture.

Results: The rate of reaction is very high and can synthesize the amide quickly.

Conclusion: Various amides were prepared in good yield by this technique.
A SIMPLE AND EFFICIENT MICROPROPAGATION PROTOCOL FOR DEVELOPING PLANTLETS OF EXACUM BICOLOR ROXB. – AN ENDANGERED, ORNAMENTAL, AND ANTIDIABETIC HERB
Authors: S ACHAR SHARAD , VINJAMURI SAISHA
Published: May 2021

Objective: Exacum bicolor Roxb. is an endangered medicinal herb due to overexploitation by humans and its inefficient vegetative reproduction. Here, we report an efficient and simple procedure for the regeneration of E. bicolor Roxb. using leaf as an explant.

Methods: The optimal concentrations of the hormones needed for callus induction were determined by full factorial method using DOE (Design expert ver. 8.0). The hormones selected based on literature were kinetin, indole acetic acid, and 6-Benzylaminopurine (BAP). Multiple shoot regeneration was carried out in liquid and solid media with the optimal concentrations of the hormones obtained by DOE. Rooting was initiated using Murashige and Skoog media containing naphthalene acetic acid 0.5 mg/l, indole butyric acid (IBA) 1.0 mg/l, and gibberellic acid 3 0.5 mg/l along with 0.2% of activated charcoal.

Results: Analysis of full factorial design run showed that BAP in combination with kinetin was effective for the growth of callus and multiple shoot regeneration was higher in liquid media (81.25%). The rate of rooting was observed to be 88.23% and the average number of roots was 0.26. Plantlets with budding apical region and well-established leaves and roots were observed in 30 days.

Conclusion: The protocol reported here can be used for effective production of E. bicolor plants in a shorter duration compared to the conventional approach.
Condições de trabalho e capital cultural de professoras de filosofia no ensino médio
Authors: Prado Wanessa Cristina Santos , Eugenio Benedito
Published: May 2021

Resumo

Neste artigo apresentamos os resultados de uma pesquisa que objetivou compreender as condições em que se efetiva o exercício da docência para o professor de Filosofia de uma escola estadual baiana do ensino médio e como essas condições conferem posições sociais e implicam na construção do habitus professoral. Os dados foram construidos por meio de uma pesquisa qualitativa do tipo exploratória. O instrumento empregado para a produção dos dados foi a entrevista semiestruturada com duas docentes de uma escola pública de Vitória da Conquista-Ba. O referencial teórico empregado nas análises é a sociologia de Bourdieu. As conclusões apontam que mesmo com as dificuldades presentes e o desprestígio da docência, esta possibilita às professoras a ampliaçãodo capital cultural.   

 

Palavras-chave: Condições de trabalho. Capital cultural. Ensino de Filosofia.
The relation between neck strength and psychological distress: preliminary evidence from collegiate soccer athletes
Authors: Porfido Tara , de Souza Nicola L , Brown Allison M , Buckman Jennifer F , Fanning Brian D , Parrott James S , Esopenko Carrie
Published: May 2021

Aim: To examine whether neck strength and symmetry are associated with psychological function in athletes with exposure to repetitive head impacts. Methods: Collegiate soccer (n = 29) and limited/noncontact (n = 63) athletes without a history of concussion completed the Brief Symptom Inventory 18 and assessments of isometric neck strength. Neck strength symmetry was calculated as the difference in strength between opposing muscle groups. Results: The results demonstrated that lower neck strength was associated with more symptoms of anxiety, whereas asymmetry in neck strength was associated with more symptoms of somatization and depression in soccer athletes only. Conclusion: These preliminary results suggest that greater neck strength/symmetry is related to better psychological function in athletes who have higher exposure to repetitive head impacts.
Sabiedrības viedokļa ietekme uz sieviešu politisko pārstāvniecību: Latvijas gadījums pasaules situācijas kontekstā
Authors:   Latvijas Universitāte, Antanoviča Agnija
Published: May 2021

