scholarly journals “Argento Deaurato” or “Argento Biancheggiato”? A Rare and Interesting Case of Silver Background in Italian Painting of the XIII Century

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (7) ◽  
pp. 2404
Author(s):  
Iacopo Osticioli ◽  
Daniele Ciofini ◽  
Martina Banchelli ◽  
Laura Capozzoli ◽  
Loredana Gallo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Degradation Products ◽  
Metal Layer ◽  
Scientific Evidence ◽  
Holistic Approach ◽  
Interesting Case ◽  
Silver Layer ◽  
13Th Century ◽  
Uppermost Layer ◽  
Burnishing Process ◽  
Colored Background

The painting depicting the “Virgin with the Child and two angels” by a Tuscan anonymous artist of the XIII century, has raised great interest regarding the execution technique including the use of silver, applied on wood as a background. An in-depth investigation was carried out especially concerning the burnishing process of the silver leaves as well as a detailed inspection of the nature of the organic compounds over the metal leaf and the degradation products of the silver layer. To this aim, a multianalytical approach was used including UV–VIS microscopy along with an Ultra-High-Resolution Scanning Electron Microscopy (UHR-SEM), as well as Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR), fluorescence and micro-Raman spectroscopies. As a result, the presence of an oil-resin varnish layer in the uppermost layer and a wax-protein layer between the varnish and the metal layer as well as the evidence that the silver leaf was applied with high accuracy directly to the preparation layer, were clearly demonstrated. Furthermore, degradation products of the silver leaf were identified as sulphides, chlorides, and oxides. The holistic approach herein adopted enabled a step forward in the knowledge of the 13th century silver leaf gilding technique, adding value to the originality of this artwork. In this respect, the scientific evidence led to the assumption that likely this painting originally showed a silver-colored background (“argento biancheggiato”) as compared to the initial theory of a case of “argento deaurato”.

scholarly journals Targeting Atherosclerotic Plaque in Avicenna’s View

2020 ◽  
pp. 1-11
Author(s):  
Sima Sadrai ◽  
Maryam Yakhchali ◽  
Mahdi Alizadeh Vaghasloo ◽  
Mehran Mirabzadeh Ardakani ◽  
Mahdi Vazirian ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Atherosclerotic Plaque ◽  
Lifestyle Modification ◽  
Conventional Medicine ◽  
Scientific Evidence ◽  
Holistic Approach ◽  
Public Access ◽  
Historical Background ◽  
Treatment Modalities ◽  
Traditional Medicines ◽  
Alternative Medicines

Objective: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) including atherosclerosis is currently the most common cause of death in the world. Atherosclerosis can be treated by a vast variety of modalities: from lifestyle modification to invasive open surgical bypass procedures. Regarding the limitations of conventional medicine, worldwide attention to complementary and alternative medicines has increased because of their holistic approach, lower cost and better public access. In this move towards Integrative Medicine -besides other traditional schools of medicine-Persian Medicine (PM) with its long historical background should be considered as a suitable source for research. Method: In this study we investigated major traditional literature of PM, Avicenna’s “Al-Qanun fi al-Tibb” [The Canon of medicine], to find suitable treatment modalities of atherosclerosis in comparison to conventional methods. Result: In the quest for a concept close to atherosclerosis, “sodde” (meaning obstruction) seems to be equal to atherosclerosis and “Mofattehaat” as opener drugs with different types including “Mohallelaat” (dissolvers) and “Moghatteaat” (cutting agents) have been recommended to remove the obstructing materials. Recent studies indicate that many of the medicinal herbs which were introduced as opener drugs by Avicenna have potential pharmacological effects on managing atherosclerosis. Conclusion: Scientific evidence confirm the efficacy of traditional herbs for elimination of atheroma. Antiobstructive traditional medicines are similar to the conventional atherectomy in targeting atheroma by removing atherosclerotic plaque directly, but they are non-invasive, user-friendly, much cheaper and probably with less side effects.

