bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Climate Change 101: How Everyday Activities Contribute to the Ever-Growing Issue
Authors: Driga Anna Maria , Drigas Athanasios S. 
Published: March 2019

<p class="Standard">This article aims at an in-depth analysis of the relation of certain activities and services in daily life to the growth of climate change. Climate change is one of the most characteristic occurrences of the modern world, if not the most. It is a byproduct of the greenhouse effect, which is a natural phenomenon necessary for sustaining life on the planet. However, human activities have heavily contributed to the rise of an unbalanced amount of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, causing the anthropogenic aspect of climate change. Despite the doubts on the human influence on climate change, there is indisputable scientific proof to verify it. The consequences of climate change appear to be very severe, both for the environment and humans themselves, while they are expected to escalate in the future. It is widely known that the industrial revolution is the landmark of anthropogenic climate change. But despite the industry’s influence being common knowledge, what are the everyday actions of each individual or household that are key contributors to the phenomenon? </p> Transportation is one of the most harmful everyday activities, especially aviation due to emissions from the combustion of fossil fuels used to power the vehicles. Surprisingly, the food industry is also a sector very high in emissions, mostly due to emissions from livestock production. Another cause is deforestation stemming from multiple factors, a very important one being paper production. While trees absorb carbon dioxide, when cut, they emit it back into the atmosphere, resulting in further emissions. Especially damaging is water overuse, due to the disruption of the water cycle. Furthermore, the burning of fossil fuels for general use (e.g. heating) and specifically for electricity is a big contributor in greenhouse emissions. Certain gardening activities can also contribute in the emissions. Lastly, waste is very damaging to the atmosphere. The decomposition of waste is responsible for emitting significant quantities of CO<sub>2 </sub>and methane. The need to combat climate change is very pressuring. While individual changes in lifestyle are very vital, bigger changes need to be implemented in order to effectively mitigate climate change.
Transportation Problem of LPP Involving Probability Density Function
Authors: Hussain Mohammad Rashid , Qayyum Mohammed , Hussain Mohammad Equebal 
Published: March 2019

<p>In Linear Programming Problem (LPP), Transportation Problem (TP) is an application which is used to optimize through the probability density function of statistical approach. The main objective of this paper is to reduce complexity in Maximization problem of LPP, by fulfilling the relation between the objective function and constraints with the largest value. Here, we used non-negative integer and complex number of linear combination of form x<sup>m</sup>e<sup>λx</sup>. It has been decided with reasonably great probability, decision region, fundamental probabilities and Laplace Transform (LT). To obtain proposed results we applied probability density function over transportation problem. According to our proposed method we implemented mathematical model through the probability density function of statistical tools. Categorically, probability density function is an approach in our proposed method to obtain the feasible solution of transportation problem, which perform better than the existing methods.</p>
A motivation for banks in emerging economies to adapt agency ratings when assessing corporate credit
Authors: Verster Tanja , De Jongh Riaan , Greenberg Simon , Fourie Erika , De Wet Dries 
Published: March 2019

Background: This article considers whether South African banks should utilise the credit ratings provided by US-based credit rating agencies when assessing the creditworthiness of corporate borrowers.Aim: A review is conducted of the relevant literature and specifically the methodologies used by the credit rating agencies for ranking corporates in emerging markets.Setting: The three largest international credit rating agencies are Fitch Ratings, Moody’s Investor Services, and Standard and Poor’s. These agencies’ credit ratings cover the global spectrum of corporate, sovereign, financial and other public entities and the securities and obligations they issue. The analytical frameworks used to produce these ratings are referred to as credit rating methodologies.Method: A review of Moody’s ratings for South African corporate entities was undertaken to examine claims of a sovereign ceiling influencing the external ratings obtained by these institutions in emerging markets.Results: Only 14 of the 200 global South African ratings pierced the sovereign ceiling.Conclusion: The study concludes that the use of unmodified external ratings by banks to assess a corporate borrower should be discouraged. High-level suggestions are provided on how the methodologies and data used by the external agencies may rather be used to arrive at more suitable internal ratings.
Tackling Immunotherapy Resistance: Developing Rational Combinations of Immunotherapy and Targeted Drugs
Authors: Cojocaru Elena , Scaranti Mariana , Minchom Anna 
Published: March 2019