Women’s political representation is influenced by a number of different factors, including those belonging to political, socio-economic and cultural realms. The study analyses one of these factors – public opinion, which researchers classify into a group of cultural factors. While almost half of the world’s population believes that men are better political leaders than women, the median proportion of women in national parliaments in August 2020 on average is 25%. This suggests that women’s political representation may be related to low public support for women in politics. At the same time, although Latvian society in long-term prefers men in politics, there has been a rapid increase in the proportion of women in Latvian Parliament since elections of the 13th Saeima. The aim of the study is to establish whether the situation in Latvia resembles the general global and European Union tendencies, and if not, to identify the factors influencing the increase in the proportion of women in the Saeima. The study concludes that in the context of the world and the European Union, there is a correlation between public opinion on women in politics and the proportion of women in national parliaments. The case of Latvia could be considered a deviation from the norm. The rapid increase in the proportion of women in the 13th Saeima can be attributed to factors like the election of new political forces and a party representing the leftist values, as well as the increase in women’s activity in the labour market.
Kā raugs uzvedas, kad tam atņem būvelementus?
Authors:   Latvijas Universitāte, Auziņš Ernests Tomass
Published: May 2021

The study explored changes in carbon fluxes in the central metabolism of brewer’s yeast in the absence of building blocks such as adenine or nitrogen. These flows provide insight into changes in the central metabolism of brewer’s yeast. It was found that in the absence of a building block, the yeast mainly uses fermentation for growth, producing ethanol. Deletion of Δade1 in purine de novo synthesis reduces ethanol production, and decreased glycerol production in adenine starvation indicates a slowing of central metabolism.
Kas objektu padara par mākslas darbu, skaņu – par mūziku? Artūra Danto mākslas pasaules idejas kritika
Authors:   Latvijas Universitāte, Bebrišs Rūdis
Published: May 2021

he article focuses on the critique of the definition of art by the American art philosopher Arthur Coleman Danto (1924–2013). This definition could be called the “missing link” in the understanding of art for people who do not understand why modern art is art, or openly criticize and abnegate it on the basis of such incomprehension. In Danto’s theory, one can point to three criteria that any object must meet in order to become an artwork – aboutness, embodiment and inclusion in the artworld, in other words, being in a social and historical relationship with all the art that exists to date.However, since any definition should adequately describe every subject to which it applies, the definition of art must be able to explain all expressions of art. Although Danto’s idea has proven its competence in defining visual art, is it as successful in embracing other forms of art, for example, music? The aim of the current study is to find an answer to this question. To achieve this goal, firstly, Arthur Danto’s theory is outlined, and secondly, it is weighed against music. By problematizing the cornerstone of Danto’s theory or the question of indiscernible counterparts, it is ultimately argued that Arthur Danto’s definition of art does not have a capacity to adequately define music, and a solution to this problem is proposed.
Socializēšanās prakses viduslaiku pilsētā: amatu korporāciju piemērs
Authors:   Latvijas Universitāte, Bruževica Rūta
Published: May 2021

One of the most important aspects of medieval human life was being in a community. On the one hand, medieval city itself was such a community, whereas on the other hand, there still remained social, economic and occupational differences between its inhabitants, which in daily life dissociated people. In addition to the community in the city, the church and the family, another type of community developed in medieval cities – professional or artisan associations, fraternities or guilds. For a very long time, the studies dedicated to these organizations focused mainly on their economic, legal and organizational aspects, and hence guilds are mainly associated with their economic activities. However, the religious and social life they yielded was no less important and provided people’s daily lives with activities that complemented their spiritual and social life. The aim of the study is to review and analyse the social practices found in the source material, whereby such aspects of socialization as the formation of beneficial social contacts, maintenance of relationships, as well as mutual assistance were practiced in medieval artisan associations. Examples and their similarities in various artisan associations in Europe, including Riga, which are reported in medieval written sources, especially the statutes of these associations, will be discussed. The obtained information collected in the study confirms that associations extended beyond economic goals, as their practices promoted social contacts between members, strengthened friendships, fostered respect and responsibility for each other.
Moceklis pret pasauli: kristiešu moceklības piemēri vēsturē
Authors:   Latvijas Universitāte, Brūvers Ādams Arvo
Published: May 2021