Male Urogenital Disorders and Metabolic Syndrome: Possible Links, Characteristics and Potential Treatment Strategies

2018 ◽  
Vol 24 (9) ◽  
pp. 1019-1033 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cetin Volkan Oztekin ◽  
Ecem Kaya-Sezginer ◽  
Didem Yilmaz-Oral ◽  
Serap Gur
Keyword(s):  
Metabolic Syndrome ◽  
Basic Science ◽  
Scientific Evidence ◽  
Therapeutic Targets ◽  
Treatment Strategies ◽  
Holistic Approach ◽  
Urogenital System ◽  
Science Literature ◽  
Definition Of

Background: Metabolic syndrome (MetS), as a cluster of metabolic derangements which are major risk factors for vascular disease is one of the most important threats to public health. Although the epidemiological and limited amount of basic science and clinical evidence link MetS to several male urogenital disorders, a holistic approach aiming to define common mechanistic pathways and new possible therapeutic targets are lacking. Objective: The current review has focused on providing scientific evidence on the role of MetS and its components on male urogenital disorders and the definition of new therapeutic targets. Method: In this review, current clinical and basic science literature were assessed examining the role of MetS in etiology and pathogenesis of male urogenital disorders and performed through PubMed from 2000 to May 2017. Results and Conclusion: MetS shows an important association with common male urogenital disorders such as benign prostatic enlargement, lower urinary tract symptoms, erectile dysfunction, infertility and renal disease. MetS affects male urogenital system mainly through endocrine and vascular mechanisms. Obesity, hypogonadism, obesity-induced androgen deficiency, hyperinsulinemia and inflammation are the mechanisms commonly involved and may act as potential targets for MetS-male urogenital system interrelations. Future studies are needed to evaluate the therapeutic approaches for intervention in MetS-male urogenital disease relations.

scholarly journals Statistical Analysis to Bitcoin Transactions Network

2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (5) ◽  
pp. 85
Author(s):  
Argyrios Kalampakas ◽  
Georgios C. Makris
Keyword(s):  
Economic Activity ◽  
Scientific Evidence ◽  
Small World ◽  
Holistic Approach ◽  
Research Community ◽  
Statistical Analyses ◽  
Random Networks ◽  
Scale Free ◽  
Network Analyses ◽  
Financial Transactions

There is abundantly documented scientific evidence that the financial transactions that have grown rapidly recently, in conjuction with the interest of the public, were due to the sharp rise in the price of Bitcoin in December 2017. As a consequence, a freshly emerging dataset in the research community has emerged. Therefore, the aim of the present investigation was to examine the analyses of data in this newly emerging dataset in the research community. In order to achieve the extraction of data, their conversion to network and finally their fragmentation, the studied variables were analyzed by using two parts of analysis, namely, statistical network analyses and economic activity analyses. Network statistical analyses was employed aiming to analyze, in a holistic approach, the complex systems of modern times which are represented as networks, as it is impossible to analyze them partially, in order to avoid incorrect conclusions. Additionally, the analyses of economic activity, which is related to indicators from the stock market and the economics of science, was used, after it had been transferred and matched with the economic model represented by Bitcoin. The results distinguished the extent of the data generated by the statistical analyses of the networks and the analyses of economic activity. With respect to data presented, we established that the daily transaction networks were scale free networks which were not evolving like ER random networks and they were not defined as the small world. Also, it was demonstrated that daily transaction networks cannot be reproduced in a random way like ER random networks. Furthermore, the opportunities and problems encountered in conducting the present research were briefly presented.

scholarly journals DIÁLOGOS DE SABERES NA PROMOÇÃO DA SAÚDE E PREVENÇÃO DE AGRAVOS RELACIONADOS À COVID-19

2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (16) ◽  
pp. 34-55
Author(s):  
Najla de Oliveira Cardozo ◽  
Barbara Cassetari Sugizaki
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Health Care ◽  
Health Promotion ◽  
Traditional Knowledge ◽  
Scientific Evidence ◽  
Holistic Approach ◽  
Cultural Elements ◽  
Types Of Knowledge ◽  
Health And Nutrition