Abstract
Mechanisms of resistance to immunotherapies are multiple and complex with components intrinsic to the tumor cell and within the immune microenvironment. We review evidence of the interaction of tumor cell signaling pathways with immune pathways and the role this plays in de novo and acquired resistance. The mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway activation and effects on T-cell function are discussed. Phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) pathway activation (including PTEN loss of function) correlates with T-cell inhibition and immunotherapy resistance. Wnt signaling has been implicated in T-cell function suppression. Key evidence from preclinical models exists for the role of these signaling pathways and is described. Clinical evidence is less advanced though correlation of mutations in key nodes with immune resistance provides a limited clinical correlation. Serial biomarker analysis in patients receiving targeted drugs has been attempted with notable examples including BRAF inhibition in melanoma patients resulting in dynamic changes in programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression and tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes. Drug combinations aim to overcome mechanisms of resistance, and recent years have seen numerous combinations of targeted therapies and immune checkpoint inhibitors proposed. However, clear biological rationale and thoughtful trial designs with a translational focus are required to allow such combinations to achieve their full potential.
Dural Ectasia of the Optic Nerve: A Rare Presentation in Neurofibromatosis Type I
Authors: Shaikh Minhaj , Khera Pushpinder , Yadav Taruna , Garg Pawan 
Published: March 2019

ABSTRACTNeurofibromatosis Type 1 (NF-1) is a common neurocutaneous syndrome with a characteristic spectrum of pathologies affecting the optic pathway. Optic pathway glioma and optic nerve meningioma are two such common afflictions of the optic nerve in NF-1. Dural ectasia of the optic nerve also known as optic nerve meningocele is a rare manifestation of optic nerve involvement in NF-1. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is an excellent modality to accurately identify, characterize, delineate, and differentiate dural ectasia of the optic nerve from the commoner lesions such as optic glioma and meningioma in NF-1. We describe a case of a young woman with NF and a large recurrent palpebral neurofibroma. MRI evaluation of the orbits revealed extensive ectasia of the dura lining the cerebrospinal fluid sheath around all the segments of the optic nerve and around the optic chiasm.
Oral Health Behavior and Treatment Needs among Drug Addicts and Controls in Amritsar District: A Case-controlled Study
Authors: Arora Preeti Chawla , Ragi Komal Gurpreet Singh , Arora Aman , Gupta Ambika 
Published: March 2019

ABSTRACT
Background: Substance and drug abuse is associated with severe psychosocial problems, violence and health complications. Aims: The aim of the study was to evaluate and compare the oral hygiene status and sugar eating patterns among drug addicts with their age, gender and socio-economic status matched controls. Settings and Design: The present study comprised of two groups-Group A comprised of 100 drug addicts and Group B included 100 controls. The study sample were interviewed and subjected to a comprehensive intra-oral examination. Methods and Material: Standardized methods of evaluation were performed using mouth mirror, dental probe, explorer and WHO probe. Statistical Analysis: The data was subjected to statistical analysis using Chi Square test and student t-test. Results and Conclusions: CPITN index revealed bleeding in 56% addicts and calculus in 20% addicts. The mean DMFT of group A was 5.71 as compared to 2.45 in group B. The frequency of sugar consumption was found to be high in addicts as compared to the controls. Significant P values (< 0.001) of DMFT index, periodontal status and frequency of sugar consumption were obtained on statistical analysis. The caries status was found to be poor in addicts, but the periodontal treatment needs were similar for both group A and B. Oral health promotion should be undertaken in drug rehabilitation centers for overall success of withdrawl treatment.
Ventriculoperitoneal Shunt Disconnection, Shunt Migration, and Silent Bowel Perforation in a 10-Year-Old Boy
Authors: Ghritlaharey Rajendra Kumar 
Published: March 2019