This study aims to elucidate the transformation of martyrdom over time and its relationship to the order at the respective period. The analysis and comparison of the martyrdom examples brought conviction that the principle “Martyr against the world” existed and that over time the phenomenon of martyrdom transformed from the ideal of Christianity into other forms.
Ģentrifikācija un kultūras patēriņš sociālās distancēšanās laikmetā
Authors:   Latvijas Universitāte, Feizaka Margarita
Published: May 2021

The aim of the study is to find out what changes have taken place in the neighbourhoods of Riga with regard to the concept of gentrification and how the consumption of culture has altered due to the Covid-19 crisis and social distancing. The socialization of the population is an integral part of cultural consumption, thus, the restrictions requiring social distancing are a challenge for the development of the theory of gentrification and the discourse of cultural consumption. The study was conducted using a qualitative research method – in-depth, semi-structured interviews. The results of the study reveal that restrictions imposing social distancing contributed to changes in the composition of the population and cultural consumption in the gentrified neighbourhoods of Riga. Likewise, it was found that although restrictions demanding social distancing had a negative impact on those involved in cultural consumption activities, the experiences of the individuals representing creative class tend to both overlap and differ significantly.
Tiešsaistes un bezsaistes sadalījums videospēļu kopienās
Authors:   Latvijas Universitāte, Grinblate Elizabete
Published: May 2021

Early research into the digital environment pointed to a strict division between online and offline. The terms “online” and “offline” are used to distinguish between activities implemented through intermediation of different technologies, such as computers. Online environment is seen as a distinct social sphere that is disconnected from offline life events. The credibility of the online environment and the veracity of social aspects are frequently questioned, since digital communities lack a physical presence. The aim of the study is to look at and determine the peculiarities of division between online and offline in several video game communities, using Bourdieu’s concepts of capital, habitus and field. The perception of digital authenticity by members of video game communities is also examined. A variety of methodological approaches were used to determine how video game communities perceive online and offline practices: playing out a video game, semi-structured interviews, media analysis, and field notes. The results show that the traditional division between physical and digital reality is ethically complex and problematic.
Ar divvērtīgā mangāna joniem aktivēta magnija germanāta materiāla ilgspīdošā luminiscence
Authors:   Latvijas Universitāte, Kalniņa Aija
Published: May 2021

In the course of study, 10 different MgGeO3:Mn2+ samples with different manganese 2+ ion concentrations were synthesized: 0 mol%, 0.1 mol%, 0.25 mol%, 0.5 mol%, 0.75 mol%, 1 mol%, 1.5 mol%, 2 mol%, 5 mol% and 10 mol%. The samples emit a good luminescence in the red spectrum diapason and can be excited by ultraviolet radiation and X-rays. Samples can shine for up to more than 10 hours after excitation. X-ray diffraction, excitation spectra, luminescence spectra, afterglow spectra, extinction kinetics and thermostimulated luminescence were measured for samples. The obtained results provide the basis for assessing the processes taking place in the materials and the effect that the concentration of admixture ions has on the luminescence. Perhaps in the future it will be possible to use magnesium germanate in medical diagnostic equipment, yielding a further improved insight into the human body. In this case, the results of the study will be useful for medical application.
Agro jauno laiku Rīgas kapsētu apbedījumu izpēte ar senās DNS analīzēm: nozīmīgākās pieejas un izpētes perspektīvas
Authors:   Latvijas Universitāte, Pokšāne Alise
Published: May 2021

The aim of the research is to find out how ancient DNA analysis could supplement the existing knowledge acquired with research methods like analysis of literature and sources, as well as archaeological methods, using specific early modern period burials in Riga as an example. Within the framework of the study, the ancient DNA extraction and analysis was performed. The results are connected with the archaeological and historical context of the burial, thus enabling advancement of hypotheses about the origin of specific individuals based on the population genetics theory. As a result of the study, the approximate maternal origin of three and the sex of all six of the studied individuals was determined. It was found that the buried individuals had different regions of origin, thereby confirming that the inhabitants of Riga in the early modern period were ethnically diverse.