This study attempted to reflect on health promotion and prevention using diferente types of knowledge, in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. We carried a bibliography review based on scientific evidence and traditional knowledge from a multisystemic health perspective. It included nutritional aspects, physical activity, and integrality of health care in a holistic approach, transcending scientifically produced understanding for the discussion of traditional knowledge and other cultural elements of extreme importance. Because of the accumulated information in health and nutrition, a reflection of the biocultural arsenal is emphasized in the comprehension of integral health in confronting the demands resulting from the pandemic.

scholarly journals Animal welfare: towards transdisciplinarity – the European experience

2014 ◽  
Vol 54 (9) ◽  
pp. 1119 ◽  
Author(s):  
Isabelle Veissier ◽  
Mara Miele
Keyword(s):  
Animal Welfare ◽  
Scientific Evidence ◽  
Interdisciplinary Approach ◽  
Holistic Approach ◽  
Emotional States ◽  
Domesticated Animals ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Animal Welfare Science ◽  
Object Of Study ◽  
Moral Status Of Animals

The premises of animal welfare science can be found in the debate about the moral status of animals in philosophy, the introduction of the concept of stress in physiology, and the description of the behaviour of animals by ethologists. In the 1970s animal welfare became an object of study for applied research with the aim of improving the life of domesticated animals. It was first studied within disciplines, e.g. applied ethologists compared the behaviour of domesticated animals to that of their wild counterparts and identified behavioural needs. Then it became clear that stress is more a psychological concept than a physiological one. The links between stress and behavioural needs and preferences were also established. Similarly the links between animal welfare and health were investigated by looking at malaise behaviour and at stress-immunity relations. More recently, frameworks developed in human psychology were applied to animals to identify the emotions they can experience. This typically requires that researchers from one discipline engage with other disciplines for a cross fertilisation of concepts and frameworks. Animal welfare scientists now use many indicators, covering a wide range of possible disorders from abnormal behaviour, diseases, production failure, and poor emotional states. Animal scientists started to work with social scientists to relate their own perception of animal welfare and that of society at large. This interdisciplinary approach is illustrated by the Welfare Quality project where an overall assessment of animal welfare was built according to scientific evidence of what matters to animals as seen by animal scientists and of what society value as good care to these animals. We feel that animal welfare requires breaking frontiers between disciplines to create a holistic approach. We discuss whether we need to move from an interdisciplinary to a transdisciplinary approach, across and beyond disciplines, whereby not only scientists but also stakeholders and society at large can contribute to the definition of this particular research object: animal welfare.

scholarly journals Assessing Climate Change Impacts and Prioritizing Adaptation Measures Using Climate-Smart Agriculture Rapid Appraisal (CSA-RA): A Case Study in Thuong Bang La Commune, Van Chan District, Yen Bai Province

2021 ◽  
Vol 4 (3) ◽  
pp. 1151-1167
Author(s):  
Vu Thanh Bien ◽  
Natalie Cunningham ◽  
Nguyen Duc Trung ◽  
Peter McKeown ◽  
Charles Spillane ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Cropping Systems ◽  
Scientific Evidence ◽  
Climate Change Impacts ◽  
Holistic Approach ◽  
Mitigation Strategies ◽  
Agricultural Systems ◽  
Adaptation Measures ◽  
Rapid Appraisal ◽  
Smart Agriculture

Overwhelming scientific evidence shows agriculture is heavily impacted by negative climate change effects. While agriculture is affected, the sector is also the second-largest contributor to climate change, creating challenges in adaptation and mitigation strategies. Climate-smart agriculture (CSA) is a holistic approach to managing landscapes, utilized to guide farmers in the context of a changing climate. CSA is an attractive option for Vietnam, an agricultural country extremely vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. Farmers and communities in Vietnam are facing significant risks. Changes in farming conditions, climate, and productivity threaten agriculture and livelihoods. The aim of the current study was to assess the effects of climate change on the people and agricultural systems in Thuong Bang La (TBL) commune, Vietnam, utilizing climate-smart agriculture rapid appraisal (CSA-RA) tools. The results indicated that agricultural production has been negatively impacted, with erratic and varied weather patterns causing outbreaks of disease, and reductions in the yield and productivity of livestock and cropping systems. Disasters including flooding, storms, and droughts are a prominent threat, leaving farmers unsure of how to cope. Through a showcase of CSA technologies, farmers were able to highlight their preferences for practices including mulching, drip irrigation and conservation agriculture in orange groves, bio-fertilizers and integrated pest management (IPM) in rice production, and using biological bedding in chicken raising. The study showed immediate openings to initiate context-specific CSA interventions and building the resilience of the agricultural systems in the development of one of the first climate-smart communes in Vietnam.