ABSTRACTA 10-year-old boy was admitted with chest wall infection around the implanted ventriculoperitoneal shunt (VPS) catheter of 5 days. He had received a right-sided, medium pressure, whole-length VPS for hydrocephalus, following tubercular meningitis at the age of 3 years. Seven years, 9 months following VPS implantation, he was admitted with shunt tract infection at the chest area for 5 days. He had neither fever nor features of meningitis, raised intracranial pressure, or peritonitis. His clinical examination and radiological investigations revealed that the VPS catheter was disconnected at the cranial site, and it was migrated downward up to the upper chest. He was managed well with the removal of the entire VPS catheter. The removed peritoneal catheter along with the shunt chamber was loaded with fecal matter and was presumed that the peritoneal catheter was within the colon. His postoperative recovery was excellent. This is a rare case of VPS catheter disconnection, shunt migration, and silent bowel perforation by peritoneal catheter, and all the above-mentioned complications were detected in a child at the same time and were managed well with the removal of the entire VPS catheter.
Decompression Hemicraniectomy for Refractory Intracranial Hypertension in Reversible Cerebral Vasoconstriction Syndrome
Authors: Mullaguri Naresh , Battineni Anusha , George Pravin , Newey Christopher Ryan 
Published: March 2019

ABSTRACTReversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome (RCVS) is a disorder of dysregulation of cerebrovascular tone resulting in transient segmental vasoconstriction which resolves in 1–3 months. Cerebral edema is an underrecognized complication in RCVS. It is likely multifactorial. This edema can lead to intracranial hypertension that can be refractory to medical management. Limited evidence exists regarding surgical management of intracranial hypertension in RCVS. We present a 29-year-old Caucasian right-handed female patient with a medical history of migraine, polysubstance abuse presented to the emergency department (ED) daily for 3 days with the chief complaint of recurrent thunderclap headache. She declined neuroimaging and lumbar puncture. She was treated for migraine with abortive medications with no improvement. During the third ED visit, she became lethargic with right-sided homonymous hemianopia. Computerized tomography of the brain showed left parietal intracerebral hemorrhage with intraventricular extension, cortical subarachnoid hemorrhage, and diffuse cerebral edema. Digital subtraction angiography showed multifocal moderate-to-severe segmental vasoconstriction suggestive of vasculopathy. Oral verapamil was initiated. Continuous intracranial pressure monitoring showed uncontrolled intracranial hypertension, despite maximal medical management with hyperosmolar therapy, induced coma, and hypothermia. Decompressive hemicraniectomy with duraplasty was performed for refractory intracranial hypertension. We provisionally diagnosed her with RCVS. She was discharged to inpatient rehabilitation with residual right homonymous hemianopia. Transcranial Doppler study during follow-up showed improved mean flow velocities. She continued to have residual cognitive deficits with complete resolution of headache.
Isolated Lingual Dystonia as the Manifestation of Acute Extrapyramidal Syndrome Induced by Metoclopramide
Authors: Verma Rajesh , Shettigar Chetan 
Published: March 2019

ABSTRACTOromandibular dystonia is characterized by persistent contractions and repetitive spasms of masticatory muscles surrounding the oral cavity and lingual muscles. The lingual dystonia is rare hyperkinetic movement disorder, often occurring secondary to drugs. The common drugs which can cause acute focal dystonia are neuroleptics, antiemetics, and antipsychotics. Isolated lingual dystonia is a rare form of disabling focal dystonias. We report a young female, who developed tongue dystonia in isolation and responding favorably to antihistaminics. The physicians are advised to make inquiry about administered drugs in isolated lingual dystonia.
Mindbomb Homolog-1 Index in the Prognosis of High-Grade Glioma and Its Clinicopathological Correlation
Authors: Krishnan Shyam Sundar , Muthiah Shanmugam , Rao Shilpa , Salem Suganthi Srinivasan , Madabhushi Vasudevan Chakravarthy , Mahadevan Anita 
Published: March 2019