scholarly journals EVIDENCE-BASED STROKE REHABILITATION

2017 ◽  
pp. 57
Author(s):  
Ivona D. Stanković ◽  
Anita Stanković ◽  
Marija Spalević ◽  
Dragan Zlatanović ◽  
Tamara Stanković
Keyword(s):  
Stroke Rehabilitation ◽  
New Technologies ◽  
Scientific Evidence ◽  
Experimental Studies ◽  
Holistic Approach ◽  
Functional Independence ◽  
Current Evidence ◽  
Home Based ◽  
Rehabilitation Strategy

Stroke can have different clinical characteristics and consequences, with unequal disability and outcome, thus demanding individual approach, specific skills and general knowledge. Treatment of stroke has significantly improved during the last twenty years, mainly because of clinical and experimental studies, adequate medicamentous therapy, and the use of new technologies as well. Use-dependent rehabilitation strategy includes repetitive training with proper adjustment of the program. Other rehabilitation practices should also be incorporated, such as self-care, recreation, and home-based activities. Motivation of the patients, improving quality of life, functional independence, activities of daily life are crucial. Holistic approach means that the patient as a whole should be considered and treated. Scientific evidence is sufficient to confirm the necessity of physical rehabilitation of patients after stroke in order to achieve the optimal results. Current evidence on the effect of physical therapy in stroke rehabilitation is presented.

scholarly journals Sustainable Food Systems and the Mediterranean Diet

Nutrients ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (9) ◽  
pp. 2229 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elliot M Berry
Keyword(s):  
Food Security ◽  
Mediterranean Diet ◽  
Food Systems ◽  
Scientific Evidence ◽  
Stakeholder Involvement ◽  
Holistic Approach ◽  
Cultural Economic ◽  
Sustainable Food Systems ◽  
Sustainable Food ◽  
The Mediterranean

During the past decade, the concept of sustainability has been added to the factors involved in food security. This has led to a more comprehensive and holistic approach to sustainable food systems which considers drivers—environment, geopolitics, demographics, policy regulations, socio-cultural-economic factors, science and technology and infrastructure. The outcomes, similarly, involve many dimensions—environment, food security and nutrition, health and socio-cultural-economic aspects. This article discusses the Mediterranean diet in the context of sustainable food systems and shows (as in all parts of the world) that there is food insecurity in every country as monitored by the Global Nutrition Index. Three recent, major reports published in 2019 suggest what measures need to be taken to improve sustainable food systems. All environmental analyses agree on the need to promote more plant-based diets—achieved practically by using “more forks than knives”. The Mediterranean Diet pattern is a case study for a sustainable diet. It has the best scientific evidence for being healthy, together with economic and socio-cultural benefits. A major challenge is that it is not consumed by the majority of the population in the Mediterranean region, and any solution must involve equity—the socially just allocation of resources. The task now is implementation with multi-stakeholder involvement, in the knowledge that “a well fed nation is a healthy nation is a sustainable and productive nation”.