ABSTRACT
Introduction: Gliomas are the most common brain tumors in adults originating from the glial cells. Glioblastoma multiforme is the most malignant and frequent among all gliomas. In recent years, the antibody Mindbomb Homolog-1 (MIB-1) has evolved as a measure of the proliferative nature of the glial tumors. This study aims to investigate the MIB-1 index value as an independent prognostic factor in high-grade gliomas and its correlation with outcome and survival. Materials and Methods: Mean MIB-1 index was determined in 51 high-grade glioma tissue samples in formalin. Its correlation with outcome by assessing the clinicoradiological parameters and median survival of patients in months were assessed. Survival analysis was studied by using the Kaplan–Meier bivariate analysis and Cox proportional ratio. Results: Preoperative Karnofsky Performance Score, WHO-PS, Neurological Performance Scale, and Mini–Mental Status Examination (MMSE) were statistically significant with respect to outcome and survival, whereas tumor factors such as size and perilesional edema were not. In particular, midline-crossing tumors and deep-seated tumors were significantly associated with high MIB-1 index and by correlation with outcome. There were significantly higher number (P < 0.0001) of patients with Grade IV tumors, with an MIB-1 index value above an arbitrary cutoff of 10% compared to Grade III tumors. In addition, median survival period of patients with low MIB-1 index was longer irrespective of tumor grade. Conclusion: Significant correlation between high-grade glioma and MIB-1 index suggests MIB-1 index to be a good prognostic tool, with MIB-1 index and midline-crossing variables being independent prognostic parameters.
Long-term trends of instability and associated parameters over the Indian region obtained using a radiosonde network
Authors: Chakraborty Rohit , Venkat Ratnam Madineni , Basha Shaik Ghouse 
Published: March 2019

Abstract. Long-term trends
of the parameters related to convection
and instability obtained from 27 radiosonde stations across six subdivisions
over the Indian region during the period 1980–2016 are presented. A total of
16 parcel and instability parameters along with moisture content, wind shear,
and thunderstorm and rainfall frequencies have been utilized for this
purpose. Robust fit regression analysis is employed on the regional average
time series to calculate the long-term trends on both a seasonal and a yearly
basis. The level of free convection (LFC) and the equilibrium level (EL) height
are found to ascend significantly in all Indian subdivisions. Consequently,
the coastal regions (particularly the western coast) experience increases
in severe thunderstorms (TSS) and severe rainfall (SRF) frequency in the
pre-monsoon period, while the inland regions (especially Central India) experience an
increase in ordinary thunderstorms (TSO) and weak rainfall (WRF) frequency during
the monsoon and post-monsoon periods. The 16–20-year periodicity is found to
dominate the long-term trends significantly compared to other periodicities
and the increase in TSS, and convective available potential energy (CAPE) is
found to be more severe after the year 1999. The enhancement in moisture transport
and associated cooling at 100 hPa along with the dispersion of boundary layer
pollutants are found to be the main causes for the increase in CAPE, which leads
to more convective severity in the coastal regions. However, in inland
regions, moisture-laden winds are absent and the presence of strong capping
effect of pollutants on instability in the lower troposphere has resulted in
more convective inhibition energy (CINE). Hence, TSO and occurrences of WRF have increased particularly in these regions.
ENHANCING THE REVERSION RESISTANCE, CROSSLINKING DENSITY AND THERMO-MECHANICAL PROPERTIES OF ACCELERATED SULFUR CURED CHLOROBUTYL RUBBER USING 4,4′-BIS (MALEIMIDO) DIPHENYL METHANE
Authors: Gopisathi Shibulal , Park Changsin , Huh Yang Il , Jeon Jinseok , Yun Chang Hyun , Won Joohye , Jeong Kwang-Un , Nah Changwoon 
Published: March 2019

ABSTRACT
Vulcanizates of chlorobutyl rubber (CIIR) with the accelerated sulfur generally exhibit poor crosslinking density owing to the low level of unsaturation in the backbone of CIIR. Therefore, the sulfur cured CIIR shows inferior thermo-mechanical properties at elevated temperature. In addition to this, the vulcanization of CIIR with accelerated sulfur is limited at higher temperature due to reversion. To solve these problems, 4,4′-bis (maleimido) diphenyl methane (BMDM) was applied as a crosslinking additive along with the accelerated sulfur. The detailed curing studies have proved that the presence of BMDM greatly enhanced the rheometric torque and the reversion resistance while curing CIIR with accelerated sulfur even at higher vulcanization temperature. Moreover, the crosslinking densities of the sulfur cured CIIR have increased by 109% with the use of 1 phr BMDM and further rose to 380% with 5 phr BMDM. The improved crosslink density could enable reduction of the compression set of the sulfur cured CIIR to around 40% at 100 °C when it was vulcanized in the presence of 5 phr BMDM. The kinetic studies revealed that incorporation of this additive does not adversely affect the original vulcanization behavior of CIIR with accelerated sulfur, instead it marginally improved the speed of the vulcanization.
Dynamics of Change in Flint Sickles of the Age of Metals: New Insights from a Technological Approach
Authors: Manclossi Francesca , Rosen Steven A 
Published: March 2019

AbstractFlint sickle blades are traditionally considered significant hallmarks of the late prehistoric and early historic periods. Their morpho-typological transformations over time have been differently interpreted, but the idea that each sickle type would have been substituted by the following because of more effectiveness, permitting development and intensification of agricultural practices, is still dominant. Without denying the importance of these functional considerations, another perspective for understanding technological change is to consider the entire process of sickle manufacture, the spatial and temporal organization of technical activities, methods and techniques implied in the manufacturing processes, and knowledge and skill required for production. Using all these parameters, changes in the production of sickles in the age of metals, from the Chalcolithic to the Iron Age, can be perceived not simply as reflection of technological progress but rather as the result of complex historical phenomena involving the social, economic, and cultural structures of ancient societies.
Technological Observations on Two-Part Stone Jewelry-Casting Molds of the Late Bronze Age in the Near East
Authors: Golani Amir 
Published: March 2019

AbstractTwo-part stone jewelry molds were intended for casting of small and delicate precious metal jewelry and were common primarily during the Late Bronze Age in the ancient Near East. Published examples bear witness to the technological sophistication of the ancient craftsmen who used them as versatile tools for casting of a variety of solid rings, bezels, earrings, pendants, diadems, beads, pins, figurines, and amulets. As most stones crack when exposed to the extreme heat of molten metal, solid casting using stone molds may actually have been intended for fabrication of wax models using the “lost wax” technique, which allows for their repeated use for production of wax anti-types. The largest number of these molds originates from coastal sites of the northern Levant, drawing attention to this region as a nexus of specialized metalworking during this period and probably also for the spread of this technology in the eastern Mediterranean.
Weaving in Iron Age Tel Reḥov and the Jordan Valley
Authors: Mazar Amihai 
Published: March 2019

Abstract
This article examines the development and spatial distribution of loom weights in Tel Reḥov and its vicinity during the twelfth through eighth centuries BCE. Non-perforated cylindrical weights (“spools”), dated to the early twelfth century BCE, are discussed in relation to their appearance in the Mediterranean world. Clay weights of the eleventh and tenth centuries were replaced during the tenth and mainly the ninth century BCE by specialized production of gypsum weights, only to be replaced again by clay weights in the eighth century BCE. The ninth-century textile industry (mainly of linen) at Tel Reḥov exceeds household needs and probably reflects commercial activity within the Northern Kingdom of Israel and perhaps beyond, towards the Phoenician coast and Cyprus. A relationship between weaving and ritual activities is suggested.
The Role of Light and Vision in Two Victorian Ghost Stories
Authors: Bambušková Tereza 
Published: March 2019

ABSTRACTThis article demonstrates how two selected Victorian ghost stories address the problem of the unreliability and subjectivity of perception through the characters' experiences with the supernatural or the inexplicable. I focus on how Victorian ghost stories—particularly Margaret Oliphant's “The Open Door” and Sheridan Le Fanu's “The Account of Some Disturbances in Aungier Street”—induce hesitation both in characters and in the reader. This “moment of hesitation” is not only central to Todorov's definition of the fantastic but also highly relevant to the anxieties about vision and knowledge that existed in Victorian society. I argue that the stories use the theories and assumptions about vision that were current in the Victorian age to subvert the idea that sight is an objective conduit to the truth, and thus the stories both utilize a source of fear that was already present in Victorian society and offer a relevant social commentary.