Harmonization between Islamic Law and Science: DNA Test of Paternity as a Case Study Pengharmonian diantara Undang-undang Islam dan Sains Ujian Paterniti DNA Sebagai Kajian Kes

2015 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 246-264
Author(s):  
Sayed Sikandar Shah Haneef
Keyword(s):  
Islamic Law ◽  
Scientific Evidence ◽  
Interesting Case ◽  
Conclusive Evidence ◽  
Dna Test ◽  
Selective Approach ◽  
Law And Science ◽  
Evidence And Proof ◽  
Law Of Evidence

AbstractDNA testing of paternity has emerged as a conclusive scientific evidence of ascertaining paternity to overcome the problem of ‘paternity fraud’ and ‘misattributed paternity’ in the West.  To harmonize it with old established common law principles of ‘presumption of paternity` and ‘ex parte’ judgment for granting a woman her claim that her bastard child belongs to a certain accused, the Western legal system has accommodated it within its law of evidence. In Islamic law, on the other hand, its reception as conclusive evidence in establishing or negating paternity is a matter of controversy among the jurists. Some have approved it partially others advocate its wholesale adoption. This presents another interesting case for the issue of harmonization between Islam and science. In this divided juridical landscape, therefore, a selective approach to evidence and proof would regard it in total harmony with Islamic law. But this approach will not only be questionable on methodological grounds but also polemical in terms of social acceptability. This paper argues for regulated proof-based approach to address its harmonization with Islamic law. Keywords: DNA Paternity Test, harmonization, Proof-Based Approach.AbstrakUjian paterniti DNA telah muncul sebagai bukti saintifik muktamad yang menentukan paterniti untuk mengatasi masalah 'penipuan paterniti’ dan ‘paterniti salah' di Barat. Untuk mengharmonikannya dengan undang-undang yang wujud yang berprinsip ‘paterniti andaian` dan penghakiman secara ‘ex parte’ bagi memberikan seorang wanita tuntutannya bahawa anak luar nikah itu kepunyaan tertuduh tertentu, sistem undang-undang Barat telah menempatkannya dalam undang-undang sebagai bukti. Di sisi lain, dalam undang-undang Islam, penerimaan bukti sebagai muktamad dalam menetapkan atau menafikan paterniti adalah suatu perkara yang berkontroversi di kalangan ulama. Ada yang meluluskan sebahagiannya dan yang lain menyokong penggunaan sepenuhnya. Ini merupakan satu lagi kes yang menarik bagi isu pengharmonian antara Islam dan sains. Dalam landskap perundangan terbahagi ini, pendekatan yang terpilih bagi keterangan dan bukti akan menganggap ia selaras dengan undang-undang Islam. Tetapi pendekatan ini bukan sahaja akan diragui atas alasan metodologikal tetapi juga polemik dari segi penerimaan sosial. Kajian ini menegaskan pendekatan berasaskan bukti dikawal selia untuk menangani pengharmoniannya dengan undang-undang Islam.Kata Kunci: Ujian Paterniti DNA, Pengharmonian, Pendekatan berasaskan bukti..

Wound Bed Preparation 2012

2013 ◽  
Vol 17 (4_suppl) ◽  
pp. S12-S22 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. Gary Sibbald ◽  
Laurie Goodman ◽  
Persaud Reneeka
Keyword(s):  
Chronic Wounds ◽  
Wound Care ◽  
Scientific Evidence ◽  
Holistic Approach ◽  
Evidence Base ◽  
Opinion Leaders ◽  
Patient Centered ◽  
Clinical Criteria ◽  
Moisture Balance ◽  
Wound Bed Preparation

Background: The concept of wound bed preparation is a holistic approach to wound diagnosis and treatment of the cause, patient-centered concerns and optimizing the components of local wound care (débridement, infection and persistent infection, moisture balance) before edge effect for healable but stalled chronic wounds. This article has introduced the concepts of healable, nonhealable and maintenance wounds. Additionally, clinical criteria (mnemonic NERDS and STONEES) are provided on the use of topical agents for critical colonization or systemic antimicrobials for deep and surrounding infection. Objective: To present a holistic, evidence-informed approach to chronic wound care management. Methods: This article reviews the scientific evidence base, and forms an expert consensus of key opinion leaders to the Wound Bed Preparation model. Results and Conclusion: This article provides clinicians with evidence-informed wound caring approaches translating the evidence base into practice.